Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3740, legislation naming a postal facility in Roxboro, North Carolina, after Oscar Scott Woody. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) on January 28, 2004, and unanimously reported by our committee on May 6, 2004, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the North Carolina delegation.

Oscar Scott Woody was born on April 18, 1868, and lived in Fairfax County, Virginia. For 15 years, Mr. Woody worked as a railroad mail postal clerk, working the train route between Washington, D.C., and Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 1910, he was selected to serve with the Postal Sea Service. Two years later, Oscar was on the Titanic, serving with four other postal clerks.

According to news reports, Oscar Scott Woody was celebrating his 44th birthday aboard the great ship, the Titanic, when it began to sink. Survivors reported seeing Oscar and the other postal sea clerks trying to save the mail in the ship's post office.

Mr. Woody's body was later recovered, along with keys to the ship's mailboxes and ``facing slips'' which indicated the destination of the mail sack.

Mr. Speaker, once again we are witness to the hard work and dedication of postal employees, even in the face of death and disaster.

I commend my colleague for honoring postal sea clerk Oscar Scott Woody, and although the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) was unable to be here today, I know that he would be proud to see the passage of this bill, which names a postal facility after Mr. Woody.

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that I have any other requests for time and urge its passage.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 4176, legislation naming a postal facility in Raeford, North Carolina, after Bobby Marshall Gentry. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) on April 20, 2004, and unanimously reported by our committee on May 6, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire North Carolina delegation.

Bobby Gentry, as we have heard, a lifelong resident of Raeford, was a businessman and long-time member of the political establishment in his community. He served on the Raeford City Council for 13 years, from 1977 to 1990,

and was appointed mayor in 1990. He then went on to win three mayoral elections after that.

Sadly, on October 29, 2003, Mayor Gentry passed away of a heart attack. Earlier that day, he had played golf with friends and was out having dinner.

Mr. Speaker, as I understand it, the Raeford community, postmaster and mayor are all in support of this measure. I want to commend my friend the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) for introducing it, and I urge its passage.

I do not have any other speakers.

I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman, and it is a pleasure to be here with my colleague.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Miller Motion on Overtime which would instruct conferees to adopt provisions to prohibit overtime cuts, while allowing the administration to improve overtime rules. I am proud that in my home State of Illinois on March 31, the State House and Senate passed legislation that made Illinois the first State in the country to exempt the State from the changes to overtime pay rules. This legislation was signed into law by our former House colleague, Governor Blagojevich.

This legislation will preserve overtime compensation for 375,000 workers in Illinois. Unfortunately, not every State will be able to pass legislation to protect their workers. The Department of Labor's new regulations will cut the pay and lengthen the hours for workers making as little as $23,660. This would mean a pay cut for middle- income Americans, when millions depend on overtime pay to make ends meet at a time when the median income has declined with an increase in cost for education, child care, basic health care, health insurance, heating and cooling and gasoline.

In 2000, overtime pay accounted for about 25 percent of the income of employees who worked overtime. With the new regulation middle-income workers making between $23,660 and $100,000 will lose their overtime-- this includes our police, fire fighters, day care workers, chefs, plumbers, electricians, nurses, and journalists. With over 60 percent of women with children under the age of two being part of the workforce, nursery and pre-school teachers are playing more important roles in our children's lives. As the work day extends for parents, so does the work day for nursery and pre-school teachers. The average pay for these teachers is $8 an hour, with many working 10 hours a day. Yet they will no longer qualify for overtime.

An average police officer starting salary is around $40,000. They protect us, keep us safe, walk the streets--put their lives on the line. After September 11th, our Nation became more grateful and devoted more respect to our officers and first responders. Yet we now want to take overtime away from them which could be used to benefit our economy and the lives of their families. There are already some police departments that do not pay overtime but offer comp time. Although, comp time is nice--with heightened security alerts and the need for more police on our streets, many do not get the opportunity to use this comp time when they would like. Instead, many police officers retire 20--30 years later receiving a check for their unused comp time.

Mr. Speaker, we can not turn our backs on our working Americans. Without overtime, many will have to struggle to maintain their current way of living. I am not just prolabor, I am proud to be pro-family. And I know that these new regulations would be destructive to our working families. These regulations mean more work hours, less time with families, and even worse, less job creation.

The Illinois State Government understands. Our other body, the United States Senate understands--now the House needs to realize the importance of these new regulations. I ask my colleagues to support this motion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education. African Americans and other minorities have been affected tremendously by this landmark decision and have benefited from it over several decades. We would like to think that our country now benefits from the inclusion of having a more enriched and diverse classroom, workplace, and community. We now have more black doctors, lawyers, Members of Congress, CEOs, scientists, astronauts, teachers and the list continues.

There is no doubt Brown represents the power and potential of masses united in struggle for justice and equality. The larger question before us today is, has Brown achieved its goal of equality in education and educational opportunity for African Americans? The sad answer, after so many decades of struggle, remains: No.

When compared to their White counterparts, African American children were three times as likely to be labeled mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed. The number of African

Americans attending graduate, medical or dental school slowly has been declining. There are more black males in our prison than in our institutions of higher education.

Although there are 39 African American Members of Congress in the House of Representatives, there is not one black man or woman serving in the U.S. Senate. Out of our 50 states that make up our great Nation--not one has a black man or woman at the top as Governor.

Mr. Speaker, data from the 2000 census makes it clear that the ridged lines of ethnic and racial segregation persist across the entire country. This year is not only a celebration of the step forward in freeing the minds of African-American children but a reflection that in 50 years we have failed as a Nation to provide equal education and opportunities to minority children in our country. After 50 years of ``separate but equal'' being ruled unconstitutional, it is evident it still exists in our schools and communities today.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Commander Charles L. Stuppard, United States Navy and the officers, Chief Petty Officers, and crew of the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). USS Arleigh Burke was commissioned in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 4, 1991.

She is the first of the most powerful and survivable class of destroyers ever put to sea. She possesses the AEGIS Weapons System with ultifunction radar, capable of detecting and tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously while conducting multiple engagements.

On March 5, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia, Commander Charles L. Stuppard became the 9th Commanding Officer of this powerful navy vessel. Commander Stuppard graduated from Cornell University in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He worked for 3 years as a Design and Test Engineer for Fairchild Republic Corporation in the A-10A, T-46 and SF-340 Aircraft programs. In 1985 he joined the Navy as an aviation officer candidate. After commissioning and flight training, Commander Stuppard switched to Surface Warfare.

Commander Stuppard served successively on board the following ships, September 1987 to July 1990, as Boilers Officer and Advanced Combat Direction Systems/Computers Officer, USS Biddle (CG 34) in Norfolk, Virginia; November 1990 to May 1993, as Electronics Readiness Officer/ Combat Systems Officer, USS Reeves (CG 24) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; January 1993 to September 1994, as Combat Systems Officer, USS Sides (FFG 14) in San Diego, California; April 1995 to September 1997, as commissioning Combat Systems Officer, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) in Bath, Maine and Norfolk, Virginia. From September 1997 to November 1998, Commander Stuppard attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Afterwards, he served as Executive Officer of USS Nicholas (FFG 47) in Norfolk, Virginia.

After a 3-year tour of duty in the Pentagon as an Action Officer and then as an Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for European Politico-Military Affairs, the Joint Staff Directorate of Strategic Plans and Policy, Commander Stuppard was selected as the Commanding Officer of the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). Commander Stuppard's accomplishments and achievements are truly outstanding and serve as an example to all men throughout the country. Commander Stuppard is a fine citizen and an outstanding American. I congratulate Commander Stuppard and the crew of the Arleigh Burke for such a superb assignment.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3939, legislation naming the postal facility in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, after Mary Ann Collura. This measure was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman) on March 11, 2004, and unanimously reported by our committee on April 1, 2004. It enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire New Jersey delegation.

Officer Mary Ann Collura was a dedicated police officer, a woman who made a difference in her hometown of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. According to news accounts, Mary Ann had wanted to become a police officer since junior high school. She was 25 when she joined the force, and served for 18 years until her tragic death.

On April 17, 2003, Officer Collura was fatally shot while helping a fellow officer arrest three suspects after a car chase.

Officer Collura was an active and devoted member of the Fair Lawn Police Department. She loved her work and looked forward to helping those in need. Designating the post office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, is an excellent way to honor the memory of Officer Mary Ann Collura.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for sponsoring this measure and urge swift passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the Ninth District of New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), the author of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) from the Eighth District.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear from the comments of my colleagues from New Jersey that Mary Ann Collura is indeed a legend in her community and surrounding areas.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 4299, legislation naming a postal facility in Edinburg, Texas after Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez.

This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) on May 6, 2004 enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the Texas delegation.

Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez has served as President of the University of Texas-Pan American for 23 years. The University of Texas-Pan American is the leading institution serving underserved and underrepresented students in the south Texas community. The university is home to a high concentration of Hispanic students. Currently Hispanic enrollment is 87 percent of the student body.

Throughout his tenure as president of the university, Dr. Nevarez has made a difference in his community and profession by providing and improving higher educational opportunities to south Texas residents. For his efforts, Dr. Nevarez has received numerous accolades. He was named Outstanding Educator by President Reagan in 1985, and has worked closely with many United States Presidents on education reform and Hispanic education initiatives.

Dr. Nevarez has testified in Congress on the contributions of America's Hispanic-serving institutions. He has been named one of the 100 Influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine and has been credited with creating a Hispanic middle class in south Texas.

Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez is retiring this year. By way of recognizing his many years of dedicated service, the university is hosting a special dinner on May 14, 2004, in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), in honoring the enormous educational and professional contributions of Dr. Nevarez. Designating the post office in Edinburg, Texas, is an excellent way to pay tribute to Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez.

I urge swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the sponsor of this bill, from the 15th Congressional District of Texas.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), a representative from the 10th Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to advise my colleague that I have no further requests for time. I would simply congratulate the gentleman for his introduction of the bill and urge its passage.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, each day, police officers nobly protect our families, friends, and neighbors from crime. While it is impossible to suitably thank these brave Americans for the tremendous sacrifices they make, we pause to salute them for their courage, dedication, and service, and to pay our respects to those who have fallen in the line of duty. Peace officers work to improve the quality of life for all of us. For that, they deserve our sincere appreciation and our respect.

Every year, one out of every nine peace officers is assaulted, one out of every 25 is injured, and one out of every 4,400 is killed. In the last year alone, 145 police officers were killed in the line of duty. And while this number reflects a decrease in officers killed, each death is a tragedy and a loss to the community, and especially to the families.

Sergeant Philip J. O'Reilly of Chicago was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol at 5 a.m. Sunday, March 16, 2003. Sergeant O'Reilly was assigned to the Foster Avenue Police District and had been with the Chicago Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, six children, and seven siblings.

Sergeant O'Reilly's fellow officers remember him as a devoted officer, a tremendous father, and a great man. It is our duty as Americans to honor the service of men and women like Sergeant O'Reilly who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all sleep a little easier at night knowing that our community and our world is a safer place.

On Saturday, May 20, Sergeant O'Reilly's name will be among the 362 fallen officers who will be officially added to a memorial at a candlelight vigil. I support the goals and ideals of Police Officers Memorial Day to honor Federal, State, and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. And I call upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.

You can never give more than your life, and these men and women give the very best of what they have.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would simply congratulate the gentleman from Colorado for his introduction of this legislation and urge its passage.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 613 and commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, for his introduction of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, as an American, I take great pride when I see that nations value human rights. It brings me a great deal of joy to stand before you on the anniversary of Vietnam Human Rights Day and to honor the nation of Vietnam for its commitment to human rights. Ten years ago, in Hanoi, a brilliant man by the name of Dr. Nguyen Dan Que wrote a manifesto that called upon the people of Vietnam to respect human rights, to accept a multiparty system, and to restore the right of the Vietnamese people to choose their own form of government through free and fair elections.

Today we honor that manifesto, as well as the many innocent people who were tortured, imprisoned, or held captive against their will for their peaceful protests against oppression by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Those of us in the United States were reminded last week that we are not perfect. In fact, we are far from it. Because we are imperfect, it is important that we recognize the struggles other nations have undertaken in the pursuit of freedom so that we may never forget what a special privilege freedom is.

I stand before my colleagues today as a Member of this honorable body to honor and to recognize the tenth anniversary of Vietnam Human Rights Day and to urge all Americans to share in this commemoration so that we may all have a greater appreciation of the role that Vietnam Human Rights Day has played in helping to shape, defend, and to further the liberties and freedom of all Vietnamese people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez).

Mr. Speaker, I just also note that yesterday was my father's 93rd birthday, and I take this opportunity to wish him a happy 93rd birthday, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. We have much to celebrate as a country in respect to teen pregnancies and birth. Teen pregnancy, abortion and birth rates have all declined: the birth rate is down 31 percent from 1991-2002 and the teen pregnancy rate is down 28 percent from 1990-2000. While African American teens still have higher teen pregnancy rates than any other major racial/ethnic groups in the country, their rates are decreasing faster than the overall rates for teen pregnancy and birth in the United States. Between 1990 and 2000, the teen pregnancy rate among African American teens declined 31.5 percent.

There have been an exceptional number of organizations whose hard work and dedication through education and outreach services contributed to this decline. A few of those include our Community Health Center, the school health associations, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Still, there is no room for complacency. Nearly half of our Nation's high school students have had sexual intercourse; the average age of first intercourse for boys and girls is 15 and almost 25 percent report having sex with four or more partners by 12th grade. 35 percent of girls still get pregnant by age 20 in this Nation--nearly 850,000 teen pregnancies annually. In Chicago alone, more than 7,500 babies are born to teen moms every year, 88 percent of which are out-of wedlock. The numbers of teens contracting sexually transmitted diseases are just as startling. Each year one--quarter of the estimated 12 million new cases of STD, other than HIV, in the United States occur among teenagers. Adolescents have one of the fastest increasing rates of HIV infection; an average of two young people are infected with HIV every hour of every day.

Abstinence education should be taught but not without more education explaining the risks of being sexually active. With the high percentage of adolescence having sexual intercourse and according to the Illinois Department of Public Health only 35 percent of males and females nationally use a condom during every act of sexual intercourse, we can not pretend or even wish that our young people are waiting to have sex. Education works--we have proof of that with the decline in teen pregnancies and births. We need to ensure that our young people are receiving a comprehensive sex education program to effectively teach and encourage teens to delay sexual activity. The Alan Guttmacher institute found that between 1988 and 1995, three-quarters of the decline in teen pregnancy was due to improved contraceptive use among sexually active teenagers with one quarter of the decrease due to increased abstinence.

Mr. Speaker, teen pregnancy is so closely linked to other critical social issues: child poverty, out of wedlock births, a well-trained and ready workforce, and a responsible fatherhood. Congress, communities, schools, parents, organizations and groups of faith should all join together in properly educating and demonstrating to our young people that adolescence is a time for education and growing up, not pregnancy and parenthood.

Mr. Speaker, Albert Einstein once said that ``It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge''. I rise today to thank our Nation's teachers for their exceptional work, compassion and dedication to our children everyday. Although May 4th was National Teacher's Day, this entire week, May 2-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week.

I think everyone can think back and remember that one teacher that touched their lives--whether it was the one that taught you to read, gave you the confidence to learn more, made you feel smart and knowledgeable or was the one solid, caring adult in a child's life. The origins of Teacher Day are not too defined. Around 1944 Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodbridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. It wasn't until March 1985, when National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May with the first Tuesday remaining as National Teacher's Day.

Teachers are true heroes in our communities, who through their dedication to children work millions of small miracles every day. Henry Brooks Adams, a historian and grandson of President John Quincy Adams once said that ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.'' We must never forget to thank our teachers for their service to our society and for creating a better, smarter and hopefully kinder future generation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the eleven men and women of NASA's 2004 Astronaut Candidate Class. I especially want to congratulate one of the astronauts, Dr. Robert L. Satcher Jr., who is a constituent of mine, the 7th District of Illinois.

Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Jr., was born in Hampton, Virginia to Robert L. Sr. and Marian H. Satcher; in 1965 and currently lives in Oak Park, Illinois with his wife D'Juanna White. He received his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1986. In 1993 and 1994 he received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at MIT and his M.D. at Harvard University respectively. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

Today is a proud day for space in the 7th District of Illinois, the United States and the world. These eleven men and women represent the next generation of explorers; they are the ones who will lead us into the future of space exploration, of the Moon, Mars and beyond. They will serve as role models to teach and excite the future generation of explorers.

Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate these men and women on their hard work, dedication and this great accomplishment and wish them luck as they embark on this journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the continued success of our Nation's charter schools. I am extremely proud of the several Charter schools that reside in my district. Many may not fully understand the difference between a regular public school and a Charter school. In Chicago, the Charter schools are public schools, open to all children who reside in Chicago without academic admissions criteria. Each charter school has a unique mission and is operated by community organizations, universities, foundations and school teachers. While charter schools are funded by the Board of Education, they are not required to follow many board regulations. For example, they are free to set their own policies for curriculum, school hours and discipline. But charter schools are held accountable for high student academic achievement by the Board of Education

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate some of the great charter schools in my district:

The first arts-focused charter school in Chicago, the Charter School of the Chicago Children's Choir (CSCCC), integrate music throughout its interdisciplinary academic curriculum. Learning is project-oriented and emphasizes creativity. Students are able to sing in as many as 17 different languages. The late Rev. Christopher Moore founded the choir in 1956 with ``a dream that young people from diverse backgrounds could better understand each other, as well as learn about themselves, by learning to make beautiful music together.'' The choir that Moore started with a handful of kids in the First Unitarian Church of Chicago on the South Side has grown into a downtown-based, city-wide program that brings together nearly 3,000 children each year. Its groups have performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, at the White House, and around the world.

In 2000, community leaders working to improve educational opportunities in the West Side neighborhood of Lawndale created L.E.A.R.N., Lawndale Educational and Regional Network. They applied for a charter school and hired Nancy Dearhammer, an experienced charter school leader, to plan the curriculum and become executive director. L.E.A.R.N. will emphasize high academic standards through a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, a rigorous curriculum, year-round classes and parent involvement. L.E.A.R.N.'s year-round schedule is unusual: 9 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off, giving students a safe, positive environment all year. Parent involvement is key in the mission of the school with monthly parent teacher conversations, bimonthly parental satisfaction surveys, and strong encouragement to volunteer at the school to keep parents involved. L.E.A.R.N. is also fundraising to offer pre-school, adult education and community health services to Lawndale families.

A strong work ethic and solid commitment to education are the cornerstones of success at North Lawndale College Prep and the only requirements for admission. A rigorous community school for 350 students on Chicago's west side, North Lawndale Prep graduated its first class in June 2002. It is dedicated to developing, as opposed to merely recruiting, college-ready students from impoverished city neighborhoods. With high expectations, every student is expected to complete four years of English, social studies, and math, three years of science, and two years of foreign language. There are extra courses in reading for freshmen, writing for sophomores, and oral expression for juniors. At every level, students are expected to produce their best work consistently. In addition to athletics and after-school activities, North Lawndale Prep offers students a wide array of summer programs. These include outdoor adventure programs, an extensive orientation for freshmen, internships at Chicago businesses, and attendance at prestigious prep school and college summer programs. The summer programs expand the horizons of North Lawndale Prep students and prepare them for the challenges of college.

As demonstrated in these three examples, Charter schools provide excellence in education by delivering high-quality education and challenging our students to reach their potential. Charter schools have brought hope and the idea of success back to many poor, disadvantaged areas that felt abandoned by the education system. I commend the students for their hard work, dedication and success, the teachers for their love of education and commitment to the school and the students, and all parents for playing an active role in their child's education and more importantly their lives by letting that child know that you care and are interested in what they do every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 380, to acknowledge the great benefits and the importance of music in our Nation's schools.

We know music education helps young minds to develop creativity and expression of emotions. Studies show that early music training can enhance a child's ability to reason and think critically, that children exposed to music at a young age learn better in other subjects, and that children trained in music score significantly higher on reading tests than those who were not. Unfortunately, these programs are being cut from more and more schools with the majority of students attending public schools in inner city neighborhoods having virtually no access to music education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other communities.

Although studies show the great outcomes of having music education, local budget cuts are depriving approximately 30,000,000 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. As our schools struggle to meet No Child Left Behind guidelines without full funding, provide education to all students without full funding for IDEA, schools are faced with making the decisions to cut music, art, after school activities or being labeled a failing school. We need to not only recognize the benefits and importance of music education, but embrace it, realize the need for it and other art education programs in all of our nation's schools and most importantly save music education from becoming extinct. Without music education so many of our great musicians that we admire today-- would be doing something else. But the school music program was there for them and we need to have it there for the next generation of musicians.

Mr. Speaker, growing up in a small rural town in extreme Southeastern Arkansas presented many memorable moments and interesting personalities. On April 20th one of those personalities, Mr. Willie Vaughn reached a milestone in his life, Mr. Vaughn became 100 years old. I take this opportunity to congratulate him for not only living this long but for the many things he was able to provide leadership to and that he accomplished during his lifetime.

Mr. Willie Vaughn (my Uncle Dude) is technically my mother's stepbrother. However, they never acted as though they were anything except brothers and sisters who were integral parts of a large family group. In addition, he and my father were close friends and church associates. Therefore, our families were always very close and exhibited great feelings of kinship and friendship.

Uncle Dude was always a leader, at work, at church, in community activities, in family matters . . . in life. Like practically all of the other Blacks in town, he had very little formal education but has always been one of the smartest men that I have known. He was a farmer, a sharecropper, but also could make you a suit of clothes, cut your hair, make molasses and syrup, buy and rent real-estate and drive the school bus once we got one.

Uncle Dude was probably best known as a church leader and mentor. He could do and did everything at church there was to be done. He could sing, was chairman of the trustee board, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, fundraiser, program planner and would cleanup, cut the grass and do everything else that was required. Uncle Dude was and is a tremendous family man, a patriarch; Aunt L.C. and all of my cousins always knew that Uncle Dude was a man whom they could count on and be proud of his leadership, personal support and well-being for his family.

Uncle Dude, Brother Willie, Mr. Vaughn, he was called many things and by many different people; but always with respect. He has been a giant, a legend, a mentor. . . . a man among men. He learned to walk with Kings and Queens but never lost the common touch, all men matters with him; but none too much.

Happy Birthday on your 100th.