Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I voted for the President's economic stimulus package, and I think it is going to actually help some people, but not nearly enough. In my city and in other major cities throughout the country, unemployment among young people is at an all-time high.

For example, in Chicago, more than 50 percent of the young African American males between the ages of 16 and 22 do not go to school and do not work. We want to stimulate the economy. Let us put young people to work, and I guarantee that will help.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 537) expressing support for the designation and goals of ``National 9-1-1 Education Month'', and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Now I would yield myself such time as I might consume.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Res. 537, as amended, which expresses the House's support for the designation and goals of National 9-1-1 Month.

H. Res. 537 was introduced by Representative Anna Eshoo of the great State of California on July 11, 2007, and has the support and cosponsorship of nearly 60 Members of Congress. Upon introduction, the measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where it was passed by the panel by voice vote after having been amended on February 26, 2008.

Madam Speaker, it is only fitting that we consider this resolution today, as it makes the important point of highlighting National 9-1-1 Month as a way of reminding everybody of the significance these three small numbers hold in times of emergency and distress.

Whether young or old, the number 9-1-1, which had its first debut back in 1968 when AT&T, under the encouragement of Congress, established the digits as the Nation's emergency telephone number, is known by most Americans as the number to ring when someone needs a fire, police, or ambulance response right away because of a threat to health, safety, or property. There are countless stories that I am sure we can all recall where children as young as 3 or 4 have remembered to pick up the phone and dial the numerical sequence of 9-1-1, thereby saving the lives of parents, grandparents, caretakers, and siblings.

Further, urging support for National 9-1-1 Month education would be futile if we failed to mention the commitment and diligence of the thousands of persons that serve on the other end of the 9-1-1 line. By simply doing their jobs, these 9-1-1 call takers are saving lives every hour of every day by dispatching emergency first responders and by providing verbal support and comfort in some of the most perilous moments of our lives.

As localities and communities across our great country consistently search for ways to make the 9-1-1 calling system more efficient, reliable and well-known, let us do our part in elevating the importance of the numbers 9-1-1 by passing the measure at hand, which expresses the support of the entire House of Representatives for the designation and goals of National 9-1-1 Month.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3196) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the ``E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand with my colleagues from the Empire State of New York in consideration of H.R. 3196, which renames a postal facility in Port Jervis, New York, in honor of E. Arthur Gray, former mayor and statesman from Orange County, New York. H.R. 3196 enjoys the support of the entire congressional delegation from New York, and was introduced by my colleague Representative John Hall back on July 26, 2007. The measure was taken up by the Oversight Committee on February 26, 2008, and was passed by a voice vote.

H.R. 3196 calls for honoring E. Arthur Gray's service to his community, State, and therefore his country by designating the post office in his hometown of Port Jervis, New York, as the E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building.

E. Arthur Gray was Port Jervis's longest serving mayor, completing 5\1/2\ terms from 1978 to 1988. After his tenure as mayor, in 1988 Gray became a New York State senator by ousting a 16-year incumbent. Gray represented New York's 39th District during his time in the New York legislature.

A native and lifelong resident of Port Jervis, Gray began his professional career as cofounder and director of Gray-Parker Funeral Home in Port Jervis, New York, before entering the realm of public service and politics. Well-known throughout Orange County, New York, for his stellar high school basketball days at Port Jervis High School and as a World War II veteran, Gray gave unselfishly of himself by serving as the chairman of the Port Jervis Community Development Agency, a member of the Orange County Economic Development Agency and as chairman of the National League of Small Cities Advisory Council.

Madam Speaker, in honor of E. Arthur Gray's public service and compassionate spirit, let us pass without reservation H.R. 3196 and rename the postal facility on Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, after this great American citizen.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this bill and yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4166) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 701 East Copeland Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the ``Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the honorable gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the author of this bill.

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

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues from the great State of Missouri in the consideration of H.R. 4166, which names the postal facility in Lebanon, Missouri, after Steve W. Allee, a dedicated and long-serving United States postal worker.

H.R. 4166, which was introduced by Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri on November 13, 2007, was considered and reported from the Oversight Committee on February 26, 2008, by a voice vote. The measure has the support of the entire congressional delegation from Missouri and provides us with yet another opportunity to pay tribute to an American citizen whose life was taken while simply performing his professional duties of delivering the mail.

The story of Mr. Allee's tragic death begins on Monday, August 20, 2007, where, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, at 2 p.m. in Laclede County, 10 miles east of Lebanon, Missouri, a 2003 Chevy Blazer driven by Steve Allee, 51, of Stoutland, Missouri, came upon a flooded roadway and was swept away as a result of flooding on the Missouri River.

Allee, who was on duty during the accident, was found 2 miles downstream and pronounced dead at the scene.

At the urging of Representative Skelton, passage of H.R. 4166 will allow Congress to make in order a small tribute to this big-hearted individual, a United States postal carrier himself. Mr. Allee had been delivering mail since 1989, when he succumbed to his death as a result of the Missouri River overrunning its banks last fall.

Let us also remember and express our gratitude for the life of this dedicated postal worker, who was tragically taken from us by a force of nature while performing his vocation of delivering the mail, by passing

Madam Speaker, a core element of our unique democracy is the right and requirement that all citizens, regardless of income or socio-economic class be afforded adequate counsel or representation when confronting judicial proceedings. In fact, one of the most important decisions in this area of law was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1942 when it held that the sixth amendment required that governments afford indigent defendants with competent counsel.

Throughout America, legal representation for indigent defendants who have been charged in criminal cases and who are unable to pay for an attorney is most commonly provided by public defender attorneys. The State and Federal Government, respectively, pay for the public defender agencies to provide indigent defense. Appointed attorneys are required for anyone accused in a criminal case that may result in the likelihood of imprisonment.

An examination of the public defender services in the DC courts reveals that attorneys who participate in the District's Criminal Justice Act, CJA, and Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect, CCAN, programs are compensated at an hourly rate of $65 for representing an indigent client. This rate was established in fiscal year 2002 and financed through an unobligated balance in the Defender Services account. However, attorneys representing indigent defendants in similar matters at the U.S. District Court are paid $90 an hour. This increasing disparity in compensation makes it increasingly difficult for the DC courts to secure competent representation for the most vulnerable residents. Recent reforms to the CJA and CCAN programs, including revision of the CJA plan and the creation of attorney panels based on a comprehensive review of qualifications and experience, has prompted the DC courts to pursue an increase in compensation for CJA and CCAN attorneys in order to ensure they are attracting the best and the brightest lawyers.

Since the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 grants Congress the authority and oversight over the DC court system and matters pertaining to public defender services, I contend that it is essential that we take the necessary legislative action to ensure that DC CJA attorneys are compensated at a rate equal or close to that of their Federal counterparts. This bill would do just that by amending title 11 of DC Code to increase the hourly rate of pay from $65 to $80 for DC CJA attorneys charged with the important democratic duty of representing the indigent.

Madam Speaker, young adults are the fastest- growing age group among the uninsured. Almost 400,000 young adults (younger than 24) who graduate from college will be cut off from health insurance under their parents' plan or from their universities. A report by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health care system in the United States, showed that 2 out of 5 college graduates are uninsured after they leave school.

Nationwide, 30.6 percent of 18- to 24-year olds are uninsured, making them the largest population without coverage in 2005. The numbers reflect an increase from 2004, when an estimated 13.7 million people age 19 to 29 had no coverage. As recently as 2000, just 2.5 million were without health insurance, according to a 2005 survey by the Commonwealth Fund.

Young adults enrolled as dependents in Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) and their parents, will not have to worry about being uninsured if this legislation is enacted. This bill would raise the age young adults would qualify for health insurance under FEHBP from 22 to 25 years of age.

The federal government should not be contributing to the number of Americans that are uninsured. This bill would ensure that at least the dependents of federal employees between the age of 22 and 25 get the health care and coverage they need.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 292) honoring Margaret Truman Daniel and her lifetime of accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Representative Ike Skelton.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 292, which acknowledges and seeks to honor the late Margaret Truman Daniel for her lifetime of achievements and accomplishments. H. Con. Res. 292 was introduced by Representative Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri on February 12, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on February 26, 2008, by voice vote.

This measure has the support of over 50 Members of Congress, and provides our body a collective opportunity to both recognize and pay tribute to one of America's remarkable and accomplished first daughters, the Honorable Margaret Truman Daniel.

Margaret Truman Daniel was born on February 17, 1924, in Independence, Missouri, to the parents of former President Harry S Truman and first lady Elizabeth ``Bess'' Virginia Wallace. In fact, she was the couple's only child. A public school student up until the time of her father's election to the U.S. Senate in 1934, Margaret Truman Daniel would later attend George Washington University, beginning in the fall of 1944, which was the same year her father was elected Vice President.

Ms. Truman Daniel graduated from George Washington University in 1946, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in history. It was her father, who had been President since April 12, 1945, that delivered the commencement address at Ms. Truman Daniel's graduation ceremony and presented her with her diploma.

Beyond her role as the daughter of an American President, Margaret Truman Daniel was a talented vocalist and skillful journalist in radio and print media throughout much of the 1950s. It was around this time that Ms. Truman Daniel would meet her husband, Clifton Daniel, with whom she would later raise four boys, Clifton, William, Harrison and Thomas.

The 1984 recipient of the Harry S Truman Public Service award, presented annually by the City of Independence to an outstanding American citizen, and an acclaimed author, Margaret Truman Daniel was able to touch the hearts and minds of so many people in our country before passing away on January 28 of this year.

I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that all of us agree and concur in the passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4774) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10250 John Saunders Road in San Antonio, Texas, as the ``Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building,'' as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I join Representative Lamar Smith and his fellow colleagues from the Lone Star State of Texas in considering H.R. 4774, as amended, which renames the postal facility in San Antonio, Texas, after the Honorable Cyndi Taylor Krier. As stated, the measure at hand was first introduced by Congressman Smith on December 18, 2007, and is cosponsored by all members of the Texas congressional delegation. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where it was amended and then passed by voice vote on February 26, 2008.

H.R. 4774 would help to recognize the life and service of Cyndi Taylor Krier by renaming the post office on John Saunders Road in San Antonio, Texas, in her honor. A remarkable public servant, Ms. Krier has given over 25 years of her life in government service, with positions on the Federal, State and local levels in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Born July 12, 1950, in Beeville, Texas, Cyndi Taylor Krier became the first woman ever elected as Bexar County judge, where she represented 1.4 million people in the metropolitan area of San Antonio, Texas. She was reelected as county judge in 1994 and 1998 without opposition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we pay tribute to the contributions made by this great American citizen and pass H.R. 4774, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 286) expressing the sense of Congress that Earl Lloyd should be recognized and honored for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African-American to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this legislation, Jim Moran from Virginia.

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

Mr. Speaker, I always knew that Representative Dan Burton was indeed a superstar. I just didn't get a chance to watch him play. Of course, Ed Towns often talks about his days as a star athlete and basketball player.

But as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 286, which acknowledges sports legend Earl Lloyd for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago.

H. Con. Res. 286 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Jim Moran of Virginia, on January 29, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on February 26, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support of over 85 Members of Congress and provides our body a chance to reflect on and remember another individual's inspiring story as part of our country's long history of racial integration.

Mr. Lloyd's participation in the 1950-51 professional basketball season marked the integration of the National Basketball Association, which has since then become one of the most diverse professional sporting leagues in the world.

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Earl Lloyd has long been recognized as

one of the NBA's early defense greats. Earl Lloyd, also known as ``Big Cat,'' played college basketball at West Virginia State College before being selected in the ninth round of the 1950 NBA draft by the Washington Capitols. Under Lloyd's leadership, West Virginia State became the only undefeated college team in the United States during the 1947-48 season.

After his years with the Washington Capitols, Lloyd joined the Syracuse Nationals and became the first black player to win an NBA championship. Later, with the Detroit Pistons, he was the first African American to be named an assistant coach and the first to be named the bench coach.

Mr. Speaker, let us also note that although Lloyd was the first to play in an NBA game, there were actually three African Americans to enter the NBA in the 1950-51 season. During this season, Charles ``Chuck'' Cooper played with the Boston Celtics, and Nat ``Sweetwater'' Clifton became the first African American to play for the New York Knicks.

Even today, as we continue to see African Americans break barriers and become the first in an array of fields from athletics to business, Presidential campaigns to research and discovery, let us take an opportunity to look back on what occurred 58 years ago to make our Nation a more perfect Union.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H. Con. Res. 286, which expresses the sense of Congress that Earl Lloyd should be recognized and honored for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join in honoring Earl ``Big Cat'' Lloyd, a Northern Virginia native who rose to become the first black player in the history of the NBA.

Earl Lloyd grew up in Alexandria, learned his basketball on the always-competitive playgrounds of Washington, DC. He played his high school ball at the segregated Parker-Gray High in Alexandria. Today, of course, all students in the city attend T.C. Williams High. The merger of the three high schools that existed then served as the plot line for the movie ``Remember the Titans.'' Today, the basketball court in the recently rebuilt T.C. Williams is named for him.

Lloyd actually was one of 3 African-Americans to enter the NBA at the same time. It was only because his team played its first game a day before the Boston Celtics unveiled Charles Cooper and 4 days before the New York Knicks' Nat ``Sweetwater'' Clifton made his debut that it was Lloyd who broke the color barrier.

Lloyd scored 6 points in that game on Halloween night of 1950 and averaged 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds over his 560-game, 8-season career. But he, Cooper and Clifton endured the taunts, showed the class and provided the quality of play that paved the way for Michael, Magic, Kareem and all the rest who came behind. He also served as the first African-American assistant coach when he worked for the Detroit Pistons for two seasons after retiring as a player.

It also should be noted that Lloyd, a member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame, took 2 years out of his career to serve in the U.S. Army. His job these days--community outreach for a concern headed by Dave Bing, another product of the playgrounds of Washington, DC., to make good in the pros--seems a hand-and-glove fit for a man who, throughout his life, has made everyone around him better.

His play on the court made all his teammates better--he led his college team to two conference titles and his pro team to one NBA championship. His class on and off the court made those who signed him and helped him start his NBA career look smart. And his professional accomplishments make his teachers in those segregated schools in Alexandria, his professors at West Virginia State, his family and all those responsible for his upbringing and education justifiably proud.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5220) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3800 SW. 185th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, as the ``Major Arthur Chin Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this legislation, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 5220, which renames the postal facility in Beaverton, Oregon after the legendary Major Arthur Chin.

The measure being considered was first introduced by Congressman David Wu of the State of Oregon on January 29, 2008, and is cosponsored by all members of the Oregon congressional delegation. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and on February 26, 2008, our committee approved the bill by voice vote.

H.R. 5220 allows us to pay homage to the service of Major Arthur Chin, whose tale of heroism and dedication should be known by every American. Born in the city of Portland, Oregon, which lies in the congressional district of my dear friend, Representative David Wu, on October 23, 1913, Arthur Chin is best known for his service as a member of the Guangdong Provincial Air Force which was the first and original group of American volunteer combat aviators to fight in World War II.

An American-born citizen of Chinese descent, Major Chin is deemed America's first World War II ace, and in appreciation for his valiant service he has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is in addition to having received the Five Star Medal, Six Star Medal, the Awe-Inspiring Medal 3rd Grade, and the list goes on.

Major Chin's public service didn't cease with the end of the war. After being honorably discharged from the military in 1945, Major Chin returned to private life in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. It appears that Major Chin actually worked at the Beaverton Post Office before retiring in 1980. Major Chin passed away on September 3, 1997 in Portland, only a month before his October 4 Hall of Fame of the American Airpower Heritage Museum induction ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, given Major Chin's illustrious background, I agree that it is only befitting that we pass H.R. 5220 and name the U.S. postal facility on 185th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon after this great American citizen.

yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5400) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the ``Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand with my colleagues from the Buckeye State of Ohio in consideration of H.R. 5400, which renames the postal facility in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in honor of Sergeant Michael M. Kashkoush.

H.R. 5400 comes to us with widespread support from the Ohio congressional delegation, yet the measure was first introduced by my colleague, Representative Steve LaTourette, back on February 12, 2008. The measure was taken up by the Oversight Committee on February 26, 2008, where it was passed by the panel by voice vote.

H.R. 5400 calls for honoring Sergeant Kashkoush's service to our country by naming the post office in his hometown of Chagrin Falls after him.

Assigned to the 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan, Sergeant Michael M. Kashkoush succumbed to his death on January 23, 2007, as a result of fatal wounds received while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province.

Born and raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Sergeant Kashkoush was a graduate of Chagrin Falls High School, where he was instrumental in taking the school's football and wrestling teams to winning seasons before electing to enlist in the Marine Corps after graduation. Sergeant Kashkoush was only 24 years old when he died in the line of duty as a counterintelligence/human intelligence specialist attached to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Sergeant Kashkoush's sacrifice and service to America, let us pass without reservation H.R. 5400.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1007) expressing the condolences of the House to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 1007 into the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest sympathies to the victims and families who suffered the horrific shooting tragedy at Northern Illinois University. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have suffered through this great loss, especially the families, students, faculty and staff of the university.

Northern Illinois University is one of the largest schools in Illinois, providing higher education to more than 25,000 students. The effects of this tragedy can be felt all across the State, and have echoed throughout the Nation.

Parents send their children to school each day to learn about the world around them and to grow and develop into responsible adults. Parents that send their children off to college expect that they will be safe and will graduate with newfound knowledge and a bright future.

As we mourn with the Northern Illinois University community, this Congress must continue in its work to make all schools safe in order to prevent this kind of tragedy in the future. We must continue to work with our colleges and universities to develop ways to anticipate, identify and prevent these horrific and disturbing acts of violence.

Mr. Speaker, we stand to show our support to the family, students, faculty and staff of Northern Illinois University who continue on despite the tragic events surrounding them. I know that the healing process will take time, but I also hope that some day soon, all members of the Northern Illinois University community will feel the safety and security that all students should have.

Mr. Speaker, especially do I want to extend appreciation to the president of Northern Illinois University, to the faculty and staff, and especially one program, something called the Chance Program, which opens its doors to students from all over the State, provides the sanctuary of the opportunity to get the best possible education, and we hope that they can put this tragedy behind them as we continue to move forward.

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

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I would close by just simply commending the State of Illinois, led by its Governor, its United States Senators, both Senators Durbin and Obama, Representative Manzullo, Representative Rahm Emanuel, the mayor of the City of DeKalb, all of the elected officials from the surrounding communities who joined the 10,000 people who came to a memorial service to express their sorrow, but also to express their sense of hope, to express their sense of frustration, to express their sense of solidarity with all of these students and their families, with the hope and the pledge that we will do everything in our power to try and make sure that this type tragedy does not continue to occur and reoccur on our college campuses across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1013) expressing the sense of Congress that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on classroom performance.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 1013 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1013, which expresses the sense of Congress that providing breakfast in school has a positive impact on classroom performance.

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Indeed, good nutrition is a vital factor in a child's ability to grow and thrive. According to the Center on Hunger, Poverty and Nutrition, hungry children have less energy for cognitive and social activities, thereby hampering their ability to learn.

The National School Breakfast Program was established as a pilot program by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and made permanent in 1975. The program was created to ensure that all students start the school day with a nutritious breakfast and enter the classroom ready to learn. Over the last five decades, the National School Breakfast Program has continued to grow. It now operates in nearly 84,000 public and nonprofit schools and residential care institutions nationwide. In 2006, 9.7 million children participated in the National School Breakfast Program each day; 7.9 million of those students received free or reduced-price breakfasts.

Again, I want to commend my colleague from Wisconsin, Representative Gwendolyn Moore, for introducing this resolution, join with all of those

who have expressed its merit, and urge passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. I rise in strong support of this rule and the underlying bill. Like all of my colleagues, I want to commend Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad for their unrelenting advocacy for mental health. As a matter of fact, we have watched them travel all across the country, holding hearing after hearing, engaging people, trying to help them understand that mental illness, that mental health is just as important as any other aspect.

I have heard us debate cost. All of us know that insanity is doing the same

thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We know that education, early diagnosis and prevention can save us billions of dollars in mental health. And so I would urge passage of this rule and passage of the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I'm convinced that the most widespread and most impactful health issue and problem which we face today is in the area of mental health and mental illness. The numbers of individuals affected are so great until it is more than difficult to get a handle on them, and that is one of the reasons that I rise in support of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad for their leadership in introducing this legislation and shepherding it to the floor.

When we consider the numbers of people who suffer from drug addiction, whose lives are filled with anxiety, depression, fear, and uncertainty, we can readily see that more attention must be paid to our mental health needs. When we see the numbers of people living in shelters, halfway houses, and in many instances under viaducts, abandoned cars, and in the streets, when we see the numbers of people who make up the criminally ill, who hurt, injure, maim and sometimes kill other people because they've never been able to shake their demons who disrupt and plague their lives because they've had no mental health attention or treatment, Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me that this is an idea whose time has come.

I urge passage of this legislation.