Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the House for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, on one recent, crisp autumn morning in Boston, one tired-looking Presidential hopeful took the stage in front of a large crowd of loyal, yet disappointed, faces to say the following words: ``It is now clear that even when all the provisional ballots are counted, which they will be, and which they were, there won't be enough outstanding votes for us to be able to win Ohio. And, therefore, we cannot win this election.'' And so John Kerry conceded the Presidency to George W. Bush with grace and dignity.

Apparently such admirable qualities do not apply to certain extreme elements of Senator Kerry's own party. For if they did, surely this House would not be standing here today bogged down in this frivolous debate.

Mr. Speaker, on the other side of the aisle, a handful of Members will step forward and claim that they are here to contest an election of this Nation. They will claim that there was fraud

and that the result was invalid. Americans, do not be deceived. Their intentions in this whole process are merely to sow doubts and undermine public confidence in the electoral system itself. Their challenges to the legitimacy of this election are no more than another exercise in their party's primary strategy, to obstruct, to divide, and to destroy. In other words, their objection is a front for their lack of ideas. With absolutely no credible agenda for America, these Democrats have opted to try and change the past rather than work for a better future

Mr. Speaker, we just welcomed a new year and began a new Congress. Republicans are ready and eager to ask the questions and prompt the debate that will produce results for America. We want to talk about ways to reduce health care costs for families and debate ways to create more jobs for Americans. We are ready to discuss how to strengthen our schools to better educate our children.

But apparently some Democrats only want to gripe about counts, recounts, and recounts of recounts. So eager are they to abandon their job as public servants, they have cast themselves in the role of Michael Moore, concocting wild conspiracy theories to distract the American public. Such aspiring fantasy authors should note the facts before they let the ink dry on this tall tale.

For example, the request for an Ohio recount has already been fulfilled, and it verified what we already knew, what Senator John Kerry knew the first day, that President Bush won Ohio by nearly 120,000 votes, an overwhelming and comfortable margin. Indeed, George W. Bush is the first Presidential candidate to win the majority of the popular vote since 1988. And, Mr. Speaker, every single major editorial board of every newspaper in Ohio has called this effort a sham.

Eighty-eight separate bipartisan election boards from every county in Ohio, even Cuyahoga, have verified and vouched for the integrity of the results. Are we to believe that the hundreds of Democrats who sit on these boards were actively working against their own party and their own Presidential candidate? No local, county, or State election officials in Ohio are contesting this election. Not one. The overwhelming majority of Ohioans are not contesting this election, so why should politicians in Washington?

Mr. Speaker, it is a shame that these Democrats have resorted to such baseless and meritless tactics to begin the 109th Congress. And it is a shame that they have placed their partisan war, disclaimed by their own candidate above what is best for the country and to use the great State of Ohio as their vehicle.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to my friend and colleague from the great State of Ohio (Mr. Hobson).

Mr. Clerk, for the past 6 years, this House has been led by a man with great strength, passion and a sense of fairness. With a steady hand and quiet conviction, he has helped to guide this body and this Nation through periods of both trial and triumph.

Therefore, Mr. Clerk, as chairman of the House Republican Conference, I am directed by the unanimous vote of that conference, and am very honored to present for election to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 109th Congress of the United States of America the name of the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, a Representative- elect from the State of Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 6) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Republican Conference, I am directed by that conference to notify the House officially that the Republican Members have selected as their majority leader the gentleman from Texas, the Honorable Tom DeLay.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Republican Conference, I am directed by that conference to notify the House officially that the Republican Members have selected as majority whip the gentleman from Missouri, the Honorable Roy Blunt.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 1) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous value homecare and hospice represents for American families. Homecare provides a family-friendly, clinically proven way of receiving quality healthcare for millions of Americans where they prefer to receive care--at home. November, National Homecare and Hospice Month, is an opportunity to recognize the importance of home care as an essential component of healthcare in my home state of Ohio and throughout the United States.

This important segment of the health care continuum allows patients with medical needs to remain in their homes, including those who are recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill who need medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment. Homecare and hospice care represent a family value and a value for families. It's about quality health care and quality of life for millions of households across the United States.

Recent studies of homecare services show that homecare for selected conditions can shorten inpatient hospital stays, reduce the overall cost of care without compromising outcomes, and can improve patient and caregiver satisfaction.

As the American population ages, homecare is expected to grow in the years ahead. Fortunately, advances in technology allow virtually every service short of surgery to be delivered at home. This is good news for our nation's seniors and their families. And it's good news for younger generations who will benefit from continued advancements in technology to further improve the quality and accessibility of homecare.

Homecare and hospice care is an especially important option for people facing terminal illness. These individuals and their families are faced with enormous challenges in dealing with the fear that goes along with such a frightening diagnosis. Hospice treats the person, not the disease. It allows terminally ill patients and their families to experience the end of life together in the comfort and security of their homes or a home-like setting.

While homecare and hospice care serve a critical purpose for our nation's elderly population, these services also provide much-needed care for children with lifethreatening conditions and their families. Today in the United States, about one million children are living with life-threatening conditions and a staggering 55,000 children die each year. In an effort to make improvements to our system that treats terminally ill children, I introduced H.R. 3127, the Compassionate Care for Children Act, in the 108th Congress. This bill will help insure children with life-threatening illnesses have access to the treatments and care that they need and deserve, including hospice, palliative and curative care.

In honor of patients, their families, and caregivers in Ohio and throughout the United States, I join my colleagues in celebrating National Homecare and Hospice Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Adoption Month.

As an adoptive parent of two little girls, I have personally felt the unspeakable joy that comes from welcoming a child into your home and family. The knowledge that you are giving hope and opportunity to a boy or girl who might otherwise have none is inspiring and uplifting.

In fact six in ten Americans have had a personal experience with adoption--meaning they, a family member, or a close friend was adopted, has adopted, or has a placed a child for adoption. As we near the holiday season, it warms my heart to know that so many people's lives have been made better by experiencing the joy that adoption brings.

Adoption is an issue that people are willing to talk about, but when it comes to getting personally involved, many back away. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, based in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, 63 percent of Americans have a ``favorable opinion'' of adoption, and 78 percent think more should be done to encourage adoption. But acting on those feelings tends to be more difficult. The typical reaction is that ``someone else will do it.'' Unfortunately for the 120,000 children across the country currently in foster care, that is not the case. Though there are millions of suitable parents, many do not engage in the adoptive process for fear they are not up to the task of parenting an adoptive child or because they think adoption is a costly and unmanageable process.

But we still have more work to do. In July, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the first ever national public service campaign to encourage adoption. This new initiative, produced in conjunction with the Ad Council and the Adoption Exchange Association, will highlight older ``special needs'' children who need permanent homes. ``Special needs'' means they are children who, for various reasons, have a harder time finding families willing to adopt them. Often special needs include factors such as physical or health problems and ethnic or racial background. Other times, a group of siblings needs to be adopted together. Fifty-three percent of foster children are between the ages of 8-17, and the need to connect these youth with permanent families is significant.

You do not have to be rich, married, highly educated, or a homeowner to adopt a child. Children don't need perfect parents, just individuals who are willing to open their hearts and homes and make a life-long commitment to love and nurture a child.

I am proud to join my colleagues today in honoring National Adoption Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Ohio State University 2004 Buckeye Bullet electric land speed vehicle team. This group of 11 undergraduate engineering students now holds the national and international land speed records for electric vehicles.

The Buckeye Bullet is a streamlined electric vehicle over 31 feet long, standing 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. It is powered by more than 900 batteries and contains a 400-plus horsepower engine. The most impressive fact about the Buckeye Bullet is that it was designed, built and is maintained by Ohio State students, giving undergraduates a unique opportunity for a hands-on learning experience.

This fall, the team traveled to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where they challenged the international land speed record of 245 mph. On October 13, 2004 the Buckeye Bullet set a new official international record time of 272 mph. However, the international record just wasn't enough for the Buckeye Bullet Team. On October 15, the team challenged its own 257 mph national speed record from the previous year, which conforms to a different set of requirements, successfully setting a new national land speed record at 315 mph. This makes the Buckeye Bullet the first electric race car to officially exceed 300 mph.

I would like to recognize the 2004 Buckeye Bullet team members from Ohio State for their dedication and hard work, including team leaders Isaac S. Harper, Andrew L. Marquand, and Benjamin J. Sinsheimer; team members Kevin C. Sze, Sean M. MacGregor, Aaron M. Haliena, Joseph H. Gorse, Andrea J. Barger, Michael B. Quade, Kimberly A. Stevens and Kevin Ponziani; faculty adviser Giorgio Rizzoni, staff adviser Maria Soliman, and of course the vehicle's driver, Roger Schroer of TRC, Inc. Congratulations to all of you for building the fastest electric vehicle on the planet!

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan will celebrate its National Day on October 10, 2004, and I wish to salute their many accomplishments.

Even though Taiwan is a small island with few natural resources, there is no question that it has prospered. With one of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, Taiwan's 23 million people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has made clear his belief that every citizen ought to enjoy the right to work, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to an education, the right to participate in elections, and the right to social security in the event of unemployment, illness and disability. Also President Chen has promoted efforts to protect the rights of women, children, the elderly and the indigenous people, laborers and soldiers. It is evident that President Chen is committed to improving the lives of his people.

Although Taiwan and the United States do not have formal diplomatic ties, our people are closely connected. Taiwan is our eighth largest trading partner, thus providing many jobs for our manufacturers. In addition, more than 30,000 Taiwan students study at U.S. colleges and universities, and the United States is the number one destination for most of Taiwan travelers. The U.S. and Taiwan share many values in common such as a commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights.

I am pleased to congratulate our friends in Taiwan on this special day, and hope for their continued success and progress in the future.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, October 5, 2004, the House had a vote on rollcall 494, on H.R. 163, a bill to provide for the common defense by requiring that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

The House also had a vote on rollcall 495, on H.R. 2929, a bill to protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmission of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs, and for other purposes and rollcall 496, on H.R. 5011, a bill to prevent the sale of abusive insurance and investment products to military personnel. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on both.

Mr. Speaker, as a woman, a former prosecutor and judge, and Federal representative for Ohio's 15th district, I rise today in support of H.R. 5107, the Justice For All Act.

Sadly, for far too many women, the grief of rape and other forms of sexual assault is compounded by the lack of apprehension, prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator. As my community has recently witnessed first hand with the arrest of accused serial rapist Robert Patton, Jr. in the Columbus area, linking DNA obtained at rape scenes to the DNA of felons already convicted of crimes through the FBI's combined DNA Index System is often the best change we have to close a painful chapter in the lives of women who have been the victims of rape and sexual assault. It is also the best chance to put rapists behind bars before they have a chance to repeat their crimes.

Last year, the Federal government provided $100 million to speed up the processing of untested DNA through the Department of Justice and the DNA Index System. And recently, the House passed legislation to increase this amount by over 75 percent to $176 million--mirroring the President's budget request.

Funding is critical, but it is only part of the solution. Making needed improvements to the way the system operates is also essential.

That's why I signed on as an original cosponsor and plan to vote for the Justice for All Act today. This legislation will not only increase the amount of funding available for DNA analysis, but it will also lift some of the barriers that currently stand in the way of ensuring DNA technology is used effectively and efficiently. Specifically, it will focus on eliminating the backlog of DNA samples collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders and improving the DNA testing capacity of federal, state, and local crime laboratories. These two initiatives will have a direct effect on crime fighting in my state of Ohio, which has an extensive backlog of DNA samples that need to be tested.

I pledge to continue to work with my colleagues to further identify the gaps in our system and push for, and implement, effective solutions. And I call upon our partners at the state and local level to do the same. Together, with the support of law enforcement and the citizens in our community, we can put into place a speedier and fairer justice system for victims of rape and sexual assault, always keeping in mind our ultimate goal of preventing these heinous crimes in the first place.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I want to begin by commending the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. He has led this committee with great strength since he took the helm; we have enjoyed working with him, and I want to thank him for his attention to this important issue.

I also want to extend special thanks to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez). He has been a great partner over the last few years as we have worked this initiative together. We represent different parts of the country, and we belong to different political parties, but we have put many differences aside and have joined together for a great purpose here today. We joined together because we understand that cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases can affect anyone in any part of the country, of any race and of any income level.

Madam Speaker, even with the tremendous advancements we have made in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses, we understand that in far too many communities across this country navigating the health care system can be a significant barrier to gaining access to quality and affordable service.

Before I continue, I want to take a moment to extend my appreciation to my staff and the staff of the committee for their excellent work and the help they have given us. And I want to highlight the American Cancer Society, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and the National Rural Health Association for their tireless efforts to educate our colleagues about the importance of this issue.

Madam Speaker, each and every day Congress is in session, our colleagues on both sides of the aisle debate important issues. Sometimes we agree and other times we disagree. But at the end of the day, we share the same goal: to return to our districts with something positive to tell our constituents about.

Today, every Member of this body will have the opportunity to report to their constituents something positive: that this Congress has taken a significant step to ensure that our friends and neighbors across America have the tools and resources they need to make good decisions about their health and the health of their children.

Madam Speaker, last year, I had the opportunity to meet two gentlemen

who pioneered the concept that this legislation is based on, the patient navigator concept. Dr. Harold Freeman and Dr. Elmer Huerta were two of the most humble, kind gentlemen I have ever had the good fortune of getting to know. Let me tell you a little about what they do.

First, they recognized in their own work as doctors in underserved communities that navigating the health care system can be an insurmountable barrier for many, many people, especially when they are poor, underserved, and uninsured. All we have to do is step in and help them. Step out of our homes into communities and we will find families and individuals who struggle to find access to the health care that they need, both preventive and treatment.

The concept of these doctors is a great one. The patient navigators are angels who guide individuals through the health care system. It is truly one of the most creative and innovative ways to address the health care needs of these individuals, who may otherwise avoid seeing a doctor when they are healthy and avoid treatment when they need it, when they are sick.

Whether based at hospitals, community health centers or cancer centers, these programs literally put in place patient navigators to help individuals find their way through the often complex health care systems that they are confronted with.

These navigators, like Leka Murdock whom I met during my visit to the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center in Harlem, assist people who come through their doors with obtaining coverage through the Medicaid system or other sources, they obtain cancer screenings or counseling about disease prevention, or they make referrals for treatment or clinical trial options should an abnormality be detected.

For people who may otherwise not know or be able to access the system, patient navigator programs offer them the tools and resources they need to make the good decisions about their health and the health of their children. They help break through the red tape that often prevents them from getting the information and the treatment so needed.

That is why the gentleman from New Jersey and I partnered together to introduce, garner support for and move forward this legislation that will create innovative demonstration projects in communities across the country based on this concept. This bill will link sustained health promotion outreach efforts with patient navigator programs. Specifically, the bill will make funds available to community health centers, cancer centers, rural and frontier serving medical facilities and other eligible entities to increase and promote chronic-disease- prevention screening, outreach and public health education, as well as provide patient navigators to help patients overcome the barriers and complexities in the system.

It is my hope that this legislation will serve as a springboard for launching many more navigator programs. These are extraordinary programs, and they are making real differences in the lives of people who are suffering, people who may not otherwise even know that they are sick. Or if they do, people who may not do what is necessary to get better. These are the people we need to reach, and this bill is a healthy start. By furthering this collaboration between the private and the public sectors, we will maximize our resources and close in on that day when cancer and other chronic diseases no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in the past 10 years, the Republican majority in this House has created a stronger, safer and more prosperous Nation and we celebrate that today. At the heart of that prosperity stand our Nation's small businesses.

Under our Republican-led House, the number of small businesses has exploded, most notably female-owned companies. From 1992 to 1997, women-owned firms increased by 16 percent, accounting for a quarter of all small businesses. Today, nearly 40 percent of all small businesses are owned by women, a number that is increasing at double the rate of all U.S. companies.

By cutting red tape and providing tax relief and regulatory reform, House Republicans have made it possible for Americans, women especially, to become independent entrepreneurs. Less time tangled up in red tape and buried in paperwork means more time at home with their children, the ability to hire more workers, even the possibility of opening another store or factory.

Mr. Speaker, the Republican majority understands the tremendous potential of the American entrepreneur. I look forward to the next 10 years, seeing American dreams become realities in our communities across this country.

Mr. Speaker, September 10, 2004 marks a significant milestone for a major international motor vehicle company located in my congressional district. Twenty-five years ago, the first Elsinore motorcycle rolled off Honda's Marysville motorcycle plant assembly line with 64 associates, marking the beginning of Honda's manufacturing presence in Ohio.

From motorcycle production, Honda became the first Asian automaker to manufacture vehicles in the U.S., a 1983 Honda Accord produced on November 1, 1982. Engines and transmissions are among the other products Honda has added to the Ohio production list over the last 25 years. In 2003, Honda was the top manufacturer of motor vehicles in the state. The company's facilities produced 677,000 automobiles and 108,000 motorcycles and ATVs last year alone.

Today, that Ohio presence represents 16,000 jobs at Honda, investments of $6.1 billion in plants and equipment, as well as 154 Ohio supplier companies that employ more than 40,000 Ohio residents. Over this time period, Honda's Ohio manufacturing facilities have produced 10 million automobiles, 830,000 motorcycles and 1.2 million ATVs. In 25 years, Honda has never laid off one employee, a remarkable achievement.

A recent study of Honda's economic impact provides some further insight into the company's presence in Ohio and its positive impact on the state economy. Among the findings, in 2003, seven jobs were created for every individual directly employed by Honda. That results in 128,000 additional jobs and means $3.30 is generated for every $1 Honda pays in wages. Total statewide earnings were $4.85 billion in 2003. In addition, state and local taxes paid by Honda and its associates total $1 billion.

Across the U.S., Honda employs more than 25,000 associates. Their facilities include eight

factories and ten research and development facilities. In the U.S., Honda's capital investment exceeds $7 billion with more than $12 billion in parts and materials purchased annually from 580 suppliers in 33 states.

Honda's philosophy of respect for the individual is the cornerstone of placing responsibility and accountability with each associate. That philosophy and accountability has allowed its U.S. workforce to produce the highest quality products at an affordable price and great reliability. Honda's involvement in the communities where its facilities are located has been another key to its success because it has treated state and local leaders as well as parts suppliers as equal partners. Honda is a great example of a company that has invested and reinvested significant financial and human resources in its plants, equipment and associates here in the U.S.

I want to offer my congratulations to Honda on the occasion of the 25th anniversary and look forward to another 25 years of growth and success in Ohio and throughout the U.S.