Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I call our colleagues' attention to Asbestos Workers' Union Local No. 3 from Cleveland, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary on September 24, 2005. Members of Local No. 3 can trace the beginnings of their union back to the earliest day of the modern industrial era with the sudden expansion of steam power around 1880, creating the need for the insulation industry.

An attempt to form a national bond between insulators came in 1900, when the Salamander Association of New York sent out an appeal to related crafts in other cities to form a ``National Organization of Pipe and Boiler Covers.'' This appeal struck a chord of solidarity and two years later the officers and members of the Pipe Covers Union affiliated with the National Building Trades Council of America and invited other pipe coverer unions and related trades to join them. The appeal for unity was sent to Cleveland, as well as other targeted cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, and Washington, DC. In all, seven local unions from around the country responded and this resulted in the birth of the foundation for an international union. The interested locals met for their first convention on July 7, 1902, where they drafted and approved a constitution and elected Thomas Kennedy of Chicago as their first president. They chose ``The National Association of Heat, Frost and General Insulators and Asbestos Workers of America'' as the name for the international union and on September 22nd of that year the American Federation of Labor issued an official charter designating the asbestos workers as a national union.

The group met again in October 1904 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to adopt a constitution and issue local numbers: St. Louis, Missouri No. 1, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No. 2, Cleveland, Ohio No. 3, Buffalo, New York No. 4, Chicago, Illinois No. 5, Boston, Massachusetts No. 6, and Seattle, Washington No. 7. The charter issued to Local No. 3 in 1910 contained the names of these Clevelanders: Thomas Richards, James Wiley, Phil Frigge, M.O. Taitle, Harry Jacoby, Archie Budd, Harry Morris, Harry Graff, and George Davis. James Dalton, Al Dalton, and Thomas O'Neil of Local No. 3 became officers of the International Association.

Over the years Local No. 3 has fought for better wages, safer working conditions on construction sites, and benefits. Local No. 3 has established funds to help with medical expenses, retirement, apprenticeship and training. At its 95th anniversary and going into its second century, Local No. 3's goals remain to make a member's life safer, more productive, and more prosperous, to work to meet the needs of its members, and to educate new members that there is strength and prosperity in solidarity. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Asbestos Workers' Union Local No. 3 as its officers and members celebrate their 95th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Sister Audrey Koch, Pastoral Associate at St. Coleman's Church, on the joyous occasion of her Golden Jubilee Anniversary, reflecting a life- long commitment to educating, inspiring and guiding the youth of our community; and reflecting an unwavering dedication of service on behalf of the most vulnerable of our society.

Sister Audrey's significant work embodies the teaching profession, social community action endeavors and civic leadership. She taught for 24 years at Cleveland area schools, including St. Ignatius Elementary School, St. Agnes, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John in Lorain. She also served for 4 years as Principal of St. Coleman School.

While at St. Coleman's, Sister Audrey directed numerous programs with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and taught in the CYO's preschool. She also taught theology at St. Joseph Academy. In 1991, she embarked on a new ministry through her work with the Catholic Charities Office of Disability Ministry at St. Augustine Parish. In 2003, she returned to St. Coleman Parish as a Pastoral Associate.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Sister Audrey Koch. The compassionate leadership and service, reflecting faith, hope and kindness, that Sister Audrey continues to offer to others, young and old, is immeasurable in its impact upon the lives of so many, from the very young to our senior citizens. Sister Audrey's steadfast commitment to healing the lives of others continues to strengthen lives of the people of St. Coleman's parish and continues to serve as a beacon of light and hope throughout our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Congressman Barney Frank, as he is honored by the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats for his significant service on behalf of the citizens of the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts.

Since being elected to the United States Congress in 1981, Congressman Frank has blazed a courageous road fortified by civil rights and human rights for every American, regardless of their differences. His candor, compassion and convictions have consistently given a voice to the oppressed and vulnerable of our society and his work continues to raise the level of grace and dignity for all Americans by casting the pall of ignorance and discrimination into the light of truth and justice.

A highly regarded and respected attorney, activist and public servant, Congressman Frank's constituency in Massachusetts has demonstrated their overwhelming faith and admiration for him by voting him back in office twelve times. He is the Senior Democrat on the Financial Services Committee and has worked tirelessly on behalf of vital issues that affect the well being of our society, including gay rights, health care, education, preservation of the arts and the steadfast protection of our civil liberties.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of my friend and colleague, Congressman Barney Frank, for his immeasurable service and courageous leadership on behalf of the citizens of our country. Congressman Frank's steadfast advocacy and unwavering focus on human rights is framed by excellence, heart, integrity and personal wisdom. Congressman Frank continues to raise our society into the light of tolerance and truth, thereby elevating the lives of countless Americans into the realm of hope for a better tomorrow, and peace and justice for all, in the 4th District of Massachusetts and across our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Chorbishop Bernard C. Khachan, upon the occasion of his retirement that follows 45 years of service, faith, ministry and leadership within the Maronite Catholic Church.

Chorbishop Khachan was ordained a Maronite Catholic Priest in Lebanon in 1960. In 1965, he journeyed to South America to serve for one year. After his ministry there was complete, he returned to Lebanon. During that time, leadership in Rome had established the first Maronite Diocese in the United States. Chorbishop Khachan was soon asked to serve as Pastor of a Maronite parish in a region of Pennsylvania where his relatives lived. With grace, dignity and an open heart, Chorbishop Khachan accepted the challenge of his new country. While always holding Lebanon alive in his life and close to his heart, Chorbishop Khachan also proudly embraced his new home in America. In 1972, Chorbishop Khachan became a citizen of the United States. In 1987, he was appointed Pastor of St. Maron Church of Cleveland, Ohio, where he served with kindness, guidance, support and compassion for the past eighteen years.

Chorbishop Khachan's vision, concern for others and focus on uplifting our community has had a significant effect on countless members of the parish and on residents who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. His focus on restoring Maronite traditions and culture have succeeded, along with his successful restoration of the church building, social hall, parking lot and surrounding grounds. Chorbishop Khachan's insight and focus have served to increase the number of parishioners from 500 families to 1,300 families--a remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Chorbishop Bernard C. Khachan, upon his retirement that highlights 45 years in faithful service to others. Though he will be greatly missed, his gifts of faith, leadership, guidance and compassion will forever illuminate hope and faith within St. Maron parish community of Cleveland. We wish him an abundance of health, happiness and peace as his journey guides him back to Lebanon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Elsie Frank, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated public servant, community activist, and dear friend and mentor to many. Her passing marks a great loss for her family and friends, and also for the people of Boston, whom she served and inspired with the highest level of commitment, concern, integrity and honor.

The great care and love that Mrs. Frank showered on her family extended throughout Boston where she carried the torch of advocacy on behalf of many social justice issues, including issues affecting gay teens and gay adults, and concerns faced by the elderly of our society. An inspirational and well-known leader in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Mrs. Frank dedicated her time and talents in bolstering the strength of several gay advocacy groups, and senior advocacy groups as well. She worked with PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), tirelessly lobbying state legislators to reinstate funding in support of PFLAG's Safe Schools program--a critical program that serves to educate, support and protect the well-being of gay teens in schools. In 2003, Mrs. Frank was honored with PFLAG's Voice of Truth Award.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Elsie Frank, whose boundless joy for life served as a source of inspiration, protection and hope for Boston citizens of all ages. I extend my deepest condolences to her children, Barney, Ann, Doris and David; to her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and also to her extended family and many friends. Mrs. Frank's immeasurable heart and focus on human rights has forever touched the lives of countless individuals, young and old, gay and straight, and her unbridled spirit and vital work will soar forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her well, especially her family, friends and the people of Boston's Back Bay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Sister Ann Kilbane, Pastoral Life Coordinator at St. Colman's Church, on the joyous occasion of her Golden Jubilee Anniversary, a ministry of faith that reflects a legacy of leadership, activism, instruction and unwavering service to others.

Sister Ann, who is celebrating her 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary, currently serves as the Pastoral Life Coordinator for St. Colman Church. She began her vocation in service to others as an educator, teaching at several area schools, including St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Rose, St. Joseph Academy, Our Lady of Angels and St. Clement. From 1967 to 1977, Sister Ann held the position of treasurer for St. Joseph Parish.

During that time, Sister Ann earned a Master's degree and led the effort to establish an outreach center for the people of the St. Colman neighborhood. ``Mission in the City'' continues to focus on the needs of families and individuals in this west side neighborhood. Sister Ann also served as business manager for St. Joseph Academy and finance coordinator for NETWORK in Washington, DC. She returned to St. Colman in 1994 as finance coordinator and was named Parish Life Coordinator in 1999.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Sister Ann Kilbane. Her vision, leadership, expertise and compassion for others continues to uplift the lives of countless families and individuals with the St. Colman Parish community, and her concern and activism continues to shine light, faith and the hope for a better day within the lives of those who are in greatest need, and throughout our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Marine Corporal Jeffrey Allen Boskovitch, who bravely and selflessly heeded the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Family, friends and service to others framed Corporal Boskovitch's life. He gained personal strength and faith from those who knew him best and loved him most, especially his mother and father, Katherine and James; his fiance, Shelley Tevis; his brother and sister, Brian and Kimberly; his stepbrothers and sisters, Brian, Michael, Amanda, Austin, Amy and Abby; and his stepparents, Steve and Vicki.

Corporal Boskovitch's energetic spirit and expansive heart easily drew others to him. His steadfast focus on serving the public and his leadership abilities were evidenced throughout his life. He was a 1999 graduate of Normandy High School and a 2001 graduate and Class President of the Tri-C Police Academy of Parma. Corporal Boskovitch held his unit in Iraq, the servicemen and servicewomen of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, as closely connected to his heart as family. He declined a promotion in order to stay with his military unit.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Jeffrey Boskovitch. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and many friends. The ultimate sacrifice, significant service and true heart that framed the life of Corporal Boskovitch will live forever in the memories and hearts of all those who knew and loved him best--his family and friends. And his legacy of service and courage will be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community and by our entire Nation, today and for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Marine Corporal Edward August ``Augie'' Schroeder II, who courageously and selflessly heeded the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Family, friends and service to others framed Corporal Schroeder's life. He gained personal strength and faith from those who knew him best and loved him most, especially his mother and father, Rosemary and Paul, and his sister, Amanda.

A kind soul who possessed an offbeat sense of humor and tangible joy for life, Corporal Schroeder was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone in need. His commitment to helping others was reflected in his work as an Emergency Medical Technician, lifeguard and Boy Scout counselor. Corporal Schroeder reveled in the role of team player and reflected a true sense of connectedness to others throughout his life, as is clearly evidenced throughout his involvement as part of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Edward August ``Augie'' Schroeder II. I extend my deepest condolences to his mother, Rosemary Palmer; his father, Paul Schroeder; his

sister, Amanda Schroeder; and to his extended family members and many friends.

The significant sacrifice, service, bravery, joy and energy that framed the life of Corporal Schroeder will live on as a legacy and testament to all that is good in humanity, and his life will forever be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community, and will always be held close within the hearts and minds of all whom loved him well and knew him best--his family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, for the people of the Gulf Coast region who were stricken by Hurricane Katrina, there is less to the emergency supplemental than meets the eye. I mean that exactly zero dollars of the $50 billion Congress will send today for emergency relief and temporary construction will be used for employing people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. However, the administration is not withholding anything from Halliburton. Halliburton received a no-bid contract immediately after the hurricane. Yet the CBO estimates 400,000 people were made unemployed by the hurricane

with no hope in sight of regaining their former jobs because their workplaces were destroyed.

For the region, the economic devastation is on par with the effects of the Great Depression. At that time President Roosevelt asked for a National Industrial Recovery Act with which the government put millions of people back to work rebuilding the country's infrastructure. That is what the hurricane-demolished region needs today. The people of the region who have lost their livelihoods should be given a preference in hiring for the Federal dollars spent, and the Federal dollars should be conditioned on local hiring targets.

But this is not a New Deal administration. Instead of leveraging Federal tax money to put people back to work, this administration is content to send Halliburton billions of dollars in no-bid contracts.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we remember 9/11, the victims, the aftermath of 9/11 and the policies which have been put in place as a result of that day of great tragedy. It is also appropriate that our remembering not be selective so as to preclude America from taking a path of truth and reconciliation.

Immediately after the attacks upon our Nation, all across the world people responded in solidarity with America,

much as we are seeing at this moment in response to the unfortunate disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The world is always ready to embrace America and to share in our highest aspirations.

Unfortunately, sadly, decisions were made by some in the administration to use 9/11 as an opportunity to advance a longstanding ideological desire, with financial incentives to invade Iraq and overthrow its government.

Whenever we remember 9/11, and we should, we must also remember that some in the administration used 9/11 as an excuse to wage an illegal war against a nation that did not attack us, that had nothing to do with 9/11, that did not have the capability or the intention of attacking us, and that had no weapons of mass destruction.

9/11 could never be justified, nor should any attack upon this Nation ever be justified. But I think America lost a moment after 9/11 to come together as a national community in search of ways that we could take new directions to meet an emerging challenge of terrorism with new strategies, new initiatives, because we are learning the limitations of trying to solve our difficulties through armed force.

9/11 was a tragedy, and it was compounded by the war in and against Iraq. That war has separated us from many of our friends in the international community. It has drained our resources. It has cost us the lives of over 1,900 American servicemen, servicewomen, and has cost the lives of countless Iraqis who are innocent.

We need to heal our Nation. We need to come together as Americans so that we can assert our commonalities, our common interests in the general welfare of our countrymen and countrywomen. But in order to do that, we need to go back through that tunnel of 9/11, and the only way we can do that is to be guided by truth.

We still need to heal the Nation, but we will not be able to do it with arms. We can only do it by seeking the truth. And I contend that at this moment, when we stand united to pass this resolution, that we should also highly resolve that violence is not going to be the means that we use in the future to solve the differences that we have with nations.

Next week, Members of this House will come together to introduce legislation to create a Cabinet-level Department of Peace and Nonviolence, which recognizes that the path of peace can be active, can be firm, can have resolve, and can help us achieve a new world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for yielding me this time and this opportunity.

It is appropriate that we recognize, as this resolution does, the courage of those who have risked their lives to save lives in the gulf coast tragedy. It is appropriate, as this resolution does, that we offer condolences for those who have suffered such great loss. It is appropriate that we do these things. I would suggest that there is another way that this House can extend itself in an appropriate fashion to offer further condolences and consolation.

We can console the people of the gulf coast with a plan for complete recovery, a new national recovery act, if you will, in that we can console the people of the gulf coast region with food, with shelter, with clothing and with health care. We need the Center for Disease Control to be tasked immediately with the responsibility of making sure that conditions that could create cholera or typhoid are met with the full resources of our government, and that we control any conditions that could create an outbreak of disease that would be even more devastating than the conditions we find right now.

We can console the people of the gulf coast with complete efforts to reconnect families. We have heard over and over again how families have been broken up. We have heard over and over again how people are desperately searching for loved ones. Only our Federal Government can be involved effectively in helping to bring about the reuniting of families.

We can use our resources and effectively console people with complete rebuilding of the infrastructure. We know and we have heard many stories of how there were many plans to repair the infrastructure or to shore it up so that people would be spared the devastation that occurred. We need to move forward from this point and commit ourselves to seeing the infrastructure and flood control programs brought forward, and also to make sure that all of the structures that have been destroyed that are public structures are rebuilt.

We can console the people of the States who have been affected by this tragedy by helping to lift people out of poverty, to make sure that the jobs that are created are jobs that are created for people who live in the area, to make sure that people are paid a living wage. The whole Nation saw the images of poverty reflected in the rising flood waters, but what we need to also show reflected is action from this Congress that would provide appropriate consolation for those who are mired in poverty.

We need to provide the resources that will rebuild the cities, that will provide jobs, and then we also can expect the cities to have responsibility then. One of the cruelest assertions that is occurring right now is certain Federal officials maintaining that local communities had the first responsibility in this regard. That is just not true. The Federal Government surely could have foreseen and taken action.

Well, now we can foresee the action that must be taken to rebuild communities. We can console the people with the health care system that would be expanded through Medicare so that people can not only receive the long-term care they are going to need but also the immediate short- term care that is vital to their survival.

We can console the people by providing appropriate environmental protections. Now we see the stories of pollution that was in New Orleans being pumped back into sources that are not polluted. We need to look at available technologies that can enable us to provide increased environmental protection in the immediate circumstances, while we are also trying to prepare for long-term environmental protection.

We can console the people by making sure their children will be educated during this time and setting up temporary schools.

We can console the people through letting them see their government finally at work and go from government inaction to seeing a government in action.

We can console the people by being there for them at once and repair the breach, not only that has occurred in a levee, but the breach of faith that people have had in their government.

This is the time for people to see their government in action, and I think that this Congress will provide effective consolation to the people when we take that position.

Mr. Speaker, this amount of money is only a fraction of what is needed and everyone here knows it. Let it go forward quickly with heart-felt thanks to those who are helping to save lives with necessary food, water, shelter, medical care and security. Congress must also demand accountability with the appropriations. Because until there are basic changes in the direction of this government, this tragedy will multiply to apocalyptic proportions.

The administration yesterday said that no one anticipated the breach of the levees. Did the administration not see or care about the 2001 FEMA warning about the risk of a devastating hurricane hitting the people of New Orleans? Did it not know or care that civil and Army engineers were warning for years about the consequences of failure to strengthen the flood control system? Was it aware or did it care that the very same administration, which decries the plight of the people today, cut from the budget tens of millions needed for Gulf-area flood control projects?

Countless lives have been lost throughout the South with a cost of hundreds of billions in ruined homes, businesses, and the destruction of an entire physical and social infrastructure.

The President said an hour ago that the Gulf Coast looks like it has been obliterated by a weapon. It has. Indifference is a weapon of mass destruction.

Our indifferent government is in a crisis of legitimacy. If it continues to ignore its basic responsibility for the health and welfare of the American people, will there ever be enough money to clean up after their indifference?

As our government continues to squander human and monetary resources of this country on the war, people are beginning to ask, ``Isn't it time we began to take care of our own people here at home? Isn't it time we rescued our own citizens? Isn't it time we fed our own people? Isn't it time we sheltered our own people? Isn't it time we provided physical and economic security for our own people?'' And isn't it time we stopped the oil companies from profiting from this tragedy?

We have plenty of work to do here at home. It is time for America to come home and take care of its own people who are drowning in the streets, suffocating in attics, dying from exposure to the elements, oppressed by poverty and illness, wracked with despair and hunger and thirst.

The time is now to bring back to the United States the 78,000 National Guard troops currently deployed overseas into the Gulf Coast region.

The time is now to bring back to the U.S. the equipment which will be needed for search and rescue, for clean up and reclamation.

The time is now for Federal resources, including closed Army bases, to be used for temporary shelter for those who have been displaced by the hurricane.

The time is now to plan massive public works, with jobs going to the people of the Gulf Coast States, to build new levees, new roads, bridges, libraries, schools, colleges and universities and to rebuild all public institutions, including hospitals. Medicare ought to be extended to everyone, so every person can get the physical and mental health care they might need as a result of the disaster.

The time is now for the Federal Government to take seriously the research of scientists who have warned for years about the dangers of changes in the global climate, and to prepare other regions of the country for other possible weather disasters until we change our disastrous energy policies.

The time is now for changes in our energy policy, to end the domination of oil and fossil fuel and to invest heavily in alternative energy, including wind and solar, geothermal and biofuels.

As bad as this catastrophe will prove to be, it is in fact only a warning. Our government must change its direction, it must become involved in making America a better place to live, a place where all may survive and thrive. It must get off the path of war and seek the path of peace, peace with the natural environment, peace with other nations, peace with a just economic system.

Mr. Speaker, the amount of money that the House just appropriated is only a fraction of what is needed, and all Members know that. Let it go forward quickly, with bipartisan cooperation and with heartfelt thanks to those helping to saving lives with necessary food, water, shelter, medical care and security.

Congress must also demand accountability with the appropriations because until there are basic changes in the direction of this government, this tragedy will multiply to apocalyptic proportions.

The administration said yesterday no one anticipated the breach of the levees. Did the administration not see or care about the 2001 FEMA warning about the risk of a devastating hurricane hitting the people of New Orleans? Did it not know or care that civil and Army engineers were warning for years about the consequences of failure to strengthen the flood control system? Was it aware or did it care that the very same administration which decries the plight of the people today cut from the budget tens of millions needed for Gulf area flood control projects?

Countless lives have now been lost throughout the South in the cost of hundreds of billions in ruined homes, businesses and the destruction of entire physical and social infrastructure.

The President said a couple of hours ago that the Gulf Coast looks like it has been obliterated by a weapon. It has. Indifference is a weapon of mass destruction. Our indifferent government is in a crisis of legitimacy. If it continues to ignore its basic responsibilities for the health and economic welfare of the American people, will there ever be enough money to clean up after their indifference?

As our government continues to squander the human and monetary resources of this country on the war, people are beginning to ask: Is it not time we begin to take care of our people here at home? Is it not time that we rescue our own citizens? Is it not time that we feed our own people? Is it not time that we shelter our own people? Is it not time that we provide physical and economic security for our own people? And is it not time that we stop the oil companies from profiting from this tragedy?

We have plenty of work to do here at home, and it is time for America to come home and take care of its own people who are drowning in the streets, suffocating in the attics, dying from exposure to the elements, oppressed by poverty and illness, racked with despair by hunger and thirst.

The time is now to bring back to the United States the 78,000 National Guard troops currently deployed overseas. Many of our troops are already stationed in the wrong Gulf.

The time is now to bring back to the U.S. the equipment needed to search and rescue for clean up and reclamation. The time is now for Federal resources, including closed Army bases, to be used for temporary shelter for those who have been displaced by the hurricane. The time is now to plan massive public works with jobs going to the people of the Gulf Coast States to build new levees, bridges, roads, libraries, schools, colleges and universities, and to rebuild all public institutions, including hospitals. Medicare ought to be extended to everyone so every person can get the physical and mental health care they need as a result of the disaster.

The time is now for the Federal Government to take seriously the research of scientists who have warned for years about the dangers of changes in the global climate, and to prepare other regions of the country for other possible weather disasters until we change our disastrous energy policies. The time is now to change our energy policies, to end the domination of oil and fossil fuel, and to invest heavily in alternative energy, including wind and solar, geothermal and biofuels.

As bad as this catastrophe will prove to be, it is in fact only a warning. Our government must change its direction. It must become involved in making America a better place to live, a place where all may survive and thrive. It must get off the path of war and seek the path of peace, peace with a natural environment, peace with other nations, peace through a just economic system.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit my testimony on Select Revenue Measures before the Committee on Ways and Means for the Record:

Thank you Chairman Camp and Ranking Member McNulty for

holding this important hearing. I would like to bring to your

attention a proposal I introduced last Congress, H.R. 3655,

the Progressive Tax Act of 2003, which will have a positive

impact on millions of taxpayers.

I think it is fair to say that all Members of Congress

believe we need to strive for a fair, simple, and adequate

tax system. We may disagree on how this has been

accomplished, but we have the same goals.

However, I think we can agree on the need for transparency.

Transparency in the tax system is necessary to achieve

fairness. Transparency permits the taxpayer to understand how

fairness is arrived in the tax code. A simplified tax code

can provide this transparency, which in turn provides a sense

of trust in the government.

This committee should enact my proposal to create a $2000

Simplified Family Credit, a refundable tax credit that

simplifies the tax code by consolidating the Earned Income

Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Credit,

and dependent exemption for children into one streamlined

Simplified Family Credit. This tax credit will simplify the

tax code, provide greater transparency, provide extra work

incentives, and provide a stimulus effect.

Families should not have to struggle to understand the

eligibility requirements for each of the various family tax

breaks in current law. All families should follow the same

set of rules.

The Simplified Family Credit is structured to provide

progressive tax benefits and a work incentive. The families

with lower income will get more benefit, but they are also

rewarded for work. The credit would be steeply phased in at

the lowest income levels providing the incentive to work and

a substantial benefit. As income rises a slow phase out would

be necessary to ensure we maintain a progressive tax system.

The cost of this proposal would fall in the range of $20

billion a year. Given our current deficit problems, I believe

that Congress should only create the Simplified Family Tax

Credit if it is paid for. In my legislation H.R. 3655, there

are several options to pay for this proposal including

rolling back parts of the tax cuts enacted in the last 5

years. Those tax cuts only added to the complexity of the tax

code and removed any remaining transparency.

Thank you for this opportunity to testify today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Nora Castle of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, upon the occasion of her retirement following thirty-two years of outstanding service in her role as champion of consumer rights, through radio and TV's consumer advocacy program, Call For Action. The work of Mrs. Castle has created a vital platform for countless consumers seeking justice throughout Northeast Ohio--consumers whose voices would otherwise not have been heard.

In 1978, Mrs. Castle was the point person for Call For Action at WERE radio, when Virgil Dominic, then News Director at TV-8, brought Mrs. Castle and the Call For Action program to television. Cleveland area residents flooded the lines with calls ranging in scope from the mundane, to serious issues concerning the health and safety of the community. Mrs. Castle's work consistently reflected diligence, integrity, and an unwavering search for consumer justice. Comfortable working behind the scenes, Mrs. Castle shied away from the spotlight of praise and accolades. Her focus on protecting the rights of consumers was consistent throughout her career, and she infused the same value, energy and commitment into every case, whether it involved an individual citizen or a Fortune 500 company. Her work brought these cases into the light of public discourse, and her advocacy enlightened legislators, ultimately prompting them to pass consumer protection laws on local, state and federal levels, including the Lemon Laws.

Beyond her career, Mrs. Castle's family and faith have always been central to her life: her husband, William; son, Peter; daughter, Amy; grandson, Aidan; and the memory of her daughter, Kate. Mrs. Castle's strength, faith and love for her family are extended throughout the community, where she continues to share her time, talents and energy with others. She and her family are long-time members of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, where she serves as an officer with the Fairmount Women's Guild. Mrs. Castle taught Sunday school at the church for more than twenty-five years, and was also a twenty-five year volunteer at the Natural History Museum.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Nora Castle, for her outstanding work in protecting the rights of thousands of consumers across Northeast Ohio. Mrs. Castle's unwavering dedication as wife, mother, grandmother, co-worker, mentor, teacher, volunteer and friend, framed by her energy, wit, and above all, her concern for others, has uplifted the lives of countless individuals, bringing the light of justice throughout our community. As she journeys onward, I wish Mrs. Castle and her family an abundance of peace, health and happiness, today, and in all the years to come.