Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as I began to consider the comments I would make during this debate tonight on the occupation, escalation and gravitation of the U.S. military action in Iraq, I concluded that my visit to this well must somehow echo the threat and frustration of the people who sent me to represent them in the people's House.

Tomorrow, the United States of America should begin a massive and voter-mandated salvaging operation in Iraq. Yes, as bad as conditions have gotten, there are important and valuable things that could be salvaged. A tarnished international image clings to a nation like a shadow to a human being. It follows a nation to the next

world crisis. It cannot be blamed for faulty intelligence, and it spoils opportunities to influence a world desperate for direction. Henceforth, we must conduct our foreign policy in a manner which salvages our sunken international image.

Because of the way we launched a long-range military action in Iraq, our prestige among the community of nations has surely suffered. Nothing deflates as a punctured international image. We can salvage our image not only by de-escalating in Iraq but also by reestablishing desperately needed dialogue with all the sovereign nations in the neighborhood with Iraq. It takes many, many people, and not just one to put a policy together.

Now, with regard to peace in the Middle East, it has become crystal clear that the United States cannot whistle a symphony.

It will take an orchestra of many international players willing to make music in the same key. The days of the international soloist or a conductor without an orchestra are past. We must salvage our relationship with the family of nations. We must salvage what is left of our Treasury.

Mr. Speaker, for most Americans war does not pay, but it must be paid for. And, to date, we have spent billions and billions of dollars that could have been spent for valuable programs to set this Nation on the right course. We must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands of brave young U.S. soldiers have been killed, and Iraqis are dying weekly by the hundreds. If this conflict continues, there will be only two classes of young people, one half in graves, the other half in hospitals.

Some have said this conflict will last for decades. Nevertheless, that kind of policy or lack thereof has caused young Americans to ask: Will we ever see the last of this war, or will it see the last of us?

The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. The general manager, Carl Peterson, would never go to the sports editors of the local media and admonish them not to criticize the game plan of Coach Herman Edwards, because to do so would demoralize the players. Such a warning by the general manager would be ludicrous, if not loony. Why? Because the players of the Kansas City Chiefs are professionals who cannot be so easily defamed. And, friends, neither can the men and women who form the fiercest fighting force in the history of this planet.

After all the ethnic and sectarian human butchering, after all the billions spent, after all the children of God killed, after all the maimed who have been hospitalized, after all the dissenters who have been heard, after all the purple thumbs that have been raised, the war drum still throbs, the sabers still rattle, and the blood still flows. Yet, we can salvage the soul of the Nation, even though at this hour we seem to have lost our way.

Tomorrow, this Congress must adopt House Concurrent Resolution 63 as bold and beckoning to begin salvage operations.

Mr. Speaker, as I began to consider the comments I would make during the debate on the occupation, escalation, and gravitation of the U.S. military action in Iraq, I concluded that my visit to this well must somehow echo the fret and frustration of the people who sent me to represent them in The People's House.

For more than 132 years, the steamboat Arabia lay beneath the fathoms of the waters of the mighty Missouri River. Not until Bob and Florence Howley committed their life savings to a massive salvaging operation, did the rusting of this once stately riverboat cease. Today, the salvaged cargo of this retrieved vessel is on display in Kansas City's Historic River Market. Since I first walked into the Arabia Steamboat Museum in 1992, I have become a serious supporter of salvage operations. Anything of great value that is lost or damaged is worth salvaging.

Tomorrow, the United States of America should begin a massive and voter-mandated salvaging operation in Iraq. Yes, as bad as conditions have gotten, there are important and valuable things that can be salvaged.

A tarnished international image clings to a nation like a shadow to a human being. It follows a nation to the next world crisis, it cannot be blamed for faulty intelligence, and it spoils opportunities to influence a world desperate for direction. Henceforth, we must conduct our foreign policy in a manner which salvages our sunken international image. Because of the way we launched a Lone Ranger military action in Iraq, our prestige among the community of nations has surely suffered. Nothing deflates as fast as a punctured international image. We can salvage our image not only by de-escalating in Iraq, but also by re- establishing desperately needed dialogue with all the sovereign nations in the neighborhood of Iraq. With regard to peace in the Middle East, it has become crystal clear that the U.S. cannot whistle a symphony. It will take an orchestra of many international players willing to make music in the same key. The days of the international soloist, or a conductor without an orchestra, are past. We must salvage our relationship with the family of nations.

We must salvage what is left of our treasury. Mr. Speaker, for most Americans, war does not pay, but it must be paid for. To date, we have appropriated $380 billion for the armed conflict in Iraq, and the President has requested an additional $142 billion in the FY08 supplemental. With this amount of money, we could have fully funded No Child Left Behind and the COPS program (which places badly needed police on the streets in high crime neighborhoods). We must salvage respect from our noble veterans who, today, are outraged that they are showered with praise when they are in battle but blasted with neglect when they return home. Soon enough, they will discover that the President's recently submitted budget raises fees on veterans for their health costs by $355 million in FY08, $2.3 billion over 5 years, and $4.9 billion over 10 years. Those who serve--deserve!

We must salvage soldiers. Yes, thousands of brave young U.S. soldiers have been killed, and Iraqis are dying weekly by the hundreds. If this conflict continues, there will be only two classes of young people: one half in graves and the other half in hospitals. Some have said that this conflict will last for decades. Nevertheless, that kind of policy, or lack thereof, has caused young Americans to ask, ``Will we ever see the last of this war, or will it see the last of us?''

Let me address a part of this debate which has frustrated me because of its defective logic. Over and over again, many of my honorable colleagues have stood behind this distinguished desk and warned that the debate on House Concurrent Resolution 63 will demoralize our troops in Iraq. Nothing could be further from the truth. I will never accept the premise that U.S. troops are demoralized by the debate in a democracy. The President's stated goal in Iraq is to aid in creating a nation where citizens and public officials can debate in a robust democracy. And then to denounce debate in The People's House as demeaning or damaging? My friends, that denigrates the democracy we so proudly extol and that our troops valiantly fight to defend. We cannot lead others to the light while we stand in the dark.

The Kansas City Chiefs is my team. The General Manager, Carl Peterson, would never go to the sports editors of the local media and admonish them not to criticize the game plan of Coach Herman Edwards because it will demoralize the players. Such a warning by the General Manager would be ludicrous if not loonie. Why? Because the players of the Kansas City Chiefs are professionals who cannot be so easily defanged. And friends, neither can the men and women who form the fiercest fighting force in the history of Planet Earth.

After all the ethnic and sectarian human butchering, after all the billions spent, after all the children of God killed, after all the maimed who have been hospitalized, after all the dissenters who have been heard, after all the purple thumbs have been raised, the war drum is still throbbing, the sabers are still rattling and the blood is still flowing. Yet, we can salvage the soul of the nation even though at this hour we seem to have lost our way. Tomorrow, this Congress must adopt House Concurrent Resolution 63 as a bold beckoning to begin salvage operation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Larry Stewart, more affectionately known as ``Secret Santa.'' He passed away January 12 of this year of complications from cancer of the esophagus. For 27 years during the Christmas season, he anonymously gave away more than 1.3 million dollars in cash to those that needed it most. Although he was a resident of Lee's Summit, Missouri in my Fifth Congressional district and was known as ``Secret Santa'' in the Kansas City area, he distributed his ``gifts'' from east coast to west coast and many areas of the country in between.

He went to New York during the holiday season of 2001. He distributed $25,000 in $100 bills to the people of New York City who were still feeling the devastation of September 11. In 2002, he distributed cash ``gifts'' in the Virginia area which was reeling from sniper attacks. In 2003, he visited the San Diego area which was being damaged by fires. And in 2004, he went to Florida where Larry gave nearly $30,000 to those who had suffered damage from the hurricane. As can be seen, this man's generosity touched many of my colleagues' Congressional Districts. He also traveled to the Washington, D.C. area, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Mississippi, the state of his birth.

Following the gifts in New York City, he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show where he wore a Santa Claus costume to protect his identity. Only his family, and a handful of local law enforcement and fire officials knew his real identity, hence the name ``Secret Santa.'' Even though I was the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri for 8 years during his gift giving escapades, I did not know who he was, and there was quite a bit of talk of who really was Secret Santa. As I said before, his ``gifts'' were of cash to the less fortunate. They were gifts from his heart and were never taken as a tax deduction. Much of the money he gave away was to people he saw on the street, at pool halls, pawn shops, and Laundromats--he went where the people were.

This last holiday season, Larry came forward to reveal his real identity. For 26 years he was known only as ``Secret Santa,'' but he received word that the tabloids were about to announce who he really was. His final holiday season, he was able to give away $100,000 in memory of his late friend, the legendary ``Buck'' O'Neil, who had passed away in October 2006. This amount was increased by an additional $75,000 from ``elves'' who had come forward to carry on his program.

Larry was a member of the Crime Commission Board, the Foundation Board for the St. Luke's Hospital, the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council, the Board of Directors of S.A.F.E., and the Eastern Jackson County Youth Court.

Madam Speaker, please join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to his adult children, sons Joe, John, and Mark Stewart, as well as daughter Kimberly Stewart, and his many relatives and friends. He was a shining example of humanity and kindness. He gave of himself and asked nothing in return. I urge my colleagues to please join me in conveying our gratitude to his family for sharing this great man with us, and to accept our condolences for their tremendous loss. He was an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, let me, first of all, say that, for the most part, this discussion has gone on without name calling, although it has happened once today, and so I want to start out by saying, I am coming to this floor to make a point, and not an accusation.

It is important for me to say because there are words used here, morality and moral and ethical, and in the last election, in my State, the word religion was used with this discussion because stem cell research was on the ballot.

I want to say very clearly, there is no conflict between religion and science. There was a man by the name of Paul who visited Turkey, and while in a city called Ephesus, he learned the people, went back and wrote a letter to them. And he said, ``Now Glory be to God who, by his mighty power at work within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires thoughts or hopes.''

Science is but another word for hope. And hope stands on tippy toes looking for healing, looking for cures, searching for the ideal.

I will not be a hopeless pessimist. I realize that whenever we are able to use the scientific advancements, that we are not becoming the enemies of faith, but rather it is another way to praise God and his constantly evolving creation.

Now, there was a great Baptist clergyman by the name of Harry Emerson Fosdick, and in his book, ``The Modern Use of the Bible,'' he says, ``If there are fresh things to learn concerning the physical universe, let us have them, that we may find deeper meaning when we say `The heavens declare the glory of God.' ''

Now, it is my hope that we will not be as troglodytic as our ancestors who refused to peer through the lens of Galileo's telescope; that we are men and women who will do every single thing we can to bring about whatever we can, within our human powers, to cure the beastly diseases that wreak havoc in the lives of Americans and people all over this country.

Should science succeed in fulfilling the much vaunted optimism expressed by advocates of stem cell therapy, much of the credit should go to the community of faith.

Because I accept the Holy Bible as the inspired and interminable Word of God, I consider myself to be a Christian fundamentalist. I accept, as an inseparable component of my faith, the omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience of God. Therefore, I am baffled by my fellow fundamentalists who seem to be utterly opposed to and terror-stricken by the advancement of science, including stem-cell research. The propagation of knowledge and the dismantling of the boundless awe- inspiring mysteries of God's world are viewed by some in our faith as a foreboding foray toward undermining and diminishing the glory of the Creator. However, the opposite is true. When the human intellect makes strides that sets the world agog, it is God, from whom all knowledge stems, who is honored. Let us keep in mind that scientific advancement is not an enemy of faith, but yet another way to praise God and His constantly evolving creation.

Contemporary men and women of faith, as always, stand at the crossroads. In a real sense, religion has always been impelled to wage war in some area or another. The pressing question is shall we march across the battlefields of faith with open arms toward the magnificent revelations of God's great truths, or, do we use our inherent power and influence to signal a retreat from the bright and simmering sunshine of expanding scientific scholarship. The potential life-saving issue of stem cell research is before us. The scepter is in the hands of the enlightened community of believers. Our failure to speak out on the medical need for stem-cell research will allow earnest but erroneous or misguided souls who wish to constrain such study to force us back to a time when the faithful waged its fiery finger of scorn at the irreverence of scientific inquiry. Like the majority of people of faith, I totally reject the notion that today's community of believers are as troglodytic as our ancestors who refused to peer through the lens of Galileo's telescope. Nonetheless, this is a testing time.

Doctor Harry Emerson Fosdick, the legendary Baptist clergyman of the first half of the 20th century, profoundly addresses the issue of flowering faith in his wonderfully inspiring book, The Modern Use of the Bible: ``If there are fresh things to learn concerning the physical universe, let us have them, that we may find deeper meaning when we say, `The heavens declare the glory of God.' ''

Should science succeed in fulfilling the much vaunted optimism expressed by advocates of stem-cell therapy, much of the credit should go to the community of faith. Every experiment that leads to greater medical breakthroughs is a discernible display of the earthly presence of God and of the presence of particles of His divinity in us.

Mr. Speaker, in 1935, that old wild-eyed liberal, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, put forth a proposal to increase or to establish a minimum wage. It was 25 cents an hour. Mr. Speaker, we are now closing out 2006, and for 9 years, this Congress has failed to increase the minimum wage. Democrats strongly believe that no one in this country who works hard at a full-time job should have to live in poverty, unable to provide for their children.

On the current minimum wage they can earn only $10,700 a year. That is shameful. It is close to being sinful. During the past year, we took the message to the American people. On November 7, they responded overwhelmingly by electing the Democratic majority to Congress.

Mr. Speaker, the Democratic majority in the next Congress will not let the American people down. Within the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress, we will pass a pay increase for the workers who need it most.

Madam Speaker, last week, the American people spoke loudly and clearly. They want a change here in Washington, and they want Democrats and Republicans to work together to solve the problems they confront on a daily basis. During the campaign this year, Democrats promised to change the tone of the debate here in Washington, and work cooperatively on behalf of all Americans.

Because we will not be the party of anger politics, Democrats will honor our pledge. We will treat the Republicans in the minority in a manner compatible with the interests of the voting public. In the past, Democrats have been shut out of the debate. This is not how a Democratic form of government is supposed to work.

But the campaign is over, and we are not going to focus on the past. Democrats pledge, therefore, to preside over the most open and honest Congress in history. We want to pass solid ethics legislation that the public is actually demanding. We are here to represent only our constituents, and we need to make that clear.

Madam Speaker, change is coming to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to personally cast votes today because I was attending a memorial service for SFC Michael Fuga. Sergeant Fuga was killed September 9, 2006 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Sgt. Fuga was assigned to the Missouri National Guard's 35th Special Troops Battalion based in St. Joseph, MO. He and his family made Independence, in the district I am proud to serve, their home. Sgt. Fuga was 47 and had spent 28 years of his life in the Army. At the time of his death, he was training Afghan armed forces to help bring peace and stability to a nation that has known neither for decades.

SGM James Schulte, who was in charge of Sergeant Fuga's deployment said, ``He was a true patriot and a great family man. I am truly honored to have known and served with him.'' We should all be so lucky to have something like that be said of us when we are gone.

Sergeant Fuga volunteered to extend his time in Afghanistan because, his family says, he was committed to defeating those who attacked our Nation 5 years ago this week. Each day we are blessed to live under the freedoms which Sergeant Fuga and his colleagues in the Armed Forces so bravely serve to protect and ensure.

Sergeant Fuga leaves behind his wife and 12-year-old daughter.

I do not take the decision to miss votes lightly, but hope I can provide Sergeant Fuga's family some comfort on what will be a difficult night.

Today, the House of Representatives debated and voted on H.R. 6166-- Military Commissions Act.

Republicans tried to paint those who were not in favor of the bill as being soft on bringing terrorists to justice and meting out just punishment. They implied that those who were not in favor of the measure were trivializing the heinous crimes perpetrated against American citizens and service members.

They refused to allow an open debate by suppressing thoughtful and germane amendments designed to strengthen the intent of the legislation. Once again they rushed through a piece of bad legislation written to appease an administration stubbornly determined on doling out justice as it sees fit. I am disheartened by the lack of importance this administration places on human rights, on due process, and on upholding the Constitution of these United States.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to personally cast votes today because I was attending a memorial service for Sergeant First Class (SFC) Michael Fuga.

Had I been present for rollcall vote 487, a motion to adjourn, I would have voted ``nay'';

For rollcall 488, a motion ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for consideration of H.R. 6166, the Military Commissions Act, I would have voted ``nay''.

For rollcall 489, on agreeing to the H. Res. 1042, the Rule for consideration of H.R. 6166, I would have voted ``nay'';

For rollcall 490, the Skelton motion to recommit H.R. 6166 to establish a process for

expedited judicial review and require a reauthorization of the Act after December 31, 2009 or three year sunset, I would have voted yea;

For rollcall 491, on passage of H.R. 6166, the Military Commissions Act, I would have voted nay;

For rollcall 492, on passage of H.R. 5637, the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2006, I would have voted yea;

For rollcall 493, on passage of H.R. 6115, the Mark-to-Market Extension Act of 2006, I would have voted yea;

For rollcall 494, on passage of S. 2856, the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006, I would have voted yea.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, when I landed here in Washington, I received a phone call almost immediately from my brother- in-law in St. Louis who said somewhat jokingly, ``I sure hope you will do something for America this week.'' And all I could think about was, ``I do, too.'' Because, unfortunately, we are not doing much for America.

We should not leave this town this week without passing legislation to implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendations so we can make our Nation safer. Congress shouldn't leave without raising the minimum wage for 6.6 million Americans who haven't seen a raise in 9 years. We shouldn't leave without rolling back the $12 billion in tax breaks that were showered on big oil companies last year.

The history books are not going to be kind to this Congress. With a 25 percent approval rating, it seems to me that one way to raise it would be to do something.

Mr. Speaker, during this Hispanic Heritage Month, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Americans of Hispanic descent in my District. Joe and Ramona Arce, owners of Arce Communications, Inc., which publishes the Kansas City Hispanic News, are celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the start of their local Hispanic publication. On September 16, 1996, the Arce family: Joe, Ramona, their daughters, Lisa and Rachel, along with the assistance of family friends, Jesus Ortiz and Kathleen Cruden, set out on their journey of providing informative local news on topics of interest for the growing Latino community in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area with their first ten page bilingual newsprint.

Mr. Joe Arce--a product of Kansas City, Missouri's Westside neighborhood, a proud long-standing Mexican-American neighborhood--has a long history of civic involvement and long been known as an advocate of the Latino community, having served on the Boards of many local non- profit organizations, such as the Guadalupe Centers, the Hispanic Media Association, and the Center for Management Assistance. He has also served on Advisory Boards, including with the Cabot Westside Clinic and Heart of America United Way. With over 25 years of news experience, both as a cameraman and reporter at WDAF-TV Channel 4, Joe and his family envisioned the formation of a new vehicle by which they could ``transmit'' the stories of local people as opposed to those carried in the mainstream metropolitan papers. I am proud of the Arce family's accomplishment, by reaching their goal of providing in-depth stories to the readership of the Greater Kansas City Area. The Kansas City Hispanic News has emerged as an important link between the local Latino community and the general public. Joe and Ramona Arce have demonstrated how a passion to obtain newsworthy information and a motivation to distribute valuable information can improve a community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the 109th Congress please join me in saluting the Arce Family and the Kansas City Hispanic News for their years of dedicated service to the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Joe and Ramona, thank you for all your hard work in providing a quality newspaper for our community and congratulations on your 10th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the Record to reflect that

on September 14, 2006, I was unavoidably detained. Mr. Speaker, had I been present for:

Rollcall vote 441 on the Scott amendment to H.R. 2965, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act, I would have voted ``nay'';

Rollcall vote 442 on the Scott amendment to H.R. 2965, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act, I would have voted ``nay'';

Rollcall vote 443 on final passage of H.R. 2965, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act I would have voted ``yea'';

Rollcall vote 444 on the Thompson/Reyes Motion to Recommit H.R. 6061, the U.S./Mexico Border Fence Bill, I would have voted ``yea'';

Rollcall vote 445, final passage of the U.S./Mexico Border Fence Bill, I would have voted ``nay'';

Rollcall vote 446, the Melancon Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2864, the Water Resources Development Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of the achievements of Mr. Fred Curls, a pioneer for civil and political rights, and a resident of the Fifth District of Missouri, which I am honored to represent. This week, Mr. Curls is to be inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame during a reception as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, an event held to honor the achievements of African-Americans who have made significant contributions to Missouri. He is one of the original Founders of Freedom Incorporated, an African-American political organization which at one time could generate nearly 70,000 votes. Freedom Inc. was and has been very influential in delivering votes for a candidate or a cause.

The organization has been at the forefront in serving as a catalyst for change in civil rights, public accommodations, and the election of candidates at all levels of government. Its office has been visited by City Councilpersons, Mayors, Governors, Congresspersons, Senators, and persons with Presidential aspirations. For nearly forty-five years, Mr. Curls has dedicated his life to the Greater Kansas City community, promoting and improving political empowerment and civil rights of people of color. His son, State Senator Phil B. Curls, Sr. was the President of Freedom Inc. when I was Chairman. It was a period when Freedom Inc. was recognized as one of the most potent political organizations in the United States and brought about the election of the first African-American Congressman from the Fifth District of Missouri, U.S. Representative Alan Wheat.

Since the mid-1950's, Mr. Curls has been involved in real estate sales and appraisals, most notably in the African American community of Kansas City. He fought against ``restrictive covenants'' whereby residential homes could not be sold in certain areas to minorities. He was part of a class action lawsuit which resulted in the United States Supreme Court outlawing such covenants.

In all of his activities, he demonstrates his dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. He is actively involved with his high school graduating class, the ``Class of 1937,'' which has been very close to this day. They have started the Lincoln High Alumni Association which gives scholarships to deserving young adults to go to college. He was recently honored by Jackson County, Missouri as one of its ``Legacy Awardees'' for its 175th anniversary as a political subdivision.

Throughout his life, he has believed in the saying ``make it happen.'' He has put his principles to practice, and the effects of his efforts have ``made it happen'' throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

For those reasons and more, it is indeed an honor and privilege to recognize Mr. Fred Curls at the Missouri Walk of Fame reception, hosted by myself and fellow Missourian, U.S. Representative William Lacy Clay of St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, just as this body has honored Dr. Martin Luther King as an outspoken pioneer and one of the historians of the civil rights struggle, and has honored Buck O'Neill was one of the historians for those who toiled in the Negro Leagues rather than the Major Leagues, we should now give honor to Fred Curls as one of the historians of Kansas City's African-American political struggle. He was active in promoting equality, elevating African-Americans from a second class citizenship to a first class citizenship to be recognized by all. Whatever we, as African-Americans, may attain in the political arena, Fred Curls, and those who labored to act on our behalf as political pioneers, have helped to change the course of history. In the year that this 109th Congress has approved the extension of the Voting Rights Act, it is with great pride that we honor one of our active, long-time heroes with this Missouri Walk of Fame. Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to Mr. Fred Curls and his endless commitment to serving the residents of the State of Missouri. He is a true role model not just to the African-American community in Missouri, but to the entire community at large.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of the achievements of Dr. Gayle Holliday, an important resident of the Fifth District of Missouri, which I am honored to represent. This week, Dr. Holliday is to be inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame during a reception as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, an event held to honor the achievements of African-Americans who have made significant contributions to Missouri. I had the privilege of nominating Gayle for the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses' Celebration of Leadership Unsung Hero Award. While this award carries no monetary prize, it is no less a testament to her devotion to bettering our area. For more than 35 years, Gayle has dedicated her life to the Greater Kansas City community, promoting and improving socio-economic conditions, political empowerment and civil rights of people of color.

Dr. Holliday holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Masters in Public Administration, and a Ph.D. in Management and Applied Technology. She is the President and Owner of G & H Consulting, LLC, which has been in business for more than 10 years, helping clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors with strategic planning and business plan development. She was recently appointed by Jackson County, Missouri to oversee the minority and women hiring by contractors and subcontractors for the Truman Sports Complex renovation, which is home of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Additionally, under President Bill Clinton, Gayle was selected as one of a small group of individuals to represent the transportation industry on the President's transition team.

Civically, Dr. Holliday serves on twelve boards in the Greater Kansas City Area with varied interests such as healthcare, education, economic development, and diversity in such areas as race, sex, and religion. Through these community activities, Gayle amasses more than 70 hours of community service each month. She is also a member of the church I pastor, St. James United Methodist Church, and finds time to serve as chair of the Pastor Parish Staff Relations Committee. In all of her activities, she demonstrates her dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. Her high energy pace translates directly to the results she is able to obtain for the benefit of all in the Greater Kansas City Area. Regardless of whether she is in the trenches or the boardroom, her poise and thoughtfulness is ever present.

Throughout her life, Dr. Gayle Holliday has exercised a tireless belief in the principle of putting ``others'' before ``self.'' She has put her principles to practice, and the effects of her efforts can be felt throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

For those reasons and more, it is indeed an honor and privilege to recognize Dr. Holliday at the Missouri Walk of Fame reception, hosted by myself and fellow Missourian, U.S. Representative William Lacy Clay of St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to Dr. Gayle Holliday and her endless commitment to serving the residents of the State of Missouri. She is a true role model not just to the African-American community in Missouri, but to the entire African- American community at large. May her success serve as a stepping stone for many other African-Americans eager to be just as successful in their endeavors. While it is but a small acknowledgement for all of the work she has done, it is a heartfelt gesture, taking strength from the myriad lives she has touched in our hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of the achievements of Mr. Peter Yelorda, a person who has spent nearly 35 years as a leader in the corporate and public sector, and a resident of the Fifth District of Missouri, which I am honored to represent. This week, Mr. Yelorda is to be inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame during a reception as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, an event held to honor the achievements of African-Americans who have made significant contributions to Missouri.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Science from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan specializing in Public Policy, Community and National Planning and Development. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and has served in that capacity for nine years. In his role as a senior executive at his company, Peter is one of the highest ranking African-American executives in the Greater Kansas City Area. Prior to joining Blue Cross Blue Shield, he was Assistant City Manager of the City of Kansas City, Missouri while I was Mayor.

Civically, Peter serves on nine boards in the Greater Kansas City Area, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees, Urban League, and others. He serves as the Chairperson for the Full Employment Council, Chairman of the TIF Commission and Co-Chair of the Downtown Economic Stimulus Authority. In addition, he serves as the Chair of the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation, the not-for- profit entity organized to revitalize the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Under Peter's leadership, senior housing, a restaurant, and young adult housing were born. Mr. Yelorda is respected by business and community activists alike. Through these activities, Peter spends a considerable amount of time in service to the community each month. In all of his activities, he demonstrates his dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. Regardless of his leadership role, he always conducts himself with dedication, poise, and thoughtfulness, being mindful of all concerns.

For those reasons and more, it is indeed an honor and privilege to recognize Mr. Peter Yelorda at the Missouri Walk of Fame reception, hosted by myself and fellow Missourian, U.S. Representative Wm. Lacy Clay of St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to Peter and his endless commitment to serving the residents of the State of Missouri. He is a true role model not just to the African-American community in Missouri, but to the entire community at large. May his success serve as a stepping stone for many other African-Americans eager to be just as successful in their endeavors. While it is but a small acknowledgement for all of the work he has done, it is a heartfelt gesture, taking strength from the myriad lives he has touched in our hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of the achievements of Reverend Doctor Nelson ``Fuzzy'' Thompson, a minister, humanitarian, community activist, and a resident of the Fifth District of Missouri, which I am honored to represent. This week, Rev. Thompson is to be inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame during a reception as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, an event held to honor the achievements of African- Americans who have made significant contributions to Missouri.

Rev. Thompson graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and received a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at St. Paul School of Theology.

Rev. Thompson's reputation as a community leader extends beyond the local or national level, but is inclusive of the international community. He was one of 22 U.S. ministers that traveled to South Africa on a fact finding educational exchange, at the request of Bishop Desmond Tutu, President Nelson Mandela, and the South African Council of Churches. ``Fuzzy,'' as he is affectionately known, was one of three U.S. ministers to conduct Easter services for U.S. hostages held in Tehran, Iran in 1980. He was also one of 17 U.S. ministers and activists who served as official observers for the first election ever held in South Africa that allowed the right to vote to all races. He said it was a humbling experience seeing people lining up the night before and standing for blocks in order to exercise their right to vote for the first time.

``Fuzzy'' is currently President of the Kansas City Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He has served on multiple boards, including as Chairman of the Nominating Committee for Freedom Incorporated and as a member for the Black Adoption Program and Services, and Human Rights Commission of Kansas City, Missouri.

For those reasons and more, it is indeed an honor and privilege to recognize ``Rev. Fuzzy'' at the Missouri Walk of Fame reception,

hosted by myself and fellow Missourian, U.S. Representative Wm. Lacy Clay of St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to Reverend Dr. Nelson Thompson and his endless commitment to serving the residents of the State of Missouri. He is a true role model not just to the African-American community in Missouri, but to the entire community at large. May his success serve as a stepping stone for many other African-Americans eager to be just as successful in their endeavors. While it is but a small acknowledgement for all of the work he has done, it is a heartfelt gesture, taking strength from the many lives he has touched in our hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the students and advisors of the Central Missouri State University's Aviation Youth Academy Summer Camp. On Saturday, July 29, 2006, they will celebrate their inaugural graduating class. This camp provides inner-city youth with a unique perspective on potential careers available in aviation. The youth academy has a total of 27 members in the camp, all from the Kansas City metropolitan area, of which, two are graduating this year.

The Aviation Youth Summer Camp focuses on introducing diverse, multicultural, and under-represented children to aviation, by providing hands-on knowledge and exposure to both aeronautical science and flight training. The camp fosters the personal development of leadership, character, physical health, and academic achievement. Their goal is to train the youth of today for the opportunities of tomorrow.

The Aviation Youth Academy Summer Camp is a 7-day residential camp taught by Central Missouri State University's aviation faculty and certified flight instructors. The camp fosters many practical activities with motivational speakers, team-building exercises, diversity training, and exposure to a collegiate environment and academic programs.

Camp participants strive to achieve their goals through collaboration with experts in the field of aviation, including those in the Central Missouri State University Aviation Department. Each student will leave equipped with the knowledge of what is recommended in a high school curriculum in order to study aviation at the college level.

In addition, participants obtain information about college applications, scholarships, and financial aid applications.

Saturday, July 29, 2006, marks a tremendous triumph for the program as the first two students to complete the 3-year program will graduate. Those two students are Brandon Smith, who will be a senior this year at Lee's Summit West High School, and Markhum Rucker, who will be a senior at Heart of America Charter School. They both plan to attend college, benefiting from strong parental support and a great interest in aviation.

These two graduates and the remaining participants honor the noble tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen who walked before them. It was in the skies above Europe over 50 years ago that those brave men fought for equality abroad while lacking it at home. Among those speaking during the Aviation Youth Academy's summer program included Mr. Ormer Rogers, Jr., past president of the Heart of America Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and Harvey McCormick and Harvey Bayliss, two of the original Tuskegee Airmen.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our congratulations to the participants of the Aviation Youth Academy Summer Camp and the faculty and staff of Central Missouri State University for dedicating their time and services to the inner-city youth of Kansas City. It is essential for members of the Aviation Youth Academy and other youth organizations to be celebrated and commended for their work. Today, the 109th Congress honors them for their achievements.