Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I could not resist speaking this morning on this amendment that promotes, in my opinion, family values. The budget instructions call for $4.3 billion in cuts in education. How does that reflect family values? It calls for a $69 billion reduction in health care programs like Medicaid and food stamps. I as a parent and as a Member of this body would hope that the majority would see the wisdom in adopting the Obey amendment.

Mr. Chairman, my opposition to the war in Iraq and criticism of the Administration's rationale for engaging our troops in this conflict have been well documented. As U.S. casualties mount, it is my hope that the Administration will craft a plan to facilitate the timely withdrawal of our forces. For this reason, I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 35 which calls on the President to do so.

But in the meantime, despite these reservations, the cold, hard truth of the matter is that our soldiers are in Iraq not because they choose, but because they have been ordered there. And they are under fire every day. We must make every possible effort to ensure that our troops return home safely to their families.

The legislation before us today provides $51 million for ``up- armored'' Humvees which protect soldiers from anti-tank mines and armor-piercing munitions. It appropriates $611 million for add-on vehicle armor kits which provide critical protection to drivers and crews against attacks from Iraqi insurgents. Also included is $50 million for the radio jammers that are installed in our vehicles to prevent attempts by insurgents to explode remote controlled bombs and mines as our troops drive by.

This measure also provides critical increases in financial support to the families of our fallen soldiers. H.R. 1268 increases the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $100,000. This benefit provides an immediate cash payment to assist survivors of deceased members of the armed services. It also increases government subsidized life insurance benefits from $250,000 to $400,000.

The legislation also provides crucial assistance for emergency situations overseas. It would give $656 million in direct assistance for tsunami disaster relief for countries devastated by the December 26, 2004 earthquake and tsunami. In addition, $92 million in emergency funds are provided to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan where egregious ethnic cleansing has been occurring. Tens of thousands of men, women, and children have been killed during the violence and thousands more die every month in camps housing the nearly 2 million people who have fled their homes. $150 million in emergency food aid, mostly for Sudan and war-ravaged Liberia, was included in committee.

With a recent glimmer of hope and improved chances for a resolution in the Middle East, the bill provides $200 million for the West Bank and Gaza to help the forces for peace seize this opportunity. This includes $50 million for road and water infrastructure improvements, $50 million to improve the flow of people and goods into Israel, $24 million for trade promotion and capacity building, $20 million for schools and community centers, $16 million for democracy and rule of law programs, $15 million for agriculture production and marketing, and $13 million for health care.

Mr. Chairman, while I continue to have grave concerns about the President's war in Iraq, on balance this bill provides funds that will help protect our men and women under fire, gives additional help to the families of those who will never return home, helps consolidate the tentative gains in Israel and the Palestinian areas, and aids the peoples of other nations who face dire crises abroad. For these reasons, I will cast my vote in favor of the measure.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 53, 54 and 55, question before the House on March 8, 2005 I did not cast votes due to inclement weather wherein my flight to Washington, D.C. was cancelled. My alternate transportation did not convey me here in a timely manner. Had I been present I would have vote ``aye'' on rollcalls 53, 54 and 55.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 16, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the Whitnall Summit Company, being honored by the West Allis- West Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce as 2004 Company of the Year.

Whitnall Summit was established just ten years ago with a plan to acquire segments of the former Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing property in West Allis. Allis-Chalmers had been one of the main drivers of the local economy in West Allis, providing thousands of jobs along with a community identity. When a physical plant the size of Allis-Chalmers closes, the impact on the community is both monetary and psychological. Manufacturing job losses have cost our communities good-paying, family- supporting jobs, along with a strong revenue base. The loss of Allis Chalmers hit hard.

Great companies inspire a community's pride and empty buildings hurt the spirit of a city.

Thanks to Whitnall Summit, West Allis is participating in a ``re- urbanization'' as these large empty buildings have been rehabilitated. Further, those buildings are now occupied with retail and offices, community-based organizations and indoor parking. In 10 short years, Whitnall Summit with strong support from the city's TIF district, has converted factory buildings into 300,000 square feet of office space, all leased, with a large parking structure nearing completion.

I congratulate Whitnall Summit for its success and it's collaboration with the city of West Allis in returning this site to an opportunity for growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Jim Mejchar, retiring President of the West Allis- West Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce in February 2005. Mr. Mejchar served in that position for 9 years.

Mr. Mejchar has resided in West Allis for over 40 years, and served on the West Allis police force for 27 years, retiring as a Police Captain. Further, he worked as a Community Development Officer for the Tri-City Bank.

Jim represents a commitment to which we should all aspire, the willingness to get involved and give back to his city. Mr. Mejchar has a firm dedication to community service as demonstrated by his participation on a number of committees and organizations, including: City of West Allis' Block Grant Committee, West Allis Historical Society, West Allis Business Improvement Board and Central Committee, Wisconsin State Fair Board, the West Allis Strategic Planning Committee and West Allis Media Committee Board. Currently he serves on the board of the Kids From Wisconsin and is the Secretary of the West Allis Rotary Club.

I am pleased to recognize Jim Mejchar's accomplishments today. I, along with the people of West Allis wish him a much earned retirement. Congratulations and thank you, Jim, for your dedication to public service.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 11, Crowley No. 3, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the lifelong accomplishments of Jack Rosenberg. Mr. Rosenberg died January 11, 2005, at the age of 84.

A graduate of Milwaukee's Riverside High School, Jack Rosenberg went on to serve in the armed forces in WWII before settling into a long and successful business career. He led several corporate entities, and retired in 1995 after overseeing the national franchise of TeleCheck for over 18 years.

Throughout his life Jack maintained a strong commitment to improving life in the City of Milwaukee. He had a great variety of interests and he never hesitated to offer hands-on leadership when needed. His concern for the needs of low income families is evident in his work with the COA Youth and Family Center. He received the Grand Avenue Leadership Award in recognition of his efforts to provide work opportunities and cultural experiences for people with disabilities. Several noted small businesses benefited from a loan fund he endowed with the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation.

His financial contributions to productive non-profit organizations working in the areas of arts, civil liberties, entrepreneurship, and education are too numerous to list.

It saddens me to note the passing of such a committed and distinguished individual. I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize Jack for these profound contributions to so many individuals, as well as the entire Milwaukee community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a colleague and contemporary: Ellen Bravo, outgoing Executive Director of 9to5 National Association of Working Women.

Ellen is a longtime resident of the city of Milwaukee who has made innumerable contributions to the advancement of women's rights. For over 20 years she has overseen the growth and evolution of 9to5. Under her leadership, this organization has brought women's voices into debates over state and national policies on issues ranging from welfare reform to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Ellen's efforts have resulted in concrete advances for all women. She fought for a higher minimum wage for all workers, while challenging State lawmakers to ensure women received equal pay for equal work. She led the fight to win family and medical leave benefits for Wisconsin workers. She was a critical voice in the national move to replace welfare with a work-based system. Even now, she is working with coalitions in several states to expand workers' access to sick leave benefits.

An accomplished speaker and trainer, a noted public commentator, Ellen has contributed to our understanding of the needs of working women and their families. Not only has her advocacy expanded the research agenda, her commitment to organizing has ensured that women are empowered to fight for the policies they need.

Ellen's vision is that all women should have more power. I can say with certainty that her work has helped support and sustain lawmakers who share that vision. I have firsthand knowledge of her support as a lawmaker. She is one of my advisors and, more importantly, my friend.

I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Ellen on these achievements, and to wish her well in the next phase of her life.