Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I raise today in support of H.R. 521, which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office Building.'' I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill that honors my good friend and former colleague.

Lane has always served his country with honor. From 1969 to 1971, he served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as they say, ``once a marine, always a marine.'' When he was elected to Congress in 1982, he immediately worked to make sure veterans were given the benefits that they deserve, and he lent his voice to issues that might otherwise have been ignored. For almost a quarter of a century in Congress, Lane was a champion of America's veterans, and his passion for this cause is truly missed.

Lane and I were able to develop a friendship that transcended politics. We worked together on many issues as members of the House Armed Services Committee. Serving others, especially his constituents, was something Lane did exceedingly well. I was able to see this firsthand when I traveled to his district in 2004. I was impressed, but not surprised, by the enormous number of people who showed up at an event he hosted, which certainly speaks to how well-liked and respected he was, and is, in the 17th district of Illinois. Serving with Lane was truly an amazing and educational experience, and his constituents were fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant as their representative in Washington.

Unfortunately, Lane has had to battle Parkinson's Disease since 1995. In his fight against this debilitating disease, he has shown his characteristic courage and perseverance that proved to everyone that he was not going to easily give up. Lane has also been a great partner in the effort to advance stem cell research, which is a matter of tremendous importance to me. While we miss having him fighting with us in Congress, he can be assured that our efforts will continue so that patients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease and other conditions will benefit from this research in the future.

Mr. Speaker, it was a privilege to work with Lane Evans in the House of Representatives, and I am proud that today we honor his hard work and inspirational life with this bill.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 599) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to streamline the SAFETY Act and anti-terrorism technology procurement processes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks, and to insert extraneous materials relating to the bill under consideration into the Congressional Record.

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

Today, Madam Speaker, I rise in support of legislation I introduced, the SAFETY Reform Act of 2007, which will help ensure that safe and effective antiterrorism technologies are being deployed by the Department of Homeland Security to bolster our security throughout the country.

The Support for Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002, or SAFETY Act as it is known, was designed to provide incentives for development and deployment of antiterrorism technologies.

The SAFETY Act was intended to address the liability concerns of businesses and to pave the way for innovative development of key antiterrorism technologies. Unfortunately, a lack of personnel within the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, an excessively burdensome application process, and a lack of communication between the Department's procurement and management divisions made for difficult implementation of the SAFETY Act.

This legislation which I have introduced, along with Chairman Thompson, Subcommittee Ranking Member Rogers and many other members of the Homeland Security Committee, should fix many of those shortcomings.

Last year the Homeland Security Committee held a subcommittee hearing highlighting some of the problems that arose from the SAFETY Act's implementation. We heard from a variety of industry leaders and experts that the application process was overly burdensome, and that it took far too long for the Department of Homeland Security to properly evaluate and approve many of the applications that businesses submitted.

While I am pleased to see that many companies with new and innovative technologies have already applied for the SAFETY Act program, the program can be effective only when the applications are properly approved.

My legislation, therefore, takes three important steps to improve the effectiveness of the application process. First, this bill will help facilitate communication between the Department of Homeland Security's procurement sector and the Department's Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, which is the entity tasked with reviewing the applications. This approach will allow officials at DHS to thoroughly review applications while also maintaining quick turnaround times.

Second, the bill would require that the Secretary employ a sufficient number of analysts in the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation who can deal with the ever-growing number of applications. Appropriate staffing will help ensure that the applications are being processed in a timely manner, thereby allowing us to deploy the newest and best technologies as quickly as possible.

Finally, this legislation will help raise awareness of SAFETY Act risk management provisions among procurement officers across Federal, State, and local levels, and throughout the private sector.

Contributions made by private enterprises are an extremely important component of our Nation's security, and our governmental policies should continue to encourage innovation, not stifle it.

By passing the SAFETY Reform Act, I am optimistic that we will be able to effectively streamline the application process and encourage participation in this program across all levels of government and the private sector.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the SAFETY Reform Act of 2007.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek).

Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the speakers who have come forward. I want to thank Members on the other side of the aisle for working with us in a bipartisan fashion to bring this bill to the floor. I want to particularly recognize the leadership of Chairman Thompson and his due diligence in seeing that this act was put together in such a timely fashion and brought to the floor so quickly.

It is the responsibility of every level of government, whether it is the local, State or Federal level, first and foremost to protect our citizens. Our Nation is at war, and homeland security must be our top priority. The quicker that we can get these new and vital technologies in place that will better protect the American people, the better off we will all be.

So it is my intent that this act will clarify some of the problems with the original SAFETY Act and with the implementation that has been witnessed by the Department of Homeland Security, and I am pleased that we have brought this act to the floor today.

Madam Speaker, I move its passage.

Madam Speaker, I request that the following letters be made part of the Congressional Record.

Professional Services Council,

Arlington, VA, January 22, 2007.

Hon. James Langevin,

Chairman, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity,

Science and Technology.

Hon. Mike Rogers,

Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Management, Investigations

and Oversight.

Homeland Security Committee,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Langevin and Congressman Rogers: On behalf of

the Professional Services Council (PSC), the leading national

trade association representing the professional and technical

services industry selling to the Federal Government, I am

writing to endorse the legislation introduced by you and

others (H.R. 599) to streamline the SAFETY Act and anti-

terrorism technology procurement processes.

We appreciated the bipartisan leadership of Chairman

Thompson and Ranking Member King during the 109th Congress to

provide strong oversight of SAFETY Act implementation,

including the execution of the responsibilities of the

Secretary of Homeland Security and the Under Secretary for

Science and Technology in administering the Act. We are

confident that the Committee's support for the full

implementation of the law and for extending the coverage of

the Act to appropriate anti-terrorism technologies will

remain strong through your Subcommittees' leadership. '

PSC has been a strong and active supporter of the SAFETY

Act since its development in Congress in 2002. We have

commented extensively on the Act, on the implementing

regulations, application kits, and operating principles. We

have met repeatedly with key leaders within the Department

and other offices in the Executive Branch. We testified

before your Committee last year on the Act. We are pleased

with the recent progress made in providing the regulatory and

administrative framework for implementation, and with DHS's

renewed commitment to moving

that implementation forward. However, more can and should be

done.

While the Department is fully committed to robust

implementation of the Act, we see your bill as an important

step in helping the Department achieve that goal--whether

through the allocation of additional full-time DHS employees

to carry out the functions assigned under the Act or ensuring

that the Department's internal procurement and policy

organizations are aligned with and use the authorities

provided under the Act. In addition, the Department plays an

important role in providing guidance and information to other

federal agencies and to other stakeholders about the Act.

Each of these important items is addressed in H.R. 599.

We appreciated the opportunity to comment on the draft bill

and are pleased to offer PSC's support for the legislation as

introduced. We strongly support passage by the House early in

the legislative cycle and look forward to further legislative

and administrative action to fully implement the goals and

objectives of the SAFETY Act. We also look forward to working

with your Subcommittees and others on this important homeland

security initiative.

In the interim, if you or your staffs have any questions or

need any additional information, please do not hesitate to

let me know.

Sincerely,

Alan Chvotkin, Esq.,

Senior Vice President and Counsel.

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

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise in support of H.R. 6, which will help our Nation take a major step toward energy independence.

We must recognize that we cannot dig or drill our way out of our energy crisis and must move away from our reliance on oil and gas. Our nation deserves a comprehensive energy policy that guarantees access to affordable power, encourages energy conservation efforts, and pursues increased use of environmentally responsible and renewable sources of energy. H.R. 6 moves us in exactly that direction. It will close expensive loopholes and end giveaways to oil and gas companies and invest those dollars in clean and renewable sources of energy here in the United States.

I have strongly supported efforts to develop and adopt new sources of energy, not only for the important environmental benefits they create, but also for their positive impact on our economy and national security. Just as our Nation worked together to put a man on the moon, we must now unite behind an energy policy that enhances national security, creates American jobs, and protects our environment. We must harness Americans' ingenuity and creativity to make the United States a world leader in new energy technology and move our nation toward energy independence.

Many of my colleagues have talked for a long time about how we need to end our addiction to foreign sources of energy. Today we finally have an opportunity to follow through on our promises by voting for

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding and also in particular thank and recognize the gentlewoman from Colorado

(Ms. DeGette) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for their exceptional leadership, and that of many others on the stem cell research bill who have fought so hard to bring us to where we are today. I am proud to be a partner with them in this effort.

Mr. Speaker, America has waited a long time for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, and I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 3 and be a part of a Congress that has made this a top priority. This legislation has strong bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress and enjoys the support of up to 70 percent of the American people. Most importantly, it offers hope and the promise of a cure to millions of people who are living with the constant challenges and burdens of chronic disease and disability.

Mr. Speaker, when I was injured in an accidental shooting almost 26 years ago, I was told that I would never walk again. Now, I always held out hope that someday that would change, that through the miracles of science and prayer, someday there would be a cure for spinal cord injuries.

It is only until now that that possibility of a cure has become truly real.

I am the first to admit that my understanding of stem cell research has involved ongoing education, thought and prayer. As a pro-life Member of Congress, I have not taken my decision to support this legislation lightly. But I have come to the conclusion that being pro- life also has to be about caring about those people who are living among us with some of life's most challenging conditions and diseases and caring about the possibility of both extending and improving the quality of life itself. That is what the promise of stem cell research offers.

Over the years, I have had the good fortune to learn about stem cell research from some of America's most renowned scientists as well as pro-life leaders like Senator Orrin Hatch and a dear friend of mine who is certainly on my mind today, Christopher Reeve.

My education on this issue has filled me with tremendous hope not only that stem cell research might lead one day to a cure for spinal cord injuries, but that one day a child with diabetes will no longer have to endure a lifetime of painful shots and tests. I truly believe that families will no longer one day have to watch in agony as loved ones with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease gradually decline. I am thrilled to be able to share this hope with millions of others.

We live in exciting times, truly at the threshold of a new generation in medicine. Today, newly spinal-cord-injured patients, many of them teenagers as I was, are told about developing treatments and scientific progress. They face a world, very much the same challenges that I faced in 1980. But they also face a time with real hope and the real promise of a cure.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3. It is the right thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 2). This bill will bring a long-overdue measure of fairness to the paychecks of millions of hardworking Americans.

We have now reached the longest period of time without an increase in the federal minimum wage since its creation in 1938. While the minimum wage remains stagnant, the cost of living for countless Americans continues to skyrocket.

In my home state of Rhode Island, the average two-bedroom apartment costs over $1,147 per month. As a result, many people would need to obtain more than three full-time, minimum wage jobs just to afford a decent home, and that does not take into account other critical living expenses like food and medicine. This is an unacceptable reality that millions of hardworking Americans continue to face.

Raising the minimum wage is a critical first step in Congress's efforts to strengthen the economic security of our Nation's families. The Fair Minimum Wage Act will increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 incrementally over a 2-year period.

Americans who work hard to make an honest living should not be forced to live in poverty, and by passing the Fair Minimum Wage Act, we will help ensure that all Americans have the ability to provide for their families and prosper. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Fair Minimum Wage Act.

I want to thank the gentlelady, and before I begin on my comments on H.R. 3, the stem cell research enhancement act, I want to just thank my colleagues for their important comments on Iraq and the direction that the Iraq war has taken and the failed policy that we have seen in Iraq and the strain that it has put on the families of soldiers, the soldiers themselves. Clearly, we need a change in direction in America. That is what the American people expect.

This 100 hours agenda, obviously, is an important topic. I rise in strong support of the 100 hours agenda. As a four-term Member of Congress, it has been exhilarating for me to return to Washington and tackle the issues of the American people which have long been ignored. I am so proud to be a part of this new direction and a Member of this Chamber.

As we prepare for the embryonic stem cell research debate which will take place tomorrow, I am reminded that one of the primary reasons I ran for Congress, which was to make a positive difference in people's lives. The 110th Congress is being ushered in with a tremendous sense of hope and optimism. In the first legislative week, we have taken great strides towards improving the lives of hardworking Americans by increasing the minimum wage and fully implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

H.R. 3, the stem cell research enhancement act, is yet another example of this agenda of hope. This legislation will remove the restrictions that current administration has placed on the advancement of medicine and the hopes of millions.

Tomorrow, we will hear from both sides of the stem cell debate about whether the Federal Government should support this type of research. We will hear promises and stories of tremendous scientific advancement.

We will hear the limitations on these advancements, and we will also hear some distortions. But I come before you tonight with confidence; confidence in the science of stem cell research; confidence that the American people overwhelmingly support this legislation; confidence that tomorrow a great majority of my colleagues will once again vote in favor of the stem cell research enhancement act; and confidence that, one day, once all of our Nation's leaders will rally all around all types of stem cell research, and we will see big changes in the field of medicine and in the lives of so many people who are suffering today.

So tonight, I rise, I rise to help spread this message of hope and optimism to our constituents who are watching at home; for the 400,000 Americans who are living with MS; the 60,000 American family whose have faced the fear of a loved one's Parkinson's diagnosis this year; the thousands of Americans who have seen family members come to Alzheimer's disease; the 250,000 Americans who, like me, live with the constant challenges of a spinal cord injury, and so many others. To all of you, I say: Help and hope are on the way.

I want to thank my colleagues for giving me time tonight and being part of this 100 hours agenda debate, particularly, again, what you have done for enlightening the American people on our position of the war on Iraq and the new direction that we need to take in this country.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend this body for considering legislation which with finally get us back on track to fully implement all of the recommendations made by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission in 2004.

The 9/11 Commission provided our nation an objective and eye-opening assessment of how terrorists were able to exploit our security vulnerabilities on September 11th and made 41 key recommendations to address these shortcomings.

Unfortunately, two and a half years after the Commission's recommendations, there are still glaring threats that remain to be addressed. In fact, just over a year ago, the 9/11 Public Discourse Project issued a report card that gave the Administration D's and F's in some of the most critical areas.

Today, we finally have an opportunity to ensure that the 9/11 Commission's tireless efforts were not in vain. The legislation before us would shore up remaining vulnerabilities and implement recommendations that have been ignored completely or only partially addressed until now.

As the former Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack, I am particularly pleased that this bill contains several provisions to make our nation more secure from the threat of a nuclear attack. H.R. 1 strengthens our most effective global non-proliferation programs, like Cooperative Threat Reduction and the Global Threat Reduction Initiative. These programs have proven successful in securing the most dangerous nuclear material abroad, before it can get into the hands of those who would do us harm.

Additionally, this measure gives the United States the power to sanction individuals involved in the illegal trade of nuclear material. It also builds upon the recently enacted SAFE Ports Act by requiring all cargo containers be scanned before leaving their port of origin and improves the quality of their inspections.

Today we are also taking a long-overdue, comprehensive approach to the vulnerabilities that remain in our aviation system. Under this measure, we will finally screen 100 percent of cargo on passenger planes and improve airline screening checkpoints to detect explosives. This measure will also create a redress process for passengers misidentified against the ``No Fly'' or ``Selectee'' watchlists who have been wrongfully delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight.

This measure provides significant support to first responders, who place their lives on the line each day, by funding state and local efforts to obtain the interoperable communication systems essential for emergency response. Additionally, our bill will considerably improve information sharing, which is one of our most effective forms of defense. H.R. 1 will strengthen fusion centers across the country, helping state and local law enforcement build relationships across every level and discipline of government and with the private sector to help ensure that criminal intelligence and other information is shared with those who can put it to the best use.

Finally, this legislation will protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans, while effectively combating terrorism. Under this measure, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board will be reestablished as an independent agency, which will greatly enhance the Board's oversight functions and help to ensure that we do not sacrifice freedom in the name of security.

The best way to honor those who died in the attacks of September 11th is to learn from the lessons of that tragic day, and this bill brings us much closer towards achieving this goal.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Joan Countryman, who recently became the head of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. In 2005, Ms. Countryman stepped down as head of the prestigious Lincoln School for girls in Providence, Rhode Island.

Ms. Countryman, a Quaker, began her career first as a math teacher and then as an administrator at the Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, which she attended as a student. She received a bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1962, and after taking part in the civil rights movement, she received a master's degree in urban studies from Yale. In 1966, Ms. Countryman received a Fulbright fellowship to the London School of Economics. She is also a former Columbia University Klingenstein Fellow and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Ms. Countryman is also the author of works such as her 1992 book, Writing to Learn Mathematics, in which she explained how she approached the teaching of math by using such tools as journals, learning logs, and formal papers.

Before asking Ms. Countryman to head her new academy, Oprah Winfrey first asked her to lend her experience and expertise as a consultant. Oprah Winfrey founded the Leadership Academy with the goal of targeting South African girls from poor families and giving them an educational opportunity that they would otherwise not have received. Beginning with 152 girls in the seventh and eighth grades, the academy has a goal of expanding through grade 12.

I know that Joan Countryman will institute a welcoming and challenging school environment at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. Rhode Island was honored to have Ms. Countryman as an educator for twelve years, and the girls in South Africa will be lucky to have her there now.

Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing Joan Countryman well in her new endeavor, as well as success to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of my colleague and good friend from Illinois, Mr. Lane Evans.

Lane has always served his country with honor. From 1969 to 1971, he served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as they say, ``once a marine, always a marine.'' When he was elected to Congress in 1982, he immediately worked to make sure veterans were given the benefits that they deserve, and he has fought to bring up issues that would go unknown if it was not for his voice. For almost a quarter of a century in Congress, Lane has been a champion of America's veterans, and his passion for this cause will truly be missed.

Lane and I were able to develop a friendship that transcended politics. We worked together on many issues as members of the House Armed Services Committee. Serving others, especially his constituents, was something Lane did exceedingly well. I was able to see this firsthand when I traveled to his district in 2004. I was impressed, but not shocked, by the large amount of people who showed up at an event he hosted, which certainly speaks to how well-liked and respected he is in the 17th district of Illinois. Serving with Lane has truly been an amazing and educational experience.

Unfortunately, Lane has had to battle Parkinson's Disease since 1995. In his fight against this debilitating disease, he has yet again shown courage and perseverance that proved to everyone that he was not going to easily give up. Lane has also been a great partner in the effort to advance stem cell research, which is a matter of great importance to me. This effort will continue so that patients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease and other conditions will benefit from this research in the future.

Lane, thank you for making a difference. While you will be missed in the halls of Congress, I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life.

Mr. Speaker, today we are debating S. 3421, a bill that would authorize major Veterans Affairs medical facility projects and also overhaul VA information technology.

A goal of this bill is also to provide more resources for mental health services to veterans. It is one of our most important obligations to help those troops returning from combat to readjust to society, particularly those suffering from mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research has already demonstrated that military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, like service in past combat zones, is having an adverse effect on the mental health of our men and women in uniform.

We have certainly improved the mental health services offered to our troops. However, I am concerned about a recent Government Accountability Office report which found that not only did the VA not spend all of its money allocated for mental health services, but they also lacked proper oversight of how the funding was spent. Furthermore, there have been media reports that the mental health services in place for servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have been overwhelmed and unable to accommodate those seeking help in a timely fashion. It has also been reported that the stigma surrounding the admission of having mental health issues still exists. Sadly, many servicemembers are afraid to admit to symptoms related to PTSD while still in the service, since it may jeopardize their military career.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot cut corners on this issue, and we certainly cannot ignore the veterans and servicemembers who will be left behind if they do not get the help they need. Our patriotic and reassuring words are not enough, especially when we are dealing with men and women with real mental health issues. We must ensure that our veterans and servicemembers are provided with the access to specialized mental health care they deserve. We need to legislate better oversight, both to ensure the funding is allocated appropriately, and also to make sure the programs

are working properly and addressing all concerns.

I am ready to deal with this difficult issue in the next Congress because we owe it to the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and integrity. We need to show them the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the many beneficial elements of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act. This bill includes several greatly needed extensions of tax provisions that will continue to help middle class families and small businesses to prosper throughout our Nation.

The measure before us today has many provisions I support, including extensions of the Research and Development Tax Credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the deduction of higher education expenses, and others. I am a cosponsor of legislation to make the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent, as it keeps American companies competitive and provides a strong incentive for businesses to invest in the future and create jobs. I am also pleased that this bill includes provisions to help make college more affordable to millions of students and allow teachers to deduct out-of-pocket expenses.

This bill will also ensure that a pending 5.1 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians does not take effect. While I believe we could-- and should--have addressed this issue much earlier, I am pleased that these cuts will not take effect. I expect that next year, Congress will take meaningful action to reform and stabilize the Medicare provider payment system and I pledge to support efforts to that end.

Unfortunately, this legislation also contains language authorizing an expansion of drilling in certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico. While I support efforts to improve our overall domestic energy production, we have not taken the necessary steps to encourage conservation efforts and energy efficiency programs, preferring instead to rely on oil and gas exploration. As I have stated in the past, we cannot dig or drill our way to energy independence. We need a comprehensive and forward- thinking energy policy that provides affordable energy, encourages the development of clean and renewable sources, and enhances our Nation's economy.

While I strongly believe that many of the tax provisions included in this legislation will significantly strengthen the middle class in our

country, I am dismayed by the process through which we are considering this bill. The Republican majority has again waited until the last minute to bring this legislation to the floor, thereby considerably hindering our legislative process. In the 110th Congress, I will work with my colleagues to ensure measures are brought to the floor according to a process that allows ample time to review and debate legislation in an open and honest way.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson), my partner in this effort, for his leadership on this exceptional bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I voice my strong support for the Lifespan Respite Care Act. For more than 4 years, I have worked to pass a bill that would ease the burden of responsibility on family caregivers.

I particularly want to acknowledge the hard work of so many advocates, organizations and individuals who worked with me to get this bill to where it is today. In particular I want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee, and I also want to thank Jill Kagan of the National Respite Coalition for her tireless efforts over many, many years.

Mr. Speaker, an estimated 26 million Americans are currently caring for an adult family member who is chronically ill or disabled. Additionally, an estimated 18 million children have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions that place significant demands on their parents. Family caregivers live in all of our communities and they are often silent heroes, ensuring family stability and helping those who struggle with disease or disability to avoid more costly institutional placements.

While voluntary care is personally rewarding, it can result in substantial emotional, physical and financial strain on the caregiver. When one family member is caring for another, it doesn't mean that the other responsibilities of the family simply stop. Children still need to be brought to school, food shopping still needs to be done, doctors appointments still need to be made and kept, particularly when it involves the caregiver themselves.

Mr. Speaker, they need to know that they are not alone and they need to know where to turn when the pressures of their situation become too much for them to bear. Respite care services relieve caregivers from daily care giving tasks on a temporary or even long-term basis.

Many lifespan respite programs are already in place at State and local levels, providing invaluable services to the families of people with chronic disease or disability. Yet in too many situations, caregivers simply don't know how to find information about available respite care and access to these services. In other cases, respite care is simply unavailable to those who need it.

I originally introduced the Lifespan Respite Care Act in the 107th Congress, working with the National Respite Coalition to craft a bill that would assist States and local organizations in identifying and filling the gaps in their systems. While I do wish we could have addressed this important issue sooner, I am grateful to Representative Ferguson for his leadership in ensuring that this bill came to the House floor. By passing this legislation and committing to build upon successful existing programs, we can make a powerful statement to so many Americans who are silently struggling right now. It is a statement of gratitude for their many hours of work and a statement of support for when the challenges become too daunting.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the congressional leadership for their hard work in moving this bill forward and bringing it to the floor today, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of the Lifespan Respite Care Act. To the people at home, help is on the way.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Combating Autism Act. As a member of the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education, and as the uncle of a little boy with autism, I am well- acquainted with the issues faced by families of children with this disorder.

I have been struck by the rapid increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism in the last decade, both nationally and in my home State of Rhode Island, and while we do not yet know for certain what causes autism, we do know that early intervention does make a difference in treatment.

Mr. Speaker, we must commit ourselves to providing parents, pediatricians, early childhood educators and all those who have contact with very young children the resources and training to identify children who need help early enough to begin effective interventions. The Combating Autism Act is a tremendous step toward an effective national policy of autism research, screening, intervention and education.

Like all children, those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are individuals with unique talents and abilities. Across the Nation, special education teachers, psychologists and others are working hard to bring these gifts and talents to light and help these children realize their potential.

I urge all of my colleagues to support these professionals in their noble work, and these families in their time of need, by voting in favor of the Combating Autism Act. It is the right thing to do. It's an exciting piece of legislation, and I look forward to its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 497. As a Boston Celtics fan, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, which honors the memory of Arnold ``Red'' Auerbach.

Red Auerbach was known as the man who turned the Boston Celtics into a dynasty franchise. A fiery and competitive coach, he understood the importance of each individual player's role on a team. He was also a savvy businessman who made his decisions based on what was best for his team, regardless of how society might have viewed him. His methods and coaching styles were copied by many, leading to Auerbach being called the inventor of modern professional basketball and one of the greatest coaches in professional sports history.

Born on September 20, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, Auerbach was a basketball captain and also school president at Eastern District High School. He went on to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree from George Washington University, where he played basketball for three years. His marriage in 1941 to Dorothy Lewis, as well as his ties to his alma mater, led Auerbach to establish his home in the Washington, DC area, where he also began his basketball coaching career. In 1950, he began his legendary run as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

As the Celtics coach, he won nine National Basketball Association championships, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966, which still stands as a record in North American professional sports. Fearless and not easily swayed by the prevalent attitudes surrounding him, Auerbach drafted the NBA's first black player, named the first black coach in any professional sports league, and had the first all-black starting lineup in NBA history. After the 1966 season, he decided to hand over the coaching reins, but remained with the Celtics as an executive, and he would be affiliated with the organization for the rest of his life.

Red Auerbach passed away on October 28, 2006, just shy of attending his 57th straight Celtics game opener in Boston. Red Auerbach was the epitome of the Celtics, and his legendary status made it seem he would live forever. While it is hard to picture the Celtics and the world without him, Red Auerbach has left his mark. His guiding principles-- family, loyalty, teamwork--should not only be taught on the basketball court, but guidelines we should all follow.

Red Auerbach leaves behind two daughters, Nancy Collins and Randy; one granddaughter; and three great grandchildren. May we keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, and may his memory live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of a brave soldier in Iraq, SGT Michael R. Weidemann, a resident of Newport who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.

Sergeant Weidemann was born in Canada and moved to Middletown, RI, with his family when he was 7. In 2001, he graduated from Rogers High School, where he attended the Newport Area Career and Technical Center and participated in the automotive program. He was also an honor student and an active member of the JROTC program.

One month after graduating from high school, Sergeant Weidemann pursued his interests by enlisting in the Army as an auto mechanic and joined the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. After serving one tour in Iraq, Sergeant Weidemann was nearing the end of his second tour when, on October 31st, he was killed while on patrol near Hit, in Anbar Province.

Those that knew Sergeant Weidemann remember his optimistic personality, his loyalty, his hard work and willingness to fix everything. Most importantly, he had a positive impact on all who knew him. This loss certainly causes us all to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When Sergeant Weidemann's Nation called him to duty to preserve freedom, liberty and security, he answered without hesitation. We will remember him as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Sergeant Weidemann is survived by his grandmother, Gertrude K.C. Miller; his sister, Catharine E. Weidemann; and his brothers, Richard L. Weidemann and Edward R. and Benjamin J. Berriault. May we keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period, and may his memory live on forever.

We will also continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.