Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on the evening of April 6, 2006, I was unable to vote due to an important prescheduled speaking engagement, for which I was granted a leave of absence. I would like the Record to reflect that, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call vote numbers 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 and 99.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of the Spratt budget substitute and in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 373, the Republican budget.

Our sons, daughters, and neighbors are bravely fighting wars abroad. Unfortunately, when they return home, they will find a country that has lost its way. We pay lip service to shared sacrifice, but while they risk their lives for us, Republicans in Congress are providing tax cuts for the richest 1 percent of Americans, slashing programs for working- class families, and turning their backs on the middle class. The budget before us today continues these policies. It does not represent the priorities of the American people, nor does it respect the values our soldiers are fighting to protect.

For too long, Republicans have racked up charges on the national credit card, while passing the bill on to future generations. Now is our chance to set this country on the proper course to ensure America's economic success and protect our grandchildren from having to pay for today's irresponsible decisions.

There is a better way. Despite the horrible fiscal outlook facing our Nation due to Republican policies, the Spratt substitute still manages to balance the budget in 6 years, cut taxes for the middle class, and provide realistic funding for education, health care, and veterans programs, all of which are shortchanged by the Republicans.

The Spratt substitute has a better bottom line than the Republican budget every year. Fiscal responsibility today will lead to lower deficits, smaller interest payments, and less national debt in the future. Most significantly, after the budget is balanced, we can finally begin to pay off the trillions of dollars in debt that have accumulated since President Bush took office.

Unfortunately, the budget proposed by House Republicans does nothing to improve the quality of life in America. It would add $348 billion to the national debt next year alone. Under Republican stewardship, the 5 years between fiscal year 2003 and 2007 will provide us with the five largest deficits in American history. This is not a legacy worth continuing. We cannot afford to borrow additional money to continue paying for failed economic policies.

Not only does the Spratt substitute match the President's request for defense spending, but it also includes additional needed funds for homeland security programs, including port security. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am concerned that the Republican budget closely mirrors the President's

budget, which proposes to eliminate several programs important to the safety of all Americans. Programs on the chopping block include the COPS Interoperability Grant Program, the SAFER Program for firefighting equipment, the Metropolitan Medical Response System, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, and Justice Assistance Grants. In 2005, these programs provided more than $13 million in grants to help Rhode Island's first responders keep my constituents safe. Since September 11, we have asked our police and firefighters to do so much more, but this budget fails to provide the resources they so badly need.

In addition, the budget would freeze or cut all non-homeland security discretionary spending. If the Republicans have their way, 5 years from now, education and health programs will receive less than they do today. Cuts to social programs would place a larger burden on the working class at a time when they can least afford it.

Even with all of these cuts, the Republicans still have no plan to balance the budget. Instead, they want to give away the savings to the wealthy by making permanent tax cuts on investment income. As the New York Times indicated yesterday, ``Americans with annual incomes of $1 million or more, about one-tenth of 1 percent of all taxpayers, reaped 43 percent of all the savings on investment taxes in 2003.'' At the same time, those earning less than $50,000 saved an average of only $10 on the same capital gains and dividend tax cuts. The wealthiest Americans are doing fine on their own, and we should not be borrowing money to give them tax cuts.

Deficit spending has stymied job growth and is plaguing our economy. No Rhode Islander would write a check without sufficient funds to cash that check. Neither should the government. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Spratt budget substitute and opposing the underlying Republican plan.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. Lantos on his outstanding leadership on this issue, as well as Chairman Hyde and Chairman Smith on this all-important issue. I commend their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006. I also want to express my deep concern as well as the concern of an overwhelming number of my constituents over the situation in Sudan.

The ongoing violence and humanitarian disaster in Sudan has led to as many as 400,000 villagers killed by militias and left more than 2 million Sudanese in refugee camps. This dire situation has also strained the resources of countries bordering Sudan.

In the past, I have supported measures that call on the President to improve the security in Darfur and increase funding for peacekeeping forces and humanitarian assistance. Today, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3127, which directs President Bush to impose sanctions on the government of Sudan as well as freeze the assets of anyone responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity in Sudan. This measure also calls on NATO to send a civilian protection force to assist the African Union mission in Sudan, which has been expanded.

Mr. Speaker, the plight of the people in Darfur resonates with all of us, and we should all be ashamed that the atrocities that have taken place and that are taking place right now are happening in our time. Where is the world's outrage? Why have we not learned from the mistakes of the past, the Holocaust, Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda?

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to act. It is our duty to end this humanitarian suffering, and I will remain steadfast in my commitment to stopping this conflict and promoting peace in Sudan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the impressive career of Dr. I. King Jordan, as he retires from his presidency of Gallaudet University. For many years, Dr. Jordan has tirelessly served his community as an advocate and a champion for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. for the past 18 years, he has served as the president of the only institution of higher learning serving primarily deaf and hearing impaired students. I am proud to call Dr. Jordan a friend and honored to have had the opportunity to work with him in his capacity of university president over the years.

Under Dr. Jordan's tenure as president, Gallaudet University has seen tremendous growth, with an increased endowment and strong progress in many academic areas. Dr. Jordan has raised awareness of the important educational contributions Gallaudet makes to the Nation and the world.

As the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, Dr. Jordan served as a role model, as well as an advocate. One of his legacies at Gallaudet will be the President's Fellows program, which he established to increase the number of deaf and hearing impaired faculty. His unwavering support and belief that all individuals, regardless of disabilities, should be encouraged to fulfill their potential has inspired countless students, faculty and others in the deaf and hearing impaired community to work towards that end.

Dr. Jordan has accomplished a great deal in his professional career. I am pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge his service to Gallaudet and his efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals who are deaf and hearing impaired, and individuals with disabilities. I thank him for his dedication and I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 680.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of the 185th anniversary of Greek independence. This special day for Greece commemorates the strength and determination of its people to restore their democratic roots and identity.

The political philosophies of both the United States and Greece have been challenged by oppressive powers, and both nations have proudly defended their right to self-government and individual freedoms. After showing a desire to be free from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, Greece endured eleven long years of war to succeed in gaining independence. American and Hellenic cultures greatly respect their tradition of independence and recognize the importance of democratic principles.

The United States and Greece have always enjoyed a friendship and alliance in international and cultural endeavors. I am pleased that the Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and other dignitaries paid a visit last week to Washington, D.C., to celebrate this anniversary since Hellenic principles resonate in our culture and politics. The United States was founded on the principles of democracy developed thousands of years ago in the city-states of ancient Greece. The beauty of Greek architecture can even be found while taking a walk through our beloved Capitol building. Likewise, our country's influence on Greece can be seen in their first Constitution, which was based on our Declaration of Independence and the principles behind the American Revolution.

On a cultural level, since Greece resurrected the Olympics in 1896, they have symbolized peace and excellence for people around the world. The Olympics show that great athletic skill and spirited competition can bring nations together despite their differences. We saw at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, how Hellenic ideals such as equality and friendship have stood the test of time and continue to flourish at a global level. Hellenic culture, whether through its development of democratic government or its espousal of friendly competition, encourages people to come together amicably even during the most difficult of times.

Mr. Speaker, it would be hard to imagine a United States of America, or even the world,

without the great contributions from Greece. I will continue to work in Congress to support Hellenic causes and our strong and important alliance. I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating Greece on the anniversary of its independence.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 4939. I would like to thank the Appropriations Committee leadership for their efforts to provide our men and women in uniform with the equipment that they need as they continue their efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. My colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and I have fought for enhanced force protection equipment, much of which is included in this bill. H.R. 4939 includes $410 million for up-armored Humvees and $2 billion to develop and procure jammers for improvised explosive devices. Given the number of U.S. casualties resulting from IEDs, jammer technology is one of the most important investments this Congress can make to protect our troops.

I am also pleased that this legislation provides more than $19 billion in much-needed assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Months after those storms battered our Gulf Coast, many Americans are still displaced, and basic services are not available in places like New Orleans. Given the federal government's insufficient efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it is our responsibility to provide the affected residents and businesses with the resources and assistance they need to rebuild.

This measure will also greatly assist those facing exorbitant heating bills this winter. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged domestic energy sources, all Americans experienced higher energy costs, but the burden was particularly heavy for low-income residents in cold climates. H.R. 4939 will allow states to access $1 billion in Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding more quickly, which will be welcome news to states such as Rhode Island that are struggling to help families in need.

I greatly appreciate the Committee's inclusion of assistance to the victims of genocidal violence in Darfur and to train and equip the African Union peacekeeping troops. To date, at least one hundred thousand people have been killed, with millions more displaced. It is impossible to view the images from Sudan without being outraged at the cruelty and injustice of the situation. Our nation must do more to prevent further violence. Last year, I advocated for funding for African Union peacekeepers in the Defense Appropriations bill, and though that was not successful, H.R. 4939 funds peacekeeping missions in Sudan and encourages greater involvement by the United Nations.

Finally, in welcome news to the American people, the legislation blocks Dubai Ports World from assuming control over six U.S. ports as part of their acquisition of P&O Steam Navigation Company. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I strongly opposed the sale because of the lack of a comprehensive investigation into the national security implications. We need to ensure that foreign investment decisions are based on real national security considerations and not just financial gain. I have been working to enhance port security in our nation, and the Dubai ports deal reminds Americans that until appropriate measures are taken, our ports will continue to be vulnerable. I am pleased that H.R. 4939 contains this commonsense provision, but we must do more to secure our infrastructure and improve Congressional oversight of foreign investment decisions.

Again, I thank my colleagues for their efforts on this important bill, and I urge all Members to support its passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Eleanor Slater, a great friend who passed away this week. Known as the grande dame of Rhode Island Democratic politics, Eleanor blazed trails for many people in our state, but especially for women. She began her distinguished political career in 1958 as a Representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly, and championed issues such as mental health, fair housing and especially issues affecting senior citizens.

Always thinking of the next generation, she was a great advisor to many former and current politicians, including myself, Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and Senator Jack Reed. She had the foresight and belief that I could run for Secretary of State and win that race, which I did. She served as an honorary chair on many of my campaigns and taught me valuable lessons that I still carry with me today.

While I am sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful woman, at 97 years old, we should celebrate Eleanor's long distinguished life. Eleanor, you made a difference. May God bless you and keep you safe in His care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Eleanor Slater, a great friend who recently passed away. Known as the grande dame of Rhode Island Democratic politics, Eleanor blazed trails for women in our state and will be greatly missed.

She began her distinguished political career in 1958 when she was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives where she served four terms. She then ran successfully for the Rhode Island Senate. While in the Senate, she championed what is believed to be the first Fair Housing Act in the country. Eleanor was also vocal on mental health and gerontology issues, and in 1969 became the chief of the former Division on Aging.

After 18 years in public service, Eleanor decided to pursue other interests, which included receiving a degree in political science from the University of Rhode Island at the age of 70. She remained instrumental in the Democratic Party and was a fixture at numerous Democratic National Conventions as a delegate.

Always thinking of the next generation, she was a great advisor for many former and current politicians, including myself. She had the

foresight and belief that I could run for Secretary of State and win that race--which I did. She served as an honorary chair on many of my campaigns and taught me valuable lessons that I still use today.

While her dedication to the Democratic Party and the state of Rhode Island was great, Eleanor was above all dedicated to her family, and my thoughts and prayers are with her two sons, William and Thomas; her brother Robert Boland; her sister, Dorothy Merrill; her four grandchildren; and her five great grandchildren.

While I am sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful woman, at 97 years old, we should celebrate Eleanor's long, distinguished life. Eleanor, you made a difference.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will be voting on legislation to affirm the ability of military recruiters to access college campuses. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I support our military's efforts to recruit some of our most promising young men and women and believe that service in our nation's armed forces is an honorable career choice. However, I question why we are considering this measure, especially as the Supreme Court unanimously upheld Congress's position a short while ago. If Congress's authority has not been challenged, why are we reiterating it?

As we have heard, a lawsuit arose when a group of colleges challenged the Congressional requirement that military recruiters be granted access to schools that receive federal funding. The schools argued that the U.S. military's policy of excluding gays and lesbians from serving openly violated their non-discrimination requirement for prospective employers on campus, and that the recruiters' presence would be interpreted as the schools' official endorsement of the military's position. The Supreme Court rejected this argument, noting that colleges and universities still maintained their right to express their opposition to the military's policies as they saw fit. The resolution of today reaffirms the very Congressional power that the Court just upheld.

Unfortunately, Congress is debating the wrong issue. Instead of celebrating a minor legal victory, we should be discussing how to end the discriminatory ``Don't Ask/Don't Tell'' policy that inspired the opposition from the colleges and which threatens our military readiness to this day. Since the policy's enactment in 1993, Don't Ask/Don't Tell has resulted in the discharge of nearly 10,000 service members, many of whom had language proficiency or other skills essential to the Global War on Terror. Over the past ten years, Don't Ask/Don't Tell has cost the U.S. military hundreds of millions of dollars--funds that could have gone toward obtaining additional armored vehicles and investing in other vital force protection initiatives.

Don't Ask/Don't Tell, originally conceived as a compromise, has outlived its utility and now actually harms our military readiness and its ability to perform certain essential functions. Qualified and dedicated servicemembers should not be discharged based on their sexual orientation, especially at a time when our National Guard and Reserves are serving repeated deployments. For these reasons, I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 1059, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would replace Don't Ask/Don't Tell with a policy that would not allow discrimination or discharges based on sexual orientation.

Those who oppose repeal of Don't Ask/Don't Tell conveniently ignore that gay men and women already serve in the military--many with great distinction--despite the fact that they must hide their identities from those whose lives they have sworn to defend. They also ignore the fact that some of our closest allies in the Global War on Terrorism permit open service by gay men and women, and our forces regularly serve alongside theirs without incident. They also ignore numerous polls indicating that a strong majority of Americans support repeal. Our military's purpose is to protect the United States, and it must recruit the most qualified people in order to succeed. Repeal of Don't Ask/ Don't Tell is consistent with that goal.

I will support H. Con. Res. 354 today because I believe we should be encouraging our nation's finest young men and women--no matter who they are or where they go to school--to join the strongest, smartest and most capable military in the world. However, such an effort is incomplete without also repealing Don't Ask/Don't Tell. I encourage all of my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1059 to ensure that all who are willing and able to serve may do so.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of S. 2271, a bill to add civil liberty protections to the conference report on H.R. 3199, the USA PATRIOT Reauthorization Act. Although I voted against the Patriot Act in December, the Republican Leadership rammed it through Congress anyway. I welcome this opportunity to eliminate some of its most egregious provisions and to further enhance civil liberties protections. I will keep fighting to improve this law so that we can find the right balance between waging the war on terrorism and protecting the rights of the American people.

S. 2271 improves civil liberties in three ways. Under the Patriot Act, libraries, bookstores, and other recipients of court orders for information are bound by a nondisclosure requirement. These organizations are unable to tell the target of the investigation that records have been obtained on the public, if they believe the search is unwarranted. As currently written, the Patriot Act prevents appropriate oversight to affirm the need for such requests for information. S. 2271 allows recipients of these court orders to challenge the nondisclosure requirement, which helps protect civil liberties by placing a check on unrestricted use of these court orders and protects against unlawful search and seizure.

As currently written, the Patriot Act greatly expands the use of administrative subpoenas, known as National Security Letters (NSLs). NSLs are equivalent to search warrants, but they are signed by government bureaucrats instead of issued by courts. These subpoenas have minimal civil liberty checks in place to ensure an investigation is warranted. Presently, the Patriot Act requires recipients of NSLs to disclose to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the names of their attorneys who are notified of the NSL. This overzealous provision could launch investigations into attorneys trying to defend clients who received unwarranted investigations. S. 2271 removes this requirement to disclose attorney names, and I am pleased to support this change.

Finally, S. 2271 increases the burden of proof on obtaining evidence from libraries. Under the Patriot Act, an NSL could require libraries to hand over book checkout lists and Internet records for specific users, which is a tremendous violation of privacy. S. 2271 requires investigators to obtain a court order, which would prevent overzealous investigators from trying to find evidence without probable cause.

If S. 2271 does not pass, I am concerned that the Patriot Act will move to the President's desk for signature lacking protections to prevent challenging nondisclosure requirements, increasing the opportunity for civil liberties abuses, and subjecting libraries to unnecessary and intrusive scrutiny. While I continue to oppose the underlying Patriot Act, I will vote for these improvements. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to correct other deficiencies and protect the American people from both terrorists and potential abuses of our freedoms.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the 16th annual National Sportsmanship Day, which is celebrated today around the world.

National Sportsmanship Day raises awareness about issues relating to sportsmanship and ethics in athletics as well as daily life. Athletic competition can teach students, coaches, and parents valuable lessons that can be applied on and off the field. With increased pressure to succeed placed upon today's athletes and students, the importance of ethics, honesty and fair play have never been more necessary.

Given the heightened demand for accomplishment in today's society, the idea of participation and fitness in many aspects of sport is often lost. Forgetting this important basis of athletic competition, students often are forced to maintain a `win at all costs' mentality. Each year, the Institute for International Sport, based in my district in Kingston, Rhode Island, provides the opportunity to counter these notions through meaningful dialogue among school administrators, coaches, teachers, and students on the subject of ethics, fair play and sportsmanship.

The 16th annual National Sportsmanship Day strives to foster sportsmanship through the defeat of gamesmanship, the practice of ethically dubious methods to gain an objective. Through activities and discussions, more than 13,000 schools throughout the United States and around the world will participate in these events to spread honest athletics.

Each year, National Sportsmanship Day recognizes a number of athletes who offer a tribute to their respective sport and enhance their skills with their desire to play fairly. This year, the Institute for International Sport has selected their Sports Ethics Fellows from a number of players, coaches, and school administrators at the high school level. With both their simultaneous pursuit of academic and athletic excellence, they model and promote the virtues of the student- athlete in the truest sense.

I hope that my colleagues can join with me on this day in celebrating and promoting the continued success of National Sportsmanship Day. With its moral, ethical and fitness components, today's activities can promote a healthy and more active community amongst our nation's youth, and support a team oriented future for our country of sports enthusiasts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dana Reeve who passed away last night following a battle with lung cancer.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, and would like to take a moment to reflect on her life. She faced extraordinary challenges and handled them with the utmost grace, dignity and strength.

When her husband, Chris, was first injured, Dana helped establish the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Recognizing a lack of any place to go for comprehensive information for newly injured patients and their families, she worked tirelessly to establish the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. Since the launch of this center in 2002, it has assisted thousands of spinal cord injured patients and their loved ones in dealing with the many issues and anxieties that come along with such an injury. Dana used her personal experience to improve the quality of life for all people living with paralysis.

This was typical of Dana, to see beyond her own circumstances and find a way to ease the suffering and confusion of others. After her husband's passing, she moved forward with his message of hope and healing. Today, it is up to all of us to continue their legacy. As Chris and Dana would say, let us go forward.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dana Reeve's family, friends and all those who mourn her. May God bless her.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to President Bush's proposed budget for fiscal year 2007. Once again, the President claims he can have it both ways by making permanent tax cuts while halving the deficit by 2009. However, the numbers tell a different story. This year's budget proposal, if enacted by Congress, would result in a budget deficit of $423 billion, the largest in our Nation's history, and this amount would increase dramatically once the tax cuts take effect in 2011. Every American family knows that you cannot continue to spend more money than you take in, and the President must acknowledge this fact before it is too late.

To reduce this record deficit, we must make difficult choices, and both spending and taxes need to be on the table. The President has not made these difficult choices, and should Congress follow this budget, working families will be left on their own as the Government again favors only the wealthiest Americans.

In order to partially pay for the irresponsible tax policies, the President attempts to cut spending in several areas, notably health care and education. Medicare would be reduced by $36 billion over 5 years by reducing already low payments to health care providers, who would be less willing to accept Medicare patients. The National Institutes of Health, which researches life-saving cures for numerous diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's Disease, would in effect receive a cut outside of funds earmarked for biodefense. While I support measures to increase our preparedness for outbreaks such as a potential pandemic flu, these funds should not come at the expense of research to cure ailments like heart disease.

In December, I distributed surveys to every school and district in my congressional district to determine the level of emergency preparedness. Most respondents indicated they had not properly rehearsed their emergency plans, and nearly a quarter of the schools and districts did not even know whom to ask for help. Fortunately, the Department of Education's Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities program provides grants to help schools develop and implement emergency plans. However, President Bush proposes eliminating this program that has helped so many schools across our country. There are countless examples of these misguided priorities in the budget.

In 2004, Congress nearly unanimously passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act to put the program on track to full funding, but this budget includes only $10.7 million for State grants. This means that once again, the Federal Government will only provide less than half of the amount promised to States to educate children with special needs. The budget also zeros out the TRIO programs--Gear Up, Talent Search and Upward Bound--which encourage economically disadvantaged Rhode Island students to seek higher education.

Even though energy independence was a major theme of the President's State of the Union Address, he is not funding his own proposals. After announcing America is ``addicted to oil,'' the President has increased Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by a paltry 0.2 percent. In addition, programs to increase energy efficiency and research hydropower and geothermal energy are cut. We need real leadership on this issue. The brightest minds in America put a man on the moon, and we need a similar effort to develop clean and renewable energy sources. A 0.2 percent increase will not accomplish that goal.

If the President truly wanted to make our country more competitive, he would not have avoided funding the Small Business 7(a) loan guarantee program and reduced Trade Adjustment Assistance, which retrains workers who lose their jobs because of foreign trade.

If the President wanted to enrich our communities, he would not have reduced funding for the community development block grants, COPS program, or Weatherization Assistance for energy efficient homes.

If the President wanted to make health care more accessible, he would not have increased fees for groups such as military retirees and Medicare beneficiaries. On top of all these cuts and fee increases, we still have the highest deficit in history as a result of the irresponsible tax policies the President seeks to continue. This is not the direction America should be moving.

The President had a tremendous opportunity to reflect the values and priorities of the American people. He could have asked for shared sacrifice and inspired us to achieve new heights. Instead, he has given us more of the same: tax cuts for the wealthiest, program cuts for the most vulnerable, and the middle class is left on their own. America deserves better.

Mr. Speaker, last June I had the sad duty of coming to the floor to announce the loss of a brave marine in Iraq, Lance Corporal Holly Ann Charette, a citizen of Cranston, Rhode Island.

Today, I am proud to honor her service as we dedicate a post office in her memory. I would like to thank my friend and colleague, Senator Jack Reed, for introducing this measure, as well as the Government Reform Committee for bringing it to the floor today.

After the loss of Holly Charette, I was touched by the memories shared by her neighbors, friends, and family. One common theme that emerged was that Holly's smile and personality cheered all those around her. Those who knew her well spoke of her optimistic outlook on life and her ability to make the most of any situation.

She aimed to help others, and that dedication to service encouraged her to join the Marines. In Iraq, Holly held an administrative job, and her duties included serving as the mail distributor for her camp.

She was exceptionally well suited to that assignment, not only because of her outstanding organizational skills, but also because of her aspirations to one day become a postal worker. Despite the procedures and physical challenges of the position, she always maintained her professionalism and sunny disposition.

She recognized the importance of that task and worked so hard so that she could brighten the days of her fellow marines with the messages of their loved ones back home.

However, Holly's service was not without risk. As one of few women at

her post, she also traveled into Fallujah to perform searches of female Iraqis, a task that men were prohibited from doing. It was returning from one such trip that Holly's convoy was attacked by insurgents.

Three men and three women were killed that day, and 13 men and women were wounded. This sacrifice reminds us of the courage of our men and women in uniform who are faced with ongoing dangers in Iraq. It also underscores how important it is that we as Members of Congress do everything in our power to protect those who defend our Nation.

Designating a post office in memory of Lance Corporal Holly Ann Charette is a fitting tribute to a woman who touched the lives of so many. When her friends and family visit the facility at 57 Rolfe Square in Cranston, they will be reminded of her smile, her cheerful personality, and her dedication to helping others.

It will also remind future generations of the sacrifice of one exceptional person who gave so much to her Nation. I ask my colleagues to honor Holly Charette, a truly amazing woman by supporting this legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Coretta Scott King, a great woman who passed away yesterday. Mrs. King, the widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., worked alongside her husband in promoting the dream of equality for all. Mrs. King continued the legacy of her husband after his death by remaining a vocal proponent of civil rights and founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia.

Unfortunately, our nation has become increasingly divided about how to promote freedom and equality, both here at home and abroad. We have again experienced an increased number of hate crimes, more than half of which targeted victims because of race. As the costs of fuel, health care, and college education rise, we have been told we should cut important social programs. Such misguided priorities are falsely justified under the guise of fiscal responsibility, even though millionaires grow wealthier at the expense of the poor.

However, it is when we are most frustrated and disheartened by the world around us that Dr. and Mrs. King's message is most important. As we begin National Black History Month, we must remember the vital contributions that Dr. and Mrs. King made to the civil rights movement and let them inspire us to continue our nation's march toward equality. We must remember their heroism, compassion and a determination to make this country a better place. We must harness their passion to improve all aspects of our society, from education to health care to the economy. Our job, not just today but every day, is to act in such a manner that moves our nation a little further along that path to freedom. We do so with the hope that we, our children, and our grandchildren may experience the America that Dr. and Mrs. King envisioned for all of us.

Mrs. King will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and all those who mourn her loss.