Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the accomplishments of Richard Bernstein and congratulate him as he receives the Jewish Community Relations Council's Activist of the Year Award for 2007. His unparalleled dedication to upholding and defending the rights of the disabled is a priceless commodity to the citizens of the State of Michigan.

Mr. Bernstein has been an inspiration to many throughout his career. Blind since birth, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Northwestern University Law School and currently serves as an attorney with the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in Farmington Hills. His tireless work ethic and advocacy for disabled rights and the public interest has ensured that the disabled have an equal footing with the entire community. His penchant for running marathons epitomizes his work ethic; he does not shy away from daunting tasks and knows how to finish them.

I am proud to have been able to work with Mr. Bernstein to help blind and dyslexic students to access textbooks and keep up with students that can read the printed word. After securing federal funding, Mr. Bernstein and I were able to work together with the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic--Michigan Unit to provide blind and dyslexic students access to audio texts so that they can learn and succeed in school, providing them with the knowledge and skills to find jobs after graduation. This important work underscores Mr. Bernstein's commitment to helping the disabled achieve an equal footing in our society.

Madam Speaker, Richard Bernstein has been and will continue to be a pillar for our community. I congratulate him upon receiving this well- deserved award and look forward to working with him in the future as he continues to devote his work to bettering the lives of so many.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to express my strong support for passage of H.R. 518, the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2007. Like every membr of the Michigan congressional delegation, I am a cosponsor of this bill.

For many years, Canada has shipped significant amounts of solid waste into the United States, with a large percentage of it going to Michigan. It is estimated that more than four hundred trucks bring this waste into Michigan from Ontario each day. That means nearly 150,000 truckloads full of Canadian solid waste is deposited in the great State of Michigan each year.

One of Michigan's greatest assets is the acres upon acres of beautiful land in its natural state. Michiganders are defined in part by our Great Lakes, and the health of our environment is one of our top priorities. It is imperative that we preserve our State's natural beauty, from the wilderness on Isle Royale and the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula, all the way down to the lakes and streams in the bottom of our beloved mitten.

By allowing such an immense amount of Canadian trash into our landfills we are falling short of our responsibilities as stewards of our State's health. Canadian trash represents a threat to the health of our environment and the health of our citizens.

States must have the authority to address this matter as they see fit. H.R. 518 is necessary in order to provide Michigan with the power to address this issue, as the U.S. Supreme Court and other Federal courts have consistently ruled that States cannot restrict out-of-state trash without action by Congress.

Passage of H.R. 518 will finally allow States to regulate the importation of international waste in ways that best suit the needs of their citizens. I thank Mr. Dingell for introducing this important legislation and urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 518.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous generosity of Honor Flight Michigan, Inc. This organization's work to honor our veterans should be commended.

Honor Flight Michigan was founded in Royal Oak, Michigan by David Cameron and his wife Carole. After watching a report about a man in North Carolina who took World War II veterans to see their monument in Washington, DC, the couple was inspired to do the same. Realizing that many veterans lacked the funds or the ability to travel alone, Mr. Cameron made it his goal to take as many World War II veterans as he could to our nation's capital. Working closely with the Royal Oak American Legion Post 253, Honor Flight Michigan has begun its statewide effort to reach that goal.

This week, Honor Flight Michigan will be making its inaugural flight to Washington bringing 60 veterans to see the memorial they have waited 60 years to see. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron plan to take these trips monthly to ensure every veteran living today can see the memorial we have constructed to honor their bravery and sacrifice.

Out of the sixteen million who served in World War II, sadly only three million are alive today. In addition, we are losing them at a rate of twelve hundred a day. It is important that we let those veterans know the appreciation we have for them. Honor Flight Michigan does that, by treating these veterans as the heroes they are.

Today I salute Honor Flight Michigan for their tireless efforts on behalf of one of our nation's greatest assets, our veterans. When I look around this chamber and see the essence of our democracy I can't help but think of those who fought to ensure our freedom, our strength, and our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member profusely for granting me this time.

It is with regret that I rise today in opposition to the defense supplemental bill. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I wanted to be able to support a bill that would provide our soldiers with the funding they need to carry out their mission in Iraq. But I must oppose it because it presupposes our defeat in Iraq by tying the hands of the military leaders.

Further, it adds nonemergency spending, lots of spending, and sets new precedents. And of particular concern to me, fails to fix some major problems that were created in the continuing resolution with respect to rental assistance for our neediest families.

The continuing resolution changed the formula for distributing $16 billion in rental assistance under the section 8 program. The result is less funding, more uncertainty, a ``use it or lose it'' mentality, and a loss of any incentive to plan over the long run. It rewards excessive spending and punishes cost-effectiveness and will set public housing authorities against one another by creating new winners and losers every year.

The impacts on the program are staggering. Over 1,220 PHAs in 30 States will lose $460 million permanently. That means forever. I have here a list that I include for the Record of all the PHAs that are going to lose funds and how much they are going to lose. It also includes the name of the Member of this body who represents each of those PHAs.

So the supplemental bill before us today tries to fix some of the problems in the CR, but it fails to do that, and it distracts from the true purpose of this bill which is to support our troops in harm's way.

Mr. Speaker, I will be the first to admit that mistakes have been made in the execution of the war. No one is disputing that. Even Secretary of State Rice has admitted there are mistakes. But there is no sense in looking backward. Not now. We should give the administration's new policy a chance to work before presupposing its failure and our ultimate defeat in Iraq.

Let me be clear: I want our troops to come home as soon as possible, but I want them to return in victory, not defeat. It is time for the Iraqis to assume responsibility for the security of their nation. I am hopeful that the administration's new policy will bring to an end the sectarian violence in Baghdad and provide an opening for the Iraqi Government to step up to the plate.

It was a bipartisan vote of Congress that authorized this war 4 years ago. It is going to take bipartisan cooperation to bring about its successful conclusion. This bill, unfortunately, is anything but bipartisan. It is nothing more than a crafty way for the Democrat majority to set a hard-and-fast deadline for troop withdrawals before we have even given the new Iraq strategy a chance to succeed.

Let's give our troops a chance to stabilize Iraq and come home in victory. Let's pass a clean supplemental which gives the troops the resources they need to protect themselves. I strongly urge a ``no'' vote.

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Madam Speaker, on March 13, 2007, I was unavoidably absent and missed rollcall vote 140. For the Record, had I been present, I would have voted: 140--``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the tremendous generosity and compassion of the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund. The organization's contribution to the men and women protecting our country should be commended.

The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund began as a conversation between three friends, Christopher Cornelius, Tino DelSignore, and John Gingrell in December 2005. Christopher, a veteran, had just returned from visiting some wounded soldiers and had seen the hardships endured by the families who had lost loved ones. After sharing his experiences, the three friends decided to do something to ease the effects of war on our brave soldiers and their families.

Together they created the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, a volunteer non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting U.S. soldiers and their families. Since its inception, the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund has held dinners, auctions, and various community events to raise funds and awareness to their cause. In 2006, I am proud to say that the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund raised over $100,000 in donations that have benefited numerous families in Michigan.

On February 24, 2007, The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund held their second annual dinner. This event drew over 600 people and raised over $75,000 that will be donated to organizations like Homes For The Troops, Special Operations Warrior Fund, and Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America. In addition the proceeds will be used to help fallen soldiers' children attend college, fly out family members to visit the wounded, and assist in adapting the homes of disabled soldiers for handicapped accessibility.

Today I salute the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund for their tireless efforts on behalf of our courageous men and women in the armed services. Theirs is a shining example of the altruism that embodies the American spirit.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the life and achievements of a great business leader, teacher, and Michigander, Mr. Robert Gustafson, who passed away on February 20,2007.

While Mr. Gustafson's career rose to great heights as CEO and Chairman of Hubert Distributors, Inc. in Pontiac, Michigan, his humble beginnings give insight into his future achievements. After graduating from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mr. Gustafson became a teacher at Wayland High School in Wayland, Michigan. An avid music fan, his leadership of the school's band program saw a threefold increase in student participation during his tenure.

After teaching, Mr. Gustafson went on to pursue his interest in aviation. He founded Michigan Air Activities, where he taught hundreds of students under the Federal G.I. flight program, as well as sold and repaired aircraft. In addition, Michigan Air Activities had a fleet of aircraft that serviced well known customers such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Mr. Gustafson would later establish Kalamazoo Aviation and serve as President of the Airport Advisory Group.

Mr. Gustafson then joined Hubert Distributors where he oversaw the construction of one of their warehouses. From there he rose up the ranks from a sales manager to the CEO and Chairman. Utilizing his teaching experience, Mr. Gustafson overhauled the employee training program at Hubert by writing, producing, and directing the training videos that are required for all new hires.

Yet Mr. Gustafson's works reach beyond the realm of business as he was actively involved in philanthropy and charitable work. The Robert Gustafson Wing of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital bears witness to his commitment to give back to the community.

Today, I remember Mr. Robert Gustafson for his lifetime of service and dedication to our community. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make a statement that mistakes have been made in Iraq. The status quo is not acceptable. We need to chart a new course. But we also need to acknowledge that some positive things have happened in Iraq, thanks to the courage and dedication of our troops. These accomplishments often get just lost in all the politics that surround this debate.

Toppling one of the most brutal dictators in history was a good thing. Saddam Hussein's regime was responsible for the senseless murder of thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens. Under his rule, most Iraqis lived in fear of the day Hussein or one of his cronies would come for their mother, their father, their sister or brother.

Hussein was also a direct threat to our friend and ally, Israel. He was a menace, and it is good that he is gone. Furthermore, turning Iraq's sovereignty over to the Iraqis and providing assistance as they forged a democratically elected government is a big deal. Fostering democracy in the

heart of the Middle East was important and was also a very historic moment.

As we debate the current strategy in Iraq, let us not forget that our soldiers have provided a tremendous opportunity to the Iraqi people. They have provided an opportunity for them to grab the benefits of freedom. Now it is up to the Iraqis to seize it.

Before us today, we have a nonbinding resolution that doesn't even mention the accomplishments I just spoke of. We can all agree that the war has taken a wrong turn, but instead of debating nonbinding resolutions that have no bearing on whether additional troops go to Iraq, we should work together to find a solution that results in our soldiers coming home in victory, not defeat.

Mr. Speaker, I have offered my conditional support for the President's plan for additional troops in Iraq. My support is conditional, not carte blanche. I want to see the benchmarks met and progress made within the next 90 to 120 days. It is time for the Iraqis to step up to the plate and assume responsibility for the security of their nation.

If the Iraqis do not step up to this challenge in the coming months, then it will be time to reevaluate. The resolution before us doesn't even speak to these issues. It does nothing in the way of bringing out or bringing our troops home quickly and in victory. It is just pure politics.

I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together with the President to ensure a quick return of our troops. We all know that Congress is not going to cut funding for President Bush's new Iraq plan. If we know this to be true, why are we wasting our time on nonbinding resolutions that lead us nowhere?

Let's put our troops first. Let's end the political gamesmanship, and let's work together to find a solution in Iraq. That is what the American people want, and that is what our soldiers and their families deserve.

Madam Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Guardian Industries which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this week. This company's positive impact on Michigan's economy should be commended and I am pleased they are headquartered in my district, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Guardian is one of the largest manufacturers of float glass and fabricated glass products. They also manufacture and supply the automotive industry with a variety of exterior products and have a significant presence in the building materials distribution business. In addition, Guardian is the world's largest producer of mirrors.

Guardian Industries began in 1932 as Guardian Glass Company, a small windshield fabricator in Detroit, Michigan. In 1968, the company changed its name to Guardian Industries Corporation and two years later they opened their first float glass manufacturing line in Carleton, Michigan. Nearly thirty years later, in 1995, Guardian moved their corporate headquarters to a new facility in Auburn Hills, which I now represent.

Guardian Industries long-time contribution to Michigan's economy is substantial. Through three divisions--glass, automotive, and building products--Guardian Industries employs nearly 19,000 workers, including more than 1,000 in southeast Michigan. Guardian's commitment to making southeast Michigan a focus point for innovation can be seen through the company's Science & Technology Center. Guardian has also been an active supporter of the community, such as offering scholarships for local students pursuing advance education and providing financial support to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Madam Speaker, Guardian Industries has been a leader in the United States and global glass, automotive, and building products industries. I congratulate them on their 75th anniversary as they continue to implement its philosophy of entrepreneurship and progressive management.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 20 as it is currently written.

The CR includes authorization language that will change the formula for distributing section 8 housing assistance that will cut funding from 31 States and 1,227 PHAs, permanently.

I make no bones about this. Both in my State of Michigan, in Detroit and in Pontiac, PHAs in the State of Michigan as a whole would be severely impacted by the language in this bill. But I am just one of many Members, 31 States, who are impacted by this legislation, by this bill.

I ask why are we doing this now? There is no need to make the change now. There is no urgent situation that needs fixing. Under the current system, every PHA would have received an increase that fully covers the cost of running their section 8 program. No one gets cut; no one gets hurt.

This language has one impact. It creates instability and uncertainty by creating a new set of winners and losers every year.

And in their very first budget, the new majority would cut $460 million for 1,227 PHAs from what would have been provided if the program had been left alone. A complete list of the PHAs being impacted has been made available for all Members to review.

And this is not a one-time sweep, by the way, of so-called excess funds. The losses being imposed on the PHAs with this language are permanent losses, not just for this year.

This is not the system that we worked so hard to develop. Where stability and uncertainty has been the order of the day, we are now having disruption and uncertainty.

The principal claim by the supporters of this provision is that there are excess funds in PHAs that can be redistributed to other entities so that more families can be served. But that is not what the people who run the program say. Of the nearly $29 billion in funds that has been provided to the PHAs over the last 2 years, only 2.5 percent is

actually deemed excess. Two-and-a-half percent. That hardly seems like a crisis to me.

To take away those funds permanently from those areas and the families that could be served is not the solution. Getting the funds spent on families in those areas by those PHAs is the right solution.

It is clear from the language in the bill that the majority has no real certainty on what this provision is going to do. They have set aside $100 million of the funds for unanticipated outcomes. But there will be no doubt about the outcome, and $100 million is a drop in the bucket.

Again, according to the Department, the top 10 PHAs, including New York City, L.A. County, L.A. City, Sacramento, Dallas, Cook County, Miami/Dade, and San Diego County, will be cut $132 million alone; and that leaves $328 million, or 70 percent, of the destruction being caused in smaller PHAs throughout the country untouched.

Finally, the majority has argued that the administration is proposing the same change in 2008 and 2009. No one has seen the HUD budget. We have very conflicting information coming through. Regardless of what is wrong, I would urge all Members on both sides of the aisle with those PHAs that will be impacted like mine, 31, I strongly suggest they look at all of these losses; and I strongly oppose this legislation.

Madam Speaker, one year ago I came across a young high school student who had a brilliant and patriotic idea. Alexandra McGregor set out to establish a ``Support Our Troops'' Day and for the second year in a row I am introducing a resolution inspired by Alexandra.

A year ago, my office got word of Alexandra's extraordinary effort to contact, local, State, and Federal officials in support of a national ``Support Our Troops'' Day. Alexandra even went as far as to write to one school in each State encouraging them to participate in a moment of silence on March 26th, her grandfather's birthday, who was an American soldier.

Every year, this House celebrates Memorial Day; in a month we will take time out of the schedule to celebrate our Presidents, and further down the road we will honor our veterans; but never do we honor our active-duty military men and women who are protecting our freedom today.

With inspiration from Alexandra, my resolution encourages Americans to participate in a moment of silence on March 26th to think about those who are serving this country both at home and abroad.

Madam Speaker, on January 9 and 10, 2007, I was absent and missed rollcall votes 12-18. For the record, had I been present on January 9, I would have voted: rollcall vote 12--``yea''; rollcall vote 13--``no''; rollcall vote 14--``yea''; and rollcall vote 15--``yea''.

Further, had I been present on January 10, I would have voted: rollcall vote 16--``no''; rollcall vote 17--``no''; and rollcall vote 18--``yea.''

I support an increase in the minimum wage. The last time the minimum wage was increased was 10 years ago and workers deserve to have the minimum wage increased to $7.25.

I am pleased the House of Representatives passed the initial version of H.R. 2 and look forward to voting on its final passage in the coming weeks.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a very important piece of legislation that will provide additional relief for families as they plan for the financial cost of their children's education.

The cost of college tuition continues to rise in the United States. In fact, over the past 5 years, the cost of obtaining a college education has increased by 35 percent. The higher cost of college should not prevent individuals from receiving an advanced education.

That is why I am introducing the Student Financial Readiness Act of 2007, which will increase the annual tax-free contribution a family or an individual may contribute to a student's elementary, secondary, or college expenses.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow families to make an annual tax-free contribution of $2,000 to assist each of their children with their education. The money can be spent on both K-12 education and college. By allowing families to make tax-free contributions to education savings accounts, we promote ownership of education. Families that save for their children's education are empowering their children. However, the current $2,000 annual limit needs to be adjusted with the increasing tuition rates. The Student Financial Readiness Act of 2007 would permit a contribution level of $5,000 annually and index the contribution amount by the cost-of-living adjustment.

We must give families the option to provide the very best education possible for their children. Our Nation's future depends on educating our children and they must be given every chance to receive the highest education. Our children deserve a competitive advantage in our Nation's job market.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the support of my colleagues for this important piece of legislation that will ensure the future success of our Nation's children.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing an important piece of legislation that speaks to our commitment to our Nation's veterans.

In the 109th Congress, I introduced the Veterans Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act. This legislation would automatically increase disability benefits for veterans, each year, by the Consumer Price Index. Today I am re-introducing this important legislation.

Currently, it takes a yearly act by Congress to ensure disabled veterans receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). While we have done this every year for the past three decades we cannot guarantee that future Congresses will act as responsibly. Taking a chance on disabled veterans' benefits is a chance I am not willing to take.

My legislation would simply make the COLA for veterans with disability benefits automatic each year. Furthermore, this important legislation also has no budgetary impact. In fact, both Congress and the President assume the increase in their budgets.

Madam Speaker, Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries receive an automatic COLA and our disabled veterans deserve the same. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, on January 9 and 10, 2007, I was absent and

missed rollcall votes 12-18. For the record, had I been present on January 9th, I would have voted: rollcall vote 12--``yea''; rollcall vote 13--``no''; rollcall vote 14--``yea''; and rollcall vote 15-- ``yea.''

Further, had I been present on January 10th, I would have voted: rollcall vote 16--``no''; rollcall vote 17--``no''; and rollcall vote 18--``yea.''

I support an increase in the minimum wage. The last time the minimum wage was increased was ten years ago and workers deserve to have the minimum wage increased to $7.25.

I am pleased the House of Representatives passed the initial version of H.R. 2 and look forward to voting on its final passage in the coming weeks.