Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Weeks as he retires as a columnist for The Detroit News.

George Weeks has seen it all. No one knows more about the issues that are important to Michigan than him. He's been around politics and government longer than most people I know, and as such, like few others, he can be counted on to provide insight and perspective on the news of the day. He not only tells readers what the news is, but he tells them what it means.

George began his journalism career with United Press International, covering the White House, Foggy Bottom and Capitol Hill. He rose to the post UPI's top foreign editor. After his work in Washington, George exchanged the U.S. Capitol for the State Capitol upon becoming UPI's Lansing bureau chief. Recognizing his talent, he was soon tapped by Gov. William Milliken to serve as his press secretary and rounded out his service to the administration as the governor's chief of staff.

Since that time, George has ably served The Detroit News as its political columnist. George's passion for Michigan, the Great Lakes and the environment in general is evident in every column he writes. A workhorse and not a showboat, George effectively brings attention to the most important issue facing our Nation, without making the story about himself. He has always conducted himself with the utmost dignity and integrity and it has been a pleasure to work with him.

With great pleasure I join my colleagues in honoring George Weeks, a great journalist.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Gordon from Tennessee for pushing the committee to get this important legislation out.

I have been a physician for 41 years, starting out with problems when people would come into an emergency room high on marijuana, and then we moved to opiates like heroin coming from across the sea, coming from the Asian Continent for the most part, and then cocaine coming up from South and Central America.

But now methamphetamine is made in our own backyards and particularly in areas in this country that are similar to those areas around my home in Michigan. They do not need much. They need chemicals that they can buy in a convenience store or anhydrous ammonia that people can steal from an agricultural operation someplace. It is very, very easy to make. It is very, very addictive, and it is very dangerous, both for those who use it and for those who make it.

This bill deals with the residual things that happen when methamphetamine is made in a lab out someplace usually in the country. What they are left with is a chemical soup.

For every pound of methamphetamine manufactured, 5 pounds of hazardous waste is created. For every lab that has to be cleaned up, somewhere between $8,000 and $15,000 worth of public money is expended. Children are put into foster care because their parents can no longer care for them. It is a huge public health and social problem.

And it is so easy to make. One oxygen molecule from pseudoephedrine, which one can buy over the counter in almost any store, one oxygen molecule taken away and we have methamphetamine. Numbers of arrests coming up almost exponentially in the past 5 years, and the residual in the labs is a terrible thing. It is a horrible thing, and we have to have some systematic way to deal with that residual as we are working on ways to deal with the drug itself.

This bill is a tremendously good start in that direction. And, again, I compliment the chairman, the ranking member, and members of the Science Committee on moving the ball forward, moving it down the field, to help clean up methamphetamine labs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Henry Green, a lifelong resident of Lansing, Michigan, on his recent election to President of the Board of Directors of the International Code Council, ICC. Mr. Green was elected to the ICC Board of Directors in 2002 and most recently served as its Vice President.

For the past 3 decades, Mr. Green has been a tireless advocate for building safety and enforcement of building codes. In 1989, he was appointed Executive Director of the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety of the State of Michigan to provide management and oversight for construction and fire safety programs, a position which he still holds.

For nearly 10 years, in addition to his work with the State of Michigan, Mr. Green has served in national leadership positions with the ICC, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention that develops the codes used to guide the construction of our residential and commercial buildings, including our homes and the businesses, schools and places of worship we visit regularly. These are the codes in use by over 16,000 jurisdictions across the country, including those at the local, State and Federal level. Besides being a distinguished citizen of my District and the State of Michigan, in my opinion, the ICC Board of Directors has elected an outstanding candidate and dedicated public servant to lead the organization.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the rest of the ICC Board of Directors for their efforts to ensure a sound built environment. Those individuals include: Immediate Past President Frank Hodge, Vice President Wally Bailey, Secretary/Treasurer Steven Shapiro, Jimmy Brothers, Terrence Cobb, John Darnall, Gerald George, John LaTorra, Ron Piester, Ed Berkel, William Duck, William Dupler, Greg Johnson, Ron Lynn, James Ryan, Kevin Scott, Adolf Zubia and outgoing Immediate Past President Anne VonWeller.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 397, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

As a gun owner, it troubles me that many interest groups and local municipalities have decided that the way to reduce gun violence is to put the manufacturers of firearms and firearm parts out of business through lawsuits and the fear of lawsuits. Their actions run counter to the main purpose of gun ownership: protection.

The Second Amendment was not written as a mere exercise in constitutional thought. It had a practical purpose: First, to ensure that citizens would have the tools to protect their families and their homes and, second, to ensure that an armed militia could be called up to defend the country in emergencies.

But these lawsuits, Mr. Speaker, have the potential of crippling the American firearms industry, in the same manner as the threat of medical liability has crippled the medical industry. Why would we want to go down that route? Why would we want to put firearms out of the reach of law-abiding citizens.

S. 397, and H.R. 800, the companion legislation of which I was proud to be an original co-sponsor, would prohibit state and Federal lawsuits against the gun industry for deaths resulting from unlawful actions of the user.

In my estimation, Mr. Speaker, these lawsuits are a threat to our hard-earned Second Amendment rights. It is entirely proper that we should prevent such unconstitutional actions. I commend the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Stearns, and Chairman Sensenbrenner for their hard work on this legislation, and I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act.

As a physician, and just as someone who can read the data, I can tell you that we have an epidemic of obesity in this country. Obesity is a serious health problem, with very serious consequences.

The most important step we can take to curb obesity is to impart to everyone in this country that obesity can be controlled when we take personal responsibility. A healthy and consistent diet, with an adequate amount of exercise, will work wonders. That's the simple truth.

We must get away from the notion there is anything remotely approaching a quick fix to obesity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a life-long dedication to one's own well-being. A lawsuit will not help anyone lose weight. Allowing consumers to sue their local restaurant, to sue half the food industry, means that we are telling our citizens, ``It's not your fault that you are obese.''

Mr. Chairman, that's the wrong tack to take. I support this legislation because it sends the message to everyone in the United States, young and old, that taking control of your weight is your responsibility, and taking personal responsibility is the only way that weight control can be achieved.

I commend the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Keller, and Chairman Sensenbrenner, for their work on this legislation, and I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 471 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

So the previous question was ordered.

The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Association for 55 years of beautiful music and a commitment to community service in Jackson County. I commend the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for both its high quality performing arts programs and its outreach to the community through concerts, music education, and partnerships with area educators and community service providers.

For more than five decades, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra has brought outstanding artists and a wide variety of music venues to Jackson audiences. Over the years, there have been numerous world premieres; performances in ballet, opera, and jazz; and an emphasis on works by 20th century composers.

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra Association champions the arts through music education. It operates a community music school that provides private instruction on all orchestral instruments, early childhood music classes, home school orchestras, a string academy, and after- school string instruction for children at risk. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra educational programming directly reaches over 1,500 young people each year and reaches an additional 4,000 families each year through family concerts, in-school performances, and special events.

Beyond the concert stage, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, through its presence in the community, has created an environment that has contributed to the development of many local arts organizations. These include the Jackson Chorale, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and the Jackson Youth Symphony. The presence of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra is also regularly credited as a factor in attracting new business and key employees into the community.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for its 55 years of dedication in the performing arts, as well as to the community. I commend their use of innovative programs which has provided musical education for the Jackson community. I expect the Jackson Symphony Orchestra to continue their path of excellence for years into the future.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for this opportunity to address the PATRIOT Act. We must especially make sure our law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the resources they need to arrest, detain, and interrogate those who would do us harm before the deadly acts are committed.

I am very cognizant of the concerns brought to me by many of my constituents in Michigan regarding the PATRIOT Act. They have a concern which I believe we all share, that any legislation we pass to combat and prevent terror should not infringe upon the rights we cherish as Americans, the very same freedoms the terrorists themselves seek to destroy.

I appreciate the gentleman letting me inquire about these provisions in the bill that you have reported out of committee.

Mr. Chairman, section 215 of the PATRIOT Act pertains to the government's abilities to gain access to what we commonly refer to as business records, records compiled by a business or an institution pertaining to a customer or visitor to that entity. This provision has come to be known as the ``library provision'' because many librarians and civil libertarians are concerned that this provision of the PATRIOT Act could authorize the government to pour through the library records of everyday private citizens.

Now, it is my understanding that your version of the bill has added protections to ensure that law-abiding citizens and residents of the United States do not see their cherished civil liberties violated. Specifically, the bill states that no search can be conducted unless, I repeat, unless a Federal judge impaneled at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court makes a finding that the information likely to be obtained concerns an ongoing investigation; repeat, an ongoing investigation to prevent international terrorism, and that that investigation is geared toward gathering foreign intelligence.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman. Is it also the case that the recipient of such an order, such as a business or video store, is allowed to consult a lawyer and to contest these orders, and that judges are authorized to review such challenge? In other words, we are not devolving to the executive branch powers of the judicial branch?

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his time. I have, and I hope the American people have, an accurate understanding of the safeguards put in place by the USA PATRIOT Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is my special privilege to honor the Homer Trojans baseball team for setting the national record for consecutive wins in high school baseball by winning 75 straight games. I commend the Trojans for the dedication required to accomplish such a remarkable feat.

The Trojans' streak began on opening day of the 2004 season with a victory over Addison. The team would eventually earn a State championship, with a record of 38 wins to zero losses. During the season, Homer shut out 20 opponents.

The Trojans continued to dominate the diamond in the 2005 season. Improving on their 2004 record, the Trojans shut out 21 opponents in 2005, a national record. They also had a streak of eight consecutive shutouts, which etched the team in the State record book again. The Trojans ended the 2005 season with a 37-1 record and a runner-up finish in the State.

In the world of sports, success is often determined based on wins and losses. However, the Trojans are not just a success for winning 75 consecutive games; they are a success because of the manner in which they win. Their astounding record is testament to not only their ability to pitch, hit, run, and field; it is indicative of their superb commitment to teamwork and maturity. The lessons they learned and skills they perfected will help prepare them for a bright future, whether it be on or off the baseball field. I am honored to have these fine young men as constituents, and I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an organization in my district that is known world-wide for its tireless dedication to altruism, education, and the betterment of society as a whole. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established by breakfast cereal pioneer W.K. Kellogg in 1930, to ``help people help themselves.'' During his life, Mr. Kellogg left most of his fortune-- $66 million in Kellogg Company stock and other investments--as an endowment for the foundation. These assets have since grown to nearly $7 billion. Since 1930, the foundation has awarded more than $4 billion in grants--including $1.6 billion to the people of Michigan.

Since the 1930s, the Kellogg Foundation has grown from programs that served south-central Michigan into an international organization that awards grants in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and southern Africa. Yet whether in Battle Creek or Botswana, the Kellogg Foundation's emphasis remains just as it was in Mr. Kellogg's day: they exist to help people reach their full potential, and to build strong families and communities.

Though they have expanded internationally, the Kellogg Foundation remains committed to Mr. Kellogg's and my hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan. Last year alone, they awarded $9.4 million to local causes and programs. They are also a major local employer, and their employees generously volunteer their time and resources within the community.

In its 75 years of existence, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has built a legacy of philanthropy and selflessness. The work that they fund has improved the lives of millions. I am deeply honored to have this institution in my district, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Mr. Chairman, no passenger rail system in the world that is worth its salt runs without subsidy.

After World War II, the entire rail system in Europe was destroyed, and they have built up from that time to the best passenger rail system in the world, France, Germany, the low countries, the UK, Italy, Spain. Spain, for God's sake, has a better passenger rail system than the United States.

The first four airlines in the United States are broke or going broke. If my colleagues have flown lately, and I know all of them have flown lately, they know what a great experience that is.

The gentleman from Oregon was correct in saying we are going to take traffic off the interstates. We are going to take passengers off the airplanes, especially east of the Mississippi and up and down the California coast, and put them on trains, but we cannot run this system unsubsidized. It is not possible, and our friends in Europe, our friends in Japan, that have the best rail passenger systems in the world, understand that.

I ask the body to fund Amtrak at the level suggested by the LaTourette amendment for another year. I also ask the body to appoint a commission to study Amtrak, to put together a plan to make Amtrak something that survives and is efficient, but my colleagues must know there will always be a subsidy. I find it an embarrassment that the passenger rail service in

the United States of America is in its present state, and something needs to be done about it. It needs to be preserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a utility company in my district that is working diligently to reduce emissions from its power plants. By investing in the future, Consumers Energy is demonstrating the understanding and foresight that sets it apart from its peers.

Founded in Jackson, Michigan in 1886, Consumers Energy has superbly served mid-Michigan by providing reliable and affordable electricity, supporting communities, operating in the best interests of the public, and respecting the environment.

Consumers Energy is in the midst of an $815 million commitment to reduce emissions as part of current Federal and State requirements. As of March 2005, Consumers Energy

has already spent $543 million to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rulings, including the requirement that power companies significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. The Utility is currently making separate plans for future investments in compliance with the EPA's new Clean Air Interstate Rule and the Clean Air Mercury Rule, the first-ever rule for reducing mercury missions. Today, the air in Michigan is clean, and the policies pursued by Consumers Energy will continue the forty year trend of improved air quality.

Consumers Energy operates in the belief that economic growth, energy demands, and environmental quality are inextricably linked. In the past 25 years, as our Nation's economy has expanded, demand for electricity and other forms of energy have substantially increased. At the same time, Consumer Energy consistently lowered emissions from its coal- fired power plants: the rate of nitrogen oxide emissions has been reduced 70 percent and the rate of sulfur dioxide emissions has been reduced 80 percent. Consumers Energy is actively planning to reduce these emissions even further as it implements the new Clean Air Interstate Rule. In addition, the company is preparing to implement the first-ever mandate to reduce mercury emissions under the Clean Air Mercury Rule. Consumers Energy is also participating with peer companies in the Administration's voluntary greenhouse gas reduction program to reduce carbon intensity, even though this greenhouse gas is not federally regulated.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to offer my highest praise to Consumers Energy for its extraordinary efforts to address air quality in the United States. This company's initiative and forethought will not only benefit the people of the Seventh District and the State of Michigan, but the United States as a whole.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, CCC funds are transferred to APHIS because of foreign Animals, Pests & Diseases that have come into the United States and are destroying agriculture resources and products. Since this is a tight budget year and the dollars appropriated will not fully take care of the emergency situation of the spread of EAB and the millions of ash trees in need of more attention from the CCC and OMB.

Therefore, this amendment is a sense of Congress to support the requests of USDA and APHIS to fund the eradication program of EAB within Michigan before it spreads to other states.

Michigan has natural barriers which are the great lakes that provide a natural containment with this emergency eradication plan.

This is an emergency situation for our agriculture community and as with any invasive species, we continue to run in to the obstacle of funding from OMB. With this amendment we want the OMB to reconsider the severity of the EAB situation. This amendment is meant to suggest, in strong terms, that it is Congress's intent that the mechanism within this statute is to be used to meet the foreign pest emergency needs of Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland & Michigan.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman and am delighted that he has decided to accept the amendment, and we will move on.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Woolsey amendment.

As a veteran of two tours of duty in Vietnam, I do not think it is appropriate to pull the forces out. The Iraqis want us to stay until the government takes on its full mission. Creating a timetable for withdrawal would hand the military initiative over to the insurgents and undermine the Iraqi Government to draft a constitution and prepare for a constitutional government.

As Generals Myers, Pace, and Abizaid have reminded us, the enemy gets a vote on how the war is fought. Iraqi-U.S. coalition forces need flexibility to respond to any enemy offensive which a benchmark-based plan for withdrawal would absolutely preclude.

I believe the amendment is well-intentioned, but the President, the Secretary of Defense, General Abizaid and the democratically elected Government of Iraq agree that it would not be in U.S. or Iraqi interests for the U.S. to remain in Iraq any longer than the government wants us there, but they are committed to reducing the U.S. presence only when that U.S. presence can safely be reduced and no sooner.

Vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I have been a physician for 41 years; and like my good colleagues who will not be supporting this bill, I would expect we could tell the Members stories of all the blood and gore and problems that we have waded through in those years and done our very best. I also consider myself a guy who is pretty much pro-life.

This bill is not cloning. It is not somatic cell nuclear transfer. It is sound science. For those who have an ethical problem with the bill, I accept the fact that they have that problem and hope that at some point in the future we can sit down and discuss this issue. But for now they will have their position; I will have mine.

Stem cell research, especially embryonic stem cell research, is going to go on apace very rapidly in all parts of the world, whether it is Singapore or Korea or Japan or China or the United Kingdom or Canada, other places on continental Europe. We are being left behind in this. We have the finest universities in the world, the finest researchers, the ability to bring stem cell research to a point where we will, indeed, have cures for everyday problems such as diabetes, such as Parkinson's, such as Alzheimer's, and perhaps even being able to create neuronal cells to take care of people who have spinal cord injuries. Science will march on.

I believe this bill helps the living. Can there be any doubt that the potential of relieving widespread suffering with embryonic stem cells is morally superior to simply destroying the excess embryos? How can we call ourselves a culture of life when we ignore the living, when we ignore the infinite potential of embryonic stem cells?