Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Missouri citizens and all Americans mourn yesterday's passing of a great American, Richard A. Bloch--the ``R'' in H&R Block. Richard Bloch was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, beloved husband, devoted father of three and grandfather of 10, who exemplified personal and professional integrity. He was 78 years old.

Honored for his philanthropy and his second career as a crusader for cancer patients, as '-- well as his success in creating one of America's most famous brands, Richard Bloch was born in Kansas City in 1926.

By age 12, he had founded his own small business providing printing services to Kansas City high schools. At 16, he entered the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, the youngest member of his class. He graduated in 1945 with a degree in economics.

After graduation, Richard returned to Kansas City, married his wife Annette, and soon joined his brothers Henry and Leon in their bookkeeping business. A simple newspaper ad in the Kansas City Star in 1954, showing a man behind an eight ball, with the headline, ``Taxes, $5,'' stimulated a long line of customers that turned a sidelight of tax return preparation into a spectacular national success that made business history.

Today those first customers translate into one out of every seven individual income tax filers in America, served by over 125,000 employees at nearly 10,000 U.S. offices, and international clients in 11 countries. Tax planning and preparation have expanded to include financial, mortgage, accounting, and consulting services.

Over the last 50 years, well over a hundred million Americans have had their anxieties allayed by a Block-prepared tax return. Both Federal and State governments also benefit from accurate tax returns reflecting sound advice and professional preparation.

In 1978, Richard was diagnosed with lung cancer and told he had three months to live. Refusing to accept this prognosis, he sought treatment at the M.D. Anderson Center in Houston. Richard promised himself that if he survived, he would devote his life to helping others fight cancer. Cured after two years of aggressive therapy, he kept that promise, selling his interest in H&R Block to devote full time to cancer work.

Richard and Annette founded the R. A. Bloch Cancer Management Center and the R. A. Bloch Cancer Support Center at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. From 1980 to 1995, the Management Center offered Kansas City area patients a free multidisciplinary second opinion panel. The panel, including more than 100 physicians, helped patients identify the best cancer treatment available. The Management Center has served as a model for more than 125 centers nationwide.

Richard and Annette also founded the Cancer Hotline in 1980 and authored three books. Supported by volunteers who have had or are battling cancer, the hotline educates thousands of newly diagnosed cancer patients and their family and friends about available treatments. A Website, www.blochcancer.org, now assists. So do annual Fighting Cancer Rallies in more than 700 communities that raise awareness that cancer and death are not synonymous and that give victims faith that there can be life after a cancer diagnosis.

In my district and across America, Richard & Annette Bloch Parks for Cancer Survivors provide an oasis of peace for contemplation and inspiration, dedicated to Americans who have been diagnosed with cancer, each a tribute to life.

Richard Bloch's vision of a national network of cancer information led to the National Cancer Institute's Physician's Data Query. This Website provides information about state of the art treatment for every type and stage of cancer and all the current experimental therapies. To honor Richard's efforts, our government named a building at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, the R. A. Bloch International Cancer Information Center. Most government cancer information is disseminated from the Bloch Center.

In 1982, Richard was appointed by President Reagan to a six year term on the National Cancer Advisory Board. He was a member of the President's Circle of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and a former board member of the National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine. He also received the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 1994 Public Service Award and the 1995 Layman's Award from the Society of Surgical Oncology.

Richard would ask anyone who wanted to open an H&R Block office, ``Tell me what you want out of life.'' He encouraged people to go where their hearts led them and to follow their passion. Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the entire Bloch family-- Annette; his three daughters, Linda Lyon, Barbara Stanny, and Nancy Linsley; his 10 grandchildren; brothers Leon Jr. and Henry and Henry's wife, Marion--as we honor the

memory of an American whose life is a testimonial to the values our Nation celebrates.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Juanita R. Phillips, a retired St. Louis Public School educator and the aunt of my colleague and dear friend, Congresswoman Diane Watson. Ms. Phillips died of natural causes on July 1, 2004, less than three months shy of celebrating her 100th birthday. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 26, 1904, she experienced many highs and lows of this great country's history, witnessing historic events from both World Wars and the Great Depression to landing astronauts on the Moon. She attended the Clinton, Iowa Public Schools, graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles in 1927 and earned a master's degree in English from Ohio State University. She was a pioneer and a model for women of her day and today.

Ms. Phillips pursued a rewarding career teaching English at historically black institutions such as Florida A&M College in Tallahassee, Florida and the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 1943 with her husband, Dr. A.C. Phillips. Ms. Phillips followed her love for teaching English to Soldan High School in the St. Louis Public School system, from which she retired in 1972, and subsequently served as a tutor.

In her years as an educator Ms. Phillips touched many lives. One of those lives is that of her niece, my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Diane Watson. Diane has followed in the footsteps of her Aunt Juanita by devoting her life to community service, first as a teacher and school board member, and then as a California State Senator and later as U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. Diane has been a role model to other women just as Aunt Juanita was for her.

Juanita Phillips was truly an exemplary American. She overcame obstacles of racism and hatred to ensure a better life for her family and future generations. The challenges she faced as an African American educator through the years of segregation in our country were difficult to overcome, but Juanita didn't give up. She was undaunted by her commitment to making her world a better place, and she succeeded in doing so for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of a woman who dedicated her life to education and to making sure future generations could realize their dreams. There are lessons to be learned from someone who gave so much to so many. Let us all join in giving gratitude for this philanthropic, civic minded and loving individual, Juanita Rabouin Phillips, and to her niece, Representative Diane Watson, who carries on the legacy by her service in the Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my dear friend and former colleague, State Senator Harry Wiggins. Harry is the quintessential gentleman and a distinguished statesman. He dedicated his life to the betterment of our community and state.

Kansas City is home for Harry. A devoted son to his mother and father, young Harry attended St. Elizabeth's Grade School and Lillis High School. He continues to support these local institutions that fostered his academic growth. He received his law degree from Saint Louis University and served his country in the Army from 1957 to 1959.

Harry was inspired to a life of public service, as I was, by Robert Kennedy. He fulfilled Bobby Kennedy's prophesy that ``few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.'' In 1961 Harry was appointed by Attorney General Robert Kennedy to serve as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

In 1970, Harry was elected Western Judge of Jackson County, joining Presiding Judge George W. Lehr and Eastern Judge Joe Bolger in bringing growth and prosperity to Jackson County, and following in the footsteps of Harry S Truman who had earlier served as Eastern Judge. The dynamic combination of Lehr, Bolger, and Wiggins catapulted Kansas City into a major sports city with the creation of the Truman Sports Complex. Judge Wiggins traveled to New York's financial bond market to ensure funding for the innovative complex.

Known for his tenacity and persistence as a crusader, Harry was elected to the Missouri State Senate for the Tenth District in 1974 and served with distinction for 28 years. From 1980 to 1984 he served as Majority Floor Leader. I fondly remember the eighteen years in which I worked with Senator Wiggins on numerous bills for our community and state when I joined my friend in Jefferson City as a State Representative in 1976. For 12 years we partnered on landmark fiscal policy as we each chaired the Ways and Means Committees of our respective chambers.

Harry's civic and charitable awards include: the 2001 Charles Evans Whittaker Award for outstanding lawyer of Kansas City; 2001 Outstanding Advocacy for Children Award from

the Associated PTA's of Missouri; and the 2002 Tiger Roar Award from University of Missouri Alumni Association. In 2000, the Mr. Baseball in Kansas City Award was presented to Senator Harry Wiggins by the Kansas City Royals for furthering the cause of professional baseball in Kansas City. From his initial role in securing funding to build the stadium as a Jackson County Judge, to obtaining a 25 year lease that insured the Royals remain in Kansas City as a Senator, the Royals knew they could count on Harry. The Senator proudly wore his Royals hat, enjoyed spring training with the team, and was truly Mr. K.C. Baseball.

When you look into Harry's blue eyes you see compassion, respect and commitment. He served until term limits forced his retirement from the Senate, and in 2002 joined the prestigious law firm of Blackwell, Sanders, Peper and Martin.

Mr. Speaker, Harry Wiggins is a man who has selflessly served, and who has left his mark on the lives of Kansas Citians and all Missourians. Thank you, Harry, for making our community and state a better place. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting this unique public servant.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 384, tabling the appeal of the ruling of the Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. Chairman, during rollcall vote No. 385, the Buyer Amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment Offered by Mr. Sanders

Mr. Chairman, during rollcall vote No. 386, the Sanders Amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Chairman, during rollcall vote No. 387, the Nethercutt Amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas

Mr. Chairman, during rollcall vote No. 388, the Jackson-Lee amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment Offered by Mr. Weiner

Mr. Chairman, during rollcall vote No. 389, the Weiner Amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 390, the Foreign Operations Appropriations, H.R. 4818, Final Passage, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Australia Free Trade Agreement but also to express reservations about the precedent it may set for future trade agreements. Australia has been a strong ally for decades and it is appropriate that the United States enjoy an open and fruitful trading relationship with Australia. Locally, this trade agreement will give a strong boost to trade and investments. My state of Missouri sent $137 million dollars worth of goods and services in 2003 to Australia, an increase of 9 percent over the previous year, in a variety of sectors. For example, chemical manufacturers export $46.4 million worth of goods to Australia and machinery manufacturers send $28.1 million worth of their products to the Australian market.

This trade agreement has received strong support from a variety of interests. The agreement contains many positive provisions such as strong protections for copyright owners and it provides exporters with a sound legal environment for the export of goods to the United States. Our country enjoys a trade surplus with Australia and has a long standing economic relationship with the United States that this agreement will continue. Passage of this agreement is a positive step for our relationship with one of our closest allies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 15, legislation to protect our Nation from future biological and chemical terrorist attacks. The House passed H.R. 2122, similar legislation, last year by an overwhelming margin of 421 to 2. As a member of both the Homeland Security Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been proud of the bipartisan work that has gone into this legislation which will add to our effort to protect the Nation from biochemical attack.

Mr. Speaker, although five people were killed in the anthrax attacks of 2001, the death toll was kept relatively low because effective medical countermeasures were available. After the outbreak, strong antibiotics were immediately prescribed to deal with the crisis. In 2002, Congress further enhanced our ability to respond by enacting the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act (PL 107-188), which authorized funds to increase the Nation's stockpile of medicines and vaccines--particularly for smallpox--and provided aid to state and local governments and health facilities to help them prepare for possible attacks.

Unfortunately, effective vaccines or treatments do not exist for many biological threats deemed by the U.S. government to be most dangerous, including botulinum toxin, plague, and viral hemorrhagic fevers such as the Ebola virus.

The development of effective countermeasures has been hindered by the lack of a significant commercial market. Currently, companies have little financial incentive to invest the funds needed to research, develop or produce vaccines or other countermeasures because there is little or no market.

Despite these challenges, in my district, the Stowers Institute and the Kansas City Life Sciences Institute are both trailblazers in the field of research. The Stowers Institute's new research facility in Kansas City incorporates the best that present technology can offer. In my community, the best and the brightest are working to broaden the base of knowledge in hopes of discovering cures and vaccines for today's diseases and future threats.

Today's legislation will encourage and support these efforts by providing additional funding for research and development of new countermeasures and vaccines. The bill will also provide for an expedited approval process to ensure that the fruits of our research can protect the public as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, all over this Nation, our first responders serve on the front lines when disasters occur and continue to be the eyes and ears of our Nation. They are a significant part of the effort to protect our homeland and guard against the invisible threat of a chemical and biological attack. Today's legislation is an important step in that process and I support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a notable Kansas City resident, Patricia McCunniff Regan, on her 79th birthday. Patty, as she is affectionately called by all who know her, has devoted her life to being a spirit of friendliness and benevolence wherever she goes. With her late husband, Bob, and friends and neighbors, she created ``Westports of the World,'' an assembly of Westport sister cities stretching across our great nation and the globe from New Zealand to Ireland. Global Westport residents have been meeting in a sister city since the assembly's inception. Westport in Kansas City hosted a pioneer meeting in 1985 and a worldwide convention in 1995.

Throughout her life, Patty has focused on creating positive change in the community around her by participating in campaigns and exercising her rights as a citizen. She assists those in need and is a model of exemplary public service. Patty and Bob worked for civil rights and fair housing in the 1960's while raising their children. As she approaches her eighth decade, Patty continues to make our community and country a better place.

Patty and Bob welcomed nine children into this world. Without doubt, their children and grandchildren are a tribute and a great source of pride. Despite e.g.. losing son Timothy at age seven in 1961 and husband Bob in 1986, Patty maintains her ``joie de vivre.'' Terry Leager, Amy Schulz, Danny Regan, Becky Regan, Peggy Regan, Jenny Krizman, Patrick Regan, and Carol Braun are fortunate, indeed, as are their children. They exemplify the generosity of character and fun loving spirit of Patty and Bob.

Patty truly lives the axiom she taught her children--to think of others before oneself. She demonstrates selfless optimism and generosity through her community activities, by her service as a Eucharistic minister in the Guardian Angels parish, and in giving blood every eight weeks for most of her adult life. I have personally benefited from her loving generosity on numerous occasions in the more than quarter century we Irish lassies have depended upon each other. What would Christmas be without Regan cookies and luminarias created at their Roanoke abode?

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Patty Regan on her 79th birthday. I am grateful for her friendship and am honored to recognize her for a lifetime of giving back to her community. Westport is a better place for her being in it, as are all the lives she has touched in her 79 years of extraordinary good works.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to address H.R. 4614, the FY05 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Although I am pleased that this legislation includes funding for a number of important water projects in my district, including the Blue River Channel, Blue River Basin, Swope Park Industrial Area, Brush Creek Basin, Seven River Levees, and the Missouri Riverfront Habitat Restoration, I continue to have serious concerns about the overall level of funding in this legislation.

In particular, today's legislation provides only 3% more funding for critical energy and water projects than was provided in FY04. This is barely enough to account for the rate of inflation. Because of this shortage of funding, H.R. 4614 does not include any funding for new projects or studies, leaving us unprepared to properly respond to new flood control emergencies. In my own district, $100,000 is urgently needed to begin addressing critical flood and stormwater control issues surrounding the Little Blue River watershed in Jackson County, Missouri. Rapid growth in this area has created numerous flood control and storm drainage challenges for communities throughout my district. Left unaddressed, these flood threats could cost local communities and businesses millions of dollars. We need to act now to adequately investigate and plan for these developing challenges. Delaying action will only force more expensive intervention at a later date. I hope that Chairman Hobson and Ranking Member Visclosky will work with our colleagues in the Senate to ensure that these issues and other emerging flood threats are properly addressed in Conference.

This legislation also fails to address our renewable energy needs. The bill provides only $343 million for renewable energy programs, $31 million less than the administration requested. During a time when energy prices are soaring, we must remain committed to investments in long term renewable energy alternatives. In my own district, we have had great success encouraging the use of biodiesel as an alternative to dirtier, non-renewable fuel sources. We need to continue our commitment to this important initiative.

Finally, I am very concerned that this legislation fails to guarantee adequate funding for the Yucca Mountain Project. Specifically, I am alarmed that funding does not exist to ensure that all transportation routes to the mountain are as secure as possible. Missouri is a railroad and interstate hub. Given the likelihood that a majority of waste from east of the Mississippi River will be transported through Missouri, it is downright frightening to think of the consequences if we do not properly fund the secure transport of this waste. It is my understanding that the Office of Management and Budget has the ability to secure the additional funding for this project. I am hopeful that they will take on this responsibility or that additional funds will be found in Conference.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 321, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment Offered by Mrs. Wilson of new mexico

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 323, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Hefley

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 324, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 325, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Chairman, I commend the members and staff of the Appropriations Committee for their work on the FY 05 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Securing the resources we need for this country's long term war on terrorism is a formidable task; one we must accomplish in a bipartisan manner. I support the appropriations bill before us today, but I remain concerned with the inadequate levels of funding for first responders, interoperability and port security. The American people depend on homeland security, and we must find the means to provide the resources needed to protect our communities.

As the Ranking Member of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I support the funding needed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide accurate and timely intelligence assessments. Unfortunately, this bill reduces funding for first responder programs at DHS from the current $4.4 billion funding level to $4.1 billion, a cut of $327 million below the 2004 enacted level.

First responders must have the resources they need to do their jobs. My firefighters, police and emergency workers tell me that they have difficulty communicating with each other because of incompatible equipment. This problem affects first responders throughout the country and it is unacceptable. Adequate funds must be available to adequately equip our Nation's first responders.

Missouri has the seventh largest highway system in the Nation and the second and third largest railroad terminals in the Nation. Port and transportation security is crucial to our Nation's economy. Six million cargo containers enter U.S. ports every year, but only about 5 percent of these containers are ever screened. This appropriations bill fails to adequately fund port security and freezes funding for port security grants at the 2004 level of $124 million.

Mr. Obey, Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee, attempted to counter these shortfalls with an amendment to H.R. 4567. Mr. Obey's amendment would have created a $3 billion contingent emergency fund for homeland security. Even though this emergency funding would be contingent upon the President requesting it, the amendment was rejected by Republicans on the House Rules Committee. The rejection of Mr. Obey's amendment prevents a more secure America, and seriously weakens the legislation.

Mr. Turner, my distinguished colleague and Ranking Member on the Select Committee on Homeland Security, has pointed out that our annual spending on homeland security amounts to less than one half of one percent of our Nations Gross National Produce (GNP). He also points out that since 9/11, we increased spending on the agencies which make up the Department of Homeland Security by approximately $15 billion. At the same time, our defense budget has increased by approximately $100 billion. I strongly agree with Mr. Turner that as we devote resources to winning the war on terror abroad, we must also invest in our homeland security needs here at home.

I urge my colleagues who will reconcile the House Appropriations Act in joint conference with the Senate to agree to adequate funds for our emergency responders nationwide.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Slaughter-Shays-Dicks amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). These endowment programs are vital to supporting the creation, preservation and presentation of the arts and humanities in America. In my district, NEA and NEH grants have brought partnership projects such as the Coterie Theater and the Friends of Alvin Ailey's AileyCamp that help provide collaborative artist and youth activities which have enriched the local economy and educational experiences of our children.

Studies have demonstrated that reading and math scores improve with participation in arts education classes. Test results from the College Board have shown that college bound students involved in the arts and humanities have higher overall SAT scores than other students.

There is no jurisdiction for funding for the NEA at a level that is 30 percent below the 1994 level. Adopting the amendment before us would increase funding by $10 million for the NEA and $3.5 million for the NEH. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment which would keep up with inflation. Investment in the arts and humanities has proven to be an invaluable contribution to the American economy, or local communities, and the education success of our children.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support a comprehensive national solution to our energy needs. In developing a national energy policy, it is imperative that we address cost, reliability, environmental impact, and consumer protection. We must consider ways to invest in alternative energy technologies to reduce dependence on foreign oil, provide stable prices for consumers and businesses, address global warming and bolster our nation's energy security. I supported the original Energy and Commerce Committee measure which accomplished these objectives. H.R. 4503 reinforces our dependency on foreign sources rather than providing the American people with a more secure system, H.R. 4503 exempts energy production companies from vital environmental regulations. Further, it repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act, a law specifically designed to protect ratepayers from risky investments. Instead of preventing another California energy crisis or Enron scam, this legislation opens the door for more corporate fraud.

This legislation fails to offer any meaningful assistance in the effort to update and modernize our nation's transmission system. Although Missouri was not affected by the recent blackouts, much of our transmission system suffers from the same outdated equipment that left our neighbors to the north and east in the dark.

This legislation also fails to secure our nation's drinking water. Despite the fervent objections of communities who experienced the devastating effects of the dangerous fuel additive MTBE, this legislation includes a waiver of all liability for MTBE manufacturers. MTBE has contaminated the drinking water of hundreds of towns and cities across the national and this legislation forces taxpayers instead of polluters to pay the bill. The Senate has already voiced its displeasure with this provision and the Republican leadership knows that this bill could actually become law if they removed this harmful waiver.

Today, the House is also considering H.R. 4513, the Renewable Energy Project Siting Improvement Act. As a strong advocate of renewable power, I fully support efforts to expand our reliance on renewable energy sources. In addition to their numerous environmental benefits, renewable energies also decrease our reliance on foreign sources of energy. Unfortunately, today's bill is actually opposed by leading advocates of renewable energy because it shortchanges federal, state, and local policymakers who want to be involved in the careful and correct planning of renewable energy projects. Mr. Speaker, renewable projects in this bill, including incinerators and dams, often leave an enormous footprint on surrounding communities and ecosystems. Yet this legislation would limit the options available to policymakers when considering the approval of these projects. The bill would also severely limit the public comment period available to local communities and leaders concerned about the impact of these projects. I would hope all of my colleagues will join me in rejecting this ill conceived legislation.

This week, the House is also expected to consider H.R. 4517, the Refinery Revitalization Act. This bill, which was never considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee, creates procedures intended to expedite the process of restarting idle oil refineries or constructing new refineries. To accomplish this goal, this legislation would designate the Energy Department as the lead agency for all refinery permitting. Under this bill, local, state, and EPA permitting processes would be skipped. The Energy Department would be given the authority to impose strict deadlines for completion of permitting, and would have the ability to drastically limit public comment and appeals. I hope my colleagues reject this measure and work together for a solution that reduces cost to consumers without detriment to our environment.

Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve an energy policy that protects our consumers, our environment, and our national security. I support legislation that will provide a real, long-term, comprehensive energy policy. The Democratic motion to recommit will work to lower gas prices, stop price gouging, and prevent future blackouts. I urge all my colleagues to support this sensible, long term alternative.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former President Ronald Wilson Reagan and to extend my deepest sympathies to former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. I join with the millions of Americans who mourn the death of our 40th President. President Reagan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to freedom, justice and democracy and left an indelible mark upon our Nation and the world.

On this occasion of remembrance, we are reminded of the pain and devastation wrought by Alzheimer's disease, a neurological illness which President Reagan endured during the last decade of his life. From this challenge, Mrs. Reagan has led a valiant effort to enable ongoing embryonic stem cell research, in the hope for a cure for this debilitating disease, as well as Parkinson's, Diabetes, Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

On April 28, I joined more than 200 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President George W. Bush in support of Mrs. Reagan's efforts on behalf of scientific research on stem cells. In February 2003, Senators Hatch, Feinstein, Kennedy, Specter and Harkin introduced legislation to ban human reproductive cloning but allow nuclear transplantation research to continue under strict federal guidelines. I commend them for their leadership on this important issue and know that with the continued support of Mrs. Reagan, progress toward a cure for Alzheimer's and other diseases will be possible, ensuring a brighter future for millions of Americans.

As we honor the life and legacy of President Reagan and extend our condolences to his family and friends, let us remember the dignity and grace with which he lived his life and provide a fitting tribute to his memory by renewing the commitment to this noble cause.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 231 (H. Res. 664--Honoring the late Honorable Ronald Wilson Reagan), I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark Supreme Court case that gave rise to Linda Brown's dream of equality in education in this country, a dream deferred that has become for many a broken promise.

The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision marked a turning point in our history and incited a movement to break down barriers of race that had long plagued communities across the nation. It helped pave the road toward integral measures such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Fair Housing Act of 1968 and began the movement for desegregation. Chief Justice Earl Warren felt the ruling was so historic he issued a rare public statement: ``We conclude that in the field of public education, the doctrine of `separate but equal' has no place.'' In declaring segregation unconstitutional, the Supreme Court mandated a focus on equality not only in education, but also in public transportation, accommodations and commerce.

The Brown v. Board of Education decision demanded that all Americans be entitled to the fundamental right to equal educational opportunities, regardless of race, and the resources to achieve their dreams. But by the time Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed America from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, nearly ten years later, that promise remained unfulfilled. And half a century later, with the convulsing explosions of the Civil Rights Movement behind us, the future assured to

Linda Brown in that historic ruling has been approached, but not yet reached. And we are left to wonder, like Langston Hughes in his poem ``A Dream Deferred,'' whether those promises, if not fulfilled, will one day cease to exist.

Fifty years ago, Linda Brown, a third grader in Topeka, Kansas, and her father had the courage to protest the long accepted ``separate but equal'' principle that required her to walk for over an hour every morning because she was not permitted to attend the white-only school just blocks from her house. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court struck down the ``badge of inferiority for African Americans'' that the principle of ``separate but equal'' had come to signify.

This week we honor all those who fought for the dream of equality of opportunity: the valiant families who came forward in these five cases; the NAACP legal defense team, including Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, Robert L. Carter, Kenneth B. Clark and Judge Constance Motley; and the community which held on to the dream through years of bitter opposition and violent protest in the South. But half a century later, urban and rural schools across America lack the funding to provide equal education opportunities for all students.

An Education Trust study released last week reveals alarming statistics about the state of education: Minority students are about three years behind other students by the time they reach eighth grade; 17-year-old African American and Latino students have reading and math skills similar to those of 13-year-old white students; and African American and Latino and American Indian youth are less likely to be enrolled in full college prep coursework.

No Child Left Behind, underfunded by $27 billion, could achieve the dream of Brown v. Board of Education if provided with the resources to dismantle unequal opportunities and enhance the quality of education for every community. Fifty years after Brown, we continue to make promises we cannot keep.

As we remember today the dream of Linda Brown and the courageous civil rights leaders to whom we owe our progress, let us remember that the most fitting tribute to them is a continued effort to fulfill their vision for our nation. Let us continue the promise of Brown by breaking down the barriers that still persist in our classrooms and giving schools the resources they need to provide a safe and productive learning environment for our children.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this historic anniversary and renewing the effort to achieve the promise of Brown v. Board of Education: equal educational opportunities for all children. Let us not defer the dream any longer.