Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 467, which calls the current situation in Sudan by its proper name: genocide.

Throughout years of civil war, the government in Khartoum and its militia sympathizers slaughtered tens of thousands of people in Southern Sudan and enslaved many others. Over the past two decades, it is estimated that more than two million people have died from war related causes and famine. Now violence has escalated in the Darfur region of the Western Sudan, where government-sponsored militias have been ruthlessly targeting various ethnic groups. More than 30,000 civilians have already been brutally murdered and approximately one million civilians have been forced to flee their homes and are now either internally dispatched or seeking refuge in neighboring Chad. These numbers cannot capture the horror of daily life in Sudan where violence, death and disease run rampant and young men cannot go outside the refugee camps for fear of being killed. Any woman or girl who dares to leave in search of food or water instantly becomes a target for rape or murder. With each passing day, more and more people are suffering and dying. The United States must act swiftly to end this genocide and punish those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity.

By considering this resolution, we are taking the first step in what will be a long road to ending years of violence in Sudan. The President, the Secretary of State, the U.N. and the international community must all declare this genocide and offer all assistance possible to end the atrocities occurring in Sudan. It is my hope that the international community will come together and send a multi- national force to Sudan to provide security and to help with the delivery of humanitarian aid. If the world community is unwilling to do so or cannot do so in a timely manner then I believe the U.S. should send a force of its own to Sudan.

Although I was an ardent opponent of the war with Iraq, I do believe that in certain instances unilateral force is both necessary and justified. This is undoubtedly one of those times. Tens of thousands of people have already died and thousands more will perish if we stand by and do nothing. If the world remains silent in the face of genocide, then America alone must act. The America that I know and believe in is a moral leader in the world and taking the leading role in bringing an end to genocide in Sudan will save thousands of lives and move us closer to fulfilling our true destiny.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my views on the conflict in the Middle East.

I am deeply saddened by the seemingly endless bloodshed in the Middle East. The conflict has claimed the lives of too many innocent victims, Israeli and Palestinian alike. I have always believed and continue to believe that the United States has a role to play in assisting and supporting a negotiated peace in the region. I do not seek to assign blame but instead to ensure that we do all we can to achieve that end. I have no illusions that this conflict will be easily resolved, or that the United States can impose a solution--all we can do is urge the parties to make peace and support a process that offers some chance of success.

I support a two state solution to the conflict in the Middle East with Israel and Palestine coexisting as democratic states with secure, internationally recognized borders. Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza strip and certain areas of the West Bank presents an opportunity to get the peace process moving again and to lay the foundation for an eventual Palestinian state. However, I do not believe that withdrawing from these areas, in and of itself, will bring peace. We, and others in the international community, need to work with Palestine to end terrorism and foster and build a strong, stable democracy. Until this goal is accomplished, I strongly support Israel's right to defend herself against attacks. Israel is currently building a security fence to block out suicide bombers and others wishing to harm Israelis. I have concerns over the placement of the fence in certain areas and it is my hope that this fence will be a temporary structure that can be dismantled when peace is achieved. Lastly, I believe that all final status issues, including final borders and refugee issues, must be negotiated by the parties and supported by all nations committed to peace, so that Israel and Palestine can feel confident that their agreement will endure.

I fear that the issue of peace in the Middle East will be brushed aside during campaign season. We must not merely call for peace, we must make it a priority. To this end, I have sent a letter, which I have attached and will submit for the record, to President Bush asking that he appoint two individuals, a Democrat and a Republican, to help the parties seek peace and set forth a practical agenda for doing so. This dramatic gesture would remove peace-seeking from partisan politics and make plain to the world that Americans are united in their commitment to finding a peaceful solution. I personally am determined to do all that I can to ensure that this issue remains at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy and that progress is made toward finding a peaceful resolution.

Congress of the United States,

House of Representatives,

June 7, 2004.

President George W. Bush,

The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. President: I am writing to you because I believe

that the United States must, as it has in the past, take

action to advance the cause of peace between Israelis and

Palestinians. I do not seek to assign blame, but to end the

bloodshed.

Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan presents an

opportunity that ought not to be lost by inaction. I share

your conviction, expressed last month, that ``all final

status issues must still emerge from negotiations between the

parties. . .'' I share, too, your belief that the United

States has a role to play in fostering such negotiations. The

suffering is acute, for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Insofar as we can help bring the parties together, we ought

to take action now. Our good offices should not be suspended

because of the election campaign.

Therefore I respectfully urge that you appoint two

Americans, a Republican and a Democrat, to help the parties

seek peace. I would not presume to dictate your choice: there

are wise and just men and women in both parties. I ask that

you select a bi-partisan pair and offer their services to

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia,

to meet with them, together or separately, to set forth a

practical agenda for seeking peace.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Capuano,

Member of Congress.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 591, a resolution recognizing the contributions of community banks to the Nation's economic well-being and prosperity and expressing the sense of the House that a month should be designated as Community Banking Month.

Community banks play a vital role for our country. Of the 7,712 commercial banks in operation today, all but 419 are community banks having assets of less than $1 billion. Community banks are known for being close to their customers and provide the leadership for many civic endeavors. These bankers are able to make loan decisions locally and reinvest local deposits into their local communities.

Community bankers also are active in helping people understand the sometimes complex nature of the banking business. Many community bankers participate in efforts to help consumers

know the dangers posed by identity thieves. In Georgia, for example, these bankers made presentations to almost 50,000 of our citizens, giving them tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. These same bankers also helped educate our citizens on how to apply for a business loan, how to choose banking as a career, and how to get a mortgage refinanced.

While the total number of community banks in the United States is decreasing due to consolidation, new community banks are proliferating. In fact, 1999 witnessed the highest number of new community banks formed in nearly a decade, with 268 new charters reported.

Community banks focus attention on the needs of local families, businesses, and farmers. They channel most of their loans in the neighborhoods where their depositors live and work. Community banks offer their customers services at attractive prices. For example, average rates for checking accounts and other depository services on average are 15 percent lower at small banks than at large, multistate institutions, according to the 2001 PIRG report.

They can offer nimble decisionmaking on business loans, because decisions are made locally. And because community banks are themselves small businesses, they understand the needs of small business owners. Their core concern is lending to small businesses and farms.

What does it mean to be a community bank? Community banking is a devotion to serving community customers and communities. They put people into homes, serve small businesses, and help them grow and prosper. They provide student loans and set up retirement plans for their customers.

Mr. Speaker, community banks and the more than half a million people who work for them truly deserve our recognition for their contributions to the Nation's economy and well-being.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, today, the House takes up important housing legislation to help Native American communities across America achieve homeownership.

The bill we are taking up today is a direct result of a recent hearing held by the Subcommittee on Housing of the Committee on Financial Services, of which I am a member, in the Navajo Nation. With the leadership of the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the ranking member, the subcommittee learned of the significant housing challenges facing our Native American communities. Members who attended the hearing in the Navajo Nation came back to report enormous challenges in housing conditions that resemble those of some Third World nations. This bill is the first legislative result of that important field hearing.

The legislation was introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson), both of whom represent the Navajo Nation. I commend the leadership of both my colleagues on this legislation.

Unfortunately, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson) was unable to be here today at this time. And I am pleased to be here representing him in his absence on behalf of this important legislation that will, as I stated, help Native Americans achieve home ownership. The gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson) has exercised great leadership, not only in housing issues for Native Americans, but for giving his Navajo Nation constituents a strong voice in Congress.

This bill sets the loan guarantee level at 95 percent for a vital Native American housing program at HUD. This is the level that has been used since its implementation. However, the law is currently silent regarding the loan guarantee level and HUD would be forced by administrative rule to lower that level to 80 percent, unless Congress sets the level at 95 percent, which this bill will accomplish for the purposes that ensure that the very important housing program will continue to be used to help our Native American friends.

Again, I would like it to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) for their leadership in convening the field hearing in the Navaho Nation that led to this important legislation. I commend the leadership of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) on this bill and his efforts on behalf of the Navaho people. I also would like to express appreciation to my esteemed colleague, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson), for being a leader on this bill and for being a strong leader and advocate in Congress for all Native American items.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, today the House takes up important housing legislation to help communities across America achieve homeownership. The bill we are taking up today was recently passed by a voice vote from the Committee on Financial Services.

H.R. 4363, Helping Hands For Homeownership Act of 2004, introduced by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) would make a technical correction for the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 to permit families who receive homes from groups such as Habitat for Humanity to fulfill the sweat equity requirements for receiving self- help homeownership opportunity program funds or SHOP funds by helping to build other Habitat homes in the community in addition to their own.

SHOP provides competitive grants for groups such as Habitat to help with land and infrastructure expenses. This change fulfills the original intent of Congress and corrects the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development interpretation which create a hurdle to home ownership, the exact opposite of HUD's mission.

In 1996, Congress created the SHOP program to provide grants to non- profit groups like Habitat for Humanity to help with land and infrastructure expenses. However, because of a new interpretation of SHOP by HUD, Habitat's involvement in the program was placed in jeopardy. Under the new interpretation, families are required to contribute sweat equity labor hours towards the construction of their own home. The legislation of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) changes this to allow families to accumulate their sweat equity hours by working on both their own homes and other Habitat homes.

These grants are essential in helping groups like Habitat carry out their mission of building stronger communities. By correcting this problem Congress, will remove a major barrier to home ownership for low income families and give them a chance to help other families in their communities.

Habitat for Humanity's headquarters located Georgia provides information, training and a variety of other support services to Habitat affiliates throughout the world. Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian housing ministry. They seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from around the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Habitat has built more than 150,000 houses around the world providing more than 750,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, and affordable shelter. They were founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife Linda.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that this bill be passed.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Speaker, I rise today to recognize William Boyan's leadership as Chairman of the Children's Hospital Boston Board of Trustees.

Mr. Boyan has had a long and distinguished business career in my state, culminating as President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial Services. No less impressive, however, is his work on behalf of the children of Massachusetts.

Mr. Boyan recently completed a five-year term as Chairman of the Children's Hospital Board. He will remain as a Board member, where he has served with distinction for the past twenty-five years. Under his leadership, Children's Hospital Boston has continued its preeminent work in clinical medicine, research, and training, on behalf of our nation's youngest patients.

As a true public servant, Mr. Boyan has lent his wisdom and expertise to many initiatives throughout Massachusetts. He also currently serves on the Boston School Committee, and his commitment to the city's children and their education is well-known. His passion for excellence and his philanthropic efforts on behalf of the schools have made a real difference in the lives of children in every neighborhood of the city.

Children's Hospital has been a leading voice on behalf of children's health care needs. The hospital's many community service projects touch the lives of children and families throughout the state. Mr. Boyan's dedication has been an essential part of the hospital's success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I recognize and honor William Boyan's efforts and achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Larry O'Toole, founder and president of Gentle Giant Moving Company. Gentle Giant has received numerous accolades since it's incorporation in 1985, including the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's 2002 Small Business of the Year award, the 2002 and 2003 Better Business Bureau Local Torch Award for Excellence, five time winner of both the Improper Bostonian's Best Moving Company award and Boston Magazine's Best of Boston: Best Moving Company. However, just this spring, Mr. O'Toole has been named the Small Business Administration's State Small Business Person of the Year from Massachusetts.

Mr. O'Toole began Gentle Giant in 1980, with $17, a truck he borrowed from a friend and a single ad placed in a weekly Boston newspaper. By 1990, the company's revenue was $2 million; by 2000, it was $12 million. There is no special secret to Gentle Giant's success. Mr. O'Toole relies heavily on well trained, well conditioned moving crews; in fact, three Gentle Giant employees participated in the Barcelona Olympics. The company also consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist those who are moving, to the point where Gentle Giant offers complimentary packing seminars on Saturday mornings. The result of Mr. O'Toole's business approach is sound--90% of Gentle Giant's business is either repeat or referral.

However, there is more to running a successful business than profit and sound business strategy. There is also giving back to the community, and in this regard, Mr. O'Toole and Gentle Giant are nonpareil. Gentle Giant has partnered for years with the AIDS Action Committee, the Boys and Girls Club and the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Mr. O'Toole has started the Gentle Giant Rowing Club, offering free and subsidized rowing lessons to teens and adults. In fact, just this year, Gentle Giant sponsored 11 runners in the 2004 Boston Marathon.

In closing, I salute Larry O'Toole for being awarded the Small Business Administration State Small Business Person of the Year for Massachusetts. It is a well deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise two of my most illustrious constituents, Henry Morgenthau III and Ruth S. Morgenthau. Harvard Hillel will honor them this weekend, on Sunday, May 2, with its Tribute to Excellence. Henry and Ruth Morgenthau are distinguished citizens of the 8th Congressional District, Massachusetts, and of our nation. They can be said, truly, to be also citizens of the world. They are cosmopolitan in the best sense, their knowledge and compassion embracing several continents.

Ruth Morgenthau is Adlai Stevenson Professor of International Politics emerita at Brandeis University and Founding Director of its graduate program in sustainable development. She wrote an award-winning book on the politics of francophone Africa and became an early, persuasive advocate of micro-finance and micro-enterprise as development strategies. She organized Food Corps International to provide low cost, low-tech assistance to rural populations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She serves now as Chair of the Board of Directors of PACT, an NGO that supports capacity building community projects in twenty countries. PACT is remarkable too, and here one sees Ruth Morgenthau's leadership, for its work in educating and empowering women.

Henry Morgenthau III, the son and grandson of eminent public servants, has been a pioneer in public television. He early sensed the role it could play in our civic life, and he used it to deepen our understanding of ourselves as a people. He served as Executive Producer of Prospects for Mankind, the program that Eleanor Roosevelt hosted during the last three years of her life, interviewing, among others, Ralph Bunche, John Kenneth Galbraith, Adlai Stevenson, and, at Henry's urging, a young Senator from Massachusetts, John Kennedy. In the spring of 1963, he produced, for Boston's WGBH, an important series on The Negro and the American Promise, featuring interviews with Dr. Kenneth Clark, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. He has won many awards, including the Peabody, Emmy, UPI, EFLA, and Flaherty Film Festival Awards.

Both Henry and Ruth Morgenthau achieved significant and enduring professional triumphs. But they were never too busy to help a friend, shelter a refugee, or further a good cause. Their house on Highland Street in Cambridge commemorates decades of public service. There are pictures of Henry Morgenthau, Wilson's ambassador to Turkey, who pleaded for the Armenians; Henry Morgenthau II who helped President Roosevelt shape the New Deal and defeat the Axis; family photos with Eleanor Roosevelt and other world leaders. Mrs. Roosevelt was a dear friend to them both and stood by the chupa at their wedding. Every year, on October 11, they celebrate her birthday, with a party, verging on a rally, that never fails to inspire all present.

Today, I want, above all, to thank Ruth and Henry Morgenthau for their tireless efforts to make the world free and safe. They have kept hope alive and encouraged us all to carry on the struggle.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure but great sadness that I rise today to honor Daniel J. Wuenschel on his impending retirement from the Cambridge Housing Authority.

Dan has served as executive director of the Cambridge Housing Authority since 1978. During his tenure, he has been a tireless advocate for affordable housing in the City of Cambridge. Dan's work in the reconstruction and redevelopment of the city's aging public housing stock has garnered several State and national awards and served as a prototype for a national public housing redevelopment program. He also directed CHA efforts to produce over 700 additional units of affordable housing in more than 15 different locations throughout the city. His work has been essential in ensuring that Cambridge has an economically diverse population at a time of skyrocketing housing costs in Massachusetts.

Dan has been honored with the 1986 Governor's Design Award, the 1989 Massachusetts Historical Commission's Preservation Award, the 1990 Ford Foundation/Harvard University Innovations in State & Local Government Award, and a 1998 Boston Society of Architects' Citation for Urban Planning. The CHA has also been recognized many times for its superior work in providing service to its residents.

Dan has also been an innovator in the public housing field. The CHA recently opened Neville Manor at Fresh Pond, a 71-unit, mixed-income assisted living facility and Neville Center, a 112 bed skilled nursing facility. He also secured a HOPE VI grant to rehabilitate the John F. Kennedy Apartments, a 69-unit affordable housing complex for seniors. CHA has also been instrumental in supporting numerous nonprofit affordable housing developers in Cambridge.

As executive director, he led the Cambridge Housing Authority in its role as cofounder of the National Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. He became the first president of CLPHA, an office he held for 6 years, during which time CLPHA became the premier industry group representing housing authority interests at the national level and here in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, Dan Wuenschel has provided a home for thousands of families and my district and this country are the better for it. We are extremely grateful for all of his work, and he will be sorely missed. Dan, congratulations on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, as Congress moves to consider a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, I would like to take this opportunity to submit for the Record the following letter from a constituent of mine, whose words and sentiments are echoed by millions of Americans throughout the country. Though this letter was addressed to the members of the Massachusetts State Legislature, I believe the passion and conviction this mother has for the rights and privileges of her children, and her gay son in particular, is extremely relevant to the debate that we may soon have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

February 21, 2004.

Members of the Massachusetts Legislature,

State House, Boston, MA.

Dear Senators and Representatives: I am the mother of four

children. Our family values are evidenced by the concern they

have for each other's well being. They are so alike in

thought and deed that it continues to amaze me. They are

outstanding, productive members of society and I am equally

proud of all of them. However, passage of this discriminatory

constitutional amendment will forbid my gay son from enjoying

the same rights and privileges as his brother and sisters.

I implore you to vote no.

Sincerely,

Elsie Frank.

Thank you Mr. Speaker and I urge all of my colleagues to heed the words of Mrs. Frank.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my enthusiastic congratulations to the New England Patriots, Super Bowl Champions for the second time in three years.

When the Patriots celebrated their first Super Bowl title in team history two years ago, the excitement that we all experienced was unparalleled. This year, with the team's second victory, we may have surpassed the joy of that first win. I think every New Englander was filled with pride yesterday, as a crowd of over 1.5 million fans turned out in chilly temperatures to fill the streets of Boston. We watched the fans on City Hall Plaza cheer as the Patriots, led by their team owner Bob Kraft, gifted Head Coach Bill Belichick, and players now known on a first name basis--such as Tom, Ty, and Adam--took to the stage.

These fans were cheering more than just a Super Bowl victory. This team of New England Patriots exemplified hard work, determination, and humility. They worked together as a team above all else, and respected all of their opponents, regardless of their records. It was this dedication that led to their amazing streak of 15 straight wins, the longest winning streak in the NFL in more than 30 years. Throughout it all, they had a keen awareness of what their quest meant to the fans of New England who

have supported them through the good years and bad ones. They were a source of joy, hope, and inspiration. We admire the Pats for their achievements and look forward to win number three.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, January 27, 2003, Louis Rabaglia, my 94 year-old Uncle and a former firefighter, required hospitalization and I had to remain in my District to address related concerns. Consequently, I was unable to cast votes on Rollcalls 6 and 7. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: ``yea'' on Rollcall 6 and ``yea'' on Rollcall 7.

I ask unanimous consent that the Congressional Record reflect my intended votes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 1, the Republican Prescription Drug Bill.

This bill represents the first step in a Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it. Under the guise of providing seniors with the prescription drug coverage they so desperately need, this Congress is attempting to destroy the program that seniors have depended on for over 35 years to provide them with the affordable, reliable health care they need and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, not only does this bill fall far short of what the senior citizens of this country expected of us, but it fails by the most basic of standards: it prohibits the federal government from negotiating for lower-cost drugs; it may lead to 3 million seniors losing the good prescription drug coverage they currently have through former employers; it subsides HMOs at 124 percent of what it pays to traditional fee-for-service Medicare; it creates new Health Savings Accounts, which benefit mostly the wealthy; and it sets up new ``cost- containment'' measures, designed to lay the groundwork for future cuts to beneficiaries and providers. But most alarmingly, this bill contains a massive demonstration program that it the first step toward the privatization of Medicare.

The ``premium support'' demonstration project in this bill could force 7 million seniors to be subject to a social experiment that has never been tested. Under the demonstration program, HMOs could ``cherry-pick'' healthy and wealthy seniors citizens, leaving the poor and sick in the traditional program, undermining the social insurance pool. Premiums for those in the traditional program would be driven up, and they could also vary by region and fluctuate from year to year. This is an unacceptable assault on the Medicare program that will only result in higher profits for the insurance industry.

There is no denying that some people may benefit from this bill. For example, it does provide some prescription drug coverage for those with the lowest incomes. Although instituting the first assets-test for low- income beneficiaries in Medicare's history, it will mean that many of these senior citizens now have access to prescription drugs.

Further, as the Member representing many of the teaching hospitals in the Boston area, I am well aware of the important provisions in this bill that will provide essential funding for the world-class hospitals, dedicated doctors, and other health care professionals who work so hard to provide quality care to all the citizens of my district.

However, the positive elements of this bill do not outweigh my concern for the damage this bill could do to a program that has become an integral part of our society. The steps toward privatization contained in this legislation are unacceptable. I am not willing to gamble with the health of our nation's seniors, placing their well being in the hands of the insurance industry. I do not believe this is a risk worth taking. Medicare has served us well for over 35 years. Its demise would mean an America where senior citizens are left to fend for themselves in the private insurance market without a safety net. While this bill may offer some appealing short-term benefits, the price could be the end of Medicare as we know ti. I cannot and will not be a part of it.

I urge Members to vote ``no'' on H.R. 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mildred O'Neill, wife of the late House Speaker Thomas P ``Tip'' O'Neill, who passed away yesterday.

Mrs. O'Neill was a great political partner for her husband throughout his career. She was Tip's sounding board and confidant. As Tip wrote in All Politics Is Local, ``Every election day as Millie and I left for the polls, I'd say, `Honey, I'd like to ask for your vote.' `Tom,' she'd reply, `I'll give you every consideration.' ''

The constituents of Massachusetts' 8th district who were represented by Tip O'Neill benefited greatly from her dedication. As the current representative from the 8th, I regularly encounter people with a story to tell about Mrs. O'Neill's legendary commitment to her community and numerous worthwhile causes.

Mrs. O'Neill was also a devoted mother, raising five children and instilling in them an appreciation for public service. She was involved with a number of organizations, including the March of Dimes, the Congressional Wives Club and the International Club. She also served as Chairwoman of Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, receiving the Lincoln Award in 1984 for her fundraising efforts. She was also very active in the St. John's Church Rebuilding Fund and served as President of the parish Guild of St. John's Church--maintaining strong ties to her community.

As Tip wrote in a chapter entitled Never Forget Your Spouse, ``My Millie certainly did it for me. When I was off to Washington helping run the country, she was back home running the family. When I was at my low point in politics, she was giving me a hug and telling me to go out and do my job. When I was in the spotlight taking the applause, she was in the background cheering me on. I love her for it.''

All of us from Massachusetts, but especially those from the 8th District, will miss Mrs. O'Neill greatly. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3038, the Health Care Safety Net Amendments and Technical Corrections Act of 2003. This bill makes small but significant technical changes to the Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act that I co-sponsored in the 107th Congress.

As a co-chair of the Community Health Centers Caucus, I would like to recognize a fellow co-chair of the Caucus, and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Mr. Bilirakis, as well as the Ranking Member, Mr. Brown, for their work in bringing this bill to the floor.

In the 107th Congress, this body passed the Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act of 2002 with strong bipartisan support, demonstrating a continuing commitment to the work of community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. The technical amendments in this bill ensure that the original goals of that legislation will be realized.

It is fitting that we consider this bill today, as new Census Bureau figures released this week show that the number of uninsured Americans has increased at an even greater rate than anticipated. Community health centers play an invaluable role in serving this medically underserved population.

In addition, a recent study by the George Washington University confirmed what many of us who have personally witnessed the work of health centers in our districts have long known, that the presence of community health centers in medically underserved communities reduces racial and ethnic disparities in key measures of community health. Researchers showed a clear association between the high penetration of community health centers in a state and narrower rates of disparity in infant mortality, access to prenatal care, and total death rates.

The Health Care Safety Net Amendments and Technical Improvements Act will ensure that this essential work can continue. I urge my colleagues to support community health centers and vote yes on H.R. 3038.