Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this is all about the Wizard of Oz. What is behind the curtain? They do not want anybody to look. Why? Because what is behind the curtain since President Bush took office is every single hour, and we have been debating this rule for 1 hour, and in that 1 hour, 563 Americans have lost their jobs, and there is nothing in this bill for them. That is obscene. The rule is bad. That is worst.

At the same time, we have been borrowing from our children. Every single minute that President Bush has been in office, we have borrowed $585,000. Since this debate has taken place, about 90 minutes, we have borrowed $52 million, and that does not include what we will have to borrow to pay for this tax cut.

This tax cut is wrong. It will not help the economy. It is targeted to the wrong group of taxpayers, and it will increase the debt we leave to our children. It is irresponsible, and it is a gimmick to keep the American people from looking behind the curtain. We need to vote ``no'' on this rule, and we need to vote ``no'' on this tax bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Red Sox pitching legend Luis Tiant for the contributions he has made to the game of baseball and for his continued involvement in the Boston Little League community. On Saturday, May 3, 2003, the Luis Tiant Field at Peters Park in the South End of Boston was dedicated to this sports icon in recognition of all that he has contributed to the game.

Luis Tiant was born in Havana, Cuba in 1940. He learned to love baseball at a young age because his father excelled at the sport and he passed that passion on to his son. Luis flourished in the local Little League program and eventually made the Cuban Juvenile League All-Star Team in 1957.

In 1961, the Cleveland Indians signed Luis Tiant to a contract, and he made the majors with that ballclub in 1964. In 1971, his career in a Red Sox uniform began. El Tiante, as he is known in New England, led the American League with a 15-6 record and a 1.91 ERA in 1972.

For three of the next four seasons, Luis Tiant won at least 20 games. He won 18 games in 1975, helping propel the Boston Red Sox to the American League Championship. He excelled in the 1975 post season, winning Game One and Game Four of the World Series for the Red Sox.

Luis Tiant has many impressive baseball accomplishments, including having the lowest ERA for a Boston pitcher since 1920. He also holds that same record with the Cleveland Indians.

In 1978, the Boston Red Sox lost Luis Tiant to the New York Yankees-- but Red Sox fans don't dwell on his time in the pinstripes. El Tiante currently lives in Boston with his family.

It is only fitting that a Little League field bear the name of one of the greatest pitchers in Boston Red Sox history. He means so much to the game of baseball and has contributed so much to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Fred Lund for his many years of public service. Fred devoted fifty years working for the City of Somerville and his contributions to the community he served are numerous.

Fred Lund began working for the City of Somerville in 1953. Over the past fifty years he worked with eleven different mayors, including myself. In his capacity as Somerville's senior draftsman, Fred has drawn every map for the City of Somerville by hand. He also prepared mayoral citations by hand, creating pieces of art.

When the City of Somerville's Office of Housing and Community Development honors Fred on April 30th for his fifty years of service, this will not be the first time his community has honored Fred. The Art Department at the Cummings School was named in his honor.

Fred is not only an accomplished public servant, but an avid historian as well. He plans various historic events in the City of Somerville and attends them in his Colonial Soldier uniform. He can be found every New Year's Day on Prospect Hill for the flag raising reenactment, celebrating the first raising of the Colonial Flag.

After fifty years, Fred Lund has no intention of stopping his service. He comes into work every day and has no plans to retire. His dedication is remarkable and an inspiration to those around him. Fred Lund deserves our admiration and our thanks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise for the fifth consecutive year to commemorate a people who despite genocide, hardship, and betrayal have persevered. April 24, 2003, marks the 88th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Throughout three decades in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, millions of Armenians were systematically uprooted from their homeland of three thousand years and deported or massacred. From 1894 through 1896, three hundred thousand Armenians were ruthlessly murdered. Again in 1909, thirty thousand Armenians were massacred in Cilicia, and their villages were destroyed.

On April 24, 1915, two hundred Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were arbitrarily arrested, taken to Turkey and murdered. This incident marks a dark and solemn period in the history of the Armenian people. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire launched a systematic campaign to exterminate Armenians. In eight short years, more than 1.5 million Armenians suffered through atrocities such as deportation, forced slavery and torture. Most were ultimately murdered.

I have had the privilege of joining my colleagues in a letter to the President asking that he acknowledge the Genocide in his April 24th commemoration statement. It is my hope that the President will stand by this pledge he made in 2000. It is my hope that this will be one more step toward official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States.

Many of our companions in the international community have already taken this final step. The European Parliament and the United Nations have recognized and reaffirmed the Armenian Genocide as historical fact, as have the Russian and Greek parliaments, the Canadian House of Commons, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies and the French National Assembly. It is time for America to join the chorus and acknowledge the Armenians who suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. And let me stress that I am not speaking of the government of modern day Turkey, but rather its predecessor, which many of Turkey's present day leaders helped to remove from power.

As I have in the past, as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Armenian-Americans in my District to promote investment and prosperity in Armenia. And, I sincerely, hope that this year, the U.S. will have the opportunity and courage to speak in support of the millions of Armenians who suffered because of their heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two more members of the Matignon Warriors boys' basketball team that won the MIAA Division 4 state championship on March 10, 2003. Last week I submitted for the record the Warriors' team roster, and inadvertently left out Jimmy Burns and Michael Flaherty. I would like to correct that today, and congratulate them on their successful season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gerard F. Doherty, a distinguished resident of the 8th Congressional District. Mr. Doherty is a graduate of Malden Catholic High School and Harvard College. He earned a Masters Degree in Health Administration at Wayne University and a Law Degree from Suffolk University.

Gerard Doherty's involvement in state politics began in 1957 as a member of the Massachusetts' House of Representatives, where he served until 1965. He served as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party from 1962 until 1965 and, in 1968, Mr. Doherty managed Senator Robert F. Kennedy's Presidential campaign in Indiana, helping Senator Kennedy win the Indiana Democratic primary. Since 1961, Mr. Doherty has been practicing real estate, public policy, and energy law in private practice.

Mr. Doherty also serves numerous organizations in Massachusetts. He is a Trustee at Suffolk University in Boston and a Board Member and Trustee of Malden Catholic High School. He serves on the Board for the Friends Charlestown Catholic and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He is also a member of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

To honor his contributions to a number of causes and organizations, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation named Mr. Doherty their 1998 ``Irishman of the Year.'' That same year, the Charlestown Community Awards Committee presented Mr. Doherty with the ``Unsung Hero Award'' for his service to the Charlestown Community. On May 28, 2002, Mr. Doherty was honored with the ``Vision of Hope'' award by the John F. Kennedy Center in Charlestown, Massachusetts. This award paid tribute to Mr. Doherty and his wife Marilyn as ``persons who, through selfless efforts to help others and by their own exceptional example, provide a vision of hope to Massachusetts citizens.''

Gerard Doherty's lifelong commitment to Massachusetts is admirable and deserving of recognition. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is fortunate to have a citizen who is involved in so many worthwhile efforts in his community. I congratulate Gerard Doherty on his extraordinary public service and I wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, America has relied heavily upon the men and women of the National Guard and Reserves. Whether protecting and defending the nation here at home, or as part of an overseas deployment, these citizen soldiers have made tremendous sacrifices in support of our national security interests.

At the same time, the families of these brave men and women are also making enormous sacrifices. Currently, over 215,000 members of the guard and reserve are mobilized. Many of these individuals are deployed to assignments that will likely last anywhere from six months to more than a year. For the family members of those deployed for such long durations, the challenge of maintaining a stable home environment can be daunting. This is especially true when considering the issue of health insurance.

Employers are not legally required to provide health insurance coverage for an employee and his/her family once that employee is called to active duty. As a result, the family in many cases must make the switch to TRICARE in order to continue receiving health benefits. This can be extremely burdensome since many hospitals and family doctors outside the military health system do not participate in TRICARE. In addition, individuals with pre-existing conditions face an uncertain future with respect to their ability to regain employer- sponsored health insurance once the mobilized family member returns from active duty.

To address this problem, I am introducing today, the Mobilized Reserve Family Health Care Act of 2003. This legislation will provide families of reservists and guard personnel with the option of continuing their private health insurance coverage while their family members are called to serve lengthy active duty deployments. Under this bill, these families will have the ability to retain their private health insurance coverage by utilizing the continuation-of-coverage rule offered by COBRA. While the family would assume the cost of retaining the private health insurance, the legislation would provide tax credits to cover the cost of the insurance. A substantial portion of the tax credits will be refundable, while the remaining amount can be included as part of the family's itemized tax deductions. The tax credits will enable these families continue their private health insurance coverage without a financial burden.

Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me and my fellow cosponsors in assisting the families of our mobilized National Guard and Reserve personnel and address this important health coverage issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Somerville Museum on the ``Lost Theatres of Somerville'' project, a multifaceted exhibition of the architectural, commercial and cultural significance of fourteen movie theaters that were built and operated during the twentieth century.

This ``Visual and Oral History of Somerville's Picture Palaces'' is an in-depth portrait of Somerville's theatres through compilations of photographs, artifacts and other documents. The exhibit will juxtapose historic accounts of the theatres with present-day photos of the theatre sites.

In addition to the visual displays, a collection of oral histories will provide first-hand narratives about the legendary theaters of Somerville. Dr. Guss, a professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Tufts University, will conduct the oral history component of the exhibit. The Lost Theaters of Somerville display will also include a speaker series. Former theater employees, cultural geographers, anthropologists, and architectural and theatrical historians will share their memories and perceptions of Somerville's theatres.

The Somerville Museum will keep photographs of the theaters in its permanent archives of Somerville history, and oral history tapes will be held at the Somerville Public Library. Retaining these accounts ensures that the legacy of Somerville's twentieth century movie theaters will extend well into the twenty-first century.

Many thanks to the Lost Theaters of Somerville coordinators for the work they have done to document and preserve a very special aspect of Somerville's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Matignon Warriors boys' basketball team. On Monday, March 10, 2003, the Warriors defeated the Southeastern Regional Hawks to win the MIAA Division 4 state championship by a score of 78-55. Matignon High School, which is located in North Cambridge, is a cornerstone of the community, and I am proud to honor the members and coaches of the boys' championship basketball team.

I want to take the time to recognize the individuals who make up the state champs, and extend my congratulations on an incredible season: Alex Aiello, Shelby Berleus, Greg Case, Ralph Fevrier, Jimmy Guerrier, Jeff Lerebour, John McMahon, Chris Neil, John Nicoloro, Chris O'Callaghan, Ricky Prosper, AJ Urquhart, Justin Veri, Frank Whitney, Head Coach Joel Burke, Assistant Coaches Ed O'Callaghan, Sean O'Callaghan, Terry Mathews and Mel Story.

I am also including a copy of an article which appeared in the Cambridge Chronicle on March 12, 2003.

Warriors Win Div. 4 State Championship

(By Jamie Pote)

The last time the Matignon boys basketball team played at

the FleetCenter, coach Joel Burke said the excitement of

taking the fabled parquet floor caused his team to lose

focus.

Monday afternoon, the Warriors' focus was impeccable.

Matignon stormed out to a 27-point halftime lead and coasted

to a 78-55 victory over Southeastern Regional to capture the

Division 4 state title (there are no Div. 4 teams outside

Eastern Mass.).

``In 1997 we were just happy to be here,'' said Burke,

whose team lost to Avon that year. ``We were too busy taking

pictures and we seemed to have lost our focus. That was my

big concern heading into this game--we had to be ready.

``And for sure, we were ready for this game.''

Led by seniors John McMahon (29 points) and Chris Neil (19

points), Matignon (21-4) outplayed the Hawks in nearly every

facet of the game, including a 20-9 edge in rebounds in the

first half.

``We thought if we held them to just one shot that we would

be able to keep the game close,'' Burke said. ``We had no

idea that this would happen. The court is so big and we just

moved the ball all over to the open spots and hit a lot of

easy baskets.''

In Friday's sectional final, Matignon picked apart

Minuteman Tech's 2-2-1 zone defense and led by 39 points at

halftime. Southeastern played much of the same defense

yesterday and Matignon again picked it apart with baskets in

transition. The Warriors also relied on their outside

shooting by hitting eight 3-pointers in the game, with seven

of those treys coming before halftime.

``When we play on the bigger courts, it's just easier for

us to score on transition,'' Neil said. ``It means that we're

the team

that's most in shape. We're a running team and no one can

catch us when they try those gimmick zone defenses, the 2-2-1

or the 1-2-2. We just skip right over that and score so many

easy baskets.''

Neil set the tone right away for Matignon when he buried a

3-pointer from the right elbow just 30 seconds into the game.

Southeastern stayed close over the next few minutes, trailing

10-9, and that's when Matignon blew the game wide open. The

Warriors went on a 16-0 run, including three baskets by

junior Jimmy Guerrier (12 points).

``We were just getting a lot of great looks,'' said Burke,

whose team led 47-20 at the half. ``And the ball was falling

in the basket. That's a good team over there and I think some

of their early shots that didn't go in just took them out of

their game.''

Matignon opened the second half with an 11-4 run, sparked

by a 3-pointer and layup by Neil and a pair of baskets from

McMahon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Resolution to Expand Access to Community Health Centers. At a time when the number of uninsured Americans continues to increase and federal and state governments are facing budget shortfalls, community health centers continue to provide vital services at reasonable cost to millions of Americans. This bipartisan initiative calls for doubling the current level of funding for the consolidated health centers program by 2006. The additional funds would double access to comprehensive health care for the millions of Americans who currently are without health insurance.

Community health centers are local, nonprofit, community-owned health care providers serving low-income and medically underserved urban and rural communities. Health centers have a proven 30-year track record of providing cost-effective, comprehensive, quality care. Past investment in community health centers has resulted in improved health and quality of life for many Americans, as well as a reduction in over all national health care spending.

Community health centers provide health care services to uninsured and low-income individuals in medically underserved areas. They are vital to the fabric of health care in our country. This year, more than 1,000 health centers will serve nearly 14 million children and adults in 3,400 communities across the country. Of these, 5 million are uninsured; 750,000 are homeless; 850,000 are migrant and seasonal farmworkers; 5.4 million are residents of rural areas; and nearly 9 million are people of color.

Community health centers are vital in my congressional district. Health Centers have significantly increased the use of preventive health services such as Pap smears, mammograms, and glaucoma screening services among the populations they serve. Health Centers have increased substantially the number and proportion of immunized children, and have made significant strides in preventing anemia and lead poisoning. Furthermore, Health Centers contribute to the health and well-being of their communities by reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, keeping children healthy and in school, and helping adults remain productive and on the job.

Expanding community health centers is a proven, viable, and cost- effective way to bring health services to uninsured populations and underserved communities. The bipartisan REACH Resolution would enable health centers to serve 20 million Americans, including 9 million individuals without health insurance. As Cover the Uninsured Week comes to a close and with 41 million Americans living with no insurance we need to find ways to address this crisis. The REACH Resolution is a step in the right direction. The resolution would send a clear message that Congress supports efforts to provide critical health care to low- and moderate-income urban and rural communities. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House of the inauguration of President Roh Moo Hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on February 25, 2003. His inauguration marks a new opportunity for peace on the Korean peninsula and a stronger relationship with the United States.

President Roh represents a new generation of South Korean leaders that have been entrusted with an awesome responsibility to protect democracy in an age of growing instability and open hostility on the Korean peninsula. South Korea has grown into a country that has successfully transformed into a thriving, democratic nation over the last several decades. I am confident that under the leadership of

President Roh, a new generation of Koreans will effectively use their country's untapped human, economic, and political potential to shape an even brighter and more prosperous world.

The new South Korean government also presents an important opportunity for US Korean relations. We must work together to ease the tension that has been permitted to rise on the peninsula in recent months. I know Americans share a common goal with the South Korean people in achieving a safer, more secure world, and promoting peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and throughout Asia.

The United States is dedicated to achieving these common goals with South Korea. Both nations must come together to formulate proposals to address the security challenges we are facing. Over the last 50 years, we have joined with South Korea to promote democracy in Asia. I am hopeful that our relationship will continue to grow under President Roh's leadership.

I want to congratulate President Roh and the citizens of South Korea for boldly taking up the challenge to build a better and safer Korea.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as American Heart Month. Each February during American Heart Month, the American Heart Association launches a nationwide campaign to educate the public about cardiovascular disease. Programs and activities are planned throughout the month to reinforce the message that cardiovascular disease is the number one threat to the overall health and lives of Americans. As a member of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the American Heart Association and reaffirm my commitment to fighting heart disease.

Recent advances in heart treatment are promising--new technologies, screenings and medicines all promote healthier hearts and continue to save millions of lives. Despite these discoveries and research advances, heart disease remains the nation's leading cause of death, while stoke is the third leading cause of death. More than 61 million Americans suffer from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease. Combined, these illnesses are expected to cost the nation $351.8 billion in medical costs in 2003.

Tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition all contribute to cardiovascular disease. Smokers have twice the risk for heart attack of nonsmokers. People who are not physically active have twice the risk for heart disease of those who are active, while those who are overweight are also at risk. This February's American Heart Month efforts focus on encouraging individuals to modify these behaviors in order prevent and control cardiovascular disease. American Heart Month is also encouraging citizens to become American Heartsavers by completing training in lifesaving CPR and defibrillation and be prepared to act quickly in the case of sudden cardiac arrest.

Recognizing and responding to heart attack symptoms and receiving quick, appropriate care can preclude or limit heart damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently funds health programs in 29 states and the District of Columbia that develop strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related risk factors. As we recognize the work of these important programs, let us also honor the doctors, researchers, health professionals, public education professionals, and volunteers for their diligent efforts in preventing, treating, and researching heart disease and for making American Heart Month a success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as Black History Month. As the month draws to a close, I urge my colleagues to join me as we commemorate and honor the achievements of African- Americans throughout our nation's history.

Black history month, a tradition for seven decades, is celebrated each February in cities and towns across the United States. During this time, we honor and celebrate the contributions African-Americans have made to music, the arts, and academics and we recall the many important milestones in black history. In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson recognized the need for our country to gain a more complete and informed understanding of African

American history. Dr. Woodson chose the second week of February because two people he felt had dramatically affected the lives of Black Americans were born during that month: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In addition, the month of February is significant for the birthdays of W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Eubie Blake and the founding of the NAACP.

I am pleased to join in this celebration and I hope that every person will take a moment to reflect on the life and legacies of individuals like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall. Their fight, and the work of so many others, helped bring social justice to communities throughout the country. As we celebrate this year's theme, ``The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections,'' we also honor the achievements and legacy of African-Americans and are reminded that we must continue to remember the contributions and sacrifices throughout history.

I encourage all Americans to gain awareness of and appreciation for African-American history.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 534, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003. This legislation would ban reproductive human cloning and prohibit nuclear transplantation to produce stem cells for medical research. I am sure that most of my colleagues here today would agree with me and every one of my constituent scientists with whom I have discussed this matter that we do not want to allow reproductive cloning. An attempt to duplicate an individual human raises profound and disturbing moral and bioethical questions. It is unacceptable for anyone in the public or private sector to attempt to create a person using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and I believe we must prohibit it. However, Representative Weldon's proposal before us today, goes too far and also bans SCNT for therapeutic purposes. This complete ban will close the door on promising publicly and privately funded research in regenerative medicine and will end hope for more millions of Americans suffering from life-threatening diseases.

The Human Cloning Prohibition Act criminalizes the very biomedical research that could help researchers find cures for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, various cancers, strokes and spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, H.R. 534 will halt vital research in my congressional district, throughout Massachusetts and the Nation. A ban or a moratorium on this research will result in other countries taking the lead in finding cures to these diseases.

Our colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Greenwood, has worked to produce what I believe to be a well-balanced, comprehensive alternative. The Greenwood substitute contains the same language that Rep. Weldon's legislation uses to ban reproductive cloning. Both ban scientists from using technology to produce human beings. Unlike the Weldon proposal, the Greenwood alternative allows strictly regulated, privately funded SCNT research to move forward. This legislation requires scientists to register with the federal government before conducting medical research and requires all research to be conducted with substantial oversight. The bill would also permit a stem cell technique that offers significant promise of delivering new treatments and cures to millions of Americans.

I believe a ban on human cloning does not need to include a ban on nuclear transfer research. The National Academies and more than 40 Noble laureates agree that this research has the potential to produce promising contributions to science and medicine. I urge my colleagues to allow this research to continue, vote no on Weldon and yes on Greenwood.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act. This bill, which is similar to the welfare reform bill passed by the House in the last session, extends the authorization for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program through FY 2008.

While I welcome the possibility of reauthorizing this vital program, I am frustrated by the way in which this legislation was brought to the floor--without any markup in the three committees that share jurisdiction on the issue. Furthermore, the House of Representatives has had ample time to rewrite this bill and present a meaningful proposal that will address the needs of low-income families and the states that administer these programs. The bill before us today is nearly identical to last year's legislation and does little to help those most in need of services. The goal of this bill should be to assist welfare recipients in finding employment while transitioning out of poverty. In order to do so, we should be focusing on adjusting the grants for inflation, providing additional funding for childcare and retaining the current thirty-hour workweek requirement while allowing flexibility for education and training programs.

This bill comes at a time when states are experiencing unprecedented budget shortfalls. The economy is sluggish and the unemployment rate has risen from 3.9 percent to 6 percent. Without additional funding, states will be forced to cut important services, including child care and transportation benefits. I cannot support a bill that increases the work requirement for those most difficult to place in employment while failing to provide adequate child care funding. If we demand that people must work for their benefits, we need to provide those individuals with the resources necessary to do so. Massachusetts currently has more than 17,000 children on its child care waiting list. An additional $111 million in childcare funding is needed over the next five years to implement this legislation in Massachusetts alone. The Democrats have responded to this crisis by offering an alternative reauthorization bill. The Cardin substitute provides states with the resources they need to meet these new requirements. It increases childcare by $11 billion over the next five years, while allowing more flexibility to count education and training as work requirements. It retains the current thirty-hour work week rule and allows states to use federal cash assistance for legal immigrants.

The TANF program has been successful in helping to move families off the welfare and into work. It is our job to ensure that states have the resources to continue this important work. I urge my colleagues to support working families and vote against the Republican bill and for the Democratic substitute.