Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today congratulations are in order for the Wilmington (OH) College Lady Quakers Basketball team. Last Saturday, March 20, 2004, the Lady Quakers won the NCAA Division III national championship by defeating the previously unbeaten, and top- ranked, Bowdoin College Lady Polar Bears, 59-53.

Special congratulations to the Lady Quakers' Tara Rausch who was selected Final Four MVP as well as first team All-American; Amy Kincer who was named to the all-tournament team; and Wilmington head coach, Jerry Scheve, on the team's 27-6, championship season.

The Wilmington College Lady Quakers' NCAA Division III 2004 national basketball championship is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence, upholding the best traditions of this country's true scholar-athletes.

I ask my colleagues as well as all citizens of the Ohio Valley to join me in congratulating the faculty, staff, parents and friends of Wilmington College on completing an exciting and memorable championship season.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 62 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on behalf of House Resolution 557. The U.S. investments in the war on terror and in Iraq are proving worthwhile and are making the world safer. As of February 2004, 44 of the 55 most wanted former Iraqi leaders are dead or in custody. The Iraqi people have created and signed an interim constitution guaranteeing basic freedoms, rights and protections to all Iraqis previously unrealized in Iraq.

I visited Iraq in October and saw firsthand that Iraqis are much better off than they were under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Children are able to go to school without being taught government propaganda. Small businesses are able to open. Iraqi citizens have access to health care formerly denied to them, and once neglected infrastructure is being rebuilt. No one who argues against this resolution can deny that Saddam Hussein was an enemy of the United States and an enemy of the Iraqi people. The war on terror has encouraged nations to protect their national security, track down and arrest known and suspected terrorists, and to make ovations to the international community in order to create a more peaceful and stable environment.

Last fall, the United States stopped a ship carrying nuclear components bound for Libya. Recently, Libya voluntarily turned over equipment from its nuclear weapons program to the United States. Had Libya kept these materials, they had the ingredients to create nuclear weapon capabilities. The 50,000 pounds of machine parts to enrich uranium is just a small portion of the material and information that they have turned over. Qaddafi himself has cited the fall of Saddam Hussein as a reason for Libya abandoning its nuclear weapons of mass destruction program. Can anyone have imagined a nuclear power as Libya?

Libya's decision is an example of the administration's tough line against states that sponsor terrorism and have unconventional weapons programs. United States investments in Iraq are proving themselves effective. Iraq is a safer nation, as is the United States. I commend our Armed Forces of the United States and the coalition forces.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to express my appreciation to John R. Smith for his service to the Dayton community and his commitment to the Ohio Postal Workers Union.

John R. Smith is being honored by the Ohio Postal Workers Union, AFL- CIO for a lifetime of service to his home community of Dayton, Ohio as well as his union, the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.

Mr. Smith has held numerous local, state, and national positions in the American Postal Workers Union and its predecessor unions since he began to work for the U. S. Postal Service in 1950. Mr. Smith currently serves as the National APWU Retirees Director, a position he has held since his appointment in 1993. He served as the President of the Dayton Area Local APWU from 1981-1993, Director of the APWU National Mail Handlers from 1970-1980 and President of the Dayton National Postal Union from 1964-1970.

John Smith has been active in the community, serving on numerous boards and commissions, such as the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority Board, Dayton Catholic Elementary School Board, First Dayton Little League Board and the United Way at Work Committee. He is also a Deacon at Corinthian Baptist Church, a member of the Board of Christian Education, and a Sunday school teacher.

Mr. Smith is a devoted family man, having been married to his wife Ida for over 50 years. They have three children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The local union office in Dayton, Ohio was renamed the John R. Smith APWU office, and the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky have named their annual training school the John R. Smith Leadership School in honor of Mr. Smith's dedication to the American Postal Workers Union.

I join the Ohio Postal Workers Union and the Dayton community in thanking Mr. Smith for his service.

Mr. Speaker, as we strive for excellence in America's schools, I am pleased to honor next week as Catholic Schools Week.

Catholic schools provide an intellectually stimulating environment, one where children are challenged by their peers and teachers to make the most of their education. Children from many nationalities and religious backgrounds attend Catholic Schools across America, and all learn the basic principles and values necessary to achieve the American Dream.

Catholic Schools emphasize the importance and development of faith and character. Teachers and staff nurture students in a professional and caring manner encouraging spiritual and emotional growth through education and community involvement.

Receiving a quality education has always been of great importance for our country as we reach to make the future bright for generations to come, and Catholic schools have and will continue to make a huge impact on our nation's youth.

I am pleased to offer my support for H. Res. 492, the Designation of Catholic Schools week, and thank my colleague Representative David Vitter of Louisiana for bringing this important issue to the floor and to the attention of the House.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to support H.R. 280, the National Aviation Heritage Area Act.

From the very earliest times, mankind fantasized about flying. Many ancient cultures had their interpretation of this impossible dream, including the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Native American Indians. In Ancient Greece, there was the story of Icarus, a man who fashioned wings of wax and feathers and thus could fly. During the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci created highly detailed plans for flying machines.

Although mankind remained flightless for several thousands of years, the dream never weakened. Finally, 100 years ago, next month, brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who owned a bicycle repair shop in Dayton, Ohio built a flying machine they optimistically named the ``Flyer'' and Dayton became the birthplace of modern aviation.

John Glenn and Neil Armstrong are two more fellow Ohioans, in the tradition of Wright Brothers, that awed and inspired us as they changed the world with their historic space flights--Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth and Armstrong, the first to walk on another celestial body.

H.R. 280 will establish a National Heritage Area within the States of Ohio and Indiana that will preserve our nation's aviation heritage by providing the means necessary to protect historic aviation sites and resources.

The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission has raised awareness and community support for H.R. 280. This legislation has the strong support of local governments and communities throughout southwest Ohio, who have an unwavering commitments to promoting and preserving the history of aviation and its Ohio roots. This bill provides us with a unique opportunity to expand historic aviation sites and protect an extraordinary piece of the world's history.

The Members of Ohio's Congressional delegation have worked diligently over the years to preserve and promote Dayton's aviation history, and H.R. 280 is another important step. As an original co-sponsor of H.R. 280, I am proud to offer my support of this important legislation. I would also like to thank Chairmen Dave Hobson and John Boehner for their commitment and hard worked on this issue.

Along with the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, NASA Glen Research Center and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, we have worked to preserve many of aviations historical landmarks.

As a native of Dayton, Ohio I grew up surrounded by the history of aviation. As we celebrate 100 years of powered flight, it is my great privilege to offer my support to this important legislation to preserve America's aviation heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the call of the Private Calendar be dispensed with today.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3166) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 57 Old Tappan Road in Tappan, New York, as the ``John G. Dow Post Office Building.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3166, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), designates this U.S. Postal Service facility in Tappan, New York as the ``John G. Dow Post Office Building.'' The entire New York State delegation has cosponsored this legislation.

Congressman John Dow was elected to a seat in this House from the people of New York's Hudson Valley in 1964. He dutifully served three terms in this body during the height of the Vietnam War. He was known for his strong opposition to the war during that tumultuous period in American history.

Congressman Dow passed away on March 11th of this year at the age of 97. He was a principled, poised, and passionate representative of the people of New York.

Along with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), I certainly want to extend the best wishes of this House to the family of John Dow. The post office in Tappan will be a deserved commemoration of his public service. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 3166, and I congratulate the gentleman from New York for having his bill considered by the whole House.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 3166. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3029) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 255 North Main Street in Jonesboro, Georgia, as the ``S. Truett Cathy Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3029, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from the State of Georgia (Mr. Scott) designates the U.S. Postal Service facility in Jonesboro, Georgia, as the ``S. Truett Cathy Post Office Building.'' All members of the Georgia State delegation have signed on to this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors a wonderful American entrepreneur, S. Truett Cathy. The respected founder of the Chik-Fil-A restaurant chain, Mr. Cathy has developed one of the most successful privately-owned restaurant chains in the United States. S. Truett Cathy lived the American Dream by spending just a few thousand dollars to open a tiny diner with his brother, Ben, in the Atlanta suburb of Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946. It was almost 20 years later, in 1967, before Mr. Cathy opened his first Chik-Fil-A restaurant in an Atlanta shopping mall. Today there are over 1,000 Chik-Fil-A restaurants from coast to coast.

Many people know that Chik-Fil-A restaurants are not open on Sundays. This has been true ever since the first restaurant opened in 1967. Mr. Cathy makes no exceptions for his ``closed-on-Sunday'' policy, ensuring that all Chik-Fil-A employees have a chance to worship, spend time with their families and friends, and simply relax 1 day a week. On his day off, Mr. Cathy has taught Sunday school classes for nearly 50 years.

Mr. Cathy also should be recognized for his work in offering educational scholarships. He has established the Chik-Fil-A Team Member Scholarship that awards a $1,000 scholarship to 25 Chik-Fil-A employees each year, encouraging them to pursue advanced educations. Chik-Fil-A has generously given away nearly $18 million to its employees through this program. Mr. Cathy has also created the WinShape Centre Foundation that annually grants dozens of $24,000 scholarships to students wishing to attend Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Chik-Fil-A has also provided $25,000 in general scholarship funds to each of the universities who participate in the Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl football game in late December.

Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, I commend the gentleman from Georgia for his meaningful work on H.R. 3029 that honors S. Truett Cathy. S. Truett Cathy's success as an entrepreneur and charity as a philanthropist are truly worthy of commendation by this House.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns).

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I urge passage of H.R. 3029, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2438) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 West Pine Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as the ``Major Henry A. Commiskey, Sr. Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2438.

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

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased that the House is considering H.R. 2438. This post office designation bill, introduced by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor), honors the service of Major Henry A. Commiskey, Sr.

Major Commiskey earned the Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart for his service to our Nation in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born on January 10, 1927, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he enlisted in the Marines at age 17. He ultimately served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Major Commiskey earned the Purple Heart for his valor during the invasion of Iwo Jima in 1945.

After World War II ended, he returned safely home and continued to serve in the Marine Corps. He advanced to the rank of staff sergeant and became a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina. When war broke out in Korea, he was shipped overseas again. For his tremendous efforts during the conflict in Korea, he earned the Medal of Honor.

Mr. Speaker, we owe so much to members of our Armed Forces who have fought for democracy and freedom throughout our Nation's history. Major Commiskey deserves all our thanks and praise, and this legislation is a way for the Members of this House to honor his brave legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. 2438 that names a post office after the late Major Henry A. Commiskey, Sr.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 262) expressing the sense of the Congress in support of the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 262, introduced by the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), expresses support for the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

Mr. Speaker, the ``SingAmerica'' project is an ongoing patriotic effort about which most Americans may not be aware. ``SingAmerica'' is a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Association for Music Education, along with a great deal of support from the American Sportscasters Association. The project aims to remind all Americans of the importance of our magnificent National Anthem.

The project has begun this fall during the National Football League season by encouraging the singing of the National Anthem before all games. Other professional sports leagues will also take part in the project over the next few years, including the National Basketball Association, the Women's National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball.

The culminating event of the ``SingAmerica'' project will be here in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2006. This event will be called ``A Star Spangled Celebration'' and will feature the President and First Lady, celebrity musicians, and literally thousands of bands from across the country. These artists will join together for the largest performance of the National Anthem in history.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Davis), I urge all Americans to enjoy and participate in the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project. I also urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 262.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 262. I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Davis) for introducing this patriotic measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 176) supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Planning Week, recognizing the significant impact of sound financial planning on achieving life's goals, and honoring American families and the financial planning profession for their adherence and dedication to the financial planning process.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 176 supports the goals and ideals of Financial Planning Week. This resolution, introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and Financial Management, aims to make all Americans aware of the importance of effective financial planning to prepare for all stages of life.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans were happy to learn last week that the gross domestic product for the third quarter of fiscal year 2003 grew at a rate of 7.2 percent, the highest rate since the 1980s. Clearly, that is good news about the direction our economy is headed and, hopefully, that will translate into increased job growth and more income for all Americans.

However, smart financial planning is a timeless and invaluable way for all of us to help ensure a secure financial future. American families are working harder today than perhaps at any other time in our Nation's history, but it is imperative that we all accompany our hard work with thoughtful, personal financial planning.

I want to cite the third resolved clause of the resolution that states that ``Congress acknowledges and commends the millions of American families across the United States for their adherence and dedication to the financial planning process.'' No one takes time out to recognize the millions of Americans who are working, spending wisely, and prudently saving for their own and their family's future. This resolution attempts to acknowledge these people.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and Financial Management for introducing this important legislation, and I support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 176.

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

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 176, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, the designation of two Federal Aviation Administration buildings in Washington, DC, in honor of Wilbur and Orville Wright's contribution to history with their invention of powered flight, is a fitting tribute to their conviction and courage.

I am fortunate to represent the hometown of the Wright Brothers, a place where they studied and tinkered over their design for an airplane. The lessons they learned from their failures, over time became the key to their successes.

In a little over a month, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight, one of the human race's greatest achievements. The contributions of powered flight to the world are immeasurable and have pushed the human race forward in countless ways.

Wilbur and Orville Wright dreamt of searing and sweeping across the sky, of far away places and thrilling adventures. They were crazy enough to believe that their dream of flight was within their grasp. On December 17, 1903, by making the dream of flight a reality, the Brothers gave us one of our hearts great desires, they gave us wings.

The Wilbur and Orville Wright Federal Buildings, located in Washington, DC, follows the long line of history makers that have left an indelible impression on the city and the country. Earlier this year, the Dayton community celebrated the Centennial of Flight and the shared aviation heritage of Dayton, OH and Kitty Hawk, NC. As a cosponsor of H.R. 3118, I am pleased to offer my support and to commend my good friend and colleague Representative Robin Hayes for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7, the Charitable Giving Act, and to urge my colleagues to do the same.

Let me begin by saying that I value the role of charitable organizations in the delivery and provision of social services. Our country has been made stronger through the good works of people who dedicate their time, efforts, and skills to helping those in need. These organizations have long fed the hungry, clothed the poor, given shelter to the homeless, and helped heal the sick. Their contributions have been absolutely essential for millions of Americans throughout the history of our great nation.

It is time now that we help these charitable organizations continue to help those in need. The bill before us today contains many important provisions that work toward a single goal of encouraging charitable giving in the United States. The bill does this by making it easier for individuals to deduct their charitable contributions from their income taxes, by allowing tax-free distributions from IRAs for charities and by encouraging donations of important items such as food and computers.

I know firsthand about the important role that charitable organizations play in every community. In my own district the Matile Family Foundation, the Dayton Foundation, and the Iddings Foundation have a long and distinguished record of giving and serving the Dayton community. Similarly our community is home to numerous faith-based organizations that also provide important services to those in need, including the Gospel Mission, Revival Center Ministries and St. Mary's Neighborhood Development Corporation.

In May I convened a community and faith-based forum where over 80 individuals from charitable organizations met to discuss partnering with the Federal government on the delivery of social services. I believe the bill before us will help these and many other organizations throughout my congressional district.

As a cosponsor of this important legislation, I am proud to join my colleagues in expressing support for H.R. 7 and urge all Members to vote in favor of it. This critical measure will help ensure that charitable organizations can continue to attract the resources necessary to help our most vulnerable populations by improving the incentives for individuals and corporations to donate to charitable entities.

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to imagine how much our world has changed in the past 2 years. New challenges have been met with great courage and the commitment of a strong Nation. Out of the ashes of the twin towers has emerged an America with a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for our country.

Americans love freedom. We cherish our way of life and the values that make us Americans. Our Founding Fathers stood with ``the flame of freedom in their souls, and light of knowledge in their eyes'', and created a country unlike that of any other. A country where people do not live in fear; a country where ideas, education and imagination are endless; a country where children can dream of things never before achieved, and grow up to actually do them.

It has been 2 years since the terrorist attacks, yet when I look around, I see an even greater America than had existed before. Our love of freedom and the American way of life cannot be shaken. We stand together--a United America--so that one day, others may know the joy of freedom.