Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of The Clarkston News for the newspaper's 75 years of publication and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the James and Hazel Sherman family career as newspaper owners and publishers.

The Oakland County, Michigan, Clarkston News published its first edition on Sept. 23, 1929, just one month before the nation's historic stock market crash. James Sherman purchased The Clarkston News in 1966. It has since become the largest newspaper in the Sherman Publications Inc. Group. Published weekly since 1929, uninterrupted, The Clarkston News in the truest sense of community journalism, serves as a mirror of the community, preserving the community history and people in its pages. The paper has been recognized by numerous awards from such groups as the Michigan Press Association.

While James Sherman has retired, and his wife Hazel has passed away, the Sherman family continues to operate The Clarkston News, The Oxford Leader, The Lake Orion Review, and Ortonville-Goodrich area's The Citizen. The group also publishes three weekly ``shoppers'' guides, two in Oakland County and one in southern Lapeer County.

The three Sherman children who grew up in the business are owners today, sharing supervision of day-to-day operations; and James Sherman continues, even in retirement, to delight readers by writing his popular weekly column, ``Jim's Jottings.''

The Shermans are part of the very fabric of life in their communities, deeply appreciated as community leaders who help local causes, contribute to local charities, and employ local residents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the commitment and achievements of The Clarkston News on its 75th anniversary and the James and Hazel Sherman family on the occasion of their 50th anniversary in the community newspaper business. They are truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of May 4, 2005 the House had procedural vote on H.R. 366, the Vocational and Technical Education Act. On House rollcall vote #153, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vern Brooks, President of Technical Directors, Inc., (TDI) on being named 2005 Regional Subcontractor of the Year. Mr. Brooks' small business, Technical Directions Inc., manufactures proprietary jet engine technology. These engines have proven superior for use in small unmanned aircraft and powered weapons systems, including several Lockheed Martin mini-cruise missiles.

Mr. Brooks was recognized by the Small Business Administration for his entrepreneurial spirit at the 2005 U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C., an event that showcased Small Business Persons of the Year winners from each state. National Small Business Week honors some of the Nation's estimated 25 million small business owners that form the foundation of our Nation's economy.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the life blood of the American economy. They employ more than half the country's private work force, create three of every four new jobs and generate a majority of American innovations.' The entrepreneurs that found these businesses must be recognized for their contribution to economy. I ask my colleagues to join

me in honoring Mr. Brooks for his recognition as 2005 Regional Subcontractor of the Year and in recognizing the contribution of small business owners to the growth of our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Ingham County Courthouse. Construction of the courthouse began in April 1902 and the cornerstone was laid May 5, 1903. The original structure was finally completed in late 1904 at a cost of $96,678.00 and was dedicated on May 9, 1905. In 1971, the courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Ingham County Courthouse is a monument to the mechanical and architectural knowhow of the people of Michigan. Designed by a Lansing architect and constructed by Michigan contractors, the century-old Ingham County Courthouse stands tall as a testament to quality of Michigan workmanship.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation's historic places are a vital link to our past and mark the progress of our Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of these historic buildings and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ingham County Courthouse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mary Lou French, the Ingham County, Michigan Community News 2005 Volunteer of the Year. Mary Lou French retired as a teacher, but still teaches about 700 school children every year about life on a farm. Mary Lou, who has maintained her active community involvement even into retirement, is best described in an article in the Ingham County Community News, written by Editor Rachel S. Greco:

Mason, MI--She isn't at the head of a classroom anymore but

Mary Lou French, retired after 28 years with Mason schools,

still finds solace when teaching.

At her 40-acre farm, French plays hostess to nearly 700

school children from Ingham County every fall. They take a

trip there to learn a first-hand lesson in farm life. The

pre-school through second grade groups are introduced to

pumpkins, animals and hayrides.

``I had a hard time leaving teaching,'' said French, of her

decision to invite students to her property. ``It's just

another way 1 get back to teaching.'

In truth, French has been just as active in the community

in retirement as she was before it. Her volunteer efforts are

evident at the First Presbyterian Church of Mason--where she

serves as a Women's Association leader and helps to organize

various events and dinners.

But those efforts also extend out into the community, where

French has served on the Mason Relay for Life committee since

the event's local start, and in the schools where she

volunteers to tutor young students in reading and writing.

All this activity is the sum of French's retirement, and

she wouldn't have it any other way.

``I've been gone from home all my life,'' she explained.

``I don't like staying at home so this fills the time.''

This year, French will become the sixth recipient of the

Agnes Comer Volunteer of the Year award, given annually by

the staff of the Ingham County Community News.

Residents of Mason flooded the newspaper office with

letters about French's good works, after the staff solicited

nominations from the community this spring.

``All of Mary Lou's work in this community bears out her

legacy,'' wrote Rex Hauser.

Others cited her willingness to reach out and help whenever

it's needed.

``She is well known in the community and a person who

people look to when no one else would take on a job,'' stated

Cherie Mitchell. ``Someone could say, `Oh, let Mary Lou do

it!' and it would get done.''

Rachel Tear, office manager at the Presbyterian Church

wrote that French's volunteer work within the congregation

propels many activities forward. 'Our church activities would

come to a grinding halt if Mary Lou ever quit, so we would

like your help in showing her how much we appreciate all that

she does.''

Among French's work with the church is her involvement in

Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Thanksgiving and

spring pie sales aimed at raising money for the annual Relay

for Life efforts.

French is also a member of the unofficial `Flower Power

Group' that maintains flower beds at the Ingham County

Fairgrounds. When the fair is open, French is often in charge

of exhibits.

Mary Lou extends herself to the limit,' wrote Marie Wingo.

`If you ever needed anything she would be the first to step

up and help.'

But French said volunteering as been as good to her as it

has to the community.

``It's just personally very satisfying and I've gained a

lot of good friends and people I've learned to love because

of it,'' she said.

On Tuesday, May 10, newspaper staff and community members

will honor French with a luncheon at Mason City Hall.

Still, those who know her understand that French isn't

accustomed to or comfortable with the spotlight.

``The only `down side' to this nomination may be Mary Lou's

humble acceptance that she has not been honored before,''

wrote Hauser. ``Her reward has been precisely only in the

`doing for others,' I am sure, from her point of view.''

French said she is grateful for the recognition but would

rather not accept it.

``There are so many other people who do so much work,' she

said. ``I feel very honored that I am getting it but that's

not why I volunteer.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mary Lou French for her commitment to serving the community. We are honored to support her efforts and extend appreciation for her tireless community volunteer outreach. Mary Lou French is truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that these moving words delivered on April 2, 2005 by Brian Wronikowski at a memorial service for his father, Michael Wronikowski of Detroit, Michigan, who passed away on March 16, 2005, be included in the Congressional Record:

First of all, my family and I would like to thank all of

you for coming today. We appreciate everyone taking time out

of their busy lives to celebrate the life of someone who was

and always will be such an important part of ours. Everyone's

thoughts, prayers and kind words have not gone unnoticed.

Thanks again.

We would like to invite any and all of you to continue the

celebration of Mike's life after mass. Stop in for a bite to

eat. Stop in to say hello. All are welcome to stop by at Mike

and Kathy's home. Just follow the caravan of people walking

down Audubon after the service.

Joseph and Dorothy Wronikowski welcomed Michael John, their

3rd of 5 children into the world on September 3rd, 1946. He

was born in the city of Detroit, where he lived all 58 of his

years. Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended Guardian

Angel Elementary School and graduated from De La Salle High

School in 1964.

After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves, where he

served as a security code specialist until 1972. It was also

upon graduation that he began work as a printer, a career

that would last over thirty years. In June of 1967, he met

and began dating Kathleen McEvoy, a former classmate of his

from Guardian Angels. Although they were in the same grade,

they were never in the same classroom in any of their eight

years. On May 10, 1968, a mere eleven months later, they were

married.

Being the good Catholic young adults that they were, my

parents got to work on starting their family. Nine and a half

months after they were married, Anne Marie, their first child

was born. Eleven months later, came John Michael. And so on

and so on to the tune of eight children in nine and a half

years. As the kids kept coming, and the bills kept rising, my

father worked two jobs to provide for us and send us through

Catholic schools. You see, public school was never an option

for us kids in our parent's eyes. They were both brought up

in Catholic households and a Catholic education was the only

way to go.

My Dad became a printer back in the '60's because it meant

a pay increase over his job in the mail room. But make no

mistake, he took great pride in his craft. I can remember

him bringing home picture after picture that he worked on.

I think all of us kids had ``The Tiger's Roar in `84''

poster that he worked on hanging in our rooms at some

point.

It was not all work for my Dad. He was a spectacular

athlete in his younger years. He dabbled in a just about

everything. He was a solid third baseman. As you heard, he

was lucky enough to play in the nets in the storied Montreal

Forum. He was also a very good golfer, and he was the best

bowler I have ever seen.

As the years went on, working the long hours on the

printing press took quite a toll on my dad's body. He

developed degenerative disc disease, which resulted in four

separate back surgeries. He lived every day in constant pain,

but you would never know it, because he would never show it.

His desire to live and be active outweighed his desire to

live in comfort.

As the surgeries mounted, he was forced to give up all of

his hobbies that he loved for so long. Instead of feeling

sorry for himself and packing it in, he moved on to other

hobbies that I am sure were no better for his back than his

sports were. He redid almost the whole inside of my parent's

house. You cannot step foot inside a room there that doesn't

have his fingerprints all over it. My mom even turned him on

to the wonderful world of gardening. Pulling weeds, planting

bulbs--all sorts of fun stuff. But it wasn't the job that he

was doing that was important to him; instead, it was how he

did it. He was a perfectionist at heart. And it didn't matter

if he was working the presses or vacuuming our pool, the job

was not done until it was perfect.

My Dad stopped working in 2000. And though we had some

stressful times over the last few years, anybody that knew

him knows that his last few years were his happiest. His kids

were all grown up. He was blessed with five beautiful

grandchildren. And he got to enjoy more time with my Mom than

any other time in their marriage. Sure, they had their hard

times like any other couple. But my parents were married 36

years. Neither one ever strayed. Through thick and through

thin, their love never wavered.

Everyone has different things that will always stick with

them. Different memories. Different ``Dadisms''. Here are a

few. My Dad was a very good listener. Sometimes he offered

his opinions, but more times than not he just wanted to be

there for his kids. His silent confidence is already missed.

My dad was a huge hockey fan. Many a Saturday night was spent

in our younger years with the TV tuned in to Hockey Night in

Canada. And it didn't really feel like the Wings had won the

Cup until we were able to get Dad on the phone and share our

excitement. My Dad was always very affectionate with both his

kids and his grandkids. Every time someone was leaving our

parents to go back home, wherever home may be, you knew it

was time for a kiss on both cheeks from Dad. And a giant bear

hug. Then he would stand at the door and wave goodbye, not

moving until the car was out of sight. My Dad was always

there for all of us. Whether someone needed a ride, a couple

extra bucks or just a visit to say hi, you could always count

on him. I will be honest with you now--my sisters gave my Dad

some of the ugliest gifts I have ever seen. The hats. The

shirts. Not so good. Didn't matter though. If the card

attached said Love, one of his kids or grandkids, that gift

automatically became his favorite article of clothing. And he

wouldn't take it off. One of our neighbors gave us a card

that read ``I will personally miss Mike because of the man I

knew him to be--a helpful, caring, involved and thoughtful

neighbor.'' Any time we were talking to my Dad on the phone,

each call would end the same way. ``I love you. Okay,

bye.'' That's my Dad.

I will have many long lasting memories of my Dad. But some

will stick around more than others. I think like just about

every other five or six year old kid, I thought of my Dad as

the strongest man on Earth, some type of super hero almost.

He had these huge, Popeye like forearms that he got from the

long hours working on the press. As years went on, and I

looked at my Dad as more of a human being than a super hero,

my thoughts of his strength faded away. The last few years, I

watched him and marveled. Not because of his arm strength,

but more because of his inner strength. He persevered through

his life in a way that I cannot do

justice in words. In the last month, I saw that inner

strength shining through. He was not ready to leave us. He

was not ready to leave my Mom. And he fought and he fought

til his last day. I realize now that maybe I was right when I

was five or six. Maybe he was a super hero. But it wasn't the

muscles in his arms that made him that, it was that giant

muscle in his chest. And all of us who knew him are better

people because of it.

When I started to piece this together, I came across a poem

that reminds me of my Dad to a tee. I would like to share it

with you. It is anonymously penned, entitled ``Don't Quit.''

``When things go wrong as they sometimes will;

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;

When the funds are low, and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;

When care is pressing you down a bit--

Rest if you must, but do not quit.

Success is failure turned inside out;

The silver tint of clouds of doubt;

And you can never tell how close you are

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.''

Well, thank you all for letting me share a little bit about

him with you. And in my Dad's own words, ``I love you Dad.

Okay bye.''

So Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise to recognize the memory of Michael Wronikowski.

Mr. Chairman, you know you cannot make a fat guy skinny by mandating smaller pant sizes. People have to want to buy the vehicle that you are trying to sell them. There is a reason that moms go through the pain and agony of buying an SUV and a mini-van, because they are safe, because they can get their whole family in there, because they can put a bike in the back, and they can get all the groceries in there.

They buy them because they want them and they are safe. The automobile companies today do not get enough credit for all of the money they are investing in trying to make these things efficient. Believe me, if they could get 40 miles to the gallon in an SUV, they would be on these front steps having a press conference selling these things. Technology has not matched what consumers want. Let them do that. You artificially interfere with where we are going, they are making huge strides. To do this costs Americans jobs. It costs Americans jobs.

Let them do what they are doing best, and innovate their way to those high-mileage SUVs and mini-vans so moms do not have to drive Mini Coopers.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick).

(Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, parliamentary inquiry, how do we get to the chairman's 2\1/2\ minutes remaining on the primary amendment?

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the sponsors of the amendment and their intent and where they wanted to go. The gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) has done a great job of focusing on a problem that is a problem. We all want accurate numbers on those stickers and times have changed. The gentleman from Michigan and the gentlewoman from Michigan, I think, have outlined exceptionally well why this perfecting amendment makes the intent of what our colleague wants to do exactly that. It clarifies it to the point that we do not get into CAFE, we get accurate numbers, and we do not foist a whole set of new costs onto automakers who are today struggling to keep people employed.

We want accurate numbers as well. But I will tell you, families across this country are suffering in the automobile industry. They are suffering. They have layoffs, they have job cuts, there is a lack of hope in some areas and anxiety you cannot believe in others. So let us err on the side of those families. Let us stand up today and say, yes, we should have accurate numbers on these stickers, the very true intent of what the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) are trying to do and trying to accomplish.

Let us do that, but we can do that without new costs, without new burdens, without even getting close to this argument that they are going to get into in the CAFE debate, and accomplish exactly what they want.

I think my colleagues can be proud of this amendment, as amended, back in their districts and tell people that they fought valiantly to get the 2005 standards on stickers for cars they are going to buy today. It is the right thing to do.

So I would urge my colleague to look deep down and say, do I want to take the chance that I will put out one more American family out of work? Because I think you will. I passionately believe you will, the way your amendment is constructed. It will foist new, unnecessary costs on automakers.

Let us do it the way we know can accomplish what you want and have families at the end of the day saying, I am going to show up and build the finest cars in the world right here, in the great State of Michigan, or any other of the 49 great States of this great country.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schwarz), a great public servant.

Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Michigan, a medical doctor, said it all so well, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Lansing State Journal and its more than 500 employees and retirees who are this year celebrating 150 years of publishing a newspaper in Michigan's capital city, Lansing.

As the sesquicentennial year progresses, the newspaper is revisiting its history and looking forward to the future.

Recently, the president and publisher, Michael G. Kane, wrote in a message to readers: ``Through 150 years, 16 publishers, seven name changes, five building locations, and more than 45,000 editions, we have been the eyes and ears of mid-Michigan. And a remarkable community it is: capital of the great state of Michigan, home of one of the nation's great universities, and birthplace of an automobile industry.''

Clearly, the newspaper leadership and it's staff understands that in one of the most diverse regions of the state, the Lansing State Journal is called on to fulfill its responsibility as community mirror, historian, and monitor. From birth to death, the Lansing State Journal chronicles the important milestones in the lives of the people who live and work in mid-Michigan, captures in print and picture the ebb and flow of life in each community throughout the region, and serves as a key element in the mid-Michigan marketplace.

From the reception desk to the newsroom and advertising department, to the press room and the circulation office and distribution team, the people who produce a newspaper every day of every year are truly part of the heartbeat of the mid-Michigan region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Lansing State Journal and its employees and retirees for all they have accomplished. May we extend best wishes for the future, and express our respect and appreciation for their important role in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mary Ellen Sheets of Lansing, Michigan, who recently was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association.

Mary Ellen Sheets, founder/CEO of Two Men And A Truck, is the first businesswoman to be honored with this prestigious award which has an illustrious honor roll of recipients, including Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza Inc., and J. Willard Marriott of the Marriott Corp., as well as leaders in other franchise organizations such as Subway, Jiffy Lube International, Pizza Hut Inc., and Holiday Inn Inc.

Mary Ellen's teenaged sons started a moving business with a pickup truck in the early 1980s. After the boys left for college, customers kept calling so in 1985, this creative mother paid $350 for an old moving truck and officially opened Two Men And a Truck.

When she first sketched the now-famous company logo, a simple graphic of two stick men in a truck cab to catch readers' attention, Mary Ellen never guessed it would lead to such phenomenal entrepreneurial success. From that simple beginning, her business was catapulted into a vibrant, growing franchised company with 152 locations in 26 states.

While becoming a successful entrepreneur, Mary Ellen Sheets never forgets about her community. This very successful businesswoman also makes time to serve on the boards of Lansing Community College, Michigan Freedom Foundation, Michigan Law Abuse Watch, and Edward Sparrow Hospital. She chaired the 2004 United Way Campaign in Lansing, and has been recognized numerous times, including as one of Michigan's Top 25 Women Business Owners, and Lansing Business Person of the Year.

Mary Ellen Sheets epitomizes the American dream. She rose from a small beginning to become a very successful businessperson who believes in giving back to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this very special woman and community leader, who is truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

Mr. Speaker, passage of S. 686 today reaffirms that our Nation is built on a foundation of reverence for life and a commitment to protect life.

Protection of life is at the core of our constitutional republic. Beyond issues of separation of powers and court jurisdiction, is the fundamental notion that our government--both State and Federal--was established to protect the lives of all citizens.

Extraordinary circumstances require us to defend the life of Theresa Marie Schiavo and her right to due process. Absent congressional action, those rights, and in fact, her life, will be forever extinguished.

I join the overwhelming bipartisan support for ensuring that Theresa Marie Schiavo has full due process and that we uphold our reverence for human life.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of March 15, 2005, the House had a procedural vote on H.R. 1268, the FY 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. On House rollcall vote No. 69, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the committee today for taking up this very important piece of legislation. It may be innocuous in the grand scheme of this important bill that we are about to pass, setting the transportation needs for the rest of America, but we have a growing problem that this amendment will address, traffic preemption devices. They are devices that will change the signal as you are driving in your car remotely from your vehicle. Currently used by law enforcement and emergency vehicle services to conduct their business and get to the place they need to in the most safe manner possible, it is now being offered on the Internet and other places and getting in the hands of those who would seek to do harm.

One can imagine in the hands of a bank robber trying to escape, changing the light scheme on his way out of town. One can imagine the frustrated congestion that someone might engage in Washington, D.C. or any other large city, the convenience of just pushing the button and changing the light. One can imagine a terrorist act and what harm and devastation they could cause to emergency vehicle response to their ability to get in and to get out of a place quickly.

The dangers of this are real, the dangers are growing. This amendment would simply apply some common sense and make it illegal for those who are selling this on the Internet, for those who are in possession of this, who should not be. I think it is crucial.

I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman for working with us on this.

I do want to thank the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on the Judiciary for working with us, the Committee on Rules, and Senator DeWine for working with me on this amendment and offering the same in the Senate.

I also want to thank my staff member, Heather Keiser, who has been passionate about traffic safety and working on intelligent technology systems. She has been passionately involved in these types of activities, who actually raised the flag and said this is a problem and it needs to be fixed for the safety and security of our local Americans and our local emergency service personnel. I thank her as well. She is getting ready to leave this week, so this is a great way for her to go out on such a high note, I think, making an important difference.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to bring an important bit of business to the House floor this evening and to Members of the U.S. House, and that is China's consideration of the anti-secession law that they are about to impose on Taiwan.

The anti-secession law is a slap in the face to the recent progress that has been made across the strait in relations with Taiwan and is a bold move to threaten U.S. interests in the region.

Last month, the two sides agreed on the very first nonstop commercial flight between China and Taiwan in more than 50 years. Now China appears to be laying the legal groundwork to legitimize material action against Taiwan.

China is expected to adopt this proposed anti-secession law within this month. However, as Beijing does not allow its citizens or its media objective involvement in their government, the exact nature and time frame of this legislation is known only by a few within the Communist party leadership as China thought it could seek to approve this law under the radar of international scrutiny.

As the United States begins to voice its concern over China's proposed anti-secession law, curiously enough, North Korea announces it has a nuclear weapons program. I do not view these two events as coincidental, given U.S. reliance on China to engage in diplomacy on North Korea's nuclear weapons.

In recent history, there were two impediments to China taking over Taiwan militarily, the legality of the takeover and the technological ability to defeat Taiwan and its allies' defensive capabilities. The anti-secession law covers the first obstacle and China's effort to end the European Union's arms embargo would cover the second. This body has overwhelmingly approved a resolution condemning a lift of the arms embargo, which essentially would amount to a technology transfer.

This, Mr. Speaker, is a serious issue, and Beijing should make no mistake that the United States Congress is paying attention. We are paying attention on the anti-secession law, we are paying attention on their military buildup and modernization, and we are paying attention to their economic growth, built on currency manipulation and the violation of intellectual property rights.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for this House and this body to stand tall and reach across the ocean and tell the Chinese we will be their friends, but they must be friends and participate in the rules of the rest of the Western world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mr. George Hoddy and to pay tribute to his lifetime of achievements and service to the city of Owosso and people of the State of Michigan. On March 7, 2005, Mr. Hoddy will be celebrating his 100th birthday and deserves recognition for his lifetime of service to his community.

Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1905 and educated at the Ohio State University, George Hoddy came to Michigan armed with a Masters degree in electrical engineering to work for Charles Kettering. In 1942, after several roles as a research engineer for various electric companies, George Hoddy started the Universal Electric Company in Owosso, Michigan. Owosso has been forever touched by the roots Mr. Hoddy has put down there, his legacy of community involvement will not be forgotten by the people who call it home.

In the last 60 years, Mr. Hoddy has served on the Board of Directors for over twenty community organizations in the city of Owosso including an eighteen year tenure on the Owosso Public School Board and fifty years of service and support of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Hoddy has served as the Director of the Michigan United Way, President of the Shiawasee county United Way. Has been a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufactures and Owosso Rotary Club. Mr. Hoddy has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Regents for Baker College and continues to serve as a Regent today.

Mr. Speaker, George Hoddy is responsible for enriching the Owosso community and has been instrumental in the industrial and economic development of Owosso, Michigan. He is an inspiration to all those who have the opportunity to meet him. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the lifetime of achievements of George Hoddy and to wish him all the very best as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives will vote on House Concurrent Resolution 30 supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which has been observed in February the past 5 years.

Last year, I brought together a number of African-American community leaders in Lansing, MI, with an expert on HIV/AIDS issues in the Black community. That gathering brought to light the sad statistics on this disease among African Americans across the Nation and right in my own community.

The more than 172,000 African Americans living with AIDS in the United States represents about 42 percent of cases in the Nation.

Estimates put the Michigan HIV-infected population at more than 16,000, with African-American men, at 44 percent, and African-American women, at 20 percent, outnumbering two-to-one all cases in white men-- 25 percent--and women--5 percent--and those of other ethnicity. Ingham County in the Eighth Congressional District is among the 15 Michigan counties that account for 84 percent of all cases of HIV/AIDS in the State.

Across the Nation, in 2003, African Americans accounted for half of all new HIV infections, even though they make up only slightly over 12 percent of the Nation's entire population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control tell us that African-American women account for 67 percent of all new AIDS cases among women, and AIDS is one of the top three leading causes of death among African-American women ages 35 through 44.

Among African-American men, AIDS also falls in the top three of causes of death among those ages 25 through 54.

Today's vote highlights the need to support the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7 each year at the local, State, and national level of government and media. It also highlights the need to build awareness and education among African- American communities as we work to reduce this dangerous disease among the families and communities across the Nation.

As we acknowledge the awareness and education efforts signified by National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I am committed to working with our community and national groups as they focus on preventing this serious disease and reducing the impact it has on individual communities and states, and on our entire Nation.