Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with special privilege that I rise today to honor Mexico's President, Vicente Fox, on the occasion of his visit to Michigan and to thank him for his continued efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between our great countries.

President Fox's visit is a sign of the strong cultural and economic connection shared with America. Today, Michigan is called home by many Hispanics of Mexican descent. The result is a significant cultural bond that connects Mexico and Michigan. Mexico is considered a partner, neighbor, and a friend to Michigan. President Fox's commitment to strengthening these ties is deep and far reaching. His dedication to upholding the integrity and principles of Mexico, and his continued work on behalf of the people in Michigan, are testaments to his strength of character.

President Fox's visit to Michigan's state capitol will undoubtedly further the state's relationship with Mexico and continued economic integration. Mexico can be considered more than a friend, rather a partner in building a more democratically prosperous state. His visit to the state of Michigan is just a glimpse of many good things to come; Mexico and Michigan will continue to work together to enhance our common prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, President Fox is a Mexican patriot with a great vision for his country. His vision extends to the people of Michigan so that they may share equally in prosperity. He has given selflessly of himself to better his country, and has shown equal enthusiasm in bettering his relationship with the great state of Michigan. President Fox has truly earned the respect and admiration of all those who know him.

Mr. Speaker, recently, a poem was given to me in fond memory of Sergeant Lewis (Louie) Annear of the 9th Infantry Division, I ask these moving words be included in the Record:

Last night I had a vision tho my mind was quite awake; A

vision born of sadness, of memories I could not shake. In

retrospect the years passed by, and uncasing life's review; A

boy I loved sat my side, his life I lived anew. I saw him as

a baby, I held him in my arms; I prayed the good ALL Father

to keep him safe from harm. I saw him as a tow-head, his

blond hair all awry. His blue eyes kind and gentle, and heard

his happy cry. I saw him fishing on the lake when first he

learned to cast; I saw him land his first great fish as

whitecaps hurried past. I saw him on the football field,

elusive as a ghost. His shifting hips and racing feet seemed

to fairly float. I saw him in the house of God, devout,

sincere and true; I think the angels gathered there when he

was passing through. I saw him in his much loved home alive

and always kind; The family sort of worshipful when he was on

their mind. I saw him in the workshop when soil begrimed his

hand; But, even grandeur proclaimed him every bit a man. I

saw him in his uniform when he heard his country's call And

despairing of God's mercy, I saw him in his fall. I followed

him from ship to beach on Africa's dark shore; I lived with

him at Kasserine Pass, Bizerte and far more. I saw his wound

and felt his pain when he wrote of how they fought; And

prayed to God they would send him home, that was my only

thought. I saw my prayers unanswered as from England came the

word; This soldier boy was listed for D-Day's most dangerous

work. I lived with him for D-Day, felt suspense and honest

fear; For only fools, not angels, sought then to give us

cheer. Then came the fateful hour, the supreme test was at

hand; Poised on the foremost troop ship, I saw him proudly

stand. I saw his well trained muscles, twitching there

beneath his gear; But, his head was high, his eyes were

clear, he was master of all fear. I saw the sea as it tossed

on high and heard the grinding waves; And then the roar of

guns, and bombs, as night gave way to day. I saw him land,

one of the first, his face was to the front; And I prayed to

God to save this boy who was always moving up. I lived with

him again, those days when death rode every wave; Scant rest

or food, just fighting on, for us our homes to save. For days

on end, I trudged with him, my mind, his body torn; He would

not stop, from dawn to dusk, and yet on until morn. I felt

despair, I was sick at heart, it seemed no God or man; Could

ask so much of just a boy nor wield such a high command. And

when at last he came to rest,

it seemed a welcome lair; On foreign soil, at break of day, I

saw him lying there. The command to halt had come at last,

sweet peace and rest were his; And then I took my weary soul

and stole into the mist. My soul seemed dead, my mind a

blank, I could not reason why; So great a task was asked of

him, or why he had to die. For days I pondered, lost in

doubt, just a asking why; And, then at last, the mist broke

out, again I saw the sky. I saw the face of God look down,

His staff was raised on high; And at His side, with hand in

hand, I saw our soldier boy. And there my soul worn vision

found its answer as to why; This soldier boy of ours had

lived and why he had to die. His life had been all goodness,

and glorious his deed; God too, has use for soldiers, very

special are His needs. Tis the good who die to glory, and for

us left here behind; their noble lives remind us we too

should be their kind. The light he burned so brightly, in

home or far afield; Will light our steps upward in God's

commanded zeal. Encouraged by his example, strengthened by

his unfaltering faith, We too may leave the battle, to rest

in God's grace. And, so my vision ended, with God and Louie,

too; I now resume my journey, as he would have me do.

So Mr. Speaker it is my honor to rise to recognize Staff Sergeant Lewis Annear for his service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice to our great country. As we dedicate the new National World War II Memorial, I call on my colleagues to join with me in recognizing this brave American as he gave his life to ensure the freedom that America enjoys today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize MARO Employment and Training Association. This organization will be celebrating thirty years of community service in June 2004. MARO Employment and Training Association represents 60 not-for-profit community organizations, providing vocational training, employment and support services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment and community access.

MARO Employment and Training Association assists members by sharing information with community organizations regarding how to serve people with a number of varying disabilities. The group works on both the state and federal level to increase opportunities for people with barriers to employment. Members are offered affordable Workers' Compensation Insurance and prescription drug coverage through self- insured programs as well an array of networking opportunities.

MARO Employment and Training Association works together with the Michigan Community Mental Health agencies, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Works! agencies, the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan Commission for the Blind, and with local schools.

MARO Employment and Training Association provides a critically important service. The work the organization does is respected throughout the state and it has proven to be a great asset in Michigan for 30 years.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing MARO Employment and Training Association for the service and opportunities the organization has provided for Michigan citizens.

I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of Brent Bair for being named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA). ITSA is a not-for-profit organization established in 1991 to coordinate the development and deployment of transportation-related technologies in the United States.

Mr. Bair was named ITSA Board Chairman at the ITSA annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, Bair served as vice-chairman of the board and has served as a board member since 2001. Mr. Bair has also served as chairman of the Congressional ITS Caucus Advisory Committee and is a board member and former president of the Intelligent Transportation Society of Michigan.

As an ardent supporter of Intelligent Transportation Systems, Mr. Bair brought the FAST-TRAC system to more than 600 intersections in Oakland County, Michigan. The FAST-TRAC system uses video cameras to detect vehicles approaching an intersection and computers determine, in real time, the most efficient timing for the traffic signals at that intersection. Because of Mr. Bair's vision for the future, the Road Commission for Oakland County now operates the largest system of adaptive traffic signals in the nation and the largest deployment of video imaging for traffic management in the world.

Mr. Speaker, Brent Bair has served the people of Oakland County with distinction and I am confident his abilities will serve all Americans as chairman of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the appointment of Mr. Bair and to thank him for his service to the people of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize the outstanding success of the third Annual Mid-Michigan National Dance Week. National Dance Week is a wonderful opportunity for the children in Michigan's Eighth District as it encourages their cultural growth and promotes their physical well-being. In late April, over 450 mid-Michigan dancers representing 16 dance, gymnastics and performing arts studios delighted over 3,000 spectators who enjoyed a weekend filled with free, family-oriented entertainment.

Over the past 23 years, National Dance Week has actively encouraged the growth of dance in America. Today, National Dance Week is providing an opportunity for many young Michiganders to learn about the cultural and artistic expression of dance.

Mr. Speaker, National Dance Week is broadening the horizons and opening doors for many of mid-Michigan's most talented dancers. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the success of National Dance Week 2004 and to wish continued success to National Dance Week this year and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Monday, May 17, 2004, the House had votes on H. Con. Res. 420, H. Con. Res. 423 and H. Con. Res. 403. On House roll call votes #177, #178 and #179, I was unavoidably detained at the airport. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Heidi Capraro, of Hillside Middle School in Northville, who was chosen as Michigan's Teacher of the Year for 2004-2005. Mrs. Capraro has shown extraordinary commitment to her students and her profession over the past 14 years.

Mrs. Capraro's enthusiasm and patience have made her a favorite among her students, and a well-respected teacher among her peers. She is an engaging instructor known for incorporating hands-on learning as a key element of her science curricula. Her willingness to devote extra time and attention to her classes repeatedly leads to academic and personal successes among her pupils.

In addition to being a conscientious and competent educator, Mrs. Capraro is a dedicated mentor and role model for the students of Hillside Middle School. She is held in high esteem not only among her colleagues, but by parents and students as well, and her influence carries on long after her students leave the sixth grade.

On behalf of my constituents of Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Heidi Capraro for this well-deserved honor, Michigan's Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a constituent in Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, Ms. Peg Bostwick. Ms. Bostwick has served the State of Michigan for the past 15 years as the 404 Federal Program Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). During her time at the Michigan DEQ, Ms. Bostwick has been a tireless advocate for wetlands protection and funding for wetlands research.

On Thursday, May 20, 2004, Ms. Bostwick will be honored for her work by the Environmental Law Institute as a part of the 2004 Wetlands Awards. As the recipient of the award for State, Tribal and Local Development, Ms. Bostwick is being honored in Washington, DC for the outstanding work she has done on behalf of all of us in Michigan.

Peg Bostwick's work on behalf of the State of Michigan has been extensive. She is a knowledgeable leader on wetlands issues, working to ensure that science and government policy work together to promote a healthy environment. Mr. Speaker, Peg Bostwick has committed herself to bettering Michigan's environment. I can think of no greater compliment to her than to say that Michigan's environment is better off because of her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, May 6, 2004, the House had a vote on H. Res. 402, a resolution urging the Lao People's Democratic Republic to provide unrestricted access to Laos for international election monitors and humanitarian aid workers. On House rollcall vote #149, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Bill Cecil, of Waverly Intermediate School in Lansing, who was chosen as Michigan's Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004. For the past 16 years, Mr. Cecil has been a dedicated and passionate educator and mentor for his students.

Mr. Cecil created the ``Best Year Ever'' program as a means of getting his students excited about the challenges and opportunities of a new school year. The program places an emphasis on working together as a team to achieve common goals, while stressing the importance of attitude, effort and attendance. Additionally, Mr. Cecil is a strong advocate of parental involvement in a child's success, and he encourages such participation within his classroom.

Mr. Cecil's positive attitude and tireless dedication to making a difference in the lives of his students makes him an ideal selection for Michigan's Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and creativity make him a model of success for students, parents and teachers across the country.

On behalf of my constituents of Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Bill Cecil for this well-deserved honor, Michigan's Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of some great Americans in Michigan's Eighth District, the Durand Patriots. The Durand Patriots are a non-profit organization working hard to support our fighting troops abroad by providing them with some of the comforts of home.

Since October, 2001, the Durand Patriots have shipped over 500 packages to active military personnel. Last year alone, the Durand Patriots raised $25,000 for the purchase of convenience items and holiday gifts to be sent to our troops. In their latest undertaking, the Durand Patriots came to the rescue of a local soldier, CW3 Mike Mogg, when he lost all of his possessions in a fire in his Baghdad living quarters. The Durand Patriots sent over fifty boxes of supplies to Chief Warrant Officer Mogg and his unit to replace their lost possessions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the support of the Durand Patriots to our armed forces. Their commitment to helping boost military morale by ensuring that our fighting men and women have the comforts of home while they protect America, showcases the best of the American spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Charter Schools Institute's 2004 Colloquium taking place in Brighton, Michigan on May 7, 2004. The NCSI 2004 Colloquium is a celebration of the families, teachers, local leaders and others who chose charter public schools because of their proven ability to help our nation's school children attain academic and personal success.

The National Charter Schools Institute has joined together with sponsors and supporters including the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers, the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, the Black Alliance for Educational Options and the Programs for Educational Opportunities to bring this Colloquium to Brighton to benefit charter school representatives throughout the state of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, America's charter schools are our partners in our quest to provide a quality education to all of our children. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the benefits of the National Charter Schools Institute 2004 colloquium to the school children of Michigan, and to ask them to join me in celebrating National Charter Schools Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of the Michigan State University Debate Team. On April 6, 2004, The Michigan State University Debate team placed first at the National Debate Tournament held at Catholic University in Washington, DC. The National Debate Tournament is the premier debate tournament in the country. Only seventy-eight of the nation's very best Universities are invited to compete at the highest level of collegiate debate.

The MSU Debate Team has had a long history of success in national debate competition finishing in the Final Four of the National Debate Tournament in 1968, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2003. In 2000, the Michigan State University finished as a runner up in the competition. However, despite their previous success, the 2004 championship marks the first championship in the school's history. The Michigan State Spartans are only the third public school in the fifty-seven year history of the competition to take the first place honors.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the accomplishment of the Michigan State University Debate Team. I am extremely grateful to represent one of the premier universities in the country and delighted to share their successes with you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United States. The Royal College was created in 1984 and is located in Detroit, Michigan. Today, the Royal College of Physicians provides invaluable publications and continuing education to physicians across the globe.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, is truly an international organization. With locations in Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons is committed to providing better health care around the world through their commitment to the science of medicine and surgery. This commitment has led the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to be one of the most highly respected Royal Colleges in the World.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say the hard work and dedication of the Royal College takes place in my home State of Michigan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the tremendous work of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and to join me in celebrating their 20 years of service.

Mr. Chairman, my primary objective being named to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 107th Congress was to improve Michigan's minimum rate of return for highway dollars from the current 90.5 percent in the reauthorization of TEA-21. Sadly, the bill reported from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, H.R. 3550, while increasing the overall pot of money to $284 billion over six years, decreases the amount of programs or ``scope'' that the minimum rate of return applies to, effectively decreasing our share to about 79 percent of every road dollar. The amendment offered by Mr. Isakson of Georgia on the House floor would have corrected this flaw and at least allow Michigan and other donor States to continue receiving the same rate of return on the same scope of projects as in current law. The net effect of this amendment would have been an additional $300 million to meet Michigan's needs. While I voted in favor of this amendment, it was defeated by a vote of 170-254.

Given the fact that under H.R. 3550, Michigan will receive less of a percentage of road dollars than they do today, I am voting against it on final passage. Michigan's roads and infrastructure have taken a back seat to other States for far too long. Enough is enough--it is time these Federal road dollars go to Michigan projects and create Michigan jobs. I am hopeful that we can work to make the final product better for Michigan's citizens in conference committee.