Floor Statements

Mr Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Lawrence A. Bass on being named the recipient of the 2003 Sparrow Founder's Award, the highest

honor given by the Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan. His commitment to advancing Mid-Michigan's health care services is commendable.

Over the span of his career, Mr. Bass has occupied many impressive positions. He has served on Sparrow boards for 14 years, including 6 years as Chairman of the Board. He also sat on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association of Mid-Michigan. Mr. Bass's negotiating skills were used to assist in the mergers of the St. Lawrence Hospital and Healthcare Services and Clinton Memorial Hospital with the Sparrow Health System.

Mr. Bass is not only an outstanding leader in his professional field, but a true servant to his community. Throughout the years, he has been a volunteer for YMCA, Ele's Place, and the Boy Scouts of America. He also provided voluntary assistance to Michigan State University and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing in implementing their recycling programs. His contributions to Michigan's ``Partners for Peace'' initiative were recognized with a Legion of Merit Medal. Larry's selfless actions demonstrate his true concern for the well-being of others.

Mr. Speaker, Larry's commitment to helping his community and providing strong leadership in the health care field is evident to all around him. Receiving the 2003 Sparrow Founder's Award is a well- deserved honor. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his worthy achievement and dedication to continued service to Michigan's residents.

Mr. Chairman, I congratulate the chairman of the committee for a fine job on a fine bill for the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the United States military.

I stand here as a friend of Turkey. I stand here as someone who looks to a strong relationship with Turkey in the years to come. I also stand here as a strong proponent of the Cunningham amendment.

I met Mr. Erdogan the weekend before he was to be elected. We talked to some of his top leaders and advisers, ministerial-level officials in the new government. We came to a conclusion when we were getting ready to leave that it was probably in the best interest, and maybe in the next 10 or 15 or 12 days there would be a vote and they would push for a vote, understanding the very clear consequence that if they did not do this vote, we believed and we believe today there will be more American casualties on the battlefield and more Iraqi citizens killed.

Instead of standing up and showing leadership in those 10 days, they decided to ride that wave of populism and avoid that vote. They had their chance to make a difference in this debate. Leadership would have solved this problem, and I understand they are a new government. I understand they have challenges with their IMF requirements, and they have challenges they need to meet in reforming their economy, and I understand that they have a struggling economy like our own.

But it is a concern to me that this money is in this bill at this time. This is a wartime supplemental. Our chairman graciously stood up earlier and said let us keep these troops in our thoughts and our prayers, and I was humbled by that. This bill is for the very brave patriots who fight for America today, and by no means should we underestimate what the Turkish decision by a democracy, who are still friends, but let us not underestimate what that decision did; it cost us more money, more time, and more American lives.

I find it offensive that we would put this money in this bill today on this floor. This is not the time nor is it the place to be debating the Turkey financial future or IMF or economic reform, or the fact that they helped us 50 years ago. Let us send a message to this new government that we are their friends, but there are consequences to being a part of democracy.

I met with the Ambassador to Turkey yesterday who said this money ``is not anything that they asked for,'' quote/unquote; that the money has nothing to do with any of the previous arrangements made on humanitarian aid supply, resupply or flyover, no bearing whatsoever. This has nothing, quote/unquote, to do with the war.

A State Department senior official said yesterday that Powell's visit did not get any new agreements, it reinforced old agreements with Turkey. Let us not get confused by the things that we will hear on this floor or by the letters that we receive. This is about old agreements and old relationships that we should value as allies. This should not be about a new billion dollars at a time when we have soldiers dying on the battlefield as a result of their decision.

Let us remind our friends in Turkey that they are allies of ours and they will continue to be, and even democracies can have differences; but sometimes there is a cost and a consequence to a decision to turn your back at a very critical time. This is not about a trade agreement or a company that got its privileges taken away in a copyright violation. This decision cost American lives.

Let us stand up today and let them remember that. They are going to continue to be our friends, and I am going to continue to be a supporter from Turkey. But I want them to understand that we can never tie these issues together. Some of this money will be used to bring home our dead. The fact that we are allowing this money to be in this bill is wrong. I would ask Members to stand up today and support the Cunningham amendment and let us save Turkey economic development for another day.

Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, March 20, 2003, the House voted on H. Con. Res. 104, expressing support and appreciation for our Armed Forces and the President participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On House rollcall vote No. 83, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Court Security Officer (CSO) Charles J. Todd for his quick thinking and courage in his recent arrest of a wanted criminal. His quick actions have earned him the U.S. Marshal's CSO of the Year Award.

On July 9, 2002, a violent homicide was committed in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Three suspects were charged in the homicide and two were arrested immediately. The third suspect, Francis Kelly, remained at large. On July 12, CSO Todd viewed a wanted poster for the third suspect at the beginning of his shift. Later that day, Todd observed an individual who met Kelly's description, as the subject was walking toward him down a street with heavy pedestrian traffic. CSO Todd used a ruse to get the subject to identify himself and then detained him until back-up units arrived.

CSO Todd's attention to detail and dedication to duty and bravery deprived Francis Kelly the opportunity to kill again. CSO Todd's actions were not only a positive reflection on himself and the Court Security Officer program, but also on the United States Marshals Service.

Mr. Speaker, CSO Todd has clearly displayed his bravery and sense of duty in this action. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to see justice carried out. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him good fortune in his new position as Site Supervisor with the CSO contracting firm.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's finest public servants, and my good friend, Mr. Christopher C. Cox.

Chris, who recently departed as my Chief of Staff in order to serve President George W. Bush, exemplifies the finest qualities of the men and women who serve the members of this legislative body. Chris is a man of great integrity, loyalty, intellect, and is dedicated to the best interests of the United States.

It is this selfless service to his government that sets Chris apart from others in his generation. Turning down the lucrative practice of law following his graduation from the University of Illinois School of Law, Chris came to Capitol Hill to be a participant, rather than a mere spectator, in our democracy.

During his service on the Hill, Chris has been a tireless advocate for common-sense conservative government and a key player in the effort to maintain a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. In addition to serving as a trusted advisor to my staff and I, Chris honorably served Congressmen Robin Hayes, Saxby Chambliss and Mac Collins.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in wishing Chris well in his new capacity as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, and to thank Chris for his years of service in the people's House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Carpenter Elementary School for being named a Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School. This award is given to those elementary schools that exemplify educational excellence. It is designed to identify and give public recognition to outstanding schools that achieve high academic standards, to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness, and to communicate best practices for educational success among Michigan schools.

Through hard work and dedication, Carpenter Elementary has met those criteria. It provides year-round education for its students, and even holds, ``intercessions,'' which are optional five day theme-based learning experiences made available during vacation periods. By using this format, the school reduces time spent in review, enhances student retention of learning, and improves student and staff attitude and attendance.

Mr. Speaker, Carpenter Elementary School is to be recognized for earning the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Award. They are an example of the tremendous potential elementary schools have to make a difference in the lives of their students. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the teachers and administration at Carpenter Elementary School for their commitment to excellence and their desire to provide students with a high-quality education. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them good fortune in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate FBI Agent John Larsen on being named the U.S. Marshals Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. His dedication and desire to work for the cause of

justice is a model for all law enforcement officers.

Agent Larsen was a key figure in the prosecution of Robert Burke. Burke was convicted of supplying the handcuff key to Jeffery Erickson, who ultimately used it to escape confinement and murder Deputy U.S. Marshal Roy Frakes and Court Security Officer Harry Belloumini in 1992.

For the past ten years, Agent Larsen has worked tirelessly to uncover evidence for this case that may never have been found otherwise. Agent Larsen first located Mr. Burke in Ireland, and then helped facilitate his extradition back to the United States on charges of perjury. He then oversaw over 180 witness interviews, most of which were with imnates, being asked to recall conversations that had taken place over a decade ago. Having nothing to offer some of these witnesses for their testimony, Agent Larsen had to implore upon their sense of decency to bring some closure to the family and the United States Marshals Service.

Through perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to justice, Agent Larsen was a crucial factor in bringing an emotional case to a close.

Mr. Speaker, John Larsen's record of service and the fruits of his labor speak for themselves. Earning the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award from the U.S. Marshals is a well-deserved token of the respect that is due him for his efforts. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to see justice carried out.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Clear Lake Elementary School for being named a Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School. This award is given to those elementary schools that exemplify educational excellence. It is designed to identify and give public recognition to outstanding schools that achieve high academic standards, to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness, and to communicate best practices for educational success among Michigan schools.

Through hard work and dedication, Clear Lake Elementary has met the criteria for this award. It is committed to instilling, ``Competence, Confidence, and Character'' in all students. Through partnerships with parents, encouragement of critical thinking and cooperation, and character education, the staff at Clear Lake Elementary provides these excellent educational principles.

Mr. Speaker, Clear Lake Elementary is to be recognized for earning the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Award. They are an example of the tremendous potential elementary schools have to make a difference in the lives of their students. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the teachers and administration at Clear Lake Elementary for their commitment to excellence and their desire to provide students with a high-quality education. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them good fortune in the future.

Mr. Speaker, Congressman Dave Camp and I rise today to honor the service of the men and women of the 144th Military Police Company from Owosso, MI, who spent the past year defending the Pentagon.

The 144th has a proud history of service in time of need. In 1990-91, the unit was activated and sent to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, where it operated a holding camp for Iraqi prisoners of war. Numerous members of the unit have volunteered to serve at Michigan airports, border crossings, the Bioport facility in Lansing.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the effort of these soldiers has kept safe the command center for America's fighting men and women, and the heart of our national defense operations. These soldiers have sacrificed much for their country, putting their lives on hold to serve America.

Today, as our Nation engages in a war on terrorism, these men and women are role models for their fellow citizens as they stand in defense of our nation and the free world. Their devotion and commitment to their country and to the state of Michigan have earned them great respect.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in extending our gratitude to the fine men and women of the 144th Military Police Company. We are honored to recognize their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michigan State Senator Mike Bishop on earning the 2003 Credit Union National Association's National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. His dedication and desire to work for the improvement of our state is a model for all state legislators.

Senator Bishop is a 1989 graduate of the University of Michigan and a 1993 graduate of the Detroit College of Law. He is a practicing attorney for Booth & Patterson, P.C., a licensed real estate broker and president/owner of Freedom Realty, Inc., and Pro Management, Inc.

Senator Bishop served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, and now serves as Assistant Majority Leader while representing Michigan's 12th district in the Michigan State Senate.

The National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award was bestowed upon Senator Bishop for his sponsorship of HB 5327, a bill designed to promote financial education in grades K-12. With hard work and determination, then-Representative Bishop promoted this bill in such a way that it was passed by both the House and the Senate, with only one dissenting vote in the House and none in the Senate. Senator Bishop's legislation, now law, will help ensure that children will be educated in financial responsibility, and as a result will be better prepared for life.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Bishop's record of service and the fruits of his labor speak for themselves. He has served the state of Michigan well, and has done much to provide for its future. This award is a well- deserved token of the respect that is due him for his efforts. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to benefit others through public service. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him good fortune in his new role as a State Senator.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Major General E. Gordon Stump who is retiring as the Adjutant General of Michigan and Director of the Department of Military Affairs for Michigan.

General Stump's distinguished military career and his leadership skills led to his appointment by Governor John Engler as Adjutant General and Director of Military Affairs in 1991. He has commanded the 150 units of the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan Air National Guard, as well as directed two veterans' nursing homes and administered grants to a dozen veterans' service organizations.

Decorated many times for his service, General Stump served his nation with valor in the Vietnam War, in South Korea during the U.S.S. Pueblo crisis, and in various assignments throughout his more than 37 years of active and reserve duty.

Today, as America engages in a war on terrorism, General Stump is a role model for the young men and women around the globe who stand in harms way, defending our nation and the free world.

General Stump's devotion and commitment to this nation and the state of Michigan, and his leadership of the men and women of Michigan's National Guard and Air National Guard, and his service to the state's veterans organizations have earned him great respect.

On February 15, 2003, General Stump and his wife, Marie, will be honored by family, friends, associates, and Michigan leaders at a special farewell reception and dinner in East Lansing, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, we wish to extend congratulations to General E. Gordon Stump on the occasion of his retirement. We are honored to recognize his many accomplishments and ask that our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join in recognizing his very worthy achievements.

Mr. Speaker, in 2001, more than 5.8 million cubic yards of foreign municipal waste was imported to the State of Michigan, with the citizens of the State having no say in the process. The citizens of Michigan have made it clear: they want the power to regulate incoming foreign waste. Through their elected officials, Michigan citizens have attempted to gain some control of the importation of municipal waste to Michigan. Each time though, these legislative actions have been deemed unconstitutional in court, as states have not been granted the necessary authority by Congress. The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 is designed to give every state the authority to prohibit or limit the influx of foreign municipal waste through state legislative action.

A Supreme Court decision in 1978, City of Philadelphia v. New Jersey, struck down a New Jersey statue which prohibited the importation of most out of state municipal waste, partially on the basis that the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, had no ``clear and manifest purpose of Congress to preempt the entire field of interstate waste, either by express statutory command, or by implicit legislative design.'' The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 would amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that express statutory command.

Northeast Bancorp v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 472 U.S. 159, 174 (1985) said ``When Congress so chooses, state actions which it plainly authorizes are invulnerable to constitutional attack under the Commerce Clause.'' The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 would be a plain authorization of the state's authority to prohibit or limit incoming foreign municipal waste.

Every State in this Nation should have the ability to regulate the influx of foreign municipal waste. If a State wants to prohibit the importation of foreign waste, they aught to have that power. If a State wants to import large amounts of foreign waste, they aught to have that power. Or if a State wants to restrict the importation of foreign municipal waste, they aught to have that power too. Through their elected representatives, let's give the citizens of their respective States a say in the importation of foreign municipal waste.