Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Parma, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Lola Collins teaches fourth and fifth grade at Parma Elementary in Parma. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, Kelli McCarrell, said, ``She showed me how to be who I am, and not be

afraid of experiences. Because she was my teacher for two years, she watched me grow up. Both of these years, she encouraged my curiosity for life and my energetic passion for knowledge--it is her influence that has helped me become who I am today.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speaks well of Lola's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Lola Collins' extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Lola's impact on her students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Lola Collins. We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher

from Jonesville, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Judy Hale teaches College Prep English at Jonesville High School in Jonesville. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, Shea Scott Dow said, ``She listens and gives advice to her students, she motivates and she maintains expectations. Because of these high expectations, I feel that I'm ready to go to college and be successful in my studies.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speaks well of Judy's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Judy Hale's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Judy's impact on her students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Judy Hale. We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Jackson, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

John W. Moody teaches Mathematics and Physics at Concord High School in Concord, Michigan. He is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As two of his students said, Matthew Wixson and Michael Horosko, ``He takes time to explain something if I don't understand it, and he is always there to give a bit of wisdom. He has helped shape who I am and I will be forever grateful to him for that.'' And, ``Mr. Moody taught me excellent math and science strategies, but even more important he taught me lessons about life. He is an excellent teacher, but even more so, a good friend.'' The respect and gratitude of his students speaks well of John's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

John W. Moody's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and John's impact on his students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to John W. Moody. We thank him for his continuing dedication to teaching and his willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Bronson, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Melissa Souva teaches Agricultural Science at Bronson High School in Bronson, Michigan. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, Bobby Jo Ludwick said, ``Mrs. Souva has taught me the importance of good leadership and community service. The self- confidence that I've gained from her support will play a role in my life everyday. She has taught me that I can make a difference. I thank her for making a difference for me.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speaks well of Melissa's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Melissa Souva's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Melissa's impact on their students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Melissa Souva. We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Coldwater, Michigan who significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Scott German teaches Biology at Bronson High School in Bronson, Michigan. He is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of his students, Bobby Jo Ludwick said, ``Mr. German has taught me the importance of good leadership and community service. The self-confidence that I've gained from his support will play a role in my life everyday. He has taught me that I can make a difference. I thank him for making a difference for me.'' The respect and gratitude of his students speaks well of Scott's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Scott German's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Scott's impact on his students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Scott German. We thank him for his continuing dedication to teaching and his willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Bronson, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Lori Sykes teaches Mathematics and Science at Litchfield High School in Litchfield. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, Lindsey Teller, said, ``She taught me a strong work ethic, as she always expected the very best from me. I felt like she was a real person, not just a teacher.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speak well of Lori's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Lori Sykes' extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Lori's impact on her students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Lori Sykes. We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Jackson, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

J. Barry Weldon teaches Modern American History and Government at Morenci High School in Morenci. He is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of his students, Rosanna Green said, Mr. Weldon is an amazing educator. In everything he teaches he adds excitement for learning. He also taught me important life lessons and influenced me to always try hard and be the best I possibly can be.'' The respect and gratitude of his students speaks well of Barry's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

J. Barry Weldon's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more

important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Barry's impact on his/her students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to J. Barry Weldon. We thank him for his continuing dedication to teaching and his willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Battle Creek, Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship.

Kathy Rizor teaches Advanced Biology at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, Renee Burdick said, ``She encouraged me to excel in all aspects of my life ranging from academics to extracurricular activities. Not only did she facilitate the position of a great educator for me, but she served as a strong leader for my other classmates, Harper Creek and the greater Battle Creek community.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speak well of Kathy's ability to challenge young minds and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.

Kathy Rizor's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our community and our country, and Kathy's impact on her students is certainly worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud to extend our highest praise to Kathy Rizor. We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, I wore my Adam Smith tie this morning because today we are going to talk about some ways that might help us give discipline to ourselves on how much money we spend and how much overpromising we do.

Two areas. One, I am from a farm in Michigan. That is where we usually try to reduce the mortgage so our kids have a little better chance. In this Chamber and in the Senate and the White House, what we have been doing for the last 20 years is increasing the debt. Every year for the last 20 years the debt subject to the debt limit has been going up. Plus, we have been overpromising in Medicare, Social Security. The unfunded liability is a huge burden on our children.

So, hopefully, today we can join together to help give ourselves discipline on overspending by changing the law.

Mr. Speaker, I think it would be good for history's sake to look at the last time that we dramatically increased taxes. We did that; when President Clinton came into office, we had the largest tax increase in history, and what was the effect of that on spending? During those years of the Clinton administration, we increased spending by 33 percent. During those periods, we increased the debt limit three times. So we have dramatically demonstrated that if we have more money, we are going to have more spending.

I would suggest that there has to be some limit, and the overall bill gives us some intestinal fortitude, gives us some guts to resist the temptation to promise more and spend more has to be incorporated.

Mr. Speaker, I hope we can have the kind of votes and support to give us that discipline in this kind of budget reorganization.

Mr. Speaker, I chair the Subcommittee on Research on the Committee on Science, and I am very concerned that science and technology should not be in the partisan politic arena for this election in November.

At a speech in Denver on Monday, John Kerry kicked off a week of campaign politics focused on science and technology policy. He attacked President Bush for putting politics over science and promised to reinvigorate American innovation. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Research, and a long-time advocate of expanded support for science and technology, I suggest Mr. Kerry is putting politics before science.

In the strongest possible way, I urge this issue must remain bipartisan. Even in today's highly charged political environment, I am disappointed that Senator Kerry has chosen to politicize science, and I feel compelled to respond to his misleading and actually sometimes false statements and attacks on this administration.

Senator Kerry's fact sheet promises to support scientific research based on facts, not ideology, and I respectfully suggest that a good place for the Senator to start would be to minimize the distortion of facts and ideological rhetoric that are so prevalent in his very own press releases on this subject.

A quick review of the Senator's recent press release on science and technology and its accompanying letter of endorsement, signed by some Nobel prize winning scientists, reveals several distortions and factual errors that should be brought to light. They include: Failure to disclose backgrounds of Democrat party activism by these scientists.

The Kerry campaign touted the endorsement of 48 scientists, as if they were speaking on behalf of the welfare of science and discovery itself. But, in fact, it is clear these scientists are, collectively, also very passionate liberal ideologues with an extensive record of support for the Democratic party.

Twenty-two of Senator Kerry's Nobel endorsers show up on the Federal Election Commission, the FEC Web site, as having donated $25,000 to Democrats for every $1,000 donated to Republicans. To repeat: $25,000 to the Democrats for every $1,000 to Republicans. Obviously, some bias for the Democrats.

The lead organizers of the letter, Burton Richter, Harold Varmus, and Mario Molina, announced their support for Kerry in a conference call as though they were nonpartisan objective observers that had no choice but to reluctantly support Kerry's campaign.

But by way of their public record of financial support for Democratic candidates, Richter, Varmus and Molina have consistently used their names outside of science, donating $13,950 to Democrats such as Wesley Clark, Al Gore, Barbara Boxer and Bill Bradley.

If Senator Kerry wants to limit the exploitation of science for political gain, he should start by fully disclosing the history of political contributions by his prize-winning supporters, most of whom have had their research supported from government funds.

One of Mr. Kerry's false claims: The Kerry campaign ``fact sheet'' begins by stating that, ``George W. Bush has led one of the most antiscience administrations in our Nation's history,'' and goes on to claim that the President ``has proposed cutting research and development in most nondefense research programs through fiscal year 2009.''

This projection is in fact not a Bush administration proposal but, rather, a particular result of the AAAS, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, that is based on multiyear revenue and spending projections, combined with the administration's goal to halve the deficit in five years. In short, it is not correct.

Let me report the assumptions that were made in reality, and what is grounded in reality is in the Bush administration and this Congress, there has been a stellar record of support for science and technology funding. By almost every measure, funding for science and technology under President Bush's watch has increased dramatically.

Since the President took office in 2001, Federal support for R&D has increased by 37 percent after adjusting for inflation, growing from $78 billion to $107 billion in constant 2000 dollars.

By comparison, Federal support for R&D actually decreased 4 percent in President Clinton's first term, going from $77.4 billion in 1993 to $74.4 billion the last year of Clinton's term (source: FY 2005 budget, historical tables).

False Claim of America's Scientific Demise. The title of Senator Kerry's press release, ``Kerry Pledges to Once Again Make America the Leader in Science,'' is emblematic of the pessimistic approach to America he has taken with his campaign. If John Kerry doesn't think America is the world leader in science and technology, what country does he think is better?

The truth is, by every measure, the United States is far and away the 800-pound gorilla when it comes to science and technology. The challenge is keeping it there and not letting it

disrupt bipartisan support with a bunch of political cheap shots. The U.S. spends nearly three times as much on R&D as the second-place country, Japan. And more money is spent on R&D activities in the U.S. each year than the rest of the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom) combined. The United States also holds strong leads in specific sectors. For example, the U.S. produces 32 percent of the entire world output in high-technology products. Technology products also account for a very large share of U.S. exports, thereby making a positive contribution to our overall trade balance (source: National Science Board Science and Engineering Indicators, 2004).

A Record To Run From. Finally, Senator Kerry likes to attack President Bush for ``not having a record to run on.'' But while the President indeed does have a strong science and technology record, it is worthwhile for us to examine Senator Kerry's record on science and technology as a member of the Senate for the past two decades. A review of floor statements posted on Senator Kerry's web site show that, over the past 4 years, he's only mentioned science four times in floor statements. Further, even though Senator Kerry is a member of the influential Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, he has not introduced any legislation during this Congress on science and technology issues. Science, research, and innovation are vital to our country's future. Senator Kerry hasn't shown leadership on science and technology during his two decades in the Senate. Now he is dividing what has been bipartisan support for science and technology. Mr. Kerry, it is not good for science and it is not good for our country's future.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate many of the concerns of the previous speaker; but I think everybody should be very aware that for the 8 years under the previous administration, there was not one year that we reduced the debt held by the public as defined by law. Not one year. We have increased spending every year two and three and sometimes almost four times the rate of inflation, so a decision has to be made. Do you want to start cutting down spending, or do you want to increase taxes? If we increase taxes, what we do is we put our business at a greater economic disadvantage, competitive disadvantage with businesses that we are trying to compete with in other countries.

I agree with the previous speaker that there is a danger of going deeper and deeper into debt. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I ask people to guess what percentage of our marketable debt is now held by foreign interests. The answer is 45 percent. I just finished a meeting with the Canadian Parliament. The Canadian Parliament now for the last several years has paid down their total debt, not just paid down part of it but paid down so that their net debt has been decreasing. At the same time over the last 10 years in the United States our debt has been continuing to increase.

Let me just say that the language in this legislation that opens the door in conference committee to increase the debt limit might be acceptable. I would be adamantly against it if it set the debt limit in this bill. It does not set the debt limit in this bill. Sometime we are going to have to face up to our overspending and that means discussing increasing the debt of this country. Today, interest on the debt of this country, what it costs to service this debt, the interest on the debt, is $300 billion plus this year. It represents a little over 14 percent of our total Federal spending.

I think both sides should agree, let us start balancing spending with the revenues coming in. Let us not make promises as far as unfunded mandates and unfunded liabilities in Social Security and Medicaid and Medicare.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Founding Festival of the City of Jackson, Michigan. This celebration commemorates the 175th anniversary of the founding of the City of Jackson, Michigan, and the 150th anniversary of the meeting ``Under the Oaks,'' the first convention of the Republican Party.

New Yorker Horace Blackman arrived at what is now Jackson on July 3rd, 1829. On July 4th, he staked out his 160-acre claim along the banks of the Grand River. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the village also known as Jacksonburgh and Jacksonopolis grew quickly, and became a hub of commerce and transportation in southern Michigan. It became the terminus of the Michigan Central Railroad, which helped to spur economic growth in the region, and served as a starting point for pioneers heading west.

Jackson has played an important role in defending our country. It was the first city in Michigan to muster troops for the Civil War, and made significant contributions to the war effort during WW II, manufacturing materiel and supplies.

Jackson was a leader in the automotive industry, with 23 different cars manufactured in the City, including the ``Jackson'' automobile. Both Buick automobiles and Ritz Crackers were originally manufactured in Jackson. Gilbert's Chocolates, Sparton Electronics, and the All-Star Dairy also call Jackson home.

July 6, 2004 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Under the Oaks meeting in Jackson, MI. On this day in 1854, the name ``Republican'' was used in affiliation with a political party for the first time in the history of the United States of America. With its seeds sown at meetings in Ripon, Wisconsin; Friendship, NY; and Bangor, Maine, the movement took root at the meeting in Jackson, adopting a platform, nominating candidates, and formally adopting the name ``Republican.''

Called to the City of Jackson by Charles V. DeLand, editor of the Jackson American Citizen newspaper, thousands of former Whigs, FreeSoilers, disgruntled Democrats, and others assembled in Jackson to consider further anti-slavery actions. The call was taken up by newspapers throughout the state to meet on the 6th of July 1854. The crowd of more than 3,000 quickly filled Bronson Hall to overflowing, and the meeting adjourned to the oak grove on Morgan's Forty, at what is now the corner of Franklin and Second streets. At this meeting ``Under the Oaks,'' the first Republican platform was passed, the first Republican candidates were nominated, and the name ``Republican'' was formally adopted. It is only fitting that this city, that also played an important role in the Underground Railroad, is where the first political platform calling for the abolition of slavery would be adopted. Thus was born the Grand Old Party.

At the time of year that we celebrate the founding of the United States of America, it is my great honor to recognize the founding of Jackson, Michigan, a truly American city born on the fourth of July, and of that Grand Old Party, the Republicans.

Chauncy Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Big Ben Wallace, Richard ``Rip'' Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Corliss Williamson, Mehmet Okur, Lindsey Hunter, Elden Campbell, Darvin Ham, Mike James, Darko Milicic.

Mr. Speaker, these are the names of the Pistons. I would like to congratulate the Detroit Pistons for bringing the NBA championship back to the east, back to Motown, and back to the State of Michigan.

It seemed like no one believed in the Pistons, no one gave them a chance against the Laker team that had been really tailor-made to win the title.

Well, true fans believed, and our beloved team did not disappoint. The Pistons played hard every minute. They found every loose ball, controlled the offensive boards, and kept beating the Lakers down the floor. They never stopped coming and never stopped going for it. The Pistons had a whole team of role models. They had chemistry, coaching, spirit, determination, you name it. Detroit's defense was more dominant than any single player, and they are worthy of champions. They played as a team and won as a team and set a good example for all of us. Years from now, true Piston fans are going to remember this magical journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in favor of H.R. 4517, the U.S. Refinery Revitalization Act of 2004.

Existing U.S. refineries are already operating at or near full capacity because this country hasn't added new refineries in almost three decades. As Director of Energy at USDA during the 1970s Arab oil embargo, I find that not only hard to believe, but unacceptable.

EPA implemented tougher Clean Air Act regulations, including a program that requires refiners to take expensive steps to cut factory emissions when they expand capacity or build new plants. Many refiners couldn't meet the requirements and have gone out of business.

Now, we only have the capacity to meet about 90 percent of our gasoline needs. This is especially significant in Michigan where we have just one refinery left--the Marathon Ashland plant in Detroit. In addition to federal law, the state of Michigan also needs to consider changes in state law and regulation that will encourage the building of more refineries in Michigan.

U.S. laws requiring dozens of different regional gasoline formulations have created unusual fuel requirements that are not easily met by foreign refiners. Each formulation requires different pipelines and trucks for different parts of the country that increase the cost. A shortage of clean tankers available to ship gasoline from overseas is yet another bottleneck. This adds to the cost at the pump, and leads to regional price shocks when refineries experience interruptions in their production.

Under this bill, many areas in Michigan would be eligible as a Refinery Revitalization Zone, including Wayne County, where Michigan's last remaining refinery is located.

I stand in favor of H.R. 4517 because this will help the Midwest region lower its 6 percent gasoline supply deficit and reduce some of the highest pump prices in the nation.