Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to recognize the Brookhaven High School football team, the Ohio Division II state champions. The Bearcats' victory over Avon Lake in the championship game capped a season marked by one success after another.

Led by Coach Tom Blake, Brookhaven simply overpowered its opponents on its way to a perfect 15-0 season. Over the course of the year, the Bearcats outscored their opponents by an incredible 579-98 margin, and their record included four shutout victories. Their 42-21 win in the state championship game ended Avon Lake's 29-game win streak.

As important as anything else, Brookhaven becomes the first Columbus City League football team to win a state title in the 34 years since Ohio instituted a playoff system. It is something that all City League coaches, players and fans can take pride in.

As a Columbus public schools graduate, I offer my congratulations to Coach Blake, Principal Robert Murphy, the Bearcat football team, students and supporters. All have earned the right to be called state champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Misty DeMichael of Newark, Ohio and commemorate her assistance and outstanding volunteer service through the Salvation Army. Ms. DeMichael was the recipient of the first-ever Salvation Army and Dallas Cowboys National Youth Service Award presented on September 21, 2004 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Additionally, for her benevolent services, Ms. DeMichael received a $10,000 scholarship for her college education donated by Dallas Cowboys Owner and General Manager, Jerry Jones. The service provided by Ms. DeMichael over the past 6 years that she has been volunteering has been immeasurable.

I would like to share one example of Ms. DeMichael's hard work and dedication. In 2001 Ms. DeMichael created a computer database called ``The Clearing House''. The Clearing House helps to keep track of assistance given to needy families in Licking County, Ohio during the holidays so that social service agencies may distribute their aid proportionately. Ms. DeMichael continues to serve the Licking County Salvation Army while attending nearby Otterbein College, and still dedicates extra hours during the holiday season.

Once again, I would like to congratulate Ms. DeMichael for her service through the Salvation Army. Hard work, dedication, and commitment like that exhibited by Ms. DeMichael continues to give me faith that our country's future is in good hands.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Nancy Butcher who have been honored by the National Restaurant Association as 2004 Restaurant Neighbor Award Finalists. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher own the Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Butcher led the community of Pataskala in commemorating Flag Day in 2004 and honoring U.S. troops abroad. They organized local businesses and citizens to sponsor flags and display them all over the town of Pataskala and it's main streets. They hosted a community dinner, two sold-out golf scrambles and a lunch for more than 120 participants to raise money for their organization, Flags Over Pataskala. The money they raised went to the Licking County Family YMCA and the Pataskala Parks and Recreation Department. Their efforts reinvigorated the patriotic holiday by selling 168 new flags and displaying 500 smaller flags throughout town.

The Butchers have a long history of service to their country: Mrs. Butcher served in the Air National Guard for 14 years, and Mr. Butcher spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force. When asked why they use their restaurant to lead patriot efforts, Mr. Butcher said, ``Its like anything else, it's just something you naturally know is right. There are a lot of organizations out there that need help.''

Again, I commend Mr. and Mrs. Butcher for their efforts in Pataskala and congratulate them on being finalists for the Restaurant Neighbor Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and in special recognition of Hispanics in central Ohio and throughout our country.

During this designated month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of our friends and neighbors with Hispanic roots. Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the United States. The 2000 Census found that 35.3 million people identified themselves as Hispanic American. That represents a 58 percent increase from the 1990 Census.

Beyond the data, the reality is that Hispanics are an integral part of America's social fabric. I am proud that the state of Ohio is home to more than 217,000 residents of Hispanic/Latino descent. Hispanic Americans continue to make great strides in education, employment, health, homeownership, and economic mobility. This is a result of a set of values that includes a strong work ethic, family values, and service to community.

Hispanic Americans in central Ohio serve the community in numerous capacities. In particular, recent immigrants unfamiliar with the English language are served by Spanish interpreters who help provide them access to health care, education, legal assistance and other vital services. Mi Directorio Hispana, a business directory, and Spanish newspapers in central Ohio, like La Voz Hispana, connect Hispanics with the community and keep them informed. The Ohio Hispanic Coalition, a nonprofit outreach organization, and the Ohio Commission of Hispanic/ Latino Affairs serve as advocates for the needs of Hispanic people and help to promote good relations among the community-at-large.

Mr. Speaker, the Hispanic community is a vital part of central Ohio and our country. As we move forward as a nation, it is important to pursue policies that can further expand opportunities for Hispanic Americans. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in support and in honor of Hispanic Americans, their culture and traditions, and their work and service that contributes to the greatness of this nation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Blaine Wilson, member of the silver medal winning U.S. men's Olympic gymnastics team. During the Athens Olympics, Blaine, the most experienced member of the team, provided a strong leadership role to the team and helped the United States to its first men's gymnastics medal in 20 years. Blaine received the highest score on the still rings, his favorite event, to push the team from bronze to silver after falling to third for a short time.

Blaine has been a U.S. all-around champion five times and Athens was the third Olympics in which he participated. Despite his familiarity with the Olympic games and competing under pressure, Blaine had an added setback to overcome. In February of 2004 during the American Cup competition, Blaine tore his biceps muscle while competing on the still rings. His determination and skill are highlighted in the struggle he met to compete and medal in Athens.

Blaine was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Columbus Gymnastics Academy, DeSales High School, and the Ohio State University, where he plans to complete his degree in Psychology after retiring from gymnastics.

Again, I congratulate Blaine for all of his dedication and hard work and the achievements he has met both personally and with his team while representing our country on the world stage in Athens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Permedion for its thirty years of service to the healthcare community. Permedion is a not for profit organization headquartered in Westerville, Ohio whose primary areas of service are healthcare quality measurement and improvement, data analysis and management, and independent medical review. Its employees work nationwide with hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies and other professional groups in order to improve our healthcare system.

Permedion helps reduce healthcare costs by monitoring the utilization and quality of healthcare services and detecting inappropriate use. They also review appeals for medical necessity and are one of the last avenues for enrollees to appeal a decision their health plan makes.

In 1974 a group of physicians founded Permedion with the goal of providing peer review and quality assurance to healthcare agencies across Ohio. Today I am proud to recognize Permedion as one of the nation's leading providers in healthcare quality improvement. Once again, I congratulate Permedion for its thirty years of service and wish them the best for the next thirty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Army Reserve 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Unit for their participation in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I commemorate the service of the 367th members from the 12th Congressional District, which I am proud to represent, and all who served in the unit. For fourteen months members of the unit worked to provide news and information to media sources from around the world. Additionally, due to the work of the 367th, soldiers from my district were able to send messages to loved ones by way of ``video post cards home'' broadcast on local television. This service provided my constituents and many other Americans the opportunity to watch our troops in action. Today, we thank its members for the sacrifices they made to serve our country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share one example of the 367th's exemplary service to our Nation. The unit was in Tikrit, Iraq when it was informed of the capture of Saddam Hussein. Its members immediately realized the support that would be needed to accommodate the over 600 journalists who traveled to Iraq to cover the event. The 367th took action and coordinated an effort to provide transportation, lodging, food and even internet access. Because of the 367th's hard work, journalists from around the world were able to provide coverage of the historic event.

On March 3, 2004 the 367th returned home after a job well done. Once again, I thank the members of the Army Reserve 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Unit for their service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 634) congratulating the Kenyon College Ladies swimming and diving team for winning the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Women's Swimming and Diving National Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 634.

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

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in support of House Resolution 634. I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), for bringing this resolution forward today. This resolution honors Kenyon College Ladies swimming and diving team for winning the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Women's Swimming and Diving National Championship.

Today we recognize this team and the first-class athletic program at Kenyon College. Since its inaugural season in 1975-1976, the Ladies swimming and diving team has developed into a national powerhouse and has been the dominant force in Division III. Dating back to the 1983- 1984 season, the Ladies have captured 20 out of 21 NCAA national championships contested. From 1984 through 2000, the Ladies won 17 straight national championships, the second-longest national championship streak in the history of the NCAA, including all sports and all divisions.

This past season, the Ladies nailed down their twentieth national title in St. Peters, Missouri. The women won 10 of the 20 events, set two NCAA records, and posted a winning team total of 507 points. No other women's program, Mr. Speaker, in the history of the NCAA has had as many team titles as the Kenyon College Ladies Swimming and Diving programs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), whose district Kenyon is in.

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

Again, it is a pleasure for me to be here to honor the Kenyon College Ladies, a distinction earned by the student athletes. The remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each athlete, the leadership of Coach Steen, supportive family and friends and fans.

I extend my congratulations to each of the hard-working competitors on the swimming and diving team, to Coach Steen, and to Kenyon College. I am happy to join with my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), my neighbor in Ohio, and all my colleagues in honoring the accomplishments of this team and wish them continued success.

Once again, I strongly support House Resolution 634 and ask my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 635) congratulating the Kenyon College Lords swimming and diving team for winning the 2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Men's Swimming and Diving National Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 635.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and, in closing, I want to thank again the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), my colleague from Ohio, for bringing this resolution forward, and the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

I too extend my congratulations to each of the hard-working competitors of the swimming and diving team, to Coach Steen again, and to Kenyon College. I am happy to join with my colleagues in honoring the accomplishments of this team and wish them continued success.

I strongly support House Resolution 635, and ask my colleagues to support it as well.

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

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud that as we celebrate the life of President Ronald Reagan, a fellow Central Ohioan will participate in our tribute. Air Force Academy Cadet Alec Messerall of Alexandria, Ohio, has been chosen as one of five service members to escort the casket of President Reagan from the White House down Constitution Avenue to the Capitol.

Alec is a 22-year-old senior at the academy who graduated from Northridge High School in Johnstown, Ohio. His leadership skills, academic and athletic record, and his extracurricular activities led my predecessor, John Kasich, to nominate him for an academy appointment.

I know Alec and his family are extremely proud he was chosen to be part of the historic events that are unfolding in our Nation's capitol as we honor our former President. All of us also look forward to Alec's service to our country in the United States Air Force. I am certain he will be an outstanding military officer.

Mr. Speaker, folks from across the country came to Washington this week to mourn the passing of President Ronald Reagan. Even in death, the former President continued his fascinating connection with Americans of all types.

Although I never met Ronald Reagan, he was one of my inspirations for entering politics. I was 18 at the time of his 1980 presidential campaign and it was the first big election to which I really paid attention. I remember being drawn to what this man, a half a century older than me, was saying about having faith in our country, its people and their future. He was optimistic, cheerful and came across as a thoroughly likable guy.

It was simply astounding how he could establish a bond with even the most unlikely audience. In 1984, I was a senior at The Ohio State University and a member of the marching band. We were asked to play at a rally that President Reagan would be holding at St. John Arena. At first we all thought it would be an official band appearance, but then we were informed that since the President's visit was actually a campaign event, we could not appear as The Ohio State University Marching Band. If we wished, though, we could volunteer on our own, and appear without our uniforms. There were roughly 200 members in the band at that time and, as I recall, roughly 200 of us jumped at the opportunity to play at the President's campaign event. Think of it. A couple of hundred college kids were treating the appearance of a 73- year-old Republican President as enthusiastically as the Michigan game--we would not have missed it for the world.

President Reagan could connect with college kids and he could connect with Democrats, particularly those like my dad, an Italian immigrant who worked as a machinist. He came to America so he could have a better life and his kids' lives would be better still. He knew exactly what Ronald Reagan was talking about.

He was The Great Communicator. President Reagan swept aside the filters and ``analysis'' of the news media and spoke from the Oval Office directly with the American people. He had the gift of explaining issues and his positions on them in simple, effective terms--a gift all too few of us in politics today possess. President Reagan spoke in a way that made Americans feel like they were almost partners with him.

Perception is reality, and Ronald Reagan knew that. His message of hope and optimism put a new face on the Republican Party, and brought an end to the dour Nixonian era of GOP politics. Young people like me began looking at the Republican Party in a different way. Because of Ronald Reagan, we could take pride in being Republicans.

I was struck by the attitude I saw in Washington this week. Certainly, there was sadness and grief over the loss of one of the giants of our time. But in keeping with the make-up of the man himself, there was more. As often as not, people also smiled when they spoke of Ronald Reagan, often displaying that same sense of hope and good cheer that he himself had radiated throughout his life. For all his accomplishments, it's that same sense of hope and optimism that I'll think of whenever I remember Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Speaker, as a founding member of the Congressional Vision Caucus, I rise to recognize May as Healthy Vision Month, and to discuss the important recommendations of the Vision Problems Action Plan, A National Public Health Strategy as a way to prevent blindness and vision loss.

Good vision is critical to conducting activities of daily living, is a portal for language, and affects developmental learning, communicating, working, health and quality of life.

Unfortunately, far too many people are at risk for losing their eyesight. More than 80 million Americans have a potentially blinding eye disease, 3 million have low vision, 1.1 million are legally blind, and an additional 200,000 are more severely visually impaired. Despite the fact that half of all blindness can be prevented, far too many people do not access the care they need. If nothing is done, the number of blind and visually impaired individuals will double by 2030.

That is why awareness, early diagnosis and prevention are so important. Healthy Vision Month, a component of Healthy People 2010, is a national eye health campaign to raise awareness about the various conditions that can affect eyesight and cause vision loss.

Additionally, a coalition of leading eye health experts, including Prevent Blindness America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lighthouse International, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, just this week have released the Vision Problems Action Plan, A National Public Health Strategy, to provide our nation with a framework for preventing vision loss.

This groundbreaking study recommends that, in order to reduce the occurrence of vision loss and its accompanying disabilities, our nation must concentrate our efforts in three priority areas: prevention/public health, access to care and treatment including rehabilitation, and research.

Our public health and prevention campaign must ensure that vision programs at the National Eye Institute (NEI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have the resources they need to improve communication and education campaigns, increase surveillance, epidemiology and prevention research; and implement appropriate programs, policies and systems changes.

In order to ensure access to and availability of treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with vision loss, we must support programs at the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that remove barriers and improve access to services covered under Medicare.

Finally, we must bolster our research efforts to improve our understanding of the eye and visual system in health and disease, as well as developing the most appropriate and effective means of prevention, and access to treatment and rehabilitation.

This report provides the roadmap we need to raise awareness about vision loss, give individuals the tools they need to prevent it, and give hope to the millions already suffering from vision loss that better treatments can be found.

I would like to thank all of the organizations involved in crafting this report, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, Lighthouse International, the National Alliance For Eye and Vision Research, the National Eye Institute (NEI) and most importantly, Prevent Blindness America. Prevent Blindness America should be commended for spearheading this effort, for bringing together these various groups, and for its almost century-long tradition of preventing vision loss.

Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to congratulate the City of Delaware for its designation as a ``Preserve America'' community. While Mayor Windell Wheeler and City Manager Tom Homan were in Washington recently to receive the designation from First Lady Laura Bush, the entire community is rightly proud of this honor. The city was one of the first eight across the country to gain this title.

The ``Preserve America'' designation is meant for those cities that have taken special care to preserve their heritage. The city has approved special ordinances to protect the historical integrity of its neighborhoods. A four-year, $5 million ``Streetscape'' improvement project for the historic downtown area was also recently completed.

The Delaware area is among the fastest growing in the country, but officials are not letting that growth stand in the way of protecting the unique aspects of their city. This award is one more reason why the Delaware area remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, on January 27, 2004, the flight I was scheduled to travel on from Columbus, OH to Washington D.C. was cancelled due to weather. As a result, I was unable to cast a vote on Rollcalls 6 and 7. Had I been able, I would have voted ``yea'' on

H.R. 3493 Medical Devices Technical Corrections Act of 2003 and H.R. 1385 to extend the authorization for the United States Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research.

Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed that this final bill does not fully authorize a new veterans health care facility in central Ohio, as was done in the House bill we approved earlier this year, thanks to the hard work by the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Hobson), my central Ohio colleague; but as importantly, the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) and the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), who worked extremely hard to get that commitment in the bill that we passed here, a facility badly in need of expansion. That $90 million represented a beginning-to-end commitment that this House made. This bill before us includes only $9 million for planning purposes. That cut was made by the other body, and is something that we in the House knew nothing about, were not consulted with, and we are stuck with the version before us today.

The money included in this bill for the new central Ohio veterans' facility is a start for an area long underserved by the veterans administration, but it is only a start. I want to assure the veterans community in central Ohio that I am committed to finishing the job and making a new expanded health care facility a reality in the years to come.