Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Mr. Carl ``Bronko'' Stankovic, a proud World War II veteran, and the men of the Eighth Armored Division Association. Bronko is also a dear friend of mine.

Bronko has recently brought to my attention an inspirational poem written by A. Lawerence Vaincourt, a newspaper columnist and Canadian World War II veteran himself, in 1987. This poem speaks powerfully about the aging of our heroes. The emotions it represents rings true with Bronko and many other veterans that this poem has touched in its years of existence.

It is with great pride that I submit an excerpt of the poem, Just a Common Soldier, as a tribute to the memory of all our World War II veterans:

Just A Common Soldier

(A Soldier Died Today)

(By A. Lawrence Vaincourt)

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had

done,

In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every

one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a

joke,

All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he

spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed

away,

And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the

soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his

days.

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

Mr. Speaker, I hope this poem inspires my distinguished colleagues as it has inspired me. The Greatest Generation has given so much to younger generations that I am happy to give something back by submitting this poem to the House of Representatives. I would ask my colleagues to join me in honoring World War II veterans with a moment of silence.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, in 1994 I supported the establishment of the WTO. I supported the establishment of it because the creation of the WTO was supposed to lower trade barriers. The WTO was supposed to include developed and developing countries, and environmental and labor standards were expected to rise for all.

The WTO was created with the assumption that the rules would be applied fairly to all. Today, I am voting against the WTO because it has failed to deliver on any of its promises. The WTO was created by sovereign nations to create a true international trade community, but today the WTO is manipulated by multinational corporations with a loyalty to nothing but their bottom line. These multilaterals are patronizing, not patriotic. They treat human labor as nothing more than disposable machinery. The only discernable labor standard under the WTO is exploitation.

Under the WTO there are two environmental standards, pollute and to spoil. Moreover, there is no transparency at the WTO. Who is in charge?

The WTO is grossly prejudiced against U.S. interests. As one of my colleagues mentioned earlier today, the U.S. has lost 42 of 48 cases.

I am proud to be an American citizen. I understand, however, that the United States is not always right. But only 12\1/2\ percent of the time?

Worse, the WTO struck down steel safeguards that were put in place after record levels of illegal steel dumping caused more than 40 steel companies into bankruptcy and more than 50,000 steel workers to lose their jobs.

In 1994, the last full year before the WTO came into existence, the United States had a trade deficit, unfortunately, of about $150 billion. During 2004 the U.S. trade deficit hit an all-time high of $650 billion, an increase of 333 percent. We have clearly benefited under the WTO.

A more frightening figure is that the U.S. trade deficit last year with China alone was more than our trade deficit was with the entire world the year before the WTO was created. As we debate this resolution today, we will borrow an additional $1.7 billion in these 24 hours for our children to pay off for the rest of their lives just to finance the trade deficit we are accumulating today under the wanted WTO.

I appreciate my colleague from Vermont for bringing this resolution to the floor. I support it and ask my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I want to pick up where my chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), left off and also personally thank the staff, because without their able assistance, we would not be here today and the product before this Chamber would not be of the quality that it is.

So I do want to personally thank Terry Tyborowski and Tracy LaTurner of the majority staff, as well as John Blazey, Scott Burnison, and Kevin Cook. On the minority side, although again, as the chairman pointed out, this was a bipartisan effort, Dixon Butler.

We have core detailees: Felicia Kirksey and Taunja Berquam, and I appreciate very much their help, as well as Kenny Kraft from the Chairman's office, and Peder Moorbjerg from mine.

Mr. Chairman, I would want to thank Chairman Hobson, first of all, for his very good work; as I mentioned in subcommittee and full committee, his fairness, his judicious temperament, the fact that he is a gentleman, and also that he has exercised a great deal of foresight and leadership over the last 3 years as chairman of the subcommittee.

I certainly feel that the chairman has outlined the elements of the value of the legislation before us very fairly. I would prefer to take somewhat of a different tack, this being my seventh bill as a ranking member, and illustratively point out the three areas of the bill where over the last 3 years the chairman has had a direction, he has exercised leadership and courage, and has provided us with an excellent work product.

The first area is the area of high-performance computing, an area where the United States invented the field and long held undisputed leadership in the world. Several years ago, however, that leadership was challenged. In the House bill for fiscal year 2004, the committee recommended an increase in funding to enable the Department of Energy to acquire additional advanced computing capability and to initiate longer-term research and development. The Department used $25 million of these funds to engage a team, including Oak Ridge National Lab and Cray Computer, to pursue a leadership-class supercomputer and the next- generation computer architectures.

Despite being faced with budget constraints, the Department of Energy Office of Science sustained this increase in 2005. However, pursuing a $100 million-plus leadership-class machine with level funding was not going to put us back in the lead. So, once again, the committee recommended an increase to the request to support the Office of Science initiative to develop the hardware, software, and applied mathematics necessary for a leadership-class supercomputer to meet scientific computational needs.

This year, the President's request for fiscal year 2006 pulled back from the strong support favored by the Congress, and such a cutback would tend to undermine the progress towards actually achieving a leadership-class U.S. supercomputer. So the recommendation before us today increases funding for advanced scientific computing research by $39 million: $25 million for hardware, $5 million for computational research, and $9 million for competitive university grants to restore the ongoing level of core research in this area that the President's budget recommendation cut.

By taking the long-term perspective of the last 3 years and sustaining support for a highly desirable outcome, the chairman and the committee and all of its members are doing their part to ensure that the U.S. reasserts its technological leadership.

The second area that has been a subject of concern for a number of years, in an area where we reduced funding, is Laboratory Directed Research and Development. It is an area that grew out of all proportion to its value at the beginning of this decade. This area also raised concerns of financial oversight and the use of Federal funds for purposes for which it was not appropriated.

As an initial effort to get its arms around this program, which reached an aggregate funding level in fiscal year 2003 of $365 million, the committee mandated a comprehensive report on projects from the Department of Energy and initiated a GAO investigation. In developing recommendations for last year's bill, the committee based its guidance and statement of concerns on the results of those investigations and reports.

This year, the President's budget, recognizing the concerns of the committee and the constraints on funding, reduced the percentage allowed for lab-directed research at weapons labs from 6 percent to 5 percent. The committee today is recommending that lab-directed research be limited explicitly to $250 million for 2006, to be allocated to the labs by the Department of Energy. A quarter billion dollars is a healthy level of funding that could be used to fix many problems in energy research and water infrastructure, to name but two.

As we state in the report, the committee recognizes the value of conducting discretionary research at the national laboratories, but we have now brought the funding level to this research back within reason and given it a sense of direction.

And my last illustration, if you would, of a sense of direction that we have had over the last 3 years is in the area of nuclear weapons. It is the most sensitive area of activities under the Energy and Water Development appropriations.

Here, under Chairman Hobson's courageous leadership, denial of funding has been effectively used to chart a safer and more efficient course for the future of our nuclear deterrents. In particular, coming into fiscal year 2004 appropriations, the President was asking for funds for a robust nuclear earth penetrator, for studies of new nuclear weapons potentially for new missions, for funds to proceed with the preparation of a modern pit facility to manufacture 450 plutonium triggers, and a shift to an 18-month readiness posture for a return to underground nuclear testing. Taken together, these policy initiatives signaled a shift in nuclear weapons policy.

In 2004, the committee, among other things, reduced funding for the robust nuclear earth penetrator to $5 million from $15 million, ultimately agreeing to $7.5 million in conference; zeroed out funds for proceeding with the modern pit facility; and held the test readiness posture at 24 months.

Most significantly, in 2004, $4 million of the funds for advanced weapons concepts were fenced so that they could not be spent until the administration delivered a nuclear weapons stockpile plan. Without this action, there is no doubt that the plan would not exist. Today, it does.

In fiscal year 2005, the committee went further and zeroed funding for the earth penetrator, while maintaining a 24-month test readiness posture.

The committee has taken a constructive approach in trying to positively influence better policies. At the insistence of the committee, reasonable new approaches have been funded, including a reliable replacement warhead. In this year's bill, the committee is solidifying the progress made last year and in the previous year.

First, advanced concepts was missing from the President's request and is essentially no longer under consideration. Secondly, the earth penetrator funding is again zero in the committee recommendation, and third, test readiness posture is held to 24 months. Finally, the reliable replacement warhead concept was included in the President's request. The committee is working to accelerate the implicit transformation of the newest nuclear deterrent stockpile by increasing funds to $25 million, while slowing programs extending the life of old weapons.

Essentially, in this bill as well, Mr. Chairman, we are taking an advanced look. We have called for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, as well as the Department of Energy to undertake 5-year plans in programs.

This is an exceptional piece of legislation, and I would ask my colleagues to support it.

I recommend that all members join me in supporting this bill. Its preparation has been bipartisan and the Chairman has been fair throughout its preparation. I would add my appreciation to the staff led on the majority side by Kevin Cook. He is joined by Terry Tyborowski, John Blazey, Scott Burnison, and Tracy LaTurner. They are a strong team. On the minority staff, I would thank Dixon Butler. This year we have two fine detailees from the Army Corps: Taunja Berquam helping the majority and Felicia Kirksey helping the minority. I would also thank Kenny Kraft on Chairman Hobson's staff and Peder Maarbjerg on my staff.

This is my seventh year as ranking member on the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. In a few professions in our society seventh years are sabbaticals and times for reflection. In the Congress, we can't take a year off, but I feel compelled to reflect. During my years on this Committee it has been my privilege to serve with five subcommittee chairmen, and now, it has been my pleasure to serve with Dave Hobson for three years. During this time, Chairman Hobson has led our subcommittee to take a long-term perspective on a number of important issues and this is resulting in some profound and positive changes. Here are three examples.

High Performance Computing is an area where the United States invented the field and long held undisputed leadership in the world. Several years ago, that leadership was challenged by Japan with their development of the Earth Simulator. In the House bill for FY 2004, the Committee recommended an increase of $40 million to enable DOE to ``acquire additional advanced computing capability . . . and to initiate longer-term research and development on next generation computer architectures.'' Ultimately, $30 million of this increase was included in the final conference report. The Department used $25 million of these funds to engage a team including Oak Ridge National Lab and Cray Computer to pursue a leadership-class super computer and next generation computer architectures.

Despite being faced with budget constraints, the DOE Office of Science sustained this increase in the President's FY 2005 budget. However, pursuing a $100 million plus leadership-class machine with level funding of $25 million per year will never put the United States back in the lead. So once again, the Committee recommended an increase of $30 million to the request ``to support the Office of Science initiative to develop the hardware, software, and applied mathematics necessary for a leadership-class supercomputer to meet scientific computation needs.'' It must be noted that the Committee insisted that at least $5 million of this increase be reserved for computational research and not allow additional funds to go to hardware alone.

In the face of an even more constrained funding environment, the President's request for FY 2006 pulled back from the strong support favored by the Congress. Such a cutback, if sustained, would tend to undermine the progress toward actually achieving a leadership-class US supercomputer. So, the recommendation before us today increases funding for advanced scientific computing research by $39 million--$25 million for hardware, $5 million for computational research, and $9 million for competitive university grants to restore the on-going level of core research in this area that the President's budget recommended for cuts. By taking the long-term perspective and sustaining support for a highly desirable outcome, the Committee is doing its part to ensure that the U.S. reasserts it technological leadership in the area of supercomputing--a technical capability that underpins our ability to invent the future.

Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) is an area that grew out of all proportion to its value at the beginning of this decade. This area also raised concerns of financial oversight and the use of federal funds for purposes for which it was not appropriated. As an initial effort to get its arms around this program, which reached an aggregate funding level in FY 2003 of $365 million per year, the Committee mandated a comprehensive report on LDRD projects from DOE and initiated a GAO investigation of LDRD. In developing its recommendations for FY 2005, the Committee based its guidance and statement of concerns on the results of the GAO investigation and what had been learned from reviewing the extensive DOE reports. The FY 2005 Committee report directs DOE to shift to direct requests for LDRD.

The President's budget request for FY 2006, recognizing the concerns of the Committee and the constraints on funding, reduced the percentage allowed for LDRD at Weapons Labs from 6% to 5%. The Committee is today recommending that LDRD be limited explicitly to $250 million in FY 2006, to be allocated to the labs by DOE. A quarter billion dollars is a healthy level of funding that could be used to fix many problems in energy research, water infrastructure, etc., so the ``Committee [truly] recognizes the value of conducting discretionary research at DOE's national laboratories'', but has now brought the funding level for this research back within reason and given it a sense of direction.

Nuclear Weapons is the most sensitive area of activity under the Energy and Water Development appropriation. Here, under Chairman Hobson's courageous leadership, the denial of funding has been effectively used to chart a safer and more efficient course for the future of our nuclear deterrent. In particular, coming into the FY 2004 appropriations process, the President was asking for funds for a robust nuclear earth penetrator (RNEP), for studies of new nuclear weapons potentially for new missions, for funds to proceed with preparation of a Modern Pit Facility to manufacture 450 plutonium triggers per year, and a shift to an I8-month readiness posture for a return to underground nuclear testing. Taken together, these policy initiatives signaled an alarming shift in nuclear weapons policy and accordingly, many here and abroad reacted with alarm. Each of these policies was a bad idea, an idea run amok. This situation developed in part because of the absence of an approved nuclear weapons stockpile plan.

The House report accompanying the FY 2004 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill states, ``The fiscal year 2004 budget request is the second budget request delivered to the Committee that is loosely justified on the requirements of the Nuclear Posture Review policy document but lacking a formal plan that specifies the changes to the stockpile reflecting the President's decision [on the Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Plan].'' The Committee reduced funding for the RNEP to $5 million from $15 million (ultimately agreeing to $7.5 million in conference), zeroed funds for proceeding with a Modern Pit Facility, and held the test readiness posture at 24 months. Most significantly, $4 million of the funds for advanced weapons concepts were fenced so that they could not be spent until the Administration delivered a Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Plan. Without this action, there is doubt that this Plan would yet exist.

In FY 2005, the Committee went further and zeroed funding for the RNEP while maintaining the 24-month test readiness posture and continuing to defer the Modern Pit Facility. But, the Committee is a constructive influence and seeks to support better policies. At the insistence of the Committee, the dangerous advanced concepts approach was scrapped and a reasonable new approach was funded--the reliable replacement warhead (RRW).

In FY2006, the Committee is solidifying the progress made last year. First, advanced concepts was missing from the President's request and is essentially no longer under consideration. Second, RNEP funding is again zero in the Committee's recommendation. Third, test readiness posture is held to 24 months. Fourth, the RRW concept was included in the President's request. The Committee is working to accelerate the implicit transformation of the U.S. nuclear deterrent stockpile by increasing funds to $25 million while slowing programs extending the life of old weapons. The promise of the RRW is that the U.S. will never need to resume nuclear weapons testing and will be able to sustain our deterrent with a smaller, less-expensive complex.

In light of these examples where taking a longer-term perspective is showing results, I fully support the efforts in this FY2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriation to get all three principal agencies funded in this bill to adopt and communicate 5-year plans for their programs. Further, we have long under-invested in the water infrastructure of our nation, and although this year is no exception, the bill undertakes significant efforts to help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers get effective control over management, particularly fiscal management of projects. Management improvements prepare the way for the most effective use of whatever level of funding can be supplied in the future. Concentrating funding on high-priority water projects to get them done should significantly improve the overall benefits of investment through the Corps and Bureau of Reclamation, and so, I support this painful approach as well.

The Chairman and I are taking steps to involve all members of the Subcommittee in the oversight of the programs we fund. Everyone is being asked to concentrate on two subsets of our work. This also takes the long-term perspective as it will prepare our capable colleagues for future roles as chairs and rankings of appropriations subcommittees while strengthening our current work as appropriators.

So, upon reflection, I am pleased with the positive effects of the last three years of Energy and Water Development Appropriations bills. Far more has been accomplished than the simple funding of government programs and the accommodation of congressional priorities. The nation and the world are better and safer as a result. What a privilege and pleasure to participate!

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

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

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

I simply again thank the chairman for his leadership, for being a gentleman, and for being a friend; and I recommend the legislation to my colleagues.

Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger) for purposes of colloquy with the Chair.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).

Mr. Chairman, I respect the remarks and the impetus behind the gentleman's amendment, but would add my voice to the chairman's in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I do want to thank the gentleman from Michigan for raising the issue. It is an important one. We have had other ratios for determination of Corps funding that had been brought before the subcommittee during the hearing process. They were also questioned.

I understand that the gentleman is concerned about ports of specific size, but I also think one of the things that we have to do a better job of, and the chairman has done his very best here, is to look at entire systems, as well, to make sure there is a fair allocation of these resources for the commerce and, potentially, for the environmental cleanup of these very systems and the individual ports; and I certainly want to join with the chairman and the rest of the subcommittee to do the best job possible looking forward to address this issue. It is an important one.

I appreciate its having been raised.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Indian Medical Association will be celebrating their 24th year of establishment by hosting a gala dinner and banquet on Friday, June 3, 2005 at the Halls of St. George, in Schereville, Indiana.

The Indian Medical Association was created 24 years ago to promote goodwill and bonding friendships among local physicians through an exchange of medical knowledge and other healthcare related issues. They are dedicated to providing affordable and quality health care. The Indian Medical Association is also actively involved in patient care, health care delivery, charitable work, hosting educational seminars for physicians, and health fairs for the general public in the Northwest Indiana region.

In 2004, the Indian Medical Association offered scholarships to medical, nursing, and high school students. In January 2005, they raised more than $100,000 for the Tsunami Relief Fund. The Indian Medical Association is a great asset to Northwest Indiana. This organization has committed itself to providing quality service to the residents of Indiana's First Congressional District in the medical community and has demonstrated exemplary service in its cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Indian Medical Association for their outstanding contributions. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 149, a measure recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. It is my honor to recognize this anniversary which marks the restoration of Jewish independence with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

I commend the Israeli people for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic and democratic society in the Middle East in the face of terrorism and hostility. On this occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the state of Israel and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.

Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign control.

On this 57th Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, we recognize that the Israeli people have created one of the leading nations in the fields of science, technology, medicine, and agriculture. The people of Israel have established a vibrant and functioning pluralistic and democratic political system that guarantees the freedoms of speech and press, and free, fair, and open elections with respect for the rule of law. With a strong democracy in a troubled part of the world, Israel has absorbed millions of new immigrants from all over the world. Some of these immigrants arrived without a single possession, but Israel welcomed them by providing housing, education, social security, and health care.

I rise also to condemn the rising tide of anti-Semitism around the globe and to demonstrate the United States' lasting bond of friendship and cooperation with Israel, which has existed for the past 57 years.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the state of Israel as she celebrates her 57th Independence Day and again extend my warmest wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 149.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and admiration that I offer congratulations to many of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, June 10, 2005, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will honor the completion class of 2005 at the Annual Apprentice Completion Banquet which will be held at the Patio Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.

They will be recognizing and honoring the 2005 Apprentice Graduates. The individuals who have completed the apprentice training are: Jamie Anderson, Damon Berry, Jesse Brill, Robert Burkus, Raymond Crawford, Michael Fanning, Kenneth Francus, Jason Kennedy, Robin Marshal, Josh Musser, Scott Norwine, Joe Palek, Joshua Poston, Daniel Rosenbaum, Collin Sanders, Brian Schoff, Kevin Stonehill, Lee Thomas, Chris Tomko, and John Zbell.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These graduates are all outstanding examples of each. They have mastered their trade and have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and self-sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these hardworking individuals. Along with all the other men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, these individuals have contributed to the growth and development to the economy of the First Congressional District, and I am very proud to honor them in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of Holocaust Martyrs, and Heroes Rememorance Day. Known as Yom Hashoah in Hebrew, this solem day commemorates the anniversary of the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. This year is of particular import, as it marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. I join my distinguished colleagues in remembering the victims of the Holocaust while vowing that such a horror shall never again take place.

In remembering the six million victims of the Holocaust, we must recommit ourselves to fighting against the evils that led to the Holocaust; anti-Semitism, racism, bigotry, and intolerance. This commitment requires that we tell the story of the Holocaust to our children and grandchildren. We owe nothing less to the survivors and to the brave men who fought to liberate the Ghettos and the death camps.

I rise also to condemn the rising tide of anti-Semitism around the globe and to demonstrate the United States' lasting commitment to the elimination of such bigotry and ignorance. It is essential that each and everyone of us takes action to prevent such atrocities and vigorously pursues justice for the victims of acts of hatred and inhumanity. The crimes against humanity that were perpetrated by the Nazis must never be forgotten, lest we allow such evil to spread again.

We must also remember the handicapped, homosexuals, gypsies, political dissidents, and even Poles who were murdered in the Nazi ``Final Solution,'' simply for being different. The

Nazi hatred for anyone considered different stands as the antithesis of the values of freedom and liberty that we hold so dear.

It is also important to recognize the sacrifices, service, and dedication of Allied soldiers and underground fighters that resulted in the defeat of the Nazi regime and the liberation of the concentration camps. We are indebted to the service of these brave souls who fought against evil to stop the death and destruction of the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, today we mourn the innocent lives lost and vibrant communities destroyed by the Holocaust. We also honor those heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto who faced certain death when they fought against the Nazi's planned extermination of their community. With our solemn remembrance of the atrocities of the Holocaust, we empower a new generation to ensure that such crimes are never again repeated.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Friday, May 13, 2005, the Gary NAACP will hold its 42nd Annual Life Membership Banquet and Scholarship Dinner at the St. Timothy Fellowship Hall in Gary, Indiana.

This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary branch of the NAACP. The funds generated through this activity, and others like it, go directly to the organization's needed programs and advocacy efforts. The featured speaker at this gala event will be Attorney Dennis Wayne Archer. Attorney Archer will be honored with the Roy Wilkins Award. Archer is the Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association. He is the first person of color to hold the position as president of the ABA. Attorney Archer is also the former Mayor of the City of Detroit.

Attorney Fred Work will be honored with the Benjamin Hooks Award. Attorney Work is a distinguished attorney who has provided legal services to many citizens, not only in the community of Gary, but also throughout the State of Indiana. Attorney Work was the first African- American Judge in Lake County. Work was also the first African-American to graduate from Vanderbilt Law School and the first African-America to be nominated by the Democratic Party for statewide office.

The Gary NAACP would also like to recognize the accomplishments of the West Side

High School girls basketball team. The team's record is 24-4. The team's winning accomplishments include: the Gary Holiday Tournament, the Northwest Conference, the East Chicago Sectional, the Valparaiso Regional, and the Elkhart Semi-State finals. Those team players I would like to applaud are Michelle Hamblin, Isabell Rhenwrick (recipient of the 2004-2005 Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude Award) Ashley Cheairs, Ashley Gates, Farren Congress, Candise Matthews, Shanee' Butler, Erica Simpson, Jaime Sherls, Lecreia Hudson, Loreal Brown, Jasmine Brown, Moenesha Headen, Sydney Pettigrew, Ashley Woods, Nicole Moore, Britney Peeples, and Britney Harris. I would also like to recognize Head Coach Rod Fisher and Assistant Coaches Darryl Brandford, Erza Alexander, and Arnetta Gates. Their leadership both on and off the basketball court is a valuable resource to the girls on the West Side girls basketball team.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the new life members as well as the other members of the Gary NAACP for the efforts, activities, and leadership that these outstanding men and women have championed to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn memorial to the estimated 1.5 million men, women, and children who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide. As in the past, I am pleased to join so many distinguished House colleagues on both sides of the aisle in ensuring that the horrors wrought upon the Armenian people are never repeated.

On April 24, 1915, over 200 religious, political, and intellectual leaders of the Armenian community were brutally executed by the Turkish government in Istanbul. Over the course of the next 8 years, this war of ethnic genocide against the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire took the lives of over half the world's Armenian population.

Sadly, there are some people who still deny the very existence of this period which saw the institutionalized slaughter of the Armenian people and dismantling of Armenian culture. To those who would question these events, I point to the numerous reports contained in the U.S. National Archives detailing the process that systematically decimated the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. However, old records are too easily forgotten--and dismissed. That is why we come together every year at this time: To remember in words what some may wish to file away in archives. This genocide did take place, and these lives were taken. That memory must keep us forever vigilant in our efforts to prevent these atrocities from ever happening again.

I am proud to note that Armenian immigrants found, in the United Sates, a country where their culture could take root and thrive. Most Armenians in America are children or grandchildren of the survivors, although there are still survivors among us. In my district in Northwest Indiana, a vibrant Armenian-American community has developed and strong ties to Armenia continue to flourish. My predecessor in the House, the late Adam Benjamin, was of Armenian heritage, and his distinguished service in the House serves as an example to the entire Northwest Indiana community. Over the years, members of the Armenia- American community throughout the United States have contributed millions of dollars and countless hours of their time to various Armenian causes. Of particular note are Mrs. Vicki Hovanessian and her husband, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, who have continually worked to improve the quality of life in Armenia, as well as in Northwest Indiana. Three other Armenian-American families in my congressional district, Dr. Aram and Mrs. Seta Semerdjian, Dr. Heratch and Mrs. Sonya Doumanian, and Dr. Ara and Mrs. Rosy Yeretsian, have also contributed greatly toward charitable works in the United States and Armenia. Their efforts, together with hundreds of other members of the Armenian-American community, have helped to finance several important projects in Armenia, including the construction of new schools, a mammography clinic, and a crucial roadway connecting Armenia to Nagorno Karabagh.

In the House, I have tried to assist the efforts of my Armenian- American constituency by continually supporting foreign aid to Armenia. This past year, with my support, Armenia received $84 million in U.S. aid to assist economic and military development. In addition, on April 16, 2004, I joined several of my colleagues in signing the letter to President Bush urging him to honor his pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian people have a long and proud history. In the fourth century, they became the first nation to embrace Christianity. During World War I, the Ottoman Empire was ruled by an organization known as the Young Turk Committee, which allied with Germany. Amid fighting in the Ottoman Empire's eastern Anatolian provinces, the historic heartland of the Christian Armenians, Ottoman authorities ordered the deportation and execution of all Armenians in the region. By the end of 1923, virtually the entire Armenian population of Anatolia and western Armenia had either been killed or deported.

While it is important to keep the lessons of history in mind, we must also remain committed to protecting Armenia from new and more hostile aggressors. In the last decade, thousands of lives have been lost and more than a million people displaced in the struggle between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabagh. Even now, as we rise to commemorate the accomplishments of the Armenian people and mourn the tragedies they have suffered, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and other countries continue to engage in a debilitating blockade of this free nation.

Consistently, I have testified before the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee on the important issue of bringing peace to a troubled area of the world. I continued my support for maintaining the level of funding for the Southern Caucasus region of the Independent States (IS), and of Armenia in particular. In addition, on February 26, 2004, I joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush urging him to ensure parity in military assistance between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone, for organizing this special order to commemorate the 89th Anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Their efforts will not only help bring needed attention to this tragic period in world history, but also serve to remind us of our duty to protect basic human rights and freedoms around the world.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend two of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Mr. Bob Anadell and Mr. Timothy Sanders. On Saturday, April 23, 2005, they will be honored for their exemplary and dedicated service to the community. Their praiseworthy efforts will be recognized at the TradeWinds Gala 2005 banquet at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana.

Bob Anadell has had many positive accomplishments throughout his career. He actively contributed to his community through participation in various programs aimed at improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. He has been a powerful member of the Northwest Indiana Building Trades, Secretary Treasurer of the IBEW State Conference, Vice-President of the Indiana State AFL-CIO, Trustee of the Lake Area United Way, Board of Directors of TradeWinds, Member of the Lake County Integrated Services Delivery Board, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Investment Committee, and Executive Committee of the Legacy Foundation, as well as Co-Chairman of the Heroes Committee of the American Red Cross.

Tim Sanders enjoyed serving the public for several years as Director of Senator Richard G. Lugar's regional office. In addition to serving Senator Lugar, Tim has also worked with Senators Dan Quayle and Dan Coats. Through skillful networking within the state and federal legislative agencies, he established solid relationships benefiting Northwest Indiana's businesses and constituents. Tim implemented public relations initiatives through television, radio, and print to provide information, gather support, and raise visibility on key issues. He has also extended his commitment to the community by serving on a number of Boards and Associations such as the St. Jude House, Lake Area United Way, American Heart Association, and the TradeWinds Rehabilitation Center. Although Tim has dedicated his time serving the community, he has never neglected to provide support and love to his family. Tim and his wife, Tania, have two children and three grandchildren.

Both of these men have spent years as dedicated members of the TradeWinds Board of Directors; each adding their individual business acumen and combined strength that has enabled TradeWinds to continue providing quality services for children and adults with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Bob Anadell and Timothy Sanders. Without their enduring love and compassion for the community and children of all ages and abilities, TradeWinds would not be what it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 190, a measure honoring the life and achievements of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, and expressing profound sorrow on his death. It is with great honor that I stand here today to pay tribute to Pope John Paul II and recognize his contributions to the causes of freedom, human dignity, and peace.

The leadership the Holy Father displayed during his 26-year tenure as Supreme Pastor of the Roman Catholic Church helped to shape our moral conscience. His fight to end human rights abuses and his opposition to communism not only influenced the Catholic community, but the world community. He was a defender of the faith whose leadership during a pivotal time was profound. I am truly awed by the life of the Holy Father.

Born Karol Jozef Wojtyla, Jr. in 1920, Pope John Paul II was the second son of Karol Wojtyla, Sr. and Emilia Kaczorwoska Wojtyla. Karol, Sr. was a retired officer for the Polish Army as well as a tailor, and Emilia was a schoolteacher. Pope John Paul II repeatedly demonstrated his unique ability to form friendships that crossed the social norms of the time. Although his hometown of Wadowice, Poland was wrought with anti-Semitism, Pope John Paul II and his family did not share in that hatred. He was the first Pope to visit a synagogue and the first to visit a memorial in nearby Auschwitz honoring victims of the Holocaust. His Holiness was also the first Pope to visit a mosque.

Shortly after his father's death in 1941, Pope John Paul II attended an underground seminary in Krakow, where he was eventually ordained in 1946. His powerful compassion and faith carried him quickly up the ranks of the Church as he was named the auxiliary bishop of Krakow in 1958. He was instrumental to the Vatican Council II deliberations in 1962, which encouraged diversity in language and practice of the Catholic faith in order to facilitate the inclusion of laymen in worship while also condemning anti-Semitism around the world. The profound respect he enjoyed throughout the Catholic community led to his election as Pope after the death of Pope John Paul I in September 1978, making him the first Slavic Pope in history.

Less than a year after being named Pope, John Paul II returned to his native Poland and forcefully supported the Polish Solidarity movement and opposed communism. His insistence that no system of government override religious beliefs gave hope to people of faith throughout the former Soviet Union that reforms would take place. The courage and determination that he displayed in opposition to a world power reflected the strength of his convictions and his willingness to stand up to an institutional force that challenged the beliefs of the church.

Pope John Paul II was an indomitable figure despite increasing infirmities. Though he survived an assassination attempt in 1981, his health was never quite the same. However, his warmth and compassion shone brightly to all who met him and quickly endeared him to young people around the world. He is said to have been seen by more people than anyone else in history, exemplifying his connection to ordinary people. He was an unwavering moral leader whose power and appeal derived from the way he lived his life. He demonstrated this when he prayed for his would-be assassin.

Pope John Paul II was also an intellectual, a pragmatist, and a scholar who was a defender of liberty. His charisma and his ability to lead were intertwined with his status as the ``People's Pope.'' He forged a bond with people of all faiths by projecting his warmth and compassion beyond his flock. Pope John Paul II's life provided strong moral leadership during a pivotal time in history that enabled the fall of communism and the victory of liberty. The world was truly blessed to have Pope John Paul II.

Mr. Speaker, during his 26 years as pontiff, Pope John Paul II spread the Catholic faith with visits to over 115 countries. His gift for uniting those of different beliefs earned him Man of the Year honors from Time Magazine in 1994, and his popularity among both Catholics and non-Catholics around the world was a testament to his genuine love for humanity. His teaching of tolerance and love for thy neighbor will be a lasting legacy for this truly great religious leader.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate the First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana as they celebrate the grand opening of their new auditorium. They will be celebrating this very momentous and special occasion on Sunday, March 20, 2005.

Allen Hill founded the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana in 1887. The church has since met for services in five different auditoriums. The first auditorium was built in 1888 under Pastor Hewitt, and doubled in size under Pastor Carter in 1900. The third auditorium was constructed in 1913 under Pastor Adams. In 1959, Pastor Hyles became pastor, and under his leadership, in 1964, a new auditorium was constructed seating approximately 2000. The auditorium doubled in 1975.

Throughout the years Pastor Hyles dreamed of building a new auditorium. Sadly, he passed away in 2001. However, the determination of the church proved that although Pastor Hyles was now in heaven, the Lord of the Harvest was still alive and well. Pastor Schaap took the helm in March 2001, and he immediately led First Baptist Church to the next level. With the increased attendance, once again the congregation began to outgrow the auditorium. Ground was broken for the new auditorium on November 3, 2004.

From its modest beginning, First Baptist Church has emerged as a cornerstone of the community. Under Pastor Schaap's guidance, First Baptist continues to thrive, both in terms of spiritual growth as well as practical improvements. The proud members of the church are thankful for the spiritual and emotional leadership he and the previous pastors have provided during the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana on the grand opening of its new auditorium. They have provided support and guidance for all those in the community, and will continue to serve their community through their selfless dedication and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2005 theme--the Niagara Movement. Fitting with this theme which honors the first African American meeting held to end racial discrimination, I would like to recognize the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the steelworker union movement who faced daunting challenges, but whose lives were forces for change.

Over the last century, African American industrial history has broken through significant barriers. However, the struggle for equal rights and protections faced numerous challenges during this time. The modern struggle for access to equal rights, protections, and work began in 1892 with the Homestead Strike, when African American workers were brought in on trains, unaware of their destination, to break the strike. This marked the advent of the northward migration of African American fieldworkers to the mills of the North.

Though African Americans would increasingly join the steel mills, they faced discrimination and limited opportunities once they arrived. This, despite the increased strength and numbers the African American community provided the labor movement, particularly during World War I when African American representation in the steel mills swelled. However, it is important to note the perseverance of these brave workers who accepted some of the most dangerous jobs and the legacy they provided for the generations after them who continued the fight for equal rights and equal opportunity.

Unfortunately, the successful CIO organizing drives of the 1930s and success of the broader labor movement began to leave African Americans behind. Though African Americans had increasingly joined the mills and unions, by World War II they still faced de facto limits on the types of opportunities they could expect at the mills. Generally limited to the lower skilled positions, regardless of their actual ability, this generation began to challenge the working order and demand equal treatment, both by their own unions and by management.

These struggles culminated in the 1970s, when the mills and unions began setting hiring and promotion goals for women and minorities. Though this represented a watershed event for African American steelworkers, they have continued to forcefully advocate for their rights while working tirelessly for labor rights and the future of the steel industry.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the contributions these American heroes have made to the labor movement and to their communities. I am proud to honor the ideals represented by Black History Month and its 2005 theme of the Niagara Movement, by recognizing the African American steelworkers who struggled and continue to fight for equality, opportunity, and an end to racial discrimination.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and admiration that I offer congratulations to many of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, February 4, 2005, Indiana University Northwest's Leadership Development Program will honor their 11th graduating class.

The Institute for Innovative Leadership is a partnership between Indiana University Northwest and Northwest Indiana's community and business leadership throughout all sectors. The Institute is designed to create a binding link between educational experience and leadership practice. The Leadership Development Program is the core of the Institute. Various resources are utilized to help ensure that students of every level acquire the skills, knowledge, values, motivation and vision needed for success in careers and as citizens.

The Institute for Innovative Leadership will be recognizing and honoring the following 2004 Graduates: Bobbi Atzhorn, Sandra Bowie, Alice Carter, Gail Coleman, Larry Hayden, Crystal Jelks, Brock Lloyd, Ryan Mistarz, Melissa Murdock, Damian Perkins, Mary Louise Rieger, Cora Robinson, Jennifer Stewart, Gabriela Tirado, and Reginald Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these hardworking individuals. I am very proud to honor them in Washington, DC.