Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend two of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Mr. Vernon Cunningham and Mr. James Shepard of Portage, Indiana. On Saturday, September 11, 2004, they will be honored for their exemplary and dedicated service to the community.

Mr. Vernon Cunningham will be awarded the Portage Township Citizen of the year. Vernon's qualities include a dedication to community causes. Vernon has been a resident of Portage, Indiana for over fifty years. Those who know him best describe Vernon as a kind, fun-loving person, who always wants to help others. His outstanding service and donation of time and money to Gabriel Horn's homeless shelter represents the epitome of what a dedicated public servant should be. South Haven American Legion Post 502 will be filled Saturday night with friends and family who have been blessed with the opportunity to know and work with Vernon and who wish to celebrate with him as he receives his award. Vernon's work, which has earned him Portage Township Citizen of the Year, has been improving his community and the lives of Porter County residents for many years. Although Vernon has dedicated his time serving the community, he has never neglected to provide support and love to his family. Vernon and his late wife Peggy have three children Scott, Gail, and James.

Mr. James Shepard is being honored as the Portage Township Fireman of the Year. Mr. Shepard was voted by peers as Fireman of the Year for his outstanding service and dedication to the South Haven Volunteer Fire Department. James is a third generation fireman; his father was a volunteer fireman for South Haven and his grandfather was also a fireman. James graduated from the Georgia Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy, and he is also a Certified Fire Instructor. His career as a firefighter began in 1988 when he worked as a firefighter near Savanna, Georgia. In 1993, James became a Certified Emergency Medical Technician. He then moved to Porter County Indiana and has been a full- time fire fighter for the City of Valparaiso for the last eleven years. For the past ten years, he has also served as a volunteer fireman for the South Haven Fire Department. While James has dedicated considerable time and energy to his work and protecting the lives of others, he has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. He and his wife Stacy have two children, James and Samantha.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Vernon Cunningham and James Shepard for their outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. Their commitment to improving the quality of life of the people of Northwest Indiana is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I wish to congratulate an exceptional group of Northwest Indiana residents. The Lake County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be honoring several local heroes for their bravery and selfless acts of kindness during the ``In Honor of Heroes'' banquet on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. They will also be recognizing two fallen military heroes and two fallen police heroes.

The First Congressional District is proud to commend the following youth for their acts of bravery. Thomas Jones displayed courage when he dialed 9-1-1 while his mother was having a seizure. The 9-1-1 dispatcher, Debbie Kochis, kept 5-year-old Thomas calm and feeling secure while she dispatched help. Thomas bravely responded to Kochis's request for information needed to get help and followed her instructions to help save his mother. Five-year-old Bobby Bodnar's grandmother fell unconscious while on a shopping trip. Bobby freed himself from the car seat and tried to help her. The young hero stayed calm, showed an employee where his grandmother was, and gave valuable information to the police. While on his way to school, Mike Spurlock came upon an accident scene. Assisted by other heroic citizens, Mike broke out one of the automobile's windows and removed the badly injured victim from the car. After the incident, he continued on to school as usual to take his final exam.

The Red Cross is also recognizing the following Northwest Indiana residents for using their training in life saving techniques to assist victims in life threatening situations. Mr. Daniel Luczak, an EMT, administered care to an injured worker which reduced further injury to the victim's lumbar spine. Lt. Yvonne Hogan Foster used CPR to revive a 90-year-old female who was unconscious. The tragic outcome of this heroic attempt to save a life should not diminish the fact that Lt. Hogan-Foster reacted quickly to the situation and put her lifesaving training to use. Dave Mays and Kandis Pigg are lifeguards trained and certified by the YMCA. Dave Mays activated the YMCA's emergency procedure and safely rescued a young man in the water complaining of severe back pain. Ms. Kandis Pigg's training in delivering oxygen proved to be a lifesaving technique after she was able to remove a man from the water who complained of shortness of breath. This heroic rescue resulted in the man's full recovery. The members of the Courage Aktion Club feel that they are in good hands whenever James Harris is around. While having lunch, James noticed a woman choking and performed the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food. A week later, while riding the bus, James helped a passenger who was having a seizure. Without the courageous efforts of these individuals: Karl Samuel, Higinio Martinez, Hank Carmona, Brian Gregory, Paul Jacquez, Sam Rhoten, and Bill Curtis, a heart attack victim would not have survived. Their CPR/AED training revived the victim until the EMS arrived.

Carrie Clemens, Laura Layman, Stacey Gibbons, Sarah Udchitz, Stephen Kolodziej, Adam Wythe, and Matt Plassman were all working at a local Schoops restaurant when a tragic automobile accident occurred. The driver of a pickup truck suffered a fatal heart attack that resulted in the truck crashing into the restaurant. The heroic employees stepped right in to assist and aid the injured. Also being recognized are Randy Edmaiston and Martin Chelich, two courageous men that entered the home of a senior citizen while her home was on fire and evacuated the woman. Because of this selfless act, the woman's life was saved.

It takes dedication and hard work to make a blood drive a success. Hyles Anderson College and First Baptist Church work together to make blood drives successful. Due to the hard work of Kris Grafton, Karen Basham, Pastor Jack Schaap, and all the others involved, they have increased their blood collections by 40 percent and helped save 1,026 lives. Blood donors like Beth Groff truly give the gift of life. She has graciously donated 18 gallons of blood.

John D. Amos II and Luis A. Perez were two residents of Northwest Indiana who sacrificed their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and their deaths come as a difficult setback to a community already shaken by the realities of war. These fallen soldiers will forever remain heroes in the eyes of this community, and this country.

I would like to also honor Trooper Scott A. Patrick and Detective William Rolniak, Jr. Trooper Patrick was the 40th Indiana State Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. While stopping to aid a stranded motorist, he was shot by the motorist who had stolen the car. Detective William Rolniak, Jr, a 14-year police veteran, was killed in the line of duty when a suspect took him as a hostage and later killed him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending and acknowledging these outstanding heroes of Northwest Indiana. Their bravery and selfless deeds to others are worthy of the highest honor and respect.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mr. John Daniel Artis for being selected as the East Chicagoan of the Year. For fifteen years, the Twin City Community Services in East Chicago, Indiana, has awarded this title to prominent members of the community who have greatly contributed to the city and people of East Chicago. This year's festivities will take place Friday, August 20, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in East Chicago. During this prestigious event, John's friends and family will accompany him in a roast held in his honor.

Throughout his education and career, John D. Artis has accomplished many admirable goals. He graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of the Arts in political science and history and later received his masters in public administration from Indiana University Northwest's School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

After finishing his undergraduate education, John selflessly devoted two years to working as a caseworker for the Crippled Children Division of Gary's Department of Public Works. John then served as the Assistant Director of the Cooperative Area Manpower Planning Agency followed by a two year term as the Supervisor of Relocation for the Department of Redevelopment. As a hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated leader, John was promoted to Deputy Director of Redevelopment in 1975 and to Director of Housing and Redevelopment in 1978, a position he continues to hold. John has been an integral part of several programs that have bettered the lives of those in his community: he aided in designing The Project 10 Program for rehabilitating multi-family buildings and created the First Time Homeownership Program and the Planned United Development to expand public housing. Through these and other projects, John has been spotlighted as an accomplished citizen devoted to providing affordable housing to his fellow man.

Beyond his full and active career, John has also held several positions in an effort to further serve East Chicago. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Reinvestment Project, St. Catherine's Hospital, the Healthy East Chicago Board, and the Enterprise Development and Management Corporation. He is also a board member of the Northwest Indiana Urban League, the Quality of Life Council of Northwest Indiana, the Lake County Integrated Services Delivery Board, the Northwest Indiana Discovery Center, and the National City Community Development Foundation. Additionally, John is President of the Partners in Contracting Board of Directors, Treasurer of the Urban Enterprise Association, and a Member of the Gary, Hammond, East Chicago Empowerment Zone Oversight Committee. John's list of memberships continues and includes several other committees that strive to improve East Chicago, illustrating that John has dedicated his life, his time, and his energy to improving the housing, health care, and economic future of East Chicago.

The Knights of Columbus Hall will be filled Friday night with friends and family who have been blessed with the opportunity to know and work with John and who wish to celebrate with him as he receives his award. John's work, which has earned him East Chicagoan of the Year, has been improving his community and the lives of East Chicagoans for over thirty years. Though John is dedicated to his career and the community of East Chicago, he has never limited his time and love for his family. John and his wife, Karen, have been happily married for over thirty years and have one son, Christopher.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. John Daniel Artis on being recognized as the East Chicagoan of the Year. It is my privilege to extend my personal thanks to Mr. Artis for his lifelong dedication to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Indiana. I confidently await Mr. Artis' future contributions to society and wish him continued personal and professional success.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the God First Ministries East Chicago, Indiana Chapter will be hosting a heavenly breakfast on Saturday, September 18, 2004, at the Dynasty Banquets Hall, in Hammond, Indiana.

This year's guest speaker, Dr. Mildred C. Harris, is one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of Illinois. Dr. Harris graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with an emphasis on Communication Science. She then obtained a Master of Arts degree from Governors State University, a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from the International Bible Institute and Seminary. Dr. Harris also holds two honorary doctorate degrees.

Dr. Harris has demonstrated a sincere love for the community in which she lives. In addition to improving the lives of others through her professional career as a retired school teacher, Dr. Harris is an ordained minister. She is the President and CEO of God First Ministries in Chicago, Illinois, and she has also established other God First Chapters in the states of California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Dr. Harris was selected as one of the 6 leading ministers from the City of Chicago to participate in the Chicago Remembers September 11th Observance in leading the Prayer of Hope for Chicago. She has also volunteered her time to champion many causes aimed at bringing comfort to those in need of assistance. Under her leadership, God First Ministries has fed thousands of people, given scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and hosted a clothing drive in which 21,000 clothing items were distributed to those in need.

Among her many contributions to the care of all people, Dr. Harris is a member of several boards and organizations, including: the Independent Assemblies of God, the National Religious Conference Management Association, the Administration Interacting with Ministers/ Concerned Clergy for a Better Chicago, African American Religious Connection, the United Negro College Fund Advisory Board, Chicago Department on Aging Task Force, Women's Board of the Goodman Theatre, and the Local Government Advisory Board for the state of Illinois.

Although she dedicates her life to serving her community, Mildred never limits the time she gives to her loving family. She is the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Jordan Clopton and she is married to Dr. Herbert C. Harris.

For all of her conscientious efforts, both professionally and voluntarily, Dr. Harris has been recognized by her peers by earning numerous awards for excellence. She has authored three books and was awarded the Popular Music Award from the American Society of Composers. Dr. Harris was also featured on billboards and busses throughout Chicago promoting a citywide organ donation drive. In 2000, she was awarded the Woman of the Year Award from the American Biographical Institute. She was then honored with the Dominick's Fresh Spirit Award as one of Chicago's Leading Women Religious Leaders in 2001. Dr. Harris was also featured in the Religious Conference Management Association, Who's Who 2002-2003.

Mr. Speaker, throughout Dr. Harris's career in ministry she has touched the lives of many around the world. Her unselfish and lifelong dedication to those in need is worthy of the highest recommendation. I am proud to commend her for her lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate one of the most selfless and caring citizens of the First Congressional District of Indiana, Mr. Ernie Dillon. Ernie has dedicated his life to serving the people of Northwest Indiana. His career as a public servant has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people. In honor of his faithful service to his alma mater, Hammond Tech High School, Ernie will be recognized by the Hammond Tech Appreciation Society for his dedication to their mission at a recognition dinner on September 12, 2004 at Dynasty Banquets in Hammond, Indiana.

Ernie Dillon has held many offices and positions throughout his career as a public servant. He is currently the Director of the Lake County Department of Veterans Affairs Service Office and Chairman of the Hammond Port Authority. Prior to that, he was elected Councilman- at-Large for the City of Hammond. While on the Council, Ernie served as Vice-President and Chairman of the Finance Committee, overseeing a budget of $95 million. Ernie has also served the City of Hammond as Commissioner of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Along with the countless hours of dedication that Ernie has provided to the people of Northwest Indiana, he has also been involved with many organizations in the community. Ernie has been a longtime member and past Commander of American Legion Victory Post #168, and he is currently serving a second term as Vice Chairman for the State of Indiana Veterans Homeless Committee. Ernie has also been a committed member of the Calumet College Alumni Association, the Hammond Central Lions Club, the Hammond Elks, the Hammond Jaycees, the Hammond Kiwanis Club, the Hammond Moose Club, and he has also been a member of the T.K.E. Fraternity.

I have known Ernie for many years and I can truly say that he is a dedicated, distinguished and committed citizen. Through his loyal service to his community, Ernie has been responsible for the development of numerous programs and activities, which have become sources of pride for the people he has served. As a dedicated member of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, Ernie was instrumental in designing and bringing the Indiana Welcome Center to Hammond, Indiana. Ernie's foresight also enabled him to found the City of Hammond's first city festival, Octoberfest, in 1979. This later became the Augustfest and is now known as the Festival of the Lakes. This festival continues to provide entertainment to residents and visitors of Hammond.

While Ernie has dedicated a considerable amount of time and energy to his community, he has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. Ernie and his wife Margie have four children, Steven, Lori, Elizabeth, and Kathleen. They are also the proud grandparents of Elija, Korey, and Faith.

Mr. Speaker, Ernie has given his time and efforts selflessly to the people of Lake County throughout his years of service. He has taught the true meaning of service to all members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Ernie Dillon for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I wish to commend Army Reserve Private First Class Luis A. Perez for his bravery in the field of battle and his willingness to fight for his country. Private Perez was assigned to the 223rd Transportation Company, United States Army Reserve, Norristown, Pennsylvania. Private First Class Perez lost his life on Thursday, August 26, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq, when the fuel truck he was driving hit a land mine causing a deadly explosion. His sacrifice will be remembered by a community that has been struck hard by the devastating loss of one of its own.

A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Private Luis Perez attended Morton High School in Hammond for two years, but graduated from a high school in New York where he had gone to live with his father after his parents divorced. He enjoyed playing video games, basketball and he also liked to write poetry. All Private Perez ever wanted was to grow up and be a soldier like his father. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and two weeks later he was off for training.

It came as no surprise to those who knew Private Perez that he would serve his country. Growing up, he traveled with his parents and two younger sisters all over the world, living in Hawaii and Germany. A true patriot, his love for his country was evident from the time that he was a child. At a young age he told imaginative tales of what his life would be like, he said he wanted to be a green man and continue traveling the world. Relatives urged Private Perez to enroll in college, but he wanted to be a hero like his father, Sergeant Jose Perez, a 20-year veteran of the United States Army. Private Perez felt tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. He gave his life so that the freedoms and values that he treasured could be enjoyed by those around the world.

Although he loved his unit and his country, Private Perez treasured his family above all else. He is survived by his wife, Theresa, his father, Sergeant Jose Perez, his mother, Lisa Perez, two sisters, and his grandmother, Clara Madrigal.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army Reserve Private First Class Luis A Perez. He will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mr. Jerome W. Watson on his retirement from United Steelworkers of America Local Union 1066. Jerome has spent nearly 35 years dedicating his life to the interests of Local Union 1066 as well as his community in Northwest Indiana. His career at Local 1066 has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people.

Jerome Watson has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. Before joining Local 1066, Jerome admirably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1969. He began his career at Local 1066 as a Grievance Committeeman in 1976. After being hired by United States Steel as a Motor Inspector Expanded, Jerome faithfully served Local 1066 on the Classification Committee, By-Law Committee, Institute for Career Development Local Joint Committee, Legislative Committee, and as Editor/Chair of the Banner Newspaper Committee. He was Grievance Chairman of Local 1066 from 1985-1991 and again in 1996-2003, and he served as the President from 2003-2004.

Not only has Jerome Watson had many positive accomplishments throughout his career at Local 1066, he has also actively contributed to his community through participation in various programs aimed at improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. Jerome participated in the successful negotiations that resulted in the Ivy Tech/United States Steel craft articulation agreement, which allowed graduated apprentices and trainees to obtain Associates Degrees through credit allowed for previous relevant training and additional Ivy Tech core classes. Along with his many other accomplishments, Jerome has received numerous awards and certificates, including the Q1 award for Union Involvement from Ford Motor Company, the Labor award from the A. Phillip Randolph Institute. He was honored with the awards of merit for Local Union 1066 Banner Newspaper for best local union coverage, best regular column, and best U.S.X. 1986 ``lockout coverage.'' Jerome received certificates of approval from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the Ivy Tech State College program of Electrical and Mechanical Degree Program.

Jerome has demonstrated his loyalty by his outstanding service to Local 1066 and his community through his hard work and self-sacrifice. Although Jerome has served on numerous Committees and has dedicated his time to Local 1066, he has never neglected to provide support and love to his family. Jerome and his wife Linda have one son, Jerome Jr., and a daughter, Tina.

Mr. Speaker, Jerome Watson has given his time and efforts selflessly to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. He has taught every member of Local 1066 the true meaning of service to all members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Jerome Watson for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to honor the memory of Mrs. Victoria Soto Candelaria for her lifelong contributions to her community. Victoria passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2004. Victoria was a pioneer educator who touched the lives of numerous students, both in and out of the classroom. She was also a union leader, activist, and community advocate, and her numerous accomplishments are worthy of the highest commendation.

After earning a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a master's degree from Purdue University, Victoria devoted twenty-nine years to the School City of East Chicago teaching English and Spanish. In 1987, she was elected President of the East Chicago, Indiana Federation of Teachers, Local 511, a position she held until 2001. Additionally, Victoria was President of the Indiana Teachers Federation from 1997 until 2003. As well as being dearly loved and respected by her family and community, Victoria was known for her passionate belief in helping to educate the working people in her community.

Victoria strongly believed in the importance of community involvement as well as political activism. She served as secretary of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor and as Vice President of the Indiana AFL- CIO. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Lake County Integrated Services Delivery and for the Lake Area United Way. Victoria was a trustee for Ivy Tech State College and for the Indiana Federation of Teachers. In the political arena, she was a member of the Indiana Governor's Roundtable on Education and a member of the Governor's Commission for Hispanic and Latino Affairs. She was a three time National Education Policy advisor to President Clinton, a delegate to the Indiana Democratic Convention, and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1992 and 1996. Victoria received invitations to the presidential inaugurations in 1993 and 1997. She was also honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1997.

While her work in the educational and political fields placed extraordinary demands on her time, Victoria always found time to spend with her most important interest, her family. By providing unwavering guidance to her children, she instilled in them the morals and fortitude that have molded her children into successful adults who are raising families of their own. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Isabelino, three sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren, and a host of other relatives.

Mr. Speaker, Victoria Soto Candelaria dedicated her life to educating the nation's youth and serving as a leader and role model for all Americans. Because of her lifetime work and achievements, Mrs. Candelaria has been lauded as a tireless, passionate, and visionary advocate of the people. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering Mrs. Candelaria and her outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. She will be admirably remembered and truly missed.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for originating the idea for this very necessary amendment; and as my colleague mentioned, the purpose is to point out two very serious flaws with the President's manufacturing council and to work through the adoption of this amendment their correction.

The President in September of last year comprised his manufacturing council theoretically to work with the Commerce Department to advocate, coordinate, and implement policies that will help U.S. manufacturers compete worldwide.

As my colleague from Ohio mentioned, however, the domestic steel industry is not represented on the council. I would point out that since December 31, 1997, 40 companies, more than 40 steel companies, have entered into bankruptcy, many of which have never emerged.

Since December 2000, 35,700 individual workers who were employed in basic steel have lost their jobs. During that period of time since December 31 of the year 2000, we have also seen a decline in tonnage to be produced in the United States by 14.6 million.

We have an industry that over the last 6 years has been in crisis, despite their beginning to come out of that crisis during the last 6 to 9 months. It was a mistake, and it was wrong for the President and the Department of Commerce not to have this very vital industry of our national defense included. They should be.

Secondly, I would note that there is no representative of organized labor on the council. The fact is 2.2 million individual American workers belong to unions and work in manufacturing. We do have Karen Wright, the president of Ariel Corporation, which makes gas compressors in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on the President's council, but we do not have a member of the Boilermakers. We have Jim Padilla, who is the chief operating officer of Ford Motor Company; but we do not have a member of the United Auto Workers. We have George Gonzalez, who is president of Aerospace Integration Corporation, which is engaged in aircraft modifications; but we do not have a member of the Machinists Union. We have Wayne Murdy, who is chairman of Newmont Mining Corporation of Denver, Colorado; but we do not have a member of the Mine Workers Union. We have Charles Pizzi, president of Tasty Baking Company, a baking corporation headquartered in Philadelphia; but we do not have one member of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers Or Grain Millers.

We have a lot of people making seven-figure salaries on the commission. We do not have people making five figures. We have Daniel Stowe, president of R.L. Stowe Mills, Inc., who is engaged in dyed yarn; but we do not have any members of the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial Or Textile Employees. We have Scott Thiss, who is chairman of S&W Plastics that does acrylic displays; but we do not have anyone from the Graphics Communications Workers. We do not have anyone from the Electrical Workers. We do not have anyone from the PACE Union. We do not have Sheet Metal Workers, Steelworkers, Teamsters or anyone from the United Food and Commercial Workers.

I do think it is important, given the fact that it is the workers for these very companies who are most at risk who have lost their jobs in the tens of thousands be represented on this council; and I would ask that the colleagues of this body adopt this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate one of Northwest Indiana's most caring and dedicated citizens, Professor Rosalie Levinson. Her career as a Professor at Valparaiso University has allowed her the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous students, both in and out of the classroom. In honor of her gracious service to Valparaiso University, on May 1, 2004 she was named the first Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg professor of law. Rosalie's appointment was announced during a gala at Chicago's Field Museum celebrating the 125th anniversary of Valparaiso University's School of Law.

Rosalie Levinson has accomplished many visionary goals throughout her career. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Indiana University and her law degree from Valparaiso University. Rosalie has been a law professor at Valparaiso University since 1973. She has argued several civil rights cases before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and is a frequent lecturer on continuing legal education, including the Federal Judicial Center for Federal Judges and the Practice Law Institute programs. Rosalie has team taught with the United States Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Clarence Thomas at the Valparaiso University's study center in Cambridge, England.

Numerous articles written by Rosalie have been published in national law journals. She has co-authored with Professor Bodensteiner a four volume treatise entitled ``Civil Rights Liability'' and also a textbook entitled ``Civil Rights Legislation and Litigation.'' Rosalie served as chair of the Civil Rights Section of the Association of American Law Schools and as a board member on the Jewish Human Relations Council of Northwest Indiana.

Although Rosalie has served on numerous Law School and University Committees and has donated time to the students at Valparaiso University, she has never neglected to provide support and love to her family. Rosalie and her husband Don have two children and two grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Rosalie has given her time and efforts selflessly to the students at Valparaiso University throughout her years of service. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Professor Rosalie Levinson for her outstanding contributions. I am proud to commend her for her lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to first of all congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), as well, on a very well-crafted bill. I would start by thanking the chairman very much for his friendship as well as his fairness and discretion in his dedication to make sure that the right thing is done and that the agencies under our jurisdiction are made as efficient and as effective as possible.

As the chairman noted, we have an excellent staff that works very, very well together and they have helped us craft a very good bill. I too want to enumerate them because they are all so very important to us: Tracey LaTurner; Tim Winchell; Jim Spratt; Kenny Kraft; Dennis Kern; Scott Burnison; Kevin Cook, whom, I might add, is a Cornell graduate and has replaced a Notre Dame graduate as clerk of the committee; Dixon Butler and Peder Maarbjerg.

This is a very good bill. There are a lot of good things to recommend it to the membership.

Mr. Chairman, let me begin by thanking the gentleman from Ohio, Chairman Hobson, for the courtesy shown to me and the Democratic staff by him and the majority staff of our Subcommittee. The positive environment and cooperation engendered makes work on this bill a joy and pleasure.

I share with the Chairman the frustration that more cannot be done, particularly for the water and environmental infrastructure of our nation. The constraints imposed by the budget are very real. Our subcommittee mark increases funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers above last year's level and well above the ridiculously low request of the President. That said, the level recommended for FY 2005 is only 2.6% above that enacted by FY 2003; clearly this increase is below the level of inflation, so the buying power of the Corps-Civil Works budget is again below what it was two years ago.

This bill puts a priority on completion of on-going construction projects and studies and maintenance of high priority existing infrastructure. It does not contain any new starts, and this should help to begin to clear the current backlog of projects and enable the accomplishment of these projects in less time--thereby reducing total project costs and accelerating the realization of benefits to our economy. However, current funding levels will not truly fix this problem. In my opinion, substantive increases to the budget of the Corps are needed--increases above the rate of inflation. A transformation in the way that water infrastructure and environmental restoration are supported through the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation will require a transforming rather than simply sustaining increase in the funds we provide. Without this, completion of construction and maintenance projects and studies will continue to take too long and major new projects will languish.

There are those who have flirted with radical changes to our nation's approach to nuclear weapons--seeking to study new weapons for new missions and to develop a nuclear bunker buster. These same individuals have pushed to have this Nation prepare to resume underground nuclear testing within 18 months of a Presidential decision and to begin development of a major new facility to build plutonium pits--also referred to as nuclear triggers. All of these steps jeopardize our position in the world as advocates of restraint in the development of weapons of mass destruction. They all portend major increases in funding requirements. Today, conventional national defense and homeland security, including nuclear nonproliferation, are far better investments than enhancements to our nuclear deterrent. Under the leadership of Chairman Hobson, no funding is provided in the Energy and Water Development bill for any of these ill-considered policies.

As many members realize, plutonium, highly enriched uranium and some highly radioactive products of nuclear fission in the hands of terrorists could pose major hazards to the United States and its allies. Accordingly, this bill fully funds the President's request of almost $1.35 billion for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at DOE. Some elements of the DOE program are stalled while other opportunities have opened up to protect major quantities of fissionable material. Accordingly, I fully support the shifts in this bill of $177.25 million to priority targets for nonproliferation including: security of Russian Strategic Rocket Forces sites (+$32M), MegaPorts (+$30M), and efforts outside the Former Soviet Union (+$60M). Also, I am pleased to note that this year no reductions are taken to nuclear nonproliferation efforts due to uncosted prior year funds; this helps keep the pressure on to move aggressively to initiate new projects in Russia.

Last year, in the first year that the gentleman from Ohio served as chairman of the subcommittee, the FY 2004 Energy and Water Development appropriation fenced some funds for advanced nuclear weapons concepts, specifying that $4 million could not be spent until the Administration provided a revised nuclear stockpile plan. Thanks to this action, the Departments of Defense and Energy have finally delivered a revised plan that details how the United States will achieve our treaty commitments to bring the number of deployed nuclear weapons down to the range of 1,700 to 2,200 by the year 2012. The development of this plan is vital to our nation.

Now, the spending plans of the National Nuclear Security Administration need to be brought into alignment with the revised nuclear stockpile plan. I am committed to working with the majority and DOE to bring this about. For FY 2005, the bill will fund the beginning of this process by providing support for an ongoing program of disassembly for nuclear weapons that are no longer needed. A smaller stockpile will be less expensive to maintain and certify while still providing a more-than-adequate nuclear deterrent.

Experience shows that when the Department of Energy's labs are forced to compete with universities and other outside research groups, the country gets more for its money and the labs actually do better work. The Department has for some time asserted that open competition between its labs and external entities, such as universities, is not allowed under federal procurement law and regulations. I am particularly pleased that this year this bill instructs DOE to find a way to accomplish fully open competitions and to propose changes to law or regulation if any are needed. I note that DOE labs are already involved in space missions where traditionally competition for science investigations, including major research instruments, is open to NASA centers, DOE and other agency labs, universities ,and corporations, so DOE may find that this is easier than they have asserted in the past.

As we in the Congress push the Administration to develop a five-year plan for DOE and business plans for each of its labs, we also should work to clarify the role of DOE in the life sciences. Our nation continues to make major investments in the National Institutes of Health, yet the DOE is seeking to develop major facilities to support research in protein synthesis and the control genes exert over processes in living cells. Many of these facilities involve the use of advanced physics techniques--a traditional strength of DOE. Does this traditional role in physics research mandate that DOE fund these facilities? Furthermore, does DOE's traditional role as the chief supporter of high energy physics mean that DOE should co-fund satellite missions in astronomy that are traditionally the responsibility of NASA? NSF supports astronomy of all kinds and has since its inception, yet it does not seek funding for satellite missions.

This year, the bill again provides strong support to the Office of Science at DOE. This office is leading efforts to develop a U.S. supercomputer that will be the most capable in the world--a distinction currently held by the Japanese Earth Simulator. Last year, an extra $30 million was provided to jump-start this effort. This year, the Department included this increase in its base budget, but this level of funding will not get the job done. So, again another increase of $30 million is provided for this effort. DOE provides the science and industrial communities with powerful research tools. In the President's budget request, operating time on some of these user facilities would have been less than optimum. To get the most from our past investment in these facilities, funding levels are provided to increase the number of weeks they can operate in FY 2005. More support also is provided for nanoscale science and technology and maintenance of DOE science facilities around the nation.

Long ago, our nation made a commitment to to use nuclear energy to power our submarines and aircraft carriers and to provide a significant amount of our commercial electricity generation. We have operated a nuclear weapons complex for about 60 years. The result is considerable amounts of high-level nuclear waste that is currently spread around our country. For our safety and that of coming generations, this waste needs proper, long-term burial. The Congress and the Executive have decided that this burial will be in Yucca Mountain on the edge of the Nevada Test Site.

Funding for long-term disposal of high level nuclear waste in FY 2005 should be $880 million, but OMB muddled the situation by needlessly proposing that the civilian support of $749 million be funded through a legislated reclassification of money paid into the nuclear waste fund and kept in the general treasury. This, along with the constraints of the budget, has left us unable to provide these funds in this bill. I find it hard to believe that a poorly timed proposal, which in no way affects the

actual deficit, will undermine a policy consensus carefully developed over decades, but that is where we are.

So, I would say to my fellow members, the FY 2005 Energy and Water Development bill is a very good bill. It makes major progress on crucial issues. It provides for many activities that are critical to our nation and the world as well as to regions of our country and individual localities and member districts. I think it will give the House a strong position in our conference negotiations with the Senate. It does not fix all problems, but it provides for significant improvements. I strongly urge that it be passed by this House.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I want to congratulate the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), as well, for his dedication on trying to resolve this situation, helping his constituents, and also make note that he has also been in very close coordination with our office so that we can solve this problem. I do appreciate his very hard work on this.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden).

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall)

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall).

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I assure the gentleman I will join the chairman in reconsideration of this project if the opportunity presents itself.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).

(Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo).

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment.

Madam Chairman, I simply want to rise to associate myself with the gentleman's remarks and the gentleman's objection. I do appreciate the intent, and I do want to work with the gentlewoman as we proceed at conference, but I am opposed to the amendment.

Madam Chairman, if I could ask again which section of the bill the gentleman is looking to strike.

Madam Chairman, I do not know if the Chair is going to uphold the point of order, but I would simply point out that I think it is a very important provision in this bill. I appreciate the fact that the chairman included it in this legislation; and I think from a social and economic standpoint, it ought to remain in the legislation.

Section 502, paragraph A states that it is the sense of the Congress that to the greatest extent practical, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this act should be American- made.

Subsection C of that same section states that if it has been finally determined by a court or Federal agency that any person intentionally affects a label bearing ``Made in America'' in description or any in description with the same meaning to any product sold or shipped in the United States, that is not made in the United States, the person shall be ineligible to receive any contract or subcontract made with funds made available in this act.

I understand the gentleman's intent as far as his motion to strike relative to jurisdictional issues, but I do believe this is a very key and fundamental issue to protect American workers in a living wage in the United States of America. And given the problems we have in this country as far as outsourcing where you have people intentionally lying and violating the law so the United States of America, we ought to protect American workers.

I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) for having this measure in this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, for just one moment.

I would assure the gentleman from Illinois that we all do share his concern. It is my view we have a policy of the United States Government, but that we need a repository.

As the chairman pointed out, we had an extended conference last year with the other body to make sure that Yucca was fully funded. We had a page of permutations as to how to work through the situation OMB placed us in this year. This is not a matter of our doing, and I do assure my colleague that I and the members of the subcommittee want to work through this with the Chair to make sure we proceed in an expeditious manner, and we have to solve this problem.

I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman yielding me this time, and I would join in his opposition.

I respect my good friend, however, I have to vehemently disagree. The administration has proposed a budget, and it is up to us to make a determination as to how to allocate those resources. The subcommittee has done so in a balanced and fair fashion, and I would ask my colleagues to oppose the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Milan Opacich, of Schererville, Indiana. Milan is one of twelve exemplary master folk and traditional artists chosen to receive the 2004 National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. On Thursday, September 30, 2004, he will be honored by the United States Government for his artistic excellence and his contributions to the art field. Milan's praiseworthy contributions will be recognized in Washington, D.C., at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Since 1982, the Endowment has awarded more than 282 National Heritage Fellowships. Recipients include bluesman B.B. King, Irish step dancer Michael Flately, and acclaimed performers Shirley Caesar, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe. Recipients are nominated, often by members of their own communities, and then judged by a panel on the basis of their continuing artistic accomplishments and contributions as practitioners or teachers. Milan was chosen for his expertise and commitment to passing on his skills and cultural traditions to a new generation. I can truly say that Milan is a dedicated, distinguished and committed citizen. I have known him for many years and consider him a close personal friend.

Milan was born and raised in Gary, Indiana by a Croatian mother and a Serbian father. He became interested in string music at the age of four, and at the age of fourteen he began playing country music. At the age of eighteen he took up tamburitza music. After high school, Milan became a journeyman tool and die maker, honing the skills he used to build the tamburitza, a stringed instrument resembling the mandolin. He built instruments for himself, family, and friends; he also played in one of several orchestras.

In 1958 Milan joined the Gary Fire Department. He set up a small workshop in the basement of the firehouse to continue making his instruments during down times. When he wasn't fighting fires, Milan was in the basement of the firehouse making instruments. He worked for the Gary Fire Department for 20 years, retiring 26 years ago. Milan now resides in Schererville, Indiana. He has converted his garage into a workshop similar to a museum of musical instruments. He has several pictures highlighting the different bands he has played with over the years, most recently the Drina Tamburitza Orchestra. Today he is recognized as this Nation's premiere tamburitza maker. His instruments have been exhibited at both the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution and at the Roy Acuff Museum. In 2002, he was named to the Tamburitza Association of America Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Milan Opacich for his outstanding contributions to the arts. His family and friends should be proud of his accomplishments. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Milan Opacich for his lifetime of remarkable accomplishments and enduring service.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today in support of House Resolution 676 and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This landmark piece of legislation has been a cornerstone of our democracy for the past 40 years. The leaders who championed these important protections were visionaries armed with a truly moral cause. Congress sent the Civil Rights Act to President Johnson who signed the measure into law on July 2, 1964. That date will forever serve as the date our country embraced the fundamental right to equality. No longer would Americans tolerate injustice and discrimination.

As the Representative of a racially, ethnically, and spiritually diverse constituency, I have witnessed the blending of cultures and the strong and vital community that has resulted from those forces. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the pivotal moment in American

history that ensured the vitality of Northwest Indiana, and all of our communities. Though this legislation required decades of struggle and sacrifice in order to be realized, the gains we have been able to achieve as its result have been unparalleled.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed in the 88th Congress to enforce the constitutional right to vote, tackling discriminatory tests and obstacles placed in the path of many who sought to have a voice in their representation. It banned discrimination in federally assisted programs and outlawed segregation in businesses such as theaters, restaurants, and hotels. Title VII of the Act took the fundamentally important step of prohibiting discrimination by employers on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or sex. It provided crucial enforcement mechanisms, by enlisting the district courts, the Attorney General, the Commission on Civil Rights, and the newly established Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity. Each provides vigorous and proactive protection of constitutional rights and takes action against those who continue to discriminate. This piece of legislation was a critical step in our Nation's efforts to address the issues of fundamental rights and institutionalized discrimination.

This legislation was, above all ``essentially moral in character,'' as Senate Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen stated. Passing the legislation was the right thing to do at the time, and vigorously enforcing it is the right thing to do in our time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the result of many years of struggle and sacrifice by Americans who fought for equality and justice, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. I applaud all those whose support and efforts led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the most comprehensive civil rights legislation in our Nation's history. It is with great honor and pride that I commemorate the 40th anniversary of this landmark legislation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mr. Alan VanderMeer on his retirement from the Plumbers Local Union 210. Alan has spent over 40 years dedicating his life to the interest of the Plumbers Union as well as his community in Northwest Indiana. There will be a celebration of his accomplishments on June 10, 2004 at the Plumbers Local Union 210 in Merrillville, IN.

Alan has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. After being initiated into Plumbers Local 130 in Illinois, Alan admirably served in the Armed Forces in 1962. He also served as an Apprentice for Plumbers Local 130 from 1960 to 1964, and in 1978 he transferred to Local 519 in Miami, FL.

Alan later demonstrated his loyalty by his outstanding service to Plumbers Local 307 in Hammond, IN. He transferred to Local 307 in 1980 and was appointed J.A.T.C. member in 1984. In July 1990, he was elected as Business Manager and he served as J.A.T.C. Chairman, Retirement Trustee Chairman, Welfare Trustee Chairman, Arbitration Board Chairman, Property Trustee Chairman, Local 307/433 Joint Organizing Trust Co- Chair, PAC Chairman, and Golf Committee Chairman. During the years 1991, 1996, and 2001 he was a Delegate to the United Association Convention. He is presently a Delegate to the Indiana State Pipe Trades, where he served as Vice President from 1990 to 2000.

Alan was initiated into Plumbers Local 210 in July 2000 and was appointed Business Agent. He currently serves as J.A.T.C. member, Retirement Fund Trustee, Welfare Fund Trustee, Vacation Fund Trustee, Market Recovery Fund Trustee, Arbitration Board Member, Property Fund Trustee, and Golf Committee Chairman.

While Alan has dedicated a substantial portion of his life to the betterment of union members he has always found the time to serve his community as well. Since 1990 he has been the Chairman of Plumbers Local 307 and Local 210 Children's Christmas parties. Alan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lake County Contractors Licensing Board, the Hammond Urban Enterprise Association, and the Workforce Investment Board. He is a member of Pirates and the American Legion. Alan was also awarded the 2004 Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Joe Kernan.

Mr. Speaker, Alan VanderMeer has given his time and efforts selflessly to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. His family and friends can be proud of the contributions this prominent individual has made. I sincerely wish Alan VanderMeer a long, happy, and productive retirement. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Alan VanderMeer for an outstanding career, not only with the Plumbers Union, but in service to his community as well.