Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Contemporary Art, MCA, in Chicago. Since opening its doors in October 1967, the MCA has served as a home and artistic outlet for modern day artists.

Through photography, performance, painting, sculptures, and video and film, the Museum houses modern visionaries' ideas and passions. Visitors to the museum are able to witness artistic interpretations of the cultural, social, and historical highlights of our time. As one of the largest modern art museums in the country, the MCA is a place where the public can be informed, educated, and stimulated by the creative process.

Its opening in 1967 gave Chicago and its visitors access to artwork from modern day artists. Dan Flavin, an American minimalist, and Mexican artist Frida Kahlo displayed their first solo exhibitions at the MCA. The MCA was also the first American museum to exhibit the work of Spanish artist Antoni Tapies. The museum also houses the works of American artist Jeff Koons and American photographer Robert Mapplethorp and many others. Recently, the MCA has exhibited the works of photographer Wolfgang Thilmans, American minimalist Richard Tuttle, and Chicago-based cartoonist Chris Ware.

In 2006 the MCA received the Arts Presenters/MetLife Foundation Award for Excellence in Arts Access. The MCA's commitment to providing access to art for people with disabilities has established the MCA as an institution which embraces artistic talent from all people.

Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this institution. I would like to thank the Museum of Contemporary Art for their contributions to Chicago's outstanding cultural tradition, and I congratulate every one of the artists and employees that has made their 40 years possible. I look forward to more decades of outstanding exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, in 7 years, the President has been awfully reluctant to use his veto pen. But when it comes to important health care legislation, this President hasn't hesitated to say ``no'' to the American people.

Stem cell research, which could cure diseases and save millions of lives, the American people support it. The President vetoed it.

Children's health insurance provides health care to children from working middle-class families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but can't afford private insurance. The American people support it. This President vetoed it.

In my district, Dolores Sweeney works for an insurance company, has three children, and is trying to get private health care for her children, but cannot get it in the private insurance marketplace. Her employer does not provide health care. Her children are on SCHIP. This bill is right for Dolores Sweeney and the 10 million children that get health care through it. The President vetoed it.

Even Republican Senator Charles Grassley said about the President and SCHIP, He simply doesn't understand the bill and he is wrong.

The only health care legislation this President supported was a prescription

drug bill which gave billions of dollars away to the special interests. It is time for the President to stand with the American people and support our children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the outstanding season put together by the 2007 Chicago Cubs. Last week, my hometown Cubs clinched the National League Central title with a regular season record of 85-77, and tonight they head to Phoenix to take on the National League West Champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Led by Manager Lou Piniella, the Cubs stormed back from an 8\1/2\ game deficit to edge out the Milwaukee Brewers for the division title, their first since 2003. In just Piniella's first season at the helm, the Cubs had the biggest win increase in the Majors from last season to this season, winning 19 more games than in 2006.

In a year marked by adversity, the Cubs overcame injuries, some internal strife, and the possible sale of the team to band together with the right blend of strong veterans like Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, young players like Ryan Theriot and Carlos Marmol, and key offseason acquisitions Alfonso Soriano, Mark DeRosa, and Ted Lilly.

I proudly represent Wrigley Field in the Fifth Congressional District, and I am excited to see the return of postseason baseball to the Northside of Chicago.

Carlos Zambrano will set the tone tonight in game one in Arizona, and Rich Hill and Ted Lilly will take the ball after that to lead our Cubbies to victory in the NLDS.

Congratulations are in order to each and every player, coach, and employee of the Chicago Cubs. I wish them all the best of luck against the Diamondbacks, and I look forward to watching them do their best to reverse the curse of the billy goat.

Mr. Speaker, the President has asked for another 190 billion more dollars for the war in Iraq. That's 190 billion more dollars for more of the same.

For 41 days for the cost of the war, 10 million American children would get their health care. For 1 month for the cost of the war, 7\1/ 2\ million American children would get their health care. And for 1 week for the cost of this war, 2\1/2\ million would get their health care.

The President is asking for an open-ended, open-wallet commitment to Iraq, and the American children get an empty stocking.

Meanwhile, under the President's own plan, 1 million American children would lose their health care, according to the experts. Nearly 1 million children would create a very long line in America's emergency rooms. The emergency rooms are President Bush's answer to America's health care crisis.

Seventy-two percent of Americans support our reauthorization of the children's health care bill. The President and 15 Republicans stand in the way of 10 million children receiving the health care that we receive here as Members of Congress.

There have been three vetoes in President Bush's term: one to end the war, one to permit stem cell research, and now one to allow 10 million children to get their health care. That says it all about President Bush.

Mr. Chairman, I was absent from the Chamber for rollcall vote 935 on October 3, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, President Kennedy once said, To govern is to choose. $700 billion for the war in Iraq but no health care for America's children. $50 billion in subsidies for big oil companies, but no to health care for America's children. $8 billion in no-bid contracts and lost in waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq, but no to America's children. Billions of dollars for schools and roads and clinics in Iraq, but no to health care for America's children.

Today, the President told millions of children and their families that they're on the bottom of his priority list.

Now, I used to work in the White House. I know it can be quite isolating. I just never knew it was this isolating. When 45 Republican House Members, 18 Republican Senate Members, Governors who are Republicans, Democrats come together, build this type of consensus, it's time for the President to see what the American people see, that this is the right health care.

You have the same health care for you and your families that we are trying to provide for these 10 million children whose parents work full-time.

Delores Sweeney in my district works in an insurance company, has three children, and she's trying to get the health care for her children that she cannot get in the private insurance place.

This is right for Delores Sweeney. It's right for your kids. Let's make it right for America. Vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the Chamber for rollcall votes 924, 925, and 926 on October 1, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 924, 925, and 926.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Defense Secretary Gates requested 43 billion more dollars for the war in Iraq, 43 billion more dollars to support the President's plan for more of the same. We have spent $400 billion in 4 years on the war in Iraq.

For 41 days of the cost of the war, 10 million children would get health care. For 1 month for the cost of the war, 7\1/2\ million children would get health care. For 1 week of the cost of the war, 2\1/ 2\ million children would get health care.

While billions have gone unaccounted for in Iraq, and the administration has shown no willingness to do what is necessary to crack down on the waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq, the President calls health care for American children excessive spending.

The President is asking for an open-ended, open-wallet commitment to Iraq; and yet he's told America's children, you're on your own.

I want you to think about this: there have been three vetoes in President Bush's 7 years; one to redeploy from Iraq, one to permit stem cell research, and one to give 10 million children health care; and it says it all about the President and his priorities.

Last week the President asked for $200 billion more for the war in Iraq. In the same week, the White House said that the bipartisan plan to give 10 million children health care included ``excessive spending'' and threatened to veto it.

I agree we have excessive spending. In Iraq. For 41 days of the war in Iraq, 10 million U.S. children would get health care; 41 days of the war in Iraq, where we have been at war for over 4\1/2\ years.

Make no mistakes, this debate is not about spending. It is about priorities. So it is no surprise that the President finds himself increasingly isolated from Republicans here on Capitol Hill, in the Senate, in the House, and Republicans in the State capitals around America.

This President is isolated from where the American people are. They would like to see 10 million children get their health care.

Just listen to what Republicans have been saying. Senate Republican Orrin Hatch: ``We're talking about kids who basically don't have coverage. I think the President's had some pretty bad advice.''

Senator Charles Grassley, another Republican, said that the bipartisan plan ``breaks the legislative impasse and should have strong support from both Democrats and Republicans.''

From minimum wage, to lobbying reform, to veterans health care, to college education, we have passed bipartisan solutions to problems facing America. That is what this bill does.

Thank you for the Republican support for this Democrat initiative. It is right for America's children. It is time to put them first, 10 million kids.

Mr. Speaker, in Alan Greenspan's recently released memoir, President Bush and the Republicans in Congress come in for some sharp criticism.

Reuters said of the book, ``Mr. Greenspan sharply criticizes President Bush's administration and Republican congressional leaders in his memoir for putting political imperatives ahead of sound economic policies.''

The New York Times said of Mr. Greenspan's book described, ``The Bush administration is so captive to its own political operation that it paid little attention to the fiscal discipline for the Nation.''

Increasing America's debt by $3 trillion, the same fiscal discipline we had in the 1990s, the pay-as-you-go rules, led to a $5 trillion surplus when President Bush took office and has led to a $3 trillion debt increase under President Bush and the Republicans.

The fiscal discipline that we had in the 1990s is exactly what the Democrats have put in place in this new Congress, hoping to put in place the fiscal type of discipline and the budgetary discipline that would lead us again to surpluses and balancing America's book.

And Mr. Greenspan could not have said it better, when people have taken the time to put their political interests ahead of America's long-term economic interests.

Mr. Speaker, the former Fed Chairman, Alan Greenspan, has recently released his memoir for the years of his time in public service. And it comes as a surprise to many that President Bush and the Republicans in Congress do not fair particularly well.

Reuters said the Fed chairman, Mr. Greenspan, in his book, ``sharply criticizes the President, President Bush's administration and Republican congressional leaders for putting political imperatives ahead of sound economic policies.'' The New York Times said of Mr. Greenspan's book: ``The Bush administration was so captive to its own political operation that it paid little attention to fiscal discipline.''

And the irony here is that when President Bush took office and the Republicans had control of the House and the Senate, they were left with $5 trillion in surplus. And in a short period of time, they've added $3 trillion to the Nation's debt; $3 trillion, the fastest accumulation of debt and greatest amount of debt in the shortest period of time in American history.

Now, this is what he goes on to say about this administration, which I find almost intriguing, and also about the Republicans. He looked forward, he says, to working with this administration because at least he worked, as he said, with some of the best and brightest of this administration. And he shared memorable experiences with Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, among others. And on a personal basis, that is how it worked. But on policy matters, I was soon to see my old friends veer off in unexpected directions.

He was disappointed, he says, from the start. Mr. Greenspan notes that ``little value was placed on rigorous economic policy debate or weighing the long-term consequences.'' He says that in George W. Bush's White House, the political operation was far more dominant.

Now, I will mention, since it's only fair, that he is quite complimentary of what President Clinton and the Democrats did in the 1990s of basically a pay-as-you-go process, weighing long-term economic consequences to their decisions, and always putting America's long-term economic consequences before political considerations. And he praises what was then the fiscal discipline that was adopted in the 1990s that led to unprecedented economic growth.

Now, Mr. Greenspan does not put all the burden of the $3 trillion of debt on President Bush. He puts that burden also on the Republicans in Congress for what they did in conjunction with this President. And, again, let me read from his book. Greenspan says that ``for many of the Republican Party leaders, altering the electoral process to create permanent Republican-led government became a major goal. House Speaker Hastert and House Majority Leader Tom Delay seemed readily inclined to loosen the Federal purse strings any time it might help add a few more seats to the Republican majority.''

Alan Greenspan notes that the Republicans led an earmark explosion and says Congress was too busy feeding at the trough. In the end, Mr. Greenspan says again, ``The Republican Congress lost their way. They swapped principle for power. They ended up with neither.'' Mr. Greenspan praises the pay-as-you-go spending rules and the fiscal disciplines of the 1990s that resulted in the surplus I just mentioned.

That is exactly what this new Congress has done is adopt the pay-as- you-go rules, the fiscal discipline that put us on a path to again putting our fiscal house in order and in balance with our priorities as we go.

But Mr. Greenspan's book, I don't think any time soon will be on the best seller list or talked about in Republican clubs or Republican book circles, lays bare what a number of us have been saying about this administration and the Republican Congress, that they, or as John McCain quotes, ``spend like a bunch of drunken sailors.'' And they have now left America stranded with mountains of debt.

The one thing that we can say about President Bush and the Republican Congress when it comes to the economy and the fiscal mess that they've left is that we will forever be in their debt. That is one thing that you can always say. But I find it most intriguing that Greenspan, who is a life-long Republican and served and worked with President Reagan, President Bush, President Clinton, President Bush, and President Ford, saw that this administration and this Republican Congress and cohorts, when they worked together for 6 years, left this country in a worse fiscal shape than the one they inherited. And all of us will be judged in our public life for the country we inherited and the country we left behind. And what we got left behind is nothing but a fiscal mess that those of us who have taken the tough votes and the tough decisions put America's long-term economic interests at the center of our economic policy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 377, the United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act of 2007. I was a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1636, the House companion to S. 377, and was the lead original co-sponsor of the bill in the 109th Congress. This legislation will establish a new program to help American students learn about the Polish parliament, help Polish students learn about the U.S. Congress, and help both of these countries better understand one of their closest allies.

Since the establishment of the Polish Republic in 1919, the United States has been in diplomatic relations with Poland. Our friend has cooperated closely with us on issues such as nuclear proliferation, human rights, and democratization. It is important that the youth of our nations ensure that both social and diplomatic ties between our two great nations remain a top priority.

The purpose of the youth exchange program is to demonstrate to the youth of the United States and Poland the benefits of friendly cooperation between the United States and Poland based on common political and cultural values.

On behalf of the more than 110,000 residents of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District of Polish descent, I want to extend our gratitude. Poland has long been a strong ally of the United States, and has assisted in global efforts to combat terrorism. Our friends have also provided troops and resources for Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is a country that is committed to the democratic ideals of liberty and human rights.

Madam Speaker, I am proud that we are considering this legislation today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a strong symbol of our friendship with Poland.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of more than 110,000 of my constituents who are of Polish descent, I proudly rise to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Polish Museum of America.

The Polish community has existed in Chicago for more than two centuries, and few immigrant groups have come to Chicago in such consistent numbers over that period of time. Beginning in 1830 when three Polish people voted in the first Chicago mayoral election, the Polish community has left an indelible mark on Chicago's political, cultural, and economic development.

The Polish Museum of America is the oldest ethnic museum in the United States. Founded in 1935, the Museum has preserved the artistic, cultural, historic and literary heritage of Poles in America and throughout the world. More than 10,000 people visit the Museum every year.

The 1939 New York World's Fair included various international exhibits, one of which was Poland's pavilion. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, it became clear that the exhibit at the World's Fair could not return to Poland. To preserve a portion of the exhibit, the directors of the Polish Museum of America purchased three-fourths of the exhibit from the Polish government. Today, the Museum displays the memorabilia from the 1939 New York World's Fair Polish Pavilion.

Today the Museum also houses the personal possessions of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. A pianist, composer and the third Prime Minister of Poland, Paderewski and his sister, Antonina, were avid supporters of the Museum. Students and researchers of Polish and Polish American history use the rick collections from the Polish Museum's Library and Archives that include collections on Kosciuszko and Pope John Paul II. The Museum also houses large collections of Polish folklore and an art gallery featuring several paintings by Jacek Malczewski and Olga Boznanska.

To commemorate the anniversary, the Polish Museum of America began a photo project to digitize more than 15,000 photographs of the Polish community in Chicago and the United States. They are also offering a traveling exhibit of Poles in Chicago, and are conducting inventories of publishing efforts in America during Germany's occupation of Poland in World War II.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Polish Museum of America on 70 years of enriching the culture of Chicago, and for continuing to be a hub of activity for Poles throughout Chicago and the country. I wish them continued success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sharon K. Hahs on her installation as President of Northeastern Illinois University.

Dr. Hahs has displayed a lifelong commitment to education and academics, and is well suited for her new role. Prior to her service at Northeastern Illinois University, she was Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences at the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and Professor of Chemistry at Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado.

For over 140 years, Northeastern Illinois University has been providing excellent educational opportunities to students from Chicago and around the country. As one of the most diverse student bodies in America, the University provides a rich melting pot of experience and interaction. With a curriculum of over eighty undergraduate and graduate majors, Northeastern Illinois University offers a wide tapestry of academic opportunity. And with a historical emphasis on teacher education, the University produces a significant number of Chicago's vital public school teachers.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Hahs will not only contribute to Northeastern Illinois University's proud legacy of academics, but also expand the University's ability to educate young minds and shape Chicagoans into spirited and productive members of society.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, I congratulate Sharon Hahs on her lengthy and influential career, her recent selection as President of NEIU, and her many outstanding contributions to education. I wish Mrs. Hahs and NEIU continued success as they work to enhance the University's already sterling reputation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Sharon K. Hahs on her official installation as President of Northeastern Illinois University.

Located in Illinois' 5th Congressional District, Northeastern Illinois University serves over 12,000 students from the Chicago metropolitan area, providing students with an affordable, high-quality academic experience. NEIU has a population that is richly diverse in ethnicity, culture, age and language. The institution today offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and has the largest teacher

education program of the public universities in Chicago and is one of the top producers of education degrees in the state.

Dr. Hahs is the perfect choice to lead this fine school, as demonstrated by her career which has been devoted to post-secondary education. Prior to assuming the role of president, Dr. Hahs served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Director of Special Projects at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Dr. Hahs has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, beginning with a 10-year term as a member of the chemistry department at Metropolitan State College in Denver. She served as Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences at the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg from 1984 to 1994. She then became the first-ever Dean of the newly formed College of Arts and Sciences at SIUE, and served in that role from 1995 to 2000. On July 1, 2000, Dr. Hahs was appointed Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at SIUE.

A native of Washington, Indiana, Dr. Hahs earned a B.A. in chemistry from Illinois Wesleyan University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of New Mexico. She and her husband of 38 years have two daughters and a grandson.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the 5th Congressional District, I again wish to congratulate Dr. Sharon K. Hahs on her installation as President of Northeastern Illinois University. Her experiences as both a teacher and an administrator make her a valuable leader at Northeastern Illinois and for the State of Illinois. I wish her continued success as the President of NEIU and beyond.