Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, As an initial co-sponsor, I offer my support of H.R. 1716, a bill to make sure that Impact Aid to school districts to provide educational support, is assured as an entitlement. Today, as members of our military are being shipped abroad in large numbers to prepare for a possible war, it is critical for them to know that their children's schools are being supported by their government.

The need for Impact Aid has been clear for over half a century. Begun in 1950, Impact Aid recompenses districts for the loss of a variety of taxes which form the basis of school support. Military land and the military homes located on that land do not contribute to property taxes. Over three-quarters of the military members in my district claim residency in other states and do not pay state income or car registration taxes. In addition, all sales on military installations are exempt from state sales taxes. Property, income, and sales taxes are the money which pays for education.

Because the frequent transfer of military members results in increased transiency in schools, districts which serve large numbers of military children have increased costs.

The school districts located in my congressional district are also known for offering a variety of services to special needs children. When military families have children with a high level of needs, the service provides compassionate assignment flexibility to enable them to stay in the area. This further increases costs for these districts.

After more than half a century of support, it is time to stop making annual judgments about the value of Impact Aid. It is time to openly declare to every member of our armed services that we assure them that support for their children's education is not negotiable. Our commitment must not waiver.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Greenwood substitute. We know that the people who have come before us today have said, and they have said this very clearly, that none of us supports cloning as a means of human reproduction. But we also know that drug discoveries often have narrow targets. I believe that my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood), mentioned the number of organizations that are supporting this. Those who suffer from unusual illnesses that kill the young seldom have sufficient numbers to stimulate drug research; but it is this basic research we are talking about, this basic research into cell reproduction that, if successful, could benefit large numbers of such diseases, each of which affects a small number of people.

None of us here would want to look a constituent in the eye and say that we rejected the possibility of pursuing 21st century science which might have saved the life of their loved one.

Mr. Speaker, today I am re-introducing two bills that address an important public health issue: the safety of dietary supplements. Walk into any neighborhood drug store or discount store and you will find yourself surrounded by a variety of dietary supplements. Their labels tout promises ranging from ``safe and easy'' weight loss to increased muscle gain to lower cholesterol. However, dietary supplements are not subject to rigorous safety or efficacy standards and face only limited regulatory oversight under federal law.

My bills will protect consumers and increase the flow of information to the public. They will

give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority it needs to make informative and scientific decisions about the safety of dietary supplements.

The Dietary Supplement Information Act requires manufacturers, producers and distributors of dietary supplements to register with the FDA. They would be required to submit all serious adverse event reports to the FDA within 15 days. Supplement manufacturers and the FDA will work as partners to investigate and analyze these reports. To make sure that consumers know how to report an incident to the FDA directly, my legislation will require the FDA's MedWatch phone number and website to be printed on all dietary supplement product labels. If the FDA determines that a specific supplement may have serious health consequences, it can require the manufacturer to do a postmarket surveillance study to ensure that the product is safe.

Many of these dietary supplements contain ephedra, also commonly listed as ma-huang or ephedrine alkaloids. Sadly, a number of consumers, including some of my own constituents, have experienced adverse reactions after using ephedra-based supplements. Lured in by product claims of more energy, quick weight loss or improved athletic performance, consumers experienced depression, agitation, heart attacks, and strokes. In some cases, people have died after taking ephedra supplements. These severe effects demand increased public awareness, especially since the average customer profile includes young people.

The Ephedrine Alkaloid Consumer Protection Act gives consumers information about the potentially lethal side effects and drug interactions of ephedrine alkaloid products. First, it will require a standardized warning to be printed on the label. The bill will also make sure that consumers know how to report any concerns or adverse reactions by requiring the FDA's MedWatch phone number and website to be printed on the product label. Finally, the bill will protect our kids by prohibiting the sale of ephedrine to minors. No person under the age of 18 years old will be able to buy ephedrine products.

To ensure that this provision is enforced, products will be kept ``behind the counter'' so that sales personnel are more aware of the age restriction. Putting the product behind the counter will also make adults more aware of the risks associated with ephedra. If they have to ask for assistance to get the product, they will be more likely to read the warning label and talk to the pharmacist about possible side effects.

Since I first introduced these bills two years ago, momentum has clearly grown for improving consumer safety regarding ephedra. I have seen a growing number of organizations that are addressing the issue on their own. The American Medical Association and its Canadian counterpart recommend banning ephedra. The National Football League recently joined the ranks of the International Olympic Committee, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association in prohibiting ephedra use among their athletes.

Collaborating developments in the science community and courtrooms support these actions. A recent study conducted by the University of California at San Francisco reported that dietary supplements containing ephedra accounted for 64 percent of all adverse event reports related to dietary supplements. The emergence of ``ephedra- free'' products indicates conflict within the industry, possibly a sign that the supplement industry is also slowly realizing the negative effects of ephedra. Allegations against ephedra supplement manufacturers include sloppy research practices, the omission or destruction of negative research data, study design violations, unreported adverse events, along with deception and fraud. In fact, last year a jury in Alabama awarded $4.1 million to four people who suffered strokes or heart attacks after taking ephedra diet pills.

Despite the growing list of allies and evidence, there is still much work left to do within our own communities. Earlier this year, I received a compelling letter from a young woman in San Diego. She said,

``Being a 23-year-old woman, I am exposed to hundreds of diet pills and the need to be thin. One of my dear friends had a stroke from taking an over-the-counter diet pill. She went from a coma, to a vegetable, graduated to a wheelchair and now walks with a cane one year later. She is unable to go to school or work and cannot function as a normal 23-year-old.''

``These dietary supplements are dangerous and harmful. People do not realize the consequences of these magical pills. They are given the notion that they are going to become this ``model-type image'' from taking supplements, but the adverse effects of them outweigh any benefits.''

It is heartbreaking to think of how an innocent purchase irrevocably changed this young woman's life. Ephedra has opened eyes about the need for regulation of the entire dietary supplement industry. Ephedra is a symptom, a deadly symptom, of a larger issue, which is the lack of regulatory control over a multibillion dollar industry.

A change in the current law is critically needed. The FDA must be allowed to collect and distribute accurate information about dietary supplements. At present, its hands are tied. I want to make it very clear that my legislation will not ban dietary supplements. Rather, they offer a common-sense approach to giving the FDA the authority to regulate the industry while maintaining freemarket access. Consumers have a right to know what they are putting into their bodies. We cannot continue to stand on the sidelines and watch them suffer serious medical consequences from these products. Our young people and loved ones are at risk.

I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in swiftly passing these two bills into law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the San Diego State University Institute of World Affairs on occasion of their 60th anniversary and in recognition of their continuing exemplary work. Rather than speak at great length about this fine organization, I'd like to submit for the Record the text of a resolution that I had the honor of presenting.

Whereas the San Diego State Institute on World Affairs is

celebrating its 60th Anniversary; and

Whereas the Institute has gained the respect of the

international community through its educational achievements

and has greatly impacted its campus and community through its

outstanding presentation and analysis of important world

issues; and

Whereas the Institute has promoted international

involvement and has been an active and prominent advocate of

international awareness by bringing to California numerous

highly respected ambassadors, Nobel Laureates, United Nations

delegates, military and government officials, academics,

journalists, scientists, business executives, and other noted

experts on international issues; and

Whereas international issues have become increasingly

important, and the knowledge of world affairs is vital to the

success and security of our nation and of the international

community; and

Whereas the successful efforts of the San Diego State

University Institute on World Affairs have significantly and

positively increased the growth of education, awareness, and

information about international issues and world affairs; now

therefore be it

Resolved, That Congresswoman Susan A. Davis of the 49th

District of California congratulates the San Diego University

Institute on World Affairs for sixty years of successfully

educating the students, faculty, campus and community of San

Diego State University about international issues, world

affairs, and their importance to our nation and for its

diplomatic achievements as it continues to present highly

respected individuals to the university.

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

(Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) in support of House Resolution 25, which recognizes the critical role of mentors in our children's lives.

On the day following our Nation's 37th Super Bowl, I can think of no better way to commemorate the very spirit of this bill than by sharing the inspirational story of Mr. Lincoln Kennedy, who plays right tackle for the Oakland Raiders. Lincoln grew up and attended Morris High School in my hometown of San Diego, California. And just as it is today, the student body at Morris was largely diverse and comprised of children from mostly working-class backgrounds. The school football field doubled as the team's practice field, and ongoing electrical problems allowed for day games only.

High school football coach John Schacklett spotted the 6 foot 6 inch freshman and immediately recognized his potential. He urged him to try out for the school's football team, and Lincoln agreed.

Although forced to play in tennis shoes because the school was unable to acquire the size 17 \1/2\ cleats that he required, it did not take long for Lincoln to develop under the constant guidance and encouragement of a coach who not only believed in him, but took the time to invest in him. And what a difference it made.

Lincoln returned to his hometown on January 26, 2003, to play in Super Bowl XXXVII. Reflecting back on the achievements of his life, Lincoln wondered what he would have done had Coach Schacklett not approached him that fateful day, recognized that he possessed something special, and pushed him to recognize it, too.

``I wonder how I ever would have gotten to college and gotten a college education or what type of job I would be doing right now,'' he said. Fortunately, as a result of the mentoring of Coach John Schacklett, Lincoln will never need to worry about the answer to that question.

The significance of this story should not be underestimated. Lincoln Kennedy represents the millions of youth in this country who stand to benefit immensely from the support of a positive role model. And Coach Schacklett represents the millions of mentors who also benefit from the rewarding and enriching experience of investing in a young person's life and later watching that person grow and succeed.

This case illustrates what we have known for years, and what my colleague just spoke about, that mentoring makes a difference. It provides children and young adults with a stronger sense of self-esteem and optimism for the future. It fuels their ambitions and pushes them to realize their own potential. It helps them to visualize a future other than what they might have aspired to.

We know that this learning experience is a two-way street. Mentoring often brings together people of various ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds. It is easy to turn to those with whom we share obvious similarities. The mentoring relationship, however, often forces us outside of our own comfort zone, allowing us to view the world from different perspectives and appreciate one another's experiences and life circumstances.

In today's world, particularly, this level of understanding has never been more important; and we must do all that we can to foster these relationships.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush's declaration of January 2003 as National Mentoring Month marked a significant stride in this direction. With the passage of this resolution, I hope to reinforce the positive impact that mentoring can have on so many of our children's lives.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by sharing some of the lessons I learned while serving as the executive director of the Aaron Price Fellows Program in my own community.

The first is that simply giving of yourself, be it your time, your advice, and even your interest, makes a difference. For a young person, the security and the confidence that comes from knowing that someone, someone outside of his or her own family believes in them and cares about them is immeasurable.

The second is that there is just no telling how far a young person who receives the sort of personal attention and one-on-one mentoring will go. I am proud to have two individuals on my staff who I personally mentored many years ago, and I cannot tell Members how meaningful it is for me to see how successful they have become today.

Finally, it is impossible to predict how involved or enthusiastic a mentor will become in a child's life. In my experience with the Fellows program, I have seen countless individuals become so invested in a young person's development that they surpassed any and all expectations of the job. I had the opportunity to demonstrate this myself as a mentor; and I can personally attest to the fact that the greater one's commitment, the richer the reward.

One of San Diego's outstanding leaders, who overcame a lifetime of adversity and built a successful life for himself despite the odds, once told me that the single most influential factor in his life was a childhood mentor. I believe that his story, and so many others, prove that mentoring can and does make a pivotal difference in a young person's life.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to join with my colleagues and thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for bringing this resolution forward, and urge passage of House Resolution 25.

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