Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns) for putting together this legislation which actually is extremely important. I know I have seen in my own practice as a psychologist the importance of helping to make sure that children get to the right professionals and that there is not coercion or threat that goes to the families.

I want to take a few moments, first of all, to lay out with regard to this bill the issues involved with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, an often misunderstood and often maligned diagnosis that because of that lends itself to prejudicial comments as certainly the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) was also alluding to. Attention deficit disorder has a number of diagnostic criteria which are laid out in what is called the ``Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.'' They include categories of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Because psychiatric and psychological symptoms are described in behavioral terms they oftentimes seem vague and only behavioral. For example, under the inattention category, it might mean a person who fails to give close attention to details or has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly or does not follow through on instructions to finish school work, et cetera; often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities or avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.

When one just hears some of those symptoms, one may think that those could cover a wide range of behaviors that may not necessarily reach a diagnosis that requires medication, and there is something to that. That is why it is so very important when there is a concern raised about a child's symptom picture perhaps fitting the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder that that child be thoroughly evaluated by perhaps a team of professionals psychiatrists, psychologists, people who are trained to do this, but not simply referred on the basis of this child is difficult in the classroom.

And let me lay out why. In terms of attention behaviors, we look upon this as a primary, secondary, and tertiary diagnosis. A primary attention deficit disorder is one where a child actually has the symptom pictures of attention disorder related to the biological and in some cases some inherited factors for that, but it is pretty clearly in that category. They meet the diagnostic criteria.

Secondary attention deficit disorder is when the child may have the same problems with concentration and attention and getting their work done, but it is secondary to some other problems. For example, a child may have an anxiety disorder. They may be suffering from depression. They may have sensory problems. I have known children who were referred to me for attention disorder only to find out they needed glasses or they had a subtle hearing loss. They may be having social problems, cultural problems, as they are moving from one school district to another and have a great deal of difficulty. They may have speech and communication problems where they have trouble understanding the teacher. And yet those children's symptom picture can look similar. They are not paying attention, not concentrating, they are not getting their work done, they are agitated and hyperactive. It is important that those other problems are diagnosed clearly and those are treated and those are not the children who should be given medication.

A third type is a tertiary problem, and this is not the problem with the child so much as it is a problem with expectations. That is, people may expect a pre-school child to sit still. People may expect a teenager to concentrate and not daydream. We know anybody with any rudimentary knowledge of having children knows that those are not realistic expectations, and yet there are those sometimes who feel that children who are out of sync with their expectations will somehow require medication, and that is inappropriate.

These diagnostic criteria, I should also add, in the testimony that was given to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, there were some who raised the question of whether or not this was biological. I draw some attention to some research that was done, I believe, in 1990 where they did Positron Emission Tomography. That is, they could look at the activity in the brains of people who were identified with attention disorder and those who were not and found in those who had a diagnosis of attention disorder, their brain activity was somewhat lower.

That is not to mean that they had brain damage. It simply meant by looking at levels of brain activity, they found that those parts of the brain that generally control impulses and thought, that is, the frontal lobe, et cetera, were not as active as those in people who did not have attention disorder. That lent a great deal to the science of understanding attention disorder because all along before that we thought that the brains were overstimulated and it may actually be they were undercontrolled in some regions.

This of course also lends credence to why sometimes one may use medication. The medications used, such as Ritalin or Adderall or Dexedrine, are stimulant medications; and we for many years wondered about this paradoxical effect of why would you give a stimulant medication to actually slow someone down. And the point is that it appears to stimulate those portions of the brain. Basically, sometimes a layman can understand that if they feel tired and groggy and overwhelmed and they are having trouble staying alert and staying focused, sometimes a person, as they are driving down the road, will be overactive.

But the point is this: What I am trying to lay out here is the complexity of this.

Let me end with this one anecdote. When I was practicing as a psychologist, I received a call to evaluate a child, and did so. Then, calling back to the school district, said this child does not appear to have primary attention disorder. I think there were some other issues here, but not that.

I was told then by the referring source in the school district, put this child on Ritalin, or we will never refer another child to your practice again. I challenged that person on that immediately and said I need to go by what I believe an appropriate diagnostic criteria is and suggested they withdraw that threat.

But that is the very reason why we need legislation like this, to say this is not something that should be done to control children. This should be something that is done to help do the best thing in the child's best interest with the best people involved using the appropriate diagnostic criteria.

This is a positive thing for children and ultimately a positive thing for families, and I certainly implore my colleagues vote yes on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 985) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 West Washington Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, as the ``Delbert L. Latta Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 985.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 985, introduced by my distinguished colleague from the State of Ohio (Mr. Gillmor), designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 West Washington Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, as the Delbert L. Latta Post Office Building.

Mr. Speaker, this is a special day for this House as we have a chance here to honor one of our own former Members. U.S. Representative Delbert Latta, or Del, as he was affectionately known, worked 30 years for the people of the great State of Ohio's fifth district. He was one of the House's most devoted Members, and I am proud to be a part of these proceedings to honor him today.

Del grew up in northwest Ohio before serving our country in the Ohio National Guard and Marine Corps Reserve. After graduating from Ohio Northern University's law school in 1943, Del Latta began to practice law in Bowling Green. Ten years later, he sought and won a seat in the Ohio State senate, to which he was reelected two times. Finally, in November of 1958, Del Latta was elected to the 86th Congress, beginning a career where he spent most of his time fighting for fiscal prudence.

Not known as one of this body's most attention-seeking Members, Congressman Latta was definitely one of its most diligent. He held pivotal seats on the Committee on Rules, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on the Budget during his time in the House. In 1975, he became the ranking member of the Committee on the Budget, a post he held for 13 years until his retirement. In that position, Del Latta played an important role by consistently fighting for budget-balancing measures and against wasteful government spending. He was the dean of his home State of Ohio's congressional delegation when he chose to not seek reelection in 1988, and he returned home to Bowling Green.

In addition, perhaps the most suitable aspects of renaming this post office building after Congressman Latta is the fact that this very facility once housed Congressman Latta's district office in Bowling Green.

Therefore, I urge all Members to recognize the public service career of former Ohio Congressman Del Latta by supporting the passage of H.R. 985. I thank my colleague from Ohio for introducing this important measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gillmor), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers on this issue, and I want to again thank the gentleman from Ohio for introducing this important legislation. I urge all Members to support the adoption of this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 178) honoring the life and work of former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Matthew J. Ryan and offering the deepest condolences of the United States House of Representatives to his wife and family on his death.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 178, introduced by my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), honors the life and work of former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Matthew J. Ryan and offers the deepest condolences of the United States House of Representatives to his wife and family on his death.

Mr. Speaker, Matthew Ryan was one of the most influential public servants in the great State of Pennsylvania for more than 20 years. After winning his first term to the State House in 1981, he ultimately rose to the level of Speaker where he served the longest tenure as House Speaker of any Republican in Pennsylvania history.

Speaker Ryan was a well-regarded member of the Pennsylvania State House, largely due to his close relations with all representatives of both parties. Current Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell, a Democrat, kindly spoke to Speaker Ryan's effectiveness and affability, saying that he consistently provided ``strong and effective leadership without resorting to destructive partisanship.''

Governor Tom Ridge, who is now the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, often spoke in affectionate terms of the positive working relationship he had with Speaker Ryan; and similarly, Governor Mark Schweiker, who followed Governor Ridge, talked of Matt Ryan in the most endearing of terms.

Longtime Delaware County GOP Chairman Thomas Judge, Sr. has said, ``You couldn't get mad at him. He was just an individual who would say he would disagree with you, and he certainly would give his viewpoint, but when you left the room, you were friends. He never held a grudge.''

Because of this respect, Speaker Ryan's colleagues in the legislature

honored him by rededicating the Capitol Annex in Harrisburg as the Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building. Luckily, they could do that before Matt Ryan passed away so he could see his name on that building.

Matt Ryan, sadly, passed away on March 29, 2003, after a long battle with stomach cancer. He is survived by his wife, Delaware County Judge Patricia H. Jenkins; five children, Matt, Jr., Maureen, Katie, Terry and Jayne, and 12 grandchildren.

As the resolution states, we offer each of them the condolences of this House and the reassurance that Matthew J. Ryan will never be forgotten. Therefore, I urge all members to support the adoption of House Resolution 178 that honors the career and life of Matthew J. Ryan; and I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) for introducing this important measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding to me.

These issues about creating jobs and dealing with the economy are extremely important to families. I would just like to take a couple of moments to talk about another important issue to families.

Later on the floor this evening, one of our other colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano), will also be speaking; and she and I have been working together to establish a Mental Health Caucus in the U.S. Congress, and I am proud to co-chair that caucus with her.

The goal of the Mental Health Caucus is to raise awareness both in Congress and among the public of the importance of mental health; and it is fitting that this week we speak because it is Suicide Awareness Week, and it is really the first issue that this caucus is taking up on speaking on the floor.

Every 18 minutes someone in this country takes their own life, and suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. The American Society of Suicidology found that 4 to 8 percent of adolescents attempted suicide within the last 12 months, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that half a million teens attempt suicide each year.

In 2000, suicide attempts outnumbered homicides by five to three. In that same year, in my home State of Pennsylvania, 1,356 people took their own lives. As a psychologist, a husband and a father, I find these numbers disturbing, as does everybody else who works in this Chamber.

Everyone knows someone who has been depressed in any given year. In fact, about one out of every 10 adults in this country suffers from some form of depression. Every family knows someone who has suffered from this. For those suffering from severe depression, without treatment, nearly one in six will commit suicide.

The good news is that suicide can be prevented if one recognizes the signs. People commit suicide when they are overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness and are unable to see alternative solutions to problems. Suicidal behavior is often linked to depression or drug or alcohol abuse. These are not the worried well, but these are people whose life circumstances are overwhelming or they have a physiologically based depression or mental illness that leaves them feeling that the only way to end their pain is to end their life.

Those who have suffered the loss of a loved one from suicide know the pain does not end with death. The family members and friends will feel the loss, perhaps triggering their own life struggle to come to terms.

When someone tells you they are thinking of suicide, it is very important that everyone take them seriously and get them professional and medical help. In fact, if someone has reason to believe that, they should call 911 or the national suicide hotline which is 1-800-SUICIDE.

I would like to mention other dangers include talks of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, preoccupation with death, loss of interest in things that a person cares about or giving away valued objects as if preparing to say good-bye.

In sum, danger signs may also take the form of engaging in risky or dangerous behavior, like teens who take too many chances with fast cars or drugs or alcohol.

I would like to highlight for just a moment here some of the things happening in my home State. Since the 1980s, Pennsylvania has made a strong effort towards preventing suicide in youth. The Commonwealth Student Assistance Program was created in 1985; and core teams in each secondary school consist of teachers, principals, school counselors, school nurses, psychologists and social workers from this program called SAP; and they work with identifying students and helping them.

They also have Service for Teens at Risk, otherwise known as STAR, to address problems of teen suicide and violence. They serve children in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

I would like to make one other note here, too, that although I focused on suicide among our youth, a common misperception is that suicide rates are highest among the young. However, it is the elderly, particularly elder white males, with the highest rates. White men, 85 and older, have suicide rates of six times that of the overall national rate.

If we are going to address the problems of suicide, everyone needs to recognize the warning signs. Parents need to talk to their children. Adults and others need to talk to their parents.

This brings us to the underlying important issue of mental health care. Without question, having major depression increases the risk for suicide, and anyone suffering from depression in this country must recognize that depression is a treatable disorder; and we in Congress can do more to improve access to mental health care.

I know that others will be talking about this later tonight, and I appreciate the gentleman yielding on this during this important time when we are speaking about families on many levels. It is important to know we do care about the family on every level, what happens to them mentally and emotionally, socially, economically. All these things are the business of Congress, and they are the business of government; and, again, I thank the gentleman for the time.

At this point, I will insert for the Record my full statement.

I join my colleagues on the floor tonight to call attention to a health care epidemic that claims the lives of three-quarters of a million Americans a year: suicide. This is ``Suicide Awareness Week,'' and it's an important reminder why it's so important for parents, educators, and children to learn the signs of depression and suicide.

I'd like to first take a moment to thank my colleague, Mrs. Napolitano of California, for her hard work in establishing the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, and I'm proud to be co-chair of that Caucus with her. The goal of the Mental Health Caucus is to raise awareness, both in Congress and among the public, of the importance of mental health.

It is fitting that suicide awareness is the first issue that the Caucus takes up by speaking on the Floor today. Every 18 minutes, someone in this country takes their own life. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. The American Society of Suicidology found that 4 to 8 percent of adolescents attempted suicide within the last twelve months. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that a half-million teens attempt suicide each year. In 2000, suicide deaths outnumbered homicides by 5 to 3, and that same year in my home state of Pennsylvania, 1,356 people took their own lives. As a psychologist, a husband, a father, I find these numbers deeply disturbing. Everyone in this Chamber knows someone who had been depressed--in any given year, about 1 out of every 10 adults in this country suffer from some form of depression. For those suffering from severe depression, without treatment nearly one in six will commit suicide.

The good news is that suicide can be prevented if you recognize the signs. People commit suicide when they are overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness and unable to see alternative solutions to problems. Suicidal behavior is often linked to depression or drug and alcohol abuse. These are not the ``worried well,'' but a person whose life's circumstances of physiologically-based depression or mental illness leaves them feeling that the only way to end their pain is to end their life. Those who have suffered the loss of a loved one from suicide know that the pain does not end with death. Family members and friends will feel the loss--perhaps triggering their own lifelong struggle to come to terms with the loss.

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, you should take them seriously and get them professional medical help immediately. If you have any reason to believe that someone is in imminent danger of harming him or herself, call 911 or the national suicide hotline, 1- 800-SUICIDE. Other danger signs include talking about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness; preoccupation with death, loss of interest in things that a person cares about, or giving away valued objects as if preparing to ``say goodbye.'' In some, danger signs may also take the form of engaging in risky or dangerous behavior.

I'd like to take a few minutes to highlight some of the efforts my home State, Pennsylvania, has undertaken. Since the 1980's, Pennsylvania has made strong efforts toward

preventing youth suicide. The Commonwealth Student Assistance Program (SAP) was created in 1985 and operates in all 501 school districts. Every secondary school building is required to have a student assistance program. Core teams in each secondary school, consisting of teachers, principals, school counselors, school nurses, psychologists, social workers, and community liaisons from mental health and drug and alcohol agencies assist in identifying students at risk for suicide or other behavioral health problems.

I am also proud of the accomplishments of the Services for Teens at Risk, commonly abbreviated as STAR-Center, in addressing problems related to youth suicide, depression, and violence. STAR-Center began in Pittsburgh in 1986, and is affiliated with the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. The Center's clinic serves patients in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and since 1996 has treated over 6,400 children and adolescents at risk for suicide. Through its outreach program STAR-Center goes into communities throughout Pennsylvania to address suicide, depression, and other mental health issues our teens may face. And when a suicide or other tragedy does occur, STAR-Center staff consults with educators on how to provide postvention services. This is particularly important given the traumatic impact the death of a fellow student can have on his or her peers. The center also publishes STAR-Center Link, a newsletter featuring best practices on mental health treatment and violence prevention, and its ``Survivors of Suicide'' program is nationally recognized. I'd personally like to thank the staff of STAR-Center for their dedication to our youth.

Although I've focused a lot on suicide among our youth, one common misperception is that suicide rates are highest among the young. However, it is the elderly, particularly older white males, who have the highest rates. White men 85 and older have suicide rate that is six times that of the overall national rate. If we are going to address the problem of suicide, everyone needs to learn to recognize the warning signs, parents need to talk to their children, and adult children need to talk to their parents.

This brings us to the important underlying issue, mental health care. Without question, having major depression increases the risk for suicide. Anyone suffering from depression in this country must recognize that depression is a treatable disorder. And we here in Congress can do more to improve access to mental health care. Legislation has been introduced in the House to provide for Mental Health Parity, H.R. 953. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation, and I hope my colleagues will support this bill as well.

Jobs and Growth Package

Mr. Speaker, when I came to this town I found it to be very different. Back in Pennsylvania, it is not always one of those things that has such partisan disagreements as Republicans or Democrats or Independents. It is a matter of talking with people and finding out what is important to them. In that I would just like to relate a couple things. Whether it is rural communities in Washington County, Pennsylvania, or towns that are struggling along in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, but Americans are concerned about basic things for their family. I hear them say they want some of their tax money back. Some of the issues that are going to be discussed in upcoming votes about increasing the child credit to a thousand dollars, to eliminate the marriage penalty, are so important to families so they can have money for rent, mortgages, and groceries. It is important because they know what their families need.

Here we are battling within the Beltway, and most Americans do not care about Republicans or Democrats. They care about doing the right thing for their family. When they go to bed at night and when they wake up in the morning, that is what they are concerned about. Whether they have decent jobs is a big part of that. Some of the things that are so important are in this job package.

They included aspects which will help small business. Having owned a small business for a few years, I know how important those aspects are. Again, many Americans may not appreciate such concepts as depreciation or small business expensing, but when you are a small business owner and you are taking the money that is really your family's money and investing it to create jobs for other employees, whether it is buying equipment, whether it is a computer or desk or building new office space, that is money that the family cannot use. They are making an investment, and when government says we would like you to take some of that money to create jobs, it means a tremendous amount to families to do that.

I hope we can lay down the arms of battle and pick up the arms that embrace jobs, and do what is right for families. I believe many of these things here, again when we go back to the streets and the farms of America and ask them what they think, they like

these ideas of creating new jobs and bringing some of that money back home so they can do what is best for their families.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 213) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public service employees should be commended for their dedication and service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

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

The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my distinguished colleague and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Reorganization, has introduced House Resolution 213, and I am pleased to join with him today in support. This legislation expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that public service employees should be commended for their dedication and service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all my colleagues in expressing the House's tremendous gratitude and appreciation for their fine men and women who serve our Nation as government employees. Truly no profession is more critical to our Nation's basic operation than the public service.

This is a very important week that offers the more than 20 million public employees a chance to educate all Americans about the countless ways in which government makes life better for all of us, from our Nation's postal employees who deliver the mail to our educators who teach our children and from our law enforcement officials who protect us to our emergency responders who quickly and thoroughly react to disasters. Government employees serve each and every American in countless capacities each day. Their essential sacrifices comprise the backbone of American society.

Today, this House salutes those men and women who work hard every day to make America great. In addition, I have letters from both the President and the Secretary of the Department of Defense expressing their appreciation for the work of civil servants and I will include them in the Record at this point.

The White House,

Washington, April 4, 2003.

I send greetings to those celebrating Public Service

Recognition Week.

Public service is vital to the American character.

Americans realize that giving something back to our

communities strengthens our country and fulfills our

obligation to serve a greater cause. Our Nation is deeply

indebted to the men and women who devote themselves to public

service through their careers.

Every day across America, government employees at the

Federal, State, and local levels carry out countless

responsibilities that help protect our homeland, maintain

critical services, ensure economic growth, and strengthen our

national security. With the creation of the Department of

Homeland Security, more than 170,000 dedicated public

servants are now tasked with the overriding mission of

protecting their fellow Americans from terrorism. These

individuals serve our citizens and help make our government

more efficient and effective.

Over the last two years, my Administration has taken

significant action to encourage public service and civic

engagement. Americans have responded with an outpouring of

kindness and volunteer service that is transforming our

Nation, one heart, one soul at a time. Through the USA

Freedom Corps, we continue to mobilize our citizens and

provide opportunities for individuals to improve their

communities by serving in local schools, libraries, police

and fire departments, places of worship, and hospitals. We

are greatful for these dedicated citizens and for all public

servants who touch lives, inspire others, and help us realize

the promise and potential of our great Nation.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a wonderful

week.

George W. Bush.

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

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

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

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

I have no other speakers, but I would like to make a brief comment to include and certainly urge all Members to support this resolution. But as the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) has said and others have supported, we owe a great deal to our civil servants throughout this Nation in all walks of life. They have helped our Nation in times of trouble and they keep our Nation running smoothly when there are good times. We are grateful for all they do. We want to continue to work to revise and update and work with them to make sure that a government that needs to be fluid and dynamic and adapt to the needs of the time can do so and look forward to their continued input as we support them, as we see what their needs are, as we see what the Nation's needs are in the future.

Again, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this important legislation.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to compliment the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg) on the attempts he is making in this amendment because I think it is critically important that we are working to define very carefully those who are going to do evaluations on children.

However, what I would like to suggest is that we continue to work on this, perhaps that we move it to conference and try to refine some of the wording. Because I think some of the aspects that deal with physicians or trying to carefully define who may do these evaluations I believe we will get some more mileage on. It has been an important distinction over the years that I myself, as a psychologist, having done hundreds of these evaluations, have struggled with in trying to come up with the exact way to define special education and learning disabilities and the right tests. It is an issue that the Congress has been dealing with for many years as well and one that I think really requires our continued attention.

So again I compliment the Members for working on this. I hope we can continue to work on this and try to refine some of these definitions so that we can get to this end perhaps by another means.

Mr. Chairman, I believe the Member is headed in an important direction in terms of identifying a better way of evaluating children. And speaking as the only Member of this Chamber who has done hundreds of these tests, I would like to say medical doctors for the most part do not have the training or the tools to do these evaluations. We need to pursue a clearer definition. I am absolutely in agreement on that, but I am not sure this is the correct way to do this. Even the best neurologists, M.D., can say if brain tissue is malformed or damaged; but they cannot say if the brain is functioning properly and therefore give some explanation or diagnosis of such concerns as Asperger's, autism, or dyslexia at this time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this bill, specifically the provision that would provide $3.2 billion in assistance to the Nation's airline industry. This funding is critical to the health of the industry as our Nation is at war. U.S. Airways, in particular, has a strong presence in Pennsylvania with major hubs in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Since September 11, 2001, approximately 3,000 U.S. Airways employees have lost their jobs in the Pittsburgh region.

U.S. Airways, along with other major carriers, is seeking several remedies to deal with the current crisis within the airline industry. Among the proposed solutions are a repeal of the passenger security tax and the air carrier security fee, proposed takeover by TSA of all screening of passengers and property as provided for in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, permanent extension of the Aviation Insurance program, and suspension of Aviation Trust Fund taxes. These are all important issues that this Congress should address.

Mr. Chairman, the health of U.S. Airways is critical to many more jobs in my district and the stability of the economy in the Pittsburgh region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I urge my colleagues to support this provision and by doing so help insure the viability of the airline industry and save many more jobs that may be lost through no fault of the workers that keep us flying.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution. I would like to thank the gentleman from Iowa for his hard work on the budget resolution. Over the last several days, I've met with House Leadership to voice my concerns with this resolution. Although this budget does not have everything in it I am requesting, it is showing considerable momentum in the right direction.

Most Americans agree that the federal government must tighten its fiscal belt. This budget controls federal spending, while also ensuring that priority items are adequately funded. This budget protects the Medicare program while also beginning the process of reforming the system. This budget also provides $400 billion over ten years to provide a prescription drug benefit. I strongly support this funding, and I will continue to work for a Medicare prescription drug benefit for Pennsylvania's seniors.

This budget protects our veterans. Although earlier drafts of this resolution provided lower levels of veterans' funding than in the President's fiscal year 2004 Budget, I strongly advocated the need for higher levels in my discussions with Leadership and the Committee. This resolution matches the President's proposed 6.1 percent increase in veterans' discretionary spending over fiscal year 2003, and a 7.5 percent increase in mandatory outlays. I would like to thank the Chairman for his commitment to veterans, and for promising to support even higher levels of funding during conference negotiations.

I have met with numerous veterans in my district and across Pennsylvania. Let me reassure those who served our country that I will continue to support stronger funding for veterans, especially in the area of health benefits. More needs to be done. For example, wait times for veterans seeking medical care remain much too long. But this budget is not the end of the road on veterans' funding, and, as the only Pennsylvania Member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue to work on this.

That Committee and several veterans' groups are working together to identify waste, fraud and abuse to ensure that the VA is using its resources efficiently. For example, the VA Inspector General has identified more than 5,500 cases of individuals who may be defrauding the VA by receiving benefits intended for veterans who have died. The VA has recovered $4.7 million from these cases. We must also update and improve purchasing procedures such as for medical supplies and prescription drugs. Every dollar wasted, every penny stolen through fraud or abuse is money robbed from veterans--and none of us will tolerate this.

I also support this budget's call to cut one cent on the dollar from other federal agencies by reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. I believe we can find these savings and, as a taxpayer, I believe we are obligated to try. We must ensure, down to the last penny, that every tax dollar is spent wisely and efficiently.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of protecting Medicare, providing funds for a Medicare prescription drug benefit, and increasing spending on veterans' health care needs.

Mr. Speaker, I am here to voice strong support for the resolution offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston). By passing this resolution, we in Congress will call upon the Iraqi regime to abide by the obligations of the Geneva Convention by treating prisoners of war with dignity and humanity. We are also making it very clear that any individual who mistreats a prisoner of war in violation of the Geneva Convention will be considered a war criminal themselves and prosecuted to the full extent of United States and international law.

The Geneva Convention requires the humane treatment of prisoners of war and that prisoners of war be protected against acts of violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. Furthermore, the Geneva Convention prohibits the infliction of physical or mental torture and other forms of coercion on prisoners of war to secure from them information of any kind whatsoever, and provides that prisoners of war who refuse to answer may not be threatened, insulted, or exposed to unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kind.

U.S. service personnel have confirmed several prisoners of war, and we have to make sure we protect them. I would like to mention as an aside that I ask the American media, television, radio, newspapers, to also avoid any exploitation of family and friends of captives. Information that may be released for the sake of trying to present a good story may be played before our prisoners to try to break their will or manipulate them. I ask Americans if they see such exposures and exploitations, they will speak out.

The thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with the families and loved ones of those soldiers who are captured or missing in action. We owe a debt of gratitude to all servicemen and women who are sacrificing to defend our freedom.

Let me leave this final message to the Iraqi military and their leadership. Soon, very soon, you will be surrounded. Soon, very soon, you will be defeated. Soon, very soon, you will be captives, and the fate you will face will be decided by how you treat our POWs.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), Dr. Gingrey, for yielding to me, and I appreciate the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood) taking the lead on H.R. 5 because it is an important bill.

Madam Speaker, I want to focus some of my comments on some explanations of what else is happening in Pennsylvania, because I think it is very valuable. Liability rates are skyrocketing, and many doctors are finding it difficult or impossible to afford to practice medicine in Pennsylvania. During the first 8 months of 2002 alone, more than 110 Pennsylvania obstetricians stopped practicing in the State. Entire graduating classes of prestigious medical residents in institutions moved out of the State to practice.

Furthermore, about 70 percent of Pennsylvania doctors cannot even afford to buy new equipment or hire new staff because they are strapped by the rising rates, according to a recent survey by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Doctors are overworked, understaffed, working on aging equipment, and patients' access to quality health care has never been more threatened. For example, as a consequence of fewer obstetricians, many pregnant women now have to drive over an hour on the hilly roads of southwestern Pennsylvania just to see their doctor.

In my career I have worked in neonatal intensive care units, and I know the consequences of a mother who is in premature labor, especially those traveling long distances because there are no obstetricians nearby. In fact, there are increased risks for a child to have a variety of potential problems.

I wonder if I might ask the gentleman from Georgia a question on this. I know I have seen children whose mothers go into premature labor, and I think my colleague will agree that oftentimes time is of the essence. If that child is perhaps born at 24, 27 weeks, 3 or 4 months premature, there are a number of complications that can occur. As an obstetrician, what kind of time frame are we looking at under those circumstances where one has to get that baby to a hospital where there are specialists there?

Madam Speaker, I appreciate what the gentleman has said, because it is so important in many children I have seen and I have followed where we have seen the mental retardation and cerebral palsy and brain damage. Luckily, many of these

children do survive and do well, but sometimes the results are tragic so often because it requires more time for that baby to get to the hospital. It breaks our heart to think more of these cases may occur because there are not obstetricians delivering them in regions of the State.

I have also been told by a parent whose young child suffers from seizures that they have to wait 6 to 8 weeks just to see a pediatric neurologist because of a shortage of doctors in that specialty in the region. Our distinguished colleague from West Virginia mentioned a hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia. I know some of the physicians who actually live in my area staff that hospital, and they have told me of the deep concerns they have that a neurosurgeon is not available. So if someone suffers from a stroke, a helicopter has to be called and they have to transport that person to a hospital somewhere else. That hour can mean the difference between life and death or between a functional and dysfunctional life.

The opponents to reform blame soaring interest rates and also the sagging investment revenue of insurance companies due to the stock market decline. But if that were true, all States would be hit equally by the crisis, which is simply not the case. From 1998 to 2002, average liability for Pennsylvania obstetricians jumped from $25,000 to over $64,000. This is compared to States like Wisconsin and California that have seen average premiums hold steady at $35,000 to $45,000.

The truth is malpractice awards in Pennsylvania continue to be unusually large. During the year 2000, combined judgments and settlements in the State amounted to $352 million, nearly 10 percent of the national total, and juries in Philadelphia have awarded more in malpractice damages than the entire State of California did over the last 3 years.

To fix this problem we need balanced medical liability reform that ensures patients who are truly hurt by malpractice are fully and fairly compensated for as long as they need but that does not jeopardize the access of all patients to quality care.

I might also add that we faced many of these problems in Pennsylvania while I served as a State Senator, and we worked to pass a number of reforms in the medical liability system. These included strengthening the State Medical Board's power by granting an enforcement authority to investigate physicians with patterns of error, allowing malpractice judgments for future medical costs to be spread over time, requiring claims to be filed within 7 years from date of injury, eliminating the duplication of recovery for past medical expenses, and allowing doctors and hospitals to have verdicts lowered by a judge if it would force the closure of a medical practice or force a hospital to cut services, thereby damaging the ability to service the community.

Now, some of these are actually in H.R. 5, but I might add this. While these Pennsylvania State reforms were a step in the right direction, they have not had the full positive effects, and there are three majors reasons why.

First and foremost, these reforms do not provide a cap on noneconomic damages, because in Pennsylvania the State Supreme Court has ruled such caps to be unconstitutional and it would require an amendment to the Constitution, taking 3 to 4 years to change that.

Secondly, a large percentage of the malpractice cases currently making their way through the system were filed before this legislation in Pennsylvania was passed and they cannot be affected retroactively.

Three, insurance companies are expecting court challenges to be filed against the legislation and are waiting to see if the reforms are upheld in court before taking any action. As such, it will probably take several years to see the full effect of the legislation, and it is for this reason we need to pass reforms at the Federal level. That is why we need to pass the HEALTH Act, which will provide full and fair compensation.

The bill would also change the current contingency fee system in which attorneys are encouraged to pursue larger settlements in order to receive bigger paychecks. It would use a sliding scale for that.

The HEALTH Act would also permit defendants to be held liable for no more than their share of responsibility for plaintiff's injuries, requiring insurance payments are deducted from damage awards and creating a statute of limitations for filing new lawsuits.

As someone who has spent his career in both health care and public policy, I have seen firsthand the need for comprehensive medical liability reform. We need solutions that address the problems at their root and not just stopgap Band-Aids that temporarily cover up the crisis. Above all, we need to ensure we fully protect patients who are genuinely damaged by medical malpractice while protecting the access of all patients to the best health care our State and our country has to offer.

That is why I believe we need to pass H.R. 5 and make sure that, above all, we protect patients' lives.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 111) honoring the legacy of Fred Rogers and his dedication to creating a more compassionate, kind, and loving world for children and adults.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are here to both mourn the loss of a great American, Mr. Fred Rogers, who died last week at the age of 74, and also to celebrate what he has done, what he has meant to so many Americans and people around the world, and remember his legacy with joy and hope, and look forward to the continued impact that he will have on the lives of so many.

Mr. Rogers was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and he studied child development at the University of Pittsburgh. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. His television program, which debuted in 1964, continues on today, even though the last tape was taped in 2001 and aired last year or so. His program lives on, and I want to make a few comments about the man we all know as Mr. Rogers.

There is a magic that is Fred Rogers that really is not magical at all. He is not the creation of boardrooms or animators or high-tech special effects. He is who he is and nothing less. It is the transparency of being himself, with no pretense or facade, that enabled him to connect with millions around the world of all ages, of all walks of life.

When people think of Mr. Rogers, oftentimes the first thing that comes to mind is his television program of nearly 40 years for young children, though people of today know him well. We are recognizing him here in this Chamber not just for these generations of today, but so that future generations who read the Record in the years to come will be able to know about the moment, this moment in time and what we valued.

I had the pleasure of working at least a little bit with Fred Rogers in one area that was a shared passion of ours and that was quality early childhood education. He recognized that quality education makes an impact on the child's neurological development that lasts a lifetime. I might say when I had the time to sit down and meet with Fred, as anybody else would say the same thing, you sat in his office that had a piano, that had some soft furniture and a puppet or two, and you could not help within just a few moments of finding that you slowed down with your life, that he began to talk directly to you, and you felt things that perhaps you had forgotten in your own life of what was really important. He studied child development while he was studying for his degree as a Presbyterian minister and later worked regularly with Dr. Margaret McFarland, also an expert in child development. Their regular meetings was what created the programs that we now know.

Fred believed that childhood is not just a time you get through, because so many things happen during that time. He had tremendous respect for viewers, knowing that most were young children, all with their own needs but also knowing that he touched the child in all of us, seniors, adults, parents, those with disabilities, everyone.

When one watched his show, you watched him enter the room and you saw him change into his sweater and change his shoes and talk; you immediately entered the world, or rather through his simple magic with his show, he entered the world of children. He was childlike without being childish. He remained the adult, mature and wise, caring and comforting, safe and nurturing. Though his program earned awards that made him the envy of all in television, he was never an actor. He

was a communicator, saying above all else, You are special and so is everyone else in this world. The puppets he created in his Neighborhood of Make Believe would never have made it through today's TV boardrooms. Indeed he was asked to spice up his show with more action. He responded by working to build up public television.

The station WQED in Pittsburgh has been inundated with calls and e- mails that pour in by the minute, not just expressing condolences but people telling their stories, for example, a sports talk radio show in South Carolina finding that their show was taken over by people with their memories of Fred Rogers. Or a young woman who told me that when she was a child living in the neighborhood that Fred Rogers is from, one day she went up and knocked on his door hoping to see him.

He had a magic which was so important to all of us, and it is sad to see that go. But it is important for the children of the world to know that that program shall live on. The messages that Fred sent will continue, about people being special, about parents' love for their children, about being caring, and also the staff that I have come to know with ``Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,'' such folks as Hedda Sharapan, David Newell, Bill Isler and many, many more will continue on with his legacy.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Joanne, and with all whose lives he has touched. The joy will come in knowing that he will continue to touch so many more.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Peterson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart).

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

I would like to add this final quote from Fred Rogers. He said, ``We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'it's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.''

Mr. Rogers has been a hero to us all.

I urge the adoption of this measure, House Resolution 111.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 111.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to make some comments to the Chair in the Chamber in part from my position as a Congressman, but also in my prior career as a psychologist at a time when America's families are facing a great deal of struggle and turmoil under the shadow of terrorism and the current code we are facing.

I believe, as I am sure the Chair did, the strength of America's future can be measured by the strength of America's families. We also know that the weapons of terrorists include more than just their horrible weapons of mass destruction or the threat to use them, but it is also in their abilities to instill fear and worry among a people, and it is important that we do not let them.

We all know the police, the FBI, CIA, thousands of soldiers, and our homeland security team are working to be constantly vigilant to keep out those trying to harm us and hurt our families. But I would also like to help Americans know that there are things people can be doing in each and every one of their homes, as adults and children alike are struggling at this time over what to do.

I am sure my colleagues' offices have been inundated, as have mine, with calls from folks who are hearing about such things as stocking up on goods and supplies, getting duct tape and plastic and having it around their

house in case they need it because of the level of threat and worries. These are all things that are actions we should take just probably in the normal course of things, making sure we have some safety devices around the home. But it is important we do not succumb to the types of things terrorists want us to worry about.

When terrorists threaten societies, they try to instill fear and helplessness among citizens. They seek to hold a society or government hostage by the fear of destruction or harm. It evokes a fundamental sense of helplessness, which can lead to other psychological stresses and problems. And as we are trying to cope with the irrational information that is beyond our comprehension, to know that people are trying to harm us, it can set up a whole chain of psychological events culminating in fear, helplessness, vulnerability, and grief. Those things, in turn, have an impact upon our society, our economy, as they affect our spending and our optimism.

Let me offer some suggestions that America's families and parents can use to cope with these struggles as they face us. First of all, it is very important that adults be aware of the feelings that they may be experiencing. Understand that these feelings are normal reactions to an abnormal, stressful situation. It is important that adults educate themselves on how to handle the situation, what to do in response and to prepare themselves and their families.

It is important to remember that all of us have faced adversity and trauma in the past, and try to remember what we did to pull up our own courage and strength to overcome fear and helplessness. It is also important to talk to others about our fears and understand that it is okay to ask for help. It is important to make efforts to maintain the usual routines, to think positively, to recognize that terrorists are trying to create fear, and know we should not succumb to them.

It is also important, as adults, that we limit some of our exposure to media coverage. The networks are now filled with news. The daily news, the news channels, constantly barrage us with information, and it reaches a point where people should finally turn it all off so they can get on with their lives and, of course, also do other things to reduce stress, getting out, doing their jobs, exercising.

I also want to mention some things, Mr. Speaker, that are important for children. Many children struggle with knowing just what to say and understanding their own feelings; and it is important for parents to connect with them, to talk with them and encourage them to speak about how they are feeling about events. Ask children what they have seen or heard or experienced, particularly important among preteens and teens, who may spend a lot of time on the Internet or talk to other peers. Gossip spreads quickly among kids, and it is important adults get involved and help them understand facts.

Assure children that parents and other adults are taking care of them, that they will continue to help them deal with anything that makes them feel afraid. It is also helpful to let children know that they have experienced troubles before, and let them pull up their own courage that has helped them overcome those troubles. It is helpful to remind them to do their best at whatever they are doing, their homework, their activities, their chores or hobbies, because it is that sense of mastery which gives all of us an ability to deal with these troubled times.

Let me also say it is important for parents and children to spend time praying together, for hope, for peace, and just the very act of keeping families together.

During these troubled times, let us remember this, that this Nation, this great Nation that was founded in the pursuit of liberty, fed by daily acts of courage and strengthened by exercising our freedom, will remain strong and great. And know that every family builds upon their strength and hope and courage. That is what stands between us and terrorists and that is what will help us remain victorious and strong as a nation.

Mr. Speaker, during this time I know that these are the things that will help our families in America. The bonds of our families in America will help us remain strong as we face these troubles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the annual celebration of ``Catholic Schools Week.'' Each year, the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Catholic Conference sponsors a week-long celebration recognizing the outstanding educational contributions of America's Catholic schools. Catholic schools locally and nationally will mark this festive occasion by hosting many community, parish and school events.

In Pennsylvania alone, Catholic elementary and secondary schools educate approximately 240,000 students yearly. These schools operate with complete devotion to each and every student, providing them with solid values and academic skills needed in becoming responsible citizens of Pennsylvania and the Nation. Catholic institutions tout a 95 percent graduation rate, and 83 percent of Catholic school graduates pursue higher degrees--a very impressive statistic.

Not only do Catholic schools boast these high standards and excellent achievements, but fervently instill in their students the idea and necessity for commitment to family and the community. Most, if not all, Catholic students willingly provide countless hours of volunteer service to the local parish as well as the entire community. This only proves that Catholic school students are strongly dedicated to their faith, values, family and community.

Not long ago, President Bush signed into law a comprehensive education reform package emphasizing accountability, local control and flexibility, expanded options for parents, and funding for effective programs. Given Catholic schools' record of success and standard of excellence, it is only fitting that these private institutions continue to serve as a model for public education reform in America.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate and express great appreciation to the Nation's Catholic schools on the occasion of ``Catholic Schools Week.'' I especially salute the many Catholic school teachers, principals, and school administrators in the 18th Congressional District of Pennsylvania for their hard work and dedication which has benefited so many young people. My best to all the students in their continuing academic careers and future endeavors.