Spencer Abraham

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Victims of Rape Health Protection Act. This legislation would facilitate health treatment of rape victims by empowering victims with the ability to determine at an early date whether or not their attacker carried the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Mr. President, in addition to a rape survivor being forced to live with the horrific elements commonly associated with the act of rape, rape victims simultaneously are threatened by yet another cruel aggressor, the HIV disease. Current medical technology is limited in its ability to detect HIV in the body during the initial stages of infection; as such, if the victim must rely on self-testing alone, the presence of HIV may not be evident for months. Reports from both the American Medical Association and a study published in the April, 1997, New England Journal of Medicine outline the merits of early action in the fight against HIV. As immediate and intensive administration anti-HIV drugs has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection, early knowledge of whether or not a victim has been exposed to the virus is imperative to embarking on critical, potentially life-saving courses of medication. Mr. President, ten years ago Congress passed a law that allowed rape victims to compel testing of their attacker upon conviction. Over the years medical science has made important advancements in the fight against AIDS, and it is time for the law to follow suit. Today, I wish to challenge the current inadequate policies which exist in some states, and allow victims of rape early access to their assailants' HIV screen results. Where there is any risk of transmission of the virus, this legislation would require states to actively screen rape defendants for HIV and disclose the results to the victim within forty-eight hours of an indictment or information. Beyond notification of the victim, test result confidentiality would be determined by the individual states as they see necessary to protect the privacy of their citizens. Federal Byrne Grant funding would be made available to the states in order to help pay for the testing; states which refuse to operate in compliance with these testing requirements would be subject to a ten-percent reduction of their Byrne Grant funds. Mr. President, I have read far too many stomach-churning accounts of both female and male rape victims, at every age, where early knowledge of a sex offender's HIV status--positive or negative--may have spared the victim unnecessary mental anguish, or possibly, may have spared the victim's life. At this time, I would like to share a few of these sad stories with my colleagues. In the summer of 1996, a seven year old girl was brutally raped by a 57 year old man. The little girl and her five year old brother had been lured to a secluded, abandoned building in the East New York section of Brooklyn. The man raped and sodomized the girl. Her brother, meanwhile, was beaten, tied up and forced to witness his sister's rape. After the man's arrest, the defendant refused to be tested for HIV. His refusal was permitted by the state's laws. The man latter told the police he was infected with HIV. In New Jersey, three boys gang-raped a 10 year-old mentally-retarded girl. The girl's family demanded that the boys be tested for HIV; these requests were denied. Three years after the girl was raped and the boys were convicted, the family was still fighting to learn the HIV status of the rapists. A Maryland man with HIV sexually assaulted an 11 year-old boy for over a year. It was not until the man's trial that it was learned he was infected. Mr. President, I do not believe I need to elaborate further on this subject. I believe we have a unique opportunity to help ease the stress and suffering of women and children mercilessly raped and wounded by sexual predators, and in the process, we will change a system which currently favors the so-called privacy of sex offenders over the health of their victims. I implore my colleagues to support the Victims of Rape Health Protection Act. May we finally deliver a higher degree of security and safety to rape victims, regardless of age or gender. Mr. President, I ask for unanimous consent that the text of this legislation and a letter from Ms. Deidre Raver, a rape survivor who has championed this cause for years, be inserted in the Record.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to explain my vote against the Boxer amendment No. 4308 to the FY01 VA/HUD Appropriations bill. This amendment addressed two issues which are very important to Michiganians: clean air and clean water. Unfortunately, whatever the intentions of the author, the amendment would have done more harm than good. I particular, I was troubled by the attempt to strike language which will prevent the EPA from designating Michigan counties as being in nonattainment, or not meeting clear air requirements. On May 14, 1999, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in American Trucking Association v USEPA, ruled that the 8-hour ozone standard as proposed by EPA be remanded to EPA for further consideration. The 8-hour standard was therefore suspended. The court specifically noted that USEPA retains the power to designate areas as nonattainment under a revised national Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), however, there must be a legal standard in place before USEPA makes such designations. Since the 8-hour standard was remanded, it is not legal NAAQS. In response, EPA announced its intention to reinstate applicability of the one-hour ozone standard. However, in determining which communities were in nonattainment under the one-hour standard, EPA intended to make air quality designations based on the designations of these areas at the time the 1-hour standard was originally revoked, rather than rely on the most recent air quality data. Under this proposed action, six Michigan counties would have been in nonattainment even though all six have monitoring data measuring attainment--Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Genesee, Muskegon, and Allegan. These are counties that were previously designated as nonattainment of the 1-hour standard. Although they were previously designated as nonattainment, only Muskegon was ``classified'' under the classification scheme of the Clean Air Act. Thus, only Muskegon County was subject to the major ozone control programs, but all nonattainment counties are subject to tougher permit and offset requirements. Even though these counties are now in attainment, tougher permit standards would have been required for new major stationary sources just because these counties were previously designated as nonattainment for the 1-hour standard. Additionally, offset requirements for major stationary sources would have applied. In addition, these six counties would have had to resume doing transportation and general conformity for projects receiving federal funds. Under the revocation, conformity was not a requirement. Conformity was a continuing requirement for redesignated areas. Shortly after the announcement, I made clear to USEPA that in my opinion there was no rational basis for intentionally jeopardizing economic development and the construction of much-needed road projects in areas that are meeting attainment levels for the 1-hour ozone standard. Further, I noted that EPA should not disregard air quality improvements made in several areas of the state and should base any non-attainment designations under this rulemaking on the most current air quality monitoring data available. To date, I have not been satisfied with the response from USEPA and for that reason, I supported the language included in the FY01 VA/HUD Appropriations bill. This language will prevent EPA from designating any Michigan county as nonattainment for the next 12 months or until the courts have settled the pending matter, whichever happens first. In fact, I understand that EPA actually agreed to this language in a compromise with the house. It was unfortunate that the Boxer amendment also sought to permit EPA to move forward on a new arsenic standard. This is an issue which I believe merits independent consideration. I understand the arsenic standard has not been updated in almost 60 years. However, I am concerned that the push to lower the standard to 5ppb from the current 50ppb may be too extreme. While large water systems may be able to comply with such a strict requirement, I am not at all certain that smaller systems which serve a great percentage of the Michigan population would be able to comply with that standard. They would therefore be subject to penalties for their inability to comply with yet another unfunded mandate. In any event, I look forward to the opportunity to consider this issue on its own merit, and urge the EPA to base whatever standard it eventually proposes on sound science and even then only after extensive peer review.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized because they are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 blue Ribbon Schools names by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, Michigan, one of these nine schools. The mission of Stevenson High School is to provide every student with a positive learning environment, which will allow them to feel a part of a school community while at the same time achieving their greatest potential as responsible and contributing members of society. This mission is reflected in Stevenson's motto, ``School of Champions,'' symbolizing the importance that the faculty and administration place on developing champions in all aspects of life. Students are treated with dignity and with respect, as faculty view this as the most effective method to help them achieve excellence in school and in life of which they are capable. Indeed, the commitment of the faculty and administration towards making their school achieve to the highest level has been the most important key in it actually achieving at this level. 85 percent of the 94 professional staff members hold masters, specialist or doctorate degrees. All staff serve on one of four target-goal committees, which is only one example among many of how the faculty and administration work cooperatively to facilitate both teaching and learning. They also take an active role in curriculum development, from researching new textbooks and other classroom materials to serving on curriculum committees at the district level. The faculty and administration recently witnessed the success of their efforts, as Stevenson High School recently completed its five-year journey to achieve North Central Outcome-Based Accreditation. The administration at Stevenson High School has also made a concerted effort to ensure that their school is as safe as possible. There is zero tolerance regarding weapons, violence, threats of violence and the use of alcohol or other drugs. A building security plan is in place and practiced on a regular basis, and an evacuation plan is in place to safeguard students and staff in an emergency or crisis. In addition, a support network has been established at Stevenson High School so effective that students trust the administration and faculty enough to forewarn them of potential problems. This is due to the success of student organizations such as the Students Offering Services Club, the Renaissance Club, the Cultural Diversity Council and the Peer Mediation Program. Because of these support groups, students feel connected to the school and to each other, and know that they are valued as individuals. Mr. President, I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Stevenson High School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community that it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Mr. Donald R. Nawrocki, the Principal of Stevenson High School, whose dedication to making his school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Adlai E. Stevenson High School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Victims of Rape Health Protection Act. This legislation would facilitate health treatment of rape victims by empowering victims with the ability to determine at an early date whether or not their attacker carried the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Mr. President, in addition to a rape survivor being forced to live with the horrific elements commonly associated with the act of rape, rape victims simultaneously are threatened by yet another cruel aggressor, the HIV disease. Current medical technology is limited in its ability to detect HIV in the body during the initial stages of infection; as such, if the victim must rely on self-testing alone, the presence of HIV may not be evident for months. Reports from both the American Medical Association and a study published in the April, 1997, New England Journal of Medicine outline the merits of early action in the fight against HIV. As immediate and intensive administration anti-HIV drugs has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection, early knowledge of whether or not a victim has been exposed to the virus is imperative to embarking on critical, potentially life-saving courses of medication. Mr. President, ten years ago Congress passed a law that allowed rape victims to compel testing of their attacker upon conviction. Over the years medical science has made important advancements in the fight against AIDS, and it is time for the law to follow suit. Today, I wish to challenge the current inadequate policies which exist in some states, and allow victims of rape early access to their assailants' HIV screen results. Where there is any risk of transmission of the virus, this legislation would require states to actively screen rape defendants for HIV and disclose the results to the victim within forty-eight hours of an indictment or information. Beyond notification of the victim, test result confidentiality would be determined by the individual states as they see necessary to protect the privacy of their citizens. Federal Byrne Grant funding would be made available to the states in order to help pay for the testing; states which refuse to operate in compliance with these testing requirements would be subject to a ten-percent reduction of their Byrne Grant funds. Mr. President, I have read far too many stomach-churning accounts of both female and male rape victims, at every age, where early knowledge of a sex offender's HIV status--positive or negative--may have spared the victim unnecessary mental anguish, or possibly, may have spared the victim's life. At this time, I would like to share a few of these sad stories with my colleagues. In the summer of 1996, a seven year old girl was brutally raped by a 57 year old man. The little girl and her five year old brother had been lured to a secluded, abandoned building in the East New York section of Brooklyn. The man raped and sodomized the girl. Her brother, meanwhile, was beaten, tied up and forced to witness his sister's rape. After the man's arrest, the defendant refused to be tested for HIV. His refusal was permitted by the state's laws. The man latter told the police he was infected with HIV. In New Jersey, three boys gang-raped a 10 year-old mentally-retarded girl. The girl's family demanded that the boys be tested for HIV; these requests were denied. Three years after the girl was raped and the boys were convicted, the family was still fighting to learn the HIV status of the rapists. A Maryland man with HIV sexually assaulted an 11 year-old boy for over a year. It was not until the man's trial that it was learned he was infected. Mr. President, I do not believe I need to elaborate further on this subject. I believe we have a unique opportunity to help ease the stress and suffering of women and children mercilessly raped and wounded by sexual predators, and in the process, we will change a system which currently favors the so-called privacy of sex offenders over the health of their victims. I implore my colleagues to support the Victims of Rape Health Protection Act. May we finally deliver a higher degree of security and safety to rape victims, regardless of age or gender. Mr. President, I ask for unanimous consent that the text of this legislation and a letter from Ms. Deidre Raver, a rape survivor who has championed this cause for years, be inserted in the Record.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mr. George W. Kuhn, who is retiring this year after a 60-year career during which he split time between the United States Navy, the Ford Motor Company, and being a public servant. Whatever the forum, he has been a leader and an inspiration to those around him. Mr. Kuhn graduated from Central Michigan University, majoring in business administration, economics, and political science. In 1943, he entered the Naval Service and served aboard the Tender U.S.S. Pelias as a Finance Officer. He returned to active duty during the Korean War and served at U.S. Naval Stations in New York and in the Panama Canal Zone. Ultimately, he retired as a Navy Captain after completing 39 years of service, both on active duty and in the Naval Reserves. Following the Korean War, Mr. Kuhn completed Ford Motor Company's Management Training Program. He served on the staff of the Vice President of Product Development for 20 years, coordinating the development phases of styling, engineering, purchasing and manufacturing of future car programs. Mr. Kuhn's passion has always been in public service, though. He has been a leader within the Oakland County Republican Party for nearly 50 years, since his involvement in Eisenhower's first presidential campaign. In 1959, he was elected Mayor of the City of Berkley, Michigan. He served as Mayor until being elected to serve as a State Senator in 1966. During his four year tenure in the Michigan State Senate, he served as Chairman of the Corporations and Banking Committee, Chairman of the Senate Municipalities and Election Committee, and as Senate Majority Whip in 1970. In November of 1972, he was elected Oakland County Drain Commissioner, and he has served admirably in this position for the past 28 years, making him the longest active member of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Kuhn has often been recognized for his efforts. He has received the Ford Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award at the 75th Anniversary of Central Michigan University, he has been honored by the Michigan Associated Underground Contractors, Inc., in appreciation of his contributions to the underground construction industry, and is a recent recipient of the Oakland County's annual Quality People, Quality County (Q2) Award which recognizes outstanding service to the community. I applaud Mr. Kuhn on his extraordinary service to Oakland County, the State of Michigan, and our Nation. His leadership in all phases of his 60 year career has been exceptional and will be dearly missed. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate and thank Mr. George W. Kuhn on a wonderful and successful career, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mr. Donald W. Jensen, who is retiring on January 1, 2001, after 13 years of service as a member of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Since 1987, Commissioner Jensen has represented the citizens of District 15 to the best of his ability, which has been in an exemplary manner. Commissioner Jensen graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in Business Administration. He spent much of his work career with Burroughs Corporation, where he served as Director of Advertising and Public Relations. His primary responsibility was the design and production of promotional and technical literature, though he was also responsible for media advertising, the public relations department, and the operation of their international literature distribution facility. While at Burroughs, Mr. Jensen was a Board Member and President of the National Trade Show Exhibitors Association. Public service has always played an essential role in Commissioner Jensen's life. Prior to being elected to his current position, he served for nine years as a member of the Birmingham, Michigan, City Commission and then later as Mayor of Birmingham. He was a Founder and Board Member of the Foundation for Birmingham Senior Residents, an organization which enables seniors to remain in their homes. He has also served on the Board of numerous other organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Center for Independent Living. As a County Commissioner representing the Cities of Berkley and Birmingham and a portion of the City of Royal Oak, Mr. Jensen has served as Chairman of the General Government Committee from 1993-94, as Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, and has been a member of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' Public Services Committee, and the Health and Human Services Committee. He has also been a Trustee of the County Library Board for 12 years, and served on the Taxation and Finance Committee of the National Association of Counties. I would like to thank Commissioner Jensen for his dedication and many efforts throughout his career in public service. His leadership during this time has been exceptional and will be dearly missed. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Mr. Donald W. Jensen on a wonderful and successful career, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized because they are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Glenn W. Levey Middle School in Southfield, Michigan, one of these nine schools. Glenn W. Levey Middle School takes pride in its tradition of addressing the learning needs of the whole child at a crucial stage in his or her development. The staff is firmly commited to educating all students through a challenging curriculum, a strong academic program, and a collaborative professional development program. This program takes into account the multiple needs of a middle-school population, needs which Levey has long worked to meet. Levey was one of the first schools in the district to implement interdisciplinary teaming, block scheduling, and to align its curriculum with state and national standards. It is one of a select group of schools in the United States to successfully implement an IMAST (Integrated Mathematics, Science and Technology) Program. As a result of its success in these areas, Levey was one of the first schools in its district to acquire North Central Accreditation, NCA, receiving the highest scores in every NCA category. The staff and students of Levey Middle School are proud of its history as a leading middle school, and the fact that it has been a catalyst for change inside the district and beyond. The staff and the community continue to set higher standards and hold greater expectations. With supportive parents, hardworking students, and a skilled and dedicated staff, I am confident that Levey Middle School will continue to set the precedent for years to come. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Glenn W. Levey Middle School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Dr. Linda Paramore-Ford, the Principal of Glenn W. Levey Middle School, whose dedication to making her school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Glenn W. Levey Middle School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Gus Cifelli, who will retire later this year from a career which has included a Purple Heart, a world championship, and nearly 30 years of exemplary service as a District Court Judge in the State of Michigan. Throughout each phase of this career, he has been a leader and an inspiration to those around him. During World War II, Judge Cifelli served in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific theater of operations, and was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery. Upon returning home, he attended school at the University of Notre Dame, where he played tackle for four undefeated football teams. Following graduation, he played professional football, and was a member of the 1952 World Champion Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following his professional football career, Judge Cifelli worked as a casualty insurance agent and investigator and a labor relations representative for the Ford Motor Company. In 1972, the citizens of the State of Michigan's 48th District elected him to serve as their District Court Judge. During his time on the bench, Mr. Cifelli has been credited with initiating and implementing the Court's small claims mediation procedures, staffed by volunteer attorneys. He has also created the Volunteer in Probation Program, which involves citizens as probation officers, and been responsible for the establishment of many procedures and standards for the Court's operation. To say the least, he has indelibly left his mark upon the 48th Circuit Court. Judge Cifelli is a member of the American and Michigan Bar Associations, the American Judges' Association, the Justinian Society of Jurists and the American Judicature Society. He is also a member of the Italian American Foundation, the Oakland County Association for Retarded Citizens, and is a former board member of Families in Transition and the Jewish Association for Residential Care. Judge Cifelli has often been recognized for his efforts. In 1994, he was named Italian American Man of the Year. In 1997, he was the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award from the State of Israel Bonds. And in 1998, he received the Law Enforcement Award. I would like to thank Judge Cifelli for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement. Wherever he has gone, he has stood as a role model within the community, and his leadership will be dearly missed. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate the Honorable Gus Cifelli on a wonderful and successful career, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized because they are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize L'Anse Creuse Middle School - North in Macomb, Michigan, one of these nine schools. The mission of L'Anse Creuse Middle School--North, MSN, is for each student, with the support of staff, parents and the community, to ``attain measurable growth intellectually, physically, and socially in a safe, positive environment.'' Being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is a tribute to the success that MSN has achieved in this regard. Increased staffing, thoughtful scheduling and a dedicated staff have been the primary keys to this success. They have also been the keys to MSN completely ``teaming'' its students, the only school in its district to have done so. Teachers also work as parts of instructional teams--most academic teachers have been teammates for at least three years. This fact illustrates one of the greatest strengths of the school, which is the high level of cooperation that exists between members of the faculty, cooperation which in turn facilitates student learning. The administration and faculty at MSN quickly realized the advantages that technology offered to their new learning program and made a strong commitment to improving the ability of their students to access computers. Indeed, this commitment to technology has revolutionized the teaching process and the management of the school. Two computer laboratories are now available to staff and students. Students can also sign out laptop computers for overnight use to help them with their homework. In addition, telephones have been placed in each classroom, which allow teachers to better communicate with parents and school offices, as well as with one another. The administration and faculty of MSN recognize that a truly successful middle school is one that takes elementary school students and prepares them to succeed in the adult world of high school. Their philosophy is represented in this statement from the book The Middle School--and Beyond: ``High quality middle schools result from the creative balance between elementary and secondary perspectives, between specialization and generalization, between curriculum and community, between equity and excellence, between teaching the mind and touching the heart.'' This is the core belief of all MSN faculty and administration, and the programs they have adopted, which have been so successful, reflect their commitment to this belief. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of MSN, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Mr. Erick Alsup, the Principal of MSN, whose dedication to making his school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate L'Anse Creuse Middle School--North on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Roman S. Gribbs, who will retire this year after a long and successful career of service to the State of Michigan. As Sheriff of Wayne County, Mayor of Detroit, and, for the last 18 years, a judge on the State of Michigan Court of Appeals, Judge Gribbs has been a statewide leader for over 30 years, and he has led with a strong and fair hand. Judge Gribbs was born on December 29, 1925. After graduating from Capac High School in the Michigan Thumb area, he enlisted in the United States Army, from which he received an honorable discharge in 1948, having attained the rank of Sergeant. In 1952, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Detroit with a degree in Economics and Accounting, and in 1954 he graduated from the University of Detroit Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. Following graduation, Judge Gribbs remained at the University of Detroit Law School for two years as an instructor. He then spent two years as Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor before moving into private practice with the firm of Shaheen, Gribbs and Shaheen. In 1966, he was named Presiding Traffic Court Referee for the City of Detroit, and in June of 1968 he was appointed Sheriff of Wayne County. In November of 1970, Judge Gribbs was elected Mayor of the City of Detroit. In his four years as Mayor, he became known not only as a solid leader, but a solid man, who was willing to work with individuals from both sides of the aisle to get things done. He played a large role in helping the city put the unruliness of the late 1960's behind it, and once again begin to move in a forward direction. During this time, he also served as President of the National League of Cities, a fact which illustrates that his leadership capabilities were well recognized by his colleagues. Following his term as Mayor, Judge Gribbs briefly returned to private practice before being appointed to serve as a Judge for the Third Judicial Court in 1976. In 1982, he was elected to the State of Michigan Court of Appeals, and he has served in this position ever since. Judge Gribbs brings to the bench a keen understanding of the law. More importantly, he carries with him an approach to its application that is deeply rooted in common sense. He makes many difficult decisions each year, and he makes these decisions with his first and foremost priority being to find a just solution to the problem at hand. It is for this reason that he has become a well respected Jurist. Judge Gribbs is a member of numerous organizations, which will allow him to remain an active member of society following his retirement. These include the Michigan Judicial Institute, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Judges' Association, and the Friends of the Archbishop of Detroit. He has also been very active in the Boy Scouts of America, the American Judicature Society, the Family Conciliation Court, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, the Michigan Youth Commission, the World Trade Club of Detroit and the Slavic American National Foundation. In addition, he is presently on the Board of Directors of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, the Public Administration Foundation and the Northville Township Community Foundation. Mr. President, Judge Gribbs' contributions to the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan are truly immeasurable. I would like to thank him for his dedication and his many efforts throughout his career. His leadership during this time has been exceptional, and it will be dearly missed by the State of Michigan. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate the Honorable Roman S. Gribbs on a wonderful and successful career, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized because they are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Lake Orion High School in Lake Orion, Michigan, one of these nine schools. In fall of 1992, Lake Orion High School set about to create school improvement that was purposeful to the lives of teachers and students. Their goals included a desire to maintain high academic standards, engage the learner, relieve stress, facilitate networking, expand curricular opportunities, curb attendance problems, and raise the responsibility of the student for his or her own learning. Ultimately, the mission was to reach the students of today and help them become the leaders of tomorrow. All this required an enormous amount of time and extensive research. First, a staff committee devised a minimum restructuring of their normal six period days by allotting three hours on Wednesday morning for professional development, a program which was implemented in the fall of 1994. In February of 1994, the Vision of Hope staff committee was formed to investigate the restructuring of the school day. Extensive research, visitations, debate and discussion followed and, in the fall of 1996, a 4 by 4 block schedule was adopted. The block system has resulted in better teacher cooperation, greater flexibility in scheduling, increased student choices and a more meaningful and relevant curriculum for Lake Orion High School students. Lake Orion High School moved into a new building in the fall of 1997, a state of the art facility which has become an ideal setting for the many innovative changes that have become a part of the curriculum. More importantly, the new building stands as the perfect representation of the overall growth that has occurred at Lake Orion High since the fall of 1992, growth which is a tribute to the shared goals and shared vision that administration and faculty together committed themselves to eight years ago. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Lake Orion High School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Dr. John S. Kastran, the Principal of Lake Orion High School, whose dedication to making his school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Lake Orion High School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. I rise to express my strong support for this conference report. It contains two very important measures: the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, aimed at combating the scourge of sex trafficking, and the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, aimed at reauthorizing and improving on federal programs and other measures designed to assist in the fight against domestic violence. I would first of all like to extend my compliments to Senator Brownback, Congressman Smith, Senator Wellstone, Senator Helms, Senator Hatch, and others, including their staff, who worked so hard on the trafficking portion of this legislation. The problem of international sex trafficking that they have tackled is a particularly ugly one, and I commend them for all the work they have invested in devising effective means to address it. I would like to concentrate my own remarks on the second half of this legislation, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the Senate version of this bill, and I am very pleased to see that the efforts of everyone involved are about to become law. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act has been crucial in reducing violence perpetrated against women and families across America. VAWA 1994 increased resources for training and law enforcement, and bolstered prosecution of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases. States have changed the way they treat crimes of violence against women; 24 States and the District of Columbia now mandate arrest for most domestic violence offenses. States have also relieved women of some of the costs associated with violence against them. For example, as a result of VAWA, all have some provision for covering the cost of a forensic rape exam. Most notably, VAWA 1994 provided much-needed support for shelters and crisis centers, funded rape prevention and education, and created a National Domestic Violence Hotline. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. In Michigan alone, in 1998 we had more than 47,000 incidents of domestic violence, including 46 homicides. About 85 percent of the victims of those incidents were women. We must continue to do what we can to deter and prevent this kind of violence, and to make services available to its victims. The legislation before us today continues the important work begun in 1994 by reauthorizing these important programs. And make no mistake about it, we must do so if we are to continue with the progress we have made. In Michigan, for example, despite our much heightened awareness of the devastating impact of sexual abuse, in many communities VAWA grants are the only source of funding for services for rape victims. I am told that this is true nationally as well. Forty-five shelters serving 83 counties receive funding from VAWA grants. Reauthorizing VAWA is critical so as to provide the assurance of continued congressional commitment needed to ensure that these services do not dry up. That is why I am so delighted that this conference report is about to be enacted into law. I would especially like to note how pleased I am with the results the conference reached on a couple of particular provisions. First, I would like to discuss the funding the bill provides for rape education, services to victims, and prevention. This critical funding is used for, among other things, helping survivors of rape and sexual assault come to terms with what has happened to them so that they are able to get on with their lives and also assist in the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes. It is also used to educate investigators and medical personnel on the best protocols to use to collect evidence in these cases. I would like to give a few examples of instances of how this is working in Michigan. A 21-year-old single woman was raped. She became pregnant as a result of the rape. She decided that she wanted to carry the baby to term. She had to deal with her own very complex emotions about her pregnancy, her changed relationship with her boyfriend, and the enormous difficulties of raising a child as a single parent. The VAWA money for rape services funded the counseling to help her with this overwhelmingly difficult set of decisions and circumstances. VAWA rape money also funded services for a 63-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted. With that help, she was able to come to terms with what had happened, and testify against the rapist. To give just one more example: VAWA rape money is being used right now to fund a new sexual assault nurse examining program. This program provides a sympathetic and expert place for survivors to go after they have been assaulted where they will be treated with respect and understanding and where the evidence will be collected correctly. The reason I have come to know so much about this particular aspect of VAWA is that when my wife Jane met with the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Oakland County on June 30 of this year, its director, Mary Keefe, indicated to her that while she was generally very pleased with the reauthorization legislation we were working on here in the Senate, the $50 million we were proposing for this particular aspect of VAWA, the rape education and prevention component, just wasn't enough. She indicated her hope that we would be able to raise that to the $80 million figure in the House bill. Jane passed that along to me, and once I understood how this money was used and was able to explain how important it was, with Senator Hatch's and Senator Biden's assistance, the Senate proposal was increased to $60 million. I continued to follow this matter as the bill was progressing through conference. Yesterday I was delighted to be able to tell my staff to let Ms. Keefe know that the conference bill accommodates her request fully, and authorizes $80 million in funding for these grants for the next 5 years. One important purpose for which I am sure some of these funds will be used is educating our kids about relatively less well known drugs like GHB, the date rape drug that claimed the life of one of my constituents and was the subject of legislation I worked on earlier this Congress. Second, I am pleased that the conference report contains the new Federal law against cyberstalking that I introduced a few months ago. As the Internet, with all its positives, has fast become an integral part of our personal and professional lives, it is regrettable but unsurprising that criminals are becoming adept at using the Internet as well. Hence the relatively new crime of ``cyberstalking,'' in which a person uses the Internet to engage in a course of conduct designed to terrorize another. Stalking someone in this way can be more attractive to the perpetrator than doing it in person, since cyberstalkers can take advantage of the ease of the Internet and their relative anonymity online to be even more brazen in their threatening behavior than they might be in person. Some jurisdictions are doing an outstanding job in cracking down on this kind of conduct. For example, in my own State, Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard and Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca have developed very impressive knowledge and expertise about how to pursue cyberstalkers. This legislation will not supplant their efforts. It will, however, address cases that it is difficult for a single State to pursue on its own, those where the criminal is stalking a victim in another State. In such cases, where the criminal is deliberately using the means of interstate commerce to place his or her victim in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury, my bill will allow the Federal Government to prosecute that person. The existence of a Federal law in this area should also help encourage local authorities who do not know where to start when confronted with a cyberstalking allegation to turn to Federal authorities for advice and assistance. There is little worse than the feeling of helplessness a person can get if he or she is being terrorized and just cannot get help from the police. Much of VAWA 2000 is aimed at helping the authorities that person turns to respond more effectively. That is a central function of the cyberstalking provisions as well. Finally, I am very pleased that the conference report includes the core provisions from the Senate bill that I developed along with Senator Kennedy, Senator Hatch, and Senator Biden to address ways in which our immigration laws remain susceptible of misuse by abusive spouses as a tool to blackmail and control the abuse victim. This potential arises out of the derivative nature of the immigration status of a noncitizen or lawful permanent resident spouse's immigration status. Generally speaking, that spouse's right to be in the U.S. derives from the citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse's right to file immigration papers seeking to have the immigration member of the couple be granted lawful permanent residency. In the vast majority of cases, granting that right to the citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse makes sense. After all, the purpose of family immigration is to allow U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to live here with their spouses and children. But in the unusual case of the abusive relationship, an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident can use control over his or her spouse's visa as a means to blackmail and control the spouse. The abusive spouse can do this by withholding a promised visa petition and then threatening to turn the abused spouse in to the immigration authorities if the abused spouse sought to leave the abuser or report the abuse. VAWA 1994 changed this by allowing immigrants who demonstrate that they have been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouses to file their own petitions for visas without the cooperation of their abusive spouse. VAWA 1994 also allowed abused spouses placed in removal proceedings to seek ``cancellation of removal,'' a form of discretionary relief from removal available to individuals in unlawful immigration status with strong equities, after three years rather than the seven ordinarily required. Finally, VAWA 1994 granted similar rights to minor children abused by their citizen or lawful permanent resident parent, whose immigration status, like that of the abused spouse, would otherwise be dependent on the abusive parent. The conference report follows the Senate VAWA reauthorization bill in building on the important work of VAWA 1994 in these areas. I will not describe all of the provisions of title V of division B of this bill, but I will discuss one of them, which I believe is the most important one. In this bill, we establish procedures under which a battered immigrant can take all the steps he or she needs to take to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving this country. Right now, no such mechanism is available to a battered immigrant, who can begin the process here but must return to his or her home country to complete it. VAWA 1994 created a mechanism for the immigrant to take the first step, the filing of an application to be classified as a battered immigrant spouse or child. But it did not create a mechanism for him or her to obtain the necessary papers to get lawful permanent residency while staying in the U.S. That is because at the time it was enacted, there was a general mechanism available to many to adjust here, which has since been eliminated. As a result, under current law, the battered immigrant has to go back to his or her home country, get a visa, and return here in order to adjust status. That is not true of spouses whose citizens or lawful permanent resident husband or wife is filing immigration papers for them. They do have a mechanism for completing the whole process here. Section 1503 of this bill gives the abused spouse that same right. The importance of such a provision is demonstrated, for example, by the case of a battered immigrant whose real name I will not use, but whom I will instead call Yaa. I use her as an example because her case arose in my own State of Michigan. Yaa is a 38-year-old mother of two from Nigeria. She met her husband, whom I will call Martin, while he was visiting family members in Nigeria. After a long courtship, Martin persuaded Yaa to marry him and join him in the United States. He told her he would help her further her education and file the necessary papers to enable her to become a lawful permanent resident. Following their marriage, Martin assisted Yaa in obtaining a visitor's visa. When she arrived in the United States, however, he did not follow through on any of his promises. He refused to support her going to school, and indeed would not let her leave the house for fear that other men might find her attractive and steal her away. He also refused to file immigration papers for her and threatened her with deportation if she ever disobeyed his orders. After the birth of their first child, Martin began physically abusing Yaa. He slapped her if she questioned his authority or asked about her immigration status. He spat on her if she refused to have sex with him. He used a hidden recording device to tape all of her phone conversations. As a result, she came to feel that she was a prisoner in her own home. On one occasion, Martin beat Yaa with his fists and a bottle of alcohol. Yaa suffered severe facial injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital by ambulance for treatment. This incident resulted in Martin's arrest and prosecution for domestic violence. Martin retaliated by refusing to pay the mortgage, buy food, or other necessities. At that point, with the help of her best friend, Yaa moved out, found a job, and filed a self-petition under VAWA. INS approved her self-petition, and Yaa has obtained a restraining order against Martin. Unfortunately, she still has to go to Nigeria to obtain a visa in order to complete the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident. And this is a major problem. Martin's family in Nigeria blames her for Martin's conviction. They have called her from there and threatened to have her deported because she ``brought shame'' to the family. They also know where she lives in Nigeria and they have threatened to hurt her and kidnap the children if she comes back. She has no one in the U.S. to leave the children with if she were to return alone. She is also frightened of what Martin's family will do to her if she sets foot in Nigeria. Yaa should be allowed to complete the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident here in the United States, without facing these risks. Our legislation will give her the means to do so. Of all the victims of domestic abuse, the immigrant dependent on an abusive spouse for her right to be in this country faces some of the most severe problems. In addition to the ordinary difficulties that confront anyone trying to deal with an abusive relationship, the battered immigrant also is afraid that if she goes to the authorities, she risks deportation at the instance of her abusive spouse, and either having her children deported too or being separated from them and unable to protect them. We in Congress who write the immigration laws have a responsibility to do what we can to make sure they are not misused in this fashion. That is why I am so pleased that the final version of this legislation includes this and other important provisions. I would like to extend special thanks to Senator Kennedy and his staff, especially Esther Olavarria, who has worked tirelessly on this portion of the bill; to Senator Hatch and his staff, especially Sharon Prost, whose assistance in crafting these provisions and willingness to invest time, effort and capital in making the case for them has been indispensable; to Senator Biden and his staff, especially Bonnie Robin- Vergeer, whose commitment to these provisions has likewise been vital; to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Hyde and House Crime Subcommittee Chairman Bill McCollum, for their support at key moments; to the indefatigable Leslye Orloff of the NOW Legal Defense Fund, whose ability to come up with the ``one more thing'' desperately needed by battered immigrants is matched only by her good humor and professionalism in recognizing that the time for compromise has come; and to the sponsors of H.R. 3244 and S. 2449, for allowing their bill to become the vehicle for this important legislation. I would also like to thank all of the organizations in Michigan that have been working so hard to help in the fight against domestic and sexual violence. I would like to extend particular thanks to a couple of the people there who have been particularly helpful to me, to my wife Jane, and to members of my office as we have been learning about these issues: to Mary Keefe of the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, whom I mentioned earlier; to Hedy Nuriel and Deborah Danton of Haven; to Shirley Pascale of the Council Against Domestic Assault; to Deborah Patterson of Turning Point, and to Valerie Hoffman of the Underground Railroad. I yield the floor.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to give recognition to one of Michigan State University's oldest institutions, the Spartan Marching Band. The Spartan Marching Band was formed in 1870 at the then Michigan Agricultural College, by Civil War Veteran and student Ransom Mc Donough. The band consisted of ten members and was all brass. The small group participated in drills and parades. Throughout its 130 years, the band has evolved tremendously with the times as any successful organization must. And throughout its long history, the band has exemplified excellence and has represented the university with great pride and honor. The Michigan State University Marching Band welcomed the football team and fans for over 100 years and has accompanied the team to numerous bowl games, including four Rose Bowl appearances. The band has played for four presidents and appeared at the New York World's Fair. The person who had perhaps the most significant impact on the Spartan Marching Band was Leonard Falcone. Mr. Falcone was appointed band director in 1927 and served Michigan State university and the Music program for 40 years. Mr. Falcone was affectionately known as ``The Dean of Big Ten Bands.'' Aside from his unprecedented tenure, Mr. Falcone is credited with arranging the music to the MSU Alma Mater, ``MSU Shadows'' and composing the music to the greatest college fight song in the world, the ``MSU Fight Song.'' So revered was Mr. Falcone that on the eve of his death in 1985, former and present members of the Spartan Marching Band visited him and serenaded him with the ``MSU Fight Son'' and ``MSU Shadows.'' The Spartan Marching Band has continuously set the standard for the Nation's marching bands. It is well known throughout our State and Nation for its innovative and intricate marching style and excellent musical arrangements. Through its long legacy, which continues today under the fine leadership of band director John T. Madden, the Spartan Marching Band continues to set the standard for Michigan State pride. Through its achievements the Spartan Marching Band has represented the face of Michigan State University for the past 130 years. From its street beat cadence called ``The Series,'' to the traditional ``Kick- Step'' entrance into the stadium for pregame, to the singing of ``MSU Shadows,'' to Military regimental traditions adhered to by all members, the Spartan Marching Band is a true ambassador of Michigan State University. As a Michigan State University Alumnus, I would like to thank the Spartan Marching Band for its contributions to MSU pride and congratulate all members of the 300 plus-member band of today and all past members of the Spartan Marching Band on 130 years of tradition, excellence, innovation, and pride. Go Green!

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Father Nicholas Maestrini and Father John Boracco, two men who have dedicated their lives in service to the Catholic Church, and who have often found their paths cross along the way. On October 22, 2000, the paths of these old friends will converge once again, as they will be honored together by the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Detroit, Michigan, in recognition of their 70th Anniversary of Ordination. Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco began their long histories of dedicated service to the Catholic Church together as seminary classmates in Monza, Italy. Shortly after becoming ordained priests, both chose to enter into the PIME missionary. PIME is an international community of priests, lay missionaries and lay volunteers who have dedicated their lives to service in foreign lands. Founded in Italy in 1850, it is now a global organization that operates missions throughout the world. Its international headquarters are in Rome, Italy, while PIME U.S. Region is based out of Detroit. Both Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco joined missions in Asia, and both experienced struggle and hardship there during the chaotic period before, during and after World War II. Fr. Maestrini served as a missionary in Hong Kong from 1931-50. During this time, he suffered through the strife of the Great War and of being interned by the Japanese. Fr. Boracco had it no easier in China, where he was stationed from 1934-54, first in the northern Henan Province and then at Kai Pheng. He was forced to persevere through imprisonment, the Japanese occupation, and the Communist revolution. In 1954, he was condemned to die at the hands of the Communists, but was instead expelled. In 1951, Fr. Maestrini was named Superior of the PIME U.S. Region. Four years later, he was joined in Detroit by Fr. Boracco, who was assigned to help with the seminary expansion started by his friend. For the next 19 years, the two formed the perfect team. Fr. Maestrini focused his energy on external matters, such as public relations and fundraising, while Fr. Boracco served as rector and spiritual director of PIME's theological and high school seminars. With success, their roles expanded. Fr. Maestrini oversaw the establishment of three seminaries, two award-winning films, and many fund raising and public relations programs benefitting the foreign missions. Fr. Boracco became Director of the PIME residence for priests, brothers and seminaries. While Fr. Maestrini retired as Superior in 1974, Fr. Boracco retired just last year. Both Fr. Boracco and Fr. Maestrini remain active within the Catholic community. Aside from assisting at his local parish, Fr. Maestrini publishes a mission newsletter, and continues correspondence with missionaries and benefactors. Fr. Boracco regularly assists several parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit. I applaud Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco on their extraordinary legacies of service. For 70 years, they have tirelessly spread the message of faith and good will to others embodied by the Catholic Church, and they have done so while forming a friendship that is truly unique. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Father Nicholas Maestrini and Father John Boracco on 70 years of successful service, and wish them both continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Norwegian Club of Detroit, which will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in Orchard Lake, Michigan, on October 14, 2000. Only Ireland has had a larger percentage of its population immigrate to the United States than has Norway. As Norwegians arrived in Michigan, the Norwegian Club of Detroit was there to help them adjust to their new homeland, while at the same time continue to celebrate the familiar traditions of home. The Norwegian Club of Detroit was organized in 1925. Originally consisting of only engineers, it quickly expanded to include Norwegians from all walks of life, providing an important cultural, social and professional network for Michigan's Norwegian community. An example of the Club's importance to the Norwegian community can clearly be seen during World War II, when members managed to mobilize and ultimately provide support to Norwegian military forces who escaped the Nazi invasion. Members also organized training in Canada to assist in the war effort of the Allies. The Norwegian Club of Detroit remains an important factor in celebrating and promoting Norwegian and Scandinavian cultural, political and economic ties to the State of Michigan. One of the first groups to participate in the Ethnic Festivals in Detroit, the Club also has helped support performances by the Scandinavian Symphony, a visit by the Hjemkomst Viking ship reproduction, as well as various Norwegian performers and artists. Mr. President, 2000 is an extremely important year in the Norwegian- American community. It is the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Oslo, Norway's capital city, as well as the 1000th Anniversary of the Viking discovery of North America. This year also marks 175 years of Norwegian immigration to the United States. Amidst all of this, and on behalf of the entire United States Senate, I wish the Norwegian Club of Detroit a Happy 75th Anniversary, and continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Captain William James Bushaw, who is retiring from the United States Navy after nearly 30 years of service. Captain Bushaw leaves behind a legacy of versatility and consistency, as he has consistently been successful in whatever area he has been asked to perform. Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, Captain Bushaw attended Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He was commissioned as an ensign May 14, 1971, receiving the award of Distinguished Naval Graduate. While on active duty, Captain Bushaw served as the Gunnery Officer aboard the U.S.S. Joseph Strauss. From January of 1972 until August of that same year he participated in several combat operations in Vietnam, including Operation Freedom Train, Operation Linebacker and Operation Notification Line. During these operations, U.S.S. Joseph Strauss fired over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, earning the Navy Unit Citation. Captain Bushaw himself earned the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V and the Combat Action Award. Following active duty Captain Bushaw transferred to the selected reserve. As a drilling reservist, he served as Commanding Officer of three Navy reserve units and Executive Officer of two other units. For his efforts, he received a Navy Commendation Medal. Captain Bushaw currently serves as the Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer to the Governor of the State of Michigan, representing the United States Navy in all issues of emergency preparedness. He recently received the State Legion of Merit award from the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard. I applaud Captain Bushaw on nearly thirty years of extraordinary service to our Nation. I know that the United States Navy will greatly miss his leadership, as will the many men he has commanded. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I thank Captain William James Bushaw for his service, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Core City Neighborhoods of Detroit, Michigan, which will hold its 16th Annual Meeting and Dinner on October 12, 2000. In its sixteen years, Core City Neighborhoods has been a leader in the field of community development, serving and supporting the residents and small businesses of Southwest Detroit in an exemplary manner. The mission of Core City Neighborhoods is to strengthen the social and human development of the Southwest Detroit community while at the same time helping to spur the physical and economic development of the area. The organization does this through a variety of programs, focusing on such things as youth and adult leadership to training and employment. One of the most successful Core City Neighborhoods program has been an after school program for children aged 6-13. The program seeks to strengthen academic and life skills, such as substance abuse and violence prevention, as well as provide a safe and positive environment for the youth involved. The program also provides children with tutoring and mentoring. They work on homework together, and play board games and sports in an effort to aid in the development of teamwork skills and self confidence. Another program sponsored by CCN is the Multi-Family Apartment Building Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program. The goal of this program is to prevent further loss of highly visible apartment buildings, buildings which truly serve as the foundations of the Southwest Detroit community. The program includes counseling. Homebuyers Club, Home Repair workshops, loans and referrals on such topics as credit and budgeting. Core City Neighborhoods has also been directly responsible for the development of nearly 200 units of housing, totaling over $12 million of reinvestment into the Southeast Detroit community. This includes the development of the Alberta W. King Village Apartments, which were built to house low to moderate income families. I applaud the many people involved with Core City Neighborhoods on the extraordinary work they have done on behalf of Southwest Detroit. No group works harder to build up this community, both physically and spiritually. On behalf of the entire United States Senate I thank Core city Neighborhoods for fifteen successful years of civic service, and wish the organization continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize St. Clement Catholic Church in Center Line, Michigan, which will celebrate 150 years of service to the Warren and Center Line communities with an anniversary mass on October 15, 2000. The story of St. Clement is one of continual adaptation and growth, but through it all the spirit that existed in 1850 remains today, for the church has never stayed from its original purpose of teaching the timeless lessons of faith and love. The perfect illustration of how important St. Clement is to the Warren and Center Line communities can be seen in how many times it has been forced to be reconstructed. In 1857, a school was added to the church. After expansions to the original building in 1868 and 1879, the growing size of the congregation forced a new building to be constructed in 1880. In 1922, a new school had to be built to accommodate the growing number of students, and, ultimately, another school was constructed anew in 1953. In May of 1960, ground broke on the present church building. It is an extraordinary piece of architecture, a Cruciform-shaped structure with a 65 foot high vaulted ceiling, gables that form a cross, hundreds of stain-glassed panes, a main altar of imported marble, a seating capacity of over 1,600 worshippers and two cry rooms. An essential part of the success of St. Clement Church has been its leadership. From 1868-1890, Father William Hendrix guided the growing church to the point where it had firmly established its presence as the center of social activity in the Warren and Center Line communities. From 1890-1929, Father John Kramer's devotion to improving education was essential not only to having the new school be built, but also to filling it with nearly 400 students. Father Alexander Mayer guided the parish through the Depression, World War II and the Korean War, and his leadership enabled the church to make it through years of financial hardship. Father Timothy Edward Murray oversaw the building of the third St. Clement Church, as well as set up a program where St. Clement Schools became involved in a shared-time program with Center Line Public Schools. In 1976, Father James Murphy returned a warmth and camaderie to the parish. From 1992-97, the Rev. Dr. Arthur J. Jacobi, Jr.'s many skills both as an educator and as a professional businessman helped to lead St. Clement both spiritually and financially. And today, Father Ron Victor continues in this strong tradition of leadership, overseeing the growth and adaptation that is a necessary part of any church's history, while at the same time shepherding his parish on its continuous mission of faith and love. For 150 years, St. Clement Catholic Church has been an essential part of the Warren and Center Line communities. It has been a constant source of leadership within these communities, and has guided them through both good and bad times. It has also provided thousands of children with a solid foundation upon which to grow and become upstanding members of their own communities. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate St. Clement Catholic Church on 150 successful years of leadership and growth, and wish the church continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. The chairman of the Judiciary Committee is not here. I believe he would approve of my yielding myself such time as I may need to speak this morning. Mr. President, the H-1B visa program, which we will be addressing today when we vote on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act, is the subject of much interesting debate in our country today. One thing everybody agrees on is we face a serious worker shortage with respect to high-tech employment and skilled labor in America today. Most of the recent studies that have been produced on this subject indicate there are perhaps as many as 1 million unfilled positions in information technology today. The projections are that we will be creating somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 new positions in these areas in each of the next 10 years. Yet in spite of the very lucrative and, I think, substantive nature of these jobs, our training programs, our college programs, our high school programs are not producing enough American workers to fill these posts today. This presents us with a short-term problem and a long-term challenge. The short-term problem is how to fill these key positions immediately so that we don't lose opportunities to foreign competitors, or so that we don't force American businesses to move offshore to where skilled workers might live. The long-term problem is to determine what we can do to make certain that in the future we have a sufficient workforce of trained Americans to fill these jobs, because it is quite clear to me that immigration can only be a stopgap, short-term solution to these problems. I am pleased we have reached an agreement on this legislation across the aisle with our colleagues because we need to act today. The legislation before us will allow a short-term increase in the number of skilled professionals allowed to work in this country on H-1B temporary visas and will help and encourage more disadvantaged young people to pursue studies related to high-tech. It will assure those young people of good jobs and good wages far into the future, and I believe it will also provide resources for the training and retraining of people in the workforce today, so they can begin to fill more of these positions as well. To help young people, this bill will provide, we estimate, over 60,000 scholarships for American students in the math and science fields. Scholarships like this have already been available as a result of the American Competitiveness Act, which we passed in 1998-- legislation that began the process of diverting application fees connected to the H-1B visas into scholarship and retraining funds. The bill's training provisions will provide over 150,000 U.S. workers with access to training to help prepare them for the high-tech jobs of today and tomorrow. Interestingly, Mr. President, there is overwhelming unanimity that we must act in this fashion if we are to keep our economy strong. The support from across the political spectrum for this H-1B visa increase is strong, ranging from the White House--not just the current occupant and staff but such people as former chief economic adviser to President Clinton, Laura D'Andrea, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle. Indeed, in hearings we have conducted in the Immigration Subcommittee, we have heard from people throughout industry in America, not just the high-tech companies we think of when we think about these workers but people who employ high-tech workers in other phases and forms of manufacturing across the board; they have all indicated that the need to fill these provisions is significant and immediate. Indeed, we received countless pieces of information that led to a pretty clear indication that if we don't allow these technically skilled workers to come here, companies will be forced to move product lines, divisions perhaps, and whole operations overseas. That won't help Americans. That will cost Americans jobs. Of course, there are those who have criticized this program over the years--people who are protectionist in their views on these sorts of issues. But it is important to make sure the record is clear that we can build in protections for American workers to make certain that they cannot be taken advantage of through the high-tech H-1B program. Indeed, in 1998 we addressed many, if not all, of the issues which were raised with respect to H-1B visas and the possible displacement of Americans workers. In 1988, the bill wrote into law three types of lay-off protections for American workers. And we have also, of course, included in the H-1B program requirements that the prevailing wage be paid to people who come in under this program so companies cannot game the system and somehow or another in any way pay foreign workers less and thus deprive American workers of opportunities. But, as I said, whether it is the Silicon Valley or the Research Triangle or the traditionally well-known high-tech sectors or whether it is in my State of Michigan, the need for these workers is extraordinarily strong. For instance, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is spending $2.7 million on an ad campaign and a revamped web site to attract knowledgeable workers to our State. The head of our economic development division says we are the only State to fully redirect our resources to recruiting businesses for recruiting workers to Michigan. Indeed, in one county alone--Oakland County--the estimate is that we currently need 10,000 engineers just to fill the positions that are projected to be needed today and in the immediate future. If we can't find those people, those companies and the jobs that are connected to those engineering jobs will go elsewhere. It is a challenge that we must address. Let me just say that in the short term the only appropriate way we are going to be able to deal with this is through an increase in the H- 1B visa program. But the long-term solution cannot be based on immigration alone. Indeed, this program is only a 3-year increase. I think it is clear that the world now is competing. Virtually any country that wants to be competitive is working hard to attract the most talented and skilled people to their country and to their businesses to create strength in their economies. Thus, America must, in addition to the passage of today's legislation, focus even more of our resources and more of our attention on the important need of both encouraging young people to pursue careers in math, science, engineering, computer sciences, and so on but also in retraining workers to try to fill more of these positions because I predict that in the very near future immigration will not even come close to meeting our employment needs with respect to these high-tech positions. For those reasons, the provisions which were launched in the 1998 American Competitiveness Act, and which are strengthened even in this legislation, I hope by the time we finish this process, will provide even more resources for education and training which are key to the long-term needs that we have in this country. They alone will not be enough because it is pretty obvious that to generate the kind of skilled workforce in the 21st century needed to fill the sorts of technology positions that are going to be created, whether they are positions in the research area or manufacturing area or anywhere else, requires us to go well beyond even what we will have in this legislation. I am very dedicated to working to make sure that we provide the Federal support necessary to make it possible for those kinds of technology positions to be filled by American workers. But it is going to take a comprehensive effort--an effort that is not just a Federal program but one that incorporates the private sector as well as the public sector, the corporate sector, and the government sector at all levels, and to involve our education system at all levels or we will find ourselves seeing foreign competitors gaining ground on America when it comes to leading the world with respect to advanced technologies. This means that not only must we make sure that the students today get the training they need but that the college programs be expanded and the retraining programs be generated. It also means that we must address so many other issues--whether it is passing our Millennium Classrooms Act which will provide more computer courses for the classrooms of America, especially those in the economically disadvantaged areas or whether it means working together in a collaborative effort with the private sector to ensure that there are more resources directed at education and the training of workers who are in the workforce today, it is all part of what we must address or we will find that in the global economy of the 21st century our competitive edge is going to be somewhat reduced. We certainly don't want that to happen. I compliment Senator Hatch for his ongoing leadership on this issue. We have worked together since 1998 when we passed the American Competitiveness Act. He has been a leader on these issues for many years. His leadership in the passage of this legislation, and his willingness to come to the floor and work over a very long period of time to make sure this bill, which we passed out of the Judiciary Committee by an overwhelming vote many months ago, finally, today, gets the consideration it deserves. I think he deserves all of our thanks. Hopefully, this process will now move quickly towards completion, and we will be able to provide the additional workers needed to make sure the key positions in technology in our country will be filled. I say also to those who have raised some of the other immigration- related issues that as chairman of the subcommittee, I remain anxious to continue to work with people--whether it is on the H-2A visa program, the agricultural workers issues, or Latino fairness issues, and so on. It is unfortunate that we couldn't come to an agreement on this legislation some months ago when we were trying to work out an agreement. But certainly the subcommittee intends to continue to focus on these issues into the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues on all of these. In conclusion, I thank Senator Hatch for working with me on this. I appreciate his leadership very much. I yield the floor.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, a week ago I met with a national workforce coalition of unions that came out in support of establishing Permanent Normal Trading Relations with China. I had encountered some of the labor leaders who belong to this coalition on several other occasions, including at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in August. I simply rise today to note for my colleagues that organized labor in this country is not monolithic in their views on such matters as trade and protectionism. The members of the coalition I met with last week came primarily from the aerospace industry in the Pacific Northwest, building the jet airplanes, engines, and other aerospace subsystems that are competing globally with the likes of Europe's Airbus. However, I have previously met members of this coalition that extend beyond the aerospace industry and the Pacific Northwest. They represent such traditional manufacturing industries as steel, aluminum, diesel engines, farm equipment, and rail locomotives. They repesent a diverse array of the American workforce--everything from production workers on the line to engineers and scientists. And they are from across this great nation. The message these union officials had was that they understood that China was a burgeoning market for U.S. exports. They understood that if the U.S. did not approve PNTR for China that we would not only lose the trade concessions they have made to us under this agreement, but we would also lose our ability to gain greater market access and share. And they understood that the largest beneficiary of such an outcome would be our trade competitors in the European Community, in the rest of Asia, and in South America. They understood that one of the best ways to guarantee that American firms remain in the United States-- employing American workers and bolstering our economic growth--was to eliminate the existing trade barriers that have served to up until now to freeze out our products or force U.S. companies to move facilities over to China. Without removing these barriers and liberalizing trade between the U.S. and China, American firms seeking to compete with their foreign competitors would have every incentive to move their factories and operations over to China. With PNTR and China's entry into the World Trading Organization we increase the likelihood that American companies will continue to remain located in the United States. And that is good news for the union workers and households in the state of Michigan which will continue to produce a wide array of goods that will be exported to China. As I pointed out in a statement I made on the floor supporting PNTR, exports from Michigan to China increased 25 percent between 1993 and 1998, and they have undoubtedly grown significantly greater since 1998. Exports to China from businesses located in the Flint and Lansing areas grew by 84 percent during that period. Meanwhile, exports to China from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek grew by an extraordinary 353 percent! Not all of that business is going to union shops, but certainly a significant portion of it is, and that sort of expansion in trade with China is going to benefit all workers and businesses in Michigan--union and non-union. Clearly the majority of unions and union members in this country opposed PNTR for China. I heard from and spoke with many, many such workers from Michigan--both back in Michigan and when the unions have come out to Washington, DC, to meet with their representatives in Congress. I come from a union background and grew up in a union household. I took their concerns very seriously in weighing the many issues that went into my ultimate decision to vote for PNTR. And I have pledged to hold China accountable for their future behavior and to fulfill their trade obligations under the WTO's rules and the agreement we have negotiated with them. But there are indeed unions--rank-and-file members and leadership alike--who see the opportunity presented by PNTR and allowing China into the WTO as a tremendous opportunity for the United States to continue to lead the world in productivity and in our economic strength. They are prepared to answer the challenge posed by the global economy and the opening of China's markets, and they recognize the benefits which will result if we are leading the way into opening China to greater trade instead of sitting on the sidelines allowing our trade competitors to reap all the benefits. We should not forget that the U.S. is a very diverse country and that no institution--including organized labor--is a monolithic force. There are folks on both sides of the issue, each feeling very strongly and very sincerely that they are doing what is best for them and their brethren.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Association of Chinese Americans, Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Chinese Americans, which will celebrate its 28th Anniversary with an Awards Ceremony on October 7, 2000. The theme of the evening is Unity, Collaboration and Strength, three things the ACA has provided Michigan's Chinese American community since its inception in 1972. The mission of the ACA is ``to serve the Chinese American community in the Greater Detroit area, and to promote the overall presence of Chinese Americans.'' In order to do this effectively, members laid out six goals for their organization: provide community services to people of Chinese heritage; promote the Chinese presence locally and nationally through the political system; make sure the voice of the Chinese American is heard locally and nationally; promote academic excellence in Chinese American youth; promote Chinese heritage through the arts; and collaborate with other Chinese/Asian organizations. In its effort to achieve above and beyond these goals, the ACA has become an active force within the Metropolitan Detroit community. It operates service and outreach centers in Detroit, Warren and Plymouth which provide assistance to Chinese Americans in immigration matters, language classes, citizenship preparation, and registering to vote. It sponsors a free health clinic and activities in Detroit Chinatown for the language and economically disadvantaged. In addition, the ACA sponsors many programs for the entire community, including the Feed the Homeless program, flood and emergency disaster relief, and a bone marrow drive. The ACA provides young Chinese Americans with the opportunity to meet people of their own heritage, but also teaches them the benefits of a well-balanced routine. Each year the organization sponsors camping trips, dancing parties, and basketball games. At the same time, the organization has sponsored annual High School Achievement Awards since 1984. These awards recognize seniors who have achieved academic excellence as well as involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities. Scholarships funded by the ACA and private donors are also provided annually to Chinese Americans seeking higher education. Promoting Chinese heritage has always been a fundamental goal of the ACA, as members strive not to let their proud ancestry be overlooked or forgotten. Events include celebrating Asian American Heritage Month, promoting the Chinese New Year Commemorative stamps, and sponsoring or cosponsoring a plethora of cultural events. Recently, the ACA held a reception for Chinese American author Helen Zia, and on September 9, 2000, the organization hosted the Michigan premiere of the documentary film, ``We Served With Pride,'' which chronicles the effort of Chinese American soldiers during World War II. I applaud the ACA on the wonderful work it has done in the Metropolitan Detroit region. Since its founding in 1972, the organization has encouraged Michigan's Chinese Americans to celebrate both their Chinese heritage and the lives they have found in the United States. It has fought vehemently for the rights of Chinese Americans yet remains an inclusive group, offering assistance not only to Chinese Americans, but to all Americans. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate the Association of Chinese Americans on 28 glorious years, and wish the organization continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Wolfe Middle School, in Center Line, Michigan, one of these nine schools. The hope of the Center Line Public School system is that their schools will become places where ``every person will be a teacher, every teacher will be a leader and every student will be a success.'' To this end, Wolfe Middle School is a shining example. Its mission statement lays out the following goals: first, to teach students the knowledge and understanding embedded in the Michigan core curriculum; second, to help students explore their elective areas of interest; and, third, to help students as they make the transition from childhood to adolescence. Wolfe Middle School has been successful in these areas because of the teamwork that has developed, not only among faculty and administrators, but also between parents and community members. This teamwork is best represented in planning teams, groups which involve staff, parents and community members. These teams meet regularly in a constant effort to evaluate, improve and enact goals and objectives which will continue to move Wolfe Middle School and its students in a positive direction. In addition to planning teams, daily teacher team meetings take place in which plans are devised for classroom instruction, grade level activities and professional development. There is an unwavering rule that guides both planning teams and teacher teams: all programs must be dedicated to helping Wolfe students develop academically, socially and emotionally. In recent years, school improvement has focused largely around the premise that every student should leave Wolfe computer literate. The school has two computer labs, as well as a computer in every classroom. Laptop computers are available to take home from the new Media Center which allow students to do computer homework. In 1999, a Technology Education Laboratory was completed which boasts a robotics area, audio and video production studios, and a computer animation station, making it among the most advanced laboratories in the Midwest. It is important to note that providing students with the opportunity to work with computers is part of an overall plan to encourage their participation in other areas of education and social interaction--it is not an end in itself. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Wolfe Middle School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Ms. Sue Gripton, Principal of Wolfe Middle School, whose dedication to making her school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Wolfe Middle School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMIO), which will hold its 10th Annual Convention on October 7-8, 2000 in Southfield, Michigan. The theme of the convention is ``Information and Technology: The Digital Divide,'' providing members of the AFMIO with an opportunity to explore new ways to expand upon the many beneficial things the organization is already doing in this realm. The AFMIO is an umbrella organization which represents various Indian Muslim Associations. It has chapters throughout the world, and a membership which includes academicians, professionals, entrepreneurs and social activists. The mission of the organization is the educational and economic upliftment of Indian Muslims by seeking cooperation among the American and Indian relief and educational organizations. The AFMIO stands for a stable democratic, secular and progressive India, where the human rights of all citizens, regardless of caste, religion, language or region, are preserved. The organization works in close cooperation with others that believe in these same principles, and thus serves as a bridge between Indian intellectuals, public officials and business people, and Indian Americans, particularly Muslims. The highest priority of the AFMIO continues to be the eradication of illiteracy among Indian Muslim children, a goal which goes hand in hand with bridging the digital divide. Access to a computer can upon up new worlds for children, and ensure that they are not only literate in the traditional sense, but culturally literate as well, which I think is equally important. In this regard, AFMIO has already done a great deal. Its grassroots mobilization and motivation program is termed as one of the most successful education programs in India. AFMIO has also done much to aid Indian Muslims on other fronts. The organization has financed several projects which draw on the resources of local communities and aim for the economic upliftment of these communities by teaching citizens how to employ these resources. Through programs of political education and awareness, the organization has united forces that have similar beliefs of social justice and the upliftment of all people. Furthermore, it has been responsible for establishing several hospitals and orphanages, and has organized relief work at times of natural disasters. I applaud the AFMIO for all of the wonderful work it has done to improve the living conditions of Indian Muslims. A large part of this success stems from educational programs which have been incredibly successful, and I am sure the discussion this weekend will focus upon how these programs can be even further adapted and improved in this Digital Age. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I extend a much deserved thank you to the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin, and wish the organization continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that 9 of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Novi High School in Novi, Michigan, one of these nine schools. In the past 30 years, enrollment at Novi High School has grown from approximately 360 students to 1,577 students. This is representative of the changing shape of the City of Novi during this time period, as it has evolved from a rural crossroads to a thriving Detroit suburb. To deal with the influx of students, in 1996 Novi High School concluded a renovation which had lasted for 30 months and added over 40 percent to the original facility. The school now covers 382,000 feet on three levels, and includes state of the art instructional areas, science labs, a media center, physical education and fine art complexes, and telecommunications systems. All classrooms have e-mail and Internet access as well as voice communications and two-way interactive video within and between district buildings. The administrators and faculty of Novi High School are committed to providing their students with a well-rounded educational program, including a rigorous academic schedule, a variety of extra-curricular and athletic programs, and an active student leadership program. This commitment led to a two-year, teacher-led initiative of research and review of outstanding international high schools. Following this process, Novi High School restructured into a four-block class schedule so that students would be allowed access to a broader range of curriculum and would also be able to take advantage of the new technology available for their use. Perhaps more importantly, the review and realignment of the curriculum led to a transformation of instructional strategies, from traditional lecture to interactive, higher-order thinking and application-assessment which have redefined the entire education program of Novi High School. Novi High School has received many awards, including the ``What Parents Want'' award from SchoolMatch for seven consecutive years (1993-99), a Gold Medal District Rating by Expansion Management Magazine for three years (1996-98), and in 1999 U.S. News and World Report selected it as one of the top 96 ``Outstanding American High Schools.'' Being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000 is reflective of a desire on the part of administration and faculty to continue to provide a better education to the students of Novi High School. The staff firmly believes that a quality education program is never static; rather, it continually needs to be adapted and improved as new resources and different methods of teaching become available. This willingness to adapt has been instrumental in the success of Novi High School, and I am sure will continue to be instrumental as the school leads other high schools, not only in the State of Michigan but throughout the country, into the future. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Novi High School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Dr. Jennifer Putnam Cheal, Principal of Novi High School, whose dedication to making her school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Novi High School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.

Mr. ABRAHAM

Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, in 1982, the United States Department of Education initiated its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In each year since, the Department has recognized schools throughout the country which excel in all areas of academic leadership, teaching and teacher development, and school curriculum. In other words, Blue Ribbon Schools are the finest public and private secondary schools our Nation has to offer. They are the schools that set the standard for which others strive. I am very proud to report that nine of the 198 Blue Ribbon Schools named by Secretary Richard W. Riley for 1999-2000 are located in the State of Michigan, and I rise today to recognize Cousino High School in Warren, Michigan, one of these nine schools. Cousino High School is a contemporary American high school set amongst the ``Big Three'' members of the auto industry--General Motors, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler. Much of the instructional program at Cousino relies upon the same forces that drive these international automotive giants, a fact which can be attributed to the large participation of the Warren community in the affairs of Cousino High School. Teachers, administrators, and parents, along with nearly 300 leaders from local business and industry, are directly involved in shaping the educational program. This involvement has been instrumental in creating the high student achievement level that has become a trademark of Cousino High School. A large part of this program is devoted to ensuring that students who graduate Cousino High School leave tecnologically competent. All Cousino classes use technology as a tool to facilitate learning. Multiple computer labs spread throughout the building and additional computers in the media center and classrooms allow students to easily access the Internet. In addition, Cousino's proximity to the General Motors Technical Center, the world's largest auto research institute, and the satellite automotive and technical businesses nearby, have provided students with an opportunity to see first-hand the many doors that their education will open for them. This focus on technology has complemented the core subjects of literature, humanitites, philosophy and the arts to provide students with a well-balanced educational foundation. Of course, no school could be successful without students and parents who are willing to devote time and energy to see that their school is indeed successful. This dedication has occurred time and again at Cousino High School. Parents have consistently served on the Principal's Advisory Committee and School Improvement Plan committees, have volunteered in Booster Clubs and for other school activities, and helped to promote school spirit by promoting school events. This parental enthusiasm has rubbed off onto students of Cousino High. Over 80 percent of students participate in extracurricular activities, and students have led the way in aiding the community as a whole, working tirelessly for numerous charities. I applaud the students, parents, faculty and administration of Cousino High School, for I believe this is an award which speaks more to the effort of a united community than it does to the work of a few individuals. With that having been said, I would like to recognize Mr. Joseph Sayers, Principal of Cousino High School, whose dedication to making his school one of the finest in our Nation has been instrumental in creating this community. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate Cousino High School on being named a Blue Ribbon School for 1999-2000, and wish the school continued success in the future.