Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I have no further Members seeking time, and continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1727, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. I am honored to have known Christopher and Dana Reeve, and it is fitting that we are considering this bill today just after the 3-year anniversary of Christopher's death. As we know, sometimes hardships and painful experiences are the starting point for an incredible advocacy, and this was certainly the case with Christopher and Dana Reeve. In turn, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act reflects our desire to carry out their work and improve the lives of, and hasten better treatments and cures for, people living with paralysis. Madam Speaker, as many of my colleagues may be aware, millions of Americans live with paralysis. Two million Americans live with paralysis of the extremities; a quarter million Americans live with spinal cord injuries; 4 million Americans live with the effects of stroke; 250,000 to 350,000 Americans have been diagnosed with some form of multiple sclerosis; half a million children and adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy; and 30,000 Americans, as we have just heard, live with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This legislation is multifaceted and seeks to address several aspects of paralysis research and quality-of-life issues. The bill expands research on paralysis at the NIH by encouraging collaborative research to connect scientists doing similar work and enhanced understanding and speed discovery of better treatment and cures. The bill also encourages research to enhance the daily function of people with paralysis, including improving their functional mobility, assessing the efficacy and outcomes of medical rehabilitation therapies, and developing improved assistive technology to improve function and independence. Lastly, the bill seeks to improve the quality of life and health of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities by supporting programs to disseminate information involving care and rehabilitation options. It also coordinates best practices designed to support and advance quality-of-life programs for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities. Madam Speaker, Christopher and Dana Reeve used their visibility to work on behalf of families in all parts of this country who face the challenges of paralysis and impaired mobility. I have been honored to carry on their work and am honored to work on this legislation with Congresswoman Bono, Congressman Langevin, and Congressman Bilirakis. I am also thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the thousands of paralysis advocates who have worked for the passage of this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1727) to enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 20) to provide for research on, and services for individuals with, postpartum depression and psychosis, as amended.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2295) to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry, as amended.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, in closing, I strongly support this bill. As we have heard, this bill would collect data which is urgently needed for ALS research and will go a long way toward moving us closer to treatments and a cure for this devastating illness. Again, I wish to recognize my colleague (Mr. Engel) and other colleagues who have spoken today who put a personal face and a personal story behind this important legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 524, expressing the sense of the House with respect to Diamond-Blackfan anemia, DBA. DBA is a rare genetic bone marrow disorder affecting children and adults, 90 percent of whom are younger than 1 year of age when they are diagnosed. DBA results in severe anemia due to the failure to produce red blood cells. The symptoms may vary greatly, from very mild to severe and life-threatening. Unfortunately, because DBA is a rare disease, there is limited research being done, and treatment options are not optimal. The resolution before us today as amended expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that we should encourage further efforts to clarify the natural history of DBA, continue efforts to raise awareness and ease access of information about DBA, encourage research efforts that will advance treatment options and seek a cure and encourage cross-institutional research initiatives to study the intricacies involved in this rare inherited disease. This is an important piece of legislation, and I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleague Representative Carolyn McCarthy for her hard work and dedication on this issue. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of an organization that has influenced the advancement of cultural opportunities for the people of Beloit, Wisconsin. Originally envisioned as a showcase of local talents, today the Beloit Civic Theatre has grown into a remarkable attraction stimulating growth and support of the arts within the community and surrounding area. Initially named the Beloit Little Theatre Guild upon its founding in 1932, the organization began its tradition of service with the production of the Whole Town's Talking. The group concluded its first season with another performance and 250 dedicated members. Word of the outstanding organization spread quickly, and the guild membership grew to 1,300 by the following year, the largest of any community theater in the State. In 1948, the name was changed to the Beloit Civic Theatre, as it stands today. Although the Beloit Civic Theatre was not incorporated as a non- profit organization until 1952, they have given back to the community since their very first season. Today their profits support a scholarship fund to cultivate the talents of graduating high school students pursuing a field within the arts. Throughout the past 75 years, the Beloit Civic Theatre has undoubtedly gone above and beyond their mission to bring the people of Beloit unique and distinctive performances. Enjoyed at the Elizabeth Reinholz Theater by a variety of audiences, the presentation of timeless classics, modern masterpieces, and original works has advanced more than the amazing talents of aspiring actors, but developed a desire and love for theater within the Beloit community. On this 75th anniversary of the Beloit Civic Theatre's founding, I applaud its devoted staff, faithful volunteers, and talented and dedicated performers who have nurtured and supported this indispensable organization of cultural growth and entertainment for the past 75 years. We look forward to 75 more.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cream City Foundation. Founded in 1982, Cream City Foundation serves as the leading foundation to mobilize philanthropic resources, build allied coalitions, effect positive change, and advance the dignity, worth, and health of every LGBT person in Southeastern Wisconsin. This vision is realized through the organization's mission of building a strong foundation and infrastructure in the Southeastern Wisconsin LGBT community by distributing funds to emerging groups and programs that enhance the quality of life for LGBT people. On the evening of September 22, the community will gather at the beautiful Milwaukee City Hall to note the incredible work of this vibrant foundation. The programs and interests that make up the work of Cream City Foundation are driven by a belief that philanthropy has an immense influence on creating long-lasting social change in our communities. Leadership from the LGBT community and our allies has been essential in bringing about that social change. We've come a long way, but our work is far from over. Despite all of our accomplishments over the years, homophobia is still all too pervasive. Yet, with the continued help of Cream City Foundation, and the partnership of so many groups and individuals working in the community, there is no limit to what can be achieved in the years to come. These are historic times for the LGBT community. As we work together to build a community of acceptance and inclusion, Cream City Foundation will continue to lead the way. It is fitting and appropriate that in the same year as the State of Wisconsin celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Nation's first Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act we take time to congratulate Cream City Foundation on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Your efforts are truly changing the world. I'm delighted to join with all of Wisconsin's citizens in saluting Cream City Foundation.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the New Direction for Energy Independence Act. Earlier this year, Speaker Nancy Pelosi challenged this Congress to address energy independence and global warming. That charge was long overdue, drastically needed, and vital to our national security, our economy, and our environment. Crafting this legislation represented our opportunity to chart a new direction. And we have, by reducing our energy use, investing in our future, and preparing for a post-petroleum economy; and, while there is much work that lies ahead, this bill takes necessary first steps that sets us on the right course. The legislation will improve our Nation's energy efficiency, increase the availability of renewable fuels, and enhance research efforts on biofuels. Additionally, it will address smart grid technology and ensure production of plug-in hybrid vehicles. The provisions we've crafted will remove from the atmosphere carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those emitted from all of the cars currently on the road. This bill truly will set a New Direction for Energy Independence and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Middleton as the ``Best Place to Live 2007,'' a title presented by Money Magazine that mirrors the thriving civic, commercial, residential, and natural centers of the community. Middleton, Wisconsin, the ``Good Neighbor City,'' is deserving of this honor as a reflection of the vibrant community it has become since its founding in 1856. The furtrading post that was opened in 1832 by the area's first carpenter, Michael St. Cyr, along with the arrival of the railroad in 1856 and the train depot, Middleton Station, that followed, served as town hubs that encouraged neighborhood growth and subsequent business prosperity. Today, as a testament of this award, Middleton is flourishing. While Middleton residents still treasure the historic structures of the past, such as the Old Stamm House, a former station on The Underground Railroad, they also are looking forward. At present Middleton is the corporate headquarters for American Girl, Capital Brewery, Electronic Theatre Controls, ETC, and Springs Window Fashions, LLC. There exist numerous elements that are keys to the community's success, including the Middleton-Cross Plains area school district and its high level of academic and cocurricular achievements; an outstanding performing arts center; 25 percent of land mass designated as ``green space;'' the home of Middleton Hills, the first ``new urbanism'' subdivision of the Midwest; a regional employment center; and superb public amenities, including a nationally recognized library, a nationally-accredited senior center, a historical museum, and abundant parks, to name a few. As the ``Best Place to Live 2007,'' the City of Middleton has much for which it should be proud. I look forward to watching the community as it continues to grow and builds upon the strong foundation that its residents, businesses, and employees have created for themselves.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the CHAMP Act, and our chairmen who have worked so hard to craft this bill deserve great credit. It is a very strong measure. There are many reasons to support this bill, but chief among them is the fact that this bill will provide health care coverage for an additional 5 million low income children, bringing the total to 11 million insured infants and children covered under SCHIP. This represents real progress at reducing America's 46.6 million uninsured people, and I am proud to support this progress. Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to note that the CHAMP Act does not pit children against seniors, as has been suggested by many of the Republicans, but instead works to improve health care for both children and seniors. The bill includes many investments in Medicare that will directly benefit the health of our seniors. The bill includes a physician fix so that our doctors will not be subjected to the harsh 10 percent scheduled cut in reimbursement, and, providing this fix will ensure that beneficiaries have continued access to their physicians. In addition, this bill provides many more protections to Medicare beneficiaries by expanding and improving the programs which ensure that Medicare remains affordable to those with lower income. The CHAMP Act also expands access to preventative benefits and mental health benefits for all Medicare seniors. But back to my first point. If this Congress stands for anything, it should stand for children, for providing them with comprehensive health care, for giving them the support and care they need for a healthy life. I am reminded of the first day of this session when Speaker Pelosi invited all the children to join her at the podium. This Congress should be judged based on how we protect our Nation's children. That is this vote.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, which is celebrating 100 years of excellence. This outstanding achievement is marked by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association's commitment to providing safe, efficient, and effective police services. The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association's standards of excellence were first instituted in 1907 with the mission of supplying a public voice on social and professional issues for law enforcement. It has grown as a resource for its members by making training available in state-of-the-art concepts in policing, acting as a legislative advocate for law enforcement, providing representation for the general good of law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels, and providing open communications with the public. Its most important objective has been to ensure that Wisconsin law enforcement embodies the highest level of integrity and honesty and embraces moral and ethical behavior based on the principles found in the law enforcement code of ethics. Today, the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association's membership spans Wisconsin and includes committees covering cutting-edge issues ranging from Homeland Security to Information Technology. And while the issues of the day may seem a far cry from those the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association dealt with 100 years ago, the call to tirelessly safeguard the lives and property of area citizens remains the same for the members of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association. Now, more than ever, our state is comforted by the knowledge that such citizens are prepared to lead in protecting our communities. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association for 100 years of protecting our communities and recognize its continuing commitment to excellence.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman for his courtesy in yielding me time. In lieu of offering an amendment this evening, I appreciate the opportunity to briefly share with Members a concern regarding the education title of this bill. I have learned that taxpayer dollars in this bill, combined with taxpayer dollars at the State and local level, are used to purchase textbooks printed and manufactured in countries that censor these teaching materials. Madam Chairman, one of the consequences of outsourcing to cheaper labor sources overseas is that an increasingly large number of American textbooks and educational materials are printed overseas, especially in China, a country which the State Department's 2006 Country Report on Human Rights concludes actively censors all publications. The State Department's Human Rights report reads, ``By law, only government-approved publishing houses are permitted to print books. The State Press and Publications Administration controls all licenses to publish. The Chinese Communist Party exerts control over the publishing industry by preemptively classifying certain topics as off limits.'' In addition, ``the government does not respect academic freedom and increases controls on political and social discourses at colleges, universities, and research institutes.'' Madam Chairman, the Chinese Government is forcing the same censorship on American students and teachers, and let me just explain how this happens. An American publishing company develops a textbook or any educational material and decides to print it overseas because they can save on printing costs by doing so. But the material content will be censored by the government-sanctioned publishing houses to conform to Chinese requirements. The Dalai Lama, Tiananmen Square, and balanced discussions of Tibet, political freedoms and descriptions of democratic participation and public protest will intentionally be left on the cutting room floor. And then a well-meaning, well-prepared unsuspecting teacher or school district buys this textbook for their classroom, a textbook which contains no mention of the Dalai Lama and a decidedly altered discussion of politics and culture, even American politics and culture because Chinese censorship laws do not discriminate between Chinese and American texts and contexts. And ultimately public funds meant to educate our children are simultaneously suppressing human rights and freedoms, and limiting exposure and curriculums on important topics of history, politics and culture. The same situation exists, with far more harmful consequences, for teacher manuals because if a lesson does not exist in the teacher's curriculum, chances are that the students won't be taught that lesson. Madam Chairman, the lesson that our students truly need to learn, and which must not be censored, is that State-sponsored censorship should not be supported with public dollars. I hope that my colleagues will join me in future efforts to teach our schoolchildren that ethics and morals and their education are more important, and more valuable, than cheap labor and production costs. Again, I thank Chairman Obey for the courtesy of yielding this time.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, as the State of Wisconsin celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Nation's first Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act, I rise today to honor the courageous individual who authored this historic legislation, David Clarenbach. David Clarenbach is a seasoned veteran of local, state, and national politics. He won his first term as a Dane County Supervisor at the age of 18, and was elected to the Madison Common Council in 1974. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1975 to 1993, and was Speaker pro tem from 1983 to 1993. In 1992 David was a Democratic Congressional candidate from Wisconsin's Second District. Throughout his career, David Clarenbach has been intimately involved in the growth and development of the LGBT civil rights movement. During his tenure in the Wisconsin Legislature he wrote the Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act of 1982, the first in the Nation to include gay and lesbian people in statewide anti-discrimination laws. He authored Wisconsin's Hate Crimes Act, which was upheld unanimously by the U.S. Supreme Court. He sponsored a Bill of Rights for people with AIDS and HIV infection. And, in 1983, he authored the Consenting Adults Act, legalizing all sexual activity between consenting adults in private, thus repealing the state's sodomy prohibitions. He has served as a consultant and mentor to openly gay and lesbian candidates throughout the country. Bringing together his vast experience in policy development, legislative relations, and grassroots organizing, on February 3, 1981, then Wisconsin State Representative David Clarenbach introduced Assembly Bill 70 to include discrimination based on sexual orientation in the state's prohibition on discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. At the time only 41 municipalities and 8 counties in the United States offered limited protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. In explaining the bill, Representative Clarenbach stated that ``the right of private sexual preference among adults should be considered inherent . . . he or she should be guaranteed the basic human right to live without harassment or discrimination.'' The bill was endorsed by a broad coalition of clergy, religious denominations, and medical and professional groups. In October 1981, Assembly Bill 70 was approved by the Wisconsin State Assembly by a vote of 50 to 46, and in February 1982, the Wisconsin State Senate approved the proposal by a vote of 19 to 13. Later that month, Republican Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus signed Assembly Bill 70 into law, making Wisconsin the first in the Nation to enact a civil rights statute covering sexual orientation. For his tenacity, his skills, and most of all, his courage, I join with all of Wisconsin in saluting David Clarenbach.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 431) recognizing the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia legalizing interracial marriage within the United States.

Ms. BALDWIN

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

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to join the gentleman from Iowa in giving special recognition to our colleague, Mr. Tiahrt of Kansas, who has also worked on this issue and is sponsoring similar legislation. This really is a remarkable bipartisan effort. Mr. Speaker, this is simple, yet sensible legislation to accord equal honor to fathers as to mothers in the statutory guidance on flying our Nation's flag on special days of the year. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott), the sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As part of our Nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976, Congress passed a joint resolution re-emphasizing existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag, especially recommending its display on a number of different holidays, including Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May. Omitted from the list was Father's Day. H.R. 2356 would amend the Federal flag code to include Father's Day, the third Sunday in June, among important holidays on which to fly the American flag. The law now provides that, in addition to the important occasions listed in the flag code, ``the flag should be displayed on all days.'' I know that this is the custom in every community in the United States. Still, I think that it is important for the flag code to recognize both mothers and fathers, who raise the next generation, inculcate them with the values they need to be good citizens and good neighbors. I want to thank our colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for his efforts to enact this worthwhile legislation. And I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to honor fathers in the flag code, just as we now honor mothers. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2356 and include extraneous materials in the Record.