Tammy Baldwin

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2231, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act, and I ask my colleagues to work with me to pass this important legislation. Last Sunday was Mother's Day, and in honor of all mothers, I rise today to stand with the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the 3 million American women living with breast cancer today to urge all my colleagues to push for passage of the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act--H.R. 2231. Too many mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters are dying from breast cancer. We will not end this disease until we find out what causes it. It is generally believed that the environment plays some role in the development of breast cancer, but the extent of that role is not understood. Less than 30 percent of breast cancers are explained by known risk factors. However, there is little consensus in the scientific community on how the environment impacts breast cancer. Studies have explored the effect of isolated environmental factors such as diet, pesticides, and electromagnetic fields, but in most cases there is no conclusive evidence. Furthermore, there are many other factors that are suspected to play a role but have not been fully studied. Clearly, more research needs to be done to determine the relationship between the environment and breast cancer. What is needed is a collaborative, comprehensive, national strategy to study these issues. H.R. 2231 makes that strategy possible. This bill would create a new mechanism for environmental health research. It would establish up to eight research centers to study environmental factors and their impact on breast cancer. Modeled after the successful Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, it would include consumer advocates in the peer review and programmatic review process. This Federal commitment is critical for the overall, national strategy and the long-term research investments needed to discover potential environmental causes of breast cancer, so that we can prevent it, treat it more effectively, and cure it. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2231, and I urge my colleagues to work with me to pass this bill this year.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed from H.R. 2567.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, it has really been clear from day one that the Medicare part D prescription drug program was planned with the best interests of drug companies and insurance companies but not seniors in mind. This plan was wrongfully conceived, and then poorly implemented so that seniors had to struggle to understand a confusing mass of plans, prices and protocols. As we approach the deadline by which seniors must enroll in a plan or be faced forever more with a financial penalty, it is obvious that we need a new prescription for progress. Just last week, a GAO report found that the information about the part D benefit provided by CMS through the hotline and handbooks and their Web site was full of errors. We should not penalize seniors for a poorly designed program which was poorly implemented. Mr. Speaker, we must change this deadline now and allow seniors adequate time to study their options and choose the drug plan that best fits their needs. Instead of passing this meaningless resolution, we should pass legislation to extend the deadline and truly help seniors.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, recently I made a difficult decision in voting against H.R. 282, the Iran Sanctions Act, a bill that I co-sponsored. I based my vote on the significant changes the International Relations Committee made to the underlying bill, many of which I believe are counter- productive to the U.S. efforts to deter Iran from its nuclear ambitions. It is also a reflection of my strong concerns, based on numerous recent and credible reports, that the Administration is actively exploring and studying a number of military options against Iran. The significant alterations made to H.R. 282 in Committee and the changing political circumstances informed my decision to vote against this legislation. I want to outline several changes made to H.R. 282 that I oppose. Specifically, H.R. 282 was amended to include a brand new section requiring the president to impose sanctions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 against any ``agency or instrumentality'' of a foreign government investing $20 million or more in the development of Iran's oil or gas industry. The president is also required to publish in the Federal Register a list of all U.S. and foreign entities that have invested more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector retroactive to August 5, 1996. I believe such a heavy-handed approach targeting foreign investment in the oil or gas industry is misguided. The Department of State, in a letter to the House International Relations Committee, has stated that H.R. 282 impairs our government's ability to work with our allies in pursuit of a diplomatic solution in dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions. Rather than encouraging a collaborative process with our colleagues at the U.N. Security Council, this bill penalizes them. I believe this new prohibition, which was not part of H.R. 282 at the time I co-sponsored it, hinders our ability to proactively work with our partners in responding to the challenges imposed by Iran. In addition, I am very troubled by a new provision of the bill, incorporated by the International Relations Committee, which purports to strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It contains the following ``finding'' of Congress: ``Iran has manipulated Article IV of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to acquire technologies needed to manufacture nuclear weapons under the guise of developing peaceful nuclear technology.'' [Emphasis added.] I find this language troubling. The finding states a conclusion that Iran is seeking to manufacture nuclear weapons as it pursues the development of nuclear power generation. I fear that this or a subsequent Administration could use such finding to justify an invasion or other military action against Iran, under its doctrine of preemption. Prior to its 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Administration cited the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 as one of its bases for taking this country into war. A Congressional finding that Iran is seeking to manufacture nuclear weapons could provide a basis for the Administration to conduct preemptive strikes or declare war against Iran. I believe Congress should not, once again, provide cover to this Administration, which has shown ample evidence of incompetence in the collection of intelligence on the development of weapons of mass destruction by foreign nations. A Congressional ``finding'' is no substitute for reliable intelligence on the status of Iran's nuclear program. Mr. Speaker, much has changed in the months between the introduction of H.R. 282 and our floor debate last week. Iran abandoned its voluntary suspension of enrichment-related activities at the beginning of this year. Subsequently the U.N. Security Council called for Iran's compliance with the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported just last week that Tehran's work on enriching uranium was accelerating even as it continued to block inspectors' attempts to learn more about the troubling parts of the program. The United States is now engaged in the difficult task of persuading the U.N. Security Council to order an end to Iran's nuclear program. Aggressive diplomatic efforts with our allies are now more critical than ever. Yet, recent reports, including a detailed article by Seymour Hersh published in the New Yorker, suggest that the Administration is planning to pursue military options, including the use of nuclear weapons, against Iran to prevent its acquisition and development of atomic warheads. News articles have also disclosed that senior Pentagon strategists are updating plans to strike Iran's nuclear sites. The Administration's apparent pursuit of a nuclear option before diplomatic efforts have run their course is not only irresponsible, it is simply wrong. Passing H.R. 282, as amended in Committee, at this critical juncture not only appears to represent Congress' acquiescence in this Administration's foolhardy tendency to plan for war without diplomacy, it risks validating the Administration's go-it-alone approach in chasing a military solution to Iran's nuclear ambition. Make no mistake; I believe the threat imposed by Iran must be addressed swiftly and skillfully, but through diplomatic means. I supported the underlying goals of the Iran-Libya sanctions Act enacted in 1996 that sought to deter private foreign investment in Iran's energy sector. But much has changed between the time when I signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 282 and the time I was asked to vote on it, both with regard to the substance of the bill and the political climate surrounding the issue. At a time when the House of Representatives should be putting our full support behind multilateral diplomacy and efforts to persuade the U.N. Security Council to act decisively, we passed a bill that would further alienate our allies and give cover for a military attack by this Administration. For these reasons, I could not, in good conscience, vote for this bill that I once supported. It is my sincere hope that the Senate will take a much more balanced approach that would truly strengthen, not hinder, the interests of our diplomatic efforts in addressing Iran's nuclear threat.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight during Cover the Uninsured Week to draw attention to a national crisis. According to the Census Bureau, 45.8 million Americans are without health insurance. Millions more encounter a health care system that is inadequate in meeting their basic medical needs because they are underinsured. The Commonwealth Fund recently released a study estimating that there are an additional 16 million Americans who are underinsured, meaning their insurance does not adequately protect them against catastrophic health care expenses. That means that 61 million Americans either have no health insurance or have only sporadic coverage or have insurance coverage that leaves them exposed to very high health costs. Sixty-one million Americans is nearly 20 percent of all Americans. That is one in five Americans who have inadequate or no health care coverage at all. The lack of affordable, comprehensive health care affects every congressional district in this Nation. To highlight the issue and the real impact that being uninsured has on the lives of Americans, I have selected some letters that I have received from my constituents who have had difficulty obtaining and affording comprehensive health care coverage. Too often here in Congress we speak of health care issues in the antiseptic jargon of policymakers and lawyers, but people across America are hurting and these letters tell their stories in their own words. I represent a district in south central Wisconsin, and while the letters I read may be from Wisconsinites, they speak to the difficulties people all over the United States face every day. I am going to start with a few letters about the ever-increasing price of health care. Eva from Madison, Wisconsin writes, ``I am contacting you in regards to my desperate need for public health care. I am a grad student. I recently sprained my ankle playing soccer and had to go to the emergency room for x-rays. My bill came out to $1,242.50 because I can only afford a measly insurance that only has catastrophic coverage. This is a ridiculous amount of money for such a visit, and it causes me to consider those less fortunate than me who have even more serious injuries and less familial support. This cost can truly make waves in the lives of people.'' Suzanne from Stoughton, Wisconsin writes, ``It is time, time to have the government deal with health care. We are covered under COBRA which will run out in March. The cost is going from $500 per month to $900 per month. We checked with Blue Cross and they refuse us coverage because of a preexisting condition. They will not even offer a waiver for this preexisting condition. We checked with the Wisconsin State insurance program which will cover us for $1,200 a month. Please, let people over 60 buy into Medicare. It is impossible to find a job that offers health insurance.'' Roberta from Janesville, Wisconsin writes, ``I think the insurance bills for both medical and dental are horrendous. Both my husband and I work full time with two small children, living paycheck to paycheck. My insurance costs have caused us many heartaches with us owing more money than what needs to be paid. As a result, I will not get a needed medical procedure done. Something drastically needs to change in the United States of America where hardworking individuals and families can get the treatment they need without going broke.'' Roberta brings up an important point in her letter because people without health insurance are often not getting the care that they need. A recent study released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that cost prevented 41.1 percent of uninsured adults from seeing a doctor that they needed to see. But getting needed care is also difficult for Americans who have health insurance because the financial strain resulting from high health care costs, rising premiums, and increasing copays and deductibles place an incredible strain on American families, often forcing them to choose between needed health care and basic necessities like food. It is no wonder that illness, injury, and medical debt is responsible for nearly 50 percent of all personal bankruptcies in the United States. Patricia from Madison, Wisconsin writes, ``We need to fix health care. I have to choose between heat and food and medications. I have lost 80 pounds because of this. Please help.'' Heather from Waterloo, Wisconsin writes, ``I am married, and together with my husband I own a home. We live a modest, middle-class life, managing to always have what we need except for health care coverage. My husband has excellent health care at his job, but for me to also be covered by his plan, we would need to pay nearly $400 a month. That is two-thirds as much as our home mortgage. Through school, I have worked less and less in order to maintain health coverage. I have only been able to afford short-term major medical coverage. I am grateful that we can afford this, but it does make a difference. Even now if I have a sore throat, I will wait for a few days to see how I feel. I will wait because if I don't need to go, I will certainly save the money. This is disturbing to me as a nursing student because I know about the importance of early treatment and prevention, and it is upsetting to me as a person because I value my health. It is unacceptable to me as a citizen because I know there are other people just like me who wait and get sicker or can't take the medications they need.'' Mr. Speaker, simply put, our health care system is failing and America knows this. Among the thousands of letters regarding health care that I receive, there is a common thread, a common theme that binds them together; and that common theme is an overwhelming frustration with a system they know just is not working and a call for us in Congress to take action. Brad from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin writes, ``I write you today to urge you to take action on a growing crisis in America: health care. I strongly believe that we need a national health care plan to insure all Americans. My major concern with the current system is that when people attempt to obtain insurance, insurance companies refuse them because of past health history. Let's face it, insurance companies are in business to make a profit. The best way to make a profit is to insure the healthy so that you can minimize the claims you pay out and not insure those who need medical care or who may potentially need medical care. I am 38 years old with a family of four. I currently participate in a health savings account. For all practical purposes, I pay for all of my own medical needs, including the recent birth of our daughter. I recently attempted to switch insurance providers. The insurance companies will insure me, but they will not insure my daughter for any type of treatment for her asthma for 3 years along with no drug coverage for life. The policy I was requesting had a $10,000 deductible, yet they still refused the coverage.'' Kimberly from Madison, Wisconsin writes, ``I am writing today because of my family's frustration and anxiety over health care. Although we hear a lot of rhetoric about making health care more affordable and/or more available for Americans, nothing is happening, at least not soon enough.'' ``Let me briefly share our story,'' Kimberly proceeds. ``My husband recently started his own business. Obviously, it will take some time for his new company to see any profits, much less income. In the meantime, we are without health insurance. I am 5 months pregnant, and we have a 2-year-old son. Because of my pre-existing condition, we cannot buy affordable health coverage. COBRA would cost us $1,200 per month. I am currently applying for Medicaid and other forms of public assistance as a last resort. This is ridiculous. ``As someone with no insurance, I wonder what could possibly be the problem with implementing a public health care system. Oh, I have heard the horror stories about having fewer choices in doctors, longer waiting lists for procedures, and less incentive among doctors and researchers to develop new techniques. But what's most frightening to me is the chance that my son might get sick or my baby might be born with expensive complications while we are uninsured. ``I am not naive. I know that funding public health care is an issue. But is it wise to sacrifice the health and well-being of American citizens to avoid the challenge of implementing a change? I, for one, would be satisfied to pay more for goods and services if I could rest assured that my family's basic health care needs were being met.'' Victor, from Stoughton, Wisconsin writes, ``My wife can only work part time because of her health. Her employer offers a generic policy that costs only $3.97 per week and requires no background check. This policy covers basically nothing. Medical supplies, checkups, doctors visits necessary on a routine basis for my wife to survive are now not covered. My wife is uninsurable because of her health, and we have been turned down for health insurance that we have applied for. We cannot believe that this is happening.'' Ronald from Deerfield, Wisconsin writes, ``I was on COBRA insurance for 3 years, which ended this past fall. I spent from March until September trying to get private insurance, but could not because of my neck injury. I was, in effect, looked at and dismissed by 33 private insurance companies because of my pre-existing condition with my neck injury. Just imagine how you would feel after being dismissed by this many companies. I was finally insured through disability and Medicare. The sad reality of it is that if I want to try to work full time again, I cannot, because in doing so it would cost me the only insurance options I have left. ``The truth is that many other countries can and do provide equitable health insurance to all of their citizens, no matter what pre-existing condition they have or their ability to pay or what income level they have. I believe this country does have top-notch medical facilities, but not decent or equitable insurance for the poor and middle-income families.'' Susan from Bariboo, Wisconsin writes, ``I am writing you today regarding health insurance coverage for single people with no children. As of this time, I feel that I am left out of the loop in regards to this topic. I am 42, and last September I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In January of this year, the company that I worked for informed us that they would be closing down. I was laid off in December while I was out due to my cancer treatment. I have been searching for health care everywhere because my COBRA will be going up and I am on unemployment and barely able to pay the $244.76 for the coverage now. I cannot get insurance because of the breast cancer. HIRSP, which is the Wisconsin State High Risk Program, is too expensive for me to get coverage since they want 4 months of premiums up front, and as they only cover some things. ``What are single people supposed to do? We don't qualify for any government assistance because we are single. We cannot go without insurance. There are no programs to help us out. So when you are working on health care in the House of Representatives, please remember that there are other single people out there also in my shoes. I am at a crossroad because I have no avenue for assistance when it comes to health care. Come November, I will be unable to get coverage when I need it at this point in my life.'' Janet from Portage, Wisconsin writes, ``I have a 53-year-old brother who has psoriasis all over his body and arthritis that is caused by this. Three weeks ago, he fell and needs surgery on his shoulder to repair it. He has no job, no money and no insurance. We started looking for a program to help him. There are none that we can find. There is nothing to help him get his shoulder fixed. But after it heals wrong and he is disabled because of it, then there are programs to help him. They won't help him get it fixed so he could find a good job. Instead, they would rather support him for the rest of his life instead of trying to help him now.'' Gail from Janesville, Wisconsin writes, ``My husband lost his job in October of 2003. He applied for over 100 positions, only to be told that he lacked a college degree or he is overqualified, or they can only pay $8 an hour. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 1998 and again in 2003. I have gone through breast cancer twice and have undergone a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. ``COBRA has run out and without a stable income, we cannot afford to pay the premiums of our own health care policy. My husband is 59 and I am 58, and we have no medical coverage. I have looked in every insurance company and get turned down because of my medical history. All our lives we have paid into these insurance companies only to be turned away when we need coverage the most.'' Mr. Speaker, I hope that as Cover the Uninsured Week continues, my colleagues will join me in recognizing that obtaining comprehensive, affordable health care presents a very real challenge for millions and millions of Americans. We cannot turn a deaf ear on our constituents' pleas for help. I invite my colleagues to join me in working on this most pressing domestic priority, to provide quality affordable health care for all Americans.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker I rise today to recognize the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team, NCAA champions for the sixth time in the program's history. This is the first national championship for the Badgers since 1990, and also the first under head coach Mike Eaves. Coach Eaves previously won a national title as a player when he was the Badgers' team captain in 1977, and also coached the United States teams to their first gold medals at the 2002 World Under-18 Championship and the 2004 World Junior Championship. Coach Eaves' latest honor is being named the head coach of the United States Men's National Team. This championship caps off a remarkable season for the Badgers. Senior assistant captain defenseman Tom Gilbert tied for the national lead in goals by a defenseman, and scored the most points by a UW defenseman in almost ten years. Gilbert was named to the All-American second team, and was joined there by sophomore center Joe Pavelski. Pavelski led the team in scoring during the season, and also became just the ninth player in Badgers history to score 100 points in his first two years. Junior goalie Brian Elliott was named a first-team All-American. Elliot led the nation in every significant category of goaltending statistic, including goals-against-average, save percentage, and winning percentage, en route to being named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Player of the Year award. He also recorded eight shutouts, including two in the NCAA Tournament's regional rounds, helping Elliot earn Most Outstanding Player honors for the Midwest Regional. During the Frozen Four Championship in Milwaukee, it was Badgers' junior forward Robbie Earl who proved the Most Outstanding Player. Earl scored three goals combined in the semi-finals and finals, including the game-winning goal in the semi-final game and a tying goal in the final game. After the Badger women's hockey team won their national championship two weeks before the men, several players joked that they had stolen for Wisconsin the title of the ``State of Hockey'' from Minnesota. After the men's team completed the NCAA hockey sweep for UW, Athletic Director Barry Alvarez put it more simply: ``We own college hockey.''

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Wisconsin women's hockey team, which on March 26 defeated the Gophers of the University of Minnesota 3-0 to claim the 2006 NCAA national championship. This is the first national championship won by the Badger women's hockey team, and in fact it is the first NCAA championship for any UW women's team since 1985. This also marks the first Division I women's hockey title won by a school outside the State of Minnesota. The championship victory was a fitting end to an amazing year for the Badgers, which included a record 36 victories and a Patty Kazmeier National Player of the Year Award winner in junior forward Sara Bauer. The final game was also UW's fifth victory of the season in six games against the archrival Gophers, a team that had dominated the Badgers in years past. For Badgers coach Mark Johnson, this accomplishment can stand beside his greatest as a player, including the 1977 NCAA men's championship and the ``Miracle on Ice'' 1980 Olympic gold medal. In each of his 4 years as head coach, the Badgers have set a school record for victories, showing steady improvement on the way to this year's ultimate prize. Coach Johnson's players, of course, deserve the bulk of the credit for their own success. And during this year's tournament, no Badger star shone brighter than goaltender Jessie Vetter. A freshman from Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, Jessie allowed one goal during three tournament games. Prior to this year, no goalie had ever recorded a shutout during the women's Frozen Four. Jessie earned two, in the semi- finals and the championship. It is no surprise, then, that she was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. It is, however, not an individual honor but the accomplishment of a team that I wish most to recognize today. Some of the players joked after the game that they had now stolen away from their neighbors to the west the title of ``the State of Hockey.'' Wisconsin couldn't be prouder.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to the Edgerton Public Library in Edgerton, Wisconsin, on the occasion of its grand opening celebration. Housed in the Carnegie building originally built in 1907, the library is an impressive tribute to the people of Edgerton. A public library serves as the cornerstone of democracy. A library fosters intellectual freedom and makes available to all citizens an extensive information network. In a local setting, citizens have access to global resources of information. The educational importance of a public library is immensely important in improving the community by providing access to higher learning, A library is a requirement for a cultivated democratic society. A public library allows citizens to perform their civic duties placed upon them in our noble democratic nation. It not only provides free worldwide access to information, but also is a place where residents can obtain information about their community, and where internet access, tax forms and voter registration forms are provided. The role of the public library is essential in supporting a democratic state. The Edgerton Public Library has gone beyond its civic duty in providing these services for the public. In spite of the many challenges they faced, the people of Edgerton were committed to this important project. I am proud to recognize the efforts of a community that created a dream and followed through to success. I join the residents of Edgerton in celebrating the grand opening of the newly expanded and renovated Edgerton Public Library and wish them the best for many years to come.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise not to address the substance of this bill, but to address a matter that is most unfortunately missing from this bill. Today we consider H.R. 4472, the Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2005, under the suspension calendar, which, of course, means that amendments cannot be offered. This bill encompasses H.R. 3132, the Children's Safety Act of 2005, which passed the House in September of 2005. When that bill was considered on the floor, a hate crimes amendment was offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), and it passed by a strong bipartisan vote of 223--199. Yet despite that strong bipartisan support from the Members of this Chamber, the hate crimes provision has been stripped out of the bill before us today, and there is simply no good reason for the House to consider H.R. 4472 without hate crimes language. One cannot fully address the issues of crime reduction and child safety without acknowledging the terrorizing impact hate-motivated violence has in our society, especially in subjecting groups of individuals to a debilitating state of fear for their safety and security. Hate crimes reduction is violent crime reduction, and it is about keeping millions of Americans, including children, safe from hate-motivated violence. It is a shame that by introducing an omnibus crime prevention bill and proceeding under suspension of the rules that the majority undermines the democratic process by doing an end run around hate crime prevention. I urge my colleagues to bear these facts in mind as they consider this legislation.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and work of Professor Nellie McKay of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At the time of her death, Professor McKay was known world-wide as one of the most distinguished scholars of African-American literature. Nellie McKay was the daughter of immigrants who sought for her the education and advancement that was denied them. She realized all their dreams and more. After earning her doctorate in English and American literature from Harvard and teaching in Boston, Professor McKay, to the dismay of many of her friends, moved to the midwestern city of Madison. Craig Werner, the current chairman of the UW-Madison Afro-American studies department said, ``When she came here, there was not a single university that was paying any attention to black women's literature. Now, there isn't a single university that isn't.'' Professor McKay chaired the Afro-American studies department at Madison and helped turn it into the nationally recognized program that it is today. She co-edited, with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Norton Anthology of African American Literature, a groundbreaking work that remains a cornerstone of the genre. Professor McKay's scholarship (more than 60 books, articles, and essays) was matched by her commitment to her students, both in and out of the classroom. She is remembered fondly as a teacher who challenged her students academically and challenged her colleagues to make the university a more welcoming place for all people. By all accounts, she succeeded at both. But she would be the first to say that her work is ongoing, to be continued, now, by others. Nellie McKay did the unthinkable--sacrificing a department chair at Harvard, and its attendant fame, to continue living and working in Madison. We are grateful for her sacrifice and so much richer for it. With the passing of Nellie McKay, the world has lost a great scholar and Wisconsin has lost a great teacher, citizen, and friend.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great sadness as our Nation mourns the passing of Coretta Scott King--the First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement. Coretta Scott was preparing for a career in music when she met her future husband, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., while studying concert vocals at the New England Conservatory of Music. Coretta Scott became Martin Luther King, Jr.'s partner in life and in the movement. After the assassination of her husband in Memphis, on April 4, 1968, Coretta Scott King never lost sight of the dream that Dr. King had so powerfully articulated. She dedicated her life to seeing that her husband's work was continued and his legacy protected--all while raising four children. She established the King Center, a living memorial in Atlanta, and successfully worked to establish a Federal holiday in King's honor. I have always admired Coretta Scott King's remarkable strength and grace. I am inspired by the depth of her commitment to equality and peace. Coretta Scott King did not waiver in her quest for justice even in the face of violence--as when the King's Montgomery home was bombed. Because of her strength and tenacity, she leaves this world a better place. We have lost one of our great leaders. The thought of a joyous reunion of partners separated far too soon, softens our sadness.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the city of Middleton, WI. While first inhabited by Native Americans, then home to French fur traders and, later, English and German settlers, the area we now call Middleton marks its official birth with the arrival of the railroad there in 1856. The history of this vibrant community is well-documented. We know of the fur-trading post opened in 1832 by the area's first carpenter, Michael St. Cyr. Records tell us of Orson Cook, the first permanent settler in the East Middleton area in 1841. The name, Middleton, we are told, was chosen by the first postmaster, Harry Barnes, after a town in Vermont. The settlements of Pheasant Branch, East Middleton, Middleton Station and others coalesced when the train depot became a hub around which local businesses prospered. One hundred fifty years after the first trains arrived, Middleton's downtown is thriving. New businesses are rising in the footprints of the old. The people of this 21st century community are still guided by the ``good neighbor'' practices of those who came before. The current residents of Middleton treasure historic structures of the past: the Old Stamm House, once a station on the ``underground railroad''; the Blacksmith Shop on Branch Street; Arneson's Cafe on Parmenter Street where folks could collect mail on one side and buy stationery and sweets on the other, to name just a few. But they are also looking to the future, supporting a superb public library, a dynamic senior center, a community pool, and a performing arts center. Though barely miles from the State capital, the people of Middleton cede no civic pride or responsibility. Volunteers sustain and support emergency services and community functions. On its sesquicentennial, I salute the city of Middleton and its people and wish them many more years of prosperity.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the work of a remarkable journalist--Matt Pommer of Madison, Wisconsin. Matt Pommer is retiring from The Capital Times newspaper where he worked for nearly 45 years. The past 35 of those years were spent covering the State Capitol beat. During that time, he covered virtually all of the major stories in the state, including the work of seven Governors. Matt Pommer is a true journalist, who stayed focused on the facts and worked to make certain that he got the details right. He has an extraordinary knowledge of the inner workings and history of Capitol activity which was reflected in the outstanding quality of his stories. On many issues, most notably the Wisconsin retirement system, he knew as much or more than the legislators working on the issue. In his years covering legislation Matt was steadfast in his determination to keep the public informed of the on-goings in Wisconsin government. He devoted his energies to bringing the story to his readers without any fear or favor. He had no interest in ``spin''. Mr. Speaker, over the years I have had the privilege of reading Matt Pommer's work, and interacting with him during my service as a state legislator. He is a professional in every sense of the word. On a lighter note, Matt and I enjoyed the opportunity to work together as ``extras'' in the film ``Chain Reaction'' with Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman. We were told that Director Andrew Davis preferred to fill the role of ``extras'' with people who actually worked in the job they were portraying. When he looked for a real journalist, there is little wonder that he found Matt Pommer. Thank you Matt, for the years of service you have provided to the citizens of the State of Wisconsin and the readers of The Capital Times.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the U.S. Department of State's recent action to reinstate Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and defense exports to Indonesia, by waiving restrictions placed on that aid by this Congress. In 2000, due to the Indonesian military's record of abuse in places such as East Timor, Congress responsibly placed conditions on military assistance packages to Indonesia. The restrictions on military aid to Indonesia were included, once again, in the Fiscal Year 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. Two days after the bill became law in November 2005, the State Department waived all remaining restrictions on Foreign Military Financing and defense exports to Indonesia. This Administration's waiver was in clear contravention of the will of this Congress. It greatly diminishes the leverage we have to press for human rights improvements. Organizations such as the East Timor Action Group and Human Rights Watch are highly critical of this waiver. Indonesian military officers and soldiers who have committed human rights violations have not been prosecuted. At least 15 human rights defenders, including Indonesia's foremost human rights advocate Munir, have been murdered since 2000. To date, no senior Indonesian officer has been held accountable for crimes against humanity in East Timor in 1999 or before. To this day, there are reports of the Indonesian military terrorizing the people of West Papua, but documenting these human rights violations is nearly impossible because the government and military severely limit access to the province. While the people of Indonesia have made democratic advances, these have happened in spite of the military. I believe the Bush Administration's decision to waive the restrictions this Congress placed on FMF and defense exports to Indonesia could threaten the democratic advances by once again propping up brutal forces. Human rights activists in Indonesia and East Timor have repeatedly called for continued restrictions of U.S. military assistance to Indonesia. I am disappointed the Bush Administration has chosen to ignore them.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the resolution. I honor and support our troops and request an open debate on Iraq on the House floor.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the coach of the University of Wisconsin football team who retires this year, Coach Barry Alvarez. In Barry Alvarez's 16 years as coach, the Wisconsin Badgers have gone from a 1-10 record in 1990 to three-time winners of the Rose Bowl and the Big Ten Conference. Coach Alvarez has made the University of Wisconsin into a perennial Big Ten Championship contender. The abilities, both on and off the field, of players led by Coach Alvarez, many of whom have been All-Americans and have gone on to play in the NFL, serve as a testament to the standard of excellence that he established at the University of Wisconsin's football program. It is with great sadness that I acknowledge Coach Alvarez's retirement from his duties as head coach at the close of this season. However, Barry Alvarez will now be dedicating his full attention to being Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin. There is no doubt that Coach Alvarez will continue to bring the same determination and commitment he has brought to all of the University of Wisconsin's athletic programs as he continues his role of Athletic Director. It is fitting that in Coach Alvarez's final year as football coach, the team excelled beyond what some had predicted and will take on Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, on January 2, 2006. While at the close of this season he may no longer be Coach of the University of Wisconsin's football team, his legacy of dedication, hard work, and excellence at the University of Wisconsin is far from being complete. Thanks Coach, Job Well Done.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, like many of my colleagues, I spent much of the Thanksgiving recess holding office hours throughout my congressional district to listen to the concerns of my constituents. Understandably, I heard how worried they are about skyrocketing energy prices, our lack of progress in Iraq, rising health care costs, and the recently passed budget cuts that predominately hurt the poor. One need look no further than the tax bill on the floor today to see why many Americans are frustrated and disappointed with the work of this Congress. Republicans just don't seem to get it. Instead of trying to make progress on the pressing issues facing American families, House Republican's top priority is passing this $56 billion tax bill that primarily benefits wealthy investors. H.R. 4297 is truly shameful as it clearly puts enriching the wealthiest Americans before the biggest concerns of working Americans. The centerpiece of the Republican's tax bill today is a $20 billion provision that would extend tax rate cuts for investors who receive capital gains or corporate dividends. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, the vast majority of Americans would receive no benefit at all from this tax provision. Specifically, 78 percent of Americans would get no tax benefit from the capital gains and dividends provision, while an additional 10 percent would get less than $100. In my home State of Wisconsin, the wealthiest 1 percent of taxpayers (those with an average income of more than $1.3 million) would receive 43 percent of the tax benefits, or an average tax cut of $18,523 in 2009 and 2010 combined. This bill does contain a number of tax measures I strongly support, such as the extension of the important research and development tax credit, the state sales tax deduction, and the college tuition tax credit. These provisions are good for our Nation and working families, but they should not be simply used as ``sweeteners'' to garner more support for the underlying bill and more tax cuts for investors. I find it heartless that Republicans would bring this bill to the House floor right after they I passed a Budget Reconciliation bill that makes harmful cuts to health care for children and the elderly, food stamps for needy families, student loans, and child support enforcement. Let us be clear: these $50 billion in budget cuts were made solely to pay for these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. How can any Member of this Congress who has an ounce of compassion--justify making college students, the poor, children, and the elderly shoulder the cost of providing more tax cuts for the wealthy? I certainly cannot. In Wisconsin, 91,000 children lack health insurance, up over 7% in just the last year. American families are struggling with soaring costs for fuel, housing, health care, child care, and college. Yet today, this Congress again turns a deaf ear to those concerns--not to reduce the deficit, not to pay for the war in Iraq, not to help the hurricane and tornado victims of 2005, but simply to satisfy those whose greed has no bounds. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4297 is a sad indication of who House Republicans are fighting for in this Congress. It should come as no surprise as we have seen the very wealthiest Americans receive special tax breaks every year since President Bush took office. The question today is whether this House will ever stand up for the many, not just the few, with budget and tax policies focused on need, not greed? I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, for more than 10 years, the Cambridge High School Environmental Club has performed valuable community service. Their activities have ranged from collecting of old cell phones to be recycled to puppet shows that promote ecology lessons for children. The club's recent research at Custer State Park in the Badlands of South Dakota is a fine example of their desire to be active at both the local and national level. They are a diverse group of ``active environmentalists'' whose lives and goals are as varied as the projects that they have taken on. Living together for 14 days, the club worked as an environmental research team at Custer State Park. The club, using the advanced protocols of a professional research team, performed chemical tests and journaled about their research at night. These students have experienced a life lesson that is of far greater value than anything that could be read in a textbook. It is with great pride that I congratulate the Cambridge High School Environmental Club, and the leadership of their student advisor, Ed Grunden, for their commitment to environmental research and awareness.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize a talented group of students and teachers from Wisconsin whom I am proud to represent. From Les Paul to Boz Scaggs, Wisconsin has a long history of producing diverse musicians of international acclaim. Continuing this legacy, the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater's Symphonic Wind Ensemble always sets a high standard and soon it will set that standard on a much larger stage. On November 4-6, they will travel to England for the Royal Northern College of Music International Festival of Winds. The ensemble will perform at one of the most prestigious band conferences in the world. In being invited to the festival, the ensemble will not only be representing Wisconsin but they will be the sole representative of the United States at the festival. The ensemble embodies the American values of hard work and dedication, which is a testament to their Director, Mr. Glenn Hayes. Fittingly, Wisconsin will recognize these students as Official Musical Ambassadors as they travel abroad. While at the festival, they will receive the special privilege of instruction from faculty at the Royal Northern College. I applaud the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater's Symphonic Wind Ensemble for their accomplishments and for their contributions both to Wisconsin and the United States.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of National Coming Out Day. Next Tuesday, October 11th, will be the 18th annual National Coming Out Day. As public officeholders, we know the power of telling real life stories and putting a human face on the policy issues that we deal with to convey the ideas that a dry public policy speech could not convey. In the movement towards full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexuals and transgender Americans, no actions have been more important than the steps that millions of Americans have taken in being open, truthful, forthright, with their friends, families, co-workers and neighbors about who they are. For much of history, gays and lesbians were invisible, so people knew us through stereotypes and myths. Visibility serves to shatter those stereotypes. Truth telling not only chips away at the myths, but serves to open minds and hearts. National Coming Out Day is a time for us to celebrate that freedom and rededicate ourselves to the freedoms yet to be won.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 16th annual celebration of National Recovery Month, and to salute those who have shown us the promise and possibility of recovering from addiction. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Caucus on Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery, and I join my colleagues in highlighting the need for increased access to treatment. Despite the fact that virtually everyone has a relative, coworker, friend, or neighbor who has had problems with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors, the difficulties in getting into and completing a treatment program are not often publicly discussed. Public stigma further compounds the problems of a system that is alarmingly overburdened. Health insurance policies often do not cover treatment of alcohol or drug dependency; and, when they do, coverage is not always adequate. In Wisconsin, more than 120,000 people are currently unable to gain access to treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. To family and friends trying to help a loved one, the many obstacles standing in their way can seem insurmountable. With appointment wait times often approaching three weeks or longer and costs of care becoming prohibitively expensive, only one in four people with alcohol or drug addiction is able to get treatment. In Congress, I'm working to address the problem in several ways. I have re-introduced the Health Security for All Americans Act. This legislation would provide health care for all Americans by encouraging the States to expand coverage through various methods of their own choosing and providing them with the funds to do so. Equally important, the legislation sets standards for the level of coverage and includes parity for mental health and substance abuse treatment benefits. This means that no limitations or financial requirements could be imposed on the treatment of mental illness or substance abuse that are not also imposed on other medical and surgical benefits. I'm pleased to report that exciting work is being done on this issue in my home State of Wisconsin. Last year, the University of Wisconsin-- Madison, along with The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, launched a national program to help treatment providers find innovative ways to meet their many challenges. The Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment, or NIATx, works with providers who are trying to treat more people with fewer resources. The 29 participating organizations are applying business and quality improvement principles to reduce wait times to get into treatment and the number of no-shows for treatment while increasing admissions to treatment and the number of those continuing in treatment. NIATx agencies experienced dramatic improvements in access to treatment and retention, proving that significant change may be a lot simpler, less time consuming, and less costly than is often presumed. They're also developing new ideas and tools to share with the rest of the treatment field. As we celebrate National Recovery Month throughout September, it's important to recognize and salute the dedicated and determined addiction treatment providers, as well as and the brave and committed individuals who are recovering. I look forward to continuing my work with my colleagues, especially.those who are members of the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, in ensuring that all Americans have access to timely and affordable addiction treatment.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Day of Peace, a world-wide observance of 24 hours of nonviolence and global cease-fire. The International Day of Peace was first established by the United Nations in 1981 to coincide with the opening session of the UN every September, and, in 2001, was unanimously adopted by Member States to formally recognize the day on September 21 of each year. Today, citizens across the globe will mark this occasion. I know that there are many of my constituents observing the International Day of Peace, affirming a vision of our world at peace, and fostering cooperation between individuals, organizations and nations. I hope that individuals will take the opportunity today to consider what they can do to promote unity and cultural understanding, and help make the idea of peace not just a utopian dream, but something that humankind can achieve. I applaud the efforts of Member States, organizations of the United Nations, governmental and nongovernmental agencies, as well as civil societies and religious groups for their promotion of the International Day of Peace and the principles of peace and nonviolence through education and public awareness efforts. As Secretary General Kofi Annan stated, ``24 hours is not a lot of time.'' Please join me in taking a few moments today to reflect on our aspirations for peace and the measures we will take to achieve them on this International Day of Peace 2005.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, the underlying bill that we are dealing with today is about safety and protection, and so is the Conyers amendment, which is why I rise in strong support of it. It is tragic when hate crimes occur, but they do. It is irresponsible and naive to deny that there are people out there who seek to commit violence against others because they are gay, lesbian or transgender or because they are female or because they have a disability. It happens far too often, and we must not be silent about it. The FBI collects statistics on these crimes; and for the past 10 years, violent hate crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation have been the third highest number of hate crimes committed. The problem is real, and people are dying solely because of who they are. Enactment of Federal hate crimes protections is important for both substantive and symbolic reasons. The legal protections are essential to our system of ordered justice; but on a symbolic basis, it is important that Congress enunciate clearly that hate-motivated violence based on gender-sexual orientation or disability is wrong, because, quite frankly, too much of what we do in this Chamber conveys the message that we really do not believe in equality for all, and that is sort of like a wink and a nod, that a little discrimination is okay. I want to speak briefly about why hate crimes differ from other violent crimes. A senior Republican Member of the other body said a few years ago: ``A crime committed not just to harm an individual, but out of motive of sending a message of hatred to an entire community is appropriately punished more harshly, or in a different manner, than other crimes.'' Hate crimes are different than other violent crimes because they seek to instill fear and terror throughout a whole community, be it burning a cross in someone's yard, the burning of a synagogue, a rash of physical assaults in a gay community center. This sort of domestic terrorism demands a strong Federal response because this country was founded on the premise that persons should be free to be whoever they are, without fear of violence. Both in the 107th and 108th Congresses, the House of Representatives voted in favor of motions to instruct conferees to retain the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the Department of Defense authorization bill. Unfortunately, despite the support of a solid bipartisan majority in both this body and the other body, the provisions were dropped in conference. The urgency to pass hate crimes legislation and protections is as great as ever. Just last year, in separate instances, two men in Mississippi were brutally murdered based on their sexual orientation. Scotty Joe Weaver was strangled, beaten, and stabbed before his body was carried to a wooded area and set on fire. The following week, Roderick George was shot in the forehead. Authorities have concluded that anti-gay animus was a motivating factor in both cases. All Americans, regardless of their race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, have a right to feel safe in their communities. Gays and lesbians should not have to live in fear anywhere in the United States of America. For far too long this body has failed to act to prevent or respond to hate crimes. We have the opportunity to do so today. I urge my colleagues to recognize that both the underlying bill and this amendment are about safety and protection of our citizens. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. BALDWIN

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, I rise today in solidarity with my fellow Americans who suffered the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. We deeply mourn the loss of life. We share the pain of those who are suffering physically and emotionally from this trauma. And we also mourn the loss of some of our faith in government to respond in full measure to people in need. In the past few days I have received scores of calls and e-mails from my constituents in Wisconsin expressing their support for the victims of the devastation and also their outrage at the slow and inefficient federal response to that tragedy. Wisconsinites are deeply ashamed of the images of abandonment and neglect they saw on TV and desperate to help in rescue efforts. My heart goes out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and to those family members here in Wisconsin and across the country waiting for word from their loved ones. While Americans are reaching into their wallets to support private relief efforts, there should be no doubt that the federal government must provide the leadership to ultimately meet the challenges of this situation. Particularly disturbing is that we have spent more than $36.7 billion dollars since the September 11th terrorist attacks planning for a response to a disaster of epic proportions. Now we've had one. Given the response of the Department of Homeland Security to this disaster, every aspect of that Department's performance and capability is now called into question and the security of every American hangs in the balance. Wisconsinites are not alone in calling for a government investigation into this catastrophic failure and an immediate overhaul of the system so that such a failure never again occurs. Congress has now sent more than $62 billion in federal disaster relief to help save and aid hurricane victims and I supported this authorization of money. But money, alone, will not solve the problems we face. The response to this disaster showed us many things, among them that our social safety net has been badly neglected. It showed us also that we have been inadequate stewards of the environment. Whether it's our failure to fight poverty and provide health care to all in America; or our failure to make proper and adequate investments in infrastructure (including our emergency communications infrastructure); or our failure to protect the natural buffers, our coastal wetlands and barrier island which serve as Mother Nature's shock absorbers; or our failure to listen to scientists long warning us of climate change; or our failure to embark upon a path that decreases (rather than increases) our dependence on finite resources so that future generations won't experience the fear and anxiety that grips all of our constituents when fuel becomes unaffordable. All of this was revealed stunningly in recent days. Let us not ignore what was exposed to us. This time, let's seize the opportunity to work toward the common good; to help those with the least, not just those with the most; and to make good on the social compact. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have the opportunity to reclaim the promise of America. Failure is not an option.