Ginny Brown-Waite

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I cannot agree more with the gentleman from North Florida about all of the gains that veterans have made during the Republican administration. There have been so many legislative accomplishments on behalf of veterans that have been made since 2000. The issue of concurrent receipt stands out actually as the primary example of Republican achievement versus Democrat rhetoric. The injustice of concurrent receipt actually existed for well over 100 years. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) introduced the bill every session of Congress, and it has been here for about 15 years. Veterans need to know that Democrats never led on this issue because under their control it never saw the light of day. It took a Republican President and a Republican Congress to end this unfair penalty on disabled veterans. The battle over concurrent receipt is well over 100 years old. We finally began to respond to the need and address every disabled veteran so that they will now be able to receive benefits for 50 percent or greater disability, that there will no longer be that offset. Veterans deserve no less than this, and, in fact, they actually deserve more. As history has demonstrated, America's veterans can count on the Republican majority to support them and to honor them when they return home.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this being February, many of us in our districts attended various fund-raisers for domestic violence shelters, and most of the titles of the funds-raisers that I attended this month were ``Love Does Not Have to Hurt.'' We need to have some Federal sentencing guidelines, because they currently fail to adequately cover the death or injury of an unborn child. For example, if a woman survives an attack but loses her unborn child, current law says that a murder has not taken place. Federal law does not recognize the death of Laci Peterson and her son Conner as a double murder. Many times the intended target is the unborn baby itself. Failing to classify this as a murder defies reasonable notions of justice. We hear a lot of debate about is this really related to the abortion issue? The debate over this legislation has been twisted by some into a debate over abortion. However, the abortion debate is really over a woman's right to choose. This legislation affirms a woman's right to choose by punishing the criminal that has robbed her not only of her choice, but also of her child. Nothing in the Roe v. Wade decision prevents Congress from recognizing lives of the unborn children outside the parameters of the right to an abortion. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the original provisions of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act because they recognize clearly what most Americans back in our districts feel, that violence against an unborn child is a crime just as heinous as the attack on its mother.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to express the condolences of a grateful Nation. I rise so that this Nation will never forget the service and sacrifice of those fallen while working to keep us free. I rise today specifically to honor the life of Eric Ulysses Ramirez. Specialist Ramirez was killed when his unit was attacked by Iraqi insurgents. Eric was a sheriff's deputy and a National Guardsman who answered the call to duty when his unit was activated last February. He only had 42 days remaining before his planned return to family and friends when his unit was attacked by RPG, cutting short the life of a young father. This past weekend I attended services for Specialist Ramirez and can share with my colleagues that his family is very supportive of our actions in Iraq and that we need to honor the fact that he has a very loving wife, children, and parents, and his parents actually live in my district. We know very well that our freedom could not have been won nor our liberty maintained without those willing to make this ultimate sacrifice, but I know that these are very weak words to the grieving family left behind. I pray that the Lord and that everyone who knew Eric will maintain their memory of Eric and that this will help to assuage their pain. Eric was a loving father, son, and husband, and this country owes its freedom to Eric and those who came before him. So do the citizens of Iraq. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring this American hero.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to members of the 2-116th Field Artillery. These soldiers, many from my district, were mobilized in late January 2003 and, upon completion of the appropriate training, departed for Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit moved into Baghdad and later served in Ar Ramadi, where it provided support to the 1st Battalion. The 2-116th soldiers performed missions including escort, guard duty on the Euphrates River, force protection, fire support, and patrols, all while helping to train members of the Iraqi police force. These brave Americans have served their country with pride and honor. This country owes its freedom to these soldiers and the ones who came before them. Now, so do the citizens of Iraq. After nearly a year of deployment, the 2-116th has accomplished its mission, and it is my humble honor to welcome them home.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to members of Company A 2-124th Infantry Regiment. These soldiers were mobilized in December 2003 and, upon completion of the appropriate training, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After securing Patriot Batteries in Bahrain and Qatar, Company A advanced into Kuwait and then Iraq in April 2003, where the unit provided force protection and fixed-site security. Later, the soldiers attached to several active duty units, including a military police battalion, the 4th Infantry Division, and a Stryker brigade near Balad. These brave Americans have served their country with pride and honor. This country owes its freedom to these soldiers and the ones who came before them. Now, so do the citizens of Iraq. After over a year of deployment, Company A 2-124th has accomplished its mission, and it is my humble honor to welcome them home.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to clarify the reason for my absence from this Chamber on January 27, January 28, February 3, and February 4, 2004. I was at my home in Florida recovering from elbow surgery and, unfortunately, was unable to place votes on those days. As such, please let the Record show that I would have voted as follows: H. Res. 507: yes H. Res. 157: yes H.R. 2264: yes H.J. Res. 84: yes H. Res. 274: yes H.R. 3724: yes H.R. 3030, final passage: yes; Scott amendment No. 1: no; Scott amendment No. 2: no; Woolsey amendment: no H.R. 1385: yes H.R. 3493: yes S. 610: yes S. 1920, final passage: yes; Sensenbrenner amendment: yes; Baldwin substitute: no; motion to recommit: no.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hattie Hall, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Mrs. Hall is a centenarian and at 101 she is a mother to 5 sons, a grandmother to 10 grandchildren, and a great-grandmother to 19 and has 3 great, great-grandchildren! Hattie was born in Savannah, Georgia and went to school at Savannah State College. Following school, she worked as a school teacher and a nurses' aid. She describes her happiest moments as going shopping with her uncle, her mother and her brother. One of her favorite activities is painting pictures. After 101 years, Hattie says she only wished she had learned to paint at a younger age. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she says, ``always do the right thing and remember to pray.'' She says the best thing about growing older is having a good son to take care of her. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Hattie Hall today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of family and friends.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret Davis, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Margaret is almost a centenarian and at 99 she is a mother to 2 daughters, a grandmother to 5, a great-grandmother to 8, and a great, great grandmother to 9. Mrs. Davis was born in New York City, but went to school in a schoolhouse in Stamford, Connecticut, on Long Ridge Road. She describes her happiest moments as when her daughters were married. One of her favorite activities today is crossword puzzles with friends. After 99 years, Margaret says she wouldn't change anything about her life. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she says, ``listen to your parents.'' She says the best thing about growing older is people are very kind because of her age. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Margaret Davis today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of family and time with friends.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marie O'Brien, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Mrs. O'Brien is a centenarian and at 102 she is a shining example of how to enjoy and appreciate life. Mrs. O'Brien was born in Philadelphia and went to school at St. Gabriel. Following school, she worked as a telephone operator. She describes her happiest moments as family gatherings growing up and receiving the sacraments. Some of her favorite activities today are reading and praying the rosary. After 102 years, Mrs. O'Brien says she is satisfied with her life and that it has been a pleasure. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she said, ``Stay away from drugs and be kind.'' She says the best thing about growing older is having time to relax and appreciate the gifts God has given her. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Marie O'Brien today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of kindness and kinship.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Beryle R. Read, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a man who has become something very few of us ever will. In November of this year, Mr. Read will become a centenarian and at nearly 100, he is a father to one child, and a grandfather to three grandchildren. Mr. Read was born in Nashville, TN, but went to school in Indiana, Illinois and Washington, DC. Following school, he worked for the government for 32\1/2\ years. He describes his happiest moment as going with his father to sell peaches in Indiana as a child. His favorite activities today are helping his wife cook, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. Mr. Read says he likes living in Hernando County because it has a small town feel but a close proximity to valuable services and stores. When asked what advice he'd give to young people today he said, ``Avoid dirt, debt and the devil.'' He says the best thing about growing older is having 39 years of mental and physical health to enjoy retirement. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Beryle Read today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as he has and the ability to enjoy it as he has. He is truly a great man and someone with an appreciation for the importance of hard work.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Georgia Tompkins, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. On March 29th of this year, Mrs. Tompkins will become a centenarian and at nearly 100 she is a mother to 12 children, a grandmother to 32 grandchildren, and a great-grandmother to 12 great-grandchildren Mrs. Tompkins was born in New York state and was a housewife. She describes her happiest moments as when each one of her children was born. One of her favorite activities today is playing dominoes. After almost 100 years, Mrs. Tompkins says she would not change a thing about her life if she had to live it over. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she said, ``Work hard and go to church.'' She says the best thing about growing older is all of the memories from years past. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Georgia Tompkins today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has and the ability to live and love as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of family and friends.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elsa F. Anderson, a resident of my fifth congressional district of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Elsa Anderson is a centenarian and at 102 she is a mother to 2, a grandmother to 2 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 11 great- grandchildren. Mrs. Anderson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but went to school in New York City. Following school, she worked as an assistant in a specialty shop, in an office and as a housewife. Obviously a dedicated mother, she describes her happiest moments as the births of her two daughters. To this day one of her favorite activities is spending time with them when they come to visit. After 102 years, Mrs. Anderson says she wouldn't change a thing about her life--she says she enjoys everything she's been given. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she says, ``Work hard, be honest, and be ready to enjoy good things.'' She says the best thing about growing older is that people respect you. I respect that candor and I'm proud to be her representative in Congress. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Elsa F. Anderson today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has and the ability to impart wisdom as eloquently as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of friends, family and happiness.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Myra Mack, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Mrs. Mack is a centenarian and at 101 has lived a full life. Myra was born in London, Ontario and attended St. George's School. She left school to attend the Army, but joined the women volunteer services instead. She worked as a telephone operator. Following school, she worked as a box girl in a dry goods store. Myra said the happiest event in her life was when she married her husband Joseph. She is most proud of her eighty plus trophies she won over the years in dance competitions. After 101 years, Myra says she enjoys sitting on her front porch and doing her sewing. Her best advice for young people is to enjoy themselves and play while they are young. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Myra Mack today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of friends and neighbors.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William J. Anderson, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a man who has become something very few of us ever will. William Anderson is a centenarian and at 101 years old he is a father to one child, a grandfather to four grandchildren and a great- grandfather to three great-grandchildren! Mr. Anderson was born in Boston but went to school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Following school, he became a teacher. He describes his happiest moment as the birth of his son and most fondly remembers his childhood summers in Prince Edward Island. After 101 years, Mr. Anderson says if he had it all to do over again, he'd like to work for the government--maybe even the IRS! When asked what advice he'd give to young people he said he'd tell them to work hard, stay out of trouble and drive safely. He says the best thing about growing older is the freedom to do what you want to and the time to travel. Mr. Speaker, and my Colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring William Anderson today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as he has. He is truly a great man and someone with an appreciation for the importance of happiness and freedom.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rose Dergin, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of Florida and a woman who has become something very few of us ever will. Mrs. Dergin is a centenarian and at 101 she is a mother to one child, a grandmother to three grandchildren, and a greatgrandmother to five great-grandchildren! Mrs. Dergin was born in New York City but went to School in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. At 17 she worked as a long distance telephone operator and following school, she worked as a bookbinder. She describes her happiest moment as her wedding day. Today one of her favorite activities is playing cards until her eyes hurt! After 101 years, Mrs. Dergin says if she had to live life all over again, she'd love to be a sketch artist, a hobby she had to give up in order to support her family. When asked what advice she'd give to young people she said, ``Listen to your parents.'' She says the best thing about growing older is having her family around. Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring Rose Dergin today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as she has. She is truly a great lady and someone with an appreciation for the importance of family and closeness.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with a very heavy heart that I rise today to express the condolences of a grateful Nation. I rise today so that this Nation will not forget the service and sacrifice of those fallen heroes who fight to keep us free. I rise today because a Black Hawk helicopter was shot down over Iraq; and Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver, one of our Nation's finest, died in the crash. Aaron Weaver was a husband, a father, a brother, and a son; but he was also a fighter. In Iraq, Aaron was fighting to protect our country's way of life while fighting for his own life as well. You see, Aaron Weaver was a cancer survivor. He was still being treated when his unit was called to duty in Iraq. Aaron had a choice to stay, but he elected to fight for the country that he loved. Aaron was on the way to have his blood tested for cancer when the Black Hawk he was riding in was shot down, killing all on board. We know well our freedom could not have been won nor our liberty maintained without those willing to make this ultimate sacrifice. But I know these are weak words to the grieving family left behind. I pray the Lord will maintain their memory of Aaron and assuage their pain. Aaron survived the battles in Mogadishu, he fought cancer, and was engaged in a great and noble cause in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a true American hero. Last Saturday, I attended services for Aaron. He lived in Citrus County, and his father still resides there. The whole family was there. They are a military family, a very, very devoted military family, and a very close family who all grieved the loss of Aaron. I would like to paraphrase his widow's comments. His widow is Nancy Weaver, and she made a comment that Aaron's life, the loss of his life, will not be in vain if children in America can live safely; if his children and every other child in America can live without fear of another attack like 9- 11. Mr. Speaker, Aaron Weaver truly was a modern American hero, and we are grateful for his service and the service of all the men and women who are serving our country.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private William Schaub, a World War I veteran from New York. His son lives in XXX. This Veterans' Day, I will have the pleasure of recognizing Private Schaub for his heroism and bravery as a United States Soldier who fought in the First World War. He was sent to the battle fields in Europe and fought in the major battles of St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Essey-Pannes. There are few among us who can recall the horrors of this war to end all wars that scarred an entire generation. One of the deadly innovations that typified the battles fought by our soldiers was the use of poisons gas. Mustard, Sarin, and Chlorine Gas were used offensively to debilitate Allied Troops. Often troops were not adequately supplied with gas masks to protect them from this poison. Indeed an improvised method was developed by our troops to protect those without masks. Taking advantage of naturally occurring ammonia, troops tied handkerchiefs over their face to destabilize the fumes. Such method was employed by Private Schaub in a Mustard Gas attack on his division. He was treated for Bronchitis, gas exposure and sinus conditions and honorably discharged on April 15, 1919. I will present Private Schaub's son with the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, more than 80 years overdue. Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense Department and I am pleased to have the opportunity to present to his family the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sgt. LaVon C. Hove, a Korean war veteran from Brooksville, FL, in my fifth congressional district. This Veterans Day, I will have the pleasure of recognizing Sgt. LaVon Hove for his heroism and bravery as a United States soldier who fought in the Korean war from January 16, 1951 to August 1952. This conflict enlisted the services of 6.8 million American men and women between 1950 and 1955. On January 16, 1951 in Chorwon, Korea, Sgt. Hove was wounded in both legs and feet by shell fragments from a nearby explosion. I will soon present Sgt. Hove with the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, 50 years overdue. Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sgt. John L. Folsom, a Korean War veteran from Lady Lake, Florida in my Fifth Congressional District. On Sunday, November 2nd, I had the pleasure of recognizing Staff Sgt. Folsom for his heroism and bravery as a United States Soldier who fought in the Korean War from January 1951 to February 1954. He continued his service to the Nation for 10 years after the conclusion of the Korean War, retiring in November 1964, having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). On February 5, 1953 Staff Sgt. Folsom was wounded in his right leg by a sniper attack as his unit was ``digging in'' at the top of a hill in Seoul. I will present Staff Sgt. Folsom with the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, 50 years overdue. Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.

Mr. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Mr. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CPL Sebastian Degaetano, a veteran of the second world war and a resident of Port Richey, Florida in my Fifth Congressional District. I will soon have the pleasure of recognizing CPL. Sebastian Degaetano for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. soldier who fought in the European Theater from January 19, 1943 through March 28, 1946. During the pivotal Battle of the Bulge, which turned the tide against the Germans and was the largest land battle of World War II, CPL Degaetano was hit in his leg by shrapnel. I will present CPL Sebastian Degaetano with the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, nearly 50 years overdue. Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kenneth Bradshaw, Jr., a Korean War veteran from Inverness, Florida in my Fifth Congressional District. I had the pleasure of recognizing Private Bradshaw for his heroism and bravery as a soldier who fought in the Korean War from January 8, 1948 until April 30, 1952 when he received a permanent disability retirement as a private first class. On February 6, 1951, Bradshaw's Company was engaged in a fierce battle with the Chinese Army in South Korea just below the 38th parallel. He was wounded in his right arm by a shot fired by an enemy soldier. Bradshaw was treated at two different field hospitals before being evacuated to a hospital in Japan. Shrapnel was also discovered lodged in his back. I recently presented Private Bradshaw with the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, more than 50 years overdue. Though he earned this distinction, he never received it from the Defense Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the United States.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rose Pellgrin, a dedicated, loving mother in my Fifth Congressional District of Florida. At 91 years old, Rose continues to be a shining example of devotion and selflessness for mothers young and old. In 1949 at the age of 40, Rose Pellgrin became a mother to a baby girl she named Marian. Unfortunately Marian was born with a mental disability and Rose was advised that she would not live very long. Her doctors even told her to have another child and to not worry about Marian. Rose insisted that she would raise Marian and did just that. She raised Marian despite several obstacles. When her husband's affliction with cancer forced the family to move from her native New York to central Florida, Rose learned that there was no school in the area for mentally disabled children. She then had to drive Marian to a school at the Key Training Center, nearly an hour away. When her husband's cancer finally took his life, Rose had to make the difficult decision to place Marian at the Key Training Center to live and return to teaching, retiring at the age of 82. Years later a nephew of Rose's who had a fondness for Marian died and left his inheritance to the women. Rose took the inheritance and bought a house with it. The house, which will become a licensed group home, will be maintained by the Key Training Center as one of its own group homes. This made it possible for Marian, and two other disabled adults, to have a place to live. Mr. Speaker, with this act Rose Pellgrin made an incredible donation to the Key Center and to her daughter. What's more amazing is that she views it as nothing special, but as what mothers do for their children. I am honored to be her representative in Congress and want to take a moment before this body today to call attention to her sacrifice and devotion to her daughter. We should all be so lucky as to have a mother like Rose.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am one of those Republicans who grew up very poor. My dad was a Democrat. And I remember asking him why he was a Democrat, and he said because the Democrats protect the poor. What I am hearing here tonight says the Democrats do not care about the poor. They do not care about the little old lady whose income is about $11,000, who only has Social Security, who cannot get prescription drugs today. That is the wrong message to be sending if they hope to be the savior of the poor and the drowntrodden. I also teach health care. One of the things that I teach in my class are statistics. And the statistics are that the African American community and the Hispanic community pass away at a much earlier age from heart attacks, from coronary artery problems, and you know what? These are the prescription drugs that will be available under this prescription drug plan. How can they go back home and say that they are protecting the poor and the down-trodden? These are the same, the poor and the down-trodden, these are the people that are going to benefit from this prescription drug plan. I fully support it. It is a good bill for everyone. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act because it finally provides the much needed prescription drug relief seniors have asking for, offers help to our rural hospitals and our nation's doctors, and begins the real modernization and reform of a Medicare program in dire need. Throughout my public service, I have heard a persistent question from my seniors how are you going to help us with the cost of prescription drugs? With the passage of this bill, I feel that I can finally begin to answer that question. For the first time in history, we are going to provide all 40 million seniors and disabled Americans with prescription drug coverage. It gives me great comfort to know that in 2006, with this Prescription Drug Plan, drug costs for seniors could be cut almost in half. And as early as next year, senior will begin to save an estimated 25 percent on prescription drugs with their Medicare prescription drug card. In the first year we expect seniors to save an estimated $365. As a member of the Speaker's Prescription Drug Task Force, this is something we fought for, and this is something we got. In addition, we are giving Americans more control over their health care by creating Health Savings Accounts, where they can contribute up to $2,500 a year into these tax-free accounts and citizens 55 years or older are permitted to make ``catch up'' payments. These accounts can be used for future medical expenses and may prove to be an additional much needed asset to our aging population. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to bring to the attention of my colleagues a very important component to this bill. As we are all aware, in 2004, the prescription drug discount card in Medicare will offer seniors up to 25 percent off their drug costs and provide low- income seniors, those with incomes of less than 135 percent of poverty into account, a $600 subsidy on top of the discount card. That's great savings, especially for wealthier seniors. But what if you have an income of over 135 percent of poverty and you're disqualified from receiving the cash subsidy? Currently, hundreds of thousands of seniors in this country are provided discount cards from the prescription drug companies that offer significant savings on medications that a particular company produces. The income- restrictions on these cards are in some cases up to 300 percent of poverty. This means virtually all seniors in my district are eligible for this savings, which in many cases equals up to 80 percent off the retail cost of the drug. For example, Mr. Speaker, Eli Lilly makes Prozac; and if one of my 5th district seniors needs assistance with the cost of that drug, they can sign up to receive a card from Eli Lilly that entitles them to receive a 30-day supply of any Eli Lilly product for just $12. If, due to the new Medicare discount card, these important voluntary programs were discontinued, many of our Nation's seniors would end up paying higher prices. My constituent would end up paying over $75 for the same Prozac he or she is now receiving for only $12. Just as there was a fear this benefit would cause employers to drop coverage once it became available, I was concerned that the drug card would cause drug manufacturers to discontinue their cards. Mr. Speaker, working with you, Majority Leader DeLay, Majority Whip Blunt and many of my other colleagues in this House, I took the lead and fought to protect seniors who are benefiting from the current prescription drug cards. Now, on page 64 of the report language addendum and addressing section 1860D-31 of Conference agreement; Section 105 of House bill; Section 111 of Senate Bill reads: Seniors currently benefit from prescription drug assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Conferees intend that these programs continue to be offered until the full implementation of the prescription drug benefit. Nothing in this conference report shall be interpreted as encouraging the discontinuation or diminution of these benefits. Additionally, I have secured several letters from drug manufacturers in this country indicating their commitment to continuing to offer these worthwhile and necessary card programs, copies of which I'd like to insert into the Record. Mr. Speaker, I simply want to bring this to the attention of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and especially to the seniors in my district. Neither conference staff nor most of the members of this body were aware of this glitch in the proposal and I am very proud of the work we were able to do together. In closing, Mr. Speaker, friends, colleagues, the citizens of the 5th Congressional District of Florida elected me to this seat because they believed my voice would be heard and that I would stand with them in making a prescription drug benefit in Medicare a reality. It simply has been too long that our Nation's seniors have had to choose between life-saving drugs and food and this is unacceptable. No one in this chamber believes that this bill is perfect, including myself, but I believe this bill is a good beginning and it signifies progress in our efforts to provide all of our constituents with the best, safest, and most affordable health care the world has to offer. In the months and years ahead, it is my hope and my promise that I will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans, to continue to make progress in our ongoing battle to improve health care for all Americans, including additional protections for retirees currently receiving health care benefits and addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs. But tonight we have a choice to make--to take a step forward or to accept the status quo. Instead of concentrating on the weaknesses of this proposal, we must each embrace its strengths and dedicate ourselves to the next step forward. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Prescription Drug and Medicare Modernization Act.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ``A poet in Russia is more than a poet.'' Yevgeny Yevtushenko was speaking of poetry's unique role in Russia, but the words apply equally to Yevtushenko himself--the world's most famous living poet, and also prose writer, photographer, filmmaker, congressman, professor, world traveler. In the civic tradition of Russian poetry, the poet is the voice of the people, the ombudsman, the champion of truth and justice, and the catalyst for social change. Because poets express the strivings and needs of the people, they are revered in Russia as nowhere else. In the Soviet Union, the message had to be elliptic, and poetry was read closely, between the lines. Yevgeny Yevtushenko, born in Zima Junction, Siberia in 1933, burst onto the scene when very young, his first poems published in 1949, when he was just sixteen. He and his peers, Akhmadulina, Voznesensky, Rozhdestvensky, drew enormous, agitated crowds to their readings, and their popularity could be compared only to that of rock stars. They shaped an entire generation, the generation of Gorbachev and Yeltsin, who began the changes that ultimately brought an end to the Soviet Union. His famous poem ``Babi Yar,'' against anti-Semitism, was written in 1961 and set to music by Shostakovich. In 1952, Yevtushenko wrote ``the Heirs of Stalin,'' with a call to throw off the oppressive shadow of the tyrant. He began his nonpoetic political protest activity with a telegram to Brezhnev condemning the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. Thirty years later, his political activity was channeled into a formal democratic role--he was elected a congressman with an overwhelming 74.9 percent of the vote (in a field of nine candidates). There was a national write-in-vote to select the cochairmen to join Andrei Sakharov in leading the Memorial Society, dedicated to the memory of the victims of Stalinism. Yevtushenko was one of the three co-chairmen selected, further evidence of the faith in his integrity and appreciation of his outspokenness among his countrymen. Yevgeny Yevtushenko traveled extensively, and he brought the world to the Soviet Union through his writing, but he also brought Russia to the world. In 1960, he was the first Russian poet to break through the Iron Curtain and to recite his poetry in the West, where he was befriended by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Henry Moore, Federico Fellini, John Steinbeck, Graham Greene, Heinrich Boll, T.S. Eliot and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Over the years, Yevtushenko has toured 94 countries, all of the republics of the USSR, and all of the states of the U.S.A. He has recited his poetry in sports arenas from Russia to Santiago, Chile (where he appeared with Pablo Neruda), in the Opera di Roma, in London's Albert Hall, in the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, and National Cathedral in Washington, D.C, and in Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Lincoln Center in New York. His works have been translated into 72 languages. Eighteen of his books have been translated into English. Most of his readers in France, Cambodia, Africa, Greenland, Australia, Germany, and China--among other places--have never been to Russia but they know and love Russian poetry. Yevtushenko has been in the center of the action for fifty years. Yet his insatiable curiosity about the human experience and his monumental energy remain at their highest levels. He celebrated his seventieth birthday in Moscow this July, reading to enormous, adoring crowds, and then continued the extravaganza across the country, reaching out to his readers. His life is heartening proof that one man's voice, raised high and often, can alter the course of events. Welcome all over the world, Yevgeny Yevtushenko and his wife, Masha, have chosen to divide their time between Russia and the United States, where they are bringing up their family. He is Distinguished Visiting Professor at The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and tenured at Queens College, in New York City. He has received numerous international prizes in literature and the arts. In addition to receiving four honorary degrees, he was elected an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a member of the European Academy of Arts and Sciences, was awarded The American Liberties Medallion of the American Jewish Committee, and in 1999 was appointed Poet-in-Residence of the Walt Whitman House Museum in Long Island, New York. Naturally, he is writing poetry and a new novel and is in the finishing stages of a major anthology of Russian poetry. We are fortunate to have Yevgeny and Masha Yevtushenko in our country and even more fortunate to have them here at the Russian Fireworks gala.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H.R. 2297, the legislation that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has worked so hard to pass this year. I want to commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith); the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans); and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown) for their steadfast leadership on veterans issues. I also want to recognize the efforts of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) in drafting the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003, which is included in this legislation. Obviously, this bill will increase the opportunity afforded to veterans who spent their youth serving our country. Federal agencies will have the discretionary authority to sole source contracts for disabled veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, disabled veterans enrolled in school under a VA vocational rehab program will be allowed to declare self-employment as a vocational goal. Certainly this encourages entrepreneurship and business ownership. It clearly establishes a level playing field for those who have been wounded or injured while defending our freedom. Very important to a lot of widows back home is that it addresses an injustice which has been suffered by military widows whose spouses died while on active duty or of a service-connected condition. They will no longer be denied the benefits earned by their first husband if they choose to remarry later in life. A military spouse already faces a life of sacrifice and hardship and should not be stripped of earned benefits because of a new-found love and companionship. We should not as a government be discouraging people to get married, and this bill corrects that injustice. In a time of war, it is critically important that our servicemen and -women see that when they return home they will be welcomed by an eternally grateful Nation. This bill helps to express the gratitude that Congress has for our veterans of wars past and present.