Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, Michigan ranks fourth in exports. Our family farmers export 40 percent of what they produce. I will vote yes on TPA, because fair and free trade means a secure economy and better jobs. It's official. Our country is in a recession, but Congress is working to help turn our economy around. One way we can do that is to expand our nation's trading opportunity by giving the president Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). This legislation will provide him the ability to negotiate sound trade agreements that will give our economy the boost it greatly needs. Today we will vote on this important trade legislation which will open more markets by eliminating and reducing trade barriers, benefitting family farmers, employers small businesses, manufacturers, working men and women, and consumers. A vote today for fair free trade today would be the equivolent of a $1,300 to $2,000 tax cut for the average American family. This is good news for local economies in all 50 states, including Michigan. My state has much to gain from free trade. We've already seen that with the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which helped Michigan exports grow faster than overall U.S. exports. Michigan ranked the fourth highest in exports in 2000 with exports sales of merchandise totaling $51.6 billion, up more than 24 percent from 1999. We live in an export-dependent state with export sales of $5,193 for every state resident. Opening more markets through free trade will only encourage more economic growth in Michigan through exporting. Economic growth from free trade also translates into more better, high-paying jobs. Export-related jobs pay 13 to 18 percent higher than the national average. Additionally, workers in exporting plants have greater job security because they are 9 percent less likely to shut down than those plants that do not export. In Michigan, we have 372,900 jobs directly dependent upon manufactured exports, in addition to the more than 370,000 they support directly and indirectly. Michigan farmers, who exported an estimated $868 million in agricultural products last year, are also important to the entire state's economy. Our state exports about 22 percent to 32 percent of what Michigan farmers produce. Already we have seen the benefits of free trade on our farmers who sell more soybean oil in South Korean now that the country is reducing its tariff by 14.5 percent from 1995 to 2004. In the Philippines, they too are reducing their tariffs on soybean mean from 10 percent to 3 percent. While we have made progress in bringing down trade barriers, more must be done. Fair, free trade means a secure economy, and more and better jobs for Michigan residents as well as all Americans. This week I will vote to give the president Trade Promotion Authority because we will all win from passing this legislation. This trade bill will provide him with the tools he needs to pull us out of this recession and put our economy back on the right track.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Chesaning High School Varsity Football Team, who recently won the 2001 Michigan Division 4 state title. In their heart-stopping championship game played at the Silverdome, located in Pontiac, Michigan, the Chesaning Indians defeated the Orchard Lake St. Mary's Eaglets 14-7 in overtime. Led by Head Coach Jim Szappan and Assistant Coaches Steve Tithof, Dan Yates, Scott Menard, Gary Gerken, Mike McGough, and Joe Bogar, members of the 2001 Chesaning Indians include: Jacob Smith (1), Steve Korf (2), Tyler Alden (3), Justin Schneider (5), AJ Guerrero (6), Matt Breier (7), Jason Strachota (8), Tracey Baryo (9), Chris Anderson (11), Matt Ferry (12), Brent Bassham (17), Jacob Righi (20), Gordon McKinnon (22), Mark Jungerheld (24), Craig Welsenberger (32), Chris Barancik (33), Jason Lentz (40), Paul Tithof (41), Jason Croucher (42), Andrew Hasse (50), Joshua Gosselin (52), Brent Conklin (53), D. Shawn Plonsky (54), Jarod Hughes (55), Dan Reed (56), Juanito Escamilla (57), Jonathan Bishop (58), Nicholas D. Weigold (59), Jacob Devereaux (61), Adam Orth (62), Jacob Henige (63), Scott Schneider (68), Randy Coole (70), Justin Maxa (71), R. Michael Adelberg (75), Brandon Brainerd (80), Blake Cottrill (84), and Dennis Winkelman (99). The dedication that these players put forth throughout the entire season is one of which the entire district can be proud. Their victory not only brought the team together in great spirit, but their family, friends, and community as well. Once again, on behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Michigan, I would like to congratulate the coaches and members of the Chesaning High School Varsity Team on their achievement. I wish them the best in their future football seasons.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001. Most Americans know that too much cholesterol in their diet is harmful. Many Americans might not realize, however, that cholesterol levels are the number one indicators of their risk of heart disease. With one simple blood test every five years, doctors can quickly uncover and track a person's risk. This is why the federal government, doctors, health groups like the American Heart Association, and many other science based groups and studies agree--Americans should have their cholesterol checked by their doctor to prevent heart disease in their future. It is interesting--two major federal guidelines on cholesterol screening were updated in May of this year by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health, and by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Both agencies, recommendations agree, stating that every American over the age of twenty should have their cholesterol levels tested every five years. But read further in the guidelines, and you find the really good news for seniors. While the former federal guidelines on cholesterol screening had suggested that those over 75 do not need to be tested, the most recent guidelines threw that upper age limit out the window. We now know that seniors with high cholesterol can be effectively treated for this disorder and consequently lower their risk of damaging heart disease. For many, treatment can be as simple as adjusting your diet and increasing levels of physical activity. While Congress looks at ways to update the Medicare System, we must also take every opportunity to make the Medicare program better for seniors--and this is one such opportunity. My bill immediately benefits seniors in Medicare by providing a new benefit that will save lives and reduce disability from heart disease and stroke. The Medicare Cholesterol Screening Coverage Act of 2001 will add coverage of preventive cholesterol screenings to all seniors in the Medicare Program. It seems counter intuitive that the two-thirds of the Medicare beneficiaries currently eligible for cholesterol screening are those who have already been struck with a cardiovascular illness or other lipid-related diseases. Congress needs to make the Medicare program a more forward thinking program, and this bill is a huge step in that direction. While we have taken steps like this in the past, we have done little to prevent the number one cause of death in the United States--heart disease. The numbers are staggering regarding heart disease. Each year, more than a million Americans have heart attacks, and about a half a million people die from heart disease. In addition, coronary heart disease accounts for nearly half of the total mortality of Americans over 65. Regretfully heart attack and stroke victims aren't always given a second chance to lower cholesterol levels. Thus the first step in saving lives must be to identify those in need of treatment. This can only be accomplished by regular cholesterol and blood lipid screening. By passing this bill, Congress will be helping to provide Americans with the knowledge they need to live longer, healthier and happier lives. As Congress considers further improvements to the Medicare program, I urge my colleagues to support this important effort.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, even before September 11, our economy was hurting. The stock market was weak, investments were declining and exports had begun to fall. And, very importantly, there had been a decrease in consumer spending. Since then, we have seen a significant impact on our economy. Both job creators and individuals are facing difficult times. In addition, in the third quarter of this year, U.S. employers announced almost 600,000 job cuts, about 50 percent more than the previous two quarters. This includes almost 200,000 job reductions since September 11. Already this year, companies have announced more job cuts than they did during the entire 1990-1991 recession. We must take action to create jobs and improve the economy. This package not only helps to stimulate individual spending but also assists job creators. H.R. 3090 addresses the human impact of the economy and the September 11 attacks. It accelerates the reduction of income taxes passed last spring; it sends supplemental rebate checks to those who did not receive a full rebate under our last tax cuts; it gives relief to individuals from the onerous AMT; and in a provision requested by Democrat and Republican governors, allows the States, like Michigan, to have the flexibility to supplement unemployment and health benefits, thereby tailoring relief in the way it is most needed. This bill helps job creators because it extends important tax credits for employers making it easier to hire people transitioning to work from dependence, so important for those just beginning to climb the economic ladder. It extends the ability of individuals to contribute to medical savings accounts to continue to provide for their health care. Let me just say something about the repeal of the alternative minimum tax. This outdated law requires corporations to compute their taxes twice. It hurts employers mostly who invest and depreciate heavily, precisely the kind of company we need to help get back on their feet. In some cases it requires employers to give an interest-free loan to the government. And because it requires employers to estimate and prepay their tax liability, it is the opposite of what we need in a declining economy. Vote for this bill.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Sugar is an essential and even strategic ingredient in our Nation's food supply, yet we are the fourth largest importer of sugar in the world. The United States sugar industry is in trouble. I know firsthand because I represent thousands of family farmers and factory workers who grow and process sugar beets in Michigan. Sugar prices have plummeted over the past 2 years, and family farmers are facing a monumental challenge. Almost half of the remaining sugar beet factories in the United States are currently for sale, for sale to the farmers who grow sugar beets. Given the depressed sugar market and the overall agricultural economy, our family farmers cannot form farmer-owned cooperatives. This is an industry that is the very backbone of the rural economy. We must not and cannot let it collapse. The Miller amendment will end any opportunity for these farmers and factory workers to be reliable and competitive suppliers to America's consumers. The Miller amendment will cut the supply lines of an essential ingredient and deliver another economic blow to America's struggling rural economy. Vote against the Miller amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education at Ferris State University (FLITE), which is being dedicated today as a Federal Depository Library in the 4th District of Michigan. I am honored to have assisted Richard Cochran, Dean of Library Services and Education, in making this day possible. Designating the FLITE as a Federal Depository Library will be a tremendous asset to the community, as well as the university's students. This is a proud moment for everyone at the dedication today as the FLITE becomes one of more than 1,300 libraries across the country that offers the American public access to information from the three branches of government. As a federal depository library, the FLITE now has the responsibility for assuring that the public has free access to that material, and I am confident that Mr. Cochran and his staff will ensure that the public they serve will receive the kind of service expected from a Federal Depository Library. On behalf of the 4th District of Michigan, I congratulate the Ferris State University community for joining a select number of libraries who serve our citizens with this important resource.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this joint resolution and in doing so, I stand in support of the President, the men and women of our Armed Forces, and Americans everywhere. This egregious crime has struck the heart and soul of America but we will not falter or fail in our ideals and values; we will recover. This process is underway in the rescue, recovery and investigative efforts happening in Pennsylvania, New York, and the Washington DC, areas. Last night both bodies of Congress passed a supplemental aid package to assist the President in providing necessary aid and support in the wake of these tragedies. Now, Congress should give the President the authority to find and punish those responsible for these crimes against humanity. If the goal of these attacks was to demoralize or scare America and other peace loving nations, let me be clear in saying that these terrorists failed their mission. I say to them, your ungodly actions will be punished. We are a strong and united America. The deplorable events that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, were undeniably an act of war. There is no other way to classify the murder of defenseless, innocent civilians. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution, giving the President our support to reinforce that the use of terror as a weapon will never be tolerated.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my colleagues in Congress and all Americans to express support for this resolution. Today, although my heart is weighed down by the tragedies affecting our Nation, I stand in appreciation of the strength and resilience shown by Americans here and abroad. There have been countless examples of heroism in the face of unbelievable tragedy. Hundreds of rescue workers continue to work and look for survivors. Thousands of Americans have lined up to give blood, and all across the country, citizens are offering sincere prayers. Their faith in America proves that this country will prevail in the face of tribulation. My prayers are with the victims and their families. This resolution further confirms and makes clear that rescue efforts and investigators are receiving and will continue to receive the full resources of the Federal Government. The cowards who helped perpetrate this act will not get away. They and those who offer them assistance and haven will be punished. Terrorism against America will not be tolerated. This resolution clearly sends a message to those responsible that they cannot hide, and they will face the wrath and justice of the United States of America. America will remain united as we rebuild and recover in the aftermath of these heinous acts. May this message be clear: The spirit of democracy and freedom that America embodies will survive and cannot be shaken by violence or terror. I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure to send a clear message that America will not tolerate terrorism and will punish those who commit such appalling acts.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Francis and Ellamary Kane were united in marriage on September 1, 1951 and will be celebrating their 50th year as man and wife; Whereas, Francis and Ellamary declared their love before God, family and friends; Whereas, Francis and Ellamary have had 50 years of sharing, loving and working together; Whereas, Francis and Ellamary may be blessed with all the happiness and love that two can share and may their love grow with each passing year; Whereas, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Francis and Ellamary on their 50th anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Francis and Ellamary Kane many more years of happiness together.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my support for the fiscal year 2002 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. During the last few years, Congress has led a historic effort to reduce the deficit and incorporate fiscal responsibility into federal spending. We reviewed programs and guidelines to make them more efficient and effective and explored alternatives to get the most of each tax dollar. We have also adopted many proposals that have saved taxpayers billions of dollars. Today, we again have the opportunity to reaffirm our message of fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction by passing this legislation. As many of my Colleagues know, since 1991 I have, along with several other Members, introduced an amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that simply requires unspent office funds to be used for deficit or debt reduction. This amendment has always received strong bipartisan support and I am proud to report that the committee has included this provision in the base bill. In the last few years we have achieved what has eluded Congress for 30 years--a balanced budget. The fiscal year 2002 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill continues our assault on the national debt and holds the line on spending. I believe this measure provides a good incentive for Members to spend taxpayer funds responsibly and lead by example in our efforts to reduce the national debt. Without this provision, Members' unspent office funds can be ``reprogrammed'' for other budget purposes, frustrating the frugal efforts of many Members. Let's keep practicing sound spending practices and keep moving towards reducing our enormous national debt. I thank the Chairman for his support and for including the unspent office funds provision in H.R. 2647 and I urge all Members to support this important legislation.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment offered by my colleague from Michigan. The Combined Sewer Overflow control grant program invests desperately needed funds into our local communities to upgrade dilapidated waste water treatment facilities. We can all agree that protecting the safety of our local communities' water supply is of vital importance. Unfortunately, many cities and towns lack the necessary funds to improve their wastewater treatment plans to ensure clean drinking water. Without additional funds for the Combined Sewer Overflow control grant program, local governments will be forced to curtail critically needed improvements to their sewer infrastructure. My constituents are contacting me for help to address wastewater infrastructure problems in the 4th District of Michigan. This is not, however, only a Michigan issue, it is also a problem in many states including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois, among others. Given this great need for wastewater infrastructure improvements, we must not sit idle on this issue. Mr. Chairman, adequate funding for sewer overflow systems is essential particularly since the Committee has lowered funds for the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund from $1.35 billion last year to $1.2 billion this year. I believe the goal of clean water can further be realized if communities have the much-needed federal support to fix their sewer infrastructure problems. Local governments are facing staggering costs that range in the billions of dollars to sustain and improve sewer infrastructure. They are calling on us for help. This is an important investment in ensuring environmental quality and I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of H.R. 4 because this is a balanced and comprehensive energy strategy for our Nation. I would just like to point out two important initiatives in this bill. The first is an initiative that would help to encourage the collection and utilization of landfill gases and energy resource. A medium-sized landfill can produce enough energy to meet the annual electrical needs of 3,000 homes. I believe our Nation should harness the energy resources that are sitting in the backyards of most of our communities rather than allow them to be wasted. The second proposal is the CLEAR Act, which would help provide consumers tax incentives for the purchasing of advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles. These incentives are positive steps that can be taken today to increase fuel economy of new vehicles. What is important about this provision is that it will allow the consumer to be part of the decision. All major auto makers that sell cars in the United States have alternative and hybrid fuel vehicles available. This will make our country the winner by providing the opportunity to pull these new exciting technologies into the marketplace, and I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the amendment offered by my colleagues, Mr. Markey and Mr. Boehlert that would set a combined fleet standard of 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and trucks. This amendment will cost jobs, consumer choice and safety. This large increase in the light truck standard would have devastating impacts on light truck production from American automakers and threaten the jobs of over 1,000,000 auto workers in Michigan and many more around the country. This amendment would also substantially restrict the ability of American automakers to continue to provide the vehicles that American consumers are purchasing. The product changes needed to accomplish this level of increase would adversely affect the most popular light trucks on the road-including restrictions on the sale by American automakers on the large pick-up trucks and SUV's that represent 50 percent or more of light truck sales. Finally, raising CAFE standards would put Japanese automakers at a strategic advantage over U.S. automakers. The Japanese have an edge of a several miles per gallon because they have huge amounts of banked CAFE credits from the surpluses they have run in the past. This allows the Japanese to take advantage of selling larger vehicles in our market that do not meet the CAFE standards that U.S. automakers are expected to meet. Essentially, Japanese automakers have a credit cushion that would not require any product changes to meet CAFE for about two model years before it exhausts its banked CAFE credits. This disparity will cripple the U.S. auto industry. I encourage my colleagues to vote against this amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Just briefly on the tax provisions in this bill, this bill is about fairness. It allows those 70 percent of taxpayers who do not itemize ability to give charitable contributions regardless of their itemizing on their tax returns. IRS data shows that if they do, they will increase their charitable giving significantly. It also allows for tax-free withdrawals from IRAs and Roth IRAs. It also gives incentives for increased charitable contributions by businesses and employers in terms of food from restaurants or computer equipment from other businesses. This will be a real benefit to our communities. I urge support and passage of this bill.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Dunn).

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to be joined by Representatives Hayworth, Kildee and Bonior to introduce legislation to correct an inequity in the laws affecting many Native American children. This effort is also supported by the National Indian Child Welfare Association, American Public Human Services Association, and National Congress of American Indians. Every year, for a variety of often tragic reasons, thousands of children across the country are placed in foster care. To assist with the cost of food, shelter, clothing, daily supervision and school supplies, foster parents of children who have come to their homes through state court placement receive money through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. Additionally, states receive funding for administrative training and data collection to support this program. Unfortunately, because of a legislative oversight, many Native American children who are placed in foster care by tribal courts do not receive foster care and adoptive services to which all other income- eligible children are entitled. Not only are otherwise eligible Native children denied foster care maintenance payments, but this inequity also extends to children who are adopted through tribal placements. Currently, the IV-E program offers limited assistance for expenses associated with adoption and the training of professional staff and parents involved in the adoption. These circumstances, sadly, have meant that many Indian children receive little Federal support in attaining the permanency they need and deserve. In many instances, these children face insurmountable odds. Many come from abusive homes. Foster parents who open their doors to care for these special children deserve our help. These generous people who take these children into their homes should not have sleepless nights worrying about whether they have the resources to provide nounishing food or a warm coat, or even adequate shelter for these children. This legislation will go a long way to ease their concerns. Currently, some tribes and states have entered into IV-E agreements, but these arrangements are the exception. They also, by and large, do not include funds to train tribal social workers and foster and adoptive parents. This bill would make it clear that tribes would be treated like States when they run their own programs under the IV-E program. The bill would make funding fair and equitable for all children, Native and non-Native. This companion legislation to S. 550 would do the following: extend the Title IV-E entitlement programs to tribal placements in foster and adoptive homes; authorize tribal governments to receive direct funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for administration of IV-E programs (tribes must have HHS-approved programs); allow the Secretary flexibility to modify the requirements of the IV-E law for tribes if those requirements are not in the best interest of Native children; and allow continuation of tribal-State IV-E agreements. In a 1994 report, HHS found that the best way to serve this underfunded group is to provide direct assistance to tribal governments and qualified tribal families. I want to emphasize that this bill would not result in reduced funding for the States, as they would continue to be reimbursed for their expenses under the law. I strongly believe Congress should address this oversight and provide equitable benefits to Native American children who are under the jurisdiction of their tribal governments, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bipartisan and bicameral proposal.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my colleagues from the Midwest, an amendment which prohibits the Federal Government from facilitating drilling projects in the Great Lakes. This amendment is a vote in support of the most precious fresh water resource we have. It remains unclear whether or not the Federal Government or the Army Corps of Engineers has any authority in this area, but I believe it is important to make a statement on protecting the Great Lakes. For example, section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act cited in this amendment was passed in 1899 and only refers to blocking navigable waters. Protection of the Great Lakes basin best remains with the eight Great Lakes Governors and two Canadian Premiers. Earlier this month, the governors and premiers came together and signed Annex 2001 which protects the Great Lakes from commercial withdrawals of water. So while not a perfect solution, I am voting for this amendment to be sure the word goes out that our Federal Government should not be participating in our Great Lakes and this amendment does that. I applaud Members of both parties for working to protect our lakes. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of protecting our greatest natural resource.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lloyd Oyster, a decorated soldier from World War II. I would like to acknowledge his bravery as a servicemen fighting on the front lines in Europe at the Battle of the Bulge. His many medals and awards demonstrate his bravery and patriotism. I am proud to stand and honor this outstanding citizen of the United States and would like to call his admirable actions to the attention of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. I have attached for the record an article printed in the Ogemaw County Herald by Deanna Cahill about Mr. Oyster's experience as a World War II soldier. Six decades ago, at the end of World War II, Lloyd Oyster was given a choice. The Lupton man had to decide whether or not to spend an extra few months in Europe and receive the medals he was entitled to, or return home to his wife and baby daughter. Critically wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, Oyster didn't hesitate. He wanted to go home. He didn't regret that decision until recently, when he remarked to his youngest son, Joe, that he wished he would have stayed and received his medals. Without letting his father know, Joe went on a mission to grant his father's wish. On Monday, June 4, that wish was granted when Rep. Dave Camp presented Oyster, one by one, with the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II. An honored but humble Oyster graciously accepted his medals from Camp, but said many others were far more deserving. ``I didn't do any more than anybody else did,'' he said. Lloyd Oyster was born at home Jan. 19, 1922, to parents Joseph and Verna Mae Oyster in Lupton. The youngest of six boys, Oyster lost his mother when he was only 5 years old. She died giving birth to her seventh son. The baby died as well. ``I remember burying her,'' said Oyster somberly. ``(After his mother died) we stayed together and Dad raised us on the farm.'' Eventually two of his older brothers enlisted in the service. One went off to fight in Europe, the other in the Pacific. At the age of 21, Oyster was working at Borden's Dairy in West Branch and met 17-year-old Marge. Oyster worked with Marge's sister's husband, and Marge and her sister would often visit at the dairy. He would walk Marge home after he was finished with work because she was frightened to walk alone. ``That started it,'' Oyster said. ``That is how we got acquainted, and from there she tried to rope me in, and she did.'' In late 1942 Oyster was drafted into the Army. He could have been deferred because Borden made products for the government, but Oyster opted against deferment. ``I was no worse or better than anyone else,'' he said. Thirty days before he was shipped overseas, he received word that his brother had been killed in Europe. His brother's death made him a bit uneasy about the future, but he still wanted to serve his country. ``I wanted to go over and finish the job,'' he said. On Dec. 7, 1942, Oyster embarked on the first leg of his journey. He attended basic training at Camp Claibourne, La., and went on to Camp House, Texas, where he was trained as a machine gunner. On his first furlough from the service, Oyster married Marge on April 21, 1942. He was then shipped to New York. Three days later he boarded the U.S.S. Montacella for the long trip across the Atlantic. ``I went over to France on my honeymoon,'' Oyster said. His young bride stayed with her parents in West Branch while he set off to fight for his country. ``(The journey) was kind of hairy,'' Oyster remembered. ``We would run into a storm and have to change course. One time we had to change course for an enemy submarine.'' ``There were close living conditions,'' he said, adding that he volunteered for duty with the Navy sailors in the PX to get out from below decks. ``You can't realize--(below decks) it was three bunks high by six to eight bunks wide. Let me just say this--you didn't want to be on the bottom bunk.'' The soldiers finally arrived in France and went directly across into Germany. For six months Oyster, assigned to Company E of the 103rd Infantry Division, served on the front lines as a machine gunner. ``The Germans didn't like machine gunners,'' he said, adding that the gunners were the first targets of the enemy. The battles were fierce and Oyster witnessed the deaths of many of his fellow soldiers and friends. ``When your buddies got killed right alongside of you, it makes you want to finish it,'' he said. ``You really didn't have time to think. You do what you have to do, and that was it.'' Oyster added that fear was always present. ``Anyone who says they weren't afraid, they're nuts,'' he said. ``You have got guns and artillery aimed at you.'' In December 1944 as Allied forces were pushing their way into Germany, the Germans made a surprise counterattack and the Battle of the Bulge ensued. During an artillery barrage, Oyster was showered with shrapnel. He was hit in the leg and a small piece of shrapnel struck him in the back. He was taken to a field hospital for treatment. The hospital was located in the woods and consisted only of some tents. Oyster underwent surgery and lay there for several days. The battle was still being waged and he couldn't be moved. By the time Oyster got to a hospital in England, gangrene had set in. ``They said they were going to take my leg,'' Oyster said. ``I said no. At this time penicillin was just being introduced.'' Doctors administered penicillin to Oyster. ``The infection cleared up and I got to save my leg,'' he said. On Dec. 31, 1944, as Oyster lay in a hospital in England, Marie gave birth to their first child, Nancy. Oyster was then put into limited service and transferred to the Air Force. ``I wanted to be in the Air Force in the first place,'' he said. ``It (the Air Force) is the best place you can be, as far as I'm concerned. It was almost like sending me home, putting me in there.'' For the remainder of the war, Oyster was stationed at the 8th Army Headquarters, located about 30 miles from London, taking care of three generals' vehicles. ``They were going to send our division to Japan,'' he said. ``But before we got shipped out, the war was over.'' Oyster sailed home, this time on the Queen Mary. Upon arrival back into the United States, Oyster was given a choice. ``They told me that I could go in the hospital for two to three months and get my disability. I wanted to go home,'' he said, looking at his wife of 59 years. Oyster returned home to claim his bride, and the couple settled back into the Lupton area. Two more daughters, Joyce and Susan, followed in 1946 and 1948. Oyster yearned for a son. ``You take them as they come,'' he said. ``But I wanted a boy.'' In 1950, Marge delivered their first son, Larry. Another daughter, Jean, arrived in 1951, followed by Russell in 1954, Linda in 1956, and finally Joe was born in 1957. ``I kept trying to have a good one,'' said Oyster teasingly. ``If I couldn't do better than that, I thought I better stop.'' The Oysters now have 23 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. Years later Oyster traveled to the veterans' hospital to receive his medical benefits. He didn't realize that when he was discharged from the hospital in England, he was listed as a amputee. ``Veterans records showed that I had a wooden leg,'' he said, chuckling. ``They wanted to know where my wooden leg was.'' For many years, Oyster worked construction for Strand Steel Construction and also worked for himself for a time. At age 65, he retired on Social Security, but never stopped working. In fact, at 79, Oyster still works full-time as a park ranger at the Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton. He is expecting to finally retire later this summer after 20 years at the park. In addition to working full-time, he also takes care of Marge, who is now confined to a wheelchair. ``My day starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m., seven days a week,'' he said. ``I just do it.'' A couple of years ago, Oyster was reading a VFW magazine and remarked that he wished that he would have stayed in the service and received his medals. His son, Joe, went home and told his wife. They contacted the Veteran's Affairs office in West Branch to determine how they would go about acquiring his medals. They filled out a medal request form and mailed it to St. Louis, Mo. After six months, they heard nothing. Joe then mailed in a second request and still received no satisfaction. A representative at Veteran's Affairs suggested they contact Camp, and within just a matter of a few months the medals were in Camps possession. Camp hand-delivered those medals to a surprised Oyster at Joe's home on June 4. Joe had invited his father to his home on the pretense of having a pizza party. Oyster patiently waited for the pizza to arrive. He was getting hungry and also a bit suspicious. ``You don't very often surprise me,'' Oyster said. ``But they did surprise me. It felt good.'' ``I didn't expect to get them. There are a lot of soldiers who deserve the same thing,'' he added. ``I was just defending my country. I didn't do any more than anybody else did.'' ``I would do it again before I would send my grandsons to do it,'' he added.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 168 expressing the sense of the House that the Nation should honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture, and education. We are privileged to share this country with Native Americans. Their contributions to democracy, the arts, agriculture, the environment, and many other endeavors are many. American Indians have been active, contributing members of society from the beginning of our country to the present, including service in our armed forces. I am fortunate enough to have the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe located in my district. While historically living, trading, and hunting in the southern and midwestern areas of what is today the State of Michigan, the tribe now calls the Mount Pleasant area home. Today's proud Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe works with the greater Central Michigan area to promote education and programs for not only Native Americans of the area, but for all community members. The tribe works to further the progress of other Indian nations as well by working through State and Federal legislation. Being located in the middle of Michigan where they have lived for over 100 years and close to their historic land base, the members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe remain focused on the present and future, while still remembering the past. The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe has contributed to mid-Michigan, the State, and the entire country. Their efforts to preserve Native American heritage, share their history and help the community make me proud to represent them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to William L. Porteous of Reed City, Michigan, who recently received the Reed City High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Porteous was recognized with this honor because he embodies the characteristics that school districts would like to instill in young people today: dedication to educational excellence and life-long learning; motivation to success; integrity in one's chosen field; commitment to serve the community one resides in; and recognition by one's peers of abilities far beyond ordinary. I would like to congratulate Mr. Porteous and draw the attention of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and my constituents in the 4th Congressional District to Mr. Porteous' distinguished life and career as well as his extraordinary community involvement. After graduating from Reed City High School in 1937, Mr. Porteous attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Then in 1941, he joined the United States Army serving during World War II. After he was discharged from the military, he enrolled at the University of Michigan earning a Masters of Business Administration. In 1948, Mr. Porteous returned to Reed City with his wife Mable and began his 42-year banking career at the Reed City State Bank, where he eventually became the president and Chairman of the Board. Under his leadership, the small community bank grew to one with nearly $60 million in assets which Mr. Porteous successfully merged with the First Michigan Bank of Zeeland. While Mr. Porteous was a success in his professional life, he also made a significant impact on the Reed City community and its children. Mr. Porteous always took a leading role whenever a new school had to be built or when a school building needed improvements. Not only was he generous with his time and talents, but with his financial resources as well. Mr. Porteous also must be commended for serving his community by volunteering through numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Reed City VFW Post, Rotary International, Eagle Village, Inc. and other civic organizations. I am honored today to recognize Mr. Porteous as an outstanding citizen whose admirable qualities make him an outstanding role model for his community.