Julia Carson

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent the morning of Wednesday, October 13, 1999, and as a result, missed rollcall vote 494. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 494.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bestow much deserved recognition to Josh Weir, a senior at Ben Davis High School located in my home town of Indianapolis, IN. All too often we focus on negative stories regarding our youth while neglecting to praise the millions of young people across this country who are eager to face the challenges and meet the responsibilities and expectations that society places upon them. Josh Weir is one such extraordinary young man. This past summer, Josh won two gold medals and one silver medal at the Junior Track Cycling Championships at the Indianapolis Major Taylor Velodrome. In doing so, Josh has earned the honor of being called ``National Champion.'' This honor did not come without hard work and the support of his parents. His preparation required him to devote countless hours in the weight room, and train hours away from home. Josh's coach, Gil Hatton, recently exclaimed, ``One very positive thing about Josh Weir is that his parents are very supportive of what he does.'' Their support is to be commended. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Josh has given back to his community. Josh belongs to Top Teens of America, Inc., a nationally known service organization. As we approach the dawn of a new century, young people such as Josh Weir will make certain a brighter future for our community, State, and country. Mr. Speaker, though someday, Josh dreams to race for the U.S. national team and perhaps even in the 2004 Olympics, he knows that a college degree represents the ultimate trophy. By choosing this path to success, Josh is a true hero.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise today to celebrate Riley Hospital for Children's 75th birthday. Founded in 1924, Riley Hospital is named after the famous Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley. Upon his death in 1916, Mr. Riley's heartfelt love for children inspired his friends to decide that a children's hospital would be a perfect memorial for Mr. Riley. More than 40,000 Hoosiers gave over 1.2 million dollars to build the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for children. As the New York Times observed on October 10, 1924, ``Indiana has made her monument [to Riley] one of ministry rather than of mourning . . . The institution which bears his name will do much to make the children of Indiana what he imagined them to be. Indiana has made, as human monuments go, the perfect memorial to her poet.'' Since opening its doors on October 7, 1924, Riley Hospital for Children has cared for thousands of children from the City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, and indeed across the country. Annually, there are more than 135,000 patient visits, including 7,100 admissions and more than 128,000 outpatient visits. Riley Hospital cares for children from each of Indiana's 92 counties. In 75 years, no Hoosier child has been turned away because of an inability to pay. To continue to meet the needs of children and families, Riley Hospital has grown as it spanned the decades of the 20th century. Today, Riley Hospital is one of the ten largest children's hospitals in the nation, and is Indiana's only children's hospital located on a university campus. It is also one of the two most care-bedded children's hospitals in the United States. As it has grown, Riley Hospital has endeavored to maintain a standard of excellence respecting patient care. In 1971, Indiana's only pediatric burn unit opened at Riley Hospital. In 1989, Riley Hospital performed Indiana's first newborn and infant heart transplants. Eighty to Ninety percent of Indiana's children with cancer are treated at Riley Hospital's--and Indiana's only--Children's Cancer Center. In addition, Riley Hospital houses the only pediatric dialysis center and pediatric stem cell transplant unit in the State of Indiana. Though the medical technology at Riley Hospital is remarkable, it is the caring staff that the children and their families depend on to see them through difficult circumstances and turbulent times. Whether it be a doctor, nurse, therapist, social worker, teacher, administrative staff or maintenance worker, their professionalism is unparalleled. Mr. Speaker, the children, families, and communities of Indiana have been enriched by the life-saving work of Riley Hospital for Children. As we approach the threshold of the 21st Century, I am confident that this wonderful tribute to James Whitcomb Riley will continue to make a brighter horizon for our children.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent Friday, October 1, 1999, and as a result, missed rollcall votes 468 and 469. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 468 and ``no'' on rollcall vote 469.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) and others for being so generous in terms of incorporating all of the Medal of Honor memorials into H.R. 1663. I would encourage the enthusiastic support of the Congress given the old adage that says given honor unto whom honor is due. Earlier this year in my district on May 28, thanks to the civic virtue of John Hodowal, and the civic enterprise of the Indianapolis Power and Light Company Enterprises Foundation, a new memorial was unveiled in Indianapolis in honor of those special American heroes who, for military service above and beyond the call of duty, were rewarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. We were fortunate to have one of the attendees included there when the presentation was made, Mr. Melvin Biddle of Anderson, Indiana, who was awarded the Medal of honor following his displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on December 23 and 24, 1944. We not only, Mr. Speaker, do our respective districts proud, we do America proud by passing H.R. 1663 in honor of the 3,400 persons that those memorials honor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today for this legislation that would recognize as National Medal of Honor sites the memorial at the White River State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated on May 28, 1999; the memorial under construction at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, to be dedicated on November 5, 1999; and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, currently situated on the ex-U.S.S. Yorktown. I am pleased that my colleagues on the Veterans Committee supported my substitute amendment to Representative Calvert's original bill. This legislation is supported by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. I would like to recognize and thank Paul Bucha, President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, for his continued support of the Indianapolis memorial, this legislation, and the extraordinary work he does on behalf of the Medal of Honor recipients. This bill has received the support of several other veterans organizations--AMVETS, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Medal of Honor is only bestowed on those who have performed an act of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Acts of bravery and courage are not unusual among those in uniform, and engaging in direct battle with an enemy or carrying out one's duties under enemy attack is an act of bravery and courage performed by many members of our Armed Forces. The level of heroism cited among those who receive the Medal of Honor is uncommonly high and of a far greater magnitude. The individuals who have received this medal for acts of valor have been signaled out not to glorify war, but to recognize that, for all of its destructiveness, war often is the backdrop for extraordinary acts of bravery. As a symbol of heroism, this medal has no equal in American life. As of now, 2,363 Medals have been awarded to the Army, 745 to the Navy, 295 to the Marines, 16 to the Air Force, 1 to the Coast Guard, and 9 Unknowns. There have been a 3,410 total recipients and 3,429 total Medals awarded. Of those, nineteen (19) have received the Medal of Honor twice. Earlier this year in my district on May 28th, thanks to the civic virtue of John Hodowal, and the civic enterprise of the corporation he leads, IPALCO Enterprises and the IPALCO Enterprises Foundation, a new memorial was unveiled in Indianapolis in honor of those special American heroes who, for military service above and beyond the call of duty, were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The dedication ceremony, with ninety-six of the 155 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, was attended by one of the largest ever gatherings of these reputable men and women. One of these attendees included Mr. Melvin E. Biddle, of Anderson, Indiana, who was awarded the Medal of Honor following his displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy near Soy, Belgium, on December 23 and 24, 1944. This magnificent memorial, compose of 27 curved walls of glass, each between seven and ten-feet high and representing specific conflicts in which the medal was awarded, features the names of the 3,410 people who have received the medal since it was first awarded during the Civil War. The location of this memorial, on the north bank of the Central Canal in White River State Park is particularly significant, since it is adjacent to Military Park, which served as a training facility during the Civil War. Nearly half of the Medals of Honor issued, 1,520, were bestowed upon soldiers who fought in the Civil War. This memorial joins the many memorials that line downtown Indianapolis paying homage to the men and women in uniform who served our nation at war and at peace down through the years. Nearby, a memorial to the men of the USS Indianapolis marks their service, and on Monument Circle, at the very heart of downtown Indianapolis, stands the Soldier's and Sailors' Monument, standing nearly as tall as the Statute of Liberty, a multifaceted recognition of the contributions of Indiana's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from the Civil War through the Spanish American War, the Boxer Rebellion and our other foreign military engagements up to World War I. I am pleased to support this measure to honor these three sites as National Medal of Honor Sites, allowing us the opportunity to say ``thank you'' to these men and women who have showed us what heroism is all about.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honorable gentleman from Ohio for yielding me this time; and, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union must provide for the general welfare of the people, the people in the Carolinas who have been devastated. I recognize the pain of the people who live there, who are affected by it on television. I saw where the waters had washed up the graves, and caskets were floating down the rivers, and saw where the hogs were on top of roofs trying to preserve what little life there was among the cattle. America is busy doing things around the world. America needs to focus her attention on North Carolina and swiftly and surely, that the people in the Carolinas who have been affected so in such a devastating way by Hurricane Floyd get the kind of help and relief that they need expeditiously. I am willing to help; I know that most Members of Congress are willing to help. They need shelter, and I think that the apparatus we have in place like FEMA and all of these other disaster agencies that are in existence at this time in this country need to focus its full attention on North Carolina and ensure that relief is posthaste on behalf of those American citizens that we are here to represent.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the commitment the citizens of Indianapolis have shown toward reaching a cure for breast cancer. Breast cancer is more than just a women's issue, it is a family issue. Too many families have lost mothers and daughters, aunts and sisters to this hideous disease. In the 1990's it is estimated that 2,000,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer resulting in nearly 500,000 deaths. In 1999 alone, an estimated 175,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer with 43,300 estimated deaths. Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, and the leading cause of cancer death among women between the ages of 40-55. When breast cancer strikes, it strikes at families, hopes, and dreams. Thanks to the monumental effort of Hoosiers and Americans across the country, we are beginning to strike back against breast cancer. The cornerstone of this effort is the emphasis of early detection. Mammograms can reveal the presence of cancers up to 2 years or more before a regular clinical examination or breast self examination, reducing mortality by more than 30 percent. Education on the benefits of early detection are critical to reducing the breast cancer mortality rate. The Cancer Institute recommends routine mammography for women in their 40's and older. Early detection increases treatment options and survival rates. This message is particularly important for African-American women because they have the highest mortality rate for breast cancer and for Hispanic women because breast cancer incidence rates are increasing faster among Hispanics than other women. On Saturday, October 16, 1999, 4,500 Hoosiers will participate in a 5K walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of these heroes, I proclaim and declare the 16th day of October, 1999, to be ``Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Day'' in Indiana's 10th Congressional District.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent Friday, September 24, 1999, and Monday, September 27, 1999, and as a result, missed rollcall votes 444 through 452. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 444, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 445, ``no'' on rollcall vote 446, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 447, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 448, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 449, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 450, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 451, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote 452.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bestow recognition on a wonderful event in my home town of Indianapolis. This weekend, the 16th annual Circle City Classic football game will be played in Indianapolis. The Circle City Classic is the second largest college bowl game played between two historically black colleges. It features the Hampton Pirates and the Southern Jaguars this year. Fans attending the game enjoy not only a competitive football game, but also a highly spirited and energetic battle of the school bands at half time. Before the game, a parade through the streets of downtown Indianapolis further delights the thousands of people who line the parade route. With the sounds of music echoing throughout the community, the atmosphere in Indianapolis during the Classic weekend is truly exciting, memorable and a true classic. The Circle City Classic is one of Indianapolis' treasures, and is a testament to the spirit, vision, and commitment of The Indiana Sports Corporation and Indiana Black Expo. Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to come to Indianapolis to experience the wonderful Circle City Classic.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), et al, for allowing me to say just a few words on behalf of the Veterans Millennium Health Care Act, H.R. 2116. I would anticipate that every Member of this House would be enthusiastically supportive of the Veterans Millennium Health Care Act in that they have veterans in all 50 States of the United States. I applaud the bipartisan effort that led to the creation and movement of this innovative legislation. I want to specifically point out the section that deals with sexual harassment and domestic violence that is incorporated in H.R. 2116. In the wake of several allegations of sexual harassment in the Armed Services, H.R. 2116 would reauthorize until December 31, 2002, a VA program that provides counseling and medical treatment to veterans who were sexually abused or raped while serving in the military. It is estimated that 35 to 50 percent of all female veterans have reported at least one incident of sexual harassment while serving in the military. I enthusiastically encourage and urge each Member of this august body to vote in favor of the Veterans Millennium Health Care Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Veterans Millennium Health Care Act, H.R. 2116, and encourage all of my colleagues to add their support for this measure that will take veterans health care into the 21st century. I applaud the bipartisan effort that led to the creation and movement of this innovative legislation. This bill tackles some of the most pressing issues facing the VA, including the VA long-term care challenge, and provides a blueprint to help position VA for the future. This bill opens the door to an expansion of long-term care, to greater access to outpatient care and to improve benefits including emergency care coverage. The measure improves access to care through facility realignment, eligibility enhancement for military retirees and veterans injured in combat, and ensures that the VA offers nursing home care to the highest priority veterans. One provision of this bill would require the VA to maintain long-term care programs and increase both home and community-based long-term care and respite care. The VA also would be required to provide long-term care for 50-percent service-connected veterans, and veterans needing care for a specific service-related condition. Another provision would require other veterans receiving long-term care to make co-payments, based on ability to pay. The revenues from co-payments would support expanded long-term benefits. This bill would set conditions under which the VA could close an obsolete, inefficient hospital and reinvest savings in new outpatient clinics and other improved services for the veterans affected. It also extends VA's authority to make grants to assist homeless veterans, and reform the criteria for awarding grants for building and remodeling State veterans' homes. The measure also would extend the length of time the VA could lease facilities, space or land to private companies from 35 years to 75 years. This extension would raise the incentive to foster private- public relationships between the VA and local hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, allowing VA to contract out under-utilized property. The eligibility provisions include specific authority for VA care of veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, and authority for VA care of TRICARE-eligible military retirees not otherwise eligible for priority VA care. Under this provision, DOD would reimburse VA for such care at rates to be negotiated by the Departments. Another measure authorizes VA to establish and make payments for emergency care of service-connected and low-income veterans who have no health insurance or other medical coverage and rely on VA care. H.R. 2116 also would generate revenues by authorizing VA to increase copayments on prescription drugs and establish copayments on hearing aids and other costly items provided for nonservice-connected conditions. Such new revenues would be earmarked to find VA medical care. In the wake of several allegations of sexual harassment in the armed services, H.R. 2116 would reauthorize, until December 31, 2002, a VA program that provides counseling and medical treatment to veterans who were sexually abused or raped while serving in the military. It is estimated that 35 percent to 50 percent of all female veterans have reported at least one incident of sexual harassment while serving in the military. These initiatives cover the broad spectrum of programs long sought by veterans and would ensure that this Nation is responsive to those who have served in armed conflicts for almost a century. Further it would send a powerful signal to those now serving that their extraordinary sacrifices are appreciated and that the health care they have earned through years of dedicated service will be available when or if they need it. Caring for America's veterans is an ongoing cost of war. As a nation, if we fail in this obligation, how can we justify sending more and more young service members into harm's way? How might we expect our children and grandchildren to volunteer for military service in the future, if we are not prepared to keep promises to disabled veterans today? Additionally, our failure to appropriately fund the VA will mean that veterans may not receive the health care they need and the level of service they deserve. Appropriate funding is vital to keeping the promise that was made to our veterans when they joined the Armed Forces and made their promise to serve their country. Only with this funding can we begin to meet the long-term care needs of our aging veterans. We owe more to the men and women who served our Nation in battle. H.R. 2116 is a good bill with very important provisions that have been endorsed by major veterans groups. It passed by an overwhelmingly majority in the full Committee on Veterans Affairs. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent yesterday, Monday, September 13, 1999, and as a result, missed rollcall votes 405 through 407. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 405, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 406, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote 407.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of the anniversary of Mexico's Independence Day by the residents of Indianapolis. There are over thirteen million people of Mexican origin or descent currently living in the United States. Hoosiers of Mexican descent have made vital economic, social, and cultural contributions to the City of Indianapolis. On September 15, 1999, St. Patrick's Church of Indianapolis will host a community celebration in honor of Mexico's independence. In 1810, 189 years ago, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Franciscan Priest, voiced ``El Grito de Dolores,'' imploring the Mexican people to fight for their freedom and liberty, revolutionizing the course of Mexican history. Upon ringing the church bells to announce to the world that a new movement for freedom had begun, the venerable and revered Hidalgo proclaimed, ``Long live our Lady of Guadalupe, Death to the Gachupines! Viva La Independencia.'' Today, Hoosiers of Mexican descent posses a love for freedom and liberty that honors their heroic forbears who undertook the courageous battle for Mexican independence. As the struggle for freedom began at the footsteps of the church, it is fitting that another church and another priest, Father Thomas Fox, will help to lead the Indianapolis community celebration of this anniversary. As we prepare to cross the threshold to the 21st Century, the good work of the entire St. Patrick's family ensures that Indianapolis makes welcome all whose hopes and dreams have led them to our community. It is with much joy that I join the St. Patrick's community in exclaiming ``Viva Mexico!''

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 13 dedicated Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters who lost their lives while bravely and courageously battling a horrific fire at the Bowen-Merrill book house. The fire started at 3:08 PM on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1890. Shortly after the fire began, great streams of fire could be seen shooting from the bookstore located at 16-18 West Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. To keep the fire from spreading to valuable properties located on Meridian and Illinois Streets, a monumental effort was made to contain the fire. Eighty-six firefighters battled the giant blaze. Thirteen firefighters lost their lives when the roof to the building collapsed. Posthumously, tributes were extended to: Thomas Black, John Burkhart, Andrew Cherry, George Faulkner, Ulysses Glazier, George Glenn, Albert Hoffman, William Jones, David Lowry, B.F. Plummer, Epsy Stormer, Anthony Voltz, and Henry Woodruff. On August 13, 1999, the Indianapolis Fire Department paid tribute to their fallen comrades. The clouds rolling through the skies of downtown Indianapolis purposely seemed to keep clear of the area directly above the tribute ceremony. There is no doubt that the 13 fallen heroes had a clear view of the tremendous respect and appreciation that our community has for their sacrifice. As we approach the twilight of the 20th Century it is abundantly clear that their faithful commitment to duty exemplifies the spirit of the men and women of the Indianapolis Fire Department who heroically serve our community. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting as we prepare to cross the threshold of the 21st Century that we remember and honor those who selflessly lost their lives at the end of the 19th Century.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for one vote on Friday, July 30, 1999, missing rollcall vote 355. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, on rollcall 310, I inadvertently voted ``no.'' I intended to be recorded as ``yes.''

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor and remember an American hero, James Leonard Farmer, Jr. who passed away on July 9 at the age of 79. James Farmer was one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who helped to shape America. He was a pioneer in both his ideas and actions. His accomplishments and courage over the course of his life are unparalleled. James Farmer is often overshadowed in the Movement by Martin Luther King Jr. However, he was the first in the Movement to implement the ideas of Mahatma Ghandi and use non-violence and civil disobedience to fight segregation and hatred. He founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942. He organized the first sit-in in the country in a restaurant with members of CORE. CORE was also responsible for the Freedom Rides in the summer of 1961. These accomplishments led to the desegregation of interstate buses in the South and, in part, led to the Civil Rights Bill of 1964. His leadership led to great strides that were made early in the Civil Rights Movement. His intellect, bravery, and commanding oratory skills were a primary reason that the Movement was able to gain support from all people. He continued his work in the Civil Rights Movement in other facets, such as running for Congress, working in the Nixon administration, and teaching, which is what he continued doing until the end of his career. He continued to educate young people about the history of the Civil Rights Movement. He continued combating hate with ideas of love, brotherhood, and non-violence. He knew fear did not mean cowardice, and that hate was ignorance. He espoused that love and cooperation transcends race, gender, and differences and creates a better mankind. The better humankind for which he strived is a humankind that is truly one and truly unified, and when we as a people achieve this, it is then that we approach our Dream.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the ranking member for yielding me the time to engage the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) in a colloquy. Madam Chairman, I would like the chairman's clarification with respect to section 351 relating to the medical information confidentiality provisions. The rule report on page 371, line 7, subparagraphs 1, 2, and 3, I read each as several separate clauses, and that following clause 1 and before clause 2 there is an implied ``or'' that indicates that each of these is to be read as separate clauses.

Ms. CARSON. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.

Ms. CARSON. Madam Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comment.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, when we were in school we would often sing, ``My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where our fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride,'' and that is very appropriate, I believe, for the consideration of H.R. 2280, the Veterans' Benefit Improvement Act of 1999. I am very happy to be a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, under the premier leadership of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) and certainly the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), when they deliberated on this piece of legislation, even though it does not include everything that we would like to see in behalf of our veterans. We have sat there and saw that veterans' programs have been the bank that we have been able to draw from to fund other programs, a bank capitalized with worthless currency and of broken promises. This country promised our veterans certain things when they offered themselves, their sacrifice, their families, to preserve the freedom across this land. So we have taken up the duty of looking after the needs of our veterans. We must also realize that we have an even more important duty that involves teaching and preaching to make the whole Nation understand all that we owe to our veterans. I am very happy to suggest items that have already been mentioned here today: The cost of living adjustment estimated to be 2.4 percent to the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service- connected disabilities; the expansion of the fund-raising authorities of the American Battle Monuments Commission to expedite the establishment of the World War II memorial in our Nation's capital. And I might mention that one of our premier actors, Tom Hanks, has been on a crusade in behalf of the World War II memorial, and I hope that from the sunny hills of California that he understands that his message is loud and clear, that this is a salute overdue to the 16 million Americans who answered the Nation's call to duty in World War II, because, Mr. Speaker, fewer than 7 million are alive today, and we lose 1,000 more every day. This bill also makes eligible members of the Reserves and National Guard who served at least 6 years eligible for housing loans on a permanent basis. It authorizes $100 million in fiscal years 2000 to 2004 to the Department of Labor for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and will help homeless veterans find jobs through increased funds for community-based employment programs. I remember my chagrin when I saw on a national news program that the majority of the homelessness in this Nation is comprised by veterans. The bill also directs the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to establish four new national cemeteries. Mr. Speaker, I would strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support House Resolution 2280.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on Thursday, June 17, 1999, missing rollcall votes 220 through 235. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 220, ``no'' on rollcall 221, ``yes'' on rollcall 222, ``no'' on rollcall 223, ``no'' on rollcall 224, ``yes'' on rollcall 225, ``yes'' on rollcall 226, ``no'' on rollcall 227, ``yes'' on rollcall 228, ``yes'' on rollcall 229, ``yes'' on rollcall 230, ``no'' on rollcall 231, ``yes'' on rollcall 232, ``no'' on rollcall 233, ``no'' on rollcall 234, and ``yes'' on rollcall 235.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and bestow much deserved recognition to Reggie Cross of Arlington High School located in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. Reggie exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete. As a student, Reggie has satisfied the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Scholastic Aptitude Requirements and will be able to go to the college of his choice and pursue his goal of a psychology degree. As an athlete, Reggie has excelled in both basketball and track. In basketball, Reggie helped the Arlington Knights win the city championship, and earned a spot on the city All-Star team. As Captain of the Arlington Track team, Reggie set the 400 meter record for both the North Central Sectional and the City Championship. At the State Track and Field Meet, Reggie blew away the rest of the field to win the State 400 meter championship. I can pay no greater tribute to Reggie than his track coach, Harold Grundy did when he said ``Nobody works harder than Reggie.'' Reggie shows us that hard work and determination are the best way for young people to achieve their dreams. Mr. Speaker, at a time when many people are looking down at young people, we can all look to the Reggies' of our communities and know that the future of America is still looking up.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for one vote on Thursday, May 27, 1999, missing rollcall 166 on approving the Journal. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for two votes on Monday, May 24, 1999, and one quorum call on Tuesday, May 25, 1999, and as a result, missed rollcalls 145, 146, and 151. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 145, ``yes'' on rollcall 146, and ``present'' on rollcall 151.

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 11th observance of the National Foster Parent Awareness Month. Originally conceived at the 1987 National Foster Parent Training Conference, National Foster Parent Awareness Month is the impetus for communities around the nation to host activities and events to honor foster parents for making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. In my home state of Indiana, nearly 15,000 children are in the foster care system. Nationwide, the number is an alarming one half million children. These children often have special needs. They are victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. They may suffer emotional, behavioral or developmental problems that range from moderate to severe. Most children reside only temporarily with foster parents, until it is considered safe for them to return home. A child's stay with foster parents can be as short as one night or as long as several years or more. This month we honor the individuals and families who open their hearts and homes to the children in need of a safe and nurturing living environment--Foster Parents. Foster parents can be single, married or divorced. They own homes or live in apartments. Some are as young as 21 years old while others are retired. What they have in common is that they have demonstrated attentiveness, tenacity, patience and empathy along with a willingness to grow and learn from the experience of fostering and an equal capacity to love and let go. Foster parents provide a vital service to our nation's displaced children. They are a valuable resource for families and children. Their work is extremely difficult, knowing that they are working to help reunite a child with a biological parent, or care for a child until that child is adopted. Mr. Speaker, while I rise today to praise and applaud foster parents for the very important work they do, I want to acknowledge an amazing organization and an outstanding individual, from my District, supporting the foster care system. Because foster parents take on the awesome responsibility of providing both emotional and financial support for the neediest children at a great personal expense, it is very important that we encourage our communities to support foster parents as they support foster kids. It is with great pride that I commend FosterCare Luggage, an Indianapolis based non-profit organization, for its invaluable contribution to the well-being of foster kids. When Marc Brown, founder of FosterCare Luggage, considered taking in a foster child in 1995, he learned that foster children often had to move from family to family with their belongings stuffed into black plastic trash bags. Brown decided to make it his personal mission to get proper luggage for foster children. FosterCare Luggage works collaboratively with other agencies and organizations in Indiana to assure that all children in out-of-home care receive luggage according to their age-appropriate need and seeks funding to provide other items, such as clothing and hygiene products. With help from private donors and volunteers, FosterCare Luggage has provided suitcases to thousands of children. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize a young lady who has demonstrated that one person can make a significant difference. Nicole Slibeck, a Senior at Zionsville High School in Indianapolis, collected 90 pieces of luggage for FosterCare Luggage's program. With so much attention recently devoted to what is going wrong with teenagers across the country, I am pleased to put forth Nicole's achievement as an example of what teenagers around the country are doing in support of our communities.