Julia Carson

Ms. CARSON

Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for providing this special hour on Amtrak and having this very vital discussion about Amtrak's solvency and its future and its employees. And I certainly thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for that insightful overall perspective, historical perspective, of rail in the United States of America and abroad. It is my pleasure to be here tonight with my very dear friend, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), and to thank her very much for leading the fight to retain Amtrak and its employees. Amtrak continues to demonstrate its value as a critical public resource, unequivocally worthy of our Federal funds. The past 3 years have been among the most successful in Amtrak's 30-year history, 34- year history. Despite an overall turndown in the travel industry that has resulted in financial disaster for our airlines, Amtrak has been making great strides in efficiency while becoming an increasingly popular choice for consumers. It remains a vital component of our Nation's infrastructure, providing an invaluable public service unmatched by any other means of transportation. Since 2002, our rail system has gone through an exceptional period of financial and operating stability. Amtrak has established new accounting and financial reporting systems, trimmed mail and express rail operations, truncated long distance routes and cut expenses while raising ridership and engaging in the large-scale repair and restoration of an aged fleet. Last year, the 240 employees of Beech Grove, Indiana, which is in my district, a heavy maintenance facility, repaired and returned to service 15 wrecked Superliners and locomotives. And as all of us recall the 9/11 fiasco, consumers turned to Amtrak to continue their commuting to work and other ways. When Amtrak was established by an act of Congress in 1970 to take over for the money- losing private passenger rail systems in America, then Secretary of Transportation John Volpe predicted that Amtrak could turn a profit, but only if the Federal Government provided enough capital to produce high-speed trains and profitable corridors. What better investment could Congress make to ensure the preservation of 22,000 jobs of the Amtrak employees and to preserve the vital services for consumers around the country who rely daily on Amtrak services. According to the Congressional Research Service, Amtrak's fastest train, the Acela, averages 86 miles per hour in the New York to Washington corridor. And I am telling you, if I lived in New York or New Jersey, my transportation would be Amtrak. I love it. I love to ride Amtrak back and forth to New York and to New Jersey, and I am sure the other passengers do too. So it is my strongest, strongest request and hope that Congress will do what it should do in terms of maintaining Amtrak and funding it at the proper levels so that it can remain efficient and solvent for many years to come. And I want to again thank the ranking member, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), for her leadership in this regard, a very vital service for the United States of America.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 16, my card didn't register while I was on the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr Speaker, it is with pleasure that I submit the attached article, ``We the People Believe in Values'' for inclusion in the Congressional Record. This article was written by Sheila Suess Kennedy, associate professor of law and public policy at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Indianapolis. It originally appeared in the November 15, 2004 edition of the Indianapolis Star. [From the Indianpolis Star, Nov. 15, 2004] We the People Believe in Values (Sheila Suess Kennedy) Pundits tell us that voters came out on Nov. 2 to vote for ``values.'' They sure didn't vote for mine. Let me be quite explicit about my values, which are shared by millions of others--values that infuse the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, values that are absolutely central to what it means to be American. We believe in justice and civil liberties--in equal treatment and fair play for all citizens, whether or not we agree with them or like them or approve of their life choices. We believe that no one is above the law--and that includes those who run our government. We believe that dissent can be the highest form of patriotism. Those who care about America enough to speak out against policies they believe to be wrong or corrupt are not only exercising their rights as citizens, they are discharging their civic responsibilities. We believe that playing to the worst of our fears and prejudices, using ``wedge issues'' to marginalize gays, or blacks, or ``East Coast liberals'' (a time-honored code word for Jews) in the pursuit of political advantage is un- American and immoral. We believe, as Garry Wills recently wrote, in ``critical intelligence, tolerance, respect for evidence, a regard for the secular sciences.'' We believe, to use the language of the Nation's Founders, in ``a decent respect for the opinions of mankind'' (even European mankind). We believe in the true heartland of this country, where people struggle to provide for their families, dig deep into their pockets to help the less fortunate, and understand their religions to require good will and loving kindness. We believe that self-righteousness is the enemy of righteousness. We really do believe that the way you play the game is more important, in the end, than whether you win or lose. We really do believe that the ends don't justify the means. In our America, borrowing from our grandchildren so that we can pay for a costly war without taxing the president's buddies and campaign contributors is not moral. Dividing the Nation into red and blue, gay and straight, moral and immoral, welcome and unwelcome, is not moral. Excusing our own sins by pointing to the sins of others-- torturing people, or engaging in ``holy war'' because ``they'' do it too, is not moral. Lying--about sex or weapons of mass destruction or an opponent's war record--is not moral. On Election Day, claimants of the ``values'' label came to the precinct where my youngest son was working to ``vote against the queers.'' In my precinct, when I handed a Democratic slate to a voter, he accused me of being a ``friend of Osama.'' A friend's son registering voters for Baron Hill in a church was called a ``fag lover.'' The people who live in my America need to reclaim the vocabulary of patriotism and values from those who have hijacked the language in service of something very different.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service and sacrifice of Sergeant Morgan William Strader, formerly of Brownsburg, Indiana, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on November 12, 2004 while serving his country in Iraq. His father lives in my district. Sgt. Strader loved his country. He recognized the impending danger of serving his country in Fallujah. Notwithstanding, he chose to serve. Our city, state and country have much pride for the young 23 year old. Morgan Strader grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana where he attended school through the seventh grade. He moved to Crossville, Tennessee in the eighth grade where he was active on the high school track team and wrestling squad. Upon graduation he left to join the Marines. Morgan served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in Iraq from February to June of last year, and returned to Camp Pendleton, California, where he was assigned to military police duty pending his discharge in July. But Sgt Strader couldn't bear the thought of his unit returning to Iraq without him, says his father, Gary Strader, of Speedway Indiana. Instead, he asked that his enlistment be extended for another year, and returned with his unit to Iraq in July. As his battalion prepared for the battle in Fallujah, Sgt Strader developed a skin condition that made him eligible to be sent home. But Morgan Strader ``decided he wasn't coming home,'' his father recalls. ``He said, `Dad, the guys in my unit aren't experienced in this. I need to help them.' '' He was killed in the battle of Fallujah on Friday, November 12. Morgan Strader loved fishing with his grandpa. He had a strong faith in God and he loved serving in the Marine Corps. Sgt Strader's father describes him as ``a Marine from the day he was born . . . His grandfather was in the Army during Korea. He latched onto that and loved it.'' His high school English teacher Angela Bradley testifies to his keen sense of humor and strong moral values. ``All Morgan ever talked about doing when he was in high school was to be a Marine and to be a minister.'' Sgt Strader is survived by his grandparents Lonnie and Estelle Morgan of Hebbertsburg, Tennessee; his mother Linda Morgan of Dumfries, VA; his father Gary Strader of Speedway, Indiana; his uncle Jimmy and aunt Teresa Barnett of Westel, Tennessee; and his cousins Austin Barrett and Angel Morgan. Morgan William Strader will be deeply missed. His strength and service to his country, friends, family, and God will be remembered always by all whom he inspired and loved. The citizens of the Seventh District of Indiana extend our deepest gratitude for his sacrifice and dedication to public service.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Butler University Officer James L. Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on September 24th. On the morning of Friday, September 24th, Officer Davis responded to reports of a suspicious person at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on Butler University campus. While questioning the subject, he was shot and fatally wounded, becoming the first ever Butler University police officer killed in the line of duty. He was 31. Known as J.J. to his family, James L. Davis graduated from Indiana University in 1995 with degrees in criminal justice and Afro-American studies. He served our country proudly as a military policeman with the United States Army. Throughout his distinguished record of public service, James Davis displayed an unwavering commitment to the youth of Indianapolis. In 2001, James supervised 96 Juvenile offenders for the Indiana Department of Correction as a youth service officer. From January 2001 to August 2002, he served as a drill instructor for troubled youth with Project Impact, a program that provides counseling, job training, school drop- out prevention, tutoring and mentoring to at-risk first- and second- time youth offenders. After serving as a corporate security officer for Conseco, Inc., James Davis joined the Butler University police force in January of 2003. During his full-time service on the police force, James continued his education in the pursuit of justice. At the time of his death he was only two months from completing his master's degree, an important step on the way to fulfilling his career goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer. James had also planned to create a charity honoring his late mother. The admiration of his colleagues speaks volumes to the strength of his character. To the Chief of the Butler Police, James was ``probably one of the most genuine people I've ever known.'' To his Project Impact supervisor, he was ``galactic in regards to his love for humanity.'' In my community, the outpouring of sympathy and grief for this remarkable man has been extraordinary. In the few days since his passing, hundreds have written cards and e-mails to the department honoring our departed neighbor and friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my deepest condolences to his wife Valeeda, his three beautiful children, Josiah, 8, Jarren, 3, and Jaedyn, 2, his sister Mylandar Davis, and his loving family and friends. James L. Davis will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. The citizens of Indianapolis extend our most sincere appreciation for his personal sacrifice and commitment to public service.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, let me say how much I appreciate the Delegate from the District of Columbia for carrying on the good fight. It is ironic that this bill proposes to implement constitutional rights to the District of Columbia when in fact this body has not allowed the District of Columbia to have a voting Member of the United States Congress and voting Members of the United States Senate. This is a cruel hoax under the guise of a constitutional amendment. I watched some of the hearing yesterday, and it was ironic. This bill was introduced a year ago. Since it was introduced, I thought it had gone to the mortuary and that rigor mortis had actually set in on it, and I was applauding it. But then I found out yesterday that it was just in a calling period where people could come by the pew, sign the book until you got over 200 signatures on the book, and then you get it out. This bill also came out after this House celebrated the life of Ronald Reagan who was shot in this city, the District of Columbia. And I apologize to Mr. Brady who is still paralyzed from a bullet shot in this District. The President said he wants more minorities to join the party of Lincoln because he was the Great Emancipator. Lest we forget, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, too, by a bullet. He was a Republican. Garfield was a Republican. He was assassinated. We are so patronizing. We know what is best for the District of Columbia. The chief of police said they do not want the bill. The Mayor says he does not want the bill. The council does not want the bill. The newspapers had an editorial against the bill, and we are going to impose this anyway. As we speak today, we are memorializing a police officer who came from the gentleman's district, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and was killed last week by a bullet. A month before that, we memorialized another police officer that was killed by a bullet, and I bet nobody on this bill ever visited one of the families of the grandmothers that were killed in this District. This bill is one of the worst pieces of legislation that I have seen as a Member of this House, and I apologize to the grieving families for it.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound pleasure and privilege that I rise to commend to the nation, Charles A. (Chuck) Cohen, an outstanding American and citizen of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Cohen will be honored October 17, with the New Jerusalem Award at the Indiana-Israel Dinner of State. Chuck is an active community leader, a prominent attorney and a longtime supporter of Israel Bonds. State of Israel Bonds/Development Corporation for Israel is an international organization offering securities issued by the government of Israel. Since the first bond was sold in 1951, Israel Bonds has secured close to $26 billion in investment capital for the development of every aspect of Israel's economy, including agriculture, commerce and industry. Charles Cohen was born in Greenville, KY, and graduated from Greenville High School as the salutatorian. He received a B.S. degree in Accounting in 1963 and a J.D. degree in 1966 at Indiana University- Bloomington. At school, Chuck was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and made the Law Review. After completing his education, the honoree served with the U.S. Army in the Medical Service Corps. His display of leadership earned him the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone and the rank of Captain. In 1971, Chuck moved to Indianapolis and co-founded the firm of Garelick & Cohen, (now Cohen, Garelick & Glazier). He is currently the managing partner. Mr. Cohen is an active member of the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis, serving as a life board member and past president. He is also active with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and has served in numerous positions including president and campaign chairman, as well as chairman of the Benefits Committee, the Israel Emergency Campaign, and currently serves as chairman of the Long Term Endowment Campaign and the Overseas Committee. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of America's Voices in Israel and an intermediate cities representative on the United Jewish Communities board of trustees. Mr. Cohen is the recipient of the L.L. Goodman Young Leadership Award, the Liebert Mossler Award, the Martin L. Larner Leadership Award, the Endowment Achievement Award, and the Hasten Hebrew Academy HAI-Life Award. Chuck and his wife, Karen, are the parents of three children: Brad, Amy Kaissar, and Danielle Bautista. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues in the People's House join in commending Charles Cohen for his life of service, civic stewardship and commitment to Indianapolis and Israel Bonds. He has exhibited outstanding leadership qualities that deserve high praise.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Officer Timothy Jacob Laird of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was tragically shot and killed on August 18, 2004 during an act of bravery in the line of duty. Known as Jake to his friends, Timothy Laird was born on September 17, 1972 in Logansport, Indiana. At the age of 4, Jake already knew he wanted to be a police officer. He graduated from Warren Central High School in 1991 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he spent 8 years in service to his country. In 2000, he joined the Indianapolis Police Department in the 93rd Recruit Class, fulfilling his lifelong dream. Jake Laird was a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86. He took part in the investigation of more than 600 incidents during his 4 years of service with the Indianapolis Police Department, earning two commendations. On August 18th, Officer Laird responded to reports of a man shooting a machine gun in a southside neighborhood of Indianapolis. The suspect's indiscriminate shooting injured four officers, who were treated in area hospitals. Officer Laird was fatally wounded, becoming the 56th officer to die in the line of duty in the 150-year history of the Indianapolis Police Department. He was 31. Officer Laird's bravery and sacrifice for the people of Indianapolis has touched the lives of his community. On August 23rd, hundreds of citizens, many of whom had never met Timothy Laird, lined up along the 20-mile funeral route in silent tribute. Over 1,000 police cars from all over Indiana, as well as Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois, took part in the procession honoring his service. Police Chief Jerry Barker awarded him the Indianapolis Police Department's Medal of Honor posthumously, only the fourth time it had been given in 150 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my deepest condolences to his wife Jennifer and their beloved 7-year-old daughter Kaylee; his parents Deborah and Michael Laird and Timothy and Barb Althouse; his brothers Gaben Laird, Christopher Laird, Timothy Althouse, and Dan and Matt Wilhelm; his sisters Sarah Althouse and Heather Laird; and his grandparents Mrs. Howard Dodson and Donald and Rosemary McEldowney. A United States veteran, beloved father, husband and family member, Jake Laird will be deeply missed. His strength and service to his country and community will be remembered always by all whom he inspired and loved. The citizens of Indianapolis extend our heartfelt gratitude for his sacrifice and dedication to public service.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, one of my favorite passages is that all good and perfect gifts come from on high, and we are here today to renew a celebration of a President on the occasion of his 58th birthday, William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States. What I admire most about President Clinton, he was an extraordinary individual who related very well to ordinary people, and the ordinary people of this world loved Bill Clinton. He was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, and began a record of stellar public service to the country and humanity as a very young man. President Clinton's administration would be noted for the creation of 22 million jobs, the rallying of international support to stop the ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, and reaffirming U.S. recognition of Africa as a continent of the birthplace of humanity with many countries, cultures and vast potentials. I had the privilege of going to Africa with Mr. Clinton and saw his concern and compassion for the women and children and men who were battling AIDS and saw how he has made the battle against AIDS and HIV a focal point of his foundation's activities, which does not surprise me. I want to say to the President, in the event that he receives this video message of his colleagues in the United States House of Representatives, I wish you a rapid recovery. You, unlike me, knew what you were going into as an open heart surgery recipient. I did not know it and was not fast enough to have it explained to me. I just got it, and I want to wish you well. I am so happy it turned out for you as well as it did, and God bless.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, let those who lived through that time recall and celebrate its powerful role in changing our lives and the life of our Nation by sharing that knowledge with those who came after. As we do so, let us remember that a major impact of that law was to give strength to ordinary people so that they might do extraordinary things to change the way the nation worked, responding with smoother voices and firmer advocacy for the civil rights of everyone, bringing about a broad expansion of equal opportunity across the life of the nation.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, now is an especially appropriate time to acknowledge and commend the historic contributions of a great civil rights fighter, The Reverend Doctor Joseph E. Lowery. Dr. Lowery is the Co-founder, President Emeritus, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Chairman Emeritus, Black Leadership Forum, Inc. and Convener of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (GEPA). As co-founder with Martin Luther King, Jr., of the SCLC in 1957; Dr. Lowery served as vice president (1957-67); chairman of the board (1967- 77); and as president and chief executive officer from Feb. 1977-Jan. 15, 1998. Dr. King named him chairman of the delegation to take demands of the Selma-to-Montgomery March (1965) to Gov. George Wallace. Wallace had ordered the marchers beaten (``Bloody Sunday'') but apologized to Lowery in 1995 as he led the 30th anniversary re-enactment of the historic march, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. His genesis as a civil rights advocate was in the early `50s in Mobile, AL where he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, which led the movement for the desegregation of buses and public accommodations. While in Mobile, his property was seized by the Alabama courts in an historic libel suit: Sullivan v. NYTimes, Abernathy, Lowery, Shuttlesworth, & Seay. The U.S. Supreme Court vindicated the ministers in a landmark ruling on libel (Read Make No Law by Anthony Lewis, 1964) Lowery led the historic Alabama to Washington pilgrimage (1982) to free Maggie Bozeman and Julia Wilder, falsely convicted of voter fraud. This march helped gain the extension of provisions of the Voting Rights Act to 2007. Nationally recognized as a strong proponent of affirmative action, he also led the movement in Nashville to desegregate public accommodations. In Birmingham, he served as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, which spearheaded the hiring of Birmingham's first black police officers, etc. As a United Methodist minister, he was elected as delegate to three General Conferences, and presided over an Annual Conference (acting bishop in 1966. He is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Black leadership Forum, a consortium of national black advocacy organizations, and served as third president following Vernon Jordan and Benjamin Hooks. As president of SCLC, he negotiated covenants with major corporations for employment advances and business contracts with minority companies. One of the first protest campaigns he led was against the Atlanta based Southern Company for contracting to purchase ten million tons of coal from South Africa (12977). He was among the first five persons arrested at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. in the ``Free South Africa'' campaign (1984). He co-chaired the 1990 Nelson Mandela visit to Atlanta following his release from prison and awarded Mandela the SCLC/Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award. He was keynote speaker at the African Renaissance Dinner in Durban in 1998 honoring Mandela's retirement. He was invited to keynote the dedication of a school and hospital in East Germany honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a peace delegation to the Middle East and met with the president of Lebanon and Yassir Arafat to seek justice in the Middle East by non- violent means. He led protests against the dumping of toxic waste in Warrenton County, N.C., and was arrested twice in this campaign which gave birth to the environmental justice movement. He served on the board of directors of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) for 23 years and was chairman for three years (during the '96 Olympics), and was instrumental in securing millions in contracts for minority businesses. Since retiring from the pulpit in 1997 and SCLC in January 1998, he has helped black farmers secure a federal court decree valued at $2 billion against the Department of Agriculture for discrimination. He assisted black auto dealers to seek redress from discrimination claims against auto manufacturers. He has supported black concert promoters in their fight against exclusionary policies of talent agencies. As convener of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (CPA), he is active in election reform and voter empowerment, economic justice, criminal justice reform, including alternative sentencing and a moratorium on the death penalty. He is married to Evelyn Gibson Lowery, an activist in her own right, founder of SCLC/WOMEN and is the father of five children. Lowery has received numerous awards, including an NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award and the Martin Luther King Center Peace Award. Essence has twice named him as one of the Fifteen Greatest Black Preachers. Lowery is married to Evelyn Gibson Lowery, an activist in her own right.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, Sunday, June 20, is Father's Day in America. In honor of this nationally recognized day I take special privilege to salute Fathers and more importantly fatherhood. I appreciate the millions of fathers that are active parents and advocates for their children's well-being. When fathers value their children, for their true selves, they give their children the confidence to use their talents in the world. A father can be one of the two most important people in a child's life. For example, when advertisers spend billions to convince daughters that they must look a certain size and dress a certain way, it is the father who reminds her that she is a whole and unique person that warrants respect, beauty and dignity in her own right. When society tells our males that success is measured by the car, house and clothes you have, it is the Father's role model that impact the values and integrity of their sons. Sociologists and psychologists now proclaim what we as human beings already knew--Fatherhood is not always easy. ``Father Knows Best'', a popular TV show of the 50s, promoted the image of an intuitive male parent who always knew just the right thing to say and just the right lesson to teach but parenting is not easy. The benefits of a steady income and the things money buy pale in comparison to the love and emotional support that all children need and deserve to help them develop as whole adults. Our institutions and government entities at every level should promote public policies that remove barriers to responsible fatherhood. However, I suspect that we fall short, particularly, in the area of incarcerated fathers, unemployed fathers and fathers outside of the home. We must encourage fathers in real responsibility, not blame them for who and what they are and enable fathers to lead healthy and productive lives and create positive bonds with their children. Our laws, institutions and public policies should do much to: Promote public education concerning the financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood; Assist men in preparation for the legal, financial and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood; Promote the establishment of paternity at childbirth; Encourage fathers, regardless of marital status, to foster their emotional connection to and financial support of their children; Establish support mechanisms for fathers in their relations with their children, regardless of their marital and financial status; and, Integrate federal, state and local services available for families. Fathers need the building blocks of community, employment, and parenting skills to be the best Father they can be--because Father doesn't always know best. Happy Father's Day.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably delayed in the District and missed recorded votes on Monday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 15. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes Nos. 232, 233, and 235. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Nos. 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 241 and 242. I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall No. 240. Should you or your staff need further clarification, please feel free to contact me or my legislative director, Marti Thomas, at 225-4011 or marti.thomas@mail.house.gov.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say that we have celebrated for veterans during the Memorial Day weekend in a very proper and respectful way. Last evening, I introduced legislation that would correct an inequity for our veterans. Many would be surprised to learn that veterans who have served honorably in the United States military who have been discharged honorably, who subsequently, because of posttraumatic stress disorder, find themselves within the walls of prisons on a felony conviction, when they are released after they have served their time, Mr. Speaker, many of them in certain States are denied the right to vote. Disenfranchisement of those who jeopardized their lives in our defense of democratic ideas is an offense to the conscience of our Nation. Denying veterans who committed a crime and served their sentences the right to vote is unconscionable. This bill would give liberty and justice for all people, Mr. Speaker, especially for our veterans. I would encourage every Member of the House who respects and loves and honors the veterans of this Nation to sign on as a sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as we approach another celebration of Memorial Day, it is incumbent that we pay homage to the Nation's veterans and war dead with more than just words. Rather, we reflect on how our actions honor or may dishonor this great republic for which they enlist to defend. Indiana's veterans and war dead share in this tribute. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our Nation's service. Those that we remember--veterans--are precious benchmarks for how well we have maintained all of the freedoms and democratic principles they fought and died for. Veterans fought for the survival of all the things that made the United States, the leader of the free world: Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for each citizen and not the least--our great Constitution which undergirds this Republic. It is in defense of our democratic principles and the freedoms that we uphold and value for each citizen with no respect to wealth, social rank, or might, that we form a military, that we have veterans, that we honor them on Memorial Day. My memorial to Hoosier veterans and the war dead is to revere what they fought and died to preserve: We, the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves, and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. We are trustees of a future that remembers and honor the past and living freedoms. As we honor them this Memorial Day, let us refresh our commitment to the trust we bear for the days and years ahead. That is the fitting memorial--to honor their service with meaning as we remember daily why they serve. With special tribute to the war dead of the seventh congressional district of Indiana in the Iraq theatre: Pvt. Jesse M. Halling and Pfc Derek L. Hallal.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. In recognition of National Police Memorial Week and the ultimate sacrifices given by police officers across the nation, I wish to recognize the service and memory of Indiana State Trooper Scott Patrick. Trooper Scott Patrick, a three-year veteran of the department, was shot by a driver he had stopped to help on an exit ramp of Interstate 80/94 in Gary, IN. He died December 22, 2003 at the age of 27. Trooper Patrick's name and service will be among 362 fallen officers, killed in the line of duty in the past year and added to the National Police Memorial here in Washington during National Police Memorial Week. Our mere words, even our sincere thanks cannot add to the life of this young husband, father, son and brother. Trooper Patrick has paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Indiana. We can ensure the life and sacrifice of every officer slain in the line of duty is never forgotten. We can try to assure the survivors that his sacrifice was not in vain, and we must do what we can as citizens to increase the public's appreciation for law enforcement, especially the dangers faced on our behalf to protect us. To the Patrick family, grateful Hoosiers and a grateful nation say thank you.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sister Francesca Thompson, O.S.F., Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana. Sister Thompson, born in Los Angeles, CA, received her B.A. in English from Marian College, Indianapolis, IN. She earned a Masters of Education degree with a concentration in Communication Arts from Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Later, Sister Thompson earned a PhD in Theatre/Speech at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Her 50 years of teaching experience include St. Joseph Elementary School of Cincinnati, OH; High School English and Speech at the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, Oldenburg, Indiana; Theatre, Speech and Black Studies at Marian College in Indianapolis, IN; a Teaching Fellow in Acting at the University of Michigan; Assistant to the Dean, Associate Professor African-American Studies, and the Department of Communications at Fordham University, Bronx, New York and Assistant Dean and Director of Multi-Cultural Programs at Fordham University, Bronx, New York. Sister Thompson's publications include her Dissertation: The Lafayette Players, 1915-1932. History of the First Black Dramatic Stock Company in the United States; Twice Called: Autobiographies of Seventeen Convert Sisters; (one chapter): Notable Women in American Theatre; Black Women in America, historical encyclopedia; Families: Black and Catholic, United States Catholic Conference, Department of Education; and Oscar Micheaux and His Circle. Her background experience in directing include such classics as: ``Midsummer's Night Dream'', ``Hotel Paradiso'', ``In White America'', ``As You Like It'', ``Ten Angry Women'', and ``The Dutchman'' and encompasses original plays entitled ``Rag Dolly'', ``The Inside Story'', ``Remember When'', ``Precious Dear's Magic Christmas'' and Happiness Is''. Her organizations are the National Black Federal Theatre Board; Jesuit commission on Minority Affairs; National board of Operation P.U.S.H., and the Broadway Tony Board. Sister Thompson is an accomplished lecturer and public speaker in the areas of Theatre, African American Studies, Communication, the Black Family and Ministering the Black Community. Mr. Speaker: I echo the thoughts of behalf of many former students, friends and colleagues whose lives have been touched by Sister Thompson. Finally, throughout her illustrious career, Sister Thompson has shared her many gifts and talents in many places and with many people. It is the sharing of her gifts that makes her a genuine treasure. Mr. Speaker I have enclosed a copy of the extensive resume of Sister Frances Thompson. Resume Sister Francesca Thompson, O.S.F., Dean's Office--McGinley Center #211, Fordham University at Rose Hill, Bronx, New York. Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana. educational history B.A. English--Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana. M. of Ed. Concentration in Communication Arts--Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. Ph.D. Theatre/Speech--University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. teaching experience 1954-1961: Taught grades two through eight: St. Joseph Elementary School, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1961-1967: High School English and Speech: Academy of the Immaculate Conception, Oldenburg, Indiana. 1967-1982: Theatre, Speech, Black Studies: Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana. 1969-1971: Leave of absence to complete PhD., Teaching Fellow, Acting: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 1974-1982: Chairperson Department Theatre/Speech: Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana. 1982-1999: Assistant to the Dean, Associate Professor African-American Studies, and Associate Professor in Department of Communications: Fordham University, Bronx, New York. 1999- : Assistant Dean/Director Multi-Cultural Programs, Associate Professor in Department of Communication, and Associate Professor of African American Studies: Fordham University, Bronx, New York. classes taught, college level Acting Technique, Advanced Acting, Problems in Acting, Oral Interpretation, Introduction to Theatre, Theatre Criticism, Theatre History, Survey of Dramatic Literature, Black Literature, Black Drama, Directing, Speech, Teaching Speech on the Secondary Level (Class for Education Majors), Conflicts and Choices--20th Century Drama, Tension Between God and Man Found in Dramatic Literature, Shades of Values: Themes in Black and White Drama, Beginning Acting. publications Dissertation: The Lafayette Players, 1915-1932. (History of the First Black Dramatic Stock Company in the United States). Twice Called: Autobiographies of Seventeen Convert Sisters, (one chapter): Bruce Publishing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1959. Contributor: Black World, Freeing the Spirit America, U.S. Catholic, Black Masks (theater magazine), magazines. The Theatre of Black Americans, Vol. 11, ed. Dr. Erroll Hill, Chapter 1, ``The Lafayette Players. New York: Prentice- Hall, 1980. Families: Black and Catholic, ed. Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, Department of Education, 1985. Notable Women in American Theatre, Vol. 1, ed. Dr. Alice Robinson. New York: Greenwood Press, 1989. Black Women in America: Historical Encyclopedia, ed. Darlene C. Hine. New York: Carlson Publishing, 1993. Oscar Micheaux and His Circle, ed. Bowser, Gaines, Musser. Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Press, 2001. background experience Directing: This Bird of Dawning, Dutchman, The Miser, The Silver Cord, And We Own The Night, At Liberty, Midsummer's Night Dream, Hotel Paradiso, In White America, As You Like It, Ten Angry Women, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The- Moon Marigolds, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, River of My Song, Belle of Amherst, Black Vignettes (an original musicale) and numerous Children's Theatre productions. Original plays: Rag Dolly, The Inside Story, Precious Dear's Magic Christmas, Remember When, Happiness Is . . . . awards and grants Nominated for Outstanding Teaching Fellow of the Year at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Special ``Sojourner Truth Award'' given by the members of the Union for Black Identity--Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana. Brotherhood Award--awarded by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Outstanding Alumni Award--Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana. Key to the City, Mayoral Award--Clarksdale, Mississippi. Indianapolis Education Association's Dr. Martin Luther King Human Rights Award. New York State English Council Award for Teacher of Excellence in Drama. Sister Francesca Thompson Scholarship Endowment established by the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg, Indiana Justice and Peace Committee. Teacher of the Year Award--Fordham University, Bronx, New York. Pierre Toussaint Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Black Catholic Community. International Black Women's Conference: A. Nomsa John-- Inspiration Award. National Catholic Education Association: A. Koob National Award for Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education. Honorary Degree: Doctor of Humane Letters, LeMoyne College, Syracuse, New York, May 1996. Selected as one of 25 of ``The Most Influential Individuals in Catholic Education Over the Past 25 Years.'' Award presented by the Peter Li Education Group under the auspices of the National Catholic Education Association--Minneapolis, Minnesota. Presenter of Commencement address and Honorary Degree recipient--Marian College, Indianapolis, Indiana, May, 1997. Received the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, from St. Michael's College, Winooski Park, Colchester, Vermont--May 1997. Received Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award from the Department of Theatre, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ph.D., 1972). Honorary Degree: Doctor of Fine Arts, Fordham University, May 2002. Outstanding Sagamore Award--Given by the Governor of Indiana for Superlative Service to the Governor and the State. organizations The Armstead-Johnson Foundation for Theatre Research, New York, New York (Executive Board Member). Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow (Executive Board Member). National Board of Operation P.U.S.H. Jesuit Commission on Minority Affairs. Former Board of Trustees, St. Michael College, Winsooki, Vermont. National Black Federal Theatre Board. Broadway Tony Board. partial list of lecture sites John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio. Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Indiana University. Purdue University. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri. Notre Dame University. Rochester University of Theology. Mt. St. Joseph International Theological Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. M.L.A. Conference, Chicago, Illinois. American Theatre Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trinity Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California. Conference on Black Women; Indianapolis, Indiana. Canaan Baptist Church, New York, New York. First Nazarene Baptist Church, Camden, New Jersey. Antioch Baptist Church, Seattle, Washington. Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. P.U.S.H. National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana Conference on Ministry to Blacks in Higher Education, Daytona Beach, Florida. National Black Progressive Baptist Conference, Chicago, Illinois. National Black Pastor's Conference, Detroit, Michigan, 1979. National Black Pastor's Conference, Chicago, Illinois, 1980. 15 talks in Oakland, California, ``Scholar in Residence'' for the Public Secondary Schools. Tri-State (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana) National Conference for Hospital Administrators and Staff. Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. National Vocation Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. National Conference on Peace and Justice, New York, New York. Network of Black Career Women, New York and Cincinnati, Ohio. N.A.A.C.P. Regional Conference, Michigan. Conference on Ministering in the Black Community, Adrian, Michigan. Urban Education In-service Program, Cleveland, Ohio. Black Urban Child Conference, Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Conference on Catechetics for the Black Community, School Office Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, D.C. Black Catholic Conference, New York, New York. LCWR Conference, Kansas City, Missouri. Molloy College, Rockville Centre Diocesan Office, Rockville Centre, New York. Union Theological Seminary, New York, New York. St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York. Fordham Prep, New York, New York. National Progressive Baptist Women's Luncheon, Brooklyn, New York. Faculty In-Service Lecture, Rice High School, New York, New York. Office of Black Ministry, Awards Banquet, New Haven, Connecticut. St. Augustine's Anglican Church, New York, New York. St. Charles Lawanga National Institute for Black Seminarians (Faculty), Chicago, Illinois. National Catholic Educator's Association; St. Louis, Missouri. Claremont School of Theology, Commencement Address, Los Angeles, California. Black American Law Student Association, Fordham University, Bronx, New York. C.S.J. International Conference, East St. Louis, Illinois. Conference for Inner-City Teachers, Boston, MA. N.A.A.C.P. Awards Banquet, East St. Louis, Illinois. National Conference of Black Criminal Justice Employees, St. Louis, Missouri. African-American Catholic Catechetical Conference, Los Angeles, California. National Black Theatre Program Conference, Baltimore, Maryland. National Black Catholic Conference, Keynote Address, Washington, D.C. Presenter BLACK SPIRITUALITY RETREAT, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. BLACK EXPO, Indianapolis, Indiana. National LCWR Conference, St. Paul, Minnesota. National ``Future of the Church'' Conference, Washington.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to designate in Congress, May 8, 2004, as the ``Campaign for African American Achievement Day.'' This special occasion has been inspired by both the infinite potential of our African American youth and the commitment of the National Urban League. The Campaign for African American Achievement is a national program administered by the Urban League. Out of 115 Urban League affiliates across the country, 20 are chosen to implement the program. I am proud to represent one of the districts selected to participate in this honorable campaign, the great city of Indianapolis, IN. Under the program's goals, the Indianapolis Urban League works to support the academic achievement and challenges facing children in Marion County, IN. The League hosts a yearly educational summit for parents and students as well as a college financial aid workshop. It also organizes college tours, scholarship essay contests and membership in the National Achievers Society; a national honors society for talented students of color who obtain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. On May 8th, the Indianapolis chapter will be conducting its seventh induction ceremony for the National Achievers Society (NAS). Honors students participating in the induction ceremony and in other activities of the Campaign for African-American Achievement, will qualify to be considered for one of 40, four-year, $10,000 scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 2005. I commend the National Urban League and the affiliate Indianapolis Urban League chapter for their continued commitment to the positive development of our youth. I ask that you join me in honoring both the organization and the students by designating May 8th as the ``Campaign for African American Achievement Day.''

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman very much, my prestigious leader of the region, and certainly to the chairman and chairpersons of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I rise today in support of H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users, TEA LU. This 6-year reauthorization is needed to continue our commitment to our Nation's infrastructure. Transportation is central to our Nation's economy, creating more jobs, and helping Americans get to work every day. Investment in our highways and public transportation systems results in a net gain for our taxpayers. The bill responds to many of the critical transportation problems facing our country. $67 billion is lost in worker productivity and wasted fuel every year because of traffic congestion. Americans sitting in traffic lose 5.7 billion gallons of fuel and 3.6 billion hours annually. Investment in highways is part of the answer, but we must also be sure to invest in our public transit systems as well. Public transit decreases congestion, decreases pollution, and decreases costs for millions of workers. Unfortunately, many States are discouraged from investing in transit. Thirty-four States, including my home State of Indiana, has statutory or constitutional prohibitions on using money from the Highway Trust Fund for public transit. I offered an amendment to the Committee on Rules establishing a flexibility incentive grant program to address this problem and trust that as we move into the future that we will be able to get this concept put into law to enable the moving around of money for our transportation system. TEA LU provides $1.4 billion in funding for improving intermodal connections. So in order to fully utilize the potential of these intermodal centers, we must be sure to invest in our railroads, our ports. In the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I asked the railroad people if they did not think that was a unique idea to put people to work and that is to rebuild and modernize the railroads. I thank the chairman and ranking member, my leader, for this opportunity.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to invite my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 4031, the Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act. This bipartisan measure, authored by Senator Richard Lugar and I, will help States' efforts to enroll income- eligible children in the States Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly referred to as SCHIP. As you know, despite gains in recent years, nearly 9 million children in the United States remain uninsured. Of those, nearly 7 million children are eligible for public health insurance coverage. H.R. 4031, the Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act, builds on our successful legislation in the 106th Congress that provides States with the option of using the National School Lunch Program and the Women's Infants Children Program (WIC) to identify uninsured children eligible for benefits under the SCHIP and Medicaid programs. Many States have used this cost-saving option successfully in promoting the well-being of income-eligible children. While existing law allows children to be income-eligible for WIC based on their enrollment in the Medicaid program, the law does not give States adequate flexibility to make an income determination of eligibility for the Medicaid or SCHIP program based on an uninsured child's enrollment in WIC or another public program. The Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act will give States the option of establishing that their Medicaid or SCHIP financial eligibility rules are satisfied when a family presents proof that their child is already enrolled in another program with comparable income guidelines. Mr. Chairman, the public is well served when Federal means-tested public programs are able to improve administrative efficiency and coordination, as well as reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. Moreover, uninsured children are well served when their enrollment in a nutrition-based or other means-tested program serves as a gateway to health coverage. My colleagues, money alone will not solve America's health care challenges. We must maximize our existing resources by being more creative and aggressive in our outreach efforts and making it easier for families to tap into these benefits. We all know that children who do not get routine, preventative health care will not reach their full potential. We simply cannot afford to put our children at that disadvantage. I urge you to become a cosponsor of this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to cosponsor bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Richard Lugar in the United States Senate and myself in the House of Representatives known over here as H.R. 4031. The measure will help States in their efforts to enroll income-eligible children in the States Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly referred to as SCHIP. As you know, Mr. Speaker, despite gains in recent years, nearly 9 million children in the United States remain uninsured. Of those, nearly 7 million children are eligible for public health insurance coverage. H.R. 4031, the Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act, builds on the successful legislation of the 106th Congress that provides States with the option of using the National School Lunch Program, the Women's, Infants, and Children Program to identify uninsured children eligible for benefits under the SCHIP and Medicare program. Many States have used this cost-saving option successfully to promote the well-being of income-eligible children. While existing law does allow children to be income-eligible for WIC based on their enrollment in the Medicare program, it does not give the States adequate flexibility to make an income determination for eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP program based on the uninsured child's enrollment in WIC or another public program. The Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act will give States the option of establishing that their Medicaid or SCHIP financial eligibility rules are satisfied when a family presents proof that their child is already enrolled in another program with comparable income levels. Current Federal law does not provide the flexibility that is necessary for this. If we are to give our children, Mr. Speaker, a jump-start with quality health care and quality health insurance, I would encourage strongly that my colleagues consider becoming cosponsors of H.R. 4031, which is affectionately known as the Children's Express Lane to Health Coverage Act. It is vital, it is important, it is for our Nation's children.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise against the Republican budget because it shamelessly undercuts the funding for Violence Against Women programs. Mr. Chairman, I rise against the Republican budget because it cuts funding for Violence Against Women Programs. The budget presented before us today provides only $362 million for the Violence Against Women Act programs--a cut of $22 million below this year's level. Historicaly, domestic violence has been a silent epidemic. According to the Commonwealth Fund, almost 4 million women are physically abused each year in the United States. Further statistics reveal that, in our country, battering is the single major injury to women exceeding muggings, rapes, and auto accidents combined. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in this country, where they are more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped or killed by a male partner than by any other type of assailant. Each year, in my home-state of Indiana, thousands of women and children flee to emergency shelters to escape violence within their home. Approximately 90 percent of these abusers were a spouse, family member, boyfriend, or separated spouse. Ensuring that victims of domestic violence receive the necessary services to protect themselves and their children is one of the most important things this legislative body can do. However, violence against women is not only a national issue. Internationally, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused during her lifetime. Domestic violence encompasses all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and religious groups worldwide. We can tackle the undignified treatment of women before it matures into violence, by conducting early prevention programs to teach young people the importance of supporting and respecting one another. I will continue to support initiatives to obtain gender equality, women's rights and put an end to violence against women here, in our nation, and abroad. In order to do this we must make sure that VAWA is fully funded within the budget.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on March 10 during the vote on the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, H.R. 339, I was present on the floor of the House of Representatives. However, my vote was not registered due to, I guess, my mistake in terms of leaving my card in the machine from the previous vote. Had this malfunction not occurred, I would have voted ``nay'' on this vote, rollcall vote No. 54.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young man who is an American war hero of Iraq and a fellow Hoosier, Specialist Dwayne Anthony Turner of the Third Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Dwayne Anthony Turner, an Army medic from Indianapolis, was awarded the Silver Star for demonstrating exceptional bravery, self-sacrifice and resolute fearlessness during a grenade and arms attack on April 13, 2003. American soldiers were caught off guard when the attack began on a crowded street 30 miles south of Baghdad. Specialist Dwayne Anthony Turner was riding in his Humvee when the grenade hit. Bleeding from flying shrapnel that ripped into his legs, Specialist Turner dragged several soldiers to safety and administered aid to others while taking fire. More commonly known as Doc Turner, this young 23-year-old soldier saved the lives of two comrades and provided aid to 14 others after he was hit by shrapnel and shot a total of three times in the leg and arm. He did not cease assisting injured soldiers until he lost a significant amount of blood and was administered morphine. Specialist Dwayne Anthony Turner is the first soldier from the Fort Campbell-based 101st to receive the Silver Star for valor. I would like to recognize Specialist Turner for his remarkable fortitude, courageousness, his spirit and selfless determination and would certainly ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring this notable American war hero from my district. Specialist Turner agreed to 4 years but was arbitrarily extended, Mr. Speaker, to 5 years. Mr. Speaker, we would think that the United States of America, that the White House, that the Department of the Army would give Specialist Turner a standing ovation for the outstanding contribution that he made as an American, as a soldier and as a hero in Iraq. But not so. Mr. Speaker, upon Specialist Turner's return to Fort Campbell, understandably he consumed alcohol excessively, incurred intense and immense emotional trauma. His behavior became erratic. Instead of addressing what obviously is post-traumatic stress, the Army busted him down to a private, kicked him out of service, did not give him mustering-out pay, which ultimately caused this dear Army soldier to become homeless, notwithstanding the kind of contributions that he has made to a better America and what we were believing to be a better Iraq. I would like specifically to call this incredible, awful situation in terms of Specialist Turner's fate, in private, now nothing, the Army soldier, used to be soldier, to the attention of the White House. We often say that we support our troops. We get criticized when we do not support Iraq and the money that goes into Iraq, and I would ask the President and all of his soldiers there on Pennsylvania Avenue and those who are responsible for this incredible inhumane act against an individual who has done so much for this country to counteract, to reverse the vicious act that has been administered against him since he has been in this country by the United States Government. Make him whole, give him his mustering-out pay, and let the record show that he was, in fact, a specialist and not a private, a specialist when he received the honors that he received from the Army.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for the bipartisan spirit to move the bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, the Fair Credit Reporting Act has been crucial to extending credit services to underserved populations and in protecting consumers from egregious abuses of their financial and personal privacy. However, the violations and abuses continue to persist. I have assisted a number of constituents who have had credit problems because of inaccurate credit reporting. In many instances, people have no idea there is a problem until they try to secure a loan or credit. What I found especially troubling is larger than expected numbers of inaccuracies credit reporting agencies have on consumers. So H.R. 2622 provides a number of new important consumer protections that will make credit reports less frustrating for our consumers. The bill would give every person in America the ability to consider request an annual free credit report. I certainly hope every American takes advantage of this. The bill deals a tremendous blow to identity thieves whose crimes are rising rapidly. Consumers will be able to place fraud alerts on their credit report when erroneous information is present. I applaud the leadership on this bill, a very needed bill. I encourage the Members to support it.