Julia Carson

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, certainly I am totally appreciative of my dear friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), yielding time to me. When I first came to Congress, and each Congress since, I raised my right hand and swore to uphold and defend our Constitution. I rise today in the spirit of that oath. Flag desecration offends all of us. Above all, we are a nation of law. Our Supreme Court has consistently held that behavior to be political expression, the very sort of unpopular speech the first amendment was intended to protect. No matter how rude or unpleasant, political expression of opposition to the government is constitutional. This Congress, Mr. Speaker, is made up of people from all walks of life, of all political, religious, and philosophical persuasions. That does not deduce our patriotism among any of us. I was not born Julia Carson; I was married into the family of Carsons. My husband, Sam Carson, was a 100 percent service-connected Korean War veteran. My son, Sam Carson, is also a veteran of the Marine Corps. Once again this week, in the fifth Congress in a row, in anticipation of Flag Day we are called upon to consider a bill to bring about an amendment to the Constitution to get around the Supreme Court's repeated holdings that tampering with, insulting, or defiling the flag is protected conduct under the first amendment, the bedrock of our Bill of Rights. I heard one of my distinguished colleagues indicate how good it is for soldiers to come back into this country and be met by the waving of the flag. I was very troubled recently to see on the news where so many of our reservists who were called up and who leave families behind, families are in dire straits economically. One particular reservist left a $25,000 job to serve his country and his family; his wife and four children had to move in with her parents in very small and cramped quarters. Yet we do a tax cut and cut out the families of those who are sent to protect the freedom of Iraq and the freedom of America. Over the years we have made constructive changes to our Constitution. But in the 200 years we have enjoyed its protections, we have never before changed the meaning of the Bill of Rights, not so much as a single comma, recognizing and protecting that document as our freedom shield. I believe that this is no time to change the first amendment's protection of freedom and expression, so basic and so critical to the way American democracy works. This is brought home especially by the sacrifice of soldiers fighting and dying even today to ensure that Iraqi people have the right to speak and live freely and the right to protest against their own government. This is a fundamental value of freedom's promise, no less in Iraq, no less in the United States. When first I came to Congress, and each Congress since, I raised my right hand and swore to uphold and defend our Constitution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the spirit of that oath. Flag desecration offends us all but, above all, we are a nation of law. Our Supreme Court has consistently held that behavior to be political expression, the very sort of unpopular speech the first amendment was intended to protect--no matter how rude or unpleasant-- political expression of opposition to the government. Once again this week, in the fifth Congress in a row, in anticipation of Flag Day we are called upon to consider a bill to bring about an amendment to the Constitution to get around the Supreme Court's repeated holdings that tampering with, insulting or defiling the flag is protected conduct under the first amendment, the bedrock of our Bill of Rights. The main objective of the first amendment is to stop Congress and the courts from picking and choosing what kinds of speech are permitted. It is clear that what would be regulated by this amendment is not physical desecration of the flag, but the sentiments expressed by the action. Over the years we have made constructive changes to our Constitution but in the 210 years we have enjoyed its protections we have never before changed the meaning of our Bill of Rights--not so much as a single comma-- recognizing and protecting that document as our freedom's shield. I believe that this is no time to change the first amendment's protection of freedom of expression, so basic and so critical to the way American democracy works. This is brought home especially by the sacrifice of our soldiers fighting and dying--even today--to assure the Iraqi people the right to speak and live freely, and the right to protest against their own government. This is a fundamental value of freedom's promise, no less so in places where we would see freedom take new root than here at home. However offensive such conduct may feel, the answer is not to restrict the freedom to speak. Rather, the answer is to remind our fellow citizens of how important unfettered political speech is to our democracy, how fundamental to our freedom. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson put it well back in 1943--during World War II: ``Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.'' Sometimes we make a law because we can and not because we should, a powerful temptation we should resist. Changing the meaning of the Constitution to address hateful conduct by a tiny minority is unnecessary. Together we have weathered severe crises over the past 2 years, proof that we can withstand the ugly actions of a few misguided protesters. Secretary of State Colin Powell said it well, ``I would not amend that great shield of democracy to hammer a few miscreants. The flag will be flying proudly long after they have slunk away.'' Patriotism that forces reverence for national symbols at the expense of vital constitutional rights is not what our country is about. I will honor and celebrate the flag by taking a stand for liberty and to support the Constitution and the Bill of Rights by voting to defeat this proposal.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Justin Cage, Indiana Mr. Basketball 2003, from Indianapolis, IN. A senior at Pike High School, Justin Cage has already had a phenomenal basketball career as a team member of the Pike Red Devils Boys Basketball team. Not only has he been named Indiana Mr. Basketball 2003, he also led his team to win the Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship (Class 4A). The Pike Red Devils finished the season with a perfect record of 29-0. As a four year starter for Pike High School, Justin also contributed to winning the state title in 2001 and finished runner up for 2002. Justin finished the season averaging 13.4 points and a team high of 7.0 rebounds. He will continue his basketball career at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, where Justin plans to major in Business Administration. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in saluting this extraordinary young man in his myriad achievements.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the formation of the Congressional Speedway Caucus. Races like the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Southern 500 have become American institutions. Hundreds of companies and thousands of individuals strive to make these spectacles of speed some of the most exciting events in the world. However, they are beginning to face unique challenges in the post-9/11 world. With some of the speedways in America hosting the largest spectator events in the country, they are already starting to express concern about homeland security needs and how they can better protect the hundreds of thousands of race fans who come to their raceways. I have one of the greatest events, Mr. Speaker, in my district, the Indianapolis 500 Speedway Race, which is coming up next Sunday. We have 32 Members of Congress who have speedways within their congressional districts. Twenty-two of these have already agreed to be members of this exciting caucus. I would encourage those with or without speedways in their districts to join the caucus to better represent all of the fans across the world who come to our district who come to this country to enjoy this spectator sport and try to resolve some of the impending issues of these speedways. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the names of all of the members of the Speedway Caucus who have stepped forward and joined this unique opportunity. They are as follows: Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA). Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH). Rep. Sue Myrick (R-KS). Rep. Dennis Moore (R-KS). Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC). Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC). Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN). Rep. John Spratt (D-SC). Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN). Rep. Bill Lipinski (D-IL). Rep. Amo Houghton (R-NY). Rep. Ken Lucas (D-KY). Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH). Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN). Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC). Rep. Cass Ballenger (R-NC). Rep. Nick Smith (R-MI). Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-PA). Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA). Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN). Rep. J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC). Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. (D-TN). Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-NV). Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). Rep. Mac Collins (R-GA). Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA). Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL). Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ). Rep. Jim Copper (D-TN). Rep. John Tanner (D-TN). Rep. Patrick Toomey (R-PA). Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV). Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT).

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first extend my gratitude to the gentlemen from Texas, Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Hinojosa, along with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, for organizing this special order tonight to discuss minority health issues. Earlier today, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Native American Caucus held a rally to call attention to the need to increase health care access. In my home State of Indiana, Mr. Speaker, there were over 1.4 million people who did not have health insurance at some point last year. That is 26 percent of the nonelderly population. Universal, affordable access to health care would be a major factor in eliminating the vast health disparities for minority populations. Affordable access to health care for the minority populations is a matter of economics as well as life. I am sure many Members of Congress, Mr. Speaker, saw today where Bethlehem Steel in Maryland has sold out to another company, and all of the longstanding, hardworking employees there subsequently lost their health insurance. In Indiana, black or African Americans comprise 8.4 percent of Indiana's population. The top leading causes of death plaguing the African American population are heart disease; cancer; cerebrovascular diseases, predominantly stroke; and diabetes. In the Hispanic population, the leading causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and unattended injuries. In Indiana, a 20 percent excess mortality rate from incidence of heart disease exists for African Americans in comparison to whites; a 23 percent excess mortality rate from incidence of cancer exists for African Americans in comparison to whites; a 23 percent excess mortality rate from incidence of cerebrovascular disease, predominantly stroke, exists for blacks by comparison; a 105 percent excess mortality rate from the incidence of diabetes exists for blacks in comparison to whites. These excess rates not only take life, but create economic hardships of hospitalization, prescription drugs, and loss of income. April is National Minority Health Month. We need to use this time to reflect on what changes need to be made in the way we view access to health and who gets the best treatment. In Indiana, African Americans die at a higher rate, 25 percent. Per 100,000 population, cancer, 72 percent more African Americans; diabetes, 33 percent more deaths; heart disease, 73 more African American deaths; stroke, 18 percent more deaths. The numbers are very troubling and alarming. Mr. Speaker, we must do something to counteract the disparity in health care and health insurance for minorities across this country. Last year, the Institute of Medicine came out with a study: ``Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care.'' It found that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States tend to receive lower quality health care than any others. The report made many recommendations as to what should be done; and certainly, Mr. Speaker, we need to consider very seriously universal health care, not just to undergird the disparities that exist in minority health care, but to ensure that people across racial and economic lines access quality medical care in the same spirit and in the same way that current Members of Congress do. Mr. Speaker, again I would like to commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) for calling this special order tonight. I trust that at the end of the conversation and the dialogue, that America will be better informed and Congress will be moved to act.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our esteemed whip, Mr. Hoyer, and the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Skelton, for organizing this time to reflect on those who have sacrificed so much for this country. Those members of our military who are still prisoners of war or are missing in action have made the ultimate sacrifice without the opportunity to return home. We can only hope that those young men and women who have been taken captive in the current conflict will be treated humanely and returned home to us soon. Mr. Speaker, there is one former POW I would like to single out, current Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan. He entered the United States Navy in 1969 and served as a naval flight officer aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. In May of 1972, Lt. Joe Kernan was shot down by the enemy while on a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. He was held as a prisoner of war for nearly 11 months. Joe Kernan was repatriated in 1973 as part of the last convoy of prisoners of war exchanged that ended the war, and continued on active duty with the Navy until December of 1974. For his service, Kernan received numerous awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He never forgets May 7, ``the day I was shot down.'' It was his 26th mission. He was in the rear seat of an RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance jet, on a picture-snapping mission to assess bomb damage. They raced along at 650 mph, 80 miles south of Hanoi, then navigated down Highway 1 to take photos of traffic. They were relatively low--4,500 feet high, compared with the 35,000- foot altitude a B-52 bomber would fly--when anti-aircraft fire hit the plane's tail. ``The nose pitched down very violently,'' he said, and the pilot tried to make it to the potential safety of the U.S.-controlled Gulf of Tonkin. The jet couldn't make it. Kernan ejected, followed closely by the pilot. ``I blacked out on the ejection,'' Kernan said. ``I landed in somebody's front yard on a beautiful Sunday afternoon,'' he recalled. ``When I woke up, I found myself on the edge of a group of people, surrounding me, watching me get up, with people coming at me from everywhere.'' March 27 marked the 30th anniversary of his release from captivity. When looking back on his time in captivity, he minimizes the details of his treatment there, saying the end of the war was not as bad as the beginning. ``What you rely on is your faith, your family, your desire to see them again, your will to survive and the knowledge that you're not going to be left behind. We won't go home without them. That has been a commitment made to everyone who wears the uniform, and it will be honored,'' Kernan said. We remember those who are still fighting the past wars, those who have not had the chance to come home to the families. I ask unanimous consent to place in the Record the names of those who have not had the chance to come home from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time. Korean War POW/MIA--Indiana Floyd Neal Acton, James Dwight Adams, Herbert D. Akers, George Anspaugh, Robert Gene Archer, David Baker, Donald Lewis Baker, Donald Lee Barker, Lester William Bauer, Robert Allen Beard, Milton Marion Beed, Lowell W. Bellar, Victor Vernon Bender, A.D. Berry, Charles F. Binge, William Stanley Blasdel, William J. Bowerman, Allen Milford Bowman, Eldon R. Bradley, Kenneth Wilber Brock, Kenneth Brown, Thomas James Brown, Hugh Maynard Burch, Forrest S. Burns, Billie Jack Byard, Donald Caddell, Stanley Louis Calhoun, Jr., George R. Chadwell, Richard A. Chappel, Gene Franklin Clark, Harold Robert Clark, Clyde R. Clifford, James Allen Coleman, Louis Bernard Conde, Jack Dwayne Conrad, Richard Leon Conrad, James L. Constant, Folton Cosby, John Harold Cowger, Clarence Vernon Cox, Jr., Kenneth Lee Cozad, George Eldon Cranor. Reed A. Criswell, William R. Cunningham, Kenneth Horton Dally, Howard Dale Dalton, Ezekiel Alfonso Davis, Jack A. Davis, Norman Glen Davis, George Debaun, Jr., Hobart Decker, Raymond Alfred Decker, Clayton C. Delong, Gene Alton Dennis, Stanley L. Dewitt, William L. Dick, Jr., Milton J. Dinerboiler, James Thomas Doody, Donald D. Drew, James R. Dunn, Joseph Durakovich, Donald Wayne Eads, John Omer Eaton, Herbert Phillip Eggers, Howard W. Emrick, William Chester Enright, Robert Vernon Estes, Don Carlos Faith, Jr., Robert Clarence Finch, Peter Paul Fluhr, Jr., Edward Leo Frakes, Ned Charles Frankart, Jack Marvin Frans, George Arthur Frantz, Charles Garrigus, Clifton E. Gibson, Willard M. Gibson, Clyde Goe, Robert Goodall, Joseph P. Greene, Jack Walter Griffith, Edward Allen Gude, John Edwin Guynn, Donald Sewell Hamilton. Donald Lane Hamm, Keith Edward Hammon, Gilbert Larry Harmon, Elmer Harris, Jr., Max Eugene Harris, Bannie Harrison, Jr., Gene N. Hatch, Kenneth Verne Hay, Leo Joseph Henkenius, James Fella Hill, Robert Lee Hinds, William M. Hodge, Joseph Francis Holle, Charles Rutherford Holman, Floyd E. Hooper, Ralph Ernest Hubartt, Jr., Paul F. Hukill, Richard George Inman, Edward R. Jaynes, William F. Jester, William R. Jester, Leonard W.E. Jinks, Cornelius A. Jochim, William H. Johnson, Paul Martin Killar, Lawrence Edward Lander, Robert Warren Langwell, Everett W. Leffler, Harry H. Liddle, Jr., Larry Loveless, Earl Paul Lykins, Delbert Ulysses Mace, Donald F. Mangus, Everett D. Manion, Donald Lee Marlatt, Albert F. Martin, Herbert O. Martin, Steve A. Mastabayvo, Earl E. Mcclain, Charles H. Mcdaniel, Raymond John Mcdoniel, Edward Q. Mcfarren, James T. Mcintyre, Herbert V. Mckeehan, Joseph Lawrence Mcanally, Morris Meshulam, R. Maurice Metzcar, Melvin J. Michaels, Harry Richard Middleton, Robert G. Minniear, James E. Mishler, Donald K. Mitchell, John D. Moore, Jr., Clarence Taylor Morris, David Wesley Morris, Russell F. Morris, Richard Everett Mullett, Jackie Lee Murdock, Donald William Myers, Thomas W. Neiswinger, Richard L. Nicholson, Charles Northcutt, Jr., Richard Lee Olcott, Raymond Edward Pearson, Virgil L. Phillips, Russell B. Pickens, Lewis Peifer Pleiss, James Plump, Bobby Lee Pothast, Bernard Clayton Reynolds, Donald Ray Rice, Alexander David Rider, Charles D. Riley, Marvin L. Rodman, Edward F. Ross, Robert Lewis Ross, Gene Robert Ruby, John Earl Rush, Marle D. Scott, Richard Dale Scott, Donald R. Sechman, Clifford Gene Selman, Luther Dean Serwise, Gerald Ivin Shepler, Wallace Simmons, Jr., Charles Edward Sizemore, Charles E. Smith, Leland Ford Smith, Marvin W. Soderstrom, Donald E. Spangler, Alvin Lowell Stebbens, Paul P. Strawser, Charles Sturdivant, Gene Alfred Sturgeon, Harold Paul Suber, Edwin Felix Tabaszynski, James Willis Talley, John Edward Thurman, Robert Eli Titus, William Wilber Toops, Robert Jerome Tucker, Robert William Turner, Gene Lewis Wagner, Richard L. Wasiak, Robert Lee White, Robert Louis White, Robert Dewitt Wilder, Grover Lois Williams, Merble Eugene Wilson, John George Woliung, Bernard M. Zekucia, vietnam war pow/mia--Indiana William W. Bancroft, Jr., Charles Elberg Beals, Quentin Rippetoe Beecher, Stephen Eugene Briener, Harry Franklin Carver, Charles Dennis Chomel, Lawrence Clark, Thomas D. Clem, Kenneth Lloyd Crody, Gene Edmond Davis, Phillip Allen Ducat, Dean Arnold Duvall, George Curtis Green, Jr., Ralph L. Harper, Steven W. Heitman, John Wayne Held, Samuel Eugene Hewitt, John Russell Hills, Donald Russell Hoskins, George A. Howes, Paul F. Johns, James Reed Johnson, Grayland Jones, Karl E. Klute, Charles Allen Knochel, Robert J. Kuhlman, Jr., Bennie Richard Lambton, Michael Lautzenheiser, Karl Wade Lawson, Charles W. Lindewald, James Michael Lyon, Robert L. Mann, Jerry Dean Martin, James Maurice McGarvey, Francis B. Midnight, Harry E. Mitchell, Ronald Wayne Montgomery, Ralph Edward Moore, John M. Nash, William L. Nellans, Larry Stephen Newburn, Thomas Aquinas Parker, Russell Arden Poor, George Ray Posey, Billy L. Rogers, Charles Edward Rogers, Charles David Schoonover, Ronald Eugene Smith, Ronald P. Soucy, Sr., Bruce Wayne Staehli, Kenneth A. Stonebraker, John F. Stuart, John Steiner Stuckey, Jr., Donald Joesph Trampski, Raymond Anthony Wagner, Junior Lee Whittle, Thomas T. Wright, Robin Ray Yeakley, Jeffrey Jerome Young.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Katie Gearlds, Indiana Miss Basketball 2003, from Beech Grove, IN. A senior at Beech Grove High School, Katie Gearlds has already had a phenomenal basketball career as a team member of the Beech Grove Hornets Girls Basketball team. Not only has she been named Indiana Miss Basketball 2003, she also led her team to win the Indiana State Girls Basketball Championship, scoring a 3A title-record of 33 points. She was named MVP of the McDonalds All-American game, Nike All- American, Parade Magazine All-American, and Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana. Katie finished the season with 2,521 points, placing her fourth in State career scoring in Indiana. As a student at Beech Grove High School, Katie has also had an outstanding academic career with a grade point average of 3.8. Katie will continue her basketball career with a 4-year scholarship at Purdue University where she plans to major in Pharmacy. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in saluting this extraordinary young lady in her myriad achievements.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Lawrence Central High School, Indianapolis, IN, on winning first place at the Indiana We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution state competition. Lawrence Central High School will travel to Washington, D.C. to represent the State of Indiana in the national civics competition this month. I would like to congratulate Drew Horvath and his Competitive Government Law class students: Laura Bacallao, Loren Bondurant, Daniel Booth, Brian Boyer, Brad Cobb, Annalise Corman, Dana Courier, Kate Dobson, Sean Eagan, Kathryne Feary, Sarah Gilliland, Angela Hurd, Matt Kite, Ellen Kizik, Anna Krauter, Cassie Lomas, Regan Long, Emily Nave, Jennifer Ramage, Emily Rhodes, Lindy Rider, Ella Seet, Ilya Shulkin, Tina Spears, Joanna Stafford, Kim Tisdale, Rachel Townsend, and Audrey Veneck. I applaud Principal Caroline Hanna and the educators of Lawrence Central High School who have developed an enriched educational program which challenges students and encourages academic achievement. The We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program is the most extensive educational program in the country, developed specifically to educate young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. More than 1,200 students travel from across the United States to compete in the national competition held in Washington, D.C. The national competition is modeled after hearings in the United States Congress, consisting of oral presentations by high school students before a panel of audit judges on constitutional topics. The students are given an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while they evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. Their testimony is followed by a period of questioning by the judges who probe the students' depth of understanding and ability to apply their constitutional knowledge. Congratulations to Lawrence Central High School! I wish you good luck at the national competition.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the thousands of Americans who voiced their support for affirmative action admissions policies at colleges and universities on April 1, here in Washington, DC. For twenty five years the affirmative action policies at our nation's colleges and universities have produced a stronger and better educated America. We must not turn the clock back now when so much is at stake for the future of America. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that 25 Indiana University School of Law- Indianapolis students journeyed to Washington last week to say that affirmative action policies strengthen not weaken this nation. Vanessa Villegas-Densford was one of those law students. Vanessa, the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, arrived in this country when she was 8 years old. She didn't speak English and was placed in classes for learning-disabled students. She worked hard to overcome so many obstacles and her dream is to practice law and serve the Hispanic American community. Her dreams, determination and drive to serve, balanced an average law school test score and won her acceptance at 9 of the 12 law schools to which she applied. She attends Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. Without affirmative action, the Hispanic community, Indiana and America may well have missed the bright promise that Vanessa offers in spite of her average law school test score. Gerald Bepko, interim President of Indiana University School of Law- Indianapolis is quoted in a recent Indianapolis Star article saying, ``You cannot rely on numbers (test scores and grades) alone. You need to know the person.'' I'm proud that Indiana University supports an affirmative action admissions program. It's sad, Mr. Speaker, when our young people can see this nation embroiled in conflict in the highest court of the land, not about the athletic factor or the alumni factor or the legacy factor in college admissions, but race. The case against affirmative action is weak, resting, as it does so heavily, on myth and misunderstanding. One myth, ``The only way to create a color-blind society is to adopt color-blind policies.'' The facts show that a so-called color-blind system tends to favor White students because of their earlier educational advantages. Unless preexisting inequities are corrected or otherwise taken into account, color-blind policies do not correct racial injustice--they reinforce it. Another myth is ``Affirmative action may have been necessary 30 years ago, but the playing field is fairly level today.'' Not true, despite the progress that has been made, the playing field is far from level. Women continue to earn 76 cents for every male dollar. African Americans continue to have twice the unemployment rate, twice the rate of infant mortality, and make up just over half the population of people who attend four years or more of college. In fact, without affirmative action the percentage of African American and Hispanic students at many selective schools would drop to minuscule percentages of the student body. That decline would effectively choke off African American and Hispanic access to top universities and severely restrict progress toward racial equality. Mr. Speaker, this is America and we can do better than that. So I commend the advocacy and passion of those who marched last week. I have no doubt that they understand what could be lost if this precious opportunity is eliminated.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the end of the era for Indianapolis, with the end of the long and exciting career of an Indianapolis broadcasting giant, Lee Giles. These are times of trial for our nation. As is our country's custom, in circumstances like these we turn our faces steadily toward television, our window on the world, watching the events of far away, days of desperation and long nights of noise on parade through our living rooms. In those hours as we celebrate the devotion and the valor of our armed forces, we celebrate again the tremendous service television does to inform and link the people. And Lee Giles, retiring next month as News Director of WISH TV, Channel 8, in Indianapolis and central Indiana, after forty years at the station, has witnessed history's march, at home in our city and the world around. 1963, his first year of service in Indianapolis, was marked by the loss of John F. Kennedy. Then came the war in Vietnam. 1968, the year he became news director at WISH, we lost Dr. Martin Luther King, and Bobby Kennedy, too. Other tragedies and other wars, intermixed with events of excitement and celebration, followed in full flow. Many have been the events--happy and sad--that he witnessed and helped to distill and project to our community during this full career. And, throughout those years his work has been underscored by extra service to the profession: on the Society of Professional Journalists/ Jane Pauley Task Force on Mass Communication Education and the faculties of Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis and Butler University. At the same time, his life has been punctuated by professional honor: induction into The Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and receipt of the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation's First Amendment Service Award. Mr. Speaker, it is ever vital that we recognize, celebrate and honor those whose accomplishments are an inspiration to all. Lee Giles' long and steadfast service to broadcasting, to the vital news center of that art and to his community, has been a life of true professional distinction. Let us render Lee Giles a special salute on the occasion of his retirement.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I know there is a hard and fast rule that we cannot refer to someone in the other body, but since this person is no longer a Member of the United States Senate, let me dedicate my remarks to the Honorable Max Cleland, who became a triple amputee in the Vietnam War and who is no longer in service in the United States Senate. I rise today to speak about the dignity of our Nation's veterans. Last week, Mr. Speaker, we offered and passed a resolution asking for the country to pray and to fast. I did not realize that at that time, according to what I am told, many of our troops in harm's way were down to one meal a day. I did not realize at the time that it was them that we were asking to fast. As General Omar Bradley once stated, ``We are dealing with veterans, not with procedures. We are dealing with their problems, and not ours.'' I have a constituent who served his country in Vietnam, Mr. Bob Creasy. He was exposed to Agent Orange, the defoliant used to fight the war. Mr. Creasy did not realize at the time how deadly and poisonous the chemical was. Actually, none of us did. Many years later he experienced symptoms and illnesses that can now be validated and linked to his exposure to Agent Orange. The Department of Veterans' Affairs claims that Bob is not eligible for compensation because he did not come forward when the symptoms first occurred. The symptoms, however, were not recognized as being caused by Agent Orange until very recently. Why can we not validate the disability and compensate accordingly at this time? Is it that the Veterans' Administration is very restricted and limited in resources and will escape obligations any way and however they can? What of our brave women and men who served in the first Gulf War? What of the Gulf War Syndrome? We are sending hundreds of thousands of young women and men into harm's way at this very moment, and at the same time we are cutting benefits for those who served in previous wars. My observation, Mr. Speaker, is not extracted from a comic book. My name is Julia Carson, married to Sam Carson, a veteran of the Korean conflict, United States Marine Corps, who is now 100 percent service- connected disabled. My son, Sam Carson, United States Marine, served his country well, fortunately during peacetime. It is not that I do not understand the plight of veterans, Mr. Speaker; I know the plight of veterans. There are over 25 million veterans in this great Nation of ours, and in Indiana alone there are 562,000. Are we supposed to tell them after serving in the military, defending our country, preserving our freedom, that the services that they need are unavailable in order to pay for a tax cut? I heard another rumor emanating from the administration about ``shared sacrifices.'' I suppose those ``shared sacrifices'' are relegated to the have-nots and the have-even-less. To pass a budget that cuts mandatory spending from the President's budget by $15 billion is unconscionable. Even that budget was $3 billion too low to fully fund the needs of those who have served this country so ably. As our distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) recently stated, ``Our Nation must not require those who serve in uniform to bear the financial costs of their service-connected disabilities.'' Give me a break. A tax break for those who need no tax break, who earned their wealth off of the United States of America, and now we are asking them to take more; and we give less to the people who are responsible for our well-being, for the most part, the veterans of this Nation? There is no excuse to delay the needed medical care for our veterans. We need to show them with deeds and not with words that, regardless of their mission, we support their dedication to their jobs and that we are for them in their time of need. Last week, Mr. Speaker, I recited the words of the first President of the United States, George Washington, whose words are worth repeating at this time: ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.'' Mr. Speaker, we must not fail our veterans.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis, IN, on winning the Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship (Class 3A). Chatard's Trojans triumphed over Fort Wayne Elmhurst by a score of 78-44. The Chatard Trojans won their first state basketball title ever on Saturday night to complete an outstanding season record of 22-2. Congratulations to Coach Dan Archer and the Chatard Trojan players: John Loughery, Jamaal Wade, Dray Mason, Marques Presley, Ryan Baker, Mike Dury, Frank Halliburton, Greg Cage, Dan Cage, Tony Barnes, Jimmy Scheidler, and Jonas Coleman. The Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship was played at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. The Trojans competitive spirit and remarkable sportsmanship contributed to an excellent season for the team. I applaud their skilled teamwork and hope next year's season will bring them another state final championship. Again, an outstanding example of perfect teamwork. Congratulations to the Trojans! Job well done. You've made us proud!

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Pike High School, Indianapolis, IN, on winning the Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship (Class 4A). Pike's Red Devils defeated the DeKalb Barons 65-52, to claim the championship and end the season with a perfect record of 29-0. Congratulations to Coach Larry Bullington and the Pike Red Devils players: David Barlow, Dominic Collins, Michael Russell, Adrian Rosales, Torrian Bluitt, Robert Vaden, Darren Yates, Courtney Lee, Devin Thomas, Michael McCoy, Sydney McDaniel, Keith Davney, Justin Cage, and Parnell Smith. The Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship was played at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. This is the third title the Red Devils have won in the past six years. It has been an outstanding year for the Red Devils whose hardwork and dedication has led the team to a victorious season. Although the Red Devils were runner's up during last years State Finals, their perseverance and desire to win has allowed them ultimate success in 2003. Again, an outstanding example of perfect teamwork. Congratulations to the Red Devils! Job well done. You've made us proud!

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, ``From within or from behind, a light shines through us on things, and makes us aware that we are nothing, but the light is all.'' Ralph Waldo Emerson. A fitting tribute of behalf of Mr. Sam Jones on the occasion of his home going celebration, preceded first by a few days his 74th birthday. In Indianapolis, Indiana this week, Madam Speaker, citizens of all walks of life, political, religious and philosophical persuasion, persons who represent every person and race imaginable, will celebrate the life of Mr. Sam Jones on the occasion of his home going, and 36-year reign at CEO and president of the Indianapolis Urban League. He dedicated his life to God, family, and community. He was the dean of the Urban League chapters throughout the Nation. He is inducted into the courageous Hall of Champions and is celebrated for his unparalleled moral persuasion in promoting solidarity among all peoples for the common good. History offers few examples of leaders who were gentlemen and genteel men all the while. There were many who will say so much about Mr. Jones's contributions to so many on behalf of so many. But in summary, Madam Speaker, he lived not because but for a cause. In his unassuming manner, he followed the instruction of a wise man many years ago: ``Let your light so shine by your good works on Earth that it will be magnified on high.'' He will be missed by all. He challenged us to find a cure for leukemia. We can, if we will. We cannot afford not to. My love and appreciation and admiration is extended to the Jones family and especially to a very special wife, Pree, and an extraordinary family.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I extend certainly my heartfelt appreciation to the honorable gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland) for bringing this very crucial situation to the ears and eyes of America. Madam Speaker, we come into this Chamber on a regular basis and we are faced with this wonderful display of the first President of the United States, George Washington. In 1789, General, President George Washington said, ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars and how they were treated and appreciated by this country.'' How scary to think that that is still true today. It is hard to believe that those words, 200 years ago plus, have so much meaning today. We all know what President Washington was saying. We recognize and acknowledge the service of our veterans if we are to expect our young people to serve and to fight. The government must do its part with their benefits. All of us as citizens must do our part; and the great corporations of this country need to do their part, too. After all, corporations are the direct beneficiaries of veterans services because, collectively, veterans have preserved the free enterprise system under which corporations operate. Due to the limitation of time remaining, let me eliminate some of my comments and point up a few facts for edification. Estimates are that homeless veterans run from 200,000 to 294,000, based on a VA fact sheet and the community homelessness assessment for veterans. Twenty-five percent of homeless persons are veterans. Thirty- three percent of male homeless persons are veterans. Seven hundred and seventy-five Reserve and National Guard personnel working in the VA were called up for active duty in Operation Iraq Freedom. This created a shortage in critical care nurses which may negatively affect veterans' care or add to the preponderance of the problems that veterans already face. The Department of Defense announced today the identity of an Army soldier unfortunately killed in action March 24 in Iraq. Army Specialist Gregory P. Sanders, 19 years of age, Indianapolis, Indiana, was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, Fort Stewart, Georgia. A quote from a female soldier at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who was waiting to get shipped out to the Persian Gulf, a future veteran, knows what the cost is and yet is willing to serve: ``People are dying over there. Let me go and do my job. I want to help my comrades.'' Ladies and gentlemen of America, there are some of us who came under fierce criticism for not supporting the resolution that passed last week because in part it commended the war in which America is now engaged; and, yes, indeed it did provide our support and our prayers to those noble women and men who are serving in Iraq for the safety of our country, but let me say very sincerely there is not a Member in the House of Representatives that does not support all of those women and men who serve in harm's way 24 and 7. We love you, we uphold you, we respect you, and we appreciate you for stepping out in that situation that most Members of Congress who are here today would not dare do. But I am pained to know that, even in our prison system, those who are incarcerated today constitute a large proportion of veterans who were in the Persian Gulf, who were in Vietnam. We just had an execution in my State last week of a Persian Gulf War veteran who was convicted for murdering someone at the military camp. A terrible situation, an abominable situation, but what is America doing for our veterans? We support the troops by resolution, but what do we do in fact in terms of those noble men and women who return to this country? Again, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) so very much because I know they, too, love and admire the troops that are serving so fearlessly for the United States of America; and I am so grateful that they have called this very urgent and critical matter to the attention of all of the people in this country who love the troops but who need to recognize what happens to the troops when they return back to American soil and thus become veterans of America. I thank them so very much.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, President Bobby Fong, Coach Todd Lickliter, and the outstanding basketball team, affectionately named the Butler Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, despite previous rejection from previous participation in the championship games, won last Saturday over Louisville by 79 to 71, to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Coach Todd Lickliter, son of a coach, led the Bulldogs to an outstanding season record of 27 to 5 overall. As winners of the Horizon League's regular season crown, Coach Lickliter and his team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. I commend the Bulldog players whose outstanding teamwork has led them to the Sweet 16: Brandon Miller, Joel Cornette, Duane Lightfoot, Darnell Archey, Mike Monserez, Avery Sheets, Lewis Curry, Bruce Horan, Ben Grunst, Jeff James, Mike Moore, Andy Grunst, Nick Gardner, Rob Walls and Ryan Reynolds. The Bulldogs face Oklahoma, No. 1 seed of the East, in the NCAA East Regional semifinals this Friday in Albany, New York. Not only do I want to commend Butler University for their athletic achievements, but I also want to make note of their high academic standards by acknowledging them as having the highest graduation rate, 86 percent, of all schools remaining in the tournament. It has been an exceptional season for the Bulldogs who have defied all odds and truly excelled as a team. I applaud the Bulldogs' excellent performance and sportsmanship and wish them good luck in this Friday's game.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, I was unavoidably detained in my district of Indianapolis. Had I been present in Washington for votes, it was my intention to vote the following ways: Rollcall No. 68--``aye.'' Rollcall No. 69--``aye.'' Rollcall No. 70--``aye.'' Rollcall No. 71--``aye.''' Rollcall No. 72--``aye.'' Rollcall No. 73--``aye.'' Rollcall No. 74--``aye.''

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the five Indiana teams competing in March Madness. Mr. Speaker, for many, this is the best sporting day of the year, the commencement of ``March Madness.'' I rise to congratulate the five teams from the State of Indiana; IUPUI, Butler University, Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame for their advancement to compete in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. As some of you may know, the NCAA Headquarters and the Hall of Champion is located in my hometown of Indianapolis. I wish to commend Myles Brand on an excellent job as the NCAA president. The Butler Bulldogs, coached by Todd Lickliter, were winners of the Horizon League's regular-season crown, ending the season with a 25-5 record. This earned them an at-large bid to the tournament. Congratulations of Coach Lickliter and the Bulldog players for their outstanding season. I wish the Bulldogs good luck as they face the No. 5 seed of the East bracket, Mississippi State, this Friday. Indiana University of Bloomington, IN, the runner-up of last years championship, has also advanced to the NCAA Championship. Congratulations to Coach Mike Davis and the Hoosiers, who will play the 10th seeded Alabama Crimson Tide this Friday. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the Indiana schools competing in the NCAA tournament. You have made us proud! I especially want to congratulate IUPUI and Butler University which reside in my hometown of Indianapolis. Congratulations to Coach Ron Hunter who led the IUPUI Jaguars to a 66-64 victory over the Valparaiso Crusaders, earning an automatic bid to the tournament as champions of the Mid-Continent Conference. I would also like to congratulate the Jaguar players for their excellent performance and wish them luck as they take on the No. 1 seed of the Midwest bracket, Kentucky this Friday.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. I yield to the gentleman from Texas. a prayer for peace

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Beech Grove High School, located in the seventh Congressional District, on winning the Indiana State Girls Basketball Final. The Beech Grove Hornets beat St. Joseph's from South Bend, IN, 63-45. Congratulations to Coach Dawn McNew who led the Beech Grove Hornets to a 27-1 record. I also want to congratulate her players whose teamwork implemented her system so well: Katie Gearlds, Emily Ringham, Joy Cromley, Stephanie Durbin, Clara Harris, Katie Ringham, Mandy Seward, Nicole Helfrich, Patty Collins, Maria Combs, Katie Lamping, and Jenni Moore. The Hornets' stellar performance is an example of the benefits of superb teamwork and sportsmanship. Beech Grove defeated North Harrison, Ramsey, IN, to advance to the Girls State Finals. The State Finals were played at Conseco Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 8th. Beech Grove won its first state title, led by Hornets player Katie Gearlds, who scored a 3A title-record of 33 points. Katie, who has a scholarship to Purdue University, finished the season with 2,521 points, placing her fourth in state career scoring in Indiana. This exceptional win by the Hornets is a perfect example why Title IX should remain as it is. Title IX has allowed the number of females participating in interscholastic sports to increase from 300,000 in 1971 to approximately 2.4 million in present day. Congratulations to the Beech Grove Hornets! You have made us proud!

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, this is Women's History Month, where we underscore the contributions of women across this world, and we also underscore, Madam Speaker, the challenges that women face. My subject matter this morning, Madam Speaker, is about heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the Nation's leading killer among men and women of all racial backgrounds. Approximately 1 million Americans die of cardiovascular disease every year. It is estimated that cardiovascular disease cost Americans almost $330 billion in 2002 for cardiovascular disease-related medical costs and disability. In the United States, twice as many women die of heart disease and stroke as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. In my home State of Indiana, a study was conducted regarding heart disease in women during 1991 through 1995. Findings revealed that close to 45,000 women in Indiana died from diseases of the heart during the study period. Overall, close to 85,000 people in Indiana died from diseases of the heart during the last 5 years. I was delighted to participate in the Sister to Sister Women's Heart Day on Capitol Hill. It is the kind of information, education, and support that we all need.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce, along with my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill) legislation naming the Federal Courthouse located at 46 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, as the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Birch Bayh was born on January 22, 1928, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is a graduate of Purdue. He holds a BS degree in agriculture and a JD degree from Indiana University School of Law. He is married to the former Katherine ``Kitty'' Halpin and is the father of two sons, Evan and Christopher. Senator Bayh began his political career at age 26 when he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1954. He served as Speaker and 4 years as Democratic floor leader. Senator Bayh's career in the United States Senate from 1962 to 1980 is distinguished by his expertise in constitutional law. As chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Senate, Senator Bayh successfully authored and ushered two amendments to the Constitution, the 25th on presidential and vice presidential section, and the 26th amendment lowering the age from 21 to 18 years of age to enable people the right to vote. No lawmaker since the Founding Fathers has authored two amendments successfully to the United States Constitution. Senator Bayh wrote landmark legislation on behalf of women and minorities. He authored Title IX to the Higher Education Act providing equal opportunities for women, students and faculty. He was an architect of the Juvenile Justice Act to separate juvenile offenders from the adult prison populations. He played an integral and important role in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. I believe this is the first time, Mr. Speaker, that we have had two Members, father and son, that served so prestigiously in the United States Senate. Senator Birch Bayh, for whom this building would be named, is the proud father of Senator Evan Bayh, who now serves with distinction in the United States Senate. This is House bill 1082, and I would encourage unanimous support, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, if Members would excuse my arrogance, I do not think anybody in this House knows more about running a welfare program than I do. I took over an agency that had a $20 million deficit, and left it with $7 million in the black when I came to Congress. We did not leave any child behind. In order to get people out of poverty, they do not just need a hand out; they have to get a hand up. They need an opportunity to become self-sufficient. Mr. Chairman, I support the Kucinich amendment because it is the make-sense amendment that is on the floor.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time; and thanks to my colleagues who had the compassion and the wisdom to bring forth this very vital resolution before the House today. I wanted to add my gratitude and my applause to the Honorable Sam Johnson for the yeoman service that he has given to this great United States, the gentleman from Texas, and oftentimes when I have barely been able to get over to the floor, he walks through the tunnels with a great deal of pride and strength, and I just admire him so much. He does not know the many ways that he has given me the momentum to walk on here to the House. Along with Congressman Johnson and all of the other wonderful women and men who have made this extreme sacrifice in terms of serving our country to preserve its freedom, I wanted to give my thanks and gratitude to that yeoman group of people and to pray for the safe return of those yet unfound. I would also like to add, Madam Speaker, that I come from the State of Indiana. The lieutenant governor there is the Honorable Joe Kernan, and Mr. Kernan entered the United States Army in 1969 and served as a naval flight officer on the USS Kitty Hawk, and in May of 1972, he was shot down by the enemy when he was engaged in a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. He was held as a prisoner of war for months. He was repatriated in 1973 and continued on active duty until December 1974. For his service, the Honorable Joe Kernan has received numerous awards, including the Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is also a graduate of Notre Dame in Indiana. So there are countless unnamed and unrecognized heroes who are similarly situated, and I just wanted, on behalf of the people that I represent, the proud State of Indiana, to add my support to this needed resolution.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for yielding time to me, a person from whom I derive a great deal of wisdom and insight, particularly as it relates to the area of science and space. She represents her area very well in that regard. Mr. Speaker, the loss of the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia is a tragedy to their families and loved ones, as well as to the United States, Israel, India, and to the NASA family. Peoples around the world have expressed both support and condolences. I felt a great deal of pride when I traveled around Indianapolis with Colonel Wolf, former astronaut. The kids were so excited about him. I know that he and his family and his father, who is a doctor at one of the hospitals in my district, join in commemoration of this incredible crew. I speak on behalf of the people of the City of Indianapolis. The astronauts were people who lived and worshipped in our communities and who had families much like ours. They were united in learning and sharing to make the world a better place. They were extraordinary people: Rick Husband; William McCool; Kalpana Chawla; David Brown; Ilan Ramon, payload specialist; and Michael Anderson. The true tribute to these brave seven scientists, Mr. Speaker, and explorers lives in the memory and pride of parents, siblings, and loved ones. They will also live on through their sacrifices to science and math education. In my congressional district, students at the Decatur Township Lynwood Elementary School will learn about these brave space explorers, the wonders of the universe, science, and mathematics at the EdVenture Lab. The EdVenture Lab at Lynwood Elementary School is the first in the Nation for grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It works in conjunction with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education using national and State standards. Adventure Lab is a multi-media rich environment which enables limited inquiry opportunities for all ages. So let me close, Mr. Speaker, in saying in the Book of Ecclesiastes it talks about a time for all things, a time to be born and a time to die. These scientists in the short time that they had on Earth were using their time very wisely for the benefits of all of us, and their sacrifices and contributions will live in the lives of this world forever.

Ms. CARSON of Indiana

Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this rule. Because of our inaction on August 1, nearly $1.2 billion in funds intended for low-income children reverted to the Federal Treasury. We had a chance in this continuing resolution to make a change for the better, for the children. More than 80 percent of the funds that have reverted were awarded just 6 months ago to States such as Indiana, which had programs enrolling a large number of children. These States include Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Because of the national recession, many of these same States have experienced a slowdown in their SCHIP enrollment and record levels of participation in Medicaid. This is due to many low-income parents being forced to work reduced hours which forces parents into Medicaid programs along with their children. Not extending these funds will put the most successful programs at great risk when the economy improves and the SCHIP rolls again swell rapidly. Indiana has already lost $105 million of funding. Knowing that Indiana would likely receive additional funding from other States, State officials last year asked HHS to use it for new initiatives, including one to fund the replacement on windows painted with lead- based paint. Indiana wanted to take an aggressive approach and help more children by preventing lead poisoning, a significant problem in Indianapolis and throughout the State. Federal officials denied the request because Indiana would not limit the program to homes in which children already showed evidence of lead poisoning. Allowing States to keep reallocated and redistributed fiscal year 1998 and 1999 allotments, along the lines of what the President proposed, is the simplest and fairest way to stabilize the program and help States to maintain critical services for low-income children. These are the funds that just expired and may be lost forever if Congress takes no action. My Governor, who chairs the Human Resources Committee of the National Governors Association, recently told the New York Times that ``Governors fear that, if this money is lost, the Federal Government's growing budget deficit will make it difficult to recover this money at a later date.'' Without this funding being kept in States during uncertain financial times, Congress is risking leaving thousands of low-income children behind. Mr. Speaker, as Members know, $2.4 billion remaining from the regular SCHIP allotment is scheduled to be redistributed this year because of the agreement Congress made 2 years ago. Congress must act, otherwise we are shortchanging more than 4.6 million children throughout America and in Indiana who need health care most. I plead that, indeed, we leave no child behind.