Donna Christensen

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker the purpose of H.R. 4944 has been explained by the majority and our colleague on the other side. This legislation is a result of a National Park Service study that worked with the local community on developing joint efforts to protect these Civil War resources. We have no objection to its passage.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4600. At first blush this bill sounds great. That is why some medical groups are supporting it. We definitely need to do something about skyrocketing malpractice costs that are driving good doctors out of their offices and away from their patients, but this is not the way. As a physician myself, I have thought about this bill until I realized it exempted manufacturers of drugs, products and HMOs from liability. Once again, the doctors are the only ones liable. Everyone else, those who put the products in our hands, those who dictate what we do, would be off the hook. This bill does nothing to guarantee that medical malpractice premiums will actually be reduced. In California, which the Republicans cite, doctors' premiums have grown 3.5 percent from 1991 to 2000 compared with the national increase of 1.9 percent. This is not the kind of tort reform we need. This is a terrible bill, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1240 as well, and urge Members to support its passage. This bill includes my bill, H.R. 5097, to expand the boundaries of the Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve located on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. I would like to express my gratitude to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), to the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) for their support of my bill, which will make it possible for the National Park Service to establish an official presence at Salt River for the first time since the park was established more than 10 years ago. Salt River Bay is located approximately 3.5 miles west of Christiansted on the north central coast of St. Croix. It became a part of the National Park System when President Bush signed H.R. 2927 into law on February 24, 1992. Salt River and its surrounding land areas comprise an important ecosystem continuum, the only one of its kind in the Virgin Islands and one of the few left in the West Indies. This unique chain of habitats functions as an intact ecosystem from the dry tropical forested hillsides down to the wetlands, streams, marshes, mangroves, salt ponds, and sea grass beds to the magnificent coral reefs and superb submarine canyon containing deep water sponges and corals. Salt River Bay and its surrounding areas support the highest diversity of bird life known in the Virgin Islands. Twenty-four out of 110 bird species recorded within Salt River system are locally or federally listed as threatened or endangered species. In addition, seven species of endangered vertebrates occur here: The leatherback; green and hawksbill sea turtles; the brown pelican; the least and roseate tern and the peregrine falcon. In addition to these incredible natural resources, the historical and archeological significance of Salt River is also remarkable. Salt River Bay is the first, and best-documented, site where Christopher Columbus made landfall on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. From other archeological findings on St. Croix, experts believe Salt River was likely home to pre-ceramic peoples living more than 3,000 years ago. The site contains evidence of the only ceremonial ball court of the Carib Indian culture ever to be discovered in the Lesser Antilles. In order to provide better service and a more rewarding experience for park visitors, it is important for the Park Service to have a place where visitors can come to learn about the park and receive assistance from the Park Service personnel. There is currently no such facility at the park. The Park Service recently identified a house at the site that can be easily converted to a visitor station, museum and operation center that will house enforcement and maintenance personnel, and many other functions. Because this facility is presently outside of the current park boundaries, H.R. 5097 was introduced to expand the boundaries of the park to include the site of the new facility, as well as include 15.4 acres of land that has been offered as a donation to the park. In conclusion, I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Resources and thank majority subcommittee staff Tod Hull and Rob Howarth, as well as Rich Healy and David Watkins on the minority staff for their assistance on H.R. 5097.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H. Res. 525, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should pass a welfare bill before September 30th. The Welfare Reform bill is among the most significant and important pieces of legislation that this Congress will consider. While there is a sense of urgency to adopt legislation on Welfare Reform this year, September 30th is less than 2 weeks away and Congress should not rush to pass such an important bill. We should take as much time as is necessary to work on the bill. The Republican base bill which did not allow for amendments, would increase poverty instead of reducing it, as it purports to do. The bill, in its present form, imposes massive new mandates and additional costs on States at a time when States are struggling financially and cannot absorb not one penny more of new costs. In my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, our Department of Health and Human Services is under threat of strict penalties for lack of job placements. Jobs are simply not as available as they were when the original Welfare Reform bill was passed. And let's not forget that our economy is still recovering from the aftermath of September 11th and that Congress has not passed any economic stimulus legislation, except for the Airline bailout bill. This country's offshore areas, would be particularly negatively impacted, because of even less resources, and poor economic conditions with fewer jobs within geographical limitations. Mr. Speaker, the Welfare Reform bill passed by the House is a set back for this country. If the reactionary political climate of an election year is pressuring us to pass a bill, lets simply extend the current authorization into the beginning of 2003 so that we can do this right. Let's think of the people who are most affected by our actions. Let's give our states and territories flexibility and let's give our people hope.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in the United States Virgin Islands, many of whom would not have had the opportunity for a college education were it not for a Historically Black College or University, as well as my two children who are both graduates of some of these fine institutions. I am pleased to support H. Res. 523, recognizing the contributions of Historically black Colleges and Universities. Mr. Speaker for over a century, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) have played an important role in providing opportunities for higher education to millions of African-Americans. Many of these colleges and universities were founded during the era of slavery or when American society was deeply segregated. Although social conditions have changed radically since these colleges and universities were founded, the HBCU's have remained committed to providing African-American students with superb educational opportunities. Almost 300,000 African Americans are currently enrolled in HBCU's, and among their alumni are Members of Congress, hundreds of elected officials, military officers, physicians, teachers, attorneys, judges, ambassadors, and business executives. I want to particularly call your attention to the key role that these institutions play in eliminating disparities in health care. The recent Institute of Medicine report, entitled ``Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care'', clearly demonstrated the need for more health care providers of racial, ethic and linguistic backgrounds to meet the need of our increasingly diverse population as one of its major recommendations. In the wake of anti-affirmative action movements across this country medical school enrollment in majority medical schools have dropped significantly over the last ten years. Were it not for minority health professional schools at our HBCU's the percentage of minority health care professional would be even less than the four percent currently represent across the different health professions. Another reason for our drop in health profession students is our poor and under-supported public school system. The worst public schools and the most ignored are in communities of color. As a result, our students graduate ill prepared for college. Only because of the commitment of our HBCU's to work with primary and secondary schools to improve student preparation and other programs designed by to remediate what is missing are our students given a chance to serve their communities in the critical area of health care and all of the others that are so important to improving our quality of life. The Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands on which I serve as the Ranking Democrat, earlier this year considered and passed H.R. 1606, which was introduced by my colleague Jim Clyburn and which I am proud to be an original cosponsor, to build upon the work started in 1996 with the passage of the historically black colleges and universities' historic preservation program. This program has been the catalyst for the preservation of historic structures at these institutions of higher education. Unfortunately, the program has used up all of its existing authorization of funds and while its accomplishments to date have been great, the work that still needs to be done is even greater. Many of the buildings that have been and will be assisted by this program are integral elements of the school campus and their preservation will not only preserve buildings but also the history and spirit of these pioneering institutions. To address this problem H.R. 1606 would authorize additional appropriations for historically black colleges and universities, to decrease the matching requirement related to such appropriations. I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 1606 when it comes on the floor for a vote later this month. So I join my colleagues in recognizing these find institutions, especially the University of the Virgin Islands, in my district, for contributing immeasurably to all of our well-being. I thank and commend my colleagues, Congressman J.C. Watts and Eddie Bernice Johnson, for their leadership in bringing H. Res. 523 to the House floor.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, in good conscience, I rise in support of H.R. 1784. The Women's Health Office Act of 2002 amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office on Women's Health, headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health, requires the establishment of a Department of Health and Human Services Coordinating Committee and a National Women's Health Information Center, requires biennial reports to Congress and authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 through 2007. Women make up the largest number of Americans afflicted by so many of today's leading illness--many of which are preventable if steps are taken earlier in life through routine care and a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Although the incidence of HIV/AIDS is decreasing in white males, it has become the third leading cause of death among women ages 25 to 44 and the leading cause of death among African American women in this age group. Even more alarming is the younger ages at which infection is occurring. As we carry out our myriad responsibilities, we have too often forsaken not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. We make up 12 percent of the U.S. population suffering from mental illness. Nearly 4.1 million women in this country currently use illicit drugs, and over 1.2 million misuse prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons. Currently, minority women receive fewer preventive health interventions than white women. 55 percent of Asian American women, 43 percent of Hispanic women and 37 percent of African American women did not have a Pap test within the past year. 54 percent of Asian American women, 52 percent of African American women, and 51 percent of Hispanic women did not have a mammogram within the past two years. 74 percent of Hispanic women and 73 percent of Asian American women did not have a blood pressure screening within the past year; and stroke occurs at a higher rate among African American and Hispanic women compared with white women. We in the Congressional Black Caucus, who work to close the gaps in health care and raise the health status for African Americans and People of Color, are committed to improving the health of women and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, this bill directs the Secretary of HHS to establish within the Office of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Office of Women's Health, headed by a Director, requires the director to establish the Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health and requires biennial reports to Congress. Mr. Speaker, in efforts to eliminate health disparities I am proud to support my colleague on the other side of the aisle in this campaign to give all women health information and to guide them in making the choices which will enable them to embark on a path to good health.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Ariel Melchior Sr., co-founder of the Daily News of the Virgin Islands, died Tuesday night, July 23, 2002 at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas in my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members of his family were at his bedside at the time of his death. He was 93. Together with the late J. Antonio Jarvis, Melchior started the newspaper on August 1, 1930 and headed the publication for almost 50 years before it was purchased by Gannett Co. Inc. in 1978. Melchior, Sr. is survived by two sons, Earl and Ariel, Jr.; six daughters, Marjorie Preston, Valerie Wade, Rita Watley, Norma Gomez, Laurel Melchior, and Juel Love; stepchildren George Dudley, Jr. and Rita Grant. A sister, Zelina Petersen, also survives together with many grand and great-grandchildren. A giant among his fellow men, even though very few are aware of his intense love for his community or of his courage to stand by his decisions, Ariel Melchior, Sr., was a quiet but forceful champion of human rights. Chief among his contributions to his society is the establishment of the Daily News, a newspaper which has become a substantial force in the territory. Appearing on the newsstand on August 1, 1930, the paper was a joint effort of Mr. Melchior and the late Jose Antonio Jarvis, a teacher. Throughout the years, Melchior served on the paper in several positions, including business manager, a post he held for about 10 years. When Jarvis sold his interest to his partner, Melchior then assumed full ownership and served as editor. Under his guidance, the paper observed almost half a century, never missing one day's publication. It was also under his leadership that the paper was the recipient of several awards and citations. A partial listing of these tributes include certificates of appreciation from the Junior Chamber of Commerce, St. Thomas (1961), Boy Scouts of America (1961), The National Safe Boating Week Committee (1966), a Public Service award form the United States Department of Labor (1970), and an anniversary award from the Charlotte Amalie High School (1971). On occasions of various anniversaries of the paper, letters of commendation have been received from prominent National, International, and Local figures and organizations. Some of these are Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States (1959); John D. Merwin (former), Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands (1961); Hubert H. Humphrey, Vice President of the United States (1965); Fred Seaton, U.S. Secretary of Interior (1959); Lord Mayor of Dublin (1954); Erik Eriksen, Danish Information Services (1967); William H. Hastie, Judge United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1954); Syril E. King, Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands (1975); Women's League, St. Thomas (1966); Ralph M. Paiwdonsky, Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands (1975); The Very Reverend Edward J. Harper, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese, St. Thomas, V.I. (1975). These expressions attest to the successful role the newspaper has played in fulfilling its obligation to protect the democratic process and to provide for good, clean government. To achieve these goals, Mr. Melchior even took his cause to the courts. A classic example in which he challenged violations of the Constitution was the case of Melchior v. St. Thomas Park Authority, et al., 1966. In that case, Mr. Melchior contested the action of the local Park Authority for prohibiting or restricting the use of any part of Magen's Bay on St. Thomas to the public because the beach was conveyed from Arthur S. Fairchild for the use of the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity. The court agreed and granted a permanent injunction against the Park Authority and the Government of the Virgin Islands. In another instance via the Daily News, Mr. Melchior's charge of irregularity in Government was brought to the public's attention during congressional hearings on the Virgin Islands Elective Bill on June 20, 1968. Remarks made at this hearing by representative John P. Saylor indicated that there was a violation of the Hatch Act by Government employees. The Daily News further charged that the persons involved were duly notified and warned. In the conclusion of his remarks, Mr. Sailor gave credit to the paper for its commitment to preserving good government. Always a champion in civic matters, in 1939 Mr. Melchior intervened when the name of Alvaro de Lugo, the first native born U.S. Postmaster was omitted from the bronze plaque which was being installed in the U.S. Post Office in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. He brought the omission to the attention of the U.S. Fourth Assistant Postmaster General, Smith W. Purden. As a result, the name of the Postmaster and the Governor, Lawrence Cramer, were included. Besides the power of the press, it was also through personal involvement as a concerned citizen or through his civic affiliations that Mr. Melchior has continued to contribute his services and expertise to the community. After the sale of the Daily News in 1978 to the Gannett Publishing Company, he concentrated on several other goals. He established the Ariel Melchior, Sr. Foundation, an agency which among other activities rented scholarships to students or other persons with interests in journalism. In addition, the foundation, along with the St. Thomas Historic Trust, in 1980, erected a bust of the late Antonio Jarvis, an outstanding Virgin Islander. The life-sized bronze statue is based on a six-foot marble pedestal. Areas depicting Mr. Jarvis's specialties are attached on six ``books'' on which his arm rests. The memorial is housed in the educator's park in St. Thomas. Another of his personal accomplishments is the publication of ``Thoughts Along the Way'' (1980). A compilation of selected Daily News Editorials, the book gives an in-depth look into life in the Virgin Islands. A second publication, ``Commentaries--from the Archives,'' is a compilation of several letters of special significance, a photo file and copies of awards and citations to him and the Daily News. Earlier publications are a ``Souvenir of the American Virgin Islands'' (1953) and ``Virgin Islands Magazine'' (1936-1963). This periodical was awarded a scroll of honorable mention in 1952 from the Professional League of Virgin Islanders in New York for its ``excellent example of modern magazine make-up and journalistic content.'' Many of the organizations with which he has been affiliated have, through the years acknowledged his contributions. A member of the Inter-American Press Association (In 1969 he was named vice chairman by the president of the association, James S. Coplen). In recognition of this position, he was commended by prominent figures in the newspaper publishing industry. In 1973, he was among seventeen residents honored by the V.I. Academy of Arts and Letters for the contributions to the cultural heritage of the territory. In addition, Mr. Melchior received a plaque as evidence of his membership in the association. He was also awarded a plaque in 1979 for his outstanding service to the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. In 1979 he was awarded a service award in recognition of outstanding service as a senior member of the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Port Authority. In that same year he received a certificate of appreciation for his personal interest in making the intensive care unit at the Knud-Hansen Memorial Hospital a reality. Other agencies recognizing his contributions include Virgin Islands National Guard, Boy Scouts of America, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and executive board of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. A few other outstanding certificates include the Navy League's certification of Life Membership, the United States Congressional Advisory Board's Certificate in Grateful Recognition of his Outstanding Services and the 1982 Trustees Distinguished Achievement Award from the College of the Virgin Islands, now the University of the Virgin Islands. He is currently a member of the board of Overseers of the University and was its keynote speaker at the 1982 graduation ceremonies. The Virgin Islands Legislature has publicly recognized the contributions of Mr. Melchior on two separate occasions. In 1950, the fifteenth Legislative Assembly approved a resolution on the event of his twentieth year as a newspaper publisher, and in 1975 the eleventh Legislature approved a resolution in honor of his 45th year as a publisher. It was Francis Xavier Cervantes, Regional housing director, who in 1975 best summarized Mr. Melchior's impact on his community with this quote, ``The past of the Virgin Islands is wrapped around him like a cloak, and the future will regard him as the elder statesman that he is.'' Formerly married to the late Violet Cruz, he was the father of their seven children: Earle, Marjorie Melchior Preston, Valerie Melchior Wade, Ariel Jr., Rita Melchior Watley, Norma and Laurel. He and his second wife, Gertrude Lockhart Dudley Melchior, are world travelers who have visited many countries in Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. An avid sportsman, Mr. Melchior enjoys deep sea fishing and sailing. Mr. Speaker, the description of Ariel Melchior, Sr.'s accomplishments which I recite here today, is taken from a book entitled ``Profiles of Outstanding Virgin Islanders'', written by Ruth Moolenaar of St. Thomas.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise as a staunch supporter of homeland defense, but in strong opposition to H.R. 5005, the Homeland Defense Bill. This bill is seriously flawed in many areas, and several of its measures would undermine civil liberties and deny work protections, while protecting contractors who could supply flawed, even deadly products. Overall, the bill as currently constructed, would in my opinion put us more at risk than we are now, or was in September 10, 2001. While the leadership sought input from the relevant committees in writing the bill, in the end that process turned out to be no more than a sham. As they have done time and time again, the regular order, processes that have served this body and our country well for over 200 years have been cast aside. That sets a dangerous precedent, and does nothing to ensure expert input into a very complex bill and agency. I am particularly concerned about the rush to create headlines by having the bill ready on September 11th of this year. There can be no other reason. This is a massive undertaking, and reorganization. It needs to be well thought out, and planned. Personally, I do not feel that the merging of the different agencies is at all necessary, and jeopardizes the other important functions of many of them. We should look at the difficulties encountered with a much smaller project--the creation of the Transporting Security Agency, and take counsel on what happens when we rush headlong into something, without proper forethought and expert input. Our homeland Defense is too important to give it such short shrift in our deliberations. As we have done time and time again since September 11th, we are throwing everything at the problem, hoping that something will stick and be effective. That is no way to lead. Because caution, due diligence, and respect for process has already been called for by many on my side of the aisle, I know that this plea will also fall on deaf ears, but nevertheless, I am asking the leadership of this body, to stop this rush to meet an unnecessary and unwise deadline. The people of this country don't want a sound bite or photo-op, they want real leadership from us, and they want real homeland security.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Waxman Amendment to codify and strengthen the White House Office of Homeland Security. This is the right approach. It is supported by independent research and expert opinion. This amendment is the only way to create the kind of Office of Homeland Defense that can be effective and provide the protection we need, and the people of the United States deserve. We should not be creating a large unwieldy bureaucracy that undermines the mission of many important agencies as H.R. 5005 would do. The base bill and the agency it creates, passed, will undermine our health, our safety and response to natural disasters, our safety on the seas, and countless other protections that Americans have always counted on to be there. The approach contained in this amendment is the correct approach, and the only one that would provide homeland security.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment to H.R. 5093 offered by Mr. Nick Rahall of West Virginia that would strike provisions in the Interior Appropriations bill that rob the legal rights of Native Americans. The provision in question limits the Federal Government's accountability to Native Americans by restricting an historical accounting of Indian Trust Funds. Mr. Chairman, these trust funds have been entrusted to the care of the Federal Government for over a century and for nearly as long the trust has experienced rampant mismanagement of funds, destruction of records, and blatant dissembling by those charged with management. And the provision of the Interior Appropriations bill would seek to limit billions of dollars in claims against the Federal Government, claims that are legal and just, by mandating accurate accounting of the trust funds only from 1985 forward. The trust has been in existence since 1887--that is the date from which accurate accounting should be given. Mr. Chairman, this provision is not only unjust, it's downright illegal, overturning a central provision of the American Indian Trust Management Reform Act that requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide a full accounting of ``all funds held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian tribe or individual Indians.'' If a Congressional act were not enough, the federal courts have also demanded a full accurate accounting from the date the funds were deposited into Federal accounts. Mr. Chairman, these trust funds are not entitlements, they are monies that come directly from the sale or lease of Native American owned property and is held in trust by the Department of the Interior. This is Native American money. And the Federal Government has admitted the funds' mismanagement and an inexplicable ``loss'' of its money. Mr. Chairman, the sort of mismanagement of accounts and destruction of records the Department of the Interior has performed makes the scandals of Enron seem like stealing from a piggy bank. If the House of Representatives truly wants to make a statement about fair accounting and accountability, it will start here by supporting the Rahall Amendment.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of this concurrent resolution recognizing the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for its outstanding role in the conservation of the world's biodiversity and for its advancement of zoos and aquariums here and abroad. Collectively, AZA member institutions draw over 135 million visitors each year. This affords the AZA facilities a huge opportunity and responsibility to instruct the public on the need to protect and conserve the wonders of the natural world. The wide variety of public education and interpretive programs made available through AZA institutions admirably fulfills this mission, and I applaud the AZA for their important work towards developing the next generation of wildlife conservation. In closing, H. Con. Res. 408 is noncontroversial, and I urge its adoption by the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the subcommittee for the gentleman's leadership and the work he has done to accommodate the needs and unique considerations of the territories as we work on the Committee on Resources. We have no members of AZA, but we do have Coral World in St. Thomas, and I am hoping at some point in the near future they will be a member of this wonderful organization. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, we on this side have no objection to this legislation that would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire Garrett Island for its future inclusion as part of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. Certainly the protection of the last undeveloped island in the lower reach of the Susquehanna River is a positive step toward preserving the remaining fish and wildlife habitat found near the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. I want to applaud the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) for this bill and for his leadership on this subcommittee on this and many other issues. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has voiced some minor reservations concerning the legislation, as we have just heard. These concerns are mostly due to the administration's ongoing effort to reevaluate current land acquisition policies governing the refuge system. However, the technical changes made to the bill, I think, will help to address these minor concerns. And the relatively low cost of acquisition should warrant a new assessment of Garrett Island by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The island is deserving of the service's full and unbiased consideration. H.R. 4807 is a noncontroversial bill. I also urge all Members to support this legislation to help protect fish and wildlife habitat in the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 395 is a resolution authored by the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Acevedo-Vila) in close collaboration and with the full support of both the chairman and ranking member, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall). The gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Acevedo-Vila) regrets that he is not here for the House consideration of the resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but a long-standing commitment in his district this morning made it impossible for him to be here until later today. He has already submitted a statement for the Record on his support of this historic occasion. I take this opportunity, also, Mr. Speaker to commend the resident commissioner, the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Acevedo-Vila) for his work on this resolution. H. Con. Res. 395 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Mindful of the spirited debate over Puerto Rico's political status, the resolution was crafted to be nonpartisan and status neutral. The adoption of Puerto Rico's constitution began in 1950 with the enactment of the U.S. law which permitted Puerto Rico to draft its own constitution. A referendum held in March of 1952 ratified the work of a constitution convention 6 months in the making. In July 1952, Congress approved Puerto Rico's constitution, and it was thereafter signed by President Harry S. Truman as Public Law 82-447. The relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States predates the adoption of their constitution. Their contribution to the diversity of the U.S. along with their economic and social development begins in 1898 and continues today. The constitution is but yet a milestone for Puerto Rico, and they look forward to greater political progress. Mr. Speaker, Puerto Ricans living in my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and particularly my home island of St. Croix, have contributed significantly to the development of the Virgin Islands. They are now an integral part of the fabric of every facet of life in our community. I am sure that all of the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands join me in congratulating the esteemed Governor, Sila Calderon, and our neighbors, friends and oft times family, the people of Puerto Rico, on this 50th anniversary and wish them God's continued blessings not only during this celebration but as they continue to realize their dreams and aspirations for the future. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to support this resolution. We look forward to expeditious consideration in the other body. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano). (Mr. SERRANO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the constitution that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of is really a milestone for Puerto Rico. As we have heard, this is but a step on their road to progress and a future status yet to be determined by the people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman and his sentiment on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I too recently had the privilege of attending the 14th International AIDS Conference in Barcelona, Spain. I want to thank the House leadership for making it possible for me to join the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee). AIDS experts, activists and government representatives from all over the world assembled to share their invaluable knowledge and expertise in fighting the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and issuing a call to action. This is a critically important conference happening at a very important time. UNAIDS and the World Health Organization recently released an updated report of where we are today. The most important thing to realize is that we are still at the beginning, the beginning of this terrible scourge. Yet there are already over 40 million people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS around the world today and an estimated 28 million who have died. At this incipient stage of the pandemic, there are already 13.4 million children orphaned by this disease. More than a third of those living with HIV and AIDS are under the age of 25. There are 5 million new infections each year, 6,000 new every day; and young people ages 15 to 24 account for half of all new infections. Even in developed nations such as the United States, young people continue to represent half of all new infections; and yet this is only the beginning. What lies ahead, the future course of this pandemic is in large measure in the hands of this body and our government. Mr. Speaker, we are at a critical stage in this pandemic. A major crossroads where our decision to act or not to act, or not to act fully, will determine the course of our own and world history from this time forward. Several things became increasingly clear even in the few days I was able to attend the conference. First, we have wasted a lot of time arguing over prevention versus treatment, and with that many lives have been lost and others changed forever. We have made dangerous and deadly assumptions that have kept life-saving treatments out of the hands of those who could otherwise have been saved. We have provided but token funding; and because we are falling short, the needed infrastructure is not in place to allow programs that began in homes, churches and community meeting places to expand across the infected countries so that they could save more lives and get on with the work of nation building. We, the United States, have the power to make the difference, to dramatically change the course of this dreaded disease by meeting our commitment to the global trust fund and by exerting our influence on the other industrialized nations to meet theirs. Yet the United States, the richest country in the world, despite the fanfare surrounding recent increases in our contributions, ranks last in those who have pledged for the global trust fund. To continue to fund this epidemic in drips and drabbles would be unconscionable because our delays and the delays of other nations have already caused it to spiral completely out of control on a global scale. Today, at home, our ADAP program needs an additional $80 million and the minority AIDS initiative needs $450 million. Globally, 10 billion dollars is what is needed every year; and we must commit and act to contribute at least our full share, not over a period of time, but now. It should be exceedingly clear that we cannot continue to fall short of providing the required level of funding. If we continue at the present level, we can anticipate another 45 million new infected persons within the next 20 years. It would also mean that there would be 20 million new children left without a mother or father, alone to grow up as orphans, denied of love and nurturing and probably education since the teachers too are among the dying. This portends a serious and ever-increasing threat to the national security of the most effected countries and, unless we think otherwise, also to ours. Mr. Speaker, clearly the time for arguing over what must come first must be behind us. We must have treatment and prevention. We must find ways in this dire emergency to put life-saving medication within the reach of all who need it. Neither should research be pitted against prevention and treatment, because the need for vaccine, which may be just a few years ahead and which is where hope truly lies, must be given all the resources it needs to go forward. As we approach its availability, we must begin to work even now to avoid the gaps in access that we are still working to address in the case of medication. Lastly, we can not tie the hands of health professionals, community organizations, and workers as they work on the front lines of this epidemic. Family planning funding or population funding provides much of the first line of defense. Continuing to impose the values of a minority of Americans on countries where there are people just fighting to live by denying them the basic staff and supplies is not befitting a country that is built on Christian values and principles. I join my colleagues today to call on the leadership of this body and our President to provide the funding, to lift the gag, release the funding for all international family planning programs and provide the leadership which has always been our hallmark by making the full contribution to the global trust fund and influencing all of our allies to do the same.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, left to the Republican sham prescription drug bill, our parents, including individuals with disabilities, will find themselves at the mercy of private HMOs having to search for a plan. America's seniors want guaranteed access to the medicines their doctors prescribe at prices they can afford, and they depend on that guarantee for help and for life. The only bill on the floor today guarantees no prescription drug benefit. The plan the Republicans are trying to force on this country does nothing to curb soaring drug prices, not enough to restore provider payments and does everything to benefit private insurance companies. Our plan, the Dingell bill, honors our responsibilities to this Nation's seniors, gives them coverage for any drug their doctor prescribes, and guarantees that beneficiaries always have coverage, with lower monthly premiums and a lower out-of-pocket maximum. Our plan beats theirs any day and in any way. That is why we are being denied a chance to offer it. That is not fair to us, their colleagues, and it disrespects those who sent us here; but it is most unfair to the seniors and their families who need real help with medication now.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3971; and I want to commend the sponsors of this legislation, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings), the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt), the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Dunn), but also on our side the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee), the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) for introducing this bill. I think it is important, especially as we look at the fires that are raging in the West today, that we provide for an investigation of any deaths that might occur, as well as the deaths that occurred last year. So I am pleased to stand here in support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.