Donna Christensen

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chairman, H.R. 581 was introduced, as we heard, by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) from the Committee on Resources and our esteemed chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to use funds appropriated for wildland fire management in the fiscal year 2001 Interior Appropriations Act to reimburse the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service for the costs of carrying out the responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act in connection with wildland fire management activities. The legislation is necessary because without such reimbursement authority, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service would be required to carry out their endangered species responsibilities related to wildland fire management activities using their existing resources. The effect of this would be potentially to delay important fire management projects. Although no hearings were held on this measure, the Committee on Resources favorably recommended the bill to the House by voice vote. The technical change made by the legislation will help facilitate completion of environmental compliance for wildland fire projects in a timely manner. I think that is something we can and should support seeing happen. Making sure that wildland fire management activities are done in an environmentally sound manner is a key element of the national wildland fire plan. It is a policy that will yield long-term benefits for both humans and nature. Madam Chairman, H.R. 581 is a non-controversial measure supported by all interested parties. I appreciate the leadership of the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) on this matter, as well as that shown by the bill cosponsors, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall). I support the bill as well, and favor its adoption by the House today. Madam Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall). (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition of H.R. 503, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2001 and in support of the Lofgren-Conyers substitute. While I fully support punishment for violent acts against women at any and every time, but most especially against pregnant women, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2001 should be opposed. This bill as drafted will diminish, rather than enhance the rights of women and do nothing to protect pregnant women from violence. Additionally, it is worthy to note, that H.R. 503 is unanimously opposed by a plethora of groups whose mission is the protection of women's rights and who oppose domestic violence; including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Women's law Center, the American Medical Women's Association, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Council of Jewish Women and People for the American Way. I support the Lofgren-Conyers substitute because it would protect pregnant women while upholding a woman's constitutional right to choose. We must focus on the goals that H.R. 503 calls for, which is to deter acts of violence against pregnant women that cause injury to their fetuses or the termination of a pregnancy. We must do so, however, without opening the door to overturning Roe v. Wade and making an abortion a federal crime.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occasion to commend an outstanding group of Virgin Islanders--Helen George-Newton, Eldra Malone-Drew, Ava Stagger, Carol Stagger, Kenneth ``Cisco'' Francis and Renaldo Chinnery, who, as residents of New York, recognized the need to preserve and promote the culture of the Virgin Islands. In March of 1991, they officially established the Virgin Islands Freshwater Yankees, which was later incorporated as the Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc. Since then, the Association has grown to 75 dedicated members, who contribute to their Virgin Islands community through educational scholarships, supplying equipment to the health facilities on all three islands, helping our senior citizens and the underprivileged children, providing supplies during natural disasters or emergency occurring in the territory. Although this organization takes their responsibilities seriously, they also find time to have fun and participate in the annual carnival activities on St. Thomas and St. Croix. They also serve as an oasis for Virgin Islanders on the mainland by sponsoring yearly social events. They promote and offer guidance to the other Virgin Islands associations throughout the United States and continue to preserve the values that are the roots of their heritage. For the past ten years, in commemoration of the day that the Virgin Islands were transferred from the Danish government to the United States, ``Virgin Islands Transfer Day'', this organization has honored numerous outstanding Virgin Islanders in the area of sports, politics, education, health and community involvement. This year, the organization and all of its past honorees was recognized at the Tenth Anniversary Transfer Day Dinner Dance held in New York on March 31, 2001. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and commend the Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc. as an outstanding model for community involvement and the preservation of their culture. I invite my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the efforts of this organization.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I want to take this first opportunity, since the case against South Africa by the pharmaceutical industry has been withdrawn, to applaud the recent agreement that has been reached. The HIV/AIDS pandemic represents a major human disaster, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the brunt of the devastation. More than 70 percent of the 35 million people infected lived in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa, with 4.2 million infected as of 1999, has the world's largest number of HIV-infected individuals, with an estimated 250,000 AIDS deaths in that year. Last week, with this landmark agreement, a major barrier to help and health has been removed. We can now and must now move forward to address the multiplicity of issues that challenge us, forge a better health care infrastructure, support government and community-based programs, increase and improve prevention efforts and make up-to-date and effective treatment available on the African continent. As we continue to struggle against this pandemic, we must not forget that this is truly a disease of international scope and that people of African descent in the United States and the Caribbean have rates of HIV infection and AIDS that are similar in face and only slightly less in proportional magnitude than that of our brothers and sisters on the mother continent.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Republican Budget because it severely cuts many of the programs, which benefits the needy in our country in order to pay for huge tax breaks for the wealthy. I rise, as well, to urge support for the Democratic substitute which provides a fiscally responsible tax cut for middle income families, as well as, adequate funds for education, Social Security, Medicare, prescription drugs and it continues to pay down the national debt. Mr. Chairman, 20 days ago, this House took the first step in dismantling all of our hard work and the progress that we have made in education, health care, housing and the many other needs of our constituents by passing the first piece of the Bush $1.6 Trillion tax cut. Today, my friends on the other side of the isle intend to compound this shame by adopting what the Washington Post on Sunday called ``a Lollipop Budget'' because of the lollipops it provides to the few who need them the least, while leaving the government without the means to meet its obligations. The budget the majority intends to pass today most surely will squander all of the funds necessary for critical investments in our nation. Under this regressive budget plan for fiscal year 2002, there will be no money for, prescription drugs and ensuring the solvency of Social Security and Medicare. Because of estimates that 12.2 million low and moderate income families with children--31.5 percent of all families with children--the majority of them headed by hard working adults, would not receive any tax reduction at all under this budget plan meaning that many Americans, especially Black and Hispanic will be left further behind. Under this budget plan there will be inadequate spending for education, no New Markets initiative to provide the venture capital needed in our communities, 45 million Americans will continue to be without health insurance, and that HMO's will continue to make profits by denying care and the continued denial of prescription drug coverage for the over 25 million seniors who must choose between paying for food or medicine. For my constituents who's tax system mirrors the Federal IRS Code, this budget will mean that the loss of $28 million to our local treasury on top of the devastating cuts in programs upon which they rely for a helping hand up. Under this budget plan Americans living in the territories and others living in the states will be denied access to health care because Medicaid will be cut so that those who are in the top 10% of incomes in this country can get more. Unlike the Republican Budget, the Democrat Budget retires the public debt by 2008, provides tax relief to all taxpayers, provides a credible prescription drug benefit, extends the solvency of Medicare and Social Security and provides realistic funding for priority investments for veterans, healthcare, the environment, education and law enforcement. Mr. Chairman, we cannot afford to pass the Republican budget because of the harm that it will do to average Americans. We have the resources today to right the wrongs of the past. We must insist that President Bush and the leadership of this Congress not squander our nation's wealth, but to invest it instead in the people.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occasion to commend an outstanding group of Virgin Islanders--Helen George-Newton, Ava Stagger, Carol Stagger, Kenneth ``Cisco'' Francis and Renaldo Chinnery, who, as residents of New York, recognized the need to preserve and promote the culture of the Virgin Islands. In March of 1991, they officially established the Virgin Islands Freshwater Yankees, which was later incorporated as the Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc. The Association has grown to 75 dedicated members, who contribute to their Virgin Islands community through educational scholarships, supplying equipment to the health facilities on all three islands, helping our senior citizens and underprivileged children, and providing supplies during natural disasters or other emergencies occurring in the territory. Although this organization is involved in many serious endeavors, they also find time to have fun and always take part in the annual carnival activities on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. They also serve as an oasis for Virgin Islanders on the mainland by sponsoring yearly social events. Their support and guidance has greatly assisted other Virgin Islands associations throughout the United States to continue to preserve the values that are the roots of their heritage in the cities which they have adopted as their second home. For the past ten years, in commemoration of the day that the Virgin Islands were transferred from the Danish government to the United States, ``Virgin Islands Transfer Day'', this organization has honored outstanding citizens of Virgin Island descent in the area of sports, politics, education, health and community involvement. This year, the organization and all of its past honorees will be recognized at the Tenth Anniversary Transfer Day Dinner Dance to be held in New York City on March 31, 2001. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in recognizing and applauding The Virgin Islands Freshwater Association, Inc. as an outstanding model for community involvement and cultural preservation.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to rise in support of H. Con. Res. 43, a bill authorizing the printing of a revised and updated version of the House document entitled ``Black Americans in Congress, 1870-1989.'' I would also like to thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Steny Hoyer for introducing this very important and critical measure. Mr. Speaker, with the convening of the 107th Congress, a total of 106 African-Americans have been elected to the Congress in the history of this nation; 4 in the Senate and 102 in the House. In addition to these 106, John W. Menard (R-LA) won a disputed election in 1868 but was not permitted to take his seat in Congress. Whereas, the number of African- Americans who have served in Congress over the past 130 years (1870- 2001) has been small, our contribution has been enormous and invaluable to our society. It is important to continue to preserve our contributions and legacies to this institution because although we have remained few in numbers, our presence and work continues to be heard throughout the halls of Congress. Individually and collectively, under the direction of the Congressional Black Caucus, our work has and continues to affect individuals throughout the nation and the world. Our dear and beloved colleague, Congressman Micky Leland was a great humanitarian, who championed the cause to end hunger in Ethiopia. His life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in the mountains of Ethiopia. The late Congressman Julian Dixon who pursued his long-time involvement in ensuring the nation's commitment to civil rights through his advocacy for the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and the Community Relations Service. Former Representative Louis Stokes distinguished himself as the leader and founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, whose purpose is to address and eliminate health disparities. Representative John Conyers, who is the second longest serving Member of Congress and the longest serving African-American member of the Congress in U.S. History, continues to work on behalf of social justice and economic opportunity. These are just some of the historical contributions of African-Americans to the U.S. Congress. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we continue to document the work and accomplishments of African-Americans in Congress by updating the document entitled ``Black Americans in Congress, 1870-1989.'' This document contains invaluable information for children across the nation, especially children of African-American descent. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month I was privileged to be one of 140 people of all walks of life, all ages, from all over the country and all over the world who joined the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard) in the Faith and Politics Institute on the fourth annual pilgrimage to Alabama. I blocked out that weekend early in the year because I wanted to go, but I did not anticipate the depth of feelings and emotion that pilgrimage would evoke. Revisiting the history of the life-changing and Nation-changing events which occurred more than 40 years ago, it is an experience even now that I will never forget. Yes, we went to the different institutes, museums, the historical sites, but it was also having several of the leaders of that important and tumultuous time with us to inform and guide us which made it come alive. As we walked through Kelly Ingram Park, prayed at the 16th Street Baptist Church, now a memorial to the four little girls killed by a bomb made not only of explosives but of hate, moved on to Montgomery to the First Baptist Church and to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church which Dr. King pastored, and which along with others was a central meeting place of that movement, and finally took that solemn march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, we knew that we had truly come once again treading our path through the blood of slaughter. It was a time of introspection. How insignificant many of the things we squabble, worry and fret about became. I recall that during much of the movement, I was safely ensconced at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana; and, though far away in many ways, the summer of 1963 changed even those two campuses. Even more than before, I understood the level of indebtedness that all of us owe to the multitude of committed and courageous people, like John Lewis, Reverend Shuttlesworth, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Bob Zelner, Betty Fikes and others who ministered to us that weekend, some well known, others unnamed, who believed in an America of justice, equality, fairness and respect and who were willing to sacrifice, bear painful beatings and even to give their lives, as too many did, to make it a reality. Unquestionably, all of us, like those who made this pilgrimage before, returned inspired, refocused and revived personally as well as for the work that each one of us do every day. Looking back at what we as a people had achieved because of the civil rights movement and taking stock of the many troubling events that have occurred over the past few years, we can see that although much change was brought about because of the movement, we have lost some ground. The need is clear more than ever that we must be vigilant and continue to walk in the way of those brave men and women, to forever secure and preserve the rights and privileges that they so courageously won. We still have so much more to work towards. Although I have heard it said before and I have heard the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) say it, I have said it myself, after this weekend it became even clearer that the right to quality health care is the major civil rights issue of this time. The civil rights movement that we had just revisited provided not only inspiration but living lessons for those of us who are thrust by need, time and circumstance into positions of leadership. We only hope and pray that we are as up to the task. We live today at the beginning of the third millennium in a country which spends more money than any other in the world on health care. Yet today hundreds of African Americans and other people of color, people in our rural communities, will die from preventable diseases and causes, all because in one way or another they have been denied access to quality health care. I want to say on behalf of the millions of Americans, both in the States and in the territories, that today, with a significant surplus projected, it would be another travesty of justice if the health care needs in this country were not fully addressed. Universal coverage must be provided and the disparities that exist for people of color in this country must be eliminated. This is our charge. Although different, this cause is no less just, and the movement must be no less fervent or steadfast. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Faith and Politics Institute and the many people who were a part of our pilgrimage this year for reminding me that with faith in God and belief in the better America that this country can be, that on all of the important challenges that face our community today we can and will overcome.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, this issue of the HIV and AIDS pandemic is one that needs to be on the forefront of our agenda every day. I want to use this time to publicly applaud my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), for reserving this hour to focus on this issue on the floor of the House, and for her hard work and all of the leadership she has given to the issue of international AIDS. This Special Order is timely. On the one hand it is timely because of the unfortunate and misguided South Africa case, and on the other hand because of the recent commendable responses by several pharmaceutical companies to the pandemic and the need to make treatment accessible. Because it does not get much focus, Mr. Speaker, let me use this opportunity to interject some information about my region, the Caribbean. Although many of my colleagues do not recognize it, one of the regions hardest hit by the epidemic is the Caribbean where the HIV infection rates are among the highest in the world, with an adult prevalence rate of 2.3 percent, second only to that of sub-Saharan Africa. Official estimates show that as of December 2000, there were reported 390,000 persons living with HIV or AIDS in the Caribbean. However, because there are reporting barriers, the real number is estimated to be closer to 600,000. In the English-speaking Caribbean, AIDS is the leading cause of death among men between the ages of 15 and 44; 35 percent of HIV-positive adults are women. A child is either born HIV positive or is infected through breast milk every day in the English- speaking Caribbean. In my own district in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is a cumulative total of 380 persons living with AIDS reported since we began tracking HIV and AIDS. That seemingly small number becomes much larger when you put it against our small population of 110,000 people, bringing the Virgin Islands into the top 10 of U.S. States and territories in terms of incidence of AIDS. Our neighbor, Puerto Rico, ranks among the top five in incidence of AIDS among U.S. States and territories. Major challenges exist in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean, not unlike those in Africa and our communities of color here at home. Yesterday I was visited by representatives of the Global Network of People living with AIDS, which is a network by and for people with HIV- AIDS in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, North America and the Caribbean. With them were representatives of the Caribbean Regional Network of people living with AIDS. I am always impressed by the commitment, despite severe odds, and the tireless work of these organizations, as well as others, and all of the work that they are doing to stem the tide of this terrible pandemic around the world. I applaud them, and with them I also applaud the many community, faith-based, and advocacy organizations that are on the front lines of the pandemic here in the United States where the epidemic in African American communities bears many resemblances to the global one. It is on all of these shores that the battle must be fought; and the CBC will continue to be an integral part of it, because whether here or elsewhere, the persons affected are disproportionately people of African descent. And while prevention must be the bulwark of our efforts, we must do all that is possible to make treatment available to those infected regardless of where they live, how they live, and their or their government's ability to pay. That is why we are here this evening, to call attention, one, to the need to continue the process begun last year with the passage of the Marshall Plan for Africa, and the creation of the trust fund. Now we must fully fund our share and encourage our international partners, both public and private, to contribute to create a trust fund that will be large enough to make a difference. The provision of effective drugs must be a part of the equation. We hear too many reasons why folks say drugs do not have to be made readily available to the countries that are being devastated in sub- Saharan Africa. They tell us, well, the infrastructure is not in place. Some say there is no way to ensure that the drugs will reach those in need. Others complain that the magnitude of the epidemic is such that we will never be able to provide medicine in the volume needed. I cannot say strongly enough that these excuses are completely unacceptable and unsupportable, as is the lawsuit referred to by my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee). Our humanity demands we respond on all levels to reduce any barrier to life that this epidemic creates. In doing so we will also be able to address the other obstacles, treating other diseases, such as malaria, sleeping sickness, and the others that also take a mighty toll. Mr. Speaker, we must care about human lives lost. We must care about the effect of those losses on the ability of these countries to grow, to stabilize and to take their place on the world's stage. If nothing else, we must care about the orphaned children to whom parental love and nurturing have been lost forever. But more than care, we must do something about it. So I also applaud the companies that have stepped up the efforts to make life-saving drugs available, especially those who have recognized the need to allow some drugs to be provided in their generic form, as Bristol Myers Squibb has done in the one instance. This is the kind of example, Mr. Speaker, that we hope others will understand, accept the need for, and follow. As one of the companies' spokespersons has been quoted as saying last week, this is not about profits. It should not be about profits. It is about poverty and devastating disease. The nature of this pandemic demands that business as usual and even profits be put aside and that every sector respond fully. If we can rise to the occasion demanded by this pandemic everywhere, including in our own communities of color here at home, not only will we bring this pandemic under control, we will significantly improve the health of people and communities beyond this one disease and far into the future. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me, and I yield back to her.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Bush Tax cut plan and in support of the Rangel Democratic Substitute because H.R. 3 is misguided and just plain wrong. The Democratic proposal, however, would provide immediate and fair tax relief, while not threatening the surplus that so many of us worked hard to make possible. Instead of following the law which requires that a budget be passed before tax cuts, the Republican Leadership has decided to ignore the law and rush to the floor a tax cut proposal which if it is adopted, will preclude us addressing some of the critical needs of the people of this country. By the President's own admission, this tax cut is designed to make sure there is no money for spending; meaning they would take this unprecedented surplus and unique opportunity to secure our future and do good for those who need it most, and give it away to those who need it least. Regardless of what my friends on the other side of the aisle say, Mr. Speaker, independent organizations report that an estimated 12.2 million low and moderate income families with children--31.5 percent of all families with children--the majority of them headed by hard working adults, would not receive any tax reduction at all. That means primarily African Americans and other people of color. We won't benefit from the tax cut, that is clear. But what is the President talking about when he says he wants to cut government spending? Today, with the sure passage of the Bush tax cut, the House begins the first step in dismantling all of our hard work and the progress that we have made in education, health care, housing, economic opportunity and the many other needs of our constituents. He is in essence, talking about leaving many Americans, especially Black and Hispanic behind. He is talking about inadequate spending for education, the issue Americans care about most. But others will talk about that. He is talking about closing the doors of economic opportunity. For example, he proposes no New Markets initiative, a program that would be the first ever by SBA to actually provide the venture capital needed in our communities so that our constituents can open a business, create jobs, and pull our communities out of economic distress. The Bush tax cut will also mean that 45 million Americans will continue to be without health insurance, and that HMO's will continue to make profits by denying care. It also means that over 25 million seniors will still be denied prescription drug coverage, and that Americans living in the territories and others living in the states will be denied access to health care because Medicaid will be cut so that those who are in the top 10% of incomes in this country can get more. Mr. Speaker, we applaud the almost $3 billion increase for research, but African Americans, Latino Americans, native Americans, and Asian and Pacific Islanders need health care now. I need not remind you, my colleagues, that health care is a right not a privilege--not for some, but for all. We have the resources today to right many of the negative commissions and omissions of the past. On behalf of the people of this country, we must insist that President Bush and the leadership of this Congress not to squander our wealth, but invest it in the people of this nation instead. Today portends not to be America's finest hour. But there is still an opportunity to help her live up to her legacy by passing the Democratic Substitute. Under the Democratic Substitute, a new 12% tax bracket would be created, giving an across the board rate cut for all Americans and overwhelmingly benefit middle income taxpayers. Additionally, and most importantly, the Democratic alternative will give those working families who only pay payroll and federal excise taxes a refund through expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Finally, the Democratic alternative would provide families with children who earn less than $65,000 within most cases larger tax breaks than under the Bush proposal. My colleagues we must tell the President and the Congress: ``No tax cut until our Seniors are secure, our children have access to a quality public school education, and until everyone--everyone--has access to quality health care.''

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 31, which expresses the sense of the House of the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation. In an age of unprecedented scientific advances in medical and behavioral sciences, it is important that we utilize every means at our disposal to save human lives. Each year organ donations save lives--thousands of lives; and scientific surveys indicate that Americans overwhelmingly support organ donation. Despite this fact, the same surveys indicate that Americans are reluctant to donate their organs. This is particularly true among people of color, and even more so for all groups with regard to the donation of bone marrow. Interestingly, the major reason for which respondents indicate reluctance to donate their organs is that they have not given the issue much thought. Herein lies our opportunity to do some good. We must support efforts to educate our constituencies about the necessity of organ, tissue, and bone marrow donation, and the good that these gifts can do. Because gifts are indeed what they are. Just as we use the most modern tools medical science has provided to successfully transplant donated organs and tissue, we must use the tools behavioral science has provided us to change the attitudes of Americans about the necessity of this medical procedure--a procedure which saves the lives of more than 50,000 Americans each year. The lives of many Americans hang in the balance. H. Con. Res. 31 is a good start in this regard, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, not only during Black History Month but appropriately, as we continue to celebrate Black History Month for 2001, the Congressional Black Caucus is using this time and the voice that is afforded to us as members of this body to come before the country and its leaders to re-issue our call to reform the election system. The Presidential election of 2000 will be remembered by many of our citizens for not living up to the promise of ``Democracy for all''. It is therefore clear that our election system must be fixed as it relates to the election of the President--but equally important, to ensure that all Americans are afforded their right to use. Last November, many Americans, especially African-Americans, either saw their legally cast votes not counted or encountered a mired of obstacles that prevented them from being able to vote. What occurred in the state of Florida last November, as well as in many other places in our country and which has occurred in election after election--must never be allowed to occur again. According to the NAACP, irregularities ranging from the ridiculous-- such as calls being made to primarily Black and Hispanic communities suggesting that the NAACP was calling to urge people to vote for President Bush--to specific complaints, from the time the polls were opened until they were closed, about police stops, actual polling places being moved, or the young and old being told that they weren't registered to vote when clearly they were. We in the CBC will live up to our reputation as the ``conscious of the Congress'' and ``the fairness cops'' of the nation. Tomorrow, Democrats will announce the creation of a Special Committee on Election Reform to investigate all the flaws plaguing our system and take swift action by submitting recommendations to Congress on how to fix the election process. In this vein we must: modernize the machinery of voting and provide better training for poll workers and voter education; enforce the National Voter Registration Act and the Voting Rights Act to ensure that more Americans have greater access to democracy; explore structural reforms like expanded time for voting, uniform poll closing times and easier access to voter registration; and provide models of election systems that work and promote these best practices. We pledge to do all that we can to move forward swiftly and pass the best and most relevant recommendations into law soon. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as we focus on the election reform we must not lose sight of the fact that equal justice includes struggling for voting rights. To this end, the lack of voting rights for my constituents and those of my colleagues from the other U.S. Territories and Commonwealths must also be addressed. The fact we are not allowed to directly participate in the choice of who will be our Commander-in- Chief is fundamentally undemocratic. The people who live in the Territories are Americans in every respect except, that by virtue of where they live, they don't get to vote for President or to have voting representation in the Congress. We should be ashamed, that as the only remaining superpower in the world and the biggest promoter of democracy abroad, that we afford citizens in our territories less voting rights that Canada--our neighbor to the north--provides to their citizens in the Yukon Territory or than France does to the citizens in their remaining overseas territories. And so, in the spirit and goal of Black History Month, I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to urge Congress as a whole, as well as President Bush, to expeditiously come- up with and put in place the critically needed election reforms that will be developed by the Special Committee on Election Reform of the Democratic Caucus and by this Caucus, including providing voting rights to the people of the Territories. In closing, I want to commend my colleague, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, for organizing this Special Order tonight.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a bill which would make a series of technical and/or noncontroversial adjustments to the Production Incentive Certificate (``PIC'') program for watch and jewelry produced in the U.S. insular possessions. In the near term, this legislation would improve the operation of the PIC program for both watch and jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. Virgin Islands-- producers that provide a critical source of employment for the Territory. Over the longer term, this legislation would protect the PIC program and related duty incentives from the effects of any future reduction or elimination of watch tariffs. The watch industry is the largest light manufacturing industry in the USVI and remains one of the most important direct and indirect sources of private sector employment in the Territory. The insular watch production industry is also highly import-sensitive and faces continued threats from multinational watch producers, who have continued to move their watch production to lower wage countries. Congress and successive Administrations have recognized the importance of the watch industry to the USVI--and the import sensitivity of watches--through a series of significant enactments and decisions. The General Note 3(a) program, which Congress has incorporated in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, grants duty-free treatment for qualifying insular possession watches and thereby provides a relative duty advantage vis-a-vis foreign watch producers. Through the PIC program, insular possession watch producers can obtain duty refunds based on creditable wages paid for watch production in the insular possessions. Additionally, in recognition of the relative advantage that duty-free treatment of watches provides to insular possession watch producers, Congress and successive Administrations have resisted efforts to eliminate watch duties on a worldwide basis. In 1999, Congress extended the General Note 3(a) program and PIC program benefits to jewelry produced in the insular possessions. In doing so, Congress sought to promote vital employment in the insular possessions by extending existing watch industry incentives to jewelry production--an industry which utilizes many of the same skills and facilities as watch production. Since enactment of this important change, four mainland jewelry manufacturing companies have established operations in the USVI and are participating in the PIC program. Watch and jewelry producers in the Virgin Islands have consulted with the American Watch Association and U.S. watch firms that import substantial quantities of foreign made watches regarding proposals to preserve and protect benefits for insular possession watches and jewelry, while also mitigating the impact of any future reduction of duties on imported watches. These discussions have resulted in the parties'unified support for the legislation that I am introducing today. The various technical adjustments set forth in this legislation would enhance the ability of insular watch and jewelry producers to utilize the PIC program while, at the same time, retaining overall PIC program unit and dollar value limits. Additionally, the legislation would establish a standby mechanism to mitigate the impact of any possible future reduction or elimination of watch duties on a worldwide basis through trade negotiations and congressional action. This mechanism-- which has broad support among the insular and domestic watch manufacturing and distribution sectors--would ensure that any future reduction in watch duties does not disturb the relative value of current duty incentives and PIC program benefits for the insular watch industry. Importantly, this standby mechanism would have no effect on current watch duties or PIC program limits. Under the PIC program, producers of watches and jewelry in the U.S. insular possessions are issued certificates by the Department of Commerce for specified percentages of the producer's verified creditable wages for production in the insular possessions. Based on these certificates, the producers are entitled to apply to the U.S. Customs Service for refunds on duties paid on watches. Certain technical provisions of the PIC program, however, impose unnecessary burdens on producers. These include unclear definitions, unduly complex PIC refund provisions and special issues relating to the extension of PIC benefits to jewelry. The legislation that I am introducing today includes technical adjustments to the PIC program to eliminate these burdens, while retaining overall PIC program limits on units and benefits. Currently, a producer receives a single PIC certificate of entitlement for each calendar year, which is issued by March 1 of the following year. This certificate serves as the basis for the producer's application for duty refunds to U.S. Customs, a process which can take as long as six months. As a result, there can be delays of as long as 18 months between the time a producer incurs a creditable wage payment and the time the producer receives the related duty refund. The proposed legislation would reduce these unnecessary delays by providing for the issuance of PIC certificates of entitlement on a quarterly basis. Currently, producers must assemble often voluminous import entry information and apply to U.S. Customs for wage-based refunds. If a producer has not paid sufficient import duties, the producer must sell the PIC certificate to another firm, which then applies for the duty refund. In either event, the PIC program assures that an insular producer is compensated for a specified percentage of its verified production wages, regardless of whether it has paid the corresponding amount of import duties. The bill would simplify this refund process by providing producers with the option of applying directly to the Treasury Department for the full amount of their verified PIC program certificates. For watches, the PIC program establishes a 750,000 unit limitation on the number of watches used to calculate an individual producer's PIC benefits. When the PIC program was extended by Congress to jewelry, this upper limit was also extended to each individual jewelry producer's qualifying jewelry production. While this limit may be appropriate for watches, which are technically sophisticated and relatively expensive, I am informed that it is likely to unduly limit jewelry production in the insular possessions, which relies on large quantities of relatively lower-priced units. My proposed legislation would address this issue by eliminating the 750,000 unit per producer limit for jewelry, while retaining the overall unit and dollar value limits for the PIC program as a whole. When Congress extended the PIC program to jewelry in 1999, it sought to encourage the phased establishment of new jewelry production in the insular possessions through a transition rule. Under this rule, jewelry items which are assembled (but not substantially transformed) in the insular possessions before August 9, 2001 would be eligible for PIC program and duty-free benefits. Although this new provision has helped attract new jewelry production to the USVI, I am informed that some potential producers are facing administrative, technical and business delays which may severely erode the benefits of the transition rule. The bill would address this issue by extending the transition rule for jewelry for an additional 18 months. The bill would help to facilitate long term planning by existing insular producers and attract new producers to the insular possessions by extending the authorized term of the PIC program until 2015. The bill would also clarify current law by stating explicitly that verified wages include the amount of any fringe benefits. For many years, multinational companies that import substantial quantities of foreign-made watches into the United States have sought to reduce or eliminate U.S. watch duties, either through multiple petitions for duty-free treatment for watches from certain GSP-eligible countries or through worldwide elimination of watch duties in trade negotiations. Insular possession watch producers have repeatedly opposed these efforts on the ground that the elimination of duties on foreign watches would eliminate the relative benefit that insular possession producers receive through duty-free treatment under the General Note 3 (a) program and, in turn, lead to the eventual demise of the insular watch industry. Successive Congresses and Administrations have agreed with these arguments and refused to erode the benefits which insular possession producers receive under General Note 3(a) and the PIC program. These continued battles over watch duties and the insular possession watch program have imposed significant resource burdens on Virgin Islands watch producers and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, diverting resources and energy that could better be spent in enhancing growth and employment in the insular watch and jewelry industries. Virgin Islands watch producers, the AWA and representatives of U.S. firms that import foreign-made watches are seeking to address this longstanding issue by reconciling existing insular possession watch benefits with any worldwide reduction or elimination of watch duties. The legislation that I am introducing contains two mechanisms to help mitigate against the impact of any future reduction or elimination of watch duties, while also preserving existing watch benefits. The bill would put in place a standby mechanism that would preserve the benefits of duty-free treatment under General Note 3(a) in the event that Congress and a future Administration were to agree at some future point to eliminate or reduce duties on watches. This mechanism would preserve the relative tariff advantage that insular producers currently enjoy over foreign-made watches by incorporating a ``hold harmless'' provision in the PIC program. Under this standby mechanism, if watch duties were reduced or eliminated in the future, PIC payments to insular producers would also include an amount which reflects the value to the insular producers of the current General Note 3(a) benefit. This mechanism would facilitate the eventual reduction or elimination of watch duties on a worldwide basis while helping to assure that any such duty reduction does not lead to the demise of the insular industry. Currently, payments under the PIC program are funded from watch duties. An alternative funding source would be required if watch duties were reduced or eliminated on a worldwide basis. The legislation that I am introducing provides that PIC benefits can be funded from jewelry duties or duties on other appropriate products. It is important to bear in mind that these two mechanisms would only be activated in the event that watch duties are, in fact, reduced or eliminated in the future--decisions that would require considerable deliberation and consultation by the President and Congress. By assuring the continuation of current benefits for insular producers, however, these mechanisms would greatly mitigate the impact of any eventual decision by Congress to reduce or eliminate watch duties. Congress has long recognized that the current watch industry incentives are critical to the health and survival of the watch industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. By adopting this legislation, Congress can improve the operation of the PIC program for insular watch and jewelry producers and establish a mechanism to facilitate the eventual reduction or elimination of watch duties on a worldwide basis.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation which would modify the Federal Trade Commission's practices for determining the country of origin of domestic watches, including those watches manufactured in the United States Virgin Islands. The watch industry is the largest light manufacturing industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands and remains one of the most important direct and indirect sources of private sector employment in the Territory. The insular watch production industry is also highly importsensitive and faces continued threats from multinational watch producers, who have continued to move their watch production to lower wage countries. The legislation that I am introducing today will help assure that domestic watch producers can compete on a level playing field with foreign producers with respect to the labeling and advertising of the origin of watches sold in the U.S. marketplace. Currently, the FTC's test for determining whether a watch in made in the United States differs from the FTC's origin test for foreign-made watches, the Customs Service origin test for imported watches and longstanding international practice. The legislation that I am introducing today would rationalize these various tests by requiring that the FTC employ a common and well-established standard for determining the origin of all watches. This modification to the FTC's practice would help ensure that consumers have a uniform basis on which to judge the country of origin of watches. It would also help promote the operations of U.S. watch producers, particularly those in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The production of watch movements by these producers (and their subsequent production of finished watches) involve highly labor intensive operations which add considerable value to the finished watch and to the U.S. and Virgin Islands economies. The country of origin of a watch is, by longstanding international trade practice, generally considered to be the country in which the watch movement is produced. The movement is the ``guts'' of a watch. The production of a watch movement involves numerous, labor-intensive operations involving inspection, quality control, reworking and testing of some 35 to 45 individual parts prior to, during and after assembly. These operations require substantial investment in diversified precision equipment and employee training and add considerable value to the finished watch. In determining the country of origin of imported products, the U.S. Customs Service generally employs the well-established concept of ``substantial transformation.'' The substantial transformation test-- which is supported by almost 100 years of judicial and administrative precedent--recognizes that some functional changes and processes involved in the production of an imported product are so significant as to create an entirely new article. I am informed that, in applying this concept to imported watches, the Customs Service has followed international practice and has determined that the production of a watch movement results in a substantial transformation and thereby determines the country of origin of the finished watch. Additionally, under the ``tariff shift'' origin rules adopted under NAFTA, the country of origin of the watch is the country where the movement was produced. In evaluating product labels or advertising that state a foreign country of origin for watches and other imported products, the Federal Trade Commission has generally permitted foreign claims that are based on substantial transformation. For example, based on the FTCs practice under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, a watch whose movement was produced in a foreign country from parts sourced worldwide could be labeled and/or advertised as made in that foreign country. The Federal Trade Commission applies a different and much more strict origin test to watches produced in the United States and the U.S. territories. Under this test, a watch whose movement is produced in the United States or the U.S. territories cannot be labeled or advertised as ``Made in the USA'' unless all or virtually all of the parts and labor employed in producing the movement and finished watch are of domestic origin. Thus, the FTC applies substantially different tests for determining the foreign and domestic origin of watches. These tests lead to different results in situations in which the only difference between two watches is the country where the movement was assembled. The FTC's current origin tests for watches discriminate against domestic producers, including those in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Given the globalization of the international watch components industry, it is virtually impossible, as a practical matter, for a domestic producer to source all of its watch components from U.S. sources. Thus, watches produced in the United States from U.S. assembled movements cannot be marked ``Made in the USA'' even though their production involves highly labor intensive operations which add considerable value to the watch. In contrast, under the FTC's current test, a watch made from a movement assembled in Japan from imported parts could be labeled as ``Made in Japan.'' These conflicting tests put U.S. producers at a considerable disadvantage in the marketplace and are confusing to U.S. consumers. My legislation would correct this unfair and confusing situation by requiring that the FTC apply the same substantial transformation test for determining the origin of all watches, including those watches that are labeled or advertised as ``Made in the USA.'' This common test will assure that origin rules for domestic watches conform with well- established international and Customs Service practice and the FTC's own practice for imported watches. It will enable U.S. producers, including those in the Virgin Islands, to employ country of origin labels or claims in the same circumstances in which their foreign competitors could label or advertise that their watches are made in a foreign country. Finally, the legislation would provide U.S. consumers with a clear and consistent test for determining where watches are made.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in celebrating Catholic Schools. As a student at St. Mary's elementary school in St. Croix from kindergarten through eighth grade, a graduate of St. Joseph's Mountain School in St. Joseph's, New York, and St. Mary's College, Notre Dame Indiana, I personally owe a debt of gratitude to catholic schools for what I have been able to achieve. Catholic schools across the country have contributed greatly to the communities in which they exist and the nation at large. Numerous studies show that parents place their children in Catholic schools for the superior academic achievement of Catholic school students. They 1996 tests of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) sponsored by the U.S. government demonstrated that students in Catholic schools score higher than those in public schools. As a result, Catholic school education is becoming a popular choice among parents. Catholic preschool enrollment has increased by nearly 223% since 1987- 88. As I pay tribute to the 8144 Catholic schools in this country, I want to pay tribute to those schools that have nurtured and educated me, those that I have already mentioned, and St. Pius V in Jamaica, New York. I also would also like to make special mention of the Catholic Schools in my district--St. Mary's, St. Joseph and St. Patrick's in St. Croix, and Saints. Peter and Paul in St. Thomas. The people of the Virgin Islands and I appreciate them for all they do and have done for the children of our islands.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of House Concurrent Resolution 15 expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001 and support for aid efforts. Relative to our population size, the Virgin Islands proportionately has one of the largest Indian communities in the United States. In many communities of the Caribbean, people who trace their ancestry to India make up an important part of the fabric of those societies. So on behalf of the Virgin Islands' community I wanted to join my colleagues in expressing our sympathy and concern, but more importantly in encouraging our country's support. One finds it difficult to imagine how a Nation will cope with a tragedy which estimates total deaths possibly as many as 100,000 people. They can only do so with our and the world's help. I want to commend President Bush for his quick response in offering assistance to the people of India. Likewise, I want to commend the Speaker; our minority leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt); and my other colleagues for doing the same with this resolution today, and I urge its support.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today this body meets in a joint session to certify the Electoral College votes for the 43rd President of our nation. As an African American, a member of a ``so called'' minority and a person of Caribbean descent, while I accept the decision of the Supreme Court and will also accept the results of this process today, I do so with a strong resolve born out of the hurt and disappointment in the events of the past two months. The disenfranchisement of many citizens of our country whose legally cast votes were not counted has left a dark cloud over the country--a cloud which will not easily clear with the inauguration and the administering of the oath of office. We cannot turn back the hands of time, however, nor change what is past. But we can determine to shape and direct our future. And so I pledge to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, other members of Congress and national leaders to put in place whatever policies and introduce and support whatever legislation which will ensure that a travesty such as this never happens again. We must commit ourselves to restoring the integrity of the election process in this country. As we return to work later this month, we must include among our first priority items addressing the many unmet needs in the Territories, in other districts of color, in our rural areas and poor communities. The Congressional Black Caucus have in the past been referred to as the ``conscience of the Congress'' and the ``Fairness Cops of the Nation.'' As such, we will take the lead on these issues on behalf of those we proudly represent. It is incumbent on all of us though--the president-elect and his Cabinet, as well as the leadership in Congress--to be our full partners in this effort to lift up all Americans and make sure that no one is left behind. We have the wherewithal to do it, now as never before. A time of plenty like this is not promised again. And so, if not now, when!! And if not us, who!! Let us seize this time to make America the great country it is destined to be.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Dr. Andre Anthony Galiber, Sr., who passed away in September of this year. Dr. Galiber was a great leader in the medical profession, particularly in the field of Radiology, an ideal family man, an outstanding citizen and a great humanitarian in my district, the community of St. Croix and the entire U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Galiber earned his Medical Doctorate in 1957 and completed a diagnostic and therapeutic radiology residency in 1963. His distinctive medical career began with an internship at the Howard University's Freedmen's Hospital, here in Washington, D.C. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Medical Corps and was the Chief Radiologist at Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Galiber opened his private Radiology office in 1967 and became the first full-time, board certified Radiologist, in the Virgin Islands. He was and remained the only regional Fellow of the American College of Radiology. Dr. Galiber became the Director of the Radiology Department at the Charles Harwood Hospital during the 1960's and 1970's, and became the Director of the Radiology Department when the hospital relocated to the new Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, serving in that capacity until his ``so-called'' retirement in 1984. Dr. Galiber volunteered as a consultant at the new St. Croix Hospital and provided most of the technical training and professional services during the initial ten year growth period of clinical ultrasound. He performed and interpreted the first echocardiograms on St. Croix and was the first Radiologist licensed in Computer Tomography. He was a FDA accredited mammoradiologist and had been performing mammography since he opened his practice in 1964. His untiring dedication to St. Croix was also directed at strengthening and advocating on behalf of the medical community. He was an active member of the Virgin Islands Medical Society for almost forty years, serving as President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate to the American Medical Association, as well as Delegate to the National Medical Association. Dr. Galiber also served as President of the St. Croix Hospital Medical staff, was an elected officer of the Virgin Islands Medical Institute and presented, coordinated and monitored medical education seminars for his peers. He was also the principal supporter of advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities at the Governor Juan Luis Hospital. Recently, he proposed and drafted legislation for the Virgin Islands Medical Institute, to encourage Virgin Islands physicians training in the continental United States, to become licensed in the Territory. Most notably, he was a mentor and ardent supporter of students pursuing health science careers, of which I was one. Hurricane Hugo introduced several generations of Virgin Islanders to the devastation a hurricane could inflict. While most of the populace remained stunned in the aftermath, Dr. Galiber salvaged his radiological equipment, established electrical power and a safe habitat for essential medical operations and nine days after the hurricane had passed, he started providing full services to his patients. Dr. Galiber was a charter member of the St. Croix Power Squadron. He became a trustee for most of the schools on the island of St. Croix including St. Mary's Catholic School, Country Day School, Good Hope School and St. Dunstan's Episcopal School. Dr. Galiber was chairperson of the St. Croix Hospital Continuing Medical Education Committee which locally certified all eligible post-graduate training programs for physicians, and a member of the Eta lota lota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Galiber in 1974 became the Project Development Coordinator/Secretary/Treasurer, of the first Medical Office Condominium in the Virgin Islands. He was one of seven owners of Medical offices in Island Medical Center Associates, and supervised the management of the Dr. Galiber was an avid reader of non-fiction and a World War II history buff, greatly admiring the deeds of Winston Churchill. For recreation he enjoyed golf, tennis, traveling, dancing, and classical music. He and his wife, Edith, were Members of Friends of Denmark, an organization that strives to maintain the links established by more than two centuries of former Danish rule. He and his wife also joined the Landmark Society, which preserves and promotes the various influences of our unique architecture that has developed over the centuries, and our local cultural traditions. He was also a member of the Virgin Islands Lung Association and the St. George's Botanical Garden. Dr. and Mrs. Galiber collected many local artists' paintings. Some works they commissioned were the product of intense collaborations between Dr. Galiber, Sr., and the artists. He insisted that the images synthesized on canvas authentically portray our past. Leo Carty's ``Good Day Ladies'' acrylic, with the significant conceptual influences of Dr. Galiber, was selected by the United States Census Bureau as the poster representing minority art for the U.S. Virgin Islands. This was a work-in-progress when the Galibers became enamored with its historical vista and gave it the unofficial title, ``Mr. Collins''. Dr. Galiber's suggestions influenced Mr. Carty to change and/or include a few features so the painting would more accurately reflect the people and events of the time. Dr. Galiber was the recipient of many honors. He was the Virgin Islands Medical Society's Distinguished Physician in 1986 and an American Cancer Society's Honoree in 1999. On June 9th of this year, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center conducted a dedication ceremony of the Andre A. Galiber, Sr., FACR, Radiology and Cardiovascular Laboratory Suite. The unit was dedicated in honor of his significant contributions to diagnostic imaging. Some of his peers recognized that he single-handedly established the Radiology Departments at the Charles Harwood and Juan Luis Hospitals and that due to him, the hospitals will soon have MRI capabilities. His legendary diagnostic skills were praised and appreciation was shown for the tireless work he performed in other hospital areas. Dr. Galiber, Sr., encouraged his children to follow in his footsteps of educational and professional excellence. His oldest child, Lorraine Gundel, served for years as a Virgin Islands educator. His sons have taken up the mantle of his commitment to providing the best in medical services to the Virgin Islands community. He and his namesake and fellow radiologist, Andre Jr., excelled at golf and were the winners of several tournaments. Son, Angelo, like Andre Jr., is a board-certified radiologist. Angelo is president of Imaging Center, PC, a position that Andre Sr., previously held. Angelo is the 1983 Franklin Chambers McLean Scholar (given each year to the highest ranking U.S. minority medical student). Dante is a board certified fellow of the American College of Cardiology. The youngest son, Marcel is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/Vascular Technologist and the business manager of the Imaging Center. His daughter Lisa has modeled internationally and has worked in broadcasting. Youngest daughter, Cecile, was a bank senior vice-president. She now heads the Financial Trust Company in St. Thomas and is a licensed realtor. His wife of forty-four years, Edith Lewis Galiber, is a retired Director of Public Health Nursing in St. Croix. She has been his loving and devoted partner in all that he has achieved and in building the legacy which he leaves. Dr. Andre Galiber's death on September 24, 2000, ended an illustrious life and work, but the contributions to his community, its culture and the field of Radiology live on. Mr. Speaker, I salute Dr. Andre A. Galiber for his dedicated service to his country, his profession and the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I thank his wife Edith, their six children and sixteen grandchildren, for sharing him with us.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Octavia Lucinda Oliver Ross, who was a distinguished educator, devoted mother and community activist in my St. Croix district of the Territory of the Virgin Islands. Octavia Ross was born into and became a part of an outstanding family educational legacy in the Virgin Islands. Her late father, Emanuel Benjamin Oliver was also a teacher, and a school on the island of St. Thomas bears his name. After teaching at the Federal Nursery School, Octavia Ross began her career as an instructor in public school system. She served as a teacher at almost all grade levels, elementary as well as secondary and worked at the junior high and intermediate grade levels. most of her teaching career was spent as a first grade teacher at the Frederiksted Public Grammar School and the Claude O. Markoe School. Mrs. Ross enrolled in various training sessions with the Polytechnic Institute of St. Croix and pursued additional training at Inter American University in Puerto Rico. On January 25, 1964, Octavia Ross obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton University, followed by a period in which she did post graduate work in Supervision and Administration. Upon returning to St. Croix she was instrumental in initiating and directing the Bilingual/Bicultural and the Academically-talented Programs. Mrs. Ross became an assistant principal at the Charles H. Emanuel and the Alexander Henderson Schools. She became the first principal of the Evelyn Williams Elementary School, remaining there until her retirement at the completion of forth two years of meritorious service in the field of education. Octavia Ross, having been a star athlete in her youth, also instructed handicraft and athletics. There are many who strongly feel the sentiment that she devoted her life to the children of St. Croix as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Octavia Ross also made varied and vast contributions to the social well being of the Virgin Islands' community. Athletic activities during her youth caused her to participate in numerous inter-island meets, which may have been the beginning of her activity in the community. She has been credited with carrying the banner in the Business and Professional Women's Club, serving as both the local and state president. She was a delegate at the International Business and Professional Women's convention in Houston, Texas. In 1974, she received the Woman of the year Award. Octavia Ross was also the recipient of the Frederiksted Business and Professional Women's Achievement Award. In 1978 she was named the Mother of the Year Award by the Frederiksted Club and later received their Woman of Achievement Award. Octavia Ross was listed in the 1977 International ``Who's Who in the West Indies, Bahamas and Bermuda,'' V. I. Section--Personalities of the Caribbean and was also listed in the 1979 edition of World ``Who's Who Dictionary of International Biographies'' and received the Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of St. Croix West. The Governor of the Virgin Islands described her as having a graceful demeanor, a professional integrity and ladylike deportment that made her an exemplary and model teacher. Further, he stated that not only has Mrs. Ross made a significant contribution to the Virgin Islands as an educator in her own right, but also in the contributions of her offspring in the administrative, legislative, educational, legal, financial, civic, military and industrial areas of the community. Not surprisingly, Octavia Ross was a dedicated member of her church, the Saint Paul's Anglican Church, in addition to being a member of Episcopal Church Women's Organization and Member of the Vestry. Octavia Ross was appreciated by the many whose lives she touched. Besides her husband Rupert W. Ross, Sr., she leaves to mourn her seven children: Rupert, Edgar, Raymond, James, Edward, Janice and Jewel; two step children, Randolph and Judy-Ann; fourteen grand children, fourteen great grand children; and a community recovering from her sudden passing. On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I salute Octavia Lucinda Oliver Ross for her dedicated service to her profession and the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I thank her husband Rupert, her seven children, two step children, fourteen grand children, fourteen great grand children and a grateful community for sharing her with us.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. I, like my colleagues, am trying to deal with the shock of our loss, and all of us who have had the privilege of knowing and working with Julian grieve at his death. I want to extend on behalf of the all of the people of the Virgin Islands to his beloved wife Bettye and his family our sincere condolences. It was truly a privilege for me to have been able to serve with Julian and to benefit, as so many others, from his wisdom and his experience, as the whole Nation and indeed the world has from his service. Julian was also my landlord; and my family and I are deeply appreciative of the great generosity that he showed to us when we rented from him. Our love and our prayers go out to Bettye and his family, and we hope that they are comforted not only by the fact that so many share in the burden of his loss but by knowing that his living and his service have not been in vain.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade, for yielding me this time to speak on an issue that is very important to all of the territories, and my constituents included. Mr. Speaker, while H.R. 4986 is clearly necessary for our country to avoid having sanctions imposed on us by the European Union, for me and the people of the Virgin Islands, who I represent, its enactment into law will mean the loss of nearly $11 million to our already depressed local treasury. Through no fault of our own and despite the efforts of my colleagues on the Committee on Ways and Means and the administration to mitigate the adverse effects on us, the Virgin Islands stands to lose hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the FSC industry, in addition to the millions in FSC franchise fees that the local government collects. This action by the European Union to challenge our FSC program in the WTO could not have come at a worse time for the Virgin Islands as our local economy continues to suffer from the effects of 10 years of devastation from several killer hurricanes. What I want my colleagues to understand that while this bill is necessary because of what it means for the country, it is a blow for the people of the Virgin Islands and the other territories. It is my intention to continue to work with my colleagues in the Congress and the administration to assist the Virgin Islands and the other territories in replacing the loss of this program and the loss of revenues that this bill will mean for us. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois once again for yielding me this time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 2594 authorizes the use of Mancos Project facilities for the storage, diversion, or carriage of nonproject water. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not controversial, so we have no objection to its enactment. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 1972 directs the Forest Service to convey 25 acres of land to the town of Dolores, Colorado, for use as a local park. Dolores currently operates a park on those lands under a special-use permit. In addition, the lands are surrounded by town and private lands that are not contiguous to other national forestlands. The bill does not require the town to compensate the Forest Service for the land, but the bill does provide that the lands must be used for a park, or they revert back to the Forest Service. Mr. Speaker, we are generally reluctant to convey lands out of public ownership without payment of fair compensation. In this case, however, the administrative transfer to the town is consistent with its current uses and may facilitate improvements to the park facilities. Under these circumstances, we have no objection to the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.