Michael Capuano

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, the substitute amendment introduced by Mr. Spratt improves on the base resolution, H.J. Res. 114, because it requires that the United States continue working with the United Nations to enforce existing Security Council Resolutions and to craft stronger resolutions addressing concerns over weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Instead of simply handing the President a blank check to wage war, this amendment urges the President to continue working with the UN Security Council. I will vote for the Spratt amendment because I believe it is a better alternative than the base resolution. I do not believe that the amendment will pass. If it does, however, I will vote No on final passage because I do not believe that the Spratt amendment does enough to explore all options resorting to war.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, over the last 6 weeks, the President has changed long- standing policy that prohibits a unilateral American first strike and has argued that his new policy should be imposed upon Iraq. President Bush, to his credit, has decided to include Congress in this process and to seek international support for his positions, although he will not wait for such support to enforce his new policy. The process is important, but it is not the most important aspect of his efforts. For me, the most important question in this entire matter is what happens after Saddam Hussein is dethroned. Forty years ago we amended our policies to state that America will no longer allow long- range nuclear weapons to be installed in our hemisphere, a precise policy that applied only to Cuba at that time. Twenty years ago we amended our policy to state that America will not allow foreign leaders to enrich themselves by using their governmental structure to ship illegal drugs into America. Again, a precise policy which applied only to Panama at the time. Although the President has changed some of his arguments, there do seem to be three constant points that he uses. Number one, Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. Number two, Iraq has supported terrorists even if the link to al Qaeda cannot be proven. Number three, Iraq has a history of aggression and brutality against its own people and against its neighbors. We all agree on all of those points. They are not subject to debate. Based on constant repetition of these factors, we must conclude these are the criteria America will use to implement our new unilateral strike policy. But is this reaction to Iraq's threat comparable to previous reactions to such threats? Is it clear and precise? Who else violates this new policy and, therefore, who would be next to have our new policy implemented against them? Let us start with Iran. They have weapons of mass destruction. Iran has certainly supported terrorists and does so today. In fact, many people believe that this country, Iran, now is home to more al Qaeda members than any other country in the world. Finally, Iran has a history of aggression and brutality against its own people and its neighbors. When do we attack Iran? What about China? They certainly have very powerful weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. They are the leading sellers of both weapons of mass destruction and, more importantly, the industrial means to produce such weapons around the world. They have ignored all calls to withdraw from Tibet or to treat Tibetans fairly. They brutalize the Falun Gong. They brutalize Christians. They threaten Taiwan and the peace in of all of Asia. When do we attack China? When do we attack the Sudan? When do we attack North Korea? When do we attack Russia itself? Each of these countries meets all of the criteria the President is now using to say we should attack Iraq unilaterally. Most Americans want Saddam Hussein gone. So do I. Most Americans want the United States to remain the strongest Nation in the world. So do I. But most Americans also want the United States of America to continue to be the world's moral leader while we accomplish both of these goals. President Bush's unclear, imprecise new policy in support of a unilateral force first strike does not do it. Not long ago another American stated, ``Our purpose is peace. The United States intends no rashness and seeks no wider war. We seek the full and effective restoration of international agreements.'' This House reacted by voting, ``The United States is prepared as the President determines to take all necessary steps including the use of armed forces.'' I am sure some of you recognize these words from the 1963 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that led to the Vietnam debacle. We all know the results of that resolution. We all know that this House had to repeal this resolution 6 years later. This resolution before us tonight uses virtually the same language and grants the President comparable authority to the Gulf of Tonkin resolution. But I think our actions here today may actually prove to be more dangerous because we base them on a new policy of unilateral first strike. At a minimum, the President needs to refine his new policy before we implement. Until we do so, America must adhere to the long- standing policies in existence now. Those policies require international agreement on war and peace, and they require war to be the last alternative, not the first. As of today, the United States, and we know it, has not exhausted our peaceful options; and by tomorrow when we vote on this, we will have set America and the world on a new course that has not yet been fully thought out or debated. We owe it to ourselves and to our children to go slow. Others have cited history as well. Let me be clear, no one has forgotten September 11. Everyone wants to avoid another such incident. But no one has divine insight as how to best accomplish that goal. Let me ask those who have cited World War II and to remind them that when Iraq did try to expand its borders, the world did react. This Congress reacted, unlike Europe in the 1930's. The comparison is not valid. If necessary there will be plenty of time to wage war against Iraq, and I may support it. But if an unnecessary war is waged, we risk forfeiting America's well-deserved reputation as humanity's best hope for a long-lasting worldwide peace. Mr. Speaker, I urge this Congress to vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Somerville High School in Somerville, Massachusetts on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. The phrase, ``dedicated to the preparation of youth for the responsibilities of life'' is etched on the building's facade and this is truly an accurate description of its mission. The Somerville Free High School was dedicated on April 28, 1852. When the doors opened on May 3rd, two teachers taught sixty-six students. In 1862, the first graduating class had six members. The facility we now know as Somerville High School was once two institutions: Somerville's Twin High Schools. Students from English High School were prepared for scientific, normal and business schools while students from Latin High School were prepared for college. Both the 1900 and 1904 World's Fairs in Paris and St. Louis featured the Twin High Schools in their educational exhibits. In 1902, Somerville spent three days celebrating their high school's 50th anniversary. In 1911, the Twin High Schools were merged and became Somerville High School. The school was rebuilt and expanded from 1928-1929 to include a gymnasium and a space for 3,000 students. In 1983, Somerville High School was renovated. A new vocational wing and field house were added to the facility. The Somerville Technical Trade School, established in 1910, merged with Somerville High School at this time. When the New England Association of Schools and Colleges issued its accreditation report in 1990 it praised Somerville High School, calling it: ``the best kept secret in Massachusetts.'' Somerville High School has a strong sports tradition that continues today. The school has won seven New England Technical Tournament basketball championships since 1944 and a New England basketball title in 1949. Several of its athletes were selected for All-Scholastic Teams, and several became individual State and New England champions in Indoor and Outdoor track. The girls basketball program has also enjoyed tremendous success and last year included the alltime scoring leader. Somerville High School lives up to its bold crest, which proclaims Honor and Progress. It has been a tremendous asset to its students over the last 150 years. I am a proud graduate of Somerville High School and know that this fine institution will continue to serve Somerville's young people with distinction.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions made by the Latino community to our nation. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is fitting that we pay tribute to America's diversity and celebrate the role that immigrant communities played in the history of our nation. Millions of Hispanic men and women have come to the United States from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Caribbean regions, Central America, South America and Spain, in search of freedom and the opportunity for a more prosperous future. They brought with them a commitment to family, a strong work ethic and a firm belief in the American Dream. Hispanic culture continues to shape the American experience, During this month, let us recognize the important contributions Hispanics have made socially, economically and politically, including the vibrant Hispanic American spirit that has influenced our nation's art, music and cuisine. One of the most significant contributions made by Latinos is to our national defense. Hispanics fought for the United States in every war and approximately 80,000 men and women are currently on active duty. Latinos are also the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, currently representing 12.5% of the total population. More than 30 million Americans claim Hispanic origin. I represent Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District, where more than 15% of my constituents are Hispanic. That number continues to grow. In a Nation that derives its strength from many cultures and races, Hispanic Americans are a thriving force in our society and a vital part of our economy. This month and always, let us celebrate the talents, culture and spirit Hispanic Americans have brought and continue to share with this great nation.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3450, the Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act. As a cosponsor of this bill and Co-Chair of the Community Health Center Caucus I'd like to thank Mr. Bilirakis and Mr. Brown for their leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor today. As you know, health centers were established over 35 years ago to provide access to quality preventive and primary health care for the medically underserved--including the millions of Americans without health insurance, low income working families, members of minority groups, residents of rural areas, homeless persons, and agricultural farmworkers. Since their inception, health centers have served as a prototype for effective public-private partnerships, demonstrating an ability to meet pressing local health needs while being held accountable for meeting national performance standards. H.R. 3450 would reauthorize the National Health Service Corps program and authorize the Community Access Program. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 50 million people do not have a regular health care provider, including millions with public or private health insurance coverage. This legislation is vital in light of this data, including yesterday's Census Bureau study reporting the number of Americans who lack health coverage has increased again after a two-year decline. Specifically, one-third of Latinos lack coverage, far more than any other racial or ethnic group. More than 4 in 10 residents who are not citizens are uninsured, and more than one-quarter of high school dropouts have no insurance. Health Centers focus their efforts on these underserved and uninsured populations. H.R. 3450 continues to reaffirm the principles of health centers, by focusing on high-need areas while ensuring care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Health centers across the nation have begun a five-year effort to expand services to millions more underserved patients. My District has over twenty-five health centers and my constituents rely on the dedicated staff to provide health care services to them and their families. We cannot jeopardize the extraordinary work of the health centers because of a lack of federal authorization. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to support this bill and to ensure its passage and enactment this year. The House must move quickly to ensure that health centers can continue to provide high quality health care services to vulnerable populations in underserved communities across America.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on the morning of Thursday, September 12, 2002, I was in my congressional district participating in ceremonies honoring constituents who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. Due to this circumstance, I was unable to cast votes for rollcalls 385 and 386. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: ``yea'' on rollcall 385; ``yea'' on rollcall 386.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 11, 2002, I was in my congressional district participating in ceremonies honoring constituents who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. Due to this circumstance, I was unable to cast a vote for rollcall 384. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: ``Yea'' on rollcall 384.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of those who perished as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11th. It is impossible to forget the events of that dark day and difficult to comprehend the grief of the families who lost loved ones in an instant. My deepest sympathies are with them on this first anniversary of the attacks. The loss of so many innocent lives and the bravery of the rescuers will never be forgotten. Since September 11th, Americans have adapted to a new reality--a reality with additional security, higher unemployment, economic insecurity, anthrax and the ongoing war on terrorism. But with this new reality we are also witnessing renewed sense of American pride. September 11th reminded us all to treasure our freedom. American flags fill our streets. Patriotic anthems play on the radio and in stadiums from coast to coast. The principles upon which this country was founded brought us together and the strength and spirit of our nation will endure this challenge. Today, in every corner of this great country, vigils, prayer services and memorials will be held to honor the victims of the attacks. As we reflect on the events of a year ago, let us honor the emergency workers, firefighters, police officers, hospital employees and grief counselors who went above and beyond the call of duty that September morning and during the months that followed. We must also remember the airline employees and postal workers whose jobs were changed forever on September 11th. Finally, our hearts should also go out to the thousands of children and families in New York, Virginia, and in communities across the nation and around the world who lost mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters on that tragic day. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001 and I honor their memory.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember Boston City Councilor Brian Honan, an effective, passionate and admired public servant who was taken from us far too soon. I had the privilege of working with Brian and witnessed firsthand his dedication to the Allston-Brighton neighborhoods he represented. Whether it was fighting to preserve affordable housing or working to enhance the quality of life for his constituents, Brian approached every issue with a determination to lend a helping hand. His interest was never getting a headline, only that his constituents benefited from his efforts. Brian loved public service, something quite evident to anyone who watched him perform the duties of a Boston City Councilor. Every person, and every issue, was important and he worked tirelessly to represent the men and women who elected him. No issue was too trivial and no concern was too small. Brian's devotion to the community extended beyond his official responsibilities. In particular, he was especially interested in creating opportunities for youth. You need look no further than the number of local institutions with which he had a powerful, positive relationship--the West End House Boys and Girls Club, the Oak Square YMCA, St. Columbkille's School, the Gardner School--the list could go on. Each serves young people and each enjoyed Brian's unswerving support. We lost a bright light and a powerful voice this summer, but Brian's legacy of hard work will live on. The impact he had on the neighborhoods of Allston-Brighton is evident in countless ways and the City of Boston is a better place because of him. My thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family and friends. I am honored to have known and worked with such a compassionate and effective public servant.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues of the remarkable courage the children of Afghanistan have shown by returning to their classrooms this year in record numbers, despite the ongoing violence that has torn the country apart. The U.N. International Children's Emergency Fund, UNICEF, announced last week that over 5 million Afghani children, both boys and girls, have returned to school since the beginning of this year. This far exceeds the previously expected number of 1.78 million children. To the innocent people of Afghanistan who have long suffered from the great injustice, torture and oppression of the Taliban dictatorship, their children are a bright beacon of freedom and hope that a better future lies ahead. I believe it is incumbent upon us to provide UNICEF with the necessary funds to continue rebuilding Afghanistan's schools, hire more teachers and provide more books so they can live and learn like our children here in the United States. It is imperative that we keep the hopes of the Afghani people alive by assisting UNICEF's efforts to provide these children with proper food, shelter and clothing. We can help them grow up in happiness and in a safe environment in a country that has known neither in many years. UNICEF's program in Afghanistan this year has been recorded as its largest educational development effort since its inception. However, the organization estimates that it will still need an additional $57 million this year to support the newly crated education ministry, teacher training and recruitment, the development of curricula and textbooks for primary, secondary and higher education as well as a system of community radio programs to provide basic education to remote, underserved areas of Afghanistan. Educating Afghani children is essential to the future stability of Afghanistan. With our help, UNICEF has taken on the enormous task of creating an educational system from scratch and has made remarkable progress so far. We must renew our commitment to the citizen of Afghanistan by investing more in UNICEF's efforts on behalf of the citizens of Afghanistan.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this rule and in opposition to H.R. 4954, the Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002. Tonight we are voting on legislation that represents the most drastic change in Medicare since the program was enacted in 1965. With this drastic change, one would assume there would be an open and honest rule that would allow Members to consider and vote on various legislative proposals. Unfortunately, for millions of seniors utilizing Medicare, this is not the case. Democrats have been denied the opportunity to present their plan to America's seniors. What is left is a bad bill, with no amendments, leaving no chance to make it better. Once again, the Republican Leadership of the House of Representatives has presented Members with the option of voting for a benefit that doesn't do enough, or voting for nothing at all. The current bill includes provider reimbursements and has been endorsed by doctors and hospitals, but this bill does not provide adequate benefits to those seniors who really need it. Under the proposed bill, Medicare beneficiaries would be eligible to enroll in the drug program paying a premium estimated at $35 per month and a deductible of $250 a year. For drug expenditures between $251-$1000 the beneficiary would pay 20 percent and the government would pay 80 percent. For drug costs $1001-$2000, the program and enrollees would split the cost 50-50. Now comes the unbelievable part, for expenditures between $2000 and $3700, the enrollee would have to pay out of his own pocket. That's right--there is a $1700 gap where the seniors are left with the burden. As a result, nearly half of all seniors will fall into the gap and be forced to pay the full cost of their medications. If we are going to give seniors a benefit, it needs to be a meaningful one that actually provides coverage. Seniors need a benefit in which they can afford their drugs and do not have to worry about their medications being covered. In addition, there should be one bill that will address the problems with Medicare reimbursement and provider payments and another that will focus solely on the needs of seniors. The bill before us is a combined version of reform--done in order to secure votes and pass. The Republicans have catered to the needs of various industries in order to pass their bill--knowing that this is the only way this proposal could stay alive. This is an insurance plan that cannot work. This legislation would rely on private insurance companies and health plans to cover the costs of the drugs. In particular, the bill before us allows insurers to refuse to participate and allows them to control costs at the expense of patients' welfare. No insurance program can work unless it attracts premiums from people who will not use the service. Those premiums are used to offset the cost associated with those beneficiaries whose drugs cost more than their premiums. This plan is doomed to failure because there is no way premiums can cover costs--especially when it is geared toward the senior population. The end result unfortunately is those seniors without insurance will still be unable to afford prescribed medicines and those seniors with insurance will continue to pay high premiums or co-pays for their insurance--ultimately changing little and helping very few. If we in Congress are serious about strengthening Medicare for future generations, we need to invest in our seniors and Congress needs to be prepared to spend the funds necessary to provide a suitable prescription drug program. If the federal government can afford a $273 billion farm bill and an $800 billion bill making the estate tax permanent, I think we owe it to our seniors to find the money to provide a prescription drug benefit. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that Americans who contribute to the Medicare program during their working years will have dependable, equitable, and affordable health coverage when they retire or become disabled regardless of their income or health status. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat's intended to do that. We intended to come to the floor and present a proposal that would lower drug prices, guarantee coverage and enable seniors to get their medicines at the pharmacy of their choice. Since we have been denied a fair chance to present our proposal I cannot support this rule or the proposed bill and I urge my colleagues to vote no on both.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the House on its unanimous support of H. Res. 393, Concerning the rise in Anti-Semitism in Europe. Last month ground was broken in Boston at our Holocaust Memorial for a Liberators' Memorial. Survivors had long urged that tribute be paid to the American and Allied soldiers who fought and died to defeat the Third Reich. It is a fitting memorial and it inspires us to defend life, liberty, and justice for all persons. I am troubled, however, that it has become necessary to defend human dignity and religious liberty in Europe, in Western Europe, in the twenty-first century. Anti-Semitic outrages have taken place in many countries in the European Union. Some have been shameful, like the desecration of cemeteries and synagogues. Some have been brutal assaults that maimed or blinded their victims. Some have been tragedies averted: Molotov cocktails tossed at schools or synagogues that failed to ignite the buildings. We should not trivialize the horrors of the past by foolish comparisons. These are not attempts at systematic genocide. Nonetheless, bigotry cannot be too often or too forcefully condemned. This resolution calls on the governments of Europe to protect their Jewish citizens and to promote understanding and reconciliation among all persons. Such moral leadership is essential and, sadly, it has been lacking. The political geography of these attacks has been particularly disturbing. In the first four months of this year, forty-three anti- Semitic episodes were reported in France. In the same period, Germany had nine and Ukraine, where the Babi Yar massacre took place, five. In Moldova, close to the anniversary of the 1903 Kishinev pogrom, there was only one. In Slovakia also, only one: gravestones defaced on Hitler's birthday. France taught Europe to think in terms of liberty and equality. Its Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen proclaimed: ``Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.'' Its revolutionary traditions shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose first article reads: ``All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.'' That important moral voice needs to be heard once more. When France was convulsed over an injustice done to one Jewish officer, Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, Emile Zola wrote a Letter to France: ``your most illustrious children have fought . . . given their intelligence and their blood to fight intolerance . . . return to yourself, find yourself once more.'' I ask that France heed Zola now. No nation is without prejudice. We all fall short of perfect civility. None of us, unfailingly, treats all our fellow citizens as we should. It is essential, nonetheless, that all democracies invoke our shared principles. I know that every criticism of United States policy is not an expression of ``anti-Americanism.'' Nor should this resolution been seen as anti-European. In condemning anti-Semitism, we remind European democracies of their own ideals.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House of indignities inflicted last month on several of my constituents. One young woman, Mengyang Jian, was detained, with twenty other United States citizens, at Reykjavik Airport. Other Asian-Americans, traveling with American passports, about twenty-five in all, were prevented from boarding IcelandAir flights at Logan Airport in Boston on the nights of June 11, 12, and 13. Dr. Tianlun Jian gave me a copy of a document from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Iceland instructing the airline to refuse him passage ``for security reasons.'' All believe that travelers with Asian surnames or Asian appearance were treated differently from other passengers. The Republic of Iceland took these extraordinary measures in anticipation of Falun Gong protests during the state visit of President Jiang Zemin. The Icelandic government, as I understand its position, consistently maintained that, despite its commitment to free speech and peaceful protest, its security forces could not cope with ``thousands'' of demonstrators. And, indeed, the airport detainees were eventually released and allowed to proceed to the capital and to demonstrate at designated sites. I do not wish to portray these events as brutal violations of human rights, such as those that Falun Gong practitioners do, in fact, suffer in China. Nonetheless it is wrong and unacceptable for Asian Americans to be treated differently from other Americans. It is wrong and unacceptable for foreign governments to discriminate among American citizens on the basis of religion or ethnicity. Such discrimination is wrong and unacceptable when it happens abroad. It is wrong and unacceptable, and most certainly illegal, when it takes place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or anywhere in the United States of America. The Congress must defend the rights of all Americans to equal treatment, and, occasionally, we must remind even friendly democratic countries that we are one people, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The great strength of any democracy rests in its citizens, and my constituents report that the people of Iceland themselves demonstrated in solidarity with them. Hundreds signed a full-page ad that appeared in the June 13 issue of the Morgunbladid, Iceland's major daily paper, apologizing in Chinese, English, and Icelandic for their government's actions. One of my constituents, So Dai Yee of Cambridge, told me that she drew comfort from these ``people with righteous hearts.'' In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the people of Iceland who rose to defend human rights.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, without question, September 11th, 2001 was one of the most tragic days in our nation's history. Millions of lives were adversely affected by the terrorist acts that were perpetrated in New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. However, like so many times before, Americans from across the country rose to the challenge of defending this great nation. Out of this dark period came amazing stories of heroism, patriotism and selflessness. Today, I rise to introduce a joint resolution, on behalf of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, that pays tribute to a group of men and women who played an indispensable role in defense of the nation during and following September's terrorist attacks. Before most of America could come to grips with what was happening on the morning of September 11th, the 102nd Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, located at Otis Air National Guard Base, had assumed its position as the tip of the spear in defense of the nation's skies. Known as the Minutemen, in honor of their Revolutionary War forefathers, the 102nd became the nation's first airborne responders when it scrambled two F-15s just six minutes after being informed of the hijackings. Within the first hour, the wing launched six armed aircraft on Combat Air Patrol over New York City and Boston. Incredibly, with significantly fewer pilots and maintainers than their active duty counterparts, the 102nd generated, loaded and accepted fourteen aircraft in less than seventeen hours for around-the- clock combat operations. As a result of its ability to respond so quickly and effectively, the 102nd Fighter Wing became the country's lead air defense squadron for Operation Noble Eagle. In the first three days of the national crisis, the 102nd flew forty- six sorties and better than 160 hours protecting every major city in the Northeast Air Defense Sector. During this period, the 102nd was the country's sole clearance and identification authority and their flawless execution expedited the flow of medevac and recovery aircraft to the World Trade Center site. By day sixteen, the squadron had tripled its alert commitment, flying 144 sorties totaling 450 hours, and expanded its area of responsibility to include the entire mid-Atlantic coast. From September 11th until receiving orders to stand down on February 1, 2002, the 102nd Fighter Wing flew a total of 770 sorties, compiling over 3200 hours in direct support of Operation Noble Eagle and Combat Air Patrols over New York, Washington DC, and Boston. During this nearly five-month period, the unit came close to surpassing their annual flying hour allocation and witnessed an astounding 300 percent increase in operational tempo. The operation tempo increase included such tasking as escorting Air Force 1 and Air Force 2, providing air support when the President addressed the United Nations, and patrolling the skies over New York City during baseball's World Series. Hopefully, that venue will be in Boston this fall! Especially noteworthy was the twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week aspect of the operation. Normally, major aircraft maintenance can be accomplished during non-flying periods, and all maintenance personnel can concentrate on fixing the jets instead of flying. Naturally, this is not possible with an around-the-clock flying commitment. However, the 102nd's maintenance crews rose to the challenge and were able to provide fully mission capable aircraft that enabled the squadron to meet 100 percent of its Combat Air Patrol and alert tasking. If that were not amazing enough, in addition to fulfilling its own missions, the 102nd, as a result of the superior maintenance efforts, were able to fill in for other units when those units could not meet their tasking. When you take into account the accomplishments of the unit during this period, you cannot help but have a deep sense of honor and appreciation for the 1000 men and women that make up the 102nd Fighter Wing. No single flying organization has ever been tasked with this level of responsibility for such a long period of time. Make no mistake; every American owes each one of these citizen air-men and women a debt of gratitude to them for their hard work, dedication and tireless commitment to ensuring the operational success of each and every mission. Earlier this month the 102nd's achievements were properly recognized when the wing was selected as the 2002 recipient of the Winston P. Wilson Trophy, given to the country's most outstanding Air National Guard fighter unit. Additionally, the 102nd is a finalist for the 2002 Hughes award, which recognizes the top fighter unit in the entire United States Air Force. The professional qualities and dedication to duty demonstrated this year by the unit were without equal and it is this Member's opinion the 102nd Fighter Wing is deserving of this honor as well. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me say that even before the events of September 11th, the men and women of the 102nd Fighter Wing personified the true meaning of patriotism. The Fighter Wing has a long and distinguished history of service to the people of Massachusetts and the nation. I am extremely honored to have the 102nd Fighter Wing in my state and particularly proud to know that when the nation called for its most capable fighters to protect America's skies, the 102nd Fighter Wing responded in true Minuteman fashion. It is my hope that Congress will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the 102nd Fighter Wing by considering and ultimately passing this resolution.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize May 12-18, 2002 as National Hospital Week. This year's theme, ``Where Miracles Happen Every Day'' is a fitting tribute to our nation's hospitals and their dedicated staffs of health care professionals. This week, we should all recognize the service of these health care workers, volunteers and other professionals who are committed to providing quality care to communities throughout the country. National Hospital Week was first celebrated eighty years ago in an effort to encourage more Americans to rely on the care provided at health care facilities. It has now become a powerful way to honor a remarkable industry. This year, we celebrate the impact of quality health care on our nation's families. Hospitals are at the cutting edge of our health care system. From supporting groundbreaking research in new therapies to advancing new technologies in patient care, hospitals are at the forefront of diagnosing, understanding, treating, curing and preventing disease. These continuing improvements in medical care have helped patients recover faster from injuries and sickness while allowing many people to live happier and healthier lives. I believe that it is important to recognize our health care system and the instrumental role it plays in ensuring quality, comprehensive care in all of our communities. From life saving surgeries to routine physicals, hospitals continuously provide quality health care to patients and their families. The people of my Congressional District are fortunate to have some of the best research, teaching and community hospitals right in their backyard. Patients from New England, across the nation, and throughout the world come to these care centers seeking hope for better lives. Those of us from the Boston region must never take these hospitals and their staffs for granted. National Hospital Week is the perfect opportunity to recognizing the miracles that are performed in these hospitals each day. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we celebrate National Hospital Week and recognize the success and dedication of our nation's hospitals.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the State of Israel. I am wholly committed to the security and safety of Israel, a key strategic friend and ally. Last week I voted present on H. Res. 392, the DeLay Resolution entitled ``Expressing Solidarity With Israel In Its Fight Against Terrorism.'' In December 2001, I voted for a similar resolution, H. Con. Res 280, also entitled ``Expressing Solidarity With Israel In Its Fight Against Terrorism.'' I voted ``present'' last week because I believed that this resolution did not promote the safety or security of Israel. I hope to see Israel and Palestine coexist as democratic states, each within secure and internationally recognized boundaries. I believe that the United States has an important role to play in promoting peace in the region. The language of this resolution was highly inflammatory, and I could not in conscience support a measure that might compromise our ability to seek peace. Terrible carnage has claimed too many innocent lives, both Israeli and Palestinian. I voted as I did because I believe the United States can help end that carnage.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Nurses Week, and I am pleased today to join my good friend Ernie Fletcher in introducing important legislation that helps address the nursing shortage. Nurses constitute the nation's largest group of healthcare professionals. They serve in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, managed care facilities and community health centers, and their work is invaluable. Unfortunately, there is an emerging labor shortage among this group of healthcare professionals. Fewer and fewer people are choosing nursing as a career. According to the General Accounting Office, between 1993 and 1996 enrollments at two-year associate degree programs dropped 11%, while enrollments at three-year diploma programs dropped 42%. Between 1995 and 1998, enrollments at four-year bachelors programs dropped 19%. Even so, the demand for nurses is increasing, and it will only grow as the baby boomers retire. The Congressional Research Service projects that the supply of nurses will fail to meet demand by 2010. This crisis threatens to compromise the quality of healthcare in this country. Indeed, the Department of Health & Human Services reports that there is a ``strong and consistent relationship'' between nurse staffing and patient health. The GAO reports that between 2000 and 2030, the group of Americans who are 65 years of age and older will double. At the same time, the number of women between 25 and 54--the group that traditionally comprises most of the nursing workforce--is expected to remain the same. Mr. Speaker, more than ever we need nurses to care for our seniors. Unless we create incentives and opportunities for men and women to choose nursing as a career, this country will face a crisis in this decade. To address this problem, my friend Ernie Fletcher and I have today introduced the bipartisan Nurse Education Promotion Act. Our bill addresses the nursing shortage in a number of important ways. First, it would establish a competitive grant program for associate degree nursing schools to be used for nursing student recruitment, student scholarships, and the hiring of faculty. Second, the bill would establish a competitive grant program for professional nurses associations, so that they may establish and administer continuing education programs, in cooperation with area hospitals and higher education institutions. Under the continuing education programs, the nurses association would coordinate class work at a central location for which nurses could receive college credit towards a BSN (or equivalent degree) and/or training in an understaffed and critical nursing specialty. The clinical portion of the continuing education could be done at any of the participating hospitals. While we support other legislation to alleviate the nursing shortage, we believe that by focusing on the two-year schools our bill gets nurses into the field more quickly. By providing money for continuing education, we hope to ensure that nurses are able to meet the changing and increasingly complex demands of our healthcare system. We hope our colleagues will join us in our efforts to alleviate the nursing shortage and head off a major healthcare crisis that is just on the horizon.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, twenty years is not a long time as historic institutions go in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but it's an epoch in a rapidly evolving field like biomedicine. In the past 20 years, science has begun to understand diseases, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, at the molecular level and illuminated the processes that impel human growth and development. It has begun to use the regenerative powers of the body's own stem cells for therapeutic purposes. The Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been significantly involved in all these advances. Jack Whitehead, a visionary businessman and entrepreneur, made possible its creation. Endowed by a major gift from Mr. Whitehead, and with continuing support and guidance from the Whitehead family, the Whitehead Institute celebrates two decades of remarkable progress and looks forward to a future on the very frontiers of science. Researchers at Whitehead are among the Nation's best competitors for competitive research dollars. Often, their work pushes the boundaries of established academic disciplines and explores problems that are part chemistry, part biology, part engineering, part computing, not quite ``owned'' or funded by any single field. Yet it is this kind of inquiry that often yields the greatest breakthroughs: the whole may be far greater than the sum of its parts. The Whitehead encourages and participates in imporant collaborations--between disciplines, between institutions, and even between countries. For the past 20 years, the Institute has developed innovative ideas and methods that have been adopted by the world scientific community. Perhaps the most noteworthy has been an entirely new way to sequence the human genome and uncover the genetic codes that make our bodies what they are. The Center for Genome Research at Whitehead was a principal contributor to the human gene map unveiled two years ago at the White House. While the Institute's reach is national and global, I want to note and commend its work in Massachusetts. Its distinguished staff finds time for an annual program of activities for high school teachers and students, helping them understand and benefit from their research. Every year, hundreds of local residents attend the Whitehead's science symposium and a regular series of colloquia on issues in science and public policy. On the occasion of its 20th Anniversary in 2002, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend the generosity of the Whitehead family that created this great research institute and recognize also the many subsequent donors who have sustained it. The faculty and staff of the Whitehead Institute may take credit for many biomedical advances that promise to assuage human suffering and prolong human life. We can look forward with great anticipation to its future discoveries.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time on my side.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, we have no objection to the manager's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is relatively simple. It does one small item in the proposed bill which simply guarantees that one, only one of the five seats, will be someone who has never been licensed as an accountant. It simply is the best way that I could think of to guarantee that the general public has at least one voice at the table. The other four seats are just as submitted in the current draft; namely, two seats shall be people who are licensed to practice accounting, and two people may have a license to practice accounting, as long as they have not practiced in the last 2 years. It is exactly what the bill says, with the sole exception of one person who has never been licensed. I think that is the least we can do to guarantee the general public, the investing public, has at least one seat at the table without having been subject to practice for the last 30 or 40 years. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Chairman, I offer amendment No. 2.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, for the fourth consecutive year, to commemorate a people who despite murder, hardship, and betrayal have persevered. April 24, 2002, marks the 8th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; unbelievably, an event that many still fail to recognize. Throughout three decades in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, millions of Armenians were systematically uprooted from their homeland of three thousands years and deported or massacred. From 1894 through 1896, three hundred thousand Armenians were ruthlessly murdered. Again in 1909, thirty thousand Armenians were massacred in Cilicia, and their villages were destroyed. On April 24, 1915, two hundred Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were arbitrarily arrested, taken to Turkey and murdered. This incident marks a dark and solemn period in the history of the Armenian people. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire launched a systematic campaign to exterminate Armenians. In eight short years, more than 1.5 million Armenians suffered through atrocities such as deportation, forced slavery and torture. Most were ultimately murdered. I have had the privilege of joining my colleagues in a letter to the President asking that he acknowledge the Genocide in his April 24th commemoration statement. It is my hope that the President will stand by this pledge he made in 2000. It is my hope that this will be one more step toward official recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States. Many of our companions in the international community have already taken this final step. The European Parliament and the United Nations have recognized and reaffirmed the Armenian Genocide as historical fact, as have the Russian and Greek parliaments, the Canadian House of Commons, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies and the French National Assembly. It is time for America to join the chorus and acknowledge the Armenians who suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. And let me stress that I am not speaking of the government of modern day Turkey, but rather its predecessor, overthrown and repudiated by the modern Turkish Republic. As I have in the past, as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Armenian-Americans in my district to promote investment and prosperity in Armenia. And, I sincerely hope that this year the U.S. will have the opportunity and courage to speak in support of the millions of Armenians who suffered because of their heritage.

Mr. CAPUANO

Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special person from my district. Special, because she embodies the characteristics of a special place. Anne Considine is an extra-ordinary person who has demonstrated how an individual can impact their corner of the world in very ordinary ways. Her corner of the world is Charlestown, Massachusetts, where she is being honored this Saturday evening for her twenty-five years of dedicated service to the Charlestown Youth Hockey Association (CYHA). Plain and simple, Anne Considine is a ``hockey mom''. Long before the political pundits of the 1990's realized the power soccer moms have in impacting political change, Anne Considine was improving her community through youth hockey. Piling the children into the family car for early morning ice time is an expected duty of a hockey parent in Boston. However, twenty-five years ago in most families, and in most neighborhoods, that would have been dad's job alone. Long before women reached Olympic and World Cup glory through hockey and soccer, Anne Considine was known as someone who could tighten a mean skate. Anne's influence in her community did not stop at the rink or at the doorstep of her home at 10 Tufts Street in the Bunker Hill Housing Projects. Anne's dedication to the neighborhood of Charlestown is well known throughout the community. Anne's passion for hockey, however, is what allowed her to reach out to her community and her neighbors as someone whose opinions should be respected. As a CYHA coach, president and parent, there was no one more tenacious on the bench or in the boardroom. As tough a competitor as Anne could be at times, people dealing with her knew that she possessed a hockey attitude spurred from a mother's love. This was a passion not limited to just her children but was felt by all the children of Charlestown Youth Hockey. During Anne's tenure with CYHA, her guidance was available to all the athletes regardless of their ability to play or pay. Anne's leadership resulted in the initiation of the Green Team, which allows youth that can not afford the ever-escalating costs of playing hockey to realize a dream. To some of these kids just being able to take the ice as a youth is as big a hockey career to which they aspire. Charlestown has seen many of its young hockey players move on to compete at the high school and college level. Some are fortunate enough to have enjoyed professional careers. Still others have won Olympic Gold. These exceptional athletes were no more important to Anne than those whose careers peaked at the youth level. Regardless of how far the skills developed at the Charlestown rink took these young athletes, the lessons learned from Anne Considine's wisdom and caring went with them. Rinks and neighborhoods from as far away as Chicago, St. Louis, Lake Placid, Peoria, Florida, Nashville, Cleveland, Plattsburg and Hampton Roads, to name a few, have felt the influence of one woman's love of hockey and her hometown. Mr. Speaker, I leave here tonight proud to say that the next generation of Considine's can be found mucking it up in the corners at the Charlestown Rink. This is a tribute to Anne's lasting impact on youth hockey in Charlestown. On behalf of all the hockey players in Charlestown--past, present, and future--I want to thank Anne Considine for her years of dedication to the Charlestown Youth Hockey Association.