Shelley Capito

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a constituent of mine, Mr. Rick Morgan. I have the pleasure of knowing Rick personally, and I am proud to recognize him because tonight Rick will be carrying the Olympic torch and lighting the caldron in Charleston, West Virginia. In service to our country, Rick Morgan has sacrificed much. While attempting to save the life of a Marine during the Vietnam War, he was caught in a land mine explosion that took his left hand and left leg. After the war, Rick returned to his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, and has worked for the brokerage firm of Salomon Smith Barney for the past 32 years, very successfully. Today, he is the senior vice president of sales. Rick is an avid swimmer. He bikes, he sails and he skis. His very active life is proof that Rick has the ability to overcome any challenge and any obstacle with which he is faced. Rick is a steadfast rock of our community. He goes out of his way to help others, serves as an inspiration to his fellow West Virginians. His determined approach to life is impressive and truly embodies the Olympic spirit. I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this privilege of carrying the Olympic torch to our home State of West Virginia. I am honored to commend Rick Morgan and wish him all of the best tonight.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Shepherdstown Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Shepherdstown Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Shepherdstown Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Shepherdstown Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Troy Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Troy Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia, ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Troy Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Troy Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sand Fork Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Sand Fork Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Sand Fork Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Sand Fork Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Normantown Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Normantown Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Normantown Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Normantown Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Pickens School in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Pickens School has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Pickens School for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Pickens School.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mount Nebo Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Mount Nebo Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Mount Nebo Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mount Nebo Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Polk Creek Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``Exemplary'' school. Polk Creek Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools in West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Polk Creek Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education of all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Polk Creek Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Shoals Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Shoals Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Shoals Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Shoals Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Holz Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Holz Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Holz Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Holz Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Weberwood Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Weberwood Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Weberwood Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Join me in honoring Weberwood Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chamberlain Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Chamberlain Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Chamberlain Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Join me in honoring Chamberlain Elementary

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Winfield High School in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Winfield High School has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Winfield High School for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Winfield High School.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Highlawn Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Highlawn Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Highlawn Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Highlawn Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Conner Street Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Conner Street Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Conner Street Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Conner Street Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mrs. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Confidence Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Confidence Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Confidence Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Confidence Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Evans Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Evans Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Evans Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Evans Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Overbrook Elementary in recognition of their achievement as an ``exemplary'' school. Overbrook Elementary has been selected as one of the top 50 schools of West Virginia. ``Exemplary'' status is based on Stanford Achievement Test results, attendance, drop out rates, and writing exam scores. I commend the leadership and faculty on their dedication to the children that walk through their doors each day. They have set an incredible example for the other 817 schools in West Virginia. I equally commend the students and parents of Overbrook Elementary for their commitment to a quality education and a bright future. Efforts to bring superior education to all of West Virginia and America are among our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Overbrook Elementary.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3295, the Help America Vote Act of 2001. I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for creating this bill that will strengthen our Nation's voting system and enhance America's democracy. The 2000 election highlighted obviously the inaccuracies and inconsistencies in our voting systems. As the country waited to hear the final outcome of the Presidential election, many began to take a closer look at our voting systems. What we saw were outdated technologies and a lack of uniformity. In my home State of West Virginia, 12 counties of the 55 counties still use the punch ballot. It is easily manipulated and archaic, but these 12 counties lack the funds to replace these machines. With the $3.6 million that West Virginia will receive in this bill, all those machines will be replaced. But I think it is interesting to note that there are four other operating voting systems in our small State of West Virginia; optic scans, paper ballots, lever machines, and a highly innovative votronic technology. The lack of uniformity and compatibility creates confusion. This plan will help eliminate that. All States will be able to benefit from the flexible funds, which can be used to enable access to voters with disabilities, strengthen voter turnout, and to consolidate our statewide registration systems. Voting for an elected official is the hallmark of American democracy. When citizens cast their votes, they are exercising a fundamental right that our forefathers worked to achieve for all generations. With our country at war, we must also be concerned now, more than ever, about ensuring the accuracy of the votes of our men and women overseas. This bill, H.R. 3295, addresses this concern. Voting is an important and fundamental American right and should never be casually regarded. But our citizens need to have the confidence in their voting systems so they will eagerly and willingly cast their votes and feel confident that they are participating in a strong and efficient democracy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Help America Vote Act.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 294. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the employees of the General Accounting Office who sacrificed their personal offices in order to allow the daily business of Congress to continue. As we were trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy, I was amazed at the willingness of the GAO staff to be flexible in conducting their daily business in less than desirable conditions. I would personally like to thank Mr. Charles Johnson, Jr., and others whose offices at the GAO housed members of my staff. Although it may seem like a small sacrifice in the larger scheme of things, the employees of the GAO played a critical role during very uncertain times. It is obvious that the GAO, once known as the iron fist of government, has slipped on a silk glove of kindness in this urgent time. Mr. Speaker, all Americans are making sacrifices to ensure terrorism is stricken from our world. We must not forget to thank everyone for his or her cooperation in this time of crisis. If they have not already done so, I encourage my fellow Members of Congress to join me in thanking the employees of the GAO for their graciousness and flexibility.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton), a distinguished member of the authorizing committee who I must say works tirelessly to connect the work of the authorizing committee to the Committee on Appropriations, and certainly in her work on the 1890 colleges and assistance to Africa, there is no better advocate in this House.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge support of the conference report that contains within it the increased development of affordable housing. I would like to congratulate the Chair, my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), and I would also congratulate the ranking member, my colleague, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan). The FHA loan limits have not been raised since 1992 despite dramatic increases in construction cost and critical demand for affordable rental housing. In a number of cities nationwide, and those in West Virginia as well, there has been no new construction under the FHA program in 4 years. The need for affordable housing is well documented, and today 13.7 million households face a critical housing need. The availability of decent housing has been deeply harmed by the lack of financing to produce these units. By increasing the multifamily loan limits, FHA will stimulate not only new construction, but rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in many cities across the country. I look forward to giving my wholehearted support to this conference report. I thank the Chair and the ranking member.

Mrs. CAPITO

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the gentleman coming this evening, and I think it is just another example of how breast cancer reaches all lives, males and females, every family; and I certainly wish the gentleman's sister the best. In order of appearance, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones).

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from California for her wonderful advocacy in terms of raising the awareness of breast cancer today, but I would also like to thank her for, as a new member of the Women's Caucus, and as a new woman Member to the House, for her leadership on so many issues. I have learned a great deal in the Women's Caucus meetings that she and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) put together. Mr. Speaker, we all know that breast cancer, while it strikes women in much greater numbers, men are also many times victims of breast cancer, but men can also be victims of breast cancer because many times their wives or daughters are stricken. So I am pleased to have here today the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) to speak on breast cancer awareness.