Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, in remembrance of President Truman's birthday today, I want to share a speech my grandfather, Representative A.S.J. Carnahan, made on this floor over half a century ago in April 1945 after Truman assumed the Presidency: ``Mr. Speaker, my own native State, Missouri, bows with the Nation and the world in sorrow at the loss of the late President Roosevelt. As we bow in the presence of divine providence and have committed a national leader to the ages, we must carry on. New hands must take up the task of national leadership. Missouri is honored to present to the Nation and the world the new American leader, President Harry S Truman. ``Born and reared on a Missouri farm, elected county judge, sent to the U.S. Senate, selected by President Roosevelt as a running mate, elected vice president and now President of the United States, it's typically Missourian and typically American. What could more truly represent the American tradition and spirit than from farm boy to President? ``This is the first time my beloved State of Missouri has furnished a President. We are happy it is Harry Truman. His honesty, ability, frankness, experience, and humility fit him for the very heavy tasks which lie ahead. He is equal to the occasion.''

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Record.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this is National Cover the Uninsured Week. This recognition is particularly important this year as our economy continues to dip into recession. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently released a study that shows each time the unemployment rate increases by one percentage point, an additional 600,000 children lose their insurance. Congress has worked hard to ensure that our children have access to health care coverage through the CHIP program. In strong bipartisan votes, this Congress has repeatedly sent President Bush legislation that would provide 10 million children quality health care coverage, but repeatedly, he vetoed the legislation and prevented us from reaching more children. This legislation is even more important today as more Americans are losing their jobs and their health care, and yet President Bush and most Republicans in this Chamber refuse to ensure that 10 million children have access to quality health care. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize the uninsured this week, I once again urge President Bush to reconsider his veto of the CHIP bill.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to join in those sponsoring H. Con. Res. 322, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence. On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel; and just minutes later in the White House, President Harry Truman signed the order so the U.S. would also recognize this new Jewish State of Israel. Since then, the U.S. has had a close and special relationship with the State of Israel, shared democratic values and common strategic interests with the people of Israel and the United States. The people of Israel have fought costs of war, have fought terrorism, and diplomatic and economic boycotts, and still they remain committed to peace and security in their country and the region. I have had the privilege to visit the country twice and witness the strength and resilience of the people of Israel. They are committed to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. In this thriving democracy, we need to continue that support and the commitment to the peace process, and I congratulate Israel on the 60th anniversary of their independence.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to sponsor this bill today before us, H.R. 5395, a bill to name a Missouri post office after a true champion of civil rights, Congressman William ``Bill'' Clay. Mr. Clay retired from the House of Representatives in the year 2000 after a stellar career in public service. It's especially appropriate to have this tribute for him to name the Florissant, Missouri, post office in his honor that is located in Missouri's First Congressional District that he represented for 32 years in Congress, where he rose to become chairman of the House Committee on the Post Office and Civil Service and achieved the third highest rank in seniority in the entire U.S. House. Mr. Clay was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and began his political career in 1959 as a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, where he served until 1964. Prior to entering Congress in 1968, he also worked as a real estate broker and later as a labor coordinator. He worked for the union of St. Louis City employees from 1961 to 1964 and then with the Steamfitters Union until 1967. Congressman Bill Clay is known as a true pioneer of civil rights. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he became a champion of social justice and labor rights, working on behalf of the poor and the disenfranchised. Bill Clay was co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. He was an author of the history of African Americans who served in Congress. And he had a famous saying, that he did not have permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics, just permanent interest. He looked out for the people that he represented, and he served them well. He's been credited with turning back racial discrimination throughout his career. He remains today an outspoken leader in our community, an accomplished author. This will be a fitting tribute to his years of dedication in public service. I ask that the U.S. House of Representatives respect this living legend, this inspirational leader, Congressman William ``Bill'' Clay with this fitting tribute of naming a Missouri post office in his honor.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina on their 16th anniversary of independence. It is an honor for me to represent the largest Bosnian-American population in the United States, as well as cochair the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Bosnia with Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey. Our Bosnian-American neighbors who have come to St. Louis and the other parts of the U.S. have contributed a great deal to our country. I am proud that on April 7, 1992, the United States was one of the first nations to recognize the newly independent Bosnia-Herzegovina. As we honor the anniversary of their independence today, let us reaffirm our support for Bosnia's progress toward Euro-Atlantic integration and remember their long history of multi-ethnic and religious tolerance. I would like to applaud their democratic orientation, and strongly encourage the further strengthening of government reforms with respect to human rights, rule of law and free market economy. I once again congratulate the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina on the anniversary of their independence, and I look forward to further collaboration between our two countries.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Private First Class Andrew Habsieger, who died serving our country in Iraq. On Easter Sunday, March 23, he was one of four soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. He was scheduled to return home to his family in 2 weeks. Andy was just 22 years old. In Festus, Missouri, friends and family remembered him as a loving child and standout high school football player. Andy proudly served the U.S. Army as an infantryman and was inspired to fight for his country after the terrible attacks of September 11. On March 22, 2005, Andy wrote me requesting assistance in joining the Marine Corps because of experiencing migraines while growing up. Andy ultimately joined the Army. Looking back on his letter, I am reminded of his steely determination to serve his country. That he did. The weekend Andy died marked the 4,000th American soldier killed in Iraq. My heart goes out to Andy's parents, Michael and Brenda Habsieger, as well as his brother, Jacob, who is also in the Army. We must never forget our Nation's fallen heroes. PFC Andrew Habsieger will not be forgotten and his service will inspire generations yet to come.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Chairman, I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 5501, properly named after our former Chairmen Lantos and Hyde, both of whom I had the honor to serve under on the Foreign Affairs Committee. I also want to thank President Bush for reaffirming his commitment to Africa in his State of the Union but also to being open to improvements in how we deliver our support in Africa. I want to also add my thanks to Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for their leadership in bringing this to the floor, but especially to Chairman Berman for his great instincts to reach out and craft an achievable and better bill in this Congress in this way. Today, we have an opportunity to improve the way the U.S. funds and administers these HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programs around the world. I believe that it is important to make real changes and real progress in reauthorizing this vital life-saving program. In February, I had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia and study and investigate the effectiveness of many of these programs. The positive effect that PEPFAR has had over the last several years is quite obvious: countless lives have been saved and numerous infections have been prevented. I visited health clinics in rural Ethiopia, including PMTCT, family planning, and government-supported clinics. This bill makes important steps to not just increase funding but to have a more balanced approach to integrate prevention programs. While I would have liked to have seen even greater integration in these programs with family planning and prevention programs, I'm pleased with the steps the bill does take and steps that are being taken in a bipartisan way that can help this be done sooner.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, while the Bush administration has had no problem bailing out Wall Street firms at taxpayers' expense, it has opposed efforts to help ordinary homeowners. As many as 2.8 million Americans could lose their homes in the next 5 years due to the subprime mortgage crisis. Housing prices have dropped so much that homeowners' debt on their houses exceeds equity for the first time since 1945, and now more than 10 percent of homeowners have mortgage loans that are larger than the value of their homes. These troubling signs have been before the administration for many months, but they have refused to bring forth a proposal to address them until yesterday, and that mainly addresses only regulatory issues. Fortunately, this Congress did not follow the White House's lead. This House has already passed legislation this year that would expand affordable mortgage loan opportunities for families at risk of foreclosures. Madam Speaker, this is only the beginning. We can't do this alone. The President must finally recognize there is a problem and be willing to sign these bills into law when they get to his desk.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, with an economic slowdown looming and the war in Iraq draining billions of dollars in public resources every week, a strong Federal budget will give families the help they need to weather tough times and prepare for a prosperous future. A budget that invests in America's future will direct federal funding to where it's needed most, especially health care, education, housing, nutrition, job training and other priorities that promote economic growth and expand opportunity. A budget resolution that invests in America's future will include bold new investments in high-quality, affordable health care; strong public education; infrastructure and the development of clean energy sources to end our dependence on foreign oil. It also means an end to the costly war in Iraq, and the repeal of President Bush's irresponsible tax breaks for those who don't need or want them. We should also be providing tax relief and help to struggling families and veterans; increase homeland security funding; and reject the President's cuts to our first responders. A budget that invests in America's future will succeed only with broad support in Congress. I encourage my distinguished colleagues to support this proposed budget to rebuild America's future.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, a week ago Friday, the market dropped 400-plus points, and the Air Force announced its award of a refueling aircraft contract to foreign-based Airbus over U.S.-based Boeing. At a time when we are working on national economic stimulus plans for our sagging economy, outsourcing vital defense work and good-paying jobs raises questions that are both troubling and alarming. Their decision to reward foreign interests by spending $40 billion abroad has been ridiculed. Many today are still shaking their heads. It reminds me of a time not long ago when we were being asked to relinquish control of our ports. This latest debacle doesn't make sense, and it is not good for our country. Air Force officials have agreed to move up a debriefing with Boeing officials to explain why they would outsource the construction of 179 aerial tankers abroad. Adding insult to injury, many believe the Air Force decision will end up actually buying a more costly and less capable aircraft. Many Members are disturbed by what has transpired as a result of this deal. It degrades our national defense industry. It diminishes economic development opportunities and jobs here at home. When will we insist on putting America's interests first? This Congress should act swiftly and responsibly to review and to stop this questionable contract award.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, Defense Secretary Gates confirmed what many of us in Congress have long suspected: the Bush administration plans to leave nearly 130,000 troops in Iraq until the day he leaves office next January. The war in Iraq has been misguided from the start and mismanaged in its prosecution. It has led to a significant military readiness crisis, deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan, a readiness crisis for National Guard forces here at home, and a record low standing for us abroad. This month, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau said that 88 percent of our stateside Guard units are ``very poorly equipped'' with less than half of what they needed to respond to a domestic crisis. Five years of war in Iraq is indeed straining our troop force and their equipment. Yet the Bush administration wants more of the same. Mr. Speaker, this Democratic-led Congress will continue to fight to change direction in Iraq and responsibly redeploy our troops home.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Chairman, my deepest condolences to the Lantos family. Thank you for sharing him to perform his remarkable public service here. It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege to have known Tom and Annette Lantos, a remarkable American success story, a remarkable American love story. I first met Mr. Lantos as a new Member after the 2004 elections and was awed by him. His life story and internationally renowned fierce voice for human rights everywhere will continue to lead and inspire us for years to come. I am truly indebted to Tom Lantos for his gentlemanly demeanor and generous time and advice for me as a new Member of this House and on his Foreign Affairs Committee. His giving nature, keen intellect, and passionate advocacy were part of the decency in what is right about this House of Representatives. Mr. Chairman, Tom, we will miss you, but not soon forget you.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight on a sad occasion in the loss of loved ones in the Kirkwood, Missouri, community, part of which I represent and part of which is represented by my colleague Representative Akin of St. Louis County, and tonight we want to talk about that incident. This close-knit community of Kirkwood, Missouri, struggles this week over the loss of loved ones. The wounded, especially Mayor Mike Swoboda, who remains hospitalized, and the chill to public servants and citizens from the violence in Kirkwood City Hall at the level of democratic government closest to the people. I saw firsthand last Friday night at the Kirkwood community's candlelight vigil the way this community has come together through this tragedy, uplifted by ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of heroism, caring, and love. The hearts and prayers of all Missouri and the Nation go out to the families now grieving. First, our obligation is to care for the wounded and honor the lost, who were lost while on duty in the high calling of public service. We lost two city council members, Councilwoman Connie Karr and Councilman Michael Lynch; two police officers, Officer Tom Ballman and Officer William Biggs; and Public Works Director Kenneth Yost. We search our hearts and minds to understand what went wrong that terrible day this past week, to honor their public service, and to learn from this breakdown in the public square. Rightly, we come together to let them know they are not alone in their suffering. We know each and every one of them found purpose in life helping others and as public servants in the public good. One person, Dick Reeves, posted a comment on the St. Louis Post Dispatch site that impressed me and it summed up how to deal with this tragedy. He said, ``If something positive comes out of this horrific tragedy, please let it be that in the memory of these good people, each and every one of us dedicates ourselves to treating our elected officials and each other at home, work, school, play, and while driving with respect, decency, and kindness. We can do it. Let our actions be their monument.'' And I would like to yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Akin).

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, tonight we expect to hear President Bush's last State of the Union address to this Congress. I hope that the recent days working together with this Congress on a bipartisan economic stimulus package can be a good model for the rest of this year and the rest of this President's term. We want to extend a hand to work with him when we can, and this is a good example of how we can do it. But if we see continued roadblocks to progress in this country, we must work to break those roadblocks down and continue to work restoring fiscal responsibility in our government, changing course in Iraq, preparing to address global climate change, addressing the military readiness crisis in this country, and restoring America's moral leadership in the world. I believe we can and we must continue to work together for the great needs of this country. I hope we can continue to do that for the rest of this session.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the energy bill that will finally take our energy policy in a new direction, and I urge the President to sign it into law. This bill makes a big step toward greater energy independence and energy security. The bill includes an historic increase in fuel economy standards, the first since 1975. This increase will save American families an estimated $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We must pursue an energy policy that moves the U.S. towards energy independence, reduces the cost of gasoline to consumers, enhances the development of alternative energy, and substantially reduces threats of global warming. This bill also sends a clear signal to the rest of the world that the U.S. is finally serious about getting our energy and environmental policy in order. However, we still have more work to do on this issue, and this new Congress is committed to get the job done.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, as evidence mounts about the growing risk of climate change and dependence on foreign oil, this Congress has a duty to enact responsible legislation that reduces our impact on the environment. Today, we will do just that by considering the Energy Independence and Security Act, which includes critical provisions to not only reduce global warming, but create new American jobs by harnessing the best of American innovation and technology. This energy bill creates a program to train a skilled green workforce in our Nation, and could lead to the creation of nearly 3 million green jobs over the next 10 years. It increases loan limits for small businesses to help them develop energy efficient technologies, and increases investment in small firms developing renewable energy. It also includes landmark fuel efficiency standards, renewable electricity standards, and energy efficiency programs that will save businesses and consumers money, while reducing carbon emissions. This new energy bill is a big step for the U.S. in the right environmental direction, and it deserves the support of every Member of this Congress.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. Congress passed the act to advance both communications technology and quality programming. It now invests in over 1,000 local radio and television stations, providing every American with access to commercial-free educational and thought-provoking programming. For years, parents in my home of St. Louis, Missouri, have turned to KETC-TV as their children's developing minds are broadened by programs like ``Sesame Street.'' These same parents depend on KWMU for in-depth news coverage of local, national and global events. With its mission to provide programs which inform, enlighten and enrich the public, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has contributed to the development of our children, the public's interest, and the understanding of our world and the implementation of a new and better communications technology. As the bill was signed into law on November 7, 1967, President Lyndon Johnson so eloquently stated, ``While we work every day to produce new goods and create new wealth, we want most of all to enrich man's spirit.'' Thank you to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for doing just that.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, the Children's Health Insurance Program is one of the most effective government programs of the last decade. For an investment of just $3.50 a day, we can ensure health care for that child who would otherwise fall through the cracks because their family makes too much for Medicaid but can't afford private health insurance. This small cost is significantly less than the cost we all bear when uninsured children fail to receive preventative care and end up in our emergency rooms. Yet the President and about 10 of his Republican House supporters are all that stand in the way of covering 10 million American children. Our bipartisan legislation will allow children who are already eligible for the program to see the doctor of their family's choice so they don't have to resort to an emergency room for their primary care. Madam Speaker, it is time for our Republican colleagues in this body to join us in ensuring that all American children have a healthy start in life. The future success of our Nation depends on the health and well-being of our children. It is time for the obstructionists to get out of the way. Let's get the job done.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. As citizens across America celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I wish to recognize the hours of hard work event organizers have contributed in order to provide greater understanding as they share their proud culture. Especially I am reminded of the sacrifices many have made over the years to community and country. Today, our armed services continue to rely on the dedication of men and women from Hispanic communities throughout the Midwest and Missouri. While defending this Nation, and protecting a way of life that offers opportunity to Americans of varying race, they proudly serve. For all who remain in harm's way today, in order to secure peace at home, we wish them the best, and look forward to their safe return.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, President Bush and about 10 House Republicans are all that stand between 10 million children and the health care they need and deserve. I am deeply disappointed in the President's dumbfounding veto of the SCHIP bill. He reneged on his pledge he made when running for re-election in 2004. The bill to reauthorize SCHIP continues coverage for 6 million kids currently covered and provides incentives for another 4 million kids who have been falling through the cracks of the health care system. The program continues to focus on low- and moderate-income families who earn too much for the Medicaid program, but can't afford private health care. Madam Speaker, the big momentum behind this historic bill is growing exponentially and will not be stopped. To those blocking the SCHIP reauthorization from becoming law, I say either get on board, get out of the way, or get run over. The children's health care bill is on its way, either with or without you. SCHIP supporters are even more determined than ever to get this done by the mid-November deadline. Let's all finish this job. For children's health care in America, it's fourth and goal on the 1-yard line. Working together, we can overpower anyone left blocking the way.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer words of condolence to the family and friends and colleagues of former Missouri Congressman, Robert A. Young, III. Well-known for his stalwart defense of working men and women, Congressman Young left St. Louis a better place today as a result of his work in this House. Here he founded the Blue Collar Caucus and served on the Public Works Committee. After serving in the Missouri legislature, he was elected to Congress in 1976 with his Missouri classmates, Ike Skelton and Dick Gephardt. His devotion to public service never wavered, from the time of his early military service in World War II, where he took part in the landing on Utah Beach on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, earning the Bronze Star. Bob Young inspired generations of St. Louisans to seek out the American Dream, personifying the importance of his family, his union, and his community. Congressman Young will be long remembered for his efforts to turn ideas into reality. He committed himself to making sure our Nation's roadways, railways, and airways were safe for all of us, insisting that our transportation system be state-of-the-art. Like the proud pipefitter he was, everyone privileged enough to know him would agree the work we do here on behalf of our Nation today must be completed, leaving no job left undone. Rightfully we pause to thank him for his service to Missouri, this House and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri from the Second Congressional District.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I want to thank the gentleman and would ask the House to pause for a moment of silence.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, on March 22, 1915, the Missouri General Assembly set aside the third Wednesday of October each year as Missouri Day. Due to the efforts of Mrs. Anna Korn, a native Missourian, Missouri Day is a time for schools to honor the State and for people in the State to celebrate the achievements of all Missourians. I urge all those from the Show Me State to reflect on the bounty of our great State today and the achievements of Missourians past and present. For Missourians away from home here in Washington, please join fellow Missourians here in our Nation's Capitol tonight from 5:30-7:30 in 1710 Longworth for the Missouri Day 2007 celebration.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, during a speech at the Republican National Convention in 2004, President Bush said, ``In a new term, we will lead an aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for the government's health insurance programs.'' But instead the President, just minutes ago, vetoed health insurance for 10 million low-income children. The President's objections were without merit and did not warrant a veto. The bill does not expand the CHIP program. Instead, it maintains current eligibility requirements while enrolling more uninsured children. It is not a move towards ``socialized health care.'' States will continue to receive funding through block grants, which nearly all States use. And this investment in the health care of our Nation's children is fully paid for, unlike the President's ongoing Iraq funding requests. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely had hoped the President would have a change of heart and fulfill his promise to enroll children in this health care program. But he failed to do so. Now every Member of this House must vote to override the President to provide for the health care of America's children.