Joe Courtney

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, on March 25, 2008, we celebrated the 187th anniversary of Greek independence. I join with millions of Greek Americans in Connecticut and across the country in marking the anniversary of the successful rebellion of the Greek people against the Ottoman Empire. This anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on the long standing bonds between Greece and the United States. Our Founding Fathers drew from the ideals of ancient Greece, whose leaders wrote about the ideas of a republic. Thomas Jefferson called ancient Greece the ``light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness.'' In turn, Greek patriot Adamantios Koraes in 1823 collaborated with Jefferson on the construction of a new constitution for Greece, drawing on the tenets of America's groundbreaking democracy. Following the Greek War of Independence. Greeks came to study at American universities at the urging of missionaries. But the real surge in Greek immigration came later in the 19th century, when newly arrived Greek Americans provided a catalyst for our Nation's economic growth, working in textile mills and on railroads across New England and in businesses across America. The Greeks who had provided inspiration for our democracy, now directly delivered their commitment to family and hard work to form strong communities in New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Hartford, and across eastern Connecticut to add to the fabric of our American society. Today, over 3 million Americans claim Greek heritage, the descendants of the fathers and mothers of democracy. As we recognize this important anniversary of Greek independence, I join in delivering the best wishes and congratulations from the American people to the people of Greece. We celebrate the historic ties between our two nations, and the legacy of democracy we have together shared with the world.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, for over three decades, Dr. Frederick ``Skip'' Berrien has been a prominent figure in Connecticut's medical, academic, and child welfare communities. This month, he will retire as the director for the Child Abuse/Children's Advocacy Center at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. I rise today to recognize and celebrate his illustrious career and his contributions to our friends and neighbors in Connecticut. Between 1980 and 1987, Dr. Berrien served as the director of pediatrics and acting medical director in general pediatrics at the UConn/Mount Sinai Health Center. Following his tenure at the UConn/ Mount Sinai Health Center, Dr. Berrien assumed an associate director position for pediatric ambulatory services at Saint Francis Hospital. He subsequently served as director of pediatric ambulatory services, clinical director for sickle cell services, co-director of the Siberian American Children's Health Program, and director of child abuse services/Children's Advocacy Center at St. Francis. Beginning in 2001, Dr. Berrien joined the Connecticut Children's Medical Center as a consultant for the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program. While the size and scope of Skip's medical career is clear, his contributions to the academic and social services community have also been substantial. From 1977 to 1979, Dr. Berrien was a clinical instructor at Boston University and from 1980 until present, an associate professor of clinical pediatrics at UConn School of Medicine. His original research ranges from the state of Russian pediatric health care to pediatric sickle cell pain management. His work in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, established new, enduring partnerships with Russian doctors that has benefited both countries. Dr. Berrien has added to his role of providing and teaching pediatric care, to serving as a forceful advocate for issues such as prevention of child abuse and neglect. In the early 1990's, he was instrumental with developing the Child Abuse/Children's Advocacy Center at St. Francis Hospital. At the time there was no program at all to deal with this critical unmet need in central Connecticut. Today as Dr. Berrien leaves, the center is one of the most respected such programs in the country and has brought both compassion and justice to this challenging area of law and medicine. In addition, Skip remains an active participant of such organizations as the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Hartford Multidisciplinary Intervention Child Abuse Team. Medical professionals serve an invaluable role in our society. They are protectors of public health, and purveyors of hope and social justice. Throughout his career, Dr. Berrien has exemplified each of these roles. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents with recognizing his contributions and offering our warmest wishes for his retirement.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Wellstone Parity Act. This legislation will move our country forward to a more intelligent, humane, and cost-effective health care system. Intelligent because it recognizes a scientific fact, that mental illness and disease can be diagnosed and treated like any physical illness and disease. Humane because it will provide relief and care for millions who suffer needlessly. And cost-effective because providing access to primary mental health treatment saves much more expensive catastrophic health care costs and increases productivity of workers suffering from illnesses such as depression and alcoholism. This is not just a theoretical claim, Mr. Speaker. States like the State of Connecticut, which I come from, have had an operational parity bill for a number of years. It is precisely because of that fact that the carefully crafted language surrounding ERISA by the Education and Labor Committee was designed to protect existing parity laws for State- regulated health care plans. We did not want to have a bill that resulted in States ending up going backwards rather than forwards, and commissioners from States like Wisconsin and Connecticut weighed in and advised our committee to, again, make sure that we design the ERISA language carefully to protect State-regulated plans. Finally, this legislation adheres to fiscally sound PAYGO rules. And on that note, I would again salute the work that's been done and will work to make sure that these policies in the bill will not stifle research and development for new medical cures and treatments to help those suffering from mental health and addiction problems. Again, I urge passage of this strong, bipartisan legislation. It is long overdue that our country move in this direction.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life and political legacy of former Connecticut State representative, Richard Tulisano. Richard passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. Richard was a giant in Connecticut State politics for over three decades. His political career began in 1976 when he was elected to represent the 29th District in Connecticut's General Assembly. During his tenure, he served as the chairman for the judiciary committee from 1979 to 1985 and 1987 to 1993 and the house majority whip until his retirement in 2001. Following retirement from the General Assembly, he served as chief of staff for House Speaker Moira Lyons, a position he would retain until his passing. I had the privilege to serve with Richard during my tenure in Connecticut's General Assembly and saw firsthand his fearless defense of individual rights, freedom of speech, and tenacious advocacy for ``the little guy.'' He was known at times for a gruff exterior, but beneath it was a heart of pure gold. He taught me a lot about being a good legislator, but even more important about being a good person. The outpouring of people and accolades in the wake of his passing was a testament of how revered and admired he was. Also his wife Beverley was as much a part of his wonderful life story. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in celebrating Richard's life and offering condolences to his family.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exemplary student Ledyard, Connecticut, Chelsea Bateman. On March 3 and 4, 2008. Chelsea will represent Connecticut in this year's Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, Voice of Democracy national scholarship competition in Washington, DC. For over six decades, the VFW has hosted the Voice of Democracy scholarship program for high school students from around the Nation. Every year, this program encourages students to reflect on ideas of patriotism and democracy in their essays. Thousands of students from Connecticut and across the Nation submitted responses to the 2007-2008 theme, ``My Role in Honoring America's Veterans'', which were evaluated at the local, regional, and State levels. Chelsea's audio essay was selected among thousands of submissions to represent the State of Connecticut at the VFW's Voice of Democracy national scholarship competition in Washington, DC. Chelsea's response to this year's theme, ``My Role in Honoring America's Veterans'', explores the significance of common, everyday actions that we all can take to honor our Nation's veterans. She contends that honoring our veterans in national day of celebration is important, but extending our support in simple everyday actions is perhaps the best way that we can display our gratitude. Chelsea reflects on these ideas, discussing a visit to her WWII veteran grandfather, Pepe, at his retirement home. On the visit, she realized the impact of the smallest encouraging gesture from a nurse and the simple act of the family's visit had on her veteran grandfather. Through expressions of love, encouragement, and general thoughtfulness we are all able to honor America's veterans. Simple actions can produce profound effects. Chelsea's insights will not only work to honor America's veterans, but will produce a kinder, more thoughtful society. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing Chelsea's achievement and fulfilling her ideas on honoring our Nation's veterans.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) as much time as he shall consume.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 930) supporting the goals and ideals of ``Career and Technical Education Month,'' as amended.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 930 into the Record.

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

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 930, which will designate February 2008 as ``Career and Technical Education Month'' and recognize the important role career and technical education plays in the instruction of America's students. Today, over 15 million students participate in career and technical education programs. Career and technical education programs offer diverse courses in subject areas that support the development of a competitive economy, and the courses are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the global market. For example, the Cisco Networking Academy has focused on giving students across the Nation hands-on activities within its 18 programs to prepare students for career opportunities in telecommunications and continuing their education. Another such institution is Marshall Academy. This CTE program at this Fairfax, Virginia, high school strives to expose students to various career paths through a full line of technical and professional courses. Classes in business management, auto services, criminal justice, and culinary arts are bolstered through business partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Sheridan Hotels, and Ford Motor Company. Career and technical programs like these are responsive to the business needs of the community and set students on a successful path for the future. These programs can be found throughout communities across the country and are integral to ensuring America's place in the global economy through the integration of science, math, and literacy in technical course work. The success of CTE can be seen in the data that we have in students who participate in CTE courses. We know that students who take career and technical education courses are more likely to stay in school and, while there, obtain higher grade point averages than their peers. And we also know that when a course combines rigorous academic content with technical subject matter, students are encouraged to actively engage with their studies. Additionally, career and technical education programs are an effective means of linking high schools with community colleges. These links introduce students to future learning opportunities and ease the transition to a post-secondary education. Lastly, programs such as these help foster a highly educated and skilled workforce through internships, job shadowing, and other cooperative work experiences. These courses provide a foundation of skills that prepare students for gainful employment in the United States. Studies have shown that students who participate in career and technical education programs have better employment opportunities and earn more than their general education counterparts. I am encouraged by the many gains students have made through career and technical education programs and believe that a skilled workforce is paramount when competing in a global economy. In my district, there are four CTE school programs and I think like all Members across the country, they are extremely impressive institutions with great committed faculty and students who are totally motivated and engaged in the special skills that they have the opportunity to get a head start in terms of their future job growth and their job opportunities. Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for Career and Technical Education Month, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COURTNEY. Just to close, Mr. Speaker, again, Congressman Baird, who is a passionate advocate on this issue, I think said it all. For all the reasons that he stated and Mr. Bishop from Utah, I would urge all Members to support this resolution and its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson).

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 944) honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the United States, as amended.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 944, honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the United States. And let me first take a moment to thank Representative David Scott of Georgia for helping us to recognize General Honore and getting this resolution to the floor here today. And I want to certainly allow him the spotlight in terms of talking about this extraordinary gentleman. Very briefly, he is a native of Lakeland, Louisiana, graduated from Southern University and A&M College in 1971. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. During his career, General Honore has served a number of infantry command positions in the Army, including tours in Germany and as commanding officer of the Second Infantry Division in Korea. He had also seen action in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm and served as Vice Director for Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff here in Washington, DC. Through his efforts and command, he was responsible for the training and deployment of a half million National Guard and Reserve members. In addition, he led the Joint Task Force Katrina following the hurricane's destruction of the gulf coast in 2005, where he commanded all active duty troops from all branches dedicated to storm recovery operations. This Nation owes a debt of gratitude to General Honore for his commitment to the defense of our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to my friend and colleague, the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time. Again, I urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 978, a resolution to recognize the week of March 3-7 as National School Social Worker Week. School social workers have long played a critical role in schools in the community as a whole. They are professionals with training in social mental health intervention who work with youth to address their emotional, social, and developmental needs. For example, students in elementary school are just beginning to develop their academic self- concept and their feelings of competence. School social workers help students build their confidence as learners. In middle school, many new challenges arise. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests connecting their learning into the classroom to its practical application in life. For these students, school social workers provide proactive leadership that engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students navigate the challenges and achieve success. And in high school, students begin separating from parents and exploring and defining their independence. They face increased pressure regarding risk behaviors involving sex, alcohol, and drugs, while exploring the boundaries of the more acceptable behavior and mature, meaningful relationships. School social workers help make them concrete and compounded decisions. On top of this, school social workers must be responsive to the range of challenges that young people face every day such as poverty, disability, discrimination, abuse, addiction, bullying, divorce of parents, loss of a loved one, and other barriers to learning. School social workers are also on the front lines when disaster strikes, such as the Southern California wildfires or Hurricane Katrina, as well as other traumatic incidents such as the atrocities on 9/11. There is a documentation of the growing need for school districts to expand mental and student support services in schools. The numbers indicate that only 1 in 5 of the 17,500,000 children in need of mental health actually received those services. Many students go underserved primarily because the national average ratio of student-to-school social workers is far beneath the 400-1 ratio recommended by the School Social Work Association of America. Mr. Speaker, this resolution serves to recognize the treasure that is the school social worker and acknowledge the priceless role that they play in guiding our students' success in the ever-changing world of the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to resoundingly pass this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 978 into the Record.

Mr. COURTNEY. I would just say in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would join the gentleman from Utah in support of this resolution which recognizes an important group in our country and salutes the work that they perform. And I would urge all Members to support this resolution.

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

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

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 978) expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3-7, 2008, as ``School Social Work Week'' to promote awareness of the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the community as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as productive citizens.