Joseph Cao

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 249 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role that it played in ensuring the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, we remember a momentous occasion in our history. On March 7, 1965, 600 marchers, led by my esteemed colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, were savagely attacked by State and local police as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge into Selma, Alabama. These brave marchers used the power of nonviolence to demand that most basic of democratic rights of a citizen: the right to vote. In return, the marchers were met with billy clubs and tear gas. But the marchers confronted terror with courage. Their dignity in the face of brutality moved this House to pass the Voting Rights Act, which reaffirmed this Nation's commitment that every citizen has the right to participate fully in the political life of the Nation. This past weekend, my family and I traveled to Selma to honor the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Kate, my wife, our two daughters, Betsy and Sophia, and I marched from Brown Chapel to the top of Edmund Pettus Bridge. Along the way, not only did we learn of the significance of the march, but also the love and admiration that the people still have for the historical marchers. Among those was John Lewis. I commented then and firmly believe today that I owe so much of my personal and political success to the struggles of the African American community. Because of their perseverance and sacrifice, doors have been opened permanently to every minority community in America. Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to have been a part of this momentous commemoration, to work with dedicated public servants like my good friend from Georgia, and I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. CAO

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

Mr. CAO. I thank the gentleman very much. And because the Saints have been so important to my constituents, I will be making official copies of the resolution to be available to them. They can receive a copy by contacting my office in Washington or New Orleans. I want to close with a prayer for the Saints, delivered by Archbishop Philip Hannan at the first Saints and Sinners Banquet in 1968. It reads: ``Our heavenly Father, who has instructed us that the `saints by faith conquered kingdoms and overcame lions,' grant our Saints an increase of strength and faith so that they will not only overcome the Lions, but also the Bears, the Rams, the Giants, and even those awesome people in Green Bay. May they continue to tame the Redskins and fetter the Falcons as well as the Eagles. Give to our owners and coaches the continued ability to be as wise as serpents and simple as doves, so that no good talent will dodge our draft. Grant to our fans perseverance in their devotion and unlimited lung power, tempered with a sense of charity to all, including the referees. May our beloved Bedlam Bowl be a source of good fellowship, and may the `Saints Come Marching In' be a victory march for all, now and in eternity.'' Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the great city of New Orleans and our great State of Louisiana, and her beloved Super Bowl Champions, the New Orleans Saints. The bond between this great city and her team is a special one indeed. In the past few years, both have worked together hand in hand to rebuild and inspire our city. No players in the NFL and their community have had a greater bond and love for each other then do ours. Because, from out of the devastation of Katrina, we have all grown and cried together . . . and so has our love for each other. The Saints season this year in many ways has mirrored New Orleans and its climb from out of the abyss. This year's Super Bowl was not only one of the greatest, but also the largest watched event in the history of television. I ask that this poetic tribute penned by Albert Caswell of the Capitol Guide Service be placed in the Record in honor of them. Fat Sunday, When, Dat Da Saints Came Marching In! A day they'll long remember, as The Football God's will contend there! When a Cool Brees blew into town . . . as number ``9'', Drew, and gunned . . . Gunned Da Colts Down! As The Saints corralled em, and put em out to pasture . . . a real ``Who Dat?'' Disaster! You see, everybody was dissing . . . this Cajun Country's football team's edition. . . But, from this City of The Saints . . . where pain and heartache has so been. . . When, came a rising . . . as a team and a city rebuilding, with but tears in eyes then, their dreams realizing! For in this land of The Bayou, where hope and dreams and faith somehow never ends . . . Why Who! As the Colts came into town, as everyone thought they were the real studs to be found. . . But, from those ocean breezes . . . you could hear those ``Who Dat'' heart's a beating! Fat Sunday, When Dat Da Saints Came Marching In. . . Getting behind early, when Coach Payton . . . said Don't Do Dat . . . Worry! As Garrett was showing his Hartley, kicking two fields in the first half . . . To Do Dat his part, he! An onside kick by Morsted, playing to win! Be Bold! For that's how the coach has always been! As The Saints Came Marching In! As Drew Daddy, took em down the field . . . so cool and so unreal . . . as he refused to yield! As the defense was Vilmanizing, all those horses, making them losing stride then. . . Leaving the Colts offense, with but tears in their eyes then! For on the bench it so seemed, like Peyton . . . lost his dream. . . Was forever waiting . . . awaiting to get in. . . As Thomas showed his promise, as number ``23'' went 16 yds for a TD. . . When, in the 4th quarter, touchdown . . . as The Shockey treatment was in order. . . As it was getting close . . . with Peyton, moving in for the tying score . . . it meant the most! As he threw the ball, you could hear his heart call . . . ``WHO DAT?'' As it was number ``22'' Porter, saying Peyton, your our of order! Running the ball back, all the way back to The French Quarter. . . Gator Got You Manning! As Archie cried . . . When I played, where were you guys then? As it was one heck of a game, with courageous hearts like Fereeny to be seen. . . As a City on this night, took one more giant step towards the light! And Healing It Would Seem! With, all of that darkness of a past . . . she could smile and she could laugh. . . And, let it be said, no more paper bags over heads . . . for The Saints. . .

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished Member from the State of Louisiana, Dr. Boustany. Dr. Boustany has been a wonderful friend to me as well as a wonderful mentor, and it's always good to know that there will always be a great person for me to lean on.

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I cannot find a more ardent Saints fan than the next speaker, Mr. Steve Scalise. He represents about 10 percent of New Orleans and a good part of Jefferson Parish. And most of the fans of New Orleans comes from the parishes that Mr. Scalise represents. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my dear friend from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy). He has been a wonderful friend as well as a wonderful supporter of me in the past year.

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from the State of Louisiana (Mr. Fleming).

Mr. CAO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to my good friend from Indiana, Mr. Dan Burton. He and I entered into a little bet, and the bet was 5 pounds of Indiana steaks for 5 pounds of Louisiana shrimp. And I must say this past weekend the steaks were very, very delicious.

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1079, congratulating the National Football League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. As a New Orleanian and Representative to Congress for Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I am honored to congratulate the Saints on their historic season. I want to thank the 22 original cosponsors and 75 total cosponsors of House Resolution 1079 for joining me to congratulate and support the Saints. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the entire Louisiana delegation for their dedication to the recovery of south Louisiana. We have collaborated in Congress on efforts to rebuild our region, and I hope to continue working with them in the future. The Saints' motto all season has been ``Finish Strong.'' And they did that very thing with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints' Super Bowl victory not only shows the dedication and hard work of the organization, coaches, and players, but also represents a beacon of hope for the City of New Orleans and a catalyst for recovery throughout Louisiana. House Resolution 1079 emphasizes the positive influence that the Saints have had on people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. I introduced House Resolution 1079 to congratulate the Saints because for the past 5 years the Saints have symbolized the City of New Orleans through their pride, resiliency, traditions, suffering, faith, loyalty, and hope. This resolution congratulates Saints owners Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc for their investment in the future of the Saints and their dedication and commitment to a strong and united New Orleans. This resolution also congratulates Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President of Stadiums and Arenas, for helping the Saints return to New Orleans by playing an integral role in rebuilding the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. House Resolution 1079 also brings attention to the individuals who made this season a success. I want to specifically thank head coach Sean Payton for his love and commitment to the people and the City of New Orleans, and to congratulate him in being the lone head coach in Saints history to open a season with 13 straight wins and holding the all-time winning percentage record for a Saints head coach. This resolution also highlights statistics from the Saints' regular season and Super Bowl XLIV, such as Drew Brees completing 70.6 percent of his passes during the regular season, which is an NFL record; Darren Sharper setting an NFL record for most interception return yardage in a regular season with 376 yards; the Saints leading the league in 2009 with 31.9 points per game and 403.8 yards per game; the 2009 Saints surpassing team records for most points in a season, most touchdowns in a season, longest winning streak, most interception return yards, and most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a game. Other statistics from Super Bowl XLIV were Drew Brees setting a Super Bowl record with 32 pass completions, Marques Colston leading the Saints in receiving yards with 83, the team rushing for a total of 51 yards on 18 carries, and Garrett Hartley setting a Super Bowl record with three field goals of over 40 yards. For the past several months, I have been reading statements on the House floor about the importance of the Saints and their positive impact on New Orleans and I want to continue that tradition with a few statements from my district. Ms. Loretta Brehm writes, ``The whole Saints organization exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and a `never give up attitude.' They have brought together all parts of our community, regardless of race, religion, or economic status. Much has been given to our community by their generous spirit and positive actions. If we as a community can model from their success, there is no limits to what we can accomplish.'' Ms. Melissa Smith writes, ``All those involved with the Saints organization took a chance on the City of New Orleans. Doug Thornton performed a miracle and ensured that the team had a facility to play in. The Bensons returned the team to New Orleans. And the team as a whole provided an avenue for all of us to come home and gave us the faith we need to overcome certain odds.'' New Orleanians remark about the resurgence of the team and how they spur the resurgence of the city. ``The New Orleans Saints gave this city hope during a time when we didn't have this hope in ourselves. They provided people with a plan that depends on discipline, dedication, and determination. We may be tired and poor right now, but we are contenders. We are New Orleans. We are America.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month to recognize Ms. Leah Chase. Known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine,'' Ms. Chase is a chef, a television host, a cultural ambassador, and the owner of the famous Louisiana landmark Dooky Chase restaurant. Dooky Chase is located in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and was immortalized in the television show ``Frank's Place.'' But, it was established as a spiritual, cultural, and historical landmark long before television producers came knocking. During the 1960s, Dooky Chase was a meeting place for civil rights activists and NAACP members coming from all around the region. And during segregation, notable African American artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne dined there. When Hurricane Katrina flooded the restaurant, forcing it to close its doors for the first time since 1941, Ms. Chase could have left, leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot. But she returned, rebuilt, and reopened to serve, nourish, and inspire the bodies and souls of future generations. Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for her unwavering commitment to the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Louisiana State University, which is celebrating 150 years of academic achievement and service to the State of Louisiana. This celebration marks the culmination of many goals for LSU as they reach the end of their second major capital campaign, the Forever LSU Campaign, and their academic blueprint for the future, the Flagship Agenda. LSU has had the longstanding goal of being designated as a tier 1 university by U.S. News & World Report, and for the past 2 years LSU has achieved this ranking. For the past 25 years, however, LSU has held the highest Carnegie Foundation classification, the designation of a ``very high research activity'' university. LSU is the State of Louisiana's flagship institution; and as the international leader in research, LSU is one of only 30 universities to have the great distinction of being designated as a land, sea and space-grant institution. Most recently, LSU won $10 million in grants and contracts related to the coast, including aquaculture, erosion, subsidence, storm modeling, and social resiliency to disasters. Further, LSU is deeply rooted in tradition and boasts a large percentage of students from the greater New Orleans area, which I represent. Most notably and nobly for citizens of Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina, LSU opened its doors to enroll an additional 2,700 students from the New Orleans area, and the LSU community housed thousands more. Overnight, LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse became a special-needs shelter, and LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly Center became the largest acute care field hospital in American history. With 800 beds, 1,700 medical personnel from across the Nation, and thousands more volunteers working around the clock to serve and to care for all those affected by the storm, their motto became ``just make it happen.'' It was the epitome of goodness. I am proud to represent approximately 8,000 LSU alumni living in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. On behalf of the citizens of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I want to thank the LSU community for all they did for us during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The LSU community is proud of their traditions; and, today, they are and should be proud of their commitments to academic excellence and community service. I want to congratulate my good friend, Bill Cassidy, for bringing this important resolution to the floor. The Sixth Congressional District cannot find a more dedicated, more honorable Representative than Bill Cassidy. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote for this resolution. Congratulations to the LSU community on its 150th anniversary.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month to recognize Ms. Leah Chase. Known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine'', Ms. Chase is a chef, a television host, a cultural ambassador, and the owner of the famous Louisiana landmark Dooky Chase restaurant. Dooky Chase is located in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and was immortalized in the television show ``Frank's Place''. But it was established as a spiritual, cultural, and historic landmark long before television producers came knocking. During the 1960's, Dooky Chase was a meeting place for civil rights activists and NAACP members coming from all around the region. And, during segregation, notable African American artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne dined there. When Hurricane Katrina flooded the restaurant, forcing it to close its doors for the first time since 1941, Mrs. Chase could have left, leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot. But, she returned, rebuilt, and re-opened to serve, nourish, and inspire the bodies and souls of future generations by its critical contribution to African-American history and the history of this great Nation. Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for continuing to feed the soul of New Orleans and her guests and for her unwavering commitment to the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chaplain Phillip ``Endel'' Lee, Jr., the 2010 recipient of the Reserve Officers Association Chaplain of the Year Award, who is currently serving in my district. I also congratulate him and thank him for delivering the opening prayer here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. His prayer was powerful and moving and reminded us that we are ``Americans promoting freedom, responsible for our actions, and dedicated to the principles that made us free.'' Chaplain Lee has always been a beacon of hope to those facing immense tragedies. He rescued survivors off rooftops during Hurricane Katrina and prayed at Ground Zero with the families of victims of September 11. I am proud to have Chaplain Lee serving in my congressional district. I thank him for his leadership in the spiritual rebuilding of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, and I speak for all of us here when I thank him and his family's service to and sacrifice for this great Nation.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 238, a resolution in honor of black veterans--their patriotism and their heroic military service and sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. It is appropriate in this last week of Black History Month that we honor and recognize the contributions of black Americans who fought in the Armed Forces for our Nation's freedom from the time of the American Revolution through today's fighting force. This resolution only lists a few of the countless deeds and individuals who fought for freedom despite racial prejudices they faced during their service and following their return from combat. Clearly, these brave warriors' love for our Nation is rooted in the love of freedom itself. They fought to help the United States of America become and remain that which our Founding Fathers envisioned-- the shining city on the hill and the beacon of freedom and hope for all people. I would like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Kissell of North Carolina, as well as Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and Ms. Brown for their work in bringing this legislation to the floor so quickly. African Americans have contributed greatly to our Nation and also to the State of Louisiana, in particular, for centuries by defending our freedoms in the Armed Forces, even at a time when they, themselves, were not free. Had it not been for the service of African Americans in 1814-1815 in the Battle of New Orleans, which was really the battle for New Orleans from British control, the United States would not have the New Orleans we know and love today. Today, there are more military veterans who are African American than any other minority group. I am proud to represent Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, which have large populations of African American veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 238. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, today I continue to honor Black History Month by paying tribute to New Orleans' Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The Zulus were founded in 1909 and have been an integral part of the social organization of African American communities for 100 years. They are a foundation of New Orleans' cultural framework through their participation in Mardi Gras and their community service activities. The Zulus' Mardi Gras parade is one of the largest attractions for the tribal costumes, the singing and dancing, and the famous, ornate hand-painted coconuts they distribute to onlookers. In 1949, the King of the Zulu parade was none other than New Orleans' own Louis Armstrong, one of the greatest contributors to African American history and culture. In addition, the Zulus have contributed to the fibers and spirit of our community through their scholarship funds, Adopt a School programs, health fairs, Positive Male Models program, and other activities. The Zulus are the ``everyman's club,'' and I am proud to recognize them and their contributions to Louisiana's culture and history.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1085 and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1085, a resolution to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the transportation infrastructure of the United States. Our transportation systems are an everyday part of both our business and our social lives. We take advantage of transportation infrastructure every day and think little about what it has taken over history to put these modern systems in place. Today, as we celebrate African American History Month, it is fitting that this House should pay special honor to those African Americans who have contributed to the creation of the modern transportation system on which our economy depends. African Americans have been instrumental in the development of transportation infrastructure in many ways. They have been pioneers of aviation; they were dedicated railroad Pullman Porters who saw to the safety and comfort of passengers; they have been bridge architects and engineers; and they have been inventors, developers, and manufacturers of such transportation innovations as devices to make refrigerated trucks and railcars possible, automatic traffic signals, automatic coupling devices for railcars, the electric railway trolley, railway switching devices, automatic transmissions, and safety gates for bridges. In addition, while making these achievements, these men and women had to overcome the racial discrimination of their day. I am pleased to rise today in recognition of their remarkable achievements and urge all Members to support the resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month and to recognize three leaders who have advanced the Nation's Historically Black Colleges, bringing opportunity and hope to many students, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. First, Xavier University president, Dr. Norman Francis. Dr. Francis is known for his effective leadership and his commitment to community. He has led the regeneration of the university and the surrounding neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Francis continues to be a voice in our recovery and an example of hope. Dillard University president, Dr. Marvalene Hughes. In 2005, Dr. Hughes took the helm as Hurricane Katrina came ashore and nearly destroyed the school. Many would have left, but she took on the challenge of rebuilding and recovery, living in a hotel with her students for nearly a year. Under her leadership, Dillard's campus and the neighborhood have been revived and are thriving, and hope for a generation of students has been restored. Finally, interim president of the Southern University System, Dr. Kassie Freeman. Dr. Freeman is an internationally recognized scholar in her own right. At the helm of the Nation's only Historically Black University System, she made Southern University's transition out of FEMA trailers and into permanent facilities a priority, insisting upon those students' continued education. It is my honor to recognize these individuals' contributions to our Nation's history and to support them in their efforts in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: As requested by me, Rep. Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, provides for funding for the National World War II Museum Expansion in the amount of $10,000,000. This funding would be used to design and construct the U.S. Freedom Pavilion and its exhibitions which teach the importance of service to the nation, including the importance of service in the United States Armed Forces. As requested by me, Rep. Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, for Tulane University for Biosensors for Defense Application in the amount of $2,500,000. This funding will leverage Tulane and Xavier Universities biosensor and risk assessment technologies (which provide real-time information about threats from bioterrorism and environmental polluters) program to develop biologically derived sensors for detecting pollutants and contaminants.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, the New Orleans Saints' first trip to the Super Bowl this Sunday has not only boosted the morale of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, but it has also changed the way New Orleanians think of their city and themselves. I am honored to convey New Orleanians' sentiments regarding the Saints to the world as the U.S. Representative of the Second District. Mr. Ray Haeuser of New Orleans writes, ``When the city was still full of water, the Saints were with us. When the city was full of despair, the Saints were there to encourage us. When the water had subsided and the streets were passable again, the Saints were walking around the city looking to help. When the future looked cloudy, the Saints kept cheering us on, and we began to realize that cheering for the Saints was, in fact, cheering for our shared future. The Saints have become a symbol of a city where pulling together can be a celebration every day.'' Mr. Speaker, New Orleanians are mindful of the plight of the people of Haiti. But for this weekend, inspired by Mr. Haeuser and so many like him, we will cheer on our boys this Sunday with the President. Who dat!

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to request my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 901. In 1956, the Orleans Parish School Board was ordered to develop a school desegregation plan. After years of delay, a young girl by the name of Ruby Bridges became one of the first black children to attend an integrated school. Upon her arrival, every white parent came to remove their child. All but one white teacher refused to teach. That one teacher instructed Ruby in a room by herself for a full year. This experience did not deter Ruby, who not only completed her education but went on to found the Ruby Bridges Foundation. The foundation's mission: To promote the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences. I was honored to have met Mrs. Bridges in New Orleans on a number of occasions, and she still expresses the same radiant smile now as she did in 1956. She is truly an extraordinary woman. At a time when my city is fighting to rebuild its schools and build up young people, I am thankful to have her as an ally and an inspiration for future generations. And, having lived in New Orleans all of her life, I am sure she would like to join me in proclaiming ``Who Dat.'' I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting House Resolution 901, recognizing the 49th anniversary of the first day of integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, the New Orleans Saints are going to the Super Bowl for first time in franchise history. As their representative to Congress, I want to congratulate them in an official manner by acknowledging words of encouragement from constituents on the House floor. Sunday's thrilling and historic win was an inspiration to the residents of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, who continue to struggle to rebuild their lives 4 years after Hurricane Katrina. I'm proud to be their Congressman, and I look forward to an exciting Super Bowl in which they will defeat the Indianapolis Colts. Tonight, I will read several statements from my district in their honor. The first statement is from Kay Higginbotham, a teacher at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. Kay writes, Do the Saints have an impact on education? As a school administrator, I believe the impact is immeasurable and far exceeds economics. The value lessons are much greater than an awareness of team colors. Students certainly enjoy spirit days or completing math problems with a Saints bent, but they also spend time discussing the job of a professional athlete, what it means to stay focused, eat healthy food, get plenty of exercise and sleep, follow rules, work as a team, and be a good sport, win or lose. Teachers help students understand the importance of following parent and teacher directives, and when talking about the Saints, they link it to the attention each player must pay to the coaches' play-calling. They discuss the pride one feels in the hard work of a job well done, the discipline it takes to make a wise choice, both on and off the field, and the consequences that ensue if one doesn't. Is the job of a student so different from the job of a New Orleans Saint? When interviewed, Saints players speak about having faith in their team and giving back to the community. They talk about developing self-confidence and leadership and overcoming adversity, values important in a game, but even more important in life. And parents report something incredible: Dinner conversations that include the whole family. Brothers are amazed at how much their sisters understand about first-downs and touchdowns. And sisters actually want to hear what their brothers know about Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. Do the Saints have an impact on education? Yes, indeed. They give us lessons worth teaching and learning. The second statement is from Cindy Hilbrink of New Orleans. Cindy writes, While city accountants calculate the financial impact of the Saints football team to New Orleans, citizens know, as one writer to the local paper said, that despite failures of Federal, State, and local governments after Katrina, and suggestions that we don't merit help, we are, nevertheless, deserving--deserving of a winning team, of good schools, the best health care, safe roads, bridges and reliable levees. When the population was only trickling back into New Orleans that summer of 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, when politicians and pundits urged that the city be abandoned, the sign on the dominant building in New Orleans, the Superdome, with its patched roof and iconic status as the symbol of suffering, said, `Our team, our home.' Bumper stickers in the Saints' black font read, `Faith.' Drew Brees, the new quarterback who took a chance on the team and the city, printed T-shirts to benefit children that implored, `Believe, New Orleans!' A popular Saints song contends `This is the way we live,' meaning we are enabled to survive by clinging to our faith in this team. Our devotion to the New Orleans Saints, win or lose, keeps our battered spirits alive. Finally, I want to close tonight with a prayer for the Saints delivered by Archbishop Philip Hannan at the first Saints and Sinners banquet in 1968. Our heavenly Father, who has instructed us that the Saints by faith conquered kingdoms and overcame lions, grant our Saints an increase of faith and strength so that they will not only overcome the Lions, but also the Bears, the Rams, the Giants and even those awesome people in Green Bay. May they continue to tame the Redskins and fetter the Falcons as well as the Eagles. Give to our owners and coaches the continued ability to be as wise as serpents and simple as doves, so that no good talent will dodge our draft. Grant to our fans perseverance in their devotion and unlimited lung power, tempered with a sense of charity to all, including the referees. May our beloved Bedlam Bowl be a source of good fellowship, and may ``The Saints Come Marching In'' be a victory march for all, now and in eternity.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Thank you very much for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as America embarks on its 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade tomorrow, thousands will participate in the March for Life in our Nation's Capitol. But, fundamentally, this year's anniversary of Roe v. Wade should have deeper meaning than previous years. Amid the current debate on health care reform, the abortion issue has once again risen to paramount importance. Unfortunately, the current bill has made an unsuccessful attempt to address affordable health care by ignoring the controversial issue of abortion. Abortion is an inhumane perversion in our society. As I have stated previously, it is a distorted emphasis on rights, to the disregard of individual responsibilities. When President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress last September, he said, ``under our plan, no Federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and Federal conscience laws will remain in place.'' Why then is the current health reform under the Senate plan being touted as the right plan for America? The health care legislation passed by our friends in the Senate does not reflect the longstanding Federal policies that ban abortion funding, and I will absolutely not support it as it is written. The fundamental right to life in this country was reinforced and more succinctly elaborated in the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These 10 amendments, more commonly known as the Bill of Rights, have served as the heart and soul of our legal tradition and the foundation upon which we have built the most powerful democracy in the history of the world. Yet the balance between rights and responsibilities have served as a basis for an ethical context, but now it is skewed. Our society has distorted this view of individual rights versus responsibility so that good somehow gets distorted with evil. We have misrepresented the rights to individual freedom, and now we basically have no regard for human life. The result is a social policy devoid of moral coherency. To protect individual rights, we have distorted the continuity of human development to portray the human fetus as something less than human and, therefore, can be disposed of. And there are those who diminish the words of pro-life advocates and aim to demean their passion for life by citing a woman's right to choose or a woman's right to protect her health. But I say that this is a distorted view of protecting a woman that is actually endangering the woman. An abortion causes mayhem to the psychology of the mother and the future life of the entire family. Her emotional health is never the same, and though anesthesia may provide some physical relief, there is no anesthesia for her mental and spiritual health. A study in New Zealand, where abortion is legal, showed negative effects in women who had abortions. Researchers for the Christchurch Health and Development Study conducted a 25-year study on the long-term effects of abortion on the mental health of young women between the ages of 15 and 25. These scientists reported to the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry that those having an abortion have elevated rates of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors and drug-use disorders. Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway compared 40 women who had had miscarriages with women who chose to have an abortion. Although miscarriage was associated with more mental distress in the 6 months after the loss of the baby, abortion had much longer lasting negative effects. The proportion of women having had a miscarriage who were suffering distress decreased during the study period to 22.5 percent at 6 months and to just 2.6 percent at 2 years and 5 years respectively. But among the abortion group, 25.7 percent were still experiencing distress after 6 months and 20 percent after 5 years. The researchers also said that women who had an abortion had to make an effort to avoid thinking about the event. Mr. Speaker, I just came back from Southeast Asia on a CODEL to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Japan. While I was in Cambodia, I had the opportunity to visit the killing fields in Cambodia. And while visiting the killing fields, they showed us a tree where the followers of Pol Pot would hang and would slam innocent little children on the trees. The Pol Pot regime killed approximately 1.6 million of its people between 1976 and, if I remember correctly, 1980, and the world screamed in outrage at the deaths of 1.6 million people. The Holocaust killed 6 million, and we continue to scream in outrage at the 6 million Jews who were killed during World War II by the Nazi regime in the Holocaust. From 1973 to the present, in the United States alone we have murdered over 40 million children. Just imagine that: If we scream in outrage at the innocent children that were slammed and hung on the tree in the killing fields, yet, after 40 million children killed in this country, we still hold a policy that allows for the legal killing of innocent children. If that is not a skewed sense of ethics, I don't know what is. I agree that America needs responsible health care reform, and I agree that we all have the right to exercise the freedom of individual liberties but not at the expense of our children and the future of our families. The majority of the American people, including those in my home State of Louisiana, stand firmly on the side of life, and they will not support any measure that seeks to fund abortion with their hard-earned income. Again, as we arrive at the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I ask America to reflect deeply on the value of all life, born and unborn, and that we not consider any piece of health care legislation unless it includes sufficient language to prohibit this inhumane act.

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, the New Orleans Saints' historic season continued this past Saturday with a 45-14 playoff victory. Next week, they will compete for the NFC championship title, and they will win. Their success has benefited our city and inspired our district, so I have provided my constituents with a chance to honor them. Today's statement is from Tripp Roy of New Orleans, Louisiana. Tripp writes: ``The Saints' positive impact on our city is immeasurable. They have done more for New Orleans than any other professional sports franchise has done for any other American city. ``Aside from the short-term joy the team's success has brought to New Orleans, the Saints' record has put the city back on the map, displaying to the Nation that we are back for the long term. ``The endless media coverage, nonstop showcasing of the region's unique culture, and undeniable camaraderie created among the New Orleans `Who Dat' nation are all the results of the Saints' incredible season. ``This is just the rallying cry the city needed. New Orleans is better than ever, thanks in large part to the Saints.''

Mr. CAO

Mr. CAO. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008, to honor the contributions of Catholic schools in providing excellent academic opportunities for our youth. Catholic schools throughout the United States provide an exceptional education for our children. They produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment which is rich in spiritual, character, and moral development. Statistics confirm the success of Catholic primary and secondary schools. The Catholic high school graduation rate is 99 percent, with 80 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges and 17 percent attending 2-year colleges or technical schools. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ``Education is one of the most important ways by which the church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of the person and building of community.'' They continue by saying, ``Education of the individual Christian is important not only to his solitary destiny but also the destinies of the many communities in which he lives.'' Having spent 6 years studying to become a Jesuit priest and having served as a professor in a Jesuit institution, I have a deep appreciation for the importance of education guided by principles embodied by the Catholic church. Education has always been a priority for me as a student, professor, and now as a Member of Congress. Representing a district still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, my mission in Congress is to ensure that children in the Second District of Louisiana get the education they need. It is unacceptable that almost half of the students displaced by Hurricane Katrina were unable to complete their education. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Representative from Illinois for bringing this important resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools throughout the United States. I strongly support this resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools and Catholic Schools Week, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same. In the words of my Jesuit brothers, ``Ad majorem Dei gloriam.''