Diana DeGette

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, every so often in this body, I think it is important to talk about facts. Instead of legislating by an anecdote, I would like to actually look at some facts today. Those on the other side would have us believe that limiting patients' access to the courts will relieve high malpractice insurance premiums. But the fact is there has been no increase in the rate of malpractice claims filed in recent years, and the fact is the average payout has remained steady for a decade. The fact is that California, the State that has been most successful in curbing malpractice costs, only did so after passing a voter initiative that also reformed the insurance system. Despite this evidence, proponents of this bill continue to represent it as relief for physicians. In reality, it is a bald effort by the insurance industry to pass off their costs on already suffering patients. This bill will disproportionately affect women, low-income individuals, and children because the caps on noneconomic damages will affect them. Since they do not make a lot of money, they will not have a lot of economic damages to be awarded by the courts. Real people will suffer a second injustice under this legislation, people like Heather Lewinski, who came before our committee and testified, a 17-year-old girl who suffered permanent facial disfigurement at the hands of a plastic surgeon who lied to her and her family. And this young woman came before us and said her greatest fear was she would never have a date. People like Linda McDougal. This is Linda McDougal in this poster right here. Linda McDougal's breasts were amputated after she had been misdiagnosed with cancer, and here she is today. She was completely fine. And the family of Jesica Santillan, a little girl who died because the hospital failed to ensure that the heart and lungs she was about to receive would be compatible with her blood type. Her family will be denied just compensation for her suffering. If we really wanted to fix the crisis that is plaguing our Nation's doctors, we should take a good look at the insurance industries, as we heard from my colleague from Ohio. Instead, we are considering a bill that is akin to curing a headache by amputating an arm. Arbitrarily limiting patients' rights is not fair, and it will not solve the problem. Let me talk for a minute about some of the anecdotes upon which we are basing this legislation. We heard that obstetrics wards were closing down because of liability insurance premiums. The example given by the AMA said that Pennsylvania's Jefferson Health System closed its obstetrics ward because of this reason, but 2 years later this obstetrics ward is still up and running and accepting new patients. In May, 2003, the AMA said that a group of 10 neurosurgeons in Washington State had been dropped by their malpractice insurer. As of 2004, the group is doing just fine and taking new patients. Finally, in January 2004, just a few months ago, President Bush said there was a doctor in Arkansas who stopped delivering babies because of rising insurance costs. That turned out to be completely untrue. If there is a problem here, let us let the States fix it. Let us not put it on people like Linda McDougal.

Ms. DEGETTE

Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, while the recent reports and graphic photographs of the alleged prisoner abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison sound similar to the atrocities that occurred under the cruel dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, these unbelievable instances of brutality and inhumanity, instead, allegedly took place under American command, perpetrated by American troops. Sadly, the Abu Ghraib prison-- the very prison that epitomized all that was evil under Saddam Hussein's regime to the Iraqi people--still represents evil, only under a new name. Accordingly, Congress must send an unwavering message to the Iraqi people and to the rest of the world that the United States will not tolerate the alleged atrocities that have occurred in the Abu Ghraib prison. While I will vote for this resolution, I do not want to simply join my colleagues who want to pay lip-service to a solution without any subsequent action. Congress must ensure that the perpetrators of the alleged brutality, as well as those leaders who let such inhumanity occur under their watch, be brought to justice. Just as importantly, Congress must investigate the scope of this problem; the increasing number of revelations of alleged prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib and other prisons in Iraq, leads me to believe that such brutality may not be isolated to six or seven individuals. We need to ensure that such abuse is not systemic within and outside of the chain of command by conducting a bipartisan Congressional investigation and by holding Congressional hearings. Additionally, we must make sure that all people who participated in this alleged abuse are held accountable. This includes the private contractors who were allegedly involved in the brutality that took place at Abu Ghraib. While the Department of Defense has reportedly launched several investigations, none has yet to address the role that the private contractors played. In fact, several reports indicate that the private contractors who were named specifically in the classified Taguba report are still working as paid contractors in Iraq. Not only must Congress hold hearings to investigate the alleged role of the private contractors in the alleged prison abuses, the U.S. Department of Justice must also exercise its ability to investigate, and if warranted, prosecute those individuals to the fullest extent of the law. Congress must also guarantee that this Administration is held responsible for its actions or more precisely, its inaction, and for its policies that may have allowed such atrocities to occur. The actions of Secretary Rumsfeld and the Pentagon, including the decision that the United States would no longer adhere to the Geneva Convention as well as the ruling that detainees would be held without due process, have arguably helped to create a standard for the treatment of prisoners, which allows for humiliation, torture and murder. Even worse, Mr. Rumsfeld has not only not read the Taguba report in its entirety, he has failed on numerous instances to respond to other reports of alleged violations and abuse. There is no excuse for his woeful negligence. If Mr. Rumsfeld had responded to these reports, these abuses may not have occurred to this degree, or at all. Mr. Rumsfeld must be held responsible for his part and if doing so requires his resignation, such action must then be called for.

Mr. DeGETTE

Mr. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life of a distinguished public servant, Elvin R. Caldwell, Sr. This remarkable gentleman merits both our recognition and esteem as his impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service has moved our community forward and thereby, improved the lives of our people. For Elvin Caldwell Sr., passion for social justice was not defined by the fanfare of public life. His passion was of lasting import. It was tempered by his calm bearing, firm resolve and a steady discipline which shaped civic accomplishments of immeasurable value to our community. Elvin Caldwell possessed the rare ability to transform the promise of equal justice and fair treatment into practicable reality and our lives have truly been enriched by his presence among us. During his formative years in Denver, Caldwell knew both the racism and exclusion prevalent during the 1920's and 30's. At a young age, he participated in protest marches with his parents and the adversity he experienced forged a resolve and commitment to civil liberties that would sustain him through life's challenges. He recalled that ``Denver was a very prejudiced city at one time . . . I used to watch my father--no matter how tired he was--stand out there . . . [and] I realized that I had a debt to pay for what [he] fought to achieve.'' Elvin Caldwell Sr. made good on that commitment and built a legacy in which we take great pride. He graduated from East High School in Denver and earned a track scholarship to the University of Colorado. Caldwell later married ``Frankie'' Harriett Webb and his marriage lasted for 60 years and produced four children. By 1950, he was a successful accountant and a member of the State legislature. He served three terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, but the barriers to passing progressive legislation proved to be considerable. In 1955, Caldwell chose to take on six primary opponents in a city council race and at the age of thirty-one, he became the first African American elected to the Denver City Council. He was elected council president five times and his tenure proved to be one that was defined by resourcefulness and statesmanship. Caldwell entered city government at a time when institutionalized discrimination was the norm. Qualified African American police officers couldn't climb through the ranks, there were no black judges, and the fire department was segregated--African Americans could only serve at one fire station. These deplorable conditions set in motion Caldwell's plan for change--to rid the civil service system of practices that either marginalized African American firefighters and police officers or excluded racial minorities from public service. City government needed to be opened up and Caldwell was up to the challenge. Change did not come swiftly but the road to a more equitable society is never easy. He knew that change is unsettling and over the next decade, Caldwell's quiet persistence overcame obstacles and got things done. Even in the face of threats and militant confrontation by groups such as the Black Panthers, Caldwell remained courteous and unflappable. He once mused that ``On life's journey, it's better if you can resolve things in a calm, sensible manner . . . It may take longer, but you can usually get more done.'' Caldwell's leadership in city council created formal recruitment programs to bring more minorities into Denver's public safety departments and through his perseverance and skill, the State's first Fair Employment Practices Act was made law. He became a potent force in helping to revitalize the Five Points area and helped establish the Eastside Neighborhood Health Center as well as the Five Points Community Center. His career on city council lasted twenty-five years and after seven terms, former Denver Mayor William McNichols appointed Caldwell Manager of Safety, making him the first African American to sit in a mayoral cabinet. He served on numerous community, State and national organizations including the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He is credited for opening doors for other African American leaders including former Mayor Wellington E. Webb and City Council President Elbra Wedgeworth. In 1990, the Denver City Council created the Elvin R. Caldwell Community Service Plaza and on April 26, 2003, the City and County of Denver named the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in recognition of his lifetime of service to our community. Recently, his portrait was hung in the library to honor him as a modest and dignified public servant who left a powerful legacy of social progress. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this remarkable gentleman. Please join me in paying tribute to Elvin R. Caldwell, Sr. His life was rich in consequence and his deeds serve as an inspiration to us all. The values, leadership and commitment he exhibited during his life set the mark and compel us to continue the work that distinguishes us as a nation.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House Concurrent Resolution 408, which congratulates the University of Denver for winning the 2004 NCAA Men's Hockey championship. DU's national title, its first since 1969, came against the top-ranked Maine Black Bears, in a nail-biter that stunned the collegiate hockey world. The championship game on Saturday, April 10, 2004 was college hockey at its best. I watched as the Pioneers took an early lead with a goal by Gabe Gauthier in the first period. The rest of the game was a scoreless defensive struggle. Hockey fans from the Rocky Mountains to the New England coast held their breath during the excruciating final two minutes of the game. In a sequence only fitting for the nationally televised season finale, Maine secured a Power Play while trailing Denver 1-0 when the Pioneers were assessed with two penalties, giving the Black Bears a two-man advantage. In the final minute of play, Maine pulled its goaltender to add another attacker, putting Denver at a 6-3 disadvantage. The clock slowly ticked down to zero, and DU emerged victorious, led by an extraordinary 24-save performance by goaltender Adam Berkhoel, who was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. His shutout was only the third in the history of the championship game. It was a great way to end the season for the seven seniors on the Pioneer team. The class of 2004 won more games at the University of Denver than any since the 1973 graduating seniors. Head Coach Geoge Gwozecky is to be congratulated as well. He is the only person to ever win NCAA titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. The Denver Post noted that the championship game between the University of Denver and the University of Maine was amazing because ``they proved that two mid-sized universities can excel in one of the country's mainstay sports.'' This year's champion Pioneers added a sixth hockey championship to the university's fine athletic record, which includes a record 17 Division I ski team championships, and two titles for the women's gymnastic program. Not only does the University of Denver excel in athletics, it is a prestigious academic institution as well. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked three DU graduate programs among the country's best. The championship is especially poignant, because the University of Denver hockey program tragically lost one of its most famed alumni just before Christmas last year. Keith Magnuson, the captain of the last DU team to capture the national title 35 years ago, was killed in a car accident just four months ago. Still active with the University, Magnuson regularly attended hockey games, gave locker room speeches to the team, and even played in the school's homecoming game this season. Following his death, the team dedicated the season to his memory, but no one could have imagined the success the team has enjoyed. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to sponsor this bill, which congratulates the University of Denver 2004 championship hockey team. I am happy to report that the entire Colorado congressional delegation cosponsored H. Con. Res. 408. I also wish to congratulate the Maine Black Bears for an excellent season, and a hard fought championship game. I look forward to a victory celebration for the Pioneers at the U.S. Capitol. I thank the Speaker for bringing this bill to the floor and urge my colleagues to support me in congratulating the University of Denver.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of a remarkable gentleman from the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize Omar D. Blair for his impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. Many people have made notable contributions to our community, but few have left a legacy of progress as Omar Blair. He once mused that he wanted to be remembered as one who tried. I would submit that Omar Blair molded a life of enduring accomplishment and proved to be a powerful force in transforming our community. His is an indomitable spirit and our lives have been truly enriched by his presence among us. Omar Blair demonstrated that he had steel at an early age. Upon his graduation from Albuquerque High School in 1936, the school board determined that the six black graduates had to sit behind their classmates and would not have a spotlight shone on them as they received their diplomas. But Omar was not intimidated. He walked with dignity up to the stage in darkness to get his diploma to the ovation of his classmates. Years later, he was awarded ``Outstanding Graduate of the Past 100 Years'' by the same people who would not allow him to sit with his classmates forty-three years earlier. Omar attended the University of California at Los Angeles prior to entering the Army Air Corps during World War II. Captain Blair belonged to the all-black 332nd Fighter Squadron--the famed Tuskegee Airmen-- where he developed a reputation for daring. His squadron had been called upon to escort bombers on a raid over Berlin, but their fighters needed bigger fuel tanks to go the distance and they were not available through normal channels. Captain Blair learned that the needed tanks were on an Army train coming from Naples. He organized a convoy, stopped the train and forcibly offloaded the tanks as they were critical to his squadron's mission. Captain Blair got the job done and the bombing raid went off without a hitch. In 1951, Omar and his wife Jeweldine, came to Denver. He found work and started a family that grew to include three children. He also found time to get involved in public affairs and was elected to the Denver Board of Education in 1972. He served two terms and was voted the first African American to serve as president of the school board. He led our city through what was arguably the most tumultuous era for public education in Denver. The schools were under court order to desegregate and Mr. Blair and other board members became the driving force to implement the order through busing. But his tenure on the board was not about changing how kids got to school; it was about fundamental change and the quality of public education. For Omar Blair, integrating schools did not mean simply having students sit with one another. It meant integrating school resources, providing new textbooks, hiring more teachers and making sure schools were uniformly upgraded and maintained. In short, it meant equal education for all of our children. Omar served as President of the Colorado Association of School Boards, Vice President of the National Caucus of Black School Board Members, and National President of the Council of Great City Schools. But his service was not limited to education. He served as a Commissioner of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority during the time when he and his colleagues initiated the 16th Street Mall Project. He was a founding member of the Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club and his work was recognized by Sertoma International. He served as President of the Owls Club of Denver and as a board member of the Denver Chamber of Commerce and the East Denver YMCA. Omar was honored on numerous occasions and his accolades include: the American-Israel Friendship League's Partners in Education Award; the U.S. Department of Justice Award for Outstanding Community Service and an honorary ``Doctor of Public Service'' degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver. His church, Shorter Community AME, dedicated its community room in his name and on April 26, 2003, the City and County of Denver named the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in recognition of his lifetime of service to our community. But accolades don't tell the whole story. Omar once made a poignant reference in an article that after 52 years of marriage to Jeweldine, ``You can put this in big bold letters-- without her I would not be half the person I am and I know that.'' Not only was Omar Blair a man of accomplishment, he was a man who was well- grounded with a clear sense of what mattered. Omar Blair was an unrelenting advocate for the causes that elevate the human condition. He burnished a reputation of being forthright, pragmatic, outspoken and ``taking on all comers.'' But ultimately, he was dedicated to our children--all of our children. He constantly reiterated that ``the kids are what it's all about'' and I believe his legacy to us is to never waver in our commitment to future generations. Omar Blair lived a life of meaning and one that is rich in consequence. It is the character and deeds of Omar Blair, and all Americans like him, which distinguish us as a people. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this remarkable person. Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Omar D. Blair, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, leadership and commitment he exhibited during his life that serves to build a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The reauthorization of TEA-21 offers the opportunity to celebrate some of that landmark legislation's visionary projects. The Southeast Corridor--or T-REX as it is affectionately known in my home district of Denver, Colorado--is one of TEA-21's best projects. It is currently on time, on budget and already providing essential transportation services. Upon completion in 2006, T-REX will connect the region's two largest employment centers through an improved interstate highway system and additional light rail transit. These roadway and transit improvements will significantly enhance inter- regional and intra-regional transportation of people and goods. T-REX is quite literally driving Colorado's economic engine. I would be remiss, however, if I did not express my disappointment with the funding levels of the bill before us. I concur with the State Departments of Transportation's assessment of our nation's infrastructure needs. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation as originally introduced by the estimable Chairman Don Young and Ranking Member Jim Oberstar. It is unfortunate and dismaying that the President has chosen to wield the club of a veto threat on what is essentially the only jobs creation legislation before this Congress. I deeply regret the missed opportunity that the $275 billion price tag represents. We will be unable to address the donor state issue, which affects the transportation dollars Colorado receives, among other important changes we should be examining. Having said that, I applaud the Committee on its excellent work. I appreciate their recognition of the gains embodied in TEA-21 and of the growing infrastructure needs our nation faces.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, war does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity or religion--it is indifferent to background or boundaries, social standing or political affiliation. War impacts all of those involved with an impartial voracity. Honoring our men and women for the sacrifice, strength and courage they have demonstrated while in Iraq should be as unbiased--it should not be mired in partisanship or petty politics. With a unified voice, the House of Representatives should approve a resolution that acknowledges the bravery of the American men and women in Iraq and the sacrifices they and their families have made for the sake of our nation. It should recognize the 575 American soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq, soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, as well as the more than 3,000 wounded troops who are struggling to recover from their injuries. We are deeply indebted to these men and women and grateful for the hardships they have endured. We should vote on, and unanimously pass, a resolution that unequivocally communicates this. However, the Republican majority has presented a resolution that specifically and intentionally prevents unanimous support from this body. The divisive language alleging that the world is a safer place after the Iraqi invasion, is not only a point of great contention, it is a distraction from what should be the sole focus of the resolution: to commend our tireless troops in Iraq. Indeed, the Republican majority has squandered the opportunity to send a message of unwavering support to the American men and women in the field, instead opting to politicize the issue in order to advance its own political agenda. In good faith, I cannot vote for a resolution that asserts that the world is safer since the U.S. invasion of Iraq when by every account, the world is glaringly even more vulnerable, as partly evidenced by the horrific bombing in Madrid last week. When our country chooses to unilaterally use force before exhausting all diplomatic avenues, we risk alienating ourselves from our allies and emboldening our enemies. Unfortunately, I believe our go-it-alone strategy in Iraq has done just that. While I cannot vote for this resolution, I am steadfast in my support for the American men and women fighting in Iraq and believe we must support them both by word and action. We must fight to get our troops home quickly and safely while upholding the commitment we have made to the Iraqi people. The best possible way to achieve this is by working with the international community to rebuild Iraq. Additionally, we must ensure that our troops, in the field and once they have returned home, have the benefits they rightfully deserve, including increased access to medical care and deserved increases in the family separation allowance and imminent danger pay.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Colorado Nonprofit Week, an annual event organized by the Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations (CANPO) and volunteer committees around the state. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the vital impact Colorado's nonprofits have on our economy and quality of life. In Colorado, there are over 16,000 nonprofits and nationwide there are over 850,000 charitable nonprofits. One-third of charitable nonprofits work in the area of human services, helping to meet the needs of all of our citizens through food banks, job counseling, shelters, domestic violence just to mention a few essential areas. The other two-thirds of the nonprofit sector serve an even broader constituency--all of those who attend cultural performances, view exhibitions, visit galleries, take their children to museums, provide educational programming, work with animals and protect the environment, and many other vital, day-today parts of our lives. The Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations has worked hard to make Colorado Nonprofit Week a success. Their goals have been to increase the visibility of nonprofits and their important contributions throughout the state; to strengthen relationships between nonprofit leaders and public officials; and to encourage individual nonprofit leaders to see themselves as part of the greater nonprofit sector. In 2001 (the last year data was analyzed) nonprofit expenditures totaled more than $9 billion in Colorado for the 5,400 largest nonprofits and $822 billion in the United States for the nearly 267,000 largest nonprofits. The Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations represents organizations across the state that provide hope for thousands of Coloradoans. They educate youth, help the disabled, protect children, provide needed services to adults and promote culture and the arts. From bettering the lives of individuals to improving the overall economy of our entire state, there is almost no aspect of society that nonprofits do not touch. One thing is for sure; our state would not be the incredible place it is today if these crucial organizations did not exist. Mr. Speaker, nonprofits in Colorado and across the country are an essential piece of the fabric of this country. I am pleased and proud to have this opportunity to salute them today.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the extraordinary life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman in Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize Sylvia Clark for her impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. Sylvia was a dear friend and a stalwart leader who will be greatly missed. She lived her life on the front lines of progress and proved to be a powerful force in transforming the landscape of our State. Her indomitable spirit sustained her through many challenges and molded a life of genuine accomplishment. Sylvia was born in St. Anthony, Idaho, and spent a good portion of her youth in Honduras where she saw first hand the impact of poverty on women and children. She studied nursing at Johns Hopkins University and went on to become a registered nurse, a certified nurse midwife, a certified obstetrics and gynecology nurse, and earned a master's degree in public administration. Sylvia came of age professionally at the time women were gaining their rights to forms of birth control previously considered illegal. She began an eminent career at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains in 1967 and went on to become executive director where she guided the organization through turbulent political times and succeeded in building a preeminent reproductive health care agency, providing services to over 100,000 clients through 35 health centers in six States. No one has been more courageous and unrelenting in the struggle to make sure that every pregnancy is planned, that every child is wanted, and that every woman is assured access to reproductive health care. Sylvia's life is a testament to the principle that government should not interfere in the health choices of women. She was dedicated to the proposition that all women should be given the support they need to make wise decisions about their families. Despite numerous attempts to chip away at reproductive rights and health care services in Colorado, Sylvia never faltered and labored tirelessly to ensure that family planning practices in our State remain both respectful and voluntary. For these efforts, Sylvia was honored by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice with the Alex Luken Faith and Freedom Award and the Anti-Defamation League's Civil Rights Award. We are grateful for Sylvia's leadership in sustaining an ethic of family planning in our State and Nation. She was a fervent defender of rights that have deep roots in our democracy and our tradition of civil liberties. I believe Sylvia's message to us would be that we must be ever vigilant and continue the fight for the kind of America which respects these rights. Sylvia Clark lived a life of meaning and one that is rich in consequence. It is the character and deeds of Sylvia Clark, and all Americans like her, which distinguish us as a people. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this remarkable woman. Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Sylvia Clark, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, leadership, and commitment she exhibited during her life that serve to build a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Lofgren amendment and in opposition to the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. Mr. Speaker, the majority of Americans are prochoice, and they depend on us to protect a woman's right to choose, while at the same time working to make abortion rare by making sure that all women have a full range of reproductive choices. They depend on us to pass legislation that will protect their reproductive freedom, and they depend on us to know the difference between legislation that truly protects women and legislation that is discussed as something that it is not, like, for example, the bill that is before us now. Today, Members of Congress who truly care about the issue of violence against women can put their words into action by voting for the Lofgren substitute. The substitute provides for the deterrence and punishment of violent acts against pregnant women, and it does so while completely avoiding the controversial issues of abortion. It creates a new separate crime with tough penalties, up to 20 years to life, for an assault that causes the termination of a pregnancy. So my colleagues can choose to vote for the substitute and actually accomplish a goal they care about, or they can go with the underlying bill, which is nothing but a poorly disguised vehicle to undermine Roe v. Wade. We are not fooled by this legislation. Our constituents will not be fooled by this legislation. If Members of the House really care about taking steps to protect pregnant women and punish the people who commit horrible acts of violence against them, we will all join together and vote for the Lofgren substitute. There is only one real difference between the substitute and the underlying bill, and it is this one thing that reveals the true goal of H.R. 1997. The underlying bill creates a Federal criminal offense that provides a pregnancy from conception to birth with the legal status separate from that of the woman. Regardless of what we are hearing today from proponents of the legislation, there is only one reason to vote for this bill, and that is to support defining a fetus or a fertilized egg, for that matter, as a person. If the supporters of the legislation want to debate the merits of abortion, let us do it out in the open. But they should be embarrassed about cloaking their true intent in an issue that we all agree upon, protecting pregnant women from violence. We keep hearing those who support the bill talk about two victims, but what they are omitting is the fact that this bill does not mention the main victim, the woman, another indication this bill is not really about two victims at all. The Lofgren substitute is the bill that truly focuses on women, because it creates a Federal criminal offense for harm to a pregnant woman. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Lofgren substitute and no on final passage.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful life and exceptional accomplishments of a remarkable woman in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this distinguished citizen for her impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent citizen that I rise to honor Dolores Dickman. Dolores Dickman has been on the front lines of progress for decades and has proven to be a potent force in transforming the landscape of our city and State. Her indomitable spirit has sustained her through many challenges and molded a life of notable accomplishment. Dolores came to our community from her native Kansas and graduated from the University of Denver. She has used her talents and skills to advance the public good and the well being of working men and women. She has been a political activist, labor leader and has remained in the vanguard of those dedicated to economic and social justice. Dolores was the first woman State director of the Committee on Political Action for the AFL-CIO and was a powerful advocate for the rights of working people and the well being of our families. Some of us do not comprehend how far we've come. There was a time when fundamental decency and equity for working people were not part of our shared values. Dolores worked along side Ceasar Chavez, brought food to striking workers and has engaged in the struggles that have improved the human condition. At the international level, Histadrut has honored her for her immeasurable contributions to the labor movement in Israel. For all of her efforts in this regard, we owe Dolores a great debt of gratitude. Those who know Dolores know that politics matter. She is well known for her outspoken commentary and years of service to the Democratic Party. She marched in Selma for the civil liberties of all people. She took a seat on a plane next to Martin Luther King, Jr. to share her thoughts and visited then President John F. Kennedy at the White House. She has recruited notable civic leaders for public office and has been instrumental in winning many local, State and national elections. Dolores has been the recipient of numerous public honors and has been characterized as the ``grand dame of North Denver politics'' and a political ``powerhouse.'' While all of these truly reflect the standing and regard in which we hold Dolores, I would simply add that she has the rare ability to balance pragmatism and high purpose, which is uncommon among those engaged in public life. She knows that politics is not easy nor has it ever been. Dolores has perspective--she knows that the contest is never over and the field is never quite taken. I remember Dolores referencing in a Denver Post column that all the political posturing in the world doesn't mean squat if people don't vote. As usual, Dolores cuts to the heart of the matter. She understands what is vital to our democracy as well as what is important in the calculus of public affairs. The contributions of Dolores Dickman are rich in consequence and on behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District of Colorado, I wish to express our gratitude. Her service, accomplishments and civic virtue command our respect and admiration. Please join me in paying tribute to Dolores Dickman, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, leadership and commitment she exhibits on a daily basis that serve to build a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, at the First Annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education held recently in Washington, D.C., a new report was released that deserves our highest attention and concern. The report, ``Citizenship: A Challenge for All Generations,'' showed that young people are disengaged from the political process and lack the knowledge necessary to be effective citizens. According to the public opinion survey described in the report, more young Americans know the name of the reigning American Idol than know the political party of their state's governor. The survey did provide a source of good news, however. It reported that courses in civics and government make a significant difference in sparking young people's interest in government and increasing their understanding of the American system of government. Both the landmark Congressional Conference on Civic Education and this new national survey of youth civic attitudes, knowledge, and participation were products of the Representative Democracy in America Project, a new congressional initiative designed to reinvigorate Americans and educate them about the critical relationship between government and the people it serves. This national project is a collaboration among the National Conference of State Legislature's Trust for Representative Democracy, the Center on Congress at Indiana University and the Center for Civic Education. The project, which is strictly nonpartisan, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education by act of Congress. I would like to submit for the record the executive summary of the report ``Citizenship: A Challenge for All Generations.'' Executive Summary This public opinion survey shows that young people do not understand the ideals of citizenship, they are disengaged from the political process, they lack the knowledge necessary for effective self-government, and their appreciation and support of American democracy is limited. The older generations have failed to teach the ideals of citizenship to the next generation. But there is hope. The report provides new evidence that civic education makes a big difference in the attitudes toward citizenship, knowledge and civic engagement of young people. The report is based on a national public opinion survey designed to tap how the civic attitudes, knowledge and participation of young people--the DotNet generation between 15 and 26 years of age--compare to those of older generations. The poll was conducted by Knowledge Networks, a research firm that conducts scientifically based Internet surveys. The sampling error for the two age groups--15 to 26 and over 26--is approximately 4 percentage points each. The survey results reveal a breakdown in how older generations pass on the values of democracy to younger Americans, especially in the area of what it means to be a good citizen. Here are some key findings regarding the qualities of good citizens: Seventy-eight percent of those in the older generations say we need to pay attention to government and politics compared with 54 percent of the younger generation. Less than half of the DotNets think that communicating with elected officials or volunteering or donating money to help others are qualities of a good citizen. Only 66 percent of the DotNets say that voting is a necessary quality for being a good citizen, compared with 83 percent of those over age 26. Among the DotNet generation, 64 percent report that they have taken a high school course on civics or American government. Those who have done so are much more likely to believe they are personally responsible for making things better for society and have a more expansive concept of the qualities of a good citizen. On the importance of voting, for example, there is a 24 point spread between those who have taken a government class and those who haven't. In the area of civic engagement--the act of governing ourselves: Only half of the DotNets reported that they voted in the most recent elections or that they follow politics, compared to three-quarters of those over age 26. In many areas of civic participation, two or three times more DotNets who have taken a civics class report that they have engaged in civic activities than those who have not. On civic knowledge--the tool that enables us to govern ourselves: Three-quarters of the older generations correctly identified the party of their state's governor and three out of five knew the Republicans control Congress. But only one- third could correctly identify the party in control of their state's legislature. Among DotNets, eight out of 10 know that the cartoon Simpsons live in Springfield, and the great majority know that Ruben Studdard is the reigning American Idol. But less than half know the party of their state's governor, and only 40 percent can say which party controls Congress. On attitudes toward representative democracy--our appreciation and understanding of the complexities of the legislative process: The majority of Americans grasp the fact that people disagree on the issues and the system has to work to resolve such disagreements. The public is cynical about the people and processes of government. They are about equally divided on whether legislators care what people in their districts think or don't care about the opinions of ordinary people. Two in five believe that those elected to public office are out to serve their own personal interests, while only one in three thinks they are trying to serve the public interest. A majority believes that the system is run by a few big interests rather than for the benefit of all. Americans believe the country would be better off if the people decided issues directly by voting on them. Support for representative democracy is limited. The gap between the civic attitudes, knowledge and participation of the new generation of DotNets and the older ones is substantially greater than the gaps between previous generations. It suggests that the DotNets will never be as engaged in democracy as their elders, even as they age. Civic education makes a big difference in the attitudes, knowledge and engagement of young people. Thirty-nine states have civics or government class requirements for high school graduation. All states will want to review their civic education requirements, standards, assessments, teacher training and course content to determine if they are delivering effective civic education that produces informed citizens.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, the Hypocratic oath requires that doctors first do no harm. There is no such oath for Members of Congress. But we would be wise to heed it when we consider the Medicare prescription drug benefit tonight, for this bill certainly will do harm to millions of Americans. I know this. My constituents know this, and seniors across the country know this. They are furious with the organizations and the Members of Congress that support this plan. This is not an abstract debate. This has a huge impact on real people. It will do harm to people like Helen Lay, my constituent, a retiree in Colorado. Helen is worried because, as she sees it, this bill has something in it for everyone except the senior citizens. Helen and her husband, Frank, are fortunate enough to have good prescription drug coverage through their retirement plan. Right now, they spend about $800 a year on prescription drugs. Without insurance, they would be spending nearly $12,000. This bill will do great harm to Helen and Frank and millions of other seniors because it will encourage employer retirement plans to end prescription drug coverage, forcing seniors into substandard plans that cost more, and no one knows what the coverage or the price will be. Helen and Frank have other serious problems. They take 12 brand-name medications per month. But this bill specifically prohibits Medicare from negotiating drug prices, even though private companies like Wal- Mart and agencies like the Veterans Administration are able to negotiate cheaper drugs. That means even if this bill passes, Helen and Frank will still pay exorbitant prices. I say to Helen that we are here to stand up for her today. Congress first must do no harm. Send this plan back.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, the United States needs an energy policy for the 21st century. We need to reduce our reliance on Middle East oil and increase our energy independence. Unfortunately, this Republican conference report completely fails to do any of this. We need an energy policy for 2003, but the plan we have before us was designed for 1973. The authors of this plan act as if reliance on foreign oil, climate change, and the need for energy conservation are of no consequence. The plan gives billions of dollars to the oil and gas industries so that our Nation will continue to rely on the Middle East for petroleum. It does nothing to encourage energy conservation. It does nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It does nothing to encourage investment in renewable energy, a technology that was new and exciting in the 1970s and, with proper congressional support, could finally be part of our energy infrastructure in the future. It is our duty as Congresspeople to lead and not follow. Sadly, this conference report is not forward-looking. I must vote ``no'' on this energy bill because it is nothing more than a whole lot of yesterday.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, given our current military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe it is incumbent upon us to send an unequivocal message of support for our troops who are currently in the field. It is equally important that we provide veterans--those who have made sacrifices in order to protect the safety of our country, the benefits they have rightfully earned. Not since the Korean War have we as a country relied on the members of our reserve forces and National Guard as we do now. We are depending on them to preserve the peace in Iraq and protect our safety at home. We have uprooted them from their families, taken them away from their jobs and put them in the line of fire. Yet, it is not uncommon that after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of the Reserve forces return home without the basic benefits they so rightfully deserve. While this legislation is far from perfect, it takes an important step by ensuring that activated members of the Reserve forces and National Guard and their families receive health benefits. Importantly, this legislation extends the increase in ``combat pay'' and a Family Separation Allowance for all of our troops who are currently serving in the military. Given the sacrifice that our troops make in the name of protecting our country, it is only right to guarantee that they and their families have adequate financial resources in their time of need. Additionally, this legislation addresses the unfair Disabled Veterans Tax. It allows certain disabled military retirees to receive both their retirement and disability benefits. However, it only allows concurrent receipt of these benefits for one-third of the approximately 700,000 disabled veterans. I believe this is sorely inadequate and is the reason why I voted to recommit this bill so conferees could have the chance to repeal the entire Disabled Veterans Tax and let all disabled veterans rightfully receive both their military benefits as well as their retirement benefits. While I do not believe this bill is perfect and I am particularly concerned with certain provisions regarding civil service reform and the environment, I do believe that given our current military obligations, it is essential that we support our troops. By extending benefits for our troops and veterans, we are guaranteeing that those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country are not left behind during this critical time.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional endeavors and notable undertakings of an extraordinary professional membership organization in the State of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this outstanding association for its leadership in government and the legal community and for its enduring service to the people of our state. It is to commend this distinguished organization that I rise to honor the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) has been on the front lines of progress since its inception and has proven to be a powerful force in transforming the legal landscape of our state. CTLA's statement of purpose merits mention. ``The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association is comprised of Colorado trial lawyers who are committed to the protection and advancement of individuals rights and to the advancement of trial advocacy skills, high ethical standards and professionalism in the ongoing effort to preserve and improve the American system of jurisprudence.'' Within this unequivocal statement lies the touchstone that has guided CTLA's work with government and its immeasurable contribution to the legal profession in Colorado. For the last half-century, CTLA and its members have been resolute in their commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Colorado consumers. It has been active in educating the public concerning the efficacy of individual rights and the pivotal role of the trial lawyer in protecting those rights. CTLA has recognized, and continues to recognize, that it has a public trust of considerable magnitude. Through its legislative advocacy, CTLA has provided vital information and invaluable counsel to Members of the Colorado General Assembly and the United States Congress on issues that protect consumers and impact our civil justice system. Due in no small part to CTLA's advocacy, many detrimental legislative proposals have been defeated, particularly those that would have prevented or hindered access to the courts for redress of grievances. Trial advocacy is facing considerable change, technological and otherwise. CTLA has given the legal profession inestimable service through its outstanding legal education programs by providing state-of- the-art instruction concerning law, ethics and professional conduct for members and non-members alike. CTLA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to those in need. Countless members have provided pro-bono legal aid, including free legal assistance to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11th through the Trial Lawyers Care Program. My membership in CTLA has had a profound impact on my career in the practice of law and public service. Please join me in commending the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. It is leadership, advocacy and commitment of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association that continually enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional endeavors and notable undertakings of an extraordinary professional membership organization in the State of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this outstanding association for its leadership in government and the legal community and for its enduring service to the people of our state. It is to commend this distinguished organization that I rise to honor the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) has been on the front lines of progress since its inception and has proven to be a powerful force in transforming the legal landscape of our state. CTLA's statement of purpose merits mention. ``The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association is comprised of Colorado trial lawyers who are committed to the protection and advancement of individuals rights and to the advancement of trial advocacy skills, high ethical standards and professionalism in the ongoing effort to preserve and improve the American system of jurisprudence.'' Within this unequivocal statement lies the touchstone that has guided CTLA's work with government and its immeasurable contribution to the legal profession in Colorado. For the last half-century, CTLA and its members have been resolute in their commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Colorado consumers. It has been active in educating the public concerning the efficacy of individual rights and the pivotal role of the trial lawyer in protecting those rights. CTLA has recognized, and continues to recognize, that it has a public trust of considerable magnitude. Through its legislative advocacy, CTLA has provided vital information and invaluable counsel to Members of the Colorado General Assembly and the United States Congress on issues that protect consumers and impact our civil justice system. Due in no small part to CTLA's advocacy, many detrimental legislative proposals have been defeated, particularly those that would have prevented or hindered access to the courts for redress of grievances. Trial advocacy is facing considerable change, technological and otherwise. CTLA has given the legal profession inestimable service through its outstanding legal education programs by providing state-of- the-art instruction concerning law, ethics and professional conduct for members and non-members alike. CTLA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to those in need. Countless members have provided pro-bono legal aid, including free legal assistance to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11 through the Trial Lawyers Care Program. My membership in CTLA has had a profound impact on my career in the practice of law and public service. Please join me in commending the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. It is leadership, advocacy and commitment of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association that continually enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bell) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) for the great work they do for NIH. I am here as the cochair for the Diabetes Caucus to encourage Members to vote for this motion to instruct. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing and deadliest diseases in the United States. Approximately 17 million Americans, or 6.2 percent of the population, have diabetes. NIH funding is essential to preventing, treating, and curing this disease. Research done at the NIDDK has been critical for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications, which include blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputation. NIH research has shown that it is possible to stop the progression of the disease in newly diagnosed individuals; it has helped pinpoint the genes that cause the disease and its complications; and it has proven that normalization of blood glucose levels can help many people with the disease avoid complications. Nothing, however, has shown more progress than the results we have seen in clinical trials involving the transplantation of insulin- producing cells into individuals with Type I diabetes. This groundbreaking research has truly brought us within the reach of a cure. So far, we are seeing an 80 percent success rate. By actually funding this research, we can help the Immune Tolerance Network support further clinical trials so that islet transplantation will be available for the millions of Americans with diabetes. The tiny 2.5 percent NIH funding increase passed by the House means that some studies by the NIH will not be continued and that researchers with promising ideas will not be funded at all. We are stifling research with this anemic increase, and we are limiting the quality of health care available to all Americans. Diabetes costs $132 billion a year and one in four Medicare dollars is attributable to individuals with diabetes. A larger investment now in this research will save money in the future. Let us keep our promise to the children who visited this year. Let us remember them, and vote for the Bell amendment.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the FY '04 Supplemental bill. In April 2003, President Bush asked the American people to provide $77.9 billion for military and reconstruction spending in Iraq. At the time, his administration repeatedly assured Congress that they would not need additional money for Iraq. We now see that this was either poor planning or a calculated and gross underestimation of the cost. Today, congress is being asked to vote on $87 billion in additional spending for our military actions in Iraq and the reconstruction of both Iraq and Afghanistan for 2004. Congress needs to start acting in a fiscally responsible manner. In this bill's current form there are no corresponding spending cuts or revenue generators to pay for the nearly $87 billion cost. President Bush is asking for $20.3 billion in reconstruction funds with no strings attached. This proposal has no accountability and, equally as disturbing, there has been no effort made to provide an offset to cover the cost. As a result, the proposal would add significantly to the already massive $500 billion federal budget deficit. I have attempted to inject some fiscal responsibility into this process by offering an amendment that would eliminate the Bush tax giveaway for taxpayers in the top federal income bracket. My proposal would only impact the top 0.7 percent of all taxpayers with annual incomes of more than $312,000 and would restore approximately $90 billion to the federal budget. Unfortunately my amendment was not allowed and we are left with a bill that we are utterly unable to afford. We have an obligation to protect our troops in Iraq and to help rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan so that they are no longer havens for the tyranny and misery that spawn violence. This must be done responsibly and within the context of a clear plan for the U.S. to accomplish its goals and turn over both the governance and security of Iraq to the Iraqi people. Unfortunately, the bill before us today encapsulates all of the problems with the Administration's Iraq policy. President Bush has not explained how the $87 billion in spending helps us meet our goals of protecting our troops and restoring order in Iraq. The President has failed to make clear how many more American tax dollars will be spent on Iraq or the duration of our occupation. The President has no plan for how to pay for the $87 billion without adding dramatically to an already record federal deficit. The spending for our troops is vital. However, the President's plan needs to include guarantees that the $67 billion in military spending will go to getting critical supplies to our troops in a timely fashion. This is particularly important in the wake of a report this week that more than 40,000 G.I.s in Iraq still do not have the protective body armor for their Kevlar vests that stops rounds from AK-47s, the assault weapon favored by Iraqi guerrillas. The most troubling portion of this proposal is the $20 billion allocated for the rebuilding of Iraq. To this point, many of the reconstruction contracts have been awarded without competition to companies with close ties to the White House. These no-bid contracts preclude the accountability that is critical to ensuring that our tax dollars are not wasted and that every contract is implemented to meet the goal of a quick restoration of order and self-governance in Iraq. The question of cost points to the other major concern I have with this request. The President did not provide any way for us to pay for it. Instead of cutting spending or finding another revenue source, he is borrowing on our children's future by adding to the federal deficit. This is the continuation of a reckless economic policy that has already turned a budget surplus in 2000 into a projected $500 billion deficit for 2004. There is also the question of whether this plan makes our nation more secure. Last year, I voted against the Iraqi war resolution because I believed that there was no clear evidence showing Iraq was an imminent threat or that there were ties between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda. I was extremely concerned that the Bush Administration's unilateralist approach would seriously harm our international standing, our ability to wage the War on Terror and our ability to rebuild Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. These concerns have been borne out. Weapons of mass destruction have yet to be found and the Bush Administration has recently admitted that there is very little evidence to tie Iraq to al Qaeda. There is a growing consensus that the Bush Administration did not have the solid evidence they once claimed to have in order to justify invading Iraq. Congress has an obligation to pass a bill that contains a clear and coherent plan for our troops and the reconstruction of Iraq and does not balloon the deficit. This proposal does not meet these standards. I urge a no vote on the Supplemental.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional accomplishments and extraordinary life of a woman in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this distinguished public servant for her impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this outstanding citizen that I rise to honor Arie P. Taylor. Arie Taylor was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. She was on the front lines of progress for decades and proved to be a powerful force in transforming the landscape of our city and state. Her indomitable spirit sustained her through many challenges and molded a life of notable accomplishment. Born in Bedford, Ohio, it was evident at an early age that politics would play a major role in Arie Taylor's life. At age 19, she served under the first African American woman on the Cleveland City Council. After studying at Miami University of Ohio and Case Western Reserve University, she served a four-year stint in the Women's Air Force as a Staff Sergeant where she was the first black classroom instructor and noncommissioned officer in Women's Air Force training. Arie Taylor distinguished herself in national politics when as a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, she fought against seating all-white Southern delegations. Arie Taylor's lengthy career in public service began in 1972 when she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives representing House District 7 in northeast Denver. She was the first African American woman elected to the Colorado General Assembly and served six terms. As a state representative, she burnished a reputation of being forthright, outspoken and wearing great hats. She became a powerful advocate for African Americans, women, the poor, the elderly and other disadvantaged communities. Arie Taylor carried legislation that amended state civil rights statutes to include sex and gender. She carried fair housing legislation permitting women to access credit in their own names instead of having to rely on their spouses. She sponsored legislation for homemakers displaced because of domestic violence which, after passage, led to creation of a state income tax check-off to support organizations assisting victims of domestic violence. Arie Taylor further sponsored legislation that created treatment centers at the University of Colorado Medical Center for hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. Her service to the City & County of Denver began as Deputy Clerk of Denver District Court and Chief Clerk of the Denver Election Commission. Her career culminated in being appointed Denver Clerk & Recorder by former Mayor Wellington E. Webb in 1991. It comes as no surprise that Arie Taylor was the recipient of numerous awards including the Harriett Tubman Award for extraordinary efforts against racial violence. In 1999, the municipal center in northeast Denver was dedicated in her name. Arie Taylor lived a life of meaning and one that was rich in consequence. It is the character and deeds of Arie Taylor, and all Americans like her, which distinguishes us as a people. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this remarkable woman. Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Arie P. Taylor, a distinguished public servant. It is the values, leadership and commitment she exhibited during her life that serves to build a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my thanks to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) for taking the lead on this important piece of legislation and also for his diligence in making sure that it was brought to the floor today and the leadership on both sides of the aisle of the House subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is always a pleasure to write and pass a bill with full bipartisan support. The bill will improve the public's health, the efficiency of FDA's drug approval process, and perhaps most importantly to some, the health of the family pet and of our livestock in this country. In our society, pets have become even more important to Americans, and just like with humans, pharmaceuticals have helped improve the quality of our pets lives. My sister has a 16-year-old dog that is on insulin and several antiinflammatory drugs for arthritis just like senior citizens in this country, and her pet's health has been helped by these drugs, and thereby her family's situation has been improved, and they are happy to have their pet. Unfortunately, up until now, drugs have not been able to be approved with speed like they are for humans, and the Animal Drug User Fee Act is closely modeled after the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, which was enacted 10 years ago. The purpose of this legislation is twofold: to increase resources available to the FDA so that it may speed up the approval process for pharmaceuticals, and also to maintain monitoring of the safety and efficacy of all pharmaceuticals. Decreasing delays of the approval process is a necessary step to keeping up with medical innovation, and this applies to drug for animals as well as for humans. The monitoring is an essential function that safeguards the public's health. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals is of paramount importance. I am well aware of some of the issues with PDUFA, some of which were discussed by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), but I feel strongly that we must increase the FDA's work capacity. This bill has been carefully crafted on both sides of the aisle to avoid the problems of the past, and as my colleagues have heard, it was unanimously passed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bill, ADUFA, requires the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA to meet performance standards in exchange for a 5-year infusion of funds. By collecting fees from animal drug manufacturers, the FDA will be able to decrease the review time of new drug applications. These delays, which have been considerable in the past, prevent pharmaceuticals from entering the market. I am very pleased that the FDA has also worked very closely with us on the bill and is willing to implement the new program. Increasing access to animal drugs not only helps lengthen and improve the lives of the family pet, but it will also, and perhaps more importantly, have a wide-ranging impact on our Nation's food supply and will improve prevention of food-borne disease epidemics. For example, for more than 40 years, antibiotics have played a critical role in keeping our Nation's food animals healthy. Without such treatments, illness would be transmitted to humans, and the livestock market would be more susceptible to devastation. Therefore, we must continue to develop new treatments and quickly bring them to market, but we cannot do that without the speedy approval of the FDA. I am particularly concerned about the food and medicine supply of this country. This commitment to safety that we are showing today through this legislation starts with the FDA's examination and approval of new pharmaceuticals and continues as these legal drugs are manufactured and distributed throughout the Nation. Commitment to safety must always be a part of the system. The benefits of this bill are substantial, and, therefore, I am very pleased to cosponsor the bill. Vote yes on H.R. 1260, the Animal Drug User Fee Act.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will harm patients. It will harm the children, and it will harm the elderly. It lacks the necessary guarantees of safety and we should not subject the American people to it. Permitting reimportation would significantly increase the risk that counterfeit, misbranded and adulterated drugs would show up in U.S. pharmacies and American homes. Every one of us here tonight is concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs, but we should not and must not substitute the hope of lower prescription drug prices for the fundamental safety of the drugs that we are providing to our citizens. We have a duty to protect the people of this Nation. Every expert agrees, this bill will not help Americans. The Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Customs Service, currently cannot enforce the existing laws. Counterfeit drugs are pouring across our borders. I used to think I supported this legislation, and then the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations had hearings. This chart is just one example of counterfeit Viagra that was received in the Miami office. There are tons of counterfeit drugs coming into this country right now. Proponents of the bill say that the quality of the drugs will be protected. I have not heard one Member on either side of the aisle say how that will happen, when you have drugs that are coming in from all parts of the world. This is counterfeit Voltaren. It is a pill that is used to relieve pain, tenderness, inflammation and stiffness caused by arthritis. Every one of these pills is marked with the manufacturer. It looks real. There is no active ingredient in these pills. I challenge anybody who just thinks that we will be safe to come get on a plane to Miami and see the counterfeit drugs that are coming into this country. The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry) said the country will be flooded with cheap prescription drugs. That may happen under this bill, but we cannot guarantee that any of those cheaper prescription drugs will have any active ingredients in them. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoekstra) asked why the Canadian drugs are 40 percent cheaper. I have a different answer than the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence) had. I think they are cheaper because Canadian law allows the government to negotiate with pharmacies for lower prices. And that is what we should do too in this country. We should not go in a roundabout way letting these counterfeit drugs come in, putting our citizens at risk simply because we want lower prices. Here is the bottom line. We were elected to preserve the health and safety of the people we represent, over 600,000 each. Let us not sacrifice that fundamental right for a convoluted bill that is not even guaranteed to do what it is supposed to do. Vote ``no'' on this ill- conceived legislation.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of a prominent citizen in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this distinguished public servant for his impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent citizen that I rise to honor Wellington E. Webb, Mayor of the City & County of Denver. Mayor Webb has been on the front lines of progress for decades and has proven to be a powerful force in transforming the landscape of our city. His career in public service began in 1972 when he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives representing northeast Denver. In 1977, he was selected by then President Jimmy Carter to serve as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1981, then Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm appointed him to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies and in 1987, he was elected Denver City Auditor. In 1991, Wellington Webb was elected mayor of Denver and is the first African American to hold this office. He led our city through an era that has been characterized as a time of vision, energy, progress and economic transformation. Under his leadership, Denver's open space has increased by approximately fifty percent. Denver's economic turnaround during the 1990's is considered a national model. Mayor Webb's commitment to children and education spurred city investment into initiatives including the Safe City Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program. He stood up to violence in our community on numerous occasions and continually affirmed tolerance as a essential civic value. Mayor Webb has brought a passion for the Arts dedicating both time and resources to making our city a leading cultural center. He implemented some of the nations' most progressive historic preservation policies and our city has witnessed the economic benefits resulting from the preservation of Denver's historic core. During his tenure, Mayor Webb led successful ballot initiatives to enhance our economic vitality and quality of life including expansion of the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Zoo, renovation of the Quigg Newton Auditorium and construction of the Pepsi Center and INVESCO Field at Mile High. The expansion of the Denver Central Public Library and construction of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and the Webb Municipal Building are also to his credit. Additionally, Mayor Webb promoted the redevelopment of the former Stapleton Airport and Lowry Air Force Base sites--two of the largest in-fill projects in the country--as well as guided the transformation of Central Platte Valley. During his tenure, Denver International Airport established a reputation as one of the best run airports in the world which has enhanced the ability of existing firms to do business internationally and contributes to the region's ability to attract new businesses on a global scale. Mayor Webb led trade missions to China, Africa, Mexico and Europe to encourage investment and business development between nations. Under his leadership, Denver hosted World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II and hosted President Clinton and other world leaders for the Denver Summit of the Eight, an event that helped to put Denver on the global map. Mayor Webb has held several prominent national positions including most recently, President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Magazines including Newsweek, Fortune and Ebony have recognized him as one of our nation's most influential civic leaders. He continues to collaborate closely with his wife, former six-term Colorado State Representative, Wilma J. Webb. As Denver's First Lady, she has worked on various issues impacting our youth and families. She previously served as the Secretary's Representatives for Region VIII of the U.S. Department of Labor and has chaired various governmental groups, represented the city at public and private meetings and hosted national and international dignitaries. Wellington Webb's tenure as Mayor of the City and County of Denver is quickly drawing to a close. He has worked to preserve and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods' and has been the catalyst for major civic enterprises and economic development undertakings in our city. The success Denver has enjoyed in recent years has been due, in large measure, to Mayor Webb's efforts in cultivating a shared vision and promoting inclusion. His leadership has been exemplary and his contributions are rich in consequence. On behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District, I wish to express our gratitude and look forward to his continued involvement in our civic life. Please join me in commending Mayor Wellington E. Webb, a distinguished public servant. It is the strong leadership he exhibits on a daily basis which continually enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.

Ms. DeGETTE

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding me this time. I rise in opposition to the Taylor amendment and in strong support of the Udall amendment. Interior Secretary Gale Norton has resurrected an arcane and archaic rule that defies common sense and threatens beautiful and remote areas across the West. Surely there was a time when we needed laws like RS 2477 to settle the land and win the West, but the West is won; and now we face a new battle, a battle for the splendor of the few remaining wild places. And it is not going to be an easy battle with an administration that consistently comes up with increasingly creative ways to remove public land protections and shut the public out of the process. But if this administration hoped to bamboozle Westerners with their stealth attempts to undermine existing protections, they have got another think coming. I have heard from hundreds of constituents back home who understand that these disclaimer decisions have momentous scope. They have not been blinded by the arcane and arbitrary nature of these decisions. That is why Congress should not be, either. I will state it baldly: build a road across an area, and it is forever eliminated from wilderness consideration. Behind all the trickery, backroom deals and sleight of hand, that is what is happening here. With these decisions, bureaucratic agencies have limited Congress' opportunity to exercise its exclusive authority to designate qualifying lands as wilderness as well as taking away an important management tool of the BLM. Over the last decade, citizens from my home State and Mr. Udall's home State of Colorado took to the trails to develop the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal that is the basis of the act I have sponsored called the Colorado Wilderness Act. These are the voices that will be silenced by the backroom wheeling and dealing of the Department of the Interior. I believe that truly wild places define who we are as citizens of this country. As such, they deserve protection. But even those who disagree that we should have more wilderness and fall squarely in the private property camp should be leery of opening up RS 2477 claims. My staff met with a property owner from Boulder County. She and her husband purchased her then vacant lot in 1993 and built a home. This parcel had an existing driveway for access. But since the neighbors had gotten used to using that driveway, even though it is a private drive, they cannot use adverse possession, the neighbors, so now they are resorting to RS 2477 claims. No matter that the maps do not show this claim, no matter that the aerial photos confirm that the road did not exist during the 1930s and 1940s. She and her family have been consistently harassed by individuals who think they have a right to go across these private lands. So if you do not think we should protect the wilderness, if you do not think we have a right to introduce legislation without these arcane claims being asserted, do it for private property rights. Vote ``no'' on this amendment and vote ``yes'' on the Udall amendment.