Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Does it not make sense that we try this to see what is workable? I mean, we are not talking about in perpetuity. Am I right in my assessment of that?

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chairman, I yield myself the remaining 2\1/2\ minutes to close. Madam Chairman, as we conclude the general debate, I wanted to reiterate that it has been a pleasure to work with the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Bonilla) on the bill. Given limited resources, I think we have tried to do a good job to meet the needs of rural America, our Nation's farmers, and other accounts funded in the bill. As we begin to move through the amendment process, I look forward to trying to address several areas in the bill that I believe could use some improvement. I mentioned earlier the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. A majority of older Americans, nearly 45,000 participants, will have to be dropped from this vital program unless more funds are provided. Also of concern to me is the 1-year limitation on implementation of country of origin labeling for meat and meat products. Consumers in this country need the information to make informed decisions for their safety and the safety of their families, and I hope that the House will reconsider the country of origin labeling provision in this bill. Overall, I think that the committee can feel good about the work that it has done on this legislation thus far. I am hoping that we can look at an amendment process where we can improve the bill even more in just a few critical areas. I would hope that with regard to the Food and Drug Administration that, in fact, we will be able to provide them with the authorities that I think the Nation would believe that they desperately need, and that is to be able to do post-marketing studies on drug products on the market and also to change labels that would need changing in order to protect the citizenry of this country.

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chairman, I would like to inquire about how much time is remaining on both sides.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I rise today to wish my dear friend, Lucy Bello, a very happy 70th birthday. This is a remarkable milestone for an inspiring individual. Not only is she celebrating 70 years of life, but she is also marking her 10th anniversary of being cancer free! This is a celebration of life. In her seven decades, Lucy has faced many challenges, but none more so than her battle with cancer. As a cancer survivor myself, I know only too well the fear, concern, and obstacles this disease brings. Lucy faced these challenges with the greatest of dignity and courage--serving as an inspiration to all of those who know her story. Today, Lucy is proudly celebrating a decade of remission and I would be remiss if I did not extend my sincere congratulations to her on this very special occasion. Throughout her life, Lucy has dedicated her time and energy to enriching her community. Since she could first vote at age twenty-one, she has been an active member of Branford's Democratic Town Committee. For nearly fifty years she has offered her support and encouragement to countless candidates. Candidates and committee members alike will tell you that Lucy is their go-to person--always willing to do the grunt work that no one else wants to do. In fact, I cannot recall an event in Branford that Lucy was not involved in either as an organizer or volunteer. It is because of individuals like Lucy--those who participate in the process by simply being involved--that our democratic process works. She herself served on the local Representative Town Meeting for many years. I consider myself fortunate to call her my friend and cannot thank her enough for all the good work she has done. Through the last five decades, her kind heart and endless generosity have made all the difference. Later this month, Lucy will be honored by the Democratic Town Committee for her many years of service and I cannot think of a more deserving individual to pay tribute to. Through her hardwork and commitment, Lucy has become a fixture in the Branford community--a local treasure. Every community should be so fortunate! For her years of outstanding service to the community and for her very special friendship, I am proud to stand today to join the many family, friends, and community leaders who have gathered to wish Lucy Bello a very happy 70th birthday. May you enjoy many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the Southern Connecticut State University's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies as they honor my good friend, Dr. Bruce E. Storm with the 2005 Educational Leader of the Year Award. Dedicating a lifetime to public education, this award is a true reflection of the dedication and commitment Bruce has demonstrated throughout his career. I have often spoke of our Nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. With such an extensive background in education, ranging from the elementary level to the university setting, Bruce has been just that kind of teacher and administrator. Beginning his career as an English teacher at the middle and high school levels in Massachusetts and New York, Bruce has also served as an assistant principal, principal as well as a lecturer and teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. For the last 13 years, he has served as Superintendent of Schools in Branford, Connecticut--a district of over 3,700 students. Bruce has also served as an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University and as a guest speaker and presenter at several local and national conferences. With so much recent attention given to the success of public education in our country, it has always been a comfort to me to know that our community has an individual like Bruce working diligently on behalf of our children and our public school system. Teacher, principal, lecturer, adjunct professor, and superintendent, Bruce has prepared students at every educational level, ensuring that they have the tools and skills they need to be successful. I have had several opportunities to work with Bruce over the years and have always been in awe of his energy, generosity and compassion--every community should be so fortunate. As the Chair of the South Central Area Superintendent's Association and Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Bruce has used his experience and background to benefit school districts regionally and across the State. In addition to these professional associations, he has also been an active member of several local organizations in Branford. Bruce was also recently recognized with the CABE Award for Excellence in Educational Communication for his electronic newsletter, Across the Fence. Though he will be leaving his position as Superintendent of Schools at the close of this school year, the many invaluable contributions he has made during his tenure will continue to enrich the lives of students for years to come. For his years of dedicated service and good work, I am proud to stand today to join his wife, Mariah, son, Christian, family, friends and colleagues in extending my sincere congratulations to Dr. Bruce Storm as he is named the 2005 Educational Leader of the Year. He has left an indelible mark on this community and I can think of no one who is more deserving of this very special honor.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Edwards for including two provisions very important to me and so many Americans in this legislation. This bill preserves the organization of our Defense Cancer Research Programs, which have served our Nation so well and have helped drive breakthroughs in breast, prostate and ovarian cancer research. Consolidation of these programs would have disrupted and delayed the granting of research awards, siphoned scarce resources away from research endeavors to support administrative functions. And I am pleased my colleagues, with the help of Mr. Murtha, were able to maintain the distinct nature of these cancer research programs. I am especially pleased by the funding level for ovarian cancer research. Ovarian cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer for women. This year, approximately 22,220 women will be diagnosed and an estimated 16,210 will lose their lives to the disease. One in 57 women will get ovarian cancer, a disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 24 percent when caught in advanced stages. As an ovarian cancer survivor, I can tell you first-hand how important early detection is critical. Despite progress made, we still do not fully understand the risks factors, symptoms and causes of ovarian cancer. Unlike other diseases and conditions, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer--there is no equivalent to the mammogram. And as such, more than 80 percent of women are diagnosed late stages when prognosis is the worst, and the overall rates of ovarian cancer mortality remain unchanged year after year. Appropriately, the DOD Ovarian Cancer Research Program is focusing its efforts on developing science and scientists to help us achieve the breakthroughs desperately needed in the field of ovarian cancer. Sustaining the current structure of the program and providing sufficient resources will help speed the day that we have a valid and reliable early detection tool for ovarian cancer reducing and preventing suffering from ovarian cancer for our nation's wives, mothers, aunts, nieces, daughters, and friends. Mr. Chairman, this bill also includes $2.2 billion in funding for veterans' mental health needs--and I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Edwards, for ensuring that it did. Many of us have long been concerned with the growing mental health needs of our returning soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen. That is why I offered an amendment to add additional funding to the Supplemental for veterans mental health needs. Today, more than one-quarter of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who seek care at the VA do so for mental health reasons. And according to the New England Journal of Medicine, 16 percent of surveyed Marines and 17 percent of Army soldiers meet screening criteria for major depression, generalized anxiety, or PTSD. These rates are similar to those of service men and women in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. And I understand from some in the veterans community that these numbers may even understate the severity of the problem. While this bill will help provide the VA with some of the tools to meet the needs of our brave servicemembers, I do believe we have a moral obligation to do more. In particular, I am concerned that the overall VA budget is not sufficient to meet the needs of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The American Legion and other veterans groups have said that this bill falls short by as much as $2.5 billion in veterans health care funding. Indeed, in my own district, veterans tell me that they are waiting up to 9 months for some surgical procedures. And our veterans deserve better than that. Mr. Chairman, ensuring that we are funding cancer research and providing services to our veterans are two of the most important responsibilities we have with this bill. And I am pleased the House was able to come together in a bipartisan way to see that we did. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this legislation. I am especially pleased that the amendment I will offer later today has been accepted. I will support this bill because it contains several important provisions that are good for our troops, good for our national security, and good for Connecticut's economy. Every Member of this body understands our troops represent the very best of America. The bill authorizes additional funding for equipment so desperately needed by troops serving in Iraq and those fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan and elsewhere--up-armored Humvees, tactical wheeled vehicle recapitalization and I modernization programs, night vision devices and improvised explosive device (IED) jammers. The bill also provides our troops with a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the armed forces and increases bonuses for active duty enlistments, reserve enlistments and active duty re-enlistments. Each of these measures is necessary to stem the decline in recruiting and retention among our Armed Forces. This legislation also makes good on our obligations to provide for the families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It increases the death gratuity to $100,000, allows dependents of deceased servicemembers to continue receiving housing benfits for one year, and expands travel authorizations for families of hospitalized servicemembers. This is the right thing to do, and I strongly support these provisions. The bill also contains an important provision requested by myself and several of my colleagues regarding the Marine One helicopter program. It ensures that the Navy will not procure the helicopter until it can certify that its design is essentially complete. In doing so, this provision ensures this program does not waste taxpayer dollars in the rush to field the President's helicopter. Unfortunately, there are other provisions in this bill that I believe are not in the best interests of the American people or our national security. First, over the objections of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it restricts the role of women in combat. Congress ought to charge the military with the responsibility to move people into jobs and positions based on merit. But excluding women from combat effectively creates two classes of servicemember, which is both bad for morale and may ultimately limit the ability of women to receive promotions in the future. Regrettably, the military already suffers from a case of not having enough women in senior positions, and this bill threatens to make that problem worse, not better. And this bill misses two real opportunities to make a tangible difference in the lives of the men and women of our Armed Services and their families. Firstly, it does nothing to expand the availability of health care to members of the Reserves and their families, even though there are more than 100,000 Reservists and National Guardsmen currently on the front lines of Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. And incredibly, this bill does nothing about the military families tax and the disabled veterans tax. At a time when Congress has repealed the tax on inherited wealth--the estate tax--it is unconscionable that we would continue to tax those who have become disabled in service to their country and the survivors benefits of those killed in combat. To my mind, that is the real ``death tax,'' Mr. Speaker--taxing the families of those whose loved ones gave their lives and their livelihoods to this great country of ours. They deserve better. Of course, the alternative to the bill is delay. And we cannot afford to put off the much-deserved pay raise for our troops in this bill or the purchase of new equipment that they so desperately need. Because we have an obligation to act now, I support the bill. But it is my hope that Congress will address these important issues--and soon.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would require the Department of Defense to implement a new mental health awareness campaign for families of servicemembers who are soon to be deployed or have recently been deployed to a combat theater. The amendment is important for families of National Guardsmen and Reservists whose families face unique challenges when loved ones are deployed. Unlike their active duty counterparts, Reserve and Guard families often live far from a military base and the wider array of social, family, and medical services that can be found there. According to the Army, one in six soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. More than 900 soldiers have been evacuated from Iraq because of problems related to mental health. Today, mental illnesses like PTSD remain a stigma for many in our society. We know the damage mental illnesses can do away from the battlefield, ruining families, causing alcoholism, drug abuse, and homelessness. It is a difficult time for troops and their families when our soldiers are deployed. In April 2004, I met with many families of the Army Reserve's 439th Quartermaster Company. Initially what was supposed to be a 6-month tour of duty was extended twice and the unit wound up serving for 14 months or longer. I met with their families. I saw the unbelievable strain they were under, bills mounting, responsibilities to family multiplying, frustrated in their efforts to get the answers they needed regarding the unit's status. It illustrated what we need to do for our Reservists, what it means for what they leave behind, not only their families, their jobs and their lives back home. That is what happens when Reservists are activated. Everyone sacrifices. We need to make sure that when all our soldiers come home that their homecomings are accompanied by any services and treatment that they and their families may need. They deserve no less. This is a commonsense amendment. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for their advice and my colleagues on the Rules Committee for making this amendment in order. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand on the House floor today to speak in favor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, legislation which will bring hope to millions of people suffering from disease in this nation. I want to thank Congresswoman DeGette and Congressman Castle for their tireless work in bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote. The discovery of embryonic stem cells is a major scientific breakthrough. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to form any cell type in the human body. This could have profound implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, various forms of brain and spinal cord disorders, diabetes, and many types of cancer. According to the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, there are at least 58 diseases which could potentially be cured through stem cell research. That is why more than 200 major patient groups, scientists, and medical research groups and 80 Nobel Laureates support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. They know that this legislation will give us a chance to find cures to diseases affecting 100 million Americans. I want to make clear that I oppose reproductive cloning, as we all do. I have voted against it in the past. However, that is vastly different from stem cell research and as an ovarian cancer survivor, I am not going to stand in the way of science. Permitting peer-reviewed Federal funds to be used for this research, combined with public oversight of these activities, is our best assurance that research will be of the highest quality and performed with the greatest dignity and moral responsibility. The policy President Bush announced in August 2001 has limited access to stem cell lines and has stalled scientific progress. As a cancer survivor, I know the desperation these families feel as they wait for a cure. This Congress must not stand in the way of that progress. We have an opportunity to change the lives of millions, and I hope we take it. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Women's Health Week. It is only within the past decade that scientists have begun to uncover significant biological and physiological differences between men and women. Before that time, women were regularly left out of clinical trials and it was simply assumed that women's bodies would respond to medication in the same way as men's bodies. Thanks to the efforts of women in the House and Senate, and dedicated organizations such as the Society for Women's Health Research, to mandate that women be included in clinical trials, we are now gaining greater knowledge of the unique differences between the genders--from the composition of bone matter and the experience of pain, to the metabolism of certain drugs and the rate of brain activity--and what we need to do to ensure optimal health care for everyone. As an ovarian cancer survivor, I understand that research on women's health can both improve and save lives. As a result of such research, death rates have decreased for women with tumors of the cervix, breast, uterus, and ovary due to advances in detection and treatment, such as the development of a cervical cancer vaccine. Quality of life has also improved for cancer patients through the development of less invasive surgical techniques, organ-sparing treatments, and better control of pain and nausea related to chemotherapy. Women's health research can also lead to less expensive treatments and cost-saving prevention strategies. For example, the total economic value to Americans from reductions in mortality from cardiovascular disease, which strikes 50,000 more women than men each year, averaged $1.5 trillion annually between 1970 and 1990. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much more that Congress can do to improve women's health. The Office of Research on Women's Health, ORWH, in the Office of the Director at NIH must be fully funded so that it can continue supporting the expansion and funding of peer-reviewed Specialized Centers of Research on Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women's Health, SCOR, and the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health, BIRCWH, programs. In addition, I urge Congress to pass the Women's Health Office Act (S. 569/H.R. 949), which will permanently authorize the existing offices of women's health in five federal agencies: the Department of Health and Human Services; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; the Health Resources and Services Administration; and the Food and Drug Administration. This will allow these offices to continue to carry out their important work without facing underfunding, understaffing, or elimination in the future. Finally, Congress should further encourage NIH to update and modify its guidelines to actively promote sex differences research at all levels, including basic research in cell and tissue culture, development and study of appropriate animal models, and in early stage clinical research. I would like to commend the Society for Women's Health Research for its tireless efforts to improve the health of both women and men. I hope that during Women's Health Week, all Members will take a moment to consider the importance of passing these measures and continuing our commitment to women's health.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin) and the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) for their kind remarks about a wonderful, wonderful woman. I also want to say thank you to my colleagues in Connecticut for their support of this effort. I rise in support of the legislation that would name the Whitneyville Branch Post Office in Hamden, Connecticut the ``Linda White-Epps Post Office,'' and this is in honor of her heroic work on behalf of women battling breast cancer. To all who knew her Linda White-Epps was an inspiration, a true friend. An extraordinary young woman who did so much to improve the lives of those around her, she dedicated her life to her community. She served in the town government on Hamden's Legislative Council and on the boards of local nonprofits. As my colleagues have heard, she served as an executive board member of the NAACP and on the Board of Directors of the local Boys and Girls Club. But it was her devotion to raising awareness about breast cancer in African American women that became her life's work. Linda herself had beaten breast cancer in 1990, but knew that the disease continued to affect minority communities disproportionately, with African American women facing only a 72 percent 5-year survival rate, 15 percent lower than the survival rate for white women. That disparity inspired Linda to search for ways to bring survivors together. Knowing that many women often wait too long to be tested and are reluctant to talk about their problems, she wanted to ensure that all women, regardless of race, would be able to take advantage of the remarkable medical advances we have seen over these last several years. Whether it was early detection or increasing access to the best health care possible, she wanted to give every woman a fighting chance of beating this disease. She knew as a breast cancer survivor, as I do as an ovarian cancer survivor, that no one should have to depend on luck when it comes to fighting cancer. So she created Sisters' Journey, a nonprofit organization which provides education and support to breast cancer survivors, their friends, and their families, and it was the first of its kind in Connecticut. In 1999, Sisters' Journey published a calendar featuring the pictures of women who have beaten the disease. Each turn of a page provides a look at another month, more stories from ``sisters'' and words of encouragement to women, teaching women to conduct self-examinations and to get mammograms regularly. The unveiling of the calendar still occurs every October at a fund-raiser known as the ``Pink Tea,'' a tradition Linda started. In addition to Sisters' Journey, she organized the first Relay for Life held in the Hamden community, raising nearly $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. Sadly, Linda, a grandmother of two, finally succumbed to the disease in 2003, and we miss her to this day. For all her outspokenness on behalf of women too reserved to speak up for themselves, Linda faced her own breast cancer in such a quiet way that many of her neighbors and friends were not aware of the gravity of her illness. Linda approached advocacy with the same humility, dignity, and grace, receiving numerous awards from the American Cancer Society for her efforts. She won the Greater New Haven NAACP Freedom Fund Award and the ``Daily Point of Light'' award by the Points of Life Foundation, which honors those who have made a commitment to bring people together through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. Indeed, she did. And today, Linda's legacy lives on in her mother, Phyllis White, who long joined Linda on her journey. Now she has taken up her cause as well, bringing new energy to that effort. Mr. Speaker, Linda White-Epps lived a life of hope and of resilience, perseverance, and dedication to community. She did bring people together and for the greatest of causes. As the granddaughter of a postal carrier, renaming the Hamden Post Office in Linda's honor would be a most fitting tribute. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, covert propaganda has no place in our democracy. Today we encourage the formation of democracies in countries that have long suffered under the brutality of totalitarian regimes. America ought to set an example that the governments of democratic societies do not resort to propagandizing and misinformation campaigns with taxpayer dollars. That is exactly what this administration has been doing. The Education Department secretly paid conservative commentator Armstrong Williams $241,000 of taxpayer funds. The purpose? To promote the President's No Child Left Behind education law. The administration has also paid two other columnists. They produced fake news reports to promote the President's controversial Medicare and marriage initiatives. The GAO has found these video news releases violate existing law. The campaigns of misinformation share two things. They lead the public to believe that the conclusions are reached by independent voices when they are not. They advocate for a controversial piece of the administration's agenda that has failed to win public support. This is a dangerous precedent. Our government's agenda should be able to stand on its own two feet. The President has said as much. This motion would end this undemocratic, un-American effort. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join family, friends, community leaders, and colleagues in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Leon J. Sylvester as he celebrates his retirement after 43 years of dedicated service as an educator and administrator in the Shelton Public School System. I have often spoken of our Nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Leon Sylvester has been just that kind of educator and administrator. In a career that has spanned five decades, Mr. Sylvester has involved himself in the education of young people at nearly every level. The Shelton community--especially its young people--has benefited from his unparalleled service. Beginning his career as an elementary school teacher, Mr. Sylvester also served as a Social Studies teacher and Guidance Counselor before becoming the Director of Career, Vocational and Educational Training. In each of these positions, he helped to prepare young people for their futures by providing them with the fundamental tools they would need to succeed. He spent the first three decades of his career developing a distinguished reputation as an innovative educator and progressive administrator, which resulted in his elevation to Superintendent of Schools. In his 14 years as Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Sylvester's leadership has led to significant improvements in both the physical school buildings as well as the programs offered by the school system. He founded the Student Mentoring Program and participates as a mentor, instituted the Alternative Education Program, and began an early reading intervention program for at risk students in the primary grades. During his tenure he also established the long range school facilities and capital improvement plan, oversaw the addition of media centers in Shelton's elementary schools, as well as the construction of a new intermediate school. His many contributions have created an enriched learning environment for all of Shelton's children--a legacy that will continue to make a difference in the lives of students for years to come. In addition to his years of service to the Shelton Public School system, Mr. Sylvester has also been deeply involved in the community. He has held a seat on the City's Planning and Zoning Commission for nearly 20 years, serving as Chair for 6 years. He has had an integral role as a corporator for such organizations as the Hewitt Management Corporation, the Birmingham Group, Griffin Hospital, and the Shelton Boys & Girls Club--all organizations that have had a positive impact on the community. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Valley Instructional Network for Education, as the Education Chair for the Valley United Way, and has been involved with the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council. Through all of these efforts, Mr. Sylvester has demonstrated a unique and consummate dedication to public service. I have no doubt that he will continue in these efforts even after his retirement. Educator, administrator, advocate, and community leader, Leon Sylvester has dedicated a lifetime of commitment to the City of Shelton and its residents. He has left an indelible mark--a model of all that a community member should be and an example to which we should all aspire. I am proud to rise today to join his wife, Barbara, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Leon J. Sylvester as he celebrates his retirement. My very best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join New Haven city officials, residents, customers, family and friends in paying tribute to Arthur, Leonard, and Philip Horowitz-- owners of Horowitz Brothers, a fabric and clothing store which became a New Haven institution. Emigrating from Russia, Philip and Leonard's father, William, and his uncle, Jack, came to New Haven in 1913 and began selling fabric from a pushcart on Grand Avenue. With hard work, dedication, and a dream they opened a storefront nearby and later, Horowitz Bros. moved to its permanent home on Chapel Street. In later years, Philip, Leonard, and their cousin Arthur took over the family business. I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. Through the years, Horowitz Bros. has been a fixture in downtown New Haven outlasting a number of large department stores as well as smaller, family-owned business which have gradually disappeared. For the last ninety years, Horowitz Bros. has been a valued treasure in the City of New Haven--a testament to the American Dream and to the invaluable place small business has in a community. I have fond memories of going with my mother to pick out fabrics for the dresses she would make for me as a child. While waiting for my mother to choose her fabrics, you could always find me rearranging the many spools of thread--a habit which I am sure caused some chaos, but was always met with a good natured smile. It was indeed a sad day for the residents and City of New Haven when we learned that Horowitz Bros. would be closing its doors last October--as if we had lost a part of ourselves. Horowitz Bros. holds a special place in the hearts of employees and customers alike. That is why it came as no surprise when I learned that their faithful customers had began a petition drive, determined to ensure that the City of New Haven recognized the Horowitz Bros. invaluable contribution to our community--not just as a business, but as a family. Today, city officials, residents, customers, friends and family are gathered to witness the unveiling of ``Horowitz Brothers Corner''--the street corner which for so long was home to the very special family-run emporium. Though we lost Philip just last year, I know that he is with us today and I am proud to stand today to honor Arthur, Leonard, and Philip for all that they brought to our community. It is because of their hard work and their commitment that even though its doors have closed, Horowitz Bros. will forever be a piece of our City's rich history. The naming of this street corner in their honor will ensure that their legacy lives on for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this legislation-- an $88 billion giveaway to the oil and gas industry that does nothing to alleviate the record high costs of oil and gas. At a time when science and common sense tells us we should be doing more research into alternative energy and less drilling in our precious public lands, this bill provides $8 billion in tax breaks for companies to do more drilling and less research into alternative energy. In an $88 billion bill, less than $500 million is dedicated to any kind of renewable energy research. The legislation promotes drilling in the last vestiges of the great American frontier--places like Alaska's Arctic Refuge and the Rocky Mountain Front--ruining forever these examples of nature's magnificence all for what amounts to 5 percent of a one year's supply of oil. At the same time, it authorizes $80 billion in new spending to assist the big oil companies--one reason conservatIve organizations such as Taxpayers for Common Sense and Citizens Against Government Waste oppose this bill. Just yesterday, the president expressed similar concerns as well. Another provision gives legal protection to producers of MTBE--a substance if consumed can cause a variety of health problems. I would like to also express my concern about two very important sections of this bill. Section 330 limits the ability of state governments to oversee the permitting process of pipeline construction projects or construction of LNG facilities, placing that responsibility solely within the FERC, with states relegated to a consultative role. This would eviscerate my state government's ability to regulate proposed projects in the Long Island Sound, despite the state's undisputed leadership in the clean-up of the Sound. To say we do not trust Connecticut to act in the best interests of one of its most prized natural resources is bad public policy and I hope that an amendment offered by Mr. Castle to strike this section will be adopted. Rather, we should be reducing our dependence on foreign oil by improving our energy efficiency and maximizing our domestic energy production in an environmentally-sound way--by investing in cleaner, more secure energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and fuel cell technology. My State of Connecticut is a leader in fuel cell technology, with several businesses doing research that is on the cusp of revolutionizing the way our nation powers its homes, cars and businesses. This bill should be investing in American small businesses like Proton Energy in Wallingford, Nxegen in Middletown and Danbury's Fuel Cell Energy--companies that already do over $300 million worth of fuel cell business and move us closer to true energy independence. That is the future of energy in this country, and that is what this bill should be encouraging. By pressing for 20th Century solutions to deal with 21st Century energy challenges, this majority continues us down the road of ever-rising gas prices, harming our economy and leaving middle-class families to bear the brunt of the cost. And that is no plan, Mr. Chairman--it is an abdication of our responsibilities. Oppose this bill.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join Women's Health Research at Yale as they honor two outstanding women with their 2005 Women of Vision Award: Gloria Steinem and, my good friend, Roslyn Milstein Meyer. This recognition is a reflection of the contributions these women have made, locally and across the globe. Author, advocate, and leader, Gloria Steinem has brought issues of concern to women to the forefront of national and international discussion. Her leadership and vision helped to create an atmosphere in which women became empowered and ensured that their voice was heard. Ms. Steinem is an individual who sparked debate and stimulated discussion. Whether it was through her books or her unparalleled activism--and whether or not you agreed with her views--women were encouraged and motivated to act. Hers is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. While there are many people with good hearts, there are few who combine that heart with a deep commitment to philanthropy and action. Roz Meyer is one of those special people. She captures the best spirit of what it is to be a community leader. She is the co-founder of Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP), a nationally recognized program supporting hundreds of young people throughout Connecticut, as well as New Haven's International Festival of Arts and Ideas, an annual celebration of art, culture, and tradition. The success of both of these programs would not have been possible without the support and commitment that Roz provided. Through her advocacy, leadership, and awe-inspiring generosity, she has left an indelible mark on our community. Whether its impact is on the world or a community, women across the globe touch the lives of people every day. I am honored to stand today and join Women's Health Research at Yale in recognizing the outstanding achievements of Gloria Steinem and Roslyn Milstein Meyer. Through their many contributions, they are a reflection of the very spirit of the Women of Vision Award. I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to them on this very special occasion.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, this past month family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders gathered to pay tribute to an outstanding woman--someone I consider myself fortunate to call my good friend, Nancy Beals. Nancy has spent a lifetime dedicated to improving our communities and enriching our State. Most individuals associate public service with holding an elected office, however, there are those who simply hold public office, and then there are those like Nancy Beals. An educator, volunteer mentor, advocate, and State representative--Nancy has done it all. With the multitude of organizations and groups that she has been involved with over the years, it is difficult to put into words what a difference Nancy has made through all of her good work. Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of people like Nancy who so willingly dedicate their time and energies to make them a better place for our children, families, and businesses to live and grow. Whether as a trustee for Spring Glen Church, volunteer for Connecticut Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, high school teacher, or board member for Partnerships for Adult Daycare and the Hamden Education Foundation-- Nancy's efforts on behalf of the community have touched the lives of thousands. In addition to her myriad of community volunteer activities, Nancy also committed two decades as a local elected official. Serving for 9 years as a member of the Hamden Board of Education and 10 years as a State Representative in Connecticut's General Assembly, she used her background and experience to make a difference in the lives of the residents of Hamden as well as those throughout the State. With more than a decade of experience working with local and regional offices of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as well as several years with the Connecticut Department of Education, Nancy focused much of her time on improving the quality of education for Connecticut's children. She served on the Assembly's Task Force on Student Financial Aid, the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the Library, and the State Advisory Council on Special Education. As a legislator, she was recognized for her efforts, which is reflected by the myriad of awards and commendations she received throughout her tenure. Her distinguished career came to an end when she retired in 2003, however, she left an indelible mark on the institution which will be remembered by her colleagues and will certainly serve as an inspiration for members to come. For her many invaluable contributions to her community and to the State of Connecticut, I am proud to stand today to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Nancy Beals. With her husband Richard, 3 children, and 9 grandchildren, she is certainly a busy woman, however, I have no doubt that though she no longer serves in public life, she will continue to work on behalf of her community and make a difference in the lives of others.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today, in New Haven, Connecticut, friends, family and colleagues will gather to pay tribute to one of our community's most outstanding citizens. I am proud to stand today and join the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League as they honor David Benfer, FACHE with the 2005 Greater New Haven Torch of Liberty Award. Each year, the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League presents the prestigious Torch of Liberty Award to an outstanding leader in the community, recognizing their unique commitment and dedication. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Raphael Hospital System, David manages one of New Haven's leading employers as well as one of the largest providers of healthcare in Connecticut. During his tenure of six years, Saint Raphael's has furthered its reputation as a clinical pioneer in cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, neurosciences, and geriatric services. The outstanding success of Saint Raphael's is a reflection of the deep commitment that David has demonstrated since his arrival just six years ago. I have had the opportunity and honor to work with David on a number of projects. I am in awe of his unparalleled dedication. A trustee of the Catholic Health Association, an advocacy organization that represents more than two thousand Catholic healthcare facilities nationwide, David recently asked me to get involved with a very special mission--the ``Lend Your Voice'' campaign, a national campaign to bring awareness to lawmakers of the seriousness of today's healthcare crisis. As the administrator of a healthcare facility, David knows only too well the plight of uninsured Americans. At a recent event he said, ``This is not only a moral responsibility, but it is an economic opportunity to improve health care and reduce costs in the long run by providing care at the appropriate time.'' It is this leadership and vision that will continue to spark debate and, hopefully, allow for a time when every American is insured. It is not only his professional contributions that have made David such a special member of our community. Arriving to New Haven only six years ago, David not only took on his responsibilities at Saint Raphael's, but immediately became involved in a number of local service organizations. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Community Soup Kitchen and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas are just some of those who benefit from having David as a member of their Boards. It is not often that you find individuals who so quickly and willingly delve into their new communities. With his compassion, generosity, and kind heart, David represents all that a community leader should be. I am honored to rise today and join his wife, Mary, his three children, family, friends, and colleagues to pay tribute to David Benfer, FACHE for his many invaluable contributions. I cannot think of a more appropriate honor than the Torch of Liberty Award to recognize the generosity and commitment David has shown to our community.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation which will improve the lives of thousands of our troops and their families. As our troops serve us so well in Iraq, the war on terrorism and on countless other missions around the world, we honor their service. At the same time, however, we should do more to help our troops and their families handle the emotional toll that service can take. The Military Mental Health Services Improvement Act, which I am introducing with 18 of my colleagues, will improve the ability of servicemembers and their families to access mental health care and overcome the stigma that is too often associated with mental health services. I am especially pleased that the National Military Families Association has lent its support to this important legislation. Since the beginning of the Iraq War, more than 900 servicemembers have been evacuated from Iraq due to mental health concerns, and a new study by the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that more than one-quarter of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans seeking care at Veterans hospitals are doing so for mental health treatment. While we have made good progress since the Vietnam era in diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other forms of combat stress, much more remains to be done. Specifically, my bill will: Ensure that troops deploying to combat theaters get the mental health screening they need before and after deployment. The bill requires that military mental health screenings be done in person. The 1997 Defense Authorization Act required pre- and post-deployment screenings, but the Defense Department elected to use paper self-evaluation forms which are widely viewed as insufficient to identify possible combat-stress cases. Create a new program designed to alert dependents of servicemembers about the options for and availability of mental health treatment services. The bill requires the DOD to operate a web site and toll-free number that servicemembers and families can use to get information about the availability of mental health services. Many military families complain of being unable to determine where to go for mental health services. This problem is particularly acute for Guardsmen and Reservists, whose families may not live close to a military installation and thus do not have easy access to a military health care facility. Reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment. According to a 2004 New England Journal of Medicine study of troops returning from Iraq, fear of stigmatization was ``disproportionately greatest among those most in need of help from mental health services.'' Improve coordination between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs in treating mental health cases. As the youngest veterans, OIF/ OEF veterans will be long-term users of VA health services, and so proper diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce their long-term mental health services needs. Allow recently-deactivated Guard and Reserve members and their families to obtain mental health services through TRICARE for up to 24 months after the servicemember returns. This is a priority for the National Military Families Association, and 24 months was selected because that is the time-frame in which PTSD usually presents itself. Allow colleges, universities and community hospitals to play a constructive role in helping to diagnose and treat combat stress in our servicemembers by permitting the Defense Department to partner with these organizations to carry out the programs prescribed in the bill. Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to our troops and their families. Part of this debt can be paid by giving them the resources they need to get through deployment, including combat and long stretches away from loved ones. Supporting this legislation will be a good step in that direction. I have long been interested in the issue of mental health among our men and women in uniform and their families, but it was brought home for me last year, during the deployment to Iraq of the 439th Quartermaster Company, an Army Reserve unit headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. Over the course of that deployment, I saw a group of families overwhelmed by the stress and uncertainty caused by the deployment of their loved ones. These families did not know where to turn for help. The situation, unfortunately, did not improve when the soldiers returned from their 19 months on active duty, 14 of which were spent in the Middle East. I would like to read into the Record the speech given Monday by the leader of the 439th family support organization, Kelly Beckwith. Kelly's words speak volumes about the emotional toll of deployment on families. I hope my colleagues will take the time to read them: Speech by Kelly Beckwith at the American Legion Post 89, East Haven, Conn. on the Introduction of the DeLauro Military Mental Health Services Improvement Act of 2005 ``Hello. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Kelly Beckwith. I am the wife of an OEF/OIF Veteran and mother to four young children. My husband, Sgt. Chris Beckwith, served on active duty with the 439th Quartermaster Company from New Haven for over 19 months. I served ``unofficially'' as the 439th Family Readiness Coordinator during the last few months of their deployment. ``Deployment is an extremely difficult time for our soldiers and their families. While there is a sense of pride in serving your country, the stress of separation can be devastating, even more so when there is no structuralized, formal support system. Reserve support relies heavily upon volunteers, most of which are struggling with the deployment of a loved one themselves. Soldiers are not the only ones making sacrifices. . . . ``If you will allow me to paint you a picture . . . Close your eyes . . . ``Imagine four young, bright-eyed children. Christopher is eight years old and in the third grade. He likes to play with trucks and cars, and loves to build with his legos. Julia is five and just started kindergarten in the fall. She loves to draw and tell stories. Shaun is three years old and very shy and quiet. He just started learning to use the potty. He is loving and holds tightly onto his mom and admires his dad. He wants to be a fireman when he grows up. Olivia just turned two and is eager to learn all that she can and cause mischief of one kind or another. ``Now picture soldiers, dressed in BDUs, filing onto the busses. Picture those same bright-eyed children standing at the gate, with tears in their eyes, hoping to have one last chance to wave goodbye to their Daddy. ``Imagine being the mother of those children, seeing the fear and confusion in their eyes as they know their father has to go away, but they do not understand why or know for how long. ``Imagine losing that one person you had to hold you, to comfort you, to talk to in the middle of the night. Imagine the overwhelming stress as the burden of the household quickly falls on those left behind. Imagine being that wife and realizing that you will now be raising four children on your own. Imagine watching helplessly as the terror of what your loved one is enduring unfolds right before your eyes on the television . . . the sudden onset of anxiety attacks as you wait endlessly for the phone to ring, hoping to hear from him, and dreading when the phone does ring, fearing the worst. Imagine the wife . . . holding tightly onto herself to ease her fears as she cries herself to sleep. ``Those bright-eyed children have all had to grow up entirely too fast. ``The oldest boy, Christopher, assumes the role as father figure to his younger siblings. He no longer wants to go to a friend's house to play. Instead, he prefers to stay home, in case his mother ``needs'' him. Five year old, Julia, is now six and in the first grade. She pours herself into schoolwork and immerses herself into books. She continues to draw and write. She now keeps a journal in which she writes, ``Why can't my Daddy come home?'' ``Quiet and shy Shaun, who was once so loveable, is now so full of anger and hate. Because he does not know what words to use to express his feelings, he starts lashing out. He bites, hits, kicks, screams, and breaks anything that catches his eye--three windows, four figurines, and a bed within one week's time. Shaun blames his mother for his father's extended absence and shouts to her ``I hate you!'' at least three times a day. Then cries, ``Mommy, please let my Daddy come home.'' ``Little Olivia now only knows her father through photographs. When other fathers pick up their children at preschool, Olivia asks, `` When is my Daddy coming to get me?'' ``Now, if you will, flash forward to over a year and a half later. * Christopher is now ten years old and is in the fifth grade. * Julia is seven and in second grade. * Shaun, who had just started learning to use potty at the beginning of deployment, is now five and in kindergarten. * Little Olivia is four years old and is one of the ``big kids'' at her preschool. * Mom has finally started to sleep at night. ``After all this time, Daddy finally comes home, only to hear his youngest child ask, `Are you my Daddy?' ``For many families, reintegration is harder than the actual deployment itself. Sadly, many families fall apart during the deployment, and far too many soldiers return home divorced. For those families that have endured the trials and tribulations of separation, the arduous journey has just begun. ``Soldiers have witnessed and endured unspeakable cruelties. Their everyday life had become a series of safety checks and ``trust no ones.'' Yet within a week of leaving the combat zone, the soldiers are back with their families with nothing more than a slap on the back and a `thank you, buddy.' ``At first, everything is wonderful--the ``honeymoon stage.'' You're just so grateful to have him back home, to have your family together again. Then comes the transition. People change over time, especially more so during a traumatic experience such as deployment. Soldiers come home to someone they feel is completely different from who they left behind. Often times, families do not recognize the person coming home to them. We have to learn how to live with another person again. In truth, it's almost as if you're learning to live with a stranger, only his face is so familiar. You have to learn to share the bed again. Even the simplest things, such as emptying the trash or remembering to put the toilet seat down can cause such a large, deep rift. The smallest misunderstandings can, and do, spiral into large disagreements and screaming matches. ``Unfortunately there are several factors hindering soldiers and families from seeking the help they so desperately need. Some do not know what options are available to them, others do not know where to go or whom to call. Some are too stubborn to realize they need help, thinking if they got through the deployment, they can get through anything. ``For those soldiers who do come forward to seek help, there is a good chance it will be held against them in their future military career. Even something as simple as going to marital counseling will be taken into consideration for security clearance. Sometimes more drastic measures, such as pushing the soldier out of military service, are taken. ``This is no way to thank our soldiers for defending and protecting our freedoms. It is time we do right by our soldiers and their families. There is no choice but to offer them the support they need not only to serve this country, but to reintegrate into their families as well. ``This is a matter of the utmost urgency, and we'd all be fools if we failed to do something about it. If we fail just one, then we have failed them all. ``It's time to do right by our soldiers . . . And that time is now.''

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, to listen to this majority, we have a crisis in this country--one brought on by spendthrifts defrauding the public via our bankruptcy system. Indeed, to look at the statistics, we are facing a crisis--but it has nothing to do with ordinary Americans acting irresponsibly or even our bankruptcy system. Last year, more than a million-and-a-half families resorted to declaring bankruptcy--a full half of which occurred not because of any irresponsible behavior but because of unexpected medical expenses brought on by an illness or death in the family. These families--widows and widowers, mothers and fathers, many in the middle-class--are hardly ``gaming the system''--they are doing the best they can under unbelievable circumstances that have left them with no choice but to resort to the only recourse they have: filing bankruptcy, wiping their debt and trying their best to start anew. If there is any ``crisis,'' it is the skyrocketing cost of health care, which has left more than 14 million Americans spending more than a quarter of their every paycheck on medical costs--that Mr. Speaker, is what I call a crisis. A moral crisis. We can all agree that individuals should be accountable for living beyond their means, but if anyone is ``gaming'' our bankruptcy system, it is the credit card companies, who have long been advocating for this bill at the same time they prey on unsuspecting customers. And as with previous incarnations of this legislation, there is virtually nothing in the bill that would require creditors to curb their outrageous predatory lending practices that mislead even the most educated consumers into debt. This bill is especially bad for women, who are the single largest group currently in bankruptcy. By making it harder for them to file for bankruptcy, we will make it more difficult for them to maintain essential items such as the car that gets them to and from their job. Women who are owed child support will be forced to compete with credit card companies and other lenders for dollars to spend feeding and clothing their children. The bill also allows perpetrators of violence against women at health centers to escape liability for their actions through the bankruptcy courts. Mr. Speaker, this bill is yet another product of an Administration and majority that taxes work and rewards wealth. It appeals to the worst in all of us, painting honest middle-class families who are working hard and taking personal responsibility for their actions as liars, cheaters and spendthrifts. At the same time it lets off the hook those who do act irresponsibly by preserving loopholes which allow wealthy bankruptcy filers to hide their true wealth in mansions and trust funds. I can hardly imagine a more unfair piece of legislation less concerned with promoting the common good, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 256 because this bill turns its back on middle-class America, continuing an administration that proceeds to reward the wealthy and tax wages.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the ACES Education Foundation as they recognize the outstanding contributions of a dedicated member of our community and my good friend, Dr. Janice Gruendel. Janice has spent a lifetime working with children, focusing much of her time and effort on early childhood education. A psychologist by training, Janice has dedicated her professional career to improving the environment in which our children learn and grow. After receiving her Ph.D. from Yale University, Janice served as Deputy Commissioner with the Connecticut Department of Children and Youth Services, the Department of Mental Retardation, and the Department of Public Health. She moved on to become the Vice President of Education and Technology at Rabbit Ears Productions, Inc. and was co-executive producer of the Emmy-nominated public broadcast documentary, ``Mommy, Who'll Take Care of Me?'' In 1995, Janice, along with Shelly Geballe, Judy Soloman, and Nancy Lustman, embarked on a very special project founding Connecticut Voices for Children. CT Voices is a research-based public education and advocacy organization that works statewide to promote the well-being of Connecticut's children, youth and families. Janice and the co-founders of CT Voices have built this very special organization around a staff with education and experience in education, law, health, business, government and the non-profit sector. With such comprehensive vision and talented staff, CT Voices has been able to provide new and unique insights into the impact of policy and issues on today's youth and families. In fact, in just under a decade, CT Voices has become a leading voice in public policy with political leaders, the media, other advocacy groups and others regularly turning to them for public and budget analysis. The outstanding success of CT Voices allows this organization to have a real impact on public policy--a reflection of the remarkable efforts of Janice and her co-founders. Currently serving as the Senior Advisor on Early Childhood for Connecticut's Governor M. Jodi Rell, Janice's expertise in early childhood education is recognized throughout the state. In addition to this role, she also continues as a lecturer at the Yale University Child Study Center and acts as a part-time senior consulting fellow at Connecticut Voices for Children. The multitude of work that Janice has done on behalf of our youngest citizens has gone a long way in increasing public awareness of the importance of early childhood education and its positive impact on our children. I am proud to stand today to join her husband, Herb; her three sons and daughters-in-law, David and Liz, Darren and Yoya, and Stephen and Amy; her grandchildren, Alisia, Elena, Vivian, and Mateo, as well as all of the family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered in congratulating my dear friend, Dr. Janice Gruendel as she is honored by the ACES Education Foundation. Her many years of dedication and commitment has left an indelible mark on the State of Connecticut and a legacy that will continue to make a difference in the lives of our young people for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this budget. The budget should encourage fiscal, personal and social responsibility at the same time it moves us further down the road to making. opportunity real for people. In that sense, it should reflect the values and priorities of Americans. But by deepening income inequality and raising the barriers for those working to do better, this budget does neither. If anything, it reflects priorities that are out of step with ordinary Americans. By calling for $1.8 trillion in tax cuts, primarily to the wealthiest Americans, the president's budget compromises both our ability to face our most pressing challenges and strengthen the social safety net that might rescue those living in poverty. Experts estimate that over the next 75 years, the cost of the tax cuts for the top 1 percent of households alone is nearly equivalent to the shortfall in Social Security--this at a time when another 1.3 million Americans fell into poverty last year. And with this budget's cuts to Medicaid, job training, veterans health care, and child care will only exacerbate those startling figures. The decision to eviscerate Medicaid by as much as $20 billion will leave many low-income families with nowhere to turn for medical care, and many seniors with no way to afford long-term care. Its growth in recent years is simply a reflection of its success in providing care for the thousands of Americans who would otherwise have joined the ranks of the uninsured during the economic downturn. And states are already struggling to keep up. This year, the governor in my state of Connecticut proposed increased co-payments and premiums for families receiving SCHIP. If the president succeeds in cutting Medicaid, there will be no way for states to make up the shortfall. We cannot let Medicaid fall victim to its own success. Mr. Chairman, the cost of this Administration's poor decisions should not be borne by those least able to afford it. Budgets are moral documents. They should promote, first and foremost, the common good of the Nation. And turning our backs on that now as this budget does is not only bad policy--it is immoral.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule, but because it is important to get our troops in the field the equipment that they need I will support the supplemental legislation that also includes desperately needed aid to Sudan and the victims of the tsunami and provides economic development funding for projects in Palestinian controlled areas of the West Bank. Yet I remain concerned that the legislation provides no funding for immediate mental health needs of our troops. The House is not even being given a chance to consider an amendment that I wanted to offer that would have added $263 million in DOD and VA funding for this issue. This at a time when the Army tells us that as many as one in six returning soldiers suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. If that is not an emergency, then I do not know what is. Providing badly needed funding for the Defense Department to improve its training programs for military families on the detection of mental health problems in service members returning from combat is an issue this committee agreed the Defense Department should consider in the 2005 Defense appropriations bill. As such, this amendment would have increased by 20 percent our spending on specialized PTSD programs within the DOD, within the Veterans Administration, and go to treating the symptoms of PTSD such as substance abuse and homelessness. It would have embraced new technology in the Veterans Administration, promoted the use of private sector mental health professionals and students to be able to reach more troops and their families, especially in rural and underserved areas. More than 500 soldiers have been evacuated from Iraq for mental health reasons since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We know the damage PTSD can do away from the battlefield, ruining families, causing alcoholism, drug abuse, and homelessness. Our men and women in uniform deserve a better homecoming than that. Let us do the right thing for our troops, address this issue soon, and give our soldiers the mental health services that they have earned.