Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the conference report on H.R. 4520, the corporate tax bill. This bill, which repeals a portion of the U.S. tax code known as the Foreign Sales Corporation and Extraterritorial Income Exclusion (FSC/ETI),--thereby ending European sanctions on American businesses, is nothing but the latest handout in a string of unnecessary tax cuts for multinational corporations by this Republican Majority. With 2.5 million manufacturing jobs lost in the last 3 years, including nearly 40,000 in my State of Connecticut alone, many outsourced to other countries like China and Singapore, we all understand that steps must be taken to revive what is the very backbone of America's economy. We have seen more than half a million jobs shipped overseas over the last three years and that could grow to 6 million by 2015. I do not believe government is in the business of creating jobs; but government has an obligation to foster an environment in which jobs can be created. With this legislation, we could be providing this country's manufacturers with the opportunity to be able to stay here. We could invest in our technology and invest in our workers. And, we could promote more economic development in the United States. Instead, this Administration and its Republican Leadership follow a business model that assists companies in sending the jobs offshore, allows companies not to pay their fair share of their taxes, and then rewards these companies with Federal contracts. They simply do not get it. Even more, by clinging to the idea that we should be rewarding companies who send jobs overseas, this majority has delayed action on this issue for more than a year. As a result, manufacturers have been paying 11 percent tariffs on more than 1,600 American-made products. But now that the fix is in, this represents a huge missed opportunity. Rather than helping our struggling manufacturing base, this Republican conference agreement would give U.S. multinational corporations more incentive to ship jobs overseas--more than $42 billion in additional tax benefits for offshore operations of U.S. corporations. In addition to rewarding corporations for exporting U.S. jobs, the conference report is just a grab bag of special interest provisions that will benefit few and clutter an already bewildering tax code. It includes billions for a range of new narrow special-interest tax breaks, such as tax breaks for several varieties of bows and arrows, NASCAR racetracks, electronic fish finders, bait containers, foreign gamblers who win at U.S. horse and dog tracks, nuclear steam generators, and importers of Chinese ceiling fans. Mr. Speaker, what manufacturers need from this body is not more incentives to send jobs abroad; they need bold vision, recognizing that our Federal Tax Code could work for them, not against them, by favoring those companies who keep their jobs here. That is exactly what Democrats have been pushing for more than a year--to revitalize our manufacturing base by cutting taxes for U.S. companies in order to keep good-paying manufacturing jobs here at home and end the tariffs on U.S. products. American companies should not have to resort to transferring jobs to countries where workers make less and have fewer benefits to stay competitive. Americans understand outsourcing. It is eroding our workforce; it has threatened every middle-class family in this country. Putting an end to outsourcing starts with helping our manufacturers here at home become more productive, more innovative. If we want to boost sales, investment in modernization and employment is the way to do it. This conference report is not the answer.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the Reverend George Lardas, members of the congregation, and the Stratford, CT, community in extending my sincere congratulations to the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church as they celebrate its 75th anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure and I am proud to help them celebrate this momentous occasion. The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was founded in 1929 by Russian emigres who came to Stratford to work for Igor Sikorsky. The legendary Igor Sikorsky, the father of the modern helicopter, was a founding member of the church as well as one of its staunchest supporters throughout his life. With nearly all the members employees of Sikorsky's company, a Russian community quickly grew around the church. Soon, what began as a neighborhood church in a Lake Street home moved to its present location and today welcomes congregants from several surrounding communities as well. The striking golden cupolas of the church, a unique characteristic of the building, along with the warm and welcoming arms of the congregation have made St. Nicholas a lasting landmark in Stratford. Our churches play a vital role in our communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. By strengthening our bonds of faith, St. Nicholas gives its members a place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their values. The members of St. Nicholas' have also given much to the town of Stratford. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did their commitment to the enrichment of our community. It is with great pride and my heart-felt congratulations that I rise today to join with the congregation and the Stratford community in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church--a true community treasure.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the Town of Milford, CT lost one of its strongest advocates for seniors in Kathi McDonnell- Bissell when she lost her battle with kidney disease brought on by diabetes. This month, residents and city leaders gathered to honor Kathi's memory by dedicating the newest addition to the Milford Senior Center in her honor. I am proud to stand today to join them in paying tribute to Kathi whose tireless efforts made such a difference in the lives of so many. Senior centers play a vital role in our communities and this is especially true of the Baldwin Senior Center. All too often, what are supposed to be one's ``golden years'' are filled with struggles. Health concerns, increasing health care costs, the loss of independence--these are just some of the challenges our seniors face. Perhaps even more devastating is the sense of loneliness that can come as one moves through their later years. Providing invaluable programs and services, senior centers make a real difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens. That is why they are so important to our seniors and our communities. Kathi recognized this need and, under her leadership, what began as a small office in the basement the Mary Taylor United Methodist Church has grown into one of the most respected seniors centers in the State, boasting over 4,000 active members. Kathi served as the Senior Center's Executive Director for over 30 years--even her declining health could not dissuade her from continuing efforts to improve the quality of life for Milford's seniors. I had the remarkable opportunity to work with Kathi on a variety of projects over the years and was constantly in awe of her endless energy, compassion, and drive. She was one of the most dedicated individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing, dedicating not only her career, but much of her own time to creating a Senior Center which was a resource for area seniors as well as a source of pride for the community. While it will be the last of such examples, the completion of the new ten thousand squarefoot, two-story addition to the Senior Center is a reflection of Kathi's dedication and commitment to providing for the ever-changing needs of her community's seniors. For her outstanding an unparalleled service, I am proud to stand today to join her husband, Robert; her children, Suzanne, Amy, and Betsy; family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders in paying tribute to Kathi McDonnell-Bissell. Her lifetime of generosity has touched the lives of thousands and left an indelible mark on the Milford community. Kathi was an extraordinary woman whom I consider myself fortunate to have called my friend. Though she will be missed by many, I believe her legacy will continue to inspire all of those who knew her--serving as an example to us all of what a community advocate should be.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to my uncle, Joseph Nicola DeLauro. He was recently honored by the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, as they named him Founding Director Emeritus of the School of Visual Arts--the first such title the University has bestowed. Born in New Haven, CT, Joe DeLauro attended Yale University where he received his Bachelors Degree and later gained his Masters at the University of Iowa. He is a sculptor perhaps best known for his work depicting archetypal figures from the far past and the Bible. Much of his work, including crucifixions, pietas, virgins, baptismal fonts, stone reliefs, and stained glass windows have been commissioned by churches, convents, schools, and other largely religious institutions. However, you can also find many pieces throughout the public spaces in his home of Canton, MI, and in private collections throughout the world. Internationally recognized for his talent, he has been honored by organizations in the United States, England and Italy. Exhibitions of his work have been displayed in New York, Italy, and Canada. But perhaps his most important contribution has been through his work as a teacher. I have often spoke of the need of talented, creative educators ready to help young people learn and grow. This is especially true for the Fine Arts, where the talent of young artists must be nurtured and encouraged for them to realize their dreams. A Professor of Art at both Marygrove College and the University of Detroit in Detroit, MI, as well, Joe DeLauro spent the majority of his career as an educator at the University of Windsor. He came to the University in 1960 where he began Windsor's Fine Arts Department. Through his efforts as head of the Department, he gained for the institution its right to grant a bachelor of fine arts degree--the first degree-granting privilege of its kind to be granted to an Ontario university. For this accomplishment, he was credited with the founding of Windsor's School of Visual Arts. In his 25-year-career with the University of Ontario, he helped to shepherd hundreds of students through the demanding maze of discipline, taste, and scholarship and on to their own careers. Mentor, friend, and educator--there is no better example of what a teacher should be. To be bestowed with the title Founding Director Emeritus is a reflection of the respect, gratitude, and appreciation Joe DeLauro earned throughout his career at the University of Windsor. His extraordinary artistic and academic career has left an indelible mark on the University and his spirit will forever live on through the School of Visual Arts--a legacy that will touch and inspire thousands for generations to come. I am proud to stand today and join his wife, Dorothy; children, Kathleen, Gregory, and Bob; family, friends, and colleagues to extend my sincere congratulations to Joseph Nicola DeLauro on this very special occasion.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and great admiration that I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional woman whose endless energy and dedication touched the lives of all who knew her and many who did not. It has been one year since Linda White-Epps was taken from her family, friends, and community after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. A tireless advocate and inspiring soul, Linda's message of strength and support continues through the organization she founded, Sister's Journey. After losing an aunt as well as another significant person in her life to cancer and being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Linda made it her life's purpose to ensure that no woman be ``alone'' in the battle with breast cancer. Linda always held a strong belief in the importance of sharing her story with others--to hide it was to allow the disease to win. She began Sister's Journey, a support group for women of color surviving breast cancer. She went on to create an annual calendar with each month highlighting the story of a survivor. The calender serves a tangible and visible source of encouragement--sending a message of hope to other woman striving for survivorship. I had many opportunities to work with Linda over the years and I was always in awe of her constant energy and unwavering commitment to her cause. She strongly believed in the need for awareness, education, and outreach to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones. Linda brought the battle to the community and to Washington. The American Cancer Society was just one of the many organizations for which Linda volunteered her time. In fact, she served as a lobbyist for the organization in Washington, highlighting the concerns of Connecticut and making sure legislators knew just how vital increased funding for research and education are--not only to those fighting breast cancer, but for those who had survived as well. Linda was also responsible for organizing the first Relay for Life event in Hamden, Connecticut--now an annual event that serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. Linda's accomplishments and advocacy did not go unrecognized. Throughout her life she was honored with a myriad of awards and acknowledgments. Perhaps the most prestigious of these many accolades was when Linda was recognized with the ``Points of Light Award'' in 2002. Bestowed by the President of the United States, this special honor celebrates the success of volunteers and highlights the impact that individuals have on their communities. For Linda, this was a most fitting tribute. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on our community and one cannot say enough about the difference she has made in the lives of others. This year marks the 6th Anniversary of the ``Pink Tea'', an annual ``Celebration of Survivorship,'' where the Sister's Journey Calendar has traditionally been unveiled. This year's event will indeed be special as members remember Linda's efforts and honor her memory by continuing her work. I am proud to join her mother, Phyllis White; her children, Dawn and George; her grandchildren, Dominique and Donvan; family, friends, and colleagues in honoring Linda White-Epps for her outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our community. Linda's legacy will continue to inspire and support those most in need.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, listen to these words: ``There can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein has biological and chemical weapons.'' Secretary of State Colin Powell. ``Iraq could have nuclear weapons in less than one year.'' President Bush. ``Iraq is rebuilding chemical and biological weapons facilities. We believe, in fact, he has reconstituted nuclear weapons.'' Vice President Cheney. These are the words used by the Bush administration to convince the world that Saddam Hussein was an imminent threat to the American people; but as confirmed by the President's own weapons inspector, the administration was ``almost all wrong in every aspect of its case for war.'' There was no ``grave and gathering threat.'' And the only smoking gun found is evidence that this administration knew this intelligence was shaky, and at worst, wrong. If U.N. inspectors had been given a few more months in Iraq, we would have known that Iraq was no serious threat. Now, the best case scenario we can achieve in Iraq is, and I quote, ``tenuous stability;'' the worst case, civil war. President Bush gave two speeches on the campaign trail yesterday. Neither mentioned the report. When is this administration going to admit to grievous errors of misjudgment?

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today's Washington Post reports that at the time this administration brought us to war in Iraq, Saddam Hussein posed not the gathering threat that President Bush and Vice President Cheney continue to claim he was, but rather, a diminishing one. The findings of the chief U.S. weapons inspector in Iraq are but one more example of a President and a Vice President intent on misleading the American people into war and blind to the realities of Iraq today. This comes one day after the startling admission by the former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, Paul Bremer, that we did not have enough troops on the ground after the invasion to guard sensitive areas like weapons stockpiles. Today, those very weapons are being used against our troops by militants and by terrorists. At every step of the way, determining the threat level posed by Saddam, how much the war would cost, how many casualties America would bear, George Bush and Dick Cheney have been consistent, consistently wrong. As we saw last night and last Thursday in the debates, George Bush and Dick Cheney are incapable of fixing Iraq because they refuse to see the mess that they have created there. They refuse to see the mess that they have created in the U.S. economy. The American people? They see it every single day.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, average Americans confronting the exploding cost of health care today are continuing to feel the pain, and the Republican leadership of this body who can ease that pain is doing nothing. We know now that in the past 4 years the cost of health care for the average worker has increased three times faster than the increase in wages. More than 14 million Americans now spend more than one-quarter of their paycheck on health care. Yet House Republican leadership offers no promise of a solution. These numbers confirm what we hear every day from workers being forced into unconscionable choices. What do we have to offer a parent who must choose between housing and health care? What solution can we promise business owners, particularly small business owners, who must tell employees that they will no longer cover their health benefits? On one of the most fundamental crises of our time the leadership of Congress is deafly silent. The responsibility, Mr. Speaker, resides here. If the Republican leadership of this House and the President of the United States are not committed to solving this problem, one that costs Americans so much of their paycheck, what excuse can they offer working Americans? The Republican majority and the President can choose to make health care a priority. I wonder how much longer American workers can afford to wait for leadership.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to the Baldwin Senior Center Stratford, Connecticut, as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Stratford's seniors. Senior centers play a vital role in our communities and this is especially true of the Baldwin Senior Center. All too often, what are supposed to one's ``golden years'' are filled with struggles. Health concerns, increasing health care costs, the loss of independence--these are just some of the challenges our seniors face. Perhaps even more devastating is the sense of loneliness that can come as one moves through their later years. Providing invaluable programs and services, senior centers make a real difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens. That is why they are so important to our seniors and our communities. In addition to regular daily activities--which include bingo, book discussions, yoga, quilting classes, and oil painting--the Baldwin Senior Center offers unique opportunities for seniors to get involved with their community. Their knitting/crocheting group made over two dozen hats, scarves, and mittens which were donated to Stratford's South End Community Center. Over 120 seniors and students from Bunnell High School participated in a ``Senior Prom'' as a fundraiser for the Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's annual funding drive. The Community Service group organized a project during the summer which had seniors reading books to youngsters from the town's minority center. And seniors sponsored a cupcake bake sale, using the proceeds to buy books which they brought to the South End Community Center. All of these activities ensure that the seniors stay active and involved which makes all the difference--both in their lives and those of many others. Just as important as the activities are the services which are provided at the Center. Executive Director Diane Puterski is joined by several dedicated staff who work hard to ensure Stratford's seniors have access to the care and benefits they need. Outreach Coordinator Marie Gunman provides services to homebound adults and those who choose not to use the Center by making home visits to people needing information or who are referred to the Center by other agencies as being in need. Lisa Stone manages the program which provides help with entitlements and benefits including Medicare, energy assistance, Medigap insurances, ConnPACE, and Title XIX among others. Diane Russo coordinates the Family Caregivers Support Program which is funded by the Southwest Area Agency on Aging. Through this program, she provides support, information, and education to persons caring for older adults with chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimer's Disease. Together, the staff of the Baldwin Senior Center are improving the quality of life for our seniors. An unequaled resource for seniors and their families, the Baldwin Senior Center is a true community treasure. Always welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, I have enjoyed the time I have had the opportunity to spend at the Baldwin Senior Center. As they celebrate their Silver Anniversary, I am proud to stand today and extend my sincere congratulations on this special occasion as well as my very best wishes for many more years of unparalleled service to their community.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would mark the first time in our Nation's history that the Constitution would be amended to restrict the civil rights of a specific group, rather than to expand rights. I do not support changing the definition of marriage, and in fact, I voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. But like former Republican Congressman Bob Barr, who authored that bill, I oppose this Constitutional amendment. I believe that each state should have the ability to decide family matters for themselves, rather than having the federal government dictate what they must do. I strongly support recognizing civil unions to give partners the right to access of health benefits, visiting rights at hospitals, pensions, and other benefits granted to committed married partners. These are rights that other Americans are able to take for granted, and frankly it's difficult to believe that in the 21st Century we need to fight to guarantee those rights. But this amendment would prevent civil unions and domestic partner benefits, again, forbidding states and the District of Columbia to decide for themselves whether they want to allow those benefits. It is wrong to casually amend our Constitution simply to score a political point. This vicious debate is below the dignity of the House. I hope my colleagues will reject the politics of hate and intolerance, and oppose this amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today's Washington Post tells us that the administration recently curtailed the distribution of reports by contractor Kroll Security International that show increasing violence in Iraq. The article goes on to say that the Pentagon is sponsoring a group of Iraqi Americans to speak at military bases throughout the United States to provide ``a firsthand account of events in Iraq.'' That is to say, the administration is sending Iraqi exiles, mostly people who may not have been to the country in years, to tell our troops just back from Iraq the ``good news'' about how things are going there. I imagine some of these exiles are the same people who told Deputy Defense Secretary Wolfowitz that we would be greeted as liberators upon arriving in Iraq. These are two more examples of an administration in denial of what is actually going on in Iraq, an administration unhinged from reality. If these emissaries of the administration were going to tell our troops the truth about Iraq, they would say that the international coalition is getting smaller, that our burden is getting larger, and our casualties are rising at an alarming rate. That is the reality in Iraq, the reality that our dedicated troops deserve to be told by those sending them into harm's way. The American public needs to know what is happening in Iraq. This administration is failing to do that.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Diane Devalt of Stratford, CT. On Wednesday, September 17, Diane was awarded the USO's annual Spirit of Hope Award, which is named for the late actor-comedian Bob Hope. The Spirit of Hope Award was created by President Clinton in 1997, and its first recipient was Bob Hope, in whose name the award is given. With so many of our troops serving in harm's way, I believe that this award has special significance this year. Diane earned this award for her service as key volunteer coordinator of the 1st Truck Platoon, Naval-Marine Corps Reserve Center in New Haven. It is a job she took in 2001 and took on new significance when her son, Corporal Daniel Gorton was deployed to Iraq for six months last year. Mr. Speaker, Diane is a full-time fifth-grade school teacher in Stratford. She took this task on in July 2001 with no formal training and immediately turned the program completely around. According to her citation, Diane took over a family readiness program that was virtually non-existent and made ``significant contributions during a full-scale Mobilization, Activation and Deployment.'' Among Diane's most important responsibilities as the unit's key volunteer coordinator was to train volunteers to serve as an emotional support system for the families of Marine reservists deployed overseas. She conducted pre-deployment briefs for Marines and their families, and organized Family Day events for families with loved ones serving in Iraq. Over the past year, I have met with many families whose loved ones serve in the National Guard or Reserve Corps and are deployed in the war on terror or in Iraq. I can tell you that a strong network of emotional support for the families back home, makes it much easier for our troops abroad to do their work successfully. Mr. Speaker, Diane is an extraordinary woman who has joined some extraordinary company. By earning this award, Diane joins the ranks of Walter Cronkite, former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, actress Ann Margret and former President George H.W. Bush. I congratulate her for receiving this award, and I thank her for outstanding work in support of our men and women in uniform.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this motion. It provides all American business enterprises, large and small, with an across-the-board rate reduction from income derived from work done here in the United States. To pay for it, it would curtail tax incentives that would encourage companies to move operations offshore. With 2.5 million manufacturing jobs lost in the last 3 years, including nearly 40,000 in my State of Connecticut alone, many outsourced to other countries like China and Singapore, we all understand that steps must be taken to revive what is the very backbone of America's economy. Let me just talk about what the business model of the Bush administration and the Republican leadership is, because government, in fact, is not in the business of creating jobs; but government is about creating an environment in which jobs can be created. The business model is as follows: assisting companies in sending the jobs offshore, technology offshore and, in many instances, allowing companies not to pay their fair share of their taxes to the United States Government, and then these companies can come around and get Federal contracts. That is the business model for this administration; and, quite frankly, it does not create jobs here in the United States. But by clinging to the idea that we should be rewarding companies who send jobs overseas, this majority has delayed action on this issue for more than a year. As a result, many manufacturers are now paying 11 percent tariffs on 1,600 American-made products, tariffs that could be as high as 14 percent by the end of the year. What manufacturers need from this body is not more incentives to send jobs abroad; they need bold vision, recognizing that our Federal Tax Code could work for them, not against them, and by favoring those companies who keep their jobs here. That is exactly what my colleague's motion would do. American companies should not have to resort to transferring jobs to countries where workers make less and have fewer benefits to stay competitive. Americans understand outsourcing. It is eroding our workforce; it has threatened every middle-class family in this country. It ought to end with helping our manufacturers here at home become more productive, more innovative; and if we want to boost sales, investment in modernization and employment, the House should pass the Rangel motion. As I said, the American public understands outsourcing. I believe they are going to outsource some folks on November 2, people who do not understand what it means to have their jobs gone, to leave, when we could be providing this country's manufacturers with the opportunity to be able to stay here, invest in our technology, invest in our workers, and promote economic development in the United States.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today we see an administration in denial, a denial of problems here at home and abroad. Today's Washington Post says an increasing number of career professionals within our own national security agencies believe that the situation in Iraq is much worse than is being expressed in public by top administration officials. It says, ``The rebellion is deeper and more widespread than is being publicly acknowledged.'' These are not the words of ``pessimists and naysayers,'' as the President's spokesperson so glibly put it. These are not, as President Bush said last week, ``guesses.'' These are the findings of those fighting the Iraqi insurgency and studying at CIA, the State Department, and within the Army officer corps. Yet the administration insists that, ``Freedom is on the march in Iraq.'' This comes on the heels of a New York Times piece that found 120,000 hours of terrorism-related recordings that have not even been translated by the FBI, this after this administration and the majority have repeatedly refused to appropriate the funds to hire the necessary translators. We are seeing an administration unhinged from reality, with incompetence at the highest levels, incapable of prosecuting this war successfully. Their mistakes have put the lives of our valiant soldiers already serving in harm's way at even greater risk.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary legacy of a dear friend who passed away this past week. An advocate, philanthropist and leading voice for children, Irving Harris left an indelible mark on our society. Recognizing early on that the key to children's success lay in their most formative years, birth through three. Inspiring, developing and supporting scores of programs and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youngsters across the Nation, he founded the Erickson Institute, a child development graduate school and the Ounce of Prevention Fund, a public-private partnership that created and promoted community-based initiatives to improve early childhood development. He also helped create and fund the Yale Child Study Center which is nationally recognized as leaders in the field of children's trauma, addressing those children who have been exposed to violence. Irving was also a leader in the development of Zero to Three, the national center for infants, toddlers, and families, whose work to support families and promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers had a tremendous impact in communities across the Nation. Irving's work rightly brought him national recognition as a leading voice for children across the country. Irving Harris was one of those rare individuals with roots in the world of business and finance, who used his hard-won wealth and influence to help others less fortunate. His work and his diligence and dedication was not only remarkable but it was unceasing, a reflection of all that we strive to be. His sincerity was marked by the principles he instilled in his own family, in his children and grandchildren who today carry on his work on behalf of the other children of America. Through education, public policy development, grant making and advocacy, Irving Harris' vision and leadership earned him recognition and many honors and awards over the years. He served many organizations, including the National Commission on Children and the Carnegie Corporations' New York task force on meeting the needs of young children. It was for me personally an enormous privilege to work with Irving Harris over the years, and working now with his son, Bill, and with his grandson, David. Irving Harris knew that our young people represent the future and that we as a community and a Nation must give them the tools that they need in order to succeed. He recognized this simple fact many years ago and dedicated his life to fulfilling that important goal. I say today, thank you, Irving, for the difference that you have made in this country, and the millions of lives that you have made better through your vision, your passion, and your generous spirit of mind. You have been an inspiration to all of us. Today my thoughts and my prayers and love are with the Harris family.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, in the last 4 years the Republican majority of this House and the Bush administration have failed to address the skyrocketing cost of health care. Today's news shows this problem has rapidly deteriorated into a crisis. Let me quote The Washington Post: ``Higher Costs, Less Care. Nationwide, workers' cost for health insurance has risen by 36 percent since 2000, dwarfing the average 12.4 percent increase in their wages since President Bush took office.'' In a study by Families USA, they found the cost of health care increased three times what the average household's earnings have increased since the year 2000; 14.3 million Americans are now spending more than a quarter of their income on medical costs, an increase of 2.7 million people. There are 5 million fewer jobs providing health benefits, and small businesses are seeing the sharpest decline. This is a problem that affects every middle-class family in the Nation. Today, we have cancer patients who determine for themselves whether their chances of survival are good enough to invest in the more effective and expensive treatments because they do not want to burden their family with costs. Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of a health care crisis. This administration and this Republican majority have nothing to say about it and have thwarted efforts to bring down those costs.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the woman who was responsible for the success of the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. As head of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, ``Mrs. A'' was instrumental in ensuring that Athens remained the site of Summer Games and that the massive undertaking of construction and organization was completed. Preparing for an event that is as elaborate as the Olympic Games is a monumental task--one which was almost lost to Athens. Credit for the success of the Games has gone to the leadership and determination of Mrs. A whose vision, tenacity, and pride in Greece enabled the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee to overcome every challenge they faced. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend this summer's games and found myself in awe of all that surrounded me. From the magic of the opening ceremonies and the lighting of the Olympic Torch to the incredible athletic venues, Athens was nothing short of spectacular. As the Games were brought back to their birthplace, the city was reborn--the Old World met the New and people from across the world celebrated in the spirit of competition. Whether spectators marveled at the breathtaking image of the lighted Parthenon in the night sky, or took in the beauty of the Greek countryside as marathon runners raced along the original route from the city of Marathon to the Olympic Stadium, Mrs. A brought the world to Athens--reminding us of all that this ancient civilization has meant to world history and of all that this great country has yet to offer. In the days before the opening ceremony, Mrs. A wrote, ``Some will call what we have achieved a miracle. It is a miracle, but one that's man-made--a product of hard work, discipline and the pride of the Greek people.'' She could not have been more accurate. Today's Athens is a unique blend of an ancient civilization and modern marvel--with it's rich history celebrated and showcased for the world to enjoy. In ensuring the success of the 2004 Olympic Games, Mrs. A has also brought renewed vigor and beauty to one of the world's most fascinating cities. For her outstanding contributions to both the 2004 Olympic Games and to the city of Athens, I am proud to stand and congratulate Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki. She has left an indelible mark on our consciousness and shared history.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the columnist Tom Oliphant wrote yesterday in the Boston Globe a column entitled ``Sticking It to Working Families,'' which is exactly what the All American Tax Relief Act, which was just past in this House, has done. Why do I say that? That is because what both the White House and the Republican House leadership refused to do was to reduce the income threshold for the child tax credit to $10,000. That level has gone up to $11,000. It means that people who are making $10,000 a year will no longer be eligible for a child tax credit. That is 4.3 million families. It is 9 million children who will be denied the child tax credit. These are working families. The House Republican leadership has said this is a welfare program. That is the kind of disdain that they show for working families. What is going to happen to these families is their taxes, yes, are going to increase, all under the guise of an All American Tax Relief Act. It is wrong. These families, these children, deserve better. That is what this House should be about.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today we prepare to pass what this majority has called ``The All American Tax Relief Act.'' But that name masks the fact that the Republicans are, in fact, increasing the taxes on 4 million working Americans. If I could make reference to the prior speaker, these are 4 million people who are getting their taxes increased. Because the House Republican leadership refused to lower the income threshold for the child tax credit, 9 million children are being deliberately left out of the tax relief that is included in this legislation. This is the story. The eligibility level for the child tax credit will rise to $11,000 next year. So a family making $10,000, that qualifies now will be in for a rude awakening on April 15. They will not qualify. And because household income has actually declined by more than $1,500 under this administration, many families whose income taxes have gone down in the last 4 years will see their child tax credit shrink or even disappear next year because of this bill. So much for no new taxes. And the Republican leadership has demonstrated the depth of their disdain for these families, saying that the child tax credit is not intended to serve as a ``welfare program.'' But these families are not on welfare. They work hard. They earn the minimum wage. And I would challenge any Member of this body to raise a family earning the minimum wage. It is just about impossible. As a matter of fact, this body voted itself a raise in salary just not a week ago. Righting this injustice would cost about $4.3 billion, a little more than a third of the cost of the $12 billion in tax breaks for big businesses in this bill. This very morning, The Wall Street Journal, the article on page 2, some top companies avoided Federal income tax under Bush. So much for the people being able to get a break. It would appear that the friends of the administration, the large corporations are getting a break. Eighty-two of the country's largest profitable corporations have paid no Federal income tax in at least one of the last 3 years. Yet this Republican leadership saw fit to give them more tax breaks while raising taxes on minimum wage families and middle class families. What this administration does is reward wealth and it taxes wages. So this is the All American Tax Relief. Eighty-two of our most profitable corporations, companies like Enron, pay nothing in income tax. Twelve billion dollars in tax breaks at the last minute for businesses. Nine million children are left out in the cold. I want to remind this majority, those children are every bit as American as the rest. They deserve better than this tax.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I listen to this debate and I am stunned, and I find it staggering that we are flying in the face of family values, of family reunification. And because of some people's interest or disinterest or dislike or hate or whatever the range of emotions are about an individual, we really are destroying the fabric of life for Cuban Americans and their families who are in Cuba. These regulations will disrupt the lives of thousands of Cuban Americans in the United States. It will do nothing to improve human rights. It will do nothing to improve human rights. It will do nothing to bring democracy to that island. Why are we penalizing the good people of Cuba and the people here in the United States who have family there; whose only thought is how they might be reunified with their family, especially if there is a time of need, especially if there is illness, especially if there is a death? What is wrong with us that we do not understand this; and that we only care about family values if we have people living in a democracy? But for those who do not, and that could be in a lot of places all over this world, we say: Be gone; we are not interested in what your lives are about. Is that what the United States of America is all about? Close relatives have been able to visit their families once every 12 months. These new regulations say once every 3 years and 14 days at a time. My colleagues have mentioned that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere says an individual can decide when they want to travel once every 3 years, and the decision is up to them. So if they have a dying relative, they have to figure out when they want to travel. So much for compassionate conservatism. Rules drastically limit the amount of money Cuban-Americans can bring back to their family members. Funds do not prop up the Castro regime, but they certainly do support families who at this moment are recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ivan. Other changes in our Cuba policy will be similarly ineffective, including preventing high school students from visiting the island, prohibiting university trips shorter than 10 weeks. And this will effect a democratic change in Cuba? I am the daughter of immigrants, Italian immigrants. My father was born in Italy. We have relatives in Italy. He and my mom would go to the bank on a weekend, take some money out, whatever they could afford, to get it back to the family there. There was a tie between that town of Scafati, Italy, and New Haven, Connecticut, where people could come together and support their families. When there was a problem, my dad could visit or my mom could visit with him. It does not make sense to punish families. Let us stand up for Cuban- American families. Members can be opposed to Castro, but Members cannot be opposed to the Cuban people, whether they are in Cuba or whether they are in the United States. I understand this experience. So many in this body understand that experience. Let us support this amendment of my colleague from Florida. Let us understand what family values are all about, and let us not pick and choose whose families we want to be united or reunited.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate Detective Ralph Theodore Brown, Sr. as he retires after twenty-seven years of dedicated service to the Police Department of the City of West Haven, Connecticut. Through his professional career and volunteer service, Teddy has shown a unique commitment to his community. Returning to West Haven in 1962 from four years of service as a Special Services Airman in the United States Air Force, Teddy settled with this wife, Carroll to raise their three sons. Joining the West Haven Police Department as a patrol officer in 1977, Teddy quickly moved through the ranks and was named Detective just three years later. During his career with the Department, Teddy has worked in the Youth Division and served with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force as an undercover agent. Too often, we overlook the incredible work of our local law enforcement officers. These are the men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting our families and neighborhoods. Teddy's own career has been recognized with a myriad of commendations and awards including the Medal of Merit. The West Haven community has certainly been fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working diligently on their behalf. In addition to his professional contributions, Teddy has long been an avid volunteer in his community. From coaching ``Biddy Basketball'' to serving as a Commissioner for the West Haven Parks & Recreation Department, he has been a friend and mentor to hundreds of our young people. Teddy, who has served as a Deacon for over fifteen years, has also been an active member of the Dixwell Congregational United Church of Christ for over three decades. In addition to these activities, Teddy is also a founding Member of the West Haven Black Coalition, member of the West Haven Race Relations Committee, and a member of the NAACP--three organizations which have worked to build on the diversity of West Haven and create a stronger community. Through all of his good work, Teddy has touched the lives of many. His dedicated service and unparalleled commitment to enriching his community has left an indelible mark which will serve as an inspiration to others. For his many contributions--both professional and volunteer--to our community, I am proud to stand today and join his wife, Carroll; sons, Teddy, Jr., Erik, and Shawn; grandchildren, Shane and Camryn; as well as the many family, friends and colleagues who have gathered to congratulate and extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ralph Theodore Brown, Sr. as he celebrates his retirement. My very best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Ms. DeLAURO. I am opposed to the bill in its current form, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit is designed to help address the problem of domestic corporations reincorporating abroad for the express purpose of avoiding new U.S. taxes and now new legal liability. As we fight terrorism at home and abroad, when we have hundreds of thousands of troops in harm's way and are trying to find the resources to equip our first responders and ensure the safety of our ports and air transit, the last thing we should be doing is passing legislation that helps what are essentially corporate tax dodgers. With increasing frequency, companies are setting up shell corporations in places like Bermuda while continuing to be owned by U.S. shareholders and doing business in the United States. The only difference is that this new so-called foreign company escapes substantial tax liability. What these companies have done is a slap in the face of every company which has chosen to stay in America and of every citizen who faithfully pays their taxes. In my State of Connecticut, Stanley Works once considered incorporating in Bermuda to keep up with their competitors who had already moved overseas. But they changed their mind. They did the right thing. But the bill before us provides a litigation and financial windfall to corporate expatriates at the expense of companies like Stanley Works. Instead of permitting claims to be filed wherever a corporation does business, or has minimum contacts, this bill requires the suit to be brought where the defendant's principal place of business is located. Perhaps that makes some sort of sense in the abstract, but in the case of a corporate expatriate what that means is that in most cases claims could only be filed in places like Bermuda under their liability laws. It is bad enough that these companies are essentially cheating on their taxes by arguing, rather unconvincingly, that they are not American companies. But for them to use this rationale to escape liability is outrageous. This is unfair to the victims, and unfair to the domestic company who would be forced to compete against these companies. The Congressional Research Service has analyzed this bill and wrote: ``In certain circumstances a United States citizen injured in this country would not have the judicial forum in the United States in which to seek relief.'' In other words, in certain cases, American citizens would have no judicial recourse whatsoever. These are American companies flouting American tax law. They do business here in the United States, and they should be subject to our laws, period. So my motion to recommit amends the underlying bill to say the new limitations on jurisdiction and venue do not apply to a corporate expatriate company. This is a modest, commonsense change to address the irresponsible actions of a handful of companies. It is time for these companies to live up to their obligations as American corporate citizens. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)