Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for bringing us together to acknowledge our dear and loved colleague. It is a sad day for the House of Representatives. We mourn the loss of a great American, not only a friend whom we loved but a dedicated public servant who loved her country, and through the course of her life literally changed the course of history. How many people can we say that about? We all come to this institution with the hope in trying to make a difference. Patsy Mink made a difference, whether it was fighting poverty, standing up for civil rights, for education, for women's rights or her passionate and articulate opposition to the Vietnam War. Patsy Mink was there in the forefront fighting for the causes she believed in and for the people she believed society had forgotten. She gave voice to those who did not have a voice. Her legacy was about more than issues. Patsy Mink personified the fight for social change, for social justice, and for equality among all people, no matter their race, religion or gender. Patsy may have been small in stature, as we have said; but she was a giant when it came to fighting for the causes that she believed in. There would be no title IX without Patsy Mink. She was the mother of title IX. And when we look at those soccer fields with those little girls in their uniforms or when we watch the UCONN women Huskies play that game, we know who was responsible for making that happen. And only just 3 months ago, we honored her and her 30th anniversary on title IX, perhaps her greatest triumph in a large and distinguished career. But when you also think about education, less than one in five young women completed 4 or more years of college 30 years ago, but by the middle of this decade women are expected to earn more than half of all bachelors degrees. Patsy Mink made a difference. That we have come so far is Patsy's legacy. She knew what it required to put our country on a path to social justice. She knew how to make her case, to bring people together, and make us a better and more understanding Nation for it. Pushing against the social norms is what trail blazers do, and Patsy Mink was a trail blazer to her core. Patsy changed so many lives during her time here. We will miss her passion and her voice; but what we will most miss is her spirit, her easy-going sense of humor, her laughter, and her eyes crinkled up when she laughed. She was a good friend to me, a kind soul, reliable, and profoundly decent. We loved her and we will miss her more than words can say.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the New Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations to an outstanding member of our community and a dear friend, Frances ``Bitsie'' Clark, as she celebrates her retirement. As the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven for the last twenty years, Bitsie has been the driving force behind the rejuvenation of New Haven's Arts community. Under her leadership, the Arts Council worked diligently, partnering with many local organizations to bring the magic of the arts to our community. During her tenure, I have had the opportunity to work with Bitsie on a variety of projects. Her commitment and dedication is unparalleled and I am in awe of her seemingly endless energy. The City of New Haven has been truly fortunate to have such an advocate. The Arts Council has taken the lead in supporting cultural development throughout Southern Connecticut. Much of their success can be credited to Bitsie's vision of making New Haven the creative capitol of Connecticut. In the last two decades, we have witnessed the completion of the Audubon Development project, which included the building of 55 Whitney Avenue, the Audubon Court condominium and retail complex and the Audubon Parking Garage; the construction of 70 Audubon Street which houses the offices of the Arts Council, the Community Foundation, and Artspace. We have seen the creation of programs and services like Women in the Arts Month, the African Carribean Festival Commission, the Hearts for Life Aids benefit and the New Haven Inner City Cultural Development Program and many others---all of which were possible because of the support they received from the Arts Council. The arts in any medium, play a vital role in all of our lives. They are not only a vehicle of expression, but a means by which our culture and traditions are passed from one generation to another. Bitsie embraced this idea and through her efforts many talented artists and creative individuals were able to realize their dreams--there is no greater gift. Bitsie's tremendous work and many contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. It is with my deepest thanks and appreciation that I stand today to join the many friends, family, and community members who have gathered today to extend my very best wishes to Frances ``Bitsie'' Clark as she celebrates her retirement. We will not forget the difference her generosity and commitment have made.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join Reverend Daylan Greer, Sr. and the congregation of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Haven, Connecticut as they celebrate their 165th Anniversary--a tremendous milestone for this New Haven institution. Founded in Philadelphia in response to discrimination found in the Methodist Church, the first Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, now fondly known as Mother Bethel, opened its doors in 1794. The vision of the Reverend Richard Allen, a freed slave, the African Methodist Episcopal Church was the successful development of a separate religious identity for African Americans and was the first fully independent black denomination in America. Upon his election as the first Bishop of the A.M.E., Reverend Allen set the stage for the church in New England by sending preachers to cities that had a population of one hundred or more African Americans. New Haven was one of those cities. The year 1838 is marked with the Reverend Eli N. Hall as becoming the first pastor of the Bethel-New Haven, Connecticut. Under the direction of Reverend Hall and the many pastors who followed, the church has flourished and become an important fixture in the Dixwell community. It is the dedication and commitment of their congregation that has made this church such a great success. 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. In over a century, there have been many who have worshiped within their halls and many who have found peace and strength in the outstretched arms of the congregation. It is with honor and the deepest thanks and appreciation for all of their good work that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Haven on their 165th Anniversary.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to recognize an outstanding community member and my good friend, Herbert H. Pearce, as he is honored by the New Haven Colony Historical Society with the Seal of the City Award. The Seal of the City Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have strived to improve the quality of life for New Haven residents and have demonstrated a commitment to the overall improvement of the community. First presented to Mayor Richard C. Lee in 1992, this award reflects the dedication which we, the New Haven community, have toward the continued growth and revitalization of our city. Today, Herb will receive this award as a token of our sincere appreciation for his contributions to our community. A New Haven native, Herb has a long and proud history of service to our community. He has been a strong leader in business and a vocal advocate for many local non-profit organizations. The founder of H. Pearce Real Estate, Herb has directed this company since its inception nearly half a century ago, introducing a number of innovative ideas in advertising and promotion. He also served as President of the Connecticut Association of Realtors and was a member of the National Board of Realtors. The Quinnipiac Council of Boy Scouts, Yale-New Haven Hospital, American Red Cross and the New Haven Symphony are just some of the local, state and national organizations who have benefitted from his dedicated work. Past President of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater New Haven, Herb's efforts have made a real difference in the lives of many. His generosity and good will are reflected in the myriad of awards and recognitions he has received throughout his lifetime. The City of New Haven is indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working on behalf of our community. His support of and active participation with non-profit organizations has served to enhance the quality and prosperity of the City of New Haven. I am proud to join with family, friends, and community members to recognize Herbert U. Pearce, as he is honored with this very special award. His outstanding record of service is an example for other community leaders--an embodiment of the very spirit of the Seat of the City Award.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible for Congress to put off doing the people's business; it is irresponsible for the Republican majority to continue to ignore America's unmet needs, particularly our commitment to educating our children. From Head Start to teacher's pay, America's children, teachers and schools are being severely shortchanged by President Bush's budget and the majority's inaction. Mr. Speaker, 18,000 fewer teachers being trained, 33,000 fewer children in after-school programs, zero funds for repairing our crumbling schools, and only 9 months ago, we heard so much talk about how Congress and the administration would leave no child behind. But now, with the smallest proposed increase in education since 1996, the President and the Republican majority are doing just that. Leaving our children behind is what happens when we underfund education by $7.2 billion. This year programs funded under the No Child Left Behind Act are cut by $87 million, no additional resources to purchase books, to invest in teacher training. The President does take a lot of photographs with young children. When it comes to early childhood learning, we have heard soaring rhetoric, but not much else. Nowhere in the Bush budget does the Republican rhetoric ring more hollow. They have cut the Even Start program, supporting projects that combine early childhood education for children and literacy training for parents. By gutting Even Start, we leave whole families behind. What we need to do is to stop taking pictures with children and provide them with the tools they need in order that they might succeed.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the strongest support of this resolution. Our nation has endured so much pain--so much hardship and grief since we were attacked a year ago. Simply put, our world changed irrevocably. More than three thousand lives were lost, and today, America remembers their powerful legacy of courage. Today, there remains a profound sadness in America, a sadness that will surely endure as spouses, parents, and friends across the nation continue to mourn their unfathomable loss. But in these last twelve months, Americans have begun the healing process--a process that continues to this day, inch-by-inch, hour-by-hour. That resilience is, perhaps, the ultimate symbol of the indomitable strength of the American spirit. All of us were touched by the tragedy of September 11th, including so many from my home state of Connecticut. It was something that once again hit home for me two days ago, when I attended a ceremony dedicating a garden to the memory of three brave men from Milford, Connecticut, who perished in the World Trade Center. The ceremony was particularly moving because, in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, one of these men, Seth Morris, had carried a pregnant woman 103 floors to safety. His was the kind of bravery we now understand is at the core of what it means to be American. It was the same heroism we saw in the firefighters and police officers who ran into the burning buildings while others ran out, and in the heroes on Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. These personal stories are now a part of our ongoing national story. The anniversary of September 11th serves as a reminder to all Americans that our nation has changed forever. We are now so much more aware of our freedoms and liberties, our strength of diversity and collective purpose. Our commitment to freedom and our strength as a nation has never been on fuller, broader display. As our world has changed, so too has the workings of this great body in the last year. When it comes to protecting our people, Congress has spoken with one voice--powerful, determined and compassionate. Many here will remember when this body joined on the steps of the Capitol to spontaneously sing ``God Bless America'' on this day a year ago. Then, we said to those who had attacked us, ``You will not dampen our spirits, you will not break our will.'' And now, after a year of grief, unbearable sadness and the beginnings of the healing process, we have a similar message to share with the whole world: our spirits have not been dampened, and our will will never be broken. That is what this resolution is about--reaffirming that commitment to protecting our American way of life and our dedication to making our nation not only safer, but stronger. For representatives of the American people, there truly is no higher calling.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to my dear friend, Reverend Juan Martinez, as the congregation of the Door of Salvation Pentecostal Church honors him on his 40th pastoral anniversary. This is a tremendous milestone for Reverend Martinez and for the community he has served for the last four decades. One of the eldest Hispanic ministers in New Haven, Reverend Martinez has been an active and vocal member of our community since his arrival. Upon making his home in New Haven, Reverend Martinez established the church known as ``Iglesia Peurta de Salvacion'' which has flourished under his leadership. Throughout the last half century, the Hispanic population has grown at a rapid rate and we have been fortunate to have Reverend Martinez working so diligently in our community. As the pastor for 40 years, Reverend Martinez has ministered to the spiritual needs of hundreds in the Hill community--strengthening our bonds of faith and helping to build stronger neighborhoods of which we can all be proud. As a community leader he has embodied the spirit and values of our great nation. Today, Reverend Martinez continues down his chosen path--providing counsel and offering solace and guidance to those most in need. With his unparalleled dedication and talent, he has made a real difference in the lives of many. Throughout his lifetime, Reverend Martinez has exemplified the qualities we need in our community leaders. I am proud to join his wife, Maria, his six children, family, friends, and the congregation of the Door of Salvation Pentecostal Church in extending my warmest congratulations as he celebrates his 40th pastoral anniversary. His good work and invaluable contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family and friends who have gathered to congratulate Rae and Mal Webber of New Haven, Connecticut as they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Throughout their six decades together, Rae and Mal have dedicated much of themselves to enriching our community--bringing the generosity and compassion they have shared together to us all. It is not often that you find individuals who so willingly volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of their communities. Rae and Mal have a rich history of advocacy and unparalleled commitment--their unwavering spirit changing the face of Greater New Haven. I have often had the pleasure of working with both Rae and Mal and am continually inspired by their devotion and dedication to our community. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Committing a lifetime of work to our young people, Rae exemplified this ideal as an educator. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of thousands of children, ensuring that they were prepared with the skills and knowledge they needed to pursue their dreams. In addition to her professional career, Rae volunteered much of her time to community organizations. Through her efforts on behalf of the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, Rae helped many Connecticut residents find ways to make their voices heard. Rae was also active in the coordination of the communal service held at the Immanuel Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Day. Her contributions, as a professional and community member, have truly made a difference in the lives of many. A vocal public advocate, Mal's efforts on behalf of New Haven's Jewish community and the Greater New Haven area, have left an indelible mark that will not forgot. Education and the gift of knowledge were a central focal point of Mal's incredible work. As Chairman of the Board of Directors, during a pivotal point in its history, Mal led the efforts to save and enhance the New Haven Public Library--which has ensured the library's continued success today. Mal also served as the Director of both the Connecticut Jewish Community Relations Council and Anti-Defamation League during the times of the Civil Rights Movement--a tumultuous time throughout the nation. Using his unique position in these two organizations, Mal worked diligently with clergy, political, and community leaders to sustain the relationship between our Jewish community and the Greater New Haven community as a whole. Today, as they celebrate their lifetime together, we, as a community, extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for all that they have done to enrich our lives. I am proud to join their children, Susan, Henry, and Bruce, family, friends and community members in congratulating them on this very special occasion and extending my very best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. If I can, I would like to just ask several questions. Will there be votes next Friday?

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I think we concur on the issue to avoid a lame duck session. But does the gentleman think we will go beyond October 4 in terms of adjournment?

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. This is an institution where rumors fly all of the time. This is about rumors of a lame duck session. Would it not be better if we tried to get the work that we need to get done, and I understand that there is a lot of work to get done, and that we get it done as we try to meet an October deadline? So my question is, will there be a lame duck session? Does the gentleman anticipate that is what we are going to be faced with?

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the answer to the scheduling question, but I might add that there really is a freeze on education, so that is an elusive 5 percent.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make an inquiry about the Labor-HHS bill. As our kids are back to school, education is the number one issue that faces the country. The bill that is before us cuts education about $7.2 billion below H.R. 1, the authorization bill the President signed last year; and it does not have an increase for inflation and no increase for school enrollment in it. When does the gentleman expect the Labor-HHS bill to come to the floor of the House?

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I take this time for the purpose of inquiring about the schedule for next week.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman anticipate and expect the bankruptcy conference report to come up next week?

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this motion to strike. The irresponsible liability protections added into this bill are unnecessary and dangerous to the public health and safety. This provision would give the new Secretary of Homeland Security unprecedented executive authority to exempt from civil liability any product that is deemed ``anti-terrorism technology.'' Even willful misconduct would be excused. That means that people injured by a product put out by a company trying to profit from the war on terrorism would be unable to seek recourse of any kind. None. In fact, the only period during which injured parties can seek recourse for fraud or willful misconduct is, and I quote, ``during the course of the Secretary's consideration.'' Essentially, once a product is approved, the public is left with no protection or remedy at all. Not only does this provision severely restrict the ability of claimants to recover for their injuries, it also fails to provide for any alternative form of recourse, leaving people who have been injured through no fault of their own to fend for themselves. Mr. Chairman, no one here wants frivolous lawsuits. We simply want the tools to hold accountable corporations who have abused the public trust and would unduly profit from the war on terror. This bill is about protecting the public, protecting the health and safety of our citizens. It's not about giving a free ride to corporations who take advantage of the system. Let us not compromise these noble, bipartisan goals with a misguided provision added at the last minute. I urge my colleagues to support this motion to strike.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment. As currently written, H.R. 5005 would needlessly undermine civil service protections for one hundred and seventy thousand federal workers in the new department--both union and non-union. At a time when we need to attract and retain the best and the brightest to this new department, it makes no sense at all to strip its workers of their most basic civil service protections. What happens to the federal workers who transfer to this department and find that the benefits of civil service are suddenly gone? For instance, are these dedicated, loyal federal workers simply supposed to accept the fact that they can be fired without even so much as an explanation? Are they supposed to simply accept that their pay has been unceremoniously cut by a third? Is that the message we want to be sending to the rank-and-file preparing to protect the nation at this new department? We have in place rules and regulations that have worked for decades, rules that were put in place to not only protect workers but also to ward off political patronage and corruption. A Homeland Security Department is not the place to reinstate either. Mr. Chairman, our civil service protections are good enough for the Defense Department. They are good enough for the CIA, the FBI and virtually everyone else in the Federal government. I fail to see how they are not good enough for the one hundred and seventy thousand workers who will be working in the new Homeland Security Department. Again, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman).

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, this is really rather incredulous. We have through the Freedom of Information Act been protecting national security, trade secrets, other provisions of business information for the last 36 years. What have we been doing since we initiated this piece of legislation? Why if already the exemptions are built in here that they have worked for our Defense Department, they work for the FBI, they work for the CIA, do all of a sudden we put together a new Department here and those safeguards of the public's right to know are inoperable, they are abrogated? What is the reason? And the very reason is what my colleagues, some on this side of the aisle and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, say is that this provision is about protecting lobbyists. That is what it is all about, and we ought to vote it down. We ought to do what is the right thing to do, protect the public's right to know. The exemptions are built unto the law. They have been working. Let us continue to let them work.

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

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

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

Ms. DeLAURO. I am, Mr. Speaker, in its present form.