Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Connecticut Huskies for capping a perfect 39-0 season with their third NCAA women's basketball championship. Sports experts around the country are now saying what many of us in Connecticut already knew in our hearts: This is one of the best teams in basketball history. The Huskies set the standard for perfection. They ranked number one in the Nation for scoring, 3-point shooting percentage, scoring defense, and field goal percent allowed. They set an NCAA record with a season-long average victory margin of 35.4 points, and set a national record with 831 assists. Throughout the entire season only one opponent lost by less than 10 points, and all five of the Huskies' starters, Asja Jones, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, Diana Taurasi, and national player of the year Sue Bird, made the Big East All Tournament Team. Simply by doing what they love, these talented young women have proven themselves to be role models for girls and boys across this Nation. With their absolute determination and a commitment to team work, the U-CONN Huskies have achieved perfection. I congratulate them on their win and we look forward to more seasons to come. Go Huskies!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3694, the Highway Funding Restoration Act.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, at last, 6 months after the September 11 attacks, with a damaged and already troubled economy, the House is poised to extend unemployment benefits for workers in this great Nation who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. At last. For 6 months, Democrats have stood firm on a plan that was one part good economics and one part basic human decency. The Republican leadership balked. They have equivocated, squirmed; and they have shifted in their seats at the mere mention of passing a bill that extended unemployment benefits and health care benefits for workers of this country, something that this Nation has done historically in difficult times in our country. And they were opposed to doing this if the bill did not include corporate tax handouts for the largest corporations, for the Enrons of the world. Since that time, over a million and a half people have seen their unemployment benefits expire. In fact, just yesterday the House was ready to consider a fourth sham bill that again had no chance of making it to the President's desk. And since that time, another 11,000 Americans have lost their benefits. Well, my friends, time ran out on the Republican House leadership. And just as we witnessed their misguided approach to airline security last November, their stubborn effort to defy the will of the American people has again ended in defeat; a defeat for the Republicans, but, albeit belatedly, a victory for American workers. Now, what we need to do is to undertake the effort to make sure that those who have suffered unemployment and who have lost their health benefits that what we will do is to work to make sure that we assist them and our States to provide them with the opportunity to include people who have lost their jobs and their health benefits to get those benefits. It is about time.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representatives Visclosky and English for organizing tonight's special order on the crisis facing the hardworking men and women in the U.S. steel industry, and for their dedication and leadership on this crucial issue. Since the late 1990's, the steady increase in imported steel into our country has put the U.S. steel industry and the future of U.S. steelworkers and their families in serious jeopardy. To date, 28,000 steelworkers across the country have lost their jobs. These losses have ripple effects throughout their communities. When steel mills close, businesses around them close, people leave their towns and neighborhoods. Bonds and traditions built over years are broken. We must take action immediately. Now, more than ever, we must unite in defense of meaningful protection. It is time to stand firm against illegal dumping by foreign competitors. In December, the International Trade Commission called on the President to impose tariffs on foreign steel--to protect American families. Since then, three steel companies have collapsed, leaving hundreds of steelworkers without jobs--men and women who have dedicated years to making the highest quality steel available. By March 6th--just a week away--the deadline arrives for the President to act. He will have to decide whether to protect steelworkers and their families or to protect foreign interests. I strongly urge him to do the right thing and stand with our nation's steelworkers. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women who are coming to the Capitol tomorrow to rally for meaningful relief, for their jobs, for the highest quality steel in the world, for a safe future for their families.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven in honoring an outstanding member of our community and my good friend, Sydney Alderman Perry. Sydney has been the Director of the Department of Jewish Education for over a decade and has made many invaluable contributions to the Jewish Federation during her tenure. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Sydney is a true reflection of this ideal. In the twelve years that she has served as the Director of the Department of Jewish Education, Sydney has worked diligently to improve the synagogue supplementary schools and has initiated a number of education programs for both adults and teens. In developing ``A Taste of Honey'' and its offshoots, ``A Taste of Milk and Honey'' and ``A Taste of Apples and Honey,'' Sydney created new and exciting educational programming for adults and teens. She spearheaded the Israel Experience Savings program, which helps young people travel to Israel and she initiated Talmud Torah Meyuchad, an individualized Jewish education program for children with special needs. She is also responsible for the development of Midrasha, a new adult institute, and the successful community Hebrew High School, MAKOM, which serves three hundred and fifty teens throughout the New Haven area. In addition to her work in education, Sydney has also dedicated her time and energy to the Jewish Federation. For the past six years, she has served as the Associate Executive Director of the Federation and is presently the Acting Director. In this position, Sydney serves on the Long Range Planning committee; helps staff the Community Relations Council and leadership development; supervises the Holocaust Education- Prejudice Reduction Project, Stepping Stones, and the new library at the Jewish Community Center; and acts as an advocate for Jewish continuity. She has served as a consultant to the community on educational endeavors, including the Anne Frank Project, Shepherd '92, Jerusalem 3000 and the celebration of Israel's 50th Anniversary. Sydney is an extraordinary scholar, often called upon nationally to give workshops and has served as scholar-in-residence for several communities. Sydney has shown an unparalleled dedication to Jewish education in our community and throughout the nation---a commitment that is reflected in the myriad of awards she has been honored with over the years. I am proud to join her husband, Ted, her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Sydney Alderman Perry for her outstanding service to our community. She is a true inspiration!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Guilford community and a dear friend, Kenneth Cruz, Chief of the Guilford Police Department on the occasion of his retirement. He has been an active member of the law enforcement community for over three decades and has served with the utmost dedication and integrity. Recent times have brought a renewed public respect for our nation's law enforcement officials and the very real dangers they face. From the tragic events of Columbine to the devastating attacks of September 11, the skill, dedication and commitment of our law enforcement officials has been tested. From these tragedies lessons have been learned and higher expectations have been made for those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. In these times, we have looked to our police officers for guidance and reassurance. Chief Cruz started his career with the New Haven Police Department in 1968 where he served for sixteen years. In that time, he achieved the rank of commander and left to accept an appointment as Chief of the Guilford Police Department where he spent the remainder of his career. He was elected President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, a statewide organization that diligently promotes the needs of Connecticut's law enforcement community. During his tenure he worked with state and federal legislators to ensure that the voices of Connecticut's police officers were heard. In addition to his professional career, Chief Cruz made it a priority to be actively involved in Guilford and the surrounding communities. Under his leadership, the Guilford Police Department was one of the first departments to join the efforts of the Yale Child Study Center and its Child Development Community Policing program. This program is designed to address issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and juvenile justice in a way which focuses on community, partnership, innovation and prevention--four elements which are all too often missing from our response to violent crime. By participating in annual conferences and sharing ideas and successes with leaders from other areas, these efforts have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of children who otherwise would fall through the cracks of our system. With all of his work, at the Department and in the community, Chief Cruz still made time to be of great assistance to myself and my staff. He has been an invaluable resource to us all and I want to extend my deepest thanks and sincere appreciation for all of his support. Chief Kenneth Cruz has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment and has left an indelible mark on the Town of Guilford--he will be missed. As he celebrates his retirement, I am proud to rise today to join his wife, Virginia; daughter, Dawn; his three grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him the very best for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my very best wishes to Aaron Aronow as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Aaron has been a fixture in our hometown of New Haven, Connecticut for as long as I can remember and it is my honor to pay tribute to his lifetime of contributions to our community. Throughout his life, Aaron has demonstrated a unique dedication and commitment to the City of New Haven through community service. Our communities would not be the same without those individuals who volunteer their time to make a difference--especially those who expend their energies shaping public policy. He served on the New Haven Board of Alderman for sixteen years, many of which he served along side my mother. Today, he continues in his service as a Ward Chair and a dedicated member of New Haven's Democratic Town Committee. Aaron is a former member of the City Plan Commission and is currently a member of the City's Disability Commission. Throughout his many years in New Haven's political arena, he has and continues to be a reflection of all that a public servant should be. Though enjoying retirement from his fifty-year career as an executive with Robby Len Industries, a women's bathing suit manufacturer, Aaron continues to stay extremely active. He is an avid student, continuing to learn through the variety of senior courses offered at our local colleges and universities. He and his wife, Mitzi, recently celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary and enjoy spending time with their three children and four grandchildren. I am also told that he spends a great deal of time playing with his favorite family member, Tina--the family dog. Aaron Aronow has remained committed to serving in his community. He is an active member of B'nai B'rith and is currently involved with Congregation Beth Israel in the restoration of the historic Orchard Street Synagogue. This synagogue, one of the oldest in New Haven, was once part of our vibrant Jewish community. In restoring this cultural landmark, Aaron hopes that it will once again become a central meeting place for New Haven families. As family and friends gather to wish him well, I am sure Aaron will take a moment to reflect on his lifetime of achievements. I am so proud to have this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to Aaron Aronow for his many contributions to our community and to join his many friends and family in wishing him a very happy 80th birthday!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, today, at long last, we are on the precipice of cleaning up our electoral system, of standing up to special interests, standing up for democracy. This is an historic moment. We have the opportunity to end the era of unregulated soft money. We may bring to a close a period when ordinary citizens could not be heard above the clamor of the special interests. Today is the day Congress can say no to special treatment. The people say no more Enrons. I ask my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to stand together to defend this bill against the onslaught. Our opposition will make certain that every vote on every amendment today pits us against one another, but the American people are fed up with business as usual. They stand with us as we bring down the curtain on this era. We have a responsibility to strengthen our democracy. Vote for the bipartisan Shays-Meehan substitute. Turn aside the poison pill amendments so that in our political process we can empower people over money.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will consider one of the most important pieces of legislation before the Nation today, the urgent need to overhaul our failed campaign finance system. Last summer we attempted to close many of the loopholes that allowed unregulated and unlimited soft money to poison our electoral system. This is a system that allowed the wealthiest individuals and the biggest corporations to seek unchecked influence. We proposed ending the phony negative advertising that masqueraded as voter education, but are actually campaign commercials in all but name. We were ready to take these substantial steps toward cleaning up the system. I wish the Republican leadership had chosen not to become the enemies of reform and change. They have thrown up every procedural roadblock. They cannot imagine a world without such special interest money. They were successful in this intransigence before Enron. Now the winds of change blow strong, and now a majority of this body say, no more. That is why a bipartisan coalition of Members has forced this bill to the floor with a discharge petition over the objections of the Republican leadership. That we were forced to resort to such a rare parliamentary maneuver speaks volumes about the new urgency in the country. Make no mistake, those wedded to this corrupt funding system will do all in their power to defeat, alter or contort this bill. They have called consideration of this bill Armageddon. They will attempt to add poison pill amendments that purport to strengthen the bill, but, in fact, are only designed to destroy the delicate bipartisan compromise that the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) have worked hard to put together. I urge my colleagues to turn these amendments aside so that the President can sign meaningful campaign finance reform, this legislation, into law as soon as possible. The American people are demanding that we clean up this system. The time for reform is now, and in light of recent events, the need has never been greater. We have in this Chamber tonight a strong and courageous woman, Granny Dee. We see her here and thank her for the long road she has traveled for campaign finance reform. She inspires all of us. I thank her for her hard work. Tomorrow is the day of reckoning.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the state of the budget, so much has changed in the last several months. Our economy is struggling, unemployment is up, and we are fighting a war against terrorism. But with the President's budget released this weekend, now with this resolution it is clear one thing has not changed, and I am sorry that my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), left the floor, because what this resolution is about, what this budget is about is that, in fact, the other side of the aisle, that the Republican majority in this House will stop at nothing to raid Social Security and raid Medicare. Despite their protestations over the last couple of years, they fundamentally do not believe in Social Security and Medicare. They take every opportunity to dismantle the current system which plays such a role in the lives of working families today. Social Security has been a lifeline and Medicare is a lifeline to health care for seniors and for people who have worked all their lives, who, in fact, will need that retirement security. The Republican majority would deny that retirement security. They would move to privatizing Social Security. They would talk about investing in the stock market. And, my God, look at what has happened in recent times with the stock market and with Enron and with a variety of other companies. But that is the direction this majority would like to go.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sadness that I rise today to remember and pay tribute to a remarkable woman, Maria Perez, who was taken from us in the early hours of New Year's Day. A member of my Congressional staff for over six years, Maria was one of the most generous, kind-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was only thirty-three years old but she was already a true treasure. People often thank me for helping them, but what they might not appreciate is how Maria dedicated herself to helping people. She wasted few words but got the job done for hundreds, probably thousands of families. She worked her will with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Social Security Administration and Medicare. She made such a difference it makes me cry. Thankfully, those families are her legacy. Maria could often be found at the office at all hours of the day and on weekends, making the necessary calls to overseas embassies and consulates to help constituents in need. Her commitment earned her a reputation throughout the many communities of Connecticut's Third Congressional District, with rarely a day going by without someone calling the office because a friend or community member had referred them to her. It is almost impossible to imagine what our office will be like without her. Maria never gave up her work for the poorer neighborhoods and the Hispanic community, even after she came to me. She worked with the Hill Development Corporation, a neighborhood organization dedicated to building affordable housing in the Hill section of New Haven. She had also worked with the Latino Youth Development and ProPark Enterprises. She participated in a great number of projects with Casa Otonial, an Hispanic senior community; Junta and Centro San Jose, two community based social service organizations; and the Spanish Community of Wallingford. Recently, Maria became involved in a new initiative called Hispanics Give Hope. Developed by the National Marrow Donor Program, this new program is aimed at recruiting more Hispanics to become bone marrow donors. Maria was a very special person. Her contagious smile and infectious good humor touched the lives of all she knew. It is not often that you find someone like her--a diamond in the ruff. With a seemingly infinite amount of compassion and patience, Maria has left an indelible mark on our community. I know she left an indelible impression on my entire staff. She was a friend to us all. Though it saddens me beyond words to join the many family, colleagues, friends, and community members that have gathered to honor Maria's memory, I am proud to stand today to pay tribute to her life. I would like to take this moment to extend my deepest sympathies to Maria's husband, Fernando, her mother, Maria, her sisters; Elizabeth, Nancy, and Daisy, and her brother Edilberto. Maria's memory will always be close to our hearts and her legacy will continue to be our inspiration.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I come this afternoon to say thank you to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior). Ten years ago I first came to this institution, and at this very place I was given the honor of seconding the nomination of David Bonior for whip. I have served with him for 10 years. I have known him for 14 years. I learned from him as a mentor. I learned the skills of serving as a whip with him. I learned the battle for economic and social justice in Central America with him. He comes from the earth, he comes from a family of working-class Americans, the way so many of us come to this institution. And he came here and he accomplished good public policy for the great people of this Nation. And in all that time, and in all that time, he never faltered. He never was afraid to stand up. He has never been afraid to championing the cause of the people of this country. And because of that tenacity and that brutal effectiveness, he has changed the lives of people in this country. No one has fought harder for worker standards, for minimum wage, for those things that help people to live their lives because he understands their lives. He is a peaceful veteran, and, like myself, a Catholic who cares about life in its broader sense. His sense of integrity, his sense of honesty and his soul will be missed in this institution. He will go on to do wonderful things, and we are all here for you, David. We will stand with you and do what you want and try to help you be the next Governor of Michigan. To you and to Judy and to your family, we wish you the best. There have been folks who have tried to demonize David Bonior, but his genuineness comes through, and they cannot do it. His gentle strength will prevail. It prevailed in what he did before he came here, it prevailed here, and it will prevail as he serves as Governor of the State of Michigan. God bless David Bonior, and I thank the gentleman for all that he has given to all of us. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. DeLAURO. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. It does not help our economy and little to help those who are hurt by the economy. Times are tough for American families. Unemployment rates are the highest that they have been in nearly a decade. States are facing severe budget shortfalls. Families need to know that if they lose their jobs that their unemployment benefits will be secure and they will have a way to continue health coverage. This body needs to pass an economic stimulus package that helps the economy get moving, which assists families during difficult times. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, where have you been for the last 3 months? This bill and your past actions have done nothing to help those families. This bill does not include unemployment benefit increases. It does not guarantee access to affordable health care coverage. What it does include is a big helping hand to the Republicans' wealthiest contributors by refunding the corporate minimum tax, without any real benefits to the economy or to consumers. This body has bailed out the insurance companies, it has bailed out the airline industry, and where it has come to the working men and women of this country, you have dragged your feet. And now, weeks and months later, the Republicans are trying to pass a bill that is simply unconscionable. There is no other word for this Republican economic package than greed. It is an unpatriotic grab on the public treasury. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill. This leadership needs to be seriously engaged in negotiations to produce a plan that will truly help the economy and truly help the families in this country. You have paid not a shred, not a shred of attention, to what has happened to working Americans, and it is a sham tonight to hear you talk about working Americans and what their plight is.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of this conference report and am grateful for the leadership of the ranking member, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula). The bill provides a 15 percent increase over last year for the National Institutes of Health to fund groundbreaking medical research that continues us on our path of doubling the NIH budget by the year 2003. We have provided funding for the post-traumatic stress disorder program to serve the mental health needs of children who witness or are victims of acts of serious violence. Each year, more than 1 million children are abused or neglected in their homes; 3 million children witness domestic violence; 600,000 children are victims of violent crime; 20,000 are wounded by gunfire; and a growing number are injured or killed at school. The psychological trauma associated with this violence could affect these children for years to come. The events of September 11 make this program even more important. Over and over, our children saw what took place on that terrible day. Many lost parents, and there is an urgent need to make mental health services available to children to cope with the aftermath of these attacks. We have also made a substantial investment in education, including $6.5 billion for Head Start and $2.1 billion for the Child Care Development block grant. Yes, the strength of our country is based on the education of our people. I am disappointed that the House conferees stripped mental health parity from the bill. We missed an opportunity to do the right thing for American families to require the insurance industry to provide the same coverage for neurobiological illnesses as for physical illnesses. When mental illness goes untreated, costs escalate. In the aftermath of September 11, access to mental health services becomes even more important. Just this morning, the front page of the Washington Post included an article about a woman who lost her husband at the World Trade Center and who just committed suicide. The majority assured us that they would consider this legislation next year, and I hope they will keep that promise and act on this critical legislation. Mr. Speaker, overall, this is a strong bill; and I am proud to support it. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Nurse Reinvestment Act; and I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for their commitment to addressing our Nation's nursing shortage. They have worked so hard to ensure this body could take the first steps in addressing the concerns of nurses and the issues which have plagued the nursing profession. In Connecticut, more than 3,200 nurses have left the State or given up their licenses since 1996. Nurse vacancy rates are up 50 percent since 1996, and the number of newly licensed nurses is down 25 percent from 4 years ago. Further, the average age of licensed nurses in my State is 45, compared to the national average of 42. There is a widening gap between the increasing need for nursing care and the number of women and men who will be there to provide the care that their patients need. This year I sat down with a group of nurses in my district to discuss the shortage and the effect it is having on patient care. One nurse shared with me the critical nature of her work and the difficulty of providing care to all patients with so few nurses. Another spoke to me of how difficult working conditions are, driving women and men away from the profession. If allowed to persist, the nursing shortage will have grave effects on the quality of life for America's nurses and the quality of care they are able to provide to their patients. Substandard conditions must change. Nurses must feel valued, working conditions must improve, and we must recruit the next generation of nurses to care for our loved ones and ourselves. Nurses play a critical role and are often underappreciated in our health care system. Anyone who has spent time in any hospital knows how hard nurses work and the high quality of care that they provide. I spent several months in the hospital a number of years ago; and while I applaud what the medical profession did for me and the wonderful doctors, it was the care, the feeding, the constant attention that I received from nurses that carried me through those months. Congress needs to support nurses, just as they support us and our loved ones when we need it the most. The Nurse Reinvestment Act is that first step to achieve these goals. I am proud that nurses have been the driving force behind this bill. Together, they played a large role in developing the legislation and fighting for its passage. They were out on the front lines. They know better than anyone the challenges that nurses face day in and day out, and their experience and ideas informed this bipartisan effort and built a strong piece of legislation. This much-needed legislation will provide for educational scholarships in exchange for a commitment to serve in health care facilities that are experiencing a critical shortage of nurses. The bill provides for public service announcements to educate the public about the nursing profession and the rewards of a nursing career. Finally, it would require the GAO to study the nursing faculty work force to determine if there is a shortage. I strongly support the Nurse Investment Act. I thank my colleagues who spent so many hours in making this a reality. It is an investment that will build a strong force of nurses and improve the quality of health care in America.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to a man who has been active in the New Haven community for nearly 50 years. Today, I am pleased to join family, friends, and colleagues in wishing Stanley Rogers the very best as he celebrates his retirement. A lifelong New Haven resident, Stanley has served his community in a variety of ways throughout his life. For forty-two years, he worked at G&O, a manufacturing company which made automotive parts. During his tenure at G&O, Stanley became the first African-American to serve as President of the United Auto Workers in Connecticut--fighting for better wages, more comprehensive health benefits, and safer work environments for his membership. In addition to his career with G&O, Stanley also served on the Redevelopment Agency with former Mayor Richard Lee in a time when New Haven underwent one of its most sweeping economic redevelopment periods. It was also during this time that Stanley presented the first affirmative action plan for minority hiring in the building trades to the Redevelopment Agency. His actions went a long way in assuring good jobs for New Haven's minority communities. Stanley has also been involved with the local municipal government for nearly 20 years. He was first elected to New Haven's Board of Alderman in 1981 where he served as its president Pro Tempore from 1992 to 1994 and for 3 years as the chairman of the Board's Black and Hispanic Caucus. His dedication and commitment to New Haven's 22nd Ward made a real difference in the lives of so many. After his tenure on the Board of Alderman, Stanley served three terms as the city/ town clerk--a position from which he retired earlier this year. Stanley's involvement with the New Haven community stretches far beyond his professional and political career. His participation in a number of local civic and service organizations reflect his personal commitment to enriching the lives of our fellow citizens. The United Way, the Private Industry Council, and the Dixwell Community Development Corporation are just a few who have benefitted from his time and efforts. I am pleased to rise today to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to Stanley Rogers for his invaluable contributions to our community and my very best wishes as he enjoys his retirement.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate an outstanding family and my good friends, the Bishops of Guilford, Connecticut as the recipients of the Mass Mutual 2001 Family Business of the Year Award. This remarkable family has been a fixture of the Guilford community for nearly 400 years and we are all proud to join with them as they celebrate this very special occasion. Connecticut has a long and proud history in agriculture and our famous fruit orchards have become a highlighted attraction for visitors. From picking your own fruits and vegetables to learning the intricacies of the perfect apple cider, our orchards offer an unique view into one of our nation's oldest industries. The Bishop family has run Bishop Orchards since its establishment in 1871. Today, the families of brothers Albert and Gene Bishop preserve this New England treasure while expanding the business to meet the needs of today's consumers. With three hundred acres lined with apply, peach, and pear trees, the Bishops continue to work hard to ensure the success of the orchards. Located on the shores of the Long Island Sound, Bishop Orchards captures the spirit of New England. The Bishop family, recognizing the importance of preserving its natural beauty, were one of the first of our local farmers to initiate an integrated pest management program, significantly reducing the pesticides and chemicals used in the orchards. Integrated pest management programs utilize alternative means of pest control to ensure successful crops while protecting the surrounding ecosystem from harm. While more labor intensive, setting traps for bugs and pest will ensure that the orchards and the surrounding environment will be enjoyed for generations to come. There is more to the Bishop family than their business--they are an integral part of the Guilford community. They have long been involved in the Town of Guilford, holding a variety of positions on local town boards and demonstrating a unique commitment and dedication. Many members of the Bishop family have also participated in statewide civic and agricultural organizations. In fact, Jonathan Bishop was recently appointed to the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee, where I am sure he will work hard to ensure the continued stability and protection of Connecticut farmers. The Bishop family has left an indelible mark on our local community and I am proud to join the Center for Family Business and their many friends and family in congratulating the Bishop family as the 2001 Family Business of the Year.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is the most basic and most essential expression of citizenship. When that right is put into doubt, when citizens cannot know that a ballot cast is a ballot counted and that their unique voice has been heard. It undermines confidence in our entire political system, as well as the government formed on a foundation of those ballots. People must have confidence that their votes counts. Last year's Presidential election shook that confidence to the core. And while the Ney-Hoyer bill is a first step toward reforming that system, the substitute that my colleagues and I would have offered, had it been allowed, would have vastly improved on the underlying bill. It would have required that all voting systems and polling places be accessible to disabled and blind voters and that alternative language accessibility be provided for citizens with limited English proficiency. To accurately record the voter's intent, the amendment would have required that all voting systems notify voters of over- and undervotes, verify the vote, and provide the opportunity to correct the ballot before it was cast. This is particularly important, because the poorest technology, the most error-ridden technology, is often found in the poorest communities. Our amendment would have allowed voters to be purged from the voter rolls in a way that is consistent with the motor voter law. It required that provisional voting be available for voters whose names have been mistakenly removed from the voter rolls. Finally, it ensured that these measures are fairly and strictly enforced, by requiring the Attorney General to verify State certification and to enforce the minimum standards. Right now in cities and towns across the country, it remains more difficult to go to the polls to cast your vote than it is to make a simple withdrawal from an ATM; and there is something very, very wrong with that. The right to vote is the basic foundation of our rights as American citizens. We need to ensure that every American citizen has access to polling places, is able to cast a secret ballot, and is sure that his or her vote has been accurately counted. This issue is too important to merit anything less than a full and an open debate.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, our entire system of government is based on the premise of one person, one vote. For our democracy to work, people must have confidence that their vote counts. We have a responsibility to do all that we can to make sure that every citizen is able to fully exercise their fundamental right to vote. This motion to recommit ensures that polling places are accessible, voting equipment is updated, voters are not mistakenly taken off the rolls, and that these standards are endorsed. In cities and towns across this country it remains more difficult to go to the polls and cast a vote than it is to make a simple withdrawal from an ATM machine. There is something wrong with that, I say to my colleagues. The world looks to America as a shining example of democracy in action. We need to act today to ensure that every American has the right to participate in that democracy by casting a vote that will be counted. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit.

Ms. DeLAURO

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

Ms. DeLAURO. Meaning that we will not be here before Wednesday. I thank the gentleman.

Ms. DeLAURO. So we can anticipate that it would be at the beginning? We come back in on Tuesday night; so Wednesday, Thursday?

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inquire about next week's schedule.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill because it strengthens programs that serve the residents and workers of the District of Columbia. The residents of the District deserve to have control over their local government and this bill takes the first steps in returning authority to the residents and elected officials of the District. This bill represents an improvement in the District of Columbia Appropriations bill over past years. It contains important resources for the city's health care system, brownfield remediation and local road repairs. It finally grants the District the autonomy to use its own funds to provide health benefits for domestic partners and improve access to health care services for District residents. However, Mr. Speaker, I am concerned because this bill does not allow the District to use its own funds for one of its highest public health priorities--the needle exchange program--to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. The needle exchange program has been endorsed by the Mayor of the District but for the past year the District has been prohibited from using local funds to implement it. Not only does this infringe on local autonomy, but it reduces access to a truly life-saving program. There have been several government reviews and hundreds of scientific studies all demonstrating that needle exchange programs are effective in reducing HIV transmission and do not encourage drug use. The American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and other medical associations have all called for government support of needle exchange programs. My own hometown of New Haven has a needle exchange program that has proven to be highly successful in reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS without increasing the number of drug users. The District of Columbia has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the nation and it must be able to pursue an aggressive, targeted program. Currently, the District is the only city in the nation barred by federal law from investing its own locally raised tax dollars to support needle exchange programs. To continue to impair the District's ability to carry out a responsible HIV prevention program flies in the face of sound public health policy. Local health departments must be free to determine which public health interventions will best address their local problems-- including the District of Columbia. We cannot afford to turn our backs on something that can help us beat the AIDS epidemic.