Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, is my great honor to rise today to pay tribute to a truly amazing family of my hometown neighborhood: the Amarones of New Haven, Connecticut. Now over two hundred strong, the Amarones have long been a legend in the Wooster Square neighborhood and have held the distinction of having the largest family in New Haven since 1938. Their story begins in 1911 when twenty-one year old Josephine arrived in the United States and met Andrew Amarone on Wooster Street. It was there that they were married and there that they made their home. It was also where their seventeen children were born and where two of their children died. Twenty-two years separates oldest son John from their youngest son Nicolo and one can only imagine the schedule Josephine and Andrew kept. Raising seventeen children through the hardest of economic times, I am still amazed at all they were able to accomplish living on the wages Andrew received as a polisher at Sargents, an architectural hardware factory where many immigrants were employed--averaging between fourteen and twenty five dollars a week. Throughout this last century, the Amarones have lost a number of their loved ones like Benny who was killed at Iwo Jima for which he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Many others will be remembered this weekend when New Haven will be host to an Amarone family reunion where over one hundred and twenty family members from across the United States are expected to attend. The Amarones are an incredible family with a rich history and a reflection of times past. Generations to come will continue in their strong traditions and will be a bright beacon for the future. In a time when family values are under close scrutiny, it is families like the Amarones that we look to for inspiration. It is my honor and privilege to recognize the Amarone family as they gather to celebrate their first family reunion and to extend my very best wishes to them all.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to all of the firefighters and law enforcement officials who have volunteered their expertise in the wake of the tragic events of the past several days. Tuesday, September 11, 2001 will live in the hearts and minds of Americans for generations to come. To challenge democracy is to challenge the very core of all that we cherish. Communities across our nation have come together, united by a single truth: the spirit of America, though tested, can never be broken. The men and women who serve as firefighters and law enforcement officials face risks that few of us can truly comprehend. Each day, they must be ready to perform under intense pressure--literally in life or death situations as we have all witnessed in recent days. Their commitment and dedication cannot be questioned. Perhaps this is best illustrated in the faces of the many firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel, who have volunteered their time and efforts throughout the past several days. I speak not only of those directly involved with the rescue efforts in Lower Manhattan, but to the many departments nationwide who have offered assistance with equipment, rescue teams, and various other forms of support. Many of these dedicated men and women have gone to their communities sponsoring blood, clothing, food and water drives. They have been an inspiration to us all and yet when asked why you will always hear the same reply: ``It's my job.'' In my home state of Connecticut, the thousands of men and women who serve our local fire and police departments have continually been on hand--ready and willing to do all that they can for our neighbors and I thank them for their incredible work. I want to especially commend the approximately eighty firefighters from the Third Congressional District of Connecticut who are now directly assisting in the New York rescue effort. It is with great pride and the deepest admiration that I rise today to pay tribute to these men and women and to thank them for their tremendous efforts on behalf of our communities and our nation. I stand today to urge all Americans to thank their local fire and police departments for all that they do for us every day.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. This week America suffered the worst attack in our Nation's history. It was an assault on the American people and a threat to the fundamental freedom that is the strength and the spirit of our strong Nation. There is no reasonable justification for the vicious attack that has taken such a toll on the American people. Each day our intelligence officials obtain more information of the facts surrounding the events of September 11, 2001. It is clear that this was a carefully crafted plan for tremendous destruction. The criminals wanted to create a constant state of fear in American citizens across our great country. But the American people will not be bullied. They will not be cowed. Mr. Speaker, our citizens are joined together in prayer, giving of their time, their love, their resources. There has never been a greater demonstration of unity. With this resolution, our government also takes a stand. It reaffirms Congress' support for the President. It protects the authority of the Congress. Our Commander in Chief and the Congress will work together to bring to justice and to punish those responsible for trying to bring the United States to its knees. We stand tall. We stand proud. We stand ready to protect our freedom, our justice, and our liberty.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a profound sadness and deep remorse weighing heavily upon my heart. An unspeakable tragedy has struck our great Nation, one that makes finding the right words nearly impossible. September 11, 2001, is a day that will forever be etched in the memory of each and every American. Throughout the world our friends also mourn this inconceivable tragedy. Truly, it was a threat to democracy and freedom for all. The loss of life is staggering, and my thoughts and prayers are with the many families grieving for their loved ones and those who are still awaiting word. I pray that your loved ones come home. We have watched intently as the disaster and the aftermath have unfolded in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. I commend the heroic effort of our public safety personnel from all over who have joined the rescue efforts, including those in my home State of Connecticut. Emergency workers have risked their lives. Many have lost their lives braving the horrors of the disaster. This atrocity has touched so many families. Each of us will know someone directly involved in this horror. Striking at the heart of our country, our people, our freedom, the symbols of our economic and military strength, this attack goes beyond anything we have ever experienced before, and it demands that we unite as a Nation. As the hardship continues to unfold, we must comfort our families and continue to provide them with the support that they need any way we can. Our government must also take action in response to these reprehensible acts. I strongly support the resolution condemning the attack against the United States; and, Mr. Speaker, in the strongest terms, this resolution makes it clear that we will not tolerate any terrorist act. We will hold those who undermine our Nation accountable. Let us stand here unanimous in passing this resolution to say that we stand by our fellow citizens, especially those grieving for a lost loved one, and that we will defend our Nation and punish those who have such utter disregard for human life.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues in paying tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven, CT, community--Ida Wells. Ida is a tremendous individual who has shown an unparalleled dedication and commitment to our community and it is my privilege to honor her today as she celebrates her retirement from the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the city of New Haven. Originally from Newark, NJ, Ida first came to New Haven from New York City only 16 years ago. In that time, she has developed a reputation as one of the leading advocates for public housing residents. Ida, a public housing resident herself, became active in her building as a way to fill her time. Prior to her appointment to the Housing Board of Commissioners, Ida served as Crawford Manor's tenant council president for 8 years. Even then, Ida was one of the first people her neighbors turned to when they needed a strong voice on their behalf. As a Commissioner, Ida's job has not always been easy. With tedious budget reviews and resolutions to consider, she has often said that at first she felt like she was in the middle of a three ring circus. Her fellow commissioners have described Ida as a calming force during tense meetings--always asking the sensible question, what will this do for the residents? While she may have looked like the mild-mannered patron of the board, Ida has been one of the most outspoken members when addressing the treatment of public housing residents, especially her beloved seniors. She has shown a remarkable dedication to her job and has done much to enrich the lives of many families and seniors. Most recently, Ida started a partnership with Yale University with the hope that the program will connect Crawford Manor residents with the rest of their community through neighborhood events and trips to the theater. Ida brought a wealth of knowledge to the board from her years of experience as a tenant--demonstrating a unique commitment to ensuring real change for her neighbors and fellow public housing residents. After nearly two decades of service as a resident representative, you can be sure that Ida's retirement from the Board of Commissioners will not impede her from continuing to advocate for public housing residents. Though she will certainly be missed in her official capacity, I am sure her strong voice will continue to be heard. It is with the greatest thanks and appreciation for her outstanding service to our community that I stand today to honor Ida Wells on this very special occasion and extend my very best wishes to her for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to pay tribute to my dear friend, Michael Ferrucci who is celebrating his retirement after a tremendous career with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. His outstanding leadership and unparalleled dedication has made a real difference in the lives of many. I have often said that we are fortunate to live in a country that allows its workers to engage in efforts to better employee standards and benefits. State, county and municipal governments employ a number of laborers who deserve the best for their families. Michael has fought hard for better wages, more comprehensive health benefits for members and their families, and safer work environments--ensuring that state, county, and municipal employees are afforded these basic rights. Michael has been a true leader for our working families, giving them a voice during the hardest of economic times. Michael began his career in 1953 as a maintenance worker for the Connecticut Highway Department. Elected first as Steward then Secretary and finally as President of AFSCME Local 867, he has served the union membership from the beginning. In addition to his service with Local 867, Michael went on to serve as the elected Secretary of Council and was later elected President of Council 16 representing Connecticut State Employees. Michael eventually left his state employment when he was appointed as the Executive Director for Council 16. It was during his tenure as Executive Director of Council 16 that state workers won collective bargaining rights--much in part to Michael's tremendous leadership. Council 16, representing state employees, and Council 4, representing municipal employees, later merged to create what is today the largest union in Connecticut representing 34,000 State, Municipal, and Private Sector members. Michael held a number of leadership positions in Council 4 prior to his election as Executive Director nearly five years ago. In addition to his service with AFSCME, Michael has also served as a Labor Advocate on the Connecticut State Board of Mediation and Arbitration for over fifteen years. Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a unique commitment to AFSCME's union membership. Through his vision and because of his unparalleled dedication, Connecticut's state and municipal employees and their families have a strong union that is always willing to ensure their needs and interests are heard and met. It is with my deepest thanks and sincere appreciation that I stand today to pay tribute to Michael Ferrucci, Jr., as he celebrates his retirement. His good work and strong voice will certainly be missed--and never forgotten.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Norwood amendment. It overturns the painstaking work that has been done over the past 5 years to craft a good piece of legislation that said that we are going to protect patients in this country, that we are going to protect their families. It essentially establishes an HMO bill of rights. It affords insurance companies and HMOs a special status. It literally gives them the ability to act with impunity, that is, to make medical decisions that overrule doctors and harm patients; and, my friends, they never have to face the consequences of their actions. It is the first time, and now legally the presumption is that the HMO is right, and you have to prove them wrong. That is what happened at the White House last night. The Bush-Norwood amendment is just another example of President Bush siding with the special interests over hardworking American families by carving out special protections for the HMOs. This amendment rolls back patient protection, it walks all over States' rights. My God, the other party is always talking about States making their decisions, individuals making the decisions, except when it conflicts with the rewards for their special interest friends. Vote against the Norwood amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership energy bill is nothing more than a grab bag of goodies for the big special interests in the energy industry. For the first time, it would allow drilling for oil in the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, while providing numerous kickbacks for the oil and gas industry, up to $34 billion in tax credits and royalties to the industry. The Bush administration and the House leadership will argue that the revised energy plan is balanced, that it includes conservation measures, but the devil is in the details. Their plan provides a fig leaf towards conservation measures and investments in research and development of renewables. It provides billions in tax provisions without any way to pay for them. Instead of finding the offsets, their plan irresponsibly crosses the threshold into the Medicare trust funds. In stark contrast is the Democratic plan. It is a balanced approach, talking about both supply and demand. It invests in renewable sources of energy, utilizes new technology, bolsters production without harming the environment and provides pro-consumer, fiscally responsible tax incentives for the use of energy-efficient vehicles and appliances. This is the kind of long-term policy we need.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, spoiling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for the sake of a 6-month supply of oil 10 years from now is hardly a sensible energy policy and hardly a route to energy independence. It produces little energy in the short-term, little relief from high prices. This energy bill is a wish-list for the coal, oil and gas companies. It gives $7.4 billion in royalty payments, free rein in our wilderness areas, their equipment set lose on the arctic coastal plain, one of the world's last great unspoiled frontiers. I ask my colleagues, do not let this happen this evening. Support the Markey-Johnson amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the rule. Today the House takes up legislation that will affect our country's energy policy for years to come. A critical component of the plan is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a program which has provided essential heating and cooling assistance to our most vulnerable populations for a quarter of a century; yet this bill attempts to dismantle the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. It requires the program to do a study to determine whether or not its recipients are conserving energy and engaging in energy-efficiency investments. They make a false claim here. It also ignores the fact that nearly 80 percent of the LIHEAP recipients who receive heating assistance earn less than the poverty level. I might tell my colleagues that this is from an administration that does not give a hoot about conservation. I offered an amendment to strike this language. It was not allowed. As a matter of fact, the Democratic alternative was not allowed. This bill provides billions of dollars in tax credits and royalties to the oil and gas industry, and yet what it would do would be to begin to dismantle the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. It is wrong. Oppose this rule.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, Project Impact really provides communities with the resources they need to combat natural disasters and make them less susceptible to future damages. In my district, Stratford, Connecticut last year was hit by a devastating storm. It dumped 8 inches of rain in a 4-hour period. It resulted in over $5 million in damage. East Haven, another town in my district, has a long history of flooding, constantly ravaged by hurricanes and tropical storms. Every time there is a rain storm families fear they are going to be displaced. East Haven was awarded grant money to take a proactive approach to help keep flood insurance rates lower. The grant helps to pay for an early warning storm system. It helps to pay for storm shutters for residents' windows and other weather precautions. We have all stood in the rain witnessing these disasters. We have all met the crying homeowners, but it is not the loss of property that is important. It is the lost dreams. That is why we need to take steps to get people help in such unavoidable circumstances. Project Impact does just that. It is a common-sense program. It protects property and saves lives. It identifies ways to prevent future tragedies and reduce property damage. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Capps amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, the Bonior amendment simply prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from further delay or weakening of the arsenic standards for our drinking water. That is it. We know that there are dangers in arsenic. We have known that for centuries. We know it is toxic. We know it is a carcinogen. It is found in the drinking water of millions of Americans. There have been many studies that show that it endangers our health, our children's health. The National Academy of Science has said it causes several forms of cancer, it causes heart disease and lung disease. In 1999, they further reported that the old standard ``requires downward revision as promptly as possible.'' It could easily result in a total of a fatal cancer rate of 1 in 100. Mr. Chairman, I say to my colleagues, there is not any question about it, arsenic is a killer. So, what happened here in 1996? Oftentimes, people say that the Congress never acts to do anything. The Congress acted. It addressed this issue. It required the EPA to issue a safer arsenic standard and to issue a new regulation by January 1, 2001. That standard was put into place by the previous administration. But facing the pressure from its friends in the chemical industry and in the energy industries, the Bush administration delayed it for another 9 months and requested additional studies. Mr. Chairman, how many studies do we need? We know what the standards should be. We have been looking at this for years. The fact is that 56 million Americans today drink tap water with excessive levels of arsenic. How many people have to develop cancer before the administration moves on this issue? Let us strengthen our standards for our drinking water. Let us not delay. Why do we want to jeopardize the health of our children, our families any longer? It is time for a stringent arsenic standard. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month I had the distinct privilege of reading one of the most touching personal memoirs of the events of the invasion of Normandy, the turning point of World War II. A defining moment in our history, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous undertaking of the Allies and the unparalleled courage and bravery of the soldiers who fought, many making the ultimate sacrifice, for world freedom. It is my great pleasure to rise today to honor both the many servicemen who participated in the D-day invasion and my very dear friend, Fenmore Seton, by recounting his remarkable story. In his memoirs Fen, a First Lieutenant in the Ninth Air Force of the United States Army Corps, captured the spirit and atmosphere of those first few memorable days. Hundreds of officers and soldiers were transported on Liberty Ships, normally equipped for crews of thirty. Under other circumstances such conditions would be considered intolerable, yet as they embarked from their staging area in Wale, there was little or no complaint from these exemplary men. Hour after hour the deafening roar of the planes overhead could be heard by the troops aboard the Liberty Ships in the Allies' Armada which stretched as far as the eye could see. Shortly before they began their mission, each man was given a printed letter of inspiration from the Allied Commander in Chief of ``Operation Overload,'' Dwight D. Eisenhower. Climbing down the side of their Liberty Ships, on rope netting into the individual Landing Craft Infantry's, Fen and thousands of other soldiers began to make their way ashore. Fen disembarked from an invasion landing craft on Omaha Beach on D- day plus three. Though they were supposed to make their beach landing one day earlier, the Ranger Infantrymen who were fighting for a foothold on the designated beach landing zone, had met intense firepower from the reinforced concrete German Pillboxes which delayed their arrival. Under strict blackout instructions, they moved to their rendezvous point in a completely unfamiliar place in the pitch dark, finding refuge in a nearby shelter only to awaken amid chickens and manure and the realization that they had slept in a cattle barn. This was the first of seven battle campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge, that Fen participated in as a member of the Ninth Air Force. In addition to the six battle stars that decorate his European Theatre ribbon, Fen was honored with the ribbon for Meritorious Service and Belgium's royal ``Fourragere d'Honneur'' for his service with the 70th Fighter Wing. However, it is not the honors, commendations, or medals that led Fen to take down his thoughts and memories of his extensive World War II experiences. It was, as he wrote, ``because all Officers and Soldiers felt that World War II was a `just' war . . . that had to be fought in order to defend civilization and to preserve our treasured American way of life.'' As he concluded, Fen wrote: ``Younger people particularly have little to no curiosity concerning World War II or the fact that the Normandy Invasion marked the turning point for the defeat of the Nazi Empire. I sadly suspect that most of the younger generation do not even recognize the significance of Pearl Harbor.'' It is my sincere hope that the young people of our nation and future generations remember the tremendous efforts that were made to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear. As the daughter of a veteran and a Member of this great body, I take pride in paying tribute to the veterans of World War II for their outstanding contributions to our great nation. They changed the course of history and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Today, I stand to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Fenmore Seton for his outstanding service to our country and for bringing this remarkable story to light. It is veterans, like Fen, whose stories will never allow future generations to forget one of the free world's greatest victories.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the Connecticut Federation of Educational and Professional Employees, AFT, AFL-CIO in paying tribute to their president of twenty- two years, and my dear friend, George C. Springer as he celebrates the occasion of his retirement. His outstanding leadership and unparalleled dedication has made a difference in the lives of thousands of families across Connecticut. I have always held a firm belief in the importance of education and a deep respect for the individuals who dedicate their lives to ensuring that our children--our most precious resource--are given a strong foundation on which to build their futures. As a twenty year veteran of the New Britain, Connecticut school system, George made it his personal mission to help our students learn and grow--touching the lives of thousands of students. During his tenure in the New Britain school system, George also served as an officer and negotiator for the New Britain Federation of Teachers, Local 871. Twenty-two years ago, he was elected to the position of state federation president. As the state president, George has been a tireless advocate for his membership and their families. I have often said that we are fortunate to live in a country that allows its workers to engage in efforts to better employee standards and benefits. George has been a true leader for teachers across the state, providing a strong voice on their behalf. George set a unique tone for this organization, extending their mission beyond the fight for better wages, better work environments, and more comprehensive health benefits. He has led the effort of the Connecticut chapter to become more involved with the larger issues of how to improve our schools--for teachers and for students. Though we will miss him in the long battle ahead, George's leadership and outspoken advocacy on behalf of our public school system will continue to be an inspiration to us all. In addition to his many professional contributions, George has also been involved with a variety of social service organizations in the community. The John E. Rodgers African-American Cultural Center, New Britain Boys Club, Amistad America, Inc., Coalition to End Child Poverty, and the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving are just a portion of those organizations who have benefited from his hard work and contagious enthusiasm. It is my great honor to rise today to join his wife, Gerri, their four children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered this evening to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to George C. Springer for his outstanding contributions to the State of Connecticut and all of our communities. He will certainly be missed but never forgotten.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the Muhammad Islamic Center of Hamden, Connecticut and the Interfaith Cooperative Ministries of New Haven, Connecticut in paying tribute to Abdul-Majid Karim Hasan as he celebrates his retirement. For over twenty years, Imam Hasan has worked diligently as the Islamic Chaplain and director of Islamic Affairs for the Connecticut State Department of Corrections. What began as a volunteer effort to provide Islamic services to prisoners became a life-long career when in 1980 then Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, John Manson asked Imam Hasan to assume the responsibilities of Islamic Chaplain. As the first full-time Islamic Chaplain, Imam Hasan has been an invaluable resource for those of Islamic faith in the corrections system. Throughout this time he has been responsible for the implementation, evaluation, and oversight of all Islamic programs for both male and female correctional facilities throughout Connecticut. Serving as liaison between inmates, administration and the federal courts, Imam Hasan has left an indelible mark on the Department--a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. In addition to his professional career, Imam Hasan has played a vital role in the Islamic community of New Haven for over thirty years. Imam Hasan's work with the Muslim American Society has spanned over four decades. First appointed as Minister of Muhammed's Mosque #40 in New Haven in 1971, he has been an invaluable asset to the Muslim community of Greater New Haven for over thirty years. As the spiritual director of the Muhammed Islamic Center, Imam Hasan has devoted countless hours to nurturing the spiritual needs of Muslims throughout the Greater New Haven region. His commitment and dedication to the mission of the Muslim American Society and his fellow Muslims is reflected in the myriad of awards and citations that adorn his walls. This evening, as family, friends, and colleagues gather to pay him tribute, I am honored to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for his many years of dedicated service and best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who gathered today to pay tribute to Doctor Paul Errera as he celebrates his retirement from service with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Errera began his forty-seven year career with the VA as a first year resident in psychiatry at the West Haven, Connecticut VA Medical Center. He later went on to serve as the Chief of Psychiatry for fifteen years. In addition to his work in Connecticut, Dr. Errera spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C. as the national Director of Psychiatry and Psychological Services. In that role, he was charged with the oversight of 172 VA hospitals across the country. In a career that has spanned nearly half a century, Dr. Errera has demonstrated a unique commitment to our nation's veterans and the quality of care they receive. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Errera has been a visionary leader, stimulating fundamental change in the way mental health care is delivered. He has played an integral role in the development and implementation of innovative, community-based programs to meet the diverse mental health treatment needs of veterans. Dr. Errera's commitment and diligence has had a dramatic impact on the VA's treatment of its mentally ill patients--effectively changing the face of their approach and service to many of our nation's most vulnerable citizens. Dr. Errera attributes his dedication to the historic role the United States played in twice freeing his homeland of Belgium--believing that the citizens of Belgium owe a great debt to the brave men and women who liberated his native country. I have often spoke of our nation's need to provide the best possible care to our veterans. These are the men and women who fought for the freedoms and values we hold so dear. Dr. Errera, with his unparalleled record of service to the veterans of this country, has set a new standard for us all to strive to achieve. Dr. Errera, through his infinite good work has made a real difference in the lives of many US veterans and for that we owe him a great debt of gratitude. It is my great honor to rise today to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to Dr. Paul Errera for his outstanding service at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and my very best wishes to him and his family for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to two outstanding community members and my good friends, Otello and Carolyn Massoni, as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Married for a half a century, they are a wonderful couple who have both done much for their community in Wallingford, Connecticut. Perhaps best known for their incredible working relationship, Otello and Carolyn are a true inspiration for any couple. They have worked on a variety of projects--always together--though their most popular are their beautiful reproductions of Faberge Eggs and fabulous dollhouses. Their dollhouse hobby began when Otello was recuperating from a surgical procedure. Working from a kit, Otello has built a number of breathtaking buildings in a wide variety of architectural styles. Carolyn took on the responsibility of decorating the houses. From hand- made curtains trimmed with lace to the smallest details on a miniature reproduction of a Sears catalog, no detail has been overlooked. Victorian, Gothic, Colonial and Tudor styles, as well as some cottages, a gazebo, and even a brick outhouse, Otello and Carolyn's collection is truly impressive. Intricate detail, unparalleled patience, love and care-- characteristics similar to the traditional ingredients thought to be included in marriage--have gone into each of the delicate reproductions of Faberge Eggs that decorate the Massoni's home. This remarkable hobby has drawn much attention to Otello and Carolyn's creative talents. With each taking on a different task, they are not only creating beautiful ornaments, but cherished memories. Featured in local newspapers on a variety of occasions, Otello and Carolyn's work has sparked the imaginations of many in area communities. In addition to their creative hobbies, Otello and Carolyn have always been active in the Wallingford political arena. Their outstanding work with the Democratic Town Committee has benefitted many local elected officials, including myself. Their tireless efforts have gone a long way in bringing a strong voice to local residents and their interests. Enjoying their retirement years together, Otello and Carolyn have found what may be the key to a successful marriage--teamwork. Whether with their hobbies or in the community, it is a rare moment not to see these two working together. It is with great pride that I rise today to join family and friends in congratulating my dear friends Otello and Carolyn Massoni as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. My very best wishes to them for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 255 on H.J. Res. 50, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``aye''.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, just want to really try to put this in some perspective with what my colleagues have been saying. And what the Inslee amendment is about is that we are looking at hardworking Americans, and they are facing sky-high energy bills. We look at the White House wanting the Congress to relieve the Vice President of his high electricity bill. People have spoken about the Western region of our country and the rolling blackouts, the record- setting gasoline prices in the Northeast and the Midwest, families struggling to pay off their energy heating bills, bills skyrocketing over the last several months. We are now looking at scorching summer temperatures, the high air-conditioning bills. The prices have constrained the budgets of our families, everyone. I guess here, even including the Vice President. But we have been calling, my colleagues and I, for urgent and long-term solutions to get some help and get price relief for consumers, additional funding for LIHEAP, energy efficiency and research. It has been stated here that the Vice President belittles conservation, little more than a personal virtue. ``If you want to leave all the lights on in your house, the Vice President said, there is no law against it, but you will have to pay for it.'' The fact is that what he is doing is asking the Navy to assume the burden that he has with the high cost of electricity. Unfortunately, millions and millions of Americans do not have that opportunity. They have to pick up the cost of their electricity bills. It is about relieving the people of this country of the high cost that they are facing and being willing to help them, and this administration has turned a blind eye to the harsh realities that our families face.

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

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I regret to report that on July 19 I inadvertently voted the wrong way during rollcall number 255 on House Joint Resolution 50, Disapproval of Normal Trade Relations for China. I mistakenly recorded my vote as no. My vote should have been an aye for disapproval.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to build a strong relationship between the United States and China, but the normal trade relations China enjoys with the United States have done little to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between our two nations. It promotes few of our values or of our economic interests. China has engaged in unfair trade practices, pirated intellectual property, spread weapons and dangerous technology to rogue nations, suppressed democracy, denied its citizens religious freedom, and engaged in human rights abuses. In so doing, China has gladly profited. Our trade deficit with China has mushroomed from $17.8 billion in 1999 to over $100 billion in 2000. The United States should use our trade laws with China to pressure for greater access for American companies and goods. I oppose NTR for China because we need to let China know that more of the same is not acceptable. It is vital that we insist on fair and equal standards in compliance with all aspects of our trade laws. Until this happens, I cannot support NTR.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, instead of strengthening Social Security, the President has used the surplus for tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest Americans. The President's Commission on Social Security has issued a report that tries to scare the public into thinking that sacrificing their guaranteed income is the only solution. Social Security has allowed generations of retirees to live with independence and dignity, and in more than 60 years Social Security has never once missed a paycheck. Unfortunately, the President wants to privatize Social Security, a proposal that removes a promise that Social Security will be there. Under privatization, funds in the Social Security Trust Fund would be diverted into the stock market, subject to an unpredictable outcome. Contrary to the report's claims, women and minorities do not do better under privatization. Because women and minorities tend to earn less during their lifetimes, they have less money to invest and accrue for retirement. Social Security guarantees that they will have a secure pension that grows with inflation. Privatization erases that guarantee and replaces it with a fixed, limited income. Social Security's financial challenges are manageable. They do not warrant the President's radical restructuring. We need measures to preserve and strengthen Social Security, not rescind its guarantee.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the time is long overdue to pass a Patients' Bill of Rights that puts medical decisions back in the hands of doctors and patients. It is time to put the public's interest ahead of special interests. We have a bipartisan piece of legislation. Ganske-Norwood-Dingell ensures that medical decisions come before business decisions. It gives every American the right to choose their own doctor, covers all Americans with employer-based health insurance, insures that all external reviews of medical decisions are conducted by independent, qualified physicians and not HMO bureaucrats. Mr. Speaker, it is a bipartisan bill which has broad public support endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association. It is in stark contrast to the bill that the House Republican leadership has offered. That bill is an industry-written bill that is designed to stall and kill a real Patients' Bill of Rights. It does not give Americans the right to choose their doctor. It allows the HMO to choose the independent reviewer. That is like asking the fox to guard the chicken coop. Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to pass the Ganske-Norwood-Dingell bill now. It provides sound, responsible managed care reforms and meaningful patient procedures.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the time has come to pass meaningful campaign finance reform. What it will do, what the bipartisan Shays- Meehan Campaign Reform Act will do is to take the soft money out of politics, take the special interest money out of politics. It will help us to restore the integrity to our political system. It will help us today to restore the confidence that the American public needs to have in people who serve in public life, restore their confidence in our government that, in fact, we can act on behalf of the interests of the people that we represent and not the interests of the moneyed interests in this country. Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation here to pass meaningful campaign finance reform so that, in fact, we can get about the business of making sure that we have a Patients' Bill of Rights, which is a bipartisan piece of legislation; that we have a prescription drug benefit so that we can bring some relief to people who are struggling with the high cost of drugs in this country; that we can have a clean and a safe environment. That is what this bill is about. It is a bipartisan bill. It is authored by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan). This bill has passed twice in this House before, and we should take today that opportunity to make it a law.