Rahm Emanuel

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President visited the Bureau of Public Debt and promptly announced ``There is no Social Security trust fund, just a bunch of IOUs stacked in an old filing cabinet.'' Well, that may be an old filing cabinet to you, Mr. President; but to middle-class Americans that is their lifetime retirement savings. It may be filled with just IOUs to you, but when you borrowed $700 billion from that trust fund, it was a very opportune filing cabinet because you stuck your hand in there and took $700 billion from the Social Security trust fund to use. It was not an old filing cabinet. It was not just a bunch of IOUs. Those are the taxes that Americans put away; the resources they put away for their life savings, and that is how every President and every Congress has treated it. It is the obligation of this Congress to strengthen Social Security, not to weaken it. For middle-class Americans and for everybody who is saving for their retirement, it is high time we begin to strengthen Social Security by paying back the $700 billion you have borrowed from it. And if you want to talk about IOUs, the IOUs we have run up, which is nearly $2 trillion in debt that now Communist China and Japan own and are our bankers, that would be a good place to see where the IOUs are.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of one of Chicago's great educators, Dr. Constantine P. Kiamos, former Principal of the Steinmetz Academic Centre. Steinmetz Academic Centre stands in the heart of Chicago's Belmont- Cragin neighborhood, and has served the people of this community for over ninety years. Dr. Kiamos retired from Steinmetz last year after two decades of distinguished leadership, and was recently honored at a school event. During his tenure, Steinmetz underwent many changes, including a major increase in enrollment. Through all of the changes, Steinmetz maintained its commitment to providing students with a high caliber education. Dr. Kiamos has always believed in the importance of public education. Before he was the principal of Steinmetz Academic Centre, he served as Principal of Lovett School; Assistant Principal at Carpenter School and was a teacher at Medill Elementary. Steinmetz's mission is to provide equal access to education for all students in an environment that is intellectually, physically and emotionally stimulating, and to develop productive citizens competent in academic and life skills, accepting of themselves and others, and capable of lifelong learning. Dr. Kiamos' leadership and teaching style was an important factor in carrying out this mission. Over the years, Steinmetz has provided many opportunities for students to excel, through programs such as the Illinois State Scholars, Advanced Placement classes, the Academic Decathlon team, the Chicago Debate League and competitive sports teams. Many of Steinmetz's students who took advantage of these opportunities have excelled and achieved tremendous progress in a wide variety of fields. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois and indeed all of Chicago, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a lifetime of service and dedication to our community by a great Chicagoan, Dr. Constantine P. Kiamos, and Steinmetz Academic Centre that he so proudly served.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, on behalf of nearly six thousand Scottish-Americans who live in my district, I rise today as a proud cosponsor and in strong support of H. Res. 41. This bipartisan resolution supports the establishment of a `National Tartan Day' to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish-Americans throughout our nation's history. In America's early history, many colonists pursued higher education at universities founded by Scottish settlers. Many of the non-Anglican students who were prohibited from enrolling at other institutions attended these universities where the Scottish-American ideals of universal education, religious freedom and law flourished and became significant influences on the development of our Nation. In fact, our nation's Declaration of Independence was modeled largely on Scotland's Declaration of Independence, the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed four and a half centuries earlier. An often overlooked fact is that nearly half the signers of our Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent. Throughout our Nation's history Scottish-Americans contributed to diverse areas of American life such as science, technology, medicine, government, politics, economics, architecture, literature, media, and visual and performing arts. President Woodrow Wilson and Andrew Carnegie are two examples of notable Scottish-Americans who excelled in these fields. These contributions and achievements are celebrated by more than 200 cultural organizations throughout the United States. One of these organizations, the Illinois Saint Andrew Society serves the city and suburbs of Chicago, Illinois by honoring the culture and traditions of Scotland and Scottish-Americans. These organizations provide a valuable service by educating all Americans about the time-honored values and ideals of the Scottish culture. Madam Speaker, I thank the Scottish cultural organizations for documenting and promoting these contributions, and I am proud to be a cosponsor and support this important resolution.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, during roll call vote number 74 on H.R. 1268, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the record immediately following roll call vote number 74.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the budget resolution and in support of the Democratic substitute. In the last 3 years, the Republican Congress has enacted three tax cuts, resulting in the three largest deficits in history, all the while on top of the record $400- plus billion deficits and $2.4 trillion of additional debt. This budget does not account for the $300 billion of the Iraqi-Afghanistan war, the $800 billion for the prescription drug benefit they passed, and the $1.9 trillion needed to privatize Social Security. If this is an example of what a conservative philosophy is, we cannot afford this fiscal mess any more, and the one thing we can always say about the Republican budget is we will be forever in your debt. The CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, has attested to all of these figures, but none of them are honestly reflected in this resolution. But while leaving a sea of red ink for future generations, what does this budget do to the middle class, who are facing rises costs in health care and college tuition? This budget makes it all the more difficult for the middle class to afford their health care and college education. This budget cuts the health care professional training by $300 million, it cuts community health by $289 million, it cuts extended health care facilities for veterans by $105 million, and it eliminates the Preventive Health Care Block Grants. It also underfunds the National Institutes of Health and Maternal and Child Health Care Block Grants. It is a fascinating approach to investing in America's future. Who knew when George Bush declared he was against nation building, it was America he was talking about? We need a new direction and a new set of economic policies to put the middle class families and their economic interests at the heart of our economic policies. To think that the policies or the stewardship of the Republican Congress over the last 4 years has led to $2.4 trillion in additional debt, three consecutive years of the largest deficits in the history of the country, and all under the rubric of being a conservative, it is a fascinating approach, and all the while we are cutting health care, investments in America, cutting college tuition assistance to middle class families, opening doors to their future, it is a fascinating approach nobody has ever really thought of as a way to build America's future as one that is brighter.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday while testifying before a Senate committee, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on the tax cuts, ``It turns out we were all wrong'' about President Bush's tax cuts. In his book, Ron Suskind quotes the Fed Chairman as telling Secretary O'Neill, ``Without the triggers, that tax cut is irresponsible fiscal policy.'' Despite his private views, Chairman Greenspan publicly supported the tax cuts without reservation. I only wish he had expressed publicly what he knew privately. Mr. Greenspan went on to say that he wanted to use the tax cuts to eliminate the budget surplus. Well, he succeeded beyond his wildest imagination. We now have $2 trillion in additional debt because of those tax cuts. Now where do we send that bill, Mr. Greenspan? The Fed Chairman would have us believe that no one could have seen this coming, that it was an honest mistake. I know something about spin. Mr. Greenspan, that is spin. Now, Mr. Greenspan advocates making tax cuts for millionaires permanent while advocating a cut in Social Security benefits for the middle class, all the while bemoaning the rising deficits this country has seen and $2 trillion of additional debt. Thank you very much for that independent analysis, Mr. Greenspan. Mr. Greenspan, you know better.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, at a hearing last week the GAO Comptroller General David Walker, a former Social Security trustee, said Social Security privatization would ``exacerbate the solvency problem.'' It would exacerbate the problem by eliminating the Social Security Trust Fund surplus and fail to increase the Nation's savings rate. In today's economy families are taking on more and more risk. They face uncertain jobs, the loss of health care, jittery financial markets, rising costs of college education. Their retirements are less secure than ever. Folks like the security that comes with Social Security. This debate is about choosing between privatization and the dismantling of Social Security as we know it or strengthening the guaranteed benefit that comes with Social Security. Rather than dismantling one of the most effective retirement programs in American history, we should be working together to strengthen Social Security for future generations. In these uncertain times we should be helping American families, not exacerbating the risks that come with retirement. Privatization is simply the wrong direction.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, as the House takes up the bankruptcy legislation, a glaring loophole remains untouched in this so-called reform bill. It is known as the Millionaire's Loophole. It is a proven windfall for the very wealthy and the very well connected. It was created by five States that passed laws exempting asset protection trusts from the Federal bankruptcy code. These trusts allow wealthy individuals to stash funds, often in offshore accounts, for the purpose of hiding their assets from creditors after they declare bankruptcy. What we are, in fact, doing in this bill is creating two bankruptcy laws, one for the well-connected and one for middle class families. Middle class families, over half of them who declare bankruptcy, do it because of health care costs, and they are forced because of higher hospital costs or other type of health care expenses they did not expect and they do not have coverage, they seek bankruptcy protection. The wealthy, they have a special loophole here that protects their assets, wherever they may be, and sometimes in foreign accounts, and therefore, they have a bankruptcy law, one that treats them and all of their assets with a certain standard and another one that treats middle class families who are usually facing a health care crisis. That is not the way this legislation should be drafted. We should have one bankruptcy bill for every American, not two bankruptcy bills, one for the very wealthy and connected and one for middle class families struggling with health care costs. Whether the assets are villas, yachts, investments or a suitcase full of cash, they are untouchable in bankruptcy reorganizations for the well-to-do. Neither creditors nor the courts can reach into the asset protection trusts. As one bankruptcy expert observed in the Wall Street Journal, ``With this loophole, the rich won't need to buy houses in Florida or Texas to keep their millions.'' What is ironic here is the bankruptcy bill is titled The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. If this loophole is not abuse, what is? While the bill keeps asset protection trusts in place, it makes it very hard for those who fall behind to work themselves out of the financial trouble they face. More than half of all the bankruptcies in America are the result of catastrophic medical bills. Middle class families cannot pay. Rather than dealing with the health care crisis of uncontrollable costs, of lack of coverage, what has the infinite wisdom of this Congress done? Decided to come up with a bankruptcy piece of legislation that treats the wealthy one way and with one standard of protection and throws the middle class in front of the train, but if you can afford a high priced lawyer to set up an offshore trust, you are better off in bankruptcy court than if you are a middle class family trying to pay off of a massive hospital bill. The right way to address this problem is to have bankruptcy legislation that treats every American the same, regardless of circumstance, regardless of income. That is not what this legislation does. My colleague and I, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt) are offering an amendment to deal with this in the Committee on the Judiciary and to address this discrepancy in the law, but by preserving the asset protection trust loophole, the bankruptcy bill is protecting wealthy deadbeats from the same punishment, the same standards, the same rule of law that the legislation imposes upon every American, regardless of income. Regrettably, the Senate voted down an amendment to close this loophole. We are going to be offering this amendment both in the Committee on the Judiciary as well as in the full House. I am glad that my colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt), has joined me in this effort. Our legislation would force the wealthy individuals and well- connected who are trying to cheat the system to limit the funds they can protect to a maximum of $125,000, and importantly, this amendment does not affect retired Americans or take anything away from their nest egg and retirement security. It specifically carves out an exemption for retirees. It also protects charitable, educational and other trusts set aside for legitimate purposes. Mr. Speaker, what kind of values does our bankruptcy code reflect when the abuses of the wealthy deserve more leeway than middle class families struggling with health care costs? We must address this discrepancy and these double standards continuously. We have it in our tax code. We have it in our educational system. We have it in our laws which allow our American corporations to set up in Bermuda and avoid taxes here in the country while middle class families struggle. We should not have bankruptcy legislation pass the United States Congress that sets up two laws, one that can afford lawyers and accountants to protect them and another one that is struggling and middle class families that are struggling to pay health care costs. We can do better. It is time that this Congress show the wisdom to understand that every American will have the same laws applied to itself regardless of income.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, we are now running structural deficits on average of a little over $400 billion a year. In 4 short years, we have added $2 trillion to the Nation's debt and have a continuing plan to do that. How did we get here? Partly as a result of last year's corporate tax cut bill which spent $150 billion on an $8 billion problem. Today's Wall Street Journal reports how this legislation has led to greater job loss. That is an interesting economic strategy, given it intended to create jobs. For instance, Colgate-Palmolive said that while the corporate tax bill will allow it to repatriate half a billion dollars in profits, the company will actually shut down a third of its factories and lay off 4,400 employees. Sun Microsystems, $1 billion in new profits during the so-called corporate tax ``holiday,'' will be repatriated, but plans to lay off 3,600 employees. DuPont Photomasks is repatriating $24 million, but laying off 100 employees, while expanding its Singapore factory at the same time. While the corporate suites enjoy the fruits of this tax cut, Americans are left with less jobs and more of a burden for the Nation's debt: $30,000 for every man, woman, and child. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the corporate tax cut bill, we can expect that share of the debt to keep growing for Americans.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the 80th birthday of Bob Lanier, former Mayor of Houston and a dedicated public servant. Bob may not have entered politics until after his 66th birthday, but he certainly made up for lost time in the 14 years that followed. Bob had a distinguished career before he ran for Mayor of Houston. He served in the Navy during World War II, graduated from the University of Texas Law School with high honors, and chaired the Texas Highway Commission and Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority. Bob has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights Award, the Bond Market Association's Distinguished Public Service Award, and a place in the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor. Respected and admired by Americans on both sides of the aisle, Bob served the people of Houston exceptionally well during his three terms. They returned him to office in 1993 with over 91 percent of the vote, and he left office with a remarkable 78 percent approval rating. Within his first 90 days in office, ``Mayor Bob,'' as he was affectionately known, added 655 police officers, leading to a dramatic reduction in the city's crime rate. He was also known for revitalizing several areas of Houston, transforming them into vibrant engines of the city's economy. Further, he made tremendous strides in environmental preservation. He and his wonderful wife Elyse won two national awards for clean up and beautification of the city. President Clinton summed up Bob's contributions to the city when he said, ``He was a magnificent mayor.'' Bob received many accolades during his six years as mayor, but perhaps most fitting was when Texas Monthly named him one of three top Texas mayors of the 20th century. Bob and Elyse are enjoying their retirement, and I am sure that their seven children and ten grandchildren will be a big part of helping them continue to enjoy it. Mr. Speaker, I wish Bob a very happy 80th birthday, and I hope that I can share in the celebration of many happy returns.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, on March 19 we will begin our third year in Iraq. The brave men and women of our armed forces have fought proudly, and have served proudly. After extended tours of duty, many are finally coming home to their families. Following every major war, every Congress has compensated its returning service men and women with the resources to begin their lives. Now is our chance, the 109th Congress, to honor a new generation of American heroes. The Welcome Home GI Bill is a bold new direction in helping our veterans achieve the success they have earned and deserve. It provides health care for up to 5 years through the TRICARE program for service men and women and their families who do not have health care with their place of employment or have lost it. The Welcome Home GI Bill includes $75,000 for college education and waives the $1,800 fee for getting that education and a down payment on their home. Most importantly, under the plan, all returning veterans, regardless of service, National Guard, State Guard, or Reservists, including our active duty, get this benefit. It is what a grateful Nation should do and has always done. We do not owe these returning veterans a favor but must repay one.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sincere sympathy to Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow and her entire family after the tragic deaths of her husband, Michael F. Lefkow, and her mother, Donna Grace Humphrey. The city of Chicago and the entire nation have been shaken by these horrific murders. While we watched the headlines every day this week, we ask ourselves how such terrible crimes could have taken place, and we hope those answers come sooner than later. Michael Lefkow spent his life fighting to protect civil rights for all Americans--marching with Martin Luther King, Jr., arguing cases before the Supreme Court, and representing the poor and underserved in his law practice. To all who knew and loved him, Michael was a dedicated family man and an active member of his church who used his time and his expertise to make life better for so many others. Judge Lefkow is also a dedicated public servant, committed to her family and her community and with a reputation for fairness in her judicial decisions. I want to particularly express sympathy to Michael Lefkow's daughter and Donna Humphrey's granddaughter, Laura, who attended high school on the northwest side of Chicago, won my district's entry in the Congressional Arts Contest in 2003, and volunteered in my Washington office during the summer of 2004. Mr. Speaker, my prayers and thoughts are with Judge Lefkow, Laura, and the entire Lefkow family in this difficult hour.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, in every major war since the Revolution, the United States Congress has acknowledged our returning veterans for their service and sacrifice. In this proud tradition, last weekend I announced a Welcome Home G.I. Bill for the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a bold new direction in helping our veterans achieve the success they so rightly deserve and earned. The Welcome Home bill provides health care for up to 5 years for that member and their family if they cannot get it from their employer or lost it when they were overseas. The Welcome Home bill includes $75,000 for college education and waives the $1,800 fee required for the benefit. And, finally, it will offer them a tax-free $5,000 down payment on a home. Most importantly, under the plan all returning veterans are treated equally whether they served in active duty, National Guard, or Reserve. Because their experience over there was the same, their benefit over here should be the same. The Welcome Home Package is a small token for our appreciation for the debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. Mr. Speaker, we do not owe our newest veterans a favor. We must repay one.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of St. Celestine Parish in Elmwood Park, Illinois. I am proud of the continuous support and inspiration this parish has provided to the people of Elmwood Park for the past 75 years, and I would like to thank the parishioners of St. Celestine's for their dedicated service. St. Celestine's has served as an essential part of the surrounding community since 1929, when construction on the Parish church first began. Despite the daunting conditions of the time, construction was completed in 1930, and out of the despair and poverty of the Great Depression, a new beacon of hope emerged for the people of Elmwood Park. Today, St. Celestine's continues to be an inspiration to the Elmwood Park community. This parish provides a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together for the common good. The parishioners of St. Celestine's have an impressive history of giving their time, talent, and resources to their community. What truly makes this parish special are the people of Elmwood Park and its surrounding communities. Week after week, the 3,000 registered families come to St. Celestine's with smiles on their faces and a warm welcome for any and all new parishioners. Now as St. Celestine's celebrates their 75th anniversary, I ask you all to take a moment and recognize the importance of places like St. Celestine's in communities all across America. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing St. Celestine church and all of its parishioners for their 75 years of dedication and service to their community.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud recognition of the St. Vincent de Paul Center on the occasion of its 2005 Fleur de Lis Ball-- an annual charity dinner to benefit underprivileged children, seniors and the homeless in the city of Chicago. The St. Vincent de Paul Center is a pillar of our community and a shining example of public service for the Nation. For the past 90 years, the Center's dedicated staff--led by Dr. Renard I. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, and Sister Catherine Mary Norris, Site Director--has established a strong record in meeting the daily challenges faced by low-income families and disadvantaged individuals in our community. The Center's programs cover a broad array of services from day care services for children through health care programs for the elderly. The Center's child care programs, for example, serve low-income families by providing a safe and enriching environment for children, giving parents the time to enroll in job training classes and pursue employment opportunities. The Center's social services programs offer violence prevention, family counseling and support groups. The homeless outreach programs provide day-to-day essentials such as food and clothing, counseling services, job search assistance and a mailbox for those who do not have their own addresses. Additionally, the senior services program assists Chicago's elderly with health care and money management decisions, and provides social interaction and friendship for isolated seniors. The wide variety and high caliber of services offered by the St. Vincent de Paul Center serve as a national model of community outreach and are made possible by the selfless contributions of 3,200 volunteers who commit 50,000 hours of service annually. This strong sense of community service continues today in the new Center located at the corner of Webster and Halsted Streets in Chicago. I commend the dedicated people at the St. Vincent de Paul Center for their faithful service to our community, and I wish them continued success in meeting the needs of disadvantaged Chicagoans well into the future.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, the administration has told us Social Security is in a crisis, headed for an iceberg, going broke, yet last week's revelation that the Medicare drug bill will cost nearly three times more than its original price tag, for a total of $900 billion, known in the real world as a $500 billion overcharge, calls into question the notion of privatizing Social Security. Apparently the leaders here in Washington are content to ignore the 900-pound gorilla in the room. I would like to remind everyone that it was none other than the Fed Chairman, Alan Greenspan, who told the House Budget Committee in February of 2004, the concern is not so much about Social Security, the outlook for Medicare is much more difficult to assess. We really do not have a clue about the outlook for Medicare and never have. The distinguished Fed Chairman is an expert on the challenges facing Social Security. He is undoubtedly getting tremendous pressure today to change his story. Mr. Chairman, Federal Chairman Greenspan, do not get weak in the knees today, or ever. This is no time to change your judgment. Your integrity is a precious asset. I was there at the Budget Committee hearing when you said Medicare is a more serious problem. Mr. Speaker, we have a health care crisis in this country. Privatizing Social Security is not an ideological solution in search of a crisis.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, we have all done it. We all make mistakes. They are unavoidable. Yesterday we learned that the White House budget made a tiny little mistake, a $750 billion ``rounding error.'' According to the President's budget, the new Medicare prescription drug benefit is now going to cost the taxpayers $1.2 trillion, not the $400 billion they told us just last year. That is quite a difference from last year when the White House budget director, the man responsible for the money, assured everybody, ``The Congressional Budget Office estimate for the prescription drug bill was and remains $395 billion.'' And lest we forget, last year during debate on the Medicare benefit, our distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson), chairman of a House subcommittee on Ways and Means, ``I am pleased that the President has proposed to strengthen Medicare with a $400 billion plan which adds prescription drug coverage.'' Well, the joke is on the taxpayers and the senior citizens of America. Rather than funding $400 billion, it is a $1.2 trillion ``rounding error.'' What is worse, this mammoth new program does nothing to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. We need reimportation legislation to deal with the affordability and cost of prescription drugs. These are the same individuals who are now trying to sell Americans on their fix for Social Security.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 23, a resolution that honors the contributions of Catholic schools and supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week. The many accomplishments of Catholic schools and their positive impact on students and communities throughout the nation is evident in the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, where schools such as St. Pascal Elementary, St. Bartholomew Elementary and Gordon Technical High School provide a quality education while instilling values that will serve their students throughout their lives. These schools provide strong academic curricula and promote significant parental involvement. They teach students the importance of academic achievement while also providing a balanced perspective on life that promotes responsibility, justice and social service. Catholic schools also promote ethnic and racial diversity. An increasing number of children in Catholic schools in my district come from our minority communities. Students in Catholic schools achieve exceptionally high graduation rates, and an increasing number are advancing to college and giving back to the community through volunteer service. Catholic schools foster more than scholastic excellence alone. They provide spiritual guidance to students by encouraging fundamental ideals and an appreciation for family values, community service, and faith in their own lives. This, in turn, shapes Catholic school students into leaders of tomorrow. I want to take this opportunity to applaud the recent accomplishments of the 2005 ``Heart of the School'' award winners. Each year, the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools presents these awards to recognize outstanding and innovative accomplishments of individual teachers at Archdiocese of Chicago schools. I am very proud that four of these award winners currently teach at Catholic schools in my district. Kevin Carroll of St. Patrick High School was recognized for his contribution to Arts Education, Marilyn Ann Skowron of Guerin College Preparatory was recognized for Innovation and Creativity, and both Kevin L. Booth of Notre Dame High School for Girls and Christopher E. Perez of St. Patrick High School were recognized for Leadership. I thank these outstanding educators as well as all of the dedicated Catholic school teachers in my district for their devotion to their students and for setting the standard for teaching excellence. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. 23 and encourage Catholic schools in my district and across the United States to continue contributing to the development of strong moral, intellectual and social values in America's young people. I thank the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for their sponsorship of Catholic Schools Week.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call the attention of the House to a wonderfully written column by Norman Ornstein about the memory of our colleague, the Honorable Robert T. Matsui, who passed away on January 1. Mr. Ornstein's column, published in the January 26 edition of Roll Call, captured the very essence of Bob's spirit and reminded us why we all will miss him so much--because he was an ``all-around great guy'' whose warmth, wit and bipartisanship will live on and inspire future leaders in this chamber to serve with the same kind of grace and style that Bob possessed in spades. [From Roll Call, Jan. 26, 2005] Bob Matsui: Wonk, Fighter, and All-Around Great Guy (By Norman Ornstein) Some years ago, I had the good fortune (or misfortune) of appearing on the cover of a now-defunct glossy magazine called Washington Dossier, wearing a fancy tuxedo while dancing with an elegant model (who was about 6 inches taller than me). A couple of weeks later, I got a call from the office of Rep. Bob Matsui (D-Calif.) asking me to come by for a meeting on some issue he was dealing with on the Ways and Means Committee. I dutifully showed up, to find that it was a pretext for Bob to give me a nicely framed picture with the Dossier cover and the inside picture. I treasure that picture--but I treasure even more the photograph I received later. It was taken by one of Bob's staffers, showing Matsui giving me the gift, beaming about the surprise he'd managed to pull off. That was vintage Bob Matsui: a delight in surprising one of his friends, a warmth and goodness that is rare in any group of people but even rarer at the top reaches of rough-and- tumble politics. Weeks after the fact, I am still having trouble coming to grips with the reality that he is gone. I first met Bob and his wife, Doris, soon after he was elected to the House in 1978. Bob drew people to him because he was so warm, open, unpretentious and bright. I shared with him a love of baseball and of politics. He and Doris and my wife and I became good friends, sharing news of our kids growing up, dissecting current events, talking about the Orioles and sometimes going to games. Unlike many people in elite levels of politics, television, law or business, Bob was not self-absorbed. The line, ``But enough about me. What do you think of me?'' applies: to many (as each of us could name) but it did not apply to him. He was genuinely interested in others, and took genuine delight in their achievements. Through the years, I watched Bob up close as his career in Congress soared. He first shot to national prominence when he led the effort to get reparations for the Japanese-Americans who had been forced into internment camps during World War II. Of course, he had been among them, spending the first few years of his life in such a camp. He and his House colleague Norm Mineta (D-Calif.) handled that issue with determination and drive--but without bitterness or recrimination. The process became a template for reconciliation. It also showed Bob as a proud American, not cynical or bitter but simply wanting to see his country make amends for a huge mistake. That alone would have made a terrific career. But Bob made his mark in so many more areas. In trade, he was a model bipartisan, willing often to take on his own party as he fought for the free-trade ideals he believed in, looking to find common ground with allies such as Reps. Jim Kolbe (R- Ariz.) and David Dreier (R-Calif.), and looking as well to find common ground on issues such as labor and environmental standards as a way of broadening the free-trade coalition. (He was disappointed to find that the current House was not interested in broadening coalitions beyond the majority of the majority party.) Bob became a world-class expert on welfare and Social Security. He was a policy wonk who loved politics, a gentle man who had a fierce attachment to his values and policy views, a partisan who also wanted to work with those across the aisle, and a man who could use ferocious rhetoric to defend the downtrodden but who seemed to have no enemies, even among those he excoriated. I have had the privilege of having many members of the House and Senate as friends, spanning both parties and all viewpoints. They have included many currently serving or recently retired, along with such now-deceased leaders as Speaker Tip O'Neill (D-Mass.) and House Minority Leader John Rhodes (R-Ariz.), and superstars--of public service like Rep. Barber Conable (R-N.Y.) and Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, today I sent a letter to the Secretary of State requesting an investigation into how an individual, a professor at Northern Illinois University who is known for anti-Jewish comments, was selected to participate in an official U.S. delegation to the inaugural ceremonies of Ukrainian president, Viktor Yuschenko. For those who might not be aware of this story, last week the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun Times reported that Myron Kuropas, an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University, accompanied former Secretary of State Colin Powell on a presidential delegation to the Ukrainian inauguration. At first glance, the professor's selection as a member of the delegation seems perfectly normal. He is of Ukrainian decent and a well-known expert in the region. Furthermore, the professor is a former Ford administration official and had served on the staff of a Senator. Yet Professor Kuropas also has a disturbing history of anti-Jewish remarks. In 1998, he said, ``Let the Jews go on the defensive for a change. The crimes of their people cannot be explained away easily.'' In 2000, he said, ``Big money drives the Holocaust industry. To survive, the Holocaust industry is always searching for its next mark. Ukraine's turn is just around the corner.'' He also accused the Jewish people of being ``instrumental in the rise of Soviet Communism and the horrors of Stalinism,'' which is an interesting take for a professor of history. It is pretty clear where Professor Kuropas stands. He is entitled to his views, but it is disturbing that an individual whose views are not only inconsistent with those of most Americans but also dangerous would be selected to represent the United States on a presidential delegation to the Ukrainian inauguration. Inexplicably, when asked whether or not he renounced his previous statements, the professor stood by his previous comments. What is more, it is unclear to this date who selected the professor to go on the delegation, which was the basis of the letter I sent to the Secretary of State. The State Department, when asked, said, ``I think that's really a White House question. It was a White House delegation.'' When the White House was asked, they said that they had no idea how he was selected. He comes from Northern Illinois University, in the Speaker's district. The Speaker said he had no involvement in this, which I believe to be true. But the question is, how does a known anti-Semite walk on the plane of the United States Government with the Secretary of State as a representative of a presidential delegation, representing the American people, who constantly and consistently has published and speaks out in a vile way, in my view, against the Jewish people and yet nobody from the State Department to the White House or anybody else involved can tell us how he got there or who recommended him? And yet he represented the United States, and I would assume some would say our values of democracy, while in the Ukraine as a part of that delegation and yet consistently refuses to back away from comments that, in my view, are just one individual's take, are neither pro to the Jewish people or to those who border, in my view, on anti-Semitism. It is ironic that the professor who has done the best job of summing up the issue, because he wrote criticisms of Jews, and I am quoting him, ``All of a sudden I do not have a right to be a part of the American delegation?'' I could not have said it better myself. The United States should not and does not condone anti-Semitism or discrimination of any kind. Allowing a known anti-Semite to represent America, which I find ironic on the same week that we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, is an embarrassment and a contradiction of all of our values regardless of party. Mr. Speaker, the issue before us is how did the professor get on the plane and who recommended him to represent the United States of America? We deserve an answer. And in the letter I ask the Secretary of State to provide that answer and to look into this. And I look forward to that answer so we can clear up the question of how a professor who does not hide his views when it comes to the Jewish people was selected to represent the United States with the Secretary of State on an official plane in an official delegation, whose views are abhorrent to our values of decency and respect for people of diverse ethnicity.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, in December of 2003, Josh Bolton, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget wrote, ``With the adoption of the President's policies, our projections show a solid path toward cutting the deficit in half within the next 5 years.'' Fact: this year our deficit will increase for the fourth straight year, to a record $427 billion. The Webster's dictionary defines a crisis as ``an unstable state of affairs.'' If you are looking for a crisis to solve, look no further. Look at the President's budget deficit. The President's reckless policies are damaging our Nation's future. Our annual interest payments on the national debt are more than six times what we spent on education last year. They are more than 12 times what we spent on veterans. What are we doing with this $7 trillion debt that keeps running up? We are asking our bankers, Japan and China, for more money. They control our future. It is a very fascinating economic strategy. The President has indicated that his budget will be tough. I agree. With 3 years of record deficit and a record national debt accumulating, it is tough. It is tough on America's future. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the President and the economy, the truth is, we will forever be in his debt.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rory David Deutsch Foundation and the outstanding work it is doing to eradicate pediatric brain tumors and assist families who have felt the devastating effects of this condition. The Rory David Deutsch Foundation was named in memory of Rory Deutsch, the beloved son of Mindy and Ross Deutsch. In 1998, at the age of seven, Rory passed away from a brain stem glioma, a type of pediatric brain tumor. Even the very best medical treatment and care from the finest specialists was not successful in curing Rory's illness. Rory's tumor grew within the brain stem itself and was not surgically accessible. Sadly, standard chemotherapy and radiation did not offer a cure either. The day after Rory's passing, his family established the foundation that bears his name. Aimed at eradicating pediatric brain-stem gliomas, the Rory David Deutsch Foundation has developed relationships with two of the most prestigious medical research centers for children: Duke University's Brain Tumor Center and Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital. Due in large part to the Deutsch's generous contribution of the Foundation, these two medical centers have already conducted ground-breaking research on brain-stem gliomas. The Rory David Deutsch Foundation has been tremendously successful in raising funds to advance this research. In doing so, it has received the support of many large national companies that have donated a generous share of their profits on days dedicated to the foundation. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the research supported by the Rory David Deutsch Foundation on behalf of children afflicted with brain tumors. The promise of a cure borne from this heart-breaking tragedy serves as a source of inspiration and hope for the future of our children. I join with the Fifth Congressional District and indeed all of Chicago in wishing the Foundation and the Deutsch family continued success and happiness in the future.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the long and distinguished career of a great writer and thinker--and a close and dear friend--Mr. William Safire. This week marks the last of his columns on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, closing out one of the most respected, thoughtful and longest-running series of commentaries in the history of American media. Bill Safire has worn many hats throughout his career, starting out as a radio and television producer, then as a U.S. Army correspondent, and later as a speechwriter and political strategist in the Nixon Administration. Bill Safire is best known, though, for his column which first appeared in the New York Times in 1973. Even among the all-star line-up at the Times, Bill Safire's star shines brightly, as he stands out among the Nation's most celebrated and thought-provoking writers in the newspaper business. While we might find ourselves on opposite sides of a policy or political debate, I have always enjoyed reading Bill Safire's opinions. I've also looked forward to his Sunday column, ``On Language,'' in the Times' Magazine which has spun off into 10 books and ranked him among the world's most widely read commentators on English grammar, etymology and usage. I am sure that Bill's wife, Helene, will be glad to have him around more often and to spend more time with their two children and granddaughter. While the rest of us will miss his words of wisdom, his thoughtful insight, and the discussion prompted by his opinions, we can still look forward to his ``On Language'' column each Sunday, and hopefully, well into the future. Mr. Speaker, I wish the best of luck to Bill and his family during his retirement and throughout his future endeavors, including his ongoing written works and as chair of the Dana Foundation, a philanthropic organization promoting science, health, and education, particularly in the area of brain research. Bill Safire's voice in America's commentary will not be easily replaced, and I am among the many devoted readers who will miss him dearly.

Mr. EMANUEL

Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. William Stapka of Chicago on the occasion of his 75 birthday. Mr. Stapka has been an outstanding resident of the Norwood Park community for the past 45 years. Working at O'Hare for the City of Chicago's Aviation Department as well as in the precincts of Chicago, Mr. Stapka has been an ever present fixture of our community. His contributions to public service deserve our recognition and gratitude. Born in Poland, Mr. Stapka understands the struggles facing immigrants in America. Like those who achieved success through hard work and a determined spirit, Mr. Stapka provided a pleasant and prosperous life for his family. After 33 years of working for the City of Chicago, Mr. Stapka retired as a chief operating engineer at O'Hare Airport. Throughout his life, Mr. Stapka has demonstrated his firm commitment to public service, particularly through his contributions to Chicago's political system since 1960. He is an active member of Committeeman Tom Lyons and Alderman Pat Levar's 45th Ward Democratic Organization. He served as campaign treasurer for the beloved late Congressman Roman Pucinski, in his races for both the Chicago City Council and the U.S. House of Representatives. His loyalty to the Pucinski family continues to this day through his service as treasurer for Judge Aurelia Pucinski. Taking an active role in all aspects of his life, Mr. Stapka is also a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and serves as a member of the Holy Name Society within this parish. Still young at heart, Mr. Stapka also volunteers as a referee for local men's college soccer teams. Along with his late wife, Marcela, he raised three children: Susan, Andrew and Tom. Mr. Stapka is now the proud grandfather of three wonderful grandchildren: Nicole, Rebecca, and Randy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 75th birthday of William Stapka. He is a man who has stood tall in the face of great challenges and difficulties, built an impeccable reputation, and after 75 years, he still maintains a youthful spirit. On behalf of the people of the northwest side of Chicago, I thank Mr. Stapka for all he has given to those around him, and wish him continued happiness in the future.