Mike Ferguson

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I, too, came back from ground zero in New York, the site of so much wreckage and destruction. And for those who say that this was done by cowardly, faceless villains, yes, they were cowardly; but the face that we see is the face of evil and hatred in our world today. We contrasted that evil with the hope and the determination and the courage of the firefighters and police officers and rescue squad personnel working with the glimmer of hope of finding additional survivors. For these individuals who have worked in the toughest of circumstances for 3 days, it was incredible to see their faces light up with words of encouragement from our President. There was so much noise and machinery. There was a firefighter in the back who yelled, ``Mr. President, we can't hear you.'' And the President responded with, ``But I can hear you, and all of America can hear you. And for those who took down these buildings, they are going to hear from us.'' Tonight's resolution represents our opportunity to make sure that they do hear from us. Tonight, we have an opportunity to stop this evil. We do not seek revenge; we seek justice. We know that this is not going to be a short-term project. We need to bear down and have perseverance for the long haul. We will root out those who were responsible for that massacre, and America will stare down the face of evil and hatred. To those who have endured so much suffering, we will not let you down.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, just moments ago, I arrived back here in Washington from my home State of New Jersey, where I spent the day visiting hospitals and Red Cross centers and, finally this evening, an interfaith prayer service in one of our communities. While we will send a very clear message with our vote tonight in this House that the unbelievable and tragic and cowardly violence of the last 24 or 36 hours will not stand, Americans in New York and New Jersey and across this Nation have already begun to send that signal through their heroism, through their acts of bravery, through their selfless giving of their time and their energy, of their blood. Americans across this Nation have already begun to send a very clear message, not only that we will go out and track down and punish the perpetrators of these heinous acts, but that we as a Nation will continue to stand in solidarity with one another, to make sure that we as a people, as human beings, will never let this stand. Not on our soil.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of the rule on House Resolution 2505, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act. It is a good and fair rule, and it allows for a full debate on this important issue at hand. In light of recent scientific advances in genetic research, our society is faced with some difficult decisions, foremost among these is what value we place on human life. At first glance, human cloning appears to respect life because it mimics the creation of life. However, when we look closely at the manner in which this life is created, in a laboratory, and for what purpose, out of utility, one cannot help but see that cloning is actually the degradation of human life to a scientific curiosity. Designing a life to serve our curiosity, timing its creation to fit our schedules, manipulating its genetic makeup to suit our desires, is the treatment of life as an object, not as an individual with its own identity and rights. H.R. 2505, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act is a brave step in the right direction. This legislation amends U.S. law to ban human cloning by prohibiting the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques to create human embryos. This act bans reproductive cloning and so-called therapeutic cloning. Therapeutic cloning, as my colleagues know, is performed solely for the purpose of research. There is no intention in this process to allow the living organism to survive. While this bill does not restrict the use of cloning technology to produce DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissue or organs, it makes it unlawful for any person or entity, public or private, to perform cloning or to transport, receive, or import the results of such a procedure. As my colleagues know, the high risk of failure, even in the most advanced cloning technologies, gives us pause. Even the so-called successful clones are highly likely to suffer crippling deformities and abnormalities after birth. Again, the push for scientific knowledge must not supercede our basic belief that human life is sacred. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the majority of Americans in support of this rule, to oppose the Greenwood substitute, and to support the carefully crafted bill of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) to prevent human cloning and to keep us from going down this dangerous road.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, it was not too long ago that Pan Am flight 103 left London's Heathrow airport for New York City on December 21, 1988. The plane was transporting 259 passengers, including students returning for the holidays, families eager to reunite with loved ones, tourists attempting to experience this great nation and business people on a routine trip. Within an hour of takeoff, an explosion ripped through the plan and swiftly broke the aircraft into three pieces. The plan landed on the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 11 residents. If the delayed flight had taken off on time, the bomb would have most likely exploded over the Atlantic Ocean and we might not have ever known the cause of the accident. Consequently, our government enacted the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) on August 5, 1996, to address the acts of terrorism condoned by these countries. The law rightfully mandates sanctions against foreign investment in the petroleum sectors of Iran and Libya, as well as exports of weapons, oil equipment and aviation equipment to Libya in violation of United Nations Resolutions 748 and 883. ILSA has served to bring justice to the culprits of these acts of terrorism. Since then, a Libyan terrorist intelligence officer was found guilty of murder for his involvement in the Pan Am 103 explosion. Despite the conviction of this culprit affiliated with the Libyan government and further evidence indicating that regime's involvement, Libya still refuses to acknowledge any connection to the bombing or pay compensation to the families of the victims. Today, the behavior that led the United States to take such measures against Iran in the first place has not improved, but grown even more severe in the past year. Iran continues to condone terrorism and recklessly fund groups, such as the Hezbollah, HAMAS, and the Palestine Islamic Jihad, who partake in acts of violence against civilians. Most disturbing, Iran continues efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction--including nuclear, chemical, biological--and the missiles to deliver them. The recent State Department Report on Patterns of Global Terrorism reiterates, ``Iran remained the most active state sponsor of terrorism in 2000.'' The report also notes Iran has provided increasing support to numerous groups responsible for intentional attacks on civilians, while Iranian agencies ``continue to be involved in the planning and the execution of terrorist acts.'' Moreover, Iran continues to provide funding, training and logistical assistance to a variety of radical groups in the Persian Gulf, Africa, Turkey and Central Asia. For many years, Iran has been able to finance programs to acquire weapons of mass destruction and support terrorist activity through its energy exports, which are where most of the countries revenues derive. ILSA is an effective measure to deter foreign corporations from investing in Iran and reduce the amount of funds available to Tehran to support terrorism and weapons activities. In fact, ILSA has succeeded in specifically deterring Japanese investment, as well as European allies from investing in the energy sector. Accordingly, I believe it is imperative the United States send a clear message to nations that resort to terrorism by promoting non- negotiable policies that directly reinforce the premise that these actions will not be taken lightly and have serious long-term consequences. By not renewing these sanctions or limiting their conditions in any capacity, the United States would illustrate that we are not concerned with offensive Iranian behavior. I strongly urge this Congress not to falter in our resolve to combat terrorism in the world. We owe the renewal of these sanctions to the 270 victims of this particular act of terrorism, their families, and all the civilians who have been affected by these horrible acts of intimidation. I pray for the families who paid the ultimate price, who's loved ones died. But they are not forgotten and these sanctions serve as a reminder of the terrorism that took their lives and the unwavering stance we must take. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have not died in vain.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, in recent years there has been an increased movement to recognize veterans of World War II. Despite improved awareness, there are many veterans whose heroic efforts to preserve this great country are still overlooked. Accordingly, we must continue to take greater strides to demonstrate the appreciation and gratitude these loyal Americans deserve for the sacrifices they made. During World War II, tens of thousands of U.S. POWs were captured and either killed under unspeakable conditions or forced into slave labor for Japanese companies. After the United States surrendered its forces on the Bataan Peninsula, Philippines in early 1942, the infamous 60- mile Bataan Death March claimed the lives of hundreds of Americans. In fact, more than 14,000 American POWs perished from disease, starvation, injury, brutality or execution at an appalling 40 percent death rate that proved it was more deadly to be a prisoner of the Japanese than to fight in battle. The prisoners who survived the Bataan Death March were joined by other American prisoners who were taken at Corregidor and throughout the Pacific--Guam, Wake Island, and survivors of the sinking of the U.S.S. Houston. Any words used to describe the conditions these American prisoners faced cannot do justice to the pain and suffering that they experienced. Upon arrival in Japan and Japanese-occupied territories such as Manchuria, they were sent to work as slaves for some of Japan's richest companies like Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel--companies that remain wealthy and powerful today. The U.S. played an instrumental role in the discussions between German companies and their victims during the Holocaust litigation, and it is now time that our government extend the same gesture of gratitude and support for the POW veterans of World War II. As such, I am proud to voice my strong support for H.R. 1198, the ``Justice for United States Prisoners of War Act of 2001'', introduced by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Michael Honda (D-CA). I applaud Representatives Rohrabacher and Honda for their leadership in bringing these Japanese companies to justice on behalf of the well- deserving veterans who suffered and lost their lives. The bipartisan legislation will rightfully allow American POW's to sue Japanese companies in U.S. state or federal court for losses and injuries sustained during the time they were imprisoned and forced into slave labor. Moreover, the bill also provides that if Japan enters into peace settlement terms with another country more beneficial to that country than to the United States, those additional benefits will also be extended to the United States. I believe our POWs, who have given years of their lives to serve the cruel interests of our wartime enemies should at least be allowed the opportunity to have their grievances redressed in an international court of law. As a nation, which has thrived because of the sacrifices of these brave men, we must do everything in our power to recognize and repay their courageous efforts. We owe it to these POW's--both the survivors and those killed in action--who made immeasurable sacrifices for the brighter future of this great nation. We owe it to their families, who also made sacrifices by losing precious days, weeks and months with loved ones who were off serving, preserving the peace and freedom we have in this country today.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 2180.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor young people around the world today, as a supporter of the International Children's Day. Our children are our greatest natural resource, and they embody the very spirit of our nation's future. Our children are wonderful symbols of the infinite promise of tomorrow. The incredible potential that these children hold in their minds and in their hearts knows no bounds. I feel it is essential that we recognize children so that we may instill in them a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Through our efforts, we may guide them along a successful path in life. Now, more than ever, our children need our support, as they are faced with many challenges that our generations could have never imagined. School violence has become a terrible epidemic, and we must exhaust all possible avenues as we try to reach a solution to this problem. Our children deserve our utmost attention as they grow and take on new responsibilities. Children deserve a day in which we honor them for the lives they touch and the joy they bring to the world. While first celebration of Children's Day took place in San Francisco in 1925, the United States no longer acknowledges this holiday. Today, over twenty-five countries--including England, Scotland, Sweden, Poland, and Norway--all consider this day to be worthy of honor. We too, should recognize International Children's Day and bring back this day to the country in which it originated. I would like to recognize Margareta Paslaru-Sencovici of Summit, New Jersey, who has worked tirelessly to establish June 1st of each year as International Children's Day. After emigrating from Russia, Margareta has spent 18 years living in Summit and received an honorary award and membership to UNICEF for her protection of children. Margareta continues to return to Bucharest where she visits orphanages to entertain the children with stories and song, as well as delivering toys and clothing, which she has collected through donations here in America. I commend Margareta for bringing international recognition to a day we can all agree on regardless of political affiliation, religious preference, or race because, after all, there is no dispute that our children are our future.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to address you on the eve of the anniversary of the American victory on D-Day. Fifty-seven years ago, thousands of U.S. soldiers risked their lives landing in Normandy and Provence and accomplished the first great breach of Hitler's forces in Western Europe. Over the next few months, thousands more joined the fight and gave their lives to liberate France and defend the cause of freedom. We remember and honor the remarkable contribution and sacrifice, which those brave soldiers made in the name of freedom. I would like to draw attention to a special event that illustrates the international significance of D-Day. In Union County, New Jersey, a part of the 7th Congressional District I was chosen to represent, a ceremony will take place tomorrow honoring county residents who valiantly served in this great military operation. The veterans will be awarded a commemorative medal and diploma that was designed by the Federacion des Aciens Combattants Francais in a profound gesture of appreciation and good will. Again, I am honored to bring to the attention of the House and represent the citizens of New Jersey, in offering my most sincere respect, appreciation and admiration for the brave men who led our nation during one of its finest hours.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor childcare providers throughout the world on the eve of Provider Appreciation Day. Provider Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother's Day, was spearheaded by a group of volunteers from New Jersey in 1996. They saw the need for a day to show our appreciation to childcare providers. And as a result of their dedication and perseverance, Provider Appreciation Day has not only spread nationwide, it is also celebrated in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Early childhood is undoubtedly the most critical time of development for our children. Today, approximately 13 million children in the United States under the age of six, are in childcare at least part- time. An additional 24 million school age children are in some form of childcare after school. Provider Appreciation Day recognizes the hard work childcare workers perform and the sacrifices they make in their dedication to the development of our children. I encourage all parents with children in childcare to join me in showing their providers how much they are appreciated. While the profession is one of the most under-recognized and underpaid professions in the country, providers bring compassion, patience, encouragement and love to our children each and every day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Suzanne Williamson, Chairwoman of Provider Appreciation Day, for her commitment to establishing a national day of recognition for childcare providers. Ms. Williamson is also the Director for Monday Morning Child Care, Inc., a network of childcare providers located in Union County, New Jersey. Her endless efforts have made Provider Appreciation Day possible.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be here in support of H. Con. Res. 91, following the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Day. This resolution calls attention to one of the major public health issues of our time--the developmental disorder called autism. Autism has affected the lives of an estimated 400,000 children--one in five hundred--and altered their ability to interact and communicate with family and loved ones. Despite the tremendous impact on families, we still lack adequate information on this condition. In fact, we have no scientific records to indicate exactly how many children have autism, or the degree to which they are affected. Information on the cause and treatment of autism is also severely limited. Despite the fact that autism is one of the most common developmental disorders, many professionals in the medical and education fields are still unaware of the disorder. Awareness is the key to this important issue. Specialists do know that early intervention services can dramatically improve a child's long-term prospects, if autism is detected at an early age. In many cases, early intervention can determine if a child is able to speak. While the cost of educating a child with autism is expensive, no price tag can be placed on a child's future. H. Con. Res. 91 is a step in the right direction because it supports greater research and improved treatment of autism. In addition, this legislation appropriately asks for improved training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for them. As a member of the Autism Caucus, I applaud Chairman Chris Smith's leadership on this important issue. My fellow New Jersey colleague has displayed hard work and dedication as the Chair of the Autism Caucus and he is the reason that this legislation is before us today. I urge you to join our efforts in support of legislation that will significantly improve the lives of thousands of children.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues today to remember a horrific atrocity in history, the Armenian genocide. April 24 is recognized as the anniversary date of this genocide, when Armenian intellectuals and professionals in Constantinople were rounded up and deported or killed. From 1915 to 1923, a million and a half Armenians were killed and countless others suffered as a result of the systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide by the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Half a million Armenians who escaped death were deported to the Middle East. Some were fortunate enough to escape to the United States. Madam Speaker, I am thankful that more than a million Armenians managed to escape the genocide and establish a new life here in the United States. In my Seventh District in New Jersey, I am proud to represent a number of Armenian-Americans. They have enriched every aspect of New Jersey life, from science to commerce to the arts. Our statements today are intended to preserve the memory of the Armenian loss and to honor those descendants who have overcome the atrocities that took their grandparents, their parents, their children, and their friends. We mark this anniversary each year to remind our Nation and to teach future generations about the horrors of genocide and oppression endured by the Armenian people. We must commit ourselves to ensuring that America remains a beacon of tolerance and openness and diversity. Madam Speaker, I commend the commitment of Armenian-Americans who continue to strive for world recognition of one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th century.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Plainfield, New Jersey's own star, Jason Williams. Jason, who is an All-American basketball player for Duke University, lead his team in their 82-72 NCAA National Championship victory over Arizona on Monday night, April 2, 2001. All of Plainfield and New Jersey are proud of our hometown hero, Jason Williams. As a student athlete, he has shown tremendous leadership and dedication while playing at an incredible level--all while under the pressure of the national spotlight. The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils won the national title Monday night under the leadership of Jason Williams. The 6'2" point guard has been one of the Duke's biggest offensive weapons all season. After scoring 16 points in the win over the University of Arizona Wildcats, the All-American guard has scored 154 points in six tournament games (ninth of all-time). A pass from Williams enabled Shane Battier to score a slam-dunk, making the score 77-72 with 2:31 left on the clock. Then Williams clinched the Blue Devils' victory with a 3 point shot with 1:45 left, giving the Blue Devils an eight-point lead. Williams has been a leader all season long in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), registering 21 points and 6.3 assists a game and earning the All-ACC First Team nod as well as the East Regional's Most Outstanding Player. Williams spent this past summer helping to train the U.S. Olympic basketball team as a member of the U.S. Select Team that scrimmaged against the Dream Team. As a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen, New Jersey, Williams lettered in basketball all four years. Among the awards he won: the Morgan Wooten Award given annually to the nation's top prep school player, first team All-America selection as a high school senior by USA Today, Street & Smith, and Hoop Scoop, two-time all-state selection, first team all-county, all-area, and all-Parochial accolades during his career. As a two-time team captain, he set school records for most points scored in one game with 43 and the most total points with 1,993 high school career points, averaging 24.0 points, 8.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 steals. I commend Jason Williams for his leadership and congratulate the Blue Devils on their victory.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday night, April 1, 2001, the University of Notre Dame Women's Basketball Team won the national championship. As a proud alumnus, I stand before you today to offer my congratulations and to highlight this incredible accomplishment. It was a storybook ending to a storybook season. In order to defeat a tough Purdue team and win their first national championship, the Notre Dame team rallied and overcame a double-digit deficit. Only four games have been decided by two points or less since the inception of the women's national championship tournament in 1982. I wish to congratulate the entire team for all their hard-work, dedication, and perseverance. This season truly was a team effort, beginning with this year's coach of the year, Notre Dame's coach Muffett McGraw. I also wish to congratulate Notre Dame center, Ruth Riley, who was so reliable in the clutch at the end of the championship game and all season long. Accordingly, she has been honored as both the consensus National Player of the Year and the tournament's most outstanding player. From the gritty play of guard Niele Ivey to the long range sharp- shooting of Alicia Ratay, this year Notre Dame had what it took to be the best. The other team members, including Amanda Barksdale, Imani Dunbar, Ericka Haney, Monique Hernandez, Jeneka Joyce, Meaghan Leahy, Le'Tania Severe, Kelley Siemon and Karen Swanson, made this the most well-rounded team in the nation. Our hats are off to them as the 2001 National Champions.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of small business owners and of common sense. I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 327, the small business paperwork relief act. Despite the importance of small businesses to our economy, they face serious regulatory hurdles. The single most costly type of regulation is paperwork compliance. The Office of Management and Budget estimates the Federal paperwork burden at 7.2 billion man hours and $190 billion each year. These small businesses are drowning in a sea of red tape. The time and money required to keep up with government paperwork prevents small businesses from securing their first priority, growing and creating new jobs. According to the Small Business Administration, it costs large firms $3,400 per employee to comply with Federal regulations. But the cost to small business is 50 percent higher, a staggering $5,100 per employee. This common sense legislation would help ease the paperwork burden by establishing a central Internet site listing all the Federal paperwork requirements for small businesses, allowing small businesses to anticipate the otherwise unknown paperwork hurdles that they must clear in launching new businesses. As a former small business owner, I have personally witnessed the tremendous strain that paperwork places on small business owners. In fact, in my district in Fanwood, New Jersey, Mary Ellen Cagnassola's small business provides work for my constituents who make the popular scented soaps at Mary Ellen's Sweet Soaps. Mary Ellen is one of thousands of small business owners across the country who employ more than 50 percent of our country's workforce and face a 50 percent higher cost than larger business owners in regulatory paperwork. I ask my colleagues to support this bill which takes an important first step in trying to lift the paperwork burden that the Federal Government imposes every year on America's small business owners. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of small business owners--and common sense--and ask my colleagues to support H.R. 327, the ``Small Business Paperwork Relief Act.'' Despite the importance of small businesses to our economy, they face serious regulatory hurdles. The single most costly type of regulation is paperwork compliance. The Office of Management and Budget estimates the federal paperwork burden at 7.2 billion man-hours and $190 billion a year. But these small businesses are drowning in a sea of redtape. The time and money required to keep up with government paperwork prevents small businesses from securing their first priority--growing and creating new jobs. According to the Small Business Administration, it costs large firms $3,400 per employee to comply with federal regulations. But the cost to small business is 50 percent greater--a staggering $5,100 per employee. This commonsense legislation would help ease the paperwork burden by establishing a central Internet site listing all the federal paperwork requirements for small businesses--allowing small businesses to anticipate the otherwise unknown paperwork hurdles they must clear in launching new business. In addition, it directs each agency to provide a contact for small businesses on paperwork requirements. As a former small business owner I have personally witnessed the tremendous strain that paperwork places on small business owners. I have also had the opportunity to speak with other small business owners on this issue. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. In my district, in Fanwood, NJ, Mary Ellen Cagnassola's small business provides work for my constituents who make the popular scented soaps at ``Mary Ellen's Sweet Soaps''. Mary Ellen is one of thousands of small business owners across the country who employ more than 50 percent of the country's workforce and face a 50-percent greater cost than larger businesses in regulatory paperwork. Small businesses are responsible for 47 percent of all sales and 51 percent of the private gross domestic product. But small businesses provide more than just jobs and sales. They offer most initial on-the-job training. And, even more importantly, they are more likely to employ younger and older workers, former welfare recipients and women, many of whom prefer or are able to work only on a part-time basis. In addition to being centers for training, small businesses are also laboratories of innovation and entrepreneurship. Small businesses give women and minority's a chance to build on their dreams and enhance the communities they live in. A great source of American strength has always been the dream of economic growth, equal opportunity and upward mobility. Small businesses enable millions, especially women, to access that American dream. I ask my colleagues to support this bill, which takes an important first step in trying to lift the paperwork burden that the federal government imposes every year on America's small business owners.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our nation's Catholic schools and the record of excellence they hold in our children's education. I believe our most profound responsibility is to ensure that every child has a first-class education, that no child is left behind and that all students share in the pride and promise of educational opportunity--Catholic education provides that opportunity. As a former student at the University of Notre Dame and a former teacher at Mount Saint Michael's Academy in the Bronx, NY, I know the benefits Catholic schools and universities provide to students in America. Our children deserve the best schools in the world; they deserve schools that will help them meet the challenges of tomorrow. That is why I'm pleased with the bipartisan support H. Res. 28, ``Honoring our Catholic Schools,'' is receiving from my colleagues in the House today. America's student drop-out rate is increasing at an alarming pace. But our nation's Catholic schools have given a diverse group of students the inspiration, environment and counsel they need to stay in school. A tribute to the strength and quality of a Catholic school education is the 95 percent graduation rate among Catholic high school seniors. America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for providing small classrooms where each student can have the attention they need to achieve their future goals. America's Catholic schools also graduate a record 83 percent of students who go on to college. I believe that while we call for higher standards in our nation's schools, we must also recognize those schools that are providing the education America's students need to succeed. I am pleased to join with my colleagues in honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. After all our children are our country's most precious resource.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I believe that our most profound responsibility is to ensure that every child has a first- class education, that no child is left behind, and that all students can share in the pride and promise of educational opportunity. That is why I am so pleased with the bipartisan support education reform is receiving from my colleagues in the House and in the Senate. It is important that we continue to put our children above politics. I believe that while we call for higher standards, we must also provide schools with both the funding and the flexibility that they need to succeed. Flexibility is a key to success. After all, the needs of schools in Green Brook and Warren, towns in my district in New Jersey, are different from the needs of schools in Green Bay and in Wichita. Targeting resources to local priorities will ensure that dollars reach the programs that need them the most, such as hiring new teachers to reduce class size, expanding charter schools and funding for new school construction. I commend our President and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for advocating common sense education reforms that, if enacted, will strengthen our public schools and make sure that no child is left behind. After all, our children are our country's most precious resource.

Mr. FERGUSON

Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, on January 26 of this year, India suffered a tragic and deadly earthquake that stole the lives of thousands. It is with my deepest and heartfelt sympathies that I offer my prayers for all those affected by the earthquakes in western India. I have spoken with Indian Americans in my district in New Jersey who are experiencing tremendous grief. My thoughts are with them and their family and friends and all of those who have been affected by this unbelievably tragic event. Now that several days have passed and the critical threshold for time for the rescue of survivors is dwindling, I can only point to the recovery of a 7-year-old child, who was found in the arms of her deceased mother, as a sign of hope that there are still survivors. It is faith that has kept these survivors alive. We must not lose ours. In the aftermath of these earthquakes, the people of India have shown an enormous display of strength, courage, and determination. We must support the thousands of survivors who have been left in shock and who are in desperate need of medical care, food and shelter. We must ensure that the United States and international aid is delivered to provide both economic and disaster assistance in order to alleviate the suffering of the people of India in a timely fashion.