Tim Holden

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, this weekend marked the passing of one of the most influential Presidents of our era. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and his children at this difficult time. President Reagan was an American icon. No matter what your politics, he had a special way of making every citizen feel good about their country. He made us proud to be Americans. He will be forever remembered for his warmth and the respect he accorded others. Even when he disagreed with those who did not share his political philosophy, President Reagan lived by the noble ideal that at the end of the day, partisanship ended and we are all fellow Americans and friends. He taught us that there is a big difference between strong beliefs and bitter partisanship. President Reagan is credited with many great accomplishments, not the least of which is ending the Cold War. In spite of all he achieved, he once said that the greatest leader is not the one who does great things--it is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things. Ronald Reagan's glass was always half full. His optimism, his patriotism and his sense of duty inspired several generations of Americans to do great things. In life, President Reagan enjoyed the affection of a grateful nation. We all join together to mourn the passing of this great American.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3473.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we join together at the United States Capitol to observe the national commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Also known as Yom HaShoah, a Hebrew term for ``The Holocaust,'' this is an internationally recognized day set aside each year to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to remind each of us what can happen when bigotry and hatred are not confronted. The Holocaust's magnitude of destruction with more than 12 million deaths--6 million Jews, including 1.5 million children (more than \2/3\ of European Jewry) and 6 million others--challenges comprehension. Studying the Holocaust presents a framework of many relevant moral issues. The Holocaust illustrates the consequences of prejudice, racism and stereotyping on a society. It forces us to examine the responsibilities of citizenship and confront the powerful ramifications of indifference and inaction. The Holocaust also shows us how a combination of events and attitudes can erode a society's democratic values. As we commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, we must acknowledge that anti-Semitism and other dangers still exist. Acts of anti-Semitism in countries throughout the world, including some of the world's strongest democracies, have increased significantly in frequency and scope over the last several years. During the first 3 months of 2004, there were numerous instances of anti-Semitic violence around the world. For instance: In Australia, poison was used to ignite, and burn anti-Semitic slogans into, the lawns of the Parliament House in the state of Tasmania; In St. Petersburg, Russia, vandals desecrated approximately 50 gravestones in a Jewish cemetery, painting the stones with swastikas and anti-Semitic graffiti; In Toulon, France, a Jewish synagogue and community center were set on fire; And just 4 weeks ago in Toronto, Canada, vandals attacked a Jewish school, a Jewish cemetery, and area synagogues, painting swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on the walls of a synagogue and on residential property in a nearby, predominantly Jewish, neighborhood. Anti-Semitism in old and new forms is also increasingly emanating from the Arab and Muslim world on a sustained basis, including through books published by government-owned publishing houses throughout the Arab region. The sharp rise in anti-Semitic violence has caused international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to elevate, and bring renewed focus to, the issue, including the convening by the OSCE in June 2003 of a conference in Vienna dedicated solely to the issue of anti-Semitism. The OSCE will again convene a conference dedicated to addressing the problem of anti- Semitism on April 28-29, 2004, in Berlin, with the United States delegation to be led by former Mayor of New York City Ed Koch. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the manner in which Congress has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitic violence. In that spirit we must ensure the United States Government remains strongly committed to supporting international efforts to address anti-Semitism through bilateral relationships and interaction with international organizations such as the OSCE, the European Union, and the United Nations. It is in this spirit that we can truly say, ``Never Again.''

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to take this opportunity to commend the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the ranking members, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), for all their hard work in bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation is very important to my home State of Pennsylvania where we have more road miles to maintain than our friends in New Jersey, New York and New England combined. But, Mr. Chairman, this is not only important to Pennsylvania; it is important to every one of our congressional districts where we have congestion problems, safety hazard problems, and economic development needs and concerns. I want to thank my leader and my friend, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for personally not once but twice coming to my congressional district and looking at the problems we face, where we are, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, looking at that unbelievable amount of truck traffic that comes through every day; and in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where we have the Norfolk Southern coming through 50 times a day, not only disrupting traffic but also the safety concerns of having ambulance crews and fire companies being able to address concerns in the city; and in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, where there is a bike path that has been on the books for 2 decades. This legislation will allow us to move forward on projects like that. So I want to commend the big four for all their hard efforts in bringing this legislation to the floor. And as was mentioned by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), not only is this good for our highway and transit systems, this legislation is good for our economy. This legislation truly is a jobs bill, and I commend the big four for all their hard efforts.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus to report on an extraordinary sports history that soon unfolds. This April 8th, at USA Wrestling's U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas, Peter J. Wirs, the elected State Constable for the City of Harrisburg's Fourth Ward, will become the first diabetic ever to step onto an international freestyle wrestling mat; notwithstanding that Mr. Wirs is 49 years old; suffered a heart attack December, 2001; and suffers from acute and chronic asthma. Constable Wirs' success story of overcoming diabetes to participate in a sport he has longed to compete in since junior high school marks an important lesson for all of us. Today, diabetes is now epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association and other national healthcare leaders. This is all the more critical as more and more Americans are suffering from obesity. Unfortunately, this problem is not new. President Kennedy, speaking at the 1962 Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, asserted that: ``We are under-exercised as a Nation.'' Kennedy initiated the President's Council on Physical Fitness to urge America to pursue more exercise and sports in our daily lifestyles. Today, over one-third of all Americans are obese, and more then 60 percent of Americans are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Obesity is a major precursor for Type II diabetes, where the pancreas produces too much insulin or the body otherwise cannot process the insulin the pancreas creates. Diabetes is now an epidemic, as reported by Time magazine this past December 8th, 2003. 16 million Americans are expected to contract Type II diabetes. ``Type II diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents,'' according to the ADA National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Type II now appears to be at the ``highest risk'' during puberty, according to the ADA's October, 2003 issue of Diabetes Forecast. While approximately one in every 400 children and adolescents have Type I diabetes; recent Government reports indicate that one in every three children born in 2000 will suffer from obesity, which as noted is a predominant Type II precursor. Among adults age 20-55; 8.3 percent of all adult men will be inflicted with diabetes, while 8.9 percent of all adult women age 20 will contract it. Diabetes is even more prevalent among minorities. 13 percent of African-Americans age 20 and older, and 10.2 percent of all Hispanic- Latino Americans have or will have diabetes, meaning that on average, Hispanic Americans are 1.9 times more likely to have diabetes than non- Hispanic whites of similar age. As a result, diabetes represents a substantial economic toll. In 2000, $91.8 billion was spent on direct medical costs for diabetes, while an additional $39.8 billion was spent on disability, work loss, premature mortality, etc., resulting from diabetes. In other words, the annual cost is $7,764 for every U.S. diabetic. Medical expenditures per capita for diabetics is 6.5 times that of nondiabetics. Yet, studies universally show that ``lifestyle interventions''--this is to say a regimen of diet and exercise--can reduce development of diabetes by 40 percent to 60 percent. However, lifestyle intervention requires discipline with a tangible end result that is within reach. It requires personal resolve, a lifelong commitment. That's what makes the story unfolding this April 8th at the USA Wrestling's Nationals so impressive. Constable Wirs, a constituent and good friend of mine, two years ago weighed over 250 pounds. Two years ago, his Type 11 diabetes was so out of control that Wirs would lose a whole day a week from insulin shock, a situation where a diabetic loses motor movement coordination, the only remedy is in essence to sleep it off. This means that Pete Wirs would lose 52 days or over seven weeks a year to diabetes. Over the past 25 years, diabetes has cost Mr. Wirs over 1,300 days or 185 weeks out of his life. It took all of his energies and effort to simply pursue his professional career as a journalist, publisher and political leader. He had nothing left for personal pursuits, leisure or sports, let alone a social life. However, Pete Wirs always wanted to compete in wrestling, the one sport he was shown to be good at in junior high school physical education classes. However, back in the 1960's and 70's, we didn't know about Type II diabetes, only what today we call Type I or insulin- dependent diabetes. Because Wirs' Type II diabetes was unknown, no one was able to ascertain why he was so heavy, sluggish and constantly out of breath. His diabetes was finally diagnosed in 1975 by the late Philadelphia Councilwoman Dr. Ethel D. Allen. Two years ago, Pete Wirs finally said enough was enough, in his own words he was ``sick and tired of diabetes controlling him, now he was going to control diabetes.'' Pete Wirs started to exercise every day. I would repeatedly see him exercise at the Harrisburg YMCA. Pete Wirs also started jogging, and now jogs five miles a day up and down Harrisburg's Riverfront Park through City Island. He dropped from 250 pounds to 167 pounds. And Pete Wirs got involved in the one sport he always wanted to compete. It wasn't an easy sport like golf, but among the most physically and emotionally demanding sports man partakes in-- wrestling. Today, Pete Wirs had his life back, so much that this past November 22nd, he got married, to the very attractive Anna May Casper in Historic Old St. George's Methodist Church inside Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. And on April the 8th, Pete Wirs, despite being 49 years old and a heart attack victim, will become the first diabetic ever to step onto an international freestyle wrestling mat in the USA Wrestling Nationals and Veterans Championships at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Mr. Speaker, we don't know whether Constable Wirs will win or lose his first match. Although in the Veterans Division, competitors are divided into both age and weight, there is no doubt that Pete Wirs will be up against seasoned, experienced amateur wrestlers. But no matter what the score, Pete Wirs will have scored a morale victory by simply stepping onto the mat; by getting his diabetes under control, and proving to all of us that physical fitness is not a diet, a fad, but a life-long commitment to healthy eating, continuous exercise and sports activity. Mr. Speaker, so important is this milestone for all diabetics, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Club of which Constable Wirs serves as executive president, is administering a nationwide public service program to encourage diabetics to commit themselves, as has Mr. Wirs, to a lifestyle of dietary control and exercise. Entitled ``Going for the Gold,'' the campaign will award up to 500 ``Diabetic Control Points'' for diabetics engaging in continuous exercise and participation in an organized amateur athletic sport, all while raising money for the American Diabetes campaign. Mr. Speaker, Constable Wirs is an inspiration to all diabetics and indeed to all of us. In President Kennedy's words, Pete Wirs becomes a ``profile in courage'' when he steps onto the freestyle wrestling mat this April 8th for his first competitive match. Our congratulations to Constable Wirs, and all of his fellow team members, coaches and boosters in this important sports history in the making.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Baldwin amendment, which simply seeks to extend chapter 12 of the bankruptcy code on a permanent basis once and for all. This amendment represents an achievable solution to a problem that has existed for more than 6 years. In 1997, the National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommended that chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, the chapter that contains bankruptcy protection for family farmers, be made permanent. Chapter 12 is by no means a controversial issue. It was enacted in 1986 as a measure to allow family farmers to repay their debts according to a plan under court supervision. Chapter 12 prevents a situation from occurring where a few bad crop years result in the loss of the family farm. In the absence of chapter 12, family farmers are forced to file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code's other alternatives, none of which work quite as well for farmers as chapter 12 does. Chapter 11, for example, will require a farmer to sell the family farm to pay the claims of creditors. How can a farmer be expected to come up with the money to pay off his debts without his farm? Chapter 11 is an expensive process that does not accommodate the special needs of farmers. This Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act, H.R. 975, includes a provision that permanently extends chapter 12. Also in this Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act, while enjoying a majority of support in the House, remains a controversial bill whose consideration by the other body remains a question. Simply substituting the text of H.R. 975 into this bill and sending it back over to the other body will not bring us any closer to extending chapter 12, even on a temporary basis. For years now, family farmers have been held hostage by the contentious debate surrounding the larger bankruptcy issue. Since at least the 105th Congress, they have been made to sit on pins and needles waiting to see if we will extend these protections for another few months as we try to work out the larger bankruptcy issue. Mr. Chairman, the family farmers have waited long enough. Family farmers cannot make long-term financial plans based on 6-month extensions. Permanently extending chapter 12 will give farmers the kind of protection they desperately need, the kind of protections we have already voted for time and time again since the 1997 National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommendation. I urge my colleagues to accept the Baldwin amendment.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 280 and congratulate my friends at the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association on the occasion of reaching their 100th anniversary. For 100 years, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and its 800 members have made vital contributions to the Nation's economy and to improving the quality of life through the constantly expanding roles stone, sand, and gravel serve in the Nation's everyday life. Mr. Speaker, each man, woman and child across the nation ``uses'' about 10 tons of aggregate (crushed stone, sand and gravel) each year. These aggregates are so essential to human activity that there is a quarry or sand and gravel pit in almost every county in the Nation. Four hundred tons of crushed stone, sand and gravel are used in the construction of the average home, 38,000 tons of aggregate go into each mile of interstate highway. Pulverized minerals from rock are used in the manufacture of paint, paper, plastics, vinyl, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, chewing gum, glass, cleansers and dozens of other everyday household items. Without aggregates, there would be no paved streets, roads, sidewalks, airport runways or railroad beds. In fact, more than 94 percent of asphalt pavement and more than 80 percent of a concrete sidewalk is aggregate. The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association is a key member of the Transportation Construction Coalition and a founding member of Americans for Transportation Mobility, whose objective is to improve the Nation's roads, bridges, mass transit systems, waterways, airports, and water and wastewater system that are the backbone of the Nation's economy. The association invests valuable resources in improving the professional development of industry employees by sponsoring educational seminars, and advocates that members maintain a strong and unwavering commitment to safety and health at workplaces. Research and development supported by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association is creating increasingly superior asphalt and concrete products that are cost-effective, easier to maintain, and have a longer life span, resulting in significant savings for taxpayers. The leaders in the aggregates industry are continuously demonstrating their willingness and desire to act and operate responsibly in serving the construction needs of the country by respecting and observing the well-being and the environmental sensibilities of the communities of which they are an important part. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in support of this resolution and give recognition to the 100th anniversary of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. I strongly urge you to vote aye on H. Con. Res. 280.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mother Teresa of Calcutta and to recognize the many contributions she has made to the world. She knew no limits in her caring for other people. She offered unconditional love while asking for nothing in return. Born in Albania on August 26, 1910, Mother Teresa decided to become a Roman Catholic sister in 1928. She went on to create a religious order based on caring for the sick, disabled, or dying, whether it was a gutter in Calcutta, under a thatched roof in Africa, or in an apartment complex in Harlem. Mother Teresa is one of the most magnetic figures in the history of the world. Wherever she went, crowds followed in hope of seeing her or hearing her speak. When she did speak, it was with great humility, employing simple yet moving phrases. Few people in the history of the world have done more to help their fellow human beings than Mother Teresa. She was truly the ultimate example of what it means to be a caring person. I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in formally paying tribute to the many contributions of Mother Teresa.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only in support of the gentleman from New York's motion to instruct conferees, but also in support of the brave men and women who actively serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Their commitment to service is second to none, whether it is providing aid during natural disasters, the war on domestic terrorism, or on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Pennsylvania boasts the largest Army National Guard, as well as the fourth largest Air National Guard, making it the largest National Guard in the country. Many of these men and women serve at Ft. Indiantown Gap, the largest National Gaurd base in Pennsylvania in the heart of my Congressional District. Beyond all of this, the National Guard is the sixth largest employer in Pennsylvania and has a presence in over 100 communities throughout the commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the National Guard and Reserves are an integral part of my district and of Pennsylvania. But I also know they are essential to every state and commonwealth, as well as the country as a whole. The protection they provide for us should be given back to them in their healthcare coverage. This is why I strongly support providing TRICARE coverage for these men and women. Medical readiness is essential for National Guard and Reserve members if they are to continue their role as part of a cohesive, seamless force. These men and women train hard, take time off from their civilian jobs, and make many family sacrifices in order to serve. They are expected to be a ready force when deployed. To facilitate the use of the National Guard and Reserve as an integral part of our armed forces, we need a consistent health care option that covers our members and their families whether they are deployed or not. In closing, Mr. Speaker, TRICARE should be an option for all members of the National Guard and Reserves and I support the motion to instruct conferees.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to bring an authentic American success story to your attention. The officers and coworkers of the J. C. Ehrlich Company are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of their company in 1928. The company's founder, Julius C. Ehrlich emigrated to this country from Germany at the age of 17, eventually moving to Reading, Pennsylvania where he had a job as a manufacturer's representative selling insecticides and sprayers. In 1928, there were very few pest control companies in the country and none in Berks County. Mr. Ehrlich's sales were primarily to businesses who would apply the materials themselves. One day he called one of his customers, a department store in Reading, who had not used the material he had sold them during his last sales visit. When he learned that the custodian had been unable to apply the material, Mr. Ehrlich, wanting to satisfy his customer and not wanting to lose a sale, offered to apply the material himself. At that moment Mr. Ehrlich, who was 56, founded the pest control service organization now known as the J. C. Ehrlich Company. Even today, as the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, the management and coworkers look back at that moment as inspiring their current success by using the same principles that Mr. Ehrlich employed at that department store--Initiative, Ingenuity and Exceeding Customer Expectations. So while others were contemplating retirement, Julius C. Ehrlich was developing a new business. Even more impressive is the fact that the formative years of Mr. Ehrlich's business were during the early 1930's and the Great Depression. By 1939, four of Mr. Ehrlich's nephews had immigrated to this country in order to avoid the conditions facing them as Jews in Nazi Germany. In the great traditions of many Americans, these four nephews, Arthur Hammel, Simon Hammel, Alex Ehrlich and Victor Hammel, worked tirelessly. (Unfortunately, Victor Hammel, for whom the company's current President is named, passed away in the early 1940's.) Their work ethic is underscored by.the story of their arrival in late December 1937. Without knowing the English language, and without any knowledge of pest control, they started work just five days later. When questioned as to why they waited five whole days from the time they got off the ship to the time they started, Simon Hammel was quick to mention that they lost several days because of a weekend and New Year's Day. Otherwise, they would have started work more quickly. The hard work and determination of this second generation began the expansion of the J. C. Ehrlich Company beyond its Berks County roots. Its second district office was established in Pottsville. The third and fourth offices were in Lancaster and Allentown. Today the third generation of Ehrlich family management includes three cousins, Victor Hammel, Robert Hammel and Richard Yashek. The company's owners are quick to point out that it is the dedication of its coworkers that has made J. C. Ehrlich a premier company in its various businesses. In fact, the company states its core belief in its Vision Statement: ``Above all else, we value long-lasting relationships with coworkers and customers.'' Among its current 1,100 coworkers are many who have reaffirmed that sentiment by working for J. C. Ehrlich for 15 years, 20 years, 25 years and more. Today, in addition to providing pest control services, the company provides termite control, bird control, vegetation management, and bioremediation services. The company also continues Mr. Ehrlich's very first business through a division known as Ehrlich Distribution, which sells products to control pest and vegetation. As J. C. Ehrlich celebrates its 75th anniversary, there is much to be proud of. Consider these accomplishments: Named as one of the ``Top 25 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania''; Named ``America's Finest Pest Control Company'' by Pest Control Technology Magazine; Has grown to become the largest privately-owned pest control company in North America; Has 39 local offices servicing 8 Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia; and Most importantly, 1,100 loyal coworkers providing more than 1 million services per year. Mr. Speaker, these accomplishments are the proud results of J. C. Ehrlich's culture. This culture can be better understood by knowing how the company's coworkers are celebrating their 75th anniversary. Instead of a major corporate celebration, Ehrlich's 39 offices decided that they would volunteer their time and effort to the local communities that had supported them through the years. With the company's encouragement, coworkers in each district office selected a local charitable organization that they could contribute time to as a group. On the selected day, the office closed and everyone worked as a team to provide community service. In total, this represents approximately 8,000 hours of time Ehrlich coworkers have donated to their local communities. I am pleased to present to you the civic contributions that the men and women of J. C. Ehrlich have made to their communities during this, their 75th anniversary: Pennsylvania Allentown--Girl Scout Camp Clean-up. Clarion--Cleaned park. Erie--Worked at a soup kitchen for at-risk children. Harrisburg--Riverbank Cleanup. Hatfield--Dyed Easter Eggs and assembled baskets for the needy. Hazleton--Cleaned up a local park. Johnstown--Donated time to local thrift shop and soup kitchen. Lancaster--Did clean-up and landscaping for area parks. Lebanon--Helped to prepare for cancer fundraiser. Lewistown--Worked on a Habitat for Humanity House. Philadelphia--Worked at a local soup kitchen. Pittsburgh--Cleaned up at a local zoo. Pottstown--Yard clean up for area senior citizens. Pottsville--Cleaned up a local park. Reading Pest Control--Riverbank cleanup. Reading Accounting--Children's Home of Reading. Reading Administration--Reading Hospital. Reading Customer Service Center--Volunteered at a local festival. Reading Audit--Distributing food at Salvation Army. Reading VMS--Cleaned up a local park. Reading Technical Trainers--Girl Scout Camp Clean Up. Reading MIS--Cleaned up at local park, delivered meals on wheels, donated special computer to needy child. Scranton--Delivered food for Meals on Wheels. Shamokin--Planted flowers in downtown area. State College--Helping United Way Day of Caring. Stroudsburg--Cleaning up local highways. West Chester--Cleaned up a local park. Wilkes Barre--Cleaned up a local park. Williamsport--Cleaned up an old museum. York--Clean up and landscaping at a local park. New Jersey Avenel--Shoreline cleanup. Bergen County--Donated pest control services to local museum. Flemington--Fixed and helped to remodel homes for needy residents. Vineland--Cleaned up a park. New York Binghamton--Worked in a soup kitchen. Hudson Valley--Beach clean up at a wild life sanctuary. Middletown--Worked on houses for Habitat for Humanity. Delaware Delmarva--Worked at a nursing home. Wilmington--Sorted clothing at a local clothing bank. Maryland Baltimore--Helped build homes for Chesapeake Habitat. Gaithersburg--Cleaned up a park. Hagerstown--Spent time with Senior Citizens at a local center. Millersville--Participated in United Way Day of Caring. Virginia Newington--Served food and cleaned up at a men's shelter. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have several J. C. Ehrlich offices throughout my Congressional District. On a personal level, my family has known the Hammel Family for at least two generations. My father, Joseph Holden and the father of the current owners, Simon Hammel, were friends in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. I am pleased to be able to continue that tradition of friendship. I congratulate them on their 75 years of success and wish them the best for the future.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill before us and to pay tribute to my very good friend and former colleague, Robert A. Borski. I had the pleasure to serve with Bob for ten years in this body, and am very proud of the work we did together. Representative Borski was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 1982 and served for 20 distinguished years in this chamber where he served his district and the entire State of Pennsylvania in a dedicated and exemplary fashion. Representative Borski built a reputation as Philadelphia's most accessible representative. A consummate leader and statesman, Bob worked consistently to defend public safety and devotedly serve his constituents in the Philadelphia area. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congressman Borski worked very hard for Pennsylvania's transportation concerns. He rose to be the third ranking Democrat in seniority, and the Dean of the Pennsylvania Delegation on the Committee. In his last term he served as Ranking Democrat on the Highways and Transit Subcommittee. I ask my colleagues to join me in formally recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of Representative Borski by passing this bill to officially name the Robert A. Borski Post Office.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against domestic violence. Domestic violence is a harsh reality facing our country that we as a Congress must stand up and fight against. In my seven years as a County Sheriff, I encountered hundreds of domestic violence cases. This is a societal problem that knows no income barriers, no racial barriers, and no geographic barriers. Within our society, domestic violence causes irreparable damage to the family. Domestic violence is a main cause for child neglect and severely distorts a child's perspective on the relationship between mother and father. The sight of a victimized mother is a sight no child in this country should ever see. Children who are raised in homes where domestic violence continues live in fear for their own lives, afraid to speak out so they won't become the victim. Now more than ever, it is time to stand up against these domestic bullies. We must lead the way as a Congress to end this disgrace and provide a safer way of life for all of America's families.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from New York, for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for the resolution before us and to offer my support for our President. There is no task that any of us faces that is more serious than making the decision to commit our military to danger abroad. Mr. Speaker, I do not take this task lightly, but with the decision that currently faces us, I feel we have no choice. Above all, it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to work with the President to protect our citizens from danger. While it is my hope that continued diplomatic efforts ultimately prove this resolution unnecessary, history has shown that we should not and cannot take that chance. As our esteemed colleague, the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, reminded us yesterday, 66 years ago another brutal dictator terrorized his own people, instigated religious and ethnic persecution on a massive scale, and declared his aggressive intent against his neighbors. The world still bears the scars from the mistake of ignoring the threat of evil posed by Adolph Hitler. History has shown that Saddam Hussein, too, is a brutal dictator and he needs to be held in check. We know what he has done to the Kurds. We know what he has done to his own people. We cannot turn our backs as the threat of Saddam Hussein continues to plague our Nation and the world. Iraq's use and its continued development of weapons of mass destruction, as well as its connections with terrorist organizations that wish to do the United States harm, demand that we act prudently to protect our citizens from danger. While it is necessary for us to make the preparations to go to war, we should not be going at it alone. I encourage President Bush to work hard for the passage of a U.N. resolution acknowledging the threat that Iraq poses to the world. The United States does not suffer alone from the threat that Saddam poses. We should not go at it alone in combatting that threat either. Just as we did during the Gulf War, this administration should work to build a multinational coalition to share the burden of any possible military action against Iraq. In conclusion, let me reiterate my support for this resolution.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a question of the privileges of the House, and offer a privileged resolution that I noticed pursuant to rule IX, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, rule IX of the House Rules Manual states that questions of privilege are ``those affecting the rights, reputation, and conduct of Members, Delegates, or the Resident Commissioner, individually, in their representative capacity only.'' The rights, reputation, and conduct of this Member are negatively affected when the House cannot move legislation that the American people and the vast majority of the Members of this House overwhelmingly support. Chapter 12 of the Federal bankruptcy code was enacted in 1986 as a temporary measure to allow family farmers to repay their debts according to a plan under court supervision, preventing a situation from occurring where a few bad crop years result in the loss of the family farm. Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommended that chapter 12 be made permanent. Six times since that recommendation was made, Congress has ignored the advice of the National Bankruptcy Commission and has extended chapter 12 on a temporary basis rather than a permanent basis. I will admit that a permanent extension of chapter 12 has been included in the larger bankruptcy reform bill, but that bill is saddled with great controversy; and despite our efforts to pass it several times in the past 5 years, we still have not had success. Mr. Speaker, for 5 years now, family farmers have been held hostage by the contentious debate surrounding the larger bankruptcy issue. Right now, family farmers in my congressional district and in other congressional districts are making plans to borrow money based on next year's expected harvest. As these farmers leverage themselves, they need to have the assurance that chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protections are going to be there for them on a permanent basis. Sporadic and temporary extensions do not do the job. Immediate consideration of H.R. 5348, the Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2002, will give family farmers the permanent chapter 12 bankruptcy protection they have been patiently waiting for for 5 years. Mr. Speaker, let me finish by saying I represent over 600,000 constituents, many of whom are family farmers. My rights and those of my constituents are being denied when urgent legislation that has the majority support is blocked from consideration simply because the leadership of this House will not schedule a vote for this bill. As a result, I believe this resolution meets the test of privilege.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I am appealing the ruling of the Chair and ask to be heard on the appeal.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reluctantly offer my support for H.R. 5472, the Family Farmer Protection Act of 2002. I say ``reluctantly'' because the legislation before us today is an incomplete solution to a problem that has existed for more than 5 years. In 1997, Mr. Speaker, the National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommended that chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, the chapter which contains bankruptcy protections for family farmers, be made permanent. The bill we are considering today marks the sixth time we are ignoring that 1997 recommendation and are instead extending chapter 12 on a temporary basis. It does not make sense. Chapter 12 is by no means a controversial issue. It was enacted in 1986 as a temporary measure to allow family farmers to repay their debts according to a plan under court supervision. Chapter 12 prevents the situation from occurring where a few bad crop years results in the loss of the family farm. In the absence of chapter 12, family farmers are forced to file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code's other alternatives, none of which work quite as well for farmers as chapter 12 does. Chapter XI, for example, will require a farmer to sell the family farm to pay the claims of creditors. How can a farmer be expected to come up with the money to pay off his debts when he is out of his farm? Chapter XI is an expensive process that does not accommodate the special needs of farmers. This Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act includes a provision that will permanently extend chapter 12. Also, in this Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act remains a controversial bill whose enactment is an uncertainty. For 5 years now, family farmers have been held hostage by the contentious debate surrounding the larger bankruptcy issue. For years they have been made to sit on pins and needles waiting to see if Congress will extend these protections for another few months until we reach the next legislative hurdle on the larger bankruptcy issue. Mr. Speaker, family farmers have waited long enough. The games must stop. Right now, family farmers are making plans to borrow money based on next year's expected harvest. As these farmers leverage themselves, they need to have the assurance that chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protections are going to be there for them on a long-term basis. Sporadic and temporary extensions do not do the job. Permanently extending chapter 12 will give farmers the kinds of protections they desperately need, the kind of protections we already voted for three times in the 107th Congress. Mr. Speaker, this bill does little more than extend for another 6 months the time when family farmers are, once again, put at risk. I will support this bill today, because it is the only option available. But I continue to urge my friends on the other side, let us end this cliff-hanger once and for all; let us give family farmers the permanent protection they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I have a chart detailing each of the occasions that Chapter 12 has been extended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I say to my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin, he is right, I do not serve on the Committee on the Judiciary, but I proudly serve on the Committee on Agriculture, and have done so for the past 10 years. During that time period, I have worked very closely with my farmers in my congressional district, as well as farmers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I can tell the Members that they want to have us permanently extend or to make permanent Chapter 12 of the bankruptcy code. They do not want us to continually just do it as we go along, giving them an extension; they want it to be made permanent. I am here to lend my support to that. I will support this bill today, but hopefully we will be able to make Chapter 12 permanent in the very near future. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to rule IX, clause 1, I rise to give notice of my intent to present a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: A resolution in accordance with House Rule IX, expressing a sense of the House that its integrity has been impugned and its Constitutional duty hampered by the inability of the House to bring to the floor, a clean bill permanently extending Chapter 12 of title 11 of the U.S. Code which provides bankruptcy protections to family farmers. Whereas, Chapter 12 of the Federal bankruptcy code was enacted in 1986 as a temporary measure to allow family farmers to repay their debts according to a plan under court supervision, preventing a situation from occurring where a few bad crop years lead to the loss of the family farm; and Whereas, in the absence of Chapter 12, farmers are forced to file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code's other alternatives, none of which work quite as well for farmers as chapter 12; and Whereas, since its creation, the Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protection has been renewed regularly by Congress and has never been controversial; and Whereas in 1997, the National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommended that Chapter 12 be made permanent; and Whereas in this Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act includes a provision that permanently extends Chapter 12. And, in this Congress, just as in previous Congresses, the larger Bankruptcy Reform Act is a controversial bill whose enactment is an uncertainty; and Whereas, for 5 years now, family farmers have been held hostage by the contentious debate surrounding the larger bankruptcy issue. For 5 years, the family farmer has been waiting to see if Congress will extend these protections for another few months until we reach the next legislative hurdle on the larger bankruptcy issues; and Whereas right now, family farmers are making plans to borrow money based on next year's expected harvest in order to be able to buy the seeds needed to plant the crops for that harvest. As these farmers leverage themselves, they need to have the assurance that Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protections are going to be there for them on a permanent basis. Sporadic and temporarily extensions do not do the job. Now therefore, be it resolved that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Speaker should immediately call up for consideration by this body, HR 5348, the Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2002, which will once and for all give family farmers the permanent bankruptcy protections they have been waiting over five years for.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask to be heard at the appropriate time on the question of whether this resolution constitutes a question of privilege.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4125, the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2002. H.R. 4125 is a noncontroversial bill that will contribute to judicial efficiency and promote the sound management of the judicial branch. H.R. 4125 and its predecessor have been fully considered by the Committee on the Judiciary. On July 17, 2001, the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property of the Committee on the Judiciary held a legislative hearing on H.R. 2522, the precursor to H.R. 4125. Based on testimony received at the hearing and subsequent reaction, the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), introduced a clean bill, H.R. 4125, devoid of all controversial items. On May 2, the subcommittee conducted a markup of H.R. 4125. On September 10, 2002, the full Committee on the Judiciary held a markup, adopted several amendments, and reported H.R. 4125 favorably. The version of H.R. 4125 before the House today contains several amendments to the version reported by the Committee on the Judiciary. Most of these amendments are technical but one is substantive. The amendments in section 101 ensure that the bankruptcy administrators have the same powers as bankruptcy trustees, no more and no less. With these amendments and those made during the committee consideration, I believe that H.R. 4125 has been rendered wholly noncontroversial. H.R. 4125 contains a variety of noteworthy provisions, but I wish to highlight one in particular. Section 301 states that the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Courts should take certain steps to protect the privacy of judges and judicial employees. Namely, the Judicial Conference should ensure that the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts does not intercept electronic communications of judges and judicial employees without authorization from the Judicial Conference. I fully support H.R. 4125 and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 417, which honors the life and work of Nevada Justice C. Clifton Young, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this resolution. This bill was marked up by the Committee on the Judiciary in June of this year. No objections have been registered about this bill either before, during or after the Committee on the Judiciary considered the resolutions. In fact, H. Res. 417 has garnered universal support. While I do not know Justice Young personally, I was told in the committee's consideration of this bill, and it became apparent he is quite a remarkable man. Justice Young has led a life of public service. He served his country as an officer in the 103rd Infantry Division in France, Germany and Austria in World War II. He has served on the Nevada Supreme Court since 1984. He also served as president of the National Wildlife Foundation. Sadly, Justice Young is retiring from the Nevada Supreme Court. It is only right at this time Congress pause to honor Justice Young and reflect on his public service. Once again, I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 417. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. At the conclusion of this debate, I will seek to defeat the previous question on this rule. If the previous question is defeated, I will then offer an amendment to the rule that will instruct the Enrolling Clerk to add to the conference report language to permanently extend Chapter 12 bankruptcy protections for family farmers. This is not a proposal that should be considered controversial. In fact, this House has voted overwhelmingly three times in the last 18 months to extend these bankruptcy protections for family farmers. Chapter 12 was enacted in 1986 as a temporary measure to allow family farmers to repay their debts according to a plan under court supervision. It prevents a situation from occurring where a few bad crop years lead to the loss of the family farm. In the absence of Chapter 12, farmers are forced to file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code's other alternatives, none of which work quite as well for farmers as Chapter 12. Chapter 11, for example, will require a farmer to sell the family farm to pay the claims of creditors. How can a farmer be expected to come up with the money to pay off his debts without his farm? Chapter 11 is an expensive process that does not accommodate the special needs of farmers. Since its creation, Chapter 12, family farmer bankruptcy protection, has been renewed regularly by Congress and has never been controversial. In 1997, the National Bankruptcy Review Commission recommended that Chapter 12 be made permanent. In this Congress, H.R. 333, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2001, includes a provision that permanently extends Chapter 12. Just like previous versions of this bill in previous Congresses, H.R. 333 is a bill plagued with controversy and a bill whose passage is an uncertainty, at best. For 5 years now, family farmers have been held hostage by the contentious debate surrounding the larger bankruptcy issue. For 5 years, they have been made to sit on pins and needles waiting to see if Congress will extend these protections for another 11 months, 4 months, 8 months, or whatever length of time we feel it will take us for the next legislative hurdle on the larger bankruptcy issue. Madam Speaker, family farmers have waited long enough. The games must stop. Right now, family farmers are making plans to borrow money based on next year's expected harvest in order to be able to buy the seeds needed to plant the crops for that harvest. As these farmers leverage themselves, they need to have the assurance that Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protections are going to be there for them on a long- term basis. Sporadic and temporary extensions do not do the job. Attaching Chapter 12 bankruptcy protections for family farmers to the Department of Justice authorization conference report will give farmers the kind of protections they desperately need, the kind of protections we have already voted three times in the 107th Congress. On February 21, 2001, we voted 408 to 2 to retroactively extend Chapter 12 for 11 months. On June 6, 2001, we voted 411 to 1 to extend Chapter 12 for an additional 4 months. Most recently, on April 16 of this year, we voted 407 to 3 to extend Chapter 12 for yet an additional 8 months. So Members can see, extending Chapter 12 by no means is a controversial idea. Madam Speaker, Chapter 12 is scheduled to expire at the end of this year. If we do nothing today, Members of the House will be home in their districts enjoying the holidays with their families while once again family farmers are put at risk. Let us end this cliffhanger once and for all. Let us give family farmers the assurance of permanent protection they deserve and close this chapter for good. Members should understand that a no vote will not stop the House from considering and approving this conference report, but it will allow us to extend once and for all, and provide the permanent extension of Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcy protection that farmers so desperately need. However, a yes vote on the previous question will prevent the House from adding this noncontroversial farmer-friendly provision. I urge all my colleagues to be consistent with their three earlier votes in this Congress and vote no on the previous question. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the text of this amendment be printed in the Record immediately before the vote on the previous question.