Rush Holt

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. Madam Chairman, the Democratic budget recognizes that, whatever education reforms we are talking about, they will not mean anything unless we have quality teachers in the classroom. Does the Republican budget respond to this need? I would say no. Over the next 10 years, as the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) points out, we will need 2.2 million new teachers. This is a national problem. It requires national attention. This is not something that a single school district or a single State can take care of. Many of these teachers will be called on to teach science and math. Many will feel inadequate to do that. We must find ways to recruit and retain quality teachers, including math and science teachers, not only to keep the attrition rate low, but to ensure that the classrooms are not overcrowded. The Democratic budget recognizes that, when our schools recruit and train new teachers, they are going to need modern classrooms as well. Madam Chairman, I just want to emphasize that talking about educational reform is not good enough. We have to put something behind it.

Mr. HOLT. Madam Chairman, this is also related to education which we will address shortly. Quite simply, the Republican budget shortchanges scientific research. This is important, not only for producing the new ideas that are necessary to power our economy to lead to productivity growth, but it is also how we train the future educators and the future scientists. The Republican budget holds NSF flat. It cuts NASA below the level needed to maintain the current purchasing power. Basic scientific research, which is the backbone of our economic success, would suffer under this Republican budget. The Democratic budget, on the other hand, looks after these interests. The Democrats provide $300 million more than the Republican budget for research and development at NASA, NSF, the Department of Energy. We keep our commitment to doubling the funding for the National Institutes of Health by 2003. Our increased commitment as a Nation to scientific research is essential. This is important for education as well as for economic benefits to everyone in this country.

Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Chairman, I call my colleagues' attention once again to the inadequacies of the majority budget in the area of general science research. An increased commitment to scientific research is essential to future economic prosperity. The majority budget includes $22 billion for research. Now, that sounds good, but as this chart shows, that means that while in the past 3 years the NSF funding has increased 6.8 percent, the majority budget offered this year offers no increase above inflation. The Democratic substitute would add $3 billion through fiscal year 2011. Now, this is not fluff. These are necessary. This is the ingredient of a successful economy. President Bush's science adviser said this is essential to accomplish those things that the Republican majority says they hope to accomplish with their budget. As he puts it: ``No science, no surplus.'' It is that simple.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow on some of the things that our distinguished ranking member has covered. In addition to some of the things that the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) has talked about, the Republican budget would result in cuts in the following programs: the Environmental Protection Agency; the Department of Agriculture, including field offices; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Renewable and Alternative Energy, which is critically important, we have been reminded recently; Army Corps of Engineers; Federal support for railroads; the Small Business Administration; Community Development Block Grants; the Department of Justice. We had talked earlier about the hit that the community- oriented policing program would take. Legal Services Corporation, and on and on. Something that troubles a lot of us a great deal is what would happen to environmental initiatives and land use initiatives. President Bush has made two environmental promises. One is to provide $900 million or what is called full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This is a fund for acquiring open space and parks and recreation and to eliminate $4.9 billion of maintenance backlog in the National Park Service. However, with his funding totals, he can only live up to these promises by consulting other vital environmental and natural resource programs. So the Republican budget does not add up. The Republican budget would shorten the solvency of Medicare as the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) and others have pointed out. The Republican budget would not live up to our obligations in education and would fall short of our obligations in providing health care for veterans. All of this is because, seen from a 10-year projection, it looks like there is so much money that it seems possible to offer a two point something trillion dollar tax cut. Well, it is not possible if we are going to do these other things, if we are going to meet our obligations, if we are going to be fiscally disciplined so that we can have consumer confidence and investor confidence and a sound economy.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work of the Monmouth University Hawks men's basketball team who won the Northeast Conference basketball title recently with a 67-64 victory over St. Francis of New York. Mr. Speaker, this victory rounds out a ``Cinderella'' season that saw the Hawks reclaim the top spot in the Northeast Conference and earns them an automatic bid to the ``big dance.'' The 12th Congressional District of New Jersey has a proud tradition of sending teams into battle during March madness. This is Monmouth University's second NCAA tournament bid. As the field begins to fill out I salute the courage and determination of the Monmouth Hawks and wish them great success and a full dance card. Men's Basketball 2000-01 Roster Listed by number, position, height, weight, class, hometown, and highschool/college, as follows: 4 Rahsaan Johnson, G, 6'-0", 195, Jr., Washington, D.C., Gonzaga/Allegany College. 5 Tom Kaplan, G, 6'-4", 190, Fr., Tel Aviv, Israel, Elitzur Rishon Le Zion. 10 Jason Kray, G, 6'-5", 215, Fr., Point Pleasant, N.J., Christian Brothers Academy. 11 Steve Birdgemohan, F, 6'-8", 225, Jr., North Brunswick, N.J., North Brunswick. 12 Phil Bonczewski, F, 6'-8", 220, Fr., Plymouth, Pa., Wyoming Valley West. 13 Cameron Milton, G, 6'-3", 185, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa., Franklin Learning Center. 20 Demitry Courtney, G, 6'-1", 165, Sr., Trenton, N.J., Notre Dame. 21 Jay Dooley, F, 6'-6", 210, So., Rumson, N.J., Rumson- Fair Haven. 24 Gerry Crosby, F, 6'-5", 205, Sr., Twinsburg, Ohio, R.B. Chamberlin/Monroe CC. 25 Kevin Owens, C, 6'-10", 225, So., Haddonfield, N.J., Camden Catholic. 33 Nick Barnes, C, 6'-9", 260, Fr., Mount Airy, MD., The Newport School. 45 Russ Anderson, F, 6'-7", 210, So., Chester, N.Y., Don Bosco Prep. Head Coach Dave Calloway. Assistant Coach Mark Calzonetti. Assistant Coach Ron Kray.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Police Officer Jack Bryden of the Ewing Township Police Department, who was recently named Police Officer of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Ewing. Throughout his nearly three decades of service to the people of Central New Jersey, Officer Bryden has made significant contributions to our community through his professional interaction with its many grateful citizens. After 6 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy, aboard both the U.S.S. George Washington and the U.S.S. T.A. Edison, Jack Bryden was appointed to the Ewing Township Police Department in 1973. During his career in the Ewing Police Department's Patrol Division, Officer Bryden has served as a firearms instructor. He is now assigned as an information officer and often acts as citizens' first contact with the police department. Officer Bryden's professionalism and valor above and beyond the call of duty have made him the recipient of volumes of commendation letters for outstanding performance. As a result of his willingness to assist the public in all aspects of his interaction with those he protects, Jack has also received a number of letters of appreciation from community members. One of the crowning achievements of Officer Bryden's illustrious career was his aid in rescuing four people from a smoke- filled apartment and extinguishing of the potential blaze within, actions that demonstrate his courage in the line of duty. Jack was awarded the Ewing Police Department's Valor Award for his great bravery in the face of danger. Clearly, Officer Jack Bryden is a great asset to both Central New Jersey and our nation. I urge all my colleagues to join me today in recognizing his dedication to law enforcement and to the people of my district.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work of the Princeton University Tigers men's basketball team who won the Ivy League basketball title earlier this month with a 68-52 victory over the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this victory gives the Tigers their eight Ivy League Championship in 13 years and an automatic bid to the ``big dance.'' The 12th Congressional District of New Jersey has a proud tradition of sending teams into battle during ``March Madness.'' This is Princeton University's 23rd Ivy League title. As the field begins to fill out I salute the courage and determination of the Princeton Tigers and wish them great success and a full dance card. Men's Basketball 2001-01 Roster Number, Name, Position, Class, Weight, High School/Hometown: 3, Kyle Wente, G, So., 180, St. Anthony's/Effingham, IL. 10, Ed Persia, G, Fr., 180, Monsignor Kelly/Beaumont, TX. 12, Pete Hegseth, G, So., 170, Forest Lake/Forest Lake, MN. 15, Ahmed El-Nokali, G, Jr., 175, Chartiers Valley/ Pittsburgh, PA. 22, C.J. Chapman, G, Sr., 175, Denver East/Aurora, CO. 23, Mike Bechtold, F, Jr., 190, Lebanon/Lebanon, PA. 30, Andre Logan, F, Fr., 210, Polp Prep/Brooklyn, NY. 32, Conor Neu, F, Jr., 200, Monte Vista/Danville, CA. 33, Nate Walton, F/C, Sr., 205, University/San Diego, CA. 34, Konrad Wysocki, F, Fr., 215, Greensboro Day School/ Lollar, Germany. 35, Terence Rozier-Byrd, C, Sr., 225, Christian Brothers/ Lakewood, NJ. 45, Heath Jones, C, Fr., 230, Pender/Burgaw, NC. Head Coach John Thompson. Assistant Coach Mike Brennan. Assistant Coach Robert Burke. Assistant Coach Howard Levy.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James T. Maletto, retiring Chief of Police in West Long Branch, N.J. Over the last nearly four decades, Chief Maletto has made tremendous contributions to our community through his commitment to law enforcement in this part of New Jersy's 12th Congressional District. James Maletto's distinguished career with the West Long Branch police department began in 1964, following his honorable discharge from the army one year earlier, when Jim was made a Special Police Officer. Shortly after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, James, in an act of bravery befitting his office, helped to thwart a May 1972 armed robbery at a local gas station. After wounding one of the perpetrators in a shoot-out and aiding in the successful apprehension of the robbers, Sgt. Maletto received an official Commendation from West Long Branch's mayor, Henry Shaeen, in addition to being awarded the title of Man of the Year by the West Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, and a medal and citation for bravery by P.B.A. Local 141. After being promoted to Sergeant and then to Lieutenant in 1985, James became Chief of the West Long Branch Police Department in 1991. During his tenure as the town's top law enforcement official, Chief Maletto supervised the institution of West Long Branch's D.A.R.E., Bike, and Explorer programs. Chief Maletto's tenure also saw the hiring of his department's first female officer. Chief Maletto's other positions and accomplishments have included membership in West Long Branch's Fire Company No. 2, presidency of the P.B.A. Local No. 141, membership in the International and New Jersey state chiefs associations, as well as service as Regional Representative of the New Jersey Traffic Officers Association. Chief Maletto's efforts were also instrumental in the Court sanctioning of the Radar Unit as a reliable tool for gauging motor vehicle speeds. James Maletto is truly a great asset to both Central New Jersey and our nation. I urge all my colleagues to join me today in recognizing his thirty-six years of dedication to law enforcement and in congratulating him on his upcoming retirement.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague from Maine, and I thank you for yielding. The gentleman from Maine set the stage very well. What happened on the floor here just a matter of a couple of hours ago was really putting the cart before the horse. There are certainly justifiable tax cuts. I know that my constituents back in New Jersey are only too eager, as the President says, to get a refund on overpayments. The President came here and said in the joint session when he gave what would be called a State of the Union address that he was asking for a refund. But the reason this was the cart before the horse is because it is hard to know what the amount of overpayment is because we have no budget proposal that comes in advance of this tax cut vote. We have had no debate about really what are the obligations that this Federal Government has in front of us and which of those obligations are we going to honor and in which order. Certainly our obligations are more than what some Members would say, and that is the obligation of the Federal Government is only to provide national defense. No, we have many other important obligations as well. For example, we have an obligation, a promise, to America's veterans to provide health care for them. We have made a promise to seniors to provide health care, and that certainly should include in this day and age prescription medicine. And we have made a promise, a national commitment to excellent education for all. And that is where we get to the subject at hand here. Education has not been discussed in advance of today's vote on changing the tax rates. But, in fact, to really provide a free, appropriate public education for America's children is an expensive proposition. School districts are discovering this. Property taxpayers have certainly discovered it. As my colleague has pointed out so clearly, for the Federal Government to provide funding at the level of 40 percent of the cost of educating the special education students under the IDEA program would, over the 10-year period that we are talking about in all of these estimates about tax cuts and so forth, we have been talking about a 10-year period, in that period it would be on the order of a hundred billion dollars. This is not a footnote. This is not lost somewhere down the decimal point line. This is real money, and it is something that we have, I believe, an obligation to provide and to provide now. For years, since 1975, the Federal Government has made excuses about why it could provide only 5 or 7 percent; or now, as we have in the current year, provide about 14 percent of the cost of educating the special education students, but those excuses do not apply any more when we have a surplus, an honest-to-goodness surplus, and we are debating what we should do with it. Well, we have obligations; and we should have those obligations out on the table along with the obligation of paying down the national debt, along with the obligation of returning any surplus funds to America's taxpayers. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to get this out on the floor for discussion now at least before the other body makes its decisions so we can have a good debate about America's obligations.

Mr. HOLT. On that point, the gentleman talks about the needs for school construction. It is clearly a national need to find and recruit and train teachers and give them good, continual professional development, and there is IDEA and special education. In his campaign, President Bush promised to increase the resources for special education, moving toward, as he said, full funding of the average per-pupil expenditures. Let me hasten to say, as I said earlier, I believe that there is money available to give people of this country a significant tax cut. I want to do that, but we want to get the horse before the cart, get our obligations out in front of us, talk about the debt, and then make our decisions. But to make room for this huge tax cut, President Bush's budget would provide $44.5 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, a 2.4 percent increase, which is only 6 percent, which does not keep pace with the increase in the Department of Education over the past 5 years. In fact, compared with last year, which was 18 percent, it is a very small increase. As our colleague, the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley) pointed out, that increase is not enough to deal with special education only; even that, not counting school construction, not counting after school and summer school programs, not counting teacher recruitment. There is, in the sketchy numbers we have about the budget from the President, for the Department of Education, it looks like it does not add up. Something has to give.

Mr. HOLT. If the gentleman will yield, in a conversation with school board members today in my office here in Washington, I said what is going on over on the floor right now is eating your lunch, not the school lunch program. Come back a month from now and they will say, I would like to help with special ed; but it is just not there, the money is not there.

Mr. HOLT. The gentleman and our colleagues have made some very good points. I would just like to emphasize that someone has to pay for this. I actually take issue with this phrase that we hear so often, unfunded mandate. This is not something imposed by the U.S. Congress. What happened was in 1975 there had been a series of court cases that made it clear that the local schools had an obligation to provide education, had an obligation to provide free, appropriate, excellent education. Among those cases was Park versus State of Pennsylvania, Mills versus D.C. Board of Education. Schools understood that this meant enormous expenses for them because more than 25 years ago, when Congress passed IDEA, it was to give hope to children with disabilities, and the law has been really very successful in that respect. Before its passage, children with disabilities were either segregated from other students, given inferior education or too often received no education at all. There is an American ideal of excellent education for all, and the courts made that clear. What Congress did in 1975 was to look around the country, find the average cost of educating students, the average cost of educating students with special needs, and made the average estimate that it was about twice as expensive on average to educate the students with special needs. So Congress codified this already-existing need. It was a moral obligation, as well as a legal obligation, and Congress said to help the States and the local school districts meet this need that was clearly going to be expensive, Congress would over time fund up to 40 percent of the cost, and this was codified in the bill called Individuals With Disability Education Act, IDEA. As I mentioned earlier and as our colleagues have said, now we are up to only about 14 percent, a little over 14 percent, of funding the costs according to this formula that was laid out in IDEA. So someone has to pay for it. We have an obligation to educate these children, and we have learned so much. As the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) said, Federal research shows that investment in education of our children with disabilities, starting in the very earliest years, starting from birth, throughout their school years, has rewards and benefits that are not only for those children themselves but for our whole society, and research shows that promoting educational opportunity for children with disabilities directly affects their ability to live productive lives and to be productive, contributing members of our society. Research also has taught us a lot about how to provide excellent education for these children. So through better diagnostics and through what we have learned about remedial activities, as well as what we have learned about how all children learn, of course, there are enormous variations. Today, because of IDEA, infants and toddlers are receiving early intervention and special education is working. It is helping all of society. So I take exception to this phrase, unfunded mandate. There is an obligation here. The Federal Government can and should help. Certainly, in a State like mine where almost all of the school expenses are paid through property taxes, the property owners feel the burden of this and are crying for help. It is an important and a tough subject. The gentleman has put it in perspective very well. Today is a good day to be speaking about this. It is not a good day because I am not happy with what we have seen on the floor here earlier, but it is an appropriate time to be talking about it.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the alternative tax cut package put forth by Congressman Rangel and oppose the package by the President and the majority in the House. People in New Jersey pay too much in taxes. That's why I have been one of the few Democrats in Congress who has been willing to cross party lines to vote for eliminating the estate tax, to vote for eliminating the marriage penalty, to vote for cutting taxes for small businesses, and to vote for cutting taxes for senior citizens. It's why I have pushed for tax breaks that will help local communities keep their property taxes low by helping with the costs of school construction. And it's why I have consistently supported making permanent job-producing tax credits like the Research and Development Tax Credit. The Rangel tax cut proposal deserves our support. It cuts the tax rates for hard pressed New Jerseyans, adjusts the Alternative Minimum Tax, and expands the child tax credit for families with kids. It undertakes all of these tax cuts in a responsible way while protecting Social Security and Medicare, paying down our debt, and saving part of the budget surplus in the event of a ``rainy day.'' H.R. 3, the bill the majority has brought before us today, is simply too large, too irresponsible and based on projections that are just too uncertain. The authors of this bill have rushed it to the floor without knowing what the rest of the budget holds. And they are basing their bill on financial projections that may or may not materialize. High tech forecasters can't predict the weather two days away as we have been reminded when forecasts earlier this week called for a historically large snowfall in New Jersey that never materialized. But supporters of H.R. 3 are betting that we can accurately predict the financial weather a decade from now. It is worth noting that economic projections that were made just three years ago have proven to be trillions of dollars off the mark. One can only guess how accurate these ten-year projections might be. Parents in my central New Jersey district don't bet their children's financial future on rosy scenarios, and castle-in-the sky projections. They sit around the kitchen table and budget their bills, their income and their anticipated expenses. They make tough choices. They don't squander a lot of money to buy a lavish vacation home, counting on a raise the breadwinner hopes to get in future years, without first figuring out how to pay the medical bills, send their children to college and save for retirement. They expect from us the same type of honesty and responsibility when we make budget decisions that affect their families. When this proposed tax cut is combined with the other elements of President Bush's entire tax plan, it costs well over $2 trillion, after adding in interest on the debt and other hidden costs. The entire available surplus is just $2.7 trillion. Spending that much of the surplus--that is, the projected surplus--is simply irresponsible. It leaves no room for the other important priorities that our nation faces. And it is a recipe for huge budget deficits. My constituents elected me to make decisions based on evidence, not partisan ideology. And the evidence is that this bill is all too likely to throw our economy into the same financial ditch that President Bush's Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neill, admits President Reagan's 1981 tax cut put the country in. Republicans and Democrats alike have labored long and so hard to pull us out of that ditch. Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past. This plan is also unfair. It gives 45% of the tax benefits to the top 1%--those with an average income of $1.1 million--and fails to give a single dime to more than 12 million low- and middle-income families with 24 million children. We can do better than that. By arriving at a tax cut in a responsible way and making sure that we can continue to pay down the national debt, we can generate confidence among investors and consumers, ensure lower interest rates, and put more money in the pockets of almost all Americans than they would get from the proposed tax cut. Together, I know that we could come together to pass a responsible tax cut for Americans. But this bill is not responsible, and it has not been crafted in the bipartisan, civil way that President Bush has asked us to behave. Let me also say that, like most Americans, I have been greatly encouraged by President Bush's promise to change the tone in Washington by ending the excessive partisan warfare in this city. It pains me to see that pledge undercut at the very beginning of the President's term. The Administration and the Leadership should not rush through on a partisan basis legislation embodying the President's top priority, without consulting with Democrats. They should work together with me and others in the minority who support tax cuts to craft a bipartisan, responsible tax cut. I urge my colleagues to support the Rangel tax cut and oppose H.R. 3.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge), who knows firsthand about what it takes to have excellent schools for our children. And he has talked about reading, and over the past couple of years he has talked at great length and with great effectiveness about the need for good facilities. I would like to talk for just a couple of minutes about another aspect of our public education, education in math and science. It is important for our economics, for our national security, really for our democracy, but also I would argue for personal well-being, because math and science bring order and harmony and balance to our lives. It is through math and science that children understand that our world is intelligible. It is not capricious. It gives them the skills for lifelong learning, really for creating progress itself. Now, from evidence of all sorts that is available to us now, it is clear that we are not providing the quality education in math and science that we should to our children; and I think my friend, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) knows that very well. I am proud to have served for the past year on the National Commission on Mathematics and Science teaching chaired by former Senator, former astronaut John Glenn, including leaders from business, industry, education, and professional organizations. The Glenn Commission, as it has come to be known, released its report a few months ago; and it identifies teaching as the key for dealing with the problems that this country faces in math and science education. The teachers are the key. The commission calls for major changes throughout the teaching profession and within scientific professions and in the institutions that produce our teachers. Our country must devote attention to the quantity and the quality and the professional environment of our teachers in math and science. I cannot emphasize too strongly that in the next 10 years, we will have to hire in the United States 2.2 million new teachers just to stay even, not for smaller class sizes, just to stay even; and most of those teachers, including all elementary schoolteachers, will be called on to teach math and science; and many will feel inadequate to teach it because of the preparation we make available to them, actually because of the way we approach science and math as subjects only for specialists, not for the general public, not for the general teacher. We must address that. But here is an example of the important role of the Federal Government. There is a role. We cannot expect the school district of Stockton in my district or the school district of Freehold to deal with this national problem of recruiting 2.2 million teachers. This is a national problem, it deserves national attention, and it deserves national resources. And providing the training for these teachers once they are hired and the continuing atmosphere of a good professional development, that is going to require resources. The President has talked about professional development of teachers in his early statements on education, but if we look at his sketch of the budget, we do not find it. So I think we have to step back and look at what we as a country are planning to do to help in math and science teaching and in reading and see that the resources are there. I would like to have that budget in front of us now before we do anything else to see whether we are dealing with need number one, education, and see whether the resources are there in the budget. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleague if he agrees.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman would yield, I would say that we must treat teachers as the professionals they are. When I talk about a need for an environment in the schools of continual development, professional development, it means mentoring teachers; it means time in the day and in the week and in the school year for teachers to get the professional development that professionals in other fields are expected to get; and it means devoting resources to allow that to happen.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I speak to recognize Rocky Peterson for his dedication to the cause of social justice for Central New Jersey. I join with the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the achievements Rocky has made fighting prejudice as an active member of his community and a positive contributor to our society. Mr. Peterson is a Partner at the Princeton law firm of Hill Wallack, where he serves as the partner-in-charge of the School and Municipal Law practice group. Mr. Peterson concentrates his practice in general litigation, municipal law and labor and employment issues on behalf of both public entities and educational organizations. Throughout his distinguished career a lawyer Rocky Peterson has been a tireless advocate for central New Jersey's diverse communities. Mr. Peterson is an active member in many local professional and community organizations. He takes special interest in the arts as a founder and organizer of the Trenton Jazz Festival. Once again, I applaud the efforts of Rocky Peterson and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his steadfast commitment to serving our community.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Larry Sheffield for his ongoing dedication to serving the diverse needs of Central New Jersey. I join with the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the achievements Larry has made fighting prejudice as an active member of his community and a positive contributor to our society. Mr. Sheffield is the President and CEO of Universal Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in emerging, growth and ethnic markets. Prior to establishing the consulting group, Mr. Sheffield was responsible for managing practices in the New Jersey office of Goodrich and Sherwood. Throughout his distinguished career, Larry Sheffield has been a tireless advocate for Central New Jersey's diverse communities. Mr. Sheffield is an active member in many local professional and community organizations. Larry's achievements have won him praise from such organizations as the Jaycee's, the Harlem YMCA and the Boys Club of America. Once again, I applaud the efforts of Larry Sheffield and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his steadfast commitment to serving our community.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., and his ongoing dedication to serving the needs of families throughout New Jersey. I join with the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the many contributions he has made working to address the growing needs of our diverse community. On January 12, 1999, Governor Christine Todd Whitman presented Rev. Soaries as New Jersey's Secretary of State. Secretary Soaries has since brought new energy to the Department of State and its mission to preserve and promote the story of New Jersey and its citizenry. With his broad experience and extensive abilities, Secretary Soaries oversees one of the leading departments of state government. In his official capacity, Secretary Soaries oversees the Department of State's operating agencies consisting of the New Jersey State Museum; New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission; and the Governor's Office of Volunteerism to name a few. Additionally, Secretary Soaries was charged with advancing a number of Governor Whitman's quality of life programs. Secretary Soaries is an ordained minister and presently serves as the senior pastor of the very active First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. Since joining the leadership of First Baptist, Secretary Soaries has worked to increase the congregation's membership. Secretary Soaries has aided in the development of a number of economic, spiritual, and educational programs for church members and local residents. Once again, I applaud the many ongoing contributions to our community made by New Jersey's Secretary of State DeForest Soaries and ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing these commitments.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in recognition of James B. Golden, Jr. and his ongoing dedication to serving the growing needs of Central New Jersey families. I join with the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the dedication Director Golden has shown working to address the needs of a diverse community. On March 13, 2000, James was appointed Director of the Trenton Police Department. In this capacity he oversees a department of 511 sworn and civilian employees who protect and serve more than 88,000 citizens in and around New Jersey's capital city. Prior to joining the force in Trenton, Director Golden held the position of Chief of Police with the Saginaw, Michigan Police Department. Director Golden comes to Trenton with a long and outstanding career. He is a graduate of the 179th session of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) at Harvard University, and the Temple University Public Service Management Institute. He is a Past President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). While in Saginaw, he served on the Advisory Board of the St. Mary's Medical Center; he was a member of Boys and Girls Club Board of Trustees and was the immediate Past Chairman of the Saginaw County Crime Prevention Council. Once again, I applaud the efforts of Director Golden and ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing his steadfast commitment to serving our community.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, this issue is so important to me that on the first day of the new Congress I reintroduced my legislation that the body considered last term. The legislation would prohibit the spending of any projected budget surpluses until Social Security and Medicare are made solid for today's workers and today's children. The legislation would ensure that the projected surplus associated would be off limits to Congress and used only for retiring the publicly-held debt; no new spending, no new tax cuts until we have dealt with this matter. I am concerned that H.R. 2 is being brought up to the floor without possibility of amendment to deal with its gaping loophole. What this legislation's loophole is is to allow a tax cut or other bill if it is presented as Social Security reform. Mr. Speaker, most young workers do not believe that they will get a dime from Social Security or Medicare. That is why we must assign the highest priority to shoring up these programs and restoring confidence.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I wish today in recognition of Franco Minervini for his dedication to the cause of social justice for Italian-Americans. I applaud the achievements he has made fighting prejudice as an active member of his community and a positive contributor to our society. Throughout his distinguished career as an artist, educator, and business owner, Franco Minervini has been a tireless advocate for central New Jersey's Italian-American community. As a member and former State Chairman of the Commission for Social Justice, the anti- defamation arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America, Franco has made it his lifelong goal ``to fight our society's relaxed attitude toward prejudice.'' Franco's achievements have won him praise from such organizations as the Ocean Township's Italian American Association, the National Police Defense Foundation and the Order Sons of Italy in America. In addition to being a champion for Italian-American issues, Mr. Minervini is a nationally renowned sculptor and proprietor of the Freehold based Dependable Machinery Company. Franco has served as the program coordinator of ``Italy's Heroes of the Holocaust'', ``A Debt to Honor'', and ``Yours is a Precious Witness'' exhibits shown at both Brookdale Community College and Rowan University. Once again, I applaud the efforts of Franco Minervini and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his steadfast commitment to serving our community.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I wish today in recognition of the historical importance of the Revolutionary War era Vanderveer/Knox House. Located on the Lamington Farm in Bedminster, the Vanderveer/Knox House played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the American Revolutionary War. The town of Bedminster is one of the most important Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey. The town served as the military headquarters for General Knox during the war, where it was used as an artillery range, as well as a training ground for American officers prior to the establishment of West Point. Recently, during the construction of The Hills housing community, nearly 30,000 Colonial artifacts were unearthed. These items included everything from belt buckles and artillery shells to glass bottles and ceramic pieces. The collection of artifacts will eventually be displayed at the township-owned Vanderveer/Knox House, which is presently being restored through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. I would like to take a moment to recognize three individuals whose dedication has played a significant role in preserving this piece of local history; they are Grania Allport, Nancy Buck Pine, and Bunny Price. Without their tireless efforts this project would not enjoy the broad public support that it has. The house is a fine example of period architecture and construction. It is now being restored carefully and thoughtfully. It has been important in history and will be educationally important into the future. Once again, I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in the preservation of this significant historical structure.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I wish to rise today in recognition of Mary Cozzolino and her ongoing dedication to serving the growing needs of families in Central New Jersey. I applaud the achievements she has made working to address the diverse needs of a growing community. Recently, Mary was elevated from Deputy Mayor to Mayor of Manalapan; thus becoming the youngest female ever elected to public office in New Jersey, as well as the youngest elected official in Monmouth County. Mary became involved in Manalapan politics when she noticed that the township's leadership had become complacent and developers were being treated better then the residents. Mary was dedicated to bringing a different kind of politics to Manalapan, a politics where people mattered and the interests of the public are paramount. Mary currently serves as vice-chair of the Young Dems of Monmouth County. In this capacity she works to elevate the interests of young people to actively participate in politics. Speaking at various youth forums throughout New Jersey, Mary highlights the importance for young people to begin shaping public debate on issues of concern. Mary has worked in varying capacities on a wide range of public interest issues. She has served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG). Mary has also served as a Campaign Organizer for NJPIRG and she even spent some time working in Washington to address national issues with the United States Public Interest Research Group. Once again, I applaud the efforts of Mayor Mary Cozzolino and ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing her steadfast commitment to serving our community.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I wish to rise today in recognition of the New Jersey Chinese Cultural Studies Foundation (NJCCSF) and its ongoing dedication to promoting awareness of Chinese culture. I applaud the achievements this organization has made in helping many of central New Jersey's students pursue the study of Chinese language, history, and culture. For the past two years, NJCCSF has been committed to promoting the study of Chinese culture by providing scholarships, awards, and financial aid to qualified New Jersey residents under the age of 25. Since its 1999 founding by the Overseas Hong Kong Association (U.S.A.), the NJCCSF has sponsored numerous non-profit and non-political events and activities geared toward fulfillment of its mission to preserve Chinese cultural heritage. Successfully promoting Chinese culture within such a large and widespread community requires the dedication and skill of talented volunteers and the generosity of committed donors. The NJCCSF has certainly demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the cause of promoting Chinese cultural education through its provision of funds to a great number of university students throughout the state. The NJCCSF has played an important role in helping to develop social, economic, and cultural ties among Hong Kong immigrants. It is often described as a ``home away from home'' for its members and their families. It established the NJCCSF with the for the purpose of more effectively promoting Chinese cultural awareness. Once again, I applaud the efforts of the New Jersey Chinese Cultural Studies Foundation and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing its unwavering dedication to serving our community.