Melissa Hart

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for the opportunity to speak in support of this bill. I was here when we passed the bill on the House side earlier in the year; and I am very pleased, especially pleased today, that the Senate chose to agree with us that this is an exceptionally valuable treatment now. And it is one that we must address and make more easily available to all Americans now. People talk about all different kinds of stem cell research, but cord blood stem cells are being used today. Cord blood has cured people today. Cord blood, if made available, can cure a whole lot of people tomorrow. It is rich in the type of stem cell that is similar to those found in bone marrow, and bone marrow transplants have been done for years. However, cord blood is better. Physicians tell us that it is a better treatment and a treatment that is more likely to be successful. It makes sense for us in Congress to work hard to try to fund the NIH to help cure diseases. It makes most sense for us to help make available cures that are already known to work. This bill will allow more collection of cord blood stem cells. It will allow the collection and storage of those from diverse populations that currently may not be able to access this kind of treatment. It will help many, many more people who can be cured with cord blood to be cured. That is what we are about here, Mr. Speaker. The story of Keone Penn, who actually had a connection to my hometown of Pittsburgh, his doctor, now at the university, helped cure him of a very severe form of sickle cell anemia with treatment from cord blood. Anthony Dones, who had a cord blood transplant, was cured of a very rare form of osteoporosis using cord blood. Katherine Marguerite Sutter, at only 5 months was diagnosed with AML. She too was cured by use of cord blood, and the story I like the most, because on the Web site for the New York Cord Blood Center, it shows a picture of her in her wedding gown. She suffered through transfusions for 20 years before she too was cured with cord blood. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be here today and also very pleased to have bipartisan support for this bill, because it will help many, many more people tomorrow.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Franklin Regional High School Panthers Football team for winning the Western Pennsylvanian Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) 2005 AAA Championship. The Panthers have had an excellent season with a record of 14 wins. The team, under the leadership of head coach Greg Botta, have worked incredibly hard in the season, and off season, to earn the title of WPIAL. The Panthers travel to Central Pennsylvania on December 9, 2005 to battle the Pottsville Area High School Tide for the AAA State Champion title. The game will take place at Hershey Park Stadium at 7 pm. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Franklin Regional High School Varsity Football team. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the determined scholar-athletes, like the Panthers, and their dedicated coaching staff.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Camp, and my colleagues for working so hard on this bill, along with our chairman and chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee. Without their urging, this bill would not be on the floor today, and this bill is so extremely important, especially to constituents in my district. Over the last year, I have met with employees, union members, covered by both multi-employer and single-employer plans, also with the employers to discuss their concerns regarding pensions. Pension protection continues to be their top issue. Many of my constituents have faced challenges to their pensions with companies like U.S. Airways filing for bankruptcy or others turning their plans over to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. This bill would establish sensible funding rules, requiring employers to fund 100 percent of their pension liabilities. In this bill, fair consideration is given to those plans which need to catch up, but funding shortfalls must be made up within 7 years. Also, employers are urged to increase their pension contributions during profitable years, which they cannot currently do freely under the present rules. In addition, the bill encourages greater transparency so that employees know the status and financial health of their own company's pension plan. Ultimately, this is their own retirement financing. They have a right to know. These requirements will create more stability and certainty in these pension plans. This bill also prohibits employers from funding golden parachute executive compensation plans if the pension plans of the rank and file are underfunded. U.S. Airways executives walked away with $35 million in executive compensation after running the company nearly into the ground and dragging concessions out of their employees, including reductions in pension benefits for pilots and leaving other employees in the dark about the funding of their pension plans. This is unfair to the hardworking employees of these companies, and this bill would prevent such a travesty in the future. Finally, this bill encourages additional retirement savings by extending and improving incentives to save. The bill makes permanent provisions passed in 2001 to increase annual contributions to IRAs and qualified pension plans and ``catch-up'' contributions for individuals over 50. I hope my colleagues will support this legislation because it finally gives employees what they need: stability in their retirement.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Madam Speaker, I rise in Support of H.R. 3199, the PATRIOT Act reauthorization conference report. This is a balanced reauthorization--protecting civil liberties and extending the necessary provisions to help us fight the war on terror here at home. I want to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner for including a number of provisions from H.R. 3007 Combating Terrorism Financing Act. Funding is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations--if we are to prevent future attacks and continue to dismantle terrorist organizations we must deny them funding. Terrorist analysts often note that it is fairly inexpensive to carry out a single act of terror--for example, it is estimated that the attack on the World Trade Center cost only $500,000. Terrorist organizations need money not just to carry out such attacks; they also need funding to continue their operations such as recruiting and training new members and support their current members. One of the most important lessons we have learned is exactly how terrorists and other criminal organizations transmit money through unregulated financial markets. Like the patchwork of terrorist organizations and cells, terrorism funding does not come from a single source. Terrorist networks are funded through state sponsorship, charities and businesses fronting as legitimate institutions, and exploitation of markets and financial networks. The tough terrorism financing language in the conference report will increase penalties for terrorism financing. In addition, the bill will add new predicate money laundering offenses to allow law enforcement to investigate and dismantle terrorist financing organizations. Finally, the original PATRIOT Act added a new forfeiture provision for individuals planning or perpetrating an act of terrorism against the United States. The language in the conference report adds a parallel provision for individuals planning or perpetrating an act of terrorism against a foreign state or international organizations acting within the jurisdiction of the United States. The language in the conference report builds on our current laws, to address some of the shortfalls that we have learned about since September 11. Terrorists work to find the holes in our laws and we must make sure that we continue to be diligent to update them so that we can cut off terrorist funds and stop future attacks against us and our allies in the war on terror.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I also appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of the reauthorization of the Commodities Exchange Act. I appreciate the hard work of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and especially Chairman Goodlatte for making sure that this language was included. Very important to a number of us who live in the Northeast, this bill will provide the Commodity Futures Trading Commission with the necessary tools to ensure against market manipulation in the trading of natural gas futures, which could lead to higher prices. With this cold winter arriving in my district in western Pennsylvania, this issue is especially important to many of the residents in my district who rely on natural gas for heat. Higher heating costs because of the rise in the price of natural gas are already impacting many of my constituents. This legislation will ensure that natural gas traders are not able to gain profits through manipulation of prices on the backs of these individuals. The price of natural gas is also important to the many manufacturers located in and around my district. This issue translates also into job stability. Unfortunately, many of these manufacturers are already being squeezed by other issues, and the high cost of natural gas is just a contributing factor to their financial problems. I recently met with many glass manufacturers in Western Pennsylvania, and they explained to me some of the challenges they are facing. Kopp Glass in Pittsburgh, for example, has seen their natural gas cost rise by 83 percent over the last year, eating into the company's profits by 50 percent and also eating into their opportunities to grow their business. General Shale Products, a brick manufacturer, has announced they are going to close after 40 years of operation because of high natural gas prices. A steel manufacturer has recently asked us to do something about it. This bill will ensure that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has the tools it needs to find and prosecute market manipulators.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I especially thank the chairman for his indulgence in allowing me some time on this legislation, and I am honored to be part of the Financial Services Committee argument today for this House bill 280, the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act, because it will make a real difference for communities throughout this country. I was a Pennsylvania senator for 10 years; and while I was there, we passed a very forward-thinking brownfields bill that helped to provide more opportunity for development of brownfields without fear of liability. That is one step, and it was important for my State; however, on the Federal level, we have had a program in place, the BEDI program, which is a great program; but there are some impediments to many of our communities being able to utilize that program. I am a cosponsor of this legislation because it will provide access to funding that is vital to restoring brownfields sites. It is going to improve the BEDI program and make it more practical for America's small cities and communities so that they can thrive. My district is home to many of these communities that have small brownfields sites right in the middle of town. Revitalizing these sites is key to helping rebuild the economy of these small towns. The significance of this development was highlighted recently at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June 2003 when they did their survey. The cities that were surveyed noted that the creation of over 83,000 jobs through redevelopment in 148 cities was because of brownfields redevelopment. However, they also stated that nearly 600,000 more jobs could be created with more liberal use of monies through this program. In addition, by helping to reclaim these old sites, developers do not have to look to undeveloped land to locate businesses or residential properties. One of the major hurdles to revitalizing these is financing. Unfortunately, this is especially true for these small towns and cities that I mentioned. These are the ones that are most eager to see these sites as host to new development. They face continuous hurdles, and this bill will help remove some of these hurdles. These grants through BEDI could be a valuable source of funding to revitalize these towns and communities and lead to a brighter future that these towns envision. The program requires communities at this time, though, to take on additional debt. Many of these communities cannot afford to do so. The investment, though, in these communities would provide opportunities for them to grow and to grow their tax base and also add jobs. I have heard from many in the communities I represent that we need to work to make BEDI grants more available. This bill would do so. By delinking section 108 loans from BEDI grants, H.R. 280 will provide this access to brownfields redevelopment and to this special program which works so well for small communities. It will make it work even better for the small communities in my district and across the Nation.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4297 because this legislation will ensure that our economy will continue to expand. That is right, expand. If you would listen to those on the other side of the aisle, you would think that we are in a shrinking economy. However, since the capital gains and dividend taxes were reduced in 2003, we have seen ten straight quarters of what is it? Growth. Now, what does growth mean? It means more jobs. It means more opportunity. I spoke recently with an entrepreneur group back home, women who started businesses in their homes. Most of them have children and did not want to be out of the house all the time, very small businesses. And you know what they said to me their top priority is? Make sure you extend the capital gains cuts. Make sure you make sure you pass legislation that will prevent a tax increase. That is what we are doing today. Preventing a tax increase on these entrepreneurs who, one by one, are creating new jobs in our economy. The national economy has produced impressive growth. Our pro-growth policy will continue only if we do not increase taxes. In the 10 quarters prior to the passage of this legislation, we averaged just 1.2 percent of growth, never exceeded 2.9. In the 10 quarters since, we have averaged 3.3 percent of growth and have averaged over 4 percent. Now, I think 4 percent growth is better than 1 percent growth. And if we do not continue this tax situation and increase taxes, we will see our growth go away. What does this mean, this business investment that happens because of the capital gains reduction, the dividends reduction? It means new jobs. In a district like mine where we need new jobs, and I know some Members on the other side of the aisle apparently have more jobs than they need, we need jobs. This climate is the climate we need for growth. We have seen, in fact, unemployment go from 6.1 percent down over 1 point to 5 percent. Despite challenges that this country has faced over the last couple of years, including terrorist attacks and natural disasters, we have still seen an increase of job creation. Now, if anybody at the end of August and the beginning of September expected that we would see 215,000 jobs created in the United States in the last month, I do not think you are telling me the truth. But the good climate that was created by those cuts made it happen. We need to continue good policy. We need to realize what good policy is. Good policy is allowing the people to invest their money, create jobs, create a strong economy and create job growth. I urge my colleagues to continue this situation and not allow a tax increase on the American public.

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Democrat substitute. This proposal actually does not continue some very important provisions for low income Americans. It does not extend a savers credit which actually allows a match for savings for poorer people by the government. Their substitute does not include an expensing provision for small businesses that allows them to use more of their money instead of sending it to the government so that they can grow their business and create jobs. It does not allow a provision that provides tax benefits to those who clean up brownfield sites to encourage new job creation in some of our older towns. It does not include the most important provision, which is the reduced rate on capital gains and dividends that has created all of these new jobs. Now, you do not have to be an economist to understand these lines. On the left-hand side, you see all the bars below the line. On the right- hand side, all the bars are above the line. And what do those bars represent? Well, on the first half it is from January 2001 until we passed the capital gains and dividends tax reductions. Interestingly enough, taxes were high, investment was low. These bars show job losses. All of the bars underneath the line are job losses. We passed the capital gains cut, the dividends cut, what happens? Businesses save more of their money, reinvest, create jobs. All the bars above the line, they show an average job gain, per month, since we passed the capital gains and dividends cuts of 148,700 jobs. That is just an average. As you can see, some months were higher than others, but across the board we created almost 150,000 jobs a month as a result of a provision that the Democrat substitute would cancel. I urge my colleagues to cancel the Democrat substitute.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Penn Detroit Diesel Allison company for the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art facility in Pittsburgh. The new facility will be located in Cranberry Township just outside of Pittsburgh. Penn Detroit Diesel Allison has provided the latest innovations in diesel engines, transmissions, and replacement parts to their customers for over 50 years. With the opening of their new facility, they will be able to ``provide our customers with a superior and professional service experience,'' said Jerry Tiffan, president of the company. The new facility is equipped with 10 drive-through service bays, and a full diagnostic service center. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the grand opening of the new Penn Detroit Diesel Allison facility in Pittsburgh. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a distinguished company like the Penn Detroit Diesel Allison company.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Robert Fragasso for all of the great work he has done as the President of the Amen Corner. Over the past 150 years the Amen Corner has been a well known social club for businessmen and now women in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The club is known for its service to help better the community and for the events for its members. There is an annual dinner held to honor the outgoing president. This year's dinner will take place on December 14, 2005 and will honor the outgoing president, Robert Fragasso. Robert Fragasso, the president of The Fragasso Group, is a certified financial planner. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduated from Duquesne University, and did postgraduate work at Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Pittsburgh. He has recently written a book titled, Starting Your Own Practice, which has reached national recognition. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Robert Fragasso for all of the work he has done for the Amen Corner. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a dedicated individual such as Mr. Fragasso.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I especially thank Chairman Ney, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for moving this legislation today and Chairman Oxley as well of the Financial Services Committee. There has been a significant amount of attention paid to the National Flood Insurance Program, especially in recent years, as we have seen an increased number of hurricanes and events causing serious flooding across the Nation. I rise in support of the gentleman from Pennsylvania's legislation. He clearly has identified an issue that is part of the problem with getting relief for people who actually have purchased and paid premiums over a number of years for flood insurance, that we need to have enough there to help them recover. I also want to highlight a need that we have regarding review of the flood insurance program, to make improvements to that program, and I want to thank Chairman Ney for also holding hearings on that issue and allowing many of our constituents to participate. I want to compliment his Housing Subcommittee for examining this program at a hearing, especially on the 14th of April and a series of follow-ups. Fourteen months ago, there was a significant flooding event that affected most of my district with quite severe flooding. Many homes and businesses suffered extensive damage. My staff and I worked hard to assist constituents with as many of their NFIP claims as we could. Unfortunately, still this many months later, many of my constituents have not had their claims settled. Their property is still uninhabitable, and they are still living with families or friends or in hotels. This is not an isolated incident. It is not just Western Pennsylvania. It includes many of our colleagues who have testified and have brought their constituents to the hearing I mentioned from Virginia, Maryland, Florida and other States. The problems fall into three main categories: One, improper coverage. They were ill-informed and purchased policies that were not appropriate. Two, they just had inaccurate information about the adjustments and low estimates, therefore, not recovering enough money. Three, they had difficulty contesting or challenging estimates that were incorrect. I hope that additional assistance will be provided that is offered in the gentleman's bill to make sure claims can be settled and we can continue helping people, but I also hope that the committee will continue to address many of the problems that my constituents and many other victims around the country have faced, continue the review and revamping of this program, on which so many people depend and often at a very tragic time so that it will help them recover, not hinder them.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the McCandless Township Sanitary Authority on the 50th anniversary of its founding. Over the past fifty years the McCandless Township Sanitary Authority has provided service to 52,000 customers in Bradford Woods Borough, the Borough of Franklin Park, Marshall Township, Pine Township, the Town of McCandless and boundaries of Hampton and Ross Townships. Their customers vary from residential and commercial facilities to schools, colleges, and hospitals. The authority owns and operates a comprehensive sanitary sewer system that includes four treatment plants, and sixteen pumping stations. To celebrate their 50 years of great service, the authority will commemorate the anniversary on December 17, 2005 as part of the annual Christmas Dinner at Highland Country Club. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the 50th anniversary of the McCandless Township Sanitary Authority. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a dedicated institution as the McCandless Township Sanitary Authority.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pennsylvania American Water, and the New Castle and Ellwood City Water Treatment Plants on receiving the Directors Award of recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water. The Partnership for Safe Water was created by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is dedicated to providing communities with drinking water that exceeds the requirements set by the Federal Government. To receive the Directors Award, water systems must examine the capabilities of their plant operations and then create a plan to put into action the new improvements. The Pennsylvania American Water has received the Directors Award for five consecutive years. Only 37 other water authorities have done the same. Among the 19 treatment facilities that were recognized in Pennsylvania, New Castle and Ellwood City were two. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Pennsylvania American Water on receiving the Directors Award. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a principled authority like Pennsylvania American Water.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the opening of the new Shenango Valley YMCA of Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Since the founding of the first YMCA in 1851, this organization has grown to more than 2,500 locations nationwide. In fact, they make up the largest non-profit organization in the country. The YMCA works with people of all races, genders, faiths, ages, and incomes to help communities promote healthy lifestyles. On October 26, 2005 there will be a dedication ceremony held at the new facility in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the dedication of the Shenango Valley YMCA. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute an exceptional organization like the YMCA.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Mercer County Head Start Program. This week the program, created in 1965, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Over the past 40 years this non-profit organization has been committed to improving the lives of low-income families and their children. The organization brings together parents, staff and administrators to enhance the future for children and families. To commemorate the 40th anniversary there will be a ceremony held on October 24, 2005 in Farrell, Pennsylvania. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the 40th anniversary of the Mercer County Head Start program. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a principled organization as the Mercer County Head Start.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me this time. I rise in support of the rule. This rule gets us to the point of this issue. My area of western Pennsylvania has a strong sportsman heritage, as does this Nation. Hunting has been a tradition, bringing generations of families together. As such, second amendment rights are crucial. I am a cosponsor and I strongly support Senate bill 397. Since 1998, dozens of municipalities and cities have filed suits against America's firearms industry, somehow alleging that the manufacturer of a firearm can be responsible for the acts of criminals. These suits, following the model of the tobacco litigation, attempt to push the gun manufacturers into court to force a settlement, a large cash award, or cessation of a business. In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia attempted to claim public nuisance violations of firearm manufacturers, but a reasonable court dismissed the claim, stating that the city's charges were a ``theory in search of a case.'' Firearm manufacturers have a time-honored tradition of acting responsibly. They therefore should not be subjected to these frivolous suits. Such suits are anti-freedom, they are anti-employer, not to mention that they seek to protect the irresponsible. In addition, the gun industry plays a large role in my State of Pennsylvania in our economy. Pennsylvania is home to 277 gun manufacturers, and the impact of sportsmen-related activity to our economy brings more than $900 million to our State. It also brings generations of family tradition. That is also good for our economy. Senate bill 397 prohibits illegitimate lawsuits against licensed and law-abiding manufacturers and dealers. These lawsuits, which attempt to blame the firearms industry for crimes committed by criminals who misuse their products, have already cost this industry more than $100 million in attorneys' fees and a suit against the industry has yet to win. This bill seeks to end the abuse of our judicial system by the coordinated strategy of filing endless predatory lawsuits designed to drive law-abiding gun manufacturers into bankruptcy. Senators Santorum and Specter have both cosponsored the Senate version of this bill which passed the Senate in July. President Bush has indicated his support for this legislation, and I look forward to this bill coming to the floor so that we can pass it in the House and its being signed and becoming law, so that our American firearms industry will not be subjected to potentially bankrupting lawsuits. As we know, there is a way to control gun crime and protect the gun industry. We need to enforce the many gun laws that are currently on the books. Not only does this law protect lawful gun owners, but enforcing gun crime works. A study by the ATF in June of 2000 documented 1,700 Federal and State gun law prosecutions and 1,000 verdicts from July 1996 to December of 1999, while there were nearly 500,000 gun crimes committed annually. The way to combat gun crimes is not through ridiculous lawsuits, but through the prosecution of gun crimes. Forcing the gun industry into court ignores a city's inability to control gun crime.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the United Fund on the 50th anniversary of its founding. This fall, the organization celebrates the 50th year of its foundation in 1955. The United Fund has helped many people in the community over the years, and is continuing to do so by hosting an auction themed ``Support the Troops''. The event is a project by Lincoln High School senior Erin Hunter. The event commences the organization's 2005 campaign. Over the years United Fund has subsidized transportation cost for community members to get to work. Last year the organization also donated money to Hurricane Ivan flood victims in September. The fundraising goal for 2005 is $50,000, which gives the organization the ability to make a positive impact. Richard Basile Sr., director of the organization, leads the effort to give 98 percent of the money that is donated to the United Fund back to the community. Basile is also dedicated to the goal of the United Fund, which is to make a positive impact locally. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the United Fund and its 50 years of service. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute a principled institution like the United Fund.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Judie Donaldson for all of the work she has done for her community. Ms. Donaldson spent many years working in the academia world before entering the nonprofit sector full time. Moving from California, she found herself in Pittsburgh serving as the executive director of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, an organization that provides education, networking and other resources to philanthropic organizations. Her work for this organization earned her the 2005 Athena Award. The award is presented by the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Ms. Donaldson was one of six finalists for the award. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ms. Donaldson for her work and dedication to the community. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a principled people in western Pennsylvania.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Chairman, in 1994, Congress took a significant step forward in the fight against domestic violence by enacting the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Today, as part of the DOJ reauthorization, we are considering the reauthorization of VAWA (VAWA 2005), making it a stronger and more effective tool in the struggle to end domestic violence. I have met with many of the domestic violence shelters and advocates in my district who tell me that VAWA is working. Victim Outreach Intervention Center provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. On an average year, VOICE provides services to over 3,000 people in Butler County. The VAWA funding they receive has made a tremendous improvement in both the types of services they provide and also to the scale on which they are able to serve. Their counseling and advocacy services are substantially funded by VAWA. Without this money, VOICE would be unable to serve survivors at current levels; a waiting list for direct services, which could contain 20-25 survivors at a time, would have to be established. In order to provide that basic level of service, VOICE would have to substantially decrease or eliminate programs, such as their Prevention/ Education programming. Without the re-authorization of VAWA, the past 28 years of progress they have made in service to survivors would be set back tenfold. Nearly one in four women experiences at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. As resources become stronger, more victims gain the courage to seek help. Now is not the time to retreat. The work at the state and local level has become more, not less, complex. The programs and provisions of VAWA will continue the progress made over the past 10 years in three ways. First, VAWA 2005 reinforces existing core programs like the STOP grants which have brought communities together to solve the problem of domestic violence. VAWA programs have provided training for hundreds of law enforcement officers on the dynamics of domestic violence and VAWA 2005 will attempt to solve the problem attrition among domestic violence professionals. Second, with VAWA 2005 we ensure that the needs of uniquely vulnerable communities are met. One of the lessons we have learned over the past 10 years is that many victims face unique obstacles. VAWA has helped fund specialized services to improve victim safety in rural areas, such as paying for ``attorneys on wheels'' to help rural women get to court or effective outreach programs in remote communities. VAWA 2005 also addresses the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and elder victims of abuse, by offering services tailored to their circumstances and by educating their communities on how to best provide services. Third, VAWA 2005 provides greater opportunities for victims to rebuild their lives. While domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are fundamentally criminal justice problems, the solutions are not to be found in the criminal justice system alone. VAWA 2005 will help victims rebuild their lives and create long term security for themselves and their children. It works to educate domestic violence prevention professionals, child welfare workers, and home visitors on how to identify and serve victims of domestic violence. Further, it provides guidance on preventing violence, rather than reacting to it. We've come a long way since 1994, but people from my district tell me that our shelters are full and our hotlines are ringing off the hook. We need to continue with our mission to end violence against women and children. VAWA 2005 is an important step in that mission.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, the gentleman, again, is trying to inflame what I think is really an unreasonable discussion in this conversation. The point of faith-based providers is that they are mostly obviously church people who have a mission. They want to provide a service. They are not discriminating against others. They are encouraging service within their church, and we should allow them to provide that service because we know that they have the best track record of success.

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in support of the rule, but most especially in support of the rule allowing for the offering of the amendment by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany). This amendment is clearly dominating a lot of the discussion this morning regarding the rule. It is the one that protects faith-based Head Start providers, and it is so important for us to be very sensitive about this issue as we look to those who are willing to provide some very difficult services and ones that certainly the providers must be very interested in as far as the well-being of the student, the well-being of the families involved in these programs. Certainly, faith-based organizations are first in mind when it comes to providing the services that require the most care, and we would be remiss in not providing an opportunity for this amendment to be adopted. This rule does allow that, and this rule is very well crafted. And I support it for that very reason. We the Congress have specified in several statutes that religious organizations that receive Federal funds in the form of grants or contracts must not lose their Title VII exemption. In fact, former President Bill Clinton signed four laws that explicitly allow faith- based groups to staff on a religious basis when they receive Federal funds. They should not be discriminated against. If we tell faith-based groups they cannot hire on a faith basis in order to receive Federal funds, then we will force those organizations out of providing these services. Some examples of laws that we have passed that allow for faith-based groups to continue to hire on their continued basis are the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act, or Welfare Reform of 1996; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Act of 1998; the Community Service Block Grant Act, which everyone has been very supportive of; as well as the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000. We have had debates before regarding faith-based groups being involved in government contracting. It would be a huge error for us to exempt the most caring, conscious, and helpful organizations, especially from Head Start contracts. Those groups should not be forced to hire anybody off the street simply because they have a Federal contract. They should hire the best people and the ones who are most capable of carrying out their mission. The very reason why many of these organizations will win the contracts is because they have the best track record of service and results. What more important place is there for us to care about results than in Head Start? I think it is important for us, as Members of the United States House of Representatives, to be very careful as we move forward on this bill. The Committee on Education and the Workforce has worked very hard to craft it. They are very concerned about making sure that students get every advantage at that early age. We need to contract with the organizations that can best provide the service.

Ms. HART. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate J.J. Kennedy, Inc. on the 100th year anniversary of its founding. Over the past one hundred years J.J. Kennedy, Inc., a family owned business, has grown from a feed and flour mill to a top ready-mix concrete and building supplies distributor. Incorporated in 1970, the business has expanded considerably now consisting of four locations and 75 employees strong. I recognize the J.J. Kennedy, Inc. for all of their hard work and dedication to serving the citizens of Western Pennsylvania. In order to mark the special occasion, a celebration is planned for Sunday, September 18th at Moraine State Park. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of the J.J. Kennedy, Inc. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such principled businesses as the J.J. Kennedy, Inc.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Passavant Retirement Community on the 100th year anniversary of its founding. Over the past 100 years, the Passavant Retirement Community has been successful at encouraging their residents to maintain their independence, while also staying involved in community activities. Situated on 42 acres in the historic Lawrence County town of Zelienople, the retirement community has a true sense of caring and community among residents and staff. I recognize Passavant Retirement Community for all of their hard work and dedication to serving the citizens of western Pennsylvania. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of the Passavant Retirement Community. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such principled organizations as the Passavant Retirement Community.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Boy Scout Troop 329 of McCandless Township, on the 60th anniversary of the troop's founding. For more than half of a century the troop has demonstrated steadfast commitment to its motto of, ``Setting the Standard, Keeping with Traditions and Advancing to Higher Levels.'' Over the past 60 years Troop 329 has helped young men achieve their greatest potential and prepare for a future of service and a life centered on giving. As a testament to the troop's motto, they have produced 44 Eagle Scouts over the past 10 years alone. In addition, the Scouts of Troop 329 have accomplished many Life Rank and Eagle Rank Service Projects, completed countless hours of community service, and attended various summer camps, including the Heritage Reservation and the National Jamboree. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the 60th anniversary of the Boy Scout Troop 329. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute such a principled organization as Boy Scout Troop 329.