Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing the deep sorrow of the House of Representatives upon the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. As a Catholic myself, but also as a public official with a keen eye toward domestic and international affairs, I rise also to celebrate the life and the 26- year papacy of John Paul II. As history's third longest pontificate, it was not without its faults, to be sure. All told, however, it is undeniable that the papacy of Pope John Paul II was the most significant in the 20th century and one of the most significant of all time. Born in Wadowice, Poland, in 1920, Karol Wojtyla was a serious if nondescript youth. Young Karol enjoyed dramatics and thought of becoming an actor, but was instead called to serve the Church. Studying in secret for the priesthood as Poland was occupied by Nazis during World War II, young Karol became Father Wojtyla on November 1, 1946, and subsequently served in various capacities in his native Poland, serving under the legendary Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski, and later serving in his own right as Archbishop of Krakow, Poland. On June 26, 1967, Archbishop Wojtyla was elevated to the College of Cardinals, receiving the Red Hat, as it is known in Vatican circles, from Pope Paul VI. Krakow is known in official European guidebooks as the gem among European towns, although its survival under the invasion and occupation of soldiers in the wake of World War II and during the Cold War years is often believed to be miraculous in and of itself. Whereas cities like Warsaw saw significant devastation during World War II, physically Krakow managed to survive relatively unscathed. It did not emerge psychologically unscathed, however, as the Cold War years took its toll on the city and on the Polish people, scars that would take the unique vision of an electrician from Gdansk and the spiritual inspiration of a religious leader from Wadowice to finally begin to heal. Cardinal Wojtyla continued to lead his flock throughout the Papacy of Paul VI, until its conclusion at his death in the summer of 1978. It is right here that the story of Cardinal Wojtyla's rise to the Papacy becomes most interesting. In 1978, the Catholic Church on a worldwide scale was in need of renewal. After years of devout and faithful following of the teachings of the Church, many Catholics, particularly here in America, began to question the direction of the Church on a number of issues, including birth control, priestly celibacy, and the potential ordination of women as priests. At the time of Pope Paul VI's death, it was said by many that the Papacy required a new direction, one that was perhaps most succinctly summed up by the sociologist and journalist Father Andrew Greeley, who said that the Church needed ``a hopeful holy man who can smile.'' In August, our Church got that man in Pope John Paul I. Cardinal Wojtyla could not have attended the August conclave with any belief that he would be elevated to the Papacy, as there had been no non-Italian Pope in more than 450 years. Accordingly, he and his mentor, the primate of Poland, Cardinal Wyszynski, attended the conclave and participated in the elevation of Albino Cardinal Luciani, the patriarch of Venice, to the Papacy as Pope John Paul I. It is believed that Cardinal Wojtyla received votes in the initial balloting during that August conclave, but it is said that the announcement of his name did not cause the Cardinal even to raise his head from his reading. He did not, and could not, expect to be selected by his brethren, and so upon the election of John Paul I, Cardinal Wojtyla returned to Krakow, secure in the knowledge that the Church had new leadership for the foreseeable future and that he would be able to return to minister to his flock. Then the unexpected happened, the death of Pope John Paul I after the briefest of papacies. That the cardinals would return so soon to Rome to elect yet another successor to St. Peter was shocking to say the least, but even at that time Cardinal Wojtyla could hardly have expected to be elected. Interestingly, however, Wojtyla was age 58, an age usually considered young for a Pope; but in 1978, following the untimely death of Pope John Paul I, a new premium was placed on the health and vigor of the new Pope. In addition, Cardinal Wojtyla's reputation as an avid outdoorsman and skier continued to feed the notion that he was vigorous and able to withstand the physical challenges that would face a new Pontiff. Not much is known of the conclave that elevated Cardinal Wojtyla to the Papacy, but much can be assumed. It can be assumed that Italian cardinals would have liked to have elected another Italian, but likely were unable to find a suitable candidate. It was at that time, it is surmised, that leaders within the College of Cardinals, including cardinals from South America, Austria and the Netherlands, saw an opportunity to elect a non-Italian as a compromise between competing factions of Italian cardinals. They joined with other cardinals to make history by electing the first Polish Pope. We should stop to think for a moment of what occurred during this conclave. We as elected officials in the House of Representatives, each of us made the conscious decision to stand for election before our peers within our own districts. We made these decisions, all of us, of our own volition and with knowledge for the most part of the consequences of our respective decisions to run. Cardinal Wojtyla did not have that same opportunity. As I have said, as a member of the College of Cardinals in October of 1978, Cardinal Wojtyla, despite his status as a great spiritual leader in his archdiocese, had no reason to believe that he would emerge as Pope when white smoke would emerge from the stovepipe at the top of the Sistine Chapel. He would soon be surprised. It is believed that as the ballots were held, counted and revoted and the votes in conclave crept steadily higher and higher for Cardinal Wojtyla, he became more and more concerned. It is not known for certain, but it is believed that Cardinal Wojtyla, when he initially received the required number of votes to be elected, asked for some time to pray and contemplate the decision of whether or not to accept, and may well have asked for a final vote to confirm the cardinals' decision. It is undeniable, Mr. Speaker, that Pope John Paul II made major contributions to the demise of totalitarian communism, a system in which the state claims ownership of everything physical and attempts to exert control over everything intellectual. In such a system, no one may express belief in anything other than Marxism, and the suppression of free thought and individual liberty are its exclusive goals. The Church, first in Poland and then elsewhere, broke through these controls by offering people a safe place to meet and a new vision of the world. The Church soon became not only a place of worship but it became a place where writers, artists, and playwrights could have their works read, seen, and heard. In helping to create a more open society, the priests of these churches followed the example of John Paul II, who as young Karol Wojtyla in Communist Poland, secretly studied for the priesthood and founded an underground theater. This new way of thinking was not entirely religious. The Pope traveled the world, including the communist world, speaking not only of God but of history and culture, of a new civil society steeped in openness and freedom, tempered by love, forgiveness, and understanding. This new openness had a liberating impact on the oppressed of the world and a debilitating impact on their oppressors. In the years to come, 26 years, 5 months and 17 days to be precise, Pope John Paul II led the faithful through an incredible period in world history, helped facilitate the end of a bitter Cold War, and helped spread peace and democracy to nations across the world. The election of Pope John Paul II took on additional significance in the context of the political situation in his homeland of Poland. Pope John Paul II strongly encouraged the Solidarity movement in Poland, led by former Gdansk electrician Lech Walesa. The Holy See gave Solidarity vital material and moral support that further legitimized the movement in the eyes of the Polish population, becoming a de facto vehicle of opposition to the Communists who, though demoralized, remained in power in Poland. I remember vividly the image of Walesa kneeling before the Pope to pay homage to him and seeing the Pope practically lift Walesa off his feet to embrace him, suspending the strict protocol of the Vatican to embrace the man who was leading millions of his fellow Poles toward a democratic state. Theirs was a struggle of common purpose and the Pope's willingness, indeed his steadfast insistence on using the weight of his Papacy as a counter to Communist aggression, was a vital component in ending Cold War hostilities and producing an independent Polish state. This point is one of considerable interest to my own constituents in western New York. The history of Buffalo is one of rich and diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and western New York's Polish-American community is strong and proud today as it has been for generations. The pride in Cardinal Wojtyla's ascension to the Papacy in 1978 was felt by all of Polonia and all of western New York. It lasted throughout John Paul II's Papacy and is something felt in parishes from throughout Buffalo, Erie, and Chautauqua counties. Speaking parochially, the future Pope visited Buffalo twice as a cardinal, once in the 1960s and again in the 1970s, visiting Polish- American churches on Buffalo's east side, where parishes still exist in which mass is said in Polish. Today, just as they did in 1978, all parishes throughout Buffalo and western New York proudly celebrate the Papacy of John Paul II and the special connection that Buffalonians have to him and to his years as Pope. We have to remember that Pope John Paul II was history's most traveled Pope and brought his message of faithfulness and hope to billions of people throughout the world, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Holy Father used his influence to mediate conflicts throughout the world and established diplomatic relations between the Holy See and more than 70 additional independent nations. Pope John Paul II also reached out to many people of other faiths, including and especially to Jews, whom John Paul II thought were unfairly subjected to years of scorn and discrimination by Christians of all denominations. John Paul II led by example, becoming the first Pope to visit Rome's synagogue and by taking the necessary steps toward establishing diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the State of Israel. In the year 2000, John Paul II paid a visit to Jerusalem, visiting the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem; and on March 23, 2000, he paid a visit to the holiest of religious sites in Judaism, the Western Wall. At the Wall, the Pope followed tradition by leaving a written prayer at the Wall itself, seeking the Jews' forgiveness for the sins of Christians over the years, the text of which prayer follows: ``God of our fathers, You chose Abraham and his descendants to bring Your name to the nations. We are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have created these children of Yours to suffer, and asking Your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant.'' We also cannot forget that John Paul II was a great spiritual leader for the youth of the world and felt a special connection to young people in pursuing his ministry. John Paul II utilized the most modern of communication tools to bring his message forth and in the mid-1980s established Catholic Youth Days throughout the world where the youngest Catholics were encouraged to participate in the faith in a manner unlike any seen previously. It cannot be said that John Paul II's Papacy was perfect. None, possibly save for that of the first Pope, St. Peter, could possibly attain such heights. Reductions in vocations, financial improprieties, sex abuse scandals, and other issues continue to test the faith of our people; and it is unlikely that the Papacy of John Paul II, or anyone else, could deal with those concerns completely. It will be up to the new Pope, whomever he may be, to lead the Church and its faithful in the months and years to come and as a spiritual leader to help Catholics and people of all faiths to deal with the many challenges that we face. Undeniably, Pope John Paul II's charisma and warmth drew people to his Papacy like never before. Hundreds of millions, young and old, Christian and Jew, from every corner of the world came to worship with him, and with him join together to make the world a better place. His Papacy made people feel unafraid and challenged the faithful to go unafraid in pursuit of a better life. Before Pope John Paul's predecessor was elevated to the Papacy, he too had misgivings about assuming the mantle of leadership that his colleagues were about to confer upon him. Albino Cardinal Luciani sat fretfully during the voting, but was approached by two friendly cardinals who offered him support. One told him not to worry, because when God gives a burden, he also gives the strength to carry it. Another told him, Don't fear, the whole world is praying for the new Pope. As the world prays for the peaceful repose of Pope John Paul, so does the world pray for his successor to effectively and faithfully lead our Church during the months and years to come. Human though he may have been, Catholics throughout the world pray for leadership for our faith provided by Pope John Paul II. While we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul, we are confident that God, upon the appearance of Karol Wojtyla at the gates of heaven, has said the immortal words, ``Well done, good and faithful servant.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to Patricia A. Dickman, a woman who after years of dedicated public service, will retire from her position as the Village of Orchard Park Mayor in Erie County, New York. Mayor Dickman's devotion to developing a better future for her community was evident early, as she chose to dedicate 12 years to the teaching profession, educating young people. Over the last 30 years Mayor Dickman expanded her dedication from working with youth to working with the community as a whole. Mayor Dickman's government service is extensive. Prior to her election to the seat of Mayor, Ms. Dickman worked for 6 years on the Village of Orchard Park Planning Board, including 4 years as Chair. She also served as a Village of Orchard Park Trustee for 6 years and has led the Beautify Orchard Park Committee for over 24 years. Throughout her tenure as Mayor, Ms. Dickman has sat on several local boards and organizations including: the Erie County Sewer District III, the Southtown's Sewer Agency, the Village Officials Association and the Erie County Governments Association. Though her accomplishments are too numbered to mention here today, some of the highlights of her service consist of contributions to local economic development through the ``Facade'' program and facilitation of infrastructure projects including reconstruction of Route 240/277. At the same time, through the duration of her term, the Mayor has been successful in maintaining the lowest tax rate in Erie County. It is with great pride and gratitude I stand here today to recognize Village of Orchard Park Mayor Patricia Dickman, a genuine public servant and faithful community advocate, may her life in retirement be met with the many triumphs achieved in her years as Mayor.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to the great South Park High School in Buffalo, New York which this year is celebrating ninety years of excellence in educating Western New York's young people. Ninety-one years ago this week, on St. Patrick's Day, the people of South Buffalo broke ground at 150 Southside Parkway for the construction of what would become City of Buffalo Public School Number 206. That same year, on June 1st, the cornerstone was placed at PS 206, also known as South Park High School, marking the institution as the fifth public high school built in the City of Buffalo. On September 7, 1915 the doors of South Park opened, welcoming 680 students and 32 faculty members. Home of the Sparks, the South Park faithful proudly display their school spirit through the black and red tradition. Over the last nine decades the teachers and administrators at South Park have motivated, nurtured and educated thousands of Buffalo's youth, preparing each for the road ahead and providing all with the tools necessary to pursue a limitless future. I am proud to call myself an alumnus of South Park and grateful for the wealth of knowledge and values I have obtained through my experiences at the school. Today, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Buffalo's South Park High School and wish the institution continued success in instilling pride and excellence in Western New York young people for decades to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to the great South Park High School in Buffalo, New York which this year is celebrating 90 years of excellence in educating Western New York's young people. Ninety-one years ago this week, on St. Patrick's Day, the people of South Buffalo broke ground at 150 Southside Parkway for the construction of what would become City of Buffalo Public School Number 206. That same year, on June 1st, the cornerstone was placed at PS 206, also known as South Park High School, marking the institution as the fifth public high school built in the City of Buffalo. On September 7, 1915, the doors of South Park opened; welcoming 680 students and 32 faculty members. Home of the Sparks, the South Park faithful proudly display their school spirit through the black and red tradition. Over the last nine decades the teachers and administrators at South Park have motivated, nurtured and educated thousands of Buffalo's youth, preparing each for the road ahead and providing all with the tools necessary to pursue a limitless future. I am proud to call myself an alumnus of South Park and grateful for the wealth of knowledge and values I have obtained through my experiences at the school. Today, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Buffalo's South Park High School and wish the institution continued success in installing pride and excellence in Western New York young people for decades to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to the bill in its current form.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, our Chamber is in its final moments of consideration of this landmark bill which proposes $284 billion worth of Federal investments in transportation infrastructure across this Nation. This measure represents so much to each of our districts. It is the embodiment of roads and transit systems that will be either newly built or rehabilitated to aid safe and efficient travel. It will spark an abundance of economic development and create millions of jobs specifically to carry out this transportation work. I have been grateful for the opportunity during my first few weeks as a Member of this body to work alongside Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar on this legislation which will do so much for western New York. But I believe that before we submit to final passage of the bill, we must first acknowledge the fact that we should and can do more. The President has signaled that he will support a transportation bill that spends no more than $284 billion in guaranteed funding over 6 years. This number is simply arbitrary and could easily be increased, a fact that was demonstrated by the other body's version of transportation reauthorization last year. My motion demonstrates one way in which we can match their level of guaranteed funding, $318 billion, for even more transportation, economic and safety initiatives within this measure. Specifically, this motion proposes to close a number of offshore loopholes that are enabling American companies to move jobs abroad, avoiding paying U.S. taxes in the process. In closing these loopholes, we are raising an additional $34 billion, not from an increase in the gasoline tax, but instead by abolishing unfair tax shelters that are strangling job creation and growth in our country. Seventy-two members of the other body voted to federally fund our transportation expenditures at $318 billion last year. If we can find a way to match that funding without raising the gasoline tax, without falling deeper into deficit, then I for one believe it is our responsibility to pursue that option. This motion to recommit would mean $34 billion more in Federal infrastructure investments, as well as the final eradication of a number of unfair tax shelters that are weakening economic development efforts throughout our Nation. The motion would bring 100,000 additional jobs to my own State of New York, and countless more to the rest of the country. I hope that I may count on my colleagues to support this important measure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the exemplary public service of Sally Smith, a resident of the Chautauqua County town of Pomfret, upon the occasion of her retirement as Chair of the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee. Sally's dedication to public service has been manifest, and her commitment to the residents of her town and her county has been outstanding. Sally served for many years as an employee at Fredonia State College. During that time, Sally served as Director of the Region 6 Political Action Committee for the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). At the same time, Sally served as Chair of her hometown Democratic Party committee. In January 2003, after her election as First Vice Chair of the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee, Sally was elevated to Chair after the resignation of the incumbent, being elected to that position in full in June of that year. She was re-elected Chair in September 2004. Sally's tenure as Chair has by all objective analysis been a rousing success. Sally oversaw the re-election of the Chautauqua County Legislature's Democratic Majority in 2003, an election which also saw success for Democrats at every local level, from village trustees to county legislators. In 2004, Sally was part of a coalition of party leaders that helped elect a Democrat to Congress from Chautauqua County for the first time since 1984, which was the last election for Congress won by former Representative Stan Lundine of Jamestown. Sally has never forgotten her roots as the leader of a rural county. In April 2004, Sally and the Chautauqua County Democrats hosted the New York State Democratic Rural Conference in Jamestown, putting the statewide spotlight on Jamestown and Chautauqua County. Later that year, when Senator John Edwards of North Carolina visited the world- renowned Chautauqua Institution to prepare for his the Vice Presidential debate, Sally and other Democrats--many of whom had never participated locally before--organized a Democratic march and rally at Fredonia State College in support of the Democratic ticket. On a strictly personal level, it has been nothing short of a delight to work with Sally. A consummate professional a someone with a steadfast affection and connection to both her community as well as the Democratic Party, my time in working with Sally Smith has always been characterized by her support for working men and women in Western New York, about the dignity and her refusal to allow her community to be taken for granted. Her work on behalf of her community has been without fanfare, but has been tremendously effective. Now in her retired years, Sally and her husband Dan want to enjoy more personal time with friends and family, prompting her to resign her post as Chair, turning over the reins to another great Democrat, Chautauqua County Legislature Chairman Keith Ahlstrom. As Sally leaves active service as County Chair--but remains as Pomfret Town Chair--we must pause to consider the contributions she has made, not just to the Democratic Party in general, but to the people of her community, her county and to western New York as well. Chautauqua County is a better place because of Sally Smith's commitment to public service, and I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to have an opportunity to honor her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to Mr. Bernard (``Bernie'') Ryan of the City of Buffalo who has been selected by the United Irish-American Association to lead The Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 13, 2005 as this year's Grand Marshal. First held on March 17, 1913, the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade pays tribute to the patron Saint of Ireland and after a short interruption from 1917-1935, the parade has been held every year since 1935, with the exception of the World War II years (1942-1945). Buffalo, New York, like many other communities throughout the United States, has a large Irish American population and the St. Patrick's Day parade offers Irish Americans along with people from all ethnic backgrounds, an opportunity to celebrate one component of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. Every year, thousands of people flock to Delaware Avenue in Downtown Buffalo to cheer on fellow citizens, Irish dancers, bands, and civic organizations who march in honor of St. Patrick. The UIAA's election of Bernie Ryan as this year's Grand Marshal marks a proud moment for Bernie and his family, wife Karen and children Kathleen and Bernard Jay as Bernie embarks upon this once in a lifetime journey. Four generations have worn the top hat and carried the blackthorn that belonged to Mike Quinn, Buffalo's first grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade back in 1913. Bernie Ryan joins the ranks of other distinguished grand marshals and is honored for a lifetime of exemplary civic involvement. Bernard served in the U.S. Army on a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon return, he dedicated himself to family, work and community. He has had a 35 year career at Freezer Queen Foods where he has risen to the position of Controller. He is an active parishioner at St. Martin's Church in South Buffalo where neighborhoods are distinguished not by streets but by the parish to which you belong. Bernie has always been particularly involved with various Irish organizations. Whether with the Irish Dancing School with whom his daughter Katie was a student, as a Board Member of the Gaelic American Athletic Association or as a member of the Parade Committee, Bernie's presence and commitment is unwavering. Bernie is proud of his heritage and understands the importance of preserving our unique history as a community. I am proud to call Bernie Ryan my friend and I am pleased to honor him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of a great Western New Yorker: Mrs. Edna F. Meyerhofer of Cheektowaga, NY. Sadly, Mrs. Meyerhofer passed away on February 24 at the age of 74. Mrs. Meyerhofer was a loyal wife, mother and grandmother, and was a dedicated Roman Catholic, showing great commitment to her faith and to her community. At her church, North Cheektowaga's Infant of Prague, she was an active member of the Parent-Teacher Guild, the Bishops Committee, the Altar & Rosary Society, and Parish Life Committee. Mrs. Meyerhofer was also a Hospice volunteer, and served as a member of the Hanford Bay Association. After working professionally as a secretary for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, like so many others of her generation, Mrs. Meyerhofer began work in the home, as a devoted mother of two daughters and three sons--a source of great pride for her and her husband George. Her two daughters, Mary Harris and Rose Tracy, and her three sons, George, Paul and Mark, are outstanding members of their own respective communities, and learned well at their parents' knees the importance of family, faith and community, as they seek to extend this family tradition to Mrs. Meyerhofer's 12 grandchildren. While I regret not knowing Edna Meyerhofer well, I do know her son, Mark, very well. Mark serves honorably as Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Majority Leader Paul A. Tokasz, and is well known and universally respected in his own right for his community, governmental and political accomplishments in the Town of Cheektowaga and throughout Erie County. Again, these were lessons undoubtedly learned at the Meyerhofer dinner table: that to whom much is given, much is expected, and that there is an understood responsibility to contribute back to one's own community. Mrs. Meyerhofer consistently helped her community and those in need. In addition to her family, many other Western New Yorkers will miss her generosity, compassion and loyalty to her community. I thank the Speaker and my colleagues in the House for this opportunity to pay tribute to her memory here today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Americorps program in the town of West Seneca, New York, for its outstanding contributions to our Western New York and to recognize the West Seneca Youth Bureau for its exemplary service to the residents of Erie County and Western New York. Through its network of more than 2,100 service programs, AmeriCorps has assisted millions of Americans through tutoring, running after school programs, building affordable housing, cleaning parks, and assisting with disaster relief. A shining example of the significance of AmeriCorps' service to our Nation's communities is the West Seneca Youth Bureau of the town of West Seneca, in Erie County, New York. The West Seneca Youth Bureau hosts seven different AmeriCorps programs, and through these programs, volunteers have provided a broad range of needed services to Western New Yorkers. West Seneca's Service Action Corps is one of the major donors of food in Western New York, delivering 15,000 pounds of food to local pantries every day. Through Standard Bearer's of America's Promise, AmeriCorps tutors provide young students in Buffalo and Erie County with the tools needed to help them become independent readers. Their Erie County Youth Conservation Corps program teaches marketable skills to at-risk youth so they can use these skills in the professional world. Through YouthBuild, at-risk youth learn basic construction and carpentry skills and gain college credits while building low cost housing for Western New Yorkers in need. Since its inception, West Seneca AmeriCorps volunteers have shoveled more than one-half million pounds of snow for local residents and businesses, provided area food banks with over 6 million pounds of food, tutored more than 18,000 students, cleaned 150 nature trails, countless parks and playgrounds and cleared hundreds of vacant lots. AmeriCorps' commitment to education, public safety, the environment and health has made it an incredibly successful organization that I am proud to recognize today. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers of AmeriCorps and the West Seneca Youth Bureau, thousands of my constituents have received much needed education and support. I congratulate the organization for 10 years of service, and look forward to working with them for years to come, and I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to recognize their achievements here today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 45 as offered by my colleague, Mr. Cooper, to acknowledge the importance of music education in our schools. I thank Mr. Cooper for bringing this resolution to the floor today and for bringing this issue to the Congress' attention. Every student in the United States should have the best education possible. Such an education should be founded on a broad-based curriculum that incorporates instruction in a range of subjects. This includes not only math, science, history and English, but also physical education, music and the arts. An extensive knowledge base gives our children the skills they need to succeed in and enhances their lives. Music education has innumerable benefits to students, ranging from higher levels of academic performance to improved social and motor skills. School-based music instruction is fundamental in our continuing efforts to improve the education of America's children. Music adds a vital dimension to the scholastic experience. In the pursuit of quality education in America, teachers aim to boost scores in math and reading tests. Recent studies show that music lessons for young children result in a significant increase in their IQ levels and can help children develop analytical and problem solving skills. Music can open up doors for a child. It can be a medium for expression, a method for learning and it can open a young student's eyes to career possibilities, faraway cultures or simply allow them to reach the farthest depths of their imagination. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in recognition of the importance of school music programs and in support of this resolution. Music education must continue to be a part of American education.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 26 as offered by my colleague, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, in acknowledgement and appreciation of the contribution of the Tuskegee Airmen to our Air Force and our nation. Their example of breaking racial boundaries in order to contribute to the Allied efforts in WWII is still valuable today in our war against global terrorism. I thank Mr. Rogers of Alabama for bringing this important resolution to the floor today. The lessons we can learn from these men are numerous. In a time when the world was threatened by fascism, they stood among the many to repel its force. They demonstrated to their countrymen that skin color does not define the quality or the character of the man, but rather the sense of duty to the ideals they hold and their willingness to do what it takes to defend those ideals. The Tuskegee Airmen not only fought against enemies in the air, but they engaged in a struggle within their own country. They were the first African-Americans to qualify as military pilots in any branch of the armed forces, as a result of years of pressure on the military to further integrate the Air Force. These men took a big step in the fight for equal civil rights, and made a major impact in the war as a result of their superior skill as pilots. As we face the challenges of today, we must remember their contribution to the U.S. Air Force and to the American civil rights movement. We must honor their dedication to the values of justice, equality and democracy as we go forth in our war against terrorists. The men and women that protect the citizens of this country come from many racial backgrounds. Because of the example of the Tuskegee Airmen, the aviation industry and the armed forces have been able to benefit from the contributions of many talented people from all different origins. In the promotion of democratic values abroad, the Tuskegee Airmen helped to promote the ideal of racial equality. We must remember their honorable service as well as the message that they promoted through their example. The lessons that can be taken from history must be remembered and practiced every day. In our war on terror, in our global humanitarian assistance, and in our domestic fight against crime, it is vital that we apply our national values to the conduct of our everyday lives. The memory of the deeds of the Tuskegee Airmen must not be forgotten. The fight against discrimination and evil is ongoing, and it is only by learning from our past that we can successfully achieve our goals of the future. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in appreciation for the service of the Tuskegee Airmen and support of this resolution, and I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Rogers of Alabama for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of a great Western New Yorker; businessman, community leader, and friend, Mr. Art Benson of Springville, NY. Mr. Benson was 75 years old when he died of cancer on January 21, 2005. Art Benson was a man who held himself to the highest standard of excellence in service to his community and generosity in his personal life. He served as President of the U.S. Route 219 Association and the Springville Chamber of Commerce. In 1977, he was awarded the title ``Citizen of the Year'' based on his demonstration of the difference one person can make in his community. In his private life he was committed to helping others battle alcoholism with Alcoholics Anonymous. Art's success came from his optimism, his passion for civic involvement, and his magnetic personality. He spent his youth working as a bellhop in Buffalo's Hotel Statler, befriending famous actors and politicians that came to stay. President Truman thought so highly of Art that he appointed him his personal aide during his 1948 Presidential campaign. In his adult life, Art had a long and successful career in the auto sales business. He purchased a Ford dealership in 1965, which he sold in 1982 to become Emerling Ford and Mercury. Following the sale of his business, he worked as a sales representative for Towne Lincoln-Mercury in Orchard Park, NY. The success that Art's work ethic and affable nature led to in the private sector brought him even more success in the public sector. A strong believer in the economic benefits that expanding U.S. route 219 would bring to western New York, politicians and development officials nicknamed Art, ``Mr. 219.'' He was the road's most influential advocate, making public statements on its expansion even in his final days. His leadership did not end with route 219. As president of the Springville Chamber of Commerce, he pressed for the creation of Springville's Pre-School Learning Center for the Handicapped. He was also a driving force behind the establishment of the Town of Concord Industrial Development Agency. As I noted earlier, perhaps some of Art's greatest contributions to his community were made in his private life. A former alcoholic, Art beat the disease 37 years ago and has been a friend and counselor to other recovering alcoholics ever since. According to his son, Michael, Art would do anything in his power to help alcoholics, even when it meant leaving home in the middle of the night to offer support. But the aspect of Art's life which made him most proud was his family. Art was the husband of the former Marie Chute, who passed away in 2000, and is survived by his sons Michael, Arthur, Robert, and Claytus, daughters Marie Pitello, Colleen Benson, and Kathleen Benson. Arthur also leaves behind his great prides and joy--his 16 grandchildren. Citizens of Art Benson's caliber are hard to come by. Whether it was through the gifts he was born with or his personal struggles, he consistently found ways to give to his community. Many in western New York will miss his leadership, enthusiasm, and friendship. I was proud to call Art Benson my friend and I am pleased to honor his memory today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans--more than 70 million Americans, one in four, suffers from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease. For women, heart disease is responsible for more deaths than the next seven causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. And shockingly, only 8 percent of women think that heart disease is a major personal concern. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to help get the message out, to call attention to heart health and to encourage men and women to learn about the signs and causes of cardiovascular disease. This past Friday, the American Heart Association sponsored ``Go Red for Women'' day to raise awareness and help women take back control of their personal health. Women in particular must educate themselves to know the risk factors they can control: diabetes, blood pressure, tobacco use, cholesterol, exercise and obesity. One in ten American women aged 45 to 64 and one in four American women aged 64 or older has some form of heart disease. Those numbers are way too high. As the family gatekeeper, women do more than just improve their own health--they can put children and families on the path to a lifetime of good heart health. Childhood obesity and diabetes are pandemic in the U.S.--it's a trend we must stop by making sure our families are eating healthy and getting physical activity. These simple but important steps will mean a great deal to the future health of our families and our nation. Mr. Speaker, I know you will join me in encouraging all Americans to contact the American Heart Association to find out the information that can save their lives.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to enter into the record an article published in the Post Journal of Jamestown, NY, on January 22, 2005 and a brief explanation of its origin. On January 4, 2005, I was blessed and honored by the presence of hundreds--that's correct, hundreds--of friends, family and supporters who traveled to this great capital city of Washington, DC, to attend ceremonies associated with the administration of my oath of Office as a member of the 109th Congress. One very special attendee that day, Danielle DeJoy, an 11th grade student at Falconer High School in ``South County''--the southern portion of Chautauqua County, was kind enough to commit the events of her trip to Washington to paper, and her account of that trip was published in the Post Journal on January 22, 2005. A transcript of that article is included herein. I enter this material to serve as an example to young people throughout the nation of the importance of civic involvement in our everyday lives. Danielle's interest and participation in civic events undoubtedly was learned at the family dinner table--her father Vince is an exemplary civic leader in Jamestown, serving in many important capacities, including with the city's Rotary club and as Chair of the city's Democratic Committee--her commitment to paper of the events of this day is inspirational. It reminds us all that those of us blessed to be chosen by the people as their Representatives in ``the people's house'' must never forget from whence we came, and that Jessica DeJoy and the millions like her in these United Stated look to us as leaders--leaders who must strive hard to inspire young people and involve them in government. A Day Never To Be Forgotten I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Jan. 4, to represent Chautauqua County for the swearing-in of newly elected Congressman Brian Higgins. It was an experience that I will never forget, and it has given me a new perspective on how lucky we are to be Americans. My Dad, Vince DeJoy, is the chairman of the Jamestown Democratic committee, and he felt that this would be an educational experience. I was so excited to see our nations capital for the first time in person and not just seeing it on television or through pictures in the paper. In addition to my father, Chautauqua County Election Commissioner Norm Green, Assistant Majority Leader of the Chautauqua County Legislature Ron Szot of Dunkirk and Janet Jankowski George made the trip to Washington. I had never met any of these people, but after a day of traveling by planes, trains and buses, I felt as if I have known them all of my life. We had a great day together. We left Buffalo early Tuesday morning by plane at around 8:30. It was an overcast, gray day in Western New York, but once our plane climbed above the clouds, the sky was that pretty color blue that we long to see in January. The second leg of the journey would involve an Amtrak train from BWI Airport to Union Station in Washington, D.C. This would be another first for me. The coach that we rode on was very comfortable, clean and offered a very smooth ride. We arrived at Union Station around 10:30 a.m., and the first thing that caught me eye was the grandeur of this magnificent train station. I tried to imagine the Erie Rail Road Station in Jamestown, and how cool that it would be if it could be restored to have the same feel that Union Station offered. Once outside the doors of Union Station, the view of the capital dome was very impressive. Of course we had to pose for pictures with the capital in the background exchanging cameras within our group. We then made the four block walk to the Cannon Office Building to the office of Congressman Higgins. As soon as we walked into his new office, we were greeted by Jonathan Weston of Panama. Jonathan found out that he was fortunate enough to be chosen as a staff member to the Congressman on Dec. 31. He was excited to see familiar faces from Chautauqua County make the trip, and promptly introduced us to the rest of Congressman Higgins staff. There were over 150 people that squeezed into Mr. Higgins' office. There we enjoyed bagels, muffins and juice, while we watched the actual ceremony on closed circuit television. The well wishers became very quiet when the Clerk of the House announced his name to vote for the House Leader. Than a huge cheer was heard throughout the third floor of the building with other congressional offices down the hall. We had some time to do sight-seeing before the next reception, so we walked next door to the capital. Security was very tight, but the Secret Service allowed us to get close enough for some great pictures in front of the capital. The next reception started at 1:30 p.m. at the Rayburn Building, and we decided to go there early. That was a very wise choice because as we walked down the corridors past rooms where House Committee meetings take place, we approached the room which would host the reception and found Senator Hillary Clinton just standing alone in the doorway. I had met Senator Clinton in 2000 at Diethrick Park while she made a campaign stop in Jamestown. She made us feel that we were long lost friends. We even had the time to discuss my college options. The Town Supervisor of Orchard Park, Toni Cudney, took our picture with the Senator, and then people quickly surrounded her. It wasn't until nearly 3 p.m. that Congressman Higgins was able to come to his reception. While waiting, I got the opportunity to meet a sorority sister of my mother from the State University College at Geneseo, Peggy Hannon. I had never met Peggy before, but she knew that I was Bonnie's daughter right away. They lived together in the Alpha Clio Sorority House 1981. Senator Chuck Schumer arrived in time to introduce Congressman Higgins to the now large crowd of 200 people. Intertwined with accolades for Mr. Higgins was the message that my Dad really wanted me to hear and understand. Senator Schumer spoke of the celebration of the peaceful transition of power that just took place. We as Americans may take such an event for granted, but the people of Iraq with elections next month probably don't expect a peaceful transition of power. The Ukraine also came to mind with their corrupt elections, violence and even poisoning of a candidate. Mr. Higgins' speech thanked his supporters and his family. The funniest part of the speech was a story that he told of his son, John. He had a talk with his son at the onset of the election, preparing him for the negative things that may be said about his Dad. John said, ``Don't worry Dad, `the tax-man' will do OK.'' This was a reference to television ads from his opponent. The room erupted in laughter. My Dad got a big hug from Mr. Higgins after the speech, and we posed for a picture with my Mom's friend from college, that grew up with Brian Higgins in South Buffalo. After the reception, our group walked the parade route of the Presidential Inauguration down Pennsylvania Avenue. Workers were very busy constructing reviewing stands for the President at the White House, and setting up bleachers for the public along the route. Again, the theme of celebrating the peaceful transition of power came to mind. Seeing the White House, even from the gates still gave me a chill running up my spine. One last reception, at Mackey's Irish Pub on L Street, a few blocks away from the White House. The speeches were over, it was now time to unwind with our new friends from Buffalo and Erie county, and to have something to eat--and celebrate the wonderful things that Congressman Higgins hopes to accomplish for Western New York, and the nation during his tenure in the House of Representatives. My final thoughts and discussion with my Dad on the return trip to Jamestown was how I felt like I was a part of the democratic process, even though I am not old enough to vote yet. I had a wonderful time with my father and my new friends, and the memories will last for a lifetime.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support for House Resolution 23, which has been offered by the gentleman from Minnesota. I thank my colleague, Mr. Kennedy, for bringing this important resolution to the floor today, during Catholic Schools Week 2005. I come from a community whose neighborhoods are often better known by the names of their Catholic schools and parishes rather than by the names of their streets. There are more than 8,000 Catholic elementary, middle, and secondary schools across the Nation which make invaluable contributions to education and play an integral role in shaping a brighter, stronger future for our great Nation. The mission of each of these institutions--to build solid foundations for lives of confidence, faith, and service--has had a tremendous impact in shaping family and community values over the generations. My own family has been active in Catholic schools since I was a child. My mother was a teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school, and I am now the proud father of two beautiful children who are enrolled at St. Martin of Tours Catholic School in our home neighborhood of South Buffalo. I am a first-hand witness to the daily work of Catholic schools as they help form the characters of my John and Maeve. My family is constantly enriched by the lessons and principles that Catholic schools profess. This year, Catholic schools will teach 7.6 million students at all levels of education. An astounding 99 percent of all of their students graduate, and 97 percent of those graduates go on to college. The impact of the graduates' goals extends outside the classroom and into living rooms and places of work, both in Buffalo and throughout this great nation. I thank the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for cosponsoring this appropriate week-long event and for helping to increase awareness for Catholic Education across America. My family and I are grateful for the crucial contributions of America's thousands of Catholic schools have made for more than 100 years. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in supporting this resolution, and thank my colleague, Mr. Kennedy, for his unwavering leadership on this issue.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 39 offered by the gentleman from California, commending countries and organizations for marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and urging a strengthening of the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and anti-Semitism. I thank my colleague, Mr. Lantos, for bringing this important resolution to the floor today. The lessons of January 27, 1945 are forever with us. That day and the many days of liberation afterwards showed us of the fight which exists to make sure that the world strengthens its efforts to fight against any form of discrimination. There is great danger in being inactive about the threat of anti- Semitism. It was anti-Semitism that was responsible for the horrors of the Holocaust, for the death of over 6 million Jews, and for the slaughter of over 1.1 million people at Auschwitz. Sadly, even though we have reached the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, anti-Semitism in Europe has been on the rise. Once again, we witness evil propaganda, physical attacks against Jews, the burning of Jewish sites and the desecration of synagogues. We must not stand aside and ignore this grave escalation of anti-Semitic violence and hatred. We also saw the shadow of this anti-Semitism yesterday at the special session of the United Nations' General Assembly. Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and foreign ministers from Israel and a number of European countries spoke to many empty seats in the General Assembly chamber while they delivered powerful and often moving addresses about intolerance and genocide. Of the 191 members of the General Assembly, only 138 agreed with the proposal by the U.S. to hold the special day of commemoration. We must wonder why, after all these years, there are over 50 countries which did not agree to this most basic proposal to recognize a day which will forever be etched in our minds. Any government whose people exhibit any act of anti-Semitism must provide security and safety to their Jewish communities, must prosecute and punish perpetrators of anti-Semitic violence, and must cultivate a climate in which all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination are rejected. Mass violence, the abuse of fundamental human rights, and the mistreatment of human beings as a result of discrimination are ugly faces of our humanity. Apart from the Holocaust, the genocides in Turkey, Cambodia, Tibet, and Bosnia, the killing of the Tutsi in Rwanda, the slaying of thousands in Sudan, and the deaths of millions during the Irish Famine, are all instances of oppression and prejudice succeeding throughout our history. The complacency and inaction of governments around the world, standing silently by while discrimination grows, is inexcusable. Today must be used as a day of education, since without education, there can be no real change. Teachers throughout the world must have the support of their governments to teach their students the lessons of the Holocaust and of all discrimination. Our grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and generations to come must be made to understand that racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance and prejudice can lead to the genocide carried out in camps such as Auschwitz, and these intolerances will never have a place in our world again. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in supporting this resolution, and thank my colleague, Mr. Lantos, for his unwavering leadership on this issue.