Stephanie Jones

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud recognition of World Social Work Day. First off I would like to extend my gratitude to all social workers for the important work they do. It is selfless work that impacts the most impoverished and sick among us. Your hard work assists millions of individuals, families and communities across the country and the globe. I have always been a strong advocate for social workers. The field of social work can be a thankless profession which is not very lucrative, so having fully trained professional social workers is always a blessing. In the 108th and 109th Congresses, I introduced a bill that would provide loan forgiveness to social workers who work for child protective agencies. I hear from students all the time who express desire to work as a social worker, but may choose a different field in order to be able to pay for their education. I want to encourage people who are interested and have a desire to become a social worker, and not have them choose a different career based on the cost of their education. Their work is vital to my community and to all communities, and we need to encourage young people's interest in social work. This year's theme for National Professional Social Work Month is ``Hope and Health.'' My home is Cleveland, Ohio, and we have been rated as one of the most impoverished cities in the nation. With so many individuals unemployed and unable to provide for themselves or their families, a strong social worker presence is vital for my community. Thirty-two percent of Clevelanders live below the poverty line. Almost half of the children live below the poverty line compared to a national average of 18 percent. Nineteen percent of those children lack any type of health coverage. There are over 21,000 social workers in the state of Ohio, and the majority of them work in the fields of Mental Health, Child and Family Welfare, Health, and Aging. I would like to highlight North East Ohio Health Services, which is a behavioral health care organization that provides services to the residents of Cuyahoga County. They have many programs that reach children through seniors in crisis intervention to continuing care. I am grateful for organizations like North East Ohio Health Services that employ social workers to assist my constituents with the greatest need. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all my colleagues in the House who are social workers, and especially Congressman Ciro Rodriguez for arranging this special order to recognize World Social Work Day. And I would like to reiterate my deepest respect and admiration to all the people who choose to devote their lives and careers to providing a helping hand to the most desperate among us.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee, the Chair of the housing subcommittee, as well as the ranking members. I used to serve on both of these committees when I was on Financial Services, and my heart longs to address many of the same issues. From the Ways and Means Committee, I hope to try to do some of that. I have traveled to the Hurricane Katrina area on three occasions. The first time I went, I went to visit some of the folks that were put out of their homes and they were staying in arenas across Houston and across Baton Rouge and across New Orleans. The second time I went, I went with Leader Pelosi when a group of us had an opportunity to tour the areas about 9 months later. I sat down and talked with officials. The third time I was there when the people of New Orleans were dying to have an opportunity to vote for the mayoral candidate of their choice. Louisiana is important to me because a lot of my father's and mother's friends lived in Louisiana when they grew up in Alabama. But the thing I think we need to remember about Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, that is America. That is the United States of America, and the people of those communities deserve to be treated royally. They deserve to have the services and housing that they need. I think that this piece of legislation goes towards that effort. More importantly, I have run into people from Louisiana who say, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones, I want to help rebuild New Orleans, but somehow I have to be gone. I want to come back and live, and people are coming from all over the world working in New Orleans rebuilding my hometown. I want to be there to have the opportunity to do that. I believe this legislation gives us an opportunity to do that as well. I have introduced a piece of legislation, H.R. 1043, which is called the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2007. What that legislation does is allows us to use the historic preservation tax credit in conjunction with low-income housing tax credit so that when we rebuild the historic areas of New Orleans, we won't just rebuild for the people who are coming in with money who want to live in those areas, the gentrified areas; but there will be dollars to provide for people who stayed in the community and want to be there for a while and need to be able to afford to live in those areas. This is an important day for us. Just as we rebuilt New York after 9/ 11 and everybody bought into the process, and I don't make a comparison between 9/11 and a hurricane, but what I will say to you is that the people of this area are Americans just like the rest of us, and they need a place to live, and they need to be able to bring their children back and restore that culture that is so rich a part of the United States of America. I stand here today encouraging, urging, pleading with my colleagues to not let this opportunity pass. Don't let it be said that on March 20, 2007, when your children and grandchildren asked where were you and what did you do for the people of New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama, and you say, I did nothing. I am glad to stand here in support of the legislation. I celebrate my colleagues and thank you for an opportunity to be heard.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th birthday of a living legend from my Congressional District, Judge Wyatt C. Brownlee. Born in Hodges, S.C., one of 11 children born to James and Elizabeth Brownlee, Judge Brownlee is the last living sibling of the family which migrated to Cleveland in 1921. His life has been an example of the power of courageous determination and faith in God. Judge Brownlee attended Cleveland Public Schools, but was forced to drop out of Kennard Junior High School to help support his family. Because of his desire for an education, he attended night school, part time, until he received his high school diploma. His quest for knowledge continued and he graduated from: ``FDR'' Junior College in 1936; Fenn College (Cleveland State University) in 1940; and Cleveland Marshall Law School in 1944. During his distinguished legal career he served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General; Cleveland City Prosecutor and acting City Law Director. In 1957 he was appointed Cleveland Municipal Court Referee, and in 1977 he was appointed Cleveland Municipal Court Judge, where he served until his 1981 retirement. Judge Brownlee continued private practice after retirement. Judge Brownlee has been involved in his community and has been recognized in ``Who's Who in the National Bar Association,'' ``Who's Who in American Law,'' and he has been honored by Black Lawyers and Black Judges. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonic Organization, and is a lifetime member of the Cleveland Marshall Alumni Association. Therefore, on behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of the 11th Congressional District, Ohio, I extend Happy 100th birthday wishes to the Honorable Wyatt C. Brownlee. Thank you, for being friend, teacher, and role model for so many of us. Judge Brownlee made an indelible imprint on my life. As a young lawyer, he nurtured me. When I became a judge, he mentored me. As a prosecutor, he counseled me. As a legislator, he influenced me. I count him among the people who kept the wind beneath my wings. I pray God will continue to bless him. We love you.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 80th birthday of Lillian Vernon. Born Lilly Menasche in Leipzig, her family fled the perils of World War II and Hitler's Nazi regime in 1933, fleeing to Amsterdam, Holland then finally to the United States, settling in New York City in 1937. There she attended New York University for 2 years before getting married. In 1951, while 4 months pregnant, Lillian began her mail order business with a $495.00 sixth-of-a-page ad for a personalized handbag and belt in Seventeen magazine. What started as a simple business run out of her kitchen in Mount Vernon, New York, turned into a leading catalog and online retailer, with its corporate headquarters in Rye, New York. In 1987, Lillian's business became the first woman founded and owned business to go public on the American Stock Exchange. In addition to Lillian's accomplishments in business, she believes strongly in giving back to her community. Her company has donated funds and merchandise to more than 5,000 charities, religious, and civic organizations. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Virginia Opera and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She has spoken at many universities and has received several honors, including induction in the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Big Brother/Big Sisters National Hero Award and the Gannett Newspapers Business Leadership Award. At 80 years of age, Lillian continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of fashion accessories, exploring new and even more creative ideas. She is the proud mother of two sons, Dean Fred P. Hochberg, of the New School and David Hochberg, a private consultant. Especially committed to encouraging the careers of women, she has been a constant supporter and friend. Therefore, it is my pleasure to wish her many blessings on her birthday.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 1514, the Savings for Working Families Act of 2007. I have worked with my colleague Congressman Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania and other Members from both sides of the aisle in both the House and Senate to introduce savings legislation that will help America's working families by expanding the successful Individual Development Account program (IDA). H.R. 1514 provides a tax credit to financial institutions that match the savings of low-income families through Individual Development Accounts. Individual savings in IDAs are matched on a one-to-one basis, up to $500 per person per year, although personal contributions into an IDA are not limited. Thousands of working families across the country currently take advantage of IDA matched savings and asset accumulation. IDA programs are run by community-based organizations in partnership with a qualified financial institution that holds the deposits. IDA funds can be used for college and post-secondary education, purchasing a home, or starting a small business. Those who save in IDAs also receive financial planning education. Nationally, 50,000 Americans are presently enrolled in 500 IDA programs. In the State of Ohio, nearly 5,000 savers benefit from fifteen IDA programs. I want to praise the 16 financial institutions that run the fifteen IDA programs in Ohio and assist low-income families build assets: Citizen's Federal Savings & Loan, Faith Community United Credit Union, Farmers National Bank, First Federal Bank, First Federal Savings of Newark, Perpetual Bank, First National Community Bank, Home Savings and Loan, Huntington National Bank, Key Bank, Midwest Family Credit Union, Park National Bank, Fiberglas Federal Credit Union, Peoples Bank, Ohio Savings Bank, Sky Bank, and the World Financial Network National Bank. Too many families in too many cities across this country live under constant threat of financial ruin due to a lack of savings. Individual Development Accounts allow working families to develop their own assets and establish sound financial footing, creating a fund that would make possible a down payment on a home or seed capital to start a business. We should not delay in expanding the existing IDA program. We have in our power the ability to help working families achieve the American Dream. Madam Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Erika Lunder, a Legislative Attorney at the Congressional Research Service, for providing my staff and me with valuable information and advice on this legislation. Throughout the years, particularly during my service on the Ways and Means Committee, she has consistently provided me with excellent research and counsel in a timely, impartial manner on several pieces of tax and pension legislation. Erika's service is not only greatly appreciated by me, but also my constituents in the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio and the entire State of Ohio.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Chairwoman, thank you for the time. Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I was actually in a Ways and Means hearing on waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, and all of a sudden, someone called and said, they're using your name, they're using your name, they're using your name. So I turned on the television to see what was going on, and I was forced to come to the floor. First of all, let me say that I feel like I am blessed to have the opportunity to chair the Ethics Committee of the U.S. Congress. I come from Cleveland, Ohio. My father carried bags for 40 years for United Airlines, and my mother was a factory worker. To have the opportunity to sit in this seat, the seat that my predecessor, the honorable Congressman Louis Stokes, held for so many years is indeed an honor and an opportunity. I am so pleased to have an opportunity to work with the committee of men and women who want to do the job of chairing and overseeing the Ethics Committee. I want you to know that Doc Hastings and I have worked together for the past 5 or 6 years on ethics, and we will continue to work diligently on behalf of the Members of Congress, the people of the United States, because it is through our responsibilities that we will be able to help people to understand how great the Members of the U.S. Congress are and how great we are at doing our job and taking our responsibilities seriously. I come to the floor reluctantly. I did, in fact, sponsor an amendment with Doc Hastings and both of us, in fact, believe that the Ethics Committee could use additional dollars; but I am not going to be used. I am not going to allow the process of a bill with regard to other issues to hold up the dollars that are available to other committees. We understand we operate within a framework of having only so much money. It was not the Rules Committee that had the responsibilities of granting additional dollars. It was the previous committee that previously said on a bipartisan basis, we are not going to give you any more money. So here comes the Rules Committee. We lost in the Rules Committee. I am a big girl, I lost that money, but it doesn't mean I am not going to do my job. Let me finish. Then you can jump up, and, Mr. Dreier, I will, in fact, yield you some of my time. I guarantee you that there may be another mechanism or another vehicle for us to be able to provide the support to the Ethics Committee. Understand, we are going to do our job. We are going to do our job, and I am not going to be used or my amendment to allow anyone to say we can't do our job. Guaranteed, I wouldn't have taken the job. Nancy Pelosi said I was tough and smart. I am both of those. Doc Hastings is tough, and he is smart. We will do our job. I thank you for elevating the Ethics Committee to a level where people think that we ought to have another opportunity. I am so happy to see the majority leader on the floor. We are both from Ohio. In fact, I am going to yield you some of my time. Come on, baby, let's talk. Let's interact.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Absolutely.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Boehner, thank you very much, all of you. But let's find a forum to address this issue other than in this process. I guarantee you that our leadership can sit down and work this out. I'm not going to be used. I'm telling you, the Ethics Committee has to stand on its own. We are not going to be in this process. Let's find a way. There is a vehicle by which we can work on giving the Ethics Committee the money that they need without being caught up in this process.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Absolutely.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Dreier, I take my time back. You can continue to make those comments if you want to, but I guarantee you that the Members who needed to get information by a certain date got their information. You are not going to use my committee on the floor to be a battling horse for anybody. I tell you, I will live within the dollars I get. I want more. Get them for me.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H.R. 976, which will provide tax relief to small businesses, the backbone of our economy. It is my hope that this revenue-neutral tax bill will be coupled with the $7.25 minimum wage increase this House of Representatives passed in its First 100 hours. We owe it to hard-working Americans to give them a living wage, as well as provide tax relief to small businesses that would allow them to continue to grow and play a vital role in our local economies across the country. In my hometown of Cleveland, OH, over 95 percent of the businesses are considered small businesses, employing about 58,000 Clevelanders. In the State of Ohio, over 490,000 people are employed by small businesses. These workers and businesses will benefit from the tax benefits in this bill, allowing them to thrive and reinvest in our communities. Let me praise two key provisions in this bill. H.R. 976: 1. Extends and expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The WOTC provides employers with a tax credit for employing ex-offenders, qualified veterans, TANF recipients, high-risk youth, food stamp recipients, and other targeted groups. The credit helps break down many of the barriers preventing these Americans from getting work. H.R. 976 extends the WOTC, and expands the credit for the benefit of disabled veterans and residents living in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and renewal communities. 2. Extends the Section 179 small business expensing, and increases from $112,000 to $125,000 (indexed for inflation) the total amount of expensing allowed. The bill also expands the number of small businesses that can qualify for the maximum benefit by increasing the phaseout threshold amount from $450,000 to $500,000. Let me also discuss another important provision in this tax bill, and that is the enhancement of the tip credit. I was recently approached about this issue by a chef and restaurant owner in my Congressional District, Sergio Abramof. Sergio owns two excellent restaurants: Sergio's in University Circle, and Sergio's Sarava at Shaker Square. Fortunately, H.R. 976 will allow businesses to continue claiming the full tip credit despite an increase in the Federal minimum wage. That provision will assist workers and restaurants like those owned by Sergio, so I am very pleased that we are including it in this legislation. H.R. 976 is fair, bipartisan legislation that will allow small businesses to continue to be an economic engine. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be an American. I am so proud that we have first amendment freedoms and this House of Representatives has decided to step up and debate the issue of Iraq. I am not ashamed that I want my troops to come home. I am not ashamed to say that the babies that have died in Iraq that come from Cleveland and Chicago, Illinois need to come home and get out of harm's way. I am not unpatriotic; I am as patriotic as the rest. I stand here to say to America today that the Democrats in this House of Representatives and the Democrats in the Senate want a debate. Fortunately, we have a strong leader in the House and we are debating. Somehow, the Senate cannot seem to get off the stoop to give us an opportunity to debate the issue of Iraq. I am proud to be an American. I am proud to have troops who have stood up for us, have given their lives. It is time for us to stand up for them. Let's remember them. Let them not be numbers. Let them and their families know that we care about them.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 63. Today through this resolution, we reiterate our support for our troops, these brave men and women, who even when they did not have proper equipment and resources, continued to serve and protect this country. Today we pledge to offer them the same support they have so willingly given us throughout the conflict. To date, 3,100 soldiers have given their lives in this war and over 20,000 have been injured. I often feel that we gloss over the numbers and forget that each one was an actual person. They were somebody's son, daughter, somebody's mother or father, somebody's brother or sister. They were real people, as real as 19-year-old PVT. Brandon Sloan and 1SG Robert Dowdy, who were the first soldiers from my congressional district to become casualties of this war. There have been many others, including SGT Michael Wiggins, a graduate of Shaw High School in East Cleveland, killed on January 23; or Charles King, a man described by family and friends as a highly decorated, hardworking soldier, died October 14 of injuries sustained when an improvised device detonated near his vehicle; and Samuel Bowen, who was affectionately called ``Smokey'' and always had a great smile on his face. He was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded near his vehicle. At his funeral, Specialist Ronald Eaton, a soldier rescued by Bowen, said, Without regard to himself, without regard to the injuries he had sustained, Sam grabbed me and pulled me to safety. All of these are special stories, but I will share a few more with you about Brandon Sloan and Robert Dowdy. Brandon Sloan was a special young man who exhibited a unique blend of personality and strength, a loving child who played and enjoyed spending time with other children. Later he became a big brother to his sister Brittany, with whom he shared a close relationship. He began his education in East Cleveland and remained in the district until his family moved to Euclid. While in East Cleveland, he developed a love for basketball and continued in various athletic pursuits. In 1996, the family moved to Oakwood in the Bedford School District, and there Brandon became a Bearcat. He confessed his hope in Christ during his high school years and was baptized. Later, he pursued a career in the military where he subsequently gave his life. MSG Robert Dowdy was a native of Cleveland, a member of the 507th Maintenance Company. He was a loving son and devoted husband, a distance runner, placed second in a 10-kilometer run in El Paso. Why am I talking about all of these personal things? Because somehow in the course of this discussion, we have taken it away from being personal, about people. We stand here on the floor talking about a surge, or giving life and saying we are not supporting these troops. These families want their babies to come home and so do I. This past weekend I spoke to the 112th Battalion of the Ohio National Guard. The battalion is the oldest and most decorated military organization in the State of Ohio, with lineage and honors dating back to and including World War I and World War II. These men and women have sacrificed greatly for this country, and now they are being asked to support the President's plan to send 20,000 more troops. I simply cannot support it. You have heard all the things I said previously. This is not the way. We do not need to send any more Brandons or Robert Dowdys or Michael Kings or Sam Bowens over there to die. We pledged to take this country in a new direction without regard to the war in Iraq, through greater accountability, oversight, and through stronger diplomatic and political initiatives. At the services for the 25th Marine Regiment, a Band of Brothers, we lost some 12 young men from Brook Park, and I said to them in my closing words, because these are the words I think these young men are saying to us: ``Please celebrate my life, please have no regrets; we did not spend all the time we wanted, yet the time we had was well spent. We did not reach every rung of that ladder, yet we wrung all that we could from each height. ``We did not sing every song, yet we sang every note of the song we sang, we did not laugh all the time, but when we did we often laughed until we cried or until our stomachs hurt; and when we cried, we cried until our tears ran dry. ``But most of all we loved, and our love is everlasting, if you look for us listen for us, but most of all live for us. ``We have fallen but you can lift us up. Your love, your faith, your support, and your pride was what we needed then; God's love, grace and mercy is what we need now.'' Lift these young men and women who have been killed in Iraq, lift them up and say to the world, no surge, no more young people will be lost in Iraq. Bring our troops home.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Skating Month. This event has run throughout the month of January 2007, sponsored by the United States Figure Skating Association. It highlights contributions of U.S. figure skaters such as the wonderful competitors who participated in this month's U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Spokane, WA, from January 21 through January 28, 2007. Recently, from November 28 through December 2, 2006, my home city of Cleveland, OH, hosted the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships. This event featured young skaters from across the country. Significantly, efforts of the Cleveland Sports Commission, the Greater Cleveland Council of Figure Skating Clubs, and the United States Figure Skating Association resulted in an economic impact of over $1 million in Cleveland, OH. In January of 2009, Cleveland, OH, will again host the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. This will be Cleveland's fourth time hosting the senior championships, previously held in the city in 2000, 1964, and 1940. This competition is one of the most significant events that a city can host. The 2000 championships had an economic impact in Cleveland calculated by the Cleveland Sports Commission at $19.5 million. Figure skating is not only a wonderful sport to watch but is an activity that can be enjoyed by people throughout their lives. The sport is largely run by volunteers who spend countless hours in support of young people and their development. Furthermore, organizations such as Friends of Minority Figure Skating in Cleveland, OH, and the Kids on Ice Program of Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Washington, DC, create opportunities for young people who would not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the sport. At the conclusion of this National Skating Month, I commend parents, coaches, skating clubs, service organizations, and skaters, both youth and adult. Their hard work and sportsmanship is well worth recognition.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 6. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6, which works to stop global warming by creating a fund that will support research in renewable energy sources and encourage energy efficiency. Yesterday, the publishers of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a group of prominent experts including physicist Lawrence Krauss of Case Western Reserve University, said we are perilously close to destroying the stability of our planet by ignoring the threat of climate change. Carbon dioxide levels are 27 percent higher now than at any point in 650,000 years, and 2006 registered as the warmest year in recorded history. We can no longer afford to postpone action. Our need to act now is further enhanced by our Nation's dependence on foreign oil. Currently, we import 60 percent of our oil, and that number will increase to 75 percent in the next four years. With diminishing domestic oil reserves and growing instability in the Middle East, dependence on imported oil leaves our Nation vulnerable to volatility in foreign nations. Yet we can reverse our course, and H.R. 6 takes a step toward doing so. The CLEAN Act will create a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve, which will finance legislation that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency. Although 86 percent of America's energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels, a number of alternatives exist that are better for the environment. Ohio is home to the largest wind turbines east of the Rockies, installed near Bowling Green. These utility-scale turbines produce 1.8 Megawatts of electricity. Honda and Iten Industries are currently studying developing wind farms at their facilities in Ashtabula and Logan counties. As part of its Sustainability Program, the City of Cleveland has partnered with Green Energy Ohio to study the feasibility of installing wind turbines on Lake Erie. Ohio is also a leader in biofuels. Most gasoline sold in Ohio contains 10 percent ethanol, and the Ohio Department of Development offers incentives for research in agricultural-based fuels. Ohioans are installing solar panels on their roofs to heat their water, buying hybrid cars to decrease fuel consumption, and building low-impact dams to produce hydro-power. The City of Cleveland is building new bike lanes to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home. Ohioans are committed to using cleaner energy, but doing so is expensive. The reserve fund established by H.R. 6 would provide the means needed to pursue these environmentally sound strategies. This reserve will be financed by reinvesting money that used to go to large oil companies through tax breaks, allowing Congress to provide this fund without increasing the deficit. Critics of H.R. 6 argue this measure will place an undue burden on oil companies, which will lead to higher gas prices. However, by helping reduce our dependence on oil and diversifying the source of energy for Americans, H.R. 6 will lead to increased long-run fuel price stability. Even President Bush has said, ``Energy companies do not need taxpayer funded incentives to explore for oil and gas.'' Other critics argue the threat of global warming has not been proved. Those in denial ignore the opinions of not only the scientific community, but of corporations such as Wal-Mart and General Electric, state and local governments around the country, and the National Academy of Sciences, who all agree that the fight to stop global warming must start now. H.R. 6 will not single-handedly solve our climate change problems, but it is one part of an elaborate strategy we must undertake in order to ensure that the planet we love will be here for our grandchildren's grandchildren. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man known as ``The Greatest,'' Muhammad Ali on the occasion of his 65th birthday. We passed the legislation today, but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to speak. Those that know me know that I am a huge boxing fan, and Muhammad Ali is certainly one of the reasons why I enjoy the sport so much. I can recall watching his fights and being in awe of his style and gracefulness in the ring. He was a masterful self-promoter, and won over throngs of fans and media alike with his charm and charisma. But it is his undeniable skill that kept him at the top of his game. His style is something that has often been imitated but never duplicated. Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top heavyweight in his era, an era which has been called the Golden Age of Heavyweight Boxing. Ali was named ``Fighter of the Year'' by Ring Magazine more times than any other fighter and was involved in Ring Magazine ``Fight of the Year'' bouts more than any other fighter. He is an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and holds wins over seven other Hall of Fame inductions. He is also one of only three boxers to be named ``Sportsman of the Year'' by Sports Illustrated. But Muhammad Ali was more than an athlete, he was a revolutionary. He was a man that was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. His prowess in the ring pales in comparison to his character and integrity as a human being. He refused to fight in the Vietnam war, famously stating, ``I ain't got no quarrel with those Vietcong.'' His actions led to his banishment from boxing in the United States and forced him to fight abroad. Near the end of 1967, Ali was stripped of his title by the Professional Boxing Commission and would not be allowed to fight professionally for more than 3 years. He was also convicted for refusing induction into the Army and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Over the course of those years in exile, Ali fought to appeal his conviction. He stayed in the public spotlight and supported himself by giving speeches, primarily at rallies on college campuses, that opposed the Vietnam war. In 1970, he was allowed to fight again, and in late 1971 the Supreme Court reversed his convictions. When I was a law student at Case Western Reserve University, Muhammad Ali was scheduled to speak. I was driving down the street in this little boxcar, and I looked out my window to the right, and who was walking down the street but Muhammad Ali. I rolled my window down in my modest way and said, ``What are you doing walking down the street? Get in my car.'' Muhammad Ali got in my car. I had two little boys in the back seat, and throughout the ride to the campus he recited poetry to these two young men. When we arrived at campus, I said, ``Mr. Ali, do you have a ride back to the airport?'' He said, ``No.'' I said, ``Now you do. You've got a ride.'' So he spoke. We drove the young people home to their parents. One little boy got out of the car and ran up to the house and said, ``Mommy, mommy, guess who is in the car? Muhammad Ali.'' That mom slapped the little boy and said, ``Stop lying and get in this house.'' Muhammad Ali gets out of the house and goes to the door and knocks on the door, and the mother almost fainted. So then I drive him back to the airport. That was such a wonderful experience, to see this man of such great talent spend so much time with these young people. I will never forget the opportunities that I had to meet Muhammad Ali. On another occasion he came to speak in Cleveland connected with Warith Deen Muhammad, the son of Elijah Muhammad. But Mr. Speaker, it is such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life of the man known as ``The Greatest,'' Muhammad Ali.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand on behalf of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives this afternoon to say we are going to pass a prescription drug change in the benefit given to seniors last year. And it is not going to take us 3 hours and any arm twisting, because this is our opportunity to say to seniors across this country that you ought to have your Secretary of Health and Human Services be able to negotiate the lowest price. Right now it is going great, but we need to put in place in the law an opportunity for the Secretary to make a change when the winds of time change, because they will change. It is important that our seniors understand that they do have a benefit, but the benefit can be improved. It is always interesting to me that they dump on the Veterans' Administration when they want to tout it all the time as not a good health care plan. If it ain't a good health care plan for the veterans, change it. Make it better for the veterans. They are over there fighting and losing their lives. A prescription drug benefit is such a significant opportunity for our seniors, and so I am glad to stand on behalf of all the Democrats and those good-thinking Republicans in the House of Representatives. Pass H.R. 4. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4, which will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for lower drug prices for people enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans. As drug prices soar, this issue is becoming more important for Medicare recipients and their families. According to a recent AARP study, between 2002 and 2005, prices for the most widely used brand-name prescription drugs increased an average of 6.6 percent per year. That is more than twice the 2.5 percent average inflation rate for that same period of time. It is not fair to expect American families to keep paying such price increases for their prescription drugs. In my home state of Ohio, we have about 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries who stand to benefit from the lower prices that could result if the Secretary of HHS is given the power to negotiate. Of those 1.8 million Ohioans, 625,000 are already enrolled in Part D and would immediately see the benefits of lower drug prices. Congress should no longer stand in the way. We need to require the HHS Secretary to negotiate for lower drug prices and soften the health and economic burden that millions of American families currently experience. This would not be anything new. Right now, government-funded health programs, such as Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs, are able to negotiate with drug companies and reach agreements that offer their participants low drug prices while still rewarding drug companies for the valuable research they conduct. According to the Government Accountability Office, the VA achieves savings of between 30 and 50 percent for their patients through negotiation. This same level of saving can also be achieved for Medicare beneficiaries. Moreover, the result of not allowing the HHS Secretary to negotiate lower drug prices puts a disproportionate burden on senior citizens and retirees, who are those that need affordable drugs the most. Drug companies deserve applause for the advances they have made for the good of all people, but we also owe it to the American people to ensure they receive the medication they need at a fair price. With rising health care, housing, and energy costs, a decrease in drug prices would go a long way to helping middle class Americans meet their needs. Support H.R. 4.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I would like to compliment my colleague Diana DeGette and my colleague Mr. Castle for their leadership in this area. I rise today on behalf of my 86-year-old father, who carried bags for United Airlines for 40 years, who currently is suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. I go visit him, and he knows who I am. But this man used to walk and play 18 holes of golf. He used to talk to me about golf. He used to talk to me about being just a great daughter and how proud he was of me. And now I do get, ``I love you,'' but I would have loved to have been able to see him be more of the Andrew Tubbs that I grew up with. So I rise in support of my father, and I rise to say to the American public and my colleagues, it is time for us to understand the difference between being able to do research ethically and to get caught up and lost in some conversation about what we should or should not be doing. In my congressional district, the Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, composed of investigators from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Athersys, and Ohio State University, is doing fantastic research. The mission of the center is to utilize adult human stem cells and tissue engineering technology to treat human disease. It would be wonderful for them to be able to expand the research they are doing. I met a young woman who is having a problem walking. Based on the research that was done, they took her tissue, did some research, and I don't know all the details, and now she is able to walk. I met a young man who was having problems with cancer. Based on the research they have done at that center, this young man is fostering and doing well. I just say, ladies and gentlemen, vote for this legislation. We need the research.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the gentlewoman from California for her leadership in overseeing this Out of Iraq task force. Clearly, the work that this task force has done had an impact on the elections of 2006 and continues to have an impact as we go down the line. I want to be very brief. Last night, I went home and I turned on the President's speech; and as a good American, I wanted him to convince me that there was reason to send 21,000 young men and women back into Iraq. See, as a young Congresswoman, this is my 8th year, I have attended five funerals: a young man 19, another young man 28, another young man 28, another one 40-something, and another one in his 30s. And I sat there and I looked into the faces of those mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, spouses and children; and it was hard for me to come up with words to explain to them why their family members had died. We can talk about how they paid the ultimate price; but I wanted to say to them, ladies and gentlemen, I am not going to let their deaths be just another number in this 2,000, 3,000 young men and women we have lost. So I waited last night for President Bush to tell me something, give me an indication, say, Stephanie, this is why we need to send 21,000 more people; and I never got it. I never, ever got it. So it is hard for me to explain to my constituency that we ought to send 21,000 more people. So I come to the floor once again this evening to say to Ms. Waters and all the rest of my colleagues in the Out of Iraq conference, it is the same old song with a different meaning. Same beat, same old song over and over again. It is time to come out of Iraq.

Mr. JONES of Ohio

Mr. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2007, bipartisan compromise legislation to finally allow the District of Columbia voting representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This balanced legislation, introduced by my honorable colleague from the District of Columbia, would give her constituents a vote in this chamber while adding a House seat for the state of Utah. Among the capitals of democratic nations around the world, the U.S. is the only country where its capital district citizens cannot vote in the national legislature. Washington, DC, while serving as the Nation's capital, also has many of the functions of a county or state. DC operates its own police force, school system, legal code, occupational licensure and vehicle inspections. Today, the District of Columbia is home to 120 neighborhoods and a population of 572,000. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population of Washington, DC is greater than that of the state of Wyoming (494,000) and is comparable to the states of Vermont (609,000), Alaska (627,000), and North Dakota (642,000). Proximity no longer means influence in the District of Columbia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports its unemployment rate is 6 percent, above the national average of 4.5 percent. DC's poverty rate is 17.5 percent, five points above the national average. According to DC Vote, DC citizens pay higher per capita federal income taxes than any other state. DC citizens are subject to all our laws, serve on juries, fight our wars and pay taxes, yet have no voting representation in the U.S. Congress. Not only does DC have no say in the governance of our Nation, they have diminished voices in the governance of their own city. The very Congress which holds the power of the purse regarding DC's budget, also has the power to repeal any DC law enacted by its city council. It's time for fairness for the citizens of Washington, DC. As the representative of another great city, I am proud to support voting rights for the great city of Washington, DC, am proud to support the Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2007 and call for its swift passage.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. This bill provides a long-awaited increase to the federal minimum wage by $2.10 over 2 years--from its present level of $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. women, families and the minimum wage I am pleased that, in 2007, my home state of Ohio has joined the 27 states across the nation that have fully enacted a minimum wage above the federal level. Minimum wage female workers account for 60 percent of minimum wage workers in Ohio. Ohio Policy Matters reports that approximately 253,000 Ohio children have a parent who benefits from the states recently enacted increase. Even more will benefit 2 years from this bill's enactment, when the minimum wage is raised to $7.25. While opponents of increasing the minimum wage often claim that minimum-wage workers are largely middle-class teenagers, recent reports from the U.S. Census demonstrate that among those workers who would benefit from this legislation, nearly half (48 percent) are the household's chief breadwinner. The Economic Policy Institute reports that 1.4 million working mothers would receive a direct raise and three million working mothers could be positively impacted by the Fair Minimum Wage Act. Nearly 4 million parents would benefit from an increase, including an estimated 623,000 single moms who would receive a direct raise under this bill. According to the Center on Budget Policy Priorities, in 2006, the federal poverty line for a family of four was about $20,000, well below what most Americans would consider a decent standard of living to sustain a family. Currently, a family of four with one minimum-wage earner has a total income, including food stamps and the Earned Income Tax Credit, of only $18,950, $1,550 below the poverty line. Historic Precedents The minimum wage has been frozen at its current level for more than 9 years--the longest period without a minimum wage increase in U.S. history. Since its 1938 inception, there has been only one other period in which the minimum wage has remained unchanged for more than 9 years, from January 1981 until April 1990. History has proven that past increases in the minimum wage have not had a negative impact on the economy. In the four years after the last minimum wage increase, the economy enjoyed its strongest growth in more than three decades, adding nearly 11 million new jobs. Small business employment grew more in states with higher minimum wage rates than in states with the federal minimum wage states--9.4 percent versus 6.6 percent. closing remarks I am proud to support this bill. Its immediate consideration in these opening days of the 110th Congress is proof that when the Democrats have sway, working families have their way.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of ``Little'' Jimmy Scott, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, located in my congressional district, who will be honored on Friday, January 12, 2007, in New York City with the Jazz Masters Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA. Born in 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, as one of ten children, Jimmy Scott has been delighting audiences with his vocal talents around the country and around the globe since he was a young man. He began by performing throughout Northeast Ohio, sharing the stage with some of the most famous names in jazz. He began his solo career at Harlem's Baby Grand, impressing the likes of Billie Holiday and well-known songwriter Doc Pomus. Jimmy Scott's friendship with Doc Pomus began during that stint in Harlem and lasted for 45 years and endured despite long periods away from the microphone. In fact, it was not until Jimmy Scott sang at Doc Pomus' funeral in 1991 that he gained international fame and began to tour around the world. His re-emergence as a singer was heralded by his Grammy- nominated album, ``All the Way,'' and he has thrilled fans, both young and old, ever since. Established in 1982, the National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Masters Award has recognized numerous jazz artists, ranging from household names to less well-known performers. The 2007 Jazz Masters will be honored with an awards ceremony and concert, a one-time $25,000 fellowship and a 50-state Jazz Masters Tour. NEA Jazz Masters are selected from nominations from the public and reviewed by a panel of jazz experts before being submitted to the National Council on the Arts and the Chairman of the NEA. Therefore, on behalf of the people of the 11 th Congressional District, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize ``Little'' Jimmy Scott on being selected as a 2007 Jazz Master and to thank him for-- sharing his beautiful voice and boundless talent with fans around the world.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this tax legislation. H.R. 6111 includes many important provisions for the benefit of the American economy. Although I would have preferred a longer extension, this bill extends for one year: The R&D Tax Credit, which is a job creator and important to our domestic manufacturers, keeping them competitive globally; The Welfare-to-Work and Work-Opportunity Tax Credits, which are incentives for employers that hire economically disadvantaged individuals with significant barriers to employment; and The New Markets Tax Credit, which is important to the economic revitalization of our urban areas, such as Cleveland, Ohio. And there are many more important tax provisions that this bill contains, in particular one which I have worked with Congressmen Mike Turner and John Boehner and the Ohio delegation in a bipartisan fashion last year. It deals with Regional Income Tax Agencies, and it helps municipalities improve their tax collection. In my home State of Ohio we have the Regional Income Tax Agency (also known as RITA), which provides services to collect income tax for 120 municipalities in the state--including the cities of Shaker Heights, East Cleveland, Beachwood, and others in my district. However, because their individual populations do not exceed 250,000 people, these cities cannot receive Federal tax information from the IRS in order to better and more accurately collect local taxes. This legislation will allow municipalities that are members of Regional Income Tax Agencies to receive tax information from the IRS. Ohio RITA has determined that this will have two important economic benefits to Ohio cities: 1. Identification of delinquent taxpayers, which significantly enhance tax revenues to RITA municipalities in Ohio to the extent of a projected $21 million per year, and 2. Streamlining current business processes, thereby reducing costs to member municipalities. Additional revenues are exactly what cities in Ohio need as local governments face tough decisions to cut critical services such as police and fire protection. These additional funds can now go towards those key social services, as well as our schools. That is why I am in favor of this legislation and support its passage. However, let me state that I am greatly disappointed that relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is not in this legislation. The temporary AMT relief that Congress passed earlier this year expires at the end of this year, and it is not being extended in this legislation. That means that without AMT relief 15 million Americans face a tax increase as they stand to be hit by the AMT next year. The Republican leadership decided to punt to the Democrats on that issue. But that is okay, as we Democrats have vowed next year to defuse the ticking time bomb that is the AMT. The American people have placed us, Democrats, in the majority for a reason. They trust us to tackle the important issues that affect American families--and we will deliver.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of Wilbert Black. It seems like Mr. Black has always been a part of my life--not true. I started frequenting his place of business 20 years ago. Back then his chair is where Darryl's chair is now. At that time you could not make an appointment--it was first come, first served. My sister Barbara would come home from Connecticut and we would race to be first at the salon, sometime as early as 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning. He was known as ``The Curl King,'' in all of his regalia--tuxedos, three-piece suits, Gator shoes and his hair always in place. He kept an immaculate salon with tasty treats like coffee, cookies, wine, cheese and champagne. Mr. Black not only was my hairstylist, he was my friend. He was never too busy for me. He always made himself available, offering constructive criticism and encouraging words. He was my political ally. He had a wall in his shop dedicated to me and my accomplishments. Everyone knew how much he respected and adored me and how much I loved him. He loved the city of East Cleveland. From Euclid Avenue to Hayden Road to Noble Road, he was involved in every political campaign for candidates and issues. He worked the polls and did whatever it took to ensure that the people of East Cleveland exercised their right to vote. Once President Bill Clinton came to Cleveland and Mr. Black agreed to drive a van as part of the President's caravan. He enjoyed it so much and talked about it constantly. My only regret was that the photo taken by the official photographer never reached Mr. Black though I tried my darndest to get it. Sometimes getting my hair done was an all day experience! People used to say, ``. . . what do you do all day, or what does Mr. Black do to your hair that takes all day?'' Well let me take you through the day. You arrived and you were greeted with a huge smile and a big hug. He would ask about my family and then we would discuss current events in the city, the country and around the world. Then he would seat me in the main chair. There he would check my hair for any new growth and its condition. Then he would ask, ``. . . when was your last service,'' ``. . . what are we going to do today,'' or ``. . . do you want to do something different?'' Then it was on to the sink for a vigorous washing and conditioning. Then he would have me sit under the dryer for about 20 minutes. Then it was back to the main chair for styling. I was so looking forward to my visit to Mr. Black's salon on November 8th the day after the election. I was scheduled for a trim, wash and condition. But more importantly I was looking forward to our discussions of the elections. Mr. Black wanted the Democrats to be in the majority in the House and Senate as much as I did. He wanted Strickland to beat Blackwell, wanted gaming in Ohio, wanted the minimum wage increased, wanted our children to have a better education, wanted business, particularly in black communities to thrive, and wanted the best for his city, the city of East Cleveland. I can just hear him saying, ``Miss Jones, Miss Jones, what about these Democrats . . . Miss Jones, Miss Jones I am so glad Rumsfeld is gone . . . Miss Jones, President Bush is in trouble now!'' His television was always on CNN, and I can remember vividly having spirited political conversations in his salon with him and Mrs. Black, and Darryl. The Black Family was a strong one. Often when I arrived at the salon they would show me their pictures from their numerous trips across the country. I especially remember the ones from the fights in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. We did attend one fight together in Atlantic City. That photo now hangs on my wall of fame in the salon. I always wanted to travel with him, but I was afraid that my wardrobe could not compete with Mr. Black's impeccable sense of style. When the expression ``sharp as a tack'' was coined, they must have been talking about Mr. Black. He was always immaculately dressed--suit, shirts, shoes, tie, cuff links, all meticulously selected. Each hair on his head would be in place. He was often known to do hair in his tuxedo! He took great pride in his appearance and I always admired that. I had the privilege of nominating Mr. Black for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Unsung Heroes award. I remember him being so proud receiving his award. We had a wonderful time that day. He is truly an unsung hero. With more than 30 years in business, he is an institution, an icon, a beacon on the comer of Noble Road. He was a wonderful husband. He and Odessa were a model of success in marriage, friendship, business and parenting. Nothing was more fun that to hear them go back and forth with each other. They were a couple who loved each, their profession and their children and grandchildren. His sons Darryl and Petey could not have had a better role model. He set the example for his sons and shared his knowledge with them. We at Bethany Baptist Church were happy when the Black family joined our church, but no more happy than his sister Charlotte Blue one of our longtime members. When Mr. Black found out he had cancer he got ready to fight. He handled his illness with such dignity. He kept going and going. I recall I tried to cancel my last appointment but he would not let me. He insisted that he would do my hair. He took his time and I refused to rush him. I wanted more than anything to just say ``Rest, Mr. Black,'' but he would not hear it. He was going to finish no matter what. Mr. Black, I am sure you are in heaven with the rest of your family, probably doing hair in your salon. I can imagine the immaculate decorations, the flowers, the seating, the stations, the cheerful greeting, and the broad smile. Rest well, my friend, my ally, my hero extraordinaire.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I join the people of Illinois and the people of this country in celebrating the tremendous service of my dear colleague and friend Congressman Lane Evans. Congressman Evans was a native of Rock Island, IL. Drawing on his first-hand experience a U.S. Marine Veteran in Vietnam, Congressman Evans has fought hard to bring to light the experience for our veterans in the Persian Gulf War. His experience served him well on the Armed Services Committee. He worked to increase funding and to expand and build new veteran clinics across America. Before coming to Congress, Evans fought as a lawyer for working families and the poor in Rock Island. In Congress, in addition to fighting for veterans he also fought for the Environment. In fact, he was named an ``Environmental Hero'' by the League of Conservation Voters and he was awarded the Conservationist of the Year in 1995 by the Illinois Sierra Club. My most fond memories of Rep. Evans were when Lane invited me to participate in the Homecourt Basketball Tournament. Homecourt Charity Basketball Game features members of Congress playing against the Georgetown Law School Faculty to raise money for the Homeless Legal Center. In 2000, Mervyn L. Jones II, my son, age 16, began playing on our team. He has played in every game since 2000. Mervyn and Lane have gotten to know each other well and he and I will miss our annual games under the leadership of Lane Evans. Lane was the manager and former Rep. Carrie Meek and I were the coaches. Upon Rep. Meek's retirement I took on the coaching responsibilities. I am committed to keeping the Lane Evans Homecourt Basketball tradition alive. I will truly miss my friend and colleague, Lane Evans' presence on the hill and on the Basketball Court. I pray that God will continue to bless Lane Evans and his family.