Stephanie Jones

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th Birthday of my Godfather, Riley Moore. Riley Moore exemplifies all the qualities one would want or expect from a Godfather. I am 57 years old and Riley Moore and his wife of 56 years, Mattie, have not missed a birthday, a graduation, a Christmas, an election victory, the birth of my son, my marriage, the celebration of the life of my mother, or any other significant or insignificant event in my life. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful for the love and instruction I have received from Riley and Mattie Moore. Riley and my father, Andrew Tubbs, worked together as skycaps for United Airlines for almost forty years. My mother, Mary Tubbs, and Mattie Moore were born on the same day. They were both members of the Wives Club, an organization composed of wives of skycaps. The Wives Club hosted picnics, parties and other events in support of their husbands. Riley introduced my father to the game of golf more than fifty years ago. He and my father have since golfed all over the world. Their circle of friends in golf includes Charles Sifford, who was recently inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in Scotland. It also includes Renee Powell, one of only three African-American women to ever play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) tour, and her father, William Powell, who was the first African American to design, construct, own and operate a golf course. This golf course is located not far from my district, in Canton, Ohio. At age 90, Riley is still an avid golfer. Although Riley and Mattie have moved from Cleveland to Centerville, Tennessee, they have yet to miss an opportunity to celebrate an event in my life. In addition, they call my 86-year-old father every Sunday. Although he is homebound, he eagerly looks forward to these weekly phone calls from his friend. Mr. Speaker, I wish that everyone could have a godfather like my godfather, Riley Moore.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a constituent of the 11th Congressional of Ohio, the starting quarterback for the Ohio State University football team, Mr. Troy Smith. Mr. Smith is currently a senior majoring in communications. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Smith attended Glenville High School, which he led to the state playoffs. After a strong senior year at Glenville, Smith was invited as one of eleven of the top high school quarterbacks at the elite 11 competition where he earned great praise. Following his performance, Ohio State recruited Smith late in the recruiting process. As a freshman, Smith played sparingly as a running back and kick returner. As a sophomore, Smith was a backup quarterback but took over as starter when starter Justin Zwick was injured halfway through the season. Smith won four of five games as a starter, including a victory over archrival Michigan. Soon after, Coach Jim Tressel decided to make Smith the sole starting quarterback. Smith was named the Offensive MVP of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl after leading the Buckeyes in a victory over the University of Notre Dame. Smith was recently honored as one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the top senior college quarterback. In three games against Michigan, Smith has a total of 1,151 yards of total offense, two rushing touchdowns, and seven passing touchdowns. Smith is the first Ohio State starting quarterback to win three straight games against Michigan. Additionally, Troy Smith is the frontrunner for the 2006 Heisman Trophy award. As his Congresswoman, I am confident that he will receive this honor. I have been a Troy Smith booster for many years. I have personally known Troy since 1999, when he and my son Mervin attended St. Edwards High School together. I have known Troy's father, Irvin, since kindergarten, when we attended Mile Standish Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio. We have maintained a friendship throughout the years. I am so proud of Troy Smith's accomplishments and pray that God continue to bless him, keep him healthy, and give him the wisdom to make good decisions. It is thus my pleasure, on behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District, to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of Ohio State University football player Troy Smith, one of our own.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Professors Mark Lewine and Ormond Brathwaite, both of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) located in my congressional district, who will be honored on Thursday, November 16, 2006 here in Washington, DC for their excellence in undergraduate teaching as part of the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program. For more than 20 years Dr. Mark Lewine has remained committed to undergraduate education. During his tenure at Cuyahoga Community College, he has done much to support the teaching and learning environment. He founded and directed the Center for Community Research at the college and was active in promoting the Society for Anthropology in Community Colleges. He is active with the American Anthropological Association, serving on its Advisory Committee. Dr. Lewine regularly gives informative and passionate presentation about undergraduate teaching and the importance of providing opportunities to non- traditional students. For his work, Tri-C has awarded him with the College's Besse Award recognizing the energy, creativity, discipline and high expectations he brings to his teaching. Dr. Ormond Brathwaite has consistently demonstrated effective teaching both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Brathwaite holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the City University of New York. He began his career at Cuyahoga Community College in 1994 as an assistant professor in chemistry and biology. Dr. Brathwaite is committed to student learning and student success. He serves as a faculty mentor to Bridges to Success in the Sciences students and has been very instrumental in the success of the program. Additionally, Dr. Brathwaite was a recipient of the NISOD Excellence Award in 2004 and received the National Role Model Mentor Award in 2003. Therefore it is my pleasure, on behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District to recognize Professors Mark Lewine and Ormond Brathwaite--two gifted educators whose commitment to providing quality education to all is to be commended.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of Gerald Levert. On November 10, 2006, beloved entertainer, father, son, brother, and friend Gerald Levert departed this life at the age of 40. Gerald was one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Known for his silky- smooth vocals and electrifying showmanship, Gerald was adored the world over and will truly be missed. He was a son of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. Born in Philadelphia on July 13, 1966 and raised in Cleveland, Gerald is the son of legendary singer Eddie Levert of The O'Jays and Martha Levert. Gerald was exposed to music at an early age, traveling with his father's band regularly. While attending Shaker Heights High School, Gerald formed the group LeVert along with his brother Sean and friend Mark Gordon. The group would go on to record seven albums, four of which were certified platinum. The albums yielded such memorable hits as ``Pop, Pop Goes My Mind,'' ``Casanova,'' and ``ABC-123.'' In 1991, Gerald launched his solo career with the album Private Line which went on to be #1 on the R&B charts. It was during this time that he began writing and producing songs for other artists including Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Teddy Pendergrass, and even The O'Jays. Gerald earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Barry White's 1995 hit ``Practice What You Preach,'' and helped launch the careers of many Cleveland-area R&B groups including Men At Large and the Rude Boyz. Some of Gerald's most memorable works were his collaborations with his father Eddie Levert. In 1992 they recorded the #1 R&B single ``Baby Hold On To Me'' and later in 1995 recorded the album Father & Son which topped the R&B charts. Gerald and Eddie allowed the old school generation and the hip-hop generation to have a meeting of the minds that ultimately produced beautiful music for all to enjoy. Affectionately known as the ``teddy bear'' of the music industry, Gerald carried himself with a gentle kindness. He always would greet you with a smile and was a friend to all he encountered. News reports of Gerald's death talked about his recent trip to South Africa with his father. They reported that he and his father were well received throughout the country and treated like kings. Gerald was our king and his legacy of love and zest for life will forever live in our hearts. On behalf of the Congress of the United States and the citizens of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Levert. On a personal note, I cherish the times I was in cities when he was on the road and Gerald recognized me as his Congresswoman and gave me my own teddy bear. I also will never forget the last time we spent together in New York during the induction of The O'Jays into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a great civic leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson. On October 8, 2006, Rev. Jesse Jackson will celebrate his 65th Birthday. Today, we the Congressional Black Caucus, pause to recognize this great leader in the area of civil rights. Once an aide to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson has been a political activist and public figure since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Jackson, a Baptist minister, is the founder of the non- profit organization Rainbow/PUSH. He has several times been an unofficial U.S. envoy in diplomatic missions; in 1999 he helped secure the release of three American military prisoners from Yugoslavia. He has been a candidate twice for the Presidency of the United States and while unsuccessful made a tremendous impact on American politics, opening doors for many minorities to run for elected office. Reverend Jackson is a role model who has touched the lives of many and his legacy will live forever. It is because of you, Reverend Jackson, that we can say ``I am Somebody!'' In this celebration of your life may you bask in the pride, love, and admiration of your family and friends, as well as give thanks for your happiness.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank my colleagues for support of H. Res. 295. I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution introduced to establish September as Campus Fire Safety Month. I want to commend my colleague, my cosponsor, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), for all of the work he has been doing in this area. Many of you recognize that Mr. Weldon has long been involved in fire safety law enforcement and with firefighter issues during his career. This legislation encourages administrators and municipalities across the country to provide educational programs to all students during September and throughout the school year. Additionally, the resolution calls for evaluation of the level of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing and taking the necessary steps to ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education. It encourages installation of fire suppression and detection systems and the development and enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety. My colleague in the Senate, Mr. Mike DeWine, introduced companion legislation to this resolution in the Senate. My colleagues have already talked about 89 people having been killed in student housing since January of 2000. Almost 80 percent of the fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus occupancies such as rented houses and apartments. Common factors in a number of these fires include lack of automatic sprinklers, disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials and alcohol consumption. According to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, April and May, followed by August and September, are the two most dangerous periods of time for student housing fire fatalities. Last year, September was designated as National Campus Fire Safety Month. Currently, 27 States have issued proclamations declaring September as Campus Fire Safety Month. H. Res. 295 is supported by the Center for Campus Fire Safety, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Firefighters, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the International Code Council, Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the International Fire Marshals. It is also supported by many colleges fraternities and sororities across this country, and they have been advocates on our behalf. For the past few Congresses, I have introduced H. Res. 128, known as the College Fire and Prevention Act. This legislation would establish a demonstration incentive program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories, and for other purposes. The Congressional Fire Services Institute and others have endorsed this fire prevention legislation. Fire safety and prevention is an issue that needs to be addressed across the country. Over these few years we have seen many tragedies involving fires at colleges, places of business, entertainment venues, and places of residence. We must begin to put in place our fire suppression measures against fires and increase support and resources for our firefighters to ensure that no more lives are lost to fires that could have been prevented. I thank all of my colleagues for supporting this resolution, and I know that students across this country, and particularly their parents, will be very happy that we have begun the process of instituting this legislation. I encourage all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we can increase awareness about this problem that affects us all. And besides that I want to thank my staff, one of them on the floor tonight, Steve Abbott, and others who have worked so very hard with me in order to get this legislation passed. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Oberlin College and its distinguished African American alumni during the October 6-8, 2006 reunion of the Oberlin College Alumni Association's affiliate group, the Oberlin Alumni Association of African Ancestry. The reunion entitled, ``And We Rise! . . . Celebrating over 170 years of the Black Presence at Oberlin College,'' acknowledges the historic and present contributions of Oberlin College and its illustrious African American alumni toward the establishment of a world and a nation based upon the principles of social and economic justice. We commend Oberlin College for its remarkable role in fostering higher education among African Americans and we encourage Oberlin's African American alumni to keep engaged with their alma mater to ensure that future generations will have educational access to develop the skills needed to address the complex challenges that face our people and our Nation in the days ahead.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I absolutely agree with you, my colleague. And I want to thank you for your leadership on this issue, and I thought I would give you a moment to take a break. The real reality is that in Cleveland we have suffered so greatly since 2001. Since 2001, in the city of Cleveland alone we have lost 60,000 jobs, and those 60,000 jobs were high-paying jobs. These were jobs of steel workers; these were jobs of people in the auto manufacturing area. And when you start talking about unemployment, the discussion always is that these folks have gone back to work. They have gone back to work, but what kind of money are they making? They are making $5, $6, $7, $8 an hour instead of the $20 that they were making. So they move from being part of the middle class to part of the working poor, where they are working every day, they are getting paid wages, and they are still very poor. Let me give you an example. President Bush talks about economic change that has occurred since he has been in this administration. But the reality is that economic change has not hit those of us who go to work every day. Let's take a look at this chart here. If you look, the minimum wage has not increased any in 9 years, but whole milk, the cost of whole milk has increased 24 percent. How many families end up having to purchase gallons of milk, gallons of milk to take care of their babies and their kids and their high school students? Let's look at bread. Bread costs have increased 25 percent. Minimum wage still at zero. Let's look at a 4-year public college education, increased 77 percent, and minimum wage is still at the same. Let's look at health insurance, increased almost 100 percent, 97 percent; and minimum wage is still a zero increase. And then let's take a look at regular gasoline, increased 136 percent. Now, right now, the gas is going down, and we don't want people to be fooled that gas is going down in reality, because this election is about to come up, and they don't want to be accused of having high gas prices very close to the election. But don't be fooled. Minimum wage still has not gone up, bread has not gone down, milk has not gone down, college education has not gone down, health insurance has not gone down. In fact, there are people who are in bankruptcy as a result of not being able to afford health insurance. And as a result of the cost of their health insurance, they are in bankruptcy losing their house because they have to pay the cost of health insurance.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Absolutely. And it is a security crisis for us to have people who are going to work that are unhealthy. How many of you have ever gone to work and get to work and somebody has the flu, or they have something, and you get to work and you have the flu and people start coughing on one another and the whole office needs to go home because that one person couldn't go somewhere and get taken care of? It is a terrible situation for us to be in currently. I have got one more chart, and then I am going to leave it to the 30- something Group. I am 30-something-plus, but I am going to leave it to the 30-somethings when I get done. Let's look at another increase, congressional salary increase versus minimum wage increase. I am a Member of Congress. I voted for a congressional salary increase. But I have always voted and screamed and hollered for a minimum wage increase, and I can't seem to get it to happen. In 1998, the congressional salary increase was $3,100; minimum wage, a big fat zero. In 2000, the congressional salary increase was $4,600; minimum wage increase, zero. 2001, $3,800; minimum wage increase, zero. 2002, $4,900; minimum wage increase, zero. And the chart goes on. And as recent as this year, 2006, the congressional wage increase was $3,100. And you know what? Minimum wage was zero. Now, there are some of my colleagues who won't vote for a congressional salary increase. And you know why they won't vote for it? Because they think their constituents will say, why should you get an increase? But they won't vote for a congressional increase and they won't vote to increase the minimum wage. It is unfair; it is outrageous. And if we are going to be a competitive country, working people, people at the bottom of the rung, the working poor who go to work every day, who work hard to take care of their families ought to get paid. I am so glad to join the 30-something Group here. My colleague, Kendrick Meek, I want you to know how proud I am of you, of the work that you are doing in your area and on the national scene. These two young men have shown strong leadership. When the Democrats take control of the House, we are going to be in great shape. We have got a farm team operating right here.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. And the beautiful thing about it is, and maybe I misstated when I said that we haven't voted for a minimum wage increase, we haven't voted for a stand-alone minimum wage increase. You know how they did that? What they did is, Okay, working folk, we are going to take care of you. We will say we will give you a minimum wage increase, but it will be included in a package where we give the top 1 percent, a few families, $1 trillion in tax cuts. Outrageous. It doesn't make any sense. And know when the Democratic leadership takes over, we are going to take care of the working people, and they won't have to worry about anything else. They want to couch us as being tax-and-spend Democrats and not concerned about security, but we are going to take care of the working people, and they will know that we will be there for them. Gentlemen, thank you very much. On that, I am going to see you later.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, President Bush and the congressional Republicans refuse to face reality when it comes to the economic conditions the American middle class and working poor now face. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, President Bush continues to contend that things are good for American workers. Just what numbers is he looking at? Surely, it cannot be the economic numbers that show average workers today are making $3,000 less than they did 5 years ago, if you adjust for inflation. The President must also be ignoring numbers showing that wages and salaries now make up the lowest proportion of the economy since the government began taking records back in 1947. While wages have been stagnant, corporate profits have climbed to their highest levels since the 1960s. Mr. Speaker, that last fact must be the one that the President is referring to when he touts the economy. It may be working well for the President's wealthy special-interest friends who are forcing their workers to be more productive without allowing them to share in the profits. Is this really fair? Democrats believe we need to take our economy in a new direction, one that looks out for all Americans, not just the privileged few.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Millender-McDonald for yielding me time and her leadership on the issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4844. It is a shame that this Congress, who just months earlier joined together in a bipartisan effort to renew the Voting Rights Act, would now propose such a divisive piece of legislation that has the potential to disenfranchise millions of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I witnessed firsthand in my home State, Ohio, the great lengths that people have gone to in order to suppress votes. Now Congress is trying to implement its own brand of voter suppression. I have heard them argue that funds will be provided to allow people to get ID cards. Funds were provided in HAVA to allow the Secretary of State to educate voters, but instead our Secretary of State took $2.5 million, put his own face on TV in order to lead his own gubernatorial race. Similar legislation was enacted in Ohio. On September 1, Judge Kathleen O'Malley granted a preliminary injunction that prohibits the enforcement of parts of that Ohio bill that would have allowed poll workers to inquire if a voter is a naturalized citizen and ask for proof. In her ruling, Judge O'Malley stated it was inconsistent with and undermined the purpose of the National Voting Rights Act. I ask each of my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues today to recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities during this newly established National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, September 10 through September 16. I share September 10 with them because September 10 was my birthday. This year's theme, ``The Tradition Continues: New Successes and Challenges,'' speaks to how important HBCUs have been to the education of African Americans and minorities in this country and how we must continue to preserve these unique institutions of higher learning. Though I did not attend an historically black university, I understand the importance these schools played in African American history and African American heritage. Many HBCUs were formed during Reconstruction following the Civil War to educate freed slaves and sharecroppers. H. Patrick Swygert, the President of Howard University, noted the significance of HBCUs in a speech in which he stated ``HBCUs provided the avenue for the descendants of sharecroppers to get an education in an environment that was sensitive to their special circumstances and one where their humanity would not be questioned. This has always been, and continues to be, a defining feature of these colleges and universities in a society that in many ways remains hostile to people of color.'' It is important to note that the founders of these institutions recognized the importance of educating African Americans long before the Supreme Court ruled on the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education. Additionally, many of those who were part of the legal team that won that case were educated and trained at Howard University right here in our Nation's capital. Were it not for HBCUs, many of the great black minds of our time would not have had access to higher education. And some of the famous graduates include orator Booker T. Washington; civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; world renowned opera singer Leontyne Price; entertainer Oprah Winfrey; and former Members of Congress that have already been noted, Kweisi Mfume and Parren Mitchell. The great State of Ohio boasts two HBCUs, Wilberforce University and Central State University. Named in honor of the great abolitionist William Wilberforce, Wilberforce University was founded prior to the end of slavery in 1856 and is the Nation's oldest private African American university. Former Congressman Floyd Flake is currently its President. Central State evolved from what was once a State-funded department of Wilberforce University known as the Combined Normal and Industrial Department. In 1941 the department expanded from a 2- to a 4-year program, and in 1947 it legally split from Wilberforce, becoming the College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce. The name was changed in 1951 to Central State College, and in 1965 the institution achieved its university status. I am the proud owner of an honorary doctorate degree from Central State University. I am proud to have strong connections to HBCUs. Many of my family members attended, including my late mother, Mary Looney Tubbs, a graduate of Alabama State University; my late sister, Mattie Browder Still, a graduate of Alabama State University; and my sister Barbara Walker, who attended Morris Brown College. Additionally, my cousin Essie Baldwin attended Alabama State and my cousin Joan Wilson attended Morris Brown. Four of my staffers attended HBCUs. District Director Betty Pinkney and my health liaison are proud graduates of Central State. My Communications Director, Nicole Williams, a proud graduate of Spelman College; and my Scheduler, Lalla King, a proud graduate of Morgan State University. As we continue to celebrate our HBCUs this week, it is my hope that we will begin to look at ways in which we can increase funding and resources for these historic institutions. Sadly, many of the HBCUs remain underfunded in comparison to their predominantly white counterparts. Today I call upon both the Federal and State governments to increase funding to HBCUs so that they can remain competitive and continue to educate the leaders of tomorrow. They are not only part of African American history, they are part of American history, and the treasures they hold should be preserved for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate Eddie Bernice Johnson for her leadership in bringing this bill to the floor.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Spelman College on the occasion of their 125th anniversary. 125 years ago, two Baptist missionaries Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the purpose of educating African American women and girls. Founded as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary on April 11, 1881, the first Bible class was held in the basement of the Friendship Baptist Church for 11 brave young women--who only years earlier had been enslaved. Since that day, Spelman College has maintained a tradition of producing African American women of excellence who have gone on to serve in various capacities throughout the world and has empowered its daughters to make a difference in their communities while shattering stereotypes. Spelman is an institution within the African American community and remains an intricate part of American history. In 1884, the college was renamed Spelman Seminary, and later Spelman College, in honor of Mrs. Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents Harvey Buel and Lucy Henry Spelman, who were longtime activists in the antislavery movement. In 1968, thousands came to mourn the loss of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose body was laid in state on Spelman's Campus in the historic Sisters Chapel. And in 1987, millions of viewers were introduced to Spelman's beautiful campus through the groundbreaking Cosby Show spin- off ``A Different World.'' Today, Spelman continues to be the leading institution for educating African American women and was ranked among the top 75 Best Liberal Arts Colleges according to U.S. News & World Report, 2005 edition. I am proud to say that I am a friend of Spelman College. Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, the first African American female to serve as president of Spelman is a good friend of mine. Additionally, Nicole Y. Williams, a class of 2000 Spelman graduate and the current president of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College has been a member of my staff for over five years serving as my Communications Director. Spelman's current President, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum continues to strengthen the Spelman legacy through her Spelman ALIVE strategic plan that includes five goals: Academic excellence, Leadership development, Improving the infrastructure, Visibility of accomplishments of the campus community, and Exemplary customer service, all designed to create a vision for Spelman of `Nothing Less than the Best'. So today, I join my colleagues in commending Spelman College on reaching this milestone and wish them continued success.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 406, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his leadership on this motion to instruct. I agree we need to protect the pension benefits of airline pilots, as well as ensure that when an employer converts from a traditional defined benefit plan to a cash balance plan, that their workers receive their full benefits. We also need to draft rules that protect older workers because they can be vulnerable during such conversions. But we must also address the issue of providing retroactive legal certainty to 1,100 employers whose cash balance and hybrid pension plans are unfairly caught in limbo. Addressing retroactivity is important to the retirement security of thousands of American workers that gain from these hybrid pensions which are defined benefit plans. It has been for 7 years that employers of sponsored cash balance and other hybrid plans have been caught in a web of legal uncertainty. Beginning in 1999, the Internal Revenue Service felt it necessary to temporarily stop issuing determination letters for converted hybrid plans, and litigation through our court system has left the legality of all cash balance plans up in the air. In my congressional district I have four major employers that offer pension benefits to their employees through either a cash balance or other hybrid pension plan. Some of these plans were acquired through merger and acquisition, while some were adopted through conversion. These employers treated their employees fairly, giving them the choice as to whether or not to convert their plans and ensuring that workers' benefits were not diluted. And these four employers are not alone. There are a lot of good actors out there. According to a recent AARP-funded study, 23 of the 25 largest cash balance plans, in other words, 92 percent, provided transition protections for their older employees when converting from defined traditional plans to cash balance plans. Nonetheless, four employers in my district, as well as 1,100 others, are caught in a web of legal uncertainty. And we are in an era where companies are eliminating pension plans, including hybrid plans. Failing to fix this problem will only perpetuate that trend. A cash balance plan is a defined benefit plan, and it is the future of our defined benefit system. It is not correct that others have not offered alternatives. I specifically introduced H.R. 4274 to address this specific issue. I ask all of my colleagues to pay attention to the issue. Cash balance plans are the future plans. They are portable. It is a way a worker can go from one place to another. We need to protect older workers, and we need to make sure that this motion to instruct is passed. I thank Mr. Miller for his leadership on this issue.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Master Artist Wan Ko Yee, an exceptional artist whose work has been exhibited throughout the world. His work encompasses the genres of painting, calligraphy, literature, and sculpture. Philosophically, his paintings reflect Buddhist themes and the ideas of tolerance and peace between nations. In esthetic terms, his paintings are infused with balance and an appreciation of the natural world. It is my hope that cultural diplomacy will begin to have enhanced value in coming years as a means of building understanding between nations. Toward this end, it is important to create awareness of the history and culture of Asian communities in this country and throughout the world. In 2003, Master Artist Wan Ko Yee exhibited selected works at the House of Representatives in an exhibit that was well attended and appreciated. He has been recognized by the Royal Academy of Arts of the United Kingdom, and the Organization of American States. I commend Master Artist Wan Ko Yee on his artistic contributions.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, this week H. Con. Res. 427 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. This bill would permit the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs. I would like to lend my voice to this memorable event. Madam Speaker, in 1930 President Hoover signed Executive Order 5398 which established the Veterans Administration a ultimately led to the formation of the Department of Veteran Affairs. The VA (as it has affectionately become known) has strived to both honor and serve the men and women who protect one of our Nation's most treasured ideals-- liberty. For 75 years, the VA has helped ensure that those who choose to enter the armed services are not forgotten after they honorably serve their country. For this reason, we should celebrate the concept and accomplishments of the VA. Indeed, the VA is a vital cabinet level department, which oversees an honorable and necessary function of the U.S. Government. The VA has three branches, which aim to provide a smooth transition for veterans when they return home from active duty. These branches-- the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration--should be roundly applauded for their service to America's former servicemen and servicewomen. Beginning in 1946, the VA's health unit, now known as the Veterans Health Administration, has sought to provide adequate health care to injured veterans returning from war, starting with World War II. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the VHA expanded into a leading health care provider and now has over 150 medical centers across the country. According to the VA, provided care to more than 5.3 million individuals in 2005. In addition to providing health care services, the VA, through its Veterans Benefits Administration branch, has provided educational services to veterans, beginning with the passage of the GI Bill in 1944. According to the VA, 7.8 million World War II veterans, alone, benefited from educational opportunities that the bill offered. I also applaud the VA for assisting the families of our fallen heroes, the men and women of our armed services who died in combat fighting for liberty. The VA's National Cemetery Administration should be praised for providing memorials to those veterans who died for our liberty. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to have the opportunity to recognize the VA for what is has and will continue to do for our veterans. As a member of the House of Representatives, I always look to support legislation that honors our veterans. On June 27, 2006, the House of Representatives agreed to H.R. 4843, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006. H.R. 4843 increases compensation rates to veterans with service-oriented disabilities, and the House of Representatives should be proud of this great legislation. But, Madam Speaker, on July 19, 2006, when we commemorate the VA's 75th Anniversary, let us not forget that much more needs to be done to pay homage to our veterans, particularly those who are coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq. Madam Speaker, the VA reported in August 2005 that almost 23 percent of homeless men and women are veterans. Madam Speaker this percentage is far too high and far too shameful. On a bi-partisan basis, Congress must work with the Veterans Affairs to right this seemingly forgotten atrocity. The men and women who honorably serve our great Nation deserve not only to be treated as heroes in war; they deserve to be treated as heroe when they return home. The men and women of the U.S. armed services make it possible for us to debate. Madam Speaker, let us not debate the honor veterans deserve.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 10, 2006, was away from the House on business representing the constituents of the 11th Congressional District. During my absence, the House called rollcall votes Nos. 358, 359 and 360. Had I been present for the rollcall votes, I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 360; ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 359; ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 358.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the death of my oldest sister a week ago Sunday took me back to Clanton, Alabama, the roots of my family. Clanton is about 40 miles from Selma, Alabama, and it made me remember all of the things that my family had been through not having the opportunity to vote. I stand here today saying to you that the Voting Rights Act must be reauthorized. And I will say to those of you who want to use 2000 and 2004 as cites for why we should do reclearance on voting, should not use those years, because we all know what happened in 2000 and 2004. Mr. Speaker, I bring to the attention of my colleague from Georgia that only recently a Federal court and a State court found that the identification requirements set forth by the State of Georgia are just like having a poll tax, and that we cannot let Georgia out of preclearance. Vote in support of the Voting Rights Act.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, first of all I want to thank the Chair for yielding me the time and also for his leadership. You have done a wonderful job in conjunction with Mr. Conyers and the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. I stand here, here we are at the last amendment. I come from Ohio. In 2000, 2004, we had dilemmas in our voting. Across the country there have been dilemmas with voting. And this is the first time since I objected to the Ohio vote that we have even talked about voting on the floor of the House of Representatives. We are overdue. Every Member of Congress owes all of the voters of this Nation the vote in favor of renewing the Voting Rights Act. Your conscience should be bothering you if you are not thinking about the fact that minority voters across this country were denied the right to vote. I have heard people talk about, well, my grandson did not do it. Your grandson did not do it, but your great grandfather probably did. And you owe and the support of all of those who deserve the right to vote the right to vote. Thank you for the time.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prohibit any funds under this act to be used for the operation of the National Contact Center of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, something that was created and has already failed, and now they want to make it permanent. As a result of the support that I enjoy from my colleagues, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Congresswoman Norton was the former member, actually Chair, of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.