Stephanie Jones

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. It is not often that we have the opportunity to use our prior experience to discuss a piece of legislation. For those who are not aware, I was a judge for 10 years in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, handling cases not only dealing with civil matters but also cases where the death penalty could in fact be imposed. I am the former district attorney for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where I prosecuted cases with a staff of 180 lawyers for 8 years, and now I get to the third branch of government, the legislative. I recognize that often in response to incidents or occurrences we want to jump up and pass legislation that we think will have a deterrent impact. But I say to Members, as one who has not only enforced the law but has been required to impose sentences, that a response of placing another mandatory sentence on the books of these United States is not the appropriate response. Judges need discretion. Judges need the opportunity to assess the facts, look at the law, and impose the appropriate sentence. I support AMBER Alert. I wish that in the many cases that I had and I prosecuted for 8 years that we had an AMBER Alert system; and I am confident that many more young people across the country would have in fact been returned to their families had we had the system. I am 100 percent in support. I speak out in favor of it. Let me talk about something else: eliminating pretrial release. There is in our country a presumption of innocence. Most recently, we have seen so many people who as a result of DNA examination have been taken out of prisons across this country. To eliminate a pretrial release again takes away the discretion of a judge who has an opportunity to look at the facts and circumstances and ought to be able to determine whether or not a person should be released on pretrial release. Finally, let me speak on the Three Strikes and You are Out. The fact is, in many instances across this country where we have imposed Three Strikes and You are Out, we have young men and women who are imprisoned on offenses, and the third strike may have been the least serious of the three, or two, and they are in jail for life. I do not take lightly offenses that people commit, and I have imposed as a judge punishment on some of the most serious offenses. But we have to keep in mind the need to have judicial discretion, the need to look across the country at families whose lives have been destroyed forever because people are placed in jail. Most recently, there was a study that was released that talks about the significant number of African Americans in prison across the country, and in addition, the significant number of Americans, regardless of their race or color, that are in jail. Let us think about mandatory sentences. Let us support AMBER Alert, but keep in mind, we all believe in rights.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an American hero, Robert Dowdy, who lost his life during the conflict with Iraq. Master Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy, 38, was a native of Cleveland and a member of the 507th Maintenance Company of Fort Bliss, Texas. First Sergeant Robert Dowdy was a loving son and devoted husband. A passionate distance runner, Robert placed second in a 10-kilometer run in el Paso, Texas, 2 years ago and contended in a 20-kilometer foot race over a mountain there in 1999. Robert Dowdy had been in the Army for 18 years and was 2 years from retirement. His older sibling, Jack Dowdy expressed on his brother's behalf that Robert Dowdy had been looking forward to retirement to spend more time with his wife and 14-year-old daughter. On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I thank him for the opportunity to be heard on this issue. Mr. Speaker, today in our hearing before the Committee on Ways and Means, one of the speakers said, Well, what are you talking about? The Congress is the board of directors. If the Congress wanted to change the law, the Congress could do so. In fact, he said, we could change the health care issues; we could change the Medicare programs. So I am asking the question, Why, if we are the board of directors, are we ``expressing the sense of Congress'' instead of doing the job of Congress and making a change? Mr. Speaker, I am clear that my constituents would say to me, keep the ``sense,'' meaning S-E-N-S-E, and give me a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens. Keep the ``sense'' and fund No Child Left Behind. Keep the ``sense'' and improve our economy. Keep the ``sense'' and maybe all the money that we are talking about that is collected by the IRS could, in fact, pay for the war in Iraq, pay for the fact that there are seniors out there who need a prescription drug benefit, pay for the fact that their children, the best investment we can make in this country that will pay for generations and generations and generations, we ought to do that. I want to respond just on one thing. I have been a vocal advocate for not allowing the dividend tax cut, and the reason I have been an advocate is because the dividend tax cut will have a significant impact on low-income housing. And while we are talking about low-income housing, keep the ``sense'' and build enough housing so people can, in fact, have a safe place to live in a decent neighborhood with their families.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) for yielding me time. As I sat here on the floor today, the spirit and the greatness of great trial judges and great trial lawyers have been disparaged by a claim that we are just seeking dollars on behalf of our constituents and our clients. I would say I support the amendment of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) because it does, in fact, limit the responsibility against manufacturers of guns and those who have made steps to cure the dilemma or the difficulty or the dangerousness of guns. But I would suggest that if the laws are sufficient, then give trial judges and give trial lawyers the ability to bring their claims on behalf of their clients and let us proceed as we have done. I support the Watt amendment.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I am only responding to the statement of another Member that disparaged the faith and loyalty of trial lawyers on the floor just before I got up.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the passage of S. 351, the United States Senate version of H.R. 1307, as well as what is presented before us at this hour. The new House bill for the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003, and the Senate amendment to H.R. 1307, contained several identical provisions. Those identical provisions include exclusion for amounts received under the Defense Homeowners Assistance Program. Expansion of combat zone filing rules, modification of membership requirements for veterans organizations, clarification of treatment of dependent care benefits, treatment of service academy appointments for certain tax benefits, and tax relief for the families of the Columbia space shuttle astronauts. The new House bill provides smaller tax benefits for the military. Both bills provide an exclusion from gross income for death benefits. However, the House bill would tax increased death benefits to the extent that they were the result of legislation enacted after December 31, 1991. The Senate bill does not have that restriction. Both bills provide more liberal treatment for gain on sale of principal residence by members of the military and foreign service. However, the Senate bill provides the benefits for a longer period. A 10-year extension rather than a 5-year extension. Both bills provide an above the line deduction for overnight travel expenses of National Guard and reserve members. However, the House bill limits the deduction to $1,500 per year, whereas the Senate bill provides no dollar limit on the deduction. The Senate bill contains a provision suspending tax-exempt status for terrorist organizations. The House bill contains no such provision. Furthermore, the cost of the Senate bill is offset, with the largest offset being a provision preventing tax avoidance by individuals renouncing their citizenship in this country. For military death benefits, under current law, a $6,000 death gratuity is paid to the survivors of members of the Armed Forces killed in the line of duty. This death benefit was increased from $3,000 to $6,000 in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War. Prior to the increase, the entire benefit was tax-free; however, because the Tax Code was not changed to reflect the 1991 increase, only the first $3,000 is currently exempt from Federal tax. Let us--Republicans and Democrats--work to pass a measure that we all can find common ground. Our U.S. Senators have found a way to pass an effective measure for the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act, let us do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a great American youth, Eric Scott Russell. Eric Scott Russell was born on May 1, 1985 to Julie and Daryll Russell. The family is a member of St. Dominic parish where Eric attended elementary school. His academic learning was broadened with his attendance at University School, St. Ignatius High School and Charles Rush, where he was to graduate June 2003. In addition to his schooling, Eric was an exceptional athlete in cross country track and field and football. Eric had a desire to have a career in journalism. As a result of his diligence and hard work, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Cleveland National Association of Black Journalists selected Eric to participate in a seven-week internship and seminar, where he was honored as ``the most knowledgeable on current events''. At his home going services, I read Eric Scott Russell's college entrance essay entitled, ``Overcoming Adversity''. It read: Many people say that the adversity we face in life can either make us or break us. Well, it all depends on the way that you look at obstacles, placed in your path, and what you learn as a result of going through them. I have learned the true relevance of this for myself because of recent adversity that I have faced. This adversity has taught me that you have to always work for your best and never settle for anything less because, even if you don't deserve it, people will try to put you down and slight your name and your character. If you haven't made sure that you are at the top of your game, these attacks can break you. The obstacle that I was forced to face was racism. Racism is, unfortunately, a common obstacle for African-American people, but my situation was unique in that it allowed a great number of people to learn of it. At the end of my junior year, a student who worked as the sports editor of the school yearbook decided, for reasons I still do not know, to deliberately and maliciously misrepresent me in print. Instead of putting my name under the Cross-Country Team picture, this student editor put the slur ``Blacky''. The yearbook staff and faculty advisor submitted then published the yearbook and it was distributed to the entire school. When I was confronted with what this boy did it blew me away. I couldn't understand why this had happened to me and it sent me through a myriad of emotions. At first I was confused, then anger set in to cloud my thinking even more. I was filled with self-pity and fear of what people might say or do. I worried what this boy's hateful actions would do to my future and there wasn't much anyone could say to make me feel any better. I had to sort it out on my own and come up with my own answers. Over time, and after much thought, I was left with two realizations. The first did not take me too long to reach. I decided that I should not feel any self-pity because the slur did not reflect on my character, but rather on the character of the boy who did this to me. The second realization took much more time because of its importance and its impact on my life. I realized that up to that point, I had not accomplished much in my high school career, and had not made a lasting mark to show that the slur was not a reflection of who I am. I decided to remain at my high school and complete my senior year, rather than allow the pain of racism to drive me away. I would face the racism and work to correct it. I joined the ``Project LOVE'' student group to begin this task. Although the long-term ramifications of this one horrific event can never be speculated upon with accuracy or fully understood there are few things that I know for sure. I know that our society often projects the guilty behind a veil of obscurity while the victim is hung out to dry. I know that there are poor people who will rush to defend, or even worse, condone racism in our society. But, I also know that I must show, by my deeds, that character and integrity mean something in this world, because I believe as professed by Mahatma Gandhi, that education without character is one of the seven deadly social sins in our society. I know that my actions must reflect my beliefs and that my life must be a testimony to this fact. On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio and the United States Congress, I extend my sincere condolences.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Odelia V. Robinson, known for her focus on economic development and safety during the decade, represented Mount Pleasant on Cleveland City Council. Robinson took office in 1990 with a promise to bring housing and youth services back to the community that had seen little construction in recent decades. When she resigned for health reasons at the end of 1999, her accomplishments included the new Zelma George Recreation Center as well as new houses, apartment buildings and a shopping center. Robinson grew up in the Miles Heights area, where she was a lifelong member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church and taught Sunday School. She graduated from John Hay High School in 1948 and enrolled in the Cleveland College of Western Reserve University. She also took business administration courses at Cleveland State University. In 1953, she married Clarence Robinson, a bus driver who spent his weekends playing baritone saxophone in bands. Odelia Robinson was the office manager for the American Civil Liberties Union in the 1960s and later worked for the Benjamin Rose Institute, an agency that provides services to the elderly. She also served on the boards of Hill House, the Murtis H. Taylor MultiServices Center and the Inner City Renewal Society. On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio and the United States Congress, I offer my sympathies to the family of Odelia Robinson.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 743. First, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Matsui for working diligently on the Social Security Act of 2003. As we all know, H.R. 743 will extend the direct fee withholding program payment to attorneys who represent supplemental security income claimants, thus encouraging more attorneys to represent them. It is vital that we pass legislation that addresses the major concerns of our seniors, the blind, and the disabled. This legislation imposes greater standards on individuals and organizations that serve as representative payees for social security and supplemental security income recipients; this legislation will make non-governmental representative payees liable for ``misused'' funds and subject them to civil monetary penalties; H.R. 743 will reduce the fee assessments from the Social Security Administration that charges attorneys for fee withholding. Overall, the Social Security Act of 2003 will be beneficial to recipients and those who serve as representatives for recipients. Furthermore, H.R. 743 will make a number of technical changes designed to reduce social security fraud and abuse. Mr. Speaker, I will close my statement for the Record with supporting H.R. 743.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to mourn the loss of one of the most significant councilwomen in the city of Cleveland, Odelia Robinson. Odelia Robinson is the former councilwoman in Ward 3. She was succeeded by Zachery Reed, one of the people that she nurtured in public life. Odelia Robinson has always been my friend. Prior to coming to the council, she served in a nurturing profession. She was a nurse and in social work. We in the city of Cleveland will miss this great soldier. I join with all the people of the 11th congressional district to extend our sympathy and condolences to the family of Odelia Robinson.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all of my colleagues in the House join me for a moment of silence as we commemorate the young men and women of the 507th Maintenance Group and the 11th Air Defense Artillery. One of my constituents, Brandon Sloan, is among those groups of young people. He is a graduate of Bedford High School. His father is Reverend Thandie Sloan, his mother Michelle. His father is a minister at Greater Friendship Baptist Church in my congressional district. I ask that my colleagues join me in two moments of silence at the end of this statement as we pray for these families and the safe return of those young men and women.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give honor to a great American, John T. Corrigan, who served 34 years as the Cuyahoga County prosecutor in the great State of Ohio. On yesterday, Mr. Corrigan died at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. He was 79. He was my predecessor in the Prosecutor's Office. John T. Corrigan gave me the opportunity to serve as his assistant. As his assistant, I had the opportunity to work with his son, Judge Michael J. Corrigan. His support laid the foundation for my future elected public service. John T. Corrigan was 33 and a state senator when he was elected in 1956 to head a county legal staff that was larger than most law firms. The County Prosecutor prosecutes criminal cases and serves as county counsel for all county officials and county agencies. John T. Corrigan was the son of Cleveland policeman John J. Corrigan and his wife, Ann, both of whom were from Achill Island, Ireland. John T. Corrigan took pride in being an Irish-American. He was also a football player at St. Ignatius High School, where he graduated in 1941. He entered John Carroll University, but his college days were interrupted by a 39-month stint as an Army infantryman in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. In 1951, he graduated from Western Reserve University School of Law and joined the Carney & Carney law firm. John T. Corrigan is survived by his wife, Virginia H.; son, Michael of Westlake; daughters, Margaret Gaughen in Cohasset, Mass., Marlene Sanford and Martha Costello, both of Olmsted Falls, and Dr. Mary V. of Avon Lake; and 11 grandchildren. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of the 11th Congressional District, I extend my sympathies to all of the family and friends of John T. Corrigan.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, oh, freedom; oh freedom. I pledge my unequivocal support for the Armed Forces of the United States of America. I, too, have visited troops in Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Qatar, Bahrain and Hawaii. I have attended deployments of two units from the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. Their mothers and fathers asked me, why are we going to war, and why in Iraq? I could not answer their question, but I, too, gave them a flag, and asked them to bring it back to me safely. Oh, freedom; oh, freedom. Freedom includes the right to have free speech. Thank God I am free to speak in opposition to this resolution. Oh, freedom; oh, freedom. The young men and women of the Armed Forces, God bless you, God keep you, God surround you with his love. Oh, freedom; oh, freedom.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure of leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag on behalf of this Congress. This morning I stand again as a strong patriot. I say on behalf of all of the people of the United States of America, to the military troops across this world who are fighting on our behalf, thank you. I have said prayers day after day and as late as this morning on their behalf and that of their families. But as a patriot, I still think I have the ability and right to step up and say I think this war is not what we should be engaged in. I support the Presidency, I support the troops, but I also support the right to speak out, to assemble and protest. Mr. Speaker, I say to the American public and those across the world that there are those of us who believe we should not be engaged in war; but those across the borders working on our behalf, we hold them in high esteem, and pray that they will return home safely.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to have the opportunity to lead this Congress this morning in the Pledge of Allegiance. And it is a great opportunity for me because as those of us who speak out against the war in Iraq, many times our support for the Nation and support for the Presidency and support for the military are called into question. On Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in a peace rally at Public Square in the city of Cleveland, and I talked about patriotism and I talked about all those teachers in my high school and college years who said to me, understand the Bill of Rights. Understand you have the right to protest. Understand you have the right to assemble, and understand you have a right to free speech. My free speech allows me to say to the entire world, to the troops all over this country and all over the world that I support them. I am patriotic. To the whole world I still like peace, I want peace, and I am opposed to the war in Iraq, but I am a great American and I am a patriot. I thank the Chair for the opportunity to be heard, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, this past December in West Virginia, doctors at four hospitals went on a 30-day strike to protest climbing malpractice insurance rates. Following, in January 2003, Pennsylvania narrowly averted a strike only after a last-minute deal was made between the doctors and then governor-elect Ed Rendell. Similar occurrences in other states have made me shudder about the possibilities of similar events occurring in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and their affiliates serve as Ohio's premier medical facilities and I recognize the value that professionals working at those institutions provide to the Greater Cleveland community. Recent editorials in newspapers across the country have highlighted the frustrations experienced by medical professionals. These serve as a sounding call to Congress to readdress tort reform and medical malpractice. Although I am greatly concerned about the rising costs of insurance premiums, especially for certain high-risk medical procedures, and the subsequent decline in the availability of health care that results from doctors retiring or moving their practices, I am not convinced that tort reform is the panacea to the spiraling increase in medical malpractice premiums. Studies and anecdotal evidence clearly show an absence of correlation. In 1995, Texas passed a series of tort law restrictions that advocates claimed would lower the cost of insurance in Texas by $864 million a year. Legislation was also passed mandating that any savings from such tort law restrictions be passed on to consumers. Despite claims made by proponents of the legislation, overall insurance premium savings in Texas, including any that might be attributed to changes in tort law, have been minimal. Yet since that legislation was passed, insurance company profits have skyrocketed in Texas. This pattern has been evident in several other states that have initiated tort reform legislation. In March 2002, the American Insurance Association (AIA) commented that lawmakers who enact tort reform should not expect insurance rates to drop further. The AIA is a major trade group of the insurance industry and their comment strengthens my belief that tort reform is not the solution to higher insurance premiums. Furthermore, in a response to a study by the Center for Justice & Democracy, the AIA stated, ``the insurance industry never promised that tort reform would achieve specific premium savings.'' Although I am troubled by the possibility of insurers not issuing policies to medical practitioners in Ohio, it would be a mistake to simply credit lack of tort reform as the reason. For example, Missouri found itself in a similar situation several years ago and instituted tort reform legislation in the form of caps on non-economic damages for medical malpractice suits. Yet Missouri continues to have fewer insurers offering services to doctors. In addition, insurance companies that issue policies have not lowered premiums and have continued to enjoy hefty profits. Differences in the price of identical policies between different states can be attributed to factors other than whether that state has enacted tort reform measures. For example, comparable premiums in Ohio are lower in California primarily due to the fact that California has one of the strictest sets of insurance regulations in the nation as a result of Proposition 103. Tort reform advocates often call for caps on punitive damages and pain and suffering awards as one of their top priorities. These calls are usually accompanied by citing some of the outrageously high verdicts awarded to plaintiffs. But they neglect to cite the fact that judges often exercise their authority to reduce these verdicts or that they are reduced in the appeals process. Further, calls for tort reform are often just a form of scorn toward trial lawyers who may receive fees of between 30 and 40 percent of verdict amounts. But those advocates fail to note that trial lawyers typically take cases knowing that they could lose--and not receive any compensation for their work. Finally, the tort reform argument often neglects to mention an important party in any malpractice suit--the injured plaintiffs or their families. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 98,000 hospitalized Americans die each year as a result of medical errors. This is more than the number of deaths attributable to breast cancer or car accidents. Tort reform advocates, in their zeal to denounce trial lawyers and boost insurance company premiums, are tacitly saying that grievously injured victims of medical errors or their families deserve only minimal compensation for their injuries. Passage HR 5 will have an arbitrary and cruel effect on legitimate victims of medical malpractice. Since 1994, the House of Representatives have passed bills limiting malpractice awards. Some of these bills take the further step of removing state malpractice claims into the Federal courts. Each time, however, these bills have failed to get the 60 Senate votes necessary for passage. As expected this issue has arisen with full force in the 108th Congress. Yet the facts remain the same: This legislation neglects plaintiffs' rights, limits state trial court judges' discretion, and fails to show any tangible net benefit to doctors who purchase premiums while simultaneously result in higher profits for insurance companies. Rather than focusing on implementing malpractice caps legislation that will not solve the problem of rising premium rates, Congress (and doctors and their regulatory boards) should be more vigilant in enforcing laws that cap the numbers of hours worked by residents (fatigue is often cited as a major contributor to medical errors), adopting a uniform system for reporting and analyzing errors nationwide, and coordinating patients records (while taking care to protect privacy) so that doctors can easily gain access to a patient's complete medical history. But while I cast my vote against H.R. 5, I remain committed to ensuring that the medical practitioners and facilities in this country remain a viable part of their communities' health care system. My alarm at the possibility of a medical practitioner talent drain caused by ever increasing medical malpractice premiums is real but I am committed to the conclusion that federal tort reform is not the solution.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 122, recognizing the bicentennial of the admission of Ohio into the Union and the contributions of Ohio residents to the economic, social and cultural development of the United States. I am proud to be a lifelong resident of the State of Ohio. Ohio, known as the Buckeye State, is the birthplace of aviation and home to eight United States presidents. Ohio is home to the first astronaut John Glenn, and the great inventors Thomas Edison and Granville T. Woods. The first female physician, Elizabeth Blackwell is also an Ohio native. Ohio was an integral part of the Underground Railroad. For many escaped slaves Ohio would be the last stop on a long journey to Canada. Cincinnati is now home to the national Underground Railroad Freedom Center. From humble roots in Ohio Dorothy Dandridge would establish herself as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood, paving the way for a young girl from Bedford, Ohio, Halle Berry to become the first African American woman to win a Best Actress Academy Award. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Steven Spielberg revolutionized the movie industry with such movies as Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens took his first steps in Ohio as well as famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Toni Morrison and Huge Downs were famous Ohioans who mastered the power of the pen and became great contributors to literature. In addition, I would be remiss to not mention Garrett Augustus Morgan, who established the Cleveland Call and the invention of the nation's first patented traffic signal. History has been made in Ohio. Carl Stokes became the first African American mayor of a major city. His brother Louis Stokes would follow to make history as the first African American Congressman from Ohio, paving the way for me to stand before you today as the first African American Congresswoman from the State of Ohio. These great Ohioans and great Americans have helped to shape the fabric of this country. Through this celebration, we pay homage to their lives and legacies. I am honored to speak on behalf of the citizens of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio as we celebrate this Ohio bicentennial.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 684, the District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2003. I was signed on by mistake.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the legislation, but not with regard to the government offset. It is very, very important that we make sure that we take care of the persons on Social Security that have representatives speaking on their behalf. This legislation will provide stricter requirements with regard to those who represent people in the Social Security Administration on behalf of recipients. This is my first opportunity as a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, the Subcommittee on Social Security, to be on the floor to speak on behalf of an issue. I am pleased to stand in support of this legislation with regard to all the provisions with regard to Social Security. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for all the work they have done in this particular regard.

Mrs. TUBBS JONES of Ohio

Mrs. TUBBS JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 743. First, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Matsui for working diligently on the Social Security Act of 2003. As we all know, H.R. 743 will extend the direct fee withholding program payment to attorneys who represent supplemental security income claimants, thus encouraging more attorneys to represent them. It is vital that we pass legislation that addresses the major concerns of our seniors, the blind, and the disabled. This legislation imposes greater standards on individuals and organizations that serve as representative payees for Social Security and supplemental security income recipients; this legislation will make non-governmental representative payees liable for ``misused'' funds and subject them to civil monetary penalties; H.R. 743 will reduce the fee assessments from the Social Security Administration that charges attorneys for fee withholding. Overall, the Social Security Act of 2003 will be beneficial to recipients and those who serve as representatives for recipients. Furthermore, H.R. 743 will make a number of technical changes designed to reduce Social Security fraud and abuse. Mr. Speaker, I will close my statement for the record with supporting H.R. 743.

Mrs. TUBBS JONES of Ohio

Mrs. TUBBS JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Housing Concurrent Resolution 54, honoring the Visiting Nurse Association. In 1902, 13 young women met in Cleveland to form a local organization that would become one of the earliest pioneers of a new concept called community health nursing. From those women the Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland was born. These nurses understand that most people prefer the comfort and security of their home to recover and rehabilitate from an illness or injury. Making home health care an essential part of health care today. The Visiting Nurse Association touches the lives of nearly every American in some way. While the size of the Visiting Nurse Association has grown tremendously, the quality of health care that they provide to people regardless of their ability to pay, continues to be superb. The organization serves over 15,000 people a year in Ohio. I would like to honor the visiting Nurse Association for the hard work and dedication they continue to provide to those in need.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 534. Although I am against Human Cloning this bill does more than ban Human Cloning. It prevents the highest form of medical research in our society, therapeutic cloning. We owe it to our communities to explore the options of therapeutic cloning. Those who have lost relatives due to heart disease, brain damage due to strokes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Cancer . . . we owe it to these people to at least explore the option of therapeutic cloning. I don't want to stop medical progress and the possibilities that it would allow for new treatments to diseases where medical progress is continuously being made. Doctors understand that these diseases cause damage to cells and tissues and that therapeutic cloning would allow them to explore the option of replacing these dead cells or tissues. I do not support human cloning for organ production. I am saying lets leave ourselves options for the future. Doctors are trying to find medically safe and reliable ways to help people with disease. I have some of the greatest doctors (at Cleveland Clinic, University Hospital), in the world in, my district working with molecules and DNA to find cures for diseases, and this would limit their abilities to continue to do what it is that they do best. Save lives.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 33 and 34, H. Res. 46 and H. Con. Res. 40, I was on the hill but my pager was inoperable. I would have voted ``yes'' on both resolutions.

Mrs. JONES of Ohio

Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor eight American heroes from the great State of Ohio. JoAnn Gallitto, Robert S. Kraska, Paul J. Mizerak, Florence I. Ousley, George T. Radigan, Walter L. Ratcliffe, Kathleen C. Sauterer, and Theresa Ann Yakubik are the honorees of the distinguished Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Merit Award presented by the Cuyahoga County Bar Foundation and the Cuyahoga County Bar Association as a result of their more than twenty years of faithful service to the bench, bar and public in Cuyahoga County. JoAnn Gallitto--Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Chief Deputy Clerk JoAnn Gallitto is this year's nominee of Judge A. Deane Buchanan. JoAnn has been employed at the Court since 1974, and she has been Chief Deputy Clerk since 1984. Her duties include supervision of the Civil Division of Ohio's largest single judge municipal court, the processing of new cases, judgment execution proceedings, preparation of judgment entries and a myriad of other tasks, including direct contact with the bar and public. A graduate of Shaw High School in East Cleveland, JoAnn is the eldest of 4 children, who credits her upbringing by two hard-working parents in a close, traditional Italian-American family, with instilling in her a level of encouragement and support that has allowed her to succeed personally and professionally. An avid Browns' and Indians' fan, JoAnn looks forward to a Super Bowl trophy in Cleveland sometime soon. While waiting for that event, she enjoys reading and music of the '50's and '60's, particularly that of Dean Martin, whose shows she saw frequently while visiting her favorite vacation destination Las Vegas, the home of two very good friends. JoAnn has a myriad of memories in almost three decades of work. She recalls, from early in her career, the excitement of being a witness at a wedding before her Judge, which was followed about a week later by the happy couple's filing assault charges against each other. She also relates the story of a lawyer who asked for a continuance of a hearing on the day of the hearing as a result of severe bronchitis; she told the lawyer that he would need to file the continuance in writing, only to be amused later that same day to have the not-so-sick lawyer there to file his continuance. JoAnn is proud to note that she is the second generation of her family to be honored with the Public Servants Merit Award, having followed the example of her Uncle, Richard Gallitto, who was honored in 1982. Robert S. Kraska--Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Robert Steven Kraska is the Assistant Chief Court Reporter at the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas and has been a court reporter there since 1975. Administrative and Presiding Judge Richard McMonagle's nominee, Robert is a 1969 graduate of Garfield Heights High School, who worked in the private sector until his graduation from the Academy of Court Reporting and employment with the Court. Robert, the father of a grown son, was on the All Ohio High School Baseball Team his senior year and enjoys attending games at Jacobs Field. He also fishes and travels to Canada and West Virginia to play slot machines. Robert recalls two incidences clearly, from his many years of court reporting, but he discreetly will not identify either Judge involved. In one, he recalls a lawyer arguing that his client was ``as sober as a Judge,'' which, after looking at the Judge, he corrected ``as sober as the Pope.'' Another time, when a Judge seemed to be a little lost in asking some standard questions of a defendant when taking a criminal plea, Robert tried to help by suggesting that the next question should be ``Are you under the influence of drugs or alcohol?'' to which the Judge replied, ``No, I am not.'' Paul J. Mizerak--Cleveland Municipal Court Chief Bailiff Paul Joseph Mizerak is Cleveland Municipal Court Administrative Judge Larry Jones' nominee this year. Paul has worked at the Court since 1976, following employment at U.S. Steel and Yellow Trucking. Paul's duties are many. He oversees department supervisors, ensures enforcement of court orders, manages the day-to-day operations of his department (including scheduling, assignments and discipline) and trains all supervisors in his department. Paul graduated from the Cleveland schools and received bachelor's and master's degrees at Cleveland State University. Paul is a hitter, but in a good way. Hitting is part of his life-long commitment to sports and fitness, which includes playing in two men's baseball leagues and visiting Florida each Fall to play in the Roy Hubbs League. He also has trained in the martial arts. He has been married for 15\1/2\ years to Maureen and actively participates in the lives of his 13 nieces and nephews. Florence I. Ousley--Cuyahoga County Probate Court Call Probate Court, and find out that Florence I. Ousley communicates. Florence, Probate Court Administrative Judge John Donnelly's nominee this year, has worked for the court for 27 years, the last decade as Telephone Operator. In addition to direct, initial contact with the public, Florence is also the Court's interpreter for deaf visitors seeking Probate Court's assistance. Beginning her public employment some four decades ago as a summer employee of the County Recorder's office, Florence has worked more than the last quarter century at Probate Court. A graduate of Notre Dame Academy, Florence has been a single mom for 27 years and is proud of her three children, Dionne, Holly and Flournoy, all now adults. She has been active in many political activities, but she also finds time to assist the elderly in nursing homes by providing cosmetology services. She also enjoys reading, cooking, listening to music and line dancing! Florence's commitment to public service can be traced to helping her father, former Councilman and Judge Theodore M. Williams. However, that lifetime of achievement by Florence still leaves her with pride about a recent part of her life, her substantial time with her pride and joy, her grandson, Quinn, who, without apologizing to Muhammad Ali, she says is ``The Greatest.'' George T. Radigan--United States District Court (N.D.O.) George T. Radigan, Chief United States District Judge Paul Matia's nominee, has been a probation officer for more than two decades. After a few years' service with the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, George has, since 1974, been involved in both pre- and post-sentencing probation services, including preparation of sentencing recommendations, supervision of pre-release clients and monitoring of offenders after their release from formal custody. A John Carroll University graduate, George is married to Kathleen and is father to two adult sons. To him, his true blessing is his wonderful family. He has actively participated in parents' groups for his sons' high schools and colleges and also his own college alunmi organization. As he nears the end of his career, he reflects that his service has been a major part of his life, and he hopes that he has helped his clients in a positive manner. He does recall, with clarity, two occasions involving his car, which gave some humor to a serious job. The first occurred when he was visiting a client who was a well-known auto thief. He locked his keys in his car and, reluctantly, asked that client to help him. In a matter of seconds, his car was open, and the client inquired, ``Was that a test, Mr. Radigan''? Second, he was dealing with a wellknown organized crime figure and George was asserting the criminal had violated his probation and requested that he be returned to prison. At that time, the criminal noted ``I think you need a new car.'' Four years later, when the criminal was released, George still had the same car (which he liked), and the client offered to help George out and buy him a new car. Walter L. Ratcliffe--Shaker Heights Municipal Court Walter L. Ratcliffe, Shaker Heights Municipal Court Judge K. J. Montgomery's nominee, has capped over two decades of public service as Chief Bailiff of the Court. There, he supervises all the bailiffs, oversees court security and performs duties assigned by his Judge. Walter, a 40-year resident of Shaker Heights, is in his second period with the Shaker Heights Municipal Court. He started his career as a Cuyahoga County Adult Probation Officer, prior to being a Probation Officer and Deputy Bailiff in Shaker Heights. He then served as a Pretrial Service Officer with the United States District Court, before returning to Shaker Heights in his current position in 1994. He is proud to recall his mother's public service with the Cleveland Board of Education as a nurse and educator and her pioneering efforts to gain employment for African-American nurses. He was also a pioneer, as the first African-American student at Shaker's Moreland Elementary School, and he attended the Shaker schools through high school. Married for two decades to April, and the father of three, Walter is the Youth Director at Good Shepherd Baptist Church and participates in Church and Youth Ministry. Recognizing that court proceedings are serious, he points to some humor, particularly the instance of an obviously delusional criminal defendant, who insisted that the acting judge presiding that day was, in fact, television's George Jefferson, and who demanded an opportunity to see the Judge's wife ``Weezy.'' At the same time, that defendant thought Walter was ``Wimpy'' from the comic Popeye and was glad to offer to pay Walter Tuesday for a hamburger that day. Kathleen C. Sauterer--Cleveland Municipal Court Clerk of Courts As Deputy Director of the Cleveland Municipal Court's Criminal Division, Kathleen C. Sauterer makes sure that her division runs smoothly. She continues to be instrumental in the Court's efforts to bring its new computer system on-line in 2004. As a 30-year employee, since about the time of her graduation from Cleveland's John Marshall High School, Clerk Earle C. Turner's nominee has risen from a part-time position through supervisor of the night shift to her current position. Kathleen has been active at her two daughters' school and prides herself on her almost 24 years of marriage to her husband James, with whom she lives in Olmsted Falls. When not assisting her daughters and husband, Kathleen enjoys gardening. Theresa Ann Yakubik--Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts This year, Connnon Pleas Clerk Gerald E. Fuerst, a long-time supporter of the Public Servants Merit Awards, has nominated Theresa Ann Yakubik. Since about the time she graduated from high school, Theresa has worked at the Common Pleas Court Clerk's Office, starting as a deputy clerk in the Mortgage Department and proceeding through a number of positions to that of Chief Internal Auditor, a title she has proudly held for the past decade. Theresa verifies titling receipts and data for accuracy and insures that millions of dollars, which are deposited flow to the agencies entitled to receive them. Beyond her duties within the Clerk's office, she has been her office's representative on a number of state titling committees, including helping to structure state-wide automated title process systems. In this later work, she was so persistent in ``bugging'' the programmers constructing the systems to provide accurate design and reports in the systems that her colleagues throughout the State dubbed her ``Terri, the Report Queen from Cuyahoga County'' and presented her with a crown, scepter and sash. Terri volunteers with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and in her local parish, St. Wendelin's. She also enjoys sewing, baking and making table centerpieces for social and political functions.