Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I am paying tribute to Robert V. Jewell, as he is honored by the University of Michigan-Flint alumni society. The Alumni Society is presenting their Campus Service Award to Rob at a ceremony on March 23 in Flint, Michigan. The Campus Service Award is given to a volunteer making a significant contribution of time, talent, and service to the University of Michigan-Flint. Rob was chosen to receive this award for his work on the Alumni Society Board of Governors. He has served on the board for over 15 years and has completed two stints as the chairperson. In addition he has played a vital role in the development of the University's School of Education and Human Services Alumni Affiliate. After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a minor in social work in 1978, Rob began his career of service to the Flint community. He has worked or volunteered for numerous community- based organizations, educational institutions and religious groups. Blending the fresh with the practical he has established a reputation in the community for energetic, enthusiastic problem solving. Currently working as development coordinator for the Hurley Foundation, Rob works to bring together the people and funds to improve Hurley Medical Center and the Flint area. For many he is known as ``Mr. Hurley.'' He brings that same commitment to his work on behalf of the University of Michigan-Flint as he strives to improve the lifelong educational experience of its students and alumni. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to congratulate Robert V. Jewell as he receives the Campus Service Award from the University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Society.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Bobby Crim, an outstanding legislator and humanitarian. Bobby is a dear friend and will be honored by the University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Society with the Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony on March 23 in my hometown of Flint, MI. The Alumni Society presents the Distinguished Alumni Award to graduates of the University of Michigan-Flint earning noteworthy regional or international recognition for his or her accomplishments. Bobby Crim started his post secondary education at Flint Junior College. After receiving the first CS Mott scholarship he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan-Flint in 1960 graduating with a bachelor of arts degree. He went on to receive a master of arts degree in 1986 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In the interim he started on an illustrious career in teaching, business, and public service. Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, Bobby served 8 years as the speaker of the House. In 1977 he organized the Crim Road Race for Michigan Special Olympics. He had three goals: to run a first class road race in Flint; to raise money for mentally handicapped athletes; and to foster community pride among the residents of the Flint area. The Crim Festival of Races has accomplished all three goals. Over the intervening years the festival has gained an international reputation as one of the top world-class races, has raised millions of dollars for six charities and is an annual event celebrated the fourth weekend in August throughout Flint. Everyone in the community knows the painted blue stripe at the side of several roads in Flint marks the route for the Crim Race. Mr. Speaker, the Crim Festival of Races stands as a lasting, tribute to the dedication of Bobby Crim. The skills he gained through his education at the University of Michigan-Flint enabled him to envision Flint as a better place and to turn that vision into reality benefiting thousands. I ask the House of Representatives to join with the Alumni Society in congratulating Bobby Crim as he receives the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Society is bestowing their Community Service Award on Gregory Gaines of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addictions. The award will be presented to him at the 2006 Annual Alumni Leadership Awards ceremony on March 23. Greg was chosen to receive this award because of the selfless amount of time and energy he has devoted to running the Mr. Rogers ``Say No'' Program in the Flint community. After earning a bachelor of applied science degree in 1989, Greg has worked with at-risk young men in our community to instill them with discipline, hardwork, and pride. Through his program over 1,800 boys have benefited from his training. His innovative approach, to have the boys grow the produce they sell at the Farmers' Market, teaches them the value of hard work, responsibility, working together, patience, problem solving and self-control. Greg works with boys that come from inner city, single parent homes and are prime targets for the lure of alcohol and drugs. With his guidance these boys are able to see the benefits of education and hard work. They develop the skills and patience to work toward long-range goals instead of succumbing to the immediate gratification of substance abuse. The Mr. Rogers Program has proved to be so successful that for the first time girls will be brought into the program starting in the summer of 2006. Last year Greg won the Genesee County Children's Champion Awards Caring Adult prize and the Mr. Rogers Program was a finalist for the Outstanding Business/Corporation. Mr. Speaker, day in and day out, Greg Gaines makes the Flint community a better place. His hands on approach to helping our children requires enthusiasm, tolerance, and persistence. Greg has proven he is equal to the task and his devotion to our greatest resource, our children, is to be commended. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the accomplishments of Gregory Gaines as he receives the Community Service Award from his alma mater, the University of Michigan-Flint.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 4911, a 3-month extension of the Higher Education Act. And I extend my congratulations to Mr. Keller in his new role as subcommittee Chair. This, in essence, temporarily extends the last portions of the Higher Education Act not reauthorized in the reconciliation package. During the 1998 reauthorization, I had the opportunity to work closely with Chairman McKeon in crafting a bipartisan bill. Despite a rocky reauthorization process so far this Congress, I still hope we can build on our previous partnerships. Most of the damaging changes to the Higher Education Act in student aid have already been passed in reconciliation, which I opposed. That action forever removed nearly $12 billion from student aid programs and missed an opportunity to reinvest in students already struggling to pay for college. With this highly contentious and misguided portion no longer connected to the reauthorization, I hope we can now move forward in a bipartisan way as we reauthorize the few remaining items of the Higher Education Act. Several good-faith compromises were made in the nonstudent aid portions of reauthorization when we marked up H.R. 609 this past summer. Yet the bill was far from bipartisan when the Committee on Education and the Workforce reported H.R. 609 in July by a party-line vote. As we move forward this year with my good friend Mr. McKeon as the new committee Chair, I hope we can build on the bipartisan spirit of the 1998 reauthorization that we worked on together. Again, I would like to thank Chairman McKeon for offering H.R. 4911, the 3-month extension of the Higher Education Act, and I am pleased to offer my support and cosponsorship. I hope that this extension will allow the Republican leadership time to work with us to move forward in a bipartisan way as we finish our work on the higher education reauthorization. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I join my colleague in supporting S. 2363, a bill to extend the current Ed-Flex authority. The Ed-Flex program was first established in 1994 through the Goals 2000 Act. I was chief sponsor of the bill and Bill Goodling of Pennsylvania was the author of the Ed-Flex language. This was part of an early effort to provide States with greater flexibility as they begin to implement education reform initiatives. Ed-Flex addressed criticism that certain Federal education requirements stymied local education reform and allowed local school districts to apply to waive select education requirements. In exchange for greater flexibility, the local school district must demonstrate improved academic performance. Twelve States were granted Ed-Flex authority in 1999. Ten States continue to have the authority: Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont. S. 2363 would extend Ed-Flex for these 10 States until Congress reauthorizes No Child Left Behind. By extending this authority for these 10 States, local school districts in these States will not have to interrupt the measures they currently have in place. In Maryland, this includes allowing school districts that receive title I funds to allow all the students in the school to take advantage of title I services, such as extra attention in reading, in writing for elementary school students. In Massachusetts, seven school districts are using Ed-Flex authority to provide title I service to schools that previously had access to these services; but due to shifts in school populations, these schools were no longer eligible for these funds, even though the need still existed. I am pleased that States have been responsible in approving waivers requested by the school districts. States have adhered to the law which prohibits certain waivers such as those affecting civil rights and maintenance of effort. These provisions are important and exist to maintain necessary protection for students and funding. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me also mention that the Department of Education has provided assurances that it will not allow States to waive compliance with a highly qualified teacher provision in No Child Left Behind. All States must be in compliance with this provision by the end of this school year. The highly qualified teacher provision is critical to improving student academic performance. All children should have the benefit of a teacher who is certified in the subject area they teach. The highly qualified teacher provision in No Child Left Behind ensures that that will happen, and I appreciate the Department's oversight on this issue. Mr. Speaker, this bill is well thought out and deserves the support of this House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today with a heavy heart, as I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in honoring the life and accomplishments of a dear friend of mine, Bishop Walter Emile Bogan, Sr. Bishop Bogan passed away at his residence on Sunday, January 8, at the age of 57. I am deeply saddened by this great loss, for Bishop Bogan was an inspiring and positive force for Genesee County, the State, and Nation. He was a true friend, and I shall miss him greatly. Born to the union of Norma L. Bogan-Burrell and the late William Bogan in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, Walter Bogan attended and graduated from Flint Community Schools, and later went on to schools such as Saints Academy College in Lexington, MS, Moody Bible College in Chicago, and Moorhouse College in Atlanta. He also attended Flint's C.S. Mott Community College, and the University of Michigan-Flint. On July 25, 1980, he answered the Lord's call and succeeded his grandfather and mentor, Rev. Theodore Harris, as Pastor of Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ. Over the years, Rev. Bogan became more than just a Pastor, but a spiritual leader whose guidance, vision, and commitment to spreading the Word of God helped make the Flint area a better place in which to live. Pastor Bogan constantly and selflessly gave of himself, hosting Christmas parties for neighborhood children and providing gifts for them all. In recent years, he would offer college scholarships for several young members of his congregation, in hopes of granting them opportunities they otherwise may not have had the chance to take. In 2000, Pastor Bogan became Bishop Bogan, as he was appointed Chief Servant and Presiding Bishop of the Great Lakes Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan, Church of God In Christ. Bishop Bogan admirably balanced his new leadership duties with powerful sermons each Sunday, which for him was a labor of love. Bishop Bogan leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy his beautiful and devoted wife of 35 years, Dianne, sons Walter and Eric, daughter- in-law Karleen, three grandchildren, and of course the many people whom he loved and loved him in return. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in offering condolences to the family of Bishop Bogan, and in thanking them for sharing him with our community. My message to his congregation is as follows: ``Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart.'' [Matthew 11:29] It takes a strong person to be meek, a strong person to be in charge of his passions and emotions. Bishop Walter Emile Bogan was such a person. He was strong in his love of God. He was strong in his love of the Church. He was strong in his love of family. He was strong in his pursuit of justice. He was strong in his effort to eliminate injustice. And all this deep strength, he exercised humbly, as an instrument of God's Holy Will. Because of Bishop Bogan's strength, anchored in humility and meekness, this community is a better community. This Church is a stronger representation of the Mystical Body of Christ. All of us here in this Church are better people because of that strength of faith and action of Bishop Walter Bogan. The greatest tribute we can render to Bishop Bogan is to emulate his love, his dedication, his humility, and his Christ-centered strength. Bishop Bogan, as a triumphant member of the Communion of Saints, please ask Almighty God to shower His Blessings upon us that we might use our strength to carry out God's Holy Will.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in honoring Alex Izykowski of Bay City, Michigan. Alex is a member of the Men's 5,000 Meter Short Track Relay Team that won the Bronze Medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy on February 25th. Alex, nicknamed ``Izy,'' started speed skating at the age of eleven after watching the 1994 Winter Olympics from Lillehammer, Norway. His first foray onto the ice was on borrowed skates. Determined to succeed and one day become an Olympian he continued to practice and entered his first competition in 1995. One year later he placed fifth at the junior nationals. Always striving to do better, he set three state juvenile outdoor records in 1997 and in 2001, Alex was named to the U.S. Junior Short Track team at the U.S. Championship held in Walpole, Massachusetts. Competing with the team in Italy that year, Alex won the 1,000 meter race. The following year he became the Junior American record holder in the 1,500 meter and 3,000 meter competitions in Calgary. As a member of the U.S. Junior World Cup team Izy won a Silver Medal as a participant on the relay team in 2003. Two years later he won a Bronze Medal in Beijing as a member of the U.S. World Championships Relay Team. After finishing second overall in the lap time trials at the Marquette Training Center, Alex was given a slot on the U.S. Olympic Team fulfilling his 1994 dream to become an Olympian. He competed twice in the 2006 Olympics, first in the Men's 1,500 meter race and the second time in the Men's Relay. As an integral part of the relay team, Alex was able to pull the team from fourth place to third place during one of his laps around the track. Along with fellow teammates, J.P. Kepka, Rusty Smith, and Apolo Anton Ohno, Alex was able to maintain momentum during the fast paced relay and win the Bronze Medal with a time of 6:47.990. A 2002 graduate of Bay City Western High School, Alex credits his entire family as his strongest influence and support. Many of his relatives were able to travel to Turin to watch him compete. In tribute to his parents, Alan and JoAnn Izykowski, Alex presented the bouquet given to him during the medal ceremony to his mother. He remarked, ``Just showing some respect.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise to their feet and join me, the Bay City community, and the State of Michigan in welcoming home a tremendous athlete, an inspirational role model, and a fierce competitor, Alex Izykowski. Please join me in applauding his achievements as he takes his place in the history of our Nation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in congratulating Cloyce Dickerson as he receives the Walter Reuther Award from UAW Local 659. Cloyce will be honored at a reception on Sunday by the membership of the Local. The Walter Reuther Award is given to UAW members, public officials and community leaders, in acknowledgement of their contributions to the advancement of working people and their families. 41 years ago Cloyce Dickerson began his career with General Motors Chevrolet Manufacturing Plant and started his lifelong commitment to improving conditions for his fellow workers. He was employed with Chevrolet as a skilled tradesman and a Building Repairman. He worked for the UAW in the capacities of Alternate Committeeman, UAW/CAP Council Member, Jobs Bank Coordinator, Attendance Coordinator, EAP Coordinator-International Appointment, Health and Safety Representative-International Appointment, Quality Network Representative-International Appointment, served on Person to Person Committee, the Joint Council, and was chair of the UAW Black Caucus. In addition he also was a founding member of the North End ``GOTV'' Headquarters, a member of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, former Vice-President and life member of the NAACP-Flint Branch, a board member of Big Brother/Big Sisters, works with Boys and Girls Club, and the Democratic Black Caucus. As the father of six and the grandfather of nine, Cloyce understands the importance of instilling community values in our youth and was recently honored by the Flint Human Relations Commission with the Service to Youth Award. Cloyce was inducted into the Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2005 the Bruin Club of Flint gave him the Athletic Alumni Award because of his athletic prowess during his high school and college years. Cloyce was an All Conference and All State honoree basketball player during his years attending Central High School. Attending Mott Community College, Cloyce was on the school's 1964 Regional Championship Basketball team. Mr. Speaker, may the members of the House of Representatives join me in honoring a remarkable, committed, compassionate man, Cloyce Dickerson, and he is recognized for his lifelong contributions to the UAW and its members.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the achievements of a remarkable group of women and men in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, the Hurley Medical Center Auxiliary. On February 21, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary by holding a luncheon for the members and local dignitaries. First organized on February 15, 1956, over 100 women attended the first membership meeting. In October 1959, the membership amended the constitution to allow men to join the organization. Currently there are 200 members donating 40,000 volunteer hours to Hurley Medical Center annually in 14 service areas. Since its inception the Hurley Auxiliary has raised and given $3.2 million dollars for Medical Center programs. Especially important to the auxiliary members is the care provided to children. During the 1950s they conducted the ``Wish a Child Well'' wishing well fundraisers and today the group is a significant donor to the Children's Miracle Network. The Auxiliary has generously supported pediatric programs and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Because of the Auxiliary membership's commitment to serving all patients, they have also raised money to purchase vans for Hurley's Senior Services. The vans allow seniors to have door-to-door transportation for doctor's visits. The vans are handicapped accessible and were paid by the Auxiliary through fundraisers, the gift shop and hospitality carts. The Hurley Auxiliary has also contributed to the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. Five Hurley members have served as president of the East Central District and two members have been president of the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Hurley Auxiliary for 50 years of dedicated service to Hurley Medical Center and working to provide the best available medical care for its patients.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on February 17, the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present its Pinnacle Award to William ``Tiny'' and Dorothy Zehnder for their remarkable contributions to the convention and tourist industry in Saginaw County. The Zehnder family has had a positive impact on Frankenmuth, Michigan, and changed the area forever. Theirs is one of the great American success stories, replete with foresight, courage, and hard work. In 1950, the Zehnder family purchased the Fischer Hotel, and William Zehnder became the manager. Dorothy Zehnder became the kitchen manager, a role she continues today. At that time, the Zehnder family had 21 years of experience running their own restaurant across the street from the Fischer Hotel. After a series of improvements to the Fischer Hotel culminating in a major renovation in the late 1950s, the Fischer Hotel was renamed the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. The decor and architecture of the Bavarian Inn started the transformation of Frankenmuth into ``Michigan's Little Bavaria.'' The weeklong opening celebration held in 1959 proved to be very popular and has turned into the annual Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The addition of the Glockenspiel and Wooden Bridge has enhanced the character of Frankenmuth's downtown area. Dorothy developed most of the recipes served in the restaurant. The restaurant can accommodate 1200 diners at one time, and annually over 750,000 pounds of chicken is served to its guests. Dorothy plays a vital role in ensuring the food is prepared correctly and served promptly. Many local Frankenmuth leaders started their work life in the Bavarian Inn kitchen under Dorothy's tutelage. Today the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn is one of the top ten family-owned restaurants in America. In addition to the restaurant, their holdings include Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place, Castle Shops, Freeway Fritz, Frankenmuth Motel, and several gift shops on Main Street. The Zehnders employ over 1,000 people and serve one million visitors each year making Frankenmuth a top tourist destination. Tiny Zehnder's vision for the Frankenmuth community has made it a great place for families to gather, live, and work. The Zehnders buy locally and utilize Michigan commodities. They are always looking for ways to improve their business and their community. They have passed on their skills and work ethic to their children. The Bavarian Inn enterprise is a multi-generational operation with their children and grandchildren managing and working in various capacities. Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder are an inspiration to everyone and excellent role models for our youth. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the outstanding success of the Zehnders and congratulate them as they are honored by the Saginaw community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing Sandy Germany the National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. The Curtis-Wolverton Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3243 Ladies Auxiliary is welcoming Mrs. Germany to their facility on February 22 in Fenton, Michigan. This is an official visit to the State of Michigan by Mrs. Germany. Sandy Germany was elected to her position at the 92nd National Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in August 2005. Reflecting the beliefs of the Ladies Auxiliary she underscored the need to remember the sacrifices of the men and women that have fought to preserve our freedom. This belief is an underpinning of the Ladies Auxiliary as they work to preserve the memory of our courageous Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Sandy Germany is a life member of the Kichler-Pippen Auxiliary Post 5658. She is eligible to be a member through her brother, her father and her son. Her son, Curtis, is currently serving with the U.S. Army in Korea and Iraq. She has served in many positions with the Ladies Auxiliary in addition to being employed as the Town Clerk in Elberta, Alabama. She is a mother and grandmother, giving of her time, as a Life Member, to the VFW National Home for Children. Sandy also belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary and the Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and service of Sandy Germany. I commend her for her commitment to helping our service personnel and for working to preserve the ideals that set our Nation apart from all others.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution recognizing the contributions Catholic schools make to our society. Both public and Catholic schools provide a strong foundation for our Nation's children. While our public schools educate the vast majority of our children, our Catholic schools provide an excellent and enriching alternative. I have attended Catholic schools myself. I received a high-quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly. Sister Jean and Sister Jerome taught me to read and master phonics. Sister Hilary taught me Latin, which I in turn taught also. They were the greatest influence outside of my family. They not only challenged me intellectually, but forced me to examine my own personal formation. At St. Mary's I learned the greatness of God and the dignity of humanity. In Congress, my basic principle is that government's role is to promote, protect, defend and enhance human dignity. I examine every bill on these principles of human dignity that I learned at St. Mary's. Children across America have benefited from the same positive influence a Catholic education had on me. H. Res. 657 recognizes and celebrates our Catholic schools for this contribution. I believe that one of the greatest aspects of the American education system is its diversity. The goal of American education is to provide anyone with the opportunity to succeed. Catholic schools are a critical part of that equation, teaching critical values and providing their students with beneficial and life-enriching experiences. The contributions which Catholic schools make to our Nation and our children strengthen our society and our place in the world. Our children have more opportunities because both Catholic and public schools can provide them with a high-quality education. Together these two sectors of our education system will work to ensure our excellence in the world. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of 4 individuals selected by UAW Local 1292 to receive the Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award. The Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is one way the United Automobile Workers acknowledges the contributions made by its members, public officials and community leaders, to the advancement of working people and their families. The achievements of each recipient are registered with the Wayne State University Labor and Urban Affairs Archives at Wayne State University creating a permanent record. UAW Local 1292 has selected four persons to receive this prestigious award. These people exemplify the attitude of Walter Reuther and strong commitment to serving their fellow UAW members. Russell Cummins has served the membership for over 19 years. He has held the positions of Alternate Committeeman, Trustee and Veterans Representative. Barbara J. Eastman has served as a Trustee, a Guide, Recording Secretary, on the Education Committee, Women's Committee, the Building Committee, and the CSC for the past 19\1/2\ years. For the past 20\1/2\ years, Ruth A. St. Pierre worked on the Women's Committee, Elections, Civil Rights, Citizenship and Legislation, Education, Union Label, and as the Retiree Recording Secretary. Eva Thornton started her career as a Benefits Representative in 1988 and has continued in that position until the present day. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these four individuals for their outstanding service to the UAW. They have exhibited the character to persevere in the fight for justice and human dignity. Working men and women have benefited by their generosity of time and courage.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard A. Ryan, who is retiring from his post at The Detroit News, after 40 years as a distinguished news reporter, 37 of those years a Washington correspondent. Dick Ryan has spent most of his life in journalism, reporting for the Muskegon Chronicle and Toledo Blade before establishing his position at the Detroit News in 1966. Ryan was at the News for the tumultuous Watergate period, ending with the historic 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon and subsequent elevation of former Michigan Congressman Gerald Ford to the nation's highest office. Ryan watched as Ford was sworn in as the nation's 37th President, announcing the end of what he called ``our long national nightmare.'' In all, Dick Ryan covered the highs and lows of seven presidents, from Nixon to George W. Bush, traveling overseas with Ronald Reagan for his memorable speech in West Berlin, urging the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. He witnessed the first official visit of an Arab leader to Israel, watching a tenuous peace process initiated by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, whose nations had been at war for decades. He viewed the talks that culminated in the signing of a historic peace agreement between the two nations before the world at the White House. In addition, Dick Ryan served as President of the Washington-based National Press Club in 2000, elected to that post by his peers in journalism. After a career that has placed him in the front row of some of this country's most fascinating events, he will enjoy his retirement enjoying the company of his five grandchildren, golf, travel, and the endless pursuit of every true journalist: writing. Mr. Speaker, I have known Richard Ryan to be a person of great professionalism and absolute integrity. He has truly brought credit to a profession which he has served so well. The Michigan Congressional delegation will certainly miss the integrity, dedication and professionalism which drove Dick to always get the story right, and the people of Michigan will miss his insightful reporting from Washington. And I will miss Dick Ryan because not only is he a consummate professional journalist, he is a very dear personal friend.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man that is a giant in the United Steelworkers of America, Harry Lester. Harry is retiring from the United Steelworkers on February 10 and will be honored at a dinner that evening. With his retirement working men and women are losing a remarkable advocate. Harry's association with the labor movement began when as a child, he witnessed the tragic death of his father in a coal mining accident in West Virginia. Thus began a lifelong commitment to social justice. Relocating to Michigan, Harry went to work for McLouth Steel Corporation and became a member of the United Steelworkers in 1954. Working with his local, Local 2659, Harry was elected shop steward that same year. He rose through the ranks of the union and was sworn in as the District 2 Director in 1981. He has been re-elected director ever since. Harry has earned the reputation of a tough and fair negotiator. He negotiated the workplace safety and health language that was later handed down in a Supreme Court decision as the standard for all workers. Twice he has worked to keep McLouth Steel Corporation in operation, first in 1982 and the second time in 1987. At that time his ingenuity saved the company by putting together an employee buyout. The employees owned 87 percent of the company and created, for that time, the largest Employee Stock Ownership Plan in this country. Simultaneously, as he was working to save McLouth Steel Corporation, Harry was working with the negotiating team for National Steel Corporation. He helped craft the Cooperative Partnership Agreement that gave the company's employees a say in the decisionmaking process. His efforts on behalf of the membership advanced worker input and saved their employers millions of dollars. In 1993 he was appointed chair of the United Steelworkers of America National Steel Negotiating Committee. Harry's commitment to social justice extends beyond the workplace. He is active with numerous organizations including the Metropolitan AFL- CIO, the Michigan State AFL-CIO, United Foundation, United Way of Michigan, National Kidney Foundation, Economic Alliance of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Parks Authority, Citizens Advisory Committee of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, Michigan Economic and Environmental Roundtable and is the founder of the Annual Downriver Community Prayer Breakfast. Harry serves on the Salvation Army Board of Directors and with his wife, Mary, is a bell ringer every Christmas. As District 2 Director, Harry believed it is essential for local union leaders to be as skilled and as educated as their company counterparts. He developed training classes and encouraged lifelong learning. In this he led by example. Harry has taken every Labor Studies class offered by the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University. In May 2005 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by Michigan State University and actively works with the school's Labor Education Program on curriculum development. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in expressing admiration for a man that has devoted his entire life to the betterment of those around him. Through his foresight every worker in this country has benefited. I, and other Members of this body, have long sought his guidance and I have welcomed his wisdom. I wish to thank Harry Lester for his service and wish him the best as he retires from the United Steelworkers of America.