Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Last year, Members from both sides of the aisle voted down a similar amendment. I had hoped that in a year's time the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) would work together to address this issue in the committee of jurisdiction. But that did not occur. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and I have had discussions on scheduling hearings in the committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on Education and the Workforce. During my 40 years of public service, I have established a strong record for defending the sovereign rights of Indian tribes. I have often led the fight to defeat legislative riders on appropriation bills because of my confidence in the regular procedures guiding us through the legislative process. I am committed to finding a permanent solution to this issue, but the appropriations process is not the way to solve this issue. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the Hayworth amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments of Dr. Robert H. Bartlett of the University of Michigan Medical Center. On Thursday, June 23, family and friends, including many of Dr. Bartlett's former patients, will gather to recognize his life and legacy. Renowned and respected for his roles as Professor of General and Thoracic Surgery at U-M Medical Center, Dr. Robert Bartlett is celebrated around the world for his pioneering work in the development of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. ECMO, a technique that has paved new roads in the treatment of infant pulmonary distress, has saved the lives of more than 5,000 infants in the past two decades, and has been successfully applied to children and adults with reversible heart or lung failure. After completing his residency in Boston and serving as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Bartlett became Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of California-Irvine. His first groundbreaking use of ECMO on an infant came in 1975, with dozens more successful cases spanning the next 5 years. From there, Dr. Bartlett moved the ECMO program to Ann Arbor, MI, the city of his birth. Within the first 5 years at U-M Medical Center, ECMO evolved from an experimental procedure to the standard practice of 18 medical facilities nationwide. In addition to his work with ECMO, Dr. Bartlett has conducted research designed to advance lung transplantation, and is one of the State's leading authorities on the Koch Pouch procedure for ostomy patients. His peers have recognized him on many occasions, including the 1989 Galens Medical Society Silver Shovel Award for Outstanding Clinical Teacher. When not teaching, researching, or lecturing, Dr. Bartlett can be found as a member of the Life Science Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra. Mr. Speaker, for decades, Dr. Robert Bartlett has selflessly worked to enhance and improve the quality of life for not only his patients, but for all those he has come across. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his career, and wishing him the very best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as my hometown of Flint, Michigan celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, I rise before you today to honor an organization that is also celebrating its sesquicentennial. On June 18, Flint residents are invited to join Flint Masonic Lodge No. 23, Free & Accepted Masons will invite the public to join in their commemoration festivities, which include a parade, reception, and banquet. Based in the Flint Masonic Temple on South Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, Flint Masonic Lodge 23 was chartered on January 11, 1855, becoming another branch of America's oldest and largest fraternal organization. The new members, coming from all walks of life, now counted emperors, kings, and even many of our Founding Fathers as brethren. Some of Flint's most prominent citizens have been or currently are members of the Masonic fraternity. Several of the city's Mayors, including Charles Stewart Mott, Colonel James Fenton, Harry Cull, George Poulous, James Rutherford, and current Mayor Don Williamson, can be counted among their ranks. Many city streets were named in honor of business and civic leaders who also served as Masons. Their legacy has become an integral part of Flint's history, and its heritage. Flint Masons have been selflessly committed to improving the community and enhancing human dignity. They are often found at the forefront of charitable drives to benefit the less fortunate, the disabled, and both our younger and older citizens. Their efforts have benefited thousands, and have indeed made the Greater Flint area a better place in which to live. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating the members, past and present, of Flint Masonic Lodge No. 23, F&AM, on their celebration of a true milestone, and wish the Lodge continued success and growth for the next 150 years and beyond.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has brought a new sense of awareness to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes in America. On June 16, Andrew Mandell, Executive Director of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, and known throughout the world as ``Mr. Diabetes,'' will be in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, as part of his ``Wake Up and Walk Tour''--a 10,000+ mile journey along the perimeter of the United States. A disease afflicting 22 million Americans, diabetes ranks among our nation's leading causes of death, and is the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, and non-traumatic amputations. Knowing no boundaries, it impacts the lives of people of all ages and from all walks of life. One such person is Andy Mandell. An avid runner, triathlete, and martial artist, Andy witnessed his life change in 1985, when he was first diagnosed as a diabetic. Although he continued to live his life as he had, the disease grew stronger, causing him to grow weaker, to the point where he was bedridden for 20 hours a day for two years. It was then that Andy made a conscious choice and developed his own recovery program of proper diet, exercise, and monitoring. Andy also decided to share his experiences with the world, and in 1990, he founded with his brother Jerry, the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, an organization whose purpose is to educate and inform the public about diabetes and the dangers it poses through articles, lectures, and personal appearances. On December 1, 2000, Andy began the ``Wake Up and Walk Tour'' in Madeira Beach, Florida. Having already traveled through the South and the Pacific Northwest, he will have logged over 6500 miles by the time he reaches Flint. Upon returning to Florida, his plans are simple: to start the walk over. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Mandell is a shining example of triumph in the face of adversity. He is a survivor rather than a victim of his disease, living with it rather than suffering from it. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding his strength as well as his commitment to improving the quality of life for us all.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 109th Congress. I have attached a list of the fine young people who have served this House as Pages. We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the U.S. House of Representatives operate. This group of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is good about our country. To become a page, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends, and learned the details of how our Government operates. As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School. I am sure they will consider their time spent in Washington, DC to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of their lives, and that with this experience they will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives. Mr. Speaker, as the Democratic Member on the House Page Board, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans. They certainly will be missed. Spring 2005 Pages Katy Ake--CA Paul Bennett--FL Rachel Bentley--OH Emily Berger--CA Katharine Billingslea--NC Lauren Boswell--MD Suzanne Brangan--TX Stephen Burke--NJ Kerianna Butler--CA Jon Calvo--GU Elsbeth Centola--OR Joy Chung--IA Daniel Ciucci--CO Stella Clingmon--CA Stephanie Collard--RI Juleah Cordi--CA Matthew Cujak--WI Awapuhi Dancil--HI Ruben Davis--PA Lauren DeNunez--CA Caroline Dickerson--TX Edward Dumoulin--IL Timothy Ford--MI Adam Hammond--ID Lane Hartley--VA Alexandra Heard--MD Lauren Henley--IL Allison Holmer--CA Amanda Huth--TX Sarah Jaeschke--AR Derek Jannarone--NJ Holly Johnson--VA Krystal Johnson--AL Jaclyn Kahn--NJ Rosemary Kelley--VA Zachary Kirihara--CA Dean Ladin--IL Thomas Leonard--PA Peter Linscheid--MI Seth Lloyd--VI Anthony Lupo--CA Tyson McBride--UT Caitlin McGowan--MN Conor McManus--FL Shannon Magnuson--FL Jeremy Moore--MI Chelsie Morales--AZ Richard Moses--KY Lucy Nicholas--CT Darren Nowels--MD Travis Proctor--KS Danielle Raines--AZ Rachel Romer--CO Taylor Salisbury--MO Matthew Sheldon--NM Sara Skiles--MS Kellie Staab--PA Elizabeth Stone--TN Joshua Strazanac--MI Michael Trummel--WY Dustin Tryggestad--WI Allison Vanderboll--WA Sarah Walker--AR Whitley Wallace--UT Ginger Wells--KS Wesley Williams--MA David Wilson--PA Kevin Wood--TX

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and a tireless advocate for America's workers, Mr. John Lukes, Sr. This Friday, members and friends of UAW Local 599 in Flint, Michigan, will honor the life and legacy of this great man, who died May 23 at the age of 82. It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and this is certainly the case with those who have ever come into contact with John Lukes and have benefited from his influence. A longtime Flint resident, World War II veteran, and committed labor activist, John's association with the UAW began October 6, 1949. As a member of Local 599, John served as Alternate Committeeman from 1949 to 1967, and worked as Editor of the Headlight newspaper from 1957-1964. John was elected Recording Secretary for the Local in 1967, a position he held until his retirement, and provided leadership and insight on the executive boards of the Veterans Committee, CAP Committee, and the Health & Safety Committee. On a national level, John operated as National Publicity Chair for the UAW's 30 & Out Committee. In 1977, John was honored with the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. Upon his retirement from General Motors in 1992, after 43 years, John continued to work on behalf of his peers through the Local's Retiree chapter, where he served as chairman until 2003. He was also found at the forefront of many community projects. Mr. Speaker, John Lukes, Sr. was not just a constituent, but also a very good friend. It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today, however it is also with great pride that I do so. It is people like John, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity of life for us all, that continue to inspire us to greater efforts. I, along with John's family, and his UAW extended family will truly miss him. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of a remarkable man.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Chapin W. Cook, who will retire after 33 years of dedicated service to the Genesee County Planning Commission. Friends and family will join civic and community leaders on May 25 to honor his dedication and his many accomplishments. Chapin Cook joined the Planning Commission in November 1972, operating as Associate Planner. In August 1973, he was promoted to Senior Planner, and in November 1975, he became Principal Planner. Chapin held this position until October 1986, when he was appointed Assistant Director of the Commission, and in July 1990, he became Director, the position he holds to this day. As Director, Chapin faithfully upheld the Planning Commission's mission statement: ``To provide a framework and encourage development that enhances the quality of life in Genesee County through government and community partnerships.'' He also served as a bridge and guiding force for the Commission's eleven-member board, helping them fulfill their duties efficiently and effectively. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me today in recognizing Chapin W. Cook for his exceptional leadership, and wishing him all the best in retirement and all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding gentleman, Mr. Richard F. Cordell of Flushing, MI. This Friday, members of the Rotary Club of Flint will pay tribute to Mr. Cordell, as he celebrates 42 years of service as a Rotarian, and 25 years as Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Club. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Dick Cordell began his long history of service to others by serving his country in World War II following his graduation from the University of Toledo. Dick piloted a B-26 as a member of the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, Dick worked as a salesman for IBM. During this time, he met and married Ruth, his wife of 58 years. When Symplex purchased Dick's division at IBM, he was transferred to Flint where he was appointed District Manager. Dick began his distinguished career with Rotary International on September 1, 1963. After memberships on various committees and participation in many projects, Dick was elected President of the Flint Rotary Club from 1974-1976. He also served as District Governor from 1984-1985. Since 1980, he has operated as the Flint Club's Executive Secretary/Treasurer, a position he enjoys due to the constant positive interaction he experiences from his fellow Rotarians. In addition, Dick and Ruth plan to attend this year's Rotary International Convention, which will be their fifteenth. I am appreciative of Dick Cordell's many years of leadership and for the untold number of individuals he has assisted, both personally and indirectly. He truly personifies the Rotary motto: ``Service Above Self,'' as well as the Rotarian philosophy of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit in all professional actions. Mr. Speaker, as a Rotary Club fellowship beneficiary, I can attest to the unwavering support toward the community exhibited by its members, and I am grateful for people such as Richard Cordell. I ask my colleagues in the 109th to please join me in recognizing his accomplishments, and wishing him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to stand before you today to recognize the Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable, a group of men and women committed to improving the quality of life for residents of my hometown, Flint, Michigan, and Genesee County. On Saturday, May 14, civic and community leaders will join the Roundtable to honor fallen neighborhood leaders James Dover II, Melvin McFadden, Adele Smith, C.J. Beasley, Virginia Brown, Genevieve Donnelly, and Guy Rogers. The Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable was formed in 1995, the result of a state initiative known as Communities First. The goal of Communities First was to bring together neighborhood groups and organizations working to improve their areas, providing networking opportunities and the chance to share thoughts, ideas, and strategies toward making their towns a safer and better place in which to live. In its 10 years, the Roundtable, in conjunction with the University of Michigan-Flint Outreach, the Neighborhood Violence Prevention Collaborative, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and the Community Coalition, facilitated the Technical Assistance Training Institute, where future community leaders were trained in coalition building, grant writing, and other subjects designed to strengthen their skills. Many of the Institute's graduates can now be found working with the Roundtable and the Neighborhood Violence Prevention Collaborative, helping others identify potential grants and assisting with many neighborhood projects. Other partnerships the Roundtable has established have addressed issues including health, youth violence, race relations, and the environment, among many others, and its members can frequently be found on the boards of local and state organizations. In addition, the Roundtable serves as a member of the Prevention Research Center of Michigan's Community Advisory Committee. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it my duty and my privilege to work to promote, protect, defend, and enhance human dignity. I am pleased that the efforts of the Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable make this task easier. Their mission to provide training and share information to enable residents to empower themselves, and to develop strong neighborhoods and form partnerships to be a collective voice and positive force in our community will improve Flint and Genesee County for years to come. I ask my colleagues to please join me acknowledging their success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today on behalf of one of our country's most honored and respected organizations, the American Red Cross. Each year, the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter of the Red Cross acknowledges individuals who have shown tremendous courage, kindness, and selflessness through acts of goodwill and heroism. Twenty-five such people will be honored May 13, at the 2005 Salute to Everyday Heroes. Everyday Heroes are chosen by the Red Cross from several categories: Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Response, Community Good Samaritan, Youth Good Samaritan, Adult Good Samaritan, and Workplace Good Samaritan. Nominees are selected for acts of bravery related to fire, rescue, and lifesaving, and are awarded to those who live in Genesee or Lapeer Counties, or if the rescue occurred in one of the two counties. Deputy Lawrence Fields is this year's Law Enforcement Everyday Hero, and Lieutenant John Speck is the Emergency Medical Response Hero. Good Samaritan Awards will be given to: The Honorable Judge Duncan Beagle (Community), Robert Duffy (Workplace), Deputy Dave McDonald, Christopher Tanner, Jerry Scheddel, and Raymond Hile (Adult), and Matthew Harris (Youth). Those receiving the Fire Everyday Hero Award include: Tony Windham, Chad McBride, Jim Bennett, Jasen Stevens, Firefighters Edward Reynolds, Jeffery George, Jeremy Gilbert, Michael Gist, Robert Parrish, Michael Rose, Tony Terry, and Robert Winford, Lieutenants Yaskuo Hall and Martin Juarez, and Captain Raymond Barton. A special Spirit of Heroism award will be given posthumously to Ms. Cherica McLemore of Flint. Ms. McLemore's life was tragically cut short last January, as a car struck her after she stopped to help victims of another crash. Mr. Speaker, I applaud these courageous men, and the life of this caring young woman, for all they have done for others. Through their actions, they gave a priceless gift--a second chance at life. Their contributions are deserving of the highest respect, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in recognizing them for who they truly are--heroes.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H. Res. 216 celebrates the life of one of the greatest playwrights of all time. In addition, this resolution rightly recognizes the University of Michigan for naming a theater after this great American. Arthur Miller was a Pulitzer Prize winner; a recipient of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award; the Nation's most distinguished recognition for the arts, the Kennedy Center Honors. He enriched our country through his great works, including ``Death of a Salesman,'' ``The Crucible'' and ``A View From the Bridge.'' This remarkable man and his remarkable work really took root at the University of Michigan. At age 19 when he came to Michigan, he began to realize his dream was to become a writer. Miller won two of the University of Michigan's prestigious Avery Hopwood Awards while attending the University. Michigan and the entire university were happy to call Arthur Miller one of our most distinguished citizens and alumni. Madam Speaker, I wanted to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schwarz) for introducing this resolution. The University of Michigan deserves recognition for naming a theater after this great American. We would be remiss, however, if we did not also recognize the contributions Arthur Miller made to our country and to the world. I urge Members to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KILDEE

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 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 218 discusses the impact which charter schools are having on our educational system. Charter schools, while relatively new, like all public schools, have continued to garner both accolades and criticism for role they play. Recent studies by the American Federation of Teachers and the Economic Policy Institute have raised questions about whether charter schools are outperforming traditional public schools. These studies have generated a great deal of debate from both detractors and supporters of charter schools. The one thing that does seem clear is that charter schools on the aggregate are not performing on the level most hoped they would. Regardless of whether you are a supporter of charter schools, we can all agree on the importance of a strong public school system. This system, including charter schools, continues to educate ninety percent of American students. Our public schools must have the resources and the focus on quality to ensure that our children get the best education possible regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, status or whether they can speak English. It is our public school system that I rise to support today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Camp, Mr. Stupak and I rise together to pay tribute to Dr. Peter D. Boyse, a visionary educator who will retire July 31, 2005, after 17 years of dedicated service to Delta College and the community it serves. Friends and colleagues will gather June 10 to honor his dedication and his many accomplishments. Dr. Boyse came to Delta College in July 1988 as executive vice president and became president in January 1993. During his tenure, Delta College has completed a $26 million renovation of its computer and science laboratories, and its library, and a $42 million renovation and addition to its Technical Trade and Manufacturing Complex. These renovations place Delta College on the cutting edge of training for tomorrow's jobs in the sciences and in manufacturing. Delta College, which serves the people of Bay County, Midland County and Saginaw County, as well as many others from surrounding counties in Mid-Michigan, has grown to be one of our Nation's leading community colleges under the guidance of Dr. Boyse. Support for Delta College within that community is demonstrated by the passage of a renewal of an operating millage with an unprecedented 70 percent approval. Dr. Boyse's visionary leadership has brought about growth in both the size and stature of Delta College. Through its Corporate Services arm, the college has helped people all across the United States to grow and succeed in their careers. His influence as an administrator and a leader in the field of higher education will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, we ask that all of our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join us today in recognizing Dr. Peter D. Boyse for his exceptional leadership. His guiding hand has helped shape Delta College into a truly world class institution of higher education. We wish Dr. Boyse all the best in retirement and hope for his continued involvement in our community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has become a source of inspiration for the citizens of Tuscola County, in my district. On May 13, the County's Human Development Commission will gather in Caro for their Annual Meeting, where they will also honor the accomplishments of one of their early pioneers, Mr. Robert Russell, for 35 years of dedicated service to the organization. The Human Development Commission, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, represents the legacy of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Soon after its passage, Economic Opportunity Action Committees were established in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties to explore the several possibilities made available by the Act. These committees formed the Human Development Commission on February 8, 1965, with a mission to ``empower individuals and communities to identify their needs and secure resources necessary to achieve their goals of self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life. Shortly after its inception, Bob Russell began his long and distinguished career with the HDC, highlighted by his leadership in various positions as a member of their Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and as a volunteer within various HDC programs. In addition, he represented his community as a member of the Vassar City Council for 10 years and the Tuscola County Commission for 18 years. Prior to this, he served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. All of the accomplishments aside, Bob is also, perhaps first and foremost, a loving husband, father and grandfather. I am appreciative of Bob Russell's many years of leadership and for the untold number of individuals he has assisted, both personally and indirectly. He helped the agency and its customers overcome many obstacles and celebrate numerous successes. We will always be grateful for his willingness to be an original incorporator of the HDC and for his years of loyalty and dedication to its mission and vision. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a true public servant, Robert Russell. His service to his community and fellow citizens is a testament to everyone aspiring to make this a better world. His selfless commitment to service has been a benefit to the people of Michigan and beyond.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise before you today to honor Edward A. Mitchell, of Flint, Michigan, my hometown. On Wednesday, April 20, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will honor Mr. Mitchell's selfless contributions and dedication to improving the quality of life for thousands of residents of Genesee County. A native of Flint, Edward Mitchell graduated from Central High School in 1947, and later studied at Flint Junior College. At the age of 18, Ed began what became a 50-year career with the Flint Journal, starting out as an Ad Services employee. A year later, he became an Outside Sales Representative, and in 1958, he was promoted to Assistant Classified Advertising Manager. On April 9, 1984, Ed became Advertising Director for the Journal, and ultimately became Assistant to the Publisher, a position he held until his retirement. In addition to his tenure at the Flint Journal, Ed became a tireless advocate for civic pride and responsibility. He has been a vital part of more than 26 community organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the United Way of Genesee County, among many others. He served on the Boards of such groups as Goodwill Industries and the Lions Club, and as Chair of four organizations including the Center City Club and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. A member of the Food Bank's Board of Directors since 1991 and its Executive Committee since 1995, Ed has also acted as Nominating Chair from 1995-1997, and served on the Food Bank's Presidential Search Committee in 1994. Ed was elected Board Chairman in 1998, the position he holds to this day. During his time on the Board, the Food Bank has grown from distributing 2.6 million pounds of food in 1991 to 15.2 million pounds in 2004, providing emergency food services to more than 110,000 Genesee County residents, half of who are under the age of 17 or over the age of 65. Under Ed's leadership, the Food Bank has received several awards, and has been a national model for similar programs. In 2002, America's Second Harvest recognized the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan as the nation's best. Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of gratitude that I appear before you today to recognize my colleague, my constituent, and my friend, Edward Mitchell. For over 45 years, he has diligently worked to promote, protect, defend, and enhance human dignity, and he exemplifies the very best of what our society has to offer. I would also like to recognize Ed's wife Valia, their three daughters, and their seven grandchildren, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in wishing them all the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has made a strong commitment to protect and defend human dignity. On Saturday, May 7, the members of Oman Temple No. 72, of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, will gather at their 50th Annual Potentate's Ball, where they will honor their Illustrious Potentate, Andre Smith. Andre Smith was born in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on August 8, 1965, the youngest and only son of Elworth and Vivian Smith. He attended Flint Public Schools, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1983. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 8\1/2\ years, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-5. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1992. In addition to his tenure as Illustrious Potentate of Oman Temple 72, Mr. Smith is also a member and Senior Warden of John W. Stevenson Lodge No. 56, Saginaw Valley Consistory No. 71, and the Flint Roller Skating Association. As a member of these organizations, he has consistently been at the forefront of campaigns and projects designed to improve and beautify the city. In addition, Mr. Smith successfully balances his time as a community leader with his employment as an Administrative Security Tech at the Great Lakes Tech Center, and as a member of Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, I am appreciative of Andre Smith's contributions to the Flint community. His civic awareness has made our city a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating him for his dedication and perseverance.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 126. Today, I join my colleagues in expressing my deepest sympathies to the people of the Red Lake Reservation. This tragedy reveals the sad truth that school-related violence can occur anywhere in this country regardless the socio-economic conditions of a community. In Indian country, however, the statistics show that Indian children face greater barriers than non-Indian youth. Indian youth suffer from the highest rates of suicide. They have the highest rates of school victimization and use alcohol, drugs and tobacco more than their counterparts. Indian youth also drop out of school at higher rates than other students. What can we do? For starters, we can reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act which will provide significant improvements to the delivery of health care services for Indian people and authorize funding for health programs, projects, and facilities. We can increase funding for Indian country law enforcement, public safety and victim assistance programs to help combat the problems of juvenile crime and violence on our Indian lands. We can also increase funding for schools and colleges located on Indian reservations that were the subject of significant decreases in the president's 2006 budget. I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify how we can help the Red Lake Community specifically.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the Boehlert-Markey amendment to the energy bill. This unnecessary amendment would hurt our already struggling economy. It threatens the jobs of workers in Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, and other communities in my congressional district and in my home State of Michigan. It undermines the hard work of our auto companies and auto workers that is being made through the investment of billions of dollars in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles. The drastic increases called for in this amendment would have negative consequences for passenger safety and consumer choice. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has increased CAFE standards, which is their obligation. Clearly, the current process, Mr. Chairman, is working. Opposing this amendment protects jobs, passenger safety, consumer choice, and advancing auto technology. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I come before this body today to pay tribute to an outstanding woman, Dr. Marian J. Hockenhull. Dr. Hockenhull has been appointed the National Youth Director of the Young People's Department of the Women's Auxiliary to the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. The First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will hold a reception to celebrate this prestigious appointment on Saturday, April 16 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. The list of Dr. Hockenhull's accomplishments is a testament to the energy and hard work she has expended over the years. She has received honor after honor from her sororities, her community and her church. She has received numerous awards at the local, district, state and national level. The leadership of the National Baptist Convention and Baptist World Alliance chose her to represent their organizations on the international level where she was able to bring her inspiration to persons in many nations. Dr. Hockenhull has spent her life ministering to children. She is committed to improving the lives of the next generation both in the United States and around the world. As a retired educator of the Beecher School District, and in her work at the University of Michigan- Flint, she is a firsthand witness to the power of education to motivate and promote a better life. As an activist for youth, Marian Hockenhull has sought better living conditions, educational opportunities and the improved well being of the young. This longstanding commitment to children is only underscored by her current appointment as the National Youth Director. The position will allow Dr. Hockenhull to continue her advocacy for children. I ask the Congress of the United States to join with me in congratulating Marian Hockenhull as she assumes her new post with the Women's Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention.