Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, let me make it clear that the Kildee-Van Hollen efforts to end this subsidy have never gone after existing loans. Both the Kildee-Van Hollen amendment and H.R. 5113 affect prospective loans. Mr. Speaker, I am going to support this bill today despite some glaring inadequacies. H.R. 5186 makes an improvement over current law which has been providing lenders excessive subsidies, but it also fails to address a large share of this subsidy and only enacts this change for about 1 year. The loophole, which this bill only partially closes, has increased lender profits by nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2004. Under this antiquated loophole, lenders presently receive an additional 5.5 percent return, compared to subsidies on regular student loans. That is free money. Worse, this loophole has reduced resources that should be used to make college cheaper for students. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) and I became concerned about this issue in October of last year when we asked the General Accountability Office to investigate how lenders were exploiting this loophole. This report produced alarming results including: The Federal subsidy provided under this loophole has grown nearly five times from $200 million in fiscal year 2001 to $1 billion in fiscal year 2004. The volume of loans carrying this subsidy has grown from $11 billion in fiscal year 1995 to over $17 billion at the end of the third quarter in 2004. Clearly, these facts demand immediate action. The GAO's report on this matter called for such action by the Bush administration. Unfortunately, they failed to answer that charge. Due to this refusal, Congress now has to take steps to deal with this issue. I am pleased that the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) have now responded to our calls to close this loophole. Today's effort is especially timely considering that all committee Democratic members called for a markup on the gentleman from Maryland's (Mr. Van Hollen) and my legislation to eliminate this lender loophole. However, it is important that Members understand that this bill has two major deficiencies. First of all, it does not completely close the loophole which lenders have been exploiting. It keeps on ``recycling.'' Cyclists pedal through the Tour de France for handsome profits; recyclists pedal through the U.S. Treasury for even greater profits. This is free money and it should be stopped. Under this legislation, lenders will continue to receive sizeable and excessive subsidies, perpetuating this taxpayer ripoff. Second, this bill does not close this loophole permanently. Instead, it opts for about a 1-year fix. This loophole should be permanently and completely closed, and the savings should be used to make college cheaper for needy students. Failing to completely and permanently close this loophole is a lost opportunity to create more aid for needy students. Permanently and completely closing this loophole would enable us to increase the bill's loan forgiveness provisions even more, or enact other means to make college more affordable. Students are bearing the brunt of rising college costs and shrinking aid. It is unfortunate that we cannot completely and permanently address this problem and provide more help. I would hope that passage of this legislation does not end our efforts to fully and permanently close this loophole.

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. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. H. Res. 805 promotes the need for greater public awareness of effective runaway youth prevention programs and the increasing need for safe and productive alternatives, resources and supports for youth in high-risk situations. Mr. Speaker, let me first applaud the hard work of the front line workers who are on the ground working with runaway and homeless youth every day. For many youth, these workers represent the only responsible and caring adults they will have contact with during their time on the streets. Many of these workers are volunteers who make themselves available 24 hours a day. They venture into dangerous situations, providing a lifeline to these young people. They should be acknowledged for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, the youth who come to these programs represent a lost generation. Most of them are not runaways. They have been thrown away, thrown away by their parents and by society. When they come to these programs, they do so out of a need for security, shelter and comfort they cannot find at home. These programs provide that comfort. They provide basic life skills, training, job preparation and placement, health referrals and services. As of this fall, youth who visit these programs will be automatically eligible for school nutrition programs and will be able to receive meals and snacks through shelter programs. The reauthorization of child nutrition programs enacted this summer made this possible and ensures that these youth can get a nutritious meal even if they are on the street. Nearly 150,000 youth are served at basic centers and through transitional living programs. Yet as this resolution points out, many more runaways and homeless youth find themselves without these critical community services. It is appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that Congress take time out to promote greater public awareness of the needs of these young people and the services that are available to them in the community. In closing, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the Bay Area Women's Center of Bay City, Michigan for their diligence and dedication to educating the community on the devastating effects of domestic violence and for supporting numerous victims and their families. The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Tuesday, October 5, 2004 the Bay Area Women's Center will host their annual vigil and awareness walk to show and renew their commitment to ending domestic violence. As we enter into National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge every community leader, resident, and law enforcement officer to come together and take a stance against this hideous crime not just during the month of awareness, but every day throughout the year. Countless lives are lost and homes are broken as result of this preventable crime. We as a community must educate ourselves on the warning signs. We must also be willing to alert the authorities before a situation becomes violent. Domestic violence is prevalent in all communities. It knows no status or ethnicity. This is a vicious crime sweeping our Nation with many victims too afraid or simply not aware they are victims until it is too late. I am thankful for the Bay Area Women's Center, for they are committed to helping people in crisis. They hold true to their philosophy that every individual maintains the right to live free of fear and violence. Survival of organizations such as this one is critical if domestic violence is to be an issue of the past. We must support these organizations and help them spread the word that domestic violence will not be tolerated. During the month of October renew your own commitment to stamping out domestic violence by first assuring that you or your loved ones are not falling prey to this repulsive crime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring the Bay City Women's Center for their tireless efforts in promoting domestic violence awareness and for providing a supportive, and non-judgmental environment to those who have become victims.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Michigan State Polka Music Hall of Fame to honor the late Mr. William Ostash of Bay City, Michigan for his contributions to the Polka Music Industry. On October 3, 2004 the Michigan State Polka Music Industry will honor Mr. William Ostash by inducting him into the Polka Music Hall of Fame. William Ostash was born in Saskatchan, Canada on December 11, 1915 to Michael and Anna Ostash. In December of 1926, William and his family moved to Bay City, Michigan. At a young age William along with his siblings learned the value of music from their father, who was a well- known violinist in his native country of Ukraine. William who was a self-taught accordion player, performed with the family Orchestra for many years. The Ostash Orchestra music was so popular that it gained airtime on radio station WBCM. History has it that William was one of the first to incorporate the accordion into polka music. Another note worthy of mentioning is that William was also a master at performing the march called ``Under the Double Eagle'', and according to his family audiences were always amazed at how he could play this tune using his left hand, the bass side, with 120 buttons. Aside from his musical career, William was a devoted husband to his lovely wife Julie, whom he married on May 3, 1941. To this union were born two sons, James and Ronald. On April 8, 2002 Julie Ostash passed away, and William passed on July 20, 2002. William was a legend and true contributor to the Polka Musical Industry. His contributions will be forever cherished. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. William Ostash who devoted many years to Polka Music Industry. May he rest in peace.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 2363, to revise and extend the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Congress first granted the Boys and Girls Clubs a charter back in 1991, but these clubs have been helping their communities for nearly one hundred years. There are currently 3,500 Boys and Girls Clubs across America, serving over 3.6 million children, ages 6-18. Over 70 percent of those children who benefit from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America live in America's inner cities. Almost half of the club members come from single parent homes. The clubs offer young people a safe place to learn and grow in the clubs. This bill authorizes the clubs to receive funds through 2010 and increases the number of clubs in existence. By 2010, there will be 5,000 clubs nationwide serving over 5 million young people. I urge my colleagues to support this important reauthorization. I would also like to recognize Thomas (T.J.) Rancour of Bay County, Michigan, who last week won the Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year Award. T.J. won the national title after delivering an excellent speech about how the Boys and Girls Club has changed his life. T.J. overcame many personal obstacles in life because of his determination and perseverance. T.J. has a bright future ahead of him because he has a good heart and a good head.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Emergency Loan Abuse Prevention Act of 2004, along with my colleagues, Representatives Van Hollen and George Miller. Through a loophole in the Higher Education Act, nearly $1 billion in special student loan subsidies will be paid by the Federal government to lenders this year, rather than used for financial aid for students. This bill closes this loophole and requires the savings to be used to increase the maximum Pell grant. This antiquated subsidy results from an obscure provision in the Higher Education Act and its regulations which provide lenders a 9.5 percent rate of return on certain student loans. This rate of return is excessive when you consider that lenders are guaranteed approximately a 3.5 percent rate of return on other student loans. The 9.5 percent guarantee was established in the high interest rate year of 1980. Congress intended for it to phase out of existence beginning in 1993. But through a loophole, the guarantee has continued. Both the New York Times and the L.A. Times have reported on this loophole. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report which calls for the Department of Education to correct its regulations on this matter--an action the Bush Department of Education is refusing to take. This special subsidy has caused a lost financial opportunity for students. Students are bearing the brunt of rising college costs and shrinking grant aid. This bill provides an opportunity to correct this problem. Despite this issue being addressed in the last Presidential Budget, the recent reaction by the Bush Administration has been inaction and silence. Rather than eliminate the use of this provision through immediate regulation, the Bush Administration has let this special subsidy triple in the past 3 years. In FY 2001, the 9.5 percent guarantee cost American taxpayers approximately $200 million. Now GAO and others have estimated that this cost is projected to be nearly five times greater this fiscal year. The GAO report estimates that on top of this year's near billion dollar cost, growth in the special subsidy will cost an additional $2.8 billion in future years, if not halted immediately. This bill closes the loophole which the Bush Department of Education and this Republican Congress has permitted to go unchecked. The amendment ends this special subsidy and expends the savings to increase the maximum Pell grant for needy students. I urge Members to join me and others in supporting this legislation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today is a very special day for our country because we celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. I urge all Americans to visit the museum because it will take you through a personal journey to the different experiences of native peoples of the Americas by exposing you to their histories, their art, and their cultures. Included in its vast collection, the museum shares the stories of the 12 tribes in my own State of Michigan whose historical roots lie with the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi Nations. As a child, I learned of the injustices perpetrated against the Indian people of Michigan; and when I was first elected to public office in 1964, I vowed to work for the human dignity of the Native American people. That is why I, along with so many of my colleagues, fight so hard today to protect the sovereign rights of our country's first Americans. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better physical interactive monument that pays tribute to the past, present, and future of the American Indian than the National Museum of the American Indian.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to Mr. J.D. Rogers III, who on September 18, 2004, will be honored during the UAW Local 599 Walter Reuther award ceremony in Flint, MI, for his contributions as the longest serving production committeeman in the history of the local. J.D. Rogers began his leadership career within UAW local 599 in 1976 when he was elected as alternative committeeman. One month after assuming his post he was elected to fulfill the position of the recently resigned committeeman. His superior leadership skills and support of the union membership granted him several unopposed elections to this post. J.D. is committed to fulfilling Walter Reuther's mission of helping people, and ensuring human dignity and social justice for all. His hard work and dedication to the duties of his elected position is commendable. His deeds are self evident in the faith the members of 599 have bestowed upon him in allowing him to be re-elected. His service to the UAW extends many years and is highly regarded. Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the leadership and service of Mr. J.D. Rogers. His commitment to the UAW membership is unwavering. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating him on obtaining his mark in history and in wishing him the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to Mr. Mo Felling for attaining the honor of being the longest serving skilled trades committeeman in the history of UAW Local 599 in Flint, MI. On September 18, 2004, the UAW local 599 members will honor Mr. Felling during their annual Walter Reuther award ceremony. Mo Felling began his leadership career within UAW Local 599 in 1977 when he was elected to the post of alternative committeeman. In 1980 he was elected to the post of committeeman, a position he has held successfully to this date. His impeccable service and love for his fellow members is commendable. He is committed to upholding the mission sat forth by Mr. Walter Reuther; which is to help people, and ensuring human dignity and social justice for all who are employed within the manufacturing automobile industry. I salute Mr. Felling for his great attention to detail and on a job well done. Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the leadership and service of Mr. Mo Felling. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating him on obtaining his mark in history and in wishing him the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the Martin Funeral Home, of Mt. Morris, MI. On Saturday, September 11, 2004, the funeral home along with the community will commemorate this milestone with a full day of festivities that will include the sealing of a time capsule, a replica of President Lincoln's coffin, and free workshops on grief management. Mr. Miles B. Martin established the Martin Funeral Home in November of 1929. Miles received his mortuary license from Worsham School of Anatomy in Chicago on June 28, 1928. He married Mildred C. Doyle and of this wonderful union were born three sons, Patrick J., Michael A. and Miles T. ``Tom''. Mrs. Martin worked alongside her husband as a licensed funeral director to build one of the largest family owned funeral businesses in Genesee County. Of the three sons, Miles T. ``Tom'' Martin took on the interest of mortuary science. He received his degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. His desire to assist his father in the business was delayed by the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army as a combat medic in Vietnam. On January 1, 1972, Miles T. acquired the family business from his father. On October 21, 1988 Miles B. Martin passed away and Mildred C. Martin on August 30, 1993. Miles T., in his commitment to honor his father's mission of providing affordable and caring funeral service for Genesee County, has expanded the operation by opening homes in Vassar and Fairgrove. The process of bereavement can be overwhelming. The community has come to know they can depend on the Martin family to help them through this difficult process. I commend the Martins for taking on, and being committed to this delicate task. Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring the Martin Family and their Funeral home for 75 years of unwavering support and guidance to those who have lost loved ones.

Mr. KILDEE

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, as a Member with a lifelong and established record of being an advocate for protecting the sovereign rights of Indian tribes, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Since first becoming aware of the unfavorable administrative ruling of the National Labor Relations Board that determined it has jurisdiction to regulate the labor practices of on-reservation tribal enterprises under the National Labor Relations Act, I, along with my Democratic colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Minority Leader Pelosi), the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), and others have been participating in ongoing, sincere discussions between tribal representatives and representatives of labor. The purpose of these discussions is to work out a permanent legislative solution that honors the principles of tribal sovereignty and Labor's traditional role of collective bargaining. The amendment offered today by my dear friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), undermines the ongoing discussions we have had, because this temporary fix would harm the amicable relationship between the parties involved and would possibly destroy our efforts to seek a permanent legislative solution that is mutually satisfactory to all parties. I have met with the various parties in my own office. They are in an active discussion trying to seek a permanent solution. I am convinced that this temporary solution will interfere with those negotiations to reach that which the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) and I share in common, some solution and some balance to this very important principle embodied in our Constitution of retained sovereignty and collective bargaining. I am convinced, or I would not be standing here, that we will get a solution satisfactory to both sides on this issue.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. At a time when students and families are struggling with skyrocketing tuition, we are squandering an opportunity to generate more student aid. This fiscal year alone, nearly $1 billion in special student loan subsidies will be paid by the Federal Government to lenders rather than used for financial aid for students. This subsidy results from an obscure provision in the Higher Education Act and its regulations which provide lenders a 9.5 percent rate of return on certain student loans. This rate of return is excessive when we consider that lenders are guaranteed approximately a 3.5 percent rate on other student loans. The 9.5 percent guarantee was established in the high interest rate year of 1980. Congress intended for it to be phased out of existence beginning in 1993; but through a regulatory loophole, the guarantee has continued. Both the New York Times and the L.A. Times have reported on this loophole. The Government Accountability Office will soon issue a report which calls for the Department of Education to correct its regulations on this matter. This special subsidy has caused a loss of financial opportunity for students. Students are bearing the brunt of rising college costs and shrinking grant aid. Today we have an opportunity to correct this problem. Despite this issue being addressed in the last Presidential budget, no action has taken place. Since this subsidy has not been eliminated, it has now tripled in the past 3 years. It has been publicly announced in our hearings in the Committee on Education and the Workforce and in the press that we will not authorize the Higher Education Act this year. This essentially prevents Congress from addressing this issue in the normal fashion. This amendment is the only recourse left to us today. The amendment ends the special subsidy for new loans which are funded with proceeds from bonds which have been refunded or transferred. Today, Mr. Chairman, we have an opportunity to curtail the biggest use of this provision to date. I urge Members join me in supporting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), a cosponsor of the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the 10th anniversary celebration of the Eastside Mission of Flint, Michigan, which took place on Friday, August 27, 2004, during their fourth annual back to school carnival. Pastor Bill Burdine and his wife Barbara established Eastside Compassionate Mission Center, Inc. in 1994. The mission is an independent ministry of the Eastern Michigan District of the Nazarene Church. Over the 10 years in operation, the mission has served a quarter million meals, and distributed several tons of food from its food pantry to the needy. Currently the mission has 1,594 households on their rolls and 426 infants registered. The mission is blessed to have a volunteer medical team that visits regularly to provide free health screenings, answer questions, take blood pressure, and make referrals and appointments. The mission also has an optometrist and chiropractor that visit and provide services as needed, also free of charge. The Eastside Mission is doing marvelous things in the name of our Lord. I commend Pastor and Mrs. Burdine for their leadership, hard work and unwavering dedication to sustain this ministry. Colossians 4: 14-15 reads; ``And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.'' To that fact I also commend the volunteers who donate hours of their personal time and talent to assisting the less fortunate. The Burdines stated that they praise God for the victories however so few and they pray to God for a mighty harvest for their friends. Mr. Speaker, as a former seminarian, I truly understand the important role the Church plays in our lives, and as such, I am honored to have people such as Pastor Bill and Barbara Burdine in my district. Self- evident is their lifelong commitment to enhancing the dignity and spirit of people, and our community is a better place thanks to their dedication to performing the Lord's work. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in wishing them another decade of success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring to your attention an event that took place in my district. On Saturday, August 21, 2004 the Lake Fenton Community School district gathered to mark the official ribbon cutting and formal dedication of their newly constructed Lake Fenton High School. The celebration concluded on Sunday, August 22, 2004 with a non-denominational service and community open house. Lake Fenton High School was first dedicated on May 19, 1961. With increasing enrollment and changing educational needs the Lake Fenton Board of Education and the Lake Fenton Schools Support Services/ Facilities Committee implemented plans to build a new high school. Their hard work and dedication resulted in three elective bond activities, and the final product is the first newly built facility within the Lake Fenton School district and the only new high school constructed within Genesee County in over 30 years. This is indeed an accomplishment worth commending. The new high school boasts state of the art technology, computer and science labs, a media center, auditorium, gymnasium, and an outdoor athletic facility. The labs will allow the school to fully support their new program entitled ``Project Lead the Way''. This program introduces students to the demanding field of Engineering and Digital Electronics. As stated by their Principal, Julie Clontz, Lake Fenton High School is trying to in every way possible to adjust their curriculum to meet the needs of the students and help prepare them for life after high school. The completion of this beautiful new facility and the implementation of these exciting educational programs is without a doubt a step in the right direction. Superintendent Ralph Coaster has provided excellent leadership in this endeavor. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it both my duty and privilege to work to improve the quality of our public school system. I am glad that communities such as Lake Fenton share this sentiment. They continue to work diligently to ensure students have the tools necessary to compete and succeed. I ask my colleagues of the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating this fine community and its school district and in wishing them the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) International Union and UAW local 651 to pay tribute to Miles Conrad Owens who is retiring from the position of UAW International Union Staff Representative. Miles Owens was born October 19, 1942 in Cairo, Illinois. He graduated with honors from Beecher High School in 1960. Upon graduation he enrolled at the General Motors Institute (GMI), located in Flint, Michigan. With his enrollment came employment within GM's Flint Assembly Plant. Miles studied at GMI until he transferred in 1962 to Mott Community College. He graduated from Mott College in 1967. While studying at Mott he acquired a position with A.C. Spark Plug as an experimental model-maker apprentice and journeyman. Miles' career within the UAW began in 1962 as a member of UAW Local 651. As a member of the union he held positions as an alternate, district, and shop committeeman from 1968-1981. In 1981 he was elected President, and in 1983 he attained the appointed staff representative position with the UAW International Union, from which he will retire on July 31, 2004. Miles is a strong positive role model for his fellow members and the community. Throughout his career he has made significant, long-term contributions to improving the lives and working conditions of the men and women who build America's automobiles. In addition to being a strong leader amongst the workforce, Miles is a member of several community boards and organizations. He serves with the Flushing Board of Education, United Way, American Heart Association, Boy Scouts of America, Insight, Greater Flint Health Coalition, and Hurley Hospital HHS Board to just name a few. Miles has achieved much in his lifetime. Some of those milestones include, but not limited to, Explorer Scout, Representative of the Decade from 1960- 1970 in the Decades of Education Ceremony for Beecher High School, recipient of the Walter Reuther Award, selected to hold the post of Worshipful Master of Flushing Masonic Lodge #225 in 1991, attained the title of 32nd Degree Mason, and is a member of the Shriners. Miles is also a devoted husband to his loving wife Shirley Ann and supportive father to their wonderful son Miles. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it my duty and my privilege to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for our citizens. I am extremely grateful to have a person like Miles Conrad Owens who shares these beliefs, and has made it his life's work to see this task achieved. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Miles, and wishing him the best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay special tribute to 17 members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) local 599, who on September 18, 2004 will be presented with the Walter Reuther Distinguished Service award. The recipients of this prestigious award are Jesse W. Perry, Dave Carr, Michael S. Polovina, Gordon Harman, Matthew Yard, Dewayne A. Butterworth, Dan Emerton, Mark Fillmore, Andrew T. Puro Jr., Robert G. Singer, Michael C. Wright, Willie Duncan, John W. Bishop, Bill Gawne, Dave Rinker, James R. Ottaway, Donald P. Sorensen, and Earl W. Stephens. The Walter Reuther Distinguished Service award is bestowed on union members who have authenticated 20 years of notable service. Walter Reuther believed in helping people. He also believed in human dignity and social justice for all. The awardees have committed themselves to these very ideas and principles. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to securing and keeping automotive manufacturing jobs in the Flint area is without a doubt commendable. They have constantly fought for decent wages, education and training as well as human and civil rights. Their efforts have greatly improved the quality of life for the UAW's membership. It is an honor to recognize these special individuals, for they have faithfully, without reservation served their union and community. Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the leadership and service of these awardees. They are individuals of moral character committed to improving the welfare and dignity of those employed in the automobile manufacturing industry. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating these fine people for 20 years of impeccable service to their union and community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 714. This resolution honors one of the most influential individuals in American education today. As a former public school teacher, I am pleased to honor Ms. Feldman on her retirement. Ms. Feldman's leadership at the American Federation of teachers has made teacher quality and improved working conditions for teachers one of the primary factors in ensuring academic success. Her advocacy on behalf of children and teachers alike have greatly improved education reform in this country. For this, we owe Ms. Feldman our thanks. The value of a public education is immeasurable. Ms. Feldman's work at the AFT lifted the value of education in the minds of the public. Most importantly however, Ms. Feldmaan has defined the importance of teacher quality. This legacy will continue to help children for many years to come. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the faculty and staff of Bay Special Care Hospital of Bay City, Michigan, for providing 10 years of superior medical care to patients requiring extended care management. On July 15, 2004, the hospital, along with the community, will commemorate this special occasion. Bay Special Care Hospital, a McLaren health service, opened in 1994, and is the first of its kind in Northeastern Michigan. The mission of Bay Special Care is to provide extended care to patients with complex medical needs and require a 25-day or longer stay. The hospital is staffed with a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals, who have committed themselves to providing each patient with intensive personalized care. Bay Special Care has consistently received high marks for its service from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services and most importantly from the patients they serve. I commend these men and women for their dedication to detail and commitment to sustaining life. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to recognize this outstanding group of medical professionals. Many families have benefited from their care and services. The staff considers it their duty and privilege to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for their patients. I am grateful for Bay Special Care's commitment to go beyond the ordinary when providing healthcare services. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to the Bay Special Care Hospital for 10 years of outstanding service to the community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize an outstanding veteran from Bay City Michigan, Mr. Terry Watson who is retiring from his post as president of the Bay City Fireworks Festival Committee after 32 years of commendable service and dedication. The committee along with the community will honor Mr. Watson during the festival opening ceremony on July 1, 2004, in Bay City. U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Terry Watson is a life long resident of Bay City, Michigan. Terry has dedicated his life to making the Bay area a better place to live, work and visit. He is a retired Bay City Police Officer with 27 years of notable service. In 1962 the Fraternal Order of Police founded the Bay City fireworks. In 1981 the event evolved into a 3-day festival, complete with carnival. The fireworks display has been a significant part of the Bay area 4th of July holiday celebration for the past 42 years. The celebration draws a crowd of approximately 350,000 people. The firework show has been rated over the past years as one of the Nation's top five displays. Because of Terry's strong teamwork and leadership skills the Bay City Festival has become a popular family vacation destination spot for not only residents of Michigan but for others residing in states throughout the Midwest. Aside from being an outstanding leader, Terry is also a devoted family man and he credits the love and support of his devoted wife Peggy, their three children, Jerry, Sheri and Richard, for his success. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to an outstanding veteran, Mr. Terry Watson, for his service to our Nation and his contributions to Bay City, Michigan. I wish him the best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the members of the Disabled American Veterans Genesee Chapter No. 3 as they celebrate their 75th anniversary on July 11, 2004 with local veterans and their families. The Disabled American Veterans Genesee Chapter No. 3, of which my father, Timothy L. Kildee, was a member, was founded on March 18, 1929. The members of this non-profit organization have worked diligently on the behalf of America's wounded war heroes to ensure that they are not forgotten by our government and society. Through their efforts and generous donations from the community, they are able to assist disabled veterans by providing services such as transportation to and from veterans medical facilities, representation for veterans in processing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, grant financial assistance to veterans and their families, provide memorial services for any veteran, as well as color guards for all types of occasions. The DAV is an organization that is committed to helping disabled veterans help themselves by providing the tools necessary to restructure their lives and accommodate their service-connected illness or injury so that they can live as close to a productive life as possible. We must never forget the sacrifice our Nation's men and women make when they enlist in the military. Each day of their enlistment, whether it is in a war zone or on the home front, they are making significant contributions toward preserving the freedoms of the United States. We are indebted to these brave individuals. I am very proud of the Disabled American Veterans Genesee Chapter No. 3 for they have always worked hard to fulfill requests for support. I consider them to be a valuable asset to the community. Mr. Speaker, as the Member of Congress representing Genesee County, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to an outstanding veterans organization, Disabled American Veterans Genesee Chapter No. 3, for 75 years of unwavering devotion to taking care of the disabled veterans of Genesee County.