Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Chairman Greenspan before the Committee on Education and the Workforce indicated that he supports the extension of unemployment benefits. And after he made that statement, of course, the President of the United States announced that he would reappoint Alan Greenspan, would extend his tenure. Well, if he does that, let us extend those unemployment benefits which Mr. Greenspan supports. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 444, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill completely misses the mark. American workers need job creation. American workers also need extended unemployment benefits. This sour economy has lost 2 million jobs since President Bush took office. This bill does nothing to address these issues, the most pressing facing our workforce today. Instead, H.R. 444 creates an untested and risky job-training voucher scheme. This voucher scheme cuts off workers from regular job-training benefits when they accept a PRA. This legislation also demeans workers by assuming that those receiving unemployment benefits need a financial lure to go back to work. I am not sure about other congressional districts, but unemployed workers in Flint, Michigan, my hometown, and other areas of Michigan do not need an incentive to find work. They are in desperate search of work right now. They do not need an incentive to be able to afford their mortgage or to provide for their family. They need jobs. I am surprised there are those in this body that think that American workers need a financial incentive to find a job. The real story behind this bill is that it simply fails to address the most pressing needs of the American worker. It is a sham. Let us look at the real problems facing the American worker. Two million jobs have been lost since the beginning of the Bush administration, 8.2 million individuals are unemployed, 1.5 million workers have exhausted their unemployment benefits, wages have barely kept up with inflation, and this bill does nothing to address these problems. Substantive help for American workers lies in an initiative to create jobs and to extend unemployment insurance. Yet this Republican Congress and the Bush administration has continually failed to address these needs. The last extension of UI benefits ran out late last year. Despite some meager job growth in the past few months, we remain two million jobs in the hole since the beginning of the Bush administration. The Republican answer to these problems is a pilot project for job training vouchers. This bill brings no new resources to help American workers. Instead, it would steal funding from other proven job training programs. How could this respond to the needs of the American workers? In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to oppose this bill. We need real-world solutions to real-world problems, not unfunded, untested legislation which will not address the true needs of the American worker. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney), a member of the committee.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on this summer rerun I now yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Education Reform.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this carbon copy of H.R. 2211 and urge its adoption; and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think I have seen this movie before. It was known at that time as H.R. 2211. It brings to mind, if I could sing I might sing it, but it seems to me I heard this song before. It is from an old familiar score. However, despite the fact that we are running this bill through again, the substance of this bill is certainly acceptable to this side. I know this because, as I say, we voted on this before. It is over in the Senate under its previous title. In fact, we voted on this exact bill a few months ago. I think it was last year this House reported the bill by a vote of 404 to 17. And I would hope we would get even more votes on this second time around today. I intend to support this bill today again. Why are we doing this? Why pass the exact same bill in the same Congress? Why is the House starting to repass the same bills in the same Congress? I do not think we have had a constitutional amendment that if a bill passes one House twice, it goes straight to the President, but nevertheless we are doing that. No one, however, watching this debate today should be fooled by it. We are not breaking new ground with this bill. In fact, we are not really even legislating. The action taken by the House today on this bill and the other two bills that will follow are really unnecessary. Rather than wasting our time repassing legislation, as we are today, we should be investing in America's students and America's families. This investment would mean increasing Pell grants, holding down tuition, and allowing all students to benefit from today's low interest rates. The buying power of today's Pell grant is $500 less in real terms than these grants were worth 30 years ago. President Bush has frozen the maximum Pell grant over the last 3 years. This bill does not add a single dime to Pell grants. Instead of expanding college access through increased Pell funding, we are repassing bills already passed by the House. Tuition has skyrocketed as States cut their higher education budgets. Tuition has risen by more than 30 percent since 2001. The Republican answer, repass bills already considered by the House. We are at a time of historically low interest rates, the lowest in a generation. Some individuals who have previously consolidated their students loans now cannot benefit from these low rates. Instead, they are trapped with student loans at high interest rates. Is this legislation going to allow these students to reconsolidate their student loans at today's low interest rates? The answer is no. Instead of reducing the cost of college, this Congress is repassing bills already passed by this House. Mr. Speaker, I again want to say that I am going to support the legislation which is before us today. However, we are simply squandering our time and resources by repassing this bill. This legislation is not making a single improvement to our higher education programs, nor does it ensure that a single teacher is more qualified. Again, Mr. Speaker, though I have seen this movie before, I will support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring to your attention that during the month of February 2004 the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 629 (Dort Highway) of Flint, Michigan celebrated their 100th year of brotherhood. The Fraternal Order of Eagles formerly known as the ``Seattle Order of Good Things'' was founded in Seattle, Washington on February 6, 1898. The organization's informal slogan is `` People Helping People'' (F. Hector Gauthier, North Uxbridge, Mass.) Six short years later, on February 17, 1904 the Flint Dort Highway Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 629 chapter was chartered with 61 members. Former Flint Mayor George McKinley was the chapter's first President and Floyd Simson a Pharmacist/Drugstore owner was the Secretary. The club held meetings in the old Woolworth building twice a month until they relocated to the 2nd floor of the State Theater in June of 1905. In 1907 they moved to Castel Hall where they occupied the entire 3rd floor. As the organization's location changed so did its membership. In 1938 their Auxiliary was chartered with 71 members while located at the Smith and Waters building, which was purchased from Dort Motor Company in 1922. The club added a 10,000 square foot addition to the building which they called home until a fire destroyed the building and forced them to move to the second floor of the Samons building located at First and Garland. They remained there until 1980 when they purchased the building known as the Freeman Ice Cream Building. The organization began remodeling efforts immediately, with most of the work being done by its members. The building was completed in 1981 and a banquet hall was added just in time for their 1984 District Wide Initiation. New candidates from all the clubs in District Four were initiated during the event. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an organization committed to the American people. Throughout its 100 years, they have strived on a daily basis to make this country a better place for all. This is an extraordinary club of men working for the betterment of our nation. I am proud to say that there is a chapter in my hometown of Flint addressing the needs of my community. Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from the generosity of these fine men. They are indeed men of moral character committed to improving the welfare and dignity of those in need. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 629 (Dort Highway) Flint Chapter as they celebrate 100 years of solid brotherhood and in wishing them the very best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we have been here before. We have already voted on this legislation. As with the last bill, this legislation has already passed this House. Less than 1 year ago, this House reported the exact bill by a good bipartisan voice vote. That bill also improved our graduate programs. While this is a worthwhile goal, today's action does not actually move us further toward these improvements. I am going to support this bill today, but there is a more important question for this body: Why are we repassing legislation? During the last bill we considered, I asked this very question. Since I did not get a satisfactory answer then, I really do not expect to get one now. But rather than wasting our time, Mr. Speaker, repassing legislation, we should be investing in America's families. During the last bill, I talked about some much-needed improvement to our higher-education programs that this Congress should be considering. Now I will spend my time on how this Republican Congress and the Bush administration has not provided economic security for the American worker and their families. The Republican Congress and the Bush administration have refused to provide extended unemployment benefits to those workers who have exhausted their initial benefits. Despite the fact that 1.5 million workers have exhausted their benefits, this Congress has refused to act. These workers who have lost their jobs due to outsourcing and the sour economy do not have the financial security to provide for their families. This Congress and the administration continue to turn a blind eye. The real root of the problem for today's American workers is that there are not any jobs. I was in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, this past weekend; and I went into McDonald's and ordered the No. 9. They were hiring, but General Motors is not hiring. The really good jobs are not there. There are 8.2 million individuals now unemployed. On his watch, President Bush has lost 2 million jobs. That is a staggering figure when you stop to think about it. The administration has failed to keep the jobs needed to keep pace with an expanding workforce, but also we are 2 million jobs in the hole. The Republican Congress and the Bush administration have failed to pass an unemployment insurance extension and other critical legislation directly affecting the financial security of families. Instead, Congress is debating legislation that has already passed. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, we need to refocus our priorities on restoring the economic well-being of our workers and the families for which they provide. Mr. Speaker, I again want to say that I am going to support this legislation which is before us today. However, this legislation is not moving us toward improving our graduate programs. We simply are squandering our time and resources by repassing this bill today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) has said we are repassing these bills to get the attention of the Senate. I suggest it might be cheaper and more efficient to send a respectful message to the Senate, and I will be glad to cosign a letter with my colleague to do that. But, nevertheless, I will support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in opposition to this closed rule and urge Members to defeat the previous question. This rule cuts off meaningful debate on real-world solutions to the real-world problems of American workers. The underlying bill creates an unproven and risky job-training voucher program that does not address the main issues facing American workers. American workers need help now. Those who exhausted their unemployment benefits need Congress and the Bush administration to enact an extension of those benefits. The American worker also needs new job opportunities. Under this administration, 2 million jobs have been lost, 8.2 million individuals are unemployed, 1.5 million workers have exhausted their unemployment benefits, and wages have barely kept up with inflation. This bill does nothing to address these problems. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) and I filed amendments to respond to the true needs of American workers. The Committee on Rules blocked both of these amendments. When I go to the Committee on Rules recently, I am reminded of what Dante had engraved above the gates of Hell in his ``Inferno.'' Engraved there was: ``Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.'' I have not been given an amendment up there, by the present committee and I have been here quite a few years. The amendment to be offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan) would have allowed local communities to hire and train first responders. This amendment would have created jobs, while also protecting our villages and towns from security threats. My amendment would have extended unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted their initial 26 weeks. Both of these amendments are critically needed if we are to ensure that American families can provide for their own financial security. I urge Members to defeat the previous question so we can have a full and open debate on the Ryan amendment. If the previous question is not defeated, I urge opposition to this rule.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding individual, Mr. Donald J. Krapohl. On May 23, 2004, family and friends will gather to honor Donald, as he celebrates his 75th birthday. Donald is a longtime resident and tireless advocate of Genesee County. He held the election positions of Mt. Morris Township Trustee and Supervisor. In addition, Don served his community in many other capacities, including but not limited to the Beecher Board of Education, Genesee County Economic Development Corp., Genesee County Parks Commission, Genesee County Bicentennial coordinator, Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, Mt. Morris Twp. Housing Commission, Department of Outdoor Recreation advisory committee, National Association of Counties Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement committee, Forward Development Corporation, Genesee County water and waste division advisory committee, and Chairman of the Mt. Morris Twp. Senior Citizen Board of Directors. During his career, Don has received numerous recognitions for his outstanding community leadership. He was named an honorary Fireman by the Mt. Morris Central and Beecher Fire departments. The Mt. Morris Township Senior Citizen Center was named in his honor. To know Don is to appreciate him. He is a hard working and unselfish leader. He is an inspiration to others who are serving their community. Aside from his duties in public service, he is the coach for the Beecher Schools little league football program. Don and his lovely wife Barbara have four wonderful children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as the Member of Congress representing Genesee County, Michigan, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in not only recognizing my good friend Mr. Donald Krapohl for his outstanding citizenship and concern for the people of Genesee County, but to wish him a very happy 75th birthday, and many more to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women of our Nation's Armed Forces who are performing so magnificently in Iraq, under very difficult circumstances. America is exceedingly blessed to have such citizens who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our Nation. Some who serve in Iraq have made the supreme sacrifice by giving their very lives in defense of our Nation. And to those heroes we owe our eternal gratitude, and we give our deepest sympathy to their families and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, several families in my congressional district have lost loved ones in Iraq. I list their names and hometowns for my colleagues in Congress. SGT Michael F. Pedersen, U.S. Army of Flint, MI, killed in action in a helicopter crash on April 2, 2003. SSG Scott Sather, U.S. Air Force of Clio, MI, killed in action on April 8, 2003. PFC Jason M. Meyer, U.S. Army or Swartz Creek, MI, killed in action when struck by mortar fire on April 8, 2003. SSG Brett J. Petriken, U.S. Army of Mundy Township, MI, killed in action escorting a convoy on May 26, 2003. SPC Artimus D. Brassfield, U.S. Army of Flint, MI, killed in action when struck by mortar fire on October 24, 2003. SPC Richard K. Trevithick, U.S. Army of Gaines, MI, killed in action by an improvised explosive device on April 14, 2004. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to observe Memorial Day later this month, it is incumbent upon us to remember the service and sacrifice of, not only those who have fought in previous wars and conflicts, but also the fine men and women who are currently serving our Nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. We particularly want to express our gratitude to those heroes who have given their lives in the service of our country. May they rest in peace.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2728 and also refer to the other three bills, H.R. 2729, 2730, and 2731. Mr. Speaker, OSHA came into being to protect the worker and give that protection with the force of the Federal Government because in so many instances the employer was not protecting these workers. These bills individually and collectively will weaken that protection. I can recall the days before OSHA, the lack of protection, the lack of sometimes even a concern among many employers about the safety of their workers. My father was almost killed in plant because he was being pulled into the machine and was unable to control his own machine. He could not control the power for their own machine. And he had to keep shouting down the line to turn off the power. And that is how things were before OSHA. In my State about 8 or 9 years ago, a young lady trying to pull herself out of poverty took a job in a small plant. She was working on a press. She put her hands in to remove the product and the press came down. It did not amputate her hands. It obliterated, disintegrated her hands. Failure to abate can lead to such tragedies. And there was certainly failure to abate in that plant. Most of the workers knew that that machine had difficulties; but she was allowed to work on that machine which destroyed, obliterated, disintegrated her hands. We have so many values in our life but she, in talking to us, held out her arms and was telling the great loss she had suffered. This is what we have to be concerned about. ``Among my losses,'' she said, ``I will never be able to pet my kitten again.'' These are real people. This was a woman who sought a job at very low wages and had her hands destroyed. Let us think of those people. Give them some relief.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment in the Secretary of Veteran Affairs decision to eliminate the inpatient care services at the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. This decision will have a devastating impact on the quality and accessibility of medical care for over 60,000 veterans in Mid- Michigan. In Michigan, 130,000 veterans rely on the services and benefits of the Veteran Affairs' health care system. Every one of those veterans, regardless of location, deserves immediate and convenient access to the best medical care services available. Removing the inpatient beds at the Lutz Medical Center will hinder the delivery and accessibility of medical care to veterans in our area. We can not allow the Bush Administration to turn its back on our veterans and disrupt access to health services that they are entitled to receive. None of our nation's 26 million veterans should ever be denied or stripped of essential medical services. It is unconscionable and unacceptable that our local veterans will be forced to travel more than two hours to the nearest Veteran Medical Center for inpatient care. I urge my colleagues to fight against the Secretary of Veteran Affairs' decision to realign or eliminate medical care services from VA hospitals across this country. We owe it to our veterans to fight this decision to show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our country. We must continue to work together to make sure that America's heroes receive the best medical care available.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate Genesee County's oldest business, the Flint Journal, on the grand opening of the newspaper's new Press and Distribution Center. To commemorate this event, the Flint Journal will host a special business reception on May 11, 2004 and a community open house on May 23, 2004. The Flint Journal was founded in 1876 by Mr. Charles Fellows. The Flint Journal began as a weekly newspaper until it began daily publishing in 1883. The Journal provided national and world news to its readers via the Associated Press beginning in 1908. In 1911, Mr. Fellows sold the newspaper to Booth Publishing. In 1922, the first Sunday edition was produced. The daily circulation of the Flint Journal passed 100,000 in 1961. For the past 80 years, The Flint Journal has been located in their main building, which was designed by the noted architect, Albert Kahn. In 1954, an addition was completed where the printing of the paper has taken place for half a century. In October of 2002, the Flint Journal, as part of its commitment to continuing to provide superior newspaper coverage of world and local events, broke ground on a new multi-million dollar state-of-the-art Press and Distribution center. The center was completed in the early part of 2004 and is located in downtown Flint, Michigan. The Press and Distribution Center is a 75,000 square-foot, six-story facility designed by Dario Design of Framington, Massachusetts. Symbols of past and present are represented in the new building's design. On the glass of the press hall, the main part of the Press and Distribution center, are 12 etched design elements from the old building. The designs are of printers' marks from the early days of mechanical printing; an eagle, symbolizing vigilance; a lantern, for knowledge; and a beehive, for industry. The design also includes figures that represent typesetting--a medieval craftsman with tweezers, setting type for a book, and for engraving, an old man etching symbols with a stylus. Charles Wollitz, an artist for the Journal, designed 26 artistic tiles for the building exterior to symbolize some of the communities served by the Journal. The Flint Journal along with its experienced and dedicated staff is committed to bringing quality news stories to the people of Genesee County. I am confident that with the modernization of their printing and distribution center, they will be even more effective in delivering stories and editorials that will not only inform, but will also inspire the communities which they serve. Mr. Speaker, as the Member of Congress representing Flint, MI, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating the Flint Journal on the opening of their new Press and Distribution center and in wishing them the best in future success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to acknowledge the Bay Regional EMS units of Bay City, Michigan for their tireless efforts and dedication in providing life sustaining treatment, and transportation of the sick for 31 years. On May 16, 2004, during National EMS week, the community will join together to honor these men and women during a special presentation ceremony to be held at the main EMS station in Bay City, Michigan. The Bay Regional EMS, formerly known as the Bay Medical Center EMS, started in 1973. In 1978 it added the Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) service units. There are currently eleven Advanced Life Support units within the fleet. The EMS Units are based out of four stations, which are located in downtown Bay City, Bangor Township (2 units) and Hampton Township. Bay Regional Medical Center employs thirty-eight paramedics, and twelve EMT/Dispatchers who respond to approximately 11,000 emergency and non-emergency transports annually. The Bay Regional EMS Paramedic units are the best in its class. They were among the first responding units to the Wenona Hotel fire, the Bay City fireworks festival explosion, and the motor vessel Jupitor explosion and fire. Aside from their duties as paramedics and EMT/Dispatchers, they also provide Medical First Responder level, EMT-Basic level, EMT-Specialist level, and Paramedic level licensure programs, as well as community CPR/AED classes and informational events within the Bay County Schools. The service also provides coverage for special events throughout the Bay County area, including all levels of EMS coverage at no cost for Bay City Central and Essexville Garber football games. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in recognizing the Bay Regional EMS units for their outstanding professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to assisting all those in need of medical care.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. George Booms. He is a hardworking advocate for America's senior citizens. On Thursday, May 6, 2004, the Region VII Area Agency on Aging will show their appreciation to George during their annual meeting to be held at Buck's Run located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. George was born October 9, 1938, in Bad Axe, Michigan. He is a longtime resident and dairy farmer of Sanilac County, Michigan. George has made it his life's work to defend and promote human dignity for all senior and disabled Americans. He joined the Region VII Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors in 1993. The Area Agency on Aging, which was created by the Older Americans Act, partners with county organizations to service the needs of the elderly. During his tenure, George served as board vice chairman in 1998 and 2000. He served as board chairman from 2001 to 2004. Under his steadfast leadership, George was able to successfully, along with the help of various committees, secure a new and more spacious facility for Region VII Area Agency on Aging. George was also instrumental in leading the search for a new executive director. He has also dedicated numerous hours to advocating the MiChoice Waiver program for the elderly and disabled. George was the lead in guiding the agency to conduct a study on wages and approve equitable wage steps for all employees of Region VII Area Agency on Aging. Prior to George's service on the board, he was the township clerk for Sanilac County for 12 years and a Sanilac County commissioner for 12 years. He was also a member of the Sanilac planning committee and public and safety committee. Aside from his work with the agency, George enjoys participating in various related church functions and woodworking. I know that George would want me to point out that the love and support of his family have immensely contributed to his overall success. He is a devoted husband to his lovely wife, Arlene. They have three sons, two daughters, and six wonderful grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, many people have greatly benefited from George Booms's experience and dedication. He is a man of moral character committed to improving the welfare and dignity of those in need. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating George Booms on a successful term and in wishing the very best in future endeavors.