Dale Kildee

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.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Rotary Club of Burton, Michigan to honor my good friend and constituent Dr. Bradley E. Habermehl. Dr. Habermehl has unselfishly donated his time and medical expertise to educating the underserved on maintaining good eye health. On Thursday, April 22, 2004, the Burton Rotary Club during their monthly meeting will present Dr. Habermehl with the prestigious Jack Hamady Good Scout award for outstanding community service. Dr. Habermehl was born and raised in Burton, Michigan. He graduated in 1981 from Bentley High School. He attended Ferris State University, after which he enrolled in the Illinois College of Optometry. Upon graduation in 1988 he joined the private group of Dr. Thomas Pardee and Dr. David Visser, where he began his primary eye care practice. His practice has flourished into one of the most well known, and accomplished eye care practices in Genesee County. On June 27, 1988, he became a member of the Burton Rotary Club, and in 1990 he served as President of the Club. Dr. Habermehl made history in 1996, when he became the youngest Optometrist to be appointed to the State Board of Examiners of Optometry. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board until his term expires in June of 2004. Dr. Habermehl shares his knowledge of maintaining excellent eye health to not only the residents of Genesee County, but to the underserved populace around the world. In 2001, he was appointed Chairman of the Burton Rotary Club's Avoidable Blindness Committee, and as a result has led a team of doctors, VOSH volunteers, and Rotarians to Mexico for the past four years to dispense used eyeglasses. This effort has led to the giving of corrected vision to over 10,000 Mexican citizens. Dr. Habermehl is also actively involved with the Michigan Optometric and the American Optometric Association. He is the Director of the Flint Sensory Learning Center, which is devoted to aiding children and adults with developmental delays. Dr. Habermehl has received numerous accolades for work, but one that is most worthy of mentioning for this occasion is the ``Rotarian of Year'' award, which he has been awarded three times by the Burton Rotary Club. Dr. Habermehl credits the love and support of his devoted wife Cindy and his two children, Chad and Kylee to his success. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating a humanitarian, and my good friend Dr. Bradley E. Habermehl.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Mt. Morris community to pay tribute to the 2004 Mt. Morris Morris Hall of Honor inductees. The inductees, Linda Fishell, Jim Corbin, Fredrick Shannon, and Judy Neaves will be inducted into the hall on April 29, 2004, during a lavish dinner and ceremony to be held at the Masonic Temple in Mt. Morris, MI. The Mt. Morris Hall of Honor was established in 1991. The honor is bestowed upon individuals, both residents and nonresidents who have made significant, long-term contributions to enhancing the quality of life in the Mt. Morris area. Since its creation, the community has inducted 31 individuals into the hall. Hall of Honor inductee Linda Fishell is committed to the children of Mt. Morris. She has been a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America for 20 years, and is currently serving as neighborhood treasurer and registrar. Linda is also a volunteer for the Tiger Cubs and Boy Scouts. She has been volunteering at the Mt. Morris High School for approximately 12 years. Hall of Honor inductee Jim Corbin although no longer a resident of Mt. Morris still finds time to Give back to the community. He does so by donating his D.J. services to Mt. Morris local events, including the 125th August festival. Jim has been a Mt. Morris volunteer for 15 years. Hall of Honor inductee Fredrick J. Shannon has been a Mt. Morris area volunteer for 30 years. He donates his time and resources at the scene of accidents, fires and natural disasters by video taping, and photographing the efforts of rescue workers for documentation and training purposes. Hall of Honor inductee Judy Neaves is a dedicated member of the Mt. Morris Lioness club. She is active on both the local and district level. Aside from placing numerous volunteer hours within her own chapter, she also volunteers with the men's Lions Club by participating in their eye saving events. Judy has also volunteered with the Senior Winter Olympic for 12 years, Genesee County Fair for 10 years, and Crossroad Village. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today and ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to join me in recognizing these outstanding citizens for their compassion and commitment to the community of Mt. Morris, MI.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor an American hero, my constituent Commander John J. ``Jack'' Roesner for 22 years of faithful steadfast service to the United States Navy. His hard work, dedication and leadership to this Nation is without doubt commendable. On May 7, 2004, the U.S. Navy will join along with his family to honor him during a retirement ceremony to be held at his command, OPNAV-- Naval Education and Training. Commander (CDR) Roesner was born and raised in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. He attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned both his Bachelor and Masters Degrees. In February of 1982, CDR Roesner completed Navy Officer Candidate School and earned his commission. His first assignment as a Surface Warfare Officer was aboard the USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27), where he served as the Commanding Ordance Officer and subsequently as Damage Control Assistant and Combat Information Center Officer. During this tour CDR Roesner qualified as Surface Warfare Officer and Gas Turbine Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). In November of 1985 he transferred to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) located at the University of Mississippi as an Associate Professor and Instructor of Naval Science. In February of 1989, he graduated from the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head Curriculum, after which he was assigned as the Combat Systems Officer of the USS John Rodgers (DD-983), and subsequently afloat as Combat Systems and Material Officer on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Six. CDR Roesner in November of 1992 reported for duty in Washington, D.C. as Aide and Administrative Assistant to the Naval Inspector General, where he served until 1985. After his tour in Washington he returned to sea duty and was stationed aboard the USS Scott (DDG-995) as the Executive Officer, followed by subsequent afloat tour as Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron Thirty- Two. In 1998, he became the Executive Officer of the Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis, and on April 14, 2000 he assumed Command of the district. In November of 2001, CDR Roesner reported to OPNAV (N-79). During CDR Roesner's career he has deployed five times to the Mediterranean and/or Western Pacific, completed three North Red Sea surges in support of U.N. sanctioned Maritime Interception Operations, and two Counter-Narcotics Operation deployments. He completed JPME phase-1 training through the Air Force Command and Staff College. CDR Roesner was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal w/gold star, Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/two gold stars, along with various unit and campaign awards. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, he is a devoted husband to his wife Stephanie. Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating my constituent and one of the U.S. Navy's finest sailors Commander Roesner upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy. He has served his country with honor, enthusiasm and great concern. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, one of Michigan's finest citizens recently passed away. I have been searching for the right words to express my high esteem for Bishop Kenneth E. Untener. Having just read the editorial in the Saginaw News of Saginaw, Michigan, I feel that they have expressed well the love in which the Bishop was held by those whose lives he had touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the Saginaw News editorial be reprinted in the Congressional Record. [From the Saginaw News, Mar. 31, 2004] Spiritual Leader, Blessed Presence For the better part of a quarter century, Bishop Kenneth E. Untener served the Saginaw Diocese with humility, humor and unflinching devotion. His faith and commitment to God are unquestioned. Yet Untener's fidelity to the welfare of the region's people--people of all faiths, creeds and colors--was an equally profound reflection of his humanity and ability to lead. His death this weekend of leukemia leaves a deep void in the Saginaw Valley, and not just among Catholics. The bishop's work to improve the community, to unite its interconnected and diverse components, was tireless. He was an inspiring presence within the region's religious and civic communities. As former Saginaw Mayor Henry Marsh, his friend and compatriot in community affairs put it, Saginaw cannot replace him. His outreach brought hundreds of the region's leaders together via his monthly ``bishop's breakfast'' meetings. He was active in Saginaw County Vision 2020, Habitat for Humanity and myriad youth initiatives. He abolished perceived barriers among individuals and between groups. There is no doubt Bishop Untener was taken, in the transitory, earthly way, too soon. It was only a few weeks ago that he announced his battle with cancer. He was 66. The church, of course, will name a successor to lead the 140,000-member, 11-county Saginaw Diocese. The community will welcome the next bishop, and Untener's successor will embark on a path to leave his own mark. Yet Untener's legacy will survive through his civic example and in his acclaimed religious writings. His ``Little Books'' are inspirational guides used by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The level of praise from within the religious community, from clergy of all faiths, is a testament to Untener's bridge-building skills. His outreach sometimes rankled members of his own faith, as in his support for female priests, as contradictory to traditional church doctrine. As a man living among us, however, Bishop Untener's humble march toward unity serves as an example we all would wisely strive to follow. The community was blessed by Bishop Untener's presence for nearly a quarter century. The people he touched are forever changed; the community he served was changed for the better, too.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as noted by the previous speaker, H.R. 2408 is noncontroversial legislation that would reauthorize the existing authority that promotes volunteer programs and community partnerships across our National Wildlife Refuge System. Volunteers provide truly indispensable hours of service to augment the yeoman labor of our Federal resource managers, rangers, and biologists stretched thin by the day-to-day demands of managing 98 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Congress should do all that it can to encourage the expansion of volunteer opportunities at our National Wildlife Refuges. I commend the act's author and the bill's sponsor, my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), for his continued steadfast leadership in promoting our refuges as places for both people to enjoy and wildlife to have a proper habitat. I also congratulate the chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), and the ranking Democratic member of that subcommittee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), for developing mutually acceptable language to clarify the authority for the Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements in support of volunteer activities. This clarification should not only help spur the creation of new partnerships, but also enhance private sources of support for our refuges. This is good legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I urge all Members to support the bill.

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 rise before you today on behalf of the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan to honor their Pastor the Rev. Dr. F.O. Hockenhull and First Lady Marion J. Hockenhull for 35 years of dedicated service to the Church community. On Friday, March 26, 2004 the congregation of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will gather to honor their Pastor and First Lady during a special dinner to be held at the Holiday Inn located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. 1 Cor. 4:1-2 reads: ``Let a man consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.'' Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have exhibited the character of true Christians. They have dedicated their lives to spreading the word of God to all of mankind. They are leaders who lead by example. They set high standards for themselves and the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Their serious stance on education and the teaching of Christ have helped their church to blossom into one of the most influential church families in the city of Flint. Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have worked as a team for 35 years of build a strong ministry at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Hockenhull beyond his duties as Pastor is the President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Leadership and Educational Congress-Flint, Michigan, Associate Director General, National Baptist Congress of Education, and Co-Chair of the Stewardship Commission, National Baptist Convention, USA, to name a few. Proverbs 31:29 reads: ``Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.'' Mrs. Hockenhull is a virtuous wife, mother, and child of God. Her commitment to spreading the gospel of Christ is unwavering. She is an impressive role model for young women. Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull have made sufficient contributions to both the City of Flint and the State of Michigan. The First Trinity Missionary Baptist church family thanks their Pastor and First Lady and so do the citizens of the communities they have inspired. I pray that God will continue to bestow his blessings upon Rev. and Mrs. Hockenhull and the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church as they continue their march onward as Christian soldiers. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues of the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring two of my dearest friends, Rev. and Mrs. F.O. Hockenhull for 35 years of commendable service to community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, especially NOAA's hydrographic survey, current and tide measurements, and nautical charts are extremely important to ensure safe marine commerce and navigation. H.R. 958 is noncontroversial legislation that would make helpful amendments to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act to clarify authority and address recognized gaps in operations. I am pleased that this legislation would authorize emergency response survey teams to go in and resurvey coastal areas after catastrophic storms which will enhance safe navigation for both commercial mariners and recreational boaters. I am also very much appreciative that this legislation includes my amendment adopted by the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans to authorize specific annual funding for water level observations important to my State of Michigan. Great Lakes water level measurements constitute one of the longest, high-quality hydrological data sets in North America. Reference gauge records begin as far back as 1860 and some sporadic records date back to the early 1800s. We will learn from these observations that the water levels of the Great Lakes can and do fluctuate greatly from year to year. These fluctuations can have dramatic negative consequences for shipping, port and marine operations, and lakeshore erosion throughout the Great Lakes Basin. My amendment will ensure that adequate funding is allocated by NOAA to carry out those important observations in the future. In closing, NOAA's navigation and hydrographic services are vital to the economic and environmental well-being of our Nation, and I urge all Members to support this noncontroversial bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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 myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2489, legislation that authorizes the distribution plan for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's judgment funds. The Cowlitz's compensation will be used to address a variety of tribal priorities, which include a housing assistance program, cultural centers, an elderly assistance program, and both educational and vocational training. Held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs since 1973, this award furthers the tribe's goal of self-determination, economic development, cultural preservation, and protection of natural resources. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) for his diligence and hard work. I also want to recognize the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for their efforts in bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation is noncontroversial, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2489. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the membership and friends of the Itinerant Ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to honor my friend Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio, Jr., for fifty five years of spiritual leadership within the Christian Methodist community. On Saturday, February 28, 2004 the friends of Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio, Jr., will honor him during a retirement luncheon celebration to be held at the Sarvis Conference Center in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Rev. Isaiah Scipio, Jr. was born in Darlington, South Carolina on July 11, 1923 to Isaiah Sr. and Margaret Scipio. He graduated from Mayo High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Air Corps December of 1942, where he served honorably as a Technical Sergeant until August of 1946. After his tour of duty he enrolled at the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor of Business Arts degree in 1959. In 1947 Rev. Scipio received his license to preach, and two years later in 1949 he was ordained Deacon and Elder. He earned his Master of Theology from the University of Southern California School of Religion. In 1947 a year after receiving his receiving his Theology Doctorate, he was assigned interim pastor of the New Era C.M.E. Church of South Los Angeles, California. Rev. Scipio from this point forward would be known as the traveling preacher. He has had the honor of spreading the word to congregations in California, Michigan, New York, Richmond, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio. From 1959-1962 Rev. Scipio served under Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. as President of the Western Christian Leadership Conference. He served two years as the President of the Greater Flint Council of Church. In 1970 he was elected General Secretary of the board of Missions, supervising work in Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa, Haiti and Jamaica. In 1993 he transferred to Flint, Michigan and was assigned to his current position as pastor of Dozier Memorial C.M.E. Church. As the passage of 2 Cor 9:13-14 reads ``While, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men. And by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.'' Rev. Scipio, you have championed for Christ for fifty-five years and the community thanks you. Rev. Scipio is also an outstanding father, grandfather and husband. He is married to Marion and they have two lovely daughters, Brenda and Deborah and three lovely granddaughters: Stephanie, Donya and Shonna. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and friend Rev. Dr. Isaiah Scipio for his outstanding service to the Christian community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to honor Mr. Mark Simoni, 9th District Rear Commodore of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, for his hard work and dedication to promoting recreational boating safety within the Great Lakes and the Saginaw Bay. On February 21, 2004, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flint Flotilla 15-02, will gather to honor Mr. Simoni during the ``Change of Watch'' awards ceremony to be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan at Mario's Restaurant. Mark Simoni was born in Flint, Michigan, on December 19, 1952. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1971, and upon completion he attended the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. In 1991 Mark became a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary- Saginaw 15-05. Mark has unselfishly given of his time and resources to ensure the safety of boaters and families. His commitment to the U.S. Coast Guard team mission led him to hold elected offices such as Flotilla Commander-Saginaw 15-05, Division 15 Captain from 2002-2003, and Vice Captain from 2000-2001. Mark has also held staff positions on the Flotilla, Division, District/Region and National level. Recently (2004) Mark was promoted to 9th District Region Rear Commodore of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mark has volunteered countless hours in the areas of Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks, Safety Patrols, Search and Rescue, Maritime Security and Environmental Protection. A fine example of loyalty is when he used his personal watercraft to patrol the Great Lakes along with other auxiliarists to ensure that Michigan waterways were secure after the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center tragedy. Mark has proven himself worthy of his new title as 9th District Region Rear Commodore. This new position will allow him the opportunity to provide administrative and supervisory support to the Flotillas and Divisions within his district. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating Mr. Mark Simoni on his promotion and also in honoring him for his past deeds. He has and continues to serve his country with enthusiasm and steadfastness. I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of my hometown of Flint, MI, to honor a great man, Mr. Ruben Burks for his indefatigable service as past UAW Region 1C Secretary-Treasurer. On Thursday, February 19, 2004 the community will honor Mr. Ruben Burks during a special dinner to be held at the Mott Community College Prahl Center ballroom, also located in my hometown of Flint, MI. Ruben Burks was born August 23, 1933 in Louisiana. He relocated to Flint, MI in 1955, and gained employment with General Motors Corporation (GM) Fisher Body Plant 2 as an assembler. He also became a member of the UAW Local 598, during that same year. As a member of Local 598, Ruben held several leadership positions, such as shop committeeperson, alternate committeeperson, and executive board member. In 1970, former UAW President Walter Reuther appointed Ruben to the International Union staff in Region 1C. Region 1C serves UAW members of GM, independents, parts and supplier plants in 11 counties in south- central Michigan. In 1983 Ruben became the Assistance Director of Region 1C and remained in that position until 1989 when he was elected to the office of Regional Director, where he served a total of three terms. On June 24, 1998, Ruben was elected to the Union's second- highest office, Secretary-Treasurer of the UAW. Ruben maintained this position until retirement in 2002. During his tenure, Ruben was a strong leader in promoting economic development, he worked diligently to attract and keep good jobs in the Flint community. He was instrumental in the UAW-GM community health care initiative in Flint, which helped to improve the quality and accessibility of health care while at the same time making the health delivery system more cost efficient. Ruben has advocated over the years for the working family to ensure that their voices were heard among politicians and business leaders. Ruben Burks is currently actively involved in a host of civic, charitable, and youth organizations within his community. In 1997 Mott Community College awarded Ruben with an honorary degree in Community Development in recognition and appreciation for his contributions to the Flint Community. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Ruben Burks is also the devoted father of 7 children and grandfather of 10 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, this community, indeed this world, is better because of Ruben Burks. Ruben Burks has been a positive influence on me. I am a better Congressman, a better person because of the example and influence of Ruben Burks. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and dear friend Ruben Burks for his outstanding contributions to the Flint community and the State of Michigan.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary of Michigan, to honor Dr. Essie L. Bailey for 33 years of dedicated service as President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary, an auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. On Saturday, January 10, 2004, the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary will recognize Dr. Bailey's accomplishments during a dinner to be held at the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, A.J. Pointer Family Life Center located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Dr. Essie L. Bailey was born and raised in Mississippi. Upon relocating to Flint, Michigan she became a faithful member of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she is currently serving as a Sunday school teacher, leader of the Missions Union and a Deaconette. Dr. Bailey was granted an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from the Urban Bible Institute of Religious Studies. She has served the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. as the President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary for thirty-three years, President of the Wolverine State Baptist Woman's Auxiliary for eight years, Chairwoman of the Great Lakes Baptist District Foreign Mission Board, and Chairwoman on the District Presidents' breakfast committee. These roles have allotted Dr. Bailey with the opportunity to spread spiritual enrichment to women throughout the world. Her work has taken her to Africa, where in 1973, she served as the Great Lakes Baptist District Association General Ambassador to Africa. She also traveled on missions to Canada, and Israel. Dr. Bailey faithfully served the convention until failing health caused her to recently step down from her position as President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Woman's Auxiliary. During her tenure, Dr. Bailey was, and still is a positive religious influence within the Christian community. She is a true foot soldier for the Lord. Dr. Bailey has received numerous accolades for her dedicated service. To name a few, she received the City of Flint Drum Major Award, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Woman of the Year Award, and the State of Michigan Outstanding Service Award. Aside from being an outstanding leader and role model, Dr. Bailey is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in honoring my constituent and friend Dr. Essie L. Bailey for her outstanding service to the Christian community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor one of General Motors Corporation's (GM) finest, Mr. Guy D. Briggs, who is retiring as GM's Vice President of Manufacturing after 43 years of distinguished service on December 31, 2003. To recognize his accomplishments, Guy will be honored during a plant wide celebration to be held in his honor at the Truck and Bus Plant located in Flint, Michigan on December 1, 2003. Guy D. Briggs received a bachelor's degree in economics and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1960 and 1961, respectively. Upon graduating he hired in at General Motors Corporation (GM) as a college graduate in training, and was assigned to the Chevrolet Manufacturing Plant located in Flint, Michigan. While working at the Chevrolet Plant, Guy held several supervisory positions. In 1969 he was selected for the Chevrolet Executive Development Training program. Once he completed the program he returned to his plant as the superintendent of manufacturing. In 1973 GM assigned Guy to the former Chevrolet Parts Plant, located in Saginaw, Michigan to assume the role of general superintendent of production, and a year later he transferred to the Saginaw Manufacturing Plant holding the same position. In September of 1975, Guy was appointed to the position of superintendent of production at the Saginaw Grey Iron Casting Plant, a position he maintained until 1976 when he was promoted to manager of the Chevrolet's Pressed Metal Plant located in Parma, Ohio. After his stint away from home, Guy returned to Flint, Michigan in 1978 to become manager of the Chevrolet Engine Plant and to complete the Dartmouth College Executive Development Program, which subsequently led to his promotion in May of 1983 to regional manufacturing manager, and then to acting general manufacturing manager for Chevrolet. In February of 1984, he became the manufacturing manager at the former Chevrolet-Pontiac-GM of Canada Group. From 1985 to 1991, he was vice president in charge of manufacturing operations for GM's Saturn Corp. subsidiary. In 1991, Guy was elected vice president of GM and appointed group director of operations for the truck group. In 1996 he was named vice president and general manager of the GM truck group until 2001 when he became vice president and general manager of vehicle manufacturing. Effective May 1, 2003 Guy was appointed GM vice president of manufacturing, his new role will allow him to continue to work with the manufacturing leadership team to provide support during the 2004 model-year product launches and the 2003 Labor negotiations. Guy is currently the Chairman of the board for the Oakland County (Michigan) Traffic Improvement Assoc., and a member of the Bishop International Airport Authority board of directors, Executive Board member for the Detroit Area Council of Boy Scouts and GM's key executive for the University of Wisconsin. Guy Briggs has spent his entire career ensuring that GM remains the best in the world. His loyalty to GM is evident by the number of moves he and his family have made. Aside from being an automotive enthusiast, Guy is a humble family man. He is a devoted husband to his lovely wife Karen and a devoted father to his five children. During his tenure Guy has earned the respect of his Company and its employees. He has a strong love for the Automotive Industry and Flint, Michigan. Mr. Speaker, as a member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in congratulating my constituent and my dear friend, Guy Briggs, on his retirement, and wishing him and his family the best in future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Parliamentary procedures did not enable us to ask for a higher amount, or we would have asked for a higher amount. The motion calls upon the conferees to provide no less than the House level for overall student financial assistance and the highest amount of funding for the Pell grant program. Without adequate resources in this program, low- and moderate-income students will not be able to gain a post-secondary education. College costs are soaring, we know that. So much so that Democratic Members introduced legislation today to help hold down college tuition increases. But without additional Pell grant funding, our neediest students are going to continue to be left behind. This Congress is able to pass massive tax cuts, which I voted against, for the wealthiest in our Nation; yet the maximum Pell grant has barely been increased since President Bush entered office. The Pell grant program is running a deficit. This deficit is likely to increase based on the likely outcome of this conference, and that is our concern. The President's record on Pell is clear. Pell grant funding has not been a priority since President Bush took office. Increases in this account have largely been due to Democratic efforts to raise funding. In order to ensure a well-educated workforce, we need to provide opportunities for all individuals to gain a college education. Low- and moderate-income individuals need Pell grants to attend college. It is that simple. Unless we make Pell grant funding a priority, we are not providing everyone, regardless of their economic means, with a college opportunity. I urge Members to support this motion.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, before I recognize the gentlewoman from New York, to say that we, obviously, are concerned and worried that whenever a conference committee meets that the House may come back with something less than what was in the House version of the bill. That is why this motion calls upon the conferees to provide no less than the House level for overall student financial aid and the highest amount of funding for the Pell Grant program. Because strange things have happened in conference before. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.