Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We have discussed this amendment with the majority, and we have agreement upon this. This amendment simply would increase the amount of funding going to local areas by a statutorily defined formula. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings). (Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the remaining time. Again, I regret we do not have a bipartisan bill. I regret that we did not get in the Committee on Rules the ability to offer the extension of unemployment benefits which are so sorely needed in this country. I regret the fact that we have chipped away at civil rights protections which are so precious in this country. I would hope that somewhere along the line, before this bill is finally finished, that we get a bill that we can have support for on both sides of the aisle, but we cannot do that today.

Mr. KILDEE. Yes, Mr. Chairman. I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition although I am not in opposition.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind). (Mr. KIND asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, this motion responds to the economic realities that American families are facing today. We have 8.8 million individuals who are out of work. We have a growing budget deficit of about a half trillion dollars. Most alarming is the fact that three unemployed individuals are competing for every job. In light of these dire economic conditions, this motion responds to America's needs by extending UI benefits. This motion would extend UI benefits for 26 weeks for newly unemployed workers and 13 weeks for those who have exhausted their benefits. Mr. Speaker, over 42 percent of those individuals who have exhausted their benefits are still unemployed under the present economic conditions. Mr. Speaker, nearly 9 million workers are unemployed. The current UI extension expires at the end of this month, only 24 days from now. Where is the compassion of this House? How can we leave our Nation's families guessing as to when their next meal will be coming? Mr. Speaker, this motion deserves the support of the House today.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong opposition to this bill. In 1998 the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and I brought a bipartisan WIA bill to this House. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. The key failure of this legislation is that it does not respond to the economic realities that American families are facing today. We have 8.8 million individuals who are out of work. These are real people with names. We have growing budget deficits projected to top a half trillion dollars this fiscal year. Most alarming is the fact that three unemployed individuals are competing for every job. In light of these dire economic conditions, I have grave concerns about the bill before us today. This bill unravels the very fabric of our Federal job training system. First, the proposal would eliminate the employment service, the program which matches those looking for work with jobs. The bill also block grants our job training programs. As our economy continues its downturn, it is extremely shortsighted to eliminate the function that matches jobs and individuals looking for work. I must stress how disappointed I am that the Committee on Rules did not make either of my amendments in order to extend unemployment benefits. The House is not responding to the needs of the American workers by denying the debate on these amendments. The families of unemployed workers are struggling to ensure that they can afford their rent and put food on the table. We should not ignore the needs of these families. Where is the compassion of this Congress? I certainly can see the conservatism, but I do not see the compassion. This bill also allows governors to take funding from veterans programs, programs serving individuals with disabilities, and other partner programs to fund one-stop infrastructure costs by also eliminating their seat on local workforce boards. I am aware that an amendment may be offered today to cap the amount of funds that can be taken, but this amendment is deficient. This amendment is inadequate and will still place these programs and the services they provide at risk. Lastly, Mr. Chairman, this legislation repeals existing civil rights protections. Under current law faith-based organizations do receive Federal funds and do an admirable job providing job training services. Unfortunately, the Republican bill would allow for these organizations to refuse to hire individuals due to their faith for positions paid for with Federal dollars. Mr. Chairman, this bill does not respond to the needs of unemployed individuals and individuals with disabilities seeking to return to the workplace. In fact, it undermines the progress we have made under WIA thus far. I regret that the Committee on Rules has prevented us from responding to the real needs of American workers. I urge opposition to final passage of this legislation.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa). (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), a member of the committee.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Kline amendment makes marginal improvements to the bill, but it does not reduce the funding that can be taken from veterans programs and programs serving individuals with disabilities. Instead, the Kline amendment puts this funding, and the services which it provides, at risk. I have two letters from leading organizations representing veterans and individuals with disabilities. Let me read from the letter from the National Rehabilitation Association: ``The Kline amendment would, we regret to say, have the unintended consequence of diverting deserving dollars from individuals with disabilities who want to work to fund a one-stop system which remains to this day largely inaccessible both programmatically and physically to individuals with disabilities.'' Let me also read a part of the letter from the Paralyzed Veterans Association of America: ``This amendment will not protect the disabled veterans outreach program and local veterans employment representatives services because the authorizing language for those programs sets no specific limits on administrative costs. As a result, the full amount of money appropriated for DVOPs and LVERs could, ostensibly, be directed by Governors to be used for one-stop infrastructure expenses.'' Clearly, this amendment does not address the critical issues of this legislation. It does, however, make marginal improvements. For that reason, I will not oppose it, but wish that we could get together at some point and try to improve the language. National Rehabilitation Association, Alexandria, VA, May 8, 2003. Dear Representative: As President and Executive Director of the National Rehabilitation Association, respectively, we have continuing concerns regarding the one-stop funding structure being proposed for mandatory and additional partner's participation in H.R. 1261 and in the proportionality approach to that funding embodied in the Kline amendment which was made in order under the Rule granted yesterday to this bill. The National Rehabilitation Association was established in 1925 and is the longest-serving and one of the strongest advocates in ensuring the rights of individuals with disabilities are respected and realized. Our mission is to promote ethical and excellent practice in the field of vocational rehabilitation. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) comprises in Title IV programs administered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Public VR Program, as it is commonly known, is an accountable, eligibility-based employment program dedicated to the education, job training and counseling, career placement and independence of individuals with disabilities, including those individuals with significant disabilities. The Public VR Program, being the productive partner that it is and always has been, continues to partner at the one-stops on a cost-allocation basis, consistent with OMB guidelines. The Kline amendment would, we regret to say, have the unintended consequence of diverting deserving dollars from individuals with disabilities who want to work to fund a one- stop system which remains to this day largely inaccessible both programmatically and physically to individuals with disabilities. The impact on individuals with disabilities is clear: If individuals with disabilities cannot get through the door of the one-stop shops, or do not find meaningful access to employment information once inside, these individuals will not become employed and may be forced to seek public assistance in lieu of advancing or initiating a career. H.R. 1261 reneges on a promise by Congress to safeguard the separate funding stream of the Public VR Program, and in doing so, exposes the Public VR Program to a one-stop system that does not have a proven or uniform track record of accountability, according to a recent General Accounting Office (GAO) Report, and other well-respected organizations. Both H.R. 1261 and the Kline amendment do not appreciate that the one-stops do not now have--nor have ever had--the qualified staff who provide comprehensive services and supports that individuals with disabilities require in seeking the dignity of work in an increasingly one-size-fits- all employment environment. These requirements include qualified rehabilitation counselors and other qualified professionals employed by accountable State Agencies, in conjunction with their Community Rehabilitation Program Partners (CRPs), who include private providers, employers and businesses. Most importantly, the Kline amendment does not define the term ``proportionality'' and, accordingly, we are unsure of how and if this approach would work to the benefit of all individuals with disabilities who want to work. Relatedly, the Public VR Program does not have a separate line item funding stream for administrative costs or a cap on administrative costs, which we believe, further complicates participation of the Public VR Program at the one-stops other than on a cost-allocation basis. The untested, unproven proportionality approach advanced by the Kline amendment simply does not--and cannot--protect the millions of eligible individuals with disabilities who will benefit from the comprehensive services and supports that only the Public VR program can provide individuals with disabilities who want to work. The Public VR Program has been doing more with less for years. Presently, there are 37 State Agencies on an Order of Selection, which places a priority of service on those individuals with the most significant disabilities. The waiting lists for the holistic services and supports that only the Public VR Program can provide individuals with disabilities increase everyday. While the Public VR Program has served and secured employment for millions of eligible individuals with disabilities for decades, because of years of woeful underfunding, the following State Agencies cannot now serve all of the thousands upon thousands of eligible individuals with disabilities who seek the dignity of work and the comprehensive services that only the Public VR Program provides individuals with disabilities include, by Region: Region I--Connecticut General, Maine General and Blind Agencies, Massachusetts General Agency, Rhode Island and Vermont General. Region II--New Jersey General; the Virgin Islands. Region III--Delaware Blind Agency, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia General Agencies. Region IV--Georgia and Kentucky General and Blind Agencies, Mississippi, North Carolina, General Agency and Tennessee. Region V--Illinois, Minnesota General, Ohio and Wisconsin. Region VI--Iowa General, Kansas, Missouri General, Nebraska General. Region VIII--Colorado; North Dakota. Region VIII--Colorado, North Dakota. Region IX--Arizona, California, Hawaii. Region X--Oregon Blind, Washington State General Agency. As we mentioned previously, these are the State Agencies that maintain continually-increasing waiting lists for eligible individuals with disabilities who want to share in the American Dream by having a career, owning a home, being able to support a family and living independently in their communities. While having a career is the primary goal of the Public VR Program, this can only become a reality with a solid plan for employment developed with and supported by the Public VR qualified professionals in conjunction with the individual. The Kline amendment does not and cannot solve the problems that individuals with disabilities continue to confront at the one-stops. Just think about it. The Public VR Program is funding the administration of an inaccessible one-stop program--which is absent qualified staff and accountability--with funds designated for supporting the poorest group in our society with the highest unemployment rate and the majority of the community living below the poverty line. Given the continuing, critical concerns the disability community at large has with the absence of accessibility, accountability and qualified staff at the one-stops, the National Rehabilitation Association cannot and will not support H.R. 1261. Respectfully Submitted, L. Robert McConnell, Ph.D., President. Michelle Vaughan, MBA, Executive Director.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters). (Ms. WATERS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel). (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to the honorable service to this country and its citizens given by Staff Sergeant Scott Sather, Sergeant Michael F. Pederson, Specialist Richard A. Goward and Private First Class Jason M. Meyer. On May 5, members of the community will gather at a benefit concert given by the Carriage Town Ministries in Flint, Michigan, to honor Staff Sergeant Scott Sather, Sergeant Michael F. Pederson, Specialist Richard A. Goward and Private First Class Jason M. Meyer for their service to this nation. Staff Sergeant Sather graduated from Clio High School in 1991 where he excelled in baseball and football. Staff Sergeant Sather joined the United States Air Force in 1992 serving in Washington and England. During his service, Staff Sergeant Sather earned several honors, including a Bronze Star. Staff Sergeant Sather and his wife, Melanie, were married in July of 2002. Staff Sergeant Sather made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 8, 2003 while serving in Iraq. Sergeant Michael F. Pederson graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1996. Following graduation from high school, Sergeant Pederson joined the United States Army where he was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. Sergeant Pederson made many achievements while in the Army as well as at home, where he helped support a large family, including his 7-year-old daughter. Sergeant Pederson made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 2, 2003 while serving in Iraq. Specialist Richard A. Goward graduated from Merrill High School in 1989. Following his graduation from high school, Specialist Goward joined the United States Army where he served from 1990 to 1996. Sergeant Goward married his wife, Karen, and they had two children. Sergeant Goward attended the Corrections Officers Training Academy and was employed at the St. Louis Corrections Facility until the events of September 11, 2001 once again called Sergeant Goward to duty and prompted him to enlist in the Michigan National Guard. Sergeant Goward made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 14, 2003 while serving in Iraq. Private First Class Jason M. Meyer graduated from Howell High School in 1999. Following his graduation from high school, Private First Class Meyer joined the United States Army where he was assigned to Fort Stewart in Georgia. Private First Class Meyer married his wife, Melissa in March of 2002 and lived in Hinesville Georgia at the time of his deployment. Private First Class Meyer made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation on April 8, 2003 while serving in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Sather, Sergeant Pederson, Specialist Goward and Private First Class Meyer are sons, they are fathers, husbands and friends. They are true Americans, deserving of our respect and gratitude not only for their devotion to the United States and its ideals, but for their devotion to their families, their friends and their communities. These men are a symbol of excellence to everyone in this nation, and are a shining example of the best our society has to offer. I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to these men, their families and their achievements. May their sacrifices to be remembered always.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Shovels as he retires from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint. Joe has worked for the organization for 39 years. A party in his honor will be held on April 30th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Joe began his career working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint after graduating from Michigan State University. A lifelong caseworker with the organization, Joe stayed dedicated to this vital job ever since his graduation. His dedication to ensuring that the children are provided for is legendary. Going above and beyond has been a hallmark of his career. The longest serving employee with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint, Joe has characterized his work as a ministry instead of a job. His attitude toward children has garnered recognition from his peers and from the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters has named him Caseworker of the Year. In February, Priority Children gave him the Roy E. Peterson Caring Adult Award for his steadfastness to bettering the lives of the children in the Flint community. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint will inaugurate an award to be given to their employees and volunteers called the ``Good Joe Award'' in his honor. The kickoff for this award will take place at a dinner to be held later this month. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Joe Shovels on an exceptional career and a job well done. The children of Genesee County have benefited from his conscientiousness, his compassion, and his commitment to improving their lives.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in opposition to the bill before us today. H.R. 1350 does not ensure full funding of IDEA and, worse, jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities. Reauthorization of IDEA has traditionally been a bipartisan effort. In Michigan, I was cosponsor of the Special Education Act, which was passed before this Congress addressed the education of children with special needs in the least restrictive environment. In my tenure here in Congress, I have always supported the reauthorization of IDEA, but I cannot support the bill before us today. First, this legislation does not provide any additional resources for IDEA. It does not get us any closer, Mr. Chairman, to fully funding IDEA, an effort that many Members have worked on for many, many years. Democratic members of the Committee on Education and the Workforce attempted to address this issue in committee. We offered several amendments that would provide mandatory spending for IDEA. Unfortunately, these amendments were defeated on party-line votes. These amendments represent the only way to ensure full funding for IDEA in this legislation. Second, the legislation jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities. This bill would allow children with disabilities to be removed from their current educational placement for any violation of a code of student conduct. The bill also eliminates the current manifestation determination. Manifestation determinations ensure that children with disabilities are not unfairly punished for acts they cannot control. The discipline provisions in this legislation are simply unfair. Last, I would like to express my disappointment that this legislation does not continue funding for the freely associated states. These former U.S. territories have an extremely high percentage of children with disabilities due to U.S. military testing of weapons around the islands that make up these nations. I hope this issue can be further addressed in conference, Mr. Chairman. In closing, I urge Members to carefully consider the impact that this legislation will have on children with disabilities. The disabled children of our Nation are best served by defeating this legislation today. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. H.R. 1350 does not ensure full funding of IDEA and worse, jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities. Reauthorization of IDEA has traditionally been a bipartisan effort. In Michigan I was cosponsor of the Special Education Act, which was passed before this Congress, addressed the education of children with special needs in the least restrictive environment. In my tenure here in Congress I have always supported the reauthorization of IDEA. But I cannot support the bill before us today. The last time we reauthorized IDEA in 1997, we worked tirelessly with our majority colleagues to improve this program for children with disabilities and the schools which serve them. Unfortunately, the pace at which this legislation has moved has left very little time for public input or bipartisan discussions. This bill has fundamental flaws. First, this legislation doesn't provide any additional resources for IDEA. It doesn't get us any closer to fully funding IDEA--an effort that many members have worked on for numerous years. Democratic members of the Education and the Workforce Committee attempted to address this issue in committee. We offered several amendments that would provide mandatory spending for IDEA. Unfortunately, these amendments were defeated on party-line votes. These amendments represent the only way to ensure full funding for IDEA in this legislation. Second, the legislation jeopardizes the civil rights of children with disabilities. This bill would allow children with disabilities to be removed from their current educational placement for any violation of a code of student conduct. The bill also eliminates the current manifestation determination. Manifestation determinations ensure that children with disabilities are not unfairly punished for acts they cannot control. The discipline provisions in this legislation are simply unfair. In addition, the bill places a strait jacket on parents of children with disabilities by instituting a 1-year statute of limitations. This restriction will prevent parents of disabled children from raising issues with the education of their children to those issues that are less than 1 year old. This unfairly constrains parents and their efforts to ensure their children receive an education. Lastly, I'd like to express my disappointment that this legislation does not continue funding for the freely associated States. These former U.S. territories have an extremely high percentage of children with disabilities due to U.S. military testing of weapons around the islands that make up these nations. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the freely associated States receive funding under this legislation and their negotiated compacts of free association. I hope this is an issue we can further address in conference. In closing, I urge Members to carefully consider the impact that this legislation will have on children with disabilities. The disabled children of our Nation are best served by defeating this legislation today.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring a great educator, Theodore Mansour, as he retires from his position as Director of State and Federal Relations for the Genesee Intermediate School District. Ted, as his friends know him, joined the United States Army in 1944 after he graduated from St. Matthew High School that year. He served in the field artillery during his time in the Armed Forces. Resuming his education at the University of Notre Dame after his discharge from the military, Ted earned a degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. He put his business skills to work and served as the president of Mansour's Supermarkets for 15 years. He went on to be a partner in Lisa's Red Carpet Travel Agency, president of Mansour's Budget Market and is the current owner of the Jolly Olive Deli and Bar. Paralleling his years of business experience, Ted also served in the public sector. During the time he was the supervisor of Flint Township, the landscape of that community was changed forever with the building of Genesee Valley Mall, the development of sewer and water systems and the construction of Carman High School. In addition to being a supervisor, Ted held the posts of Genesee County Supervisor and County Commissioner, a Michigan State Legislator for the 83rd District, a Flint Township Trustee, a member of the Michigan State Tax Commission and the Flint Township Planning Commission. Always committed to improving the quality of life in the Flint area, Ted has actively participated in the Genesys Health Systems Board, the Genesee Memorial Hospital Board, the Flint Heights Senior Citizens Housing Board, the Genesee County Food Service Advisory Board, the Boy Scouts of America, Tall Pines Council Executive Board, and the American Arab Heritage Council. In 1972 he was named Director of Government Relations for Genesee Intermediate School District. As the father of 6 children, Ted knows firsthand the hopes and dreams of parents for their children. This understanding of the vital need for quality education fueled Ted's fight for the right of every student to be able to learn in a safe, clean, modern environment. He worked with the Michigan State Legislature in 1978 to get the school zone speed limit law passed. He vigorously lobbied in Lansing and Washington to obtain funding for the schools in the Genesee Intermediate School District. Time and time again he has fought on behalf of individual school districts for disputed money. Ted is effective at communicating to legislators the needs of educators in their struggle to provide an up to date education to their students. He has earned the respect of educators, administrators, and legislators. I have trusted his advice and welcomed his input for many years. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor the service of Theodore Mansour to the people and children of Genesee County. His ethics, commitment and effectiveness have set an example that public servants will try to emulate for years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, while I vote in favor of the Reynolds/ Rogers Amendment today in support of a continued prohibition on Great Lakes offshore oil and gas drilling, I strongly believe that an outright ban on these activities is necessary. I am concerned that the Rules Committee would not allow into order a stronger amendment protecting our Great Lakes to be voted on by the House. Last year, I joined 2264 of my colleagues in supporting an amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act that would have banned any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funds from being used to process or approve permits for drilling in or under the Great Lakes. This is the kind of positive action that is needed to ensure these treasures remain safe for future generations. While I support the Reynolds/Rogers Amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003, I believe much stronger action needs to be taken to protect the Great Lakes.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose this unnecessary amendment, which will hurt our already struggling economy. It will jeopardize the jobs of workers in Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, and other communities in my home State of Michigan. It will undermine the efforts we, as a Nation, are making through the investment of billions of dollars in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles. The broad range of organizations opposing this amendment demonstrate its flaws. These include the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, National Association of Manufacturers, the National Farm Bureau, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the wrong amendment at the wrong time. Our automobile industry and their dedicated workers deserve our support, and we can give it to them by rejecting this amendment. Just recently the National Highway Traffic Administration did their job and increased CAFE standards. This amendment will lead to reduced passenger safety, the loss of jobs and economic damage.