Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Whaley Children's Center for the presentation of an endowment garden. There will be a ceremony to unveil the garden on June 5, in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Whaley Children's Center was the dream of Robert J. Whaley to honor the memory of his son, Donald M. Whaley. Robert Whaley conceived the idea for a home that would support the social, emotional, and physical growth of neglected and homeless children. His original idea was to provide a place where the children could live until they reached maturity. In 1924 under the control of the vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Whaley Foundation was organized. Under the direction of its first president, Charles S. Mott, and the guidance of the Child Welfare League of America, the memorial home was built in 1926. Today the focus of care is to nurture the child and restore the youngster to a family setting. Over the past seven decades the Whaley Children's Center has cared for more than 7,500 children. It has four group homes within the community that care for 6 children each between the ages of 5 and 12. On it's main campus Whaley provides additional care for 24 other children. To achieve the goal of effectively placing a child with a family, the staff work closely with both the families and the children. Whether it is with the original family, foster parents, or if the children are being adopted, special attention is given to ensure a smooth transition and a successful placement. The purpose is to maintain a positive influence on the children so that they can grow to be contributors within the community. The Whaley Children's Foundation has added many new facilities and programs since the conception of the children's memorial home. In 1955 a recreational facility was built with a gym, classrooms, and a craft room on the campus. In 1977 the Foundation was one of the few who offered a treatment foster care program with a specially trained family. During that same year an educational facility was built that had five new classrooms, a meeting room, and several offices. In 1982 Whaley's Special Needs Adoption program was started. In 1984 a board of directors was established to take over daily control of the Foundation. Since then they have expanded their fundraising efforts through the Whaley golf outing, the ``World's Greatest Office Party'', and a ``Whaley of an Auction.'' Their newest project was made possible by the ideas and direction of the board members to build a garden to recognize those who have worked with the neglected children in the past, present, and future. To thank the contributors of the Whaley Foundation there will be plaques with their names in the garden. Each year the names of new contributors will be added in the garden. The garden is 80 feet long and is located in the center of the campus. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Whaley's Children Center for the construction of a garden that honors those who contributed time and money to underprivileged children.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30'h anniversary of the City of Burton. Festivities will be held on Memorial Day to honor the city upon its 30th anniversary. Originally organized as a township in 1856 the area was named after John Burton, a prominent local farmer. It had grown out of the Atherton Settlement founded by Shubael and Persus Atherton in 1829. Over the years the area gained population and changed from an agricultural community to a thriving suburban community. In 1971, then township supervisor Joseph Uvick and other township leaders made the decision to seek city status for the area. The township residents voted on May 16, 1972 to incorporate as a city and the referendum passed by 25 votes. The city was officially formed later that year. In 1829 there were a handful of residents living in the Atherton Settlement. The 2000 Census recorded over 30,000 people living in the City of Burton. To keep pace the city government had to expand. The Police Department has grown from 20 part time officers to 41 full time police officers who conduct community and school policing, the DARE program and advise block groups about crime prevention, in addition to their regular duties. The Fire Department, while maintaining the volunteer spirit, requires the firefighters to go through hours of rigorous training and serves the city from three fire stations. The park system includes an outdoor area with a 40-acre facility, containing a lake, nature trails, a picnic pavilion, and a newly asphalted bike path. In addition to this facility there is a 380-acre nature preserve and education center. The Department of Public Works, the City Clerk's office and the Treasurer's office have also grown to meet the needs of Burton's residents. The city boasts of two libraries and three school districts. Under the leadership of Mayor Charles Smiley, the veterans of Burton dedicated a memorial on May 26, 1997 to honor those who died in combat. This has become a proud addition to the city and testament to the spirit and generosity of its citizens. Burton has prospered into the city it is today through the hard work of its leaders, civic employees and residents. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the City of Burton on celebrating its 30th anniversary. I am very proud to be able to represent the City of Burton in Congress.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Yellowjackets of Auburn Hills Avondale High School, on winning the 2001-2002 Michigan High School Athletic Association Class B State boys basketball championship. The Yellowjackets defeated the Grand Rapids South Christian Sailors 70-65 in the final game. It was certainly an exciting game that showcased some of the best talent the state of Michigan has to offer. The Yellowjackets are a true testament of what hard work, determination, and a passionate desire to win can accomplish. Under the guidance of six-year Head Coach Tim Morton, the championship served as a wonderful finish to a remarkable year. This was the team's first visit to the state finals, and they finished their storybook season with a tremendous record of 25-3. The Yellowjackets roster includes: seniors Jeremiah Handley, Brandon Larvadain, Mike Lewis, Kevin McConnell, Dionte Miller, Greg Riley, Wes Whiteside; juniors Brandon Borden, Steve Ellsworth, Kory Powell; sophomores Justin Bradford, Dave Holston; and freshmen Kerry Cole, Korey Cole. These young men, led by team captains Whiteside and Lewis, proved to be leaders in the classroom, the basketball court, and the community. They are all shining examples of the Avondale School District's strong commitment to success in all aspects of life. Mr. Speaker, I salute the accomplishments of the Avondale Yellowjackets, and share the joy of their victory with Avondale students and alumni and especially the people of Auburn Hills. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join me in congratulating these fine gentlemen.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I have served 38 years in a legislative body, 26 here in this House; and I have never seen a gag rule as unfair as the one imposed here today. It is not just a gag on the minority in this House, but upon the American people. I know that there are some Republicans who are embarrassed over this attempt to do by stealth what their leaders are afraid to do openly, to increase the limit on the national credit card. Everyone in this great hall is patriotic and supports our military efforts, but there is also an economic patriotism among the American people we represent. We experienced that economic patriotism in the 1990s as we, in a bipartisan way, were balancing our Federal budget and paying off our national debt. The American people felt very good about that. Today, because of the enormous tax cut of last year, we find ourselves reversing that progress and increasing the limit on our national credit card in a stealthy, unholy manner. This dips into Social Security and shatters the lockbox. We asked the majority leadership to remove the gag so that we could at least have a debate and a public vote on raising the national debt limit. Let us return this bill to its original intent: to fight the war on terrorism which we all support. We all support our troops, including my two sons who are captains in the United States Army. Let us strip out the gimmicks and the add-ons and pass a clean supplemental appropriations bill to fight the war on terrorism that threatens our Nation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bernice Williams as she retires from teaching after 38 years. Mrs. Williams will be honored at a luncheon on June 1 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Bernice Williams is an example of how hard work and dedication can change one's life. In high school her dreams of becoming a teacher and attending college seemed to be dismissed as nothing more than wishful thinking. Many women did not attend college in the 1950's and 1960's. However, Bernice followed her own dream and attended Michigan State University in 1959. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in English and a teachers certificate in 1963. She was the first person in her family to earn a college degree. In June she attended a march for justice led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His desire for equality was something Mrs. Williams truly thought was a worthy cause. During her teaching career Mrs. Williams has been a strong supporter of multicultural education. She has spent the last 35 years at Holmes Junior High School where she has been trying to incorporate these ideals into her teaching. While doing all this she went on to earn a Masters degree from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. Her endeavors as a teacher are worthy of the honors she is receiving. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Bernice Williams for her devotion to students and their quality of education. Her accomplishments in the face of adversity are a true inspiration.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Forlenza who will retire in June of this year after 41 years serving as a teacher, coach, or principal in the Catholic school system. He has spent the last 28 years as principal of Powers Catholic High School in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. He will be honored with a special ceremony on May 18th for his outstanding achievements in education. Joseph Forlenza graduated with a BA in History and Business from St. Joseph College in Indiana in 1961. That year he become a teacher and a coach at Mendel Catholic High school in Chicago, Illinois. When he first began to work his intention was to earn money for law school. However, a love for teaching and coaching the next generation overcame the desire to follow a career in law. He went on to earn a Masters degree in History in 1967 and a Masters degree in Secondary School Administration in 1971 both from Eastern Michigan University. As the Powers Catholic High School principal, Joseph Forlenza has made a lasting mark on the educational system. Under his leadership, Powers Catholic High School has earned a reputation as an exceptional institution. The parents, students and staff are continuing the tradition of excellence started by Joe Forlenza. He has created a welcoming atmosphere for students and at the same time worked to support the staff in their classroom roles. He has remained true to the goal of helping students learn, analyze, and prepare for life's challenges. He has achieved this by presenting students with real life problems and formal classroom instruction. His commitment to the students has been rewarded as many graduates of Powers Catholic High School have gone on to become leaders in their respective communities and fields. He will leave Powers High School but the traditions that he created will live on. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in praising Joseph Forlenza for his enthusiasm and pledge to strive for excellence in the development of education and life. I wish him the best in the upcoming years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Genesee Valley Rotary Club on celebrating it's 25th anniversary. The Rotary Club will celebrate its anniversary with a special event on May 14. The Genesee Valley Rotary Club begin as a provisional club in March of 1977, through the support of Jack Hamady, Ray Kelley and Jerry Wittemore. The Genesee Valley Rotary Club grew so rapidly through community support that by May of 1977 the Rotary was given a charter at the district conference that was held in Port Huron. Over the past 25 years the Rotary Club has conducted one major fundraiser a year giving the proceeds to local or international projects that they believe give back to the community. In addition to this the members conduct various community projects throughout the year. Many of them work for the Salvation Army Christmas bell ringing campaign, others answer phones for telethons, and some work during the Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowling challenge. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Genesee Valley Rotary Club on celebrating it's 25th anniversary. As a Rotary Club scholarship beneficiary I can attest to the unwavering support they give to the community. I applaud their involvement in the Flint area for the past quarter century.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I have always been a strong supporter of the State of Israel, the people of Israel, and their need to live in peace behind secure borders, enjoying normal relations with their neighbors and the world. I am an equally strong supporter of the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace in their own state, behind secure borders, enjoying normal relations with their neighbors and the world. I agree with the sponsors of this resolution that the recent spate of Palestinian suicide bombings of Israeli civilians is horrific, and deserves condemnation. We must stand united against terrorism, in all its forms. However, I am concerned with some of the deficiencies of this resolution. President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell are exerting great efforts to move the Middle East peace process forward. The United States is the only country that has the resources, the will, and the influence with both sides to help bring them to a peaceful solution. Both President Bush and Secretary Powell have raised questions about the effect of this resolution. The Congress should rightly praise the President's peace efforts. But we should also encourage the Arab countries to embrace the Saudi peace proposal for an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, coupled with a complete recognition and acceptance by the Arab countries of Israel's right to secure borders and normal relations with her neighbors. It is also unfortunate that the sponsors of the resolution did not insert language sought by the Bush White House that would acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinian people. Peace will not come to this region until both sides are willing to give up some of their maximal goals, including the questions of refugees and settlements. And it means both sides must be invested in the success of the peace process and in maintaining peaceful relations between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Mr. Speaker, I will vote for H. Res. 392, despite its deficiencies as a way of expressing solidarity with the people of Israel during a time of strife. But we must never lose sight of the need to also acknowledge the suffering and the political rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the recipients of the annual awards presented by the Pontiac National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club. The awards will be presented at a luncheon on May 4th. Over the past 37 years the Pontiac Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women will present the awards to individuals and organizations that have strived to improve the common good of all people. At the ceremony Lillie Nicholas will receive the Sojourner Truth Award, Hobert Maxey will receive the the Frederick Douglass Award, the Honorable Brenda Lawrence, Dr. Sharon L. Blackman, and Patricia L. Guthery will receive the Black Woman Achiever Award. Donald and Patricia Cordell and Alma M. Bradley-Pettress will receive the Community Service Award. The Ombudswoman Award will be presented to Karen Barner. Mr. Speaker, the Pontiac Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women has given over $36,000 in scholarships. This has enabled many African American students to pursue further education. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in commending the Club and their members for their contributions to the Pontiac area and their efforts to promote education.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am very happy to rise to support H. Con. Res. 391 which honors the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey and wrestling teams, and University of Minnesota-Duluth women's hockey team for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship. They certainly are worthy of the accolades of this House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Executive Director of Community Home Health Hospice, Donna Lloyd. Donna is leaving her position after sixteen years providing end-of-life care. Donna Lloyd has worked tirelessly to ensure the dying are given comfort and a high quality of life. Under her direction Community Home Health and Hospice has maintained a significant place in the health care community of Michigan. Aiding patients in Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties, it has served as a role model for other community based hospices. Currently occupying a 19,000 square foot facility, patients may live out the remainder of their days in a familiar and home-like setting. Over the years, Donna has been recognized as a leader in the hospice movement. She was nominated for the ``Heart of Hospice`` award by the National Hospice Organization in 1993. She helped write the standards and regulations for Hospice Residences in Michigan. Her experience organizing, and expanding a hospice gave her a unique perspective for this work. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in congratulating Donna Lloyd as she begins a new phase of her life. Her compassion for the dying has benefited everyone.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just briefly, I want to thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for our work together. He has always been open and frank, honest, and we had some very fruitful discussions, sometimes some differences with which we were determined to work out. It is always a pleasure to work with Governor Castle, and when the President signs this bill into law, he will be able to add another item to an already illustrious record, both as governor and as a Member of this House. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield four minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield two minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer). (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous material.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today's consideration of H.R. 3801 marks an important step in this committee's addressing the equal and effectiveness of education research and technical assistance. I believe our work on this legislation over the last 2 years has produced a good bipartisan product that warrants our support today. I do want to thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) for their willingness to address Democratic concerns on this legislation. This legislation addresses several critical issues in the area of education research. First is adequate resources. H.R. 3801 authorizes over $700 million for the department's research and technical assistance activities, nearly double existing funding. This level of funding is vital in the research academy created under this legislation to become a top flight education research organization. This bill also includes the provisions sought by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens), long a leader in Congress on education issues, to increase outreach and involvement of historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions, and to permit fellowships to build research, knowledge and experience. In addition, H.R. 3801 ensures that research is conducted through national research and development centers and that 50 percent of research funding is for long-term research, both critical elements necessary to ensure high quality and effective research. This legislation also seeks to maintain the current governance relationship between the national assessment of educational process, the Department of Education, and the national assessment governing board, and in no way undermines any present authority provided to the board. It is my intent that the changes made by this bill do not modify the manner in which the National Center for Education Statistics administers the national assessment. Lastly, the bill ensures that we have a strong regional development and technical assistance focus that allows the continuation of existing life quality regional laboratories in comprehensive centers. Each region will competitively fund entities similar to the existing regional education laboratories and comprehensive assistance centers. Our colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), has worked hard to ensure the bill's technical assistance focus would be responsive to local needs. Mr. Speaker, a strong research focus at the Department of Education is vital to improving the educational achievement of our children. Coupled with the elements of the recently passed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, this legislation can play a critical role in providing high quality research, technical assistance, and developmental activities. It is my belief that this legislation moves us in the right direction to accomplish these feats, and I urge Members to support it today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the Native American Caucus, I work on many issues on behalf of our first Americans. An issue that is of particular importance to me relates to protecting lands sacred to our Indian tribes. Native Americans were the first protectors of this great land, and protect it they really did. Long before my forefathers arrived here, it was the native Americans who respected, honored and gave thanks for all that nature provided. They knew never to take more than what was needed, and never disrespect or damage their sacred areas. I am sad to see so many native American sacred sites under the threat of desecration and the active role our government often plays. We have attempted over the years to enact legislation to protect these sites, but each time it falls short. We need to pass legislation that will put the full legal weight of the United States behind the preservation of native American sacred sites.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3762 and in strong support of the Miller-Rangel substitute. The Enron disaster has illustrated a number of glaring loopholes in our pension system that led to some 15,000 Enron employees losing more than $1.3 billion from their 401(k) retirement accounts. Testimony in our committee indicated that the actions of some Enron executives went beyond simple misfeasance to actual malfeasance. The Miller-Rangel substitute ensures that employees will receive honest, accurate information by providing, first, regular benefit statements to workers that would include information regarding the importance of diversification; second, employees will be provided representation on pension boards; third, the substitute also provides for independent, nonconflicted investment advice when company stock is offered as an investment option; and finally, it ensures that executives are not given special treatment over rank-and-file employees. Mr. Speaker, the collapse of Enron has revealed a number of serious flaws in our pension system. This substitute is a major step forward in addressing those flaws. I urge my colleagues to support the Miller- Rangel substitute.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Girl Scouts organization. In the past 90 years, this organization has grown to a 3.8 million membership, making it the largest organization for girls in the world. Girl Scouts is a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 140 countries. This organization should be honored for all the wonderful things it does to help empower our young girls. Specifically, I would like to share with you the contributions of the Girl Scouts Fair Winds Council that serves over 11,000 girls in my congressional district. The Fair Winds Council has two programs that I would like to talk about today. Both of these programs help empower young girls to rise above the status quo and become better citizens. The first program I would like to talk about is Faces, a program developed in my hometown of Flint, MI. This program serves inner city girls, who come from single-family households and Faces attempts to break these young women out of the cycle of living in poverty by mentoring and doing community activities. Most notably, the young girls get to choose as a group two colleges or universities they would like to visit. Then through corporate sponsorships, these girls get an all expense paid trip to their choices. Last year 40 girls went on this trip. After the trip, these girls get help with filling out applications forms for college and with finding scholarships. Since this program began, 80 percent of its members have gone to college. The second program, Fostering Issues, takes Girl Scouting to girls who are in foster care. Many of these young girls in foster care feel alone and afraid, and through this program, girls in the foster care system develop friendships. Through these friendships, these girls begin to develop social skills and trust in other people. They begin to develop self-esteem and believe that they too can become an important part of society. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the truly amazing contributions the Fair Winds Council makes in my community. I invite my colleagues to find out all the wonderful things the Girl Scouts organization is doing in their own districts and commend them for 90 years of service to our communities.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the recipient of the Edgar A. Guest Community Service Award. The Edgar A. Guest Award is given annually by the Flint-C.A. Durand Masonic Lodge Number 23 to honor the community service of a distinguished non-Mason. This year's recipient is Roger Samuel. He will receive the award at a dinner to be held in his honor on April 9th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. As an honorary member of the Old Newsboys of Flint, Roger Samuel plays an integral part in that organization's Christmas campaign, ``Let No Child be Forgotten.'' In its 77th year, this program is dedicated to the idea that every child will be remembered on Christmas Day. Each year thousands of volunteers sell newspapers on the street corners throughout Genesee County. The newspapers publicize the program and raise money to pay for toys, coats, boots, hats and mittens. Roger donates the resources of the Flint Journal and pays for the ink, paper and printing of these newspapers. Without his support, valuable money would be diverted away from children. Roger Samuel has lived in Flint since 1991 and has been the publisher of the Flint Journal since 1996. His work with the Old Newsboys of Flint is just one part of Roger's commitment to his community. During the last decade Roger has served as the president of the Rotary Club of Greater Flint Sunrise, chair of the Flint Cultural Center Corporation, chair of the Genesys Health Board of Trustees, chair of the Genesee Area Focus Council, the chair of the 1999 United Way Campaign for Genesee County. In addition, he is active on the Board of Regents of Baker College of Flint, the Board of Directors of the United Way of Genesee and Lapeer Counties, the Community Foundation of Flint, and the Hundred Club of Flint. Part of Roger's tradition of service is reflected in his vision for the Flint Journal. The Flint-C.A. Durand Lodge will take this opportunity to commend him for the voice he has provided to civic and cultural groups. Through the Community Calendar feature and human interest articles, Roger has demonstrated a willingness to spotlight programs and individuals that often are overlooked in the barrage of daily news items. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Roger Samuel. I have known him since he arrived in Flint and I respect his judgment, his advice, his business acumen, his compassion, and his sense of responsibility to his community. The Flint-C.A. Durand Masonic Lodge is to be commended for recognizing and honoring Roger Samuel's generosity to the Flint area.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating a young student from Michigan who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community. Matthew Croft of Waterford has just been named on of Michigan's top two honorees in the 2002 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Matthew will be honored today with a ceremony to be held at his school. Matthew is being honored for developing and implementing a program to buy bicycle safety helmets for needy first and second-grade children. As an eighth grader at Marist Academy, Matthew belongs to a group called STAND or Students Taking a New Direction. This group was organized to leadership through doing for others and learning to make healthy choices. After reading an article that stated only 20 percent of bike riders in Michigan wore helmets, Matthew decided to take action. He approached his fellow students in STAND and persuaded them to help correct this problem. Matthew helped organize several fundraisers, he obtained matching funds from AAA, and he approached retailers in the area to get a discount on the cost of the helmets. Once the helmets were purchased, Matthew was one of four presenters explaining to the elementary students that it is ``cool'' to wear helmets. The students at Whitmer Resource Center in Pontiac responded enthusiastically. Through Matthew efforts more young children in Pontiac are practicing bicycle safety and wearing headgear that may save their lives. Matthew should be extremely pleased to be singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. He is an example of the important role young Americans play in our communities. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in commending Matthew, his fellow students and faculty at Marist Academy and their families for making this a better world.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Calvin Rapson on his retirement as Director of UAW Region 1-C. Cal will be honored at a testimonial dinner on May 8th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Cal Rapson began his career with the UAW in 1965 working for the Chevrolet Engine plant. Through his employment with Chevrolet Cal earned a Machine Repair Machinist skilled trades Journeyman classification. After graduating from the UAW-GM apprenticeship program Cal became active in UAW Local 659. UAW Local Unions are the front lines in providing assistance and better jobsite conditions for workers. Through the various elected positions Cal held with Local 659, he was able to learn every aspect of the Local's day-to-day operations. From grassroots political action, solving health and safety problems and negotiating local contracts, Cal was at the forefront of every fight for justice and equity for the members. In 1982 he was the chair of the UAW Negotiating Team that successfully bargained the UAW-GM Master Agreement. This success led to his appointment to the UAW International staff that same year. Working with a wide variety of organizations and plants, Cal participated in the global efforts of the UAW to bring fair wages, human rights, and a new approach to international trade to workers in the United States and worldwide. In 1988 Cal was promoted to Coordinator of Active Training Programs at the UAW-GM Human Resources Center. He went on to serve in the UAW GM Department as Administrative Assistant to then UAW Vice-President Stephen Yokich from 1989 to 1995. Following up his appointment as Assistant Director of Region 1-C in 1995, Cal was named the region's director in 1998. With these two positions Cal came back to his early roots. His service to the Flint community reflects Cal's vision of a better life for workers and their families. He serves on the board of many community organizations including Healthplus of Michigan and the Greater Flint Health Coalition. A huge Spartan fan, Cal attended Michigan State University. Realizing the importance of education and history Cal now works with Michigan State University, Mott Community College and Lansing Community College to preserve the history of the labor movement and to foster better relations between labor and educational institutions. Cal Rapson has a deep and abiding respect for the workers in Region 1-C. Having come up through the ranks with most of the workers in this area Cal stated in his director's report, ``I have never been prouder to be from this region than after the events of September 11.'' Under his leadership the local unions raised over $500,000 to benefit the victims of that tragedy. UAW Region 1-C workers donated their time and labor to build vehicles for the New York City recovery operation, replacing those destroyed in the collapse of the World Trade Towers. Mr. Speaker, I consider Cal Rapson a dear friend and superior advisor. I appreciate his expertise, his common sense, his judgment, his guidance, and discernment. The UAW will miss his contributions to the labor movement. I ask the House of Representatives join me in wishing him the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Earlene Hill as she retires after 29 years as a Registered Nurse with General Motors. During her career she has provided outstanding patient services to the employees of General Motors. Mrs. Hill will be honored at a celebration on March 14th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. As a certified Occupational Health Nurse, Earlene has been on the front lines of health care in the workplace. As a member and past president of the Flint Association of Occupational Health Nurses she always abided by the high criteria imposed by that organization. The times I have met with her, I was impressed with Earlene's commitment to cultivating professional standards and her compassion for the workers in her care. As an Occupational Health Nurse she was charged with the awesome responsibility of assessing work environments for potential health or safety problems. Earlene has been an excellent advocate for safeguarding workers at Fisher Body Number 1, Flint Metal Fabrication, the Buick City Complex and the GM Regional Medical Complex. Earlene's efforts on behalf of the workers under her protection resulted in her promotion to Manager of Health Service Administration at General Motors. This enabled the entire GM Health Service staff to draw on her expertise. Her retirement will leave a gap in the accumulated wisdom of the Health Service Administration. Her concern for others extends beyond the jobsite. Her work with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society and Christ Fellowship Baptist Church are testaments to her warmhearted benevolence. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in wishing Earlene, her husband James, and her family all the best as she begins this new phase of her life.