Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a woman who has been a loyal friend and a tireless advocate of America's workers. On September 26, Lorraine Stone will celebrate 33 years and one month with the United Auto Workers. In appreciation for her long dedication, the next day, Ms. Stone will be the guest of honor at a retirement celebration organized by both family and friends. Lorraine began working for the International Union, UAW Region 1-C Office, on August 26, 1968, in Owosso, Michigan. In 1973, she was transferred to the Lansing Sub Regional Office until 1980, where she then returned to the Flint Regional Office, where she has remained to this day. Over three decades, Lorraine has been a vital component to Region 1-C, helping to establish a solid foundation for the progress of America's labor movement, and a better way of life for autoworkers everywhere. She has worked under several Directors and International Representatives, and has worked as Secretary to the Educational Director and Secretary to the Assistant Director, the position she has held since 1998. Lorraine's work with the UAW extends outside the office as well. She has been an important part of the Region I-C Bowling Tournament for 29 years, and an organizer of the annual Sit Downers Dinner for 15 years. She has served as Chairperson of the Sam Duncan Scholarship Committee and as a member of the Fred Meyers Scholarship Board of Trustees. Earlier this year, Lorraine was selected as one of Region I-C's three Corporate Women of Achievement. As a Member of Professional Secretaries International for more than 25 years, Lorraine has helped represent clerical workers throughout the state. She has held several executive positions within the organization, and in 1986 was recognized for her stellar contributions by being selected Secretary of the Year. Mr. Speaker, we in Genesee County have been extremely fortunate to have someone like Lorraine Stone live in our community. Lorraine believes that the UAW must play a role in the larger communitv and I am appreciative for efforts in making a positive impact in the fields of scholarship and community activism. As we in Michigan are proud of our reputation as the automotive capital of the world, we are as equally proud and grateful for the men and women who day in and day out work to provide these quality products and bolster our pride. Lorraine Stone is one of those people. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Lorraine, her husband Harold, and their family, all the best.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, unimaginable evil has been perpetrated against our free country. We must authorize our President to take all necessary actions to prevent those responsible for these dastardly acts from again inflicting such cowardly malice against our people. Today our Congress reflects the resolve and unity of the American people in supporting our President in restoring peace and security to our peace-loving country. The Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces has an awesome responsibility. Let us unite behind him as he carries out his duty to our people.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, let us resolve that the dastardly attack which was thrust upon America yesterday, September 11, 2001, will always be put among those days that will live in infamy. Terrorism is cowardly, devastating and immoral by the standards of all who believe in a just and loving God. We owe it to all who suffered and died, we owe it to all decent human beings, to make sure that those who are in any way responsible for this will be held totally accountable for their heinous crime.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Markey-Boehlert amendment to legislatively mandate increases in corporate average-fuel- economy standards. While I support the goal of improved fuel economy, this mandate is not the answer. Despite proposing significant CAFE increases in the amendment, the phase-in time is a little more than 2 model years. Furthermore, it takes away flexibility mechanisms that allow auto makers to respond to unexpected changes in consumer behavior. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the appropriate venue for CAFE review. NHTSA must consider the safety trade-offs, utility impacts, and economic feasibility of any CAFE increase. The National Academy of Sciences outlines these trade-offs in its report released this week. It warned of overly ambitious CAFE increases with short implementation periods. NAS stated that quick significant increases would have a detrimental effect on vehicle safety and the health of the auto industry. If we adopt the Markey-Boehlert amendment, tens of thousands of jobs will be jeopardized as production plans are significantly disrupted. By comparison, the current bill takes the right approach by allowing NHTSA to determine the appropriate timetable and the appropriate fuel economy standard. The auto industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. We must be judicious in our approach and mindful of unintended consequences. Vote no on the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Bonior-Waxman-Obey- Brown-Kildee amendment for the fiscal year 2002 VA-HUD appropriations bill. This amendment will restore implementation of reasonable arsenic reductions in drinking water, and it is time to address this very important health problem. In some areas of my district in Michigan, we have a very high occurrence of unhealthy arsenic content in public drinking water systems and individual wells. I have heard too many stories of the negative health effects suffered by my constituents, and I believe we should move quickly to rectify this problem. The current arsenic standards of 50 parts per million was developed in 1942, before President Bush was born, and it does not represent a public health standard consistent with our responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of citizens nationwide. We have learned much about arsenic since 1942. The Clinton administration spent years studying the issue; and, in 1999, the National Academy of Science again affirmed the public health threat of 50 parts per million arsenic levels. Despite National Academy of Science's affirmation of our position, the Bush administration has unwisely delayed implementation of this health protection. It is inaccurately suggested that the rulemaking was rushed. This is simply not so. This rulemaking is a result of years of study and public comment. The time for studies and delays has passed. The time for healthy drinking water is here. This Congress owes this to our people. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Community Baptist Church of Davison, Michigan, in honoring the dedicated men and women of law enforcement throughout Genesee County. This Sunday has been declared by Community Baptist Church as ``Blue and White Sunday,'' in honor of the members of each police department in Genesee County. The Community Baptist Church of Davison recognizes that our police officers should be surrounded with our prayers. As a Member of Congress, I consider it both my duty and privilege to work to promote, protect, defend, and enhance human dignity. I know that because of Genesee County's loyal police forces, this task becomes easier. It takes a special kind of person to patrol our streets and ensure our citizens' safety, and because of their commitment to justice, the cities and townships of Genesee County have collectively become a better place. I applaud Community Baptist Church for their insight in honoring these valiant people who have made it their life's work to preserve peace and order, and have served the public trust. In addition, they have become role models, colleagues, and friends to the community. Mr. Speaker, we owe law enforcement officials throughout the country a debt of gratitude. Every day they put their very lives on the line to shield our loved ones and us from harm, and for that I am more than thankful. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing their efforts.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I join my colleagues in supporting the motion to go to conference on H.R. 1. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1 represents the opportunity to demand results and report the achievement of all students. The substantially increased resources provided in both bills, coupled with emphasis on accountability, is a hopeful recipe for improving our educational system. In addition to the critical focus on accountability, the conference report on H.R. 1 will give us the chance to significantly expand resources and focus on extended learning opportunities for children after school. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, a priority initiative retained by both the House and the Senate bills, will collectively be able to invest in after school enrichment opportunities for their children. While our eventual conference points will have many successes, a resolution of some issues are daunting and will take the hard work of all conferees to finalize, and we are committed to do that. Some of our more difficult issues include balancing competing versions of flexibility at the State and local level, creating a usable and realistic definition of adequate yearly progress that does not mask failure, and ensuring that our most disadvantaged receive the targeted resources they need. While these issues will be fervently discussed, I believe we can produce a strong bipartisan conference. Mr. Speaker, we have kept bipartisanship through this whole process so far, and I think we are committed to keeping that bipartisanship within the conference.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank CJS Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf and Senior Democratic Member Jose Serrano for working hard to provide adequate funding for the Department of Justice's portion of the Indian Country Law Enforcement initiative. I am pleased that the subcommittee funded the Indian Programs that are included in the Indian Country Law enforcement initiative at the levels contained in the President's fiscal year 2002 budget request. I, however, hope that as this bill makes its way through the legislative process, that you will support funding increases for the following items: 1. Cops grant set aside for Indians. 2. Tribal Courts. 3. Indian alcohol and substance abuse programs. 4. Title V Grants that support tribal juvenile justice systems. 5. Grants to fund the construction of detention facilities in Indian Country. 6. Tribal criminal justice statistics collection. Mr. Chairman, each of those programs are critical to the tribal justice systems. While national crime rates continue to drop, crime rates on Indian lands continue to rise. What is particularly disturbing is the violent nature of Indian country crime: violence against women, juvenile and gang crime, and child abuse remain serious problems. In its 1999 report, American Indians and Crime, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest crime victimization rates in the nation, almost twice the rate of the nation as a whole. The report revealed that violence against American Indian women is higher than other groups. That American Indians suffer the nation's highest rate of child abuse. Since 1994, Indian juveniles in federal custody increased by 50%. Even more troubling is that 55% of violent crime against American Indians, the victims report that the offender was under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. That figure represents the highest rate of any group in the nation. Mr. Chairman, the Department of Justice and the Department of Interior developed the Indian country law enforcement initiative to improve the public safety and criminal justice in Indian communities. Let us work together to increase the funding levels in conference and provide the tribal justice systems with the funding necessary to combat criminal activity in Indian country.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to recognize the accomplishments of Chief Navy Journalist Robert F. Pailthorpe, who will be retiring September 28, after 20 years of loyal service to our country. Born in Swartz Creek, Michigan in 1963, Robert Pailthorpe graduated from Swartz Creek High School, where he served as editor of the student newspaper, after founding a community newspaper at the age of 15. He joined the United States Navy in August 1981, and after graduation from basic training, reported to Naval Technical Training Center in Meridian, MS, where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, qualifying him for accelerated advancement to Petty Officer-Third Class. After a stint on the USS Saratoga, Chief Pailthorpe attended the Defense Information School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and returned to the Saratoga as Petty Officer--Second Class. During this time, Chief Pailthorpe coordinated international media response to the American bombing of Libya after the Achille Lauro ocean liner hijacking. Chief Pailthorpe went on to serve as Public Affairs Officer and Department Head for the Navy second largest recruiting district in Chicago. His success there resulted in two nominations as Sailor of the Year and three selections as Support Person of the Quarter. While in Chicago, Chief Pailthorpe reenrolled in the Defense Information School, where he became Commanding Officer of his class, and he was advanced to Journalist-First Class. After completing a tour on the USS Forrestal, Chief Pailthorpe next assignment was as Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Assistant Department Head of the Navy's Blue Angels. He oversaw the public affairs mission requirements for over 120 air shows and many other special projects during the team's 50 the Anniversary. He was nominated as Blue Angel of the Year, and selected as Blue Angel of the Quarter for his efforts. In October 1996, Chief Pailthorpe reported to his current post, Strategic Communications Wing One as Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Administrative Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. In May 1999, he coordinated national media response in the wake of one of Oklahoma's most powerful and destructive tornadoes. Chief Pailthorpe has been recognized many times for his service. He has received three Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and four Good Conduct Medals, among many other awards. In addition, he has always strived to be an important figure in his community. He has been an active member of the Boy Scouts, the Sea Cadet Corps, was editor of Chicago's American Red Cross newspaper, and was adviser and newspaper editor for the Oklahoma State Chapter to Prevent Child Abuse. Mr. Speaker, as the father of two sons who have served in our nation's military, I know very well that it takes a special person to serve our country in the service of the military. I am grateful for Chief Robert Pailthorpe's dedication and commitment to justice, and I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 174, the resolution sponsored by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall), that authorizes the use of the Capitol Rotunda on July 26, 2001, for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. I am honored to have been an original cosponsor of H.R. 4527, the legislation sponsored by my good friend the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) that authorizes the President of the United States to award the gold medal on behalf of the Congress to each of the original Navajo Code Talkers. I also want to acknowledge the work of Senator Jeff Bingaman for his efforts in getting the Senate version of the bill included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2001. Mr. Speaker, awarding these medals to the brave Navajo men that served this country at a time of war by using the Navajo language to develop a unique and unbreakable code to communicate military messages in the Pacific is long overdue. The United States Marine Corps recruited and enlisted 29 Navajo men to serve as Marine Corps radio operators. These men are referred to today as the Navajo Code Talkers. The number of Code Talkers would later increase to over 350. So successful was the code that the Code Talkers were sworn to secrecy, an oath they honored until 1968, when the Department of Defense declassified the code. Mr. Speaker, the heroic efforts of these men saved the lives of many, including probably my own brother Kenneth Robert Kildee, and hastened the end of World War II in the Pacific theater. I ask my colleagues for their support of this resolution so that Congress, through the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, can finally express the gratitude of an entire Nation to these brave men for the contributions they made during a time of war and the valor with which they served their country.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Bonior-Stupak-Kaptur amendment to prohibit expansion of drilling in or along the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes rank among the most precious environmental treasures in the world. The five lakes hold almost 20 percent of the fresh water in the world, and they hold almost 90 percent of the United States' fresh water supply. The United State's share of Great Lakes shoreline is longer than the coastlines of either the East Coast or West Coast of our nation. Furthermore, the lakes' ecological diversity impacts ecosystems in eight states as well as much of Canada. All five of the Great Lakes rank among the top eighteen largest lakes in the world. In fact, Lake Superior has the largest surface water of any fresh water lake in the world, and it holds more volume than all of the other Great Lakes combined. We should not put these treasures at risk for a small amount of fossil fuel. Some colleagues want to compare drilling in the Great Lakes to drilling in ocean waters, but this line of thought compares apples to oranges. First, the water exchange rate in the lakes is very slow, because they are essentially self-contained. A spill under these circumstances would devastate the ecology for many years, and it simply should not be risked. Second, drilling in the lakes threatens fresh waters not salt waters, and a spill would compromise drinking water for millions. Third, drilling in and along the lakes would yield only miniscule increases in energy supply for our nation. When the risks are so high and rewards so low, it makes no sense to move forward with plans to implement drilling of any kind. Finally, I wish to highlight an often overlooked fact about Michigan's relationship with the Great Lakes. They are the foundation of our state's robust tourism industry. In fact, tourism is the second largest industry in our state. Americans from throughout the Midwest and beyond come to our lakeshores for recreation and relaxation. Just as Florida fears significant negative economic consequences when fuel spills threaten her coastline, so does Michigan. The Great Lakes supply fresh water to many. They offer recreational resources to millions. They contribute to the ecology of a significant portion of the United States. We would be foolish to endanger. Vote yes on this amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, as cochairman of the congressional Native American Caucus, I rise to express my gratitude to the Interior Subcommittee Chairman Joe Skeen and senior Democratic Member Norm Dicks for their work on increasing the overall funding levels of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service in the fiscal year 2002 Interior appropriations bill. I must, however, voice my concern about language in the Indian Health Service portion of the bill and the accompanying report concerning contract support costs. As you know, contract support costs are the necessary administrative and overhead costs borne by Indian tribal contractors when operating a Federal program. The language in the bill would undermine tribal self-determination rights by prohibiting tribes from including in renegotiations of contract support costs any increase in the direct costs portion of those payments, by imposing a partial moratorium on new and expanded contracts, and by attempting to cap the portion of negotiated contract support costs which can be paid in any one year. The bill also cuts the President's budget request for contract support costs by half and provides only $20 million for that category. The ongoing shortfall for existing contracts far exceeds that amount. The committee report questions the propriety of direct contract costs and directs the Indian Health Service to secure the approval of OMB on any direct contract support costs payments for new and expanded contracts. Negotiation of contracts is a matter between the tribes and the Federal agency--the committee's directive would put tribes in the position of having to negotiate with OMB regarding their contract support payments. The Indian Self-Determination Act specifically provides that contract support costs include both direct and indirect costs. As this bill proceeds through the legislative process, I hope that we can all work together on a better resolution for dealing with contract support costs and increasing the funding for contract support costs. Mr. Chairman, I want to express my concern about the funding levels of two elements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) education budget--student transportation and administrative cost grants. The student transportation item supplies funding for the operation of BIA school buses. This account has been underfunded for many years and this bill will continue that trend by providing essentially no increase in funding. Elevated fuel costs have had a devastating impact on BIA school bus programs. For the just completed school year, BIA schools received only $2.30/mile for their student transportation needs. By contrast, the average rate per-mile spent on student transportation by public school systems throughout the country was $3.21/mile. BIA estimates show that its school bus system is underfunded by $11 million. We must fund the BIA school transportation programs so that the BIA schools can continue to provide adequate transportation needs to their students. Mr. Chairman, I am also concerned that bill fails to increase funding for administrative cost grants which is a vital program that supports the administrative needs of tribally-operated schools. Tribes and tribal school boards have taken on the responsibility for direct operation of two-thirds of the 185 BIA-funded schools, but Congress has not supplied them with the funding required to run their fiscal and management affairs in a prudent manner. The chronic shortfalls in administrative cost grants severely compromise the ability of tribal school boards to maintain proper internal management controls, to prepare for and pay for annual audits, and to discharge the numerous policymaking, supervision, program planning, procurement, personnel and management activities for which these tribal school boards are responsible. No educational institution can succeed if it is required to do more with less year after year. Mr. Chairman, unlike children in the public school system, Indian children in the BIA system depend 100% on funding from Congress. We should fulfill our responsibility to properly support these Federal schools and meet our obligations to the Indian students they educate. It is my hope that we can work together as the bill proceeds to through the legislative process so that we can increase the funding for these two very important Indian education programs.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the Native American Caucus, I am very happy to support this resolution. The American Indian, Native Americans, occupy a unique position in this country and in the Constitution of the United States. You and I have two citizenships: I am a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the State of Michigan. Native Americans under the Constitution and under the Supreme Court decisions have thee citizenships. They are citizens of the United States and they have proven that over and over again in our wars; they are citizens of the sovereign States in which they live; and they are citizens of the sovereign tribes in which they live. The Constitution says Congress shall have power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and with the Indian tribes. Those three sovereignties are listed there. John Marshall in 1832 stated in his Supreme Court decision, the Indian nations had always been considered as distinct independent political communities retaining their original natural rights. They are a retained sovereignty. We have an obligation under the Constitution, under the laws, and under the interpretation of the Supreme Court to make sure we keep our responsibilities to Native Americans.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has faithfully served the citizens of Genesee County, Michigan, for 15 years. On June 18, civic, community, and government leaders will join family and friends to honor Mr. Michael M. Glasson, as he retires as County Purchasing Director. Michael Glasson was born and raised in my hometown of Flint, and holds a Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University and a Masters in Public Administration from Wayne State University. In 1974, he began his career in purchasing, working as a buyer for Hurley Medical Center, which led three years later to his becoming Chief Buyer for the City of Flint, a position he held for nine years. Michael then made the transition from city to county, as he became Purchasing Director for Genesee County in 1986. As Purchasing Director, Michael helped usher his department into the modern age with the development of new purchasing regulations, the automation of the purchasing process, and the streamlining of the entire department. Under his leadership, the department set a new standard of efficiency and effectiveness. Michael serves his peers and colleagues as a member and past president of the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association, is a Certified Instructor with the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing, and he has also served as an Instructor at Ferris State University and Detroit College of Business. In 1996, he was recognized by the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association and awarded the Klang Award for outstanding contributions to government purchasing. Mr. Speaker, Michael Glasson has been a positive influence on Genesee County government for the last 15 years. The many people he has come in contact with during that time have benefited from his dedication, his attention to detail, and his ability to work with people from all walks of life. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to please join me in congratulating him on his retirement, and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I am happy to rise before you today to recognize Ms. Joyce M. Hayes, who is retiring from Flint Community Schools after 33 great years of teaching. Armed with a desire to teach, Joyce Hayes began her college career in Marshall, TX, where she graduated in 1967 from Wiley College with a Bachelors Degree in English and a minor in History. In 1968, she worked as an English teacher at Terrance Manor Middle School in Augusta, GA. Later she moved to Flint, where she began teaching Adult Education courses at C.S. Mott Adult High School and Beecher Community High School. She later became an English and Speech teacher at Jordan College in Flint, and at Longfellow Middle School, also in Flint. In 1981, Joyce began a term with Flint Northern High School, one that has lasted to this day. In addition to English, Joyce taught World, American, and Modern Literature, Mythology, Grammar and Composition, and Successful Writing and Reading to hundreds of students from ninth to twelfth grades. She also served as the Instructor for the school's Honors/Gifted Student Program, Class Advisor, and Student Council Advisor. In 1992, Joyce became English Department Head, a position she has also held to this day. The same year, Joyce successfully completed her Masters Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. Two years later, she completed another degree from Eastern Michigan, this time a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. For many years, Joyce has been dedicated toward working to improve our schools, not just in Flint, but also throughout the state and the nation. She is a member of the Michigan Education Association, National Education Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English, among many other groups. She has been an important part of many citywide and statewide committees designed to further educational and emotional growth among our students. Joyce has been recognized for her efforts by inclusions in Who's Who Among High School Teachers, American Educators, and American Women, and was recently chosen as the 2001 Saginaw Valley Teacher of the Year. Mr. Speaker, Joyce Hayes is a tremendously respected individual. Many of her students, past and present, have greatly benefited from her insight, as has the entire Flint community over the course of the last 33 years. She has always been a fighter for education, for she believes that a strong educational background is the basis toward improving the quality of life, I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating her on her retirement, and wishing her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I am happy to rise before you today on behalf of the school district of my hometown, Flint, Michigan. On July 13, members of Flint Community Schools will join family and friends to honor the career of Dr. Clarence Straham, who is retiring after 35 productive years. Originally from Moffett, Oklahoma, Clarence Straham's path to greatness began in 1956, when he joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an Academic and Drill Instructor/Counselor in San Antonio. Honorably discharged in 1962, Clarence attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and Science in 1964. In 1971 he received a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and furthered his education with a Doctorate from the University of Michigan. Clarence's career as a teacher began following his graduation from the University of Arkansas, where he became a mathematics teacher at Merrill Junior/Senior High in Pine Bluff. After moving to Michigan, he taught at Bryant Community Junior High and later moved to Northwestern Community High, where he remained from 1968 to 1976. During that time, Clarence also taught at C.S. Mott Adult High School and Mott Community College. In 1976, Clarence moved to Flint Southwestern Academy, where he has remained to this day. In addition to his tenure at Southwestern, he spent two years as a member of the part-time faculty at the University of Michigan- Flint. For more than four decades, Clarence has selflessly worked to improve Flint Community Schools. An 11-year member of the Four North Central Evaluation Team in mathematics, he saw to it that the curriculum for high schools in four different cities was kept to a high quality of standards. He has also been the co-chairperson of the Flint NAACP Scholarship Committee, and a member of the Flint Multi-Cultural Community Education Task Force, among many other accomplishments. Clarence is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Urban League, and is a Life Member of the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Clarence Straham is a tremendously respected individual. Thousands of his students, past and present, have greatly benefited from his insight, as has the entire Flint community over the course of the last 35 years. He has always been a fighter for education for he believes that a strong educational background is the basis toward improving the quality of life. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his retirement, and wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Indeed, I have been a member of the Page Board for many, many years. Tip O'Neill appointed me to the Page Board in, I think, 1980. I have served as chairman and as ranking minority member. It is interesting, on the Page Board, if I am correct, I think every vote we have ever cast on the Page Board has been unanimous. You really have helped unite us. You serve us so well, and we want to serve you very, very well. There is a program in this country, a very good program called Close Up, and people come from all over the country and see Congress close up, but no one has seen Congress as close up as you pages. You have seen us at our best and at our worst. We are human beings here. But you have seen something, democracy at work. You have seen us work out things, like the education bill, in a very bipartisan way; you have seen other bills not so bipartisan, but you have seen us work. We all come down here with a valid election certificate. As I say, you have seen us at our best and our worst. The pages really work on three different kinds of arenas here: on the House floor and all of the environs of the House floor; the school, and it is a great school. A former Congressman, Bill Whitehurst from Virginia, a Republican, and I worked so hard together back in the early 1980s to get the school accredited. It is a great school with a great faculty over there. And your other arena really is the dorm. You do a good job in all three of those arenas. As a matter of fact, this year, the Page Board has not had to really meet really for any serious problem. You are among the best group of pages that I have had the experience of working with since I have been on the Page Board since 1980, and since I have been in Congress since 1977. But we know that you operate well in all of those arenas, and I hope you operate very well today, because today you took your final test at school, I think it was your math test. I wish you well on that. I was always glad when I got my math test over with; it was one that challenged me the most. But I am so proud of each and every one of you. I had two sons who were pages, and they later entered the Army and left the Army as captains. One just got his master's degree, MBA, from the University of Michigan about 2 weeks ago; and the other one today, and I am going to fly up there as soon as I leave here, is getting his master's from Harvard. So this is not the pinnacle, but this is a great step in your life. Put down that you were a page on all your resumes, because it means that you have set goals for yourself. You had to take the means to achieve those goals. You have had to say yes to yourself to certain things; but more importantly, as you grow up and for all of us too, as we continue to grow, you have been able to say no to yourself. Certain things are not proper at a certain stage of one's life or a certain time and certain things are never proper, but you have learned to say no, and that is part of your growth. I am so very proud of you, as I was proud of my two sons when they served here as pages. I wish you well. Godspeed.

Mr. KILDEE

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

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson).

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and join the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) and its author, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), in commending the American Football Coaches Association for its important work to help make our children safer. The American Football Coaches Association has provided 60 million inkless child identification kits for use by parents. These kits allow parents to keep vital information, current photographs, and fingerprints readily available to provide to law enforcement agencies throughout the Nation in the event of an emergency. The program is expected to reach several million children this year, making it the largest identification drive ever conducted. At a time 800,000 children become missing each year in the United States, more needs to be done to address this horrible issue. Our law enforcement agencies and personnel continue to need the help of parents when children are missing. Efforts like those of the American Football Coaches Association and other public-private partnerships are essential if we are to ensure that no child becomes missing and suffers from the separation of their parents. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and a tireless advocate of America's workers. On June 5, friends and family will gather in Lansing, Michigan, to honor Walter Campbell, as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Walter Campbell was born in Manistee, Michigan in 1911. His family moved to Muskegon, where he spent most of his life. He became active in the labor movement when he joined Local 404 of the Allied Industrial Workers, AFL-CIO, in 1937, while employed by Borg Warner in Muskegon Heights. He was elected to serve the union in various capacities, including chief steward, bargaining committeeman, and president. In 1941 he took a new endeavor when he began work with the international union. He became an international representative in 1943 and remained in that position until 1967, when he was elected Regional Director of AIW Region 7 and a member of the Michigan AFL-CIO Executive Board and Executive Committee. During his tenure with the AFL-CIO, Walter held many positions and chaired several committees. In 1959, Walter was appointed by Governor G. Mennen Williams as one of two labor members of the Michigan Employment Security Commission. He was consistently reappointed and served seven consecutive terms, three of which he served as chairman. His final term ended in 1987, 11 years after his retirement from the Michigan State AFL-CIO. Walter's commitment to labor is matched only by his tremendous commitment to improving the community. He has been a member of United Way of Michigan's Board of Directors, and chairman of the Michigan Welfare Reform Coalition. He has worked with such groups as the Michigan Diabetes Association, United Negro College Fund, and the Michigan Catholic Conference, among many others. Since retiring, Walter has devoted much of his time to the United Way, assisting them with campaigns throughout the state. Walter has given so much of himself to the community that he has been recognized for it by many organizations. He has received awards for distinguished service by the Michigan League for Human Services, Boy Scouts of America, the Tri-County Volunteer Action Center, and the Lansing Human Relations Board. On June 9, 1979, Walter was honored by Grand Valley State College with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. Walter has also stood as a standard by which other community leaders are measured. In 1977, the Michigan United Labor Community Services School started the Walter A. Campbell Community Service Award to the student best demonstrating involvement in community services. In 1981, the Capital Area United Way established the Walter Campbell Award for Outstanding Volunteerism for those who stood out as an inspiration to others for community service through the United Way. Mr. Speaker, Walter Campbell is a great humanitarian, an unselfish leader, and a true role model. In addition, he is a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I personally have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Campbell for over a third of a century and I am clearly a better person because of him. He is a symbol of excellence to everyone in this nation, and is a shining example of the best our society has to offer. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to please join me in wishing Walter a very happy 90th birthday, and many more to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Michigan State Association of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. On June 12-17, Elks from all over Michigan will gather in my hometown of Flint for their 75th Annual State Convention. Attorney Benjamin Franklin Howard in Cincinnati, Ohio founded the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World in 1898. Its purpose remains to promote and enhance the welfare of its members and the communities they come from through the spirit of benevolence and inculcation in all its members. The order of Elkdom is best known for a century of give over $2.5 million in scholarships to youth of all races and cultures throughout the United States. Over the years, the Michigan State Association have graciously made donations to Children's Hospital of Michigan, the United Negro College Fund, and many other charities. They have also given over $30,000 to other hospitals, as well as the Michigan Kidney Foundation. Children have always been a focal point of the Elks, as the Michigan State Association has shown through their dedication to scholastic achievement. The Elks regularly contribute to literacy programs, oratorical contests, and other programs designed to presenting our young people with a public forum, and a chance to shine. I would like to recognize the leaders of the Michigan State Association: Mr. Alfred Bell, State President, and Mrs. Julia M. Ford, Michigan State President of the Daughters of Elks. It is through their leadership that the Elks serve as such a tremendous group of people. Mr. Speaker, as a member of several civic organizations, I know very well that groups such as the Elks work diligently to improve the quality of life for all those they come into contact with. I am honored that the Michigan State Association have chosen Flint as the site of their 75h Annual Convention. I ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join me in congratulating the Elks and wish them continued success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the House Auto Caucus with Congressman Fred Upton, I am introducing on our behalf a concurrent resolution to express this Congress' support for improved trade relations in the automotive sector between Korea and the United States. A companion concurrent resolution is being introduced by the Senate Auto Caucus co-chairs, Senator Carl Levin and Senator George Voinovich. For too long, Korea has kept its market closed to United States automobiles and auto parts. This must change. Up until 1990, Korea maintained a completely closed market, and it was not until 1999, in the midst of economic crisis, that it opened its market to all manufacturers. However, it has made every effort to continue to restrict foreign motor vehicles. This is best exemplified by the facts. In the year 2000, a total of 1,057,620 motor vehicles were sold in the Republic of Korea, but only 4414 were imported and only 1268 were made in the United States. As a result, American motor vehicles represented a pathetic 0.12 percent of all motor vehicle sales in Korea. Anticompetitive activities in Korea must stop. Threats of income tax audits on Koreans who purchase foreign automobiles must cease. Underhanded trade barriers must be lowered. Passage of this concurrent resolution will send a clear message to Korea that things must change. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this effort to ensure fair trade and an open market for American motor vehicles in Korea. I look forward to working with colleagues to ensure its passage.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)