Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to Ms. Catherine Catchings, the Illustrious Commandress of Oman Court No. 132. The Daughters of Isis, Ancient and Accepted Free Masons, based in Flint, Michigan, will honor Ms. Catchings at their 40th annual Commandress Ball on October 21. Catherine Catchings moved from Alabama to Flint, Michigan, in 1957. She joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and has maintained an active membership, working with the choir, Young Matrons Auxiliary, and the Willing Workers Club. Because of Catherine's long standing dedication to enhance the quality of life for others, she began a long career with Hurley Medical Center, leading to her recent retirement. During this time, she also became President of AFSCME Local 825. Under Catherine's leadership, Local 825 made community service a key focus. Community Service became an established as a standing committee of the union, and members participated in various projects benefiting the needy. Catherine has worked with the United Way, Red Cross blood drives, and the Children's Miracle Network Run for Children. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, she works diligently on behalf of our area's veterans. She is involved with the Veterans Hospital Project, writes letters and purchases gifts for the veterans' families, and distributes information on such subjects as bone marrow research and donor registration. As Worthy Matron of Royal Star Chapter 27, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Catherine established a Scholarship Fund, organized donation drives on behalf of the Flint Shelter, Transition House, and Carriage Town Mission. As Youth Sponsor for the Crescent Moon Youth Fraternity, she helps create future community leaders through nursing homes visits and Christmas caroling. She is truly a tremendous role model, and many people in the Flint community have had their lives enriched by her unselfish acts. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my fellow Members of Congress to join me in honoring the Illustrious Commandress, Ms. Catherine Catchings. Her devotion to making this nation a better place to live should reinforce our strong commitment to our communities. We owe a debt of gratitude to Catherine, her husband, and their two sons.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4643, as amended, legislation that will settle the land claims of the Torres- Martinez tribe of California. Mr. Speaker, the time is long overdue for our government to provide just compensation to the Torres-Martinez tribe for the reservation lands they lost decades ago. We have a moral obligation to fulfill this duty, and I am pleased that this legislation is before us today. I urge strongly the passage of H.R. 4643, as amended. Mr. Speaker, for the last several years, and past weeks especially, I have been working with the Torres-Martinez tribe and the Cabazon Band to negotiate a compromise on an issue that has been a sticking point to these two sovereign governments. Mr. Speaker, I believe this compromise will allow the Torres-Martinez tribe to be compensated while protecting the sovereign interests of the Cabazon tribe. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the tribal leaders of Torres-Martinez, the Cabazon. It has been a pleasure working with the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono) on this bill. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for his assistance in resolving this most difficult issue. I also want to thank Kimberly Teehee of my staff here; Marie Howard, the committee staff, who has worked so hard on this; and Linda Valter who has done such a wonderful job over there. This has been really a labor of love for all of us, and I am just very happy that we are at the point we are today.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today's floor action represents another portion of the work of the Committee on Education and the Workforce on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Even Start has been, as we all know here, the result of the love and the hard work of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), my chairman and my friend. I have had the privilege of serving with my colleague for 24 years on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He was here before I got here. He has been here 26 years, I believe, Mr. Speaker. The work of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) has touched the lives of so many children during his career, providing many of them with the means to better themselves. Indeed, I find myself a better person because of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling). He is a great friend and a very, very helpful mentor. His retirement at the end of this Congress is a great loss to this institution and the children of our country. He has always been dedicated to quality and results for our Nation's children and our families. That is one thing he has taught me over and over again, we have to look at results. This reauthorization of Even Start very much reflects these principles, his principles. It is extremely fitting that we honor the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling) by renaming Even Start after him through this legislation. The bill before us today strengthens Even Start in the focus of family literacy in Title I and Indian Education Programs. In addition, this substitute would increase the set-aside for migrant and Indian Even Start programs from 5 to 6 percent when the total appropriation reaches $200 million. I believe this provision is especially important in increasing funding to Native Americans, a population that can greatly benefit from family literacy services. In closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling) for successfully getting this legislation to the floor despite the many roadblocks placed in his way. He was very, very persistent; and we owe him a deep debt of gratitude for that. His hard work on this program deserves the admiration of every Member of this House and the people of this country.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I speak of a group of people who share a common history and a rich heritage. On July 29, my hometown of Flint, Michigan, will be the site of the Clark County, Arkansas Reunion Picnic. Following the Civil War, many former slaves settled in an area of Clark County called ``Okolona.'' They had endured slavery by developing and strengthening their bond with God, and with each other. Regularly, they would gather at Rome Spring Hill where they would sing, pray, and eat together as a community. They began to depend on each other as a family. This tradition continued until the end of World War II, as many Americans moved from southern agricultural communities to the more industrialized cities of the North. Residents of Clark County often moved together in groups, allowing them to retain the bond they had established for so many years. In 1974, the tradition of the Clark County Reunion was resumed in the Northern states. This picnic has since become an annual event, held in five locations around the country, Clark County, AR, Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, Los Angeles, CA, and Flint, MI. The last time the Reunion Picnic was held in Flint was 1995, and the Flint delegation was joined by over 500 members of their extended family, and they anticipate repeating this accomplishment, if not surpassing it. Mr. Speaker, the Clark County Reunion Picnic serves many purposes. It provides an opportunity for family to come together, intensify old bonds, and forge new ones. It gives the younger members a chance to learn of their ancestry, and grow emotionally and spiritually. I am proud to know that Flint is a central point in their effort to maintain a strong sense of unity. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating all the Reunion participants.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my concern at the lack of funding that the Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative received in the fiscal year 2001 Commerce, Justice, State appropriation bill. Under the House bill, the initiative received zero funding: zero funding for tribal courts, zero funding for COPS grant set-aside for Indians, and zero funding for the new programs proposed by the administration. I have been advised that the reason the initiative received zero funding in the House is because the Senate will take care of funding the initiative. I find this logic troublesome. Recently, I, along with several of my colleagues, sent a letter to the chairman and senior Democratic member of the subcommittee expressing our strong support for the President's fiscal year 2001 budget request for the Department of Justice portion of the Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative. The President's budget requested $173.3 million for the initiative. This figure represents an increase of $81.8 million above the fiscal year 2000 enacted level. I believe that increased funding for this initiative is critical in light of the recent information from the Justice Department that confirms that while national crime is dropping, crime rates on Indian lands continue to rise. 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. American Indians suffer the Nation's highest rate of child abuse. The report indicates that Indian juveniles in Federal custody increased by 50 percent since 1994. The findings for this report serve as the basis for the President's request for more funding for this initiative. I also support the President's request to make permanent the Office of Tribal Justice under the Department of Justice's Associate Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General created this office to provide a permanent channel for tribal governments to communicate their concerns to the Department and to coordinate policy on Indian Affairs with the departments in other Federal agencies. Mr. Chairman, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior developed the initiative 2 years ago to improve the public safety and criminal justice in Indian communities. Last year, Congress appropriated $91.2 million to the Justice Department for additional FBI agents, tribal law enforcement officers, detention centers, juvenile crime programs, and tribal courts. This year the House provided zero funding for the initiative. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to work to restore funding and to provide the necessary increase for the initiative as this bill proceeds to conference. Let us work hard to combat crime and violence in our Indian lands.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4635, the FY 2001 VA-HUD appropriations bill. I want to express my concern that the bill provides zero increases for the HUD Indian housing programs. The budget provides $693 million for FY 2001, which is the same amount as the FY 2000 enacted level, and it does not provide any funding for any of the new initiatives proposed by the administration. The President requested $730 million for Indian housing programs, and the budget we are considering today slashes the President's request by $37 million. Mr. Chairman, Native Americans continued to have the poorest housing in this country. The National American Indian Housing Council's fact sheet on Indian housing reveals that-- the poverty rate for rural Native Americans is 37 percent, a rate that is higher than any other racial/ethnic group, 69 percent of Native Americans in tribal areas live in overcrowded homes, 21 percent of homes in tribal areas are overcrowded as compared with the national average of 2.7 percent, and 16.5 percent of Native American households in tribal areas are without complete plumbing. With that kind of data supporting the need for more Federal funding for Indian housing, we should not support a bill that provides zero funding for the people that need the funding most. I urge my colleagues to oppose the FY 2001 VA-HUD appropriations bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives today on behalf of one of Pontiac, Michigan's top citizens. From June 11 through June 18, the congregation of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac will gather and celebrate the work of its Pastor, Edward L. McCree, Sr., and his 27 years of commitment as Macedonia's spiritual leader. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 1960, young Edward McCree went on to Detroit Bible College and the University of Detroit. He then uprooted his family to Tennessee, where he attended the American Baptist College. Edward achieved what he considered his mission to possess a thorough education, and graduated from American Baptist College in 1973. Edward was soon ordained at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Juliet, TN. Edward returned his family to Michigan that same year, as he was chosen as Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, where he has remained ever since. During these years, Pastor McCree has reached out to spread the Lord's word to thousands of people. In 1990, he preached in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education to more than 40,000 people. He also organized a television outreach ministry which also allowed him to reach a wide audience. As Pastor of Macedonia, Pastor McCree has worked selflessly and tirelessly to help his congregation grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He is a counselor and confidant to the entire Macedonia family. He is a constant source of guidance to civic and community leaders, and people of all races, denominations, and walks of life. Pastor McCree has improved his church's technological equipment as well as the building itself, and organized the creation of a day care center and emergency food kitchen. Pastor McCree is known not only throughout the Pontiac community, but throughout the country as a dynamic preacher, leader, lecturer, and community activist. He has served as State Coordinator and Administrative 1st Vice President of the Wolverine State convention, chairman of the American Baptist College Michigan Alumni Chapter, and has been recognized by ``Who's Who in Black America.'' Pastor McCree's influence is strongly felt in the local community as well. He has worked with the Pontiac Area Urban League, the Mayor's Advisory Committee, the Greater Pontiac Missionary Baptist District Association, and the OIC board of Oakland County. Mr. Speaker, our community would not be the same without the presence and influence of Pastor Edward L. McCree, Sr. I know that I am a better person and a better Member of Congress because of his commitment to the Lord's work. And I know that our community is a better place in which to live because of Pastor McCree's spiritual mission. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join in congratulating his 27 years of pastoral service.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Weldon amendment. Mr. Chairman, last year Members of this body defeated this amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr) that would have prohibited the Secretary of the Interior from issuing alternative gaming procedures that would help tribes attain gaming compacts when States refuse to negotiate with tribes in good faith. This amendment would keep the Secretary of Interior from fulfilling a congressionally mandated obligation that requires him to develop alternative class 3 gaming procedures. Mr. Chairman, on April 12, 1999, the Secretary published a final regulation providing for class 3 gaming procedures that allows the Secretary to mediate differences between States and Indian tribes on Indian gaming activities. The Secretary developed the regulation because of a United States Supreme Court ruling in Seminole Tribe versus Florida, which found that States could avoid compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by asserting immunity from suit. By enacting IGRA, Congress did not intend to give States the ability to forever block the compacting process by asserting immunity from suit. In fact, IGRA enables the Secretary to issue alternative procedures when the States refuse to negotiate in good faith. The Weldon amendment would prohibit the Secretary from fulfilling his obligation under IGRA on grounds that it bypasses State authority. Nothing could be further from the truth. The regulation gives great deference to the State's roles under IGRA. Only after the State asserts immunity from suit and refuses to negotiate would the regulation apply. Mr. Chairman, I think it is particularly important to note that the regulation does not give tribes a right to conduct gaming, but only creates a forum where all interests, State, Federal and tribal, can be determined. The Secretary's role would be subject to several safeguards, including oversight by the Federal courts. In April of last year, one day after the regulation was published, the States of Florida and Alabama sued in the Federal District Court in Florida claiming the regulation was beyond the scope of the Secretary's authority under IGRA. In May 1999, the Secretary wrote to the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations saying that he would refrain from implementing the regulations until the Federal Court resolved the authority question. Just yesterday, the Secretary wrote to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) stating that the Department would defer from publishing the procedures until a final judgment is issued in the Florida case whether by district court or on appeal. The Secretary's letter should have alleviated the concerns of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) since he intended to offer an amendment that would have kept the Secretary from publishing procedures until a final judgment was issued. Despite the Secretary's letter, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) chose to offer this amendment which would keep the Secretary from moving forward with publishing gaming procedures during the 2001 fiscal year.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, for 36 years now as a lawmaker, 12 years in the Michigan legislature, 24 years here, and for 6 years in the Roman Catholic seminary where I worked with Indians, I have been working for all those years for justice for Indians. My father, who was raised among Indians near Traverse City, Michigan, always told me that the Indians have been treated unfairly, and they were the people with the poorest health around Traverse City. Their land had been stolen from them, all their land. I was determined when I entered the State legislature in 1964 in Michigan to do something for the Indians, and I have worked very closely with people on both sides of the aisle to do that. Mr. Chairman, I have worked with people on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for Indians, and I have always hoped that before I shuffle off from this mortal coil to meet my judge, that I will have moved somewhere towards that justice, and I have taken some tough votes through the years to do that. There are some people who would take money from the arts to give to the Indian Health Service, but some of those same people, and this is what troubles me, have voted for over $200 billion worth of tax cuts. I voted against those tax cuts, and I got criticized back home for doing that, but I did it because I want to make sure we take care of the needs of those who are the most needy. I voted against those tax cuts, and I pay a political price for that. I voted for a tax raise in 1993, and almost lost my election because I voted for that tax raise, but I did because I felt there were needy people in this country. I have made the real tough votes. Those are the tough votes. Those are the ones that you do not put in your campaign literature, ``I voted for a tax increase and voted against a tax cut.'' Your opponent puts it in his or hers. But those are the tough votes. That is really where you determine whether you are going to do something to help alleviate the immorality here in America, and the way we treat our Indians is immoral. If we really want to help them, we cannot be giving money to the wealthiest people and not give what is due to the neediest, the people whose land we have stolen, changed their way of life, destroyed their language in many instances. We want to give money to the super wealthy and withhold money from the poorest. That is the real moral issue here. That is the tough vote. I voted those tough votes. When I voted in 1993, I thought I was looking at my political grave, but I was willing to do that. Those are the tough votes. These votes here really emanate from how we are willing to take care and balance the justice with the injustice in this country. So it is really puzzling. When you find people who are giving to the super wealthy and take from the America's poorest, you find that at least puzzling. It is very puzzling to me. I will always support justice for the Indians, in any instance and any chance I can, but I find tonight, in my 36 years in public office, one of the saddest days. When we came here in January, this was all part of a process. We raise so much money, we spend so much money. We find our priorities. We find our priorities in tax cuts; we find our priorities in expenditures. This is a paradox. This is contradictory, what we are doing here tonight. If you can look into your heart and say, okay, I voted against the tax cut, therefore I can without contradiction go along cutting the President's budget for IHS by $200 million as was done. And I don't blame the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula). The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) is one of the most decent guys in this House, and when I go to his committee to testify, the gentleman, within the limitations he has, does a great job for the Indians. But I find this really sad. We have to look at ourselves and say how do we balance how we raise the money, how do we balance how we spend the money? The two go together, and you cannot give a $200 billion-plus tax cut to the very wealthy, the most wealthy, and deny what is needed, the basic needs, of America's poor.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment. I rise today in opposition to the Sununu-Andrews amendment to eliminate funding for Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, PNGV. While I understand that some of the money would go to the States' Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as funding for PILT, this plan simply does rob Peter to pay Paul, taking money from one important environmental program to give to another. Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, it appears that the real intention of the amendment is the elimination of funding for basic research for vastly improved fuel efficiency. We should find other ways to fund these other programs. PNGV is a public-private partnership to develop a family sedan that is affordable and can achieve 80 miles per gallon. This 10-year program recently reached its 6-year goal to release a concept vehicle that can achieve utility and fuel efficiency as desired. The next phase of the program is an effort to make these cars affordable. To suggest that new progress has not been made is not accurate. We are simply in the middle phase of the partnership. I strongly support this program because it works to achieve an important goal: fuel efficiency and environmental protection without losing utility, safety, or affordability. In other words, we can achieve the results we want and give consumers the vehicles they want. Some will say this is corporate welfare. However, there is a broad consensus that the Federal government should encourage basic research. PNGV was not created as a new program, it was actually created by channelling existing funding. The result is more focused research and significant advances in vehicle technology. We cannot complain about fuel economy and then offer no resources to develop new science. This option works toward our goal without artificially manipulating the supply of vehicles on the road. With gas prices of $2 per gallon and higher in the Midwest and other parts of the country, it seems unwise to eliminate a program designed to reduce our need for fuel. I support immediate responses to our current fuel crisis, such as releasing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. But I also support a long- term strategy for our energy program, to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. This program achieves those results. I strongly urge a no vote.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, it gives me great pleasure to rise before you today on the behalf of the Waterford, Michigan School District, who will be honoring one of their own. On June 14, members of the school district, as well as family and friends, will gather to honor the career of Ms. Gail Nolin, who is retiring after 34 glorious years. In 1966, Gail Nolin began her career with Waterford Schools, teaching third, fourth, and fifth grades at Cooley Elementary School. Gail's tenure at Cooley lasted 18 years. Gail brought with her many unique and creative opportunities for her students to learn, including painting a large map of Michigan in the school parking lot, and constructing a large rocket ship. Many times, she incorporated art and music in her lessons, giving her students early exposure to fine arts and a well- rounded curriculum. She later moved up to teach upper elementary, where she involved parents in presenting technology to students, and helped pilot the district's first elementary computer network, acting as systems operator with Gladys Baker. In 1991, Gail began a new role within the District, that of Technology Consultant. She diligently worked along with Dick Elsholz and Randy Gross to implement a program that would allow third grade to fifth grade teachers to integrate computer technology into their curriculum. She served as a member of the Institutional Technology Planning Committee, and co-chaired the first elementary technology plan. Gail not only had an accomplished academic career, but a political career that has spanned nearly three decades. A member of the Waterford Education Association, Michigan Education Association, and National Education Association, Gail has always remained a member in good standing and a role model for her peers. She has served the WEA as a member of its Human Rights Commission and Negotiations Committee, as well as other leadership roles with the union. As a member of the MEA, Gail has been an executive officer since 1985, and also sits on the Staff Retirement Board and Legislative Committee. She has operated as the MEA representative to the NEA on several occasions. Gail's strong belief in our democratic system has allowed her an audience with not only members of Congress, but senators, Cabinet members, and several presidents, on issues such as Title I and equal rights. Gail was invited to the White House by President Carter to participate in discussions regarding the drafting of women into the military. These experiences also led her to a stint as an assistant to Congressman Bob Carr, and the opportunity in 1993, where President Clinton met and bowled with her eighth grade students. Mr. Speaker, Gail Nolin is my educational colleague and my friend. For many years, I have benefitted from her insight, as has the entire Waterford community over the course of the last 34 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 Gail Nolin on her retirement, and wishing her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all of the pages who have served so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 106th Congress. We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the House of Representatives operate. This group of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is good about our country. To become a page, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends, and learned the details of how our Government operates. As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, they face challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School. I am sure they will consider their time spent in Washington, D.C. to be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences of their lives, and that with this experience they will all move ahead to lead successful and productive lives. Mr. Speaker, as the Democratic Member on the House Page Board, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans. They certainly will be missed: 2000 Spring Semester Pages Address/Phone Number/E-Mail Address Max Abbott, 464 Heritage Drive, Lewisville, NC 27023, xxxxx xxxxxxxx. Dominic Adams, 3905 Maryland, Gary, IN 46408, xxxxxxxxxx xxxx. Sarah Baca, 103 Colonial Avenue, Evanston, WY 82930, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, sarahbee--@hotmail. Tom Bazan, 241 Elemeda, Holland, MI 49424, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, zeut@macatawa.org. Christopher Bower, 44 Bcardslee Hill Drive, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, bower55@hotmail.com. Brown, Geoff, 419 Grove Street, Elmira, NY 14905, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, octavician@yahoo.com. Lorena Brunder, 2024 Coast Guard Drive, Stafford, VA 22554, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Michael Buck, 120 Charles I. Boyle Rd., Queen Anne, MD 21657, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, miked81482@aol.com. Eric Cercone, 59 Penwood Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14227, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, ericcercone@hotmail.com. Adam Cheatham, 9304 Hallston Court, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, AQC1983@aol.com. Christopher Clark, R.R. #1, Box 137, Kirkwood, IL 61447, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, clarky2001@aol.com. David Cook, 31390 Sunnyside Road, California, MO 65018, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, biadave70@yahoo.com. Andrew D'Anna, 1800 Woodspoint Cove, Jonesboro, AR 72401, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, apd82@hotmail.com. Ashley Daugherty, P.O. Box 806, Coloma, MI 49038, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, sunflower436@hotmail.com. Katherine B. Fortune, 4649 North Wilson Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Ashley Foster, 303 Iroquois, Waxachie, TX 75165, xxxxxxxxxx xxxx, ASHGr101@aol.com. Kara Frank, 53 Seneca Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, xxxxx xxxxxxxx. Amy Gaddis, 1895 Montana Way, Green River, WY 82935, xxxxx xxxxxxxx. Adam Gellman, 1810 Nobel Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55422, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Adam782@aol.com. Dana Hall, 11442 Vale Spring Drive, Oakton, VA 22104, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, danamarie24@hotmail.com. Kristopher Hart, 1210 Malinda Road, Oreland, PA 19075, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, KDHart 2020@aol.com. Laura Heaton, 1162 SE Main Street, Roseburg, OR 97470, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, ladybuglaurah@hotmail.com. Androni Henry, 148 Boltwood Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, major__henry@hotmail.com. Rebecca Hoffman, 36 Old Grandview Avenue, Dallas, PA 18612, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, HX564@Hotmail.com. William Hooper, 1011 Yancey Drive, White House, TN 37188, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Jay Kanterman, 1748 Stifel Lane Drive, Town and Country, MO 63017, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Susanna Khalil, 13433 Andy Street, Cerritos, CA 90703, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, ShaAya2@aol.com. James Kelley, 2111 Timeless Drive, St. Leonard, MD 20685, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, James__B__Kelley@hotmail.com. Stevens T. Kelly, 2635 Whitney, Ft. Gratiot, MI, xxxxxxxxxx xxxx. Julia Koplewski, 4316 Conifer Court, Glen Arm, MD 21057, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, jkoplewski@hotmail.com. David Kroontje, 5844 Sand Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, xxxxx 592-2660. Adam Kwasman, 7268 N. Cathedral Rock Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, ack@worldnet.att.net. Ray LaHoud, 1134 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, raylahoud@politician.com. Andrew Lerch, 204 East Captil Street, NE, Washington, DC 20003-1036, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, agl@vbe.com. Amy Leung, 31772 Nardelli Lane, Roseville, MI 48066, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, ALPAGE82@hotmail.com. Bradford Lyman, 31792 Paseo Terraza, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Alison Lowery, 3200 N. Vermont Street, Arlington, VA 22207, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Renee Mack, 315 Manzanita Ave, Ventura, CA 93001, xxxxx xxxxxxxx. Jeff Mannion, 108 Roland Road, E. Fallowfield, PA 19320, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, jblase611@aol.com. Megan Marshburn, 1304 Smyrna Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, magan14@mailcity.com. Marcella Martinez, 713 DelMar Drive, Twin Falls, ID 83301, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Lindsay Moon, 112 Basswood Drive, Aiken, SC 29803, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, moonie56@yahoo.com. Clint Morris, 2510 Knolltop Lane, Henderson, KY 42420, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, clinton__morris@hotmail.com. Nancy Nicolas, 2836 W. 23rd Street, Apt. 12J, Brooklyn, NY 11224, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Casey Osterkemp, 448 Cardinal Hill Lane, Powell, OH 43065, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, CaseyOster@aol.com. Parker Payne, 104 Dogwood Lane; Levelland, TX 79336, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, ParkZ716aol.com. Ashley Percy, 2331 E. Burt Road, Camden, MI 49232, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, ashley__percy@hotmail.com. Christopher Perr, 711 Cloverleaf Court, Mansfield, OH 44909, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, mi6pilote@aol.com. Jessica Porras, 12702 Royal Oaks Court, Yucaipa, CA 92399, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, JJmarie@aol.com. Tessa Powell, 95 Bryant Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, TxLi@cheerful.com. Lindsey Ransdell, 13104 Trump Avenue, Louisville, KY 40299, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, lindseyransdell@hotmail.com. Jennifer Reed, 6107 Turtle Pointe Drive, Hixson, TN 37343, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, je824@aol.com. Moriah Reed, P.O. Box 450 (700 Maple), Harrisburg, SD 57032, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. A.J. Rosenfeld, 2145 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette, IL 60091, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, kspirit5@aol.com. Chase Rowan, 10209 S. River Tr., Knoxville, TN 37922, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, c.rowan@usa.net. Danielle Ruse, 1020 SE 5th Street, Ocala, FL 34471, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, anjiiphish@aol.com. David Schweinfurth, 9022 Queen Maria Court, Columbia, MD 21045, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Farero18@aol.com. Megan Smith, 133 West 39th Ave, Spokane, WA 99203, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, lakemegan@aol.com. Nouvelle L. Stubbs, 1274 County Club Drive, Akron, OH 44313, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Samuel Sinkin, 254 E. Summit, San Antonio. TX 78212, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, N540@aol.com. Erin Sweeney, 22 Panorama Drive, Sussex, NJ 07461, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, leo20august@yahoo.com. Christine Tancinco, 9746 Refugio Court, House, TX 77064, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, chrsinet@aol.com. Anika Tank, 3835 N. 9th St. Apt 510 W, Arlington, VA 22203, jacqueanik@aol.com. Margaret Theobald, 5 Countryside Court, Richmond, VA23229. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx), MagieMae16@aol.com. Lindsay Thomson, 1043 Curtis Drive, Norco, CA 92860, xxxxx xxxxxxxx, linza714@yahoo.com. Amber Walker, 807 N. Springfield Street, Berryville, AR 72616, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, amberwalker@hotmail.com. Lauren Weeth, 9412 Farragut Drive N.E., Alburquerque NM 87111, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, UNIKITA@hotmail,com. Julie Wise, P.O. Box 444, Knox, PA 16232, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, jools160@hotmail.com. Jessica Wood, 2681 10\1/2\ Mile Road, Sanford, MI 48657- 9768, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Athena2234@aol.com.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the Lambda Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., located in Pontiac, Michigan. For many years, the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta have emphasized family leadership and civic pride. Each year, at their Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon, they award scholarships to college bound students, and also recognize those who have made a significant impact on the City of Pontiac. On June 10, the Chapter will gather for their seventeenth annual luncheon, where they will honor Ms. Cynthia Thomas Walker as Woman of the Year, and Mrs. Dorothy Jones Herron and her family as Family of the Year. Cynthia Thomas Walker has truly shown herself to be more than deserving of the distinction of Woman of the Year. She is currently the Administrator of 50th District Court in Pontiac. She is the first African-American and the first female to hold this position. Originally from Chicago, Cynthia came to Pontiac in 1985, where she worked for UAW-GM Legal Services and was an instructor for the American Institute for Paralegal Studies before becoming a Deputy City Attorney in 1993. The following year, she became City Attorney and continued that role until last year, when she was promoted to her current position. Cynthia is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Southeast Michigan Court Administrators Association, and the NAACP. She is also the proud mother of a twelve-year-old son, Clifton. This year's Family of the Year is the family of Dorothy Herron Jones of Pontiac. A product of the Pontiac School District, Mrs. Herron graduated from Pontiac Central High School, and went on to the Jones School of Nursing in Ann Arbor, and St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Detroit. She began her medical career at Pontiac General Hospital as an LPN and later an RN. In 1971, she became a staff nurse at General Motors Truck and Coach. She rose through the ranks to her current position as Associate Administrator for GM Corporate Health Services, working with facilities in eight states, including Michigan. She is a member of several nurses' associations, the American Occupational Health Association, and the NAACP. Mrs. Herron has raised two wonderful sons. Dr. Michael Herron is an emergency room physician at Chesatee Hospital in Dahlonega, GA and Georgia Baptist Hospital in Warm Springs, GA. Darryl Herron has recently completed a two-year assignment in the Asian Pacific as Regional Manager of the Audit Staff for General Motors. He is currently the Manager of Capital Appropriations at GM Powertrain Global Headquarters in Pontiac. Mrs. Herron is also proud of her grandchildren, David and Destiny. Mr. Speaker, as a member of several civic and fraternal organizations, I understand how important these groups can be to improve the community climate. I am proud of the hard work the Lambda Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has done for the City of Pontiac, and I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in applauding them and their award recipients.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to rise before you today to speak on the behalf of two people who have made Christian Education their life's work. Each year, the Wolverine State Congress of Christian Education honors individuals for their commitment to Christian Education. On June 7, they will recognize the efforts of Reverend Dr. W.G. Terry, and his wife Mary. W.G. Terry was born in Linden, Texas, and later moved to Henderson, Texas, early in his childhood. After graduating from high school in Henderson, Reverend Terry went on to obtain degrees from American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, TN; Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, AK; and Bishop College in Marshall, TX. It was in Little Rock that Reverend Terry also received his Doctorate of Divinity. Over the years, he has been directed by the Lord to pastorates in Little Rock; Mineola, TX; Dyersburg, TN; Jackson, TN; and finally New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, MI, where he has been the Pastor for the last 39 years. As Pastor, Reverend Terry operates as a spiritual leader, counselor, confidant, and community leader, among many other roles. He helped build the First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, and helped organize the Mississippi Valley Association School of Ministers. He purchased the New Zion building and added educational facilities. He has been recognized for distinction by American Baptist Theological Seminary, and by the Jackson NAACP as Father of the Year. Reverend Terry has held many leadership positions in groups such as the Mississippi Valley District Congress, the Interracial Ministers' Alliance, and the Wolverine Baptist State Convention. After serving as the President of the Great Lakes Baptist Conference for 26 years, he was granted Emeritus status. He also serves as an instructor for the Flint Baptist Ministers' Alliance and the National Baptist Congress. On November 2, 1945, W.G. Terry married Mary Hollins in Henderson, Texas. Mrs. Terry was born in Longview, Texas, and completed her schooling in Henderson. She attended Fisk University and Tennessee State College in Nashville, before receiving a degree from Arkansas Baptist College. Mary became a teacher in Texas and Tennessee, and was also a Vacation Bible School instructor for the East Texas District Baptist Congress. Along with her husband, she helped found the Tennessee Baptist Youth Encampment. Mrs. Terry currently serves as Co-Director of Christian Education at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She also serves as an Instructor of Minister's Wives for the Great Lakes Baptist Congress and the Wolverine State Baptist Congress. She has been Program Director of the National Baptist Minister's Wives for more than 40 years. In addition, she and her husband have raised a wonderful daughter, and have two grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher and seminarian, I am very proud of the work that Reverend W.G. and Mrs. Mary Terry have done to improve our academic and spiritual well being. It is because of people like them that the Flint community is a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating their achievements.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today on behalf of Petty Officer Joseph Thomas Brady, Jr., who on May 31, will receive an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy after 20 years of service to our country. Joseph Brady attended St. Matthews Catholic School and Flint Powers Catholic High School, graduating in 1976. While in school, he was an altar boy, a member of Junior Achievement, and several community service committees. He was also a standout athlete, excelling in basketball and football. After graduation, Joseph attended the University of Michigan-Flint, and Jackson State University. After two years at Jackson State, Joseph decided on a different adventure, and joined the United States Navy. He attended the Great Lakes Academy, and graduated in 1980. He was assigned to various vessels, including the U.S.S. Schofield, U.S.S. Jack Williams, and U.S.S. Arleigh Burke, among others. Since May 1997, Petty Officer Brady has served as Transportation Petty Officer and Collateral Duty Supply, as well as Petty Officer for Customer Service. Petty Officer Brady has been recognized many times for his hard work and dedication. He has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three Gold Stars, the ``E'' Good Conduct Medal with six Bronze Stars, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and many ribbons and commendations. I would also like to acknowledge perhaps Petty Officer Brady's wonderful family, including his wife, Lyvonne, and their children, Joey and Jovanna. I am sure they are very proud. Mr. Speaker, as the father of two sons who have served in our Armed Forces, I have much respect and admiration for the commitment of these fine men and women. We are all very grateful for their decision to work to protect our nation's borders, and to protect and defend human dignity. I congratulate Petty Officer Joseph Thomas Brady, Jr. on completing his tour of duty, and I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Flint Generals of the United Hockey League, who on May 17, defeated the Quad City Mallards in the UHL Colonial Cup Championship series. The game was truly an exciting battle, which the Generals won 5-4. The Generals are a great example of what hard work, determination, and a passionate desire to win can accomplish. The Generals celebrated a stellar regular season with a record of 51-14-9, and 111 points. This not only earned them the Central Division Championship, but they tied a league record for most points by a team in the regular season. The Generals went on to score decisive victories in the postseason, defeating the Madison Kodiaks, the Muskegon Fury, and ultimately, a strong and skilled Mallard team. The Generals are the third team to bring a professional hockey championship to my hometown of Flint, Michigan. They are another testament to the rich sports history that exists throughout the state of Michigan. Their accomplishments shine bright in the eyes of the people of Flint. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in saluting the Flint Generals. They are true champions.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong Michigan resident, and as Co- Chair of the House Congressional Native American Caucus, it gives me great pleasure to stand before you today to speak on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. On May 27, the Band will celebrate 20 years of reaffirmed federal recognition. The Grand Traverse Band has a rich and long history. The Tribe entered into treaties with the United States in 1836 and 1855. These treaties specified land for the Band, but a misinterpretation caused the Band's recognition to be terminated, and it was left without federal assistance. Determined to rectify this error, the Tribe applied for federal recognition under the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, and was denied by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It tried again, unsuccessfully in 1943. Such disappointment would have deterred many people, but the members of the Grand Traverse Band were steadfast, and tried once again in 1978, and on May 27, 1980, the Tribe's federal recognition was finally reaffirmed. In these twenty years, the Grand Traverse Band has served as a strong example of tribal self-determination. It has developed a strong socioeconomic system. It established a solid infrastructure, and provides many governmental services to its members. The Tribe is the county's largest employer and is among the largest employers within a six-county area. Northwest Michigan is a better place because of the Grand Traverse Band. Last year, the Tribe was honored by Harvard University for providing an outstanding example of tribal governance. The Harvard Project on American Indian and Economic Development noted the Tribe's innovation in crafting a formula for distributing its share of the Michigan Indian Land Claim Settlement Award. I would also like to acknowledge George Bennett, Chairman of the Tribe, and my friend of more than 30 years, for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have enriched many lives with its history and heritage. I consider myself a better person for working alongside the Tribe on many issues and concerns. After a long fight to achieve federal recognition, the Band has much to celebrate with this milestone. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to please join me in congratulating the Grand Traverse Band on 20 years of reaffirmed recognition of their retained sovereignty, and wishing it continued success.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, China's deplorable record on human rights should not be rewarded with permanent normal trade status. Normal trade relations would indicate that China is living by certain standards or norms, a respect for human dignity. However, the record on human rights and religious freedom in China is contrary to even the minimal norms of human decency. In China, many religious believers are detained and imprisoned. Until there is general progress on religious freedom and until there is at least a measure of respect for human dignity, I cannot in good conscience support permanent normal trade relations with China. If China wants normal trade relations, let them treat their people normally.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, Monsignor William P. Fay. Monsignor Fay was recently elected to serve as the General Secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, U.S. Catholic Conference. His 5-year term begins next February. He has served as Associate General Secretary of the conference since 1995. In this capacity, Monsignor Fay has overseen the public policy work of the U.S. Catholic Conference. Monsignor Fay helped to coordinate the most recent visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States when the Holy Father traveled to St. Louis in January 1999. Monsignor Fay was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Boston in 1974. After his ordination, Monsignor Fay was an associate pastor in several parishes in Massachusetts. Immediately before coming to the Catholic conference, he was a professor of philosophy at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts. He also served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts there and chairman of the department of philosophy. Please join me in welcoming Monsignor William P. Fay.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on behalf of a group of people who have made the community a truly joyous place to live. On Saturday, May 20, the St. Francis Prayer Center in Flint, Michigan, will celebrate their 25th Anniversary. For many years, Father Phil Schmitter and Sister Joanne Chiaverini have worked diligently to do the Lord's work throughout the Flint community. Their selfless nature is tremendous and the compassion they show is indescribable. When creating the St. Francis Prayer Center in 1975, they were committed to simple goals: they wanted a central location where even the poor could walk, where they could provide guidance and promote spirituality regardless of denomination, and work to help bridge the gap between racial and religious lines. As a lifelong Flint resident, I am happy to say that their efforts have indeed improved understanding, acceptance, and genuine positive regard within the city of Flint, and the surrounding communities. They have provided a resource that we all can be very proud of. They have helped people come closer to God and to one another. Also, the accomplishments of St. Francis would not be as strong if not for the work of the members of the Prayer Center Board and the many volunteers who are always there to lend a helping hand. These people also give much of themselves to further the impact that the center makes. Mr. Speaker, our community would not be the same without the presence of Father Phil Schmitter, Sister Joanne Chiaverini, and the St. Francis Prayer Center. Just as I consider it an honor and a pleasure to serve here as a Member of Congress, they also understand the joy of serving. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating them on 25 wonderful years, and wish them success toward the next 25.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. I am proud to have been one of the 30 original cosponsors of this bill which now has over 300 cosponsors. Throughout my time in Congress, I have always tried to be a strong supporter of conservation efforts. This has included authoring several conservation laws to protect Michigan wilderness, wild and scenic rivers and creation of the Grand Island Recreation Area. Passage of CARA will ensure that these types of important conservation actions will continue to be funded appropriately. I am pleased that CARA includes funding for urban parklands as well. It is easy to forget that many urban dwellers do not have the means to travel to green spaces, city parks are their only opportunity for recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors. For too long, we have neglected the opportunity to ensure grant funding for worthy open spaces in cities. CARA responds to this need. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for their efforts in making Native American tribes and Alaska Native corporations eligible to receive funding under certain titles of this bills. For example, Title II dealing with Land and Water Conservation Fund revitalization would make all Federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations eligible to receive funds under competitive grand basis. Title VI on Federal and Indian lands restoration would make 10 percent of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund transferred to the Secretary of Interior available to Indian tribes on a competitive basis. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that Title III, which deals with wildlife conservation and restoration, encourages the State fish and wildlife agencies to work with Alaska Native corporations and Indian tribes. However, I hope that as we go to conference, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) will continue to work with me in that conference to strengthen this language to allow Indian tribes and Alaska Native corporations to share in the new subaccount created in Title III. They have been very cooperative, and I really appreciate their close cooperation. Once again, I want to thank my colleagues for all of their hard work, and I think we have a wonderful bill before us.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to pay tribute to Ms. Mandy Argue, of Lapeer, Michigan, who has received the American Ambulance Association's ``Star of Life'' award for her outstanding service as a Paramedic. Extraordinary Emergency Medical Service professionals not only administer medical care quickly and effectively, but they bring compassion and understanding to their jobs. Ms. Argue exemplifies these characteristics. Recently, when responding to a diabetic emergency, Ms. Argue found her patient alert and oriented. The patient refused transport to the hospital but no one felt comfortable leaving this patient alone. The patient did not have money for a taxi ride or a decent meal. While others talked with the patient, Ms. Argue quickly went out and purchased a dinner for the patient. Another situation demonstrating Ms. Argue's caring service occurred when she responded to a Do Not Resuscitate cancer patient. Ms. Argue arrived to find the patient in end stage cancer and a family that was in crisis. The family wanted to keep the patient at home, but they were concerned that the patient was in serious pain. Ms. Argue immediately called a home health care service and arranged for a doctor to come over that same day. She then spent time talking with the patient, after which the patient agreed to take medication with the help of a family member. Later in the day, Ms. Argue followed up with the family and found that the patient was resting comfortably and appeared to be pain free. Ms. Argue shares my dedication to preserving, promoting, and enhancing human dignity. She goes the extra mile to ensure that her patients are given the best care possible. Since this is Emergency Medical Services week, it is an appropriate time to think about the valuable role of EMS workers in our communities. I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize the service that Ms. Argue delivers to my district, and I am proud to represent her in Congress.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I honor one of Flint, Michigan's top citizens. On April 14, The Great Lakes Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan will perform a sacred and heartfelt ceremony, as they consecrate and install Bishop Walter Emile Bogan, Sr. as their Jurisdictional Bishop. Bishop Bogan, who pastors the Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ in Burton, Michigan, succeeds another great man, Bishop C.L. Anderson, Jr., who was called back to the Lord on September 15, 1999. Walter Emile Bogan has long been considered one of Flint's favorite sons. He was born in the city in 1948, the eldest sibling of William and Norma Bogan. During a youth revival conducted by his grandfather, Walter heard his first calling, and received baptism on August 27, 1967. Two months later, he accepted his call to the ministry and became ordained in August 1969 by his late father-in-law and mentor, Bishop C.J. Johnson, Sr. He continued his studies at such institutions as Moody Bible Institute, Morehouse College, Charles Stewart Mott Community College, and the University of Michigan. He also began a career with the General Motors Corporation, becoming the first African- American Journeyman Pipefitter for Chevrolet Metal Fabrication. In July of 1970, Bishop Bogan was appointed by Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. as International Assistant Chief Adjutant and Vice President of the International Youth Department for the Church of God in Christ. He has also served as District Superintendent of the Progressive District and Special Administrative Assistant to Bishop Anderson. The insight and guidance Bishop Bogan received from his experiences and from the associations with the elder Bishops that prepared him for the tasks that were to come. They also allowed him to become a stronger leader and role model, able to create as tremendous an impact as he had received. As Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop Bogan will oversee approximately 50 churches throughout Flint, Pontiac, Detroit, and other Michigan cities. Through this, he will affect thousands of people both inside and outside the churches under his care. He has already taken steps to further his agenda, which includes the development and nurturing of smaller congregations, assistance in creating new churches, an educational fund to help youth pursue higher education, and a support network for windows. In addition, Bishop Bogan plans to spread the Lord's message by feeding the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, counsel the misguided, and much more. Mr. Speaker, our community would not be the same without the presence of Bishop Walter Emile Bogan, Sr. Just as I consider it an honor and a pleasure to serve here as a Member of Congress, he reaffirms that the church owes him nothing, for he also considers it a pleasure to serve. I know that our community, and now our extended community will become a better place to live in because of Bishop Bogan's spiritual mission. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating him on his new endeavor.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the wonderful men and women of the Michigan State Police. Day after day, these brave people work to maintain safe streets for our children to live and play. On April 10, the Michigan State Police will recognize one of their own, as they gather to celebrate the retirement of Sergeant Eugene Herbert Bruns from State Police Lapeer Post #38. Eugene Bruns was born in 1940 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and graduated from Frankenmuth High in 1958. On March 9, 1964, Eugene enlisted in the Michigan State Police. He completed his requirements within 8 weeks and began his career at Warren Post #24. He was reassigned to East Lansing Post #11 in 1966, where he served as 1st District Recruiter. In March of 1972, Eugene was promoted to Detective Sergeant of Lapeer Post #38, serving the entire Thumb area of the state. He remained at the Post, accepting an assignment as Desk Sergeant in 1981, and has served there ever since. During his 35-year tenure with the State Police, Eugene was the well- deserving recipient of numerous honors and citations, and his actions have benefited law enforcement officials from all over the country. In 1968, he was awarded for Meritorious Service for his work on a check fraud complaint that resulted in several arrests in Texas. A 1974 narcotics case recovered thousands of dollars of property, firearms, and drugs. And in 1978, a simple discovery of a stolen snowmobile led to the uncovering of a three state criminal ring. For his diligent work over the course of several decades, Lapper Post #38 recognized Eugene in 1994 as Trooper of the Year. In addition to being a member of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, Eugene has become a vital part of the Lapeer community, as shown by his work with the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club of Lapeer. He has also expressed his dedication to his fellow Troopers by serving three two-year terms on the State Police Hardship Fund Committee. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I consider it my duty and my privilege to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for our citizens. I am extremely grateful to have a person like Eugene Bruns who shares these beliefs, and has made it his life's work to see this task achieved. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to please join me in congratulating Eugene, and wishing him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).