Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, as cochairman of the Congressional Automotive Caucus, I rise in support of H.R. 3824, the Fastener Quality Act Amendments of 1998. Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent a district with strong ties to the automotive industry. Automakers are committed to quality, and recent history proves quality is the number 1 concern for workers, management, and suppliers. This commitment has not only improved sales, but it has improved pride. Few can deny the changes in the auto industry over the past decade. Faced with increasing competition overseas, the Big Three have worked hard to improve efficiency and service. I am concerned that dedicated workers be valued and protected during times of change. I am also impressed with innovative developments in inventory and supply. One innovation is QS-9000, a quality assurance system that provides high-quality parts to the auto industry. Furthermore, it ensures safety by mandating consistent, measurable production standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has interpreted FQA to require lot testing of fasteners supplied to the auto industry, and implementation of this requirement is set to begin later this summer. Unfortunately, a shortage of certified laboratories currently exists, threatening to delay parts supply to vehicle assembly lines nationwide. With passage of H.R. 3824, this implementation will be postponed, and a near-term crisis can be avoided. Mr. Speaker, working together, government and industry will continue to ensure quality and safety. At the same time, we will promote the long-term health of an industry that produces high-quality vehicles and high-quality jobs.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention the remarkable efforts and achievements of the Pontiac Central/Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems FIRST Robotics Team. This dedicated partnership has resulted in national recognition and a renewed commitment to excellence in science and technology. For three years now, the fine students from Central High School located in Pontiac, MI, and the staff of Delphi Interior and Lighting of Troy, MI, have been competing in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) national competition. As a rookie team in 1996, their efforts resulted in the national competition rookie All Star award. In only their second year of competition they were honored with the competition's highest award, the Chairman's Award for overall excellence. This year they placed first at the Southwest Regional Championship, New England Championship, and Great Lakes Regional Championship. The Pontiac Central faculty includes: Dr. Willie B. Aldridge, Birta Allen, Michael Martus, Michael McIntyre, Lorene Phillips, Jamie Schutt, and Arthur Williams. The Pontiac Central students include: Tanea Andrews, Ben Arroyo, Stephanie Bonner, Phuong Bui, Danta Cabello, Steven Carpenter, Armand Collins, Lenwood Compton, Jose Diaz, Tabitha Durham, Alia Garrison, Glynn Gooch, Regina Griffin, Janine Harper, Hmong Her, Tawanda Hilliard, Travis Hilliard, Chris Jackson, Yvette Johnson, Albert Lee, Alva Liimatta, Myder Ly, Ilea Lyons, Koua Moua, Ronnitrea Pilgrim, Denneen Russell, Scotte Spencer, Austin St. Peter, Cary Xiong, Bob Yang, Lisa Yang, Mary Yang, Pa Yang, Peter Yang, Yang Yang, John Youngquist, and Timothy Youngquist. Members of the Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems engineering team include: Dr. Barbara A. Sanders, Hassan Anahid, Mike Aubry, Craig Blanchard, Robert Brooks, Michael Caivaglia, Joe Cranston, Dan D'Addario, Brian Deplae, Jeremy Husic, Joseph Johnson, Marvin Lewis, Saundra Marion, Jane Maselli, Shannon Moore, Mark Nicholas, Amanda Offer, Joe Otenbaker, Tom Osborne, Chantell Parentea, Joe Picciurro, William Priest, Vijay Srinivas, Mark Steffe, Angelica Tasker, Ronald Wilde, Kimberely Will, Kevin Wright, and Joe Zwolinski. Mr. Speaker, in order for our nation to remain a leader in the global economy we must recognize the importance of science and technology education. For three years, teachers, volunteers, sponsors and participants of the Pontiac Central/Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems FIRST Robotics team have been committed to ensuring that our nation's future doctors, engineers, and scientists have the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated more than 20 years to making our community a better place. On June 13, 1998, the family of Saint Agnes Parish will host a mass and dinner honoring Father John P. Klein, Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish as he follows the Lord's calling to serve at St. Gerard's Parish in Lansing. Father John was ordained in 1978 and began his illustrious career as Associate Pastor at St. Robert's Parish in Flushing then at Good Shepard in Montrose. He was then called to serve as the Administrator of St. Michael's Parish in Flint in 1980. In 1984, he was named Pastor of St. Agnes Parish. Father John additionally heads the Flint Catholic Ministry which operates the Dukette Catholic School. Since his assignment in 1984, Father John has been such an effective advocate for low income and minority individuals. He has promoted several programs designed to provide a safe environment for our young people. Father Klein has also graciously shared the facilities of St. Agnes with many of its neighbors regardless of religious affiliations. Parish-sponsored programs like The Food Pantry serve between 150-200 families per month. Cornerstone, a nonprofit organization, leases the former Middle School in order to provide programs for adults with severe disabilities. The Genesee Intermediate School district utilizes the former convent to serve students with special needs. During the last 14 years, Father John has been influential in the renovation of the church, the convent, and the rectory. The landscaping and ground beautification programs that were overseen by Father John were recognized with several ``Civic Pride'' awards from the City of Flint and the Flint Board of Education. Father John is also responsible for implementing energy conservation programs which have saved thousands of dollars. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to acknowledge the fine work of Father John P. Klein. His dedication to providing food, clothing, shelter, education and transportation to anyone, at any time, without hesitation or discrimination serves as a fine example for us all. I respectfully request my colleagues in the 105th Congress to join me in wishing Father John well at his new post. While we may be losing a dear friend, we know that Father John has left a legacy that we can all be proud of.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint, Dr. Charlie Nelms. Dr. Nelms is leaving his post at the University of Michigan-Flint to take a similar position with Indiana University. He is being honored by his colleagues at a reception on June 17 at the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint. Charlie Nelms has had a long, illustrious career educating the future leaders of our country. He has devoted his life to providing all persons the opportunity of a better life through education. Dr. Nelms brought his vision to the University of Michigan-Flint in 1994 and the University has benefited greatly from the association. During his tenure as Chancellor, Dr. Nelms has expanded the scholarship program, and opened new instructional centers in Port Huron, Owosso, Lapeer, Fenton, and Pontiac. He has increased the master's degree program by adding degrees in education, nursing and health education. Over $60 million in gifts, grants, and land have been given to the University in the last four years. His commitment to the community has been remarkable. Dr. Nelms has worked diligently to partner businesses and nonprofits with the educational resources of the University. This partnership has proved advantageous to all entities. Students have gained practical experience, and the community has acquired the technical expertise of the University. In addition, Dr. Nelms has been personally involved in the Genesee Area Focus Council, the Hurley Hospital Cancer Center Advisory Board and the Mott Children's Health Center Board. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP. He has spent numerous hours speaking to youth groups about the importance of education. Dr. Nelms' personal philosophy is that every person has a responsibility to contribute. He practices that philosophy daily. The Flint community is losing a compassionate, committed leader in Chancellor Nelms. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in wishing Dr. Nelms and his wife, Jeanetta, all the best as they embark on this new phase of their lives with Indiana University.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, about 15 years ago Tip O'Neill appointed me to the Page Board, and that appointment has been one of the most rewarding responsibilities I have had in the Congress of the United States. We have had great pages in those years, in my 22 years in the Congress, very great pages, and this year's page group is among the very, very best I have known. There is a program in this country called Close-Up, which is a very, very good program, but no one has seen the Congress as close up as have our pages. They have seen us at our best and at our worst; they have seen democracy in action; they have seen our national leaders; they have seen world leaders. They have enriched us, and I hope that they have been enriched by their experience here. About a month ago they had an auction to raise some money, and among the things auctioned off was to have lunch with myself. I was the winner of that auction, because I had lunch today with Andy Brehm, Brian Callanan and Keegan Callanan, and I look at people like them, who are representative of all of the pages, and I really have hope for our future. About sixty years ago Franklin Roosevelt spoke these words, which I think are as true today as they were then. He said, ``There is a strange cycle in human events. To some generations, much is given; of other generations, much is expected.'' This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny, and, knowing you, I know that you will meet the challenges of that rendezvous. Thank you and God bless you.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the recipients of the 1998 Woman of the Year and Family of the Year awards presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Dr. Dorothy L. Brown has been chosen as the Woman of the Year. Irene and Earcy Christmon, Jr. and family are this year's honorees as Family of the Year. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will present the awards at the 15th Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon on June 6 in Pontiac, Michigan. Dr. Dorothy L. Brown is a tireless volunteer in the Pontiac community. After retiring from North Oakland Medical Center in 1995 as a nurse, she continues to devote her life to easing the pain of others. Every week she is at the Bowen Center providing health information, taking blood pressures, assisting senior citizens with medical referrals, and providing numerous other services. She has conducted health care seminars at the New Bethel Shelter, the Women's Survival Center, and the Baldwin Shelter. Dr. Brown is a regular volunteer with the St. Joseph's Parish Nurse Project bringing together spiritual and physical healing in the community. Currently the president of the Michigan Black Nurses Association, Dr. Brown also participates with the National Black Storytellers, the Red Cross, OLSHA, the NAACP, and the National Association of Black Professional Women. In January, 1998 she was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from S.J. Williams School of Religion. In addition, Dr. Brown is the mother of seven children by birth and four adopted children. A member of the Liberty Baptist Church, Dr. Brown has previously received the Foster Parent Award. Over the forty-one years of their marriage, Irene and Earcy Christmon, Jr. have stood as a shining example of family unity. Their deep commitment to God, to each other, to their children, and their community, has touched numerous lives. Their extensive list of community activities includes, but is not limited to, the Urban League, the Credit Union Board, the Missionary Society, the Usher Board, the Food Committee and The Church of God Executive Board. Their six children are a living testament to Irene and Earcy's love. They have endowed their children with the same strength and dedication that have been the cornerstones of their own lives. All of the children have assumed leadership roles in their chosen professions. Two of the sons have been entrusted by God to be spiritual leaders. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today to congratulate Dr. Dorothy Brown and Irene and Earcy Christmon, Jr. individuals being honored by the Lambda Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. They richly deserve the accolades being bestowed upon them.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to commemorate a very special anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. William Treanor, of Pontiac, Michigan, will mark their Golden Wedding Anniversary on June 19, 1998. The joyous occasion will be celebrated by family and friends on June 28, 1998 with a mass at St. Perpetua Catholic Church followed by a reception at Indianwood Country Club in Lake Orion, Michigan. William Lawrence Treanor was born in Lansing, Michigan, served in World War II and graduated from Michigan State University in 1948. Rosella Caroline McIntyre was born in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from St. Lawrence School of Nursing in 1945. Bill and Rosie were married on June 19, 1948 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Lansing, Michigan. They moved to the Pontiac area in 1949, where Bill worked for Interstate Motor Freight and Yellow Transport and Rosie worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. In 1950, they started their family which grew to include six children: Kenneth, Donald, Richard, Nancy, Janet and Susan. In 1965, Bill took ownership and operated a franchise of North American Van Lines until 1989 when he retired. Treanor North American Van Lines has continued to be a family business. Bill was an active member of the Jaycee's, Elks and Kiwanis clubs as well as involved with St. Benedict Catholic Church Parish, Boy Scouts and various fundraising activities. Rosie worked part time for pediatricians, Dr. James and Dr. Dinger. She was an active Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader throughout the children's elementary years. Bill and Rosie have been blessed with ten beautiful grandchildren with whom they are very active. Bill and Rosie have lived in their present home for 39 years. They belong to St. Perpetua Church in Waterford, Michigan and are members of the Waterford Elks Club. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Treanor many more years of health and happiness. Their dedication to their family and community serves as a shining example to us all.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention the remarkable efforts and achievements of the Pontiac Central/Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems FIRST Robotics Team. This dedicated partnership has resulted in national recognition and a renewed commitment to excellence in science and technology. For three years now, the fine students from Central High School located in Pontiac, MI, and the staff of Delphi Interior and Lighting of Troy, MI, have been competing in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) national competition. As a rookie team in 1996, their efforts resulted in the National Competition Rookie All Star award. In only their second year of competition they were honored with the competition's highest award, the Chairman's Award for overall excellence. This year they placed first at the Southwest Regional Championship, New England Championship, and Great Lakes Regional Championship. The Pontiac Central faculty includes: Dr. Willie B. Aldrige, Birta Allen, Michael Martus, Michael McIntyre, Lorene Phillips, Jamie Schutt, and Arthur Williams. The Pontiac Central students include: Tanea Andrews, Ben Arroyo, Stephanie Bonner, Phuong Bui, Dante Cabello, Steven Carpenter, Armand Collins, Lenwood Compton, Jose Diaz, Tabitha Durham, Alia Garrison, Glynn Gooch, Regina Griffin, Janine Harper, Hmong Her, Tawanda Hilliard, Travia Hilliard, Chris Jackson, Yvette Johnson, Albert Lee, Alva Liimatta, Myder Ly, Ilea Lyons, Koua Moua, Ronnitrea Pilgrim, Denneen Russell, Scotte Spencer, Austin St. Peter, Cary Xiong, Bob Yang, Lisa Yang, Mary Yang, Pa Yang, Peter Yang, Yang Yang, John Youngquist, and Timothy Youngquist. Members of the Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems engineering team include: Dr. Barbara A. Sanders, Hassan Anahid, Mike Aubry, Craig Blanchard, Robert Brooks, Michael Ciavaglia, Joe Cranston, Dan D'Addario, Brian Deplae, Jeremy Husic, Joseph Johnson, Marvin Lewis, Saundra Marion, Jane Maselli, Shannon Moore, Mark NIcholas, Amanda Offer, Joe Otenbaker, Tom Osborne, Chantell Parentea, Joe Picciurro, William Priest, Vijay Srinivas, Mark Steffe, Angelica Tasker, Ronald Wilde, Kimberely Will, Kevin Wright, and Joe Zwolinski. Mr. Speaker, in order for our nation to remain a leader in the global economy we must recognize the importance of science and technology education. For three years, teachers, volunteers, sponsors and participants of the Pontiac Central/Delphi Interior and Lighting Systems FIRST Robotics team have been committed to ensuring that our nation's future doctors, engineers, and scientists have the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Reverend Braxton Vincent Burgess of Flint, Michigan. On Saturday, May 30, the congregation of Flint's Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will honor Reverend Burgess for the many contributions he has made to our community. Reverend Burgess earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio and continued his education at Payne Theological Seminary where he received his Master's of Divinity. To continue his mission of peace and social change, he received a diploma in urban ministry from the Urban Training Center of Chicago and served as a member of President Carter's White House Council on Arms Control. In 1967, Reverend Burgess was ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since that time he has committed his life's work to providing spiritual guidance and counsel to countless individuals. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Flint, Past President of the Greater Flint Association of Christian Churches, and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Genesee County, Reverend Burgess has been a highly effective leader. His dedication to ensuring that everyone is afforded a quality education is evidenced by his tenure on the Advisory Committee for the Mott Adult High School Continuing Education Program. Reverend Burgess's tireless service and deeds have earned him recognition from various groups such as the Flint Optimist International, Western Michigan University's Black Studies Department, the State of Michigan House of Representatives, and the Flint Chapter of the NAACP, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saluting an inspirational individual, Reverend Braxton Vincent Burgess. He deserves our thanks for a lifelong commitment to making our community a much better place.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Reverend Braxton Vincent Burgess of Flint, Michigan. On Saturday, May 30, the congregation of Flint's Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will honor Reverend Burgess for the many contributions he has made to our community. Reverend Burgess earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio and continued his education at Payne Theological Seminary where he received his Master's of Divinity. To continue his mission of peace and social change, he received a diploma in urban ministry from the Urban Training Center of Chicago and served as a member of President Carter's White House Council on Arms Control. In 1967, Reverend Burgess was ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since that time he has committed his life's work to providing spiritual guidance and counsel to countless individuals. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Flint, Past President of the Greater Flint Association of Christian Churches, and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Genesee County, Reverend Burgess has been a highly effective leader. His dedication to ensuring that everyone is afforded a quality education is evidenced by his tenure on the Advisory Committee for the Mott Adult High School Continuing Education Program. Reverend Burgess's tireless service and deeds have earned him recognition from various groups such as the Flint Optimist International, Western Michigan University's Black Studies Department, the State of Michigan House of Representatives, and the Flint Chapter of the NAACP, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saluting an inspirational individual, Reverend Braxton Vincent Burgess. He deserves our thanks for a lifelong commitment to making our community a much better place.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment on behalf of the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Skaggs), who unfortunately is hospitalized with an emergency appendectomy. I know that everyone in the House wishes him a very speedy recovery. The Skaggs amendment would require the Secretary of Education to examine the very serious and substantial debts that students are amassing because of loans, other than those authorized in this legislation, they must obtain in order to pay for a college education. Specifically, the Secretary would be charged with the responsibility of determining the desirability and feasibility of new Federal efforts to assist such individuals repay these loans. I understand this amendment has been agreed to by the other side. I would urge its adoption.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of our time. Mr. Chairman, as we conclude debate on this, I would like to recognize the very hard work of the staff on this legislation over the last 16 months. On the Republican side, I want to acknowledge the excellent work of Bob Cochran and Karen Weiss, the personal staff of the gentleman from California, and Vic Klatt, Sally Lovejoy, Lynn Selmser, David Frank, D'Arcy Phillips, George Conant, and Pam Davidson of the committee staff. But most importantly, I want to recognize the absolutely superb efforts of Sally Stroup who spearheaded this work on this legislation. She is a gracious, thoughtful, and very competent staff person. Everyone in this Chamber owes her a great debt of gratitude. On the Democratic side, I want to express my appreciation to Chris Mansour and Callie Coffman of my own personal staff, and Gail Weiss, Mark Zukerman, Marshall Grigsby, Alex Nock, and Peter Rutledge of the committee staff, as well as Broderick Johnson, the former committee counsel, now at the White House. Further, while she has moved to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, I also want to thank Margo Huber, who, as a member of the committee staff, did exceptionally fine work in helping formulate this bill. Perhaps most important, I thank David Evans. For 19 years, David served Senator Pell, on the Senate Education Subcommittee, and I persuaded him over a year ago to come here and work on this important reauthorization bill. He and I have worked closely together, and I value very, very much the contributions he has made and the friendship we have forged. Finally, we are all grateful for the hard work of Steve Cope in the Legislative Counsel's office, Deb Kalcevic at the Congressional Budget Office, and the staff of the Congressional Research Service, particularly Margot Schenet, Jim Stedman, and Barbara Miles.

Mr. KILDEE. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated his career to making our nation's automotive industry the best in the world. On April 30, 1998, Mr. Don Mayton of Flint, Michigan will be the guest of honor as family, friends and fellow colleagues join in celebrating his retirement from the General Motors Corporation after 41 years of dedicated service. Born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Don Mayton received a bachelor's degree from General Motors Institute in 1961, and an Administration and Management Degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968. He began his professional career with General Motors in 1956 as a student-in- training at the former Fisher Body Division facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While he was there, he held a number of positions including Production Engineer, Supervisor of Metal Assembly and General Supervisor of Maintenance. In 1972, he was transferred to Kalamazoo, Michigan to become Assistant Plant Engineer. Five years later he was promoted to Plant Superintendent. From 1978 to 1989, Don's loyalty to General Motors was evidenced by the number of moves he and his family made. He moved from Kalamazoo to Mansfield and later Parma, Ohio, eventually returning to Michigan in 1989 to become Plant Manager in Grand Rapids. In 1994, Don was named Manager of the Flint Metal Fabricating Plant, the position he currently holds. During his long tenure with General Motors, Don has garnered a reputation as a reliable, efficient, and highly effective employee. Furthermore, his co-workers respect and admire him. He has an incredible knowledge of the automotive industry and understands the importance of coalitions and teamwork. His management and leadership will surely be missed. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to honor my constituent and friend Don Mayton before my colleagues in the House of Representatives. Although he is retiring from active employment, I am sure that his longstanding contributions to our community will continue for years to come. Please join me in wishing Don and his family all the best.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise to support the amendment. I introduced the first child care bill in this House since Richard Nixon had proposed child care many years ago. Richard Nixon did some good things, among them his child care bill. In analyzing and studying child care at the time, I discovered that the workers at our Nation's zoos, who earn every penny that they earn, they certainly earn it all, but they make more than child care workers. I have always felt that those who take care of children should at least be making the amount of money as those who would take care of the animals at our Nation's zoos. We have had a desperate situation in child care and the remuneration to our workers there. I think that the amendment that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) is offering will help alleviate that to a great degree. I support the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, as one who has seen too many police and firefighters and correction officers in my own district killed in the line of duty, I commend the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for her amendment. I think it is a very good amendment, and we accept it on this side.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, well over a year ago, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning, and I set out to produce a higher education reauthorization bill that would enjoy widespread bipartisan support. From the outset, the gentleman and I have worked very closely together on this. We began with the understanding that this bill was too important to be bogged down by bipartisan differences, and we have held to that understanding very well. It has not always been easy, and I would be the first to admit that both of us have had to give ground and compromise. The result, however, is a strong piece of legislation worthy of support by Democrats and Republicans alike. The heart and soul of this bill are in its student aid provisions. They make up more than 90 percent of this legislation, and they constitute 75 percent of all student aid available to help deserving Americans pay for a college education. Without them, a college education would simply be beyond the financial reach of millions of Americans. With them, and with a heavy dose of hard work, students can truly make the dream of a college education come true. I am extremely proud of the fact that we have protected and even strengthened important student aid programs. Next year, the authorization level for the maximum Pell Grant will be $4,500, a strong signal that, in Federal student aid, there should be a stronger reliance upon grant aid and less dependence upon loans. We have doubled the allowance for child care from $750 to $1,500. We have increased the income protection for dependent students from $2,250 to $3,000, from $4,250 to $5,500 for single independent students, and from $6,000 to $8,500 for married independent students. We extend to the students the saving protection allowances that reward parents who save for their children's college education. The combined savings of students and their families would be protected up to $70,000. We believe there is an appropriate way to reward those who have saved without penalizing those who could not. We make sure that the free application for Federal student assistance remains free, whether in paper or electronic form. We also authorize this use as the application form for a loan. And, perhaps most important, need analysis will remain focused first upon serving those with the greatest need. We strengthen the Trio Programs, protect the emphasis of the Supplemental Grant Program, expand college work study to include a new focus on family literacy, simplify the Perkins Loan Program, give the SSIG Program a new structure and purpose, and establish a new High Hopes Program to help young people complete a high school education and go on to college. For the millions who must borrow to help pay for college, we have sought to keep the cost of borrowing down. We have accepted the administration's proposal to set the student interest rate at the 91- day T-bill plus 1.7 percent while the student is in school and 2.3 percent while the student is in repayment, with an overall cap of 8.25 percent. For students, this will mean the lowest interest rates in over 17 years. We reduce the special allowance paid to lenders from T-bills plus 2\1/2\ percent to 2.2 percent while the student is in school, and from 3.1 percent to 2.8 percent while the student is in repayment. I am very encouraged that we have been able to include a limited loan forgiveness program in this legislation. An individual who enters teaching, remains in the profession, and teaches in a high-poverty school now has the chance to have up to $17,750 of their Stafford Loans forgiven. I am also very pleased we have managed to reach an agreement that keeps both direct lending and FFEL programs in place. In and of itself, this is a major accomplishment that many said could not be done. As important as the student aid provisions are, there are other provisions of H.R. 6 that also merit our support. In Title I we have forged a single definition of an institution of higher education. Prior to this, there has been one general definition and another more specific definition for the purposes of Title IV. We will now have one consolidated definition. We also propose to establish within the Department of Education a performance-based organization, which we believe will give the Secretary the tools he needs to make sure that our student air programs are managed in an effective and efficient manner and that, first and foremost, they serve the students they are designed to help. In Title II we continue the small, but effective urban community grant program. This has been an extremely important program in forging stronger linkages between my home community and the University of Michigan in Flint. I am also encouraged that passage of the manager's amendment will mean a significant improvement in the Title II teacher quality enhancement provisions. This will mean authorization of a significant program to improve the recruitment, training and professional development of our Nation's teachers. I am disappointed, however, that this legislation contains a prohibition on funding for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. I have long supported the excellent work done by the board. It has undertaken the difficult and painstaking task of establishing a set of voluntary standards for classroom teachers who want to demonstrate high proficiency and knowledge in their chosen field. We should be continuing our support for the board and not curtailing its important work. I am extremely pleased with the compromise we were able to reach in committee to establish a new Title V to aid Hispanic-serving institutions. I believe the agreement we reached in this area is a solid one that deserves the strong support of Members on both sides of the aisle. As co-chair of the Native American Caucus, I strongly support the tribal college provisions that are part of this legislation. I am proud of the fact that we will have a newly authorized Title III program specifically designed to help these institutions, and that we will continue all currently authorized Native American higher education programs in part B of Title IX of these amendments. Mr. Chairman, enactment of H.R. 6 is essential if our critically important student aid programs are not to be interrupted. Passage of this bill is an important step to ensure the continuation of these programs and the aid they provide to literally millions of Americans who rely upon our Federal student aid programs to help put them through college. And while there are areas and provisions where we disagree, this bill was reported out of committee by a vote of 38 to 3 with no Democrats in opposition. As we debate H.R. 6 on the House floor, I would hope that we might avoid action that would risk the widespread bipartisan support this bill now merits and enjoys. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to a lively, productive debate and passage of a bill which we can all be proud of. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer). (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller).