Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you today to recognize the lifetime achievements of Pastor Eddie A. McDonald, Sr. and his wife, Mary, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. On Saturday, March 14, members of the Friendship family and the Pontiac community will honor Pastor and Mrs. McDonald for their service to our Lord. The McDonald's joined the family of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on March 28, 1968. They have been instrumental in the expansion of the congregation and the mission of the church. For 30 years, Reverend and Mrs. McDonald have provided sound leadership and spiritual guidance not only to their congregation, but to anyone in need. Five years ago, I stood before my colleagues, as I do today, speaking of the valuable resource the citizens of Pontiac have in Pastor and Mrs. McDonald. The missions they have undertaken and the vision they possess have enabled them to forge relationships with many diverse groups. The McDonald's influence extends throughout the community. They are affiliated with a number of professional and charitable organizations including the Pontiac Ecumenical Ministry, Pontiac Citizen's Coalition, Lighthouse and the Pontiac Youth Assistance Program. Pastor McDonald has also served as president of the Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship. Not limiting their good deeds to the State of Michigan, the McDonald's have been instrumental in food and clothing drives benefitting needy individuals throughout the country. Mr. Speaker, once again I am very proud to acknowledge and commend the efforts of my constituents and dear friends, Pastor and Mrs. Eddie A. McDonald Sr. They are an inspiration to us all and I am proud to represent them in the Congress.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing today the Women's Higher Education Opportunity Act of 1998. I am particularly pleased that nine of my colleagues have joined me as original cosponsors of this bill. They include: Mrs. Johnson of Connecticut, Mrs. Lowey, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mrs. Mink of Hawaii, Mrs. Morella, Ms. Norton, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Woolsey, and Mr. Schumer. This is a very important piece of legislation, and I am very hopeful that many of its provisions will be incorporated in the legislation reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. As the ranking minority member on the Postsecondary Education Subcommittee, I intend to do more than simply voice support for the provisions of this bill. I will do whatever I can to see many of its provisions find their way into the reauthorization bill upon which we are now working. With respect to the bill's student aid provisions, I believe it is critically important that part-time students continue to be eligible for both Pell Grant and campus-based student aid. Many of the part-time students in college today are women who work, raise a family and attend college on a part-time basis. It is important, therefore, that if eligible, they can obtain federal student aid. They should not be disqualified simply because they are not full-time students. If they have children who need to be cared for while they are in school, it is equally important that they receive satisfactory dependent care allowance. We would propose, therefore, that the allowance of $750 in current law be doubled, to $1500. In current law, we also have a requirement that at least 5% of the campus-based aid go to part-time students where they make up at least 5% of the institution's student enrollment. We are well above this requirement in the SEOG, College Work Study and Perkins Loan programs. While a specific statutory percentage requirement may no longer be necessary, we must nevertheless remain vigilant in making sure that these campus-based aid programs continue to aid the part-time student in a fair and equitable manner. It is also clear that we should go beyond the necessary student aid changes and establish a discretionary grant program that would provide more extensive on-campus child care services. This would help low- income parents more readily pursue a college education by providing child care services on the campus of the college they are attending. Last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This is the law that has done so much to expand college athletic opportunities for American girls and women. It is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment in this area, and that we not retreat from what we have worked so hard to accomplish. As we develop a teacher training piece in the Higher Education reauthorization, I want to reiterate my commitment to a provision that is especially important to women, and one which is not covered in this particular bill. This involves the need to include in any Higher Education reauthorization bill provisions that will enhance the training of both paraprofessionals and non-certified teachers to become fully certified members of the teaching profession. We must continue our effort to insure that groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, namely women and minorities, have a prominent focus in the reauthorization of these provisions of the Higher Education Act. If the reauthorization bill fails to include such a provision then we must seek passage of an amendment to accomplish that important objective. And last, but by no means least, we must not only continue but intensify efforts to make sure that the campus is a safe heaven for learning. This means a stronger program to combat violence on the college campus and a better, more effective reporting of campus crimes, especially those involving sexual assault. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I have worked closely with the American Association of University Women in formulating this bill. I want to congratulate the Association for its strong commitment in furthering educational opportunity for women, and congratulate the Association staff for the superb work they have done in putting this initiative together. We now face the hard, but enjoyable work of doing whatever we can to incorporate these provisions in the legislation reauthorizing the Higher Education Act.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a member of my staff who has recently left my office to become the Chief of Staff at the National Indian Gaming Commission. Larry Rosenthal, who hails from my hometown of Flint, MI, began working as a legislative assistant in my office in 1987. I recognized immediately that Larry shared my belied that the role of government is to preserve, protect, defend and enhance human dignity. As Members of Congress, we know how crucial it is to have a good staff. I have always sought to hire people who have good heads and good hearts. Larry has both attributes in great abundance. Indeed, over the years, Larry has not only become one of my closest advisors, he has also been one of my dearest friends. During his tenure on my staff, Larry handled a variety of my most important legislative priorities. He was instrumental in the passage of the Michigan Wilderness Heritage Act, the Grand Island National Recreation Area Act, and the Michigan Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Larry's work as the staff coordinator for the Congressional Automotive Caucus was crucial to my efforts to reinvigorate the Caucus and provide effective leadership in Congress on issues affecting the American automotive industry. Most recently, Larry dedicated his time and efforts to the First Americans, Native Americans. He worked tirelessly to ensure recognition and federal support for tribes across the United States. Larry was committed to the fundamentals of sovereignty and respect that play such a critical role in Native American culture. His work as staff coordinator of the Congressional Native American Caucus has earned him a reputation in Washington, D.C. as one the most knowledgeable congressional staffers on these issues. He has also earned the respect and gratitude of Native Americans in Indian Country. There is no doubt that Larry has left an indelible mark on all of those who have come in contact with my congressional office. Whether planning a softball game, a reception for Ernie Harwell, or a conference on Indian Issues, Larry brought excitement and interest to each event. It is this dedication and devotion coupled with an indomitable spirit that makes Larry Rosenthal such a unique person. I am proud to call him my friend. Larry's departure from my office is very bittersweet. Although I know that Larry will serve the government well at the NIGC, I will certainly miss his expertise. His service to the Ninth Congressional District should serve as an example to us all. Please join me in expressing my gratitude to Larry for his many years of service on Capitol Hill. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize a most distinguished member of our community, Dr. Willys Francis Mueller, Jr., of Flint, Michigan. After devoting 33 years of his life to the medical profession, Dr. Mueller has decided to retire from his position as Chairman of the Department of Pathology at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Throughout his many years of dedicated service, Dr. Mueller has worked as an honorable physician, a selfless civic volunteer and a devoted family man. Dr. Mueller attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and graduated with a degree in pre-med. He continued his education at U of M, and received his Medical Degree in June of 1959. To complete his education, Dr. Mueller did his internship and residency, and later became certified in pathologic anatomy, and clinical and forensic pathology. In September 1966, Dr. Mueller joined the United States Army and became Captain of Medical Corps Assignments. He served as a Staff Pathologist and as a Chief of the Accident Pathology Branch in the Military Environmental Division at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. As a member of various medical organizations, Dr. Mueller has made immeasurable contributions to the lives of people throughout the State. He is a member of the Michigan Association of Blood Banks, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Michigan Association of Medical Examiners, to name just a few. He has served as a Clinical and Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University and Michigan Technical University. Dr. Mueller's work as a physician is only to be outdone by his involvement in several civic organizations. These include the American Red Cross, The Hurley Clinic, St. John Catholic Church and Delta College. Also, he has been involved in numerous speaking engagements at local high school career days and service clubs. Mr. Speaker, Willys Mueller's spirit of volunteerism combined with his lifetime commitment to healing makes him truly worthy of praise and recognition. It is indeed a pleasure to stand in front of this House and speak of Dr. Willy's Francis Mueller, who through his thoughts, deeds, an actions has provided the community with an invaluable resource and an indomitable spirit. The City of Flint is a better place because of Dr. Mueller's selfless service to humanity. Our community owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude. We wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before my colleagues in the U.S. house of Representatives to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen, Mr. Charles A. Greene. Mr. Greene will be honored by family and friends on Monday, February 2, 1998 in my hometown of Flint, MI. A native of Alabama, Charles moved to Michigan at an early age and attended Detroit Public Schools. He moved to Flint to attend high school, living with his uncle and aunt Leo and Irene Greene. After graduation from Flint Junior College, Charles served his country in the United States Army. He then attended Texas Southern University and Wayne State Mortuary School earning a degree in Mortuary Science. Upon receiving his funeral director's license from the State of Michigan, Charles was named vice-president of the Greene Home for Funerals and eventually became President. In addition to his many professional achievements, Charles has been active in a number of civic organizations, including the Big Brothers of Flint, the Boy Scouts of America-Tall Pine Council, the United Negro College Fund, and the Police Activities League. His professional affiliations include the Downtown Development Authority, both the Michigan and National Funeral Directors Associations, and the Black Funeral Directors and Mortician's Association. Charles was a member of the Bishop Airport Authority and was a 1974 Charter Commission City of Flint member. Charles has always impressed me with his dedication to the youth of our community. On countless occasions he has served as a mentor to young people. His encouragement and support influenced many to succeed in school and go to college. I know that Charles was very honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Selma University. His commitment to education and public service serves as outstanding examples of the positive influence one person can have in the lives of many. For more than 30 years, Charles has been a faithful member of Foss Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. I know that the congregation joins us in honoring him on this special occasion. I know that Charles would want to point out that the love and support of his family have contributed greatly to his success. He is very proud of his children Chawn and Woodrow, his granddaughter Phaelon Elise, his sister's Sara, Jacquetta, Juanita, his brother Robert, and his Aunt Irene. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a privilege for me to rise today before my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor Mr. Charles A. Greene. Without a doubt, our community is a much better place because of his dedication and leadership.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, it is with great pleasure that I rise to day to recognize the achievements of seven African American individuals whose contributions to society have enriched all our lives. On February 1, 1998, The Forum Magazine will host the 8th Annual African American Pioneer Awards at the Riverfront Hotel in downtown Flint. The honorees are as follows: Dr. J. Merrill Spencer fought in 1964 to bury his mother in previously all-White, Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. His sense of justice prevailed and his action led to the demise of racially motivated cemetery practices in the State of Michigan. Dr. Spencer is a graduate of Morehouse College and was awarded a Doctor of Mortuary Science by the National Conference of Examiners of Morticians and Embalmers. Minnie Madison Martin is being posthumously honored for a life that can only be described as inspirational. Ms. Martin began a career at General Motors as a cafeteria worker, became an assembly line employee, and was finally promoted to a supervisory position at A.C. Spark Plug. She took a leave of absence from GM to start her own business, Martin Leasing. From humble beginnings, Ms. Martin turned her company into a multimillion dollar corporation. Glenora Roland has been a vital part of the Flint community for more than half a century. She was the proprietor of Flint's first African American entertainment agency, played a key role in the creation of the Flint Neighborhood Improvement Preservation Project, and was Executive Director of the Flint Neighborhood Coalition. Her commitment to our community and her wisdom over the years is very much appreciated. Samuel R. Dismond, Jr., M.D. is the first African American to serve as Chief of Staff at Flint's Hurley Medical Center. A graduate of Howard University Medical School, Dr. Dismond is a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 1997, the Academy of Family Practice paid tribute to Dr. Dismond by naming him Michigan's Family Physician of the Year. Captain Mickey Traylor's career has literally led him to new heights for 25 years. He began his distinguished career in the United States Armed Forces, and had since piloted for Southwest and Lufthansa Airlines. Captain Taylor has shared his love of flying with young people through the creation of Friends of Aviation, an organization which provides flight opportunities and learning experiences for underprivileged children from all walks of life. Tracy M. Byrd is a true pioneer in the field of boxing. She is currently the International Female Boxing Association's Lightweight Champion, defending her title around the world. With an undefeated record in boxing and her service as a Flint police officer, Tracy has made us all very proud. Rose Byrd is nationally recognized as the first woman professional boxing trainer. This accomplishment alone is admirable, but Mrs. Byrd is also the mother of eight wonderful children. Her compassion and nurturing extend beyond her family to the boxers in her charge. Mrs. Byrd is shy about receiving praise for what she sees as ``just doing her job'' but she is most deserving of this honor. Mr. Speaker, African Americans have a magnificent and rich history; a history which is inextricably woven into the economic, social, and political fabric of this Nation. In 1926, the late Dr. Carter G. Woodson understood that black Americans were not receiving proper recognition in history for their contributions. His idea of setting aside one week each year to commemorate the achievements of African Americans led to the observance of Black History Month in 1976. In this spirit, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in commemorating Black History Month. It is indeed a great honor for me to highlight and pay tribute to the notable accomplishments of these seven individuals who have contributed so much to this great Nation. I thank The Forum Magazine for initiating the African American Pioneer Awards to document, honor, and celebrate African Americans in Flint and in the State of Michigan. Best wishes for a truly successful event.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated himself to improving the quality of life in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. On January 23, 1998, Mr. Stephen LeBel will be the guest of honor as family and friends gather to celebrate his lifelong career in public service. Stephen LeBel has never once hesitated to reach out and help someone in need. In 1970, after graduating from Michigan State University, he found work in the Flint area as an Employment Counselor for the Michigan Employment Security Commission. While with the MESC, Stephen proved to be a valuable resource to Flint residents in the areas of placement services and vocational counseling and training. This led to a two-year stint as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Michigan Department of Education. In 1975, Stephen began his career with Insight Recovery Center, a nonprofit substance abuse treatment agency. After a short break, Stephen returned to Insight in 1977 as Director of Alcoholism Services. His achievements were recognized when he was named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1980, a position he holds to this day. Since its inception in 1965, Insight Recovery Center has expanded its scope to include drug abuse and mental health services. This is due in large part to the exceptional leadership of Stephen LeBel. Over the years, Insight has established itself as Michigan's first independent facility to win accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals Organization. It has consistently been in the forefront of addiction treatment services. In addition to his work with Insight, Stephen's influence extends throughout the state as well as the nation. He is a co-founder of the Michigan Campaign for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Reform. He has been affiliated with such groups as the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Michigan. In the Flint community, Stephen has been associated with the Urban League of Flint and United Way. For all his efforts, he has been recognized by both houses of the Michigan Legislature. His expertise and guidance are much sought after by his colleagues. Mr. Speaker, many people, not only in the city of Flint, have been granted a new lease on life because of the dedication of Stephen LeBel. As it is our duty to preserve and protect the quality and dignity of life for our constituents, let us remember that our task is made easier by people like Stephen. I ask my colleagues in the 105th Congress to join me in acknowledging the accomplishments of Stephen LeBel. We owe him a debt of gratitude.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest]. Madam Speaker, today the U.S. Congress will take a historic step in bringing about long awaited justice for the Chippewa and Ottawa Nations of Michigan. The legislation before us now will provide a monetary compensation for 12 million acres of land ceded by these tribes over 160 years ago. My father taught me long ago about the tremendous injustice done to the Indian tribes in Michigan. For so many years, Madam Speaker, our Government ignored and broke its many treaties with the native Americans. It is part of our history that we can never erase, but it is important that we learn from it. I have learned that we must respect the sovereignty of the Indian Nations and that we must treat them with respect on a government-to- government relationship. The legislation we are about to pass respects that sovereignty and upholds our treaty obligations. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young], the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller], the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] and the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Saxton] for helping getting this bill passed. I also want to thank Senators Inouye, Campbell, Abraham, and Levin for all their work as well. This is a great day for the U.S. Congress and the great Chippewa and Ottawa Indian Nations of Michigan. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Stupak].

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, S. 731 as passed by the Senate is an uncontroversial measure to extend the authority of the National Peace Garden Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of our Nation's commitment to peace. The majority has sent S. 731 to the desk with an amendment that includes the modified text of another bill, H.R. 765, that the House passed in July. The language of H.R. 765, which deals with the wild horses at Cape Lookout National Seashore, has been worked out in the Senate, and that bill is currently pending before the full Senate. Madam Speaker, I urge the adoption of this bill. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Hispanic Independence Awards Ceremony that will be held on Saturday, November 15, 1997, at Mott Community College in my hometown of Flint, MI. September is National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Hispanic Independence Awards is a special event to celebrate Hispanic culture, ideas, and achievements in Genesee County. The Hispanic community will once again honor individuals who have unselfishly committee themselves to making Flint and Genesee County a better place for all people. The Pedro Mata Leadership Award is given to a person who has provided leadership, encouragement, and influence in the Hispanic community. Mr. Chris Flores is this year's honoree. The Tano Resendez Community Service Award is being bestowed upon Mr. Pedro Suarez for his dedicated personal efforts to promote civic and cultural activities. The Joe Benavidez Education Award will be presented to Ms. Marcie Forsleff for her support of educational issues relating to Hispanics of all ages. The Rafael Arceo, Sr. Labor Involvement Award will be given to Ms. Marcie Garcia for her efforts to increase community awareness, improve the quality of life, and open doors for Hispanics. Ms. Sue Quintanilla will be honored with the Bruno Valdez Arts and Entertainment Award for promoting Hispanic culture through professional and personal activity. The Domingo Berlanga Veterans Award will be given to Mr. Refugio Rodriquez for his honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces. The final award, the Pedro Mata, Jr. Scholarship Award will be given to a student that has a commitment to community service and a desire to continue their education. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of these individuals and the entire Hispanic community. I congratulate the honorees for their compassion and commitment to helping their fellow citizens.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the women that participated in the Million Woman March held in Philadelphia on October 15, 1997. I am particularly proud to acknowledge those participants from my hometown of Flint, MI. The first ever Million Woman March brought together women from all walks of life who, with a sense of duty and commitment, gathered on this day to address the issues and concerns that affect their homes, their families, and their communities. From all walks of life they came. They arrived by plane or by train. Some drove their cars overnight, while others chartered buses to get them to their destination. Regardless of how they arrived, the women who attended the Million Woman March all came with similar goals: to interact with one another, to empower themselves and each other, to devise strategies to take back their neighborhoods, and to instill in our young people the power of collective efforts and positive attitudes. Nearly 500 of the participants in the Million Woman March made the journey from Flint, MI. In my role as a Member of this body, I consider it my duty to work toward enhancing the quality and dignity of life for all my constituents. I am very fortunate to have these women as allies in this effort. I also would like to commend these women on the organization of the local Thousand Woman March in Flint, which allowed the women to share what they learned in Philadelphia with those who were unable to attend. On November 15, an appreciation reception will be held for the participants of both the Million Woman March and the Thousand Woman March. It will serve as a time to reflect on their experience as an important part of history and to allow them to work toward their collective goals of equity, unity, and love. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in expressing my gratitude to the women who participated in the Million Woman March and the Thousand Woman March. I am proud to represent them in Congress for they are shining examples of what coalitions can accomplish.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. First of all, Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Saxton] for his diligent work in this area, and I rise in strong support of this legislation. The remarkable recovery of the striped bass fishery a little more than a decade after the passage of the original Striped Bass Conservation Act is truly a success story, demonstrating that conservation can work, and, again, I think we all are grateful to Mr. Saxton for his deep interest and diligence in pursuing this. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in urging adoption of this legislation. In the last Congress we enacted landmark legislation that created the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That legislation consolidated the museum programs under the old Institute of Museum Services and the library programs within the Department of Education into an expanded independent agency. The legislation before us is a series of technical amendments that officials at the institute believe important in order to clarify the provisions of the new law and to provide even more effective administration of our Federal museum and library services. Madam Speaker, we are fortunate indeed to have Ms. Diane Frankel as the director of our Institute of Museum and Library Services. She is an exceptionally strong and talented leader, and enactment of these amendments will most certainly enable her and her able staff to build upon the superb record they have compiled at this small but very important agency. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, in an effort to broaden the public's appreciation and understanding of America's lighthouse heritage, I have introduced legislation to establish a national lighthouse museum. Currently, there is no single site in our country where one can go to learn the complete history of American lighthouse development, to learn about the different types of lighthouses, the how and why they were built, who operated them, and their successes and failures. A national lighthouse museum would provide such a learning opportunity. Mr. Speaker, my legislation would establish a national lighthouse museum commission to develop a fundraising plan, secure a site, draft an operational proposal and establish a national lighthouse museum corporation. The commission would be comprised of 19 members who represent both public and private interests. The national lighthouse museum corporation would be run as a tax exempt, non-profit 501 C(3) organization. The national lighthouse museum will hold a collection of artifacts known as the national lighthouse collection. It will also provide support to other museums that interpret the history of aids to navigation in the United States. Although the national lighthouse museum commission would choose the site, Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other State in the Union.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's parks are among our Nation's greatest treasures and an integral part of our national heritage. We have an obligation to protect them for future generations to enjoy, learn from, and experience. Unfortunately, in recent years we have failed to take proper care of our parks. The cover of the U.S. News & World Report's July 21, 1997 edition was entitled ``Parks in Peril'', this magazine focused on overcrowded parks, crumbling historic structures, limited access to collections and increased pollution. Over the past 20 years, annual funding for our national parks has decreased by $635 million. And yet during that same period, our national parks served approximately 40 million more annual visitors than they did in 1978. While it is incumbent upon Congress to appropriate adequate funds for the operation of our national parks, the backlog of natural and cultural resource protection needs, together with other needs for transportation improvements and building repairs, is now so great that we need to find innovative and aggressive funding sources for renewing and enhancing our national parks That is why I have introduced legislation to create National Park Bonds. These Bonds will be sold to the general public, in the same way War Bonds were sold during World War II. My legislation will set up a National Park Capital Improvement Fund within the Department of Treasury. The Capital Improvement Fund will be secured by existing national park entrance, special use, and concession fees. My legislation also requires the Department of Treasury to work with the Department of Interior to set up a program for disseminating the bonds. The National Park Bonds will have competitive interest rates, reach maturity in no longer than 20 years, and be fully guaranteed by the Federal Government. The National Park Bonds will be focused towards the billions of dollars in backlogged construction and renovation needs in our parks including: new infrastructure, wildlife protection and preservation, development of transportation systems, scientific assessments and research, and the development of educational and interpretation programs. The bonds would not go to any new land acquisition projects. Mr. Speaker, National Park Bonds would give all of our Nation's citizens the opportunity to invest in the preservation and enhancement of our National Park System.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce President Clinton's proposal for the reauthorization of title V, the teacher training title of the Higher Education Act. This important legislation has two important purposes: First, to improve the quality of teacher education programs in America's colleges and universities, and second, to provide schools in communities where the need is greatest of a new infusion of highly-qualified teachers. I have said on many occasions that education is a capital investment. It is truly an investment in our future strength. Surely nothing could be more important than investing in our children by investing in the men and women who will teach them. All across America there are efforts underway to raise standards for student performance, but these efforts will be dramatically diminished if our teachers do not have the knowledge and skills to teach to those high standards. The Federal Government currently addresses the professional development of teachers already in the classroom through efforts such as the Eisenhower Professional Development Program. Unfortunately, there is no similar Federal commitment in the education and training of new teachers. Simply put, we do little to recruit, prepare, and then support new classroom teachers. Over the next decade we will experience a student enrollment boom that will bring more students than ever before into our classrooms. The result is that we will need to hire more than 2 million teachers. At the same time, shortages of qualified teachers will intensify in many areas of the country, and most especially in our Nation's most needy communities. Central cities with large concentrations of low-income students will need to hire approximately 345,000 teachers. An additional 207,000 teachers will be needed in isolated, and often poor, rural areas. When schools face shortages of qualified teachers, they are forced to hire teachers who lack full certification, or who do not have any teacher training at all. Every year, 50,000 people who lack the training for their jobs enter the teaching profession. More than one- quarter of newly-hired teachers begin teaching without having full met State standards. Shortages of qualified teachers often result in educators teaching outside their subject areas. Over one-third of public school teachers who teach the primary subjects do not have even a college minor in the field they are teaching. For students in high-poverty urban and rural schools--the very students who need the best teachers--the problem is even worse. Almost half of their teachers have neither a major nor a minor in the field they are teaching. Of the 2 million teachers we will need to hire over the next 10 years, 1 million will be newly-prepared teachers. They will be called upon to teach all students to high standards. It is imperative, therefore, that their training be second to none. Unfortunately, many teacher education programs do not sufficiently prepare teachers well for the challenges of today's classrooms, and especially for the demands and challenges of our high-poverty classrooms. Many teachers experience too little clinical training. They lack in-depth knowledge of their area of concentration and of effective classroom practices. Many teacher preparation programs do not prepare teachers to use technology to facilitate student learning. And, once new teachers enter the classroom, they are all too often left without the support they need to ease the transition from student to teacher. The President's title V proposals addresses these challenges in a targeted, coherent way. The legislation would authorize $67 million for fiscal year 1999 for two programs focused on recruitment, preparation, and support for new teachers. The Lighthouse Partnerships program seeks both to identify and disseminate widely the best practices in teacher preparation and to ensure that K-12 schools are actively involved with colleges in the preparation of new teachers. The program would identify higher education institutions that currently prepare teachers well, institutions that have already done the hard work of reforming their teacher education programs and have a track record of collaboration with K-12 schools. These institutions would partner with other teacher preparation institutions that want to restructure their programs. The result would be a dramatic change in teacher preparation and a new commitment to high-quality teacher education. The program places a special emphasis on preparing new teachers for the challenges of our Nation's high-poverty urban and rural classrooms. The second part of the administration's proposal is the Recruiting New Teachers for Underserved Areas Program. This program would increase the number and diversity of teachers in the high-poverty areas that need them most. Partnerships between institutions of higher education and K-12 schools would work together to determined the schools' needs for teachers, such as the need for teachers in specific subject areas or the need for a more diverse teaching force. The partners would then work collaboratively to design programs to attract, prepare, and retain teachers to meet those needs. Prospective teachers would receive support services and scholarships if they agreed to teach in underserved areas for at least 3 years. Mr. Speaker, everyone in this Chamber knows that our future depends upon the quality of the education our children receive. The quality of that education, in turn, depends upon establishing and maintaining a teaching force of the highest quality. The President's teacher training proposals constitute a prudent investment in our teachers, our children, and our Nation. As the ranking Democrat on the Postsecondary Education Subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact strong teacher recruitment and preparation legislation that adheres to the President's proposals in this area.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2676, the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act. I believe everyone would agree that commonsense reform of the IRS has been long overdue. Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have had many constituents call my Michigan offices to complain about problems with the IRS. In fact, each year, I work with our local IRS office to put together a tax assistance night where IRS employeers actually work directly with taxpayers to address their questions. This bipartisan legislation will set up a new citizen oversight board and make the IRS more accountable to average Americans. Most importantly, this bill will ensure that the sacred principle of innocent until proven guilty is extended to every hard-working, honest American. This bill is the critical first step to ensuring that our tax system remains both fair and equitable to all working individuals and families. That is why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2676.

Mr. KILDEE

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today, the Michigan Land Claims Settlement Act, will resolve a long-standing injustice perpetrated against the Chippewa and Ottawa Indian Nations in Michigan. Over a century and a half ago, the Chippewa and Ottawa Tribes signed a treaty in which the Michigan Indian Nations agreed to cede over 12 million acres of land to the Federal Government in exchange for a series of annuities to be paid to the tribes. This land encompassed most of the upper Lower Peninsula of Michigan and the eastern part of the upper peninsula. The final compensation considered paid to these tribes was approximately 15 cents an acre. In 1948, the tribes filed suit with the Indian Claims Commission to examine the fairness of compensation paid to the Michigan tribes. After a thorough and exhaustive review, the Indian Claims Commission called the 15 cents an acre payment an ``unconscionable consideration'' and determined the tribes should have been given 90 cents an acre for their land. In 1971, the tribes were awarded over $10 million by the Congress to settle this lands claim. These monies were placed in a trust fund that has been administered by the BIA for the last 26 years. Today, that fund is worth over $74 million. The legislation before us, Mr. Speaker, will allow these funds to be distributed to the tribes. H.R. 1604 represents a negotiated compromise between the Michigan tribes and descendency groups to finally bring about the justice they so rightly deserve. When the House Committee on Resources considered this bill, it was passed by a voice vote. The administration is supportive of this bill, and I am hopeful that the Senate will take it up before we adjourn this year. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Stupak].