Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I appreciate the gentleman's generosity in sharing his time. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for bringing this bill to the floor today. The legislation before the House today would simply reaffirm the relationship between the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan and the U.S. Government. This tribe has a long history with the United States Government, dating back to the Treaty of Washington in 1836 and 1855 Treaty of Detroit. Although the Federal Government promised the Burt Lake Band a tract of land encompassing 1,000 acres for its reservation, the tribe never got the land. In fact, this tribe has suffered one of the worst injustices in our government's sordid history with Native Americans. After the tribe signed 2 treaties with the U.S. Government in the 1800s, land was held in trust for the tribe by the governor of Michigan. In 1878, the land was unexplainably put back on the tax rolls and was eventually bought by a land speculator. In the fall of 1900, in my father's memory, during his lifetime, my father recalls this, the local sheriff evicted the tribal members from their own homes and burned the tribe's village to the ground. It is from the ashes of this tragedy which has been told to me by my father that this tribe seeks reaffirmation today. Mr. Speaker, this tribe deserves to have its relationship with the Federal Government reaffirmed. I urge the Members of this House to support this bill.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the point of this bill is to correct a wrong. The wrong was the BIA's incorrect decision to administratively terminate a tribe, a power they did not have. Now, we are asking the same BIA to treat them well when they violated the law in terminating them in the first place. A few years ago, the Catholic parish in this area, who keeps the best records, one can go back and find their great, great grandfather's baptismal records, they know these Indians. The Catholic parish gave them 3 acres of land so they would have at least some land they could call their own, some of the same land that they had lost before. We should certainly recognize what the locals, the European locals, the European Catholic Church recognized, that these were the same people whose homes were burned to the ground by the sheriff. The church gave them some land so they would have at least that recognition. I think we should do no less.

Mr. KILDEE. No, Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to the bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 16th Annual Community Education Day to be observed on Tuesday, November 18, 1997. In my hometown of Flint, MI the day will be celebrated at a breakfast meeting for more than 300 people. Hosted by the Genesee Area Community Education Association and the National Center for Community Education, the program will be keynoted by my very dear friend, Dorothy Reynolds, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. ``Education: A Community Affair,'' is the theme of this year's celebration. Sponsored by the National Community Education Association (NCEA), this special day was established in 1982 to recognize and promote strong working partnerships between schools and communities. Community Education Day in 1997 focuses on the importance of community members and institutions working together to not only support schools and enhance learning opportunities for students but to provide those opportunities for everyone. The learning community in turn is empowered to build and maintain the support systems--social, economic, health--that make it a nurturing, caring vital place, a place where communities can prosper. National Community Education Day is co-sponsored by over 35 national organizations, among them the American Association of School Administrators, the National Civil League, the Children's Aid Society, the U.S. Department of Education, and Youth Service America. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to acknowledge the contributions that community education has made to millions of children and families. I am proud that the National Center for Community Education is located in my hometown of Flint. I applaud the efforts of Mr. Daniel Cady and the staff at the center for their commitment to education partnerships. We well know that when educators, families, and communities work together, schools get better. As a result, students get the high quality education they need to lead productive lives. Our children deserve nothing less.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, with that then I will enter my remarks into the Record. Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am offering today will make sure that Indian tribes are not inadvertently left out of the consultation or assistance process. My amendment simply incorporates the Senate definition of ``Affected Indian tribe''. This amendment is supported by the Nevada tribes as well as the National Congress of American Indians. Under the current House definition of ``affected Indian tribe'', no Indian tribes in Nevada, including the shoshone and Paiute tribes who have lived on this land for more than 10,000 years, will qualify for treatment as an ``affected Indian tribe''. This strikes me and many others as patently unfair. These tribes are governments and ought to be treated on the same footing as other local governments. That is to say, they ought to be given the same opportunity and the same level of financial and technical assistance as we are giving other Nevada communities to enable them to carefully review program activities and evaluate the impacts of nuclear storage on their lands. The Senate definition of an ``affected Indian tribe'' includes tribes whose reservation boundaries are contiguous with other affected units of local government. This simply means that Indian tribes who are close to the storage site will have an opportunity to receive aid and assistance to the same extent that any other local government has. I believe that this is a reasonable proposal and, given the fact that the tribes in Nevada have lived on this particular land for thousands of years, only fair. I urge my Committee colleagues to support this amendment.

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

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

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring an exceptional group of young people participating in Youth to Youth/Pride Program in Lake Orion, MI. These dedicated students have been selected to represent the State of Michigan at the International Drug Free Conference in Bermuda, November 12-16, 1997. I am very proud of these individuals for their efforts on behalf of drug and alcohol free youth. The honor of being chosen to participate in the conference in Bermuda is proof of the caliber of these young people. I am honored to represent this group in Congress. They have set an example worthy of praise, and one which I hope will be met by others who will pledge to do their part in our fight against drugs. With cooperation between teens and adults we can work to achieve our mutual goal of providing an environment where our children are strengthened in their resolve not to use drugs or alcohol. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to recognize the commitment of all the young people participating in Youth to Youth/Pride programs. They deserve both our gratitude and our support.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Catholic Social Services of Oakland County for 50 years of dedicated service to our community. As a Member of Congress I consider it my duty and my privilege to work on behalf of the American family. It is in this spirit that I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting an organization that is on the frontlines everyday working to protect and preserve families. In 1947, the Archdiocese of Detroit gave Catholic Social Services of Oakland County space above a downtown Pontiac drug store. During the 1950's a new office was established in Pontiac's historical district, with subsequent openings in Farmington, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Waterford. With its 6 offices operating throughout the county and a staff of 140, over 8,000 people every year have benefited from Catholic Social Services' programs, resources, and activities. Many of the group's accomplishments were the result of the selfless dedication of the late Leonard Jagels. Mr. Jagels had been a mainstay since 1949 and served as executive director for many years. His work has left a lasting impression on the organization. Catholic Social Services has maintained a tradition of providing prompt and effective service to individuals through community outreach, outpatient treatment and in-home programs, and child placement programs. The Families and Schools Together Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the Older Adult Day Care Program are just a few of the programs administered by Catholic Social Services. In addition to their services for at-risk children, the group's outpatient and in-home programs are a valuable resource, always on hand for clinical, family, mental health, and substance abuse counseling. Finally, the organization participates in child placement programs, acting as an advocate in matters of special needs adoption, post adoption services, and foster care. Catholic Social Services is more than just one organization, but rather an integral part of a tremendous service network, one that includes United Way of Oakland County, United Way Community Services, Catholic Charities USA, and the Michigan Federation of Private Child and Family Agencies. Working together to achieve common goals these organizations serve as an inspiration to us all. The dedicated individuals who work with these organizations deserve our gratitude for in my eyes they are true heroes. Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, our community is a much better place in which to live because of the 50 years of service, love and support from Catholic Social Services of Oakland County. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Catholic Social Services on a fulfilling 50 years, and in wishing them even greater success in the years ahead.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I believe that speedy enactment of H.R. 2535 is necessary for one reason, to help students, and to my mind no other reason need be offered. Suspension of the Direct Loan Consolidation Program initially left more than 84,000 students without the ability to consolidate their student loans. These are not simply numbers, they are real people who suddenly faced additional costs and difficulties in paying off their student loans. This crisis is something they should not have had to endure. While I believe the Department must bear the responsibility for suspension of this program, I applaud the progress it has made in approving the consolidation for almost 22,000 students since the program was suspended. I remain deeply concerned, however, that almost 34,000 students have withdrawn or have had their consolidation applications deactivated, and that another 30,000 students will continue to await approval of their applications. I have been informed that the Department expects to renew operation of its Loan Consolidation Program by December 1 of this year, and I am very hopeful that they will reach that target. I would caution officials at the Department, however, to prepare for a potential avalanche of new consolidation applications that has been building in the period since the current program suspended operation in August. We cannot afford another crisis for our students. I believe that broadening loan consolidation in the Federal Family Education Loan Program provides more choices for students to consolidate their outstanding student loans. I am especially encouraged that this will be done, to the extent possible, on terms that are the same as those now provided in the Direct Loan Consolidation Program. Especially important is the provision in this legislation that will enable students participating in loan consolidation in the FFEL program to receive a lower interest rate on the consolidated loans than they now enjoy. The other important provision of H.R. 2535 involves an amendment that I offered on behalf of the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Clay] and myself, and which was unanimously accepted during full committee consideration of this bill. It would make sure that the receipt of a HOPE scholarship would not count against a student's eligibility for other Federal student aid. When we enacted the HOPE scholarship program as part of the tax bill, we intended to make sure that the receipt of a HOPE scholarship would not adversely affect a student's eligibility for a Pell grant and other student aid. Financially needy students need all the help they can get if they are to pay for a college education, and pitting a HOPE scholarship against a Pell grant or other student aid was certainly something we never intended. In order to avoid this situation, changes in the need analysis provisions of the Higher Education Act are necessary. Without this amendment, some 69,000 students will annually lose an estimated $125 million in Federal student aid. I would also point out that this provision is very time sensitive. While changes in the new tax law regarding the HOPE scholarship will not take place until 1999, my understanding is that this change is already included in the CBO baseline for the Pell Grant Program. Failure to make the changes included in this legislation will result in the removal of those assumptions from the baseline. Restoring them at any time other than the current calendar year will, as I understand it, result in the cost of at least $120 million a year. Madam Speaker, this legislation is worthy of strong bipartisan support, the same support it had in committee. The need for its enactment is immediate, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Clay], the ranking Democratic member of the full committee.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Dakota [Mr. Pomeroy].

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Gordon], who has worked very hard on this whole question of loans.

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Klink].

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I believe it is very important that we recognize the staff for their good, hard work that they put into this legislation. In particular, I want to thank Mr. David Evans, Mr. Mark Zuckerman, Ms. Sally Stroup, Mr. George Conant and Mr. Jeff Andrade for their efforts. Their work has been very, very helpful. They work back and forth between the chairman and I, and we certainly appreciate their efforts.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to an individual who exemplifies the very best in civic pride and responsibility. On Tuesday, October 14, the Flint, MI, area Chamber of Commerce will honor Dr. Edward J. Kurtz with their Charles Stewart Mott Citizen of the Year Award. Dr. Kurtz's name has become synonymous with education. In 1968, Dr. Kurtz introduced himself to Baker college as a student. Little did he know that this was the beginning of a relationship that would span over 30 years. Upon completing courses at Baker, Dr. Kurtz continued his education, receiving his bachelor of science degree at Ferris State University in 1968. He then returned to Baker where he worked as an instructor and later served as executive director of the school until 1974. Dr. Kurtz was then named president and chief executive officer of Baker College System, a position he maintains to this day. While serving as president, Dr. Kurtz managed to find the time to obtain his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 and his doctorate from Tiffin University in Ohio in 1987. Because Dr. Kurtz has experience in all aspects of the educational arena at Baker, Dr. Kurtz provides a pleasing sense of familiarity and empathy for the students, staff, and faculty under his care. Due to Dr. Kurtz's leadership, Baker College System has set a new standard for growth and expansion. During his tenure the college has grown from its humble beginning to a nine-campus, career-oriented, regionally accredited family of institutions. Offering over 80 academic programs, Baker's enrollment has seen a meteoric rise from 200 to over 15,000 students, rivaling many of the State's public 4-year institutions. Revenue for the school has increased from under $500,000 to a current rate of more than $70 million. Dr. Kurtz's commitment to our community is evident in the number of organizations that seek his experience and insight. He has served in prominent leadership positions with groups such as the Greater Flint Educational Consortium, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Flint Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan just to name a few. The honors and awards that have been bestowed on Dr. Kurtz are evidence of the regard in which he is held. However, we can never properly thank Dr. Kurtz for his dedication to educating our students and ensuring that no barriers exist to prevent an individual from obtaining the necessary skills to achieve. Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of pride that I appear before you today to recognize my colleague, my constituent, and my friend, Dr. Edward J. Kurtz. The Charles Stewart Mott Citizen of the Year Award is given to individuals who show leadership, integrity, credibility, inspiration to other people, and commitment to the community. Therefore, Dr. Kurtz is the perfect candidate to receive this prestigious award. His love and dedication has made our community a much better place. I urge my colleagues in the house of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dr. Edward J. Kurtz on this tremendous honor.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipient of the 1997 Golden Door Award, Mr. Peter Danner. The award will be given posthumously to Mr. Danner at the annual dinner meeting of the International Institute of Flint on Tuesday, October 14. The International Institute of Flint presents this award annually to a foreign-born citizen who has substantially improved life in the Flint community. Peter Danner was born in Hungary in 1931. His family owned a wholesale grocery business serving southern Hungary. During World War II the business was invaded first by the Germans and then later by the Russians who looted the food for the soldiers. After graduating from high school Peter joined the Hungarian military. He planned to study engineering but the military did not cooperate and he was assigned to work in an office. In 1956 Peter started his long journey to the United States. Leaving Hungary during the revolution he arrived in this country on December 24, 1956. Peter often reminisced about his arrival on Christmas Eve. He was living in New Jersey and the decorations fascinated him. Peter was excited to leave behind the drab Communism of Hungary for the bright cheerfulness of his new home. Pursuing his dream of studying engineering, Peter enrolled in Bard College in New York. The lure of abundant jobs with General Motors prompted him the move to Flint in 1957. His first job there was not with the automotive giant but as a bellboy at the Durant Hotel. Peter still held onto his dream and enrolled that same year at the University of Detroit. He studied engineering in earnest and eventually graduated and became employed by General Motor. He worked as a design engineer for many years. In 1963 Peter became a U.S. citizen and 1 year later he met and married his wife, Martha. They have three children, Dr. Stephanie Danner Paluda, Ava Danner, and Nicholas Danner. Peter lived his life guided by the principles that family, community, education, and harmony of existence were of the utmost importance. His involvement with the International Institute of Flint, the Rotary Club of Flint, the Boy Scouts, the Saginaw Valley Engineering Council, Holy Cross Hungarian Church of Detroit and Most Blessed Sacrament Church exemplified his beliefs. Out of his experience as a immigrant forty years ago came his compassion for those seeking a new life in this country. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and pay tribute to a great American, Peter Danner. He will be missed by his family, his friends and his community but his legacy lives on.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Pastor Amos G. Johnson of Pontiac, MI. On Saturday, October 4, the congregation of Pontiac's New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church will honor Pastor Johnson for 40 years of dedicated service to the community in the name of the Lord. I wish the circumstances that brought Pastor Johnson to Pontiac from Clinton, MS in 1957 had been more pleasant. Even degrees from Jackson State College and American Baptist Theological Seminary could not protect him from persecution and harassment based on the color of his skin. Following a divine voice, Pastor Johnson left Mississippi for Michigan, and 2 weeks later became the head of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. In those 40 years, the New Bethel congregation has grown from 50 to more than 1,500 under Pastor Johnson's leadership. The church has moved from their original building to a beautiful new facility directly across the street. The original church still stands as the New Bethel Outreach Ministry-Shelter for the homeless, servicing 161 families and 288 children. Pastor Johnson's time with the ministry has allowed him to develop a strong support network that extends outside the church. The pastor has been affiliated with and has held leadership positions in groups such as the Greater Pontiac District Association, Wolverine State Congress, Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship, and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, to name a few. He has also been honored with an honorary degree from the Urban Bible Institute in Detroit. Pastor Johnson's deeds in the name of the Lord are just as remarkable as his deeds on behalf of the Pontiac community. In addition to the Outreach Center, he has served as chaplain at North Oakland Medical Center in Pontiac, and has worked tirelessly to aid those struggling with substance abuse. Counting strong relationships with young people as a major accomplishment, Pastor Johnson can often be found working with student and teachers in the Pontiac School District. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my fellow Members of the 105th Congress to join me in saluting Pastor Amos Johnson. I also ask that you acknowledge the contributions made by Marjorie, his wonderful wife of 49 years, who has been with him every step of the way. Self evident in their lifelong commitment to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all people. Our community is a much better place because of Pastor and Mrs. Amos Johnson.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. We also support passage of this act. This bill ratifies a 1996 settlement of a lawsuit between the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida over lands taken by the State for construction of Alligator Alley across the Everglades. Under the terms of this agreement, the tribe gets $2.1 million, 22 acres of land, and two rights-of-way, while the State gets several rights-of-way from the tribe for highway maintenance and release from the lawsuit. Congress is involved because the agreement calls for the Department of the Interior to approve the rights-of-way given to the State and to place the tribe's newly acquired lands into trust. I am pleased that the tribe and State have reached this amicable agreement. I also applaud the diligence and hard work of the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Diaz-Balart]. I also note that the Committee on Resources held a hearing, and just prior to full committee markup the Department sent over several technical changes that have not yet been incorporated into the bill. These are not critical changes, but it is my hope that the Senate will give them fair consideration as it takes up the bill.

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to an outstanding humanitarian, Sister Joanne Fedewa. On October 5, 1997, Sister Joanne will be honored for her 50 years of dedicated service to God, the Catholic Church, and her community. As a member of the Sisters of the Living Word, Sister Joanne obtained the foundation that led to her work as an educator, administrator, and spiritual advisor. For 30 years, Sister Joanne taught or served as principal at Catholic schools in Minnesota, Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Michigan. Sister Joanne spent much of her teaching career in predominately African-American communities. I know that she considers the establishment of a Catholic school in an African-American parish in Little Rock, AR, to be one of her finest achievements. Through teaching, Sister Joanne inspired thousands of children to further their education. More importantly she instilled in them the importance of faith and the joy of God's love. In 1989, Sister Joanne was appointed pastoral coordinator of Christ the King Parish. In this capacity, Sister Joanne founded the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program, programs for eucharistic ministers, and other parish education and sacramental programs. She collaborated with the ministers of service in developing a program for underprivileged youth in Flint. In addition to her duties as pastoral coordinator, Sister Joanne serves on the Flint Catholic Urban Ministry Board which oversees ministry of the Dukette Intercultural Center in its mission to sponsor events in Flint's core city Catholic parishes. As a leader in the civil rights movement, Sister Joanne is widely credited with bringing to our attention the significant contributions of African-Americans to the Catholic Church. As an advocate for those most vulnerable in our society, Sister Joanne regularly visits the homebound, hospitals, jails, and nursing homes. As busy as she is, Sister Joanne always has time for the parishioners of Christ the King Parish, encouraging them to use their gifts to serve others. Her tireless work on parish committees and in the day to day administration of the parish is appreciated by all. For those who cite a shortage of time, Sister Joanne serves as a remarkable role model. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to pay tribute to Sister Joanne Fedewa. She has served our Lord and our community with the greatest devotion and is deserving of our praise. This occasion provides me the opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Sister Joanne. I know that I am a better person for having known her, and Flint is certainly a better place because of her presence.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to an outstanding individual, Mr. Stan Marshall. Mr. Marshall is being honored by United Automobile Workers Local 599 with the dedication of the Stan Marshall Union Hall on Saturday, September 27, 1997, in my hometown of Flint, MI. I am particularly pleased with this designation since UAW Local 599 was my father's local. Stan Marshall is a giant in the labor movement. His career with Buick Motor Division began in 1950 working on the assembly line. He began working with the United Automobile Workers as an alternative committeeman and quickly moved to the positions of committeeman, shop committeeman, and chairman of the shop committee. Stan was appointed to the International Union staff in Region 1C in 1977. In 1983 he was elected to the United Automobile Workers International Executive Board as the director of Region 1C. After two terms in this position Stan was elected as the United Automobile Workers vice-president in June, 1989. In this capacity he headed the union's Chrysler Department, the National Organizing Department, the General Dynamics Department, the foundry department, and the technical, office and professional department. He served in this position until his retirement in 1995. Stan Marshall has been a major influence in the Flint community. In addition to his duties with the United Automobile Workers, Stan has devoted numerous ours working for the betterment of everyone. He has been active with the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO, the Metropolitan Affairs Corp., the Economic Alliance of Michigan, and the Delta Dental Plan of Michigan. He is also the father of seven children. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to pay tribute to an individual as special as Stan Marshall. His outstanding leadership abilities and communication skills have served the members of the United Automobile Workers well. He is an inspiration to me and many other individuals. I treasure his friendship and value his advice. I know that by naming this great facility in his honor his union brothers and sisters are expressing their gratitude for his selfless dedication to our community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has worked to improve the quality of life in my hometown of Flint, MI, Mr. Dan Sain. On September 14, 1997, Dan Sain will be the guest of honor as many of his family and friends gather to celebrate over 40 years of dedicated service to our community. It has been over four decades since Dan Sain moved to Flint from his home of Leachville, AR. When he first arrived, Dan supported his family by working several jobs, including working during the day at Standard Cotton Products, and at Fisher Body plant at nights. In 1953, Dan accepted a position with Buick, and with that, he began a long partnership with the UAW. In his service with the union, Dan served as committeeman, trustee, shop committeeman, newspaper editor, and vice- president. In 1972, Dan was elected president of the UAW Community Action Council, a position he held until 1996. Danny was the ultimate political organizer. He worked endlessly to elect people who were pro-union. Under his leadership, the UAW attained the highest standards of political and community awareness. There are very few political officeholders in Genesee County who have not benefitted from the work of Danny Sain. Whether it was organizing the county effort for a Presidential campaign, or if it involved an election in a small local town, Dan always knew what was going on, and more often than not, he knew who was going to win. We in Genesee County have been extremely fortunate to have someone like Dan Sain live in our community. Dan always believed that the UAW must play a role in the larger community and he has made a positive impact with his work. Dan has served on a number of boards and commissions including chairing the Bishop International Airport board, serving on the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Genesee County Planning Commission, Healthplus of Michigan, and the local board of the Federal Emergency Management Association. He has also been a active supporter of the United Way for a quarter of a century. Mr. Speaker, this year, the labor movement celebrated the 60th anniversary of the famous Sitdown Strike that took place in Flint. I ask my colleagues in joining me in honoring a man who, although too young to have been a sitdowner himself, through his thoughts, deeds, and actions has proven himself time and again as a living legacy to the perseverance and courage shown by a group of determined young men in February of 1937, and their quest for equity and equality for all.