Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

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, this legislation will bring an end to a long-standing problem that has affected the ability of the Agua Caliente Tribe of California to govern its own sovereign tribal lands. H.R. 700 was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from California, Mr. Sonny Bono. His legislation will allow the Agua Caliente Tribe to compensate allottees or their heirs who currently have exclusive rights to a parcel of land that is located at the site of the tribe's casino. H.R. 700 will simply allow the tribal government to use its gaming revenues to address the social problems facing the tribal members. Mr. Speaker, I have personally visited this reservation and I have seen this problem firsthand. I know the tribal government has worked endlessly to ensure this plan was fair and equitable. I want to applaud Chairman Richard Milanovich and the Agua Caliente Tribal Council for the hard work they have put into this bill. I also want to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Bono] for introducing this important bill to help the residents of his district, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Montana [Mr. Hill] has done a very good job in explaining this bill. I shall be very brief. The bill, the Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund Distribution Act, will resolve a longstanding dispute over a 1967 judgment fund award by the Indian Claims Commission to three tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. These tribes are the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Tribes, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, and the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe. I have always enjoyed working with these great nations, and I am glad to count them among my friends. The gentleman from Montana [Mr. Hill] has done a very good job in explaining the bill. The administration has expressed some concerns with it, but I think this committee has well addressed those concerns, and I certainly would urge passage of this bill. This bill, the Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund Distribution Act will resolve a longstanding dispute over 1967 judgment fund award by the Indian Claims Commission to three Sioux Tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. The three Sioux Tribes won their case against the United States for 27 million acres of land illegally taken from them in direct violation of their treaty rights. The three tribes are the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, and the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe. I have always enjoyed working with these grant nations and am glad to count them among my friends. In 1972, Congress provided for the distribution of the award for the three tribes but also set aside $1.5 million of the award for distribution to lineal descendants of Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. The $1.5 million, however, was never distributed and has grown to more than $14 million. The tribes have historically opposed the award to the lineal descendants. Their position is that the award was based on the takings of lands from the tribes and that money should only be paid to tribal members. The Department of the Interior, however, recommended that the 1972 distribution legislation also include certain lineal descendants who were not enrolled with the tribes but were legitimate descendants of the original parties. In the course of the past 10 years, the tribes have brought a series of lawsuits against the lineal descendants. Their claims were dismissed on a number of grounds. In 1992, Congress passed legislation authorizing the Justice Department to conduct settlement negotiations between the tribes and the lineal descendants. The Justice Department has never acted. At the same time, however, members of the South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana delegations have sought to encourage settlement between the parties, despite the Justice Department's refusal to assist. The result is that the tribes and the lineal descendants have finally reached an agreement that divides the money by giving the lineal descendants their original $1.5 million and the three tribes the interest accrued, an amount that now stands at more than $12.5 million. All three Sioux Tribes strongly endorse this legislation and have agreed to forego any further legal action they might take against the lineal descendants. All of the parties are supportive of the plan, including the State Delegations. The administration, however, opposes this plan. Assistant Secretary Ada Deer testified before the House Resources Committee in June of this year expressing opposition for two reasons. First, the administration noted that the time for appeal in one of the tribes' lawsuits had not run, and thus there was an outside chance that the tribes might ultimately win their case. As I stated earlier, however, the tribes have agreed to drop any future actions if this legislation becomes law. Second, the administration recognized that if the lineal descendants were entitled to the original $1.5 million award, then they should get the interest. If on the other hand, they were not, then they should get nothing. Thus, they express concern that splitting the money might create a takings claim on the behalf of one of the parties. We believe, however, that Congress has the power to authorize this distribution plan and this view is supported by correspondence from the administration as well as their own testimony. With respect to the administration's concerns that the makeup of the lineal descendants may not be fully clear at this time, the legislation today provides for a pro rata distribution, thus insuring that all participants who qualify will receive equal awards. In sum, what we are doing is closing the books on a longstanding dispute between the three tribes and the lineal descendants, and bringing to an end the tribes' dispute with the United States. This is a sound and politically fair decision, one that is supported by all of the affected parties. I urge my colleagues to support enactment of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the gentleman, I assume these corrections have been cleared with the ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means?

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise before you today to pay tribute to Chief Marlan Hillman who is retiring after 50 years of dedicated service to the Springfield Township Fire Department. Since the establishment of the Springfield Township Fire Department in 1947, Chief Hillman has been a devoted firefighter and mentor. He has always taken the time to share his experience and wisdom with the dozens of firefighters he has worked with. Marlan Hillman is well known for his leadership, faith, and devotion to public service. At a very early age, Marlan was taught the importance of serving his community by his father, Charles, who served as Springfield's first fire chief. Marlan succeeded his father as fire chief in 1975 and has witnessed the growth of the fire department with the addition of two new fire stations and nine new fire trucks. In Springfield Township, the name Hillman has become synonymous with firefighting. Chief Hillman's brother Elwyn, who is assistant fire chief, and his son-in-laws Charles Oaks and Earl Colloto are all members of the fire department. Chief Hillman is a hero not only for his lengthy and diligent service as a firefighter, but for the sacrifices he has made. He has missed only a few fire department meetings in 50 years, he has been called to the scene in the middle of the night, and he has missed a number of hot meals. Chief Hillman did this with a humble disposition and sense of duty. One of the legacies he has left is the sense of camaraderie which helped mold the firefighters into the close-knit group they remain today. We owe Chief Hillman a debt of gratitude for the protection and stability he has provided for half a century. Without a doubt, our community is a much better place in which to live because of him. The people of Springfield Township have truly been blessed to have a man of Chief Hillman's caliber working on their behalf. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in wishing Chief Hillman and his lovely wife Norma much joy in their retirement

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, one of my highest priorities since coming to Congress has been to ensure that our Nation's elderly are able to live with dignity. One can judge the humanity of any society by how it treats its very young, and its very old, the most vulnerable in our society. This is personal to me. My own mother, who until her death at the age of 94, 2 years ago, was able to remain in our own family home only because of the Meals on Wheels Program. And because of that, she lived with dignity and with peace of mind. I think we should treat all the people of America as I would want my mother treated. This is a very important program. It is fiscally and morally sound.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. For those of my colleagues who are prolife, as I am, I urge them to vote yes on the Obey amendment. This is one of the most positive prolife votes my colleagues will be called upon to cast. This program, we all know, and the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde] knows, and the gentleman votes for WIC, this program helps pregnant women and nursing women and their children, their children both born and unborn. If one is truly prolife, it is not enough to be only anti-abortion. Prolife is a very positive position and not just a negative position. I am anti-abortion, but I am prolife. And there is a fundamental distinction in that. Many of my colleagues were elected to this Congress on a prolife platform. They campaigned on a prolife platform. They asked the National Right to Life for their endorsement. They asked their own State Right to Life for endorsement. They ran on a prolife platform, and many of them got elected because they ran on that prolife platform. I do not think any of them ran on a crop insurance commission platform. Now this is a chance for them to stand on that prolife platform. This is an essential vote for prolife. Be positive. Be for life. Vote for this amendment. My colleagues talk about food, feeding people. Pregnant women are hungry. Remember those words uttered about 2,000 years ago: ``I was hungry, and you gave me to eat.'' Prolife, vote for this amendment.

Mr. KILDEE

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

Mr. KILDEE. The purpose of the language in section 103(c)(1), therefore, is to make bureau funded schools eligible for funding under the within State allocation of funds. Making such schools ineligible for funding under section 103(c)(1) removes any question of the source of funding, as well as any question of whether or not such schools are eligible to receive funding from more than one source. The intent of our language is to make clear that funding for bureau funded schools operating secondary programs will come as a result of the eligibility of those schools to receive assistance under section 202 of this legislation, which amends part B of title II of current law.

Mr. KILDEE. I understand, however, that the provision in question is included in this legislation in order to make it clear that the bureau funded schools with secondary vocational programs will be considered a local education agency eligible for funding under the within State allocation of funds under the basic State grant.

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge passage of this legislation. While bringing bipartisan support for this bill has not been easy, it has come about, and I believe that is both significant and important. There are several provisions of this bill that are commendable. The ``such sums'' authorizations, for instance, gives us room to seek a significant increase in funding for vocational education. The separate authorization for tech prep is a noteworthy accomplishment. This is a highly successful and popular program. It has done well in appropriations and should certainly grow in the years ahead. The provisions of the reserve for Indian programs are good, and I am especially encouraged that we have made bureau funded secondary schools eligible to receive funds under the within State allocation of the basic State grant. We also permit private schoolteachers to participate in professional development programs in both Goals 2000 and the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, and I am especially glad that we permit the States and localities to do so in this legislation. The formula regarding the within State allocation of funds has been improved and refined through this reauthorization process. While I certainly support the changes that have been made, I continue to believe that the formula can be further improved and targeted. In another area, I regret very much that we have weakened current law with respect to sex equity. That is something I have been pushing for my 21 years here in the Congress, and I think that the role of the sex equity coordinator has been very important and I will be supporting the Mink-Morella amendment when that is offered. Mr. Chairman, I believe this is a good bill, even though I believe there are several areas where it can be improved. I intend to support the floor amendments and will continue to work in the conference for improvements. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling], the chairman of the full committee. In section 103(c)(1) of the legislation now under consideration, secondary school programs in schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs will no longer be eligible to receive assistance under the reserve of funds for Indian programs. Am I correct in that assumption?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for that specific clarification, and I thank the gentleman for joining with me in this colloquy.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, this amendment seeks to resolve a problem that really does not exist. There are numerous problems with the amendment, starting with the fact that the language is so unclear that the Department of the Interior really does not know what it means. Apparently, it would mean one thing in Oklahoma and something quite different in the other 49 States. Complex issues like this should not be really added as an amendment to an appropriations bill but reviewed by the authorization committee. This is certainly no way to write a public policy and certainly no way to treat the native Americans of this country, who have not been treated well. You know, we stole a great deal of land from the Indians. In my own State of Michigan, land was stolen which is no longer part of a reservation, no longer part of a trust. Up near Burt Lake, around the turn of the century, the sheriff came in and drove all the Indians off their land and, to make sure they did not come back, burned their village down. That was in my dad's lifetime. My dad remembers that. About 3 years ago, the Catholic church gave to that tribe three acres so they could start again to preserve their culture. Now, under this legislation, that tribe could not have those acres put under trust. That is why the Secretary of the Interior will recommend that the President veto this bill. He issued that statement this morning. Now, authors of this amendment assert that State tax agreements with Indian tribes are virtually nonexistent. Nothing could be further from the truth. The facts are that 18 different States have already entered into tax agreements with over 200 Indian tribes. The current process is working, it works well in the State of Michigan, its works well in most of the States, and people are compacting more and more as we speak here today between the tribes and the various States. Mr. Chairman, if we were to listen to the authors of this amendment, one would believe that State and local governments have no role in determining whether the BIA takes land into trust. Again, that could not be further from the truth. The fact is before the BIA does that and before the Secretary puts land into trust, he has to consult with State and local governments to see what the impact upon them will be. And those State and local governments have an appeal process both within the Department of the Interior and through the Federal courts. There are safeguards built into this, but if this amendment would be passed today, the Governors and local officials would hold all the cards in these negotiations that are taking place throughout the country. The tribes would have no recourse if the State did not negotiate in good faith, and this amendment would give the Governors the incentives not to negotiate in good faith. If my colleagues want to see how States negotiate with Indian tribes, they should take a look at the compacting process after the recent Seminole decision. There has been, I do not believe, one new compact reached since that Seminole decision. That decision put in the hands of the Governor in that one area of law the power really not to be sued and not to be taken into court. This amendment will go even further treating Oklahoma in one way and the other 49 States in another way. Mr. Chairman, I look back at my State and I look at the tribes in my State and see the land they at one time owned, look at that one band who lost all their land and now have three acres, and are joyful because the Catholic church gave them the three acres. And the amendment of the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] would say that not even those three acres could be taken into trust for those Indians. We have a moral obligation. I carry within my suit every day this Constitution, which all of us have taken the oath to uphold. We recognize three types of sovereignties in this constitution; article I, section 8: those sovereignties that are foreign countries, the several States, and the Indian tribes. This is a frontal attack upon that sovereignty and it is a frontal attack by an amendment through an appropriations bill. Last week I begged for the language so I could look at it and was only given the language yesterday. The language is still defective. Let us uphold our oath to this Constitution and respect that sovereignty and do what we do in due process and encourage the tribes and the States to negotiate.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who has dedicated her life to educating our Nation's youth. On July 9, 1997, Dr. Monifa A. Jumanne was honored for her 10 years of dedicated service to the faculty, staff, and most importantly the students of Oakland University in Rochester, MI, as she prepares to leave her role as director of the Department of Special Programs. A native of Detroit, MI, Dr. Jumanne received her bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 1965. She was the first in her family to achieve this goal. She returned to Detroit and received her master's degree in 1971 and her doctorate in 1994, both from Wayne State University in Detroit. Since 1965, Dr. Jumanne has made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people around the world in her roles of teacher, instructor, consultant, and administrator. She has worked in Michigan, Ohio, California, Kansas, and even Monrovia, Liberia. From 1973 to 1981, she traveled and taught throughout West Africa. In 1987, Dr. Jumanne became director of Oakland University's Department of Student Support Services, later renamed the Department of Special Programs. As director, Dr. Jumanne administered the Academic Opportunity Program, a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides an opportunity for a quality college education to students who have been labeled ``at-risk.'' For Dr. Jumanne this program holds a very special place in her heart for it provided her with the opportunity to provide counsel and encouragement to many students that came from similar backgrounds as she. Under Dr. Jumanne's leadership, 979 students have entered the program with at least 500 receiving undergraduate degrees. Her knowledge of and great success with the TRIO program led to her being appointed a trainer of new TRIO directors. Dr. Monifa Jumanne has served in a number of important positions but the two most important are mentor and friend. Without Dr. Jumanne's resolve, strength, and love, many young adults may have never stepped foot on a college campus or received their degree at a commencement ceremony their heads held high and their hearts filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. For her work to improve the quality of life for all people through education, we owe her a debt of gratitude. Dr. Jumanne will certainly be missed at Oakland University but I know that her contributions to the community will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, as Dr. Jumanne begins her new position as assistant dean for Student and Community Life at the Interdenominational and Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, please join me in wishing her all the best.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and tireless advocate of America's working class citizens. On June 29, 1997, members and friends of the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America will honor Mr. Bob Lent, as he retires from his position as director of Michigan UAW's region 1 after many dedicated years of service. It is nearly impossible to imagine the State of Michigan's labor movement without the benefit of the wisdom and leadership of Bob Lent. His is a career that has spanned half a century measured by time, but several lifetimes based on those individuals throughout the State, the country, and the world, who have come into contact with Bob. Bob Lent's career began in 1949, when at the age of 19 he was hired by Dodge Motor Co. as a spray painter. He later left Dodge for the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return to civilian life, Bob found employment with Chrysler and reestablished his association with the UAW. As a member of Local 869, Bob served in a number of capacities, including alternate chief steward, trustee chairman, vice president, and a 4-year tenure as president. Bob was appointed as education representative of region 1B in 1972, and became assistant director in 1982. When region 1 and region 1B merged to form a larger, stronger region 1 in 1983, Bob was elected director, the position he has held to this day. In addition to his illustrious career with the UAW, Bob has also developed a high degree of respect in the political, educational, and civic arenas as well. He has been a precinct delegate, and serves on Labor Advisory committees at Oakland University in Rochester and Wayne State University in Detroit. He is a life member of the NAACP, serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Pontiac-Oakland County, and the Detroit Area United Foundation. Mr. Speaker, we in the great State of Michigan are more than proud of our reputation as the automotive capital of the world, having recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the automobile. Just as we are proud of the product, we are proud and grateful for the men and women who day in and day out work to provide these quality products and bolster our pride. Bob Lent is one of those people. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Bob, his wife Earline, and their son, Steven all the best.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a man who has blessed our community with his dedication for many, many years. After a long and distinguished record of leadership, Robert W. Howald will retire on June 20, 1997 from his position as dean of continuing education at Charles Stewart Mott Community College in Flint, MI. Before pursuing his career in education, Bob distinguished himself as an employee of General Motors. Over the course of 31 years, Bob worked in a number of positions including, labor relations supervisor, education and training supervisor, time study engineer, and plant safety director. Bob's responsibilities were many yet he always found the time to listen to a co-worker or to help a friend in need. Bob's committment to educational opportunities for all, led him to teaching positions at Mott Community College and Mott Adult High School. Bob's experience and skillful teaching methods were recognized by many. He was a frequent guest lecturer for graduate courses on labor relations at Eastrn Michigan University. He continues to serve as a proctor at Central Michigan University. In addition to his work in industry and education, Bob has provided leadership in Flint through a wide range of activities. He was appointed to serve on the Michigan Selective Service Board, served as chairman of Public Affairs for the Michigan Committee, Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve, and is a member of the American Legion. In addiiton, he served our ocuntry proudly in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Bob also is an active member of the United Auto Workers Union of America, Mott College Local No. 2102. It is indeed my pleasure to stand in front of this Nation's House and speak of my dear friend, who through his thoughts, deeds, and actions has provided our community with an invaluable resource and an indomitable spirit. Although he is retiring, I know that he will remain active in our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in wishing Bob and his loving wife of 42 years, Betty, well in their retirement. I know that Bob and Betty will enjoy spending time with their children Gwen, Jeffrey, Brian, and Timothy, and their four beautiful grandchildren, Angie, Adam, Kyle, and Kody.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to Earl W. Stephens, the Illustrious Potentate of Oman Temple No. 72. The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine will hold their 43d Annual Potentate's Ball in honor of Mr. Stephens on June 21, 1997. Earl Stephens was born in 1943 to Dock and Jerlyn Stephens in Gilliam, LA, as the second oldest of 12 children. He began his education at Hale Elementary School in Hosston, went on to attend Pine Valley School of Rodessa, LA, and graduated from Herndon High School of Belcher, LA, in 1962. Upon graduation, Mr. Stephens enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served our country honorably for 4 years. He married the former Ceatrice Williams and settled in Flint, MI, where he began his 30-year career at Buick Motor Division. Mr. Stephens' commitment and generosity are evidence by his involvement in numerous community organizations. Earl has been a member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church since 1969 and is currently cochairman of the Deacon Board. Earl's other affiliations include By-Laws Committee chairman of Unity for Justice, and treasurer and award chairperson for the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame. In addition, Earl has been active with the Boy Scouts of America, where he now serves as commissioner of the Norwegian District of the Tall Pine Council. In addition, Earl is a member of UAW Local 599 and holds the chairmanship of the Veterans Committee. Earl also serves as cochairman of the Credit Committee at Security Federal Credit Union. In all of these endeavors, Mr. Stephens has uplifted us all with his kind spirit, knowledge, and effective leadership. Mr. Stephens has held membership with the John W. Stevenson Lodge No. 56 Prince Hall Affiliated since September 1988 and served as master in 1995-96. He joined the Saginaw Valley Consistory No. 71 in 1989 and now serves as chancellor. In 1988, Mr. Stephens began his affiliation with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In each of these roles, Mr. Stephens has worked tirelessly to achieve the goal of equal opportunity for all. He has been a mentor and a counselor to many of our young people. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my fellow Members of Congress to join me in honoring the Illustrious Potentate, Mr. Earl Stephens. His devotion to making this Nation a better place to live should reinforce our strong commitment to our communities. We owe a debt of gratitude to Earl, his wife Ceatrice, and their two children, Latricia and Royce.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding educator and a dear friend, Sandra Epps. Mrs. Epps will be honored by her peers at her retirement dinner on Friday, June 20, in Flint, MI. Sandra Epps is retiring after 33 years of service to the children of Flint. She has worked tirelessly as an educator in the Flint Community Schools during this time. A graduate of the Flint school system, Sandra returned to her community after completing her studies at Eastern Michigan University. Specializing in elementary education, Sandra started teaching in 1964. Sandra's exemplary teaching style quickly earned accolades from her supervisors. In 1973 she was promoted to the position of assistant principal at Pierson Community School. She served in this capacity during the 1973-74 school year. During the 1974-75 school year she held the same post at Merrill Community School. In 1975 Sandra was elevated to the position of principal at Dewey Community School. In addition to serving as principal of Dewey, Sandra also spent several years as principal of Martin Luther King Community School and Potter Multicultural Global School. Sandra's commitment to her students reached far beyond the administrator's chair. She understood that problems in the classroom were often closely linked to problems outside the classroom. She took the time over the years to listen to and help her students. Over and over again her students returned the favor. She is an unsung hero in the field of education. Despite the pressures of raising a family, Sandra has devoted a large part of her life to many community organizations. She is the president of the Flint Human Relations Commission, the coordinator of the Victorious Christian Women Inc., and the vice president of the Flint Neighborhood Improvement and Preservation project. These are just a few of the community activities Sandra is dedicated too. The complete list is extensive. Sandra Epps is an oustanding educator and an outstanding person. I have known Sandra for many, many, years. Along with her husband John, her children Mark, Randy, and Trayce, Sandra has encouraged and supported me over the years. I very much treasure our friendship. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today to honor a truly great educator, Sandra Epps.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Pastor Edward L. McCree, Sr. of Pontiac, MI. On Sunday, June 15, the congregation of Pontiac's Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church will honor Pastor McCree for the many contributions he has made over the last 24 years to both city and State in the name of the Lord. It is difficult to imagine what the Pontiac community would be like today had Pastor McCree not been called to become Pastor of Macedonia in 1973. From that point on, the Pastor has made it his goal and his promise to beautify the church, the community, and the spirit. Over the years, Macedonia has been blessed with a beautiful new educational facility, renovated sanctuary, day care center, and several other projects that have enhanced the appearance of the church. The church's emergency food kitchen has fed over 5,000 people. These projects were made possible through the strong positive efforts of Pastor McCree and the support of the Macedonia family. Pastor McCree's time with the ministry has allowed him to develop a strong support network that extends outside the church, yet with the same goals in mind. The pastor has been affiliated with and has been honored by groups such as the Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship, Crystal Lake District Congress, Greater Pontiac Missionary Baptist District Association, and Wolverine State Congress, to name a few. Not one to forget his alma mater, Pastor McCree has also established associations with the American Baptist Church, including serving as its Alumni Association's National president. Pastor McCree's deeds in the name of the Lord are just as remarkable as his deeds on behalf of the Pontiac community. He has proven himself indispensable in his support of the Pontiac Economic Development Corporation Board, Pontiac Area Urban League, and the Montgomery Defense Fund. He has been appointed to various committees by the Mayor of Pontiac, and was also appointed in 1985 by the Governor to task forces dealing with the Child Abuse Council and Children's Trust Fund. 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 Edward McCree, Sr. Self evident is his lifelong commitment to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all people. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and still have to work with him in many different faculties. It is truly people like him that serve as examples of what Americans should strive to be.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. J. Merrill Spencer and his wife Edith Prunty Spencer, who are retiring after 42 years of distinguished service to the residents of Flint, MI as the proprietors of the House of Spencer Mortuary. Dr. Spencer is a veteran of World War II, and served in the 92d Division known as the Buffalo soldiers. After completing his studies, Dr. Spencer served our community in a number of capacities including, teacher, principal, and postal clerk. The Spencer's founded the House of Spencer Mortuary on November 3, 1955. Dr. Spencer also became a partner in a stock brokerage firm and the Stonehearth Restaurant. Despite managing several thriving businesses, Dr. Spencer found time to serve on several boards and commissions in Genesee County. He served on the Executive Committee of the Genesee County Democratic Party, the Genesee County Board of Supervisors, was an Alternate Delegate to the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and served for 12 years on the Flint Board of Education. As a lifetime member of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Fraternity, the Morehouse Alumni Association and the Optimist Club, Dr. Spencer has been dedicated to ensuring that every individual is given equal opportunity. As a mentor, he has encouraged many of our youth to succeed. Although the accomplishments of Dr. Spencer are impressive, I think he would agree that his marriage to Edith Prunty Spencer is what he is most proud of. Mrs. Spencer has been an inspiration to me for her dedication to literacy. Her love of reading led her to work in a number of positions at the Flint Public Library. She retired as Chief of Public Service from the library in 1987 after 37 years of service. An active member of the Urban League, the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Mrs. Spencer has provided our community with a strong advocate for women. Mrs. Spencer has been recognized by her peers on many occasions for her selfless dedication to making our community a better place. She was the recipient of the Hands of Mercy Award, was recognized by Who's Who of American Women, and was named Alumnae of Year by Wayne State University. I know that Mrs. Spencer was deeply honored when the Flint Public Library named the periodicals department, the ``Edith Prunty Spencer Room.'' Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and pleasure for me to rise today to pay tribute to Dr. and Mrs. J. Merrill Spencer. Their lives should serve as an example to all of us. I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to this dynamic couple on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary on September 19, 1997. I ask you and my fellow members of the House of Representatives to join me in wishing the Spencer family all the best in their retirement. They deserve our accolades.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. The very first vote I cast in the House of Representatives in January 1977 was to cast my vote to elect Tip O'Neill Speaker of the House. And the best assignment that Tip O'Neill gave to me many, many years ago was to serve on the Page Board. It has been a very enjoyable assignment. It has been an assignment where my hope for the future has been sustained every year as class after class of pages have come through. Let me say this from the bottom of my heart. No class, no group of pages has surpassed or been better than this class this year. Indeed, you made the chairman, myself as ranking member, our job very, very easy this year. You have been extraordinarily good. There is a program in America, a very good program for young people called Close Up, and it is a great program. And I always meet with my Close Up students. Some of you may have participated in that at one time. But no group of young people see the Congress and the Government as close up as you. You have seen history. You have seen us at our best, and sometimes perhaps you have seen us at our worst. But you have seen Government. I think that you leave here not with cynicism but with hope and trust in the Government. When I was about your age, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President of the United States. He spoke these words many, many years ago, but I think they are as applicable today, perhaps even more so, than when he spoke them. 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. Meeting you, the pages, this year, I am very confident that all of you can meet the challenges of that rendezvous, and I ask that God bless you.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, last week, Americans celebrated Memorial Day, remembering those men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. As a nation, we paused to recall all they have done to preserve and protect our way of life. It is in this spirit that I rise today to honor a man who for over a half century has dedicated his life to working for Michigan's veterans. On June 1, 1997, Mr. Raymond G. O'Neill will retire as director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Office of Michigan after 45 years. A lifelong Michigan resident, Raymond O'Neill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps while still a high school senior in 1942, serving several stints in the South Pacific. During his tour of duty, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation with Star, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, Marine Good Conduct Medal, and American Theater and Victory Medals. After leaving the service, Mr. O'Neill served as the first commander of the VFW Post 9030 of Detroit, a post he was responsible for organizing. That post remained in use from 1947 to 1981, when it was consolidated with two other posts to form Fortier's-O'Grady Post 147, where he again served as its first commander. In 1952, Mr. O'Neill began his long tenure with the VFW Service Office as an assistant service officer and claims examiner, rapidly rising up the ranks from field supervisor to assistant director and ultimately leading to his current position as State director of veterans services, where he has served since 1968. Mr. O'Neill's activities have garnered the attention of the community as well as his peers, and have earned him a high degree of renown and respect. Some of the numerous awards bestowed upon him include the 1963 Michigan Veteran of the Year, the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award, the Wayne County Artistic Excellence and Community Commitment Award, and a special Resolution of Tribute from the Michigan Legislature. Mr. Speaker, I say without a doubt that every veterans organization in Michigan owes part of their success to Raymond O'Neill's constant diligence. Our veterans have been affected in so many ways by his hard work and advocacy on their behalf. Although he is retiring, I know that he will remain the best advocate a veteran could have. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Ray and wishing him well in his retirement.