Carolyn Kilpatrick

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. I was unable to attend to several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 2918, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for FY 2010, and ``yea'' on Final Passage of H.R. 2918, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for 2010.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. I was unable to attend to several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Articles I, II, III, and IV.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I submit the following poem for submission into the Congressional Record. It was written by Mr. Albert Carey Caswell, in memory of a fallen servicemember, a great father and a fine human being, Mr. Stephen T. Johns. It is also for his son who will carry his memory for the rest of his life, Stephen T. Johns, II. It is entitled, ``Hate is Hard.'' Hate Is Hard Hate is Hard... Oh how it makes me cry... When, I see all of those tears in your young child's eyes... Hate is Hard... As it takes all we have! To fight that battle, to so win that war... so all in time to all hearts grab... Hate is Hard! As why was built, this temple... this shrine... To all hearts, to so remind... To remind us all, hate is hard... and what hope can find... To somehow, somewhere... so very deep down inside... To win this battle, to bring that light... Hate is Hard... Just look at those tears now in your child's eyes... This precious son, just like all those other ones... Who's beloved parents, who too have so died... All in this battle! All in this fight! `Oh, how it makes me cry! Hate is Hard... As it takes all of your might! To win that battle, that fight! As why! In this place of remembrance, our Lord so placed Big John... With your warm heart so right... To so bring your light... For on that day you died... Was but shown, your last final act of love so inside... To this dark evil, not knowing it would so take your fine life... And leave all of your love ones, in such heartache so far behind... And leave his young son, so all alone... `Oh hate is hard... oh how it makes me moan! `Oh now the tears I find... As why throughout all these years... So many children, women, and men... have so died here! But, there is Hope! And there is Light! All in your image John, that you so left behind... And all in your son now so in time... As he will to grown up to be, just like you... his wonderful Dad we'll find... As on each new day he will so us remind... Reminds us all, that hate is hard... but no match for the light The kind that burned deep inside your father's most heroic heart so bright! Goodness... Evil... Darkness... Light... As this battle rages on this night! Hate is Hard! But, only we can! So win this war! So win this fight! With such hearts of love, as big John's this night... Remember, on this Father's Day... As you bow down your head and pray... A little boy has lost his hero, his joy... all because of evil's hate... As why, in this fine shrine of courage and faith... Our Lord God Big John so placed... Grow up now my fine son, just like your fine Dad... For your father's heard, inside of you... that you so have! For you were the greatest thing, he ever knew... ever had! And on this day, the Angel's up and heaven... they too cry... As they see those tears run down your eyes... As comes their gentle rain, to give you strength... to wash away all of your pain... For on this day, up to heaven a new Angel does rise... And Angel's are much stronger, to fight through all those lies... So my little boy, daddy's little man... now wipe away all of those tears from your eyes... For your Father is up in heaven, watching over you day and night... But Hate is Hard... and our journey long! And so, as this new day dawns... We must be strong! With hearts of faith, courage and love songs... Can we so right all of these wrongs! For Hate, is Hard! But, love and light... far more brighter burn.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 234th birthday of the United States Army. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the United States Army has established the tradition of duty, honor and country that has been the standard of excellence, not only in the military but also in private industry. Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our Nation. From the Revolutionary War to our current challenges, Global War on Terror, our soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 234th birthday commemorates America's Army--soldiers, families and civilians--who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong both here and abroad. Their willingness to sacrifice to build a better future for others and to preserve our way of life is without a doubt, the strength of our Nation. Additionally, in recognition of their commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifices on behalf of our Nation, the Secretary of the Army established 2009 as Year of the Non Commissioned Officer, NCO. Since 1775, the Army has set apart its NCOs from other enlisted Soldiers by distinctive insignia of grade. With more than 200 years of service, the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps has distinguished itself as the world's most accomplished group of military professionals. Historical and daily accounts of life as an NCO are exemplified by acts of courage and a dedication and a willingness to do whatever it takes to complete the mission. NCOs have been celebrated for decorated service in military events ranging from Valley Forge to Gettysburg, to charges on Omaha Beach and battles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today I wish to celebrate the strength of our Nation and the strength of our Army by saluting our Non Commissioned Officer Corps and the Army's soldiers, families and civilians by wishing them a happy 234th Birthday!

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, as I rise today in support of the African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month Act, I am reminded of two things--the thousands of lives that bone marrow donations save each year, and the distance we have to travel to increase the participation of minorities, especially African Americans, in the National Marrow Donor Program. The African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month Act, by urging all Americans to initiate, organize and participate in programs to increase the collective consciousness of African Americans to become bone marrow donors. Since the inception of the National Marrow Donor Program registry, over 24,000 people have received bone marrow transplants. African Americans make up only eight percent, or 450,000 of the more than six million people currently registered in the National Marrow Donor Program. Worse, African Americans have received a little more than four percent--one out of every 24--of these transplants. While it is possible for an African American patient to get a match for a bone marrow donor from any racial or ethnic group, the most likely match for a transplant is from another African American. All it takes is a single drop of blood to help determine a match. Madam Speaker, this legislation will encourage all people, but particularly African Americans, to organize a bone marrow registration drive in their community. The collective work under this legislation will promote donor awareness and increase the number of African Americans registered with the National Marrow Donor Program throughout our nation. I urge all Members of Congress to begin the need for awareness, importance and value of bone marrow awareness, and urge its quick adoption by Congress.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the work of our Chairman, John Murtha, our Ranking Minority Member, Bill Young, and the Democratic and Republican staff of the House Appropriations Committee on Defense. Unlike years past, this legislation demands that our President provide us with a plan as we move forward in Afghanistan; demands that our President provide us with a plan as we close down Guantanamo Bay; provides more funding for ``stop loss'' and helps to protect our country against flu pandemics. This bill provides direction for the President and American citizens; is disciplined in its approach regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan and Guantanamo Bay; and is diligent in ensuring the wise use of tax dollars. First and foremost, I must thank Chairman Murtha and Ranking Minority Member Young, along with 118 of my colleagues, who helped to fight to preserve funding for the Stryker Medical Evacuation Unit. On April 1, 2009, I sent this letter signed by my colleagues to Chairman Murtha to fight for funding for the Stryker MEV. Secretary of Defense Bob Gates recommended that this program be zero funded for the Supplemental, which would have had a devastating effect on the State of Michigan and others as well. I am a proud Progressive, and did not support the War in Iraq. Regardless of whether you support the war or not, we all agree that those servicemembers who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way should have the best equipment available. This Supplemental will provide close to $340 million for the Stryker. Without funding in the FY09 Supplemental, General Dynamics would be forced to cut more than 1,000 employees in Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Florida, and Pennsylvania. I am proud to have fought for the funding for this program that will allow the building of over 250 Strykers. An estimated 795 supplier companies would be impacted in 40 States. The direct economic impact to Michigan would be a loss of $241 million along with more than 19,000 jobs. The Stryker MEV or battlefield ambulance, which is what I, along with my colleagues, have been working to fund, offers our troops the best medical treatment. Its mobility, speed and protection levels have saved the lives of wounded soldiers. The Stryker MEV ambulance, which would be used to replace Vietnam-era M113s, offers greater interior space, carries more wounded soldiers, medics and medical supplies. It also features the latest in life support and medical monitoring systems and has air conditioning. Our servicemembers deserve this much for their battlefield ambulance. The Strykers have been deemed the soldier's ``first choice.'' Strykers are eight-wheel, armored combat vehicles that can be transported in a C-130 plane. There are 10 configurations of the Stryker including the Infantry Carrier Vehicle, ICV, and the Mobile Gun System, MGS. The contract for Strykers was awarded in 2000 to General Dynamics Land Systems and a former subsidiary of General Motors, GM Defense. They were designed in Sterling Heights, Michigan and are manufactured in Lima, Ohio and Anniston, Alabama, by General Dynamics Land Systems, with many of the key components of the Stryker designed and built by the United Auto Workers labor union. The first Stryker vehicles were deployed in 2002. Since then, more than 2,700 vehicles have been delivered and more than 18,000 soldiers have been trained. The fleet has accumulated 22 million miles. Key characteristics of the Stryker are survivability and mobility. The vehicle allows soldiers to maneuver in close quarters, offers protection in open areas and can quickly transport troops to key battlefields. The Army selected the Stryker because it provides the best protection, performance and value for the Army's Bridge Combat Teams. The Stryker, named after two individuals who earned the Medal of Honor, is one of the preferred vehicles of the U.S. Marine Corps. Perhaps Col. Robert Brown, commander of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Multinational Force--Northwest which is equipped with Strykers, could make the best argument for the Stryker: The Stryker brigade has fought from Fallujah, Baghdad, Euphrates River Valley and then up in the Tigris River Valley and all the way up to Mosul in northern Iraq and out to the border out in Syria over the last year. The Stryker's fantastic. It has incredible mobility, incredible speed. It has saved hundreds of my soldiers' lives. I'm telling you hundreds of their lives. We've been hit by 84 suicide VBIEDs, and I've had the greater majority of soldiers walk away without even a scratch. It's absolutely amazing. If I were in any other type vehicle, I would've had huge problems. The other thing is it carries, you know, the infantry men in the back that no other vehicle can do; nine infantry men that come out of that Stryker and are incredible in urban operations. You could ask any one of my soldiers, and they would choose the Stryker of any vehicle they could possibly ride in. This bill mandates that President Obama submit every 90 days a report to Congress that includes how the government of Iraq is assuming responsibility for reconciliation initiatives; how the draw down of military forces complies with the President's guidelines to withdraw all U.S. combat brigades from Iraq by August 31, 2010, and requires accountability from the contractors who are doing business in Iraq. The legislation also states that there will be no permanent bases in Iraq. Appreciating that the President has issued the closure of Guantanamo Bay's detention facilities, we ask the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for what the Administration plans to do with detainees still held at Guantanamo Bay; and a detailed analysis of the total estimated cost of closing this detention facility and any related costs. The bill also gives the President a year to come up with a comprehensive, cohesive plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan. By February 2010, the bill gives the President time to assess whether the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are, or are not, demonstrating the necessary commitment, capability, conduct and unity of purpose to warrant the continued policy of the President. Our people deserve to know what our goals, objectives, and timetables are if we are going to commit the lives of their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, children and grandchildren and the scarce resources of the American taxpayer. I am proud that this bill includes an increase in the funding for the mental health of our servicemembers, to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, and Traumatic Brain Injuries, TBI. Families of our servicemembers who have children with disabilities will get an increase in the help that they receive through this legislation, as well as compensating our troops who have served under ``stop loss'' conditions. Recognizing the hardship placed on troops and their families by being forced to remain on active duty longer than they planned, Congress ordered a special $500 per month payment for any servicemember who had to serve under stop loss. For the U.S. Army, the average compensation would be $4,000; for the U.S. Navy, $7,500; for the U.S. Marine Corps, $4,500; and for the U.S. Air Force, $5,500. We owe our servicemembers a great debt. I am proud of our work on this bill to ensure accountability and responsibility from our Administration; to protect American citizens from pandemics and disease; to partially compensate our servicemembers and their families for their sacrifice; and boost the economy of the State of Michigan. I look forward to quick consideration in the Senate of this legislation and that it is signed into law soon.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the Motion to Table the Flake Privileged Resolution; ``yea'' on H. Res. 413--Supporting the goals and ideals of ``IEEE Engineering the Future'' Day on May 13, 2009; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 378--Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the election of Margaret Thatcher as the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend to several votes. Had I been present, my vote would have been ``yea'' on H.R. 911, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009; ``yea'' on H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act; and ``yea'' on H.R. 601--Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to have served as a Member of the State House of Representatives in Michigan and now as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for more than three decades. I know first-hand of the hard work and leadership of the long-term Chairman Emeritus John Dingell. People outside of the great State of Michigan, in which I have been proud to serve as a Member of the State House of Representatives in Michigan and now as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for more than three decades know the long-time Chairman Emeritus of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee as John D. Dingell. In Michigan, we know Chairman Dingell as a dedicated, devoted and dutiful public servant who continues to serve the people of Michigan's 15th Congressional District and the United States superbly. As the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, Chairman Dingell has been a fighter for the automotive industry; a protector of our environment; a dogged investigator and leader of Federal oversight; and one of the leading supporters of health care for all Americans. Chairman Dingell's sense of public service goes beyond his service as a Member of Congress for more than the past five decades. Chairman Dingell, who began learning his skill as a legislator at the feet of his father, John, the Chairman joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 to fight in WWII. After graduating from college, working as a forest ranger and becoming a lawyer, Chairman Dingell became a member of our august body after winning the seat of his departed dad. Chairman Dingell's influence upon the lives of all Americans is broad and deep. As the longtime Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, to which more than two-thirds of all legislation in Congress is referred, Chairman Dingell has been at the forefront of legislation that has improved the health of minorities, women, and men; improved the quality of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the very air that we breathe; and uncovered some of the worst fraud, waste and abuse of scarce American tax dollars. Every Congress for more than the past five decades, Chairman Dingell has introduced legislation that would guarantee each and every American access to health care. This is carrying on a family tradition that was begun by his father, and continued by the son. This is but one of the hundreds of bills and laws that Chairman Dingell has directly influenced. Under Chairman Dingell, we discovered that the Department of Defense were paying more than $600 for a toilet seat. The ``Do Not Call'' law that restricted telemarketers from interrupting our homes. The recently-signed into law State Children's Health Insurance Plan, guaranteeing health insurance for millions of children of working families. Saving our beloved Great Lakes from pollution. Preserving America's forestry and animal heritage with the Endangered Species Act. Ensuring that women and minorities are counted and considered as we find cures for cancer, AIDS, and other debilitating diseases. Fighting for the American automobile industry. And finally, Chairman Dingell's work to establish a ``Patient's Bill of Rights'' that means that doctors, not insurance bureaucrats, make decisions for our health care. In more than half a century of service to all Americans, Chairman Dingell has a record of achievement that will not be surpassed. It is a record that I respected as a Member of Michigan's State legislature, and it is one that I continue to respect to this very day. I join my colleagues in congratulating Chairman John Dingell, along with all of Michigan's sons and daughters, regardless of race, religion, or party affiliation, on his record length of service to our Nation. Chairman Dingell's service has made a difference for us all. I am proud to honor Chairman Dingell for a lifetime of dedication to our country.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend to several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 82, Raising Awareness and Encouraging Prevention of Stalking by Establishing January 2009 as National Stalking Awareness Month; ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 103, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week; and ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 559--Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Redress Act.

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan

Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Chair, the people of the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, the State of Michigan, and our nation voted for change. Perhaps more importantly, they want HOPE. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a beginning, a down payment, on turning around eight years worth of mismanagement, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities with the people's purse. This bill, which will soon be signed into law, is a bold, aggressive investment in Americans and American industry. I enthusiastically and emphatically endorse and support this bill and hope that the collective wisdom of Congress ensures its quick passage. Investing in our nation's infrastructure not only rebuilds the bridges, sewers, railroads, streets, avenues, and buildings of our nation, but it also delivers employment and development opportunities. We must provide help, healing, and hope to America's urban and rural communities, communities that have lost more than 1\1/2\ million jobs since November of 2008. Every billion dollars of investment in our nation's infrastructure will create 30,000 jobs. Generating these jobs will provide cities and counties with tax revenues that will help ensure police officers, teachers, firefighters, and others have the resources they need to work together to stabilize our communities. These funds will also make our rail, highways, roads, bridges, water, and electrical grid more flexible and accessible to local officials and more affordable and reliable for our nation's senior citizens and families. This new stimulus package includes several important components valuable to families, businesses, and state and local elected officials. This bill has no earmarks and it is not a perfect bill. I would have preferred a newer version of the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) that provided so many jobs to so many people in the late 1980s. I hoped for stronger ``Buy American'' language for our automobile manufacturers and steel, concrete, asphalt, and aggregate suppliers. As Congress moves forward, I will continue to fight for these programs. However, this bill is a down payment to the American people and American business. This bill contains an increase in the Food Stamp Program, the most efficient and effective economic stimulus of all. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, ``food stamps are one of the most effective forms of economic stimulus because low-income individuals generally spend their available resources on meeting their daily needs, such as shelter, food, and transportation. Therefore, every dollar in food stamps that a low-income family receives enables the family to spend an additional dollar on food or other items. USDA research has found that $1 in food stamps generates $1.84 in total economic activity.'' With 37 million Americans living in poverty and 250,000 homeless veterans sleeping in our streets, Congress' increase in the Food Stamp program means very simply that people will be able to eat. Today, the unemployment rate in many cities is over than eight percent. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act focuses on addressing the needs of those who need assistance most by supporting initiatives that will create jobs, keep families in their homes, and provide all Americans with access to healthcare and higher education. The bill contains an increase in The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This program, which provides basic income support to poor elderly individuals and people with disabilities, is so desperately needed by our seniors and those with physical or mental challenges. How is this an economic stimulus? Again, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, ``because the beneficiaries of this payment have very low incomes, they are likely to spend the additional payment quickly, thereby providing effective stimulus.'' The Emergency Shelter Grant program, administered by HUD, provides formula grants to states and municipalities that may be used for homelessness prevention, emergency shelters, and street outreach. Twenty-five percent of the funds go to states; the rest go to our cities and counties. These grants are desperately needed in Michigan, a state with one of the highest rates of home foreclosure in our nation. These grants directly help families avoid homelessness, pay overdue rent or utility bills, and relocate into new apartments and homes. These funds are typically spent very, very quickly, therefore boosting the local economy. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides funds to cities and counties for job training and employment services for dislocated workers, youth, and adults. This bill contains $300 billion worth of tax cuts that will enable businesses to hire employees. It extends bonus depreciation that allows businesses to recover the cost of capital expenditures over time according to a depreciation schedule. This measure also extends [expands] small business expensing, which helps small businesses quickly recover the cost of specific capital expenses by choosing to write-off the cost of these expenses in the year of acquisition in lieu of recovering these costs over time through depreciation. Most importantly, the bill has a tax cut that promotes the hiring of unemployed veterans and disconnected youth. Under current law, businesses are allowed to claim a work opportunity tax credit equal to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages paid to employees of one of nine targeted groups. The bill would create two new targeted groups of prospective employees: unemployed veterans and disconnected youth. Furthermore, ninety-five percent of all Americans will receive a tax break because of this bill. This bill gives local elected leaders authority to oversee and administer the distribution of contracts, jobs, and funds. Local officials, particularly mayors and county executives, face severe and significant financial constraints as they try to resolve issues plaguing their communities. Congress has determined that a significant portion of the stimulus funds must remain in the hands of local government officials to ensure that we support people who need jobs and businesses that need contracting opportunities. This bill allows small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities to be able to compete fairly for contracts as primary contractors as we rebuild our country. Too often, these businesses are entirely excluded from the process or awarded smaller subcontracts by larger companies that receive the majority of the contracts. Qualified minority- and women-owned businesses must receive opportunities to compete and become primary contractors where possible. This bill does that. I am proud that this bill includes specific provisions that will ensure that qualified minority- and women-owned businesses will be able to compete and win. Furthermore, we must promote green jobs, which are the future of our cities, counties, and states. We must explore renewable sources of energy, including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. We obtain more than 70% of the oil that we use from foreign sources; to ensure our protection, we must become more energy independent. By retrofitting buildings so that they are energy-efficient, developing ``smart'' electric grids, and extending local and state commuter rail, mass transit, and freight railroads, we can create an additional two million jobs, according to the Center for American Progress. We can also preserve the planet for future generations, which will strengthen national security. I am proud to have helped to lead the fight for Advanced Battery technology funding that will preserve American jobs in Michigan for the Big Three. I am also proud of the fact that this bill includes funding that will rebuild and retrofit our nation's public schools using green technology and American steel and iron. Finally, we must make sure that 100% of the stimulus plan dollars uses American steel, lumber, electronics, cement, asphalt, and other materials, services, and workers. This will stimulate the growth and development of American companies and industries. This uniquely American investment in our people and products will rebuild our nation, revitalize our communities, renew our spirit, offer financial support to cities, and put unemployed people back to work. While the ``Buy American'' provisions in this bill are a good start, I will continue to work during the 111th Congress for even stronger provisions that ensure that American automobiles are used at American embassies throughout the world, that American steel and iron is poured for our bridges and buildings, and that Americans get the jobs that are fueled with American tax dollars. I am proud to serve the people of the 13th Congressional District and the entire State of Michigan as part of this historic 111th Congress. We must use this moment to generate the momentum needed to improve America's infrastructure. We must increase contracting opportunities to local businesses, stimulate financial investments that will create jobs for local citizens, and give hope to all Americans as we rebuild America together. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a timely, targeted, and tremendous first step as Congress works to right the fiscal follies of the past eight years. This bill is not the conclusion, but the beginning, of the hope, change, and challenge that our President, Barack Obama, illustrated in his Inauguration Address a little more than a week ago. Congress must pass this bill so that we can preserve a future not only for ourselves, but for our children and our children's children. America has not been at such an economic precipice, and Congress has not had such an economic challenge since the Great Depression. In the past three months, almost two million jobs have been lost; the stock market continues its downward death spiral; food banks cannot keep up with the demand from homeless families, seniors, and children; home foreclosures are skyrocketing; and more importantly, the American people demand results. As the Bible says, and the President stated in his Inauguration Address, it is time for us--Congress and Americans--to put away childish things. It is time for Congress to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Chairman Barney Frank and his entire Financial Services team and committee for the outstanding work they have done with this very difficult situation for the last month or so. Thank you, Barney, and for the full committee. The Michigan delegation in a bipartisan way worked feverishly to make this happen. Thank you very much. America is at a crossroads, a crossroads on whether America will be a first-rate country as we move through this century. Seventy years ago, my grandfather, as well as hundreds of others, came to this part of the country from South Carolina to the midwest, to the manufacturing base of America, the base that built the middle-class in this country. Without the manufacturing, there would be no middle-class in America. Do we want to forsake that today? I hope not. The American automobile industry is the military equipment builders of our country, from World War II and every war thereafter, building the tanks, the ammunition, the body armor and the like. It will be a mistake for us if we don't preserve this industry. Three million-plus direct jobs with another 10 million from insurance, health care, security. You name it, those are 13.6 million Americans affected by this automobile industry. We must preserve it. The middle class is dwindling as we speak. With all the problems America has, this is not the time to kill, if you will, the only manufacturing base we have left in our country. We already yielded the electronics industry. We yielded the fabric and the garment industry. Manufacturing is one of the tools that can keep our country alive. I hope you will vote today and save this most vital industry. I mentioned my grandfather. I am the next generation after that. Because of the manufacturing industry, the automobile industry specifically, we have been able to send generations of young people who are now 40, 50, 60 years old to college, the manufacturing industry. Vote for this bill. Don't do it wrong. Let's do it right. Giving thanks to God, who is the power, force and director of my life, I thank the Democratic Leadership and my colleagues in the Michigan delegation for their continued hard work, objective analysis and hard questions for both automobile manufacturers and taxpayers. As an enthusiastic supporter of the automotive industry, I, along with the unanimous agreement of the Michigan delegation, seek a balanced, fair solution for American taxpayers, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers to the automobile industry. A large part of that solution is this bill, crafted by Chairman Frank and Members of the House Financial Services Committee on which I once served. This bill will provide $15 billion in bridge loans to help struggling automakers survive while they prepare plans to restructure their companies to build more competitive, fuel- efficient, and technologically-advanced vehicles. This assistance will not only help manufacturers, but it will help the workers, the dealers, the suppliers and the 13 million jobs that are directly and indirectly affected by the largest industry in our Nation--the automobile industry. In addition, this bill, which would amend current law, demands taxpayer protections such as limits to executive compensation, including a ban on so-called ``golden parachute'' payments, a prohibition on dividend payments over the life of the loans, rigorous independent oversight, and provisions for the government taking warrants and allowing the taxpayer to profit in any upside of the restructuring. This is a fair balance for both the manufacturers and American taxpayers. If the Big Three were to collapse, there would be a loss of personal income of close to $400 billion, with a combined loss of tax receipts of $156 billion, over 3 years, according to the Center for Automotive Research. With the interdependence of Mexico, Canada and the United States because of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), this vastly underestimates the ultimate impact if the Big Three were to go bankrupt. With the recent loss of more than half a million jobs in one month, in our Nation, Federal assistance to the automotive industry is needed immediately for our economic, military, and energy security and safety. A government-supported restructuring of the auto industry is urgently needed for our economic, military and energy security. General Wesley Clark recently wrote that ``some economists question the wisdom of Washington's intervening to help the Big Three, arguing that the automakers should pay the price for their own mistakes or that the market will correct itself. But we must act: aiding the American automobile industry is not only an economic imperative, but also a national security imperative.'' This is an opportunity for Congress to do four things. One, it is an opportunity to get our country to energy security or energy independence. Two, it is a chance to ensure that, unlike our textile and electronics industry, to preserve and protect our manufacturing base, the last industry in which America still holds a slight but precarious lead. Three, it can be a way in which we get the manufacturers toward building the vehicles that Congress mandated that they build. Four, we can preserve the jobs and businesses of dealers and suppliers. In all of the discussions of saving the manufacturers, there has been little, if any, discussion to save the thousands of automobile dealers and suppliers to the automotive industry. Congress has been advocating that our country become either energy independent or have energy security. Indeed, President Richard Nixon challenged that our Nation become independent on foreign oil in the early 1970s. Although the automotive industry is in a crisis, this is truly an opportunity to start a major reorganization and reprogramming of the entire automotive industry. In less than 2 years, General Motors will produce the first practical all-electric motor vehicle. This is a welcome opportunity, and is a development that all Americans should embrace. By being the first to produce a battery that can get hundreds of miles per charge, the United States can be the first in this manufacturing technology. This will create thousands of green jobs, clean up the air, and make us less dependent on foreign sources of fuel. This achievement is right around the corner, as GM is set to bring the Chevy Volt to market in less than 2 years. In less than 10 years, these batteries and fuel cells can be, and should be, built in the United States. Second, we need to preserve the automotive industry as it is the base of manufacturing in the United States. Second only to the strong faith that Americans have in one another is the strength of our economy. Our modern economy was built by companies like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. These are the companies that essentially built this country to victory in World War II and every military conflict we have had ever since. These companies not only built the tanks, the Jeeps, the trucks that support the women and men in our military, they often created the technologies that allow us to have navigational systems in our cars, brakes that last for thousands of miles, and protect our bodies in accidents. We cannot afford to lose this innovative intellectual property. The auto industry has come to the rescue, once again, for our women and men in the military. The Humvee, the Stryker, and the mine- resistant ambush vehicles, and the like are built primarily in Michigan but entirely in the United States. As General Wesley Clark said, ``the lives of hundreds of soldiers and marines have been saved, and their tasks made more achievable, by the efforts of the American automotive industry. And unlike in World War II, America didn't have to divert much civilian capacity to meet these military needs. Without a vigorous automotive sector, those needs could not have been quickly met.'' Our economy and our troops cannot survive the loss of the automotive industry. Third, the manufacturers know what is at stake today. It is not only their individual survival, but whether our country suffers a recession or a depression. We cannot afford, at this perilous time in our economy, the shut down of any company. Any form of bankruptcy would tear what little confidence consumers have in the auto industry to shreds by decimating consumer demand and forcing thousands of suppliers who need the cash flow from the auto manufacturers into immediate default. This legislation would allow time and cash for the manufacturers to make the necessary and needed change in their vehicles, again mandated by Congress, for the long-term energy self- sufficiency and environmental protection we seek. This legislation does just that. One in every 10 jobs in the United States is somehow linked to the automotive industry. After the purchase of a home, the purchase of an automobile is the largest purchase for the overwhelming majority of America's consumers. Michigan, specifically my home city of Detroit, has been the home of the automotive industry for decades. More than 13 million jobs are directly or indirectly rely on the automotive industry. The losses of the automotive industry have been massive. In 2005, General Motors, which is headquartered in my Congressional District, lost more than $5.6 billion on its North America operations alone, with Ford losing $5.5 billion during the same period of time. GM's share of the market, which used to be 36 percent in 1990, had shrunk to 26 percent in 2005. Ford's 1990 share of the market, which was 24 percent, was 17 percent 2 years ago. Production for Ford and GM has dropped 26 percent since 1999. In the wake of these losses, Michigan and our country have lost a significant number of jobs. Both GM and Ford announced a series of plant closings in North America, with an estimated loss of 60,000 jobs through layoffs and early retirement buy-outs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005 the automotive industry lost a total of 215,000 jobs, and stated that ``industry employment is headed downward and is not likely to recover for several years.'' This situation does not get any better for those related industries supplying automobile parts, providing insurance for automobiles, or selling vehicles wholesale or retail. While domestic manufacturers are not entirely blameless for these losses, a significant factor has been the way in which China has done business with the Big Three. One of the U.S./China Commission's conclusions, to which I testified 2 years ago, was ``the many subsidies provided by the Chinese government to the auto industry will quickly distort the nature of the market. This will be true especially in the United States, where markets are most open. The Chinese challenge to the U.S. auto industry is a significant assault on American manufacturing, and that assault is increasing in magnitude and in pace.'' Are we willing to concede to other countries, perhaps China, our manufacturing base? Finally, I am worried about the health of automobile dealers and suppliers, specifically ethnic minority automobile dealers and suppliers. It is my understanding from experts in the field that up to 75 percent of ethnic minority new car dealers, if they do not receive financial assistance within 60 days, will fail. In a meeting two weeks ago with the Speaker and the House Democratic leadership, the manufacturers estimated that more than 700 dealers are expected to close their doors before the end of the year. In all of this discussion about helping the manufacturers, it is only fair that some of this help go directly to the ethnic minority dealers and suppliers who are the backbone of their communities and of the automotive industry. Ethnic dealers and suppliers are first generation dealers and suppliers and simply do not have the economy of scale of their majority counterparts. As we move forward with this legislation, it is my hope that we provide immediate assistance to those who most need it--ethnic minority automobile dealers and suppliers. We face tough times. The automotive industry can succeed, with the help of Congress, once again. The automotive industry has made mistakes, and all of the manufacturers present will tell you that I have worked with them to improve their product, outreach, and business model. Here, in Washington, DC, it is often hard for legislators to truly appreciate how difficult life is for the rest of America. In Michigan, we face record foreclosures, unemployment and job loss from manufacturing. We must save the automobile industry for the future of not only the industry but for the state of Michigan and our country. We must not repeat the mistakes we made in giving away our textile and electronics industry to other countries. We must do all we can to retain this vital segment of America.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following poem, written by Mr. Albert Carey Caswell, in memory of our late great colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The Things Which Matter The things which matter . . . The moments which count, the ones all the end which so amount . . . All in our lives, are all of those things in our hearts of which are so tantamount . . . The very ones . . . Which all in the end, are what our souls are really so all about . . . As to this our world, what we so give no doubt . . . all in these our lives to tout . . . Are all those things which really matter . . . Are but the ones, which so make The Angels hearts so shout! All in the end, are but really what our lives are all about! The Ways and Means . . . By which we overcome all the odds, all in our life's themes . . . Are but the ones, our songs which so make our Lord's heart so shine and gleam . . . Stephanie Tubbs Jones . . . A Heroine . . . A Pioneer . . . A Champion for Civil Rights so seen! A great strong great woman of firsts, who but lived The American Dream! The only thing bigger than her bright big smile . . . Was but her fine kind and warm heart, that which so caressed all . . . all the while . . . For in these our short lifetimes, these are but the things you'll find! For it's how we live . . . And it's how we lead, all in this world which so helps her to succeed . . . And who we care for, and for whom we bleed . . . giving to her what she so needs! Are but All Those Things Which Really Matter . . . All in these our times, all in these our short lives which we so bring about . . . All in the end, what really up in Heaven . . . what so matters no doubt!

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is with significant reluctance and reticence that I will vote yes, on final passage, of the Economic Recovery Act. In the State of Michigan, which is facing record high unemployment, failure of businesses, and increasingly tighter credit markets, we must do something, right now, to ensure that the citizens, businesses, and organizations of the city of Detroit, the State of Michigan and the United States of America survive. This is not a perfect bill. I would have preferred that Congress explore other options, most of which did not involve a single dime from taxpayers, as was utilized during the savings and loan crisis, in a more deliberate manner. The provisions in the bill that ``recommend'' and ``suggest'' that the Secretary of the Treasury protect senior citizens, working families and others facing foreclosure; that ensure the utilization of qualified ethnic minority and women owned businesses, among others, need monitoring and oversight. The provisions are woefully inadequate and need improvement. My yes vote, and it is perhaps one of the most difficult votes I have made in my 30 years as a public servant, is a reflection of the fact that if Congress does not do something soon, we possibly face an economic Armageddon the likes of which we have not seen since the Great Depression. Since I voted against the first version of this bill, the stock market has dropped a net of over 500 points and over one trillion dollars in total value. Our labor market has lost over 200,000 jobs in the month of September. Inflation has risen to new highs. My office has been besieged with phone calls from hundreds of small- and medium-sized businesses that cannot purchase goods or services or meet their payroll because they cannot access their lines of credit. Parents in Michigan are concerned that they cannot secure student loans for their children. This inevitably hurts all Americans. The Constitution of the United States, to which each and every Member of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, takes an oath to protect and defend at the beginning of each 2-year session of Congress. Article I, Section 9, clause seven, of the U.S. Constitution says ``no money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law.'' The Constitution also establishes three separate and distinct branches of government: the legislative, judicial and executive branches. As an Appropriator and for our U.S. House of Representatives, I oppose this bill's unprecedented and unparalleled secession of the power granted to us by the people and the Constitution transferred to one appointed person from the executive branch of the Federal Government. Households in Detroit, the State of Michigan, and America feel the rumblings of the financial earthquake beneath their feet. Unemployment has risen to all-time highs. Michigan is one of the leading States in unemployment, home foreclosures as well as business losses. The sudden, precipitous and dramatic slump in home values, retirement accounts and pensions is a prelude to worse things to come. I have fielded dozens of phone calls from businesses in my district from small convenience stores and automobile dealerships, to large corporations that are unable to access credit lines to make their payrolls. Without swift, immediate, and strong fiscal action and direction, America and Americans are in dire trouble. Again, it is impossible for parents to get student loans for their children attending college. It is virtually impossible to get a mortgage with a rate that is reasonable. It is hard to find a decent, paying job. Again, it is tough for businesses to get loans to purchase those goods, items, and services that mean the difference between surviving and thriving, or even making their payroll. We have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs in America this decade. This bill is not a cure-all, by any means. However, it is a start to stop the bleeding from which so many of our citizens and businesses suffer. This bill does contain several provisions for which I fought and support. The bill will immediately increase the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's, FDIC, limit from $100,000 to $250,000, which will increase confidence citizens have in our banking system and prevent bank runs. The home foreclosure provision allows the Secretary, at his discretion, to lower the interest rate and, in some cases, the principal of home mortgages, ensuring that more citizens will stay in their homes and not on the streets this winter. This bill will provide property tax relief to up to 30 million homeowners--extending a new $1,000 property tax deduction for non-itemizing couples through the end of 2009. Finally, the bill provides that minority- and women-owned businesses, along with minority professionals, at the suggestion of the Secretary of the Treasury, will be included as contractors and analysts and will hopefully get a portion of the $700 billion that will be utilized by Secretary Paulson to stabilize our economy. A key aspect of this bill that will become law is mental health parity for all Americans. Regrettably, too many private health insurers often provide less coverage for mental illnesses than for other medical conditions. Many insurers believe that mental health disorders are tough to diagnose, and that care for mental illness is ineffective, expensive and simply not worth the money. Thanks to this bill, all Americans will have access to mental health care. When mental health care is a part of our general health care, there is often little or no increase in cost to insurers. This is a most important aspect of the bill and is an aspect of which we all can be proud. While these provisions are not as strong as I would like, my opposition to the overall bill, or to these provisions, is not strong enough to risk the enormous battering that continues to hammer our families and our economic system. The economic consequences of inaction are such that the citizens and businesses of our State and our Nation might not survive. That is a risk that I refuse to take. I will continue to fight for even stronger rules and regulations as we work in the wake of this bill, under a new Democratic President. With the faith of God, with the support of the people of Michigan, and with the guidance and leadership of my ancestors, I will continue to work and fight to ensure that American families will be able to stay in their homes; that businesses will come back even stronger and employ, engage and ensure that more people have decent, fair paying jobs; and that Detroit and Michigan will rise to the heights that once made it, and America, the world's manufacturing powerhouse. My support of this bill is a beginning step in that direction.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I have the highest respect for my chairman, Barney Frank, and your genius, thank you very much, as well as Speaker Pelosi for her leadership. A week ago today we were sent a three-page bill, $700 billion, send it back to us and never ask us any questions. I am proud that the chairman and Speaker and leadership on both sides of the aisle have come to some agreement. Contrary to popular belief, our financial crisis was not due to just people who couldn't afford the loans. It was Wall Street's problem, the people who managed this process over the years, with a lack of regulation from this administration. It was also predatory lending, lending from predators, banks in many instances, the very people we are going to give the money to, who took the loans, who made the loans, and didn't require the proper oversight. It is not the little people. It is the loss of jobs. In America we have lost over 600,000 jobs over the last 8 years, good jobs, manufacturing jobs. The American Dream has slipped away, speculation from Wall Street, from developers. All of us have been affected by this crisis, and all of us believe there ought to be some end to this. We must work as elected representatives of the people. Over 400 economists, as has been said earlier and we have the documentation, are opposed to the process and the way we are going about it. Three of them are Nobel Laureates who have come to this conclusion, and economists, professionals extraordinaire. Unfortunately, there is no judicial review in this to protect the average citizen. We talk about the mortgages, but this helps the banks in their book of mortgages. It does not help the little person who needs it. There is no judicial review to come to her aid or his aid. It is unfortunate that we are here today talking about $700 billion, and, as an appropriator, $1 trillion is probably what it will be and more. We do not yet know how much it will be. We need to take our time on this. We have been talking about it now 7 days nonstop. We can do better. There is a better process. I hope that we can slow down this train. We will probably vote in a few hours, less than an hour now. The Senate is not going to vote until later this week. We can do better, the American people deserve more, and I urge a ``no'' vote on this legislation.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, as we prepare to vote on one of the most important pieces of legislation in history, I rise in opposition to the Troubled Asset Relief Program, TARP. While I have nothing but respect, admiration and trust in Speaker Pelosi and House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, this legislation, which was forced upon Congress by the Bush administration, provides no judicial review of individual home mortgages for my senior citizens, single parents and working families; is opposed by over 400 of our Nation's top economists and three Nobel laureates; does not adequately protect the American taxpayer; was not considered under regular order and does nothing to stimulate our stagnant economy. The state of Michigan is one of the states hardest hit by home foreclosures, unemployment, and the loss of jobs. For poor people and low income people and many ethnic minorities, the Court is the option of last resort when you are on the brink of losing your home. As Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi requesting that such language--that would allow a citizen under the threat of foreclosure--to go to court to have a non- partisan, objective judge review their financial circumstances and, if warranted, lower the principal of the mortgage. Under this legislation, judges do not have that option. Instead, this discretion is left up to the Secretary of the Treasury. While we are busy bailing out the financial markets, this bill does little for the folks on Main Street. This bill does not bailout my senior citizens who are behind on their mortgage. This bill does not help my working single parents who are facing foreclosure. This bill does not work for the majority of the people in the State of Michigan, who are staring down the barrel of losing their largest asset--their home. Over 400 of our Nation's top economists, including three Nobel laureates in economics, oppose this bill. The Washington Post reported on September 26, 2008, that over 200 economists ``have signed a petition organized by a University of Chicago professor objecting to the plan on the grounds that it could create perverse incentives, that it is too vague and that its long-run effects are unclear.'' While their reasons are many, Dean Baker of the Center on Economic and Policy Research, one of these economists, says that ``suppose the Paulson plan goes through. It is virtually certain that the economy will weaken further and the number of foreclosures and people without jobs will continue to rise. This is the fallout from a collapsing housing bubble . . . this bailout will make further stimulus much more difficult to sell.'' The Treasury Department admits that it has absolutely no factual basis for asking for $700 billion. We have asked the hard, tough and important questions of the Secretary and this administration, only to come up short. This bill was not considered under Congress's regular order of conducting informational hearings from all sides, a mark-up of the bill in subcommittee bill in subcommittee and full committee, and finally, a floor vote. When we do not exercise the rules of this institution, we debase the rules, the regulations, and the standards we have to conduct the people's business. This deliberate process allows everyone to support, oppose, and amend legislation--an opportunity we did not have during this process. I have recommended that Congress establish a select committee, made up of the Chairmen and Ranking Minority Members of the Committees with jurisdiction, including the administration, to arrive at legislation that addresses the problem of illiquidity of credit markets, insolvency of businesses, and the hardship of foreclosures. This Committee would meet for three weeks, or a time certain, and would guarantee that as representatives of the American people, we have done our job. This bill does not adequately protect the American taxpayer. As an Appropriator, I am designated as the protector of the people's purse. While the administration does not have $35 billion to spend on the health care for the children of families of working women and men; while the administration does not have the money to provide for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help my seniors, low- and middle-income families pay for their lights, gas and oil heat; while the administration does not have the money to extend unemployment benefits; while the administration does not have the money for a summer jobs program for teens, adults and senior citizens; while the administration has $10 billion per month and one trillion dollars to spend on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; when the Administration argues over $22 billion--less than 1 percent of the overall budget--on virtually every issue before the Appropriations--Committee, we do not have the money. However, we have $700 billion--and believe me, it will soon be $1 trillion--to bail out Wall Street. Something is wrong with this analysis, America. We are being asked, once again, to ``trust'' the administration, when time is supposedly running out, and if nothing is done, the worse will befall all of us. Regrettably, as a Congress, we have been in this position before. Under duress, we were supposed to trust the administration that these tax cuts were going to save America. Under duress, we were told that if a bill that authorized wiretapping of law abiding, American taxpayers was needed as terrorists were at our door steps. Under duress, we were told that America was imminently under threat from Iraq. Now, again, at the last minute, we are being asked, under duress, to trust one trillion dollars to a Treasury Secretary who is out of office in less than three months? Must we do something? Of course. There is a better way. We must ensure on regular order for this bill. We can use fewer American tax payer dollars--who did not get us into this problem in the first place--to ensure the stability of our financial markets. There are clearly better and safer alternatives. I am not an economics expert, but I do know that as the steward of the people's purse, I have a higher standard to which I am held accountable.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. For the Members who have sat all night as we pay special homage to our friend, colleague, and very special woman, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the Special Order for Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

Ms. KILPATRICK. I'd like to yield to the former chairman, my predecessor of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Mel Watt.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Thank you very much. Sister Sister, that is who she was to me. And to Mervyn too, and Barbara and the rest of the family, it has been said, this night is for you. She lives in this Chamber, and she always will. I yield new now to a former U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia, the Congresswoman from California, Congresswoman Diane Watson.

Ms. KILPATRICK. I thank the gentlewoman from California. I yield now to a young man from Newark, New Jersey, chairperson of our African Globalism Committee, the gentleman from Newark, Congressman Donald Payne. (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. KILPATRICK. Thank you, Congressman. You know, you have heard it said tonight that she was a friend and a leader and intelligent and you could count on her when she gave you her word. We all felt that. And I think as Congressman Payne said, she is in this Chamber, and she will be in this Chamber, and it is our responsibility to carry her spirit and her dedication to building a new America for all of God's people. The caucus has received many letters and congratulations, condolences and expressions of love for Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. At this I would like to put some of them in the Record, from the South African Embassy, from the Embassy of Turkey, from the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, and from the Embassy of Colombia. The list goes on and on, and we will be putting them in all week long. To you, Sister Sister, you live, and you always will. Embassy of Turkey, Washington, DC, August 21, 2008. Hon. Carolyn Kilpatrick, Chairwoman, Congressional Black Caucus, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Kilpatrick, I learned with profound sadness and regret the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and a valuable member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Chairwoman Jones took great personal interest in Turkey and was dedicated to upholding the strong relations, friendship, strategic partnership and alliance between our two great nations. We will always feel her great loss in our hearts. On this note, I would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Sincerely yours, Nabi Sensoy, Ambassador.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield the balance of my time to a young man who has taken this House by storm. He chairs our Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, one of Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' sons, also a member of the Ways and Means Committee. I yield the balance of my time to Congressman Kendrick Meek.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise in unequivocal, unapologetic, and unwavering support of one of the finest individuals who set the standard for statesmanship, excellence and principle in the U.S. House of Representatives, none other than the gentleman from the 15th Congressional District of New York, one of the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Congressman Rangel, whom I am proud to count as not only one of my Congressional mentors, but also as a personal friend, has to take time from his schedule of, among other things, ensuring that all children have access to health care, ensuring that cigarettes are regulated, and that Congress figures out a way to pay for the education of the women and men who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, to defend himself against a charge levied in a newspaper that questions his very integrity, dignity and honor. I was unavoidably detained, and I did not vote on this motion. If I had been present, I would have voted ``aye'' in favor of the motion to table. It is without a single scintilla of doubt these charges against the Chairman, charges registered by Chairman Rangel himself with the House Ethics Committee, will arrive at one conclusion--the conclusion of innocence. Chairman Rangel's record of almost four decades of service, of dedication, of devotion not only to his constituents, but of the integrity of the institution of Congress, has earned him the right to a fast and fair examination and I would add exoneration of these charges. Chairman Rangel, along with my fellow Michigan colleague John Conyers, Jr., is the remaining founders of the Congressional Black Caucus who serve with us today. For the remainder of the 110th Congress, Chairman Rangel will have my personal support and assistance as he wages what will be a victorious fight against these charges. What describes Chairman Rangel? Here are a few: outstanding attorney. One of the finest politicians in the history of New York. Civil rights worker. Founder of the most influential political organization in the history of Congress. The first African American Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Husband. Father. Colleague. And finally, friend. As I continue to pray for Chairman Rangel's continued good health, prosperity and fortune, I look forward to a fair and expeditious consideration of these charges by the House Ethics Committee. Chairman Rangel's importance to this body, as the leader of the Ways and Means Committee, is far, far too valuable to both Congress and the nation to waste toward dilatory efforts to ruin his good name and bring him down. I know that, based upon the merit of the case, that the Chairman will be exonerated, the Chairman's innocence will prevail, and he will continue to handle the people's business in the manner that has brought honor, dignity and respect to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, in 2008, a year in which women have made unprecedented gains in public and private leadership--Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; chairwomen of powerful committees and subcommittees; chief executive officers and chairwomen of Fortune 500 Companies, among many others--it is simply unforgivable and unacceptable that women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, continue to make only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Over a lifetime, this is anywhere from $400,000 to more than $2 million dollars that cannot be spent by a woman on food for her children, clothing for her grandparents, for decent housing for her and her family. In an era in heightened economic challenges, we should not, we cannot undervalue, underappreciate and marginalize the hard work that women do each and every day.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to personal business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend several rollcall votes. Had I been present, on rollcall No. 558 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 559 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 560 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 561 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 562 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 563 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 564 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 565 I would have voted ``aye''; and on rollcall No. 566 I would have voted ``aye.''