Carolyn Kilpatrick

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 number 555 I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall number 556 I would have voted ``aye'' and on rollcall number 557 I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 1067--Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus, SSN 571, and its significance in the history of both our Nation and the world; ``yea'' on H. Res 1080-- Honoring the extraordinary service and exceptional sacrifice of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the Screaming Eagles; and ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 297--Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 372, a resolution I introduced honoring June as Black Music Month. This bill honors the outstanding contributions that African American singers, composers, producers, and musicians have made to the United States and the world. This resolution expresses our appreciation for and the value of the contributions of African Americans to various genres of music. The roll call of African Americans who have contributed to the uniquely American born but internationally acclaimed mode of music is stellar and stunning. This music, often created against incredible odds, has served as a chronicle of our time and enriches our Nation. Civil rights demonstrators often marched to the cadence of ``People Get Ready'' or the numerous gospel or spiritual songs created in the fields by slaves. One of the most beloved gospel songs of all time is ``Precious Lord, Take My Hand'' by Hall of Fame composer and writer Thomas Dorsey. The music of African Americans is the music of America, and has historically transcended social, economic and racial barriers to unite people of all backgrounds. Young America danced to the rhythm of the sound that emanated from Stax Records of Memphis, Chess Records of Chicago, and from my home town of Detroit, Michigan, through Motown. Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Anita Baker, and The Temptations are just a few of the tremendously talented artists that hail from the great city of Detroit. Detroit is the also the birthplace of music mogul Berry Gordy's great Motown empire. Motown ushered in a new wave of talent and music across the world. The Motown Sound was brilliantly and meticulously crafted in what is now Hitsville, USA, the original Motown studio located in my district. The impeccable standards of excellence in craftsmanship set Motown and Detroit apart as trailblazers in several musical genres, as recognized through their numerous Grammy Awards, NAACP Awards and other accolades. Motown did far more than produce music. It broke substantial barriers to help to unite the world across race, class and gender lines. Although Motown has received the most international acclaim for the music produced during the infamous Motown era that spanned decades, Detroiters have also made other tremendous contributions to the musical world. The historical Black Bottom district was a hub for big bands and legendary jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Detroit is also well known for its immense contributions to gospel music. Reverend C.L. Franklin, Della Reese, The Winans and the Clarke Sisters all have roots in the City of Detroit. Detroit's copious musical history and myriad of noteworthy, award- winning contributions have instilled a great sense of pride in all of its citizens and, hopefully, all Americans. Take some time during the month of June to exhibit said pride and honor all those Black artists that made indelible contributions to the soundtrack of our lives. Give honor to whom honor is due. Join me in spending this month immersing yourself and your loved ones of all ages in the rich array of music that African-Americans have contributed to our great Nation. I encourage all Americans to utilize the celebrations to honor the men and women who have created some of the most influential music our Nation has ever produced. I also want to honor the radio stations and the DJs, like Frankie Darcell, that play this timeless and wonderful music. As we spend time recognizing the contributions of these artists, let us remember that this music is not just African-American music. This music is American music--an integral part of all Americans' heritage.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, as well as the gentleman from Iowa for yielding me my time. This is about the law. This is about the law. This is about Michigan's law. In 1993, after 20 years of trying, the Michigan legislature--I, a member at that time, and others--passed a law that, after many referendums in the City of Detroit, a referenda would be held throughout the State of Michigan that said who could have casinos. We were allowed that after 20 years of working on that. In 1994, back to the people of the State of Michigan, there was a referenda that said if you are to have a casino you must come back to the people. This law circumvents that. There are 18 Native American tribes in Michigan. All but two who are getting this casino deal do not support this legislation, mainly because, in the Michigan compact, Native Americans share in the net profits. This bill would not allow the other 16 tribes to share in the profits, thereby putting their own reservation casinos in jeopardy, while at the same time rewarding 2 and not the other 16 sharing the profits. There's a way to fix this. Go back to the ballot box, which is what the Michigan law says. Let the people of Michigan speak on this. Casinos are regulated by States, as IGRA gives them that authority, not by the Federal Government. Much has already been said, and I will tell you who opposes this: The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Department of Interior, the National Indian Gaming Association, UNITE HERE, AFSCME, NAACP. We can fix this, but go through what everybody else went through to get gaming and casinos in their community. The Native Americans asked for it. Over 60 tribes across this country oppose this legislation. Why must we circumvent them and come here? It's not about competition, as Americans love competition, and we support that. Go through the process. Respect the law. Native American tribes deserve better, and we want to see that happen. Mr. Speaker, thank you for your kind consideration and care when, in December of 2007, you agreed with me that both of these bills should not be brought to the floor without being considered under regular order. The House Natural Resources Committee and the House Judiciary Committee both had hearings on these bills, and while the Natural Resources Committee reported the bill favorably by a 21 to 5 vote, the House Judiciary Committee reported the bill unfavorably by a zero to 29 vote. Since that vote, both of these bills are opposed by 16 of the 18 tribes that are in the State of Michigan; and opposed by over 60 Native American tribes across the country; by both Michigan's AFSCME and the NAACP; and finally, the U.S. Department of Interior not only opposes the bills but questions the validity of the land claim that they purport to forward. In essence, both of these bills will allow two Native American tribes located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to build casinos 350 miles from their reservations and near the city of Detroit and in Port Huron, Michigan. I vehemently oppose both of these bills. My reasons for opposing these bills, which will allow land to be taken into trust for gambling purposes for the settlement of proposed land claims, are actually very simple. These bills set a dangerous precedent for Congress; they contravene Michigan State law; they are very controversial among the tribes in Michigan and throughout Indian Country; it is not clear that these land swaps are valid; and finally, Congress has not had a comprehensive review of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, IGRA, in nearly two decades. Furthermore, it is important to note that these land claims have never been validated by the U.S. Government or any court of law. In fact, the courts have ruled against the Bay Mills Tribe on their claim on two separate occasions. The people of Michigan have spoken at the ballot box about gaming expansion in our State. In 1994, they voted to allow three casinos in the city of Detroit. In 2004, the people voted to limit any more expansion of gaming unless there was a statewide referendum. In addition, the Michigan Gaming Compact specifically prohibits off- reservation gaming unless all of the tribes in Michigan agree to a revenue-sharing plan. These two bills are simply an attempt to circumvent both the will of the people of Michigan and the compact the Michigan State Legislature has made with the tribes in Michigan. Instead, these bills would have Congress mandate not one, but two off-site reservation casinos located over 350 miles away from the reservations of these tribes. Moreover, the disputed land is located near the two tribes reservations in the Upper Peninsula but yet the land they want for a ``settlement'' is located 350 miles away near the city of Detroit. If these bills were to become law, what would prevent other tribes from seeking a land claim anywhere in the United States for off-site reservation gaming? Is this the real intent of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act? It is indeed ironic that in the 109th Congress, the House Resources Committee, on a bipartisan basis, passed legislation by an overwhelming margin to restrict off-site reservation gaming. Yet today, it now seeks to expand Native American gaming in an unprecedented manner. Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 that allows tribes to conduct gaming on lands acquired before October 17, 1988. In 1993, former Governor John Engler negotiated a gaming compact with the seven federally-recognized tribes in Michigan, including the Bay Mills and Sault Ste. Marie Tribes. In order to prevent a proliferation of Indian gaming across the State, a provision was added to the compact that required any revenue generated by off-reservation gaining be shared among the tribes who signed the compact. This provision has worked well for over 15 years. The two bills before Congress today would simply nullify this critically important provision of the Michigan Gaming Compact. Both of these bills would allow the tribes to; (1) settle a land claim that has never been validated and is located near their reservations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and (2) acquire lands 350 miles from their reservation to build casinos. Furthermore, these bills actually include gaming compacts in them that were never approved by the Michigan State Legislature who has approved every other gaming compact. It is important to note that Congress has never passed a gaming compact in the history of Indian gaming. IGRA specifically grants that authority to the States. In 2004, the voters of Michigan spoke again in a statewide referendum and overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative that would restrict the expansion of gaming in the State of Michigan. This referendum would require local and statewide approvals for any private expansion of gaming in Michigan. The people and the elected officials of Michigan already have a solution to this matter--the ballot box. There is nothing in the referendum that would prevent the two tribes and their non-Indian developers from initiating a statewide referendum to get casinos in Port Huron and in Romulus. In fact, both of those cities have already passed local referendums. But the tribes and their developers decided to short-circuit the vote of the Michigan people and come to Congress to get a casino on a proposed land claim that is located near the tribes' reservation lands in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I am aware that the Governor of Michigan has sent the House Natural Resources Committee a letter supporting these bills. You should know that there is no legal basis for the State to support these agreements because, in fact, the State has already won this case in the Michigan Court of Claims and the Bay Mills Tribe appealed it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court subsequently declined to hear the case. The Governor ignored the fact that the city of Detroit will be the main victim of the State's largess in these casino deals. The city of Detroit will lose hundreds of millions of dollars as a result of the competition of these new casinos and that will cause irreparable harm. Harm to whom? Harm to the current investors of the casinos in the city of Detroit, who have invested more than $1.5 billion in the construction of the three casinos in the city of Detroit. Harm to the thousands of jobs that have been created and the tax revenue that those jobs generate for the city of Detroit and the State of Michigan. Ultimately, this will harm the State. When compared to their private counterparts, Native American gaming sites, because they are sovereign nations and must share their revenue with other Native American tribes, do not bring in the tax revenue of private investors. In the end, these two tribes are seeking to do an end-run around two statewide referendums and the Michigan Gaming Compact of 1993. Rarely have voters in any State in this country spoken so clearly on gaming issues. In light of all of this, it would be a travesty for Congress to mandate two off-site reservation gaming casinos that would have such a negative impact on the people in Michigan. But, for the moment, let us ignore the impact that these bills will have on the city of Detroit. Let us ignore the precedent that these bills will set, allowing any Native American tribe to claim any piece of land hundreds of miles away, as their native tribal land. Let us ignore the fact that IGRA has not been reauthorized in more than two decades, and clearly needs to be revisited and revised by Congress. What I cannot ignore is the strong possibility that the very integrity of Congress is in jeopardy. On October 10, 2002, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe, Bernard Boushor, said ``the Bay Mills case was a scam from the start.'' In testimony and information provided to the House Natural Resources Committee in February of this year, Saginaw Chippewa Chief Fred Cantu cited Chairman Boushor's testimony, stating that the original lawsuit on the land claim was a collusive lawsuit. The proponents of this legislation have repeatedly stated that these bills are simply to address the aggrieved landowners in Charlotte Beach. But according to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe ``the Charlotte Beach claim did not originate with Bay Mills. It was a product of a Detroit area attorney who developed it specifically as a vehicle to obtain an IGRA casino . . . the goal was never to recover the Charlotte Beach lands.'' How was this originally a collusive lawsuit? The Bay Mills Tribe sued Mr. James Hadley on October 18, 1996 who entered into a settlement in which he gave land to the Bay Mills Tribe 300 miles from their reservation to build a casino in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That plan was rejected by the Department of the Interior. The point is that Mr. Hadley was not an aggrieved landowner, he was an active participant in what the Sault Tribe described as ``a collusive lawsuit'' and ``a scam.'' I strongly encourage all of you to read the testimony of the former Sault Ste. Marie chairman before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the testimony of the Saginaw Chippewa Chief Fred Cantu, and review the documents Chief Cantu provided to the Committee, which was provided to the House Natural Resources Committee at its hearing in February and to the House Judiciary Committee at its subsequent hearing. There is a way to save the integrity of Congress. The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe has requested that the U.S. Department of the Interior investigate the land claims made by these tribes, and determine whether they are valid claims, worthy of Federal resolution. It is my understanding that the Department of the Interior is reviewing the validity of these land claims. I would urge the Committee to wait until this investigation is complete until it rushes into passing legislation that mandates off-reservation gaming. Congress should not be in the business of handing out off-site reservation gaming casinos. It is my hope that the wisdom of Congress is the rejection of both of these bills for the following reasons: These bills set a dangerous precedent for Congress by approving a compact which is a State, not a Federal, responsibility; They contravene Michigan State law; They are controversial among the Native American tribes in Michigan; indeed, nine out of Michigan's 12 tribes oppose these bills; The city of Detroit would lose thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in the investments made by the three casinos currently operating in Detroit; The Bureau of Indian Affairs has already rejected a similar application for gaming in Romulus, Michigan; These bills would involve the removal of valuable land from the tax rolls of the State of Michigan, resulting in the potential loss of even more revenue; It is uncertain that these land swaps are legitimate, possibly jeopardizing the integrity of the U.S. Congress; The Committee should allow the Department of the Interior the time to do their due diligence to determine if these are valid land claims; and Congress needs to revisit, revise and reauthorize the IGRA, which has not had a comprehensive review in nearly two decades. Let me state for the record, once again, that I am not opposed to more gaming in the State of Michigan. I am also not opposed to off-site reservation gaming. I have been opposed, am currently opposed, and will always be opposed to any measure, any bill, any regulation that says that the will of the people does not matter. The will of the people is tantamount. It is my hope that the wisdom of Congress prevails and that the voice of the people matters in rejecting these bills on the floor today.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to personal reasons, I was unable to attend several votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 1242, Honoring the life, musical accomplishments, and contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th anniversary of his birth; ``yea'' on final passage of my bill, H. Con. Res. 372, supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the outstanding contributions that African American singers and musicians have made to the United States, and ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 1051--Congratulating James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of service and leadership to the United States.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. I rise today to congratulate the Detroit Hockey Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings, the 2008 National Hockey League champions for the Stanley Cup. We are most proud of you. To the coaches, the players, the Ilitch family, thank you for a wonderful, exciting season. The Detroit Red Wings, the Stanley Cup champions for 2008. You have brought joy and cheer and adventure to all of us. Good luck to you. Enjoy your time off. And have another wonderful season as we march to the 2009 Stanley Cup. Congratulations, Red Wings.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend to several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 952-- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States National Teacher Day; ``yea'' on H. Res. 1011-- Calling on the United States Government and the international community to promptly develop, fund, and implement a comprehensive regional strategy to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, contain and reduce violence, and contribute to conditions for sustainable peace and good governance in Chad, as well as in the wider region that includes the northern region of the Central African Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 1109-- Honoring the memory of Dith Pran by remembering his life's work and continuing to acknowledge and remember the victims of genocides that have taken place around the globe.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend several rollcall votes. Had I been present, on rollcall No. 111 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 112 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 113 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 114 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 115 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 116 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 117 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 118 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 119 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 120 I would have voted ``nay''; on rollcall No. 121 I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 122 I would have voted ``nay''; and on rollcall No. 123 I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, at this time, the Congressional Black Caucus will present our 2009 budget for the fiscal year: Tough Choices, Right Priorities. The Federal budget is $3.1 trillion. Of these four main entitlements: Medicare, programs for over 40 million Americans, disabled children, low-income; Medicaid, 40 million children, low-income, disabled; Medicare, 44 million seniors' health program; and veterans, who have worked to build our country's security over these many years. The budget we have before us invests in American families. It invests in our children, in our families, and it secures us at the same time. There is no tax increase in this budget. And you will hear over and over from the other side that we're increasing taxes. We are not. We are rolling back those permanent tax cuts, for any American citizen who earns over $200,000 will have the regular tax procedure. What we're rolling back and increasing the revenue so that we invest in America's families are incomes over $200,000, that we might ensure all of America's children, that we might invest and save Medicare, as well as Medicaid. We will increase the funding for No Child Left Behind, our premier education program that has never been properly funded. Education is the equalizer. America now falls behind the major nations of the world because our education system is crumbling, and our Congressional Black Caucus budget invests in education. We also offer money in our Justice Department for having safer communities across America. We will present to you our 2009 Congressional Black Caucus budget. It is fair, it reduces the deficit, and it invests in America's children and in America's families. It is my opportunity, as we move on and present the various Members who will speak, that we will show you that this budget is a budget that America needs: tough choices, right priorities. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I am honored to yield 4 minutes to the chairperson of our House Congressional Black Caucus Budget Task Force, as well as a proud member of the House Democratic Budget Committee, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Virginia be permitted to control the balance of my time.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend several votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 537, Expressing support for the designation and goals of ``National 9-1-1 Education Month,'' ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 3196, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the ``E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building,'' and ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 4166, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 701 East Copeland Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the ``Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex.''

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. First, let me congratulate you for a fine piece of legislation for the safety of our coal miners and others who need to make sure that our people working in the mines across this country are safe and that they have a working atmosphere that is safe for them and for their families. I congratulate you on that act. In Michigan, in my district specifically, we have salt mines; no explosions, they aren't dangerous, and this act also covers our salt mines. I live under some of the salt mines. I live over the salt mines, I might add. They are a hundred years old. We've never had a collapse. They don't have the same requirements. They provide critical infrastructure needs that we have in our community, and have been very, very good business partners in our community for over 100 years. I worry that, with this legislation, they may be penalized and have to come under some of the limits, air limits, the larger fines, and the impact of those. So, I am asking, can you assure us that our salt mines in Michigan and my constituents, that this S-MINER will not be unfairly applied to them?

Ms. KILPATRICK. I will yield.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, Members of the House of Representatives, and people across this great Nation of ours, we have lost a jewel in Julia Carson. I met the Congresswoman some 30 years ago, and she from the legislature in Indiana and I from the legislature in Michigan served 18 years together in those legislative bodies, and then came here together in 1997 to begin our tenure in the United States House of Representatives, she from Indiana, me from Michigan. We both got assigned to the Financial Services Committee our first term, she from Indiana and I from Michigan. And together, during this 10 years of journey, we have worked together in this House of Representatives. Courageous, bold, smart, intelligent, compassionate. All those things that you want in a public servant, Julia Carson was that. To the people of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, you have lost a jewel. And all that we ask in this body of 435 of the most powerful people in the world, as well as the 100 most powerful people in the Senate, is that you send us another Julia Carson: intelligent, bold, compassionate, a coordinator, one who speaks for the people that she represents. Ms. Carson and I have had many battles and many struggles together. As was mentioned earlier by our chairperson of our Ethics Committee who is handling this Special Order tonight, she and I were in Indiana in her room with her 2 weeks ago. She looked beautiful. Her skin was radiant. Her heart was strong. And she said to us, thank you. Thank you to us as her sisters, and thank you to the people of Indiana who have been with her for over 30 years. It is important that we come together tonight as members of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as members of the Indiana caucus, because we know she lives. We know she is in these walls and looking upon us now. What are you doing, girl? What are you all talking about? Thank you, Julia. We love you, my sister. And as we continue in our journey today, let's take a little bit of Congresswoman Julia Carson with us, dedicated, compassionate, take no prisoners, speak for the least of these. Thank you, my sister. And may you rest in peace.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure and privilege that I offer the following resolution and an accolade of tribute to Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr., the assistant coaches, and the players of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School's boys football team on their stellar season. I am proud to salute this wonderful organization. This organization was honored during a special ceremony on Friday, November 30, 2007 at Cobo Hall where thousands of Detroiters paid tribute to the King Crusade. Whereas, under the skilled guidance of Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr. and Defensive Coordinator Dale Harvel, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School's boys football team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division II title, defeating Midland Dow High School by the score of 47 to 21 on Friday, November 23, 2007. Detroit King is the first Detroit Public School League (PSL) team to win a State title since the MHSAA started the playoff system in 1975. Whereas, Coach Reynolds found his calling as the head coach of the King Crusaders football team--a post he has held for 34 years; made many personal sacrifices for the sake of training his teams; gave freely of his time and focused on developing athletes, mentoring young men, and instilling the principles of good sportsmanship; and retired in June of 2007 but returned to King High School to coach football. Under Coach Reynolds's leadership, his teams have posted an impressive record of 250 wins and 106 losses; nine city championships; four regional championships; and three appearances in the State finals. Coach Reynolds is the only Detroit Public School coach who has led football teams to the Michigan State finals. Whereas, Defensive Coordinator Harvel, a valuable member of the staff, made personal sacrifices in order to help the players develop their athletic skill, good character and to abide by the principles of good sportsmanship. Mr. Harvel exhibited true team spirit by working in unison with the other coaches for the benefit of the athletes and the best results on the football field. Whereas, with a balance of excellent scoring and tough defense, Detroit King displayed great poise in setting goals for themselves at the beginning of the season by going out and making their dreams become reality through hard work and commitment. Many of the talents and characteristics they exhibited in reaching this goal will help them in all aspects of their lives. In special tribute, therefore, this resolution is dedicated to extend the highest commendation to the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, the coaching staff, and the members of the boys football team for their victorious and first MHSAA Division II Football State Championship. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the Congressional Black Caucus, we salute you. May the Congress of the United States, and the Nation, know of our collective pride in your accomplishments and achievements.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to make several votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of H.R. 3224, the Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007; ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 573--Recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and for other purposes; and ``yea'' on final passage of H. Res. 747--Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I am opposed to genocide whenever and wherever it has occurred in history and I believe that we should never forget any atrocity that occurs anywhere, at any time. While I believe that the incidents that took place in Armenia were wrong and merit acknowledgement, I have decided to withdraw my sponsorship of H.R. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Turkey is a strategic partner and one of our few friends in the Middle East. It allows us to use its air force base at Incirlik for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey's leaders have said if this resolution passes, they will withdraw our military access to this base. Because the President has distanced or destroyed our relationships with many countries as a result of the war in Iraq, we should maintain and strengthen our rapport with the few allies we have, particularly in the Middle East. However, there is a more important and fundamental reason that I have withdrawn my support. I can no longer support any resolution that condemns another country for its actions, while we here in the United States will not address and have not come to terms with the miscarriages of justice, the lack of equality, and the human rights violations that take place against our own citizens. Our poor, our women, our less educated, our people of color, and others who are disadvantaged and disenfranchised across our great country--lauded as the ``land of opportunity''--suffer daily from injustice and inequality. They lack access to affordable health care, quality education, well-paying jobs, capital, and other items necessary to give them and their families a chance at achieving the American Dream. Most recently, the President chose to veto a bill that would provide access to health care to 10 million children of working class parents. This is simply inexcusable. In the Bible, John 8:7 reads ``let him who is without sin cast the first stone.'' Here, in the United States, we are often quick to point out the faults and flaws of other countries, their leaders, and their citizens. However, before we criticize, chastise, and condemn them, we must first challenge our own imperfections, consider our own inadequacies, confront our own issues, and change our own behavior. There are human rights violations taking place all across the world, from Sudan and Syria, to Bangladesh and Burma, to Nicaragua and Colombia. Simultaneously, there are unresolved human rights challenges here in America that we have not begun to tackle. I was always taught to take care of home first. I believe that America can and should be a force for change. As a world leader, we not only have the power, but we also have the responsibility, to make a positive difference in the lives of others--here at home and in countries around the world. However, before we point the finger at anyone else, we must take a deeper, closer look at the problems that plague our cities, our communities, and our country and work to change the lives of our citizens for the better. This resolution, at this time, could undermine the efforts of the United States to prevent the Turkish military from launching an attack inside Iraq; it could create a logistical nightmare for our military women and men in Iraq and Afghanistan. If we have strained relations with Turkey, the largest Muslim ally we have in the Middle East, further damage to the standing of the United States in the Islamic world would be the immediate result. This is the right bill, but this is the wrong time. America must be what we want to see for the world.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, today, Congress, once again, wrote a prescription to the President for American children and their families that needs to be filled immediately. I am proud of the fact that Congress has sent to the Senate, and will soon send to the President, an insurance remedy for so many working families. I strongly support H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, the modified bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. Working with the Minority, we were able to quickly craft a bill that addresses the concerns of most, if not all, Members of Congress. In the wealthiest country in the world, far too many children are without health insurance. We can afford to spend $10 billion per month in a war in Iraq, but we cannot spend $35 billion over 5 years to protect our children? We cannot support those working families who cannot afford or do not have access to affordable health insurance? Over 81 percent of Americans, when asked this very question, agree with the Democratic Party that we need to take care of our children, and we need to take care of them now. Since the inception of SCHIP, the number of uninsured children has been reduced by one third. However, millions of children still remain uninsured or underinsured. The revised bill before Congress today still would expand SCHIP to cover 10 million children and increase spending on the program to $35 billion over 5 years, funded with a 61 cent per pack increase in the federal cigarette tax. The bill would limit coverage to children in families with annual incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and performance bonuses would be offered to states that enroll greater numbers of children in Medicaid. The bill also would offer performance bonuses to states that provide subsidies to employed parents to offset the cost of enrolling their children in a private health insurance plan. Passing this legislation should be a bipartisan issue. SCHIP was created to address the growing problem of children in the United States without health insurance. SCHIP assists children whose family's income falls above the threshold for Medicaid, but who still cannot afford to purchase medical insurance coverage. More than two thirds of the children who will be covered under this bill are ethnic minorities. A lack of medical insurance not only harms children, but their families and the community as a whole. Reauthorizing this bill is so important because children without health insurance do not receive regular checkups and doctor visits that every child needs. May I remind my colleagues that less than 10 miles from where we vote, a little boy died from the lack of getting a simple dental examination. Furthermore, millions of children won't get the preventive care they need and will likely receive care in emergency rooms if this bill is not reauthorized. This only drives up the cost of medical care for everyone. SCHIP gives working families the peace of mind that their children will have accessible and affordable health care. Healthy children do not get unnecessary diseases and go to school ready to learn. Healthy children become healthy teenagers, who ultimately will become healthy adults. Although children are about 30 percent of our population, they are 100 percent of our future. This $35 billion is a wise investment in the future of America. In the Bible, in the chapter of Isaiah, it says that ``the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatted domestic animal together; and a little child shall lead them.'' Today, Congress worked together to stand up for the children of our Nation. The President, and Congress, ignored the wisdom in protecting our children one time too many; it is now time to erase that mistake. We have that opportunity now. SCHIP is a smart investment in our Nation's children and working families. Congress has changed the course of the discussion of health care for our children and working families; we have confronted the crises of the lack of health insurance; we will continue the legacy of caring for some of the least of our brothers and sisters. I look forward to quick passage of this bill in the Senate, and the President's enacting this bill into law. Our children deserve no less.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, due to official business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I unavoidably missed two votes. If I had been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 1008, the motion to recommit H.R. 3963, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 1009, final passage of H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today not only as a Member of Congress, but as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, to pay tribute to an outstanding Texan and human being, Mrs. Lillie Mae White Johnson, who passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007. Mrs. Johnson was a woman of character, compassion, and courage, and she will be mourned by a large circle of family, friends and admirers. She was born January 9, 1911 in Waco, Texas. The youngest of six children born to Thomas and Sarah Burks White, she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward Johnson, and siblings Beulah White Bridgewater, Eliza White Ashford, Ella White Glasker, George White and Arthur White. Mrs. Johnson was an honor graduate of AJ Moore High School, which is located in Waco, Texas in 1929 and attended Central State Business College. She married Edward Johnson in 1931 and was a faithful and devoted wife for almost 50 years. To this marriage, four children were born; three daughters and one son. After he husband's death in 1981, she moved to Grand Prairie, Texas and made her home with her oldest daughter, Sallye Moore. At an early age, Mrs. Johnson joined the Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and later joined the Toliver Chapel Baptist Church. They were loyal and faithful members for almost 50 years. As a member of Toliver Chapel Baptist, she was active in the Women's Mission, sang in the choir, and assisted with many children's activities. Mrs. Johnson loved traveling. In addition to residing in Texas, she lived in Florida and California while her husband served in the United States Navy and pursued his career in civil service for the United Sates Department of Veteran Affairs. Mrs. Johnson was raised in a spiritually influenced home with strong family values shared with her children. Her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews are blessed to have been influenced by her deep Christian faith and joyous disposition. She was a compassionate person who loved to spend time with her children and their families. Her family will deeply miss her smile, her personal warmth, and thoughtful ways. For many years, Mrs. Johnson hosted large family dinners and catered to her family member's individual preferences. She was a founding and active member in the Mamie Robinson Social and Family Charity Club until she relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas. The Waco News Tribune in 1979 and the Delta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1980 named Mrs. Johnson ``Mother of the Year.'' After moving to Grand Prairie in 1981, she joined St. John Baptist Church. As a member of St. John, Mrs. Johnson was active in the Senior Women's Ministry, Ruth and Doris Ministry, Mission Choir, Generations Ministry and Adult Sunday School. In the community, she served as a member of the Willing Workers, Carter-Olive Senior Citizens Group and was a strong supporter of the Johnie Stanton, ``Just Say No'' Club. She especially enjoyed the fellowship of the Senior Citizen's Nutrition Group. Mrs. Johnson was a dedicated homemaker. Mrs. Johnson's love and dedication to her husband, her children, and grandchildren is what provided them with the inspiration in which to achieve their many accomplishments. She loved her home and was happiest when she was with her family. Mrs. Johnson was also an avid reader. Her children and grandchildren cherish the memories of the time she spent with them in the small library she established in the family home. She is survived by her daughters, Sallye Ruth Johnson Moore and husband, Vandine of Grand Prairie, TX, U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas, TX and Washington, DC and former husband Lacy Kirk Johnson, Lee Helen Johnson Willis of Houston, TX and husband Favor DePriest Willis, Esq. (deceased), son Carl Edward Johnson and wife Beverly; grandchildren: Gregory Dean Moore and wife Juana of PIano, TX, Dawrence Kirk Johnson and wife Sondra of Austin, TX, Karlton Jamar Johnson and Kanish JaKayel of Waco, TX; great grandchildren: Gregory Dean Moore II and Preston Andrew Moore of PIano, TX, Dawrence Kirk Johnson II, David Edward Johnson and James Lacy Johnson of Austin, TX, Jay Lynne Kourtney Johnson and Karlton Jamar Johnson II of Waco, TX; Special Niece: Luberta White Mayse of Waco, TX, Special Nephew: Robert Lee (RL) Ashford of Los Angeles, CA, sister in law: Mrs. Fannie Mae Johnson Wells of Brenham and Giddings, TX and many other special nieces and nephews and a host of family members and friends. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and our colleagues in Congress, may God carry her soul gently in her passage to peace. We know God joins with us today as we pray, ``Sleep well my good and faithful servant.'' May we all know the service to others as epitomized by Mrs. Lillie Mae White Johnson.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be removed as a cosponsor from H. Res. 106 and H. Res. 610.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to offical business in the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I was unable to attend to two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on the motion to recommit H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007, and ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007.