Carolyn Kilpatrick

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to congratulate all the American athletes who competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Being an Olympian is a tremendous honor, and I commend all the athletes who represented our Nation well. These athletes have dedicated long hours, sweat, and tears to accomplish the highest honor in sports. I would like to recognize the Olympians from the State of Michigan, and particularly one of my constituents Carly Piper. Carly and her 800 meter freestyle relay team had a dominating performance at the Olympic pool and earned a gold medal while setting a world record 7 minutes, 53.42 seconds, easily beating the mark of 7:55.47 set exactly 17 years earlier by the controversial East Germany team. Carly Piper, the daughter of Kenn and Carol Piper, graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 2001 and had visions of going to the Olympics. Even in high school, Carly was All-State and All-American earning respect at a young age. Attending the University of Wisconsin, Carly continued to shine in her athletic endeavors. In 2002, Ms. Piper placed third in the 1500 meter freestyle at the P66 Summer Nationals and she took fourth in the 500 yard freestyle. In 2003, she finished sixth in the 1650 yard freestyle in the NCAA Championship and won gold in the 800 meter freestyle relay at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Carly earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team by finishing fifth in the 200 meter freestyle at the U.S. trials and is the first female swimmer from the University of Wisconsin to make a U.S. Olympic Team. Carly, who is a zoology major at the University of Wisconsin, plans on becoming a veterinarian after her swimming and college careers are over. When Carly was seven years old, she told her parents that she would go to the Olympics, and little did she know, she would not only go to the Olympics but she would win the gold with a recordbreaking swim. Again, I congratulate Carly Piper for all of her dedication and hard work and the achievements she has met both personally and with her team while representing the United States in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens. She has made all in the State of Michigan proud of her victories.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary performance of two young women who have greatly contributed to my office through Congressional Black Caucus intern programs. Heather Adams, after undergoing a rigorous selection process, came to my office in late May of this year as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation intern. She has been a constant help to my staff and myself in the performance of the office operation. Though currently residing in Pickerington, Ohio, she originates from my district, Detroit, Michigan. Heather earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing at West Virginia State University. Moreover, she was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon-International Honor Society in Economics as well as a consistent Dean's List honoree. Heather has helped my legislative staff maintain correspondence with my constituents. She conducted research regarding constituent demographics, issues, and policies and organized and presented me with informative memos on key issues. As a participant in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Summer Congressional Internship Program, Heather has expressed her interest in public policy and the political process. Heather aspires to one day to work on Capitol Hill focusing on domestic and international development issues. I would also like to congratulate my Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Eleanor Holmes Norton, High School intern, Nicosia Young. Nicosia is a rising senior at Cesar Chavez Public Charter high school for Public Policy in the District. Aside from providing exceptional support to my staff, Nicosia brings with her a positive spirit and infectious laugh everyday with her to work. Always understanding and eager to help, she expresses true determination to succeed and extraordinary work ethic. Aside from her outstanding work ethic, Nicosia is also an outstanding student. While maintaining a 3.33 GPA, she has been awarded the honor of Student of the Month, and student ambassador from her high school. Her goal is to attend college following her senior year, and she aspires to become a doctor. She is a vibrant, intelligent, and unique young woman, and I am happy to have had the opportunity to get to know her, and have her in my office. I am sure that both young women will succeed in whatever they put their minds to, just as they have succeeded within my office. Again, I would like to thank both Nicosia and Heather for being such outstanding interns, and I wish them both the best in future endeavors.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to House consideration of H.R. 3313. My opposition to the bill is based on my belief that when I took my congressional oath to uphold and protect the United States Constitution and the people of America, I pledged to represent and protect all three branches of government. H.R. 3313 purports to prohibit the Supreme Court from serving as the ultimate and final arbiter on legal matters. The legislation is wrongly inspired because it reflects the arrogance of its crafters who are engaged in exercising excessive legislative authority. H.R. 3313 seeks to establish legal precedent that will allow radical ideologues to preclude the ability of the Supreme Court to hear cases and render decisions, in an effort to limit the Court's judicial authority. The consideration of this measure is the initial volley of a frontal assault on the Constitution. In my consideration of the bill I have continued to be mindful that I subscribe to a personal belief that marriage is a sacred relationship which is directly related to my strong belief in, and support of children. I also believe that children must be protected and supported so that they can thrive and replenish the earth. I worry about the welfare of our children if the Court's authority is eviscerated. If H.R. 3313 is passed, I am afraid that the Supreme Court will be stripped of its judicial authority, and ultimately its ability to fulfill its mandate to render justice. It is against this backdrop that I oppose H.R. 3313. The legislation is designed to derail the judicial process and the proponents of the bill are trying to justify their efforts by contending that they are trying to stop judicial activism. So I rise in strong opposition to this bill and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to defeat this measure. Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3313. This unwise legislation would circumvent the checks and balances guaranteed in our Constitution by irreparably altering the role of the judicial branch of government. ``The Washington Post'' stated in their July 21 editorial: ``This is as wrong as wrong can be.'' In addition to altering the very foundation of our system of government, H.R. 3313 attempts to abridge the rights of gays and lesbians. Federal courts have played an indispensable role in the enforcement of civil rights laws, often being the sole protector of minority groups, ensuring they are afforded the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans. Enacting this bill would weaken the rights of individuals seeking protection from government through the Federal courts. This bill would take away the right to judicial review established in the landmark Marbury v. Madison case of 1803. The 200 year old legal precedent set in that case established once and for all that the Federal courts have authority over Federal laws. The framers of the Constitution intended the balance of power between the branches to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. This legislation is not just about same sex marriage, it's about who we are as a country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this obstructionist legislation. As members of Congress it is our responsibility to protect the Constitution that has served us well for more than 200 years and is a model to the world of a government for and by the people.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I take this floor to pay tribute to one of Michigan's fallen sons, Army Specialist Craig Stuart Frank. Spc. Frank was a military police officer assigned to the 1775th Military Police Company out of Taylor, Michigan and deployed in Iraq. Spc. Frank was on assignment guarding a truck convoy mission from Kuwait to a location north of Baghdad when he and his comrades came under a rocket propelled grenade attack. It was on this mission that he gave his last full measure of devotion. Long before his deployment to Iraq, Spc. Frank was a hero to his family, Timothy and Linda Frank, and his friends of Lincoln Park, Michigan. He joined the military to first serve his country, but also to take advantage of the benefits to pay off his school loans. His father said that, ``he didn't want to burden us with the payments.'' Craig was studying education at Eastern Michigan University and his goal was to become a history teacher. He also showed an interest in becoming a firefighter. Craig was apparently an avid reader. He brought with him to Iraq 15 books when he was shipped out. His bookishness was a cause for much teasing from his fellow guardsmen of the 1775th. Spc. Frank's service in the Michigan National Guard and the way he conducted himself in uniform and in battle teaches us a lot about courage. Serving his country was a great source of pride to Craig, and he died on duty in the field of battle. My thoughts, prayers and tears are with the Frank family and the lady of Craig's affection, Ms. Connie Walker. Craig answered the call to duty and served his country and the State of Michigan with valor. The Army has a tradition of ``No man left behind.'' In that tradition, the story and memory of Spc. Frank will not be left behind. They continue to live on in the thoughts and stories of families and friends. To the Frank family, I wish to borrow from Abraham Lincoln's letter to Mrs. Bixby: ``I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you on the cherished memory of the loved, lost and solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.'' On behalf of a grateful nation, please accept our gratitude and deepest sorrow for your sacrifice.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 467 which declares that genocidal acts are occurring in Darfur, Sudan and are directed at the indigenous Muslim population by the Muslim government in Khartoum and in conjunction with the Janjaweed militia. The situation in Sudan is dire. The statistics are alarming and depressing. The numbers of casualities, deaths, rapes, injuries and displaced refugees beg the question, how can the world, the U.N., the United States and other civilized nations witness the murder of 30,000 innocent civilians, the forced removal of 130,000 people from their homes to Chad, and the displacement of more than one million people and do nothing. In Sudan, we are witnessing a crisis that can be stemmed by proactive international leadership, but that leadership must include decisive action. The action necessary include using every measure possible to get the government of Sudan to allow more African Union military advisors into the country to monitor events. The leadership necessary requires our government to do everything possible to isolate the current government in Khartoum as a pariah in the international community, including: implementing a travel ban on senior Sudanese officials, establishing an embargo on all arms, freezing all government assets and the assets of affiliated organizations for the Sudanese government until such time as it modifies its behavior, and begins to feed and protect the civilian Sudanese population. And finally, we must strive to ensure that food, medicine, clothing and peacekeepers are delivered to the Darfur region of Sudan before the rainy season descends upon the weak, defenseless and despairing masses in Sudan. We must send the message to the Sudanese government and to the Sudanese people that the inhumane acts undertaken by Muslims against other ethnic African Muslims is deplorable and disgraceful. The religion of Islam which is predicated on values of peace and tolerance is being tainted and shamed by a minority segment of the government that sanctions genocide and denies it is occurring. I rise in strong support of this resolution and encourage my colleagues to stand up for the people of Darfur, Sudan and to challenge and shame the government of Sudan into taking appropriate action to rectify an ever expanding tragedy.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, personal reasons prevent me from being present for legislative business scheduled for today, Monday, July 19, 2004. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 1587, the Viet Nam Human Rights Act of 2003 (rollcall No. 391); ``yea'' on S. Con. Res. 114, a resolution concerning the importance of the distribution of food in schools to hungry or malnourished people around the world (rollcall No. 392); and ``yea'' on S. 2264, the Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act (rollcall No. 393).

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I first want to commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), my chairman, and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), our ranking member, for the fine job they have done on this bill. It is not a perfect bill, but it is a bill that we can live with and work for. There is much distress around the world, and this bill begins to address some of that. I, too, am a little upset about a part of the rule that did not allow for some very serious debate, as well as some help, for the children and the women who live around this world who need attention that this bill, unfortunately, because of our limited means, is unable to address. I do commend the rule for continuing the process and that we fund Haiti and begin to help that Western hemisphere's poorest country to begin to get back to normal. Also, the Sudan, as my colleagues know now, in the Darfur region of the Sudan, genocide is taking place, and this bill begins to address that, but I wish and hope that we will withhold our money to Sudan until they, the leadership in Khartoum, addresses the Darfur problem. It is unfortunate, and I hope that we move forward in that regard. HIV/AIDS is a pandemic in the world. In just completing the World Conference in Thailand, we heard many, many stories about it and what is happening in the world. Africa, Asia, the former Soviet Union, India, it is a pandemic that must be addressed. This bill offers $2.5 billion for that, the largest we have ever appropriated. We wish we could do more. It is unfortunate that one of the amendments offering $800 million more is not going to be able to be offered today, but overall, it is a good bill, not a perfect bill. We must do more to help our neighbors around the world.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, to my ranking member, I thank her for yielding me this time. I first want to commend the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) for running and steering the committee in such a way that we all have input and are able to offer our deals and suggestions, and that he incorporates them in this bill. I rise to support the Foreign Operations bill that is before us this afternoon. It is a good bill. If we had more money, of course we could do better and do more things; but the bill before us is a good bill, and I would urge all of our colleagues to support it. The funding that is included for Haiti is to be commended, $50 million more than was asked for; and, as my colleagues know, they have been under floods and other kinds of problems, and people are dying daily. Children are dying daily. In the Sudan as well. I call upon the United Nations to get involved, Security Council. We have $311 million in this bill, and I as one Member would ask that we not move forward until the Sudanese government works for all of its people to protect all of the women and children and the people of the Sudan. I want to thank the chairman for accepting the amendment that we offered for our small businesses here in America. Already, small businesses can contract with our government and get contracts after they go through a procurement process. This Foreign Operations bill under my leadership also now allows our American businesses to contract and do business abroad under the same provisions that we have for our domestic businesses. So it is another opportunity for businesses to grow their bottom line and to employ more people. I too rise against the amendment that will be offered later that will take money out of Egypt's foreign military assistance and put it in another part of the Egypt budget. I am told from my staff and others and the Egypt embassy that they do not want that money moved at this time, and they work well with Israel to keep that money in their foreign military assistance account. UNICEF, United Nations Children's Education Fund, we have upped the number in this bill, so there are many good provisions in this bill. I urge my colleagues to support it. I commend the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe), and our ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) and all our committee for working together in a bipartisan way to bring a good Foreign Ops bill to the floor. I urge the acceptance of my colleagues.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I first want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), as well as our ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), for working with us as we put together what we consider the best bill under the circumstances of our 302(b) allocation. The amendment before us deals with small businesses in America. Currently, the procedure of the Federal Government is that they work with small businesses to get them into the procurement process so that they can grow their business and hire the people of America. This amendment today that will be a part of the Foreign Operations bill, and my chairman has accepted it, and I thank him very much, and I know that he will protect it as it goes through the process, will allow the small businesses of America to also procure government contracts for the international assistance that we give. I recently met with my truck and bus owners and those who do parts on those buses and trucks, and what they said to me was they need assistance in getting some of the foreign contracts where we are buying trucks and buses and the like. This is an attempt to help those businesses and other small businesses in America who can and will assist as we rebuild communities around the world. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the ranking member on the Committee on Small Business. (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We do believe that the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) will protect the amendment. It is a stimulant that our small businesses need so that they can grow their businesses and hire more of our American citizens as well as refund their lost taxes from local communities around the country. With that, I again would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey). Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), for his leadership on this issue. As members of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, I first also want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), as well as the gentleman from California (Chairman Lewis) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), for letting us work together on the problems of the world, or, if you will, the good things about the world. Our Subcommittee on Foreign Operations of the Committee on Appropriations handles much of that. I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for his leadership on this issue. The Sudan is an oil-rich country in Africa where the Sudanese government, headquartered in Khartoum, I believe is in cahoots with the Janjaweed who are wreaking havoc on the geographic areas of Darfur in Sudan. As was mentioned by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), the elements of genocide are prevalent. Those five things that are outlined that define genocide, when members of groups are being killed, and they are in Darfur; causes serious bodily harm and injury to any member of that group, and they are doing that as well; causes permanent impairment of mental faculties to the group through drugs, torture, and similar techniques; and they are doing that in that region of the Sudan; and it goes on and on. I call upon the United Nations, which must act immediately. The Security Council today must meet and act immediately. Secretary Powell has gone and seen the tragedy. Our member, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), has gone to see the tragedy. Also, Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations. We can wait no longer. The Security Council must act. There needs to be an international force in the Sudan today. There is no need for the Janjaweed and the Sudanese government, who we help, by the way, who we also send money to, who we also have our NGOs, our nongovernmental organizations working in Sudan. Let us cut off the funds if they are not going to save the people; we should cut off the funds. These are U.S. tax dollars going into the Sudan; and at the same time, they are wreaking genocidal havoc where more than 1 million Sudanese will die if we do not do something over the next month. So I call upon the United Nations, Kofi Annan, Secretary General, the Security Council, those 17 countries who make the decisions. And, yes, oil. No one says it, but there is oil, land-rich oil that is in that region of the world. Many international countries are there, like Canada, my neighbor from Michigan, like the EU. We call upon you, in spite of the oil investments, to save the lives of millions of people in Darfur who find themselves being afflicted by genocide in their own government. I am a mother and I am a grandmother, and I believe that children are the basis for which we live. Raising your own children, it is one struggle and one thing that you have to do; but it is the grandchildren and generations beyond whom we must leave this great world for. So again, I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for his leadership, as well as the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe), the gentleman from California (Chairman Lewis), and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey.) The Sudan must not go unanswered. America is the power of the world, and we can determine, America, Mr. President, the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, that we must today stop the genocide. Call it what it is. Use the genocide term and those things that respond to it that the United Nations in an international way can do it. The U.S. could not do it alone, but the G-8 countries and the Security Council of the United Nations must stand up. Genocide is a horrible thing to happen in our lifetime. Too many people died that we might have alive today to be leaders, to be parents, to be the free world and not speak up one more time. So, Mr. Speaker and members of the subcommittees, time has passed for many children who are dying as we speak. We have the resources in our 2005 appropriation. We need the leadership today to stand up, to go to the Sudan, as Secretary Powell has already done, to go to the Sudan with the resources that they need. You see, they are having problems even getting food and supplies to the Darfur region where they need them today. So, Mr. Annan, Mr. President, please rise up. The children are calling.

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, absolutely it is front page. Absolutely we have to get it on everyone's radar screen. It is just as important as anything else we might do in the world, because we are talking about human life, because we are talking about people dying hourly as we speak. We must. And the news media, print, audio, video, all have a responsibility, and the international community, to speak up.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, personal reasons will prevent me from being present for legislative business scheduled after 2 p.m. today, Friday, July 9, 2004. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Gordon (rollcall No. 355); ``yes'' on the amendment offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee (rollcall No. 356); ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Larson (rollcall No. 357); ``aye'' on the motion to recommit the bill H.R. 3598 (rollcall No. 358). personal explanation Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, due to a family commitment, I was not present in the Chamber on Friday, July 9, to cast my votes on rollcalls 355 through 358. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on each measure.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, 3\1/2\ years ago when the Bush administration took over, our country had a $236 billion surplus. We also had created in the Clinton administration 22 million new jobs. Today we are in deficit. The deficit will be higher than it ever has been in the history of our country, nearly $500 billion. Today we are losing jobs to outsourcing. And what do the President's advisers say? Outsourcing is good. President Bush was in Michigan yesterday. Did he talk about our economy, how we are going to save our jobs, how we are going to keep higher tuition from going up? A 26 percent increase in tuition. How are America's children going to learn and have the opportunities they must have? Something is wrong with this ticket. We have a new ticket: Kerry- Edwards, a new America for new people, so children can prosper, so that our schools can be well, so that our health system can be back to what it ought to be. I say to America, come on, get out. It is their turn, express their views. A new America for a new American family.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, personal reasons prevent me from being present for legislative business scheduled for today, Friday, June 25, 2004. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Sanders (rollcall No. 321); ``no'' on the amendment offered by Mrs. Wilson of New Mexico (rollcall No. 322); ``aye'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Meehan (rollcall No. 323); ``no'' on the amendment offered by Mr. Hefley (rollcall No. 324); and ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 4614, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (rollcall No. 325).

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, just 3 short years ago when this administration took over, there was $236 billion surplus, 22 million jobs had been created, and the country was experiencing its lowest drop in poverty in a decade. Now, all those trends have reversed themselves. Today the unemployment rate is 30 percent higher. 8.2 million people are looking for work, and more jobs are disappearing in our country every day. Outsourcing, sending good manufacturing jobs out of our country. I am from the State of Michigan. We have lost over 200,000 jobs and 136,000 of those in the manufacturing sector. Something must be done. We must take care of American citizens first. People are paying more for their food, for their clothing, for their gasoline. We have got to do something about this. Let us invest in America and American families. Health care is a debacle. We can fix that. America needs new leadership. Make sure you get out and extend your right.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H. Res. 691. My position is consistent with my opposition to our invasion of Iraq and my belief that any congratulations we extend to the interim government are muted by the reality of ongoing death and mayhem that occur daily in Iraq. Additionally, I want to express my condolences to all of the victims of our invasion into Iraq. My heart is heavy for the Iraqi families that have suffered permanent losses as a result of the war and continuing insurgency efforts. Furthermore, I mourn for the families of U.S. and foreign military personnel; valiant soldiers, men and women, who have sacrificed their lives to promote the reality of freedom for Iraqis. However, Mr. Speaker, I disagree with many of the notions put forward in the resolution because I believe some of them are simplistic, naive and wrong. While it is true that Iraqis have participated in elections, widespread antagonisms persist and violent behavior continues to be directed at our forces. Our soldiers are imperiled because of how and why they entered Iraq, in addition to their continued presence in Iraq. Second, the notion that Iraq is more secure now than before is also wrong. While it is true that the government of Saddam Hussein was toppled, Iraq continues to be a besieged nation. Violence is prevalent, and the victims of the bombings and assassinations are largely innocent Iraqis. I appreciate the spirit in which the Resolution was drafted, but I strongly disagree with the underlying premise that we are celebrating the Iraqi freedom. Iraqis will not be free until they are capable of installing a representative government devoid of foreign intervention. Iraqis will not be free until they overcome the challenges of enfranchising diverse segments of its diverse population of Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites into a form of democracy that suits their needs and not the designs of the United States. Finally, while June 30, 2004 is a monumental date for the people of Iraq. We should not delude ourselves, nor mislead the people of Iraq that in the near term, democracy will bear the fruit of liberty and peace that they have been promised. As a mother and grandmother who worries about the future of our Nation and the world, I am ruled by my conscience, and my conscience dictates that I cast a ``no'' vote on H. Res. 691.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today the House considered House Concurrent Resolution 460 regarding efforts to promote peace and security regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I gave thorough consideration to the resolution language and felt compelled to cast a nay vote. I voted against the resolution because in my congressional district I have one of the largest Arab and Islamic populations in the nation. My vote reflected my humanitarian instincts, and my refusal to support language that was not inclusive. Although I reject terrorism and inhumane treatment by any person or government, I contend that the resolution failed to address fundamental and grave implications regarding the dangerous and ongoing conflict in the region. The resolution addressed Prime Minister Sharon's efforts to promote peace and security, and his dialog with President Bush. A major failure of the resolution is that it did not address other themes I consider important, specifically, the pain and suffering occurring in the region. Although the resolution addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it said nothing about the plight of Palestinian civilians. Additionally, while Arab States are called upon to be part of the fight against terrorism, the resolution language did not acknowledge the difficulties confronting Palestinians. While I recognize the efforts of Israel to make concessions regarding thorny issues associated with land settlements, I believe much more needs to be done. Finally, the resolution failed to strike the humanitarian chord and sense of fairness that is essential if peace and security are to be realized in that region of the world.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Detroit Pistons and their Coach, Larry Brown, for winning the 2004 National Basketball Association Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, four games to one. Congratulations for Most Valuable Player Chauncey Billups, Richard ``Rip'' Hamilton who was the high scorer for the Pistons in game five with 21 points, leading rebounder Ben ``Fear the Fro'' Wallace with 22 rebounds, Tayshaun Prince with his great defense against Kobe Bryant, and Rasheed Wallace who helped neutralize Shaquille O'Neal and scored 11 points. The Detroit team displayed unstoppable teamwork, determination and perseverance to bring this championship to Detroit. I credit former Detroit ``Bad Boy'' and President of the Detroit Pistons' organization, Joe Dumars for assembling this team. He traded Grant Hill for Ben Wallace and acquired Rasheed Wallace in a trade in February. Dumars was on the Detroit Pistons' Championship teams in 1989 and 1990. The Las Vegas betting lines had the Pistons the 6-1 underdogs going into the finals against the Lakers. I suppose a lot of people lost a lot of money after this team pulled off the biggest upset in NBA finals history. This is a great year for Pistons' owner Bill Davidson whose Detroit Shock won the WNBA Championship last season, Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup this season and now the Detroit Pistons winning the NBA Championship. This team believed in themselves and the Detroit fans knew they could win it all. Go Pistons--National Basketball Association World Champions 2004.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on June 17, 2003, I was in my congressional district on official business and unable to vote on H.R. 4520. Had I been here I would have cast a ``yes'' vote on the motion to recommit, and a ``no'' vote on final passage. My opposition to H.R. 4520 was based on a number of factors. First, the majority opted to employ a closed-rule which precluded consideration of the Rangel alternative that would have removed the provisions that provide incentives to move jobs overseas. The Rangel alternative included all the extenders that Representative Thomas added to his bill, such as small business expensing, R&D tax credit, and renewable energy--wind, solar--credits. The Rangel alternative would have provided the same temporary foreign income repatriation provision contained in the Senate Grassley/Baucus bill. The Rangel alternative provided a permanent solution on deductibility of State and local sales taxes, as opposed to the 2-year, limited provision under the Thomas bill. The Rangel alternative did not add to the deficit, and it dropped controversial revenue raisers from H.R. 4520--such as outsourcing tax collections to private debt collectors--and strengthened tax shelter provisions and rules that crack down on corporate expatriates. In essence Chairman Thomas cobbled together a variety of corporate tax breaks, extenders, and other sweeteners that have nothing to do with reforming international tax law. Fundamentally, H.R. 4520 pushed tax breaks for overseas investment and jobs abroad. During a time of historic job loss in America, H.R. 4520 retained as its core, $35 billion in incentives to U.S. firms to invest overseas. In my district, there is a need for domestic jobs, not out-sourced jobs. My constituents want American jobs and companies to remain here. Finally, H.R. 4520 will add to the deficit. At a time of historic deficits and without a realistic budget plan, instead of simply solving a $4 billion problem, H.R. 4520 includes nearly $150 billion in gross tax cuts with a net cost of $34 billion over the 10 years. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4520 will generate tremendous economic misery on Americans who can least afford it, and will benefit corporations that have shipped desperately needed jobs in America overseas. Had I been here, my ``no'' vote would have symbolized my conviction that perpetual tax cuts and deficit spending have to stop.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, personal reasons prevent me from being present for legislative business scheduled for today, Thursday, June 17, 2004. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on ordering the previous question (rollcall No. 256); ``no'' on H. Res. 681, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4520 (rollcall No. 257); ``aye'' on the motion offered by Mr. Rangel to recommit the bill H.R. 4520 (rollcall No. 258); ``no'' on final passage of H.R. 4520 (rollcall No. 259); ``aye'' on approving the Journal (rollcall No. 260); ``aye'' on the amendment to H.R. 4568 offered by Mr. Hinchey (rollcall No. 261); ``aye'' on the amendment to H.R. 4568 offered by Mr. Sanders (rollcall No. 262); ``aye'' on the amendment to H.R. 4568 offered by Mr. Holt (rollcall No. 263); and ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 4568 (rollcall No. 264).

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, since women were allowed to serve in combat, we have been stunned from time to time by stories of sexual assault and abuse within military circles. In response to numerous reports of female troops deployed in Iraq being sexually assaulted by fellow soldiers, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld established a task force to review its policies and programs concerning sexual assault and the treatment and support of victims. Several weeks ago the Sexual Assault Task Force reported its findings, and it put a spotlight on serious deficiencies in the way the military has handled sexual assault cases. For example, the Department of Defense has no system for tracking reports of sexual assault; a lack of privacy and confidentiality dissuades victims from reporting incidents of sexual abuse; DoD lacks uniform policies and program to coordinate care and support for sexual assault victims; and there is no commonly accepted definition of sexual assault. The Secretary's Task Force report does a good job of identifying shortcomings in its management of sexual abuse cases, but it is wanting in arriving at hard solutions for eliminating the problem. For that reason, I am introducing legislation today that would authorize the establishment of the Office of Victim Advocate at the Secretary level. The DoD Office of the Victim Advocate would provide access to services for victims and survivors associated with the military. Moreover, it would establish policies procedures and practices by which the privacy and confidentiality of persons seeking assistance for assaults and abuse inflicted upon them by military personnel can be protected. The Office would review complaints of persons and investigate the ones where victims may be in need of or benefit from services of a victim advocate. The proposed Office would evaluate the delivery of services by the various military departments and coordinate the services provided by those departments. The Defense Department can be more aggressive in its handling of sexual abuse cases and that is the goal and mission of the Office of the Victim Advocate. I am hopeful that my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee will assign this issue a high priority within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and support this legislation.

Ms. KILPATRICK

Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, how about those National Basketball Association World Champion Detroit Pistons? Congratulations. We applaud and appreciate their fine work as they swept the Los Angeles Lakers. To Mr. Davidson, Coach Brown, and the entire Piston organization, job well done. Mr. Speaker, I say a special thanks to Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton, and the Most Valuable Player of the series, Chauncey Billups. On behalf of Mayor Kilpatrick, the people of Detroit, and the entire State of Michigan, we congratulate the Pistons. A team effort--which is what life is all about. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) mentioned, we have a resolution and invite all of our colleagues to cosponsor. You go, Pistons. We appreciate and love you very much.