Joe Knollenberg

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray).

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

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize his Holiness Karekin II, the supreme patriarch and catholicos of all Armenians, as he visits St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI, during his second tour of the United States. Catholicos Karekin II was born Ktrich Nersessian in Voskehat, Armenia on August 21, 1951. He graduated from the seminary of Holy Echmiadzin with honors in 1971, and was ordained a deacon in 1970 and a monk in 1972. It was then that he received the priestly name ``Karekin.'' In the late 1970s, His Holiness Vasken I encouraged Karekin to continue his theological studies abroad, where he spent time in Vienna, Austria and Zagorsk, Russia; eventually returning to Armenia. On October 23, 1983, Karekin was consecrated as a bishop in Echmiadzin. After the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, Karekin took an active role in helping the victims overcome the devastation. His leadership is evidenced by the many schools and churches erected after the tragedy. In addition, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Karekin nurtured the usage of modern technology and telecommunications to help bring new life to his churches as well as dealing with the legacies of the Soviet era. In 1999, Karekin was elected catholicos of Armenia and of all Armenians at Echmiadzin, succeeding His Holiness Karekin I. Since his election, his holiness has fostered relations with religious leaders around the world including Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Furthermore, on October 10, 2007, he courageously stood on the floor of the House of Representatives and prayed for the victims of the Armenian genocide. Today his holiness visits Michigan and its over 100,000 citizens of Armenian descent. His message of ``bringing faith home'' is exemplified by Michigan's involvement and contributions to Habitat for Humanity here and abroad. Their willingness to support one another during difficult and troubling times is truly an inspiration to us all. Madam Speaker, I commend His Holiness Karekin II for all of his work for his faith, followers, and people of Armenia. I am proud of the many accomplishments of those he has inspired in Michigan and around the world.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the 100th anniversary of the birth of a great civic leader, Walter P. Reuther, and the rededication of Reuther Middle School in Rochester Hills, Michigan on October 28, 2007. Mr. Reuther grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia where he learned the value and practicality of trade unionism. After serving an apprenticeship in tool and die work, he left for Detroit to complete his education and join the automobile industry with both Ford and General Motors. Mr. Reuther became an active member of the United Automobile Workers (UAW), where he eventually became president of the UAW Local 174 and a member of the UAW executive board. In 1946, Mr. Reuther was elected president of the UAW, a position he held until his passing in 1970. As president of the UAW, Mr. Reuther worked to enhance job security, medical insurance, pensions, and supplemental unemployment benefits for the union members. Mr. Reuther used his position to influence far more than just labor policies. He stood beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he delivered his historic ``I Have a Dream Speech'' and was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. For all of his contributions Mr. Reuther was named in TIME magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Reuther Middle School, part of the Rochester Community School Community, was named in honor of May and Walter Reuther for their service to the school community. Opened in 1973, Reuther Junior High, as it was then named, taught 750 students in grades seven through nine. In 1986, the Rochester Community Schools changed to a middle school philosophy, serving grades six through eight, and changing the name to Reuther Middle School. In the 2003-2004 school year, the citizens of Rochester Community School District approved a bond measure to renovate Reuther Middle School. On October 28, 2007, Reuther Middle School will be officially rededicated, celebrating not only their 35th school year, but also the 100th anniversary of Mr. Walter P. Reuthers' birth. Madam Speaker, today I commend Reuther Middle School for their continued devotion to the community and their record of excellence. Let the school continue to be a tribute to a great civic and social leader, Mr. Walter P. Reuther.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the City of Bloomfield Hills, in Oakland County, Michigan which is celebrating its 75th anniversary on September 16, 2007. This city's rolling hills and beautiful gardens show why it continues to rank among Michigan's loveliest communities. Bloomfield Hills celebrates its 75th anniversary simultaneously with the 200th anniversary of Woodward Avenue, the nation's oldest by-way. The two are inextricably linked because as Woodward developed, city dwellers were able to travel north of Detroit to enjoy fresh air and relaxed country living. Originally a densely wooded wilderness inhabited by Native Americas, the Village of Bloomfield Hills grew from pastoral farms and orchards into the Estate Era, where men of vision and high ideals like, George Booth, bought huge parcels of land for summer retreats. Known by many names, including Bagley's Corners, Circle City, and Bloomfield Centre, the Village of Bloomfield Hills officially became a city in 1932 upon adoption of its City Charter. George Booth envisioned elaborate plans for the acreage he acquired in 1904, designing a church and school for the benefit of the community. The jewel of his imagination, the Cranbrook Educational Community, a nationally acclaimed educational, scientific, and artistic complex, is on of Bloomfield Hills' most notable and unique treasures. Thousands visit the historical campus each year, enjoying the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Madam Speaker, today Bloomfield Hills is a vibrant community in Oakland County that is home to over 4,000 residents, a preeminent graduate school of art, and Michigan's largest natural history museum. I congratulate them on their 75th anniversary and wish the residents many more years of prosperity.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the rising cost of health care in this country. While the nature of health care makes reaching consensus difficult, Congress must take action to make health care more affordable. For this reason, I have introduced H.R. 853, the Wellness and Prevention Act of 2007. This legislation encourages the implementation of wellness and prevention plans in the workplace. The bill allows companies and employees to collect tax credits for wellness programs. Statistics have proven that every dollar a business spends on a wellness program results in a $3 return. Furthermore, Americans will take charge of their own health, thereby increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism. I invite my colleagues to sponsor H.R. 853, because as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Congress must now act to reduce the risk of disease, encourage a healthier America and help curb the rising cost of health care.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an important problem that threatens America's position as the world's economic leader. Each year, only 70,000 students graduate from America's colleges with degrees in engineering and technology. In China, more than 700,000 students graduate per year with similar degrees. China, which has the world's fastest growing economy, is quickly becoming a dominant manufacturing power. To ensure our position as the world's global economic leader, we must encourage students to pursue careers critical to America's industries. An educated workforce will be the stimulus for our economy. Therefore, I have introduced H.R. 1568, the Henry Ford Scholarship Program Act of 2007. By providing college students pursuing engineering, math, science or health care degrees with up to a $20,000 scholarship, America will create the innovators it needs to sustain our leadership in the competitive global market. I invite my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1568. Together we can help our students afford higher education and ensure our economic well- being.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, between 1915-1923, the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against 1.5 million Armenians. As the first genocide of the 20th century, this crime against humanity has yet to gain full recognition by the United States. However, for the first time in history, the majority of Congress supports the Armenian Genocide Resolution, House Resolution 106. While scholars, historians, and the international community acknowledge the genocide, the Turkish government continues to deny this atrocity. Passing House Resolution and recognizing the Armenian genocide will help prevent other nations from being victims of such horrid tragedies. By acknowledging the events of 1915, Congress will finally recognize the history of an entire nation--a nation whose population was driven out of their homes, massacred, but never forgotten. The United States owes Armenians recognition of this great crime, and should pass House Resolution 106.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this funding for housing counseling. I know, Mr. Chairman, you have a view about hoping to see him withdraw, but there is an urgency involved here. This amendment recognizes the harsh realities that in many places across the country families face delinquencies in mortgage payments. And they're on a rapid rise. Michigan is one of those States as well. This modest amendment would add funds to professional counselors to help families keep their homes and perhaps help them avoid high-risk loans to begin with. The program has been a proven success. Michigan, like Ohio, has been experiencing a rise in delinquent loans. This increase could make a huge difference for so many families who are facing a mortgage crisis. The Inspector General has received significant increases since Katrina to ensure that it can monitor the use of funds in the reconstruction. Therefore, I do not believe the reduction will in any way impact the IG's ability to do its job, and could greatly improve the lives of many families facing a financial crisis. I do support the amendment, and I urge its adoption. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say a few words about why the Drug Elimination Grant Program was eliminated back in 2005. It was terminated in 2005 after numerous reports and investigations revealed that the program had been greatly abused and that funds were being spent for completely inappropriate activities ranging from picnics to conferences. Further, as a competitive grant program, HUD had difficulty receiving qualified applicants, and much of the funds went unspent. In fact, at the time it was terminated, almost 2 years of funds remained unspent. Instead, the Congress wisely, rather, increased the formula, the operating subsidy program, that has continued to significantly increase that program each and every year. As my colleague's amendment suggests, every activity funded by the former Drug Elimination Grant program is eligible for funding under the operating subsidy program. I think the chairman mentioned that. This is a better way to achieve the Members' objectives, since these funds are sent to the PHAs by formula, so no competition or plan is required, and because there is certainty of funding. Most importantly, it leaves it up to the PHA to determine the priorities of use of those funds. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of the time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I will be very, very brief.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I just want to make sure that we are all in agreement here. I think the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) is. I am. That should be the end of it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection. We have no objection. We accept the amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I move to strike the last word, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I, too, am opposed to this amendment. A number of planned and paid-for capital improvement projects will be delayed or completely cancelled if this amendment goes through. And I think that the discussion you've heard from the two previous speakers is enough to suggest that, as much as we may want to help the dilemma in the gentleman's Florida area, there is a lot of other land out there across this country that needs to be looked at, too. I yield to the ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. John Mica.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield now to the gentleman on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. Petri from Wisconsin.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection. We agree. We accept. Thank you.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. And likewise, I accept as well.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I accept the amendment as well.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I am willing to accept the amendment as well.