Randy Kuhl

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I recently sat and listened to the debate on the prior attempt to bring a motion to recommit on a significant issue, that being the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. If the gentleman would amend his unanimous consent request to include that so we might have a vote, I would be happy to.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 215, which would support the designation of a week as National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week. I would first like to thank my colleague, Mr. Boren from Oklahoma, for joining me in introducing I this resolution and for his efforts in promoting CPR. I am truly grateful for his leadership and support on this issue. I introduced this legislation because I believe that we must do all we can to bolster our efforts to combat heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 325,000 coronary heart disease deaths occur outside of the hospital or in an emergency room every year, and roughly 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before even reaching a hospital. These statistics serve as a clear reminder that we must take action to save lives at the local and community levels, and this resolution helps to do just that. CPR more than doubles a victim's chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest by maintaining the vital flow of blood to the heart and the brain. Over 75 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur within the home, so CPR can mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, automated external defibrillators are easy for even bystanders to operate and are highly effective in restoring a normal heart rhythm if used within minutes after the onset of sudden cardiac arrest. Communities with comprehensive AED programs have achieved survival rates of over 40 percent. I am proud to have sponsored the New York State law that required public schools to have at least one such device on school grounds. As a State Senator, I worked with State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg to advance this initiative after a young man from his area, on Long Island, by the name of Louis Acompora died from a blunt impact to the chest while playing lacrosse. Had an AED been available at the time, his life might have been saved. Thankfully, our efforts have helped to save over 35 lives in New York State in the five years since the law's enactment. The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council are preparing related public awareness and training campaigns to be held during the first week of June, and I am pleased to support this bill as a framework for their efforts. This resolution will help us to save lives across the country and combat heart disease at the community level. I urge my colleagues to join myself and Mr. Boren in supporting H. Con. Res. 215.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 709, recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, and for such other purposes. Congressman Samuel Rayburn was born on January 6, 1882, in a rural area of Roane County, Tennessee. His interest in government coincided with his family's move to Texas, and it has been suggested that his curiosity intensified through the ``great golden age of Texas politics.'' As he worked his family's cotton fields, Congressman Rayburn imagined himself making numerous political speeches and engaging in debates with current political leaders. Later in his life, Congressman Rayburn recalled that it was during one of these flights of imagination that he decided he would pursue a career in law and politics. By 1937, Congressman Rayburn was elected majority leader of the 75th Congress, and in 1940 he was selected to replace the deceased William Bankhead as Speaker of the House, a position he held for a record number 17\1/2\ years. During the 80th and 83rd Congresses, the two periods of Republican majorities in the House of Representatives, he served as minority leader. During his time in Congress, Congressman Rayburn served with eight different Presidents and helped to pass several pieces of key legislation. He served as Speaker of the House throughout World War II and was instrumental in garnering support to fund the Manhattan Project. Known by most as ``Mr. Democrat,'' Mr. Rayburn was permanent chairman of the National Democratic Convention in 1948, 1952, and 1956, and was named honorary chairman in 1960. Throughout his political career, the congressman was known for his ability to balance his strong Democratic partisanship with his unwavering sense of dedication to meeting the needs of the American people through working in bipartisan ways with Republicans. Despite the status he was able to achieve in Washington as Speaker, he was still known as ``informal'' and a ``down home kind of guy'' who returned to his home in Bonham as soon as Congress adjourned for the session. When home, Congressman Rayburn would meet with his constituents concerning their needs, maintaining that his obligation was to the people and it wasn't finished. Congressman Rayburn accomplished much during his lifetime by the fulfillment of his dream to become a politician. And he is a source of pride for those all over northeast Texas. Sam Rayburn passed away in Bonham, Texas, on November 16, 1961, and was buried at the Willow Wild Cemetery, a few blocks from the Rayburn Library and Museum. His remains laid in state for 24 hours in the library he had established in October 1957 as a tribute to the people of his cherished Fannin County, Texas. Thousands of mourners from schoolchildren to national officials filed silently past his bronze coffin in tribute to his service and dedication. The Texas Department of Public Safety estimated that 15,000 people filled the streets on the day of Rayburn's funeral. President John Kennedy, former Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman and future President Lyndon Johnson attended the funeral services. The entire Texas congressional delegation and 105 Members of Congress attended the services, many of whom came to the library. Today, the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum exhibits photographs and original letters, political artifacts, and personal memorabilia relating to important events of the life and times of Congressman Rayburn. In addition to a research library, the museum centerpiece is a replica of the formal office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I thank the gentleman who sits behind me for whom I will yield in just a moment, Mr. Hall, for introducing this resolution and I ask my colleagues' support. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall).

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 365, honoring San Jose State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education. I would like to thank my good friend, Mr. Honda, for introducing the resolution, and certainly my friend from New York for managing the bill on the floor tonight and recognizing the important role San Jose State University plays in educating the citizens of California and many other States and nations. San Jose State University was founded as a California State Normal School by the California legislature on May 4, 1857, and is the oldest public university in California. The California State Normal School was itself derived from the Minns Evening Normal School, which was also known as the San Francisco Normal School. Led by Principal George W. Minns, the San Francisco Normal School trained elementary teachers as part of that city's high school system from 1857 to their professional development and personal growth. Silicon Valley firms are constantly seeking San Jose State University students for internships, summer work programs, and research and development. For a century and a half, San Jose State University faculty and staff has prepared its students for roles as leaders and highly productive professionals and citizens in society. There is no better way of understanding San Jose State University's economic impact than simply visiting any Silicon Valley workplace, whether it is a tech company, government office, a hospital, or classroom, many of the people you will meet have ties to San Jose State University. In fact, San Jose State University has sent nearly 300,000 graduates into the workforce since it was founded in 1857, and I am honored to stand here today in support of this resolution and would say to my fellow colleagues: I would like you to support and congratulate San Jose State University's Don W. Kassing and all of the faculty and staff as well as San Jose State University students and alumni. I wish them continued success, and I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York. I have no additional speakers on this side. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 62, to honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States and for other purposes. The strength of our Nation comes from its people; and as the early inhabitants of this great land, the native peoples of North America played a unique role in shaping our Nation's history and culture. Native Americans are the descendants of the indigenous native people who were the original inhabitants and governors of the lands that now constitute the United States of America. It was their tribal governments that developed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation of powers. They're a model for those that formed the foundation of the United States Constitution. The Founding Fathers based the provision of the Constitution on the unique system of democracy of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Iroquois divided powers amongst the branches of government and provided for a system of checks and balances. Native Americans have made a distinct and significant contribution to the United States and to the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, art, among other things. And Native Americans have distinguished themselves, as my friend Mr. Baca has noted, as inventors, as entrepreneurs, as spiritual leaders and scholars, among a few. Their unique spiritual, artistic and literary contributions, together with their vibrant customs and celebrations, enliven and enrich our land today. As we move into the 21st century, Native Americans will play a vital role in maintaining our Nation's strength and prosperity. Almost half of America's Native American tribal leaders have served in the United States Armed Forces, following in the footsteps of their forebears, who distinguished themselves during the world wars and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Native Americans should be recognized for the contributions they have made to the fabric of our American society. This recognition will afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their respect and admiration of Native Americans for their important contributions to the political, the cultural, and the economic life of the United States. The designation of Native American Heritage Day will encourage public elementary and secondary schools in the United States to enhance Americans by providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the Nation, and the designation of the Friday following Thanksgiving of each year as Native American Heritage Day will underscore the government-to- government relationship between the United States of America and Native American governments. On this day we should call on all Americans to learn more about the history and the heritage of the native peoples of this great land. Such actions reaffirm our appreciation and most certainly our respect for their traditions and their way of life, and can help to preserve an important part of our culture for generations yet to come. Mr. Speaker, I join my friend and colleague, Representative Baca, in supporting the resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York. We have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1064, adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3222, Defense Appropriations, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. I yield back the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 472, congratulating and commending the Wichita State University's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship. On April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University Shockers, as they are called, women's bowling team defeated McKendree College two games to none to claim their eighth national championship. In game one, both teams went head-to-head in a low-scoring match. However, the Shockers were able to capitalize on a McKendree split and pull out a win 138-128. Close match. In the second match, the Shockers completely outplayed McKendree as senior Felicia Wong and junior Emily Maier doubled in the third and fourth frame and again in the eighth and the ninth to close out the match and claim the title. This year's title is the team's first since 2005 and the eighth overall, which is the most in all of college bowling history. This title also adds to the amazing legacy of Wichita State bowling, as it is the 15th in school history, eight women's titles, seven men's titles. Founded in 1895, Wichita State University offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in six undergraduate colleges. The graduate school offers an extensive program, including 44 master's degrees in more than 100 areas and a specialist in education degree. It offers doctoral degrees in applied mathematics and chemistry, communicative disorders and sciences, psychology, educational administration and aerospace, and electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering. Together with the City of Wichita, Wichita State University has built one of the most unique partnerships in Kansas, one that over the years has propelled each to new heights. I extend my congratulations to head coach Gordon Vadakin, women's coach Mark Lewis, assistant women's coach Kristal Scott and President Donald Beggs, all of the hard-working players, certainly the fans and to Wichita State University. I am happy to join my colleague, Representative Todd Tiahrt, in honoring an exceptional team in all its accomplishments and wish all involved continued success. I ask my colleagues certainly to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Yes, Madam Speaker, I have one, and if it would be appropriate, I yield 5 minutes at this time to my colleague Mr. Tiahrt from Kansas.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 762, supporting the goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. In practical terms, bullying happens when one child purposely hurts, scares or intimidates another. Bullying can seriously affect the mental and physical health as well as the academic work of children who are targeted. Bullying can take place face to face, online or through other types of technology, such as text messaging over cell phones. The person being bullied has a difficult time defending himself or herself and feels victimized or abused. Usually bullying happens repeatedly, and studies show that between 15 and 25 percent of U.S. students are bullied with some frequency. Bullying is prevalent, and children are concerned about it. In a 2003 Harris poll of 8- to 17-year-old girls commissioned by the Girl Scouts of America, bullying topped girls' lists of concerns regarding their safety. When asked what they worried most about, the common response was being socially ostracized, being made fun of, or being teased. To protect kids who are bullied, parents and adults must understand what bullying is, how harmful it can be, and the best ways to stop bullying behaviors. According to the American Psychological Association, the most effective prevention strategies are comprehensive in nature, involving the entire school as a community working to change the climate of the school and norms of behavior. It's crucial that parents, educators and administrators, health care professionals and researchers work together to reduce bullying. Campaigns are taking place in the U.S. and abroad to teach children that they play an important role in the prevention of bullying and to raise awareness of the problem among adults. Children should feel comfortable in their communities and in their schools. They should not have to fear harassment, abuse or exclusion. We must continue to support efforts to combat bullying. I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for introducing this resolution. I ask for my colleagues' support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I might inquire as to whether or not the gentlewoman from New York has any additional speakers.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I would thank the gentlewoman for bringing this resolution to the floor once again, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor on House Resolution 106.

Mr. KUHL

Mr. KUHL. Madam Speaker, the poem below was written by Albert Carey Caswell in honor of Corporal Jason L. Dunham of the United States Marine Corps. Corporal Dunham gave his life for his country while serving in Iraq, absorbing the brunt of a grenade explosion in a selfless act of bravery on April 14, 2004, thereby saving the lives of two of his fellow Marines. Corporal Dunham's undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death earned him the Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest award for valor, on January 11, 2007. Corporal Dunham is survived by his family in Scio, New York. One, One Fine Thing . . . As to this our world, your heart so surely brings! All in your choices, All through your most sacred inner voices . . . As to our Nation, the blessings you've bestowed upon her . . . which so ring! All in The Face of Death, When, your oh so magnificent courage so seems to crest! For in these, are the things which so makes an angel's heart sing . . . no less! All in that moment! There between life and death, A Freedom Fighter . . . at his best! All in these moments, of which we are now so left . . . to carry with us, until our deaths! Children of God! Who cry, when their brothers and sisters in arms . . . so fall and die! Yet, marching on . . . ever onward until the evil is gone, as where courage is born! To Give All! To Hear That Most Noble Of All Calls! To go forth, in that of death's course . . . for One Fine Thing, While Standing Tall! To give up your young promising life! To go so boldly forth, all in your course . . . and so gallantly to sacrifice! But All, to stand In The Shadow of Death . . . and not look away, nor think twice! Rise . . . to Heaven, my Fine Son! Jason, for you in your angelic glow . . . have Heaven so won! As you died, so others may live . . . your life, the most precious of all gifts one could give! While, in That Moment, When, who lives and who dies . . . where the most splendid of all courage so lies! As it was you, Jason the one so who my fine son . . . The Congressional One, who so gave his life! As now I cry! Knowing full well, how so beautifully you died . . . Maybe a child, who'll save the world . . . a boy or girl, from that One Fine Thing unfurled which lies! To bring, in your being . . . and in your life . . . Could you, would we, would you . . . the courage find, in this your life's meaning so divine! To somehow find, to give to this our world all in our time . . . but, One Fine Thing!

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Friday of this past week, New York's Governor, Eliot Spitzer, announced his immigration policy, which allows immigrants, including those entering the country illegally, to obtain driver's licenses. This decision solidifies the need for more aggressive immigration legislation in these United States. Why are we rewarding the people who are coming here illegally at the expense of others who are law-abiding citizens? Inviting potential terrorists into the State and allowing them to drive whenever they wish undermines the preventive measures that protect our country from national security threats. Let's not forget that September 11, 2001, hijackers had at least 35 licenses which helped them to rent cars and open bank accounts. In addition, it will wreak havoc on our social services programs and create a massive flooding of illegal immigrants to New York State, straining our resources in our schools and our hospitals. We need real immigration legislation that strengthens our borders and does not diminish our national security by granting more privileges to those who have entered this country illegally.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, for the last several years my colleagues on the Education and Labor Committee have worked to renew, and indeed improve, the Higher Education Act. Last Congress, we passed H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, which made important reforms to the Pell Grant program, the Perkins loan program, and provided more accountability in the area of college costs. Unfortunately, the Senate was not able to act, and the legislation died. This Congress, the House has passed the reforms to address some of the problems that have arisen in the student loan industry and has passed legislation that made changes to the mandatory spending programs under the Higher Education Act through the reconciliation process. As of yesterday, the Senate has passed both the reconciliation bill and the Higher Education Act reauthorization bill. The latest extension of the Higher Education Act expires on July 31, 2007. Today, we are passing another extension through October 31, 2007. It is my hope that the House will soon renew the remaining Higher Education Act, but in the meantime Congress must once again act to extend this bill, which we have done so previously on several occasions with bipartisan support. So today I rise in support of legislation to do so once again. S. 1868, the second Higher Education Act of 2007, will ensure that vital Federal college access and student aid programs continue, I repeat continue, to serve those students who depend upon them. This legislation extends the Higher Education Act for a brief time, just 3 months. At the same time, S. 1868 also gives Congress additional time to complete a review of the remaining higher education programs as well. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill before us today and work with us in the coming months to complete a fundamental reform package so that we can better serve the American students pursuing a college education. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, we have been doing some serious work here. While the Members are departing for a district work period, I want to inform the rest of the House that 2 nights ago, a horrible accident happened in my district, in Canandaigua, New York, that took the lives of five young women from Fairport who were on their way to spend time on Keuka Lake, which is where I live. All five of these young women were cheerleaders at Fairport High School and had just graduated from high school a week ago. They were all looking forward to a bright, fun summer together on the lake with friends, four of whom were riding in a car behind them and were, thankfully, uninjured. Madam Speaker, I am here to mourn the loss of Hannah Congdon. Hannah was known by friends as ``constant sunshine.'' She never said a negative word about anyone and was always smiling. Bailey Goodman. The girls were headed to Bailey's family cottage on Keuka Lake. Bailey was the team's entertainment, according to her friends, and could always make her teammates laugh. Meredith McClure. Meredith was known as the team's hardest worker, always the first one to try a new jump or a stunt. Sara Monnat. Sara was jokingly referred to as the team ``boss.'' She would motivate and encourage her team in an amiable way, and was a born leader. And Katherine Shirley. Katie loved her friends. She would spend hours putting together scrapbooks and surrounding herself with photos of her and her friends. I offer my prayers and condolences to the families, friends and neighbors of these beautiful young women who were so violently taken from us. I also rise, Madam Speaker, to ask that the House pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of Bailey, Hannah, Katie, Sara and Meredith.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the achievements of Ms. Kathryn Wood-Bacher as President of the Yates County American Legion Auxiliary in New York. Kathryn has devoted many hours to serving our veterans as a mental health counselor, making herself available to them night and day, whenever they are in need of assistance. Recently, Yates County endorsed Kathryn for the position of Seventh District Vice President, and because of her tireless dedication and good work, she will most likely be elected to this office at the New York Department Convention in Niagara Falls this July. Over the years, Kathryn has served as District Junior Coordinator, Certified Community Emergency Safety Responder, Fifth generation Auxiliary member of the Johnson Costello Unit #355, and of course, Yates County President. Kathryn has selflessly devoted her time to caring for our veterans, our Nation's bravest heroes who have put themselves on the line to defend freedom and democracy, and I am proud to recognize her efforts today.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize several outstanding students from the Roberts Wesleyan College, which is located in my congressional district. In today's world, if we needed an innovative cutting-edge solution to a challenge, we look to our institutions of higher education. Each year, the Motion Picture Association of America partners with Students in Free Enterprise to host a national competition to produce a public service announcement regarding the importance of intellectual property rights. For the second year in a row, Roberts Wesleyan College placed among the top 3 of over 40 competitors. These talented Roberts Wesleyan students won a cash award, and their broadcast now has a chance to achieve national exposure. Their outstanding accomplishment will have an impact on both the local and the national level. I commend the efforts of these students.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Dr. Al Simone, an outstanding individual in the community of Rochester, New York. Dr. Simone retires this month from the presidency of the Rochester Institute of Technology. He was RIT's eighth president, the eighth in 177 years. Dr. Simone came to Rochester from a place where the weather is a little bit more predictable. He was the president of the University of Hawaii system and chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa for 9 years. Dr. Simone has led RIT to become the one of the Nation's leading career-oriented universities with 15,500 students from all 50 States and more than 100 foreign countries, 2,800 faculty and staff, and an annual operating budget of more than $490 million. RIT is now the tenth largest private university in the Nation in terms of full-time undergraduate enrollment. The endowment has climbed to more than $570 million during his tenancy. Dr. Simone is a prolific writer and has written several books and numerous journal publications on the application of mathematics, statistics, and computers to economics and business. In fact, Dr. Simone is collecting data and information for a book right now on higher education, which he expects to write within the next few years during his retirement on the sunny shores of Keuka Lake. Dr. Simone is a real trailblazer. He was the first American university president, for instance, to officially visit North Korea, Vietnam, and Vladivostock when these areas were closed to the United States except for cultural and educational exchange. A native of Boston, Dr. Simone received his B.A. in economics from Tufts University and his Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has taught at Tufts, MIT, Northeastern University, Boston College, Boston University, University of Cincinnati, and the University of Hawaii. The community will certainly miss Al's leadership and I know I will miss working with him. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in wishing him and his wife, Carolie, a long, happy, healthy retirement with their children and their grandchildren.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.