Steven LaTourette

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 819) to designate the Federal building located at 143 West Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio, as the ``Donald J. Pease Federal Building''.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider this important resolution. Earlier in the House, House Concurrent Resolution 134 was also introduced, which contained similar language to authorize the same event. However, I want to acknowledge that we are considering the Senate version today in the interests of time so that the Library of Congress and the First Lady can begin firming up any remaining details of the event. Senate Concurrent Resolution 41 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for a National Book Festival to be held on September 8, 2001, or on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution authorizes the Library of Congress, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out the event, in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The event is open to the public and free of charge, and the sponsor will assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities related to the event. In addition, sales, advertisements and solicitations are explicitly prohibited on the Capitol Grounds for this event. The National Book Festival is a 2-day event that will educate promoting the use of libraries and encouraging the joys of reading. On September 7, Friday afternoon, the First Lady will launch the first- ever National Book Festival by connecting with children all across America through satellite hookups, web casting, and/or television. This will be hosted from the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress for a captivating afternoon reading program. On September 8, Saturday, the reading celebration continues at the Thomas Jefferson Building and on the Grounds of the United States Capitol. There will be readings by a wide variety of authors, in addition to artists performing American story telling through music, from folk to jazz and blues. Much of the weekend's festivities are modeled after the First Lady's successfully founded book festival in Texas. The President and the First Lady have been strong advocates of education, especially reading. I would encourage any of our colleagues who are in town that weekend to attend this event with their young family members, in addition to having Members encourage their constituents who are either visiting Washington or schools in the home district to participate in this important event. I support the resolution, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 41) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Book Festival.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 80) congratulating the city of Detroit and its residents on the occasion of the tricentennial of the city's founding, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, this resolution congratulates the city of Detroit and its residents on the city's tricentennial. It is fitting that the Congress chooses to honor Detroit's three centuries, rich in culture, ethnic diversity, natural resources, commerce, and industry. Detroit, which began in 1701 as a French community known for its fur trade, is now the tenth most populous city in the United States. Throughout its history, Detroit has served as a strategic staging area during the French and Indian War, an important stop for the Underground Railroad, and as the city that made automobiles affordable for people of all walks of life. Detroit also has a rich sports tradition and unique cultural attractions. Several centers of cultural excellence are located in Detroit, including the Lewis College of Business, the only institution in Michigan designated as an historically black college. Throughout its history, Detroit has provided America with many great artists, including Berry Gordy, who created the musical genre known as the Motown Sound. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congress, I would like to congratulate the city of Detroit and its residents for their important contributions to the economic, social, and cultural developments of the United States. This year Detroit is 300 years old.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 80.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous young woman from Westlake, OH, who recently contacted me to share her story and the need for increased funding for Muscular Dystrophy research. Emily, a sophomore at Westlake High School, has Friedreich's Ataxia, one of the many neuromuscular diseases that fall under the umbrella of Muscular Dystrophy. Emily was diagnosed when she was five. Emily's parents, Charlie and Carolyn Ross, shared with me two articles Emily wrote about her daily struggle with Muscular Dystrophy and how she is overcoming the challenges the disease places before her. The first was written when Emily was in eighth grade, ``A Day in the Life of Emily Ross.'' The second, ``Onward and Outward!'' was published in the April 2001 edition of The Bay Press. I am submitting the writings of Emily Ross into the Congressional Record so they will become a part of the official record of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, Emily believes that God chose her to have Muscular Dystrophy because he needed someone to help find a cure. I applaud her courage and grace, and hope that others will be as touched by her story as I was. A Day In The Life Of Emily Ross (By Emily Ross) When I wake up in the morning, I shut off my alarm and begin my day by stopping to think how I am going to walk across my bedroom floor. Attempting to go into the bathroom is scary because my feet are stiff, my balance is terrible and I manage to bang into every piece of furniture in my bedroom! I get downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast by scooting down on my behind step by step. Going into the kitchen for breakfast I have trouble opening the peanut butter jar, pouring a glass of milk or getting any cereal into my mouth because my hands shake. I hope my teeth are clean because I cannot squeeze the toothpaste. Buttons, zippers and socks are a challenge. I'm already tired but off to school I go with my Mom and my dog, Oats. At school, my Mom helps me to the door because my feet trip easily on the uneven sidewalk. I cannot open the heavy doors by myself. Once inside, I hope on my battery-powered scooter and go to my locker. If I'm not shaking too badly I can get my combination lock opened in three tries! Headed to my first class I face crowded hallways, funny looks from other kids and hurtful comments like ``there goes the cripple.'' Sometimes some of the kids will lie on the floor pretending that I have hit them with my scooter which really hurts my feelings. I'm constantly being asked to move out of the way because they say my scooter takes up too much room. After class I'd like a drink of water but the water fountains are too high. At lunchtime I never buy a school lunch because I cannot reach the food on the shelves or get my scooter through the narrow gate. I tried to walk through the lunch line several times but everyone is pushing and I'm scared I'll lose my balance. I dropped my tray once and believe me, once is enough! It's now sixth period and I'm starting to get really tired and I have two more class periods to go. The bell rings and school is finally over. It's pretty tricky getting my scooter down the hallway with everyone pushing and shoving their way out to the buses. I finally get to my locker, hope I can get it open in time so I don't miss my bus, grab my coat and panic when I can't zip up my backpack. All my papers fall out all over the floor. I frantically stuff them back inside my backpack, park my scooter, and struggle past 800 other kids waiting to catch their bus rides home. My bus finally arrives and I gratefully sit down for my ride home. An aide helps me up to the side door of my house and helps hold my hands steady so I can aim my key in the lock and she also helps me to turn the doorknob so I can get safely inside. Once inside I let my backpack and coat drop on the floor and I fall onto the couch where I am grateful to God that I have My name is Emily Ross. I am 13 years old and in the eight grade. I have Friedreich's Ataxia which is one of forty neuromuscular diseases listed under Muscular Dystrophy. It is a hereditary degenerative nerve disease which affects the hands and feet resulting in fatigue and loss of feeling and balance. I was diagnosed when I was 5. I thank God allowed me to have MD because he needed someone to help find a cure. He's chosen me and has led me to a team of doctors that have asked to take a biopsy of muscle and nerve tissue in a ``one of a kind'' research program which The Muscular Dystrophy Society is sponsoring. They are hoping to determine how they can replace or regenerate the protein that is missing in the cells of all Friedreich's patients. Even if a cure is years away, this study may allow for a medicine that could help me and many others to stop shaking and stop our muscles from weakening anymore. Not all of my days are stressful because I have the love of my family and many good friends who help me throughout each day. My Mom, Dad and my brother, Hunter, help me squeeze the toothpaste, open the peanut butter jar and button my clothes. My school has allowed me to start my school day one hour later than everyone else and when my friends see me coming up to the door, they hold them open for me. Sometimes it's even a really cute boy which makes my day start off pretty darn good!!! My scooter is sometimes being used by my crazy science teacher but she always comes zooming down the hall just in time for me to get to English. My teachers have been wonderful with kind understanding and a willingness to adapt to my special needs. because of my school's support, I am a straight A student. And, if my feelings are hurt by some kids, I have many more good friends that support me in many different ways. Sometimes I think the entire school knows my locker combination because they are always helping me to open it. They help me carry my books, write my lessons for me, copy homework assignments, take notes off the board, stand in the lunch line to get me a chicken patty sandwich and help me make it through a Friday night canteen in the auditorium in one piece!!! god must have really been looking out for me after school because I have the oldest living bus driver in the world who is late every single day. For me, this is a blessing. I am proud to say I am going on the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip this June for four days, I plan on attending M.D. Camp for the second years, I help elementary kids to read at our Library's summer program and if she'll hire me again, I'd like to help Mrs. Peterson at our church this summer in the Family Life Ministry office. So I guess you could say that I'm quite a lucky girl. God has blessed me with a special challenge that lets me look at the world in a lot of different ways. When I grow up I hope to help make the world an easier place to be for all special people. Thank you for listening to me today and I hope you will see people with special needs through different eyes-- God's eyes.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to vacate the ordering of the yeas and nays on H.R. 1801 and House Concurrent Resolution 109 to the end that the Chair put the question on each measure de novo.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 76 was introduced by the chairman of our full committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and cosponsored by the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). The resolution authorizes the use of the east front of the Capitol for performances by the Millennium Stage of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Performances will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning June 5 through August 31. The performances will be open to the public, free of admission charge; and the sponsors of the event, the Kennedy Center and the National Park Service, will assume responsibility for all liabilities associated with the event. The resolution expressly prohibits sales, displays, advertisements, and any solicitation in connection with the event. This unique event allows the Kennedy Center to provide leadership in the national performing arts education policy and programs and to conduct community outreach as provided in its mission statement. By permitting these performances on the east front, the Congress is assisting the Kennedy Center in fulfilling its mission. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 76) authorizing the use of the East Front of the Capitol Grounds for performances sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

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

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 495, H.R. 1801, and on House Concurrent Resolutions 76, 79, 87 and 109, the measures just considered by the House.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, as May 22 is the day nationally designated as the commemoration for the efforts of merchant mariners across the country, I want to specifically thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of our full committee; the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the full committee; the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo), the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard; and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), the ranking member, for agreeing to discharge this particular resolution from the committee's consideration. Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 109 honors the services and sacrifices of the United States Merchant Marine. Today, we are here to pay tribute to a group of American heroes who, in my estimation, have never gotten their just due for all they have done to serve our country; that is, the Merchant Marines. The Merchant Marines certainly are aware of their proud history, but I will bet that there are millions of Americans out there, especially our schoolchildren, who probably did not hear much about the tremendous role of the Merchant Marine when they were learning about the Second World War. The United States Merchant Marine has served the people of the United States in all wars since 1775 and was in existence prior to the formation of the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard. In fact, the United States Merchant Marine was our country's first Navy and defeated the British Navy to help win our country's independence. The Merchant Marine's role was especially important during the Second World War. The Merchant Marines were the ones who took the troops through harm's way and delivered supplies all over the world. Merchant Marines were participants in landing operations from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, and suffered the highest casualty rate of any service during the Second World War. At least 8,600 merchant mariners were killed at sea, meaning one in 32 were killed in action. Another 11,000 mariners were wounded, and some 1,500 ships were sunk. More than 604 were taken prisoner. From December 1941 to August 1945 alone, the United States lost 5,638 merchant seamen aboard 733 ships sunk by submarines. Some weeks, 30 ships were sunk. Our Merchant Marines were there long before the war began and were the last ones to come home. We cannot underestimate the importance of this group of overlooked heroes. During World War II, 7 to 15 tons of supplies were needed to supply just one GI for one year at the front. In 1945 alone, merchant mariners moved 17 million pounds of cargo every hour. This included ammo, planes, fuel, boats, explosives, tanks, Jeeps, medicines and food. In World War II, virtually every serviceman who saw action against the enemy was transported overseas by ship and virtually all of the supplies were also delivered by our gutsy, fearless merchant mariners. President Roosevelt called the 250,000 Merchant Marines who served in World War II our Nation's ``Fourth Arm of Defense.'' While the Merchant Marines are best known for their service and sacrifice of World War II, that is hardly their entire mystery. Merchant mariners also participated in the War of 1812, World War I, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, Korea and Vietnam. They even supplied troops in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. The Merchant Marines have provided a critical service during every war in our Nation's history, yet our Nation officially refuses to recognize merchant mariners as veterans and give them the same status and benefits afforded to other veterans. Only recently did the Congress pass legislation to give merchant mariners the right to a flag upon burial. I think that is one of the great shames of the 20th century, Madam Speaker, that we did not do more to honor the service of the Merchant Marines. Madam Speaker, since 1933, our Nation has recognized May 22 as National Maritime Day, and that particular date was chosen because it was on May 22, 1819 that the S.S. Savannah departed from Savannah, Georgia on the first transatlantic steamship voyage. It was not long before merchant mariners used this date to honor their own. Tomorrow is National Maritime Day, and it is fitting that today we will pass H. Con. Res. 109, which honors the service and sacrifice of the members of the United States Merchant Marine. The measure recognizes the critical role played by vessels of the United States Merchant Marine fleet in transporting equipment, supplies and personnel in support of our Nation's defense and recognizes the historical significance of May 22 as National Maritime Day. Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 109 encourages the American people and appropriate government agencies to recognize the services and sacrifices of the United States Merchant Marine and to observe National Maritime Day tomorrow by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in other suitable places. It also requests that all ships sailing under the United States flag prominently display the flag tomorrow. Madam Speaker, I recently had the honor of dedicating a Merchant Marine Memorial in Ashtabula, Ohio, which is in my lovely congressional district. I was honored to be there in the presence of those great Americans. I hope my colleagues will join me today in passing this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

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

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 87 authorizes the 2001 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be conducted through the Grounds of the Capitol on June 1, 2001 or on such date as the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the D.C. Special Olympics, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out the event in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The sponsor of the event will assume all expenses and liabilities in connection with the event, and all sales, advertisements, and solicitations are prohibited. The Capitol Police will host the opening ceremonies for the run starting on Capitol Hill, and the event will be free of charge and open to the public. Over 2,000 law enforcement representatives from local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington will carry the Special Olympics torch in honor of the 2,500 Special Olympians who participate in this annual event to show their support of the Special Olympics. For over a decade, Madam Speaker, the Congress has supported this worthy endeavor by enacting resolutions for the use of the grounds. I am proud to have sponsored, along with the ranking member of our subcommittee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), this resolution and urge my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 87) authorizing the 2001 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be run through the Capitol Grounds.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

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

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 79 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby qualifying races to be held on June 23, 2001, or on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out the event in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The event is open to the public and free of charge, and the sponsor will assume responsibility for all expenses and liabilities related to the event. In addition, sales, advertisements, and solicitations are explicitly prohibited on the Capitol Grounds for this event. The races are to take place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, Northwest. Their participants are residents of the Washington Metropolitan Area and range in ages from 9 to 16. This event is currently one of the largest races in the country, and the winners of these races will represent the Washington metropolitan area at the national finals to be held in Akron, Ohio. I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 56) expressing the sense of the Congress regarding National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 56.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today, Madam Speaker, in strong support of this resolution, and I want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) for introducing it. Madam Speaker, December 7, 2001, will be the 60th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. By enacting H. Con. Res. 56, Congress will pay tribute to the American citizens who died in the attack and to more than 12,000 members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. The story of Pearl Harbor is seared into our national memory. At 7:53 a.m. on December 7, 1941, a date that President Roosevelt said will live in infamy, the Imperial Japanese Navy and Air Force attacked Pearl Harbor. A second wave of Japanese planes struck at 8:55 a.m. By 9:55 that morning, the attack was over, and America was propelled into World War II. President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan on December 8. The devastation wrought by the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor is hard to imagine: 2,403 members of our Armed Forces personnel were killed that day. Almost half of them, over 1,100, were crewmen of the U.S.S. Arizona; and they remain entombed in that sunken battleship. The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor has become one of our Nation's most moving memorials to the military men and women who have paid the ultimate price to preserve the freedoms we Americans enjoy to this day. Fifty-four civilians were also killed in the attack. There were almost 1,200 military and civilian wounded. In addition to this human toll, Madam Speaker, our Pacific Fleet was severely crippled. Twelve ships were sunk or beached, nine more were damaged, and over 300 aircraft were destroyed or damaged. Madam Speaker, Public Law 103-308 designates December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and calls on the President to issue each year an appropriate proclamation and on the American people to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Under that law, the American flag is to be flown at half-staff each December 7 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. We should continue to pay tribute to those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor and to those who survived that ferocious and unprovoked attack. When he was the Governor of Texas, President Bush issued a proclamation proclaiming December 7, 2000, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Texas. In it he said: ``It remains the duty of all Texans to remember what these men and women did and pass their stories of courage and character on to the next generation.'' Madam Speaker, that is indeed the duty of all Americans. To quote again from then Governor Bush's proclamation: ``It is the way freedom renews its promise, by celebrating American heroes and American democratic values, without hesitation and without apology.'' I strongly urge all of our colleagues to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.