Jim Langevin

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I recently returned from my first trip to Israel, as part of a Congressional delegation led by Minority Whip Steny Hoyer that traveled through this remarkable country in August. There are simply not enough superlatives to describe all of my experiences and emotions or to convey all that I learned. Although a small and still relatively young nation, Israel stands at the fulcrum of three major religions and its land is holy to all. Resolutions of the various conflicts in that region would go a long way toward resolving many of the issues we all face today. One of the most moving--and interesting--lessons of my trip was to further observe how our two nations, the United States and Israel, deal with the problem of terrorism. Both pause to express their sorrow and mourn those who have been killed or wounded, but then both of our great nations also seek ways to move on and work toward conflict resolutions. Shortly after the Congressional delegation left Israel, a remarkable concert took place in Jerusalem on September 12, 2003. Amid tributes to the memories of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, as well as those who have perished in attacks in Israel, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra played a special concert in the Rothberg Amphitheater on the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The concert, Antonin Dvorak's Requiem, Opus 89, marked the debut of the Jerusalem Symphony's new music director, Dr. Leon Botstein. The concert, billed as ``A Concert of Remembrance and Hope,'' was performed under the auspices of the orchestra and the Hebrew University and included the Philharmonia Singers and vocal soloists. It was made possible through the generosity of the American Friends of the Jerusalem Symphony and Anne and Marty Peretz. Botstein, in addition to his new role with the Jerusalem Symphony, is also the music director of the American Symphony Orchestra in New York and is president of Bard College in New York. In remarks preceding the concert, American Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer said, ``We will never forget the 3,000 citizens of the U.S. and 90 other countries who lost their lives on September 11. We, Israelis and Americans, also mourn the lives of the 36 American citizens who have lost their lives [in terrorist attacks] in Israel. [. . .] Tonight, the process of remembering and recovery continues.'' Hebrew University President Prof. Menachem Magidor said that the evening's concert was an expression of ``profound and deep identification with the people of the United States.'' The president noted that the ``dark forces'' which perpetrated the attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States are the same which are attacking Israel. ``September 11 was a declaration of war not just on the United States, but on the entire free world,'' said Magidor. But, he said, that evil effort would not succeed. Botstein, in his brief remarks, echoed the president's words, stating that the terrorist attacks were ``an effort to destroy civilization.'' He said too that the evening's concert was dedicated to the memory not only of those who lost their lives in the United States in those attacks but also to those who have perished in terrorist acts in Israel. As a symbol of the special ties between Israel and the U.S. expressed by the event, the national anthems of Israel and the U.S. were played prior to the performance of Dvorak's work. Mr. Speaker, along with my statement, I would like to enter into the Record the remarks of Hebrew University President Menachem Magidor and American Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer which were delivered prior to this concert: President's Speech at the JSO Concert Marking Two Years Since the Events of September 11, 2003 Good evening and welcome to the Mount Scopus Campus of the Hebrew University. The concert tonight is far from the usual opening concert of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. First, as we all know, the fact that the Orchestra continues to perform and is opening a new concert season was a few months ago far from being a certainty. The Orchestra is of vital importance to the cultural fabric of Jerusalem. The opening today is a clear declaration that Jerusalem will not allow such an important part of its cultural life to disappear from the scene. We also welcome tonight the new musical director of the orchestra, Leon Botstein, and we all hope that under his direction the orchestra will grow and flourish. The start of this cooperative venture with the Hebrew University is also a new and important beginning. I have no doubt that this will enrich both institutions as well as the cultural life of Jerusalem. This concert is taking place in a uniquely special setting. Every time I find myself in this amphitheater, I am filled with awe at the power of this place. No less deeply moving are Mount Scopus's historical and cultural connections--a place overflowing with symbolism and significance. On April 1, 1925, on this exact spot where I am standing now, Weizmann, Balfour, Bialik and Rabbi Kook attended the opening ceremony of our University. But most important of all is the subject to which this evening is dedicated. This is an evening of solidarity, of remembrance, of soul-searching, on the second anniversary of the events of September 11. And it is impossible, as citizens of Israel and of this city, not to connect with the same memories, with the same pain, the same soul-searching of the victims of terror attacks that we have been exposed to during the past three years. The past few days have not made things any easier. The criminal attack of September 11 was a declaration of war. But it was not a declaration of war on the United States of America alone, it was a declaration of war on the most basic principles of the free world: on the unique value of the individual, on the right of a person to try to attain happiness in their own way, on freedom of speech, on tolerance, on the fact that a humane society can be composed of people of various affinities and different beliefs, and still be a responsible society with a sense of direction. And the victims of September 11 fell not because they were American, but more because they were a random segment of a society for whom these principles are paramount. I don't accept the claim that this is a war between the Islamic culture and the West. This is a war between enlightenment and darkness, between openness, tolerance, rationality--and ignorance and blind religious extremism; and the battle lines cut right across cultures, and not between them. We, too, are on the front lines of this war. Clearly there are also concrete political issues in this war taking place here at home, but it is impossible to ignore that, beyond the desire to obtain political goals of one kind or another, blind terror and hatred of free and tolerant discourse is nourished by blind extremism. And I have no doubt that the sinister flame which lit the September 11 attack also lights the terror attacks here at home. We cannot forget the attack here on our Campus a year ago, which took place just a few hundred meters from here. We were targeted not just because we are an Israeli or Jewish institution, but also because we are openminded, tolerant, and follow the paths of peace. This war between an open society and its enemies is not a simple one. It is not simple because its enemies are hidden. And it is not simple because there is a serious danger to the open society. The danger is that, not by force but through its own volition, the enemies of freedom will compel this open society to give up its principles. The enemies of freedom will have won if we cease to believe in tolerance and human rights; and they will have won if we fail to see where are the limits to the use of force, even when there is reason to use it; and they will have won if we cease to believe, here in Israel, that at the end of this bloodletting, there is the possibility of a life at peace with our neighbors. This memorial concert which is taking place on the Mount Scopus Campus of the Hebrew University is a declaration that we, the citizens of Jerusalem and of Israel, wish to show solidarity with our friends in the United States of America. We remember the victims of the war waged by the sons of darkness against the sons of light, whether they fell on September 11 in America, or during the three years in Israel and in Jerusalem. We, the citizens of Jerusalem and of Israel, are determined to continue to create a free society, thirsty for knowledge and culture, tolerant and enlightened, rooted in our own heritage but open to the cultures of the world, aspiring to peace, committed to its values even though it may seem to some that to give them up would help in the war. I truly believe that these principles must prevail.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding and the opportunity to address this critical issue on the floor today. Mr. Chairman, as we are poised to invest billions of dollars in the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe that it is imperative that we address the infrastructure needs of people with disabilities in the rebuilding process. Conflicts in other countries result in higher- than-average rates of disabilities for people, and the need for their consideration in the planning and design stages of new construction simply cannot be understated. Furthermore, given the history of discrimination and abuse of people with disabilities in Iraq, targeted programs through multi-inclusion of Iraqis with disabilities in public life and education will be necessary and, in fact, imperative. Including these matters, I believe, as a forethought will result in little up-front cost and save significant time and expense down the road. It is always more difficult and more costly to retrofit than it is to plan it in the earlier stages when construction is just being planned. Finally, I believe that it is time to align our foreign policies with our national priorities, and currently foreign assistance funding is not required to be used in a manner that ensures access to people with disabilities. And this is inconsistent with our own civil rights laws, most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Chairman, I was hoping and wanted to ask as this bill moves forward and goes to conference that the gentleman would be willing to work with me to perhaps ensure that those things are considered.

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman and look forward to working with him. Amendment Offered by Mr. Sherman

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, today Congress again considers the important issue of providing additional funding for military and reconstruction activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a member of the House Armed Service Committee, I appreciate the valiant service of our men and women in uniform, and we must not hesitate to provide them with the appropriate resources to continue their success in the global war on terrorism. However, I have serious concerns with this measure--not because I believe the U.S. should not contribute to rebuilding Afghanistan and Iraq, but because so much of the burden is falling upon American taxpayers. I am frustrated that we are paying for this request through increased deficit spending--thereby shifting the cost to future generations--without considering the options of international loans through the World Bank, as Congressman Obey has recommended, or other revenue sources that would spread the burden to those who can most afford it. Nonetheless, I believe that the United States ultimately has a responsibility to follow through on our international commitments. While much discussion about the supplemental will focus on the reconstruction request, we must not forget that the majority of its funding goes toward ensuring the safety and success of our troops. For example, the bill will increase the number of protective body suits, flak jackets and armored vehicles available to our military's men and women serving in hostile areas. Just last week, I visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center and spoke with soldiers whose injuries might have been prevented if they had been driving the armored vehicles included in this bill. Additionally, the measure recognizes that the difficult terrain and often inhospitable climate of Iraq have necessitated frequent maintenance of military equipment, and therefore provides funding for parts replacement and much-needed upgrades. A far more controversial aspect of the bill is the $18.6 billion for reconstruction activities in Iraq and $1.2 billion for Afghanistan. I was concerned with some of the items in the President's original request--including the establishment of postal codes and the purchase of a fleet of pricey garbage trucks--and am pleased that the Appropriations Committee deemed them unworthy of emergency funding. The remaining items, such as utility infrastructure projects, health care improvement and security upgrades, are important building blocks that will help improve the safety of the Iraqi people while allowing them to develop self-sufficiency and independence. While some regions in Iraq are still hostile to U.S. presence, we must build on the progress that we have made in other areas of the nation. Insufficient investment now in Iraq could lead to the spread of religious extremism, an increase in illegal arms trading, and an explosion in anti-American sentiment. To fall short in our reconstruction efforts could have a devastating effect on the stability of the region, causing it to descend into chaos and become a breeding ground for terrorists. However, I am disappointed that the reconstruction portion of the request was not considered separately from the military component so that Congress could have provided immediate assistance to our troops while having greater opportunity for deliberation and consideration of the longer-term reconstruction proposals and the larger issues of U.S. involvement in Iraq. Unfortunately, the military improvement and reconstruction efforts come at a high cost, and no one in this chamber should have any question about the impact of this measure on our nation's financial situation. To an already historic deficit projected at $480 billion in fiscal year 2004, we are adding $87 billion. This combination translates into larger interest payments on the national debt and less funding for important domestic priorities such as health care, education, and homeland security. My constituents are fully aware of the impact on our budget; I recently met with a man who has been unemployed for two years who questioned why we are not focusing our spending efforts on job training and other programs to address the nation's unemployment problem. I believe that the costs of this package fall unfairly on American taxpayers, and we must rectify this problem. Consequently, I sent a letter to President Bush asking that he aggressively pursue international cooperation to help defray the costs of reconstruction. Absent a major influx of foreign aid, I requested that he consider options that would require small sacrifices from those Americans who can most afford them. One possibility would be to reduce a portion of the recent tax cut for the top income tax bracket to generate enough revenue to cover the $87 billion request. This reduction would slightly impact fewer than one million taxpayers, while maintaining the tax cuts for the middle class. Our men and women in uniform have served heroically to safeguard our nation's security, and we must now endure other sacrifices to keep from endangering the economic security of future generations. What frustrates me most about the current situation is that it was not unforeseen. Many of my colleagues and I cautioned the Bush Administration about the consequences of pursuing military intervention in Iraq without a broad coalition of support. Almost exactly a year ago, I cam to the floor to speak on the resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq. At that time, I said that I could not vote for it because it lacked a clear mandate that the President seek U.N. Security Council support for military operations in Iraq. I specifically noted that an international coalition would broaden regional support for military intervention and would be essential in promoting a new government in Iraq and undertaking reconstruction efforts. Unfortunately, those words were not heeded, and the onus of reconstruction now falls heavily on our Nation. The bill before us is a flawed bill, not because of the provisions it contains or the programs that it funds, but because the circumstances that brought us to its consideration could have been different. However, we must not judge this bill based on its history, but on what it can do to shape the future. As Shakespeare wrote, ``What's past is prologue,'' and we cannot allow finger-pointing to obscure the task at hand. Our Nation successfully toppled two oppressive regimes and freed the Afghan and Iraqi people from cruelty, abuse and torture. We bear responsibility in assisting their nations as they transform themselves into successful democratic entities. In so doing, we can also prevent the dire conditions of poverty and political and religious extremism that have led to terrorism and tyrannical regimes throughout the region and the world. While I will support this measure because our nation must complete what we have started, my vote is by no means an endorsement of the Administration's policies in Iraq, which are severely deficient in accountability, clarity and vision. I know that many of my colleagues share my reservations, and I look forward to the upcoming amendment process as an opportunity to address some of these concerns. I urge the Administration to pay close attention to our debate and recognize that a serious shift in strategy and attitude is needed immediately if we are to avoid having this same discussion again in the near future.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, today we consider providing additional funding for military and reconstruction activities. I am frustrated that we are paying for this request through increased deficit spending, without even considering the options of international loans or other revenue sources that would spread the burden to those who can most afford it. Nonetheless, I believe that the United States, ultimately, has responsibility to follow through on our international commitments. We must not forget the majority of this bill's funding goes toward ensuring the safety and success of our troops, and they should have all the resources they need to get the job done. Last week, I visited Walter Reed Medical Center and spoke with soldiers whose injuries might have been prevented if they had been driving the armored vehicles funded in this bill. With regard to the reconstruction component, I am pleased that some of the more controversial requests have been deemed unworthy of emergency funding. The remaining items will improve the safety and self-sufficiency of the Iraqi people. Unfortunately, in meeting our commitments, we will add $87 billion to an already historic deficit, which translates into larger interest payments on the national debt and less funding for important domestic priorities. Mr. Chairman, my constituents are fully aware of the impact on our budget. The costs of this package fall unfairly on the American taxpayers, and we must rectify this problem. I know that some of my colleagues share my reservations, and I look forward to the upcoming amendment process as an opportunity to address some of these concerns.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Citizens Financial Group on being recognized with both the ``Seven Seals'' and ``Pro Patria'' awards. In response to the U.S. military actions in Iraq, this Rhode Island business implemented an enhanced military leave policy in February of 2003 that included matched pay, continuance of insurance coverage, job guarantee upon return, and support to employees affected by a family member's call to duty. Due to this comprehensive policy, the Office of the Secretary of Defense awarded Citizens the New Hampshire Committee for the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve ``Seven Seals'' award, and the Rhode Island Guard and Reserve gave the company its ``Pro Patria'' award. The ``Pro Patria'' award honors the most outstanding employer of reservists. Citizens Financial Group should be commended for the work they have done to help ensure an employee will not undergo financial or emotional hardships after he or she is called upon to protect our country. It is my hope that other businesses will follow in these noble steps to show much-deserved gratitude for members of the National Guard and Reserves. I hope our colleagues will join me in congratulating Citizens Financial Group on its achievements.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in condemning the gross injustice being perpetrated upon the greatest of American heroes, our disabled veterans. Due to an antiquated law, more than 700,000 disabled veterans had been unable to receive both their compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and their military retirement pay. We ended this disgraceful treatment for some of our disabled veterans with the passage of last year's Defense Authorization Act. Now, veterans with disability ratings of 60 percent and higher are eligible to receive a special compensation that offsets the egregious tax on disabled veterans. But thousands more are still waiting for relief. Veterans are the only group of federal retirees who face such a punishing offset, levied against them simply for being disabled. This penalty is simply wrong. The retirees that it affects have already sacrificed too much in service to our country to have to forfeit their VA compensation. H.R. 303, of which I am a proud cosponsor, is just the first step. This bipartisan legislation would allow retired members of the Armed Services with service-connected disabilities to collect the full veterans' disability compensation to which they are entitled. It guarantees that disabled retirees receive a fair benefit package, and its overwhelming support, has helped bring the issue of concurrent receipt to the forefront of our legislative agenda. Yet even with 370 cosponsors, the Republican leadership refuses to bring the bill to the Floor. We have launched a discharge petition to force H.R. 303 to be considered, and still they block us. There are 203 signatures on the petition, but the Republican leadership has warned its members not to sign on, so it is going to be a fight for the last 15 signatures. I say to you that this is a fight we must win. Now, there is even talk of redefining what ``disabled veteran'' means. How dare anyone attempt to cheat veterans out of the benefits we promised and they rightly earned? It is unconscionable that Members of our own body are sabotaging attempts to correct an inequity. We must resist any move to restrict veterans' access to healthcare and compensation. It is reprehensible that a Civil War era law is still robbing our veterans of fair compensation that is rightly theirs, and I call upon my colleagues to fight this embarrassing mistake and restore to our heroes just a small amount of what we owe them.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, I rise today to recognize the 43d anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. On this important day, I join the Greek Cypriots in celebrating their freedom from Great Britain in 1960. Over 43 years, the Republic of Cyprus has overcome hardships to become a steadfast and committed democracy on the threshold of joining the European Union in 2004. Unfortunately, since a Turkish invasion in 1974, the island remains divided between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots despite attempts by the United Nations for a reunification settlement. Shortly after Cyprus agreed to join the European Union, the Turkish Cypriot authorities opened the borders and allowed Cypriots to cross over the line for the first time in 30 years. This past April was the first time that Cypriots from either side were able to travel through the 120-mile barrier, which continues to be guarded by U.N. peacekeeping forces. A divided Cyprus also has the potential of blocking Turkey's bid to join the European Union, since its occupation of the northern part of Cyprus is illegal under international law. I urge the Turkish government to take steps toward uniting Cyprus and also put pressure on Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, who has fallen out of line with the wishes of his people. The majority of Turkish Cypriots want to have the equality and prosperity of their neighbors. As the Republic of Cyprus has stood by the United States during its war on terrorism, we must continue to support negotiations so that all sides benefit from reunification. There is still potential for all of Cyprus to join the EU with continued support from the European Union and the United Nations. It may be a long road to mend the strains between Turkey and Greece, but reuniting Cyprus is an important step in the right direction. Again, I celebrate this important day for the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the brave men and women of our armed services who are carrying out the mission to provide hope and freedom to the Iraqi people. I would also like to commend Representative Crowley for his leadership and advocacy for our men and women in uniform. Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned with the increasing frequency and duration of Reserve component deployments. During the Cold War era, the Reserve components were a manpower pool that was rarely tapped. However, this resource has become increasingly important to our peacekeeping and counterterrorism missions. As a result, the demands placed on Guard and Reserve families are quickly growing. Not only do these families often have to adjust to life on much smaller salaries, they may have to worry about maintaining their health coverage. This situation is unacceptable, and we need to provide our Guard and Reserve with this coverage from the start so that the stresses of deployment are not compounded by worries about healthcare. I believe offering the guarantee of long-term health coverage would not only help the families of activated Guard and Reservists, but also increase recruitment and retention of some of our most valuable personnel. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I firmly believe that members of our National Guard and Reserve should have benefits commensurate with those of active duty forces. With the announcement that the Reserves' total commitments could now be in excess of a year in some circumstances, this problem must be remedied immediately, and if not by the Pentagon then by Congress. We place enough burdens on these families as it is, I want us to make every effort to remove at least this one. I urge my colleagues to support the Crowley motion to instruct.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor two restaurant operators in Rhode Island's second district that have been awarded the prestigious 2003 Restaurant Neighbor Award. The Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett and Restaurant PROV/Atomic Catering in Providence were recently recognized by the National Restaurant Association for their remarkable community involvement in addition to their commitment to quality food. The current economic situation makes these generous contributions even more important, and Rhode Island restaurants and small businesses are stepping in to help. Seventy-eight restaurants from forty-three states earned the Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2003, and I am pleased that two were from my home state. Every year, owner Deborah Kelso oversees the Coast Guard House's donations of more than $30,000 to community causes including the Rhode Island Food Bank, South County Hospital, Sisters of the Poor, Johnnycake Center, March of Dimes, and Seniors Helping Others. The main event over the last ten years has been the restaurant's lead sponsorship of Concerts on the Beach, the annual Rhode Island Philharmonic concert on the Narragansett Town Beach. The Coast Guard House hosts a pre-concert reception and fundraiser, which raises more than $10,000 to help offset the cost of the event. This concert provides 30,000 families an opportunity to enjoy beautiful music in an extraordinary setting. Restaurant: PROV and Atomic Catering, both owned by Stoli Management, are equally deserving of this recognition. Thanksgiving at Restaurant: PROV is an annual tradition for many families. Every year, 1,000 low- income individuals who might not otherwise have a meal are treated to a free Thanksgiving celebration with all of the usual fixings. In addition, employees, led by Executive Chef/co-owner Kevin Millonzi, served more than 400 meals to relief workers, volunteers, and victims' families in the wake of the deadly fire at the Station nightclub in February 2003. Stoli Management also donates time and food to Chefs for Cystic Fibrosis, the annual Zoobilee, and Providence Fire Fighters. Kelso and Millonzi's beliefs in volunteerism and giving back the community are applicable in their own lives as well as the way they run their restaurants. The commitment to giving of these two companies is an inspirational model, and I hope more businesses around the country follow their lead and contribute to their own communities.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 49, the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act. This bill is the result of a bipartisan compromise to the benefit of consumers in Rhode Island and around the country. H.R. 49 makes permanent the current moratorium on Internet access taxes, which was scheduled to expire on November 1, 2003. This moratorium, in effect since October 1998, has greatly contributed to the rapid expansion of the Internet. For the second quarter of 2003, e-commerce accounted for only 1.5 percent of total goods and services sold in the country, but this is an increase of 28 percent from the previous year. By 2005, worldwide online sales are expected to total $8.6 trillion online, up from $3.6 trillion this year. This bill will maintain the United States' position as a leader in online commerce because H.R. 49 protects consumers from double taxation of online purchases, which would slow the growth of Internet sales. I am pleased to see that the Judiciary Committee adopted the Watts- Cannon amendment, which ensures that all technologies, including traditional modem, cable modem, DSL, wireless, and future access methods, are subject to the same tax treatment. In addition, this bill ensures a nondiscriminatory tax system, which neither encourages nor discourages purchases online. The legislation is fair to existing brick and mortar businesses, while continuing to foster the expansion of e- commerce. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 49, this bipartisan legislation that benefits consumers and businesses.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Valerie Martelli, who was recently honored as the 2003 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. Ms. Martelli is the President of CME Consultants, a nationally accredited continuing medical education company headquartered in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Ms. Martelli is a living example of the American dream, and she shows that through hard work and perseverance, success is attainable. Several years ago, Ms. Martelli was a single mother raising two children with the assistance of welfare and food stamps. Today, she is the head of a $1.5 million-a-year company in the midst of explosive growth. After working in Rhode Island Hospital's Medical Education Department, Ms. Martelli learned that physicians, nurses, and other providers could not always attend continuing education courses at the times they were offered by hospitals and medical schools. Recognizing an opening, she founded CME Consultants, Inc. in 1994. CME Consultants provides continuing medical education classes through live conferences, teleconferences, CD-Rom courses, and over the Internet. In addition, courses are offered for pharmacists, physician assistants, and others. The company holds more than 5,000 conferences annually around the country. The expansion of her business can be seen through the growth of her office space and employees. She started CME Consultants in a spare bedroom in her home. Later, she added staff and moved into a 2,000 square foot office. The company recently purchased a 3,500 square foot office as the headquarters for her nine employees. As a member of several national and local organizations, Ms. Martelli is an active participant in her community, and her business serves the medical community to the benefit of patients nationwide. Ms. Martelli joins a distinguished group of Rhode Islanders who have been named Small Business Person of the Year. Small businesses are key to economic growth in my home state, and I wish Ms. Martelli and the 33,000 other small business owners in Rhode Island great success in the future.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lauren DiSano, who was selected to participate in the first-ever U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Health Fellows Environmental Health Fellows class. Ms. DiSano, a resident of Warwick, RI, earned a master's degree in Health Science in Environmental Health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Ms. DiSano is one of only 10 public health professionals selected nationwide to work at an EPA research facility for a minimum of one year and address emerging public health needs from an environmental perspective. Ms. DiSano's focus will be Homeland Security projects dealing with public health and water utility issues. This opportunity will not only give Ms. DiSano a chance to make our country safer, but also to become a leader in her field. As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I am particularly interested in the work she will be doing and hope she will keep us updated as her fellowship progresses. Mr. Speaker, I hope our colleagues will join me in congratulating Lauren DiSano for her achievement.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of three soldiers in Iraq, all of whom served with dignity and honor and for whom the people of Rhode Island now mourn. On Wednesday, August 27, U.S. Army Sergeant Gregory Belanger died after his vehicle was hit with an explosive device. A resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island, Sergeant Belanger was a member of the Army Reserves and served with the Headquarters Service Company, 325th Military Intelligence Battalion, which was deployed to Iraq in March. In addition to his service to his nation, Sgt. Belanger was known among his friends and family for his impressive culinary skills, having earned an associate's degree from Johnson & Wales University. I express my condolences to Sgt. Belanger's finacee Tara Woundy and his family in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Additionally, two members of Rhode Island's 115th Military Policy Company were lost on September 1, when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device. Sergeant Charles Todd Caldwell of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Staff Sergeant Joseph Camara of New Bedford, Massachusetts, had been deployed to Iraq in May and were conducting security operations along a main supply route at the time of the incident. A third Reservist, Specialist Edmund Aponte of Providence, was wounded in the attack, and we pray for his quick and fully recovery. Staff Sergeant Camara, who commanded the three-person patrol unit, was a police officer in New Bedford and a 21-year veteran of the National Guard. In addition to his commitment to his police duties, Sgt. Camara will be remembered for his dedication to his wife, Anna, and his three children, Matthew, Angela, and Ashley. Sergeant Caldwell, who worked as a senior financial investment specialist in Norwood, Massachusetts, served in the National Guard since 1997. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, whom he married shortly before his deployment. These losses remind us of the bravery of our servicemembers as they carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When their nation called them to duty to preserve freedom, liberty and the security of their neighbors, they answered without hesitation. We will remember them not only as soldiers, but also as patriots, who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as their families. May we keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they struggle to endure this difficult period and mourn the heroes America has lost. We will continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Michaud motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1 to reject the House-passed provision that would turn Medicare into a voucher program and to accept the Senate- passed provision requiring a government-sponsored fallback prescription drug benefit. Like many of my colleagues, it has long been my top priority to be able to go back to my district and report to my senior citizens who rely on Medicare that Congress has provided a prescription drug benefit for them. Well, time and time again Congress has failed to pass meaningful legislation on this topic, placing the profit margins of drug manufacturers and insurance companies over the health and the lives of America's senior citizens. Twice now I have voted against the Republicans' prescription drug legislation, not because I am unwilling to work within the framework of the budget situation and accept a drug benefit that is less than the dream package we could offer our seniors in a world without budget limitations. Rather, I voted against Medicare reform legislation that purports to help the elderly, but in reality it leaves the prescription drug plan in the hands of private insurers and undermines the entire health care system that 40 million American seniors rely on. The House-passed legislation would force traditional Medicare to bid against private insurance plans beginning in 2010. Well, Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Rhode Island can tell you how dangerous this is. In 1999, the instability of the private market resulted in an HMO that insured 127,000 people in the State, Harvard Pilgrim, pulling out without any warning. The House-passed provision designed to induce seniors and people with disabilities to leave the traditional Medicare program and to enroll in private managed care plans will result in seniors having to find new plans to meet their needs, facing the possibility of higher premiums, new doctors, and a new set of co-pays and regulations every single year. The House-passed privatization plan is the beginning of a spiral that will ultimately destroy the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program. Older, chronically-ill people who need the types of services offered by traditional Medicare will face escalating costs. As the premiums for traditional Medicare rise, the price tag will drive them into private plans, even though the data show that private plans are not good for the very old and chronically ill. Mr. Speaker, both the House and the Senate plans have flaws. Most notably, neither plan takes the appropriate steps to lowering the prescription drug costs for Americans who pay up to 300 percent more for their medications than citizens in other industrialized nations. The reason for this price disparity is glaringly obvious, given that every other industrialized nation takes advantage of bulk purchasing power and negotiates lower prices on behalf of its citizens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and support the Michaud motion to instruct our conferees to work against the House- passed Medicare privatization provision and in favor of a government fallback plan for the prescription drug benefit. It is the right thing to do.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, I rise today to recognize the 29th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. On this occasion, we mourn those who lost their lives and remember the barrier created in 1974 that still exists today. The island remains divided between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, despite attempts by the United Nations for a reunification settlement. I thank Mrs. Maloney and Mr. Bilirakis for their ongoing leadership in the Hellenic Caucus and for bringing much-needed attention to issues of importance to the Hellenic community. The European Union has invited Cyprus to enter its membership next May, and on July 14, 2003, the Greek Cypriot parliament unanimously approved the bid to join. At this point in time, only pertains to the Greek Cypriot part of the island, since the Turkish Cypriot part is not formally recognized by the European Union. Shortly after Cyprus agreed to join the European Union, the Turkish Cypriot authorities opened the borders and allowed Cypriots to cross over the line for the first time in 30 years. This past April was the first time that Cypriots from either side were able to travel through the 120-mile barrier, which continues to be guarded by U.N. peacekeeping forces, since the invasion in 1974. Despite this step forward, the nation remains divided. Along with my colleagues, I will continue to put pressure on the Bush Administration to help Cyprus work toward a peaceful solution. Although relations between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides have recently thawed, there is still a long way to go to reunification. The U.N. settlement cleared a path for all of Cyprus to unite once again, to share in the European Union's prosperity, and to end military zones. Now with just the Republic of Cyprus poised for EU membership in 2004, the divide between the two sides may grow without a push for future negotiations. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot Leader, has proven to be the biggest hindrance to reunification talks. He has ignored the calls from the majority of his own people who want reunification, and would rather fight for a two-state confederation, which is not supported by the Greek Cypriots or the United Nations. He has even stood in the way of his people's democratic choice by not allowing them to take part in a referendum on the decision of whether or not to join the European Union. Elections for the Turkish Cypriot authorities are expected in November, and I hope the will of the Turkish Cypriots will be heard. The U.S. must continue its role in supporting negotiations so that there is still potential for all of Cyprus to join the EU. It has been a long, hard road, but with support from the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, a reunification of Cyprus is still possible. We should heed the words of the Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulus on this special anniversary: ``we are determined to try, until the end, in a peaceful manner and through negotiations, to end the invasion and occupation. The people should be brave, patient, and work hard.''

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the city of Pawtucket, RI. The U.S. Conference of Mayors chose to profile Pawtucket as one of 28 cities exemplifying the nation's best small business practices. The city's Arts and Entertainment Initiative is an example of how government policies can encourage creativity, innovation, development and economic growth. Pawtucket has been attractive to artists since Samuel Slater founded America's textile industry there in 1783. In 1998, Pawtucket created a 307-acre Arts and Entertainment District, which has gained nationwide recognition in four short years for being a great place to create and sell artwork. The Pawtucket city government has encouraged artists to relocate by forgiving within the district sales tax for limited production works of art and state income tax for artists. In addition, studio space is available for one-third the rental rate of nearby Boston. Mayor James Doyle has capitalized on the fact that artists fuel economic growth and has stated, ``Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. But here in our City, we know that it's worth a lot more.'' The Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program estimates that for every three artists that relocate to Pawtucket, an additional two jobs are generated in the state's economy. The Arts and Entertainment District is generating more than $1 million annually for the statewide economy. I am proud that a city in my state of Rhode Island has earned this distinction, and I hope that other cities follow Pawtucket's lead and develop innovative small business practices to contribute to economic growth.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in opposition to the so- called School Readiness Act, H.R. 2210. Currently, Head Start provides services to our most vulnerable population, children born into families who live below the poverty line. Head Start reaches those children. It reaches their families and does tremendous work in providing them with access to health services, teaching parenting skills, and preparing young children to overcome the obstacles related to poverty and enter kindergarten with a fighting chance. Title II of H.R. 2210 strips Head Start programs of oversight and accountability measures. The already-vulnerable children served by Head Start will undoubtedly be left behind. Many indicators of the difference this program has made in children's lives are quite measurable, and we can prove that Head Start works. Add to that the immeasurable value of breaking the cycle of poverty, and I am at an utter loss to comprehend why the Republican leadership insists on this seriously flawed bill. Mr. Chairman, in the spirit of preserving a program that works wonders, I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 2210.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2427, the Pharmaceutical Market Access Act. We know that Americans pay 30 to 300 percent more for their medications than those in other industrialized nations. The United States has failed time and time again to assert our force in the pharmaceutical marketplace, and we should continue to pursue all available avenues to lower drug costs for our citizens. Today, we have the opportunity to take action by passing H.R. 2427. This bill makes possible the reimportation of FDA-approved drugs from FDA-approved facilities. It includes new standards for safety messages in the packaging of drugs. It is the right thing to do for our seniors and we must act now. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2427, the Pharmaceutical Market Access Act. I am grateful that the House of Representatives has the opportunity to substitute existing reimportation language in the House-passed Medicare bill with a meaningful provision, one that could result in billions of dollars in savings to American seniors and bring balance back to the global marketplace for prescription drugs. American taxpayers heavily subsidize the research that leads to life- saving medications, used worldwide. Despite that, citizens of this country pay 30 to 300 percent more than those in other industrialized countries. The reason for this disparity is that the government of every other industrialized nation works on behalf of it's citizens to control the cost of medication--through the use of bulk purchasing power, and other methods the United States has failed to adopt. The recently-passed Medicare bill failed to incorporate any meaningful cost control measures for the 54 million Medicare beneficiaries--in fact the legislation strictly forbade the U.S. government from negotiating for these seniors and discouraged reimportation. There are other steps the United States should be taking to lower costs, and we should continue to pursue the use of bulk purchasing power and speeding the approval process for generic drug entry to the market--but tonight, we have the opportunity to vote on market access. Americans are suffering because of their government's failure to assert their force in the pharmaceutical market. Last month, I joined the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians in releasing a survey showing that a third of seniors in Rhode Island are relying on physician samples for their necessary medications and 20 percent are failing to take them as prescribed because of cost--skipping prescriptions to make them last longer and failing to refill them. There is absolutely no reason for this. Today, we have the opportunity to take action by passing H.R. 2427, which would level the playing field by allowing American pharmacists, wholesalers and individuals to legally and safely import the same drugs they are paying inflated prices for at home from other countries. The tangible result of this policy will be significant savings--savings that will be passed from pharmacists and wholesalers to American consumers. It is ironic that the drug companies are telling us that importation cannot be done safely. For years now, drug manufacturers have safely and legally reimported drugs--$14.7 billion worth in 2001--and in certain circumstances, individuals have been able to purchase their own medications abroad. In the years of this legal reimportation--there have been zero reported deaths from Americans taking imported pharmaceuticals. However, thousands of Americans become ill or die from food-borne illnesses each year, yet no one suggests the banning of the importation of food. Instead, we work hard to regulate the importation of food, and we incorporate current technology to ensure the safety of the process. H.R. 2427 includes new standards for safety measures in the packaging of drugs and limits importation to FDA-approved drugs from FDA-approved facilities. This can be done, and it can be done safely. Earlier today we heard a number of Members on the floor talking about the benefits of free trade, as we debated the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement. I am certain that these Members recognize drug companies can set drug prices at extraordinarily high prices in the United States, because current law protects them from competition. I hope that, in the spirit of consistency, these Members will support H.R. 2427, and allow the market forces to work in favor of American consumers when it comes to the purchase of life-saving medications. We must not let the opportunity to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Americans pass us by. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2427.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to join my good friend and colleague in echoing so many of his very eloquent comments. I rise today in opposition to the rule for H.R. 2799, the Commerce- Justice-State appropriations bill. While this bill contains many good provisions, I, like my colleagues, are deeply disappointed that this bill prevents the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from enforcing laws already on the books. The bill's language is a major step backwards when we should be doing more to ensure that guns are kept out of the hands of criminals. A 1998 ATF study showed that over 50 percent of firearms used in crimes were traced back to just 1.2 percent of the Nation's 104,000 gun dealers. One delinquent dealer in Tacoma, Washington, was missing 78 firearms listed on the store's inventory, including the rifle used by the D.C. area snipers last year. To address this problem, I have introduced H.R. 1540, the Crackdown on Deadbeat Gun Dealers Act, to increase ATF inspections of gun dealers, not eliminate them. Unfortunately, the bill before us today undercuts the current enforcement provisions and prevents the ATF from doing its job. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule. Let us do the right thing for the people of America.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time on this incredibly important issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Project BioShield Act. Bioterrorism is a national threat to our national security, and I believe it is our job as the Members of the United States Congress to instill confidence in the American people that a coordinated, concerted effort is being made to combat this threat. We have some incredibly talented people in this country in the public and in the private sector, and this joint partnership will ensure that we are moving ahead to effectively protect the American people from the potential of a bioterrorism attack. While Project BioShield is not the only answer, it is certainly an important step toward that goal, and I hope Congress will continue to provide the funding and the oversight that the project needs to be effective. However, I must mention my ongoing concern with the operation of Department of Homeland Security's information analysis and infrastructure protection directorate. This is truly a life-and-death issue. If this unit is not running effectively, then the rest of DHS is at a tremendous disadvantage in determining how to allocate resources and where to focus energies. The proper implementation of Project BioShield requires a reliable and comprehensive threat assessment from the information analysis team, a team that should include bioterror experts, while working closely with their peers at CDC and NIH to identify the most pressing dangers.

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) for interjecting that point, and I wholeheartedly concur. The proper implementation of Project BioShield requires a reliable and comprehensive threat assessment from the information analysis team, a team that should include bioterror experts working closely with their peers at agencies like CDC and NIH to identify the most pressing dangers and develop a plan to combat them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and hope that DHS will do its part to make Project BioShield as effective as possible.

Mr. LANGEVIN. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the work of the Rhode Island General Assembly for passage of the Comprehensive Fire Safety Act and to urge other States to update their fire codes to modern standards. The Comprehensive Fire Safety Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Donald Carcieri on July 7, 2003, updates the Rhode Island Fire Code to reduce the chance of future fire-related tragedies. The legislation is the result of months of work by a 17-member legislation commission, and it passed the State House and Senate unanimously last month. This sweeping legislation is a timely, well thought out response to the West Warwick, RI, nightclub disaster that tragically killed 100 concertgoers on February 20, 2003. This was the deadliest fire in Rhode Island history and resulted from the use of pyrotechnics in a building that was not equipped with sprinklers or easily accessible exits. The Comprehensive Fire Safety Act adopts the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire codes for new and existing buildings. This will end the State's grandfather clause that exempted older structures from meeting the State fire code. In addition, sprinklers will be required in more public buildings, a critical provision considering that the NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completely sprinklered public building. In addition, the law bans most indoor pyrotechnics and expands the power of fire inspectors. I hope other States will act to update their fire codes before similar tragedies strike. Enough lives have been lost in fires already. I also urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring H.R. 1824, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2003. This legislation provides a tax credit to businesses that choose to install fire sprinklers, thus helping to offset the cost of State mandates and encouraging buildings to exceed local fire codes for the safety of the occupants. While nothing can be done to bring back the victims from this horrific tragedy, the Rhode Island government has honored the victims of this disaster by working to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future, and I applaud the State for its efforts.

Mr. LANGEVIN

Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill before us. This bill shortchanges critical education and health and human services programs, reverses the progress we have made in building up the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in recent years and fails to fulfill promises this Congress made to disadvantaged children. There is a theme developing in the 108th Congress and it is one of unfulfilled promises and inaction--whether it's special education, college aid or biomedical research--the Republican leadership talks about access and accountability while failing to provide for it. In the last five years, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to double NIH funding, something we were all able to go home and be proud of. This doubling of funding signified an unprecedented federal commitment to research and resulted in the beginning of some remarkable projects--many of which have the potential to end great human suffering caused by disease and epidemics such as diabetes, heart disease and AIDS. Federal researchers are even poised to make significant discoveries about what causes cancer. I am sorely disappointed to see that this year's proposed budget for NIH contains the smallest increase in 15 years--one that is less than the rate of inflation and cannot sustain the projects we worked together to begin in recent years and at the same time, provide for critical new initiatives. The proposed amount would provide just 21 new grants for all of NIH outside of bio- defense research. American citizens should not have to choose between life-saving research and bio-terrorism preparedness. Both should be priorities and both should be adequately funded. The proposed budget for education also fails to recognize the rise in tuition costs, as it freezes the maximum Pell Grant--the primary federal grant for college and university studies for 5 million disadvantaged students--despite its declining buying power. As a result, these grants would finance only 38 percent of the cost of a public university. When Congress established the Pell Grant program, they covered 84 percent of the cost of study--clearly intended to play a significant role in increasing access to colleges and universities for lower- and middle-income individuals. The funding levels in H.R. 2660 would force students to take on increasingly large levels of debt to finance their college eduations--if they are able to pursue higher education at all. Last year, we passed a landmark piece of legislation called the No Child Left Behind Act, which promised education reform to millions of American students. The time has come to fund that legislation--to fulfill the promise--and the money is not there. H.R. 2660 falls $334 million short of the $1 billion in Title I funds promised in the budget resolution to help school districts meet the challenge of new accountability requirements in No Child Left Behind. Just yesterday, we passed the Ready to Teach Act, which promised millions of dollars in teacher quality and preparation programs. Yet, the appropriations bill falls $350 million short of our earlier promise to fund teacher quality grants created in the No Child Left Behind Act. The result is that 54,000 fewer teachers will receive high quality, federally-supported professional development. Earlier this year, Congress made it a priority to pass a $350 billion tax cut that overwhelmingly favored the wealthy--on top of the trillion dollar tax cut this same population benefited from in 2001. The Labor, Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill--more than any other funding bill--sends a clear message to the children, the families and the working people of this country about our priorities. As Democrats, as Republicans, as Members of Congress--collectively, we know that education and health care are of the highest priority to the American people and that they want us to do more. Yet, the fact remains that the bill the Republican leadership presents us with does not reflect those priorities or provide the funding that they deserve. I urge all of my colleagues to vote against H.R. 2660.