Karen McCarthy

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce a celebration to honor Cesar Chavez on April 24, 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri. This celebration commemorates his legacy and the eleventh anniversary of his death, April 23, 1993. Cesar has become a champion of working people everywhere. Born into Depression-era poverty in Arizona in 1927, he served in the United States Navy in the Second World War, and rose to become one of our greatest advocates of nonviolent change. The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man, who, with faith and discipline, with soft-spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life. And in so doing, he brought dignity to the lives of so many others and provided inspiration for the rest of our Nation's history. After achieving only an eighth-grade education, Cesar left school to work in the fields full-time to support his family. It was there that he noticed the labor contractors and the land owners exploited the workers. He tried reasoning with the farm owners about higher pay and better working conditions. But most of his fellow workers would not support him for fear of losing their jobs. Cesar's dream was to create an organization to protect and serve farm workers, whose struggles he shared. At the age of 35, he left his own well paid job to devote all his time to organizing the farm workers into a union. Cesar traveled from camp to camp recruiting workers, and the National Farm Workers Union was born. With a strong leader to represent them, the workers began to demand their rights for fair pay and better working conditions. Without these rights, no one would work in the fields. In 1965, the grape growers didn't listen to the union's demands, and the farmhands wanted a strike. The workers left the fields, and the unharvested grapes began to rot on the vines. Union members, Cesar included, were jailed repeatedly. But public officials, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens from all across the United States flocked to California to march in support of the farm workers. In 1970, some grape growers signed agreements with the union. The union lifted the grape boycott, and its members began to pick grapes again. That same year, Cesar thought that even people who could not travel to California could show their support for his cause. Thus he appealed for a nationwide boycott of lettuce. People from all parts of the United States who sympathized with the cause of the farm workers refused to buy lettuce. Some even picketed in front of supermarkets. By 1973, when Cesar inspired the people of Kansas City with his message of equality, justice and social change in an address at Penn Valley Community College, the union had changed its name to the United Farm Workers of America. Relations with the grape growers had once again deteriorated, so a grape boycott was added to the boycott of lettuce. On several occasions, Cesar fasted to protest the violence that arose. Finally, by 1978, some of the workers' conditions were met, and the United Farm Workers lifted the boycotts on lettuce and grapes. This is just one example of how dedicated Cesar was to the union and the people who counted on him. Up until the day he died, he was concerned as ever about dignity, justice, and fairness. He said, ``Fighting for social justice, it seems to me, is one of the profoundest ways in which man can say yes to man's dignity, and that really means sacrifice. There is no way on this earth in which you can say yes to man's dignity and know that you're going to be spared some sacrifice.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a small man with a big dream, Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez is a dedicated and true American hero: A civil rights, Latino and labor leader, a community servant and a crusader for nonviolent social change.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and support Arts Advocacy Day. I would like to thank the artists who have come to Capitol Hill to visit with members of Congress regarding support for arts education as essential to the creative ingenuity of the cultural fabric of our society. We appreciate their extraordinary talent and we welcome them to Washington. The Congress must provide sufficient funding for arts education in our schools and the National Endowment for the Arts. These programs are vital to supporting the creation, preservation and presentation of the arts and humanities in America. In my district, numerous schools have taken essential steps toward integrating arts education in their student's daily routines. Unfortunately, budget cuts threaten the longevity of these programs. Studies have demonstrated that reading and math scores improve with participation in arts education classes. A U.S. Department of Justice study found that arts education reduced student delinquency in San Antonio by 13% and increased the communications skills of students in Atlanta by 57%. Test Results from the College Board have shown that college bound students involved in the arts and humanities have higher overall SAT scores that other students. I'm proud to have been part of the legislative effort to empower the Secretary of Education to fund arts education programs in our schools through the No Child Left Behind Education Act of 2003. Beyond our borders, the WTO must stand firm against the piracy of our artists' intellectual property. We in Congress must strengthen our commitment and effort with our trading partners to end piracy. Theft of intellectual property has a significant economic affect on the United States. The recording industry, for example, reports a loss of $286 million in sales with our trading partner, China. In addition, market access and investment barriers prevent the entertainment industry from serving markets overseas thus and increases demand for pirated U.S. entertainment products. The Congress and the United States Trade Representative need to work together to apply pressure to the governments of countries where piracy is rampant. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Arts Advocacy Day.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Women's History Month. The National Women's History Project was founded in 1980 and is a non-profit educational organization committed to recognizing and celebrating the diverse and significant historical accomplishments of women. The legacy of others who shaped society inspires one's own longings to contribute. For young women, role models can inspire their sense of what is possible. Knowledge of women's strengths and contributions builds respect and nourishes self esteem. During Women's History Month, our nation celebrates the many accomplishments of women. Women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields. As bosses, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends, they bring compassion and integrity to our work spaces and community settings and teach our children the values that make our country great. Thousands of outstanding Kansas City women have left their mark on our community by blazing new trails; by being the first woman to make a significant contribution in the greater metropolitan area. A beloved woman in Kansas City, known as the matriarch, is the late Lucille Bluford. Always a voice of conscience and reason, a woman of influence and great moral character, she began her career in 1930 as a reporter for The Kansas City Call. After owner Chester A. Franklin died in 1955, Ms. Bluford became managing editor, publisher and the first woman owner of a newspaper in the community. Her leadership, guidance and direction raised the consciousness of the African American community to the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s and 70s and rallied the readers to call for political action. In 1990, the University of Kansas awarded her it's Distinguished Service Citation, the highest honor to be bestowed upon a KU graduate for service to humanity. She was the second African American student to major in journalism at KU. Among her many countless awards, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Missouri, which years earlier denied her admission. In 1939, she bravely sued MU, but lost the case. While she may have lost that battle, her action prompted a series of legal challenges that ultimately led to the abolishment of the ``separate but equal'' doctrine in education. Ms. Bluford's career accomplishments opened doors for another female entrepreneur in journalism, Clara Reyes, who started Kansas City's first bilingual newspaper, Dos Mundos, in 1981 in her basement. She had sold real estate to people from different countries who often asked where to find bilingual professionals. Reyes took it upon herself to fill the void. She did not know much about the publishing world, but thought that if she could sell real estate, she could surely sell advertising. For more than 20 years, Clara Reyes has been a strong voice in the Hispanic community who wrote about issues important to Latinos in the Greater Kansas City area. Clara Reyes has helped ``Dos Mundos'' grow to become one of the leading bilingual newspapers in the Midwest dedicated to serving the community through daily news and information. Martha W. Gilliland, Ph.D., Chancellor of the University of Missouri- Kansas City holds a doctorate in environmental engineering/systems ecology from the University of Florida. On August 30, 2002, she received a prestigious national honor from the Policy Studies Organization: ``Top Public Policy Practitioner.'' Under her leadership, UMKC, has established a progressive and ambitious agenda for the urban campus of 14,000 students. Chancellor Gilliland and her leadership team are poised to transform UMKC into a 21st century institution and a national model in scholarships and creative activity by attracting and nurturing responsive community leaders while providing the resources to achieve the University's vision of creating a vibrant environment of learning and campus life experience. Today, the vision of these Kansas City women: Lucille Bluford, Clara Reyes and Martha Gilliland, inspire women in our community to blaze new trails and seek their dreams. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring National Women's History Month, as we celebrate the many ways women strengthen and enrich America. Their lives and work provide guideposts of hope for our future and for our children, and remind us all of what the human spirit can achieve when our collective eyes are fixed upon helping reach our greatest potential. I salute them one and all in honor of National Women's History Month.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an agency that has supported Kansas City area children, families and communities for 110 years. The Mattie Rhodes Center provides social services, mental health counseling and provides emerging artists a venue for their work. The center is named for Mattie Rhodes, a young woman who worked for the less fortunate with a group of Sunday school friends call the Little Gleaners. In 1890, at the age of 19 she died of typhoid fever. Mattie left $500 to be used for the benefit of children. The Little Gleaners honored her wish and founded the Mattie Rhodes Memorial Society in 1894 with this pledge: ``I promise to do all I can to help the needy and suffering by working for them, learning about them, giving for them, and trying to interest others in them.'' That pledge made 110 years ago remains a reality today. The mission of the Mattie Rhodes Center is to ``strengthen children, families and community by providing social services, mental health counseling and art experiences in a bilingual, culturally sensitive environment.'' Mattie Rhodes offers services such as individual and family counseling, Hispanic mental health programs, job readiness and placement and educational experiences for children. More than 650 individuals and families access family services each year through the Mattie Rhodes Center. The majority are of Mexican descent and are recent immigrants who speak little or no English. Each year more than 1,700 children benefit from mentoring programs, youth support groups and arts education geared to youth from the suburbs and Kansas City's urban core. The Mattie Rhodes Art Center continues to be a place where children can have fun, learn about, appreciate and create art. In 1999, the Mattie Rhodes Center reached out to Hispanic artists and art patrons by establishing the Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery. It provides a unique experience for Latino artists to display their work, and for the community to view and appreciate. The exhibits educate children and the public about the importance of Latino arts in the West Side community and the greater metropolitan area. Area daycare centers, elementary and high schools, community organizations and individuals constitute the broad based sector reached by Mattie Rhodes Center programs. These groups include Garcia School, McCoy School, Northeast High School, Rose Brooks Domestic Violence Shelter, Hand-In-Hand and the Missouri Division of Family Services, Hispanic artists and patrons. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the Mattie Rhodes Center in Kansas City, Missouri for its 110 years of outstanding service. I congratulate this excellent organization in conjunction with The Mattie Rhodes Art of the Mask Auction on April 3, 2004. The auction has grown from a children's art center project into a community celebration. This year's auction will be the twelfth in Mattie Rhodes Center's history. I am proud to have contributed by creating a clay mask for the event. Ms. Mattie Rhodes would have been proud of these accomplishments. Eleven decades after her wish, the Mattie Rhodes Center continues to care for those less fortunate by providing programs that help children and families become more self reliant, confident, creative and productive members of their communities. From the humble beginnings of a committed young girl's dying wish to her name sake agency that now serves thousands of Kansas Citians, the Mattie Rhodes Center is keeping her promise alive and making a dramatic difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in strong support of the Democratic Leadership Substitute and in opposition to the Republican Budget, H. Con. Res. 393, which fails to meet the fiscal and societal challenges Americans face today. While the Republican budget focuses on a tax cut for only a few, slashes important funding for health care, veterans, education and environmental programs, and does little to revive the economy, the Democratic plan is a fiscally responsible solution to balance the budget, reign in the deficit, fund priorities, and promote job creation and economic growth. The Democratic Leadership Substitute achieves a balanced federal budget within eight years and invests in meaningful job creation, education, veterans benefits, environmental protection, infrastructure and economic development. Since 2001, the economy has lost more than 3 million private sector jobs. In the Kansas City Metropolitan Area in the past three years, 21,300 jobs have been lost. The Republican proposal we are considering today continues the Administration's same failed economic policies, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has concluded will have, at best, a small impact on the economy over the next five years. Alternatively, the Democratic substitute promotes job creation by restoring funding to small business loan programs, job training and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Additionally, it extends temporary federal unemployment benefits for workers looking for jobs and extended tax cuts, such as the child tax credit and marriage penalty relief. The Republican budget does not adequately fund our nation's top priority: homeland security. Of particular concern is its failure to fully fund our first responders including police, firefighters, and emergency medical service technicians. Federal funds for first responders is a top concern in my district and across the country, and the Democratic substitute ensures these needs by providing $5 billion in additional funding over the next five years. As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I support adequate funding for state and local governments to prevent and prepare for any type of terrorist threat. The Democratic budget also restores funding to important veterans programs that the Republican resolution cuts. It provides the full funding level, $32.3 billion, requested for 2005 by the Committee on Veterans Affairs. Additionally, it includes $6.6 billion more than the Republican budget over the next five years for critical health needs. The Republican budget resolution shortchanges authorized education programs by approximately $9 billion just as many costly federal mandates, such as annual testing and highly qualified teacher requirements, will take effect. It is unacceptable to impose federal mandates on the states without the funding necessary to fulfill them. As a formal teacher, I understand how important education is to the future of our children. The Republican budget also proposes the smallest overall increase for education programs in nine years. Additionally, it falls further behind on fully funding special education by proposing only a 0.5 percent increase in funding. Finally, it freezes Pell Grant funding, making college unaffordable for millions of low income students. Alternatively, the Democratic substitute provides $9.8 billion more for education and training programs over the next five years. It also restores $3.7 billion for Pell grants and additional funding to make college loans more affordable. The federal budget resolution must fulfill the priorities of the American people. It must be fiscally responsible in ensuring our security, providing adequate funding for domestic programs, putting Americans back to work and balancing the budget. With passage of the Democratic Leadership Substitute, we can work together to put the priorities of the American people first. Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget resolution fails to meet the fiscal challenges Americans face today and slashes programs that are their lifeline. I urge my colleagues to support the Democratic substitute as a more realistic budgetary solution that funds programs essential to those who seek the American dream.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 93, on H.R. 3095, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise against the Republican budget because it cuts women's education acts and programs. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Democratic budget substitute and in opposition to the Republican plan which fails to address the needs and fiscal challenges America faces today. Instead of creating jobs, it creates record deficits. It shortchanges education, healthcare, veterans and does little to aid the sagging economy. Further, it makes drastic cuts to programs that provide educational and business opportunities to women across the country. This budget eliminates Women's Educational Equity Act Programs, which fund activities promoting educational equity for girls and women. Over 10 percent of young women drop out of high school, yet the President's budget eliminates funding for dropout prevention programs. As a former teacher, I understand the importance of education in providing young men and women with the background they need to lead successful lives. This budget cuts many vital programs such as Head Start and Even Start and freezes funding for Pell Grants. More than 3.8 million women are looking for work, yet the Administration cuts $79 million in funding for the Small Business Administration, which helps women and minority owned small businesses grow. There are more than 7 million small businesses owned by women. The need for SBA assistance continues to be vital to my community. This budget freezes funding for The Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which provides child care assistance for low income families and early education services to disadvantaged children and is essential to working women nationwide. Further, violence against women prevention programs and SBA Women's Business Centers are underfunded, and no increase is requested by the Administration for the National Women's Business Council, which conducts invaluable research on issues of importance to women business owners and their organizations. Mr. Chairman, this budget fails to meet the fiscal challenges America faces today and slashes programs that are the lifeline to working families, especially women heads of households. I urge my colleagues to support the Democratic substitute as a much more realistic budgetary solution that restores funding to vital programs and achieves balance in the budget and assistance to those who seek the American dream.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 557. This resolution to mark the one year anniversary of the United States led military invasion of Iraq is a partisan measure. The brave men and women who continue to serve our Nation and fight for democracy in Iraq deserve bipartisan cooperation and an alternative resolution to the divisive proposal introduced today. Back home in the fifth district of Missouri I have visited with families of service men and women to hear their concerns about the needs of our troops. Their message is clear: ``We want them home. In the meantime, we want them safe.'' The Administration's budget proposes $1.2 billion less than the amount requested by Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi which the Veterans of Foreign Wars terms a ``disgraceful'' level of funding for veterans' healthcare. We must also provide active service members with the equipment, training and resources they need to protect our freedom and fight the war on terrorism. On the one year anniversary of our involvement in Iraq, we praise the efforts and sacrifices of those who put their lives on the line for us every day. Let our future actions on their behalf reflect that. This resolution does not.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise in qualified support of H.R. 3717, the Broadcast Indecency Act of 2004. As an original co- sponsor of this legislation, I agree that we must provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the resources it needs to effectively enforce existing laws regarding indecent broadcasts. However, I am concerned that giving the FCC the authority to levy exorbitant fines against individuals will have a chilling effect on the exercise of free speech protected under the First Amendment. Clearly, the FCC should be able to hold individuals responsible for breaching the public trust by violating decency standards in the same way it holds broadcasting entities accountable for what they put on the airwaves. Nonetheless, opening the door to potentially ruinous fines of up to a half a million dollars for individuals, including artists, raises the specter of state sponsored censorship. Will the federal government decide to silence certain individuals in the future for political reasons? Under this bill, it has the authority to do just that. As this legislation is considered by the Senate, I would hope that this concern is duly addressed and resolved in Conference with the House. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, the opportunity to address my colleagues on this overlooked but critical aspect of what is overall a good and necessary piece of legislation.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Larry N. Blick's retirement as City Manager of Independence, Missouri. Larry Blick came to Independence more than a decade ago with over 30 years of experience in public administration, and in these past 10 years has partnered with Mayor Stewart and the community to bring growth and a new spirit to this ``All American City.'' As Independence City Manager, Larry inspired community trust and was instrumental in the passage of numerous measures necessary to the revitalization of Independence's infrastructure, neighborhoods and parks. An active member of the International City/County Management Association, Missouri Municipal League Board, and the Independence Council for Economic Development, Larry Blick has served tirelessly in prominent roles with these professional associations and boards. Through MARC, the Mid America Regional Council, he was instrumental in the economic development of the Little Blue Valley and the creation of the I-70/Little Blue Parkway interchange to ease traffic flow and provide access for valley expansion. His leadership was an integral part of the development of eastern Jackson County, particularly his focus on neighborhood revitalization, road improvements and numerous renovations to area parks. I am honored by the opportunity to collaborate with Larry Blick and Mayor Ron Stewart to secure Federal funding for local projects such as the Lewis and Clark Roadway, the Memorial Building, grants to support local first responders in protecting our community, FEMA assistance for the devastating 2002 ice storm, and for the expansion of the Blue River Community College to train our law enforcement officials and first responders. A lasting achievement for which he will long be remembered is his efforts to secure the prestigious title of ``All American City'' for Independence in 2001. Larry Blick's work with the community played a crucial role in highlighting Independence's enterprises, schools, parks and history to earn the support of the All-America City Program. Around his office, Larry carries a coffee mug that states, ``Will golf for food.'' I join with myriad others in wishing him time during his retirement to hit the greens and spend quality time with his loving family. Another great leader from Independence, President Harry S Truman, made this observation in 1951: ``Unless a man is fundamentally sound ethically, you can't teach him what to do as a public servant.'' As City Manager, Larry has exhibited exemplary vision, sound values and unwavering commitment to fundamental issues important to all of us. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting the remarkable service of retiring City Manager Larry Blick. His leadership will be missed, but his accomplishments will live on as a reminder of the difference he made by his outstanding service to the city of Independence, Missouri.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the opening of Ladislav Bielik's photojournalism exhibit at the Art Incubator Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri. Ross P. Marine, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, along with the Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City have arranged for this outstanding public showing from March 5 to March 31. Mr. Miroslav Wlachovsky of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic will officially welcome guests to the exhibit on March 4. The collection commemorates the 35th anniversary of the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact armies, pictorially recorded through Ladislav Bielik's photographs. On the evening of August 20, 1968, Warsaw Pact armies comprised of soldiers from the Soviet Union, East Germany, Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria invaded Czechoslovakia with the strength of approximately 200,000 troops and 5,000 tanks to squelch the Czech movement toward democracy. Bielik's photograph of one Czechoslovakian's desperate attempt to halt a tank captured the attention of the world and became Life Magazine's 1968 photograph of the year. This exhibit further pictorially illustrates the haunting images of sacrifice made in pursuit of democracy from the first days of the invasion at Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. The invasion crushed Secretary Alexander Dubcek's new Action Program that promoted democratic elections and basic liberties. Prior to the invasion, the country had enjoyed a short period referred to as Prague Spring that revitalized their national culture. The impetus that perpetuated the Warsaw Pact wrath was a petition known as Two Thousand Words which called for democracy in Czechoslovakia. The Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968 crushed Czechoslovakia's quest for democracy, seized control of the government and killed hundreds of protesters. In 1993, following the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Czechoslovakia, through peaceful negotiations, evolved into two independent countries, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. On March 12, 1999, the Czech Republic officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a ceremony I attended at the Harry S Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. The Slovak Republic is expected to become a full member of NATO and the European Union in May of this year, thus completing a long journey for independence and achieving world status with acceptance into NATO. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ross P. Marine, Honorary Consul for the Slovak Republic in Kansas City, Missouri for arranging this significant cultural exchange. Mr. Ladislav Bielik's historic photo exhibit celebrates courage and perseverance and serves as a timely reminder of how important democracy is to free thinking people throughout the world.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Lofgren substitute to the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 1997), legislation to create a second Federal offense for harm to a pregnant woman without creating the second legal ``person.'' The Lofgren substitute accomplishes the stated goals of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, the deterrence and punishment of violent acts against pregnant women. By allowing for a second Federal offense against a pregnant woman, perpetrators of violence will be punished to the full extent of the law and their crimes. H.R. 1997, without the Lofgren substitute, will do nothing to prevent violence against women and further undermines their reproductive freedom. Recognizing the fetus as a second legal ``person'' would be the equivalent of rolling back a well recognized right that was established over 30 years ago. The Lofgren substitute would preserve that right. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Lofgren substitute.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2673, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2003. Despite the adequate funding provided for a number of district priorities, this legislation contains countless flawed provisions which will harm American families. The Administration's proposal to dramatically alter overtime rules for American workers will make it substantially more difficult for American workers to make ends meet. This provision will take money away from Americans willing to work longer hours to provide for their families. This legislation also features severe cuts to critical national priorities. State and local law enforcement is funded at $500 million below current levels when we are asking these heroes to do more every day to provide for our homeland security. The bill also dramatically underfunds our educational needs. The No Child Left Behind Act will receive $7.7 billion less than was authorized by the Act thus there will be fewer resources for programs in teacher training, bilingual education, and Safe and Drug Free Schools. In my own district, the teachers and faculty of Primitivo Garcia Elementary School, located in Westside Kansas City, have been working hard to meet the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act. They are already struggling to help their students succeed with limited Title I resources. This legislation fails to offer the students and faculty of Primitivo and schools across the country the Federal support they need for our children. The measure also fails to address our nation's higher education needs. Programs such as the Pell Grant which offer higher education funding to the neediest American students will not receive enough funding to meet current demands. The Omnibus measures also does serious funding damage to veteran programs. The most dramatic is the cut in funds needed to speed up the processing of applications for veteran benefits. Currently there are 448,000 claims pending, of which 95,000 have been in the system for more than 6 months without a disposition. On average the Department is taking 157 days to process a claim. The administration request would have added no additional staff for processing claims. The 0.59% across the board cut will reduce funding for the administration of claims by $4 million and that will result in the estimated loss of 100 employees needed for claims processing. This comes at a time when the number of claims is likely to skyrocket as Iraqi war veterans apply for benefits. In my district, the Kansas City VA Medical Center provides quality service to thousands of veterans each year. The hospital's need for skilled health care professionals continues to grow. This bill fails to provide adequate funding to meet these needs. This legislation includes funding for a number of projects within the Kansas City area. Among the programs and departments receiving funding are a stormwater project in Belton, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, the Cabot Westside Clinic and the Liberty Memorial Museum, which will use $100,000 for renovation and $50,000 for education. The Omnibus spending bill also includes more than $7 million for transportation projects, such as reconstruction of the Grandview triangle and expansion of the Lewis and Clark Expressway. Other recipients are the Kansas City Region Job Access Program, which will receive $500,000 for their programs to link low income families and welfare recipients to employment centers and employment related services; and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, which will use $4.7 million in funding for replacement, upgrades and improvements to basic transit infrastructure, including buses. As much as I was encouraged that these items were included in the bill, many important projects in Kansas City and around the nation were left unfunded for partisan reasons. In my own district, funding for the St. Vincent Family Service Center's Operation Breakthrough, the Independence School District, and St. Mark's United Inner City Services, all of which received previous Federal funding, were all denied funding because of this partisan vendetta. This is a dangerous precedent and I would urge the appropriators to consider the value of projects independent of partisan politics. The American taxpayers deserve no less. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this legislation. We can do better. Let's work together to protect the overtime of American workers, adequately provide for our students and veterans, and give communities the support they need.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks about the premium support provisions in this conference report that will undermine the Medicare system on which the elderly in my district and around this Nation depend. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. I strongly support the inclusion of a prescription drug benefit as part of the Medicare program. Unfortunately, instead of providing a prescription benefit, this legislation includes dramatic changes in the entire Medicare program. As Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne recently wrote, ``They went in to design a prescription drug benefit for seniors and came out with an aardvark.'' Mr. Speaker, in 1965, President Johnson and the Congress had the wisdom to create the Medicare program. The program accomplished its mission--it has ensured every single American's health coverage upon reaching 65 years of age. Since the bill's passage, Congress has made changes to the program to keep it current and to ensure that seniors received the highest quality care. Now seniors are asking us to include a prescription drug benefit within the Medicare program. They want a benefit that offers comprehensive, affordable coverage to all seniors. I agree with them wholeheartedly. Instead of designing a prescription drug benefit, the majority created H.R. 1, which will end Medicare as we know it. Mr. Speaker, this proposal is confusing and inadequate. For the first $2,000 of coverage, the consumer will pay over $1,100; for the first $5,000 of coverage, the consumer will pay approximately $4,000. If a consumer buys $5,000 of drugs a year, the consumer will pay 80 percent of that cost. Elderly women will be hardest hit. Under this misguided plan, seniors will be forced to choose private prescription plans each year. A move between states, or even between towns, could force them to select another plan. In my district, seniors who chose to relocate from Kansas to Missouri could face the loss of their chosen prescription drug plan. I am also concerned that this legislation will encourage companies that offer employer-provided drug coverage to drop or reduce their benefits. While the bill includes billions in subsidies for companies to maintain their benefits, more than 2.7 million retirees are likely to lose their employer provided coverage under this bill. Seniors have been asking for a prescription drug benefit. They have not been asking for HMOs to take over Medicare. Yet that is what we are being asked to vote on today. This legislation includes ``cost containment'' provisions that will prompt significant cuts in the Medicare program if more than 45 percent of the costs of Medicare are borne from general tax revenues. Let's be clear--this cost cap would effectively end Medicare as a basic right for our seniors. In a machiavellian effort to pass this misguided legislation, the authors have included billions in additional payments for doctors, hospitals, rural health facilities, and ambulance services among others. Sadly, these quality health care providers are forced to support this legislation even though many fear it will be bad for seniors and could unravel the Medicare program. Those funds should not be held hostage by this Medicare privatization scheme. I urge my colleagues to consider supporting stand alone legislation that would help our providers and save the Medicare program. As E.J. Dionne wisely recommended, we should reject this flawed bill and ``let's then have a national debate on the future of Medicare, out in the open, and not in some congressional back room.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this measure and go back to the basics. Give seniors what they deserve--a comprehensive Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2420 and remove any question that U.S. mutual funds are a sound investment. ``The Mutual Funds Integrity and Fee Transparency Act of 2003'' is the product of hard work and bipartisan cooperation to address concerns by investors in the wake of revelations this year of improprieties by irresponsible individuals in the mutual fund industry. Today almost 100 million Americans invest in stock and bond mutual funds through direct holdings, 401(k) accounts, and through other mechanisms. I am one of these investors. Mutual funds are a stellar success story, combining diversification of risk with the simplicity of a single vehicle. Estimates are that mutual fund holdings today exceed $7 trillion dollars. We must provide investors with the assurances they need to continue to fuel the mutual fund engine. H.R. 2420 will protect investors by reforming the mutual fund industry in several significant ways. Among the important provisions of this measure are rules to require greater transparency to investors as to the fees they are charged, and a new directive to the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study of transaction costs. This measure also correctly addresses the issue of the objectivity of the mutual fund's board of directors by requiring that two-thirds of the directors be independent, a significant increase from the current 40 percent requirement. I support H.R. 2420 and urge my colleagues to do the same. As the bill advances through the legislative process it will undergo further changes, and I would recommend minor corrections that will improve the functionality and efficacy of this measure. I encourage my colleagues to make certain that we enact legislation that produces the transparency that investors require yet does not become overly bureaucratic or burdensome to the mutual fund industry. For example, the requirement in H.R. 2420 for the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer should take into account that investment management companies generally oversee several funds, and that each individual fund should not require a separate Chief Compliance Officer. Such a step would only add to the management costs of the funds which in turn will result in higher costs to the investor. We must also balance the much needed protection given to whistleblowers in H.R. 2420 with the legitimate needs of businesses to weed out poor performers. With hundreds of funds to choose among, there is no lack of competition in the mutual fund industry, and when the success of a given fund is measured in fractions the emphasis must be on getting results for the investor. Let us be certain to protect whistleblowers while not creating a safe harbor for underachievers. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2420 is worthy of our support, and again I urge my colleagues to vote in the affirmative today, and to work to further improve the measure as it moves toward enactment.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, also known as the Recording Academy, on the announcement of the GRAMMY Cultural Policy Initiative. The Recording Academy is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and those who make it. An organization of 18,000 musicians, songwriters, producers and other recording professionals, the Recording Academy is internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, and is responsible for numerous groundbreaking outreach, professional development, cultural enrichment, education and human services programs. An outstanding example of the Recording Academy's commitment to music is the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. It was an honor for me to be a sponsor with Representative Steny Hoyer of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 which established the registry. The Recording Academy now works with the Library of Congress to ensure the preservation of our national audio heritage for the enjoyment and education of generations to come. As a result of these efforts the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress includes early recordings by ragtime composer Scott Joplin, inventor Thomas Edison, and singer Bessie Smith, plus more recent works by Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Sinatra. The first 50 recordings in the National Recording Registry truly represent the breadth and brilliance of our recorded heritage in both music and the spoken word, and each year more landmark recordings will be preserved and protected through their addition to the Registry. To further advance its cultural mission, the Recording Academy unveiled its GRAMMY Cultural Policy Initiative on September 17 in Washington. Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy, launched this Initiative on behalf of NARAS to advance the rights of recording artists through advocacy, education and dialogue. Coordinated by Daryl Friedman, Senior Executive Director of the Washington office of the Recording Academy, the advocacy team will utilize its chapters and membership nationwide to educate the public through seminars and other grassroots events. The Academy is also set to launch the GRAMMY Town Hall, a nationwide series of discussions with music industry leaders on critical issues such as file sharing, copyright protection, and intellectual property. Mr. Speaker, the importance of music to my life and to the lives of people around the world cannot be overstated. Music transcends borders and breaks down cultural barriers. Young Americans reap the lifetime benefits from music instruction in our schools. Music creates timeless memories. Music strikes a chord in all of us. We must also recognize the economic impact of music. One of the bright spots of the U.S. trade economy is our recording industry. Recorded music generates a trade surplus for our nation and is one of America's leading exports, touching virtually every nation on the planet. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Portnow, Mr. Friedman and Recording Academy Chairman Dan Carlin for launching this important initiative.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Conference Report on H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003. I strongly support a comprehensive national solution to our energy needs. In developing a national energy policy, it is imperative that we address electricity reliability issues, environmental impacts, and consumer protection. We must consider ways to invest in alternative energy technologies that reduce our dependence on foreign oil, address global warming and bolster our nation's energy security. I supported the original Energy and Commerce Committee version of this legislation which accomplished these goals. Instead, we are considering legislation that reinforces our dependency on foreign sources of energy and leaves our national security at risk. Our economy is dependent upon reliable and affordable electricity, and any break in our electric supply threatens the security of our nation. The Conference Report fails to resolve reliability issues. Months after the largest blackout in our nation's history, this legislation fails to clarify who is responsible for preventing future blackouts. The legislation also fails to offer any meaningful assistance in the effort to update and modernize our nation's transmission system. Although Missouri was not effected by the recent blackouts, much of our transmission system suffers from the same outdated equipment that left our neighbors to the north and east in the dark. Mr. Speaker, this legislation does include a few commendable items. One such provision is the establishment of a biodiesel fuel tax credit. The credit, which will be available through 2005, will offer those who use biodiesel as fuel a 50 cent per gallon tax credit. In my district, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has been a leader among public transit agencies using biodiesel to fuel city buses. The biodiesel provisions on today's bill will help build on my past efforts to recognize this clean burning fuel as a solution to our efforts mandated in the Clean Air Act. I am also pleased to learn that the bill dramatically expands the requirements for the use of ethanol. My home state of Missouri has two ethanol plants, and we are working to build three more facilities to meet the growing demand for this renewable fuel. Despite this legislation's positive ethanol and biodiesel provisions, the bill otherwise fails to encourage the transition from fossil fuels to indigenous, renewable energy. The conferees chose to reject Senate approved provisions to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS provision would have required power plants to use minimum amounts of renewable fuels. Energy experts have argued that RPS will save us from building 156 new power plants. The result of this effort would be lower prices for consumers and cleaner air. Those are the long term gains a strategic energy plan could generate. Rather than providing the American people with a more secure system, H.R. 6 provides subsidies to oil and gas companies and exempts them from vital environmental regulations. Further, it repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act--legislation specifically designed to protect ratepayers from risky investments. Instead of preventing another California energy crisis or Enron scam, this legislation enables more fraud, more price gauging, and more corporate abuse at the expense of consumers. This legislation also fails to secure our nation's drinking water. Despite the fervent objections of communities who experienced the devastating effects of the dangerous fuel additive MTBE, this legislation includes a waiver of all liability for MTBE manufacturers. MTBE has contaminated the drinking water of hundreds of towns and cities across the nation and this legislation forces taxpayers instead of polluters to pay the bill. The legislation we are considering today fails to address the most pressing needs of the American people. Of particular concern are provisions that endanger the environment and could lead to further global warming. The report contains an amendment to the Clean Air Act that allows certain areas to ignore ozone attainment deadlines and exemptions for oil and gas exploration companies from waste water runoff rules designed to protect our lakes, rivers and streams. Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve an energy policy that protects our consumers, our environment, and our national security. The Conference Report fails that test. I urge my colleagues to reject the conference report and instruct the conferees to craft real, long-term, comprehensive energy legislation similar to that approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the United States Senate.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I rise today to bring to your attention, and to the attention of the House, the outstanding work and commitment of Rev. Dr. Wallace Hartsfield for more than 50 years of preaching to church congregations, serving the last 37 years as pastor of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Reverend Hartsfield was born in Atlanta, Georgia, November 13, 1929. He was an only child, raised by his mother, Ruby Morrissatte. After a 3-year tour of duty in the United States Army, he attended Clark College in Atlanta and in 1954 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark College. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta in 1957. His first pastorate was at a Baptist church in Pickens, South Carolina. Reverend Hartsfield is a former chairman of the Congress of National Black Churches, which represents 65,000 churches and 20 million members. Reverend Hartsfield is also the former chairman of the Economic Development Commission of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; second vice president of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Operation PUSH; and an adjunct professor of the Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. Reverend Hartsfield is married to Matilda Hopkins and on August 28 of this year they celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. Reverend and Mrs. Hartsfield are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Pamela Faith, Danise Hope, Ruby Love, and Wallace S. Hartsfield II. I have known Reverend Hartsfield over the years through his extensive involvement in the community. He has been a leader in many worthwhile causes and a wonderful role model for our city's youth and young adults. His leadership was invaluable in redeveloping a blighted part of Kansas City when he led the Baptist Ministers' Union of Kansas City in their efforts to demolish the old St. Joseph's Hospital and replace it with a much needed new shopping center, the Linwood Shopping Center. Residents of the city's central core had to travel some distances to buy groceries, drop off dry cleaning, or to have a prescription filled before the new development became a reality. Reverend Hartsfield successfully led the charge to secure sufficient investment capital for the project when resources for new development in that area of the city were scarce. He also was instrumental in the construction of a low income 60 unit housing development known as Metropolitan Homes, in that same geographical area. He was involved in faith based initiatives long before it was on the national agenda. Reverend Hartsfield recently chaired the capital fund campaign to expand and update Kansas City's Swope Parkway Health Center, which provides invaluable assistance to many people who could not otherwise afford or have access to quality, state of the art health care. Millions of dollars were raised and the new health center stands as a testament to the untiring efforts of committed and dedicated people like Reverend Hartsfield. Reverend Hartsfield has received numerous awards, among them the One Hundred Most Influential Award from the Kansas City Globe newspaper; the Greater Kansas City Image Award presented by the Urban League; the Minister of the Year Award from the Baptist Ministers Union of Kansas City; a Public Service Award from the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime; the Role Model for Youth Award from Penn Valley Community College and the Community Service Award from Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, he was named ``One of the Top 50 Ministers in America;' by Upscale magazine of Atlanta, GA and he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from both Western Baptist Bible College in Kansas City and also from the Virginia Seminary and College of Lyncher, VA. Further, Reverend Hartsfield is a member of the board of directors for the national organization of Operation PUSH, and the Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, GA, among others. This weekend in Kansas City, we are celebrating Reverend Hartsfield's 37th anniversary as pastor at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, and recognizing all of his critically important work and the leadership he has provided in the community for nearly four decades. Reverend Hartsfield loves people and he loves helping people. He has made a difference in the city he calls home, Kansas City, and we are proud to honor him as one of our outstanding citizens. Mr. Speaker, please join me, the congregation of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, the family of Reverend Hartsfield, and the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri in congratulating Reverend Hartsfield on his 37 years of service to his church and many more years of service to his community.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the AileyCamp of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey as recipients of the 2003 Coming Up Taller Award. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities presents this annual recognition to groups who encourage underserved youth to participate in the arts and humanities. The AileyCamp in Kansas City is one of 18 organizations to receive this prestigious distinction and $10,000 to continue their philanthropic efforts to bring the art of dance to our community's urban youth. I applaud the AileyCamp's undertakings to nurture a love for the arts and humanities in the next generation. The AileyCamp uses dance in varying techniques to develop skilled performers in ballet, jazz, tap, African dance, and other dance styles. This unique organization follows in the tradition of the accomplished dancer and choreographer, Alvin Ailey, who maintained an internationally acclaimed dance company and created 79 renowned ballets over his lifetime. His contribution to dance drew upon history, the blues and the gospel. Ailey envisioned an institution to instill appreciation for dance and culture especially for all young people. Our community's children in the AileyCamp are immersed in a six week program offering training by top dance instructors, visual artists, and social workers for 11-14 year olds. These middle school students come from disadvantaged families and at-risk situations throughout Kansas City. AileyCamp provides a safe haven for creative activity where students develop their imagination through storytelling, writing, music, photography, and sculpture. These multi-discipline activities enhance and build upon their ability to express creatively, to analyze critically, and to foster academic excellence. Additionally, the campers take part in field trips and attend classes on conflict resolution, self-esteem, and goal setting. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the AileyCamp of Kansas City for this award. The AileyCamp is a tremendous organization performing in the spirit of the celebrated Alvin Ailey to broaden the horizons of our youth so that their artistic talents may bloom. I salute Ms. Cynthia Rider, Executive Director of Kansas City's AileyCamp and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey for their 2003 Coming Up Taller award.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3289. I call upon the President and his Administration to make clear to the Congress and the American people how long we will be in Iraq, how much it will cost, and when we can expect certain outcomes. I continue to support a multilateral approach to the war effort, and recognize the tremendous sacrifices of the men and women in our armed services. I want them to know we fully support them. My heart goes out to the soldiers in Iraq and their loved ones at home as well as to the Iraqi people to whom we have promised democracy and economic freedom. I have held listening sessions in my district with the wives and families of the servicemen and women. Their message is clear: ``We want them home; in the meantime we want them safe.'' In my conversations with families of our troops, I learned of the ongoing needs of the brave individuals who serve our country in Iraq. I support the efforts of Ranking Member Obey, the gentleman from Wisconsin, to improve this legislation with an amendment that would include the following provisions: significant water purification equipment for our troops; adequate medical and dental screening for activated reservists prior to deployment, and extended coverage following their duty in Iraq; sufficient prepaid telephone cards to enable soldiers to communicate with loved ones in the States without incurring exorbitant phone bills; reconditioning equipment that is insufficiently armored and in need of repair; and covering domestic travel costs when our soldiers return home for short periods during deployment. By denying Mr. Obey the opportunity to offer his amendment, this measure fails to guarantee the basic needs and thus the reliability of our troops in Iraq, and undermines the future of our Reserve and National Guard programs. I'm not interested in talking about the existence or lack thereof of weapons of mass destruction or the urgency which compelled the President to get America into this effort unilaterally. I am interested in going forward, offering the necessary support to ensure our troops success and safety and keeping the promises we've made to rebuild Iraq. As a student of history, I see strong parallels between the post World War II period when America launched the Marshall Plan and the current situation we have in Iraq. When America launched the Marshall Plan; however, it was with full disclosure of the multiyear costs and the ultimate benefits of that plan. The Administration's approach to date is similar to a house builder who says to the owners, ``I'm building your foundation. The first brick will cost you $87 Billion. Period. Trust me on the rest.'' That's no way to build a house and no way to rebuild a crumbling and troubled nation. We the American people have to know: how much? how long? by when can we expect certain outcomes? Let us reflect on and learn from past war efforts, and model our current action to avoid failure and yet one more ``forgotten war.'' As George Santayana wisely noted: ``Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'' I urge my colleagues to support a reasonable and responsible approach to our efforts to stabilize and rebuild Iraq and address the needs of our military. Reject H.R. 3289. Provide real support for our troops, a real plan for rebuilding Iraq, and restore stability to the region.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor ``A Man of Vision,'' the venerable Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, II, whose leadership, ministry, and public service have enhanced the Kansas City community for three decades. A former mayor of Kansas City and the senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, Rev. Cleaver is being honored on October 11 for his accomplishments, exceptional vision and contributions to our community as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of his service to St. James Church. Growing up in a humble household, Rev. Cleaver daily witnessed the need to serve the urban core and its poor. His service as City Council Member and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Mayor Pro Tem, Mayor and ordained United Methodist minister reflect the legacy of the Cleaver family tradition of giving back to one's community. Rev. Cleaver's accomplishments are vast and impressive. His dream to complete an $8 million contemporary sanctuary connected to the old building of St. James will allow many more parishioners to join those who gather to hear his inspirational counsel. An advocate of jobs for the Fifth District, Mayor Cleaver was a pioneer in persuading corporations like Transamerica and Gateway 2000 to lay a foundation in our community. His plans for tax abatement, infrastructure and economic development have enriched our city in myriad ways. As the shepherd of our city, he championed the Brush Creek Flood Control project, the Bruce R. Watkins Roadway, the Chouteau Bridge, and the Ilus W. Davis Civic Mall. I am proud to be a federal partner in these efforts with Rev. Cleaver, as well as in the expansion of Bartle Hall, the economic renewal of the Hispanic West Side, and the revitalization of the historic 18th and Vine District. Rev. Cleaver's vision for a strong community includes serving the city's youth and the disadvantaged through safe and enriching recreational activities such as the Mayor's Night Hoops, a nationally recognized program that offers our city's youth a safe haven from drugs and violence. Rev. Cleaver was also instrumental in implementing a welfare to work program that provided 400 jobs to former welfare recipients. He has received numerous distinctions acknowledging his legacy upon Kansas City. He earned the 1999 Conspicuous Service Medal from Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, the 1993 James C. Kilpatrick Excellence for Government Award, the 1992 NAACP Harold L. Holliday, Sr. Civil Rights Award, and a host of other significant merits. A trusted advisor, Rev. Cleaver was appointed to President-Elect Bill Clinton's 1992 Transition Team, attended the 1993 White House's Palestinian Liberation Organization/Israeli Peace Accord, was a member of the Democratic Platform Committee in 1996, was a member of the Democratic National Committee and spoke at the 1996 Democratic National Convention. President Clinton sought his counsel and friendship throughout his presidency. Rev. Cleaver leadership includes: President and Chairman of the National Conference of Black Mayors, Chairman of the US Conference of Mayors Committee on Crime and Social Justice and Chairman for the Task Force on Finances for the District of Columbia. He was a Fellow of the Aspen Institute, a National Board Member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and for seven consecutive years, he was named one of Ebony magazine's ``100 Most Influential African Americans''. To share his expertise on policy and social issues, Rev. Cleaver has appeared on the news programs ``This Week with David Brinkley,'' ``The MacNeil/Lehrer Report,'' and ``Face the Nation,'' and is quoted in newspapers and periodicals such as USA Today, The New York Times, The Economist, and Newsweek. Members of the St. James Congregation revere Rev. Cleaver as a ``Man of Vision,'' a reference to the biblical passage Proverbs 29:18, which states, ``Where there is no vision the people perish. . . .'' Kansas City flourishes due to this great leader's vision. He follows a moral and noble path in forging a better future for us all. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring St. James' ``Man of Vision,'' Rev. Emanuel Cleaver for his 30 years of service to his church community and country.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3034, the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry Reauthorization Act. I want to commend the work of the co-sponsors of this legislation, the Representative of Florida, and Representative of New York. Your leadership on this issue has been remarkable and I commend your efforts. It is a tragedy for Americans in need of bone marrow or stem cell donation to remain unconnected with willing donors. The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry has helped connect thousands of Americans in need of assistance with donors across the country. The additional resources this bill authorizes will help us expand this network and save even more lives. I want to particularly commend the Registry's effort to recruit minority donors for their database. Blood diseases extract an especially heavy toll on minority populations, and improving the diversity of the donor pool should be an important part of our response to this problem. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the efforts of St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Their Kansas City Blood and Marrow transplant program recruits new donors, finds matches, and coordinates the donation process. Since its inception in 1996, the Transplant Center at St. Lukes has performed over 450 transplants and connected thousands in our region with needed care. As a result of their hard work, the Center has been named a member of the United Resource Network centers of excellence program. These courageous efforts save thousands of lives each year. I congratulate them for being a model to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation is vital. I urge my colleagues to join me today in support of H.R. 3034.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize the historic appointment of Sharon K. Valasek as the first Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic to represent Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Czech Republic Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Martin Palous, who officially announced her appointment, will take part in the installation ceremonies September 24-26, 2003, in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. Sharon K. Valasek holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Avila College. As Honorary Consul, she will incorporate her education and her expertise in business and trade to facilitate United States commerce with the Czech Republic. She has valuable telecommunications and marketing experience from working for a global provider of broadband and wireless services. Her marketing and developmental skills will be of great value to the business partnership between the United States and the Czech Republic. Honorary Consul Valasek is committed to supporting local relationship building initiatives. She has a strong base for fostering new partnerships in the Czech Republic since her relatives live in Moravia. She serves as a board Member for the People to People International, Club President of the Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City, member of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, and Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International. Ms. Valasek will serve as an advocate of educational and cultural initiatives while preserving customs and traditions. The importance of an Honorary Consul in our region stems from shared heritage and our combined histories that provide a foundation for exchange. Immigrants from the region of Czechoslovakia migrated to the United States since the 1800s, many finding their way to Missouri and a home in the Kansas City area. In the Fifth District, Sugar Creek has a rich heritage fostered from their Czechoslovakian immigrants, many who found work at the oil refinery. In 1989, we witnessed the overthrow of communist totalitarian rule in Czechoslovakia with the Velvet Revolution, a modern day revolution for independence, which brought a new beginning for the people of Czechoslovakia. In 1993, Czechoslovakia evolved into two independent states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. On March 12, 1999, the Czech Republic became an international member of NATO. Today, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a tourist destination with its rich architectural treasures, educational opportunities and the center of activities and events. Mr. Speaker, please join me in proudly recognizing Honorary Consul Valasek's appointment as an opportunity for cultural exchange and economic advancement to further our shared goals for both of our nations.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Kingston and Ranking Member Moran for giving me the opportunity to speak this morning. Today's legislation includes funding for dozens of important projects, and I want to thank the Conference Committee for their work. I rise today to express my disappointment that this Congress was unable to fund one of our nation's most successful programs--the AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps provides educational opportunities for young people who serve their communities in myriad ways. In my district of Kansas City, AmeriCorps members have partnered with professional and non-profit agencies to provide children from low income families with badly needed educational assistance, revitalize and clean up inner city neighborhoods, and install smoke alarms in the homes of the elderly. One of my constituents has served for two years as a Kansas City Jumpstart volunteer. The children involved in the Jumpstart program enter with skills rated lower than their peers, but through the dedication and leadership of volunteer mentors, these deficiencies are often eliminated by the time they complete the program. This AmeriCorps Jumpstart volunteer recently wrote a letter to our hometown newspaper urging support for full funding of the AmeriCorps program so that other children can achieve as much as a child he mentored, who entered almost ``completely non-verbal and is now talking in complete sentences.'' Failing to adequately fund AmeriCorps will deprive thousands of children and young volunteers in my district and across the Nation this experience, and leave many children behind. Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed that this Congress could not find the additional funds to continue these successful programs. President Bush has supported AmeriCorps in the past. In the coming months, I would hope that we can work with the Bush Administration to resolve AmeriCorp's funding shortfalls and leave no child behind.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the birthday, life and legacy of the late Senator Claude Denson Pepper. I first met Congressman Pepper in 1984 when we worked together to craft the National Democratic Platform. Even then, at age 84, his energy and passion for making life better for others was clear. During his near 90-year career, Pepper played a leading role in American politics. Pepper won vast victories for all Americans, notably our country's elderly population. Pepper was elected to the United States Senate in 1935, where he gained the respect and friendship of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He stayed in the Senate for 3 terms and served in the House, where he represented the greater Miami area. He served his House district for almost 30 years, becoming Chairman of the House Select Committee on Aging and of the House Rules Committee. Claude Pepper did so much for so many, but is best remembered for his work on behalf of older Americans. He was their voice and their advocate. He led the battle to pass legislation that erased mandatory retirement laws. He authorized the bill that created the National Institute on Aging. His leadership made passage of Medicare a reality. Near the end of his life, Chairman Pepper fought for the enactment of a prescription drug benefit in Medicare. Concurrently, he worked to enact a long-term home benefit in Medicare to assist the growing number of Americans who needed help performing essential activities of daily living in their homes. Pepper came away a few votes shy of enacting these bills, but his visionary actions shaped the path for future generations. Pepper's life work was firmly routed in his personal principles. His passionate advocacy and unquestionable integrity made him a role model for public servants and generations of young men and women to invest their lives in giving back to their communities. Claude Pepper is a hero to senior citizens and all Americans, and I am proud to have known him. As Congress continues to debate the futuer of Medicare and other programs, we would do well to remember his legacy and his simple philosophy: ``Make it better. Do all you can to make life better for others.'' Thank you, Senator Pepper, for your service to our country, and for making our Nation a better place for generations of senior citizens.