Karen McCarthy

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the first National Jazz Appreciation Month and the importance of music and arts education to America's youth. Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is intended to draw the public's attention to the glories of jazz as both a historical and a living treasure by encouraging public and private partnerships focused on arts education. A joint initiative of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the National Endowment for the Arts, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Association for Music Education, the International Association of Jazz Educators, and the U.S. Department of State, Jazz Appreciation Month will encourage special programs on jazz every April. The Smithsonian's National Museum of National History began to organize Jazz Appreciation Month in 1997 with a presentation to the International Association of Jazz Educators. Modeled after Black History Month, Jazz Appreciation Month is a global celebration of jazz, with events scheduled from Kansas City to Cleveland to South Africa. Known as the mother of swing and the nurturer of Bebop, my district of Kansas City, Missouri is the birthplace of Charlie ``Bird'' Parker, the great alto saxophonist. Because of ``Bird's'' influence, jazz has been a cornerstone of Kansas City culture since the 1930s. A proud reflection of my district's dynamic musical heritage is the American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine, which tells the story of jazz and its greatest performers through the sights and sounds of the movement. Tomorrow, I will attend an installation ceremony at the American Jazz Museum to dedicate ``Jazz Pantheon,'' a commissioned sculpture by John T. Scott. This project was funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the One-Percent-For-All Program by the City of Kansas City. This sculpture is part of the ongoing revitalization of the historic district of 18th and Vine and manifests the central role of jazz to the metropolitan Kansas City area. In conjunction with Jazz Appreciation Month, the American Jazz Museum has organized two music educational events in my district. On April 25th, middle school students will be celebrating the culmination of this year's Duke Ellington Youth Project. This interdisciplinary program, which combines music, literature, and history will culminate with a music performance and arts exhibition celebrating the history of jazz and will include a reception at the American Jazz Museum for the participants and their families. Jazz Storytelling is a second music educational program organized by the American Jazz Museum. It combines stories about jazz with live instrumental music for children between the ages of three and nine. A unique aspect of the Jazz Storytelling program is the Living Legends Series, which features Kansas City's own jazz legends, such as Myra Taylor, Luqman Hamza, Geneva Price, Eddie Saunders, and Ahmad Alaadlen, who share their amazing stories and the musical magic that made them great. These programs organized by the American Jazz Museum are two of the arts and music education programs in the metropolitan Kansas City area. Jazz Appreciation events are scheduled throughout the country during the month of April. On April 16 in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy screened the recently restored concert film footage of Louis Armstrong in Prague, Dave Brubeck in Australia and the Bud Powell Trio in France. These films were restored as part of the GRAMMY Foundation's Music on Film Preservation Project, which is an ongoing effort to preserve America's music and film heritage. The National Museum of American History will spotlight the history and music of jazz through events such as a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and a public viewing of Louis Armstrong's first horn that he learned to play on while incarcerated as a youngster in New Orleans. The importance of arts and music education to America's youth should not be underestimated. Affording children access to the arts through education yields great dividends to our society. The U.S. Department of Justice found that arts education reduced delinquency in San Antonio by 13%, increased communication skills of Atlanta students by 57%, and improved cooperation skills of Portland youth by 57%. In addition, the College Board has shown that college bound students who are involved in the arts have higher overall SAT scores than other students. Jazz Appreciation Month should serve as a reminder that we should appropriate additional resources for music and arts education programs, as it is America's children who will reap the benefits. Last week, I was privileged to meet Lionel Hampton, one of the living legends of jazz. I am a proud cosponsor of the resolution passed by the House celebrating Lionel Hampton on his 94th birthday. I would like to personally congratulate Lionel on his birthday, and thank him for his dedication to music education. Lionel Hampton is at the forefront of music education, delineated by the naming of the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho, the first school of music named for a jazz musician. Mr. Hampton's devotion to teaching is evident from the thousands of students who have learned from him and the visiting jazz artists, scholars, and educators he has brought to the school. In addition to being a jazz legend and music educator, Lionel Hampton has a strong correlation to Jazz Appreciation Month, as he is one of the many leading figures in jazz who celebrate their birthday during April. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and the ongoing arts and music education events at the American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Congress should commit federal resources to the provision of arts and music education programs for our youth all over America.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Issa amendment offered to H.R. 3231, the Immigration Reform and Accountability Act. The amendment would: (1) eviscerate existing civil service laws that protect against hiring on the basis of patronage and cronyism; and (2) eliminate all employment procedural protections in disciplinary proceedings, including those in collective bargaining agreements. Among other things, this would allow whistleblowers to be fired as a result of their actions. This amendment compromises basic federal employee rights, limits the ability of Congress to gain access to critical information about agency activities, and dramatically increase the already severe attrition rate within the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). By making it simple for managers to hire employees and summarily dismiss them outside of the civil service process, the INS would have the authority to circumvent the civil service system for hiring purposes. It would bring us back to a federal hiring system based on patronage and cronyism, which the civil service system was created to prevent. While the intent of this amendment may be to provide the agency the ability to seek outside professionals to provide expertise in specific areas not currently available within the agency, the consequence of this amendment could eliminate the Senior Executive Service Corps and exacerbate problems within the INS. The other provision of this amendment, eliminating restrictions on certain disciplinary and other adverse actions taken against employees, would do away with the due process protection and independent review and appeal that has served INS and its employees well for many years. Mr. Chairman, INS workers deserve basic rights and freedoms as federal employees such as the freedom to ``blow the whistle'' on practices that do not serve the best intersts of the INS and of our nation. Adopting the Issa amendment jeopardizes the basic employee rights and privileges guaranteed by the civil service system, and it further hampers the ability of the INS to attract and retain dedicated and loyal employees to do the work associated with one of our country's most important responsibilities: immigration. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on March 17, 2002 the people of Kansas City will once again participate in the wearing of the Green and celebrate our Irish heritage. The tradition dates back to the 1800's and has grown to the third largest St. Patrick's celebration in the United States. This will be a St. Patrick's Day Parade like no other as participants and spectators will be wearing green, but seeing red, white, and blue. Our honored guests will be members of the New York's Port Authority, Police Department, and Fire Department. On September 11, 2001, these brave first responders put their lives on the line for individuals in the World Trade Towers and surrounding structures. We at the Capitol watched in horror with the plane attack on Tower II, and felt the impact of the attack on the Pentagon. The world observed the courage and a selflessness of these men and women who rush to danger so that others will survive. Americans watched with pride and tears cognizant of the loss of life and families that would forever be altered. As a community, we have witnessed the bravery of our own first responders. Kansas Citians along with the rest of our Nation volunteered their services in the 9/11 rescue efforts. Locally, the firefighter's boot became the means for every citizen to contribute to the relief of the 9/11 survivors. I attended the New York Giants v. Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, and witnessed an emotional tribute and the generosity as I, along with my firefighters, collected donations from fans. I consider this a privilege especially after having witnessed the devastation of ground zero. The representatives from New York who are participating in the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade and the people of New York have the respect and admiration of us all. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I will participate as one of over 200 entries in the third largest parade in the Nation. As a proud American, I ask that you join the citizens of Kansas City as we salute our heroes of 9/11 and especially our honored guests from New York participating in the parade: From the Port Authority: Officers Frank Dowd, Bob Moore, Brian Dunwoody, John O'Donnell, and Patrick Harty. From the New York Police Department: Detective Steve Eizikowitz, Detective Mike Davis, Kevin Douthit, and Patrick Kelly. From the Fire Department of New York: Lieutenant Joe Huber, Carl Punzone, Bob Fraumeni, and Josh Lomask. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring our first responders throughout the United States, as we observe the courage of St. Patrick.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ask unanimous consent that my following statement be placed in the Record as read on the rule for H.R. 1542. I rise in opposition to the rule for H.R. 1542, the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act. There were 30 amendments offered to the Rules Committee by those looking to improve the bill to ensure competition and increase the availability of broadband. This rule does not give a voice to the concerns my colleagues and I have with this bill to address open access, state authority, and a multitude of other issues. No matter what your opinion is on H.R. 1542, this bill deserves a fair process. By using the second degree amendment procedure, the rule could prevent those of us wishing to offer a substantive revision to the bill from doing so. The Cannon-Conyers amendment is critical to ensuring that a monopoly does not take over the DSL marketplace, resulting in high prices and poor service. The Cannon-Conyers amendment contains a line sharing provision similar to one that failed on a 27-27 tie during the Committee mark up. At the very least, this controversial condition deserves the opportunity for debate by the entire House. The Buyer-Towns amendment is not an acceptable substitute for Cannon- Conyers. This amendment is not a real compromise because it does not guarantee wholesale pricing for leased lines, nor does it guarantee that competitors have access to the existing Bell network. Language that ensures fair competition must be inserted into this bill. Even with the current competitive market, I have been told stories of how local Bell companies often postpone the installation of local service if the customer chooses a competitor's long distance service. If H.R. 1542 becomes law, these types of practices will be allowed to flourish at the expense of consumers. On September 11, we learned the necessity of having more than one phone company in a community, as competitors kept the lines of communication open between New York, Washington, DC, and the rest of the world. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the rule. It is not in the best interest for the people.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) with regard to his work on election reform which was very bipartisan and passed this House nearly unanimously. That is why I am troubled today with having him stand up and present a bill for our support that he opposes personally, and opposes the bill we all seek, which has bipartisan support and will genuinely reform our campaign laws. To reform election laws and campaign laws in the same session would enforce in people's mind that we have indeed our process up here and restored integrity to our election system. The confidence of the American people is at stake, and we deserve to serve them as we have in the past and continue to do so today. Mr. Chairman, Shays-Meehan legislation will rein in that soft money and the deceptive ads that frustrate and confuse and also undermine the election system; and it will provide the American public with important information on which individuals or organizations are trying to influence their vote. I urge adoption of Shays-Meehan and oppose the Ney substitute.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Hilda Gibbs on her 87th birthday. Hilda has been a pillar of the Plaza Westport community of Kansas City since moving there in 1962. She is currently President of the Plaza Westport Neighborhood Association and has held this post for over 10 years. Her genuine concern and caring for her neighbors have made her tenure as a president a gift that her fellow residents will treasure for a long time. Hilda Gibbs was born Hilda Lutz in Freiburg, Germany in 1915. After growing up in Germany, she emigrated to France where she trained as a secretary for two years. Upon leaving France, Hilda emigrated to England and served as a nanny. In 1939, she came to New York to join her sister, Ida. She underwent training to become a hostess because at this time you could not waitress in a restaurant without formal training. While in New York, Hilda met and fell in love with her late husband, Bob Gibbs. They were married for 42 years. He was the love of here life, and she of his. In 1962, Hilda moved with Bob to Kansas City where she has lived ever since. Since becoming the President of the Plaza Westport Neighborhood Association, Hilda has been one of the most vocal and informed advocates for the citizens of Kansas City. Her determination to see things done right has resulted in many memorable victories for the residents she loves so dearly. Whatever the task, Hilda is not afraid to fight until her community wins. She is so involved in her community that she accompanies the codes inspectors as they comb the neighborhood in search of full compliance. This activist spirit has also extended into politics. Hilda has used her informed status to support candidates she feels are the best for Kansas City and the State of Missouri. Activism is not the only way Hilda is involved in her community. For several years, she and her late husband would spend Fridays as volunteers at the Truman Medical Center, and Hilda continues this ritual today. She is also an avid promoter and proponent of other arts community of Kansas City. Rarely does she miss a performance, but she also used her nights out in Kansas City to teach young women about the arts. Often she invites a young woman to accompany her to various artistic productions throughout the city giving the young woman the opportunity to broaden her cultural horizons. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saying ``Happy Birthday'' to Hilda Gibbs as she turns 87. Her birth in 1915 has given the Kansas City community the gift of a loving, caring individual with commitment and dedication to making the community a better place through activism and service.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 14, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor someone very dear to my heart and very dear to the people of Missouri: my sister Pamela G. McCarthy. After 34 years of dedicated public service, she retired from the Missouri Department of Social Services on January 31, 2002. Pamela has been a foot soldier in the evolution of social policy in Missouri. She began her service with the State of Missouri as a Caseworker II on August 8, 1967 in the Income Maintenance unit of the Division of Family Services in the Jackson County office. At this time the Department of Social Services had not been established. The department did not become a reality until seven years after Pam began her fight for adequate social services for Missouri's most needy families. Throughout the following 34 years, Pam became an expert in many areas serving as: Caseworker Supervisor, Social Services Supervisor, Program Development Specialist, Planner, and Assistant Area Director. Since its establishment in 1974, the Missouri Department of Social Services has grown into a comprehensive department encompassing five agencies that previously operated social programs under separate administrations. The efficient umbrella structure at the organization's core innovatively combines the efforts of related agencies and promotes a cooperative approach toward delivering social programs to Missourians in need. With the efforts of Pamela and her associates, the department has developed sound policy initiatives that: provide assistance to children and their parents, help the elderly with in-home services and institutional services, aid troubled youth and furnish health care for the poor. The hallmark of these social services is the fundamental goal of helping those in need reach their full potential, a life long dream of Pamela's. As a result of Pamela's selfless leadership the State of Missouri was able to implement many important and far reaching social policy programs that have positively impacted the lives of Missouri's working families. During her tenure with the Department of Social Services, Pam was an integral part of the implementation and evaluation of the Title XX Children's Services Block grant for western Missouri. She also established the Silver Citizen Discount Program for the Division of Aging and developed policy for the Division of Child Support Enforcement. In 1985, Pam left the Department of Family Services central office in Jefferson City and became the Kansas City Assistant Area Director. Under her capable and devoted leadership, two new satellite offices were built, one in south Kansas City and one in Midtown. She also spearheaded the relocation of the East Jackson county office and the remodeling of the downtown Department of Family Services office on two occasions. Pam's ongoing efforts to streamline the Family Services network was demonstrated by her devotion to ensuring that all offices had access to the latest technological advancements in order to better serve the families and children in the State of Missouri. All of these improvements grew out of her desire to facilitate access to the services provided by the Department to families. Though Pam's retirement on January 31 is official, her service to providing adequate family services is never ending. Many colleagues and friends do not believe Pam is retiring because she has worked through her previous retirements. And Pam's dedication has proven them right again. Starting February 3, she will continue her work on behalf of children and families in a part time capacity. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my sister, Pamela G. McCarthy, on her 34 outstanding years of service to the State of Missouri. Many people speak about dedication, but rarely do you find one like Pamela who lives it and breaths it everyday. She has truly made our state a better place.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a heroic native of Kansas City, Missouri, Sergeant 1st Class Michael McElhiney, graduate of Hickman Mills High School and a special honoree tonight at the State of the Union. The US military recently bestowed upon Sgt. McElhiney both a Bronze Star with a ``V'' for valor and a Purple Heart for his exceptional bravery in battle during the war in Afghanistan. As an officer of the Army's 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Sergeant 1st Class Michael McElhiney has heroically served our country. I am extremely honored to recognize Mr. McElhiney and his wife today for their sacrifices for our country. During his arduous mission in Afghanistan, Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney and his fellow soldiers successfully rescued citizens who had helped resist the Taliban. Traveling with Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's interim prime minister, the coalition of Afghan and US soldiers helped force the Taliban to retreat. During a US air strike aimed to weaken the Taliban control of Kandahar, Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney was wounded in ``friendly fire,'' a term used by the military to describe injuries resulting from allies' weapons. As a result of this battle in Kandahar, Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney lost his right hand and suffered a collapsed lung. Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney was reunited with his wife after being airlifted to the Marine Corps base at Camp Rhino and then to a US military base in Germany. Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney is a hero to residents of both Missouri's fifth district and the country. As part of an assignment on American heroes, fifth grade students at Comanche and Westwood View, two local elementary schools in Johnson County, adopted Mr. McElhiney as their hero. The children have sent numerous letters to Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney to thank him for his courage and integrity in battle. In addition, the students are preparing a book for Mr. McElhiney that will be bound and will include their picture on the cover. The bravery and perseverance shown by Mr. McElhiney in Afghanistan exemplify the sacrifices our Armed Forces make every day for our freedom. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sergeant 1st Class Michael McElhiney and his wife as they represent the best of our country. All Americans owe Sergeant 1st Class McElhiney a debt of gratitude for his service to promote freedom and democracy worldwide.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 4, S. 1762, to establish fixed interest rates for student and parent borrowers, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annette Morgan, whose death on December 18, 2001, is an immeasurable loss to our community, the State of Missouri, and our nation. Annette touched the lives of the people who knew her and the people she fought for as a State Representative in the Missouri General Assembly. A stalwart champion of the education needs of our children, she has left an indelible mark on countless lives. The school communities of Missouri have Annette Morgan to thank for many of the pioneering reforms established during her tenure as a State Representative and during her career as a champion for quality education. Throughout her career, Annette Morgan was a dedicated public servant, committed to our community and dedicated to our children. A lifelong resident of the state of Missouri, Annette Morgan grew up in Kennett. She earned degrees at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-Kansas City in social work and adult and continuing education. Annette pursued a teaching career that began in the Bootheel, helping migrant workers. She later taught at William Chrisman High School in Independence and was coordinator of adult and continuing education at Avila College. Annette and I shared many memorable moments when we served together in the General Assembly for 14 years. We enjoyed cherished morning walks that allowed us to reflect upon the issues of the day and of our lives. Our commutes to Jefferson City by Amtrak and auto provided us the opportunity to devise successful strategies for legislative challenges and delight in the victories these strategies achieved. Our apartment afforded late night gatherings of women members of the House and Senate that strengthened our resolve and enabled us to forge lasting bonds. Politics and government ran in Morgan's blood. Her father, John Noble, was a 16-year state senator from Kennett in the Bootheel. Her grandfather, John Bradley, served on the Missouri Supreme Court. And her mother, Alletha Noble, was a lawyer and a teacher. Because of her heartfelt interest in serving our community and state, Annette Morgan was elected to the Missouri State Legislature in 1980 and served in the House for 16 years. She earned the Chairmanship of the Missouri House Education Committee in 1985, and it was in this capacity that she embraced the task of shaping major education reform that would improve school policy in Missouri. She advocated for education policies that set high academic standards for elementary and secondary students, and she fought to give each local school district the same opportunity for state funds. Serving as both a commissioner on the Education Commission of the States and a member of its steering committee, Annette Morgan was able to affect education policy on a national scale and use this expertise to benefit education in Missouri. She went on to serve as Co- chair of the Missouri Commission on the Future of Teaching and as a Member of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, and was a leader in key education reform legislation in Missouri, including the Excellence in Education Act in 1985 and the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. The Outstanding Schools Act contained lasting school reform to improve the state's formula for distributing money to schools and increase funding. The major education reforms to schools during the 1985-1995 decade are a credit to her persistence and unwavering commitment to the cause she loved. A former public school teacher and dedicated education advocate, she was the recipient of many honors and awards as her abilities as a leader, educator, legislator, and outstanding citizen were recognized by numerous groups. She was recently named to the Jackson County Honor Role, honoring the top 175 Jackson Countians in celebration of the county's 175th anniversary. Annette's legislative victories were not limited to education. She initiated legislation that authorized the first 24-hour skilled nursing facility in the Midwest for HIV-AIDS patients. Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing sympathy to her loving family; her son John Allen Morgan, daughter-in-law Veronica; daughter Katherine Morgan Campbell, son-in-law David, granddaughter Alexis Morgan Campbell; and loving friend William P. Mackle. Her love of family and friends will be forever remembered. She will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Floyd R. Gibson, Senior Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit who died Thursday, October 4, 2001. Judge Gibson was a stalwart for justice and his professional career exemplifies his unwavering dedication to public service. His tenure in the Missouri State Legislature and his 34 years on the Eighth Circuit, created a legacy of commitment to Justice and the common good. Judge Gibson was born in the Arizona Territory in 1910. He moved to Kansas City at age 4 and graduated from Northeast High School. From Northeast, he went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he received his bachelors degree in 1931 and his law degree in 1933. In 1935, he wed his wife, Gertrude. Floyd and his lovely wife have raised three successful and talented children, Charles, John, and Catherine, while demonstrating a distinguished career in public policy and the law. Judge Gibson entered private law practice in the Kansas City area, where he rose to become a named partner in three firms. While in private practice, Judge Gibson was elected County Counselor for Jackson County. He later turned his efforts to state government where he served 21 years in both the House and Senate of the Missouri General Assembly. He believed ``politics is the handmaiden of the law and should be actively pursued by members of the legal profession as an avocation.'' The Judge distinguished himself in the Missouri Senate as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Majority Floor Leader, and in his final term as President Pro Tem of the Senate. His success did not go unnoticed--in 1960 the `St. Louis Globe Democrat' newspaper named Floyd Gibson the Most Valuable Member of the Missouri State Legislature. With such credentials, President John F. Kennedy nominated him in 1961 to become a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Missouri. Judge Gibson was named to the position of Chief Judge one year to the day of his September 1961 appointment. In June of 1965 President Johnson appointed Judge Gibson to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He served as Eighth Circuit Chief Judge from 1974 to 1980 when he assumed senior status. As a dedicated public servant, he continued to serve the Bench actively until June of 2000. Judge Gibson has received numerous awards and honors. He received the University of Missouri Faculty-Alumni Award. He was named Phi Kappa Psi Man of the Year. The Missouri Bar Foundation honored Judge Gibson with the Spurgeon Smithson Award. He was an Honorary Member of the Order of Coif. He received the Kansas City Bar Association Annual Achievement Award and was a recipient of the Lawyers Association's Charles Evans Wittaker Award. A member of the Missouri, Kansas City, Federal, and American Bar Associations, Judge Gibson has distinguished himself through his legal work. Judge Gibson's service to his community included the Chairmanship of Manufacturers Mechanics Bank and Blue Valley Federal Savings & Loan. He had an intense interest in agriculture and was a member of the Gibson Family Limited Partnership, which owns the Lone Summit Ranch and other farm ground in Jackson County, Missouri. Judge Gibson also gave back to the Kansas City community through his service on the Board of Trustees for the University of Missouri-Kansas City and as an Advisory Director to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. He was recently recognized as one of the top living contributors to the University Missouri-Columbia Law School. Judge Gibson's life is celebrated by a host of loving family, friends, and colleagues who mourn his loss. Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to his devoted wife of 66 years, Gertrude, his sons, John and Charles, his daughter, Catherine, his daughters-in-law, Judy and Bonnie, his beloved grandchildren, Heather Allen, Jennifer Ringgold, Lynn Gibson-Lind, Scott Gibson, David Gibson, Joshua Glick and Amber Glick, along with his great-granddaughter, Isabelle Allen. Judge Floyd R. Gibson will be greatly missed, but his legacy and commitment to justice and equality will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. Judge Gibson was active and energetic as a leader of the Democratic Party of Missouri; however, he left partisan politics at the door of the courthouse when he became a member of the Federal Judiciary. He is remembered by all who knew him and those who appeared before him as a fair, direct and competent judge. He loved his work as a judge, and even after retirement in 1979, he continued to serve the Bench and his country in active senior status until June of 2000. Judge Gibson served his country for most of the Twentieth Century. He served with honor and distinction. He asked for no more and we cannot think of a better epitaph.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reauthorization for arts in education in the Conference Report of H.R. 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Authorization Act. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues in developing consensus on this measure to improve elementary and secondary education for our children--our future. According to the Conference Report, Subpart 15, Section 5551, ``the purposes of this subpart are the following: (1) To support systemic education reform by strengthening arts education as an integral part of the elementary school and secondary school curriculum. (2) To help ensure that all students meet challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement standards in the arts. (3) To support the national effort to enable all students to demonstrate competence in the arts.'' I have long been a champion of arts and music education in our schools. The investment in these initiatives is one I remain committed to achieving. H.R. 1 authorizes structural changes that will improve our country's education system. As we implement these changes, we must continue to provide opportunities in arts and music education programs for our children. Arts in our school make a difference. The students who pick up a saxophone, a paintbrush, or a pen channels their energies into positive action. Affording children access to the arts through education yields dividends to our society as they develop into productive adults. Children who are involved in arts and music programs have reduced criminal tendencies, increased academic success, concentration, and self-discipline. These characteristics need to be emphasized in our children. The provision of arts in education programs is integral to the development of these qualities in our nation's youth. It is because of the documented benefits of arts and music education that these programs should receive increased funding in the appropriation process. While a start, merely authorizing these programs is not enough. We must provide federal funding so that every child in every school has the ability to access arts and music education programs or we fail to allow children to utilize their full potential. The structural changes authorized today will not be as successful if we neglect the creative side of education. Arts and music education allow children to flourish, not only in music, art, and drama, but also in math and science and social skills. I commend the conferees on their continued dedication to arts in education and their commitment to enhancing the education of our children through this comprehensive measure. I strongly support increased resources in the upcoming Appropriations process and adoption of this Conference Report.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3295, the Help America Vote Act of 2001. I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of my colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), and others in this great effort. It is a very important first step in correcting the mistakes made in our election system that were highlighted in the aftermath of the 2000 election. While many minority groups such as the NAACP and the Council of LaRaza and senior groups have contacted me expressing concerns that the bill might not go far enough, I have seen firsthand the challenges inadequately equipped polling places and poorly trained poll workers pose to their constituencies. This measure will go far in assuring everyone's right to access to a vote. I pledge to work with my colleagues in moving forward with this legislation and in future efforts to ensure that no voting population is disenfranchised in our democracy, and that every American, regardless of race, disability, age or creed, is afforded an equal opportunity to have their vote counted. I am very pleased by the cooperative bipartisan effort behind this legislation. I urge support of it and the rule.

Mrs. McCARTHY of Missouri

Mrs. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001. In the three months since September 11, Congress has passed important legislation, including an Emergency Supplemental Appropriations package, an airline safety bill, and the war powers resolution to assist in the recovery, rebuilding, and protection of our homeland. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act will contribute to the protection of our country and is critical to preparing the first responders for biological and chemical events. This fall, I have held two conversations with the community in Kansas City. More than 250 citizens, including police, fire, emergency medical, public health, and government officials exchanged important ideas on how to secure proper communication systems for emergency response action in the event of a crisis. These first responders expressed that the current public health resources are not sufficient to protect the city in the face of a bioterrorist attack. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001 authorizes $2.69 billion for national, state, and local efforts to be prepared for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. This bill will provide money to the local communities and will give them the flexibility they desire in determining its use. Section 106, amending Section 319H (a), page 33, states that ``the Secretary may make awards of grants and cooperative agreements to appropriate public and nonprofit private health or education entities . . . for the purpose of providing low-interest loans, partial scholarships, partial fellowships, revolving loan funds, or other cost-sharing forms of assistance for the education and training of individuals in any category of health professions for which there is a shortage that the Secretary determines should be alleviated in order to prepare for or respond effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.'' This legislation is specifically designed for the first responders. As it states in Section 108, this law will protect those who ``Respond to a bioterrorist attack, including the provision of appropriate safety and health training and protective measures for medical, emergency service, and other personnel responding to such attacks. In a bistate community such as the metropolitan Kansas City Area a community wide response is needed to protect our citizens. Fortunately in my community, the Mid America Regional Council's Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) is a role model for our nation to follow. In light of the horrific attacks on our country and the ongoing biological and chemical threats facing our citizens this bill addresses the needs of a metropolitan area through Sec. 108, page 40, line 6, ``(A) developing community wide plans involving the public and private health care infrastructure to respond to bioterrorism or other public health emergencies, which are coordinated with the capacities of applicable national, State, and local health agencies.'' These resources are essential in building our public health infrastructure and will allow for not only the upgrading of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the purchase of the smallpox vaccine, but also grants for local communities to develop and implement emergency plans, the education of health care personnel, and the continuation of state and local preparedness activities. Due to this legislation, local governments across the country will receive increased funds and will be better prepared to meet their communities' public health needs. Protection of the food supply and the security and safety of our drinking water are national concerns that are also addressed in this comprehensive bill. These include assessments of the threats to the food and water supplies, increased inspection of imported food, improved information management systems, and the development of rapid detection inspection methods. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2001 once implemented by our local public health and safety authorities will help to alleviate the fears of contamination of our food and water supplies. Thank you Chairman Tauzin and Ranking Member, Mr. Dingell, for constructing this bipartisan bill. I fully support the passage of this legislation and am confident that it will contribute to the amplification of the public health infrastructure and local bioterrorism preparedness.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 482, D.C. Conference Report FY '02 Approprations. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the conference report for S. 1477, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. This new bipartisan compromise contains provisions essential to protecting our citizens, and extra security needed to ensure the integrity of our airways and reassure the traveling public of its safety. The use of a federal security force is critical to achieve this goal. The most important element of this agreement is the federalization of airport security, effective immediately. Federal law enforcement agents will screen every passenger and every bag. Trained employees will renew American's sense of confidence in our airlines and will spark economic growth. Restoring confidence in the air travel system will have a domino effect on the economy. When passengers feel comfortable flying, both the airline and tourism industries will also be able to begin the recovery process. Companies that were forced to lay off employees will eventually rehire workers to meet increased demand. Passenger travel at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) was off 27 percent from the previous year because of the September 11 tragedy. A study by Wilbur Smith Associates Inc. showed the Kansas City International Airport (KCI) injects $3.2 billion a year into the local economy. The payroll from these 67,400 jobs equals $1.5 billion alone. With this critical legislation, our local economy has a chance to recover. Recent events and my own travel experience have shown that current private airport security is inconsistent and inadequate. In a two week period in October, there were 90 security breaches detected in our airports. Fortunately, incidents were averted in each situation, and this measure will assure safer skies. This compromise measure contains many other needed provisions to safeguard our skies: criminal background checks for all security employees with access to restricted areas; an expanded federal air marshal program; secure cockpit doors; antihijacking training for flight crews; and certified screeners will restore the trust of air travelers and their families. Mr. Speaker, I support the Aviation Security Conference Report for S. 1447, and commend all who improved upon an already significant measure. The conference report will make the traveling public safer than they have ever been. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this historic and important bill.

Mr. McCARTHY of Missouri

Mr. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man some call ``Mr. Kansas City'', Mr. John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil. ``Buck'' is a man who has come to embody the ideals we share as a nation. As he celebrates his 90th birthday on November 13, 2001, I am proud and honored to celebrate the lifetime of achievement of our hometown hero. John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil was born November 13, 1911 in Carrabelle, Florida. He developed a love of baseball at an early age and his father nicknamed him ``Buck'' after the co-owner of the Miami Giants, Buck O'Neal. Though a segregated America denied Buck the opportunity to grace the diamonds of the Major Leagues as a player, he was able to showcase his unmatched talent with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. He joined the Monarchs in 1938, and played for them until 1943, at which time he went to serve his country in World War II. Recognizing his patriotic responsibility to our country, he entered the United States Navy and was stationed in the Philippines from 1943 until his discharge in 1946. Buck was named player/manager for the Monarchs in 1948 and continued his association with the team through the end of the 1955 season. As a player, Buck had a career batting average of .288, including four .300-plus seasons at the plate, and led the Kansas City Monarchs to victory in the 1942 Negro World Series. After 12 years as a player, Buck changed hats and managed the Monarchs to four more league titles in six years. Following his career with the Kansas City Monarchs, Buck joined the major leagues as a scout for the Chicago Cubs. In 1962 the Chicago Cubs made him the first African American to coach in the Majors. Buck is credited with signing Hall of Fame baseball greats Ernie Banks and Lou Brock to their first professional contracts, and is acknowledged to have sent more Negro League athletes to the all white major leagues than any other man in baseball history. Today he serves as the Board Chairman for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, and spends his time promoting the achievements of African American baseball players who played for the love of the game, despite the color barriers at that time that kept them out of the Majors. He is also actively involved in utilizing the Museum to assist in the education of youth in the community through programs such as ``Reading Around the Bases'' where elementary school students learn from community readers about the pioneers of the Negro Leagues. I was honored to be asked to read from ``second base'' to a group of students as part of celebrating Buck's 88th birthday party. Our ``Hometown Hero'' is very active in various charitable causes within the community. He lends his name and energy to sponsor the Buck O'Neil Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In the past three years, the event has raised nearly $350,000 for the organizations. For the past six years, the Kansas City Securities Association, Inc. Educational Endowment Fund has given four-year scholarships to graduating high school students in honor of Negro Leagues players, one in honor of Buck O'Neil. He participates in the Negro Leagues Museum's ``Night of the Harvest Moon'' program on Halloween night. It provides area children a safe alternative from the traditional to door to door trick or treating. More than 14,000 children have participated in the event over the past four years. Buck has risen to national prominence with his moving narration of the Negro Leagues as part of Ken Burns' PBS baseball documentary. Since then he has been the source of countless national interviews including appearances on ``Late Night with David Letterman,'' and ``Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder.'' Last week he gave an interview to Jim Rome, who has a nationally syndicated sports radio program. Mr. Rome said he could have talked to Buck for the entire three hour show because Buck had such rich experiences to share about various baseball players, and baseball in general. He ended his comments by saying that Buck was one of the most interesting interviews he had ever had on his show. Mr. Speaker, our hero finds ways to assist deserving organizations even in celebrating his birthday. While talking about baseball, Buck mentioned that his ``birthday present'' would be to raise ninety thousand dollars for the programs of the Negro Leagues. Starting almost immediately after his interview ended, the staff of the Negro Leagues Museum was inundated with calls and e-mails for nearly four hours. On his 90th birthday, the City of Kansas City, Missouri named a street in his honor one block north of 18th and Vine, the area which houses the Negro Leagues Museum as well as the Jazz Hall of Fame. The street's new name is John ``Buck'' O'Neil Way. In honor of his 90th birthday on November 13, I requested a flag be flown from my Capitol office window. This was presented to him at a dinner ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri on November 14. At this ceremony he was recognized for his heroic and patriotic accomplishments by the President of the United States, the House and Senate, and local and state officials. I look forward to the day in the near future when the Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee recognizes our hometown hero for his accomplishments on and off the baseball field and approve his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition to his work in Cooperstown and at the museum in Kansas City, Buck is finding new and exciting ways to enjoy life and spread his infectious charm and warm spirit. He is a local hero whose recognition for service is recognized at home and nationally. He was given the Trumpet Award in 1999 by the Turner Broadcasting System saluting him for achievements to African Americans. The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International conferred on Buck its ``Paul Harris Fellow'' in appreciation of ``. . . furthering better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.'' Kansas State University bestowed upon him the ``Lifetime Leadership Award'' in ``recognition for leadership, community involvement, commitment to diversity, and life long record of contribution to the public.'' Buck has received numerous awards in recognition of his work in the community and assistance to various organizations. Some of these awards are: recognition by the United States Army for ``outstanding support of Army recruiting in Kansas City;'' the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce honored him with its ``Centurion Leadership Award;'' he was accorded the ``Distinguished Service Award'' by the State Historical Society of Missouri; and on November 10, 2001 Buck was given the ``Ewing Kauffman Outstanding Achievement Award'' from the Jewish Community Center. As an award winning baseball player, esteemed baseball manager and scout, decorated veteran, and humanitarian, Buck exemplifies excellence in public service and his career serves as a beacon for generations to come. He symbolizes the spirit of American patriotism and is a role model for us all. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil. It is an honor and a privilege to join in the 90th birthday celebration of an American hero, a national treasure, a symbol of African American pride, and one of Kansas City's favorite sons. Buck's favorite song is ``The Greatest Thing in All My Life, is Loving You.'' Buck, I love you, salute you and your heroic accomplishments, and am delighted and privileged to know such a patriot and to call you my friend, Thank you, Buck.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the Ganske- Oberstar substitute to H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for America Act of 2001. The Ganske-Oberstar substitute contains the essential federalization of airport security standards and employees necessary to ensure protection for the flying public. An identical measure, S. 1477, passed the Senate unanimously three weeks ago. We need to act now, in a bipartisan manner, to send the President tonight the language the Senate already agreed to and which can go into effect tomorrow. Current airport protection is insufficient to protect travelers. We need to increase the number of air marshals on flights, expand antihijacking training for flight crews, fortify cockpit doors, and inspect every bag placed onboard an airplane. Transportation Secretary Mineta stated that new security measures must be done in an effective and consistent manner. To achieve quality uniform standards nationwide, we must federalize passenger screeners and baggage handlers in all our airports. New federal accountability and training will ensure public safety, confidence in travelers, and consistency in enforcement. The job of an airport security worker is to prevent terrorism from occurring. By federalizing this responsibility, new training and airport policies can be standardized and properly enacted. Airline passengers will have more confidence in our system, and terrorists will not be able to exploit the current weakness of our airports and airlines. Mr. Chairman, I support the Ganske-Oberstar bipartisan substitute to H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for America Act. By passing this landmark legislation we are correcting short comings in our airport security system that should have been enacted following the December 21, 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. It is unfortunate that it took an event such as the terrorist hijackings of September 11, 2001 to secure these long overdue reforms. The Ganske-Oberstar substitute will make America safer than it's ever been. There is broad bipartisan support for this substitute, and action is needed now. Let's do what's right for the American people.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for enacting an economic stimulus package, and to voice my opposition to H.R. 3090, the Economic Stimulus and Recovery Act in its current form. A more fiscally responsible approach to induce economic growth would combine tax cuts and increased spending within the confines of Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan's cost recommendations. Mr. Greenspan recommended a total package not to exceed 1 percent of GDP or $100 billion including the relief measures already enacted by Congress. The tax cuts must contain taxpayer rebate checks for those who did not receive them last summer, enhanced expensing for business capital purchases, and marginal tax rate adjustments to foster spending. The elements of the package should be limited to those projects which will provide immediate economic impact, such as extended unemployment benefits, health care coverage for furloughed workers, and increased security measures. In order to continue bipartisanship in our Congress, Democrats and Republicans should work together to enact a measure containing these provisions. An effective plan must focus on the people most impacted by the economic downturn. Immediate relief and direct payments through rebate checks for the 30 million Americans who were omitted from the tax relief provided earlier this year must be an integral part of the stimulus package. These individuals are most in need and most likely to spend their rebates, making both common sense and economic sense. Tax cuts should be temporarily targeted to induce investment and encourage cash flow in the economy. The temporary nature encourages individuals and business to immediately take advantage of proposals rather than wait several years to invest in new infrastructure or capital markets. Changes in expensing and capital loss will meet these goals by proving short term investment incentives to businesses and individuals. H.R. 3090 contains many unnecessary provisions, such as the repeat of the corporate alternative minimum tax retroactive to 1986. This will give 50 of the wealthiest corporations $20 billion in refunds. Sufficient funds should be available to ensure continued health coverage and unemployment benefits in the case of a prolonged recession. Providing COBRA health--insurance should be a top priority to guarantee the continued health for those unable to purchase their own coverage, such as victims and their families or displaced workers. H.R. 3090 is inadequate to address the nation's needs in these areas. We must increase security infrastructure spending. We should also include additional investments, such as those contained in the Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2001, in our nation's public health system to better respond to bioterrorism threats. Not only does this protect our country from future attacks, it provides jobs and cash flow into the economy. Irresponsibly spending too much without offsetting the cost will lead to future long term budget deficits and interest rate increases. Mr. Speaker, I support a bipartisan economic stimulus package that will effectively and responsibly improve our economy and win the war on terrorism without raiding Social Security and Medicare.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in our resolve to complete the people's work in the people's House, the U.S. House of Representatives. The measures regarding the environmental sweep which will be conducted in the U.S. House Office Buildings and U.S. Capitol over the next few days are precautionary in nature. When the House reconvenes next week, we will be well positioned to complete the final review of conference reports for the 13 appropriation bills, as well as to consider other important pieces of legislation, including the economic stimulus package and further consideration on measures related to our ability to combat terrorism in our nation and around the globe. Collectively we are resolved to expeditiously complete all of the remaining spending measures for Fiscal Year 2002 prior to the end of the month when the current Continuing Resolution will expire. The work of our federal government continues each day with services, programs, and essential activities. In addition to the proposals outlined, I would anticipate the House giving final consideration to the conference report on improving our children's educational system. In the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I serve, I am confident we will resume our discussions and debate regarding a national energy policy which continues to focus on how best to deregulate our nation's electricity supply, as well as issues related to the security of that supply. I would anticipate that our bipartisan efforts will continue, and I encourage my colleagues and members of the House leadership to foster the bipartisan spirit for the betterment of our country. With our national spirit and resolve we will win the fight against terrorism. In my community of Greater Kansas City, the constituents whom I represent are committed, as are all Americans, to maintaining our freedoms in the democracy we cherish. Mr. Speaker, we return to our districts today to participate in our respective community activities at neighborhoods, businesses, schools, picnics, and other gatherings. We look forward to returning next Tuesday to complete the peoples's work.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the historic October 18 opening of the Consulate of the Slovak Republic in Missouri's Fifth District. Mr. Ross Marine, the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic to the States of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, will receive the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, the Honorable H.E. Martin Butora, and his wife Zora Butorova. The Consulate will serve to promote cultural, economic, and educational partnerships between the United States and the Slovak Republic. The Honorary Consul will encourage our expanding community of Slovaks to celebrate their heritage and culture, thus increasing awareness of the diversity of Kansas City's ethnic communities. Eduard Kukan, the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, appointed Honorary Consul Marine to the post in September of 2000. The United States Department of State granted Honorary Consul Marine approval to establish the Consulate in Kansas City. Honorary Consul Marine brings an impressive background of civic, community, and health care service to the position. Kansas City has a history of partnership with Slovakia. Slovaks established their first community in Kansas City around 1900. Many of them fled the then Austro-Hungarian Empire in search of economic security and better lives for their families. Their hard work led to the growth of the city's meat packing industry due to the agricultural background of many of these immigrants. Today, descendents of these Slovak immigrants continue to contribute to the fifth district's economic livelihood and cultural soul. The community keeps their roots alive by participating in the city's ethnic cultural folk festivals performing traditional dances such as the polka, the kola, and the paterka. The premier Slavic Festival in the Midwest, the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival, is an annual June event drawing Slovak musicians and dancers from all over the region. This celebration is always a great success since its inception 16 years ago. Representative of the ethnic community in Sugar Creek, Missouri, Mayor Stan Salva proudly traces his roots back to Slovakia, as do many residents of his city. From 1996 to 1998 Truman Medical Center Corporation, the Missouri Department of Health, the Missouri Hospital Association, and Hope House, a women's shelter in Independence, Missouri, joined together to focus on domestic violence and youth drug abuse in Petrzalka, Slovakia, a district of the nation's capital city Bratislava. These Missouri institutions donated nearly $200,000 to study the problems and create solutions including several media campaigns to inform citizens, to establish a domestic violence center, and to hold many anti-drug forums. Since its independence on January 1, 1993 as a result of the Velvet Revolution, Slovakia has existed under a democratic government. The new Constitution provides for the same liberties we enjoy in America including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. Slovakia has made continued progress in the difficult transition from communism to a market based economy. More than 85 percent of the country's GDP is the result of private enterprise. Slovakia's social reform and economic prosperity will continue to expand in the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming Ambassador Butora and congratulating Honorary Consul Marine as they officially open the Consulate of the Slovak Republic in my district.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Kansas City, Missouri's most successful childcare facilities. Serving more than 400 children daily, Operation Breakthrough is Missouri's largest single site childcare center and broad based social service agency. This year, Operation Breakthrough will celebrate 30 years of helping less fortunate children develop to their fullest potential. After working together at St. Vincent's Elementary School in 1967, Sister Corita Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer were approached by several economically disadvantaged working mothers that wanted affordable and quality childcare. In 1971, at the mothers request the sisters opened a childcare center in their living room, at 31st and Paseo to care for 50 children. Later that year, the Catholic Diocese closed St. Vincent's Parish. Without funds from the Diocese, the parents worked together to obtain Model Cities funding in addition to a grant from the Hall Family Foundation. Thanks to the hard work, long hours and dedication from the sisters, families, volunteers and the community, Operation Breakthrough has gone through many transformations to become the non-religious, 501 (3) not-for-profit corporation that we know today. In 1976, the center grew to include before and after school programs allowing parents the ability to enter and remain in the workforce. Five years later, Operation Breakthrough moved to its current location at 31st and Troost continuing its commitment to the urban core where it has added an extensive assortment of social services to meet the needs of the families and their children. Over the past 30 years, Operation Breakthrough has assisted numerous children living in poverty by providing them a caring and positive learning environmental. This not-for-profit organization offers the families and children of Kansas City the services of day care, Early Start and Head Start programs, a 7,000-volume library, a children's computer lab, health and dental services through Children's Mercy Hospital and various dental clinics, speech therapy, play therapy, occupational therapy, housing assistance, GED tutoring, parenting classes, mentoring, a clothing closet, and nutritious meals. As the largest childcare provider in the state of Missouri, Operation Breakthrough has excelled in every aspect of its service to our community. As a direct result from the success Operation Breakthrough has shown, last years appropriation committee recognized their efforts by funding the Second Step anti-violence program and Child Abuse prevention program in the sum of $180,000. Today, Operation Breakthrough is a place of laughter and joy for children in need. Five days a week from six a.m. to six p.m., Operation Breakthrough is a place which strives to provide children and their families the security and stability missing in their lives. Since 1971, Operation Breakthrough has provided the very education that will not only assist in developing these children, but also positively impact their ways of thinking and behaviors for the rest of their lives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Operation Breakthrough celebrate thirty years of outstanding service to the Kansas City community.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 371, final passage of H.R. 2646, the Farm Security Act of 2001, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2926, the Air Transportation System Stabilization Act. I also must express my concerns for what is not contained in the legislation. While the assistance provided by this measure is absolutely essential to keep our airlines operating, the lack of provisions to address the needs of thousands of airline workers who were told by the government not to report to work and who will not be compensated for complying with that request is wrong. The bill lacks important provisions to increase security for pilots, crew and passenger that are needed to restore people's confidence in the industry that is so important to regaining the economic viability of the industry. At a time such as this, only the federal government can help restore that confidence, and I fear that this bill does not go far enough to accomplish this critical task. These terrorist attacks were aimed at disrupting our economy and destroying our way of life. The destruction that followed has threatened not only the economic viability of the airline industry, but the livelihood of workers employed by air carriers, manufacturers, and the hospitality industry. Each day that flights are grounded resulted in a loss over $300 million a day for the industry. The airlines expect to lose $24 billion in the next year due to the aftermath of the attacks. Without federal aid, many carriers may go bankrupt. I support the provisions in the bill that will help the industry remain economically viable, such as the $5 billion in direct aid and $10 billion in loan guarantees. However, none of this money goes towards helping the tens of thousands of hard working Americans who now have no assistance to help them while they search for new jobs or maintain their health insurance. We must address their concerns as well as the concerns of other industries tied in with the airline industry. My home state of Missouri will be considerably affected if an economic recovery package is not enacted soon. Missouri is home to Vanguard Airlines, a regional, low-fare airline that serves the metropolitan Kansas City area by linking it with the 14 largest cities in the United States. The company employs nearly 1,000 residents in Missouri and Kansas and is an integral part of the state and regional transport economies. In addition, American Airlines has an enormous presence in the state. As part of its merger agreement with Trans World Airlines (TWA), American has incorporated TWA's hub in St. Louis and its overhaul base in Kansas City. American Airlines employs almost 13,000 people and makes up a significant portion of Missouri's workforce. A considerable curtailment of its operations or those of Vanguard Airlines would be devastating to the state's economy. This measure is only a first step towards putting the airline industry back on solid financial ground. It is incomplete. We must continue to work to bolster the security of the airlines, returning air marshals to skies and implementing the latest technologies available to ensure the traveling public that hijackings will not occur again. We cannot ignore the needs of the thousands of workers who have lost their jobs. If we do not provide the support needed, the temporary nature of the layoffs and furloughs will be harder to overcome and lengthen the effect. I strongly urge my colleagues to revisit this issue immediately and continue to be vigilant in addressing the needs of the industry's employees and families, and do what is necessary to restore the confidence of the American people in this most vital of industries.