Buck McKeon

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, although I do not oppose the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I guess I was prepared to accept this amendment, or to support this amendment, but the gentlewoman's rhetoric almost decided me not to. But as I read the amendment, it says the amendment would allow unemployable workers to also use their personal re-employment accounts to cover the borrower guaranty costs associated with small business claims. If we can keep the focus on that, instead of the rhetoric against President Bush, I see no reason to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4278, the ``Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004.'' This legislation reauthorizes and reforms the Assistive Technology Act, which was recrated in 1988. By providing seed money to establish state-wide systems, the Federal Government has played an important role in helping States develop systems to provide access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities. Since enactment, all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the outlying areas have established systems of some design and scope. In 1998, we added the alternative financing program as a competitive grant program, and we have seen many States make wonderful progress in expanding the opportunities made available to individuals with disabilities. The original law contained a sunset provision in which the funding for these activities would expire after 10 years. However, the program has continued to receive funds for the past 6 years, even though the initial 10 years were completed. It is necessary to reauthorize this act to ensure that these programs continue to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Federal funds distributed to States over the last 16 years have allowed States to set up the needed infrastructure to support assistive technology systems. To continue the success of the assistive technology programs and to ensure that Federal money is used to best provide services to individuals with disabilities, significant reform of the Assistive Technology Act is needed. This bill shifts the focus of the program to provide greater direct benefit to individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to help States get more assistive technology directly into the hands of individuals with disabilities. This new focus expands the reach of the State programs by moving away from support of administrative activities and emphasizing the importance of getting the technology itself to the individuals with disabilities that need it. I know that this will help States continue to make progress in their efforts to expand access to assistive technology, and that increasing numbers of individuals with disabilities will be able to participate in society more fully every day. Although we are refocusing the program, we certainly recognize the importance of State flexibility, and our bill maintains that important element of the program. We direct States to focus their efforts on putting technology into the hands of individuals with disabilities, but allow them the freedom to decide how they would go about that and which efforts will work best in their State to accomplish that goal. States have two options in regards to their expenditures of Federal funds. In one option, States could allocate 70 percent of the resources to State level activities and spend no more than 30 percent on State leadership activities. State level activities are more focused on directly giving individuals with disabilities assistive technology access and services, while State leadership activities are more administrative. Under this option, the States would have full flexibility to select the activities in each category that they would support. In the other option, States could choose to spend 60 percent of the resources on State level activities and no more than 40 percent on State leadership activities. However, the State would be required to support two particular State level activities, the alternative financing program and the device loan program. I believe that the increased focus on State level activities coupled with the State flexibility will drastically improve the program and the assistance and services it provides to individuals with disabilities. I am pleased with the changes that H.R. 4278 makes to the Assistive Technology Act, and I believe that they will greatly improve the lives of those affected by a disability. In crafting this legislation, we worked with our friends across the aisle, our friends in the disability community, and our State directors. I believe we have come up with a creative proposal that will give States significant flexiblity while also ensuring that the focus of the program does shift in the right direction. The reforms we have crafted in this bill respond to the concerns of the critics of this program, and will place the program on solid footing for continued and future success. I would like to thank Mr. Kildee and his staff, for the long hours that have gone into this process so far. I would also like to thank Jim Ramstad and Jim Langevin for their support for this important legislation. As cochairs of the Disability Caucus, they know the importance of this legislation and I am glad to have their support today. I am very pleased with this bill, and I am glad to say we have been able to come together in a bipartisan way to improve this important program. I would also like to thank our friends in the disability community for working with us so diligently throughout this process. Your support for this legislation is valued and it is important that this has been such an open and deliberative process. I strongly support H.R. 4278, the ``Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004,'' and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 4278) to amend the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to support programs of grants to States to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4278.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1350) reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5131.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5131) to provide assistance to Special Olympics to support expansion of Special Olympics and development of education programs and a Healthy Athletes Program, and for other purposes.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the remaining time I control be controlled by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the distinguished majority whip

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, on October 9, 2004, the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation will recognize Robert T. ``Tom'' Flesh for his untiring and committed efforts on behalf of his community, the county of Los Angeles, and the State of California. He will be presented with the coveted ``Twice A Citizen'' Award for his extraordinary volunteer work, as well as his long record of dedicated support and service to the law enforcement community. Tom is the Vice Chairman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Youth Foundation, an organization dedicated to the creation and implementation of effective programs for at-risk children and active intervention with their development. He also serves on the LA County Sheriff's Office Foundation, and he is on the Board of Directors of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. For many years, he served the West Los Angeles Little League as a commission, coach, and held offices on the Board of Directors. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Councilors in the School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, the State Bar of California, a USC Associate, a member of the Los Angeles Business Council and many other professional and charitable organizations. Mr. Flesh is a Public Member and President Emeritus of New Motor Vehicle Board of California. Tom was originally appointed by former Governor Pete Wilson and later reappointed by former Governor Gray Davis. Among his many accomplishments was the creation of a forum for industry manufacturers and dealers to dialog and exchange ideas in an effort to foster good relations. The forum has received national attention and has now been replicated in several states. Tom's community leadership began in Los Angeles, where he attended local public school, graduating from Palisades High School and the University of Southern California. Later he attended Loyola Law School where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1975. Tom started his career with Thrifty Oil Company, where he rose to the level of senior Vice President/General Counsel. Today, he is President and CEO of Safety Investment Company and Community Asset Management, a national real estate acquisition, development and management company emphasizing manufactured housing communities. The company has been in business since 1989. Tom Flesh and his wife, Judy, live in Los Angeles. They, along with four children, Daniel, Jacqueline, Jamie and Michelle make community and civic endeavors a priority in their lives. Because he exemplifies all that is right with our nation's grassroots volunteer efforts, I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Tom Flesh for his dedication, compassion and commitment.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, on October 9, 2004, the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation will recognize Bobby Sherman for his commitment and dedication to the Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation. He will be presented with the coveted ``Twice A Citizen'' Award for his extraordinary volunteer work. Reserve officers are volunteers who supplement the deployment of full-time officers by performing a wide range of duties, including working as uniformed patrol officers, desk officers, detectives, chaplains and community-relations officers. During 2003, reserve officers donated 200,000 hours of service, the equivalent to more than 5 million dollars in officer salaries. The LAPD Reserve Officers live up to their motto; ``To Be A Reserve Is To Be Twice A Citizen.'' Bobby Sherman is one of the most successful and diversified figures in the entertainment industry. The first performer to star in three television serials before the age of 30, he has gone on to earn a fine reputation not only as an actor and singer, but as a producer, director and composer as well. His career success allows him to devote much of his time and energy to charitable and community activities. He is a certified EMT Instructor, a technical reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He has been named LAPD's Reserve Officer of the Year for 1999, received the FBI's Exceptional Service Award and is the Vice Commander of the Court Services Reserve Unit for the San Bernardino County Sheriff. For fifteen years, he has served as a medical training officer at the Los Angels Police Academy, instructing thousands of police officers in first aid and CPR. Through The Bobby Sherman Volunteer EMT Foundation, he provides free first aid and emergency medical services at dozens of charitable and community events each year. Bobby began his career on ABC's, Shindig, the first prime time rock and roll showcase. He starred for two seasons as Jeremy Bolt in ABC's Here Comes the Brides and then his own series Getting Together. He was a frequent guest star on the series Murder, She Wrote and Frazier and appeared in the motion pictures Wild In Streets, He is My Brother and Get Crazy. His records includes Hey Little Woman, Easy Come Easy Go, Julie Do Ya Love Me? and Cried Like a Baby, which along with others sold more than 10 million records and won seven gold singles and five gold albums. His Christmas album remains a perennial favorite and personal appearances sold out the Houston Astrodome and The Los Angeles Forum. Bobby's autobiography Bobby Sherman:--Remembering You has been on several bestseller lists. He built and maintains a 24-track digital recording studio where he composed, arranged and performed the musical scores for many television programs and videos. He lives in San Fernando Valley and is the father of two sons, Christopher and Tyler. Bobby is a stellar example of the statement ``to protect and serve.'' We can only say a simple and heartfelt thank you to Bobby Sherman and to all the men and women who courageously protect and serve the citizens of America.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, on October 9, 2004, the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation will recognize William (Bill) Howard Ahmanson for his untiring and committed efforts on behalf of his community, and the County of Los Angeles. He will be presented with the coveted ``Twice A Citizen'' Award for his extraordinary volunteer work, as well as his long record of dedicated support and service to the law enforcement community. In 1986, Bill became a Los Angeles Police Reserve Officer. His experience includes the specialized CRASH (Community Relations Against Street Hoodlums) unit, Newton, Hollywood and Rampart Divisions. Currently he maintains a Specialist Reserve Status and is credited with being a member of the host committee for the 2004 International Association of the Chiefs of Police Convention that was held in Los Angeles. He is also the director of the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation that provides assistance to families of police officers who were killed in the line of duty. Recognizing that the rich history of the Los Angeles Police Department must be preserved for posterity, Bill is a director of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society (LAPHS). LAPHS was founded in 1989 to create a world-class museum that reflects the departments many contributions since its inception in 1869. Horses are also an area of concern for Bill. As the vice president of the Los Angeles Police Equestrian Fund, he is able to direct the humane retirement of the department's horses and supervise acquisition of equipment for the officers and horses of the Los Angeles Police Mounted Unit. Many of his civic responsibilities revolve around Los Angeles. Bill is a trustee of the Ahmanson Foundation whose philanthropy is directed toward organizations and institutions serving the greater Los Angeles community. He is also a trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It was established to serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition and interpretation of significant works of art and to provide cultural experiences for a wide array of audiences. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Nominated by Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. WIB implements the workforce Investment Act of 1998. This Board's mandate is to provide key policy decisions affecting the local workforce development system, and to identify and certify Work Source California Centers in Los Angeles County. Bill is on the advisory board for the Stennis Family Foundation. The Stennis Family Foundation was founded by Erin and Michael Stennis to heighten awareness within the minority community on the prevention and cure of colorectal cancer, the nation's second leading cancer killer. Bill is also associated with Christ The King Roman Catholic Church and the Wilshire/Los Angeles Chapter of Rotary International. Bill and his wife, Karla, along with their three children, Chris, Katie and Kara are Los Angeles residents. Because he exemplifies all that is right with our nation's grassroots volunteer efforts, I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize William ``Bill'' Howard Ahmanson as a dedicated, compassionate and committed American.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very special man, Alan J. Skobin, who has a record of community and civic service that spans more than thirty years. His tireless efforts have made a significant, positive impact on the community and he will be honored on October 9, 2004 with the coveted ``Twice A Citizen'' Award from the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation for his extraordinary volunteer work. Commissioner Skobin has served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for more than twenty years, reaching the rank of Reserve Commander. His experience includes patrol and detective work as well as administration. He has also served on the Department's Valor Awards Evaluation Committee, and has received the coveted Distinguished Service Award from the Sheriff's Department for his overall service. Prior to joining the Sheriff's Department, he served as a Reserve Police Officer with the San Fernando Police Department for eight years, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizens Academy. Commissioner Skobin has also been recognized by a number of private organizations, including the California Peace Officers Association and Baseballers Against Drugs, which honored him with their Positive Image Award. Alan J. Skobin was appointed to the Board of Police Commissioners by Mayor James K. Hahn in July of 2003, and was immediately elected Vice President. He previously served as Vice President of the Los Angeles City Board of Transportation Commissioners. Commissioner Skobin is also a member of the State of California New Motor Vehicle Board, where he has served as Board President, chair of the Policy and Procedures Committee and a member of the Administration Committee. He previously served as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Institutional Inspections Commission. He is a founding director and member of the Executive Committee of the Sheriff's Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County, which funds education and intervention programs for thousands of at-risk youth each year, and has served as chair of the Youth Foundation's annual Salute to Youth Dinner. Commissioner Skobin is also on the Board of Directors, and is Website and Technology Chair, of the Los Angeles Business Council. He is a past member of the International Board of Trustees of Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), an international leadership development program for high school students, the Western Region Advisory Committee to the United States Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, which recognized his leadership and service as Chair of the Justice and Protective Agencies Committee, and the Mid- Valley Community Police Council, where he served as President. A cancer and brain tumor survivor himself, Commissioner Skobin and his family are active with Padres Contra El Cancer, a nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. Commissioner Skobin is a member of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Corporate Counsel Association, and is admitted to practice law in both state and Federal courts. Commissioner Skobin has also served as a member of the Judicial Election Evaluations Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and was an extern in the United States Federal District Court. Commissioner Skobin is Vice President and General Counsel of Galpin Motors, Inc., and has been in management with the Galpin organization since 1977. He has direct responsibility for, or is integrally involved with, a number of significant functions, including legal, information technology, risk management and insurance, real estate, investments and human resources. Commissioner Skobin and his wife, Romi, are longtime San Fernando Valley residents. They, along with their two children, Jeff and Jennifer, have made community and civic endeavors an integral part of their lifestyle. Because he exemplifies all that is right with our nation's grassroots volunteer efforts, I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Alan J. Skobin as a dedicated, compassionate and committed American.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 4\1/2\ minutes. Mr. Speaker, the Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act is a straightforward plan to shut down excess subsidies for student loan providers and direct the savings to expanded student loan relief for teachers. There is a sense of urgency in the bill before us, and I agree that these reforms should be sent to the President for his signature as soon as possible. Yet I find it troubling that we are here today when these reforms could have been enacted months ago, if not for the partisan foot-dragging on the other side of the aisle. The fact is, President Bush called on Congress to shut down these subsidies 8 months ago in his fiscal year 2005 budget request. Unfortunately, Democrats chose not to address the issue in any of their Higher Education Act reauthorization plans, and they refused to work with us to enact our legislation that would have shut down the 9.5 percent floor. Let us be clear on this point. The reason we are here today is because those on the other side of the aisle did nothing to shut down these subsidies in their own legislation and they have stonewalled our efforts to cut off the subsidies as part of a larger reauthorization bill. What is worse, our Democratic colleagues who have finally belatedly joined us in calling for an end to the excess subsidies are advocating for changes that would cut student loan benefits. This runs counter to the very principle that is driving these reforms, that Federal student aid should be directed to student benefits. The bill before us is the first step to permanently ending the 9.5 percent special allowance subsidy. Make no mistake, by approving this bill, the Congress will have taken the first step to ensuring a permanent end to the excess subsidy payments. We have always maintained that the best solution is to provide a permanent legislative fix that will direct these resources to student benefits. We proposed that type of permanent solution earlier this year, and we will fight for its enactment next year. In the meantime, this bill is the right answer today. Prospective changes like those in the bill before us will ensure the loophole is shut down without jeopardizing student benefits. The GAO recently recommended Congress put an end to the excess loan provider benefits with prospective changes. That is because the GAO recognizes that retroactive changes would harm students by reducing borrower benefits. The recipients of the 9.5 percent special allowance subsidy are largely nonprofit State secondary markets. These organizations are required to use the proceeds of the 9.5 percent subsidy to provide student benefits. Many of the nonprofit State organizations have told us that retroactive changes would force cuts to programs that forgive loans for nurses, reduce loan fees and interest rates for students, provide alternative loans for needy students and families, and help high school students and families plan for college and find financial aid. These are just a few of the student benefits that would be cut under the misguided Democratic plans to make retroactive changes. We wish our Democratic friends had understood the importance of this issue sooner so that these reforms would already be enacted. In February, President Bush called on the Congress to shut down the excess subsidies. In May, the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and I introduced a bill that would do just that. At the same time, Democratic leaders attacked that proposal and prevented us from enacting comprehensive reforms that would expand college access, all the while offering proposals of their own that ignored the excess subsidy payments. We are pleased that the Democrats have finally come around, but we wish they had realized the importance of this issue sooner. Shutting down these excess subsidies is important, and so is the need for the expanded loan forgiveness this bill will provide. The Republican plan to permanently end the excess subsidies for student loan providers is hinged on the idea that these resources must be used for student benefits in the Federal student loan program. That is why the Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act takes the savings generated by shutting down excess loan provider profits and targets them to student loan relief for teachers. K-12 schools in high poverty areas, including rural and urban schools, are facing severe shortages of teachers in key subjects. The House has already approved a similar expansion of student loan relief. That bill, authorized by the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) received widespread support among Republicans and Democrats alike, and I expect similar support today. President Bush has led efforts to expand loan forgiveness for teachers of math, science and special education who commit to teaching at least 5 years in disadvantaged schools. The current loan forgiveness of $5,000 will be more than tripled, to $17,500, under the bill, providing a valuable tool for disadvantaged schools seeking to place a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. I hope we can all work together now to pass this bill and get it to the President for his signature. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. I appreciate the opportunity. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5185, the Higher Education Extension Act of 2004. This legislation will provide for the continuation of all of the programs authorized within the Higher Education Act for a period of 1 year. This extension will allow Congress to finish its work on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act to provide more streamlined, flexible, cost-effective, and student-friendly programs for the future. The House has done a great deal of work to move forward on the Higher Education Act reauthorization. We passed four bills from this chamber that unfortunately received no further consideration in the other body. There have been bills introduced by my friends on the other side of the aisle, and the majority has also introduced several other bills, including H.R. 4283, the College Access and Opportunity Act. This most recent comprehensive legislative package provides for a great many benefits for current students, while holding institutions of higher education, accrediting agencies, and participants in the student loan programs more accountable. The bill maintains two student loan programs and equal benefits for all student loan borrowers, regardless of the program in which their school participates. Unfortunately, both the calendar and election-year politics stood in the way of the legislative process moving forward in its entirety. This extension will allow all programs to run without interruption and ensure student financial aid will be available to all eligible students. It is a clean, straight-line extension, meaning that this bill has not been weighed down with other amendments, but does strictly what it was intended to do, extend all current programs. The majority has continued to attempt to work with our colleagues on several pieces of legislation. However, many of those attempts failed. Now there is a deadline approaching. No one in this chamber wants to see these programs expire, nor do we want to instill any sort of concern on the part of students, institutions, or student loan providers. It is time to put politics aside, pass this legislation and get it to the President for his immediate signature. I have every confidence that the Committee on Education and the Workforce will come together early in the 109th session and move quickly to enact a comprehensive, bipartisan higher education reauthorization bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues to do so, and I urge the passage of H.R. 5185 today.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Obey amendment because it will preclude anyone making over $20,000 a year from overtime. I rise today in strong support for the Department of Labor's new 541 ``white collar'' overtime regulations. These updated rules, which have not been touched in over 50 years, will allow millions of American workers, who previously did not receive overtime, to obtain the overtime wages they deserve. Under the former outdated rules, an individual earning as little as $8,060 a year could be classified as a ``white collar'' employee, therefore being exempt from overtime pay. The final rule guarantees that any worker making less than $23,660 per year is entitled to overtime, which should provide an additional 1.3 million more Americans with overtime pay and strengthen existing protections for another 5.4 million salaried workers. The final rule explicitly grants overtime protections for police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, EMTs, first responders and licensed practical nurses. These people put their lives on the line every day and should be properly compensated for making our lives and our country a safer and better place. But the final rule does not stop there. It also clarifies that a veteran's status will not affect overtime pay and removes the reference to ``training in the armed forces'' that had been proposed in the earlier regulations and improperly exempted some veterans. To close, I would like to extend my appreciation to Secretary Chao and the Department staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of America's workforce to ensure that all workers receive the overtime pay they have rightfully earned. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Obey Amendment.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mr. McKEON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. McKEON. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson), the vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness.

Mr. McKEON. Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 444, the Worker Reemployment Accounts Act, which offers new assistance for unemployed workers in the form of personal reemployment accounts that would help workers that need it the most return to work quickly. I would like to thank my good friend from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for his hard work and the things he has done in getting this legislation here, and also the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) for his work and leadership in getting this bill to the floor. With 1.1 million new jobs created in the last 8 months, and 625,000 jobs added in March and April, it is clear that our economy is strong and on the right track. The economic forecast for the manufacturing sector is also bright after adding jobs for 3 consecutive months. In fact, on Tuesday the Institute for Supply Management reported that its manufacturing employment index advanced in May for the seventh consecutive month and is now at the highest mark in 31 years. Moreover, the unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in April, lower than the average unemployment rate during the 70s, 80s and 90s. As an example, my home State of California added more than 61,000 jobs from December 2003 to April 2004. Under the leadership of the President and Congress who are focusing our efforts to make America more globally competitive, our Nation's economy is strengthening and adding momentum every month. Despite these encouraging signs, we need to do more to help displaced workers get back on their feet. The Worker Reemployment Accounts Act is a step in the right direction and an innovative approach to helping workers find good paying jobs. The bill authorizes funding for a pilot program that would help workers with personal reemployment accounts of up to $3,000 to purchase employment-related services to help them return to work. This is a flexible approach that empowers Americans to find good-paying jobs. Funds from these accounts can be used for job training, career counseling, relocation services, child care, and housing assistance among others. One of the best elements of the plan is that any unspent balance in the account can be kept by workers who find work within 13 weeks. It is a great incentive. The personal reemployment account will be administered through the one-stop career center system established under the Workforce Investment Act, where displaced workers already seek employment assistance. State and local workforce boards that want to participate will apply to the Secretary of Labor for competitive grants to offer personal reemployment accounts to unemployed workers. An individual who receives an account must be receiving unemployment benefits, be identified by the State as likely to exhaust his or her benefits, and be eligible for at least 20 weeks of unemployment compensation. These accounts are a new benefit that would work in tandem with unemployment insurance as an additional vehicle for helping workers in their efforts to find good jobs. It would not create an entirely new and complicated system to administer, as some on the other side of the aisle are proposing. Over the past 2 years, Republicans have taken numerous steps to help unemployed workers, and this is another way we are responding to needs of Americans who find themselves without work. The U.S. economy is strong and getting stronger. By giving job seekers all the necessary resources they need to return to work, we will continue this economic resurgence to keep the U.S. jobs-creation engine running strong. The Worker Reemployment Accounts Act provides a unique approach to helping displaced workers return to good jobs and deserves every Member's support.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and respond to my colleague that I will be happy to join him in that letter. Whatever we can do to help move the other body, I think is important, especially in the area of education, where we are trying so hard to help our teachers and our young people so that we can better prepare ourselves for stronger economic stability in the future. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4411) to amend title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure graduate opportunities in postsecondary education, and for other purposes.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 4411.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4411, the Priorities for Graduate Studies Act, which builds on the success of the graduate programs currently authorized under title VII of the Higher Education Act and also helps to fulfill the demand for highly qualified teachers at the K-12 level. I want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns), a valuable member of the committee, for his work on this important piece of legislation. I am particularly pleased that this bill has the potential not only to enhance graduate education but to build on the strength of education at all levels by helping to increase study of subject areas facing particular shortages in elementary and secondary schools. This bill complements H.R. 4409, the Teacher Training Enhancement Act, which we have considered here today. Bringing these two bills forward is our declaration that supporting America's schoolteachers is a priority for our committee and for the U.S. House of Representatives. We know that an important part, important key to placing highly qualified teachers in every public classroom called for by the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act is having adequate faculty available to train the teachers of tomorrow. This is particularly important in subject areas facing severe shortages. If we are serious about ensuring every child learns from a highly qualified teacher, we must address the issue in a comprehensive manner. Elementary and secondary classrooms across the Nation are facing severe shortages of highly qualified teachers, particularly in high-demand subject areas. States and schools tell us they are struggling to find highly qualified math, science and special education teachers. To address these shortages head-on, this bill places a priority on these particular subject areas, ensuring that our investment in graduate education continues to improve education at all levels in America. Although I believe the role education plays in creating a pipeline of highly qualified teachers is extremely important, the many other benefits of graduate education cannot be overlooked. As we enter the 21st century, the need for advanced education is becoming increasingly vital to successfully maintaining our place in the technologically advanced economy. The future competitiveness of our Nation will depend on successfully educating our workforce and fostering continued breakthroughs through education. Now more than ever our citizens are obtaining graduate degrees in order to obtain more expertise in their field of study. This bill will help ensure the continued availability of such graduate study opportunities for students. As we move forward with the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, we must continue to build on the success of these valuable programs that prepare the next generation of scholars. We have expressed our support for our teachers before and we stand united today to continue that support and urge our colleagues in the other body to do the same. Graduate education is essential to maintaining our economic leadership as well as ensuring the success of education reform in classrooms across America. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill and the continued success of graduate education. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.