Marty Meehan

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero, Marine Cpl Paul Nicholas ``Nick'' King, who gave his life in service to our country. Corporal King was a resident of a community in my district, Tyngsboro, and was deployed with the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces as part of Operation: Iraqi Freedom II. Nick arrived in Iraq just a few months ago and served as a mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Weapons Company, Regimental Combat Team 5. On Sunday, June 25, 2006, he sustained fatal injuries when his unit was attacked as they patrolled Fallujah, Iraq. Nick was just 23 years old when he was killed. He leaves behind his beloved wife Becky who was his high school sweetheart. He is also survived by his loving parents Paul and Julie, and his siblings, Julie, Dianna, and Daniel. He was looking forward to starting a family with his wife and finding a new home upon his return. He was also planning to restore a motorcycle that the couple had bought shortly before his deployment. His friends and family recall his zest for life as well as his courage and sense of duty. Although he was safely stationed with a support unit in Korea, Japan, and Thailand, Nick volunteered for deployment to Iraq because he wanted to fight alongside his fellow Marines. He loved being a Marine and his courage will not be soon forgotten. Nick graduated from the Greater Lowell Vocational High School in 2001. He enlisted in the Marines during his final year in school and wore his uniform to his wife's senior prom. Nick was very proud to be a Marine. Nick's family is proud of him for the supreme sacrifice he paid on behalf of his country. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his zest for life, his courage, and his love for his family. He will be sorely missed. I have requested that an American flag be flown over our United States Capitol in memory of Cpl Paul Nicholas King to honor his brave service to our country. This flag was recently presented to his family. Nick died fighting for the country he loved, alongside comrades he respected and with the family he adored, forever in his heart. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, we should all take a moment to recognize Cpl Paul Nicholas King, United States Marine Corps, who gave his life in service to his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, President Bush said that stem cell research raised ``profound ethical questions.'' There is no more profound or ethical question than the fate of 100 million American lives. Lives that can be saved, and lives that will be lost if we don't move forward with this vital research. This Congress sent the White House a bipartisan bill that ethically advances stem cell research--a practice supported by over 70 percent of Americans. Stem cell research may one day provide a cure for Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, Lou Gehrig's disease, and spinal cord injuries. The promise of this research is enormous, but regrettably, the President used his first veto to deny hope to millions of Americans whose lives could be improved by stem cell research. The answer to this profound ethical question is clear--yes to stem cell research would mean yes to saving lives.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, you are the Republican Party in America and what do you do? You have had control of the House of Representatives, you control the Supreme Court, you control the United States Senate, you control the White House. What are you going to do? Seven million people in America are unemployed. There are 46 million Americans that don't have health insurance. The minimum wage hasn't been increased in nearly a decade. The gap between people who are wealthy and people who are poor is getting wider and wider. We have a war in Iraq that has killed 2,500 Americans, 20,000 Americans have been seriously injured, and a policy going in the wrong direction. You have a failed prescription drug plan, written by the prescription drug industry behind closed doors, that is confusing seniors. It is going to cost taxpayers $700 billion. Gasoline is $3 a gallon at the pump. Global warming is threatening our environment and our health. What are you going to do? Let's have a debate about gay marriage again on the floor of the House. We are not going to debate an exit strategy in Iraq. We don't have a plan to lower the cost of gasoline. We don't have a plan to provide health care or to give American seniors the ability to buy prescription drugs at a low cost in bulk. Oh, no. Oh no, this is Tuesday in Washington in the House of Representatives, and we are going to debate gay marriage. This debate is meant to do nothing more than get the American people to look at other issues, ignore gas prices, ignore the unemployment rate. Let's talk about gay marriage. I am proud to be from Massachusetts and represent 8,000 couples who have been married. And let me tell you about one of the couples in my district, Bonnie Winokar and her partner Mary McCarthy. They have been together for 19 years. But for 17 of those years, Bonnie was unable to provide Mary with the health care benefits that she was afforded as a high school math teacher. Two years ago they got married and now this happy couple has health insurance. They have coverage. They have family visitation and inheritance rights that every other married couple in America has. I ask my colleagues, how do Bonnie and Mary threaten other marriages? I don't feel threatened by the 8,000 couples in Massachusetts who have been married. As a matter of fact, I want to tell you something. People in Massachusetts overwhelmingly now realize that approving gay marriage has not in any way negatively impacted heterosexual couples. That is why, overwhelmingly, people in Massachusetts support the SJC decision. But we ought to keep clear and keep in mind that this debate today is not really about gay marriage. It is about the failure of this administration and this Congress to do the right thing by the American people.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Voting Rights Act and urge my colleagues to pass it today, clean, without amendment. Mr. Chairman, I am honored to represent one of the more diverse districts in America today. My neighbors came to Massachusetts from all of the nations of Europe, Southeast Asia, West Africa, Latin America, French Canada and the Caribbean. In Massachusetts, the Voting Rights Act remains a necessary tool to ensure that people are able to participate in our democracy. In fact, it is because of the Voting Rights Act that many of my Asian American neighbors can challenge voting procedures and get multilingual ballots. It is simple. The availability of multilingual ballots mean more people will vote. Cities that have added multilingual ballots have seen double-digit increases from those benefited populations. What more could one ask from a functioning democracy than a higher participation of people voting? By reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act without amendment, America will do more than honor its legacy. We will also ensure our future, and to do anything less than a clean reauthorization insults the hard work and bloodshed that brought us to where we are today. Today, we have an opportunity to honor great men and women who have dedicated their lives to making America great: Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks and our esteemed colleague, my friend, John Lewis. Let us reauthorize the Voting Rights Act without these terrible amendments.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important bill to stop Internet gambling. Mr. Speaker, I do not have a problem with gambling; but the fact is that the Internet has grown, and gambling on the Internet has exploded. In 1995 the first online gambling site was born. By 1999, that number had grown to 100 sites. Today there are more than 2,300 gambling Web sites. This increase in availability has mirrored an explosion in the amount of money spent on online gambling. In 1999, online gambling revenues were estimated at $1 billion. By 2002 that number had tripled to $3 billion. Today that number has quadrupled to $12 billion. Within those $12 billion are stories of families that are finally ruined, and children that are addicted to gambling. We take this drastic action today because the problem of Internet gambling is so unique. Because it is so accessible and unregulated, Internet gambling is marketed to minors. Now, I have been a leader in this institution in trying to prevent cigarette sales on the Internet. Why? Because if you go to try to purchase cigarettes at a convenience store, you have to demonstrate you are an adult or 18 years of age. When children can buy cigarettes on the Internet, they are able to get access. Young people, it is the same way with gambling. They cannot get in to brick and mortar casinos, but they can get onto a computer. Because Internet gambling does not know borders or boundaries, it does not recognize State law, or any law for that matter. That is one of the reasons why 48 State attorneys general support the action that this Congress is taking today. Congress has a unique opportunity today to pass a strong anti-Internet gambling bill. This bill does not do anything to affect legitimate gambling that is going on in brick and mortar establishments. But the fact of the matter is when you allow unlimited, unregulated gambling, particularly in a country where States rely on gambling for revenues, but we see little money being spent on dealing with those people who have a problem, an addiction with gambling that has ruined literally thousands and thousands of lives across this country, we need to deal with this. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill and put the brakes on Internet gambling.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, high fuel costs are having a devastating effect on family budgets. Since President Bush took office, gas prices have risen 162 percent to almost $3 a gallon. Today, I am releasing a report that shows that Massachusetts' families will pay nearly $400 more for gasoline this summer than they did last summer. Congress must start to address this energy crisis. This week, I will introduce legislation to give tax credits to consumers that buy flex- fuel vehicles. Flex fuel costs 30 to 60 cents less per gallon than conventional gasoline, and it is better for the environment. Flex-fuel vehicles emit 25 percent less greenhouse gases, 40 percent less carbon monoxide and 80 percent less cancer-causing sulfates. Mr. Speaker, this is a no-brainer. Why would anyone oppose paying less and breathing cleaner air? As we approach the Fourth of July, Congress should declare our independence from foreign oil by passing this commonsense legislation to help lower fuel prices.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank him for his leadership and for making sure that our men and women in uniform get everything that they need. This is an unfortunate day in the House of Representatives, the people's House, where Members of this body were told we could have a debate on Iraq. Surely it is time to have a discussion of our misguided policy in Iraq. But rather than give us a debate on Iraq, we see a resolution that comes from the Republican leadership that was drafted by political experts on spin. We all support our troops. We merge the war on terror with the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq so that we can cloud the debate and make the debate about whether and who supports the troops. Surely we can do better than that. 2,500 Americans have been killed; 19,000 brave men and women have been injured. And there is no accountability on the part of this Congress to the mistakes that have been made. ``They will welcome us when we get there.'' We had a window of opportunity, and we missed it. We didn't send enough troops in to secure the peace in Iraq. General Shinseki warned us, and they ignored him and sent him out to pasture. We didn't vet Saddam's army so we could secure Baghdad. Mistake. Mistake. We have less oil production now than we did when Saddam was in power. The Iraqi people have lost their opportunity. They have 3.9 hours of electricity in Baghdad and we are talking about things getting better? In a time of war, this administration and this Congress has an obligation to tell the truth about what is happening in Iraq. We also have a responsibility to provide the oversight so we correct mistakes, we get our troops into the background because we are sitting ducks up there because we have an occupation that our own State Department polls say is unpopular by 85 to 90 percent of the Iraqis. I hear them talk about the terrorists and how we are fighting al Qaeda. Al Qaeda was not in Iraq until this President stood before the world and said, ``Bring it on. Bring it on.'' Well, they brought it on and now 10 percent of the insurgency are actually terrorists. When we leave Iraq, they will leave Iraq. We ought to listen to what the State Department told us in advance. We should look at our own investigations and analysis by the State Department that tell us we cannot win this war militarily. You don't beat an insurgency with military conflict; you beat an insurgency through making the right planning decisions, by making the right decisions to give the Iraqis what they need to be upfront to keep their own security in that country. You give the Iraqis what they need to make their own determination of what their future is. The time has come for the United States to move into the background and bring our men and women home.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to my dear friend Jean ``Gene'' Normandin, who passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the age of 78. Gene was a devoted husband, loving father to his three sons an two daughters, man of compassion, and a caring friend and mentor to many, including myself. I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Congressional Record the eulogy delivered by his son, Robert Normandin on May 10, 2006. A Life Well Lived--The Eulogy for Gene Normandin Dedication, determination and devotion, are terms that sum up my father's life. He was dedicated to his family, his 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was extremely fortunate to be blessed with 2 successful marriages. First, to our mother, to whom he was married to for almost 35 years. When our mother became ill, he dedicated himself to her, for every minute of every day for the rest of her life. His love for her never ended. He was so fortunate to meet, fall in love and marry, Jeannine. Their marriage lasted almost 20 years and, as he did with my mother, she dedicated herself to him, taking care of him until the moment of his death. Jeannine, we are eternally grateful for the love, devotion and care that you gave him. We will never forget. He was a successful businessman. He was a young man when he went to work for Manzi Dodge, at the time a struggling car dealership. Through this determination when he left, it was a thriving business. He founded other businesses, Custom Sentry Alarms and Normandin Liquors. He brought a determination to any endeavor in which he become involved. As he was fond of saying when someone said how lucky he was, ``yes, and the harder I work, the luckier I get.'' He was truly a lucky man. He brought that determination and devotion to his church as well. When Frs. Hassett, Handley, O'Brien or Joyce had a problem at the Sacred Heart, one of the first people that they would seek out was Gene Normandin. Whether it was the men's club, 1000 club, or Bingo he was always there for them. When he moved to Florida, he brought that dedication there. Whether it was serving food at a soup kitchen, clothing drives or washing dishes, he assisted the indigent migrant workers at Omoklee, Florida. He was blessed during his life with many, many great friends, people like Kay and Pat and Armand and Connie, with whom he shared many laughs and a few tears. It was in short, a life well lived. Dad, we will miss you.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and I want to commend his efforts as the ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee for making sure, as other Democratic members have, that the men and women who serve this country get the equipment that they need to succeed. Many of us were stunned to see so many of our men and women put into harm's way without having enough uploaded Humvees and Kevlar vests. I also want to acknowledge the gentleman for considering the casualties that we are taking. I believe the gentleman said a battalion per month. A battalion per month. What effect is this going to have on the long-term implications for national security and our military? One of the things a country has to do in a time of war is tell the truth about what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet the administration continues to think that the American people cannot handle the truth or do not want the truth. We experience setbacks. We have strategies that do not work. They continue to tell us we should stay the course and everything will be all right. We have no accountability on the part of the Congress, either the House or the Senate, to hold the administration accountable for what their policies are or aren't. Members of the Armed Services Committee tonight, Democrats on that committee that have served on the committee traveled, I think every Democrat has been to Iraq at least twice, will follow me and tell you that the administration is simply not being candid, honest and truthful with the American people about the situation in Iraq. As Mr. Skelton indicated, we went into Iraq without enough troops. General Shinseki told us we were going to need a few hundred thousand troops. What did they do at the Pentagon, they put him out to pasture as if he did not know what he was talking about. The reality is that the situation in Iraq is deteriorating. Mr. Skelton talked about the insurgency in Iraq. Ninety to 93 percent of the insurgents in Iraq are from within Iraq. There is an outside group of somewhere between 8 and 10 percent terrorists that have come over the border. It makes you wonder why the President said to every terrorist in the world, Bring it on. Bring it on. There are more attacks today in Iraq by the insurgency than ever. The situation is growing worse because the insurgency is growing stronger. Sectarian violence is becoming more common, and violent crime is on the rise. I am not just saying these things, the facts support these things. Despite the claim that the available combat power of the Iraqi security forces is increasing and the operational tempo has significantly stepped up, violent insurgent attacks have increased every month this year. That is a fact. Violent crime in Baghdad is at its highest level since August 2003. That is a fact. Insurgent attacks have increased every month this year, and that is a fact. But we keep hearing about how things are getting better. Insurgency is as large today as it has been at any point in Iraq. That is a fact. The administration has been stressing to us that reconstruction is going well and that progress is being made, and certainly in some parts of the country that is true. But you cannot look at the totality of the circumstances and say that the administration is being honest or truthful with the American people. While we debate here tonight, residents of Baghdad receive 3.9 hours of electricity per day. Let me repeat that: 3.9 hours of electricity per day. So it is great that those satellite dishes are up, but people are unable to use them. Before the war, people in Baghdad could depend on 16 to 24 hours a day of electricity, and this past month, it is only 17 to 20 percent of the prewar output. It is really hard to focus on democratization when you live by candlelight and cannot store your food. Drinking water is not readily available either. Back in 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority stated that the goal was to have 23 million of the 26 million Iraqis with access to potable water. Do you know where we stand today in that goal? Just a little over 8 million Iraqis have safe access to drinking water. This is significantly lower than pre-war levels and about a third of what the CPA was aiming at. We have failed to do our jobs in terms of providing electricity, providing the water, providing the economic development, providing jobs. Any country in the world with a 40 percent unemployment rate is going to have an insurgency. Now, maybe the administration could point to success in building a train station, but we can't have success without providing the necessities of life. So the administration talks about how much safer things are. But the reality is, if you look at the facts, you see that staying the course is just not an option for the United States. We have to look at the facts. We have to look at the fact that the challenges in Iraq are growing every day. Our military is stretched to the limits. 20,000 Americans, brave American soldiers have either been injured, seriously injured, or have been killed. So what we would like is a debate on Iraq, not some kind of political statement that merges Iraq with Afghanistan, with Spain, with London, and put it all together and call it the war on terror and say we support our troops. We all want to win the war on terror. We all want to make sure that we support our troops. But we really ought to have a discussion of what is going on in Iraq. And there are members of the Armed Services Committee who have been trying to get that discussion, trying to get that accountability who are here today. And I want to yield to the gentlewoman from California to continue this discussion.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the sacrifice of an American hero, Army Specialist Gionet, who gave his life in service to our country. Specialist Gionet was born in my hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts and grew up in the area. He was fulfilling his second tour of duty when he was killed in service to our country. Daniel died Sunday, June 5, while on patrol in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near his tank. He was 23. Daniel married his wife, Katrina, on November 26 of 2005 before being deployed for the second time. He had been looking forward to buying a home, going to college, and starting a family. Daniel enjoyed fishing, fixing cars, and was a fine cook. On his first tour, he put his culinary talents to work in Afghanistan as a chef based at the Kandahar Air Field. In between his first and second deployment, Daniel decided that he wanted to more directly help his comrades in the field and volunteered to re-train as a medic. His selflessness should be an inspiration to us all. Daniel served the United States Military courageously. He enlisted in the Army in 2001 and served in Afghanistan. In 2004, he went above the call of duty and reenlisted, this time deploying to Iraq. Specialist Gionet comes from a long line of distinguished service to country. His grandfather served in the Air Force during the Korean War and his father was a Marine. Daniel graduated from Pelham High School in 2001. He was an athlete and distinguished himself on Pelham's baseball, football, and wrestling teams. He envisioned a career in criminal justice or the culinary arts. Daniel joined the Army, in part, to help finance a college education. Daniel Gionet's family is proud of him for the supreme sacrifice he made on behalf of his country. He is lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a selfless, brave, and a genuine ``angel,'' as his mother, Denise Gionet, described him. He will be dearly missed. I have requested that an American flag be flown over our United States Capitol in memory of Specialist Daniel Gionet to honor his noble service to our country. This flag will be delivered to his family. Daniel died fighting for the country he loved, alongside comrades he respected, and with the family he adored looking on. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, I request that we take a moment to recognize Specialist Daniel Gionet, United States Army, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment offered by my friend from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern). Not long into my first term in Congress back in 1993, an article was published in Newsweek titled, ``Running a School for Dictators,'' about the School of the Americas. The School of the Americas was supposed to instill democratic values in foreign military officers, and it was exposed as being a breeding ground for murderers, thieves and common thugs. I said at the time that ``if the School of the Americas held an alumni reunion association meeting, it would bring together some of the most unsavory thugs in the Western Hemisphere.'' Thankfully, the School of the Americas was closed in 1999, but soon after WHINSEC opened in the same building, with much of the same faculty that had been part of the School of the Americas. WHINSEC's record has been little better than the School of the Americas. Many of its graduates have returned to their home countries to repress, abuse and kill fellow citizens. There can be no doubt that our own recent record on human rights leaves something to be desired. We have operated secret prisons, propped up corrupt regimes, and overlooked human rights abuses in others. The administration has done little to hide its contempt for international convictions on human rights, notably the Geneva Convention and the protections that it contains for enemy combatants. Our own recent record has been bad enough, but we certainly do not need to be exporting techniques overseas by teaching them at WHINSEC. Our credibility in the world is at its lowest point in memory. The road back to respectability will be long and slow. Cutting funding to WHINSEC is a small step in the right direction.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, recently a paper in my district ran a series of columns on the problem of gambling addiction, and its effect on society, and individual families. I commend the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, its editor-in-chief, William Ketter, and the series' author, Denise Jewell, for their hard work and attention to this serious issue. One piece in the series focused on the federal role in help for gambling addiction--and in some cases, where there is no federal role. Gambling addiction can be as destructive as addiction to alcohol or drugs, and destroys countless families every year. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include these articles in the Congressional Record, and once again, offer my gratitude to the staff of the Eagle Tribune for their fine work. [From the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, June 4, 2006] Gambling Series Shows Value of Public Service Journalism (By William B. Ketter) The gravitational pull of state-sponsored gambling to stave off traditional tax increases, pay for public services and drive economic development has created a split-screen social condition in America: a lucky few people and the hapless many. Sadly, that is the message that underlies much of the economic as well as cultural conclusions of our three-part Sunday Forum series on the causes, costs and consequences associated with the rapid spread of legal gambling across the country. The state-by-state study--which concludes with today's installment--was conducted by the Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. News Service, the editorial arm of our parent corporation, under this editor's oversight. It was ambitious, public service journalism that encountered numerous obstacles, including uncooperative casino operators, tribal leaders and state officials. It was a measure of reporter Denise Jewell's persistence that she got around the roadblocks and produced the first national statistical picture of the canyon between sums gambled and money spent on the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Nobody in state or tribal government or the gaming industry wants to say or do anything that might derail the full steam ahead gambling locomotive and the billions of dollars it generates from casinos, racinos, video poker terminals, lotteries and other sanctioned games of chance. That's an understandable, though myopic, attitude when you consider the primary benefactors are the states that authorize, promote and regulate gambling; and the gaming companies that manage the Indian and commercial casinos. In their universe, frequent gamblers are not only prized, they are essential to success. ``It is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank,'' remarked State Sen. Susan Tucker, D-Andover in the first part of our series. Only the blood is dollars, Tucker points out, ``and for the states to get their few hundred million their constituents have to lose a few billion.'' A lot of those losses come from problem gamblers, many of whom are already poor and desperately in need of professional help to overcome their addiction. Yet their plight goes unlamented under the logic that gambling is a voluntary act. Who should care? The federal and state governments. They hold responsibility for the general welfare, and compulsive gambling is a national public health issue--for the same reason drinking, smoking, and drug abuse are treated as public health matters. It is destructive, anti-social behavior. The difference is the latter receive billions for research, prevention and treatment and problem gambling gets a pittance. In fact, Dr. Howard Shaffer of Andover, director of Harvard University's Addiction Center, identified pathological gambling as a public health problem 4 years ago in a national study, and still nothing has been done to expand federal programs to deal with it. He compares it to government inaction during the early stages of the AIDS crisis. Ignoring the people who impulsively gamble beyond their means--causing serious financial, criminal, family and psychiatric problems--is a counterproductive approach that social experts predict will cost more over time than the money the states reap from gambling. To grasp the wide disparity between taxes and treatment you need to reflect on the numbers. States now receive $21 billion in taxes from the $136 billion spent annually on legal gambling in the United States. In turn, they spend only $36 million on programs to assist problem gamblers. That's less than one-fifth of 1 percent of the profit. Yes, gambling taxes help finance schools, teachers, fire engines, roads, parks and other core public services. And the infusion of revenue has allowed many states to avoid raising income, sales and property taxes. Even lower them, in some instances. There are, however, related consequences. Evidence in our series showed problem gamblers commit forgery, credit card fraud and embezzlement at a higher rate than the general population. They also exceed the norm on bankruptcy, homelessness, divorce, substance and spousal abuse, and suicide. No government or private agency has done a current analysis of the actual social cost of legal gambling. But the now- defunct National Gambling Impact Study Commission pegged the annual toll at $5 billion 7 years ago. It estimated the cost to society of each addict at $13,200 per year. ``There are undeniably many millions of problem and pathological gamblers causing severe harm to themselves, their families and many others,'' concluded the commission after a two-year study. Greater public understanding of this, it added, ``is crucial to the health and stability of these families, their communities and many businesses.'' The outlook is even darker today. More states have come to rely on gambling revenue to balance their budgets. Those without slot machines at race tracks, including Massachusetts, are talking seriously about adding them. And states without commercial or Indian casinos are seen as fertile possibilities for both. Congress and state legislatures need to slow down the locomotive, and require that the casinos and the states appropriate serious dollars to research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling. They should also review how they're spending current public health dollars on compulsive behaviors, and appropriate some of that money to addictive gambling. It is growing faster than other social dysfunctions. There's another thing federal lawmakers can do to do help. The Americans With Disabilities Act should be amended to add compulsive gambling to the list of mental disorders covered by the law. Because it is excluded, addictive gamblers can be denied insurance payments for medical expenses and short- changed on other benefits available to alcohol and drug abusers. Gambling taxes and money spent to deter compulsive wagering are going in opposite directions on the economic chart. There is little chance the two curves will ever cross, given the acceptance of gambling as an all-American pastime. But the CNHI News Service ``Hooked on Gambling'' series made a powerful case for narrowing the gap, and bringing the multiplying victims side of this split social screen into sharper focus. By so doing, it served the purpose of public service journalism--something we need more of in this era of flash news reports that often lack context and meaning.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero, Marine Lance Corporal Nickolas D. Schiavoni, who gave his life in service to our country. Lance Corporal Schiavoni lived in my district in Haverhill, and was deployed with the brave men and women serving in our armed forces as part of Operation: Iraqi Freedom. Nickolas died tragically on November 15, 2005 when a suicide, vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device was detonated while he was conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Al Karmah, Iraq during Operation Steel Curtain. He was twenty-six years old. Nickolas leaves behind his beloved wife Gina, and two young children, Marissa and Alex. He is also survived by his mother, Stephany Kern, his grandfather, David Swartz, and his sister, Vanessa Schiavoni. Nickolas treasured his time with his family and was very fond of their time together at his mother's home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Nickolas served in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was serving on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. He was very proud to be a Marine. Nickolas' family is proud of him, not just for the supreme sacrifice he paid on behalf of his country, but for the honor he brought to them as a Marine. He strove to protect his family and his country. His courage will not be soon forgotten. I have now requested that an American flag be flown over our United States Capitol in memory of Lance Corporal Nickolas Schiavoni to honor his brave service to our country. This flag will be delivered to his family. Nickolas died fighting for the country he loved, alongside comrades he respected and with the family he adored, forever in his heart. Our nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, we should all take a moment to recognize Lance Corporal Nickolas D. Schiavoni, United States Marine Corps, who gave his life in service to his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true hero, Army Sergeant Pierre A. Raymond, who gave his life in service to our country. Sergeant Raymond was a resident of Lawrence, MA, and was deployed with the brave men and women serving in our armed forces as part of Operation: Iraqi Freedom II. David was in Iraq just one week before sustaining fatal injuries from an explosion that ripped through his barracks in Ramadi, Iraq. He died five days later on September 20, 2005, surrounded by his family in the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. Pierre was preparing to celebrate his 29th birthday in early October. He looked forward to returning to his family and his girlfriend, with whom he had lived before deployment, and was planning to finish a college degree in psychology. His friends and family recall his playful nature and his wonderful laughter. He was courageous to the end. Even as he lay wounded in his hospital bed, he is reported to have been talking and joking with doctors and nurses and was in good spirits. Friends and family also remember David's passion for cars and his talent for repairing them--a technical ability that served him well as an Army mechanic maintaining Bradley Fighting Vehicles in the Army Reserve's 228th Forward Support Battalion, 28th Infantry Division. His zest for life should be an inspiration to us all. Pierre graduated from Salem High School in New Hampshire in 1994, and joined the Army in 1998, serving for thirteen months in Bosnia as a member of the U.N. peacekeeping force before being discharged in 2001. As a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, he was recalled in June of 2005 to serve in Iraq. While he was overseas, he called his family every morning. In his final hours, they joined him at his bedside in Germany, and his mother accompanied him on his journey home to the United States after his tragic death. Pierre's family is proud of him for the supreme sacrifice he made on behalf of his country. He will always be remembered for his kindness, enthusiasm, his faith, and his desire for peace. He will be sorely missed. I have now requested that an American flag be flown over our United States Capitol in memory of Sergeant Pierre Raymond to honor his brave service to our country. This flag will be delivered to his family. Pierre died fighting for the country he loved, alongside comrades he respected and with the family he adored, forever in his heart. Our nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, we should all take a moment to recognize Sergeant Pierre A. Raymond, United States Army, who gave his life in service to his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to my dear friend Kelly Keefe Brooks, who passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the age of 43 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Kelly was a devoted wife, loving mother of two girls, and a warm and caring friend. Kelly fought a courageous battle against her cancer while remaining the same loving, jovial, and caring woman that her friends and loved ones will always admire. She has become a role model and inspiration to all who knew her and all who face the same struggle against cancer. I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Congressional Record the eulogy delivered by Kelly's good friend Suzanne Galvin Harvey on Saturday, April 29, 2006, which was partially written by Kelly Keefe Brooks herself. Good Afternoon. First let me begin by saying that Kelly did a very unusual thing before she died; she wrote her own eulogy. Anyone that knew her would not be surprised. Kelly knew what she wanted and was not afraid to tell you. I asked her if I could add to it and surprisingly, she agreed. Her words are all about saying goodbye to the people in her life. I'd like to start first by saying goodbye to her. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to have called Kelly Keefe Brooks my friend for almost thirty years. We met as freshmen at Lowell High School when she asked me to share a locker with her. She introduced me to the seven friends we still have to this day--Our Girls Club. I'll be forever grateful for that gift she gave me. Kelly was fortunate to have married Billy, who she called ``the love of her life''. A few days ago she said, ``Sue, let's face it, who else could have stood me?'' I repeated that to Billy recently and he said he ``enjoyed every minute of the ride.'' ``Well maybe not every minute!'' Kelly gave Billy the same wonderful gift she gave me . . . an abundance of friends. She had a way about her that drew people to her in droves. She crammed many of us into her short life with 4th of July cookouts by the pool on Wilder Street; Superbowl parties; Cinco de Mayo celebrations on Clark Road; and founding Our Girls Club and presiding over it with an iron fist. From the folks at the Post Office to her golfing buddies at Longmeadow; from Our Girls Club to her sisters' original Girls Club; and from Billy's mom and family to her own family, there is no shortage of supporters for Billy and the girls with this entourage she built for them. We all admired Kelly and Billy's love for each other so much. God sent her a peach when he sent her Billy Brooks. His devotion was unending and he would have done anything for her, whether she had cancer or not. His only regret is that Kelly wanted to see Hawaii before she died. When he got the news that her health was declining, he was thinking of ways to get her there just to see it. ``I was thinking maybe I could get her on a medical plane--but it would be too far if something happened,'' he said. That's the kind of guy Billy Brooks is. Together they were blessed with two beautiful daughters-- Emma and Molly. She may have seemed a little tough on you girls at times, but she loved you with all her heart. These past few months she spent so much thought on giving you both special memories and personalized mementos to last a lifetime. Her likes have become your likes--New York City, General Hospital, stalking celebrities outside the Daytime Emmy awards and looking for stars around the streets of New York. I know she will always be the real star in your eyes and has become a celebrity in her own rite, which was evident from the turnout at her wake last night. Your mom also liked pictures--not so much taking them as having people take them of her and plenty with both of you, those pictures are a chronicle of your life with her. Another wonderful gift she gave you, gave all of us. Kim and Sharon. She couldn't have asked for two better sisters who were always there for her and the girls. Auntie Sharon, always thinking of ways to help with the girls, or buying things for the house, or helping Kel decorate for the holidays or change of seasons. So glad you could be with her the morning she died. Auntie Kim, always there with at least seven or eight phone calls a day, checking in with her and being there for the girls as well. I cannot imagine the loss the two of you will feel. Not only sisters, you were true friends. And finally her loving parents, Paul and Maryanne. Tomorrow was supposed to be a surprise 50th Anniversary party for you. Kelly has been feverishly planning that for the last few months. The video she created for you and the songs she chose--what a tremendous gift she has left for you. No parent should have to bury a child, and that is what bothered her the most when she was diagnosed--worrying about what that would do to her Mom and Dad. You should be so proud of the wonderful daughter you raised. Kelly has been a role model for hundreds of us: family, friends, medical staff, and even to complete strangers right here in Lowell, who have been inflicted with this devastating disease. Never complaining, showing tremendous courage and spirit, fighting the uphill battle against all odds, always with a smile on her face, and never losing faith in her doctors and caregivers or in her God. There was no time for tears with Kelly--she had much to do before she left us. Like demand a list of exactly what people were bringing over for meals. ``Enough pasta!'' she'd say ``Can't a girl get a couple of pork chops?'' Thanks to Denise Perrin and Lesley Byrne for spearheading all those dinners and house cleanings. Goodbye Kelly and in the motto of Our Girls Club, which is engraved into the gold heart shaped charms that hang from our bracelets, we will truly be ``friends forever'' and we will all miss you dearly. That is the end of my portion of this--my tribute to her. I think she asked me to do this because she thought I was funny. I'm glad I could provide you with some comic relief but sorry Kel I didn't have them rolling in the aisles because I didn't feel much like entertaining and laughing today. I did, however, briefly consider wearing my nun costume up here. But I think I traumatized my mom enough with that once before. Thank you mom for helping me write this for Kelly--she would really have been happy that it came from both of us. And now for Kelly's own words.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 4318.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the so-called Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act. A poll released just last week found that the Congress had a dismal approval rating of just 22 percent. That is an unprecedented 10 percent drop from the last poll. With this closed rule and this bill, we can see why the American people have lost faith in their elected representatives. This is not real reform; it is a sham. Congressman Shays and I tried to offer a package of amendments to bring transparency and credibility back to the ethics process. Our amendments would have created an office of public integrity, increased grassroots lobbying disclosure, increased general lobbying disclosure, required Members of Congress to pay charter costs for planes made available by corporations, and limited gifts. I have also worked with Mr. Emanuel on two more amendments to strengthen this bill. Both were denied. Instead of allowing an open debate on our proposals, the leadership proposed and decided that it would be business as usual. What do I mean by ``business as usual''? Well, I mean last year we voted an energy bill written by big oil companies loaded with $12 billion in tax breaks for the oil and gas industry. What was the result? Consumers are suffering with high gas prices at the pump today, over $3 a gallon for gasoline. Recently, lobbyists for the pharmaceutical industry wrote a prescription drug bill that increased their profits and did nothing to help seniors. The result: seniors are stuck with a confusing prescription drug plan that does little to help them with their costs. Today, the Republican leadership has chosen to continue to be an outlet for moneyed special interests that are not accountable to anyone. Real lobbying reform must end the practice of corporate lobbyists writing our laws. The so-called Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act is neither accountable nor transparent. It does nothing to address the problems in the current lobbying system. This bill is not going to fool the public.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, basically this is a legal issue. 527s are legally established because their primary purpose is to influence the election or defeat of a Federal candidate. They have to file with the FEC because after Watergate in 1974 this Congress passed a law that said if you are going to have a political committee whose primary purpose is to influence an election, then they have to register with the FEC. The FEC ignored 30 years of congressional actions and Supreme Court jurisprudence in allowing 527s to evade the law. In short, the FEC failed to do its job and regulate 527s as required under the Watergate statute. So in September of 2004, Congressman Shays and I filed a suit against the FEC for failing to enforce the regulations. You know what is interesting, just last Wednesday the U.S. District Court Judge Sullivan ruled in favor of our position that the FEC had failed to present a reasonable explanation for its decision in 2004 not to regulate 527s. Judge Sullivan remanded the case back to the FEC and said either you articulate a reason for not regulating 527s or promulgate a new rule. A new rule that regulates 527s is called for under the law. That is all we are seeking to do here. That is all we are seeking to do. One way or the other, the court is going to rule in favor. This is one way for us to do it quickly.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge a ``no'' vote on the rule, although I have been listening to the debate. This will be an amusing, if not interesting, debate as those who supported campaign finance reform are opposed to 527 reform, and those who opposed campaign finance are for campaign finance reform. I guess everyone is changing around their positions, so we should have a very good time. Actually, I want to compliment the chairman of the Rules Committee. At least the debate is only going to last an hour, so it won't be too tough on all of us. Just for the record, this is basically a legal issue. 527s are political committees that are designed to influence an election, either the election or defeat of a candidate. The legal basis for regulation by the FEC comes from the reform act that was passed not in 2000 but after Watergate. That is where the legal basis is to regulate 527s. The Federal Election Commission decided not to regulate 527s, hence there was a lawsuit that was filed in Federal District Court in Washington. There was a decision by Judge Sullivan recently in that case basically saying that the FEC did not have justification to not promulgate rules and regulations with regard to 527s. So regardless of what happens here today, ultimately, I think the court is clearly going to instruct the FEC to promulgate rules and regulations relevant to 527s. In any event, I think we should have an open debate on this and discuss the merits of 527s and campaign finance reform. I am particularly troubled that this rule also allows the repeal of coordinated contribution limits, or a vote on coordinated contribution limits. I believe a repeal of coordinated spending limits may make it easier for wealthier individuals to use donations to the political parties in order to evade campaign finance laws. I also think we should have had an open debate on this and been allowed to offer other amendments that would strike this controversial provision. Furthermore, there are a number of Democrat amendments that had been offered in the Rules Committee. Rahm Emanuel, who has been active on this, had two amendments related to this debate but, unfortunately, those amendments were ruled out of order. In any event, for this reason I believe that the rule should be defeated. But, Mr. Speaker, I really look forward to this interesting, if not amusing, debate we are about to have on 527s.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to John ``Jack'' Emerson who passed away on December 29, 2005 at the age of 64. Jack was a loving father and husband, an outstanding public servant, and friend and mentor to many, including myself. I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Congressional Record the eulogy given by Jack's good friend Barry Balan on January 3, 2006. Jack Emerson, a devoted husband, caring father, man of compassion, civic leader, mentor and colleague. A man I am proud to call my friend. There are not enough words to describe this man, who has made such an impact on this community and all who met him. Knowing Jack for 26 years, I will give you a glimpse into the man who has made a difference in so many people's lives. The Lowell Sun called Jack a man of vision, but I believe he was also a visionary. Webster defines a visionary as not founded on fact, imaginary, and impractical, having idealistic goals or aims incapable of realization. He had the uncanny ability to take something that was idealistic and incapable of realization and make it real. Thus was born the Chelmsford Sewer Project. People told him that it was impractical, it would cost too much, and it would bring too much growth to this suburban community of Chelmsford. It would change life as people knew it. Jack, in his own inevitable way took up the challenge and for four long years he went on cable TV to every church, synagogue, civic group, or gathering of two or more people, to sell the town on the sewer project. In 1984, town meeting rewarded his efforts and appropriated the first funds for the project by a unanimous vote then again in 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1996. Jack, although small in stature, pursued this project with the vigor of a small army. He had the boundless energy, as seen by the different positions he held throughout his political and non-political activities. Jack was elected to the Sewer Commission in 1980. He became a selectman in 1982; his mom was so proud of him at that accomplishment that she would introduce Jack to everyone she met, this is my son ``the selectman.'' He is and will continue to be Chairman of the Chelmsford Sewer Commission. He holds the distinction of being the longest continuous serving chairman of any board in the town of Chelmsford. At one time in the mid eighties, Jack was the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Chairman of the Sewer Commission, and Assistant Director of Public Health in the same year. You could say he had the whole town wrapped up in his hands. Jack was on the Board of Registrars, Dog Pound Committee, Town Meeting Representative, Lowell Regional Transit Authority Board, and member of the Chelmsford Elks, Advisory Board of Camp Paul and Good Friends Incorporated, and Catholic Charities. How Jack did all this is beyond comprehension. The only solution I can find is it must have been his mom's chicken soup that kept him going. (She made the best.) I first met John Patrick Emerson, Jr. (known affectionately by his friends as ``the Flea'') in Jack's Diner. I started going there when I first moved to town, (yes, I am a blow-in, but so was Jack--he moved here from Lowell in the fifties, so I feel I am in good company.) I would go in for my morning coffee and happen to sit next to this man who was holding court, discussing politics and this sewer project. It was Jack Emerson. He introduced himself, we talked, and the rest was history. We enjoyed each other's company and over the years we became best of friends. I learned more about Jack's passion to establish a sewer program for the town of Chelmsford and how he felt the need to help people less fortunate than himself. Jack convinced me to run for the sewer commission in 1984 and we have been together since that first campaign. Speaking of politics, some people may be surprised to know Jack Emerson was a Democrat (as was his Dad before him and presently his brothers Packy and Danny and his sister Ellen, although Jack would say Ellen's politics were even further to the left than his.) Jack was as passionate about his politics as he was about helping people. Jack would rather cast a ballot for a yellow dog before he would vote for anyone who was not a Democrat. Although he was a Democrat, he did transcend party lines when it came to helping the people of Chelmsford. He was a master at reading people and situations. Before going to town meetings for a crucial vote on the project, Jack would say ``all we have to do is be up front with the voters, if we tell them the facts and are honest and tell the why, we should have no problem, they will give you the vote we need and you know they did. That philosophy has held fast throughout Jack's career and is still held by his friends on the commission. In 1996, Jack walked up to the town meeting floor microphone and said he needed forty-nine million dollars to proceed with the project and that if need be, he was prepared to give a lengthy presentations to show them how it would be used. In three minutes the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. That was Jack; prepared, truthful, trustworthy. In his earlier years, Jack was a mason or as he would say, a bricky. (Jack belonged to local 31 in Lowell) He was a strong union man (as was his dad). Whenever Jack ran for political office he would make sure that the union bugs would appear on all his literature and anyone he backed for political office must have the union bug on their literature as well or got his wrath. Jack was a good listener, he read a lot, he always updated himself on current events, he was also, to say the least, an impatient driver. When I say Jack was a good listener I mean he would evaluate the situation, ask the right questions and decide on the approach on how to handle the problem. As someone said to me the other say, if you called Jack Emerson with a problem, you knew he would take care of it. Jack would read the papers and political journals and the project contracts. He would go over the contracts with a fine tooth comb and inevitably would find errors. Whether it was misspelled words, wrong sentence structure, or pricing errors. Jack was involved in all aspects of the project. Wherever we went Jack had to drive, it was like his security blanket. If you have ever driven with him, you know it is quite an experience. No need to call it road rage, just ``Jack'' rage. Thankfully, we all survived. I have given you some of the background of Jack Emerson the man, some of which you already know, some you might have read in the newspapers. Now I want to tell you about something you may not know about Jack Emerson the Person. I had the privilege and honor of being his friend for 26 years; we talked or saw each other almost everyday. So I can talk from experience. You know anyone that loved animals had to be a good person. Jack loved his dogs. Through the years he had 6 dogs, Cocoa, Cory, Courtney, Toto, Chelsea and Commish. He loved them, but his all time favorite was Cocoa. They were so close that when Jack developed Pancreatitis, so did Cocoa. Cocoa is the first dog in the country, or maybe even the world to have a pump station named after him. The Cocoa Emerson Pump Station located next to the town dog pound on Old North Road. In 1959, Jack graduated Chelmsford High School where he had many friends, though none as close as Sam Parks, Paul Lehayes, and Bobby Hughes. They remain close friends to this day. Jack's charity knew no bounds, whether it was giving to the Secret Santa Fund, or being his own Santa by adopting a family at Christmas, or Thanksgiving. His charity did not stop all year long; he was involved with Good Friends, Inc., Camp Paul and Catholic charities. He was most affected when children were involved. Jack was the most caring and giving person I have ever met. He was a fun loving person with sharp with and a keen sense of humor. He loved music from the fifties and sixties; it was one of his passions. On one occasion he had the radio on in the wagon playing ``Tuti Fruti Alaroody''. I asked him how he liked the type of music the kids of today enjoy. He said hard rock, rap, and heavy metal just don't make any sense, so I said Tuti Fruti Alaroody does, we both had a laugh over that. Jack had many talents, one of them being dancing. I think if he had a second vocation, he would have been a dance instructor. He loved dancing. Once he got on the dance floor and started his feet moving, he would dance all night. Jack was an avid golfer as are his two brothers. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Golf Club for over 30 years. He and his brothers would often play in tournaments. When Jack, George and Danny were playing golf together, you might think World War III had broken out. Its amazing to me they all survived. On the golf course they were fierce competitors, but off they had each other's love and admiration. One year at Mt. Pleasant, Jack and Briana entered the father-daughter golf tournament and came in first. Jack thought he had another natural golfer in the Emerson family. Briana breaking with Emerson tradition decided to take up dance instead of golf and Jack supported her in that endeavor. He was devoted to his family, his mom Betty and his dad John Sr., he loved his brothers; Charlie, Packy and Danny (Dennis) and his sister Ellen. He loved all his nieces, nephews and cousins. If they needed a helping hand, Jack was there and they were there for Jack. I mentioned how he loved children, well Briana, Joe Maher and I had the great honor of being with your father in the hospital when you were born, all you had to do was look at his face and you could see his excitement and energy. When the nurse came in and said ``Mr. Emerson, you're a daddy'' Jack jumped out of his chair and ran down the hall to see his beautiful baby daughter. Briana, you are the light of his life, he loved you so much. He would talk about your dance recitals and especially the last one he saw you perform. He was really not up to par that night, but he knew he wanted to see you dance again. You have grown up to be a beautiful young lady with the compassion and love that was part of your father. You now carry the banner for dad. And as you grow up and have children of your own, I know the legacy he has left will be carried forward. One evening Peggy's brother, Connie Stone, brought his friend home, by the name of John Emerson. Connie introduced his sister to John and it started a relationship that lasted 40 years. Peggy, what can I say, your devotion to Jack was unquestionable; you have been Jack's backbone. At times it was very difficult for you, through all his ups and downs with his health, but I know Jack loved you and adored you; you were his wife, his friend and his nurse. I often told Jack that he married a saint. He would retort, ``Barry, what are you talking about.'' I would tell him ``who else would put up with you but a saint.'' He would say ``you know, you're right.'' Peggy, you have a beautiful daughter who you have nurtured into a wonderful young woman and I know you will look forward to the day that you tell you grandchildren all about their grandfather the selectman. You cannot put down in words what Jack Emerson has meant to this community, his family, his friends and the people he has helped along the way. Jack Emerson leaves a legacy that few people can claim. He started a project that few people thought would succeed, and because of his tenacity, it has succeeded, And along the way his success was recognized at the local and national levels. He was awarded the collection systems by the New England Environmental Association in 1994. In 1995 the national organization, Water Environmental Association presented him with the national award in New Orleans. He was voted man of the year for his accomplishments by the Chelmsford Chapter of the Elks. In 2000 he was voted into the Chelmsford Hall of Fame. On October thirtieth of this year, at an emotional ceremony, Jack had just been released from the hospital the day before; he was recognized by his fellow Democrats and received the Greater Lowell Area Distinguished Democrat award. His legacy lives on in his wife, daughter, friends and the people of Chelmsford. If they gave out awards for Mr. Chelmsford it would be to Jack. If they had a hall of fame for good people, Jack would be your first choice. If they gave out a friend of the year award, Jack's name would be on the plaque. And if they gave out awards for devoted husband and father, Jack would be the first in line. Well my friend, you have come to the end of a long hard fought journey. You put up the good fight as always. It's time for us to say so long, but not goodbye. You will be able to rest knowing that what you started will be carried on. We, your community will watch over Peggy and Briana, as I am sure you will be watching over us. Say hello to your mom, dad, brother Charlie, and all your friends who are with you. I know if God needs a waste water system, you'll be the guy to start the project. So Mr. Chairman, you will be deeply missed by all who knew you. I love you. So long old friend. Peggy has asked me to read a prayer that Jack liked. It was read at his dear friend Ira Park's mass: I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done I'd like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days I'd like the tears of those who Grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave When life is done.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Coretta Scott King, wife of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a guiding force of the modern civil rights movement in her own right. Just seventeen days ago we honored the birthday of her husband and celebrated January 16th as a national holiday in his honor. It would be too easy to remember Mrs. King simply as the wife of Dr. King, one of this country's great 20th century leaders. To do this would be a disservice to the memory of a champion of civil and equal rights in her own right. Coretta Scott King began her long career of civic engagement as an undergraduate at Antioch College where she joined the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. After graduating from Antioch with a B.A. in music and education, Coretta Scott received a scholarship to study concert singing at the New England Conservatory of Music in my home state of Massachusetts. While there she met her future husband, Martin Luther King Jr. After receiving her degree from the Conservatory, she and Dr. King moved to Montgomery, Alabama. It was here that she and her husband became central figures in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ultimately, the civil rights movement. Following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dr. and Mrs. King traveled tirelessly to ensure that the civil rights movement continued to grow. Mrs. King's talent and education in the arts led her to conceive of and perform a series of Freedom Concerts which incorporated poetry, narration, and music to tell the story of the larger movement for equal rights. These concerts were vital in the fundraising efforts for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization her husband headed. Mrs. King was not deterred by her husband's assassination, and if anything this tragic event strengthened her resolve in their shared struggle. In 1974, she established the Full Employment Action Council, a diverse coalition of more than 100 religious, labor, civil, and women's rights groups dedicated to economic justice through equal opportunity. In 1983, Coretta Scott King marked the 20th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington with another march on the Capitol featuring hundreds of organizations called the ``Coalition of Conscience.'' At the time it was the largest demonstration in Washington's history. Mrs. King led the movement to have her husband's birthday, January 15th, established as a federal holiday and I am happy to say that Congress and the President acted on the merit of Coretta Scott King's wish and established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday in 1986. While we are truly saddened at her passing, we are given pause to contemplate the impact she made during her lifetime on our lives and those of future generations. The freedoms all Americans enjoy today are due in no small part to her participation in the struggle for civil rights and equality. Mr. Speaker, let us celebrate the achievements of this remarkable woman's lifetime and work to ensure that her legacy endures long after her passing.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to hear all of that, but the crux of the issue here is that there is no way that not allowing former Members, for example, to be in the gym and to be on the floor would have undone what was done in the energy bill, for example. There is no way that that would stop the $8 billion of tax credits for the oil industry. There is no way that we would not have passed a Medicare prescription drug bill that actually makes it illegal to buy prescriptions in bulk if somehow former Members were not allowed to come to the floor. All I am saying is, while I recognize the fact that this is one of the ideas that is out there, we really need to, and I am willing to sit down, I would love to work with the majority on this, but we need to have comprehensive reform. Mr. Speaker, I am worried that by taking little pieces here that sound like could be, might be some kind of reform, we miss the crux of the issue, which is changing that system that allows legislation at 3 o'clock in the morning and a vote is left open.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working on bipartisan lobbying reform, but it is seems to me pretty clear that we need real lobbying reform. There is no reason why, given the discussions we have been having across the Capitol over a period of 6 or 8 months now, why we cannot come in with a comprehensive proposal and have an opportunity to debate it. We need to make the process more transparent, through disclosure. We need to have tougher restrictions on gifts. We need a tougher enforcement program and, most importantly, we need to fix the badly broken ethics system. So it seems to me if we are really committed to reforming the House, then putting this Band-aid really does not get at the crux of the issue.

Mr. MEEHAN. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support comprehensive lobbying reform. Over the past few years special interests have had a larger and larger say over who gets what in America, and the voices of average citizens are being shut out. The worst excesses of the Congress of the 1980s pale in comparison with what is going on in Washington today. K Street has become Congress' back office. That is where the bills are written and the deals are made. Lobbyists from the energy companies wrote the energy bill to increase their already excessive profits, and lobbyists from the pharmaceutical industry wrote the prescription drug bill that actually makes it illegal for the Federal Government to buy drugs in bulk for the 40 million Americans who are on Medicare. Sadly, today's proposal does nothing to address the abuses of power that have allowed lobbyists unfettered access to government. Something barring former lawmakers, current lobbyists form the gym or the floor of the House and calling it lobbying reform is sort of like putting a Band-aid on a broken leg. It does not even begin to address the real problems that have allowed the system to get so out of control.