Juanita Millender-McDonald

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, our Nation and its seniors are experiencing a crisis regarding Medicare benefits and specifically prescription drugs. This issue is of vital concern to them. Furthermore, in my Congressional District, my constituents consistently raise questions to me about what looms on the horizon as it relates to them obtaining a prescription drug benefit, because the cost of prescription drugs is so high. At the current time, seniors on fixed incomes are confronted with escalating prices for medication and private companies are offering benefits that are grossly inadequate. Meanwhile, the majority's proposal will force seniors to shop for and buy a private insurance plan. The truth is, seniors are pawns in the corporate and political game of prescription drugs. They are being forced to choose between buying food or their medication. No matter what choice they make, their health is still imperiled. It is unfair and unconscionable that our seniors are being treated in this manner. They deserve far better treatment. Democrats support a Medicare prescription drug benefit that covers all seniors under Medicare, a benefit that would be voluntary and universal. I fully support the Democratic proposal, and I also support the proposals put forward by AARP. If we look at the facts and put aside the rhetoric, the facts are clear. Soaring prices for prescription drugs are putting medicine out of reach for millions of seniors. We Democrats support a Medicare prescription drug benefit that covers all seniors. Every senior would have access, regardless of where he or she lives and the amount of their income. However, the House Republican prescription drug plan is a sham proposal that provides no real guarantee at all. Their plan will not cover all seniors. In fact, the benefit will be so limited that it won't be worthwhile for many middle-income seniors to enroll. Moreover, the Republican plan forces seniors to shop for and buy a private insurance plan, making it a hassle for older Americans who will have to contend with insurance plans that come and go. Democrats know that this model doesn't work. The model didn't work in 1965, and that's why we created Medicare. Even the insurance companies say it won't work--the Health Insurance Association of America has said that they will not offer drug-only policies. Simply put, the Republican plan is guaranteed to fail. Let me also emphasize that the Republican prescription drug plan does absolutely nothing to slow prescription drug prices from continuing their upward spiral. It is time for my majority colleagues to come clean. Now is the time to pass a meaningful prescription drug plan that uses Medicare to make drugs affordable and which provides a universal, voluntary benefit for all seniors. If we closely examine the proposals put forward by the majority, it is abundantly clear what they are doing. They say ``Lower the cost of prescription drugs now,'' but that really only translates to ``take credit for minimal discounts that are already available.'' The facts are crystal clear, the so-called discounts will be nothing more than minimal discounts from programs that are readily available in the marketplace today. Furthermore, these programs advertise far better savings than what they actually offer. Another mantra being repeated constantly is ``guarantee all senior citizens prescription drug coverage,'' but the translation is ``promise seniors an inadequate drug benefit offered by private insurance companies.'' At the end of the day, when seniors have to check their bank balances, there is no getting around the reality that an inadequate drug benefit offered by private insurance companies is really no guarantee whatsoever. Early reports indicate that the Republican plan has major gaps and their prescription drug plan will leave Medicare beneficiaries 100% financially liable for thousands of dollars in drug costs. At the same time insurers can charge whatever they want and discriminate against the most vulnerable, including those with disabilities. What we must do as Democrats is improve Medicare by providing more choices and savings, not by shifting costs to seniors and limiting the choice of providers. My seniors are telling me that they think the Republican proposals will not result in more health care providers or more savings. They express deeply held fears that the end result will be a negative shift in costs to seniors, and a conversion of Medicare into a voucher program in which seniors would get a fixed government contribution and in turn would be told to choose a health plan they can afford. For all the talk about strengthening Medicare for the future, seniors around this great nation are concluding that the ultimate goal is to undermine Medicare by forcing seniors into private insurance and HMOs for drug coverage. Now is the time to provide a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Democrats are ready, willing and able to provide seniors with a benefit they desperately need. Our colleagues on the opposite of the aisle need to roll up their sleeves and work with us. We owe a debt of gratitude to seniors who have helped to make America great and strong. The least we can do is deliver on our commitment to help keep them healthy by providing a prescription drug benefit.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me to offer my support of H. Res. 523 which recognizes the significant achievements of our nation's 105 historically Black colleges and universities. For more than 100 years, historically Black colleges and universities have educated, guided and nurtured generations of this country's preeminent scholars, physicians, educators, business and other professionals. In particular, historically Black colleges and universities have educated and opened the doors of higher education to scores of economically disadvantaged students who might not otherwise have had access to a college or graduate degree. Today, I want to remind my colleagues of the critical importance of Title III of the Higher Education Act which shores up the academic quality, financial health and administrative capacity of traditionally Black educational institutions. It is my hope that the President will support H. Res. 523 by issuing a proclamation that will inform and motivate citizens and organizations nationwide to similarly demonstrate support for our historically Black colleges and universities.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement in the Record in support of this resolution and applaud all Americans for their resilience as we commemorate, if you will, and reflect on last year's events. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for House Concurrent Resolution 464 that expresses the sense of Congress on the anniversary of the horrible terrorist attacks launched against our country and our ideals of democracy. My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragic events of a year ago. The past year has been especially difficult for the families, friends and coworkers of individuals who perished in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. Our prayers are offered to the victims and their families. Today, in a small and symbolic way, we are expressing our gratitude to the firemen, policemen, healthcare workers and the individuals who, on that fateful day, performed heroic deeds and helped their fellow human beings without regard for their own welfare. We thank you profusely for your efforts. America owes you a debt that we can never repay. We salute you for your service and valor. We also salute those who have served our Nation so bravely overseas and all people of goodwill who personify humanitarian virtues during this tenuous and volatile time in the world. Today, we are united as a nation to confront current world realities that have transformed the social, psychological and spiritual fabric of the world in which we coexist with our domestic and foreign neighbors. During the recent year, my colleagues and I have actively engaged in debate about how to formulate an agenda that addresses homeland security, national spiritual salvation, and political bridge building with our international friends. As we continue to make inroads toward progress, I cannot over- emphasize how important it is to map out a course for our future that will sustain, inspire and protect our children. We must infuse them with a sense of optimism because the confidence in which we as Americans move around our country has been shaken. However, as Americans, we will not be deterred from experiencing the freedom we cherish. My colleagues and I on the Transportation Committee recognize the importance of protecting the confidence of America's traveling public. We have worked diligently to ensure that the security needs of the flying public are paramount. We will continue to pursue the course of protecting our transportation infrastructure, and we are committed to making sure the America continues to move passengers and cargo efficiently and safely. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and Government Programs, I recognize how small business owners around our Nation have been victimized economically and traumatized emotionally by the events of 9-11. Consequently, my colleagues and I on the Small Business Committee have worked to ensure that industries hit hard by the traumatic events of September 11th, including the travel industry, are able to survive. We have held hearings and offered legislation that seeks to resuscitate small businesses throughout our Nation. Small businesses constitute the backbone of our country's economy, and with our help, they will not only survive, but also flourish. Our domestic efforts and grief over the tragic events of September 11th have heightened our appreciation for the pain of others around the world that have been subjected to the brutality and inhumanity of terrorism. And that is why we have supported liberation and democratization efforts in Afghanistan and sought to assist and rehabilitate the victims of persecution who are attempting to rebuild their lives and their country. On this occasion of reflection recommitment and rededication to freedom, we are affirming our resolve to salute and honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price--their lives, just because they are Americans. They will never be forgotten and our Nation shall continue to rise to meet the challenge of terrorism and the threats posed by terrorists who seek to derail freedom and the goodwill of humanity. May God bless America and all people of goodwill.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my dear friend the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and my dear friend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for helping to usher this to the floor, along with my thanks to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), who helped to ensure this piece of legislation came to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to respect the two outstanding young women who have taken the tennis courts by storm. They happen to be my former constituents from the City of Compton. I first introduced this bill in March of 2001 expressing the sense of Congress in its admiration of the achievements of these two remarkable sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, tennis champions and first class human beings. I am pleased that hundreds of my esteemed colleagues have agreed to cosponsor this measure with me. Since this measure was introduced, another year has only brought added luster to Venus' and Serena's professional triumphs. They are the first sisters in the history of the Women's Tennis Association tour to attain number one and two ranking, and of course, they are the first Americans to achieve this exalted status. This alone should encourage us to acknowledge their prowess and courage on the courts which follows the illustrious and historic achievements of the African American tennis champion Althea Gibson in the 1950s. As of July 9, Serena Williams moved to number one in the WTA tour ranking after winning the French Open and the women's Wimbledon title and is the 11th woman to hold this title since the ranking system began in 1975. Venus Williams has moved to number two after having held three stints at number one for a total of 11 weeks since February. On July 7, at Wimbledon, the sisters united to win their second doubles title victory in 3 years. However, in saluting these remarkable young women and their achievements in the sport of tennis we must not lose sight of the other contributions of these sisters as citizens. We must also give recognition to their parents, Oracene and Richard Williams, who had the foresight to see their daughters as winners and the sacrifice to make this attainment possible. By this recognition, too, we celebrate the African American family and its demonstration of solidarity, initiative and resolve. In particular, though, Mr. Speaker, the unselfish coaching of their father, Richard Williams, of his daughters over many years that provided both a healthy sense of self-regard and a sense of confidence must be commended. This outstanding father, who knew not how to coach, had never coached in his life, took this on. He saw the talents in his young daughters, and he coached them through the streets and through the hard cement courts of Compton to bring them to where they are today. From those cement courts of Compton to the grass groomed courts of Wimbledon, Serena and Venus Williams have triumphed over an enormous scale, but we should also salute them because they are giving back and sharing their prosperity and talent with children from minority communities in our country, as well as in Africa's impoverished neighborhoods, which they will soon be traveling to. In Los Angeles, many inner city high school players are advancing in the game of tennis due to the support of the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy. These students who enroll in the tutorial program also are mentored on college and career possibilities. They see that need as well, Mr. Speaker. The Williams sisters also support the J.P. Morgan Chase Tennis Challenge, the proceeds of which are directed to the OWL Foundation, which is named after their mother, Oracene Williams Learning Foundation, which was started by their money to provide grants for at- risk students to participate in educational remedial assistance programs. The foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is treated as an individual and provided the opportunity to learn. Another initiative supported by the sisters and Doublemint provides grants to recognize the contributions that college students and student service organizations make on campuses and in communities. Mr. Speaker, Serena and Venus were also instrumental in assisting the founding of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington, D.C., and helped to open this extensive facility in April of last year. Mr. Speaker, on and off the courts Venus and Serena Williams are indeed giving back, and we should take pride and pleasure in their accomplishments and salute them for their fine sportsmanlike or sportswomanlike conduct and citizenship. I cannot say enough about these outstanding two young women who happen to be black but indeed are outstanding citizens to this America, and for that, Mr. Speaker, I salute them and ask for a successful passage.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I am united with the President and with my colleagues in our determination to win the war against terrorism. We have a responsibility to all Americans to reduce the risk of further attacks. There is not one person in this Congress who does not agree that we need better coordination between Federal agencies in order to fight the very real threat of terrorism. This is the most important piece of legislation that we will consider in the 107th Congress and, we all need to make certain that this new Department of Homeland Security will make the country and our citizens safer. This new department will be charged with assessing our vulnerabilities, gathering and disseminating our intelligence information, and preparing and working with our local responders. We should all be cognizant that it was the local first responders who answered the challenges of September 11 and if we are to ever be truly prepared then we must properly train and equip our local police and fire departments. I recognize that this legislation will pass the House today and I support its passage. However, I urge caution as we agree to the proposed transfer of several federal agencies to the new Department of Homeland Security, particularly the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As we move the Coast Guard and these other agencies into the new Department of Homeland Security, we will need to exercise close congressional oversight to ensure that we do not overlook the significant other functions that these agencies already make on a daily basis and how these contributions will be maintained. I would like to thank the Select Committee for adopting the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's recommendation for an annual assessment of terrorist related threats to public transportation. This language which I authored, directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an assessment of potential terrorist related threats to all forms of public transportation and public gatherings. The horrific events of September 11, 2001 showed that terrorists were able to hijack our national transportation system and use it against us as a weapon. The terrorists used America's accessibility and our freedom of mobility to perpetrate these unspeakable evil acts. If we are to restore America's confidence and adequately protect our transportation infrastructure--the foundation of our economy--then we must conduct a complete assessment of our public transportation system's vulnerabilities. The events at LAX over the July 4 weekend this year, once again showed how vulnerable our citizens can be while exercising their freedom of mobility. Public transportation clearly remains a target and we should access that threat and make the necessary changes that can measurably improve the ability of our transportation systems to ensure enhanced security. I am committed to a strong, effective Homeland Security and hope that as we move forward with this legislation, we will revisit and review and in some instances restructure areas of the Department to ultimately create an efficient and effective homeland that is secure. We must continue to assess the Department's performance as the protector of the homeland.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, well, as President Reagan has often said, ``Here we go again.'' It is amazing to me that we have been on this floor, especially during an election year, with this very issue that comes before us as if to say, as my dear friend from Indiana (Ms. Carson) said, it raises a certain amount of suspicions. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today protesting strongly against H.R. 4965 which seeks to limit a woman's right to choose medical options appropriate for herself and her family in consultation with her physician. As Members of Congress, we are elected by our constituents to present their interests fairly here in Washington. We are not sent here to enact poorly-constructed legislation that would hinder the health and well-being of those entrusting us to make laws. Therefore, I must vehemently register my opposition to H.R. 4965 as an infringement on the personal choice and free will of women and families I am here to represent. H.R. 4965 is bad legislation because it eliminates a health exception for women, and given that the Supreme Court has indicated that every restriction must allow an abortion when necessary, in appropriate medical judgment, for the preservation of the life or health of the mother. Women and their families must be able to make decisions regarding their medical care along with their doctors and without the interference of Congress. It seems to me then, Mr. Speaker, we are being subjected once again to the narrow political agenda of a group of people in deference of what is good for women's health and what is defined as legal by the Supreme Court. We must continue to be vigilant in preserving a woman's right and to make necessary choices for her own health in accordance with the law. I would say simply that women across this country now are looking in on this and they too are concerned about why we have to constantly be given the time spent on this type of misguided piece of legislation when we can well be talking about the 11 million children who are uninsured. I have yet to see that type of law come to the floor.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their support and leadership on this issue. As we began to deliberate and consider fiscal year 2003 Treasury Postal appropriations, I am pleased to offer an amendment to include continued funding for the Freedmen's Bureau Preservation Act of 2000. This legislation that became public law authorized $3 million over a 5- year period for the National Archive and Records Administration to microfilm the records, create a surname and locality index and to put this index on-line for access by the public. These efforts are intended to preserve an important piece of American history for future generations. There are many historians, genealogists and family researchers interested in exploring the vast context and content of these records. As ship manifests are the vital link between European Americans and their European ancestors, the Freedmen's Bureau Records are the link for African Americans to their slave history. For historians and genealogists, these records provide the critical link between the Civil War and the 1870 census, the first to list African Americans by name. Former slaves, recognized earlier in government census records only by sex, age and color, were named in the Bureau records as individuals in marriages, government rations lists, lists of colored people, labor contracts, indentured contracts for minors, medical and school records and as victims of violence. So far in fiscal year 2002, the National Archives has completed filming the records of the Freedmen's Bureau field offices in Florida, approximately 15,000 images, and Alabama, approximately 35 images. Copies of the resulting film are being shipped to all 15 of the microfilm reading rooms managed by the National Archives throughout the country, with two locations in California. Filming of approximately 23,000 images of Arkansas field office records is currently underway. Also, the National Archives has microfilmed approximately 5,000 images of marriage records included among Freedmen's Bureau's records at the headquarters level. The agency has provided copies of the Florida field office film and the marriage records film to Howard University for use in testing indexing techniques. Fiscal year 2003 funding will help to continue the National Archives work to complete the next phase of microfilming and begin the process of placing the index on-line in partnership with historically black colleges and universities. This investment in preserving the records of our past is also an important investment in our future as these records provide a unique insight into American history. Mr. Chairman, I urge the House to pass this measure to preserve and protect this unique chronicle of our country's past.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I stand strongly supporting H.R. 4635, and I say this because the events of September 11 have caused us to pause and reassess our security in the Nation's air travel. It has drastically altered the way we do business, and henceforth U.S. policies on safety and security must reflect a heightened awareness and preparation. September 11 events should keep us vigilant and aggressive in the development and deployment of new technologies and procedures. Mr. Chairman, it would be a serious mistake not to believe that more terrorist attacks like those experienced on September 11 could occur again. In fact, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Transportation Security Administration strongly indicate that the threat to aviation remains very high. Therefore, I believe that under these circumstances we must incorporate innovation in our approach to this very serious issue. We must support H.R. 4635, a pilot program that would allow trained and qualified pilots to serve as a last line of defense against such a potential disaster. I know that there are some who feel that this measure does not go far enough, and there are some who feel it does nothing; but I believe that this measure is another means that we can use in protecting the traveling public. While I fully support this measure, I think it is critically important for us to remember that we are in the midst of hiring and expanding the air marshal program. The development of any new pilot program should not interfere with the established and proven air marshal program, nor should it interfere with research into nonlethal measures like stun guns and Tasers. The proposed bipartisan bill has several key provisions to the original bill. First, it is important to note that this bill is a 2- year pilot program with a minimum of 250 pilots monitored by the Transportation Security Administration. Pilots will use firearms only in defense of aircraft after hijackers breach the cockpit door. No man-made door is impenetrable to a determined attacker. The bill requires that certain testing and planning take place prior to armed pilots boarding aircraft, including testing the ramification of a misfire in the cockpit. We should allow for proper training and strengthened firearm training requirements prior to their deployment. This training will be similar to that we provide Federal air marshals. Finally, the TSA administrator has the authority to terminate the program after a 2-year test period. I, like my colleagues, would agree that keeping an aircraft aloft during an attempted hijacking is of prime importance to the survival of the crew and passengers, and today we should pass this very important piece of legislation.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I express my opposition to this bill that is particularly harmful to senior women.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for her leadership on this issue. She has been absolutely front and center with us on this very critical issue, an issue that is absolutely critical and important to women, senior women, seniors, and women as a whole. I was struck tonight by one of my Republican colleagues who came to the floor, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht), and he said something to the effect that we know the bill has problems, he says, about his Republican bill. He also said we must do something serious about this critical issue. It was amazing that he admitted to the fact that the Republican bill has problems, but I want to turn our attention to this chart I have behind me, because this chart speaks volumes to the experts who have also spoken about their concerns about the Republican drug bill. Bill Gradison, the former president of the Health Insurance Association of America, says, I am very skeptical that drug-only private plans would develop. Then we have John Rother, the policy director of AARP, and he says, There is a risk of repeating the HMO experience. These experts are talking about this Republican drug bill. Then we have Richard A. Barasch, chairman of Universal America Financial Corporation, and he says, I do not think it is impossible but the odds are against it, insurance participation. In fact, he is talking about the insurance company's participation. Then we have Thomas Boudreau, the senior vice-president and general counsel of Express Scrips, and he says, We are not enthusiastic about that approach. When we have these four to five experts that are experts in prescription drugs and Medicare and they are saying they have a problem with this Republican drug bill, then it solidifies just what we Democrats have said all along. This bill is flawed. This bill does not speak to what the Democrats have in our plan that we call the Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002. This is a plan that is universal, affordable, dependable and accessible, and in spite of all of those fake things the Democratic plan has, it is voluntary. When the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman) talks about that, I am happy to join her and the other Members who have now come to the floor so that we can talk about some of the stories that we have, that we can bring to the American people about the difference between the Democratic prescription drug plan and the Republican prescription drug plan. So I will turn it back to her. Then, of course, she will introduce the other two ladies, and we will get started on what the people are telling us about the difference.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, if the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman) will yield, if I can just show this chart. As the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman) laid out, the actual premiums and the comparison of the two bills showing that the Democratic plan is the better plan, this is how much the average senior will save. The Republican plan, only 22 percent, compared to the Democratic plan that they will save 68 percent; and this is according to the CBO, the average senior will spend $3,059 on prescription medicine in 2005, the first year of any Medicare drug benefit. This right here absolutely outlines by the Congressional Budget Office that the comparisons are so stark that we can see that the Democratic plan absolutely gives a better benefit to seniors than that of the Republican plan.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 251, I was detained by an emergency telephone call. Had I been here, I would have voted yea.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, we come here each week to do the people's business, and we come hoping that we will do those things that are important to the American people. One of those groups of people are our seniors. They are waiting, Mr. Speaker. They are waiting to see just what we are going to do in terms of prescription drugs. Twelve million seniors are without prescription drugs, and yet we have sat, we have belabored this issue, and we have come to no conclusion. I think if my colleagues look at the Democratic proposal, we will find the vast difference of the two between the Democrats and the Republicans. The Democrats are asking for a sound prescription drug proposal. The Republicans are not. Mr. Speaker, it is high time for this body to do something for those who have done so much for our country, and those are the seniors. They are continuing to wait. They can wait no longer for us to do the business of this House, and that is providing the type of prescription drug benefit that our seniors need. I yield back my time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, with 12 million seniors without prescription drugs, it is time for this House to address the issues that are so critical to seniors. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak out on behalf of seniors who are in need of comprehensive prescription drug coverage. Right now many seniors are forced to choose between buying food or purchasing necessary prescription drugs to sustain their health. The Democratic proposal will help all seniors by expanding Medicare to offer a prescription drug benefit that is universal, affordable, dependable, and voluntary. We do not and we cannot do less than to offer elderly women and men access to adequate health care that they can afford and easily be accessible. Our Republican colleagues are offering a plan that gives no real benefits or assistance to those who need quality prescription drug coverage. Their plan would cover less than one-quarter of Medicare beneficiaries and the cost over the next 10 years. Their plan would leave almost half of all of our seniors with no drug coverage. Remember what I said, 12 million without drug coverage whatsoever. We need to now give what is needed to seniors, Mr. Speaker. We can ill afford to wait any longer. We cannot advance this position any further. We must give our seniors the necessary prescription drug coverage. In contrast, the House Democratic plan will add a new Part D in Medicare that offers voluntary prescription drug coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries starting in 2005. The Democratic plan will help women and all seniors by offering: $25 monthly premiums; $100 annual deductibles; Co-insurance where beneficiaries pay 20 percent and Medicare pays 80 percent; $2,000 out-of-pocket limit per beneficiary per year. Low-income beneficiaries with incomes up to 150 percent of the poverty rate will pay no premiums or share costs. Beneficiaries with income ranging from 150 to 175 percent of the poverty level will receive assistance with the Part D Medicare premium on a sliding scale. The average senior has an income of about $15,000 per year and so needs an affordable benefit. Seniors need catastrophic coverage. That is where Medicare pays all prescription costs after the beneficiary has spent a specific amount of money out of their own pockets. The House plan would pay all drug costs after the beneficiary spends $2,000. By contrast, the Republican proposal would cost women up to $3,800 per year. The President's budget offers only $190 billion over the next 10 years for Medicare reform including prescription drugs. Further, only $77 billion of this funding is earmarked for prescription drug coverage to the States to implement a low-income state-based drug plan. Under the Democratic plan, there would be no gaps in coverage, while the Republican plan will force beneficiaries in need of more than $2,000 worth of drugs to pay 100 percent of their out-of-pocket costs, and make them continue paying premiums until they reach their $3,800 cap. Any willing pharmacy must be included in the network according to the Democratic plan, but private plans can limit which pharmacies participate in their network under the Republican plan. Beneficiaries would have coverage for any drug their doctor prescribes as included in the Democratic plan, yet with the Republican plan, private insurers can create strict formularies and deny any coverage for drugs not listed in the formulary. Women and seniors must have a prescription drug benefit that is guaranteed by the government as part of Medicare. Private insurance companies cannot be accountable for offering their own plans to people in need. The Health Insurance Association of America, the private insurance industry's association, has said they will not offer drug-only insurance because they will lose money. Seniors need a defined benefit so they will know what benefits they are entitled to. Without offering a minimum benefit, offering a choice to women and seniors won't make sense. Too many insurance plans will only confuse those in need of coverage. Women are looking for a defined benefit like the one now offered to them by Medicare. It's time to stop talking about providing for women seniors and actually take action to ensure the quality of their healthcare, and thus their lives overall. If we really care about all women, let's take this opportunity to show our concern by offering prescription drug coverage that will make a difference.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman so much, and I join the voices here today in thanking a woman of great leadership, great tenacity and great stride in furthering the cause of our girls, our daughters, and our granddaughters, and our nieces to seek opportunities no matter where they want to seek those. As a former director of gender equity, I never thought that I would be on the floor of Congress talking about the need to further opportunities for girls. I thought in this year of 2002 this would all be behind us. Thanks to our dear friend and congresswoman, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink), she keeps this front and center. Mr. Speaker, today I want to applaud her and the success of title IX in opening doors of opportunities for women and girls of all ethnic groups in this country over the past 30 years. However, there, despite the gains made by title IX, we still need to ensure that the promises of equal access to education and advancement in the workplace remain a reality for all women, particularly women of color. I have researched this issue more carefully, and as I have researched this issue more carefully and more thoroughly, I am concerned that since 1996 Congress has eliminated funding under title V of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for programs that once supported title IX and gender equity services in 49 States and their educational agencies. About half of the States lack a dedicated employee to monitor compliance with title IX, as required, and the 10 federally funded Equity Assistance Centers have not received a funding increase in 5 years. The Women's Educational Equity Act, the Federal Government's only program focused on creating education opportunities for girls and women, was overlooked in this President's fiscal year 2003 budget. If we are going to speak loudly and speak with a volume about our girls and giving them the opportunity, we certainly cannot overlook them in the President's budget that has been to date. In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals cannot file lawsuits under title IX alleging retaliation. There is clearly still a need to better educate the public about title IX and to chip away at the discrimination that impacts girls and women in education and in the workplace. We must remove any and all barriers that prevent women and girls from living up to their full potential. The truth is, girls and women are woefully underrepresented in the critical areas of technology, and the digital divide is a glaring example of this underrepresentation. There are glaring places in standardized testing across all races and ethnicities, therefore limiting women's access to higher education institutions, financial aid and career opportunities. Women's employment opportunities at colleges and universities declined as the prestige of the institution increased and increases. Women earn fewer doctoral and professional degrees than men do. Sexual harassment is an ongoing deterrent to equal opportunity for women students, and gender bias is pervasive on many campuses. Ask our daughters, ask our sisters, ask our nieces. They are still plagued with this type of discrimination. Female students of color, those who are disabled, and girls from poor families are all faced with special challenges that have not yet been fully addressed. We must do more to enable our girls to grow up to become more empowered women. We know that women comprise almost 60 percent of part-time students and 58 percent of students ages 24 and older. Women attending a post-secondary institution are twice as likely as their male counterpart to have dependents and three times as likely to be single parents. Financial aid budgets offer little allowance for dependent care, making many student parents reliant on friends and family and causing them to drop courses or to leave school altogether. From 1999 to the year 2000, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, found that women athletes get only 40 percent of scholarship funds in some athletic divisions, though this figure is an increase over the past 9 years. We are addressing that issue right now. Another area of education where women are lagging behind men is in the education profession. When we look at elementary and secondary schools, fewer than 35 percent of principals are women, and only 21 percent of full professors are women, and a mere 19 percent of women head up our colleges and universities. Do they not recognize that there are more women in this world than men? Do they not recognize that women are making up the majority of votes in every congressional district in this country? Women must be represented more fully. The numbers are no better at elite institutions where women make up only 22.6 percent of all the faculty. This is another issue we are addressing. We have got to do more to encourage our girls to consider well-paying careers in nontraditional fields that will broaden their career options and earning potentiality. Too many of our girls choose fields like cosmetology where the average hourly wage is $8.49, and it is amazing to me. There is nothing wrong with that, but when men get into cosmetology, they rise to the really great presence. They then do the big stars' hair and all the others, and they become an institution in and of themselves, while the women are still in these low wage jobs. Look at child care, where pay is about $7.43 an hour, as opposed to becoming plumbers, electricians or mechanical drafters who earn about $20 per hour. If we want our girls to flourish and grow into self-sufficient women, then we must knock down the barriers to their success in the classroom, whether they choose to work in technology, the trades, or pursue professional endeavors. My granddaughters Ayanna, Ramia and Blair want to play football, and I have encouraged them to go for it, and I have even said if they wanted to be the quarterback. We have got to encourage our girls to find those nontraditional careers where they are making much better earnings than that of the old traditional careers that women have fallen into. We must do that as women become a larger segment of this population of this country. So on this, the 30th anniversary of title IX, we salute our dear friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink). We tell her that we celebrate with her on this endeavor, 30 years of advancing women and girls; that we should celebrate how far we have come and how far we have to go, but we must also be mindful of the distance we still need to travel to ensure optimal educational and vocational opportunities for all of our young women and girls. We can do better than this. We must do better than this. We, as the women of the House, will do better than this.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, whereas, the city of Lynwood, California, was incorporated in 1921, when new residents flocked to the area because of its great land and plentiful water; and Whereas, since Lynwood's inception, the city has shown tremendous strength in community involvement and has overcome many obstacles that challenged the young city; and Whereas, in the 1930s, Lynwood faced a devastating earthquake and severe economic hardship during the Great Depression, yet the community was rebuilt, supplying construction jobs for unemployed local citizens; and Whereas, Lynwood grew rapidly through the economic boom of the 1940s and served as a settling place for returning World War II veterans; and Whereas, in 1961, Lynwood won the National All-American City Contest and 22 Lynwood schools captured Freedom Foundation Awards; and Whereas, through the years, Lynwood has grown into a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual community representative of a diverse United States; and Whereas, Lynwood was invigorated during the 1990s with many new community developments, including a new state-of-the-art high school, a youth center, and the Rosa Parks Transit Center. Now therefore, be it recognized that Congresswoman Juanita Millender- McDonald proudly recognizes the city of Lynwood, California for the 80th Anniversary of its incorporation and as a flourishing, multi- cultural community that is representative of an increasingly diverse United States.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, whereas, the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California, was founded in 1946, and W.W. Jones, principal of the high school, was elected the first president of the chamber, and Jack Weaver was elected the first secretary; Whereas, 2001 marks the 55th anniversary of the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California, an organization that has provided outstanding assistance to its members, helping their businesses flourish; Whereas, the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California represents over 1,500 home-based, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing businesses in Lynwood; Whereas, the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California continues to promote area businesses through functions such as the Annual Business and Economic Development Expo; Whereas, the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California hosts important events for business owners, including forums for minority and women business owners and the Annual Legislative Conference, which allows businesses to meet with their elected officials from the local to Federal level; and Whereas, the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California provides youth scholarships, including the Mr. and Miss Lynwood Scholarship Competition and the Annual Educational Golf Classic, which have generated over $150,000 in the past years. Now therefore, be it recognized that Congresswoman Juanita Millender- McDonald proudly recognizes that the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, California serves the businesses of Lynwood with distinction; and provides important scholarships for children and assists business owners, including minorities and women, to promote their businesses.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, Gertrude Schwab was born in Wilmington, California on November 6, in the year 1926, to Henry and Anna Viereck; she was the fourth of nine children; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab received her early education at Avalon Elementary and Phineas Banning High School in her hometown of Wilmington, California; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab married Bill Schwab on March 28, in the year 1945, and from this union were born three sons: Michael, Frank, and David, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab raised her three sons, taking a strong participatory role in their upbringing through PTA, Cub Scouts and numerous other family oriented activities; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab attended Harbor College in Wilmington, earning her License of Vocational Nursing graduating on the Dean's list in 1973 enabling her to do the work she loved, caring for those in need at Kaiser Hospital in Harbor City and Harbor General Hospital; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab dedicated her life to community activism as a volunteer involved in political and social issues and activities essential to the advancement of the community of Wilmington; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab was appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993 to a seat on the Harbor Commission, where she served with dignity and thoughtfulness for the citizens of Wilmington, who are most affected by Port issues; and Whereas, Gertrude Schwab, through her advocacy, made Wilmington a better place to live, touching the lives of countless people, including myself. Now therefore, be it resolved that Congresswoman Juanita Millender- McDonald proudly recognizes this woman of dedication, courage, persistence and wisdom and her distinguished service to her community.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to all the pages. They have been such a source of inspiration to all of us, their coming at the most critical time that our country has been faced with. And not one time did they deter from doing the duties of a page. Of course I have a page here, Taurean Snow, who came from my district; and he came for one semester and asked to see if he could serve a second semester. I was happy that he chose to do that. But I join with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) in saying that you will now be ambassadors, ambassadors to take what you have learned here. This is like a civics class for you, a class that far too few are in our schools now, teaching you what government is all about. This particular experience will be with you always, because you will remember the times that you have had to run the corridors to bring flags to our offices, or you have been on the floor and have had to bring messages to us. And so those types of experiences, coupled with your hearing us argue on the floor about different issues, will be with you, and you can go back and tell your friends just what you have learned from this House. And, of course, you see us argue quite a bit on the floor, but then you also see us come across the aisle, shake hands, and be friends. This is what you have come to know and recognize, those of you who are here. I was fortunate being the Chair of the Women's Caucus to get a note from one of the pages, a female page. She said to me, I really admire what you have done and you are a role model. I thought that was a great thing for a page to send a note to me. When I inquired as to which page she was, it was a Republican page. I thought that was very admirable of her because she saw no difference really. She just wanted to say how much of a role model that I represented in her eyes. I hope we all have done that for you because you certainly have for us. You have shown us the type of discipline that young folks should have. This morning I spoke with a group of Girl Scouts, and I told them, as a former Girl Scout, I will never forget on my honor. Well, you will never forget on your honor and you will never forget those things that you have learned here on this floor. Again, thank you so much for sharing your year with us. We hope that this has been an experience for you that you will keep throughout your adult life. I join with my other colleagues in saying that perhaps one year we might see you here on the floor being a Congressperson. I really do think Taurean will be. Godspeed to all of you.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the supplemental bill under consideration before the House today. My opposition is predicated on the fact that through this bill we are raiding the Social Security System. The path of deficit spending that this bill maps out will do irreparable harm to current and future retirees who rely on, or will rely on Social Security for retirement income. I am particularly concerned about the plight of women who rely on Social Security. Last year the President and the House majority leadership promised that every dollar of the Social Security and Medicare surpluses would be saved for Social Security and Medicare. Now, those commitments are being cast aside like useless counterfeit money. Let's examine who will suffer and how they will suffer. The facts of the matter are: Women constitute the majority of beneficiaries, approximately 60 percent of the recipients over the age of 65, and roughly 72 percent of the beneficiaries above the age of 85 are women. Furthermore, women rely disproportionately on Social Security benefits. 27 percent of women over the age of 65 rely on Social Security for 90 percent of their income. Among Elderly widows, Social Security provides nearly 75 percent of their income. The current strategy to raid the Social Security and Medicare lock boxes will spend 93 percent of the Social Security surplus over the next five years! The casualties from this wrong-headed policy will be women and minorities. Women of this House are resolute in our collective refusal not to be victimized by a supplemental bill that is short sighted, and which will hasten the insolvency of Social Security. Clearly, Social Security is projected to cost more in the future largely because the number of Americans (especially women) over age 65 will grow faster than the number of workers. We must prepare for this eventuality. Therefore, I call upon my colleagues to stand firm and resist efforts to raid America's trust, our Social Security and Medicare System. We must staunchly defend against those who propose to loot the system and bankrupt it. We must preserve a sacred trust, so that widows and elderly women will have the retirement income they have earned and which has been promised to them.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Madam Chairman, let me thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman; and my good friend and neighbor, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member, for their leadership in bringing this very important issue, along with the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, which the chairwoman and I co-chair that caucus, and to bring this piece of legislation to the floor. We thank our colleagues so much. Today, we bring to conclusion an unrivaled bipartisan process in support of war-weary Afghanistan. We are about to vote on this important measure that will provide material resources to support the rebuilding and reconstruction of a country that has touched the popular imagination over the past years. As democratic chair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, I am proud to add my voice in support of this defining bill. It cannot come too soon to help the interim administration as it moves forward to the next stage of instilling a spirit of sound governance in Afghanistan. When the Loya Jirga assembly meets in June, the provisional government will begin setting out the key principles of the rule of law that will help bring about stability and security where even now disorder and ethnic conflict too often prevail. At least 160 women will be instrumental in playing a central role in this assembly. It may not be enough, but it is a start. As I stated on the House floor in December, the future of women in Afghanistan and ultimately the stability of any provisional settlement will rest upon a foundation of inclusion, not exclusion. Madam Chairman, the comprehensive package of assistance before us today for final passage affirms the important aspirations being sought by Afghanis, both inside and outside of that country. Helping Afghan women to regain their rightful place in national life is one of the best ways I know to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and to lessen the sense of peril of the global community everywhere. This historic bill also specifically calls for providing resources to the ministry of women's affairs to ensure that the ministry can carry out its responsibilities for legal, advocacy, educational and vocational training. I am pleased to have authored this provision and to have had the cooperation of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), my distinguished colleague, my fellow Californian and friend, and the successful effort at the House Committee on International Relations markup last month. Afghan women must be assured of their basic human rights once more to gain access to safe drinking water and sufficient food, to receive decent health and maternal care, and foremost, to again move freely in their society without being subjected to harassment and abuse. The role of the women's ministry in realizing these objectives will be critical in building a new sense of nationhood and in helping to secure peace and democratic order. Restoring women's level of participation in the rebirth of Afghanistan after 22 years of warfare is a noteworthy contribution towards shaping a meaningful future for that country.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD.. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that today the House is considering my bill, H. Con. Res. 165, which deals with uterine fibroid tumors. I want to express my gratitude to the House leadership and to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Health. My thanks also to the ranking members, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and my dear friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), for their efforts to bring this measure to the floor for consideration. I also want to recognize the respective majority and minority committee professional staff for their work. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, expresses a sense of Congress that continual research and education must be directed to the causes and cures for noncancerous uterine fibroid tumors. These tumors afflict women of reproductive age and affect African-American women 2 to 3 times more frequently than other women. Although the tumors are usually benign, they are quite painful, troublesome and dangerous, depending upon their size and their location. It has been estimated that 20 to 30 percent of women experience fibroid tumors, even though many of the cases are not diagnosed. Although these tumors can be quite small, they can multiply and cause great physical discomfort. For many years a surgical procedure known as a hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, has been used to eliminate the tumors. This surgery unfortunately also eliminates a woman's ability to have children. Therefore, it is imperative that women become more educated about the nature of fibroid uterine tumors and the possible implications for women who suffer from this debilitating health problem. The best approach for women to effectively deal with this unique health dilemma involves regular exams by their doctor. Furthermore, it is paramount that the medical community explore alternatives to eliminate recurring fibroids by other than a woman having to undergo a hysterectomy. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that H. Con. Res. 165 has been brought before the House for consideration. For much too long women have suffered terribly with uterine fibroid tumors. I applaud my colleagues for bringing this bill before the House for a vote. This legislation, when enacted, will be implemented to encourage women to seek early detection of uterine fibroid tumors and will further enable doctors to pursue research concerning better treatment to avoid unnecessary and painful surgery. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise representing the 62 women Members of the House who have worked tirelessly to address these issues, thereby choosing the theme in this 107th Congress, The Wellness of Women. Today, the House is considering H. Con. Res. 309 as one of these important pieces of legislation. This resolution recognizes the importance of good cervical health and detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages. I want to thank the Committee on Energy and Commerce chairman, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), for their leadership, and also the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) for their efforts in the committee to report this bill favorably out of that committee. I also want to commend the committee staff for their work. H. Con. Res. 309 is important because cervical cancer can be fatal for a woman if it is not detected in its earliest stages. In 2002, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer and, of that number, approximately 4,100 American women will die from this disease. Cervical cancer can be detected by screening via a Pap smear test. Public awareness of utilizing Pap smear tests is especially important for racial and ethnic minority groups, and those segments of women who exist at or below the poverty level. I cannot overemphasize the need for early screening because statistical data indicates that the 5-year survival is 70 percent for all stages of cervical cancer when it is detected early. Early screening can also detect pre-cancerous lesions, which can ultimately protect against a woman's contracting cancer. Mr. Speaker, today the House has taken a huge step forward in educating women and potentially saving lives by passing this legislation. It is often said that acquiring knowledge can be empowering. In the case of cervical cancer, this is absolutely true. Women throughout America can and will be destined to gain more peace of mind and even greater longevity by virtue of enhanced awareness and greater application of Pap smear technology once this measure is enacted. Furthermore, generations of women will be able to experience more wholesome and productive lives devoid of cervical cancer.