Dennis Moore

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act of 2005. As a member of the 9/11 Commission Caucus, I strongly supported passage on December 7, 2004, of S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004. That legislation took some much-needed and long- overdue steps toward strengthening the system of intelligence sharing and analysis in the United States. The bill implemented the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report, a comprehensive collection of analyses and suggestions for improving the Nation's intelligence system, in order that we might never experience another 9/ 11. H.R. 418, if enacted, would repeal some provisions of the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004. It would rob States of the ability to issue driver's licenses and identification cards as they see fit, and further subjects the States to unfunded mandates to conform their driver's licenses and identification cards to federal standards. Police forces around the Nation are notably opposed to H.R. 418. They have grave security concerns surrounding the driver's license provisions of this legislation; the job of law enforcement is made easier when the state Department of Motor Vehicles database contains information on undocumented immigrants. As a former district attorney, I place a high priority on assisting law enforcement however possible. The asylum provisions included in this legislation are unnecessary, and will not enhance our national security. The provisions needlessly restrict the standards by which motives for persecution would qualify for asylum. I believe such a move could potentially exacerbate and multiply human rights abuses around the world by making it more difficult for victims of such abuses to seek refuge in the United States. Opposition to H.R. 418 includes a vast array of organizations, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to the American Conservative Union to the National Council of State Legislatures. I believe strongly in protecting our great Nation from whatever threats exist to it. I do not believe, however, that H.R. 418 is a step in the direction of improving national security.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest appreciation to the American Heart Association and its national Go Red for Women campaign and for raising public awareness of cardiovascular disease, which is the number-one killer of women in the United States. Mr. Speaker, the impact of cardiovascular disease in the United States is truly shocking, as heart disease and stroke claim the lives of nearly 500,000 women each year. This number accounts for 43 percent of all female deaths annually, which is more than the next seven causes of death combined and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer. In addition, nearly eight million American women are currently living with heart disease, 35 percent of those women being the age of 45 or older. Obviously, this is an issue that deserves the attention of not only health care professionals and policymakers, but the general public as well, and the American Heart Association should be commended for its efforts to bring the issue of cardiovascular disease to the forefront. The Go Red for Women campaign has raised public awareness and continues to provide women with the education and tools necessary to overcome this terrible disease. By empowering women to take control of their health through exercise, healthy eating, and careful monitoring of their blood pressure and cholesterol, the AHA has made it possible for them to reduce their risk of heart disease and live long, healthy lives. Mr. Speaker, I again wish to express my deepest appreciation to the American Heart Association for its efforts to educate the people of the United States about the dangers of cardiovascular disease.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil, to whom I recently presented the Blue Valley Education Foundation's Good Neighbor Award. It was a pleasure to present Buck with this notable distinction. You see, Buck has always been one of my great heroes, and there is no question that his story of courage and perseverance has served as an inspiration to many people. Born the grandson of slaves, Buck joined the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League in 1938. He remained in Kansas City with the Monarchs for seventeen spectacular years, ten as a player and seven as manager. During this time he was named an all-star three times as a player, served two years with the United States Navy, and led the Monarchs to four league titles as a manager, all the while facing the harshness of separation and discrimination in a country that was still segregated. In 1962, Buck broke an important barrier, by being named the first African-American coach in the Major Leagues by the Chicago Cubs. After 33 years with the Cubs, Buck returned home in 1988 to scout for the Kansas City Royals. He currently serves as chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, a continuing demonstration of his love for the game of baseball and for his commitment to the essential role that the Negro Leagues played in the integration of both American sport and American society. During his time in Kansas City, Buck has taught the citizens of the Kansas City metropolitan region about the importance of determination and resolve in the face of hostility, in addition to showing us the importance of family, friendship, happiness and history. Buck taught us about baseball. But more importantly, Buck taught us about life. He is a wonderful role model, and I thank him for his contributions to the Kansas City metropolitan region and to our United States of America.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young student from the Third District of Kansas who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community. Cormac O'Connor of Prairie Village has just been named one of the top honorees in the state of Kansas by the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This is truly an extraordinary honor, as more than 20,000 young people across the country were considered for recognition this year. Cormac is being recognized for implementing an intergenerational arts program that brought senior citizens and at-risk children together for classes in visual arts, movement, theater, and jazz. In light of statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Cormac are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, the program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past eight years, the program has become the Nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with more than 170,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Cormac should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I applaud Cormac for his initiative in seeking to make his community a better place to live, and for the positive impact he has had on the lives of others. His actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young man whose life was cut tragically short. Andrew Keenan, a resident of Ness City, Kansas, a former intern in my congressional office and a law student at the University of Kansas, passed away on January 31, at the age of 26, following a protracted battle with brain cancer. I would like to express my profound sorrow at the death of Andrew Keenan and offer my deepest sympathies to his fiancee, Erica Brown, his family, and friends. Andy was a man of exemplary character, a character demonstrated by his religious faith, his determination to succeed, and his uncommon courage in the face of hardship and illness. He was also a man of great industriousness, ambition, and amiability, qualities which made him respected and well-liked by everyone who knew him. While interning in my Washington, DC, office, he assisted my legislative director with issues involving financial services, taxation and telecommunications. Andy was also possessed a great sense of empathy and the heart of a true humanitarian. His efforts to aid the unfortunate took many forms, including the creation of a Web site dedicated to raising money for cancer research, providing food and clothing to a young girl in the Philippines through an adoption program, and, recently, donating money to victims of the tsunami. The fact that he always felt compassion for people who were suffering, even while suffering himself, is a testament to the kind of benevolent and caring of person he was. As University of Kansas law professor Mike Hoeflich wrote recently in the Lawrence Journal-World, ``For almost two years now, Andy has fought and fought and fought. He has refused to give up. In spite of his illness, his pain, his constant treatments, he has maintained his courage and his determination.'' I believe that this quotation exemplifies how the enduring strength and bravery of Andrew Keenan serves as an inspiration to all of us who were touched by his life, and encourages us all to lead a more thoughtful, more courageous existence.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Joe Tilghman has served the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in a senior field leadership position in a career spanning nearly the entire period of enactment of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Mr. Tilghman is retiring on January 3, 2005, after 37 years of distinguished federal service and I welcome this opportunity to publicly pay tribute to this outstanding public servant. Joe Tilghman assumed leadership of CMS' Kansas City Regional Office in 1994 following nearly fifteen years as the Deputy Regional Administrator. As Regional Administrator, he has been responsible for the federal administration of the Medicare and Medicaid programs to approximately 4 million beneficiaries residing in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to joining CMS (then the Health Care Financing Administration) in 1978 he worked in Social and Rehabilitative Services and the Bureau of Health Insurance. During Mr. Tilghman's tenure as Regional Administrator he led many CMS efforts that impacted the lives of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide. Of particular note, Mr. Tilghman: Lead CMS' Flu 2000 Campaign from 1993 to 1999. He brought together a coalition including CMS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Coalition for Adult Immunization. This coalition was devoted to reaching the Healthy People 2000 adult immunization goals. During his leadership, influenza immunization of persons age 65 and over increased from 50.4% to 65.5% and met the Healthy People 2000 goal of 60% three years early in 1997. Lead CMS' Screening Mammography Campaign from 1999 to the present, exceeding Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) targets in each of these years. Established the CMS field National Medicare Education Program (NMEP) operation, providing the inspiration and garnering financial and human resources support for all regional offices to develop creative education and outreach programs. As a result of his work, effective community coalitions and partnerships among the aging network are in place in all states. Enforced the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) insurance provisions nationally in all states that are not in substantial compliance. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly commend this selfless and dedicated public servant on the occasion of his retirement. Joe Tilghman embodies the work done so well by millions of American public servants on behalf of our nation on a daily basis, with little hope of public appreciation or appropriate tangible reward. On behalf of the people of Kansas' Third District, I thank Joe Tilghman for his lifetime of public service and wish him well on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Charles W. (Bill) Sedgwick is retiring after more than 40 years of distinguished service with the Food and Drug Administration. His career began on June 7, 1964, as an investigator for the Kansas City District. From beginning to end, Bill sharpened his skills through work performed in a variety of locations; Kansas City, Omaha, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Cincinnati. His dream was fulfilled, with the help of countless mentors and friends, as he began service as the Kansas City District Director in June of 2000. Highlights of his work include cases involved with filth and quack drugs; instruction presented on law and evidence to the Southwest and Southeast Regions; work on criminal cases involving illegal distribution of steroids and other enhancement drugs; work with other federal agents and the U.S. Attorney to prepare search warrants and collect undercover evidence for presentation to a grand jury; development of significant case law which permitted not just the FDA, but other federal agencies, to charge defendants with defrauding the government; a commissioner's commendation for critical work performed with state partners to improve the FDA's relationship, working particularly in Texas and New Mexico; criminal investigative work in Cincinnati that resulted in the indictment, prosecution and prison terms of seven defendants involved in a major criminal enterprise which produced over 200 million pounds of phony orange juice; receipt of the FDA Award of Merit (2002) and the ORA Quality of Worklife Award (2003) for his leadership in Kansas City. After his retirement, Bill intends to spend time with his family, doing anything his wife, Suzanne, tells him to do. He plans to oversee church construction projects, remodel old houses and travel with his wife. I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly commend this selfless and dedicated public servant on the occasion of his retirement. Bill Sedgwick embodies the work done so well by millions of American public servants on behalf of our nation on a daily basis, with little hope of public appreciation or appropriate tangible reward. On behalf of the people of Kansas' Third District, I thank Bill Sedgwick for his lifetime of public service and wish him well on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a tireless, dedicated public servant of long standing, who recently stepped down as District Attorney of Wyandotte County, Kansas, after 32 years of service in that office. As a former District Attorney of neighboring Johnson County, Kansas for only 12 years--from 1977 to 1989--I worked closely with, and got to know well; Nick Tomasic. First elected in 1972 and re-elected seven times, Nick Tomasic retires as the longest serving district attorney in the history of Kansas. More importantly, however, he leaves a legacy of incorruptible dedication to public service and to the rule of law in our society. As the Kansas City Star article I include with this statement details, Nick Tomasic served the public with integrity and determination, in an environment where holding to such standards was often difficult. As his friend and former colleague, I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement and wish him well in his future endeavors with family and friends. As a fellow former prosecutor, in particular, I commend him on his outstanding record of accomplishment as Wyandotte County District Attorney. He leaves a legacy which I am confident will never be equaled by his successors. [From the Kansas City Star, Jan. 8, 2005] Tomasic Is Praised for 32 Years of Service (By Robert A. Cronkleton) Wyandotte County District Attorney Nick Tomasic pulled out one of several scrapbooks of newspaper clippings that he has kept over the years. Thumbing through the pages on Friday, he recalled facts of cases he prosecuted decades ago. The details are as fresh as if he had been in court the previous day. In one book he paused at a picture of himself and ran his fingers over it. ``That's the day I was first sworn in as district attorney,'' Tomasic said, chuckling at his horn-rimmed glasses and youthful appearance. On Monday, Tomasic's reign as the county's first and only district attorney will end. He has held that position for 32 years. His successor, Assistant District Attorney Jerome A. Gorman, will be sworn in at 10 a.m. in Division 1 at the courthouse. Gorman, a Democrat like Tomasic, was unopposed in the November general election. ``When you look ahead, 32 years is a long time,'' Tomasic said. ``But when you are looking back, it doesn't seem that long.'' Tomasic, 72, was first elected in 1972 and re-elected seven times. He is the longest-serving district attorney in Kansas history, dating to when the post was created in the early 1970s. Before being elected to the post, he had served six years as an assistant county attorney. Tomasic came to the position when machine politicians held sway at the courthouse and Kansas City, Kan., City Hall. He said he tried to be apolitical and rid his office of special- interest influences. He recalled that early on, people with political ties would send hams, turkeys, whiskey and beer to the district attorney's office around Christmas time. He put an end to that. ``It was not right to do it,'' Tomasic said. ``The right thing was to stay out of politics.'' But that didn't mean he wasn't willing to take on political corruption. In an early skirmish, Tomasic ousted two Board of Public Utilities members after a state investigation revealed widespread corruption. One of the most difficult cases he faced was the prosecution of former Kansas City, Kan., Police Officer John Cheek, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the 1994 shooting death of Milton Foster Jr. One exception to his rule of keeping the district attorney's office out of politics came in the mid-1990s when he strongly urged voters to approve the consolidation of the Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., governments. Tomasic announced in 2003 he would not run for re-election to the post. ``I think he has been a great district attorney,'' said Wyandotte County District Judge Thomas L. Boeding. He said Tomasic established himself early on as a district attorney who intended to do what he believed was right. ``He sometimes filed cases that raised eyebrows in people's eyes,'' Boeding said. ``He was determined that he was going to do what the rule of law required and not be fixed on favoritism.'' Kansas City, Kan., Police Chief Ron Miller said Tomasic is well respected in the community, including among law enforcement. ``He represents the public very well, and he supports law enforcement,'' Miller said. ``He has had, unfortunately, to prosecute police officers for criminal conduct in his tenure, but those were decisions he had to make, and he made the tough decision.'' Tomasic, who lives on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kan., said he doesn't have much planned yet, except to spend time with his family, including 12 grandchildren and two more on the way. He expects to do volunteer work. He will miss his staff as well as the job. ``I never had a day where I hated to come to work,'' Tomasic said. ``Not one day. There might have been days where I was not particularly happy about something, but I never hated to come to work.''

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the Kansas City metropolitan area lost one of its leading entrepreneurs and supporters of community development with the death of Barney Karbank. And I lost a friend. One of Kansas City's premier industrial developers, he helped assemble the ground for the Truman Sports Complex and developed more than 100 Kansas City area properties, mostly warehouses and production plants that he rented to other companies. As a 2000 Kansas City Star profile of Barney Karbank noted: ``For five decades, Karbank has survived the booms and busts of real estate with a simple strategy: build and hold. Karbank occasionally buys a building, rarely sells and never refinances a property once it's paid off. He has never lost a parcel to foreclosure, he said, nor has he sold one to avoid a creditor's noose. . . . `He's at the top of the industrial real estate market heap in Kansas City', said Roger Cohen, a former Karbank partner who now heads his own firm.'' A dedicated participant in the civic life of our community, Barney Karbank was always active in local charitable, religious and service organizations. But most important to him were the relationships he developed throughout the community in his business activities: as the Star quoted him in 2000: `` `Instead of lending people dollars, we're lending bricks and mortar,' Karbank said. While other developers borrow money against properties, Karbank has used his leverage to build relationships with tenants. `We're not merchant builders,' Karbank said. `If you're going to come to the dance with us, you're going to leave the dance with us.' '' Mr. Speaker, I join with all of Kansas City in mourning the passing of this giant among our community who literally changed its skyline. I was privileged to call him my friend and supporter, and our family shares the sense of loss that I know his family now feels. I am placing into the Record a profile of Barney Karbank carried by the Kansas City Star in recognition of his death. [From the Kansas City Star, Jan. 18, 2005] Barney Karbank Dies at 80--Leading Developer Left His Mark on KC Real Estate (By Dan Margolies) Barney Karbank, one of Kansas City's premier industrial and commercial developers, died Sunday after a long illness. He was 80. Karbank, chairman of B.A. Karbank & Co., developed more than 100 properties in the area, mostly warehouses and production plants he rented to other companies. ``It's a real changing of the guard,'' said Olen Monsees, president of B.A. Karbank. ``He was just such a legend in this business. The world will go on, but we'll miss him.'' The son of a fish-market operator, Karbank walked with a cane all his life following a childhood bout with polio. He started out as an unpaid clerk for James B. Welsh Realty in 1946 before joining Charles F. Curry Co. the following year. Deciding that pushing brooms, running errands and selling houses wasn't for him, he began B.A. Karbank & Co. as a real estate brokerage firm in 1950 at the age of 26. He constructed his first building, at 2615 Holmes St., for Borg-Warner Corp. after paying a cold call on Borg-Warner. More than five decades later, his company controls more than 5 million square feet of industrial and commercial space in the metropolitan area, as well as buildings in other cities. Settling for a build-and-hold strategy, Karbank described his business in a 2000 interview with The Star as lending people bricks and mortar instead of money. Karbank rarely sold the projects he developed, focusing instead on ownership. Among his major projects in Kansas City and elsewhere were buildings for dozens of companies, including General Electric Co., Sunkist Growers Inc., the U.S. Postal Service, Southwestern Bell, Chevron Chemical Co., Westinghouse Electric Co., Whirlpool Corp. and General Motors Corp. ``He took great pride in never defaulting on a loan, never giving property back to a lender, never putting a project in bankruptcy, never asking for a loan workout and never refinancing a property,'' said his son, Steven Karbank, president of Karbank Development Co., the operation's development arm. Barney Karbank left his mark on almost every major industrial park in the area. He also assembled a major portion of the land for the Truman Sports Complex and undertook land assemblages for other clients, including sites for the area's first cellular phone system. A Kansas City native, he attended Paseo High School and Kansas City Junior College. Outspoken in his views, he resigned in 1969 from the City Plan Commission after criticizing it for doing ``practically no planning as such.'' For years, he inveighed against Missouri's redevelopment laws, which he said gave private developers too much power to subvert public purposes. ``The survival of the city is in direct proportion to its ability to rebuild itself,'' he told The Star in a 1969 interview. ``Everyone is for new development and new buildings and growth. But in what way should it come?'' Barney Karbank served on the boards of numerous business and professional organizations, including First Federal Bank, Mercantile Bank and La Petite Academy Inc. He was treasurer for the Committee for County Progress in the 1960s and a member of both the City Plan Commission and the Jackson County Board of Zoning Adjustment. He was a director of many civic and charitable organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Community Foundation, Congregation Beth Shalom and Menorah Medical Center. Barney Karbank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rose Karbank; their four children, Marcia Karbank, Diane Davidner, Neil Karbank and Steven Karbank, and their spouses; his brother Joe Karbank; 15 grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight to pay tribute and honor to our good friend and fallen comrade, Bob Matsui. My wife, Stephanie, and I just came from visiting with Doris at their home, and we put our arms around Doris and told her how much we loved her and loved Bob Matsui. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to pay to Bob Matsui than to say this: I have never heard Bob Matsui say anything unkind about any other human being, and I have never heard any person in this Chamber say anything unkind about Bob Matsui. And that is somewhat unique, I suppose, because there are some unkind things said about other people in this Chamber, but never about Bob or from Bob. I feel that we are going to miss Bob. I know we will miss Bob, and we will miss his intellect, his passion, his compassion, and the history that he brought to this body. I know Congress will miss Bob. I know that I am a better person for having known Bob. And when God looks down on some cold, wintry night on this beautiful Earth and there are 1 million stars shining in the sky, I know one of those stars will shine brighter, and that will be Bob. We will miss you, Bob, and we love you.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity tonight to join with my fellow members of the New Democrat Coalition in paying tribute to Representative Cal Dooley of California, who is retiring from Congress at the end of this year. As the Almanac of American Politics 2004 edition described Cal: ``The congressman from the 20th District is Cal Dooley, a Democrat first elected in 1990. He is a farmer, growing cotton, alfalfa and walnuts, as his great-grandfather did before him. In 1987 he became a staffer for Tulare state Senator Rose Ann Vuich. In 1990, he ran for Congress in a more Republican-leaning district. Luck was with him: The incumbent had accepted contributions from S&L operator Charles Keating and interceded on his behalf with regulators. Dooley won with a solid 55%. . . . Dooley's endurance has been partly a testimonial to his moderate voting record, which is the most conservative of California Democrats. On the Agriculture and Resources committees, he tended to district interests. He was one of three committee Democrats to vote for Richard Pombos' guest worker bill, and he supported lifting the ban on food sales to Cuba. He has co-chaired the Congressional Beef Caucus, the Western Water Caucus and the Biotechnology Caucus. He strongly backed PNTR with China and he worked closely with neighboring Congressman and Ways and Means Committee chairman Bill Thomas to get Democratic votes for trade promotion authority in 2001 and 2002. . . . He sided with most Democrats in opposing the increased work requirements in the Republicans' welfare bill. Dooley is active on local issues, including flood control projects, increased dam capacity, and additional funds for farm workers. . . .'' Most importantly, Cal Dooley was one of the founders and original co- chairs of the House New Democrat Coalition, which Politics in America's 2004 edition described as ``a growing group of moderate, pro-business lawmakers who say they seek bipartisan solutions. . . . It is a measure of Dooley's reputation as a leader of centrist Democrats--he co-founded the New Democrat Coalition in 1997 along with Virginia's James P. Moran and former Indiana Rep. Tim Roemer--that his name was floated, during the disputed 2000 presidential election, as a potential appointee to either a Bush or a Gore administration.'' Mr. Speaker, Cal Dooley has been a friend and mentor of mine during the past 6 years I have served in Congress. As a fellow member of Congress who has sought bipartisan solutions to the many difficult issues we have faced in this body, he has offered me wise counsel on many occasions and his leadership of the New Democrat Coalition in the House Democratic Caucus provided important leadership to all members of our Caucus. The people of Cal Dooley's California congressional district have been very well served by his 14 years of representing them in Congress and I know they join with me and his colleagues in this body in wishing him all the best as he pursues a new career in the private sector. He will be missed in the halls of Congress. But Cal Dooley will not be forgotten.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, last week Dr. Ron Wimmer, who has served the students and parents of the Olathe, Kansas, school district for over forty years--during the last fourteen years as Superintendent of Schools--announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2005. He has been one of the primary catalysts of the Olathe school district's commitment to excellence, and his retirement will be mourned by all citizens of that community. I am pleased to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Wimmer's forty years of service to the Olathe school district by placing in the Congressional Record two articles summarizing his achievements that appeared recently in the Olathe Daily News. [From the Olathe News, Nov. 10, 2004] Wimmer's Retirement Surprises Many in Community (By Kevin Selders) Ron Wimmer's announcement he's retiring at the end of the school year came as a surprise to many in the Olathe community and beyond. Wimmer, who has spent his entire 40-year career in education in the Olathe district, made the announcement public Tuesday after submitting his notice of retirement to Olathe school board president Debby Daniels Oct. 17 and notifying district staff Monday. An e-mail was sent notifying others of his decision Monday evening. ``Clearly it's disappointing for the school district, but he has provided us with 40 years of service to the school district and the community, so it's hard to argue with him when he's ready to retire,'' Daniels said. Daniels said the news wasn't released sooner because of the election. ``We didn't want a discussion of Dr. Wimmer's retirement to influence the voters' decision on the school board (issue) one way or the other,'' she said. Wimmer discussed his retirement individually with board members in the days leading up to last week's board meeting. Daniels said Wimmer brought up the timing of his announcement during the board's executive session after its meeting on Thursday. The board also discussed when it should get started on the search for the next superintendent, which is considered a personnel issue. Andy Tompkins, commissioner of education for the Kansas State Department of Education, received the news of Wimmer's announcement during the middle of a Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Tompkins, who said he's known Wimmer for at least 25 years, said the superintendent's retirement will be a great loss for the district. He said Wimmer is a man of high integrity and the purest motives who has always worked for the best interest of children. ``You're not going to find a bigger fan of Ron Wimmer than me,'' he said. ``I just think he's as good as they come. I have the highest regard for him.'' Michael Copeland, mayor of Olathe, said Wimmer has led the school district to become one of the best in the nation. This achievement has, in turn, benefited Olathe in many ways. ``Olathe is one of America's fastest-growing cities for many reasons, but none more important than our excellent schools,'' Copeland said. ``Ron Wimmer deserves much of that credit. He will be missed, but he's leaving the district in great shape. His commitment and dedication to excellence in Olathe, and in particular our children, cannot be understated. He means a great deal to our community.'' Frank Taylor, president of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce who served on the school board for 16 years, said Wimmer has been instrumental to Olathe's success as a city. ``Olathe possesses a jewel that sets it apart,'' he said. ``It is a nationally acclaimed school district that uniquely equips Olathe children for life and draws business and industry to Olathe so effectively that we are one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. That is Dr. Ron Wimmer's gift to this community.'' Diana Wright, a psychologist for the district and former student of Wimmer's, sent him an e-mail Tuesday morning. She said Wimmer was her principal when she was a seventh-grader in 1975. ``I remember you as the warm-hearted, friendly principal who always had a smile on his face,'' she wrote. ``Now as an adult I wanted to let you know what a wonderful impression you made on me as a student.'' She went on to tell him how although she was a good student for the most part, she was overwhelmed with authority figures. She said every time she walked by her principal she tried to hide her eyes. ``You always went out of your way to say hello and greet me in a warm manner,'' she said. ``It always made me feel like I was special. I'm sure that is how you made all your kids feel.'' Betty Carpenter, Wimmer's secretary since he moved to the education center in 1978 as director of personnel for the district, said things are going to be a lot different next year. She said the next superintendent will have some big shoes to fill. ``He set a lot of good foundations for the future to build on,'' she said. Carpenter said she could retire as well, but has no plans to just yet. ``I love my job,'' she said. ``Part of that is because of the boss, too.'' [From the Olathe News, Nov. 10, 2004] Wimmer Retires After 40-Year Career (By Kevin Selders) As Ron Wimmer, superintendent of the Olathe school district, sat among spectators cheering on Olathe football teams Friday, he realized he knew something nobody else around him knew. Wimmer, 61, decided to let everyone in on his secret Tuesday as he publicly announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2005. The announcement comes midway through his 40th year in the district and 14th year as its leader. ``Today I'm very excited and pleased with the response I've received from the staff,'' he said. ``I've had so many touching e-mails from people that I've come in contact with over the last 40 years.'' Wimmer denied his decision had anything to do with the recent decision made by voters to change the method of electing school board members. ``I've thought about it for months,'' he said about his retirement. ``I had so many sleepless nights. It just was a tremendous worry for me.'' However, he said making the decision and notifying district staff and others Monday brought him peace. ``Last night was the first in many nights where I just slept all the way through,'' he said. ``Each step has been difficult,'' he added. ``There's just so much commitment that I've had over 40 years. It's hard to believe that I'm at this point, but I feel very good about this decision. I feel it's the right thing to do at the right time.'' Wimmer submitted his notice of retirement to Debby Daniels, president of the Olathe school board, Oct. 17. Wimmer, who was eligible for retirement eight years ago, felt compelled to stay on as superintendent because of continued challenges the district faced, primarily in dealing with its growth. ``There was always some major project,'' he said. He added that he's ready to finish out the rest of the school year. ``I'm still very motivated by what I do every day and I feel very good about that,'' he said. ``I always wanted to retire before I felt the need to retire.''

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a wonderful organization in the Third Congressional District of Kansas that is celebrating its 25th anniversary of serving domestic violence victims in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1979, I was the District Attorney in Johnson County, Kansas, and involved in helping that county provide domestic violence services to its citizens. At the same time, just to the north, community leaders in Kansas City, Kansas, in Wyandotte County, were coming together for the same purpose. In 1979, the Joyce H. Williams Center was incorporated, and began its services to the KCK community. I first learned of their efforts through working with their leaders in the Kansas City Metropolitan Coalition on Domestic Violence. The Joyce H. Williams Center was begun by the Yates Branch of the YWCA. A few years later, when the Yates Branch YWCA branch closed, the Joyce Williams Center and most of the YWCA services continued under the sponsorship of Friends of Yates, Inc. Twenty five years later, the Joyce Williams Center continues to provide hope and help to women and children in abusive situations. The center has helped hundreds of families over the last 25 years. Today, their services include a hotline for victims to call, counseling, case management, substance abuse assistance, and a transitional living shelter. I know my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating the staff, board of directors, and community volunteers of the Joyce H. Williams Center on this anniversary of their founding. I know they will continue to serve their community for many years to come.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Tamara Agha- Jaffar of Kansas City Community College, who today is receiving the Professor of the Year Award for Kansas from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, CASE, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Since 1981, the U.S. Professors of the Year program has rewarded outstanding professors for their dedication to teaching, commitment to students and innovative instructional methods. It is the only national program to recognize college and university professors for their teaching skills. The program is sponsored by CASE and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which hosts the final round of judging and sponsors the cash award given to U.S. national winners. CASE works with Carnegie and 26 other higher education associations to direct and promote the program. The primary characteristic the judges consider is an extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching, which should be demonstrated by excellence in the following areas: Impact on and involvement with undergraduate students; Scholarly approach to teaching and learning; Contributions to under-graduate education in the institution, community, and profession; and Support from colleagues and current and former undergraduate students. Tamara Agha-Jaffar, Ph.D., has been a full time faculty member in the English Department of the Kansas City Kansas Community College since 1987. A graduate of the Beirut College for Women and the American University of Beirut, with a Ph.D. in English literature from Washington State University, she previously was an instructor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Johnson County, Kansas, Community College. During the most recent academic year she has taught courses in composition, world mythology, introduction to women's studies, world literature, and women in literature. She also has been active in organizations serving our community, including: the LULAC/USD 500 Latino Task Force; the Joyce Williams Shelter and Safehome, both serving battered women; the Kaw Valley Children's Center; and the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. I am proud to represent Dr. Tamara Agha-Jaffar in Congress and I commend to my colleagues the personal statement which she submitted to CASE as a part of her nomination process for this award. I include it in the Record and I hope that all who read it will be as inspired by it as I was. Personal Statement of Tamara Agha-Jaffar It was some time in 1994. I was in my office with one of my Composition 2 students. She had been very distraught during class, so I did what I am prone to do: I invited her to my office to talk. I listened as this young, intelligent, articulate female sobbed quietly and blurted out her story. Her boyfriend had woken her up at dawn that morning, placed a loaded gun in her mouth, and threatened to pull the trigger. He had terrorized her in this manner for several hours before allowing her to leave. Then, to my utter amazement, this young, intelligent woman proceeded to find ways of blaming herself for this horrifying experience. My jaw dropped. I teach at Kansas City Kansas Community College, an urban college located in an economically distressed community. Over 60% of our students are female. Many of our students have to contend with previous or current drug abuse, single parenthood, sexual abuse, gangs, violence, and economic hardship. I have yet to experience a semester in which I haven't had at least one student in some sort of social, psychological, emotional, or economic crisis. But that morning in 1994 was different. I experienced an epiphany of sorts. I realized that as an educator, I have a moral, social, and ethical obligation to do more than just offer compassion and a Kleenex to my students as I hear their heart-wrenching stories. I didn't know what I could do, but I was determined to find out. Several months and a labyrinth of procedures and committees later, Women's Studies at KCKCC was born. I have been teaching the course since 1995. Students who successfully complete it tell me it is a transformative experience. They leave the class armed with knowledge, voice, a greater sense of empowerment, and increased self-esteem. My immersion in the subject matter of Women's Studies and subsequent volunteer activities inform my life and influence the pedagogy and content of all the classes I teach. I include service-learning as an optional assignment in my Women's Studies class. Because I wanted to increase my effectiveness as a teacher, in 1998, I embarked on my own extensive volunteer training program. I learned to respond to crisis situations at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, at two local shelters for battered women, and at the Kaw Valley Children's Center for abused and/or neglected children. My volunteer work at the battered women's shelter prompted me to seek and establish a two-year scholarship for tuition and books for eligible shelter residents. I taught survival skills classes at the shelter and to homeless women at a local church. Students in all my classes are demonstrably impacted when I share stories that I have heard through my volunteer activities. Student testimonials and evaluations of Women's Studies reinforced what I already knew to be true: the empowering impact of its subject matter. My desire to make this material available to others served as the catalyst for initiating a new form of collaboration with an area high school. In 2002, as a result of my efforts, KCKCC started offering two women's studies classes for college credit at the high school location. Although tuition is comparatively modest at the college, I knew it would be an issue for these students, most of whom would be the first generation in their families to take a college class. So I successfully authored a grant to cover the cost of their tuition and books. My goal in this venture was fourfold: to expose high school students to material that is empowering and immediately relevant to their lives; to encourage them to continue with their education after high school; to demonstrate that their community college faculty care and are eager to work with them should they decide to pursue their education; and to impress upon them that they can succeed in an institution of higher learning. As a faculty member at a community college, I am called upon to perform many roles. Through them all, I try to impress upon my students the benefits, importance, relevance, and transformative power of a good education. I listen to their voices; offer support, encouragement, and compassion; provide course material that is empowering and relevant to their lives; and continuously seek new ways to extend means, access, and opportunity to those who have been historically marginalized. A lot has happened since that day in 1994 when I first heard that young woman's story. I have changed. The college has changed. And my students have changed. Over the years, I have seen an increase in the number of students in crisis. Or maybe it is because they seem to flock to my classes and office in increasing numbers. As always, I listen to their stories. But now I do more than just offer compassion and a Kleenex. I am better trained and better equipped to provide the guidance, direction, resources, encouragement, and support they need to move forward with their lives. As for that young woman who served as the catalyst for my personal and professional odyssey--I convinced her to phone her parents before she left my office that day and to tell them what had transpired. She was smiling the next time she came to class. Her father and older brother had helped her to move back home, and, with their support, she was pressing charges against her former boyfriend.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Meredith Docking, widow of former Kansas Governor Robert Docking, who served as First Lady of Kansas from 1967 to 1975. Meredith Docking passed away on October 27th, at her home in Lawrence, Kansas, after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. Earlier, she lived in Arkansas City, where the Docking family owned Union State Bank. Meredith Gear Docking was born July 15, 1926, in Elkhart, Kansas, the daughter of George Russell and Irene Griffith Gear. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1947 with a bachelor's degree in business. She married Robert Docking on June 17, 1950. His father, George Docking, was elected governor of Kansas in 1956 and 1950, ushering into Kansas its current era of two-party politics. Robert Docking, the only Kansan elected governor of the state four times--in 1966, 1968, 1970 and 1972--died in 1983. Their son, Tom, served as lieutenant governor of Kansas from 1983-1987, under Governor John Carlin. Another son, Bill, now serves as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents. A woman of grace and dignity, Meredith Docking represented her state during the turbulent times of the late 1960s and early 1970s, served charitable and civic organizations, and participated in Democratic Party political activities with her husband and father-in-law. I enclose in the Record as a part of this tribute two articles carried by the local press upon Meredith Docking's death, from The Wichita Eagle and The Lawrence Journal-World, which summarize her activities and impact upon our state. It is fitting that Meredith Docking had named in her honor the ``Meredith Rose'', a pink rose that is now found in parks and arrangements in Arkansas City, Wichita and Lawrence, Kansas. All Kansans mourn her passing, but as her family members have done, we find inspiration in her life and legacy. [From the Wichita Eagle, Oct. 28, 2004] Meredith Docking, Former First Lady of Kansas, Dies (By Beccy Tanner) Meredith Docking--the first lady of Kansas from 1967 through 1975 and for whom a pink rose is named--died Wednesday at her home in Lawrence. She was 78. Mrs. Docking was the wife of Robert Docking and the daughter-in-law to George Docking, both Kansas governors. Her son, Tom, was lieutenant governor. ``From my perspective, she was a great mother, very supportive of the family and tried to help each family member do what was important to them,'' said William Docking of Arkansas City. ``But personally, she didn't care much for politics. She recognized how important the political process is and was for so many of our family members--but she was a private person and did not care for politics.'' Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church in Lawrence. Meredith Gear was born July 15, 1926, in Elkhart. She received her bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kansas in 1947. Her husband, Robert, graduated from KU in 1948. They married in 1950 and lived in Arkansas City, where he was president of Union State Bank. Robert Docking also served Arkansas City as a city commissioner and mayor until 1966, when he was elected governor. ``She fit nicely in the mold of first ladies of that era--who were more traditional,'' said her son, Tom Docking of Wichita. Mrs. Docking was first lady of Kansas at a time when national politics and world events were volatile--the United States was caught up in the Vietnam War, university students throughout the nation were holding protests, and race riots were breaking out in major cities. Mrs. Docking's role as first lady was to entertain dignitaries and conduct tours of the governor's mansion. When Bobby and Ethel Kennedy came to Kansas, they stayed with the Dockings. After her husband's four terms as governor, Mrs. Docking helped establish the Docking Faculty Scholar Program at KU. She also served on several boards throughout the state. Her husband died in 1983. In January, Mrs. Docking learned that she had pancreatic cancer. ``My mother always believed that if you had 75 good years you ought to consider yourself fortunate,'' Bill Docking said. ``She was 77 when she was diagnosed and died when she was 78. There was no hand- wringing or asking `Why me?' She was not fearful of death in any way.'' April 30 of this year was designated ``Meredith Docking Day'' and Arbor Day in Arkansas City. The cities of Lawrence, Wichita and Arkansas City have planted hundreds of pink ``Meredith'' roses named in her honor. She is survived by her sons, William, Arkansas City, and Tom, Wichita; a sister, Virginia Winslow, Bradbury, Calif.; and three grandchildren. [From the Lawrence Journal-World, Oct. 28, 2004] Former First Lady Docking Dies (By Mike Belt) Former first lady of Kansas and longtime Kansas University benefactor Meredith Docking died Wednesday at her home in Lawrence. ``She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and she had great relationships with so many friends,'' said her son, Bill Docking. ``She lived an interesting life.'' Meredith Docking, 78, the wife of the late governor Robert Docking, died a few minutes after 6 a.m. with her family around her. Bill Docking said she had been diagnosed last winter with terminal pancreatic cancer. ``Throughout her illness she was so brave,'' said close friend Kittye Hagen, of Lawrence. ``She was a great wit and a lot of fun.'' Robert Docking served as governor from 1967 to 1975. But while the family lived in the governor's Cedar Crest mansion in Topeka, Meredith never lost her simple ways, Hagen said. ``She was one of the first ladies who didn't go over her budget,'' Hagen said. ``She was very thrifty. She was as thrifty with the state's money as she was with her own.'' At the same time, Meredith Docking often donated money to worthy causes anonymously, Hagen said. ``She did a lot of things people, including her family, didn't know about,'' Hagen said. ``She never failed to do what she could to help.'' Meredith Docking was a longtime supporter of KU, a member of the KU Alumni Association and the Outlook Society, which honors donors of $500,000 or more through the Chancellor's Club, KU Endowment's major-donor organization. In 1999, she donated $1 million to KU to create the Docking Faculty Scholars Award to honor and keep exceptional KU teachers and scholars. ``Meredith Docking's gifts to the university, as a volunteer, a donor and an inspiration, were felt throughout the campus,'' KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said. She graduated in 1947 from KU, where she met her husband, the future governor who graduated in 1948. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius noted Meredith Docking's civic contributions and ``quiet strength.'' ``For eight years Meredith Docking represented Kansas with grace, dignity and warmth as our first lady,'' Sebelius said. ``After leaving Cedar Crest, she maintained a respected presence throughout the state and was always a great booster of the state of Kansas.'' Meredith Docking was well-known for her fondness for roses and was involved in beautification efforts in Arkansas City and in Lawrence, where she had lived. For her 75th birthday her family commissioned a California company to create a rose in her honor, Bill Docking said. They named it the Meredith Rose, and many of them can be found in Arkansas City parks and in Wichita. In Lawrence the Meredith Rose is in front of the Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. Second St., and in the Audio-Reader Garden next to the Behr Audio-Reader Center at KU. ``It's really a lovely pink rose and very fragrant,'' Bill Docking said. Meredith Docking loved watching the TV show ``Jeopardy,'' which once featured a question about the Kansas governor, and host Art Fleming mentioned that the governor's wife was a big fan of the show, Bill Docking said. Fleming signed the card with the question on it and sent it to the Dockings. Margaret Gilliland, of Arkansas City, and Meredith Docking were Chi Omega sorority sisters at KU in the 1940s. ``She absolutely loved to play bridge,'' Gilliland said. ``And as long as Bob was alive, she was definitely a Democrat.'' Former Arkansas City state Rep. Jack Shriver joked that Meredith Docking kept her husband in line. ``The whole time she was in politics, I don't think she made a single enemy, and that's saying a lot,'' Shriver said. Kansas Democratic Party Chairman Larry Gates called her death a big loss to the state. ``She was really one of the few left from that era,'' Gates said. ``We are losing some really wonderful, colorful people.'' Meredith Docking, however, didn't enjoy the limelight of politics, Bill Docking said. ``She knew how important it was for several members of the family, and she was always supportive of their efforts, as she was supportive to all of her family,'' he said. Memorial services for Meredith Docking will be 10 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2608. Title I of the bill is the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act and Title II is the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act. Both of these sections passed by the House separately earlier this year. I want to acknowledge the leadership of Research Subcommittee Chairman Smith and my colleague from Washington, Mr. Baird, in introducing and championing the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program--often called NEHRP--was established 25 years ago to address the serious seismic hazards in the United States. The program has the primary goal of determining how to lower the risk to people and to the built environment. Most observers of NEHRP believe it has made many valuable contributions toward advancing understanding of earthquake processes and in developing detailed information about the geographic distribution of earthquake risk. Equally important, the program has helped to improve engineering design and practice for structures and lifelines suitable for earthquake prone regions. H.R. 2608 focuses on strengthening NEHRP by reinvigorating program leadership and by increasing program emphasis on transitioning the results of research to practice. When I first introduced Title II of H.R. 2608 5 years ago, I modeled it after the NEHRP program because of its success over the past 30 plus years. I would like to thank Chairman Boehlert for following through on his promise to mark up legislation on wind storms in the 108th Congress. I would also like to thank Congressman Neugebauer for working with me on this important legislation. I would like to thank Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Melissa Hart, and Walter Jones for working with me over the past three Congresses. I would like to thank Minority Counsel Jim Turner of the House Science Committee and Brian Pallasch of the American Society of Civil Engineers for working on this issue tirelessly over the course of the past 5 years. Almost 6 years ago, my hometown of Wichita, Kansas, was hit by a F4 tornado which plowed through the suburb of Haysville, killing 6, injuring 150, and causing over $140 million in damage. The devastation of this attack motivated me to try to do something. I put together a bill, my goal--to mitigate loss of life and property due to wind and related hazards. I reviewed comments from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Association of Home Builders, the insurance industry, meteorologists, emergency managers, academia, industry, and the manufactured housing associations to fine-tune the legislation. On May 4, 2003, almost 4 years to the day after the deadly 1999 Kansas and Oklahoma tornadoes, tornadoes touched down in metro Kansas City and the surrounding suburbs, as well as in many of my congressional colleagues' districts, destroying property, killing and injuring our constituents. These tornadoes did not check with Congress to see if they were hitting Republican or Democratic districts; they are truly an equal opportunity destroyer. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue; it is a human issue, and it is a human tragedy. These windstorms destroy lives; I have seen it in my own district and know many of my colleagues have seen it in theirs.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of his proud neighbors in Kansas' Third Congressional District, and particularly on behalf of the students and teachers at Lakewood Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas, I am honored today to speak in favor of my resolution congratulating Andrew Wojtanik for winning the 16th Annual National Geographic Bee. I have been joined in this effort by Representatives Jim Ryun and Jerry Moran of Kansas, and by Representatives Major Owens, Earl Blumenauer, and Max Burns. This resolution is similar to H. Res. 804, which we introduced last week, and reintroduced on Monday due to some jurisdictional issues which prevented bringing the original resolution to the floor quickly. On May 26, 2004, Andrew won the 16th Annual National Geographic Bee when he correctly answered a question about the Khyber Pass in Northern Pakistan. While Andrew's comprehensive knowledge of geography is an inspiration to students everywhere, studies suggest that most of Andrew's peers would be unable to find Pakistan on a map, let alone be aware of the significance of the Khyber Pass. Only 13 percent of young adults in the United States between the ages of 18 and 24 can correctly identify Iraq on a map of Asia and the Middle East. Year after year, American students are consistently outperformed in geographic literacy by students in Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Great Britain, and Canada. The truth is that many students in the United States receive only a minimal amount of geography education during their educational careers. In 2001, Congress acknowledged the importance of including geography education in school curriculums when it designated geography as a ``core subject'' in the No Child Left Behind Act; yet, geography remains the only core subject identified in that act without a Federal program designed to improve educational performance. Congress must honor its commitment to the children of the United States and address the need for improved geography education. As we have recognized in other areas of education, the only way to truly improve the educational system at a student-level is to help schools use the most effective teaching techniques to increase student knowledge and understanding. Geography education is no exception. The National Geographic Society Alliance Program is an excellent example of current efforts to improve geography education at the state and local level. Alliances around the country provide teachers with intensive professional development opportunities in geography education, cultivating opportunities for teachers in State-level chapters to collaborate on geography education efforts and to participate in NGS professional development programs. And the success of the National Geographic Society Alliance Program is seen through the achievements of its students--students of teachers who have been involved in the Alliance program have statistically higher levels of geographic literacy achievement than other students. Promoting proven, effective teaching techniques, such as those developed through the National Geographic Society Alliance Program, will be essential if Congress is to successfully foster greater geographic literacy among American students. If we are to continue our efforts to develop the most educated citizenry in the world, we must closely examine how we educate our youngest citizens about the world. This resolution acknowledges the good work of the National Geographic Society and its commitment to geographic literacy through a variety of means, including its sponsorship of the National Geographic Bee and the successful operation of its Alliance Program. This is a useful first step to refocusing attention on the need for geographic literacy and its important role in our children's education. It is my hope that passage of this resolution will do more than just applaud Andrew Wojtanik's mastery of geography skills--this resolution will reaffirm Congress's commitment to geography and recognize a national public-private partnership dedicated to improving geographic literacy among American students. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this resolution today.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2028, the Pledge Protection Act of 2003. The American flag is a symbol of liberty and justice, of freedom of speech and expression, as well as the other freedoms we cherish which are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. But even more important than the symbol are the ideals and principles that the symbol represents. I believe the best way to honor the American flag is not to wrap ourselves in it, but to respect and honor the values for which it stands. That our nation can tolerate disrespect for our flag is proof of the enduring strength of our nation. As a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, I know how deeply our veterans love and revere our flag. I share those feelings for our flag and all that it represents. Our democracy has withstood many tests over time, and has been strengthened as a result. There is no more important protection provided by the First Amendment than its protection of political speech and expression. In a letter to Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont dated May 18, 1999, now-Secretary of State (then General) Colin L. Powell wrote, to express his concerns regarding a constitutional amendment banning flag burning, ``the First Amendment exists to insure that freedom of speech and expression applies not just to that with which we agree or disagree, but also that which we find outrageous. I would not amend that great shield of democracy to hammer a few miscreants. The flag will still be flying proudly long after they have slunk away.'' I agree wholeheartedly with Secretary Powell's statement, and believe it applies here as well. The Pledge of Allegiance is an invaluable part of our national heritage, but we must also bear in mind the immeasurable significance of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Finally, I have deep concerns about current efforts to deny the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the ability to review the constitutionality of our federal laws. I believe preserving our three- branch system of government is in our nation's best interest.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of his proud neighbors in Kansas' Third Congressional District, and particularly on behalf of the students and teachers at Lakewood Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas, I am honored today to introduce a resolution congratulating Andrew Wojtanik for winning the 16th Annual National Geographic Bee. I have been joined in this effort by Representatives Jim Ryun and Jerry Moran of Kansas, and by Representatives Major Owens, Earl Blumenauer, and Max Burns. On May 26, 2004, Andrew won the 16th Annual National Geographic Bee when he correctly answered a question about the Khyber Pass in Northern Pakistan. While Andrew's comprehensive knowledge of geography is an inspiration to students everywhere, studies suggest that most of Andrew's peers would be unable to find Pakistan on a map, let alone be aware of the significance of the Khyber Pass. Only 13 percent of young adults in the United States between the ages of 18 and 24 can correctly identify Iraq on a map of Asia and the Middle East. Year after year, American students are consistently outperformed in geographic literacy by students in Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Great Britain, and Canada. The truth is that many students in the United States receive only a minimal amount of geography education during their educational careers. In 2001, Congress acknowledged the importance of including geography education in school curriculums when it designated geography as a ``core subject'' in the No Child Left Behind Act; yet, geography remains the only core subject identified in that act without a federal program designed to improve educational performance. Congress must honor its commitment to the children of the United States and address the need for improved geography education. As we have recognized in other areas of education, the only way to truly improve the educational system at a student-level is to help schools use the most effective teaching techniques to increase student knowledge and understanding. Geography education is no exception. The National Geographic Society Alliance Program is an excellent example of current efforts to improve geography education at the state and local level. Alliances around the country provide teachers with intensive professional development opportunities in geography education, cultivating opportunities for teachers in state-level chapters to collaborate on geography education efforts and to participate in NGS professional development programs. And the success of the National Geographic Society Alliance Program is seen through the achievements of its students--students of teachers who have been involved in the Alliance program have statistically, higher levels of geographic literacy achievement than other students. Promoting proven, effective teaching techniques, such as those developed through the National Geographic Society Alliance Program, will be essential if Congress is to successfully foster greater geographic literacy among American students. If we are to continue our efforts to develop the most educated citizenry in the world, we must closely examine how we educate our youngest citizens about the world. This resolution is the first step to refocusing attention on the need for geographic literacy and its important role in our children's education. It is my hope that passage of this resolution will do more than just applaud Andrew Wojtanik's mastery of geography skills--this resolution will reaffirm Congress's commitment to geography and recognize a national public-private partnership dedicated to improving geographic literacy among American students. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join with me in sponsoring this important resolution.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4579, legislation that would authorize the Interior Department to purchase approximately five acres of land, including a structure north of the Truman Farm House in Independence, Missouri, for inclusion in the Harry S Truman National Historic Site. This addition would modify the current boundary by approximately five acres, to include the acquired lands. The Truman family purchased the land that now makes up the Truman Farm Home in 1840. Harry Truman farmed it from 1906-1917. In 1980, due to speculation that financial difficulties would force the sale of the land, a group of concerned citizens formed the Harry S Truman Farm Foundation, which received a grant to purchase the land. The Foundation turned the land over to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1991, which transferred the farm to the National Park Service in 1994. This measure has the support of local landowners and will preserve the viewshed and the historical character of the farm area. The purchase will include a retail paint store that the Park Service will convert into a visitors' center, providing rest room facilities and a paved parking area. I expect the Interior Department will seek appropriations in fiscal year 2006, or see, private donations to pay for implementation of the legislation. The 5.2 acres in question is the only undeveloped land remaining that borders the Site. Over the past six years, the Site has averaged over 5000 vehicles driving through each year. With the improvements planned under H.R. 4579, the Park Service expects an increase in the number of visitors, due to the addition of a visitors' center and paved parking. I commend my fellow Kansas City Representative, from the other side of State Line Road, Karen McCarthy, for the leadership she has taken in moving this important measure forward, in concert with Senator Talent, who has introduced a companion bill, S. 2499. Mr. Speaker, the preservation and expansion of the Truman Farm Home is an important way to preserve and enhance the legacy of our great 33rd President. As he once said, ``Do your duty and history will do you justice.'' The late President Truman left an extensive record of quoted wisdom. In conclusion, I would like to share with you, Mr. Speaker, four comments of Harry S Truman's--which are as relevant today as they were when he said them several decades ago--that I came across when preparing these remarks: ``I have always defined politics to means the science of government, perhaps the most important science, because it involves the art and ability of people to live together.'' ``I've always believed that religion is something to live by and not talk about.'' ``No government is perfect. One of the chief virtues of a democracy, however, is that its defects are always visible and under democratic processes can be pointed out and corrected.'' And finally, ``The greatest orators have been the men who understood what they wanted to say, said it in short sentences and said it quickly and then got out of there before people fell asleep.''

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct.

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the tenor of this debate and the sincere comments by my friend from Texas. I really do appreciate that sincerely. I think we have had a good debate here, and I do not think for a minute that the gentleman is insincere in the statements he made here tonight. But I just think it is so important that, again, we lived, we thrived under these PAYGO rules until 2002, when they expired, and we should bring those PAYGO rules back across the board to apply to new spending as well as new tax cuts. I believe the gentleman is correct: When the economy is slowed down, it is very appropriate to stimulate the economy through certain targeted tax cuts. I have voted for those before and I will vote for those again. But what we cannot do is have across-the-board tax cuts on everything, to tax cuts for middle-class taxpayers, as we have talked about here tonight, to total elimination of the estate tax and others. We cannot afford all those tax cuts, because, again, Mr. Speaker, it is not we that pay for them; it is future generations in our country, and we are doing untold damage to our country and to the future of our kids and grandkids if we persist as we are here. I invite the gentleman, I implore the gentleman and our colleagues across the aisle, to sit down with us to pass this motion, number one, and sit down with us and identify waste and fraud and abuse, where we can eliminate wasteful spending and continue to have the tax cuts that we have. That is the right recipe for our country, for the future. It is the right thing to do for our children and grandchildren and future generations in this great country that we all appreciate and love.

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for time to close.

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I say this with the greatest respect for the gentleman from Texas: the question that he asks, Is this your money or Washington's money? is not an honest question because when we ask that question, the honest answer is it is not our money. It is our children's money and our grandchildren's money that we are taking right now for feel-good tax cuts and for new spending programs. And if we both are sincere here, and I have the greatest confidence in the gentleman from Texas, my friend across the aisle, I believe he is sincere, we should sit down together, pass this motion, reinstitute the PAYGO rules as they existed prior to 2002 that applied to both spending and new tax cuts and go forward from there and protect the future of our country. That is the way we should legitimately proceed here. I am not trying to prey on anybody's fear. I think we have learned a big lesson since the late 1970s when we had interest rates at 14, 16, 17 percent. I do not think that is going to happen again. But I think we could see interest rates in the upper 8, 9, or 10 percent if we are not careful here and if we do not get back to fiscal responsibility. That is why I say the answer here is not to pose false questions such as, Is it your money or Washington's money, because it is not our money right now. We are basically charging it on a national charge card, passing the bill along to our kids and grandkids and saying, Here, you guys take care of this. That is not responsible. That is not fiscal responsibility. It is not fair to future generations in this country. We have the greatest Nation in the whole world, but we cannot be strong and free and broke. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.