Dennis Moore

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, on September 28, 2006, I was unavoidably detained and failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote No. 495. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity today to pay tribute to Accessible Arts, Inc., of Kansas City, Kansas, during the year in which it celebrates its 25th year of service to children with disabilities, Accessible Arts values children and the arts; above all, access to the arts for children with disabilities is their core principle. Advocacy, education and collaboration are essential components in accomplishing their objectives. Through the arts, children develop critical thinking skills, take risks in a safe environment and experience successes. The challenge of creating something of value instills hope and self-confidence in children of all ages. In 1981, Accessible Arts founder and first executive director William Freeman saw the need for an organization to advocate for active participation in the arts for all children, regardless of their ability. The result was the Arts with the Handicapped program of the Kansas State Department of Education, which later became Accessible Arts, Inc. This unique and innovative program has benefited thousands of children, their teachers and parents, This 25th anniversary of the Accessible Arts program is cause for celebration and appreciation of all who have contributed to its development, and to celebrate Accessible Arts' continuing its important work. I join in paying tribute to this unique and valuable program and wish Accessible Arts many more years of successful service to children with disabilities and their families.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Don Denney, the long-time media relations specialist for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, and Kansas City, KS, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack while at work on September 15. I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments that Kansas City, KS, Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon shared with the Kansas City Kansan upon learning of Don Denney's death, ``Don Denney was a wonderful and talented individual who gave 100 percent of himself to the community with his job at the Unified Government. We shall always remember Don Denney as a man who gave unselfishly as a public servant and citizen to a community that he deeply loved.'' A graduate of Kansas City's Ward High School in 1970, Denney had owned a Dairy Queen restaurant and worked previously at the Kansas City Kansan, before beginning his tenure with the city of Kansas City in 1994. He remained with the Unified Government after the city and county consolidated governments in 1997. As former Kansan publisher William Epperheimer noted: ``Of all his attributes, loyalty and hard work stood out. Don was a Kansas City Kansan advocate to the end and he worked his tail off for the paper and its readers, just as he was dedicated to the Unified Government and represented it to the metropolitan news media with so much honesty and dedication in his `second career'.'' Don Denney was also well known locally as the athletics announcer for Bishop Ward High School and Kansas City Kansas Community College athletic events, and was planning on announcing the Bishop Ward football game on the evening of the day of his death. Mr. Speaker, I join with the Unified Government and the citizens of Kansas City, KS, in mourning the untimely death of a dedicated, honest public servant and I include with these remarks a moving tribute to Don Denney that was published in the Kansas City Star. [From the Kansas City Star, Sept. 16, 2006] KCK Loses a Friend, Spokesman Denney (By Mark Wiebe) Don Denney, the face and voice of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., died Friday morning after collapsing at City Hall. Denney, 54, began working for the city in 1994 after leaving his job as a reporter for The Kansas City Kansan. He was named spokesman for the Unified Government when the city and county merged in 1997. But as many at a grief-stricken City Hall said, Denney was much more than the Unified Government's ``media specialist,'' the man who answered reporters' inquiries or showed up at early morning fires. He was a well-connected public figure, a person who effortlessly made friends, who loved his community and worked hard on its behalf. He considered the employees at City Hall his family. ``It's a great loss for the city,'' said Hal Walker, the Unified Government's chief counsel and a good friend. ``He was nearly as visible as any of the mayors he served.'' Mayor Joe Reardon called Denney a ``wonderful and talented'' man: ``His love and enthusiasm for our community was infectious.'' A Kansas City, Kan., native and graduate of Bishop Ward High School, Denney also was a longtime public address system announcer at the school's athletic games. Known to many as ``the voice of the Cyclones,'' he devoted much of his free time to the school. Unified Government Commissioner Tom Cooley was with Denney during a meeting Friday morning. He said Denney appeared to be in good spirits. ``We were laughing and joking, cutting up,'' he said. ``There was no indication that he was even uncomfortable.'' But earlier this week, Denney, a diabetic who suffered a heart attack several years ago, complained of dizziness and said he had experienced a brief blackout. Wyandotte County Coroner Alan Hancock said Denney died of cardiac arrhythmia. As news spread about Denney's death, reporters were quick to sing his praises. Steve Nicely, a former Kansas City Star reporter, recalled Denney as an honest reporter and spokesman. ``He was a conscientious guy, and I think really had a dedication to the truth,'' Nicely said. ``Sometimes he'd get into trouble because he'd say something that was a little too true. I always thought that was a virtue.'' Bob Werly, a former reporter for KMBC-TV, called him one of the best public information officials he'd ever worked with. His deep ties to the community didn't hurt. ``I would stand out in the street with him talking,'' Werly said. ``It just seemed like every other car that came by either honked or waved.'' Denney is survived by a brother, Fred Denney, and a sister, Mary Anne Denney. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cathedral of St. Peter, 431 N. 15th St.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite for introducing H.R. 5637, the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act, and for working with me on it as it has moved through the legislative process. I would also like to thank Chairman Mike Oxley and Richard Baker and Ranking Members Barney Frank and Paul Kanjorski for their support of this measure. The bipartisan support for this bill is a good example of how both sides can come together to introduce and pass legislation that is not and should not be about Democrats and Republicans. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite and I introduced H.R. 5637 three months ago on June 19 with strong bipartisan support and strong support on the Financial Services Committee. Since the bill's introduction, the Capital Market Subcommittee has held a useful and informative hearing on the issue, followed by a markup in which the bill received unanimous support. The full Financial Services Committee followed the successful subcommittee markup with a voice vote just one week later, and I look forward to strong support on the House floor today. In short, H.R. 5637 would improve the regulation of two specific areas in the commercial insurance marketplace, namely, surplus lines and reinsurance transactions. This legislation would prohibit the extraterritorial application of State laws and allow ceding insurers and reinsurers to resolve disputes pursuant to contractual arbitration clauses. This reform, Mr. Speaker, is long overdue and necessary to restore regulatory certainty to the reinsurance market. Finally, I would like to note that while many legislative attempts to reform the insurance industry encounter at least some industry opposition, H.R. 5637 is supported by the insurers, the reinsurers, the agents and brokers, as well as by many State regulators. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Baker and the other speakers and the ranking member all for their comments. I hope we pass this. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Former Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan once said, ``The government being the people's business, it necessarily follows that its operations should be at all times open to the public view. Publicity, therefore, is as essential to honest administration as freedom of speech is to representative government.'' Public scrutiny and oversight is what our earmarking process needs, and one of the best ways to do this is by implementing meaningful reforms that bring transparency and accountability to the process. The Republican leadership has offered a very modest rules amendment, but I think we should go even further. It is in that spirit that I have introduced H.R. 1008, a resolution outlining a comprehensive approach to earmark reform that brings real transparency and publicity to the earmarking process for appropriations, authorizations and tax benefits. My comprehensive proposal, H.R. 1008, includes requirements not only for reporting the Member's name along with the earmark request; it also requires that earmark requests be submitted to the committee or committees at least 7 days before an earmark request is scheduled to be voted upon. But, most importantly, most importantly, my proposal requires that information on all earmarks be posted on committee Web sites for public inspection at least 48 hours prior to the time of the vote, and also directs the Clerk of the House to establish a public Web site that provides links to all committee Web sites with information on earmark requests. By providing easily accessible information on earmarks and ``one-stop shopping'' for American taxpayers, we can bring real accountability to the earmarking process. The need to control the growth of earmarks should not be a partisan issue. This is not about Democrats and Republicans, it is about a good idea and something good for the American public. We should come together to pass comprehensive earmark reform that brings real accountability and transparency to the process.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the gentleman to accept the amendment to his proposal.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Jim DeHoff, who is retiring after almost 20 years as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Kansas AFL-CIO. Mr. DeHoff has served as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Kansas AFL-CIO since 1987. Previously, he served as Vice-President of the Kansas State Pipetrades Association, and served on the Lawrence Central Labor Council and the State of Kansas Apprenticeship Council. Throughout his career, Mr. DeHoff was committed to the working families of Kansas, and to providing them with a safer workplace, job opportunities and health care. In recent years, Mr. DeHoff worked tirelessly to unite all working men and women and to resolve some of the divisions among various labor organizations. Working families in Kansas owe much to Jim DeHoff for the opportunities and benefits they now enjoy. All of Kansas is a better place to live and work thanks to the efforts of men like Jim. I wish Jim the very best in a retirement well earned and deserved.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, the week of September 17-23 has been officially designated as Constitution Week. This marks the 219th anniversary of the signing of our Constitution. The guardian of our liberties, our Constitution established our republic as a self-governing nation dedicated to rule by law. This document is the cornerstone of our freedom. It was written to protect every American from the abuse of power by government. Without that restraint, our founders believed the republic would perish. The ideals upon which our Constitution is based are reinforced each day by the success of our political system to which it gave birth. The success of our way of government requires an enlightened citizenry. Constitution Week provides an opportunity for all Americans to recall the achievements of our founders, the nature of limited government, and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. It provides us the opportunity to be better informed about our rights, freedoms and duties as citizens. Mr. Speaker, at this time I particularly want to take note of the outstanding work of the Prairie Rose Chapter of the Kansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is actively involved in the Third Congressional District in events this week commemorating Constitution Week. The Prairie Rose Chapter has been involved with this effort in our communities for a number of years and I commend them for doing so. Our Constitution has served us well for over 200 years, but it will continue as a strong, vibrant, and vitafoundation for freedom only so long as the American people remain dedicated to the basic principles on which it rests. Thus, as the United States continues into its third century of constitutional democracy, let us renew our commitment to, in the words of our Constitution's preamble: ``form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. . . .'' I know that the Prairie Rose Chapter of the Kansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution joins with me in urging all Americans to renew their commitment to, and understanding of, our Constitution, particularly during our current time of crisis, when Americans are fighting overseas to defend our liberties here at home.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Fred Bosilevac, one of the most beloved people in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, celebrates his 90th birthday on September 11, 2006. Since 1970, two years after its inception, Dr. Fred has been president of Congressional Forum, a monthly luncheon with the area's third Congressional District representative sponsored by the Kansas City Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to me, my Third District congressional predecessors who have fond memories of Dr. Fred include Larry Winn, Jr.; Jan Meyers; and Vince Snowbarger. Dr. Fred is known for his pithy commentary, regardless of the subject or speaker. He is the heart and soul of the Congressional Forum. Dr. Fred is a native son of Kansas City, Kansas, from the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood. He was the first medical doctor of Croatian descent in the area. He started his practice in the Brotherhood Building in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1949. He later moved his practice to the medical building on 18th Street. He practiced ophthalmology for 49 years. Dr. Fred is also notable alumnus of the University of Kansas, which also is in my congressional district. Dr. Fred was a member of the 1937 University of Kansas men's basketball team, and he and his son, Dr. Fred Bosilevac, III, are among four father-son combinations that played for the Jayhawks. Dr. Fred's 1937 team also played in the Final Four, which guaranteed him god-like status in my congressional district. In addition to playing basketball, Dr. Fred played championship football at KU and was pressured to sign with a professional team after graduation. Nevertheless, he decided to attend medical school on the advice of his mother who reminded him that doctors made a good living. Dr. Fred is an all around athlete and remains an avid hunter and golfer. A spring hunting accident in which he tripped and dislocated a shoulder required some surgery but has not deterred him from swinging a golf club daily. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Dr. Fred Bosilevac our heartiest wishes for a joyous day, and many more years for us to enjoy his marvelous example of a good and happy life.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing, on August 7, of former Kansas State Senator B.D. Kanan, of Kansas City, Kansas. Senator Kanan was born Nov. 26, 1924 to John Walter and Hattie Pearl (Evans) Kanan in Cameron, Missouri. He was a Kansas State Senator from 1988 to 1992 and was the founder and owner of TRAFTEC in Kansas City, Kansas, since 1972. Previously, he had worked as a truck driver for Auto Transport for 19 years. Senator Kanan was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Teamster and a member of ATSSA for over 32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister as well as a granddaughter, Heather Lorance. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Betty Jo; their sons: Bernard, Jr., of Basehor, Kansas, and Walter of Kansas City, Kansas; and their daughters: Donna ``Pug'' Uzzell of Kansas City, Kansas, Elizabeth ``Suzie'' Lorance of Kansas City, Kansas, Mary Michelle Chapman of Seffner, Florida, Karen Martin of Kansas City, Kansas, Jamie Doolittle of Shawnee, Kansas, and Roseanne Smallwood of Fairmont, Kansas, as well as 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, B.D. Kanan was an active, concerned citizen who did much to improve conditions in his home community of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County, particularly with regard to improving the local transportation infrastructure. He served his constituents with honor and integrity as a member of the Kansas State Senate, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly note his passing and to honor his record of public service. I include in the Congressional Record an article about Senator Kanan's legacy that appeared in the Kansas City Kansan. [From the Kansas City Kansan] Former State Senator, Businessman B.D. Kanan, 81, Dies (By Adam Torres) Kansas City, Kan., lost a prominent citizen and former state senator this week. Bernard ``B.D.'' Kanan, 81, passed away at his KCK home Monday. Kanan had a heart condition that had been troubling him in recent weeks, according to one of his daughters, Donna ``Pug'' Uzzell. For 18 years, Kanan worked as a truck driver. When driving once, he noticed how inconvenient the barricades and construction signs were, Uzzell said. Kanan designed a barricade that was easier to use. ``He got a patent for it and started his company, TRAFFTEC,'' Uzzell said. In the 1980s, Kanan started to feel that KCK was not facing certain issues that it should, Uzzell said. He decided to use his own funds to represent the people of KCK and started a ``Fight Back'' initiative. Through the initiative, Kanan purchased advertising space in The Kansas City Kansan. ``Concerned citizens would write to him about certain issues and he would address them in a `fight back' ad that he would personally buy,'' Uzzell said. ``He lived his whole life in KCK and he really cared about the community. It seemed like no one was addressing the citizens.'' Thus began Kanan's political career, although it wasn't his original intention. ``He really didn't mean for it to get into politics,'' Uzzell said. Kanan ran for state senate, with the help of his wife of 62 years, Betty Jo, and eight children, and won the election. He served for one term, from 1988 to 1992. ``That was enough for him,'' Uzzell said. Kanan, a Democrat, ran for the seat against David Haley, who currently holds the seat as a Democrat after losing to Kanan as a Republican. Despite being on opposite sides of the political aisle for a time, Haley said he had a great deal of respect for Kanan. ``I was always impressed with how cordial he was to me,'' Haley said, ``and that was a relationship we shared even after I switched parties.'' Uzzell said her dad was fair politician who was concerned about the citizens he represented. ``He wasn't bought by lobbyists,'' Uzzell said. ``He didn't go to their cocktail hours.'' Former Kansas state representative and current Edwardsville, Kan., City Administrator Doug Spangler said Kanan worked on legislation that improved the highway system throughout the county. ``B.D. was instrumental in the passage of the original transportation bill that funded so many improvements in Wyandotte County and the entire state of Kansas,'' Spangler said. ``He's going to be remembered for his concern for highway safety and for being an advocate for the Kansas highway system,'' Haley said. ``Because of that, we have what is now one of the finest highway systems in this part of the U.S.'' Spangler also said Kanan cared about the disadvantaged in Wyandotte County. ``Senator Kanan was a very caring and wonderful person who always kept Wyandotte County residents in mind when he voted in the Kansas Senate,'' Spangler said. ``He was always for the underdog and would reach out to help the less fortunate. He had a big heart and to know him was to love him.'' Kanan, a member of Christ the King Church and the Knights of Columbus, once bought hundreds of fans to give to those who needed them during a heat wave, Spangler said. He also worked and supported homeless shelters and helped people financially, Uzzell said. ``He was quite the person in the community,'' Uzzell said. Kanan enjoyed seeing the development in western Wyandotte County over the last few years. He was proud of is happening in the community, Uzzell said. ``He really wanted to take our mother (Kanan's wife of 62 years, Betty Jo) to the Legends (at Village West). He wasn't able to but we promised to do it for him.''

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, on July 18, 2006, I voted against passage of H.J. Res. 88, a constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriages. The text of H.J. Res. 88, the Marriage Protection Amendment, reads as follows: ``Marriage in the United States shall consist solely of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution or the constitution of any state, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman.'' Marriage and family law have traditionally been regulated by state, rather than federal, laws. Current federal law, as well as some state laws, already prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Further, in 1996, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allows individual states to refuse to recognize such marriages performed in other states. Some believe the Marriage Protection Amendment is necessary to strengthen the institution of marriage. While the amendment's supporters claim that it simply would remove the issue of same sex marriage from the courts, the text of the amendment also would remove decision making authority from Congress and state legislatures, where marriage and family law have traditionally been regulated. My personal belief is that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, but that the regulation of marriage should be left to the states. In 2004, Vice President Dick Cheney spoke on the subject of a constitutional marriage amendment during a campaign appearance in Davenport, Iowa, when he said: The question that comes up with the issue of marriage is what kind of official sanction or approval is going to be granted by government? Historically, that's been a relationship that has been handled by the states. The states have made that fundamental decision of what constitutes a marriage. He also went on to say that with respect to the question of relationships, my general view is freedom means freedom for everyone. I agree with Vice President Cheney's remarks, and voted against the Marriage Protection Amendment on the House floor. This amendment would break sharply from our nation's commitment to, and constitutional tradition of, protecting individual rights. The truth is--and the proponents of this Amendment know it--there was not any chance for this to become a Constitutional Amendment. Just last month the Senate refused to pass it! The House Amendment was simply another effort by certain people to advance their political agenda. I support equal rights for all Americans. I am committed to a nation in which all Americans can share equally in the protections of the law.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Trinity Eptscopal Church of Lawrence, Kansas, which on August 20th will celebrate its 150th year of serving Kansans attending the University of Kansas as well as residents of Lawrence. Lawrence has a long and vibrant history of religious diversity, dating back to its founding prior to the Civil War by immigrants who sought to establish Kansas as a state where slavery was prohibited. I am pleased to have this opportunity to place into the Congressional Record an article originally published in the Lawrence Journal-World which details the history of several of Lawrence's original congregations, including Trinity Episcopal Church. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to share this history with the House and I commend the members of Trinity Episcopal Church as they prepare to celebrate 150 years of service to the people of Lawrence and the University of Kansas. [From the Lawrence Journal-World, Sept. 19, 2004] City Churches Trace Roots to Pioneer Days (By Jim Baker) Lawrence was born from the reaction between pro-slavery forces and abolitionists fighting for control over the future of the Kansas Territory--and the city's early churches were the catalyst. The struggles of the abolitionists, in Lawrence's opening decades, set the course for many congregations that went on to flourish in the ensuing 150 years. In 1854, the New England Emigrant Aid Company sent a hardy band of 29 men to found a city in the Kansas Territory, hoping to settle the land with as many abolitionists as possible. The hope was that when the territory eventually achieved statehood, Kansas would be a free state. Among the men recruited by Amos Lawrence, a wealthy merchant based in Boston, were Unitarians, Methodists and Congregationalists. The most prominent Unitarian among them was Charles Robinson, who would become the first governor of Kansas. It took the group about two weeks to reach a site here, and then its members set up housing in order to establish a beachhead for abolitionists. The Unitarian Church--known as the Unitarian Society in Lawrence--was founded in 1856, the year that a stone church was built at what is now Ninth and Ohio streets. The church also was used by the Congregationalists and Methodists. The first minister was the Rev. Ephraim Nute. ``Certainly in the early years, Unitarians were instrumental in building the schools, fostering abolitionism, providing aid for the Underground Railroad and settlers of the abolitionist persuasion. The Unitarian Church was used as a hospital in the aftermath of Quantrill's Raid (Aug. 21, 1863),'' said Carol Huettner, administrator of the Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Road. ``I think that the idea of tolerance, inclusion and basic fairness is part and parcel of the mindset of Lawrence, and I believe that comes in a straight, unbroken line from the first Unitarian settlers here. Lawrence would not have been founded were it not for Unitarians.'' Impressive heritage The history of three of Lawrence's oldest churches also is rooted in the epic clash between those who wanted Kansas to be a slave state and those who were ``free-staters.'' The founders of Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vt., came to Kansas to swell the ranks of settlers opposed to slavery. They were among the group sent out by the New England Emigrant Aid Company. ``They were abolitionists, and they came to Lawrence in 1854. Lawrence was a frontier town, and the only place where they could meet was a building made out of hay, with a thatched roof. That's where the church started,'' said the Rev. Peter Luckey, Plymouth's senior pastor. Plymouth was founded Oct. 15, 1854. The church, like the city itself, is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year. Plymouth's historic sanctuary, designed by noted Kansas architect John G. Haskell, was built in 1870--only 7 years after Quantrill's Raid on the city. ``The pastor at the time was Richard Cordley (the church's second pastor, who came in 1857), and he was a very strong, abolitionist preacher. It can be argued that part of what brought William Quantrill to Lawrence is they were intent on getting him. They actually came to his house,'' Luckey said. Plymouth, which today has 1,200 members, has been at the same location since 1870. First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, is a year younger than Plymouth--it was founded in June 1855 and will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year--and traces its roots back to the conflict between pro-slavery and abolitionist forces. ``We had seven founding members in 1855. One of them was actually murdered in Quantrill's Raid, though the (original) church at Eighth and Kentucky wasn't harmed,'' says the Rev. Marcus McFaul, First Baptist's senior pastor, and the 30th full-time pastor in the church's history. ``Lawrence, Kansas, and the Christian experience in this town in many ways does reflect what I would call classic, liberal Christianity. Our founders really did embrace the dignity and worth of all people. That's a pretty significant thing in 1855 on the frontier, when everybody thought Kansas was going to be like Missouri, a slave state.'' First Baptist's original sponsoring denominational group came from Boston, home to many abolitionists, and this influenced the course the congregation was to take. McFaul said he was conscious of his church's history and legacy. ``It's almost overwhelming, because you're made very much aware that you stand on the shoulders of all those pastors who went before you.'' Another Lawrence congregation that was directly affected by the battle over slavery is Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vt., founded in 1857. ``All of our parish records were burned in Quantrill's Raid. Everything was burned. We lost all the documents, baptism certificates, all of that was burned. They had to start again,'' said the Rev. Jonathon Jensen, who is the 19th rector in the church's history. Trinity Episcopal has been in downtown Lawrence nearly as long as the city itself has existed. The church was formed, and the present lot of Vermont Street was purchased, in 1857. The church's first building was consecrated and opened for service July 29, 1859. The present building in the Gothic Revival style was begun in 1870 and completed in 1873. Jensen is proud of Trinity Episcopal's long history, and he often reflects on the church's founders and past rectors. ``I feel a connection with all those who've gone before us, and it reminds me of all of those who will come after us. It feels much larger than myself,'' he said. rich history Plymouth is not the only Lawrence church celebrating a sesquicentennial anniversary this year. So is First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt. ``We consider our history as beginning with the arrival of the Rev. William Goode and the Rev. James Griffing to Lawrence on Nov. 7, 1854. They held revival services here in November and December of 1854. The church charter was actually in 1855, but we have always celebrated our history as starting in 1854,'' said Jerry Niebaum, co-chairman of First United Methodist's sesquicentennial committee. Goode was appointed to the Kansas-Nebraska district of the Methodist Church. Griffing was a circuit rider, traveling between communities from Lawrence to near Junction City. He was a preacher on horseback, who rode the countryside and preached the Gospel throughout the territory. ``Our first framed church was built in 1858 where the Southwestern Bell tower is downtown. If you look at the Harper's Bazaar (magazine) drawing of Quantrill's Raid, you see the Methodist church right in the center of the destruction. It was not damaged at all, and it was used as a morgue for the victims of the raid. They moved out the pews to make room for the bodies,'' Niebaum said. A brick church was built in 1865 where the Masonic Temple now stands, 1001 Mass., and it was used until 1891, when the congregation moved into its present stone structure at 946 Vt. First United Methodist has now been in the same downtown church for 113 years. ``History doesn't excite a lot of people, but yes, there are many here who understand the rich history that we have,'' Niebaum said. sense of belonging For black settlers who migrated to Lawrence in the city's early years, the churches they formed offered much more than simply a place to worship. They offered a safe haven for the expression of culture, opportunities for leadership and education, as well as a place for social, political and, later, civil rights activities. ``African-American churches are important in every community, especially if you go back in history. There was a time when blacks didn't have much of a social role outside the church. They needed some place of stability, some place that they felt was their own,'' said the Rev. William Dulin, pastor of Calvary Church of God in Christ, 646 Ala. ``If it hadn't been for the black churches that offered a feeling that they belonged, blacks who came to this area probably wouldn't have stayed here. Churches gave them a sense of spiritual guidance, as well as some roots. The city might have been different today if we hadn't had some of those churches.'' The earliest black churches in Lawrence that have maintained continuous congregations--despite name changes and physical relocations--date back almost to the founding of the city itself. St. Luke AME Church, 900 N.Y., and Ninth Street Baptist Church, 847 Ohio, were both founded in 1862. Other black congregations founded in the city's early years are: St. James AME Church, North Seventh and Maple streets, established in 1865; First Regular Missionary Baptist Church (originally located at 416 Lincoln), founded in 1868; and Second Christian Church, 1245 Conn., (it has also changed locations), organized in 1897. The Rev. Reginald Bachus, as pastor of First Regular Missionary Baptist Church, 1646 Vt., is the leader of a congregation with a venerable history. The church will celebrate its 136th anniversary in October. He reflected on the meaning of churches to Lawrence's black residents, particularly during a time when they were largely shunned by the city's whites. ``In the life of the African-American community, especially 150 years ago, the church was really the only place that they could feel comfortable, express themselves and have a sense of belonging in society. Many times, people could exercise their talents and leadership abilities, which they couldn't do in a secular setting,'' Bachus said. Alice Fowler, historian of First Regular Missionary Baptist Church as well as a member of the congregation for the past 50 years, agreed with her pastor's assessment. ``The (black) church was the social and political outlet, the congregating place of African-Americans. It was a church, a school and a way to inform people of events that were going on in the community,'' she said. ``There was very large participation in events for the church, such as vacation Bible school and church picnics. There weren't a lot of activities that African-Americans could take part in (in the wider community). So churches provided their own resources for African-Americans during the (city's) early years.''

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer a personal explanation as to why I voted in favor of overriding the Presidential veto of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced that he would only allow federal funding for experiments involving stem cells already derived from embryos but not for research that would cause the destruction of further embryos. I am pleased that the President did not issue a full ban on federal funding of stem cell research, but I am very concerned that this restriction does not offer researchers the quality and diversity they will need to conduct full and complete research on these diseases. In fact, the National Institutes of Health recently reported that under current federal policy only about 19 stem cell lines are available to researchers, some of which are contaminated or otherwise unusable. On May 24, 2005, the House passed H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which expands the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research by allowing federal funding on stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001. In addition, the House also passed H.R. 2520, legislation to establish a National Cord Blood Stem Cell Inventory and authorize $15 million annually to collect 150,000 high quality cord blood stem cell units for research or transplantation. I voted in favor of both measures. Therefore, I voted today to override the President's veto of H.R. 810 because I believe the potential to improve lives with stem cell research is too great to dismiss. The bipartisan support for this measure is also indicative of the importance of stem cell research. Recent scientific research has suggested that embryonic stem cells hold immense potential to successfully treat many serious medical conditions including diabetes, Parkinson's Disease and cancer. Scientists believe the knowledge obtained from additional human embryonic stem cell studies could lead to the development of techniques to generate cells that would replace damaged tissues for a variety of conditions. H.R. 810 required that these cells would be acquired, using stringent guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health, NIH, from fertility clinic embryos, already in existence, that would otherwise be discarded. Why waste such biological material when the potential human health and scientific benefits of stem cell research are staggering in their promise? Federal support of stem cell research will allow American scientists to harness this groundbreaking technology to potentially save many lives and improve the quality of others. In addition, the oversight which will come with broad federal support will result in better and more ethically controlled research in the field than if funding was from private sources alone.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, on July 19, 2006, I voted against H.R. 2389, the Pledge Protection Act of 2005. 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. It is proof to me that ours is the greatest nation on earth. I 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, former 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. . . . If I were a member of Congress, I would not vote for the proposed amendment. . . . '' I agree wholeheartedly with Colin 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 of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for S. 203, the National Heritage Areas Act of 2005, legislation establishing the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. The history of the Kansas-Missouri border region holds a special significance, not only for the people of those two states, but for the entire nation as well. Over 150 years ago, events took place in this region that served as a precursor to the horrors of the Civil War and which shaped the future of our country. The Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area will serve as a vivid reminder of those historic events, as well as a much-needed place of remembrance and edification, enshrining the memories of those who gave their lives so that all Americans might live in freedom. It will also encourage us to develop a greater understanding of those tumultuous times in our Nation's history and strengthen efforts to preserve the region's historic sites and educate citizens in the stories and cultural resources of the region's legacy. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend those individuals who played such an important role in the progression of the Freedom's Frontier National Historic Area. The development of proposals has allowed for the creation of strong partnerships between representatives from both Kansas and Missouri and produced a unification of purpose that will leave a durable legacy to the next generation of stewards. Events which took place in the Kansas-Missouri border region have undoubtedly been significant to the evolving story of American freedom. It is my hope that the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area will be a place where citizens from around the nation can increase their appreciation for our country's enduring struggle for freedom and liberty.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to a distinguished American military service member on the occasion of his retirement. Major Charles Ivan Bithos, of Kansas City, Kansas, has served the United States since 1974, serving in the Army, the Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. Major Charles Ivan Bithos has been awarded numerous medals and honors for his exemplary service and dedication to the United States Armed Forces. No other group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our democracy than troops and our veterans. I strongly commend and appreciate the sacrifice that individuals such as Major Bithos have made in the name of protecting and defending the United States. In honor of this great occasion, I am proud to share my admiration for dedicated public servants such as Major Bithos and offer both him and his family my most sincere gratitude for his service.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to bring to the attention of the House this year's winners from Kansas' Third Congressional District of the Comcast Foundation's Leaders and Achievers Scholarship for 2006. This scholarship program recognizes students for their community service, leadership skills, positive attitude and academic achievement. These five students, along with fifteen other Kansas City area student scholarship recipients, will be recognized at an event on July 26 at the Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and Library. In 2006, this program will grant over $1.7 million, recognizing 1,728 students attending high schools in Comcast-served communities across the United States. Since its inception in 2000, the program has awarded more than $5.8 million in scholarships. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following award winners from my congressional district: Caitlin M. Powell, of Olathe, attending Olathe North High School; Francis N. Pamatmat, of Olathe, attending Olathe Northwest High School; William C. Cromer, of Olathe, attending Olathe South High School; Heidi D. Golubscki, of Olathe, attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School; and Jacqueline Behnen, of Overland Park, attending Olathe East High School.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Kansas jurist who recently was taken from us too soon: 29th Judicial District Court Judge Cordell Meeks, Jr., who died unexpectedly on June 28th of a heart attack at age 63. Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Judge Meeks served on the bench for nearly 26 years. A graduate of the University of Kansas and of KU's School of Law, he was a senior partner in the law firm of Meeks, Sutherland and McIntosh when he was appointed by Governor John Carlin in 1980 to fill a vacancy on the bench created by the death of his father, Cordell D. Meeks, Sr., the first African-American district court judge in Kansas. Described as a ``firm but fair'' judge who maintained strict courtroom decorum, Judge Meeks also served on the boards of numerous community groups and civic organizations, including Children's Mercy Hospital, Rockhurst University, and the Liberty Memorial Association. He also served as a colonel and senior military judge in the Kansas Army National Guard. In 1999, he became the first African-American to serve on the board of the Truman Museum, a position he considered an honor because his father had been a friend of President Truman. In 2001 he was elected president of the American Lung Association. Additionally, Judge Meeks was an active alumnus of the University of Kansas, where he served on the advisory board for minority development for KU's graduate school and for KU's Edwards Campus in Overland Park. In 2002, he received the alumni association's Fred Ellsworth Medallion, the organization's highest award for service to the University. As KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said upon learning of Judge Meeks' death, ``I know of no one who better understood than Cordell the importance of higher education and the door to opportunities that it opens. Cordell was an inspirational leader for racial equality in our region. He motivated us all to do better. We will miss him dearly.'' Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to have known Cordell Meeks personally for many years. We first met during my junior year at the University of Kansas, where we both served as counselors in Joseph R. Pearson Residence Hall, and we remained close friends since that time, as we both progressed through careers in law. Judge Cordell Meeks truly was a well-respected member of our community whose life and work were centered around the basic ideals he held dear: justice, hope, strength, community and family. He was a valued friend and I know that all members of the Kansas City community join with me in sharing our thoughts and prayers with his widow, Mary Anne, and their son, Cordell, III, during their time of loss.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, June 28, 2006, I voted in favor of the Hinchey amendment to H.R. 5672, the FY 2007 Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations Act. Eleven states have passed laws to allow the use of medical marijuana. This amendment would prohibit federal funds from being used to prevent the states of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, or Washington from implementing state laws authorizing a physician to prescribe the use of medical marijuana for their patients in those states. I voted for this amendment because I do not believe that the federal government should be preempting state medical laws approved by either the state legislature or voter referendum. I served as Johnson County District Attorney for 12 years. I do not believe in the legalization of drugs. But this amendment has to do with compassion for people who are suffering from horrible pain or may be dying, and the ability of doctors in states in which those people live to provide means by which their suffering can be relieved. Medical marijuana may alleviate suffering from debilitating diseases such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Some contend it has no medicinal value whatsoever. Regardless of one's opinions within this debate, the federal government should not be spending our limited funding for law enforcement to target American citizens in states where the voters or the legislature have passed laws allowing for the use of medical marijuana. To be clear, this amendment would do nothing to legalize marijuana use for any purpose in states, such as Kansas, where voters or the legislature have not approved measures to allow marijuana for medical use. Under the provisions of this amendment, patients in states that have enacted laws to allow the use of medical marijuana would be prescribed the medication under the direction and careful supervision of their physician. Patients would not be permitted to use this medication for any other purpose.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments, and I rise today in support of H.R. 42, the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act. This bill, as the gentleman stated, provides that a condominium association, a cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not prohibit a resident of the association from displaying an American flag on their property within the association. American citizens should not be prevented from expressing simple acts of patriotism, especially raising the flag on their own property, even if their property is part of a larger association of properties. I am proud to be here today to support this bill, which supports basic patriotism and ensures that Americans may display the American flag wherever they live.

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.