Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the people of the Kingdom of Norway and extend my congratulations to King Harald V, and to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, as Norway celebrates its national day of recognition of the adoption of its constitution on May 17, 2006. It was on May 17, 1814, that Norway adopted its constitution, making the country free and independent. The United States and Norway have long had a strong relationship, founded on cooperation on important bilateral and regional issues, as well as on shared values. Our countries are engaged on every level, including on economic, security and cultural matters, in a relationship that reflects a shared commitment to further strengthening our relationship. The strength of our friendship allows our two nations to openly engage on issues for which we might not share a common perspective, and work together to build common ground on issues of great importance to our citizens. Norway holds a strategic position within the European community, and through its I membership in NATO and the European Union, Norway is a voice of reason in security matters that impact both its region and the world. In addition, Norway is a global leader in providing humanitarian aid to crises around the world, in aiding refugees, and in promoting human rights around the globe. I commend the Norwegian government for the important and life-saving work it is engaged in around the world. As a Minnesotan, I and many of my constituents feel a particular bond to Norway, as so many ancestors of Minnesotans come from that great country. The strong links that have formed between Minnesota and Norway extend to business partnerships and social connections. Minnesotans also share with Norwegians the strong desire in helping to alleviate the suffering that is a daily struggle for so many around the world. Both Minnesotans and Norwegians feel compelled to act in the name of peace and democracy around the world, and I am proud there is such a strong Norwegian influence in Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, we should extend warm regards and congratulations to the people of Norway, the Norwegian Government, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and Prime Minister Stoltenberg as they celebrate the adoption of their constitution. They have consistently been warm friends of the United States, and I look forward to working with the Norwegian people on every level in the future, to ensure that our two countries maintain a strong relationship.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate the South St. Paul High School Girls' Hockey Program--the 2006 Minnesota State Class A Champions! With this win, South St. Paul finished the season 22-6-1. In an exciting a 3-2 overtime win, the Packers' won their fourth State title in five years. In fact, this year marks the Packers' eighth appearance at the State tournament, which is a record for the South St. Paul Girls' Hockey Program. I am confident that these young women will continue to reach for new challenges and break old records. As an alumna of South St. Paul High School, it is exciting to see how far women's athletics has come. These young women played and won their championship on the same ice that the men's National Hockey League plays. Young women today have greatly benefited from the landmark legislation that, among other provisions, ensures equality in athletics for female athletes--Title IX. Because of Title IX young women today have more opportunities--to practice, to play, to win championships-- than the women of earlier generations. Over the past 30 years, many doors have opened for women and girls in this country, and we must continue to ensure that our sisters are offered equal athletic opportunities at all levels of their abilities. As the mother of a young woman who has participated in athletics, I am proud to see that this law has enabled more young women to participate in the athletic activities that young men have enjoyed for so many years. Congratulations Packers! I join with the residents of South St. Paul in their celebration of your success and look forward to the celebration of future successes!

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, April 30, 2006, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered in cities across the U.S. to rally to stop the murder, end the suffering and call for action to stop the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. As many as 400,000 children, men and women have been murdered in Darfur by the Janjaweed militia with direct support from the Government of Sudan. More than 2 million people have been displaced both inside Sudan as well as into the neighboring nation of Chad. Villages have been burned, rape and sexual violence has been used as a terrorist weapon against women and girls. The terror, horror, and evil perpetrated in Darfur is an ulcer on humanity that must be treated immediately. If not, the terrorist tactics used by the Janjaweed and their state sponsors will be a model for rogue nations and their non- state allies in every corner of the world. Ending the genocide in Darfur, providing on-going humanitarian assistance and protection to the victims, and bringing the perpetrators--both the Janjaweed terrorists and their government sponsors--to justice requires the U.S. and the world to act. Action is what citizens across our country are calling for. I attended the rally in St. Paul, MN and I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of the organizations that worked hard to sponsor the rally and raise awareness regarding an international issue that speaks to our very humanity. It was a rainy day but those in attendance had warm hearts and their presence was a reflection of the fact that we are a free people--free from the fear, the misery and the horror facing our brothers and sisters in Sudan and Chad. Their calls to ensure that Congress, the White House and the world are held accountable for allowing the killing in Darfur to continue were heard and I hope these voices continue to speak out for action until the day arrives when peace in Darfur triumphs over violence. We must have the courage of our convictions to stop the genocide in Darfur--this is a test of our humanity and we are failing the test. I have had the privilege to travel twice to Darfur--to meet with the survivors of the genocide in January 2005 and again in January 2006. The women and children I spoke with have escaped the killing but continue to suffer and struggle for survival. Their courage is an inspiration and it humbles me. And, as a citizen of the riches, most powerful nation on earth, it is shameful to meet survivors of genocide and know we are watching as this horror continues. It is shameful to know that for 3 years the U.S. and other free nations around the world have not had the political courage or the military will to stop the mass murder. World leaders continue to say ``genocide, never again,'' and yet the genocide continues. The murder and rapes continue. The terrorism and ethnic cleansing continues. The genocide by starvation and disease continues. Darfur is a horror the world knows about, a horror we all watch on television. So why are our leaders not acting to end the genocide? I am outraged to say that one reason the world is not acting is because governments are collaborating with the perpetrators of genocide. China wants Sudan's oil and therefore the genocide in Darfur does not concern them. They stand in the way of the United Nations Security Council taking strong action to end the violence. The U.S. government rightly condemns the genocide. But on April 28, 2006, the Bush administration released its annual report on terrorism and commended, that's right, commended, the Government of Sudan. Let me quote from this official report, ``Sudan continued to take significant steps to cooperate in the global war on terror.'' Excuse me President Bush, the victims of bombs, bullets, machetes, and rapes, the victims burned alive, are these citizens of Sudan, these victims of genocide, not also the victims of terrorism? The Government of Sudan is officially designated a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. Department of State. Why is the U.S. cooperating with a government committing genocide? We should all be outraged that our government is cooperating with the Government of Sudan as it sponsors terrorism and commits genocide against its own citizens. Unfortunately, this counterterrorism collaboration with the terrorist Khartoum regime is not new. On May 12, 2005, in a hearing before the House International Relations Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, I had the opportunity to question the Honorable Philip D. Zelikow, Counselor, U.S. Department of State, who testified regarding the release of last year's Country Reports on Terrorism. The following exchange from that hearing is insightful for Americans who believe ending genocide in Darfur is not separate from the war on terrorism. Yet it appears that the genocide does not deter the U.S. intelligence community's ability and desire to collaborate in the shadows with the regime in Sudan. Ms. McCOLLUM. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Well, I had some questions that I had prepared. They are based on a statement that was made in the testimony about Libya and Sudan, offering significant cooperation in the war on terrorism, therefore, they were being given kudos for having improved their behavior, I found this offensive and outrageous. Is the janjaweed militia committing acts of terrorism in Sudan? The answer is yes, unless you want to argue that they are not. Are they a terrorist organization? Yes. Is the janjaweed including excursions into Chad out of Sudan as part of their war on terrorism? The answer would be yes. Is Sudan a state sponsor of terrorism when they send in airplanes and helicopter gun ships to murder women and children? The answer would be yes. Our country has used the term genocide in what is going on in Sudan. We just spent $4 million providing relief to the victims of genocide in Darfur. Up to 300,000 people have been murdered in Sudan, with two million displaced refugees, and yet we are giving them glowing reports for cooperating on the war on terrorism. I think we do need a definition, because other than that, we are being hypocrites in this room, talking about fighting the war on terrorism. Mr. Zelikow. Congresswoman, I am sympathetic to your concern. We have spent a lot of time in the last few weeks and months actually working on the problems of Darfur and the North-South Peace Accords and trying to get help to combat just the kinds of horrific depredations that so trouble you. They trouble us, too. Question: Is Sudan a state sponsor of terrorism? Yes, and it is so designated by the United States Government. Question: Do we regard the acts committed by the janjaweed militia as terroristic? Yes, we do. And therefore, we believe that action including forceful, violent action needs to be directed by the international community to curb those abuses and mitigate the suffering that they have caused. The problem that we confront, the dilemma that we confront, is, in fact, in the intelligence world; in the netherworld where a lot of counterterrorism work goes on, Sudan actually--one part of the Sudanese Government actually has done a number of cooperative things with us in that world. And so then you have to figure out how do you acknowledge that fact, which has helped us, and it has helped us with people who are targeting us outside of Sudan. How do you acknowledge that fact without appearing to turn a blind eye to the horrors that so trouble you and trouble us? And that is the dilemma that we are trying to balance and that is why I have approached your question the way I have. Ms. McCollum. Well, I am very concerned when we have government officials saying that they are cooperating on the war on terrorism. Whose war on terrorism? I am very concerned about the safety of Americans. I take an oath of office to protect that. I take it very seriously, but we also have human rights hearings and try to hold ourselves up to a high standard and we slip and fall down sometimes. But when we are saying, well, because they are with us on the war on terrorism against who we are fighting with, we are going to say that they are moving forward on the war on terrorism, when horrific acts that are state-sponsored are taking place. I think at a minimum, if you are going to describe what is going on in Sudan, it would only be respectful to the people who have been murdered and displaced, to recognize in the same breath that there are significant problems out there. And then the question becomes, whose side are we on? Mr. Zelikow. Right, no, it is a fair point-- Mr. Speaker, this is not the time to look for excuses that allow our government to collaborate with a nation that is complicit in murdering hundreds of thousands of its own citizens. The hour is late, people continue to die, but it is still not too late for action in Darfur that will save lives and bring peace. We don't need more words and feigned gestures of concern. A superpower's impotence in the face of genocide is a signal to every dictator, terrorist and militia leader who seeks power or wealth through murder and mayhem that the U.S. will condemn with words, but take no action to stop the cleansing of entire families, villages and entire regions of a country. It is time for the world, including the United States, to stop watching this horrific genocide and start using our collective political will and military power to protect lives. Americans care deeply about human rights, human dignity and our brother and sisters in Sudan. We must commit ourselves to hold our government accountable to act to end this genocide. Laws are important, but they are only words if there is no action. The time is now for action--action to stop the killing, start the healing and ensure justice is achieved for the people of Darfur.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the so-called 527 Reform Act of 2005 (H.R. 513). This legislation singles out 527 organizations in an effort to undermine their fundraising and is a direct assault on free speech. This legislation would change the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to add 527 organizations in the definition of political committee. If enacted, this bill would suppress free speech and obstruct the efforts of grassroots organizations to encourage voter participation while doing nothing to address the culture of corruption in Congress. I support the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002, which established balanced and effective strategies to achieve fairer elections. H.R. 513 is an unbalanced measure that favors corporate trade associations over independent advocates. For example, the bill would provide an unfair advantage to corporate interests by allowing them to continue spending unlimited and undisclosed dollars for political purposes while subjecting independent organizations, like citizens joining together to promote voter registration, to contribution limits and source restrictions. H.R. 513 also removes all limits on national and state party spending for Congressional candidates in primary or general elections. This section of the bill is an unmasked attack on BCRA and clear evidence of the majority party's true intentions in advancing H.R. 513. The goal is not reform, but partisan advantage in political fundraising. If we are serious about reform, there are several Democratic proposals that have been put forward to address the real problems facing this Congress. We should be reforming the Rules of the House in order to provide Members adequate time to review legislation before a vote. We should also be addressing the practice of travel on corporate jets and disclosure of fundraising by lobbyists. Unfortunately, the Republicans will not allow a real, comprehensive debate on this critical issue. H.R. 513 is the majority party's cynical and underwhelming response and is clearly meant to distract attention from the real problems of corruption. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and vote for a real package of reforms--changes that Congress needs and that Americans expect.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, would like to enter into the record my views on a bill that was marked-up in the International Relations Committee on April 6, 2006, H.R. 4681, The Palestinian Anti- Terrorism Act of 2006. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Chairman Henry Hyde for his wisdom and determined effort to temper H.R. 4681 to reflect the shared commitment of members of the U.S. House to ensure Israel's security, combat terrorism and work towards a peaceful two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people. Despite Chairman Hyde's noblest efforts, I unfortunately believe the substance of the legislation as put before the committee will not help the U.S. advance our vital interests in the Middle East and therefore I cannot support the bill in its current form. Among our colleagues in the U.S. House, there is unanimous intolerance and condemnation for the Hamas-led government of the Palestinian Authority. The refusal of the political leadership of Hamas to recognize the State of Israel, renounce violence and terrorism, and agree to previous agreements and obligations of the Palestinian Authority is unacceptable and therefore they must be isolated by the international community. Congress should be extending our support for the Bush administration's current position of leading the international community to keep firm pressure on Hamas until they agree to an internationally recognized civilized standard of conduct. At the same time, Congress must work with the administration and the international community to avoid a serious humanitarian crisis among the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, instead of advancing the U.S. interests, H.R. 4681 does not recognize the three criteria set forth by President Bush for engagement with the U.S. H.R. 4681 sets an elevated threshold which will make engagement nearly impossible even if Hamas does agree to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism and agree to abide by all previous agreements. The policy outcome of H.R. 4681 would not only isolate Palestinian leaders who have been committed to advancing the peace process, have denounced terrorism and are working with Israel for a permanent two-state solution, it will result in the isolation of the U.S. among members of the international community that are working for a peaceful and just solution between Israel and the Palestinians. This bill also places extreme constraints on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people which has the potential for very negative human consequences. Palestinian families and children must not be targeted for deprivation of their basic human needs, but instead treated in a fashion that reflects our values and the belief that their lives are valued. Non-governmental organizations (representing many of our faith communities) with significant experience delivering humanitarian assistance have expressed serious concerns regarding the lack of flexibility in H.R. 4681. An April 6, 2006 letter from the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops to Chairman Hyde expressing concerns regarding the substitute amendment to H.R. 4681 states, ``the legislation should provide for the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. A further deterioration of the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinian people compromises human dignity and serves the long term interests neither of Palestinians nor of Israelis who long for a just peace.'' Mr. Speaker, I am submitting the text of the letter from the Catholic Bishops Conference for the record as well. In it present form, this bill will not allow NGOs to properly carry out the very assistance determined to be necessary by the Secretary of State. It would be my hope that this is not an attempt to intentionally make it prohibitively difficult for NGOs to fulfill their contracts, thus ensuring suffering and misery among the Palestinian people, but rather a failure in drafting the bill that can be remedied as the legislative process proceeds. The inclusion of the section of the bill targeting the United Nations agencies and programs, section 4, is very disappointing and clearly not intended to advance the peace process or the well-being of Israelis or Palestinians. The United Nations, as a member of the Quartet, has a vital role to play in ensuring humanitarian needs are met. To target a member of the Quartet in such a fashion is a clear sign that this bill is intended to undermine the Bush administration's multilateral leadership. This section has no positive effect on the policy goal stated in section 2 of the bill and will likely isolate the U.S. in the future. This entire section of the bill must be removed. There are other aspects of this bill which I disagree with because I believe they harm U.S. interests. Fortunately, some of my remaining concerns regarding the bill are appropriately addressed in S. 2370, as introduced in the U.S. Senate, which I feel provides the President appropriate flexibility to positively advance U.S. interests with regard to the Palestinian Authority and the peace process. Finally, my opposition to H.R. 4681 is based on policy grounds that reflect my support for a Middle East peace process which will ultimately yield security and freedom from terrorism for the people of Israel and a democratic, secure and peaceful Palestinian state. H.R. 4681, in its current form, will result in no greater security or opportunities for peace than exist today with current law and the administration's present policy course, but may in fact have the result of destabilizing the current situation while fueling a humanitarian crisis. It would be my hope that this legislation will be amended and improved as the process moves forward. Advancing this bill in its current form undermines U.S. interests, exacerbates a potential humanitarian crisis and has potential long-term negative consequences for the Israeli people and the Palestinians. In its current form, I must oppose H.R. 4681. Department of Social Development and World Peace, Washington, DC, April 6, 2006. Hon. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, 2110 Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2170, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to express the bishops' concerns regarding the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. The bishops' perspective on this legislation is shaped by two overriding concerns. First, H.R. 4681 should be measured in light of the ultimate goal of promoting a two-state solution that provides security for Israel and a viable state for the Palestinians, two states living alongside one another in peace. Second, the legislation should provide for the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. A further deterioration of the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinian people compromises human dignity and serves the long term interests neither of Palestinians nor of Israelis who long for a just peace. Mr. Chairman, the bishops are grateful that the language of the substitute now acknowledges the goal of a two-state solution, but we remain profoundly concerned that some of the provisions of the bill would directly undermine this goal. For example, the legislation rightly calls upon Hamas to renounce terrorism, recognize Israel and accept prior agreements, including the Road Map, but then forbids contact with the Palestinian Authority, ``including the Palestinian Legislative Council'' (page 9, lines 15-16) despite the fact that many members of the Council are not members of Hamas or a Foreign Terrorist Organization and have, in fact, renounced terrorism, recognized Israel and supported past agreements. Similarly, in section 7 and 8 the travel and representation of officials of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the United States is restricted despite the fact that the PLO has renounced terrorism, recognized Israel and negotiated the prior agreements. These actions curtail contact with moderate Palestinian leaders whose support and cooperation are crucial for pursuing a two state solution. The bishops appreciate the steps you have taken to improve section 3 of the legislation, (e.g., the shortening of notification provisions). However, we remain profoundly concerned with the narrow definition of the exception to limitations on aid to Gaza and the West Bank in subsection (d). Especially given the deepening poverty and unemployment in the Palestinian territories, the exception ought to include more than the provision of services to meet ``basic human health needs.'' The basic human needs of the Palestinian people as they fall into deeper poverty include: ``education, job training, psycho-social counseling and other humanitarian needs.'' The bishops' relief and development agency, Catholic Relief Services, reports that their assistance programs in the Palestinian Territories could be severely curtailed or ended under the proposed legislation. Other reputable, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) report similar concerns. Another issue related to NGOs is the prohibition on all contact with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Any organization delivering assistance in the West Bank and Gaza will need to have incidental contact with the PA in order to secure permits and conform to legal requirements. This routine, non- substantial contact should not be prohibited. Attached to this letter you will find some specific language recommendations that the Bishops' Conference believes would help the legislation to meet two important goals supporting a two-state solution to the conflict and alleviating the urgent human needs of the Palestinian people through aid. These goals are in the best interests of both Palestinians and Israelis who long for a just peace. Sincerely yours in Christ, Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, Chairman, Committee on International Policy.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Congress and the Bush Administration to extend the May 15th deadline for enrollment in Medicare Part D. The Bush Administration has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to promote this complicated plan. However, 6 months after enrollment began, only slightly over half of Medicare recipients, who did not previously have coverage, have enrolled in Part D. These low numbers are due in large part to the complexity of the system, the number of unfamiliar plans entering the market and the misinformation initially presented by CMS. This was made very clear to me after many meetings with seniors and persons with disabilities in my district that this is unnecessarily complicated and that CMS was unprepared to deal with its implementation from the outset. As Members of Congress, we have all heard from constituents--both Medicare recipients and providers--about the difficulties in enrollment and in the accuracy of the payment system. I even heard from one constituent who was so frustrated by the system that, against our advice, he has disenrolled completely and plans to rely on emergency room care for his health coverage. That is unacceptable. Coverage decisions are made more difficult by the fact that a beneficiary may only change plans once a year, whereas a plan may change its coverage options on a whim. Regardless of these complexities, those who do not enroll by May 15th will be charged a 7 percent minimum penalty for the rest of their lives. Medicare beneficiaries should not be charged for this Administration's problems. We need to extend the deadline for enrollment and in the meantime, go back to the drawing board and write a Medicare prescription drug plan that makes sense. The Medicare Part D plan does not provide the comprehensive coverage that is needed for our seniors and persons with disabilities. This plan appears to be focused on providing profits for HMOs and pharmaceutical companies, not on improving health care and quality of life for Medicare recipients. Those priorities are made clear with the provision banning the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating for best price on prescription drugs. Recent studies show that by negotiating for best price we could save enough money to provide coverage for all recipients without a premium. A comprehensive Medicare drug benefit focused on seniors would come directly from Medicare, would allow negotiation, and would allow for re-importation of prescription drugs when safety standards are met. We can do better, and we must do better. I urge my colleagues to support a deadline extension and comprehensive prescription drug coverage under Medicare.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Africa Malaria Day and express my support and admiration for the determined public health officials, NGOs, clinicians and communities that are working to defeat this preventable disease that takes its greatest toll on the pregnant women and children of Africa. Each year, 300-500 million people in Africa contract malaria. One to three million Africans will unnecessarily die, Every thirty seconds an African child under the age of five dies. Nearly four percent of all maternal deaths annually are the result of malaria. The battle against malaria is ranked as the second highest global disease burden in Africa. Despite these tragic statistics, there is great hope for beating the disease and reducing the human cost it inflicts. Through contributions and collaborations of the public and private sectors, great strides have been made in the fight against malaria. Insecticide treated nets have been distributed to the vulnerable populations in pilot projects. Another project sprayed residual insecticides inside houses to repel mosquitoes from places where people sleep. Successful trials of a pediatric vaccine are being carried out, with the hope of a widely accessible vaccine available in 2010. Without the dedication of both governments and independent organizations, these amazing advances would not have been possible. Mr. Speaker, please join me in calling attention to the plight of millions of families across the African continent, on this 2006 Africa Malaria Day, who needlessly get sick and become incapacitated missing school and work and in the worst cases die. The U.S. has rightly taken on a global leadership role in providing the financial resources and the scientific research to minimize malaria's heavy burden. We must continue to support those working to fight this disease and those millions whose lives can be immeasurably improved by ending malaria's costly human toll.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, with great disappointment, I rise to voice my opposition to H.R. 609, a bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. College affordability is the major issue for this generation of students and their families. A higher education is increasingly out of reach for too many in America and for those who do attend, the average student debt amount continues to grow. Many of us know how difficult it can be to finance a college education and we also know that this education is a key to a successful economic future. The Higher Education Act is one of the most important laws governing our Nation's education system because its intent is to create and improve access to college for millions of students each year. Discussion of this law should be focused on changes that will make college more affordable for all families and that will increase our global competitiveness. Instead the Republican leadership has put forward legislation that does nothing to increase the affordability of college and at the same time allows for-profit education companies access to limited education dollars. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is moving America in the wrong direction. While other nations around the world are investing in higher education, this Congress has passed a $12 billion cut to student aid-- the largest cut to students ever. That devastating cut, combined with the effort in this bill to eliminate fraud and abuse protections currently governing financial aid dollars, clearly show that the Majority has prioritized for-profit education companies over our students and our future. In addition, Republicans have included language to broaden federal influence over colleges and universities. This bill gives Congress a role in overseeing daily campus activities, including monitoring classroom discussions, reviewing student grades, and setting curriculum. This sets a dangerous precedent for what has historically been an issue of academic freedom for our higher education system. It is the American dream to have the opportunity to learn, to work in the career of your choice, and to succeed. If should not be the policy of the United States Government to limit the dreams of students. Mr. Speaker, I urge colleagues to reject H.R. 609 and to work for legislation that improves access to college and increase our ability to compete in the new global market. This is a priority for families and our communities and should be a priority for our leaders in Washington.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express pleasure with the passage of H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act. What is happening in the Darfur region of Sudan is genocide. I have visited the region several times over the past couple of years, and have had the privilege to meet women and children who have suffered and who have survived. Their courage and determination to stay alive--to survive--is an inspiration and it humbles me. The atrocities being perpetrated against the innocent civilians of Darfur must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by this Congress, the Administration, and the international community. H.R. 3127 attempts to address the dire situation in the Darfur region by reaffirming the sanctions already in place against Sudan, and by authorizing the President to block the assets and deny the visas of those deemed to be responsible for the genocide. It has taken several months to come to agreement on a version of the bill that could move forward with bipartisan support. This bill is a better bill as a result of the discussions that took place, and I am happy to support it. During committee consideration, I successfully offered an amendment to H.R. 3127 that states that the genocide taking place in Darfur is the result of acts of terrorism, and calls on the Secretary of State to designate the Government of Sudan-supported janjaweed as a foreign terrorist organization. It also calls on the Secretary to maintain Sudan's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Subcommittee, and to Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos, for their support of my amendment. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3127 is a good bill but our effort cannot end here. By passing this legislation, we send a clear signal to the Government of Sudan, and the janjaweed, that the United States remains absolutely committed to seeing an end to the violence and genocide taking place in Darfur. However, while laws are important, they are merely words if not coupled with action--I urge the Administration to act further to stop this genocide. The people of Darfur deserve peace, and the Government of Sudan and the janjaweed militia deserve to be brought to justice and be held accountable for the crime of genocide.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the brave men and women who for the past 150 years have served Minnesota and Americans as members of the Minnesota National Guard. I would also like to honor the family members who have stood by our Guardsmen and women during times of peace and war. The men and women of the National Guard have contributed to the freedom and security of this country from their heroism in the Civil War to their service today in Iraq. The Minnesota National Guard was key in ensuring victory for the Union forces at Gettysburg. They saw battle in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Afghanistan, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. These brave men and women have also worked to help and keep the peace in Bosnia, Kosovo and Croatia. Since September 11, over 11,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard have been activated to help serve and protect Minnesota and the United States. Today the members of the National Guard are serving both within the State and around the world. In Minnesota, members of the National Guard are critical to helping Minnesotans protect their businesses, their homes and their schools. And they are prepared to stand with them to help these very same citizens rebuild their lives after the flooding recedes in the Red River Valley. Just last month, I had the honor of attending, along with Congressman Collin Peterson, a send-off celebration for over 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard. They were being deployed to Iraq from Camp Shelby, Mississippi. And I also had the privilege of attending a deployment at St. Paul Holman Field. It was wonderful and a very special moment to be with these men and their families, these women and their families as they were deployed, because the sacrifices these men and women are making to serve our country, and being separated from their families and loved ones is truly something that we as Americans should honor and respect. It has also been my privilege to work closely with the Minnesota National Guard in my district to maintain the Arden Hills National Guard training site, as well as the Air Guard's Holman field facility. These two facilities are essential to keeping our community strong and the Guard prepared and Minnesota and our country safe. Mr. Speaker, the history of Minnesota's National Guard is a proud and distinguished history. Farmers, factory workers, policemen, students, doctors, business owners, for the past 150 years, have become citizen soldiers serving their country and their community. Every Minnesotan, and all of America, owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who serve our country today as in years past. And today, we send them our thoughts and our prayers for a speedy return home and a very safe return home. And I would like to take a second to honor a veteran from Minnesota who is on the floor, Mr. Kline, and his family for the service that they have given our country, for the active duty are also standing side by side.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the National Food Uniformity Act (H.R. 4167) and in support of the right of every state to enforce their laws and protect the health of their citizens. This legislation amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to create a national standard for food safety labeling. It seeks to achieve a national standard by overriding most state and local food safety warnings and by prohibiting new ones unless they are identical to national requirements. If enacted, this legislation would not only compromise consumer safety with a ``lowest-common denominator protection'' but also seriously undermine state authority. Over two hundred state laws regarding food safety labeling would be superseded by the National Food Uniformity Act. The specter of such a wide-reaching federal measure has prompted thirty-nine state attorney generals to organize in opposition to legislation they say would ``strip state governments of their ability to protect their residents through state laws and regulations relating to the safety of food and food packaging.'' The attorney general in my state of Minnesota warns that the bill would eliminate alcohol labels on candy products that provide vital information to expectant mothers and nullify thirty years of work by tribal communities in Minnesota to create labeling standards for wild rice, the state's official grain. The bill does include so-called flexibility provisions, which allow states to petition the Food and Drug Administration to restore current safety regulations. But the process is expected to be slow, expensive and uncertain, costing states $400,000 per petition. The added federal costs for administering the process are an estimated $100 million over five years. At a time when government agencies at all levels are struggling to cope with deep cuts in federal funding, these provisions create a frivolous and burdensome bureaucracy that serves only to restore state laws that already exist today. Proponents of this bill say fears over consumer safety and local authority are unwarranted and overblown. But despite introduction in the past five Congresses, this legislation has never had a full hearing where testimony from experts could be heard and critical questions explored. This lack of transparency and due diligence is unconscionable considering the bill's potentially serious effects to public health. I proudly stand with consumers, family farmers, physicians, environmentalists, state attorney generals, state agriculture department officials and many other consumer advocates in opposing the National Food Uniformity Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4939. Today, Congress continues its owe-as-you-go policy of borrowing and spending, burdening future generations of Americans with an additional $92 billion in debt and at the same time embracing the Bush administration's disastrous war in Iraq. Giving this administration more borrowed money for billion dollar no-bid contracts without congressional oversight is irresponsible and a policy I can neither justify nor defend. In a cynical maneuver, the Republican majority has linked nearly $70 billion more for maintaining U.S. troops in the middle of an Iraqi civil war with the resources needed to assist Katrina's victims and the funds necessary to keep alive the victims of genocide in Sudan's Darfur region. I strongly support providing our fellow citizens of the gulf coast with the resources to rebuild their lives and their communities and increasing our commitment to bringing peace to Sudan. However, I cannot support an administration policy of consistently misleading the American people about the unsustainable Federal budget deficits and the quagmire in Iraq. It is an irresponsible budget gimmick to fund the war in Iraq through emergency spending. We are beginning the fourth year of war in Iraq. Clearly the Bush administration was aware that there would be funding needs and had the opportunity to account for those needs in the proposed budget. Instead, the entire cost of this war--over $300 billion--is deferred to be paid for by future generations. Congress must have an honest debate about our increasing budget deficit and the implications of this debt on our country and our future. Every American soldier and marine deserves our support, as well as a realistic and honest strategy for success from the Bush administration. They also deserve a White House and Congress with the courage to pay for this war today, not pass the cost on to the children and grandchildren of every American, including every veteran who has sacrificed so much in Iraq. For the violence and murder to stop and the civil conflict in Iraq to end, it will require Iraqis, not Americans, willing to find solutions to bring security, stability and peace to their country. U.S. troops should never be in the position of being referees in a bloody civil war. Unfortunately, the Bush administration has no intention of drawing down U.S. troops anytime soon. The passage of this bill today will ensure, regrettably, that our troops will remain in Iraq for the foreseeable future.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, it is with great disappointment today that I rise to voice my opposition to the rule and the underlying bill. Higher education has become more important than ever in ensuring America's economic prosperity, national security, and health. A quality college degree is the cornerstone of the American Dream, opening the doors of opportunity and professional fulfillment. For decades, the Federal Government has been a partner with States and colleges in creating opportunity and access to college, especially for middle- and lower-income students. But today, just 2 months after the Republicans voted to raid Federal student aid by $12 billion, a vote which passed by only two votes, Republicans once again are pushing through a higher education bill that does not help American families pay for college. Why? Well, it is because the Republican Party is apparently more interested in tax cuts for corporations and for oil companies. Traditionally, the Higher Education Act has enjoyed widespread bipartisan support. But today, instead of meaningful debate about the future of our students and our country, a debate that would provide accountability and access and opportunity, we find that debate has been blocked by the Republican majority. The Higher Education Act should be about creating access to vocational training and college for millions of America's students and adults who find themselves having to get reeducated in this tough economy. The reauthorization law should serve as an opportunity to improve the current law and make college more accessible. Unfortunately, the underlying bill does nothing to make college more affordable, and in fact it raids student aid. And it does this at a time when tuition is rising faster than the rate of inflation; at a time when financial aid for America's families is not keeping up with the rising cost of a college education; and at a time when this Congress will be voting for tax giveaways for the Nation's wealthiest. In other words, as a former teacher, I give this higher education bill a failing grade. And it gets a failing grade because it misses the opportunity to promote students' abilities to afford college and to make America more economically secure. This dramatic rise in tuition that I spoke about earlier over the past decade can only be explained by our lack of participating and making college more affordable at a Federal level, but also many of our States also get a failing grade for their participation in making higher education affordable for all students. When we put the dream of a college education out of reach for Americans, America suffers. When we put the dream of being able to afford a college education out of reach for Americans, our students suffer. In the Rules Committee, I offered an amendment, along with Mr. Tierney, that would have presented a real solution to the college affordability issue, offering an achievable goal for the Federal Government to work in partnership with States to have accountability, to provide the opportunity for the American Dream for millions more families. Unfortunately, this opportunity was missed when our amendment was ruled out of order. We would have ensured that students and colleges in my district and districts all over this country would have invested in a competitive fashion in order to make our students and our country more able to compete in the future. Why has Congress backed away from their future? Well, the answer is simple. Congress backed away because they wanted to take $12 billion that could have been put back into the higher education bill. They raided that $12 billion and gave it to corporations.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, we need common sense, bipartisan legislation to protect pension benefits and to honor the promise of pensions. I rise to support this motion to ensure the Senate provisions are included in the final Pension bill--especially the provision that ensures airlines like American, Continental, Delta, and Northwest are not forced to terminate pension plans. The Senate provision would provide the critical time needed to fund pension plans promised to employees. No such provision exists in the House bill. Airlines were promised, in exchange for their support of the House Pension bill, that House leadership would work with them in conference to obtain the relief they wanted--though Republican leadership declined to include their provisions in the House bill. The Bush administration opposes the airline provisions. We must help airlines avoid the termination of their pension plans. Timing is of the essence. Two of the airlines that would benefit from this provision are currently in bankruptcy and could terminate their pension plans. And, two others could take advantage of this relief. In September 2005, Northwest Airlines filed for bankruptcy after losing more than $4 billion since 2001. Northwest's pension plans are underfunded by $3.8 billion. Without airline relief provisions, Northwest would be required to pay $3.3 billion in pension funding obligations by 2007 and would likely need to abandon and turn over its pension plans to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. In January 2006, the pilots union agreed with Northwest to freeze the pilot pension plan and replace it with a defined contribution plan. I support the decision made by Northwest and their pilots. Labor, employees, and airline management strongly support an airlines provision in the Pension bill. Keep the airlines flying and employees working. Support this motion.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, as St. Paul and our Nation say goodbye to a legend this month, I rise to lend my support to House Resolution 720, a resolution to honor the life of Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks. I hope that the House will soon consider this important resolution. Gordon Parks passed away on March 7, 2006 at the age of 93 after a courageous battle with cancer. With strong Minnesota ties, Mr. Parks became a world-famous photographer, filmmaker, and music composer. His work and life are an inspiration to artists and art lovers, and the people of St. Paul will be forever grateful for his contributions. Mr. Gordon Parks will be remembered as an African American pioneer who used his experiences as a black man to create some of the 20th century's most powerful images for social justice. Mr. Parks was born in 1912, 1 of 15 children. He spent his young adulthood in St. Paul, where he developed his skills as an artist. Parks earned his first professional photojournalist jobs with the Saint Paul Recorder and the Minneapolis Spokesman, which served as catalysts for the great work by the beloved artist we recognize today. Mr. Parks was a true pioneer. He was the first African American to work as a photojournalist for Life and Vogue magazines. As a trailblazing filmmaker, Mr. Parks was the first African American to write, score, and direct a Hollywood movie, ``The Learning Tree.'' Mr. Parks was part of a generation of African Americans who directed and produced films that starred African Americans, like the film ``Shaft.'' He was also committed to documenting poverty and racial injustice. Mr. Parks used the medium of film to tell the story of the black experience. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Gordon Parks, an artist who taught us about human dignity and the African American experience. St. Paul will always remember him for his many artistic contributions.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my extreme disappointment with S. 2271, the USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act of 2006. This bill purports to increase protections for libraries and people who have been issued National Security Letters and Section 215 intelligence orders, though in reality, it offers very little recourse for U.S. citizens. I voted against the Patriot Act Reauthorization in July 2005, and the conference report in December 2005. Neither version of H.R. 3199 sufficiently balanced the needs of law enforcement to protect our country, with the protection of our civil liberties. In December, I stated my firm belief that it is possible to be safe, free, and to protect security while still respecting civil liberties. Unfortunately, H.R. 3199 did not recognize this reality, and neither does S. 2271. The amendments that were added make it harder to challenge a Section 215 intelligence order than before. Currently, recipients may challenge the gag order immediately after receiving a Section 215 intelligence order. However, S. 2271 would make the recipient wait one year before having the opportunity to challenge the gag order. I have expressed in the past my serious concern regarding the use of National Security Letters to access Internet records in public libraries. While this bill attempts to exempt libraries from receiving National Security Letters, it fails terribly. According to S. 2271, libraries are only exempt from National Security Letters if they do not offer Internet access--a preposterous claim in this day and age, and an unrealistic expectation. This exemption does nothing to protect public libraries, or their patrons, from having their privacy invaded by the Federal government, and I do not support this provision. Mr. Speaker, S. 2271 does nothing regarding the Patriot Act to allay the concerns that Democrats and Republicans alike have regarding the protections of our civil liberties. It is disappointing that the Administration has chosen to embrace extreme measures in the name of fighting terrorism, over protecting the civil liberties we all cherish so much. These need not be mutually exclusive--we can fight terrorism, keep our country safe, and respect the rights and liberties that generations of Americans have fought so hard to uphold. Mr. Speaker, I cannot support these additional amendments and intend to vote against S. 2271.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the people of the Tunisian Republic and extend my congratulations to President Ben Ali as his nation celebrates fifty years of independence on March 20, 2006. The United States and Tunisia have a strong relationship that promotes cooperation on important bilateral and regional issues. The engagement between our two countries on economic, security and cultural matters is vibrant and reflects a commitment to enhancing and strengthening our bilateral relationship for the future. In this regard, both our nations should have more desire than ever before to strengthen our ties and build even stronger bridges between our countries. The strength of our friendship also allows our two nations to openly discuss issues in which common perspectives are not shared. In this regard we must continue to work together to find common ground that reflects the respective values and hopes of the American and Tunisian people. Tunisia has a critically important stabilizing role in both Africa and the Middle East. We should clearly recognize Tunisia as a diplomatic and political force for moderation and shared security in the Maghreb region. I thank the Tunisian government for its cooperation with the United States in combating terrorism and for its commitment to continue this positive partnership. At a time when extremists in various parts of the world are promoting violence and intolerance, Tunisia's moderate role is vital to promoting security, as well as peace. One area of great interest to me is the status of women and girls around the world. Over the past fifty years, Tunisia has been an example of a nation willing to raise the status of women by promoting opportunities for women and girls to achieve their potential and contribute their skills to society. Today, schools and universities are filled with girls and women preparing themselves to help lead Tunisia into the future. This, for me, is a very exciting prospect indeed. Mr. Speaker, let us extend our warmest regards to the people of Tunisia, officials of the Tunisian Republic and President Ben Ali on their celebration of fifty years of independence. Their friendship and decades of cooperation with the people of the United States is truly valuable and a relationship that I intend to work to both maintain as well as strengthen.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today in support of National Engineers Week and to especially honor three 8th- grade students from Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, Emily Duffield, Alannah Pratt, and Max Showalter from Chippewa Middle School in Shoreview, Minnesota, along with their teacher, Nancy Roussin and their volunteer professional mentor, Stefan Gantert, an engineer for the Rice County Highway Department in Minnesota. For the second time in 4 years Chippewa Middle School has won the National Engineers Week Future City Competition--a competition that encourages seventh- and eighth-graders to explore science, engineering, math, the arts, and writing in order to create models of future cities. The program requires that students work as a team to think about the future and apply engineering and creative concepts in the writing of an essay and the creation of a 3-dimensional model of a future city. Winning the competition required that Emily, Alannah, and Max all work together to problem solve real-life scenarios, to apply their math, computer and science skills, and to present their ideas as a team. It is these kinds of opportunities that allow students like Emily, Alannah and Max to explore interests in engineering and to be inspired to possibly pursue an education and career path in the math and sciences. We need more young men and women to enter math and science fields in order to have a workforce and citizenry that can compete on a global level and strengthen the U.S. economy. It is with great esteem that I rise to extend appreciation for and a congratulations to current engineers like Stefan and future engineers-- perhaps young men and women like Emily, Alannah, and Max who--have the creative vision and the critical math and science skills to imagine and create a better world in which to live, work, and play.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th anniversary of Serlin's Cafe, located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tucked along Payne Avenue on St. Paul's East Side, Serlin's Cafe is more than just a restaurant that serves incredible food. It is a neighborhood gathering place for many residents of St. Paul's East Side. Serlin's is a St. Paul landmark. Serlin's Cafe first opened its doors for business on February 1, 1946--less than a year after the end of World War II. When Irv Serlin passed away in 1994, his legacy continued. His step sons, Al and Gary Halvorsen, along with their mother Doris Serlin-Johnson now own the restaurant. They continue the same great tradition of great food and outstanding service. The Halvorsens make meat loaf like how you remembered it whiling growing up, and the very best pies from scratch. The staff knows their customers by name. Serlin's unbeatable service and friendly atmosphere has made local residents--myself included--come back time and time again to Serlin's Cafe. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Serlin's Cafe for its 60 years of East Side hospitality. I commend the Halvorsens for continuing their great service and remaining committed to the residents of St. Paul.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, 45 years ago today, President Kennedy created the Peace Corps, saying: ``It will not be easy. None of the men or women will be paid a salary. They will live at the same level as the citizens of the country to which they are sent, doing the same work, eating the same food, speaking the same language.'' On this anniversary, let us celebrate the service of the more than 180,000 brave Americans who have answered President Kennedy's call to service and served our Nation and the world as Peace Corps volunteers. In 1961, President Kennedy made peace a priority, and peace must remain a priority for our Nation. So for their commitment of hope, friendship and peace, I applaud the nearly 7,800 Americans, including almost 200 Minnesotans who are currently proudly serving as Peace Corps volunteers. The service of these volunteers and all of the returned Peace Corps volunteers make America proud. Happy Birthday Peace Corps.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Salzberg, Ph.D., as he retires from his lifelong work of promoting human rights around the world. Thousands of torture survivors and human rights advocates around the world are forever indebted to the tireless work of Mr. Salzberg throughout his 30-year career in the field of human rights. John Salzberg completed his doctoral dissertation in human rights in 1973 from New York University. Following his education, John spent several years working for former Congressman Don Fraser, D-MN, as staff on the House Subcommittee on International Organizations. In this capacity, John Salzberg aided in the groundbreaking work on human rights undertaken by Congressman Fraser, which led to the creation of a Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the State Department in 1976. John traveled with Congressman Fraser on what was the first official human rights investigation mission to South Korea and Indonesia in the late 1970s. In addition, while working for Congressman Fraser, John assisted in the drafting of the legislation which mandated the annual human rights report now issued by the State Department each year. After working for Congressman Fraser, John went on to work at that same Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs for 4 years, to ensure it fulfilled the mission intended by Congressman Fraser's legislation. Most recently, John used his knowledge of the legislative and policy process, and his dedication to justice and equality, as an advocate for the Center for Victims of Torture. John began working for the Center for Victims of Torture in 1992, first as a volunteer and then as its representative on Capitol Hill. As an advocate for victims of torture, John was a major force behind the drafting, promotion and eventual passage of the Torture Victims Relief Act in 1998, and its reauthorization in 2005. This legislation provides needed resources to centers and organizations around the world that work to assist victims of torture in their rehabilitation and in rebuilding their lives. John is a soft-spoken, humble, and extremely effective man dedicated to seeing an end to human rights abuses in the world. In his retirement, the human rights community is losing a true champion. Thank you, John Salzberg, for your 30 years of service on behalf of the millions of victims of cruel and inhumane human rights abuses around the world.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the ground-breaking work of the Open Cities Health Center. In a fitting celebration of African American History Month, Ms. Mary Stokes and Mrs. Timothy O. Vann will be remembered and celebrated at an awards ceremony on February 24, 2006. These two pioneering African-American women founded the center, providing the vision to provide culturally competent health care--a vision that has grown into a vital resource in the Twin Cities community for nearly four decades. The Open Cities Health Center has become one of the largest nonprofit community health centers in the Twin Cities. The center was one of the first in the State of Minnesota to focus on providing health care to low-income residents, predominantly people of color. A group of Saint Paul residents began the center in a church basement in Saint Paul's Rondo neighborhood in 1967. Stokes and Vann addressed the health needs of our most at-risk citizens when no one else would. The all-volunteer clinic started out by providing immunizations and basic health education to African-Americans. Today, due in part to Federal and local government grants over the years, the center has greatly expanded its outreach and become a well- known, multi-lingual clinic that continues to serve the African- American community as well as members of the East African, Southeast Asian, and Caucasian communities. The center provides a wide array of important physical, mental health, and dental services to residents from all over the Twin Cities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the vital work of the Open Cities Health Center. We must all work together to increase access to screenings and preventive care treatment for all Americans. I commend the Open Cities Health Center for working to eliminate the damaging health disparities that continue to exist among racial and ethnic groups.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 97th Anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, which was founded on February 12, 1909. Throughout its existence, the NAACP has faithfully promoted equality in all areas of American society, from suffrage and public accommodation to justice in our nation's courts and equality in employment. For nearly a century, the NAACP has pushed for an inclusive American society, one that would grant all people the equality they deserve, regardless of the shade or color of their skin. The NAACP's principled efforts towards the advancement of people who were long denied their rightful place in the workforce, the schools, and the ballot box have continued to come to fruition with the Civil Rights Acts, the Fair Housing Act, and other breakthroughs in the establishment of justice and quality in this country. The mission of the NAACP continues today and the Saint Paul Branch of the NAACP continues to work towards equality, education and justice for all. My local NAACP chapter is well known for its tireless work addressing the injustices affecting individuals and the diverse communities of Minnesota. Recently, they have worked to bring our community together to seek healing and justice after an appalling act of discrimination and intimidation was perpetrated upon a local church. In addition, Saint Paul NAACP is instilling hope through its establishment of the Help a Child to Read Project, where volunteers are connected with students to develop their reading ability. A key component of the success of the NAACP has been the implementation of a holistic approach, through the promotion of understanding and education, to the eradication of race and other problems that have long plagued our society. This nonviolent approach has put students through college, given the vote back to the voiceless, and ensured that the American people will not continue to be divided by differences, but rather be brought together by mutual compassion and kinship. It is with great admiration and encouragement that I commend the NAACP on this occasion of their 97th Anniversary. The necessity of the continued push for equality and justice for all citizens presents a great burden on all our shoulders, but the work of groups such as the NAACP gives our society the necessary guidance and reminder of our responsibilities towards one another. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the courageous and guiding history of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on this day of their 97th Anniversary.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution introduced by Congresswoman Solis to honor the late Betty Friedan, an influential and inspirational feminist pioneer, author, and leader who passed away on February 4. Throughout her life, Ms. Friedan fought for gender equality and social justice. Ms. Friedan was born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, IL. She graduated summa cum laude from Smith College in 1942 and did graduate work in psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. Ms. Friedan is best known for her 1963 book The Feminine Mystique, a groundbreaking work, which exposed for the first time the contradiction between expectations for women and the reality they were living. This best-seller challenged the prevalent assumption that women's interests were limited to housework and child rearing and called for greater opportunities for women in the workplace. The Feminine Mystique is viewed as one of the primary triggers of the second wave of feminism. Betty Friedan played a significant role in the women's movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. In 1966, she co-founded the National Organization for Women, NOW, which remains one of our country's largest feminist organizations, and served as NOW's first president from 1966 to 1970. Ms. Friedan tirelessly advocated for equal treatment for women. She was a powerful voice for a multitude of reforms ranging from laws against sex discrimination to equal pay for equal work. Under her leadership, in 1968, NOW became the first organization to announce support for legalization of a woman's right to choose. Women and men have benefited from the bravery and leadership of Betty Friedan. The Feminine Mystique continues to be read in college classrooms around the country, inspiring young people to continue Ms. Friedan's pursuit of equality. It is with great sadness that I send my deepest condolences to the Friedan family. Ms. Friedan's lasting contributions to women's rights and social justice will always be remembered. Let us honor Ms. Friedan's memory by committing ourselves to promoting equality for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Ms. Betty Friedan.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Kjell Bergh on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Mr. Bergh is a respected Minnesota business leader and a true citizen of the world, working extensively with civic and business organizations and governments around the globe. Mr. Bergh will be celebrating his birthday with his family and friends in Minnesota on February 18. Born in Kristiansund, Norway, Mr. Bergh was educated at the University of Oslo and Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning his B.A. in International Relations there in 1970. In 2004, Mr. Bergh received his masters degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Mr. Bergh is well known as the owner of several major automotive dealerships in Minnesota. In addition, he owns travel agencies specializing in tours and adventure travel in Scandinavia and Africa. Along with his business connections, he has fostered an impressive commitment to our community here in Minnesota, earning numerous awards for his work and serving on many boards of prominent businesses, academic institutions and non-profit organizations. His international links have inspired a similarly strong commitment to communities around the world, particularly in Africa. In 2000, Bergh was named Honorary Consul to the United Republic of Tanzania by President Benjamin Mkapa, lending his expertise on trade, education and tourism. He is highly respected for his dedicated service to environmental and community issues such as anti-poaching and building hospitals and schools. He has been a valued resource to me and my office on the many issues facing Africa. Among Bergh's many distinctions and awards for his service, perhaps he has the best reason to be proud of the royal decorations from his native Norway. He was bestowed Knight First Class, Royal Order of Merit by King Harald V and the prestigious St. Olav medal by the late King Olav V. In addition, he received the Royal order of the Polar Star from the Sweden's King Carl Gustaf. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Kjell Bergh on his 60th birthday. Amid his busy life and his many accomplishments and awards, I know that he is looking forward to spending this special day with the most important people in his life--his family and friends.