Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Mentoring Caucus I rise today in strong support for National Mentoring Month. Millions of individuals across the country serve as mentors to young men and women--encouraging and promoting the development of strong characters and identities for youth who may not have a strong adult presence in their lives. In my own State of Minnesota, there are over 350 mentoring programs that connect youth with positive role models. One valuable mentoring program is Big Brothers Big Sisters. In the St. Paul/Minneapolis region alone, more than 3,700 children benefit from this mentoring program with the time and energy of more than 3,200 volunteers. Minnesota is also home to the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, which formed in 1994 as a community initiative to promote mentoring for Minnesota youth, particularly those who are at risk and may lack positive role models in their lives. A mentor can be a friend, a listener, a coach, a tutor, or a confidant. A mentor simply cares enough to be a good listener, and they often open doors to new worlds--offering encouragement and support along the way. Mentoring programs create opportunities and encourage successes that can last a lifetime. I would like to thank the sponsor of this bill, Mr. Osborne from Nebraska, whose cousin--the Honorable Kathleen Vellenga--was a mentor of mine when I served in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution and to look for opportunities to be a mentor themselves.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. I rise today in honor of the late Coretta Scott King, an extraordinary civil rights leader, who passed away on January 30th. Throughout her life, Mrs. King worked tirelessly for the struggle of non-violent activism, social justice and peace. Coretta Scott King was born and raised in Marion, Alabama, where she graduated as valedictorian from Lincoln High School. She received a B.A. in Music and Education from Anitoch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, before going on to study at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music. While there, she met a theology student from Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr., who was then studying for his doctorate at Boston University. Before her marriage to Dr. King, Mrs. King was active in the civil rights and non-violent social change movement. As an equal partner to the young Dr. King during the turbulent times their family and the civil rights movement faced, Mrs. King organized sit-ins and protest marches; spoke at church, civic, and peace group gatherings; and performed at more than 30 successful ``Freedom Concerts'' to raise awareness of civil rights and garner support for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. While serving on the front lines of the fight for equal rights, Mrs. King also raised their four children: Yolanda Denise, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott and Bernice Albertine. During Dr. King's life and after his death, Mrs. King was integral to the struggle for equality and justice. Just four days after her husband's assassination in 1968, in an unmistakable display of determination and perseverance, Mrs. King took his place and led a march of 50,000 people through the streets of Memphis, Tennessee. A woman of wisdom, compassion and vision, she helped to preserve her husband's legacy and played a key role in making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a national holiday. She also worked hard to establish and make The King Center a reality. As the work of The King Center continues, local, national and international programs have trained tens of thousands of people in Dr. King's philosophy of non-violent social change. It is with great sadness that I send my deepest condolences to the King family. Mrs. King's lasting contributions to freedom and equality will always be remembered. Let us honor Mrs. King's memory by committing ourselves to promoting civil rights and peace. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the late Senator Eugene Joseph McCarthy, a former member of this body, who passed away on December 10th. Senator McCarthy's home state of Minnesota mourns his passing as a resolute, dedicated public servant, and a national man of conscience. Eugene McCarthy began his lifelong commitment to learning and teaching at various educational institutions in Minnesota. As a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District from 1949 until 1959, when he began serving the first of two terms in the U.S. Senate. By taking a principled stand against the Vietnam War as a presidential candidate in 1968, he reached out to a disenfranchised generation, inspiring the youth of America to take part in the political process. After failing to receive the Democratic Party's nomination for president, Senator McCarthy continued to serve in the U.S. Senate until 1971 as he continued his dedication to the people of Minnesota and the American public. His connection to the people he represented was genuine. Senator McCarthy's family and the people of Minnesota can be proud of the legacy that he leaves behind. I am honored to continue to represent many of the same people he served in Congress. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his daughter Ellen, who continues her father's legacy of public service as a staff person in the U.S. House, as well as his daughter Margaret, his son Michael, his brother Austin, his sister Marian and his six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Senator Eugene McCarthy.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to the conference report to the reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act. Mr. Speaker, I stated after the House voted on H.R. 3199 in July, that it was my hope that the conference committee would temper the extremes that are present in this legislation, and that the conferees would keep the American people's respect for privacy and desire for freedom in mind, I do not believe that this conference report reflects those ideals. National security, homeland security and the collection of intelligence need to be balanced with the fundamental freedoms and civil liberties granted to Americans by our Constitution. Terrorism is a real threat to our security, but so are laws that threaten our liberty by allowing an over-zealous government to infringe on the privacy of individuals, based on vague, undefined, and at times, ``classified'' evidence. It is possible to be safe, and free, and to protect security while still respecting civil liberties. Unfortunately, this conference report fails to recognize this reality and come to bipartisan agreement in protecting both the security and civil liberties of Americans. I voted in favor of the motion to recommit, which would have replaced the text of the conference report with the text of the original bill passed by the Senate. The original Senate bill included far more protections for civil liberties than this conference report. That Senate-passed bill would have included a process of judicial review for recipients of a National Security Letter, as well as a standard requiring the Government to show a connection to a suspected terrorist or organization when requesting business or library records. This conference report before me today only requires the Government to demonstrate ``relevance'' in an investigation. This conference report makes 14 of 16 controversial PATRIOT Act provisions permanent. In making these provisions permanent, Congress is relinquishing its responsibility to review their use, granting more permanent power to the executive branch. Congressional oversight has been maintained only through the two provisions scheduled to sunset in 4 years, as well as through the inclusion of a ``lone wolf' provision, also scheduled to sunset in 4 years. Congress has a responsibility to check the power of the executive branch, not cede that authority, potentially threatening the civil liberties of our citizens. The conference report voted on today unfortunately fails to safeguard individual privacy rights, and allows the Government, with little burden of proof, to scrutinize nearly every aspect of a person's life. It has been said in this debate that we must sacrifice some of our freedoms in the name of security. This is the wrong approach, and the American people have the right to expect better from Congress. We cannot allow terrorism to erode either our national security or our civil liberties--both present a danger to this country. I urge my colleagues to vote against this conference report, and support both the rights and security of the American people.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 4340). The Kingdom of Bahrain has been an American ally in the Persian Gulf for decades, and I support expanding opportunities for trade between our nations. Trade is a valuable tool to strengthen America's global partnerships and advance a higher quality of life at home and abroad. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, however, does not pursue trade that is free and fair. Rather, it expands a system of globalization that benefits large multinational corporations at the expense of working people and their families. Under this free trade agreement, Bahrain is only required to comply with its domestic labor laws, which do not need to be consistent with international recognized labor rights. As a result, workers can be denied their right to organize and bargain collectively and have no guarantee of freedom from child labor, forced labor, and discrimination. In turn, the playing field for U.S. workers and goods produced in the U.S. must be lowered to compete with the current standards of our trading partner. This Congress knows better. Just four years ago, this House passed a free trade agreement with another country in the Middle East, Jordan, by voice vote. The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement affirmed the rights of workers and explicitly stated that it was ``inappropriate to encourage trade by relaxing domestic labor laws.'' It is extremely disappointing that the agreement before us today could not live up to this standard and do more to protect the rights of workers. The U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement also fails on environmental protection. Under this agreement, the labor and environmental dispute process is inferior to that provided for commercial provisions. Monetary fines for environmental and labor violations are capped at $15 million. This amount is lower than that for commercial violations and likely too low to deter the most severe violations. This free trade agreement also undermines the quality of life of working families in other ways. It extends patent protection for pharmaceutical companies, extending the time before generic drugs may enter the market. This denies working families affordable access to the prescription drugs they need, to the benefit of already successful drug companies. For these reasons, I oppose this free trade agreement and encourage my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Republican's so-called budget reconciliation plan. This bill cuts vital services to families to provide tax cuts for the most fortunate. At the same time that the majority adds to our Nation's exploding Federal budget deficit. The conference committee unfortunately failed to alleviate the draconian cuts in the original House version of this bill. The conference report before us slashes Medicaid, reducing access to health care for children and families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It continues the Republican plan to balance the budget on the backs of students by including $13 billion in cuts to student financial aid: The bill increases costs for local government and decreases services for families by cutting funding for child support enforcement, foster care, and other child welfare programs. Conferees also chose to disregard the common-sense cost saving measures passed in the Senate bill. The bill before us does not include the elimination of the PPO slush fund which is a $10 million giveaway to the insurance and drug industry. Republicans have once again chosen to prioritize corporations over families. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an outrage. It is outrageous that Republicans dare to claim fiscal responsibility while preparing to pass $60 billion in tax breaks for the wealthy. It is outrageous that to pay for these giveaways to their wealthy friends, American families will lose access to health care, critical services, and an affordable college education. And it is outrageous that the leadership of this House is passing this shameful bill in the early hours of the morning while the American public is sleeping. This reckless bill should be defeated and urge my colleagues to join me in voting against it.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, by including the legislative provision to drill and destroy the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in this defense appropriation conference report (H.R. 2863), the Republican majority has demonstrated their on-going abuse of power, their shameless collusion with the oil industry and a distasteful willingness to exploit the needs of U.S. troops at war in Iraq and Afghanistan in order to achieve their policy desires, regardless of the cost. This is a cynical strategy to pass a provision designed for the oil industry, a provision that has already been rejected by this House earlier this year. The fact that the Republican majority is using our brave men and women serving in the armed forces as political cover to ensure that the provision allowing for oil drilling in ANWR is passed by this House shows the majority's desperation, their deception and their willingness to undermine our democratic process. The intended purpose of this bill is to provide the resource for the defense of our nation. It is to ensure the men and women serving in the armed forces have the training, the protective gear, the equipment and all of the necessary support to execute their missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Europe and here at home. The men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces comprise the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and they not only keep the citizens of the U.S. safe from a world filled with very real threats, they are serving the cause of peace and security around the world. I commend our troops and our military leadership for their service and sacrifice, as well as the dedication of their families. Of the more than $450 billion appropriated in this bill, much of the defense related expenditures are necessary for national security. I strongly support the 3.1 percent pay raise for military personnel. The allocation of more than $7 billion for the ballistic-missile defense system continues to be a waste for tax dollars since the program has failed many of its critical tests and by all accounts is a boondoggle. The language in the bill that bans torture by all U.S. personnel, including civilian defense and intelligence personnel, sets the appropriate standard by which the U.S. should conduct itself--even in a war against terrorism. Senator John McCain should be commended for his perseverance and determination not to yield to President Bush and Vice President Cheney's demands that torture be permitted under certain circumstances. Torture is an inhumane practice that is the antithesis of America's values and moral obligations as a defender of international human rights. In addition to allowing drilling for oil in ANWR, this bill has a number of nondefense provisions that are objectionable. The across-the- board cut included in H.R. 2863 will total an additional $8 billion in cuts to services critical to our families. This will result in another $28 million cut to No Child Left Behind, bringing the total cut this year to $1 billion. This is in addition to the $40 billion this law has been under-funded by the Republicans since its passage. Also included in this bill are funds to prepare for a possible Avian Flu pandemic. While I support providing funding for this work, the Republicans have included a provision providing unlimited liability protection to the pharmaceutical industry. Instead of having an honest debate about the needs of health care workers, public health systems and local governments in the case of a pandemic, Republicans have chosen only to worry about another of their strong allies--the drug companies. H.R. 2863 also claims to provide new funding for Katrina relief which I support. However, this bill includes only $5 billion--not nearly enough to allow families to begin to rebuild their lives and their community. And it relies on a complicated scheme of possible revenues from drilling in ANWR and sales of spectrum to fund relief. In addition, Republicans used this opportunity to push through a divisive school voucher plan that was defeated by the Education and Workforce Committee. This plan will allow $645 million in taxpayer schools to go to private and religious schools that do not have to adhere to the accountability requirements of public schools. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support our troops. Overall, this bill however, is an example of the shameless and abusive tactics used over and over again by this Republican party to force their special interest agenda on the American people. It shows again that the Majority does not represent the values of American families, but rather values their corporate contributors. I urge my colleagues to reject this outrageous bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 1815, the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006. Mr. Speaker, torture can never be tolerated. As a country that has historically stood for the promotion and strengthening of human rights, our government must not be allowed to blur the line, bend the rules or otherwise distort the truth on acts that are clearly degrading, inhumane and cruel. Senator John McCain's amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization, and subsequently Appropriations, bills, was overwhelming supported in the Senate, and had bipartisan support in the House. Regardless of who we are fighting, and regardless of how the war is going, as Americans, we must never allow ourselves to again be accused of torture. Torture destroys the lives of those who are its victims as well as the lives, moral authority and strength of those who commit such devastating acts or support them. As a cosponsor of the Interrogation Procedures Act of 2005, H.R. 3985, which is identical to Senator McCain's amendment, I am pleased that conferees were able to come to a good agreement in regard to Senator McCain's amendment. This amendment deserved the utmost support and respect, and I believe that in the end, the conferees were able to incorporate a clear, unambiguous statement on the unacceptability of torture by the U.S. government and military. As media reports of alleged torture and extraordinary rendition become increasingly common, and as reports continue of ``secret'' CIA prisons operated throughout Eastern Europe, I am extremely pleased that the Administration has finally, publicly supported the McCain ban on torture. I was appalled earlier this month, and in November, to hear of Vice President Cheney's lobbying of Members of Congress to have this provision stripped, arguing that the provision would restrict the ``flexibility'' of the intelligence and military communities to wage an ``effective'' war against terror. With this conference report, the United States has made a clear, unambiguous, and strong statement condemning torture and outlawing its use by any U.S. military personnel or on any U.S. facility in the world. This is to be greatly commended and I thank my colleagues for their support of this provision.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005. Building on great legislation originally introduced by former Minnesota Senator David Durenburger, this bill further enhances the work that was started nearly a decade ago. The Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act reauthorizes funding for both domestic and foreign treatment centers for victims of torture, as well as the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Minnesota is the home of the world- renowned Center for Victims of Torture. The work being done at the Center by Mr. Doug Johnson and his extremely qualified, compassionate staff is changing the lives of thousands of people around the world. The Center not only works directly with survivors of torture, but they also train American and International professionals, who return to their communities with the skills needed to better assist victims in rebuilding their lives. Through the work of the Center for Victims of Torture, and other centers like it, survivors of torture are able to reclaim their dignity, their hope, and their futures. For years, Minnesotans have committed themselves to providing a safe haven for people who have been victims of torture. This is why I, along with so many of my constituents, am so deeply disturbed by recent media reports that the U.S. government might be the source of violence similar to what these victims of torture have suffered. I am extremely disappointed by the Bush Administration's strong opposition, earlier this month, to a provision added to the Senate Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization bill. That provision would ban the use of torture and cruel, and inhumane treatment by members of the U.S. military, and would clearly demonstrate our country's commitment to defending human rights. To even suggest that the U.S. government would condone the use of torture should shame every one of us in this House. Members of my community in Minnesota stand in shock and disbelief at the mere suggestion that our government would seek approval for acts similar to those that have shattered their own lives. America must remain a beacon of hope and justice in this world. It must be our role as policymakers to restore our nation's reputation and our role in promoting peace and democracy around the world. We cannot allow the fear of the unknown to force our country to turn from our long record of upholding and strengthening the human rights of all people everywhere. Our citizens deserve a better path to security. The best way to restore our Nation's reputation and ensure the safety of Americans, and people everywhere, is to promote human rights, hope and opportunity across the globe. This bill helps to restore our reputation by aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives devastated by torture. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and would like to thank Representative Chris Smith for his tireless work in supporting victims of torture, by introducing this reauthorization. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Lantos and Chairman Hyde for their strong support of this vital legislation in the House International Relations Committee. In addition, this bill would not be what it is today without the amazing and inspiring work of Doug Johnson, John Salzberg, their associates at the Center for Victims of Torture, and all those working in the field around the world. It is my hope that this bill allows their good work to continue for years to come.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA. I am pleased VAWA will be given floor consideration before Congress adjourns this session. Ending family and community violence in this country requires an on- going commitment from Congress. Our obligation as legislators and citizens is to provide the tools to prevent family violence, and where violence has occurred, support services that provide the needed shelter and support to victims. Furthermore, the perpetrators of family violence must receive both significant punishments as well as the necessary interventions to prevent recidivism. Our goal must be to end the cycle of family violence in our communities and that will require comprehensive intervention and prevention strategies. This reauthorization is critical in encouraging collaborative efforts among law enforcement officials, the courts, and service providers who work with victims of domestic and sexual violence. We must continue to increase public awareness of domestic violence, while addressing the individual and unique experiences of victims of domestic and sexual violence, including the needs of immigrant populations and people of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, the disabled, and children. As a Nation, we must do what we can to end the cycle of violence that exists in too many homes and communities across the country and to assist the families and children who are living day to day in fear and isolation. VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation that has been successful. It has brought a voice to those who had been silenced and shelter to those who were in need of a safe place. And, there is still work to be done. For example, while this bipartisan authorization bill is critical to moving the issue forward, adequate funding for services for families affected by violence must also be a priority for this Congress. On a personal note, my daughter, Katie, has recently started a career in providing services to victims of family violence. From the frequent stories she tells me about working in a shelter for women, it is clearly a challenging but also very rewarding career path she has chosen. I applaud Katie and all of the women and men who have committed their professional careers or volunteer hours to serving our neighbors and community members who have found themselves victims of domestic violence. Their dedication makes communities across America stronger, more caring and more peaceful. It is in honor of the survivors of violence and those who serve them that I stand today in support of Congress's role in providing services and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through the reauthorization of VAWA.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the irresponsible Republican tax giveaways proposed in H.R. 4297. The Republican bill provides tax cuts for the wealthy few in our society by slashing critical services for vulnerable Americans and adding to our already exploding deficit. I am appalled that the majority party has slashed food stamps, health care and student loans for vulnerable and middle-income families to pay for tax breaks for the Nation's most fortunate. The top priority--63 percent of the spending--in the Republican tax reconciliation bill is to extend capital gains and dividend tax cuts from 2008 to 2010. Forty-five percent of the benefits of this provision will go to millionaires. In addition, this bill, even combined with the devastating cuts, will add $81 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years. The Republican bill focuses on benefits for their wealthiest contributors and fails to address tax changes that are necessary for the middle class. This bill does not include a provision to protect families from tax increases from the alternative minimum tax. I supported the 1-year fix on the AMT that this House passed because this is a critical issue for families in my district. However, this provision should have been included in this reconciliation package and should have been a priority for this Congress. In total, the Republican reconciliation package includes tax increases of up to $3,640 for middle income families due to the alternative minimum tax, increases of $5,800 per student for their college education, and a loss of access to health care and nutrition for many struggling families. It also adds to a spiraling deficit already projected to reach $640 billion by 2015. At the same time, Republicans will provide an average tax break of $32,000 to the wealthy few. This is an outrage and should be an embarrassment for this Congress. Mr. Speaker, America can do better. Congress should put forward a budget that is fiscally responsible, prioritizes our families, and does not threaten our children and grandchildren's future by increasing the Federal deficit. I urge my colleagues to reject this irresponsible, immoral budget plan.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 196, to recognize the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, providing the final blow to eradicate the system of slavery in this great nation. The history of slavery in North America traces back to the early- 1500s. Through various European colonies, continuing through the early years of the United States, around 6 million Africans were forcibly removed from their home and brought to North America to work as slaves. The years, however, wrought on and the conscience of this Nation came to realize the profundity of inequality that this system perpetuated. Not only were people born and raised in this country forced to work as indentured servants, but even their status as human beings was reduced to that of three-fifths of a person. This system could not continue. Brave abolitionists working tirelessly to bring about the downfall of this inherently unjust system, many of them sacrificing their lives and their own freedoms, the tensions surrounding this issue provided one of the major breaking points for the American Civil War. With the advent of a nation turned upon itself, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing all slaves within the Confederate States. Two years later, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was proposed on the House floor and was met with cheers in support resounding from the House Gallery. Less than one year later, on December 6, 1863, Georgia's state legislature became the 27th State to pass the measure, meeting the requirement for ratification. On that day, the 13th Amendment was passed, slavery had been abolished, and our great Nation could finally put this dark period of history in our past. Over the next five years, the remaining Civil War Amendments would be passed, including the 14th Amendment, which granted equal protection under the law, and the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights regardless of race. Although slavery itself had been abolished, these historic achievements would set the foundation for a long struggle towards abolishing discrimination and injustice. The 13th Amendment set a firm base for the modem-day civil rights movement, many aspects of which continue on with us today. The legacy of those who ended slavery and started us on the path to equality for all people must continue to inspire us to reach for greater tolerance, greater understanding, and greater compassion for our fellow human beings.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today this House considers a resolution to condemn a ruling by a United States Court of Appeals. Whether we agree with the Court's decision or not, the Court returned its decisions based on Constitutional law. A Congressional resolution in reaction to the Palmdale School District's part in the development and use of the survey tool would be the more appropriate role for this Congress. The Palmdale School District, not the Court, failed the parents and students. Parents have the right to a final say in the type of education their child receives and the right to deny their child's participation in surveys and research. Parents can only do so when they are given full and accurate information. As a Member of Congress, it is my role to create, consider, and vote on legislation. The Court's role is to rule on those laws. I will vote ``present'' on this resolution before us today because I believe strongly in the separate branches of our government and that Congress oversteps our role by denouncing the Court's decision.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of this resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and reaffirming Congress's support for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I believe strongly that Congress must provide the funding promised nearly 30 years ago for IDEA and that is why I support legislation that would fully fund this commitment to special education. All American children must have access to a free public education in an environment that is appropriate and supportive. While this resolution today acknowledges the promise to our states and schools to fund IDEA at 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure, it fails to address how far we are from making that goal a reality. This Republican-controlled Congress funds IDEA at less than 20 percent of its promise. We owe it to our students, their families, and our communities to make full funding a reality. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fully fund our commitment to special education. Because of the efforts of families, teachers, and school administrators across the country, we are, today, able to make the needs of students with disabilities a priority. It is time that this Congress remembers not only the anniversary, but also the promise and commitment made to families and children. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and to continue to vote in favor of funding our federal responsibility to special education in order to move us forward in our goal to provide an equal, quality education for all students.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 and to commend the conferees for their hard work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, this has been a difficult year for veterans--there has been misrepresentation, confusion, and overall misuse of the funding allocated to the Medical Services Account for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have heard from veterans in my District, and throughout Minnesota, of their extreme concern regarding funding for the VA. Veterans in Minnesota and this country have told me that they are worried about how the funding shortfall that was revealed over the summer will directly impact their VA benefits. The good news for veterans today is this bill provides $22.5 billion for Veterans Medical Services for Fiscal Year 2006, $1.7 billion more than the current funding level and 3 percent more than the Administration's request. This conference report also provides $1.2 billion in emergency funding for the Medical Services account. I am pleased to be able to tell Minnesota veterans that Congress heard their concerns, values their service, and will keep our promises regarding their health care. The mental health and welfare of our returning soldiers, and of our veterans, must be a priority. The agreement also includes $2.2 billion specifically reserved for mental health care, and designates $15 million: for further research into Gulf War Illness. Too many soldiers return and do not have access to proper mental health care. We have an obligation to do all that we can to address these conditions and help these brave men and women rebuild their lives. This bill takes an important step in providing this care. I am also very pleased that Congress rejected the Administration's proposals for imposing new fees for health care services. When the Administration proposed a $250 enrollment fee for particular veterans without service-connected disabilities, and an increase in drug co- payments to $15, I heard loud and clear from the veterans throughout Minnesota that this would greatly impact their health and well-being. Veterans' health care should not be cut to solve the budget deficit. Veterans deserve to continue to have access to affordable, quality health care. It is what they were promised and it is our responsibility to ensure that those services remain for today's--and tomorrow's-- servicemen and women. Mr. Speaker, the Americans who have served our country in the Armed Services deserve to return home to a country that values their service. This agreement reflects, in part, the gratitude of Congress for their sacrifices, and I am proud to support it.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3010, the FY 2006 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill. I voted against this bill when it passed the House and the conference report before us today is even more objectionable. The Republican leadership has proposed severe cuts to services that keep our families and communities strong. At a time when consumers are expecting to pay nearly 30 percent more for home heating, the majority has refused to include an increase for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps to keep our seniors and children safe during the winter. This bill also shortchanges important health care programs. Although slightly better than the House-passed bill, this proposal cuts health professions programs by 69 percent at a time when we are struggling to provide health care access in many areas of this country. It also cuts funding for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and forces a 24 percent cut to block grants for State health departments. Most striking, while we ask our local public health departments to do more to prepare for a possible pandemic, this bill instead imposes an 11 percent cut on local health departments. The conference report also cuts overall funding for the Department of Education for the first time in over 10 years. It cuts and guts programs from early childhood education through college. Our Nation's public schools will see budget cuts totaling more than $784 million, despite the promise to fully fund No Child Left Behind at the time of its enactment in 2002. Since then, NCLB has been underfunded by more than $39 billion. Our public schools and our students deserve better. This bill underfunds critical programs for the most vulnerable students, providing $217 million less for Title I Education for Disadvantaged Children program than in fiscal year 2005. In addition, Safe and Drug Free Schools will receive a cut of $87 million--a decrease of 20 percent. Several other education programs and services will see their budgets frozen, despite increased program costs, greater needs, and inflation. Pell grants for low-income college students are frozen for the fourth straight year in a row, despite promises by the administration to increase the maximum Pell grant award. While Congress underfunds student financial aid, students and families continue to struggle to pay for a college education that is increasing faster than the rate of inflation. Investments in health and education are important to our families, our communities, and our country. This conference report does not reflect the values of Minnesotans or Americans. I will vote to reject this conference report and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to recognize and honor the life of U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Brett Evan Angus. Minnesota and St. Paul have lost another courageous serviceman. U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Brett E. Angus served his Nation, his community and his family with honor in one of the military's most dangerous jobs, as an ordnance disposal expert. Master Sergeant Angus was serving his second tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom when, on November 26, 2005, an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat operations near Camp Taqaddum, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-372, Marine Wing Support Group-37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Master Sergeant Angus was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. His family history of military service dates back to the Civil War, and he followed his father, uncle and grandfather into military service. He was an outstanding professional soldier who loved being a Marine and earned several awards and medals for his service. He was eligible for retirement this year, but chose to return to Iraq for a second tour of duty. As an ordnance disposal expert, his family was constantly afraid of the danger his job put him in, but knew that his vital work was saving the lives of U.S. Armed Forces and the Iraqi people. His vast knowledge and expertise made him a valuable teacher for his fellow Marines. I extend my condolences and share in the grief of his family and friends. Master Sergeant Angus' made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our Nation, and we will be forever grateful. The sympathies of all Americans go to his wife, Masami, his father, Russell, and to his family and friends. Master Sergeant Brett Angus is the 26th service member from Minnesota to die in Iraq since 2003. I honor Brett Angus for his courageous service to this country, and his commitment to protecting our freedom.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and in solidarity with America's college students and our Nation's higher education institutions. Our competitiveness in the global economy is built on the foundation of a highly educated workforce. My Republican colleagues feel financial aid for higher education is a privilege, not a necessarily for American students. The Republican strategy to cut and gut Federal financial aid by over $14 billion hurts students, hurts families and threatens America's competitiveness. Harming higher education harms America. The Republican raid on student aid makes the largest cut in the history of Federal student financial aid, while also increasing the deficit by $20 billion--adding more debt on the backs of hard working Americans and students. Tim McDonald attends Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tim spoke eloquently to me last week against these cuts. Tim said: The generation that benefited from highly-subsidized, affordable higher education is now pulling the ladder up with them and forcing us to debt finance not only our own education, but their tax cuts. . . I came to Congress to promote hope and opportunity. Vocational schools, technical schools and our colleges and universities provide America's scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, nurses, law enforcement officials--our future leaders, with the skills, knowledge and opportunity to keep America strong and prosperous. Republican priorities cut and gut the vital resources students depend upon to achieve their career goals and contribute to America. Instead of investing in students, instead of investing in America's future, this Republican scam forces students to pay the price for a mismanaged Republican budget. I ask my Republican colleagues to stand with us and students to protect America's economic future, to not abandon the next generation of American leaders and to defeat the cutting and gutting of hope and opportunity for millions of American students.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on H.R. 2862, the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for Fiscal Year 2006, though I do so with reservations. This conference report, while providing increased funding from the House-passed legislation, still fails to provide adequate funding levels for state and local law enforcement. However, I am pleased that Congress rejected the Administration's proposal to eliminate funding for the COPS program, which is critical to our local law enforcement agencies that are already underfunded. Funding for local and state law enforcement assistance in this legislation funded at $1,142.7 million, which, although significantly less than was provided in 2001, is an increase from the House-funded level of $1,069.2 million. Along with many of my colleagues, I would have supported further increases in funding for our state and local law enforcement and intend to work to make this a priority in the next Congress. We owe our law enforcement officers the tools they need to protect our communities and our families. I was also extremely surprised and disappointed that the conferees stripped the amendment offered by Mr. Sanders that passed in the House overwhelmingly, by a vote of 238-187, during consideration of H.R. 2862. This critical amendment would have barred funds to carry out provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act permitting law enforcement officials to obtain records from booksellers and librarians. This amendment was a reasonable and needed amendment that would have restored the much- needed Congressional oversight to FBI searches. Congress wisely rejected the Administration's significant cuts to the Legal Services Corporation in this report. The Legal Services Corporation is funded at $330.8 million in this report, a $12.6 million increase over the President's request. Legal Services Corporation makes a significant impact in the lives of many vulnerable citizens, and is often the only reason low-income families have access to our justice system. In order for the U.S. to remain competitive and in order to ensure a skilled workforce in this global marketplace, we must continue to make critical and strategic investments in science and research. Science, and science education, are crucial elements to our society and our daily lives. I was very pleased with the funding for the science agencies, including NASA, and the National Science Foundation. NASA and NSF received increases of $273 million and $180.2 million respectively, both of which represent larger investments than the President's request. I will support this conference report today, because it reflects an overall increase in investments for our future.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember and honor John Maurice Massetti, a leader and tireless advocate for working families, who passed away on December 4th, John's devotion to his family, friends and to causes that helped others is an inspiration to so many people in Minnesota. He will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Throughout his life, John brought integrity and a sense of obligation to his fellow workers, as well as to his community. For 20 of his 38 years working with Northwest Airlines, he proudly served his brothers and sisters at District 143 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers as secretary-treasurer of the union. During negotiations, he always put the needs of working families first. John's honest leadership instilled energy and loyalty that was contagious, helping to develop the next generation of labor leaders. Retirement did not slow him down.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report on Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations for fiscal year 2006. This legislation provides $60.7 billion to fund the Transportation Department and improve America's transportation infrastructure. I was especially pleased this legislation included $2 million for Central Corridor, an eleven-mile transit corridor that will run from St. Paul to Minneapolis along University Avenue. Building Central Corridor is vital to keeping the Twin Cities competitive in the 21st Century. The conference report provides $1.3 billion in funding to Amtrak. Maintaining a strong and healthy rail system in America is necessary to reduce our dependency on automotive transportation, reduce ozone emissions, and combat smog in our cities. Furthermore, high-speed rail provides convenience and mobility to travelers, while creating new jobs and economic growth. A diversified transportation system including Amtrak is critical to our Nation's future. The report also includes $300,000 to address the problem of homelessness among youth, which is a symptom of a larger problem in our community. For many youth, their home situation is violent and unhealthy. These young adults need our partnership, and this funding will help provide the support and opportunity they need to get their lives back on track. Recognizing the need for every American to have access to affordable housing, this bill funds affordable housing programs above the President's request. Unfortunately, in this Republican bill, funding for critical housing programs, such as Section 8 vouchers, is still not adequate to address the affordable housing crisis occurring in communities in the Fourth District of Minnesota and across the country. The lack of affordable housing is a serious problem for too many Americans, young and old, who are trying to live on less than a living wage. In order to excel at school, hold down a steady job, stay active and healthy, and contribute to our communities, Americans must have access to safe and affordable housing. For these reasons, I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to vote for this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 273, to recognize the courage, perseverance, and demand for justice displayed 50 years ago in the Montgomery bus boycott. On Thursday, December 1, 1955, Ms. Rosa Parks, who recently passed away at the age of 92 and whom this body has honored, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, public bus. With fifteen year old Claudette Colvin arrested for the same infraction just a few months earlier in Montgomery, the NAACP and the Women's Political Council finally had the opportunity to shed light on their treatment as second-class citizens. Following discussions amongst civic and church leaders, including the Reverend Ralph Abernathy, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Jo Ann Robinson, who was the head of the Women's Political Council, and E.D. Nixon, who was the Montgomery official for the NAACP, the people of Montgomery decided to take a simple action that would end up crippling the city for almost a year. The Montgomery bus boycott, which began on Monday, December 5, 1955, called a nation's attention to a legacy of racism, inexplicable discrimination, and equal treatment under the law. Bringing Montgomery's segregated bus lines to their knees, boycotters did everything from organize a system of carpools to match black taxi cab rates to those of the city's now-empty buses. The crowded rush hour sidewalks served as a testament to that single act of courage and bravery which inspired the modem civil rights movement and went on to revolutionize our country. As the months passed on with Montgomery's buses continuing to receive few, if any, passengers, leaders of the bus boycott movement soon became targets of racist bigotry--Rev. Abernathy's and Rev. King's houses were firebombed, and boycotters were physically attacked. Yet their movement continued. It is this great will and determination that was rewarded, on November 13, 1956, when the United States Supreme Court upheld a Federal district court ruling declaring segregation on buses unconstitutional. These events laid the groundwork for future landmark achievements, such as the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. And fifty years later, we are still inspired and invigorated by the strength and determination of the people of Montgomery. Mr. Speaker, my constituents and the people of this great nation honor the ideals of justice and equality set forth by the Montgomery bus boycott every time we stand up for what is right. This is the legacy of that event, and the legacy we should continue to honor. As we look to the future, we should be inspired by their example and continue to fight for social justice and equality for all people. Just as the devoted boycotters did, we should all remain committed to erasing the inequities that still exist in our society and around the world. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Republican plan to cut billions of dollars in services for the most vulnerable people in our country while giving away billions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans--the so-called ``budget reconciliation package.'' This plan will harm low-income children and seniors, students, working parents and local government. It is an appalling plan that I oppose on both policy grounds as well as moral grounds. Denying access to food stamps to our poorest families is cruel and immoral when we live in a generous country of abundance. The Republican budget reconciliation bill also makes significant cuts to Medicaid, a critical program serving children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The Republicans propose to cut $11.4 billion from Medicaid, primarily through imposing increased costs on families which will result in decreased access to care. At a time when health care costs and the number of uninsured families in our country are increasing, this proposal is both unwise and unfair. The Republican plan also cuts $14.3 billion from student loan programs, which will make higher education more expensive and less accessible at a time when our nation should be focused on educating and training a highly skilled workforce to compete globally. An investment in higher education is an investment in our future. The Republicans have chosen instead to ignore this reality and balance their mismanaged budget on the backs of students and families. . It is also extremely disappointing that the Republicans chose to include their punitive reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families in this bill. This plan increases work requirements and sanctions while severely underfunding child care. In order to work, families need access to safe, affordable child care. We know that Congress needs to fund child care at $7 billion in order match the new rigid work requirements, yet this bill provides an inadequate $1.3 billion. Families want to work but that is not possible if there is not safe, affordable child care available. In addition, the leadership has included a cut to child support enforcement funding in this package, which will make it more difficult for families to access the resources they need to care for their children. My opposition also extends to the Republican desire to cut $70 billion in taxes, primarily for investors and the wealthy, while adding over $20 billion to the federal budget deficit. Rewarding the rich, punishing the poor and passing the cost on to the next generation is a disgraceful way to lead this nation. I will vote against this Republican reconciliation package and I urge my colleagues to join me.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support America's college students. Our competitiveness in the global economy is built on a foundation of a highly educated workforce. My Republican colleagues feel higher education is a privilege and not a necessity for American students. The Republican strategy to cut and gut Federal financial aid by over $14 billion for its students hurts families and threatens America's competitiveness. The Republican raid on student aid makes the largest cut in the history of financial aid while also increasing the deficit by $20 billion, adding more debt on the backs of hardworking Americans and students. Tim McDonald who attends Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, told me and other students last week: ``The generation that benefited from highly subsidized affordable higher education is now pulling the ladder up with them and forcing us to finance debt not only of our own education but of their tax cuts.'' Congress should promote hope and opportunity and provide America's scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, police, nurses and teachers, our future leaders, with the skills and knowledge and opportunity to keep America strong and prosperous. These budget cuts cut and gut the resources that students depend upon to achieve their career goals and to contribute to America. Instead of investing in students, instead of investing in America's future, this reconciliation forces students to pay the price for the mismanaged Republican budget. I rise today to support America's college students and our nation's higher education institutions. Our competitiveness in the global economy is built on the foundation of a highly educated workforce. My Republican colleagues feel financial aid for higher education is a privilege, not a necessity for American students. The Republican strategy to cut and gut federal financial aid by over $14 billion hurts students, hurts families and threatens America's competitiveness. Harming higher education harms America. The Republican raid on student aid makes the largest cut in the history of financial aid, while also increasing the deficit by $20 billion--adding more debt on the backs of hard working Americans . . . and students. Tim McDonald attends Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Last week speaking against these cuts Tim said: ``The generation that benefited from highly-subsidized, affordable higher education is now pulling the ladder up with them and forcing us to debt finance not only our own education, but their tax cuts . . .'' Congress should promote hope and opportunity. Vocational and technical schools and our colleges and universities provide America's scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, police, nurses, and teachers--our future leaders with the skills, knowledge and opportunity to keep America strong and prosperous. This budget cuts and guts the resources students depend upon to achieve their career goals and contribute to America. Instead of investing in students, instead of investing in America's future, this reconciliation forces students to pay the price for a mismanaged Republican budget. I ask my Republican colleagues to protect America's economic future, to not abandon the next generation and to DEFEAT the cutting and gutting of hope and opportunity for American students.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3989, a bill to designate the U.S. Post Office in Dennison, Minnesota as the ``Albert H. Quie Post Office.'' It is appropriate that we honor this special Minnesotan, who served our great state and Nation in the U.S. Navy during World War II and as State Senator, Congressman, and Minnesota Governor. It is especially fitting that the Post Office in Dennison, MN will carry his name. Al Quie grew up on a farm outside of Dennison and attended school in nearby Nerstrand and Northfield. His family and the community he lived in instilled in him a sense of service that is still with him today. Governor Quie led a distinguished career in many respects, one that was especially important to me as a student living in his Congressional district. As a long-time member of the House Education Committee, he created a special legacy in the area of education and advocated tirelessly for quality education programs for America's children. His leadership in public education is still respected in Minnesota, where he is often asked to share his vision for education at meetings and conferences. This devout Lutheran left another legacy in Congress when he helped start the Congressional Prayer Breakfast for his colleagues. Forty- seven years later, Members still enjoy this weekly tradition. Mr. Quie was elected to Congress in 1958 and ten succeeding Congresses, but I remember most fondly his election in 1972. The 26th Amendment had just been ratified, giving me and other 18 year-olds the right to vote. I cast my vote for Albert Quie, a vote I am still proud of today. Thank you for your fine service, Governor Quie, and for inspiring a spirit of service in others.