Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the events of September 11th. One year ago America suffered a horrible act of terrorism in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. Four planes, filled with innocent Americans, were turned into weapons at the hands of men filled with anger and hate, intent on bringing death and destruction to our great country. It is a day none of us will ever forget. As the United States moves forward, we must remember those who died on September 11th, as well as the acts of heroism, valor and courage displayed on that day and the weeks and months to follow. I continue to find inspiration in the efforts of all Americans who risked their lives to save and heal their neighbors, co-workers, and strangers in need. Let us also not forget the men and women in our armed forces who today are engaged in a campaign against terrorism, fighting to protect our freedom and seeking justice against those who attacked us. Their continued valor is a testament to the will and resolve of our great nation. We will continue to pray for the victims and their families as we re- build the communities affected by those terrible acts of violence. Today, one year after this horrific act of terrorism, we, as Americans, re-affirm our highest beliefs in freedom, democracy and justice.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Minnesota's 10th annual Stand Down, held August 1-4, 2002. Minnesota Stand Down is an annual event that provides homeless veterans and their families with a break from the daily struggles of unemployment, personal issues, and medical and legal problems. Over the past nine years, 3900 volunteers have gathered on the banks of the Mississippi River to give their time and energy serving thousands of homeless and near homeless veterans and their families. The unified efforts of these volunteers provide a brief, yet welcoming, respite for those veterans who face the struggles of the street and the despairs of poverty. I am proud to be a cosponsor of a bill recognizing the merits of Stand Downs and increasing the number of Stand Downs in America. H.R. 3271, the Bruce Vento Stand Down Act, will enact a pilot program authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct and participate in at least one Stand Down in every state. This effort will also increase the number of Stand Downs in America through a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans' service organizations, and community volunteers in coordinating Stand Down events for our nation's homeless veterans. The Minnesota Stand Down is a fitting and worthy event, recognizing the efforts of the veterans in our community and providing needed relief from the difficulties of day-to-day life. As a state legislator, I was especially proud to represent veterans in Minnesota and champion their patriotism, courage and honor. As a Member of Congress, I will continue supporting Stand Downs across the country and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment to provide an additional $10 million to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and $5 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). I commend the authors for their commitment to the arts and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment. This amendment will support the NEA's Challenge America initiative, which has been successful in expanding access to the arts for underserved communities. To broaden the reach of federal arts funding, Challenge America supports arts education, after-school arts programs and community arts development initiatives. In my state of Minnesota, an NEA grant helped to establish ``Creating the Link''--an after-school program for Hmong youth. St. Paul is home to the largest concentration of Hmong in the United States. Many Hmong children who have grown up in this country have not had opportunities to learn about the culture and traditional art of their elders. ``Creating the Link'' provides the connection between these children and traditional Hmong folk art--preserving this cultural richness for future generations. Through support of programs such as ``Creating the Link,'' the National Endowment for the Arts has brought the enrichment of artistic experience to communities in every corner of the nation. Art is no longer considered a pastime reserved for the elite class, but is widely recognized as central to the cultural, social and cognitive development of a well-rounded public. Further support for the National Endowment for the Arts is an important investment for all of our communities. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5017, a bill that creates an opportunity for the United States to implement agreements with foreign countries to assist us as we battle severe wildfires. During the devastating wildfires two years ago, both Australia and New Zealand provided the United States much needed help. Following the 2000 fire season, long-term agreements for firefighting assistance were negotiated with these countries. Unfortunately, these agreements have not been implemented because of concerns that foreign firefighters could be held liable for actions taken while providing assistance in the United States. H.R. 5017 removes this barrier and extends liability protection to foreign firefighters providing service to our nation by treating them the same as U.S. employees. At the same time, it requires those countries with which we enter reciprocal firefighting agreements to extend the same protection to U.S. firefighters who lend support overseas, or across our borders. The valuable assistance firefighters from other countries provide to the United States is not new. For years, the collaborative relationship we have developed with Canada has protected property, resources and lives. Forest fires do not recognize international boundaries. It is vital we continue to work with other countries to ensure that wild fires are prevented and contained. Just last week lightening started a 450-acre wildfire in the northeast corner of Minnesota, north of the small town of Hovland. Since the risk of wildfire is low in Minnesota, much of the state's firefighting resources had been sent west to help with the forest fires there leaving us shorthanded. Because of our close working relationship with Ontario's natural resource agency, Canadian firefighters were able to bring the Hovland fire quickly under control. Unfortunately, not every country has the unique and special relationship that the United States has with Canada in fighting wildfires. H.R. 5017 will allow the U.S. Government to develop similar firefighting relationships with other countries around the world and enhance the relationship we have with one of our neighbors. We must help each other. I am pleased the House addressed this issue today and am proud to lend my support.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I express my opposition to this sham bill that is particularly harmful to senior women.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on the 30th anniversary of Title IX, I am proud to celebrate the progress we have made since Members like Patsy Mink, Edith Green and others fought hard to pass this legislation. It is hard to believe today that there was a time when our Nation's colleges and universities simply denied women admission under the assumption that females were more interested in homemaking than higher education. A time when the idea of thousands of girls participating in field hockey or soccer was laughable. A time when only boys took shop class and only girls took home economics. We have come a long way in the last 30 years. Girls and women are taking advantage of opportunities in sports and school subjects that used to be dominated by males. In 1972, less than 300,000 girls participated in high school varsity sports; last year more than 2.7 million girls played on a varsity sports team. Now, high school girls are taking upper-level math and science courses at the same rate as boys. We have a lot to celebrate today, but we also have more work to do. Studies show that in the classroom, girls still typically receive less attention, including praise, criticism and encouragement, than boys. In many colleges and universities, disproportionate gaps remain between the percentage of female athletes and the percentage of scholarship money they receive. We can do better! I am optimistic about the future of our Nation's educational systems under Title IX. We must uphold the progress we have made and, at the same time, continue to expand opportunities for our daughters, granddaughters and generations beyond.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly commend David Sims, a teacher of Latin at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul, Minnesota for receiving the 2002 Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award. Mr. Sims was nominated for this distinction by Presidential Scholar Hannah Wright of St. Paul. He and other influential teachers fully deserve the recognition provided by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. We have people like Mr. Sims to thank for being dedicated educators for our nation's children. It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Mr. Sims on receiving this prestigious honor.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly commend Hannah Wright of St. Paul, Minnesota for being selected as a 2002 Presidential Scholar. I am happy to welcome Ms. Wright and her parents to Washington, D.C. for a week of recognition, including a medallion awards ceremony. Since 1964, distinguished high school seniors from around the United States have been recognized as Presidential Scholars for their academic achievement, community involvement, artistic expression, and leadership skills. Ms. Wright is an outstanding example of the talented young people we will rely on to guide our nation in the future. It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Ms. Wright and St. Paul Academy and Summit School on receiving the 2002 Presidential Scholar Award.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is always a privilege when I have the opportunity to recognize a young person for a special accomplishment. Today, I feel especially fortunate to acknowledge a group of students who have used their talents to explore a wide variety of historical issues. I want to congratulate eight young women from the Fourth District of Minnesota who have embraced the subject of history and taken it one step further. These students not only participated in this year's National History Day competition, but also came away with national prizes. These bright, ambitious students worked as true historians in creating their projects--they were actual documentarians, playwrights, researchers, and curators. They applied what they learned in the classroom and used it in a real world setting. Anna Rice, a tenth grader from Central High School in St. Paul, took the prestigious Grand Prize in the National History Day competition by submitting a top-notch research paper. Anna should be very proud to be recognized as the Nation's top young historical writer. Caitlyn Ngam and Madeline Kreider, eighth graders from Capitol Hill Magnet School in St. Paul, won third place for their outstanding exhibit on tobacco reform. Their fellow classmates, Kirsten Slungaard and Meredith Pain, earned seventh place for their exceptional documentary on Tibet. Melissa Brown, Kaitie Cochrane and Lindsey Jans, seventh graders from Sunrise Park Middle School in White Bear Lake, walked away with a national prize for their performance of ``Separate But Equal: Brown v. Board of Education.'' These students also had the honor of performing their project at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. I am very proud of all the students who participated in this year's contest. The time and dedication they have committed to their projects should be commended. It is wonderful that these eight students received special recognition for their work. The fact that they were singled out among over half a million participants nationwide is astonishing. I will continue to lend my support to this important competition. Events such as the National History Day Contest not only give young people a chance to shine, but allows them to use their talents and creativity to make a difference in their communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, before Congress passes legislation placing an enormous drain on the federal budget in future years, we first need to address the serious problems with funding homeland defense, protecting education, the environment, Social Security and Medicare. While the Republican bill permanently repeals the estate tax, it provides no immediate relief for small, family-owned estates which are the ones most in need. Make no mistake--repealing the estate tax in 2011 will not stimulate the economy in 2002. I support more immediate estate tax relief and voted for the substitute that freezes the existing maximum estate tax at the current rate of 40 percent and increases the estate tax credit to $3 million, $6 million for couples, beginning in 2003, up from $1 million under current law. I stand today in opposition to H.R. 2143, to make repeal of the estate tax permanent. Under last year's Republican tax bill, repeal of the estate tax is slowly phased in until 2010. However, because Republicans put a sunset on all of their tax-cut provisions to hide their true costs, the estate tax will return to the 2001 levels of taxation in 2010. This permanent repeal of the estate tax benefits only the very wealthiest in our society while endangering our long-term economic stability and the solvency of Social Security and Medicare. Once again, the House Republican Leadership has shown its true priorities by helping 22,000 families at the very top of the income scale while letting 35 million seniors wait for help with their prescription drug bills. Currently, the estate tax applies to fewer than 2 percent of all estates--less than 50,000 each year. In addition, family-owned businesses and farms are already eligible for special tax treatment under current law. Families in Minnesota's Fourth District want sound investments in our future, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and responsible tax cuts that provide relief now. For example, the average Minnesota gross estate for tax purposes of $5 million or more in 1999 was approximately $586,000. I supported a $5 million exemption that would have eliminated the estate tax on all but 36 Minnesota estates that owned estate tax. I found it embarrassing to open the Washington Post today to see that based on the personal assets of the Bush administration Cabinet, a full repeal of the estate tax will save the Bush Cabinet $98-$332 million in estate tax. The President has taken his full repeal message to family farmers in the Midwest telling them he's fighting for them. Yet family farmers rarely pay estate tax. In fact, last year the American Farm Bureau Federation could not cite a single example of a farm lost because of estate taxes when pressed. So far, the Republicans' fiscal plan has meant that we have gone from projected surpluses of $5.6 trillion to deficits as far as the eye can see--not to mention the fact that unless Congress takes action to balance the budget, we will have to raise the federal debt limit to ensure that the government does not default on its current debts. This year alone, the budget deficit, excluding the Social Security trust fund, is estimated to be $314 billion. Over the next 10 years, the non-Social Security deficit will total $2.6 trillion. If these projections are correct, the budget is on course to deplete the entire Social Security surplus and the entire Medicare surplus between now and 2012.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today, like so many other Americans, I boarded a plane and I arrived safely at my destination. This is what the American people expect when they board a plane: safety, security, and the guarantee of a safe landing at the end of the flight. The American people hold the Federal Government accountable and responsible for the safety of our skies. Homeland security has become our Nation's top priority. On the same day that the administration proposed a Department of Homeland Security, President Bush also issued an executive order weakening the security of our skies by removing the air traffic controllers from the Federal Government. President Bush's action opens the door to privatizing this vital air safety role and risks placing corporate profits ahead of public safety. For this administration to declare air traffic controllers no longer an essential component of our Federal homeland security system undermines America's faith in air safety. In the few short hours after the attacks of September 11, air traffic controllers guided hundreds of thousands of Americans out of the skies to safety. Their heroic actions saved countless lives. Their dedication and professionalism should be honored just as we honor firefighters, police officers and emergency first responders who also performed heroically on September 11. The role of air traffic controllers in homeland security is vital every day and should never be discounted or weakened. The American people have an expectation that our skies are safe. The Federal Government and air traffic controllers, as employees, are responsible for providing that safety. Unfortunately, this executive order undermines air safety and weakens our homeland security, and it should be rescinded.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I support our servicemen and women, law enforcement officials, State, Federal, and local officials working together to protect the American people. I support the funding for the billions of dollars in the supplemental appropriation. These dollars are needed to keep America safe, secure, and free from terrorism. But, Mr. Chairman, allowing this bill to come to the floor represents an attack on the economic security of our Nation, raising the debt ceiling an additional $750 billion. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support strengthening our Nation's homeland security, as this bill intends to do. We need to keep America safe. But I will not support a fiscal attack raising the debt ceiling and exploiting the national debt. Mr. Chairman, I support fighting AIDS and infectious diseases around the world, but I will not support the Enron economics this bill represents by hiding language that will allow this generation and future generations to be burdened by expanding the national debt with no regard for full disclosure or fiscal discipline. Mr. Chairman, I support the needed resources to fund programs. I have 10 higher-education institutions in my district, but I will not burden today's college students and tomorrow's with a $750 billion expansion of the national debt limit set on top of their student loan burden. It is wrong. Mr. Chairman, I believe that with all my heart we need to provide the funds needed to rebuild New York, but I also believe this body has a responsibility to the American people to be honest about what we are committing them to, an expansion of the national debt with no accountability by any Member of this body. We need to protect America from terrorism. That is what this bill should be about. But, Mr. Chairman, do our servicemen and women need to have the national debt limit raised without a vote in order to fight the war on terrorism? I say no. Do our Federal agents, police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel need to have the debt limit raised $750 billion to protect America without a vote? I say no. I am a first-term Member of Congress. I came to this body hearing the majority's mantra of bipartisanship. This bill, once again, demonstrates empty words and empty actions from the Republican majority, and the consequences are empty pockets for America's working families and a growing national debt for the American people and future generations. Mr. Chairman, the people of Minnesota are angry that the national debt is going to grow. To the people back home this represents the majority party's lack of leadership, a total lack of fiscal discipline, and a complete lack of honesty. It is dishonest for the Republican majority to question the patriotism of myself or any of my Democratic colleagues on a bill that is not honest with the American people. We, as a Nation, are fighting a war on terrorism. This bill, with its deceitful language, clearly shows the American people that it is only the Democratic minority fighting the battles against fiscal irresponsibility and against fat tax cuts, and it also is plundering the Social Security trust fund. If my Republican colleagues want to raise the debt limit to pay for last year's tax cuts, then let us vote on it, yea or nay. If my Republican colleagues want to add an additional $750 billion of debt on the backs of the American people, have the courage to vote on it yea or nay. If my Republican colleagues want to be honest with the American people, honest with our servicemen and women fighting the war on terrorism and honest with yourselves about placing this Nation an additional three-quarters of a trillion dollars in debt, then let this body vote on it yea or nay. I applaud my fellow colleagues on this side of the aisle, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), for his leadership and his support of our national security and the retirement security for our seniors and the economic security of the American people. Today, I will stand with my Democratic colleagues until the majority party tells the truth to the American people about the consequences of their political policies and the costs that they will have for future generations of Americans.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, 90 miles from America's shore is the island of Cuba, but what really separates the people of Cuba and the American people is the U.S. Government's hypocritical trade embargo restated this week by President Bush. This failed policy towards Cuba empowers Fidel Castro, denies American businesses the freedom to trade, and prohibits the American people the freedom to travel. Around the world, the United States has used economic engagement to promote political reform, democratic values and human rights. With Cuba, our government does the opposite. We punish the Cuban people with a trade embargo. For a free and open Cuba, let us free American businesses to trade with Cuba, free America's farmers to sell to Cuba, and free the American people to travel to Cuba. The trade embargo has failed. The spirit of the American people and the power of our economy can achieve the freedoms we all desire for the Cuban people.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the last speaker that the unfunded mandate in this bill would cost the State of California $2.5 billion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle why would I, as a Member of Congress, tell working mothers to leave their small children behind and go to work without providing them safe child care? In Minnesota alone today there are nearly 5,000 families on the waiting list for child care. That is the entire population of the City of St. Paul Park. The Republican bill provides only a slight increase in child care, not even enough to keep up with inflation. It would remove only 300 of the 5,000 children from Minnesota's waiting list. But then, wait. We are now doubling work requirements for mothers with children under the age of 6. This will add thousands more families to our waiting list, costing Minnesota more than $100 million. It is completely irresponsible to think that Minnesota and other States facing deficits will be able to provide child care. We owe it to our children, we owe it to their parents that they have safe, reliable places for their children to be while they are working. I served in the Minnesota Statehouse, where I worked on a bipartisan effort after Congress passed the law 6 years ago. We had success. Minnesota is cited as one of the most successful programs and it is rated top in the Nation for making families self-sufficient. Today, I am being asked to vote on a bill that seeks to undo the success in Minnesota. The new Federal mandates limit the flexibility and fail to provide needed funding for these new requirements. We cannot have it both ways. You cannot have it both ways. You cannot say you are trying to move people out of poverty and then not give them the means to accomplish that.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, nuclear power has a role to play in our nation's energy policy. Our government must fulfill its obligation to store radioactive waste. The transportation and security concerns associated with Yucca Mountain can be overcome. However, by allowing this project to proceed, we do nothing to address the ongoing production of more nuclear waste. I cannot support this resolution without a national policy to reduce additional nuclear waste. Forty years of nuclear power production in the United States has left a disturbing legacy--45,000 tons of radioactive waste stored in more than 70 communities. While this resolution recognizes the need for Yucca Mountain to store old waste, it does nothing to address the new waste currently being produced. With new waste being produced every day, Yucca Mountain will be full even before it opens. Today's debate should be about the future of nuclear energy and how we deal with its toxic debris. Congress and the nuclear power industry must join together in an effort to reduce, recycle and minimize nuclear waste production. Unless our nation accepts the very real environmental and economic costs of nuclear energy, coal and oil, we will continue to perpetuate our addiction to unsustainable sources of energy. My constituents have expressed their frustration at our collective failure to take responsibility for our nation's nuclear energy policy. My vote is their voice on this issue. We must look comprehensively at our future energy policy and develop long-term, sustainable energy sources.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Women's Hockey team and the University of Minnesota Men's Hockey and Wrestling teams for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships. This great achievement honors the players, coaches, their respective schools and all Minnesotans. The sport of hockey has a long and storied tradition in Minnesota and is recognized nationally as one of the leading states for the development of hockey players. From youth leagues to amateur leagues to professional players, Minnesota is known for producing some of the greatest hockey players in the history of the sport. It is only fitting, therefore, that both the women and men's hockey 2002 NCAA Championships were won by Minnesota schools. Both the Bulldogs' 3-2 victory over Brown, which was their second in a row, and the Gophers' 4-3 victory over Maine were exhilarating wins, that kept all Minnesotans on the edge of their seats. Each of these teams deserves to be commended for their outstanding seasons. I also want to recognize the 2002 Gophers men's wrestling team for another outstanding year. While not as well known as hockey, collegiate wrestling in Minnesota has made an outstanding name for itself, culminating in the Gophers' 2002 National Championship--also their second straight. In addition to the team championship, 2 members of the team earned individual wrestling titles and 7 garnered All-American honors. All the Gophers wrestlers and coaches deserve our congratulations. I am especially proud that each of these three teams excelled in the classroom, as well as the playing field. In a day and age where all- too-often academics takes a back seat to athletics on many college campuses, all three teams maintained grade point averages that were above the university averages. The University of Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth should be proud to recognize these true student athlete champions. Congratulations to the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota-Duluth on their achievements.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 358, Supporting the Goals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month. Hearing loss is the most frequently occurring birth defect in the United States, affecting 3 of every 1,000 newborns. Newborn hearing loss is 20 times more prevalent than PKU, a condition for which all newborns are currently screened. Often, hearing loss is not detected until a child is 2 to 3 years old. Fortunately, there is a quick procedure that can be used to test infant hearing before newborns leave the hospital. Starting in 2000, Congress made grants available to the states through Health Resources and Services Administration and Centers for Disease Control to help reach the goal of testing every infant for hearing loss. States use the federal grants to train audiologists to use screening equipment and educate parents on the need for hearing screening and follow-up care. The federal dollars are important to the success of the newborn screenings. Nationally, 67 percent of babies are presently screened, up from 20 percent in 1999. In my home state of Minnesota, only 8 percent of hospitals screened newborns for hearing loss before the state received the federal grant money. Today, 85 percent of Minnesota hospitals perform the screenings. We know that infants identified with hearing loss before 6 months have a significant academic and social advantage over those who are not in a program by 6 months. The average savings in special education costs per child if hearing loss is detected early enough is $400,000. The UNHS program pays for itself in special education savings many times over. Sadly, the $13 million in HRSA grants were cut from the President's proposed FY 2003 budget. These cuts may undo the progress we have made in ensuring that every infant is screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. I want to thank Congressman Ryan for bringing attention to such an important issue. Under this resolution recognizing Better Hearing and Speech Month, Congress commends the 41 States that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn before they leave the hospital. We still have work to do, however. I recently met with constituents who had to battle doctors to get hearing screening for their newborn, even though their older son suffered from hearing loss. As members of Congress we can do more to help parents. No parent should have to fight for basic infant health care. Hearing screening in 41 states is not enough. We must continue this success in every state. I have promised the people of the 4th District of Minnesota that I am committed to working in Congress for essential programs like newborn hearing screening. I hope my colleagues will join me in this commitment to improving the quality of life for our nation's children, families, and communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the current administration is proposing a rollback of what has been called the centerpiece of our environmental agenda. Instead of fighting hard to protect the Clean Air Act, this administration wants to eliminate clean air programs that control new sources of pollution and regional haze. What does this mean? It means that harmful emissions released from these old power plants will continue to cause asthma attacks and increase hospital visits. Haze will continue to blanket our cities and continue to spread out, obscuring views at our national parks and monuments. It also means that companies that own and operate our oldest and dirtiest coal-fired power plants can continue to escape strict pollution controls. We can do better. Monday is Earth Day, a time to celebrate past progress we have made in cleaning up our environment while leading our Nation to a cleaner tomorrow. It is not the time to eliminate tools that can help us clean our air.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, soon after I delivered my remarks on the House floor this morning, I received numerous calls from news organizations. Unfortunately, these calls were not about the importance of the Clean Air Act, which was the subject of my one-minute speech. Instead, the press was more concerned about a pause I took during the Pledge of Allegiance--as I was trying to determine if I had my back to the American flag--than what I said about protecting our environment. I would hope the media pays closer attention to the issues affecting our air quality so that the people of this Nation, under God, will be able to one day live in an environment free from pollution.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday March 6, 2002 I had the pleasure of spending my day with Patricia Buckley in celebration of International Women's Day on Friday March 8th. International Women's Day is a time to acknowledge achievements of women around the world and come together to appreciate our similarities and differences. The Community Advocate Mentor Program (CAMP) is a program within the International Women's Democracy Center (IWDC) that was developed in partnership with the Ulster People's College in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was designed to strengthen the public policy, advocacy and lobbying skills of community-based leaders from Northern Ireland. Over a 5-year period, IWDC and UPC will train 100 women leaders from Northern Ireland how to effectively lobby their government and strengthen civil society. Ms. Buckley is the mother of three daughters and a volunteer. She is the Vice Chair of the South Armagh (Northern Ireland) Rural Women's Network. The Network was formed to support women's community-based groups in South Armagh. Patricia traveled to the United States for the first time with a group of women from Northern Ireland. Her interest of helping women in rural areas with community development and adult education led to her involvement in the IWDC and CAMP, which sponsored the trip to the United States. Patricia spent the entire day with my staff and me; traveling from meetings in the morning, committee hearings in the afternoon and receptions in the evening. She was able to get a sense of what a ``typical'' day is for a Member of Congress and experience the legislative process. Not only did she learn about my daily life, but I was able to take a step into hers as well. The amazing thing I learned from her is that women's issues--as broad as they are--are not unique to any area of the world. Women face the same problems in every community. It was such an honor and a pleasure to host Patricia Buckley for a day. I am encouraged by her efforts and the efforts of the International Women's Democracy Center. Person to person, woman to woman, I an committed to working towards stronger communities. It is an inspiration when women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and economic differences, are able to come together to celebrate and learn from one another.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I submit to the Record my tribute to an outstanding public servant, an advocate for the most vulnerable in our society, a fearless reformer who rooted out cronyism in our county government, and a role model to the young women in the Fourth Congressional District--the late Commissioner Diane Ahrens. Commissioner Ahrens served 20 years on the Ramsey County Board. Elected in 1974, she was the third woman ever to serve as a Ramsey County Commissioner. Ahrens was known as the conscience of the County Board for her commitment to assisting those in need. She worked to deliver services to the mentally ill, victims of abuse or neglect, the disabled, the influx of Hmong immigrants in Ramsey County, those with HIV/AIDS, and many others in need. She was a passionate advocate for human services. As Marilyn Krueger, a former St. Louis County Commissioner said, ``She was always concerned with the welfare of others, a social worker at heart, she was fierce, unafraid and compassionate.'' In addition, Ahrens was an advocate of reform; she was not afraid to change a county employment system that allowed board members to award contracts and employment to their unqualified personal friends. She helped initiate a study that brought about the hiring of a professional staff to manage Ramsey County administration. Former Ramsey County Manager Terry Schutten said this about Ahrens in a letter to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, ``. . . I have worked with myriad State and local elected officials. Diane stands out as one of those elected representatives who exemplifies what democracy is all about, as well as the principles we fight for in our country's war on terrorism.'' Mr. Speaker, having personally worked with Commissioner Ahrens, I can attest to the legacy of honest and passionate work she left for the young women and men who will follow in her footsteps of public service. I know she will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and her trail-blazing initiative. The residents of Ramsey County and the Fourth Congressional District owe her a debt of gratitude for her service on our behalf.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Tauzin- Dingell Broadband Deployment Act. My State of Minnesota has been a pioneer in fostering competition in local telephone markets. In 1999, Minnesota implemented a ruling that required our local telephone companies to share not only its copper wires, but also upgraded lines with competitors. Following Minnesota's lead, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted this line- sharing rule, in effect making it law nation-wide for all the surviving Bell companies. Tauzin-Dingell would eliminate this sensible approach that Minnesota initiated. By excluding competitors from the use of upgraded fiber lines, Tauzin-Dingell will create a new monopoly for the Bells. This would mean fewer choices and poorer service for consumers. We must not gut the market-opening provisions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act before they have had a chance to take root! It is imperative that we maintain incentives for competition to ensure the best possible services for our constituents. Free and equal access to information is vital to the strength of our democracy. However, H.R. 1542 is simply not the answer. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 1542.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, Minnesotans wanted real campaign finance reform last summer before the House's debate was unfortunately cut short, and they still want it today. We must begin cleaning up our campaign finance system and the Shays-Meehan bipartisan campaign finance reform bill is a good place to start. We all have the right to have our voices heard when we engage in the political process. Right now millions of the unregulated dollars flood our campaigns and continue to drown out the concerns of working families in Minnesota and all America. Their opinions are being lost in the flood of big campaign checks from special interests. Mr. Chairman, we should be encouraging political participation, not discouraging it. I've heard from too many people in my district that our campaign finance system is broken. It's now time this unbalanced system be fixed. Shays-Meehan will prohibit national parties, officeholders and candidates from raising unregulated soft money for political parties at all levels. State and local parties can continue with voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities. This bill would also require sham issue ads be treated like all campaign ads right before an election--to be paid for with regulated money that requires full disclosure. With Minnesota's unique system of public financing and contribution rebates, we have shown the nation how to run clean elections. Where else could the Republican party control the House of Representatives, the Democratic party control the Senate and there be an Independent in the Governor's mansion? Minnesotan's are used to campaigns that are open, honest and competitive and it shows in voter turnouts that lead the nation year after year. Campaign finance reform is critical, but we must also learn to control how much is spent on elections as well. I've introduced legislation that model's Minnesota's campaign finance system and will continue to work hard to take the next step in campaign finance reform limiting the hundreds of millions of dollars that are spent on our elections. It is not a mistake that we are considering real campaign finance reform today. The discharge petition I signed last year finally forced the Republican leadership of the House to recognize that a majority of Americans had finally been joined by a majority of this House in the fight for real campaign finance reform. We must begin now. Shays-Meehan will help to clean up our campaign finance system. By eliminating soft money, America's confidence in our political system will be restored.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on February 5, 2002, 1 was attending the funeral of my good friend Darlene Luther in Minnesota and missed roll call votes 6 and 7. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of H.R. 577 (roll call vote 6) and in support of S. 970 (roll call vote 7).

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to support S. 1762, to establish fixed interest rates for student loans and to loans and to extend current law with respect to Federal support for lenders. The passage of S. 1762 will establish fixed interest rates for students and correct a problem in the Higher Education Act that, if not acted upon, would threaten to end the participation of private lenders who fund the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). The continued availability of low-cost, federally guaranteed loans under FFELP is crucial to ensuring that our nation's students and parents are able to pay for college and other higher education opportunities. As a member of the 21st Century Competitiveness Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over higher education issues, I am committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable for students. I applaud the student, school and loan provider groups that have worked with Congress and the administration to develop this ``win-win'' solution. This legislation is good for students and good for our nation.