Denise Majette

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues a startling statistic--the 50 percent unemployment rate of people with disabilities in America. For those with severe disabilities, the number is even more--it is 70 percent. People with disabilities face many barriers to employment, including everything from transportation to contending with the prevailing attitude surrounding the disabled, but many of them want to work. They want the opportunity. All too often, people focus on the disability of a person, not the ability. But people with disabilities want to work, and can work. It's up to us to recognize the potential of all Americans and provide the opportunities needed to reverse this statistic and to allow people with disabilities to become self-sufficient, independent, tax-paying citizens. To that end, I am proud to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program. The JWOD Program uses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating, community-based nonprofit agencies dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. The JWOD Program provides people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits and gain greater independence and quality of life. Through the JWOD Program, people with disabilities enjoy full participation in their community and can market their JWOD-learned skills into other public and private sector jobs. In the United States, the program serves 40,000 people in the disability community and generated approximately $280 million in wages earned and nearly $1.5 billion in products sold. In Georgia alone, some 972 people with disabilities earned nearly $3 million in wages last year as a result of JWOD. 972 lives were changed. For many out of that 972, it was the first time they had a job, drew a paycheck, had the experience of being independent. These are things many of us take for granted, but for some--particularly people with disabilities--it means the world. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the great contributions of American workers with disabilities and I encourage others to do so on February 26th, which is National Disability Day. More importantly, let us all remember everyday that everyone has an ability--everyone has something to share for the greater good. America truly works best when all Americans work. I commend the JWOD Program, its supporters, and its participants for making a difference where it is needed most.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today on behalf of the over 51,000 Georgians who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits and still can't find a job. We must extend unemployment benefits for these Georgians and the estimated 2 million workers nationwide who will exhaust their benefits in the next 6 months. We must extend these benefits until the administration starts taking job creation seriously. The administration's policies are not creating jobs and there is no plan to create jobs either. The Bush administration has presided over the worst job-loss record in half a century--we have lost almost 2.4 million jobs since Bush took office--and yet this Congress and the President are denying that jobless Americans even exist. That is unacceptable. These Americans have worked hard and paid into the system, but now they are unemployed and they need a safety net for a few more weeks. Until we start creating jobs, we must show compassion for these hard- working Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the economic downturn. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to say that this unemployment extension is unnecessary because the Gross Domestic Product is back on the rise these days, and the stock market has turned the corner. The stock market rise might be helping the wealthy who benefit from Bush's tax cut, but it is not helping the over 51,000 Georgians who can't find a job. These economic indicators are good news, but this has been a jobless recovery. Last month only 1,000 new jobs were created in this country. Until this economy starts creating jobs--and lots of them, these economic indicators don't mean a thing. These Americans need jobs--and until then, they need unemployment insurance. These hard-working Americans expect and deserve our help. During past recessions, Congress habitually extended unemployment insurance until there were enough jobs to make it unnecessary. The numbers speak for themselves. There just aren't enough jobs--and until there are enough jobs, we need to meet our obligation to these workers and their families.

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, the Community Service Block Grant program is an invaluable tool for fighting poverty. The Community Service Block Grant works and works well. It works because it allows local discretion to guide the allocation of resources to those programs that the underprivileged in their own communities most need. In my own district, the Partnership for Community Action helps underprivileged children get a Head Start on school, helps citizens weatherize their homes, and helps teen mothers find work. I am proud of these programs and support Federal investment in their efforts. This same Community Action Agency in my district is involved in faith-based partnerships. They teamed with Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Baha'i groups to work together to address the problems of substance abuse among youth and to decrease the recidivism rate of inmates in our county jail. And they did this all without discriminating on the basis of religion. However, the law allows discrimination. I am strongly opposed to allowing recipients of Federal dollars to discriminate on the basis of religion. No issue is more important to our Nation than the need to prevent our Federal Government from either supporting or opposing any form of religious expression. Despite this principle, the current law actually allows recipients of taxpayer money to discriminate against someone who doesn't share their religious beliefs. It is unconscionable that this body ever allowed this kind of discrimination to be the law of the land. I strongly support all of the religious-based organizations whose members devote so much of their time and energy to curing our Nation's ills. I am confident that these organizations make us a stronger, more compassionate Nation. My personal faith in God is strong and does not depend on a government endorsement. Our Founding Fathers shared the belief that it is in the best interest of both government and religion if they remain mutually prevented from exerting influence upon each other. Even a single case of someone losing their job because of their faith is too much to allow in our great Nation. As Justice John Paul Stevens has wisely noted, ``Our democracy is threatened whenever we remove a brick from the wall that was designed to separate religion and government.'' This Congress cannot ever condone employer discriminating against potential employees. For this reason, I support the Democratic substitute which preserves this wonderful program while upholding the constitutional prohibition on religious discrimination. I support the Community Block Grant Program, but cannot support any bill that condones discrimination.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) from the Committee on the Budget, for his excellent presentation. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening because the President's lack of solutions and lack of vision brings me to the floor. This President's economic policies have had a devastating effect and devastating impact on this country and on hardworking Americans. His tax cuts have tied our hands and prevent us from solving the major challenges that we face in education, in health care, and in job creation. The people in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia and across this country are looking for the American Dream. They work hard. They follow the rules. They are trying to get a small piece of the American Dream, but it is getting further and further out of their reach. Let us start with jobs. Now, I am not talking about the economy and stock dividends and the stock market. I am talking about jobs, plain and simple. I am talking about replacing the 3 million jobs that have evaporated since this President took office. The American people want us to focus on creating more good-paying jobs, on providing a quality education for our children, on providing affordable and accessible health care for every American. These are the priorities of the hardworking people of Georgia's 4th Congressional District and the people of this Nation. But instead, this President talks about a mythical country where everyone is happy, healthy, well educated, and employed. But, obviously, he did not check in with the men and women who have been laid off from BellSouth in Atlanta and Brown & Williamson in Macon and General Electric in Stone Mountain or Delta or Coca Cola or Lord & Taylor, and the list goes on and on. Nor did he check in with the 1.4 million Americans who have lost their unemployment benefits and still cannot find a job and have been denied unemployment benefits because the Republicans insist they do not exist. But they do exist. And we owe it to them, our husbands, our wives, our partners, our children, our friends, our neighbors. We owe it to them to make a real effort to create jobs. We cannot afford to make tax cuts permanent for the very wealthy, and we absolutely cannot use Social Security money to pay for it. The American people deserve a leader who understands the meaning of a level playing field and has the vision and the will to make it happen. Americans are hungry. They are hungry for a national strategy that focuses on providing good jobs, providing a strong public education system, and providing quality health care. And so we must keep the promises that we have made to the millions of Americans who have played by the rules, who have worked hard to find that piece of the American Dream. And it is just as important to keep the vision and the path clear for those who are still seeking that dream. Abstinence education? A trip to Mars? Steroid use in professional sports? Those might be the priorities of this President; but, Mr. Speaker, I promise you those are not the priorities of most Americans.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the Republican prescription drug bill because it is bad for women, especially poor, elderly women; and they deserve better than this.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 280, which includes H.R. 1618, establishing the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. I thank the Committee on Resources and each of the cosponsors from Georgia for their hard work in passing this bill. This has been truly a bipartisan effort, with five Democrats and five Republican cosponsors. I would like to particularly thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder) for his leadership. The Arabia Mountain legislation will protect the natural, cultural and historical resources of Georgia's granite outcroppings and will preserve the wonders that Arabia Mountain has to offer. The heritage area is a living history lesson, illustrating 7,000 years of human interaction with a unique landscape. Despite its proximity to Atlanta, it includes Panola Mountain, which is pristine land untouched by development, unique granite outcroppings that are more than 400 million years old, and endangered mosses and lichens that top Arabia Mountain itself. Beyond the natural beauty is a rich cultural history that began when Native Americans quarried these soapstone and granite outcroppings more than 5,000 years ago. By connecting the heritage area's natural, cultural and historical resources through rivers, greenways and parks, this region will rapidly become a popular recreation area for Georgians and all Americans. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the importance of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and for passing H.R. 280.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be here today to discuss Title five of H.R. 280, to establish The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Title five is the bill I previously introduced as H.R. 1618, which the committee agreed to incorporate into this larger bill. I thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall and their staffs for their hard work in bringing this bill to the floor today. I also thank each of the cosponsors of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Act from Georgia for their hard work in this effort. This has been a truly bipartisan endeavor, with 5 Democrat and 5 Republican cosponsors from Georgia. I'd like to particularly recognize John Linder for his leadership. The Arabia Mountain legislation will conserve and protect the natural, cultural, and historical resources of Georgia's granite outcroppings. In addition, this legislation will provide residents and visitors with the opportunity to preserve the wonders that Arabia Mountain has to offer, and we look forward to sharing its history and beauty with all Americans. The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area is a living history lesson, illustrating the long-standing interaction of human activity with a unique landscape. Incredibly, there has been human settlement in this location for close to 7,000 years. In that time, our relationship with the land has grown and evolved in various ways. The region encompassed within this Heritage Area is a suburb of Atlanta--one of the fastest growing communities in the world. Despite its proximity to Atlanta, one portion of the Heritage Area, Panola Mountain, is pristine land untouched by development. And Panola Mountain Conservation Park is a recognized National Landmark. The area features unique granite outcroppings that are more than 400 million years old. And Arabia Mountain itself is topped by endangered mosses and lichens. Beyond the natural beauty of the area is a rich cultural history that began when Native Americans lived on these lands, and one that continues today. Archaeological evidence indicates that Native Americans quarried these soapstone and granite outcroppings more than 5,000 years ago. The Heritage Area also includes a nature preserve, the last farm left in what was once the biggest dairy farming area in the state, and remnants of early American developments from the days of European settlement. By connection the proposed Heritage Area's natural, cultural and historical resources through rivers, greenways and parks, this region will rapidly become a popular recreation area for residents of the fast growing metropolitan Atlanta area, as well as visitors from all over America. This unique cultural and historical haven is a place Georgians want to protect and will continue to enjoy. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the important combination of natural, cultural and historical resources in the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 280.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, due to a death in my family, I was unable to cast votes on Friday, November 7, 2003. Had I been present on rollcall 616, I would have voted ``yea,'' on rollcall 617 I would have voted ``yea,'' on rollcall 618 I would have voted ``yea,'' and on rollcall 619 I would have voted ``yea.'' I was away on official business yesterday, Monday, November 17, 2003, in my district; and I was unable to cast votes on rollcalls 620 and 621. Had I been present on rollcall 620, I would have voted ``yea,'' on rollcall 621 I would have voted ``yea,'' on rollcall 622 I would have voted ``yea,'' and on rollcall 623 I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1829 Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003. Rehabilitation of prisoners is vitally important to society. However, when a government corporation becomes a profit center that is removing work from small businesses, the process needs to be reviewed and changed. That is what this legislature does. Today, FPI is the Federal Government's mandatory source for almost 200 products. That is almost 200 items that small businesses cannot make for the Federal Government. FPI has a distinct advantage over small businesses. FPI is able to pay much lower wages--$.25-$1.25 per hour, which is four to five dollars less than our current minimum wage. FPI is exempt from the often overwhelming requirements of OSHA compliance. FPI also has the advantage of borrowing funds from the U.S. Treasury to purchase equipment, pay wages and invest in expansion of facilities. Small businesses do not have that advantage--they have to go to banks to borrow money. For those prisoners who expect to return to society, rehabilitation is important and this legislation makes sure that vocational education for inmates is increased, as well as remedial education. It increases inmate access to programs that teach job-seeking skills and also gives them access to pre-release job fairs. I am a former State Court judge and I have presided over hundreds of criminal trials. I know that we, as a society, have failed some of the individuals who appeared before me and my judicial colleagues. Many criminal defendants are people for whom the educational system has failed. We have failed to provide early intervention and Head Start for many of these individuals. We have failed to help them graduate from high school. We have failed to help these individuals develop the job skills necessary to be productive members of society and to stay on the right side of the law. If we had just made the proper investment in education and job training at the beginning, some of these individuals would not be in courtrooms and prisons across the country now. Now that these individuals are in prison, it is vitally important to give them the training they need to be successful once they are released from prison, we must do our best to ensure they do not return. Federal Prison Industries has certainly given skills and purpose to inmates and has a good track record for success. About 24 percent of prisoners who take part in FPI do not return to prison. However, as I know from my years as a lawyer and judge, there is no one program that works for every individual. In fact, vocational education is shown to be even more effective than FPI. Those inmates who have vocational education are 33 percent less likely to return to prison after release. This legislation increases funds available for vocational education for inmates, including remedial education. But we cannot stop there--we need to appropriate those funds as well. Saying we don't have the money next year is no excuse, because as a society we will pay. We can decrease the likelihood that those individuals will return to prison. This is not a handout to prisoners, this is an investment in the future of our society. Education, job skills and training are investments that we should have made long before these individuals ended up on the wrong side of the law. The cost of this bill is a small price to pay for returning people to society with the skills they need to be productive and increasing the odds of their success. But that success cannot come at the expense of law abiding citizens who are running small businesses. Small businesses are really the backbone of our economy. They give us three of every four jobs created. We must not take additional opportunities away from our entrepreneurs. Last month a metal products manufacturer from Georgia testified that in Georgia alone there are more than 600 manufacturers that compete with FPI, or who are unable to compete for Federal contracts because FPI has become the mandatory source for those products. These companies represent more than 31,000 jobs. We need to eliminate FPI's ``mandatory source'' status and require FPI to compete for Federal contracts just like every other business. Our small businesses need a level playing field on which to compete for Federal contracts while we continue to rehabilitate inmates. I support H.R. 1829 because it meets both goals--fair competition and rehabilitation. I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1829, the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act. This legislation is needed to help reform the Federal Prison Industries because right now FPI unfairly competes with small businesses. FPI is a government-owned corporation that employs over 20,000 inmates. FPI has been producing approximately 150 types of goods and services that government agencies are forced to accept without competition. FPI was created in 1934 in order to manage, train, and rehabilitate inmates; unfortunately, FPI does not fulfill its mission and many inmates are unprepared to enter the workforce when they are released from prison. In fact, there has been no evidence any inmates have gained meaningful employment upon release when assembly is the primary skill required. FPI pays inmates a paltry $.23 to $1.15 per hour, does not provide employee benefits, and is exempt from excise taxes. Small businesses absolutely cannot compete with this unfair system. Furniture manufacturers have had to lay off 30,000 employees nationwide, while 40 percent of FPI sales in FY 99 came at the expense of the office furniture industry. Law-abiding citizens are looking for work; nevertheless the FPI is shielded from competition, overcharges for its products and services, and is less efficient than many small businesses. The bill we are discussing today changes that by allowing small businesses to competitively bid on services provided by FPI to the government. We update FPI in order to improve job-hunting skills and better address rehabilitation for inmates. In addition, reform will provide opportunities for law-abiding citizens and small businesses. This legislation updates and improves this depression-era agency by properly training inmates with hands-on vocation combined with remedial education. I urge my colleagues to support this fair legislation that will help level the playing field between this government agency and our small businesses.

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 1829. This bill addresses two important issues, rehabilitation of prisoners and leveling the playing field for small businesses. Rehabilitation and fair competition, that is what this bill does. For prisoners returning to society, this legislation provides more vocational and remedial education. It trains them and helps them to find jobs. I am a former State court judge, and I presided over hundreds of criminal trials. I know firsthand that people who receive education and job training are less likely to return to courtrooms and return to prisons. Federal Prison Industries has a good track record for success, but vocational education is shown to be even more effective than FPI. Inmates who have vocational education are 33 percent less likely to return to prison after their release. They have a viable alternative to criminal activity. This bill also levels the playing field for small businesses. Currently, FPI has a competitive advantage over small businesses. FPI is the Federal Government's mandatory source for over 200 products, and that effectively shuts out small businesses that make the same products. Last month, Angie McClure, vice president of a Georgia metal manufacturer, testified that in Georgia alone there are more than 600 manufacturers competing with FPI. Some of these manufacturers are unable to compete because FPI is the mandatory source for those products. These Georgia manufacturers represent more than 31,000 jobs. We need to eliminate FPI's mandatory source status and require FPI to compete for Federal contracts just like every other business. I support H.R. 1829 because it meets both goals, fair competition and rehabilitation. I urge my colleagues to support the bill as well.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. As we approach Veterans' Day, we pause to recall the noble service and the high sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform of our Nation. On this day of remembrance, we will rededicate ourselves to those who have dedicated themselves to us. I thank each and every man and woman who has served in every branch of our military. I thank you soldiers for your courage, your character, your strength, and the enduring power of your example. Threatened by terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life, Americans are appreciating anew the blessings of liberty we cherish as well as the heroes who fight, and often die, so we can live in freedom. None have paid a higher price and sacrifice more for our freedom than have our veterans. It is time for us in Congress to learn from them. We must now stand in solidarity like our brave protectors and act to end the lamentable neglect that is our crisis in veterans health care. Every American owes them a debt of gratitude that words cannot repay. And yet our veterans have received more good words than good deeds from this administration. In January, our President stated that the medical care received by our troops is comforting to him. He stated that our troops deserve only the best care, and yet that same day the administration announced that it was cutting off health care access for approximately 164,000 veterans. The President has said that he wants only the best housing for our military families, yet this administration's 2004 budget proposes a $1.5 billion reduction in funds for military housing, a 14 percent cut that affects family housing, barracks, child care centers, schools, hangars, and office buildings. The President vowed to pass fair, balanced historic tax relief for the American people. Instead, the administration's tax cut denies child tax credits for 1 million children in military and veteran families. According to the Children's Defense Fund, more than 260,000 of these children have parents on active military duty. House Republicans promised increased veterans funding for 2004. We have now passed all 13 appropriations bills in the House, and the actual funding provided for veterans programs in the House-passed appropriations bills is $28.1 billion, the same level contained in the President's budget. So far the House Republicans have not delivered one dime of the $1.8 billion increase above the President's budget that they called for in their budget resolution. In a time of war, as we take care of those who defend our country today, we must fulfill our debt to those who have defended us in the past. In my State of Georgia alone, we have over 752,000 veterans who have sacrificed for our State and country. I refuse to merely say I appreciate their sacrifice. Congress must back up our words with deeds. It is our obligation. The politicians will be eager on Veterans' Day to stand on podiums with decorated soldiers, veterans who have given of themselves for our Nation, and they will give honor to those soldiers. These public figures will declare solidarity with them and speak of the great appreciation for their willingness to sacrifice for the freedom of others. But on those other days, on those days that are not Veterans' Day, what will happen then? As a Nation, we have a sacred pact with all of those who served in uniform. Veterans and their families have taken care of us. In return, we must take care of them. They understand that freedom is not free. And so, Mr. Speaker, must we.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor S. Truett Cathy. Guided by his ability, dedication, and faith, Mr. Cathy took a small restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, and built Chik-Fil-A, Inc., the third largest fast food chicken restaurant in America, with more than 1,080 restaurants nationwide. This is in itself a great enterprise. Yet Mr. Cathy, through his success in business and exemplary community service, has come to serve as a paradigm of excellence. In 1984, Mr. Cathy founded the WinShape Center Foundation, designed to ``shape winners'' by helping young people succeed in life through scholarships and other youth-support programs. Like Mr. Cathy, the foundation he began is the epitome of responsible citizenry. The foundation annually joins Berry College in Rome, Georgia to award 20 to 30 students with $24,000 scholarships. In addition, through its Leadership Scholarship Program, the Chick-Fil-A chain has awarded more than $17.5 million in $1,000 scholarships to Chick-Fil-A restaurant employees since 1973. Chik-Fil-A's partnerships with the LPGA and college football's Peach Bowl have resulted in more than $1.25 million for WinShape homes and other charities in 2002 alone. Mr. Cathy's philanthropic endeavors extend to children as well. As part of his WinShape Homes program--a long-term care program for foster children--Mr. Cathy launched and operates 13 foster care homes in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Brazil. These homes, accommodating up to 12 children with two full-time foster parents, provide long-term care for foster children with a positive family environment. In addition, more than 1,600 young campers from throughout the country attend annual sessions at Camp WinShape. An initiative of the WinShape Center Foundation, this camp offers a series of two-week summer programs to help boys and girls build self-esteem through physical and spiritual activities. Mr. Cathy is a devoutly religious man who built his life and business on hard work, humanity and biblical principles. Based on his strong faith and sense of purpose, all of Chik-Fil-A's restaurants operate with a ``closed-on-Sunday'' policy, allowing employees to practice their faith and spend time with their families. Mr. Cathy spends his day off teaching a Sunday school class to 13-year-old boys, as he has done for more than 45 years. S. Truett Cathy represents the best that Georgia and this country has to offer. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 3029, designating the post office of Jonesboro, Georgia as the ``S. Truett Cathy Post Office Building.''

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, every three minutes a woman in America is diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women between the ages of 40 and 55. In my state of Georgia, this year an estimated 5,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,000 women will die from the disease. In the two counties I represent, 86 people a year die from breast cancer in DeKalb County and in Gwinnett County, 38 people a year die from breast cancer. The breast cancer death rate is even higher among African American women--with an estimated 20,000 expected new cases in 2003. Early detection is the key. Mammography screening can detect the disease before any symptoms occur. Women must have guaranteed access to mammograms and preventive care, including regular checkups. We also need to prevent insurers and employers from discriminating against women because they are more likely to get diseases like breast cancer. We must pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act. But our top priority must be finding a cure. Too many of our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends die from this disease. Funding early prevention and finding a cure should be national priorities.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. I rise today to stress the importance of child nutrition and to support the extension of these programs with the passage of H.R. 3232. These programs will be reauthorized today with little fanfare. Their significance, however, far exceeds the attention we will devote to them. The first time Congress authorized a nutrition program for our children was during the Great Depression in 1935. At that time, millions of children came to school unable to pay for their school lunches. Malnutrition among children was a national concern. Despite our country's poor economic conditions, Congress realized that its first priority must be to feed our Nation's hungry children. Today, child nutrition programs have been expanded, and they represent the best of America because after all, a hungry child cannot learn. I am pleased to note that these programs are very successful in feeding hungry children. In my home State of Georgia, more than 600,000 children are given financial support to purchase much-needed lunch meals. For many, it is the only meal they will have all day. There are more than 300,000 children who also participate in the subsidized School Breakfast Program in Georgia. Since the National School Lunch Act was first enacted in 1946, attention to the nutritional value of these school lunches has steadily increased. We have learned that poor nutrition leads to impaired cognitive development and reduced school performance. That is why successful Head Start programs point to good nutrition as a necessary element to teach our neediest children. We cannot teach our children without first giving them the essential nutrition so vital to their ability to learn. Despite the renewed focus on nutrition, we are in the midst of a public health crisis in terms of obesity. Nearly 30 percent of adults and 15 percent of children in our Nation are now categorized as obese. With obesity comes the increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia and other health-related difficulties; and the medical costs associated with this crisis are estimated to be as much as $100 billion per year. So it is clear that we need to act now to curb this crisis. Although most Americans know eating more fruits and vegetables is a necessary part of maintaining good nutrition, just last week a new study found that more than 40 percent of toddlers in the Women, Infants, and Children, or the WIC, program did not eat any fruit at all on the day of the survey. In fact, the WIC program does not even provide access to fruits and vegetables. But, Mr. Speaker, there is hope. Last week I visited East Lake Elementary School in Atlanta and asked the fifth grade class what they wanted to add to their school lunch menu. They requested kiwis, strawberries and plums. They did not ask for cake or cookies, so they understand the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. As Congress reauthorizes these programs, we must not forget their importance, and we must not forget that they continue, and we continue, to feed our hungry children. At the same time, we must ensure that our child nutrition programs move forward with a new knowledge about what is best for the health of our children. Through these programs, we will have the opportunity to teach our children the eating habits that will allow them to protect their own health throughout their lives, and we can teach them the fundamentals of good health, that an apple a day is not just for teachers any more.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the $87 billion supplemental appropriation in its current form. It is with deep regret that I do so. I cannot vote for the request because it does not give the troops and the American people what they need. We want a bill that more fully supports our troops and their families. Accordingly, I support the Obey substitute. We want a bill that honestly assesses what the military costs will be and protects the quality of life for all of the men and women who are serving so valiantly. For example, the administration's request contains only $15 million for water purification equipment. This will leave approximately 80 percent of the troops in Iraq without clean water. Our men and women deserve better. The Obey substitute addresses that issue. We want a detailed accounting of the money that has been spent so far before handing out new money. I look at this the way I treat my teenage sons. If I give them $20 on Monday and then on Tuesday they come to me and ask me for $30, I want to know what happened to the money I gave them on Monday. We want a bill that will enable us to share the burdens and responsibilities of reconstruction with other nations and the people of Iraq and eliminate the back-scratching, good-old-boy, business-as-usual approach that this administration loves to use. It has become clearer and clearer every day that the administration has no postwar plan for Iraq. There is no exit strategy, only furloughs. America's men and women want to know when our husbands and wives and sons and daughters and partners and loved ones will come home. We do need to finish what we started, but we cannot operate in the dark forever. We want a bill that meets the obligation of shared sacrifice, one that puts equity and fairness in the equation. The men and women who wear the uniforms of the United States Armed Forces and their families are making sacrifices. Their level of sacrifice goes far beyond this administration's level of planning. We want a bill that tells us how we are going to pay for the cost of freedom, and this bill does not. As a Member of Congress, I have a constitutional obligation and responsibility to require that those conditions be met and that the administration be held accountable. Until the American people are presented with a bill that meets the requirements of accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, I will vote ``no'' on the $87 billion supplemental request.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the gentleman from Tennessee's (Mr. Cooper) motion to instruct conferees on the child tax credit. Quite frankly, I cannot believe this continues to be an issue. We need to just do the right thing. Back in May this House passed a tax cut bill, but those refunds were not for everyone. Americans who work for a living were denied refunds. The people who have the very least influence on this body did not get a tax cut. That is cold hearted. That is unfair, and that is just plain wrong. That bill gave no relief to those who need it the most right now, 6.5 million working families, families whose entire household income is between $10,000 and $26,000. Approximately 40,000 families in my district, Georgia's fourth district, did not get a refund check like millions of other Americans did. Some people received checks in July like Christmas in July, but there were 40,000 families in Georgia who got zapped by the Grinch factor. A couple of hundred bucks may not seem like a lot to some, but to a family living in poverty, it is much needed relief. That is money to buy winter coats for children. That is money to buy school supplies. That is money to pay for dentist bills. Just yesterday the census released new figures showing that the number of families and children living below the poverty line rose by 1.3 million last year, 1.3 million more families than last year. In my home State of Georgia, those same poor families are preparing for the brunt of some harsh budget cuts, some harsh State budget cuts and Federal proposals, cuts in Medicaid, cuts in child care services, cuts in education. And yet this House still refuses to include the people who are hurting the most. And let me tell the Members, these are hard-working folks, and they will be the ones who will bring our economy back. It is their sweat and their determination that fuels America's economic engine. It is their labor that makes our lives more comfortable and safer. I do not rise to speak out on every single issue. It is my nature, as a former judge, to listen and to gather information and to try to make wise decisions. But I have heard and listened to enough, and my faith and my convictions have pulled me to my feet tonight because this issue is far too important to far too many people to let me rest. So I urge my colleagues who talk about compassionate conservatism to walk the walk and put their money where their mouth is. I urge the conferees to do the right thing, to extend the child tax credit to America's working families and our poorest children, for they are the ones who are struggling and hurting and getting hit from every direction right now. We cannot afford to play politics at their expense because they literally cannot afford it. We need to show the Nation and the world that we take care of our own, and we need to treat them the way we would want to be treated, with malice toward none and with charity for all. So I support the Cooper motion to instruct the conferees on the child tax credit. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Head Start and in support of the Miller substitute. Head Start gives children the tools that they need to break the cycle of poverty. Each child deserves an equal opportunity to be the best that he or she can be. That opportunity can only come when every child has equal access to education. Educating our children is not only our moral obligation; it is a smart investment. Head Start focuses on the whole child. Children receive balanced nutritional meals, basic health care, dental, medical, vision screenings and vaccinations. It is a fact that Head Start children are less likely to be held back in school, more likely to graduate, and five times less likely to end up in jail as adults. There are more than 2 million Americans in prison today, and the evidence shows that Head Start children are five times less likely to end up in jail. Head Start reduces the likelihood that children will become one of those 2 million incarcerated. Unfortunately, Head Start serves fewer than 1 million children at this time, only helping one out of five needy children in Georgia and across this Nation. When it comes to our children, we are being penny- wise and pound-foolish. Taxpayers are supporting twice as many prisoners as Head Start students. Just look at the costs. We spent less than $7 billion on Head Start this year while we spend more than $74 billion a year on the prison system. It costs only $18 a day to place a child in Head Start and more than $50 a day to keep someone incarcerated in jail. This is not fuzzy math; it is crystal clear. We must make sure that each and every child has the opportunity to succeed, and Head Start is the smartest investment we can make in our future. We are spending $1 billion a week in Iraq. We should do no less for the children of America. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Miller amendment.

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Head Start, the most successful program our country has in the war against poverty. The Head Start program gives children the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. As the philosopher, Plato, once noted, ``The direction in which education starts a man will determine this future life.'' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, and hundreds of thousands of others marched on Washington 40 years ago to demand that the President and Congress give every man, woman, and child an equal opportunity to be the best we can be. That opportunity can only come about when every child has equal access to education. Indeed, providing a firm foundation for the education of our children is the most important investment we as a nation can make in our future. When President Lyndon B. Johnson convinced Congress to put this program in place almost 40 years ago, we began a war on poverty that has benefited this country in countless ways. Poverty in America weakens our greatest resource by sapping our children of their hope that they can realize their dreams. These children can, and do, realize their dreams when they take part in Head Start. Head Start is not a simple daycare program it focuses on the whole child. These children receive balanced, nutritional meals. They also receive basic health care, including dental, medical and vision screenings and vaccinations. Head Start children not only learn their colors, they are enveloped in nurturing relationships, and by age four or five come to school ready to learn. Head Start focuses on the whole child, and Head Start works. It's a fact that Head Start children are: Less likely to be held back in school. Less likely to be placed in special education classes. More likely to succeed in school. More likely to graduate. More likely to be rated as behaving well in class and being better adjusted in school. And five times less likely to end up in jail as adults. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to bring up a sad state of affairs in America today: Right now, there are over 2 million Americans in prison. The evidence shows that we can actually reduce incarcerations if we act early enough because children who participate in Head Start are five times less likely to end up in jail. There is no disagreement about this face: Head Start reduces the likelihood that a child will become one of those two million in jail. Unfortunately, Head Start serves fewer than 1 million children: only helping 1 out of 5 needy children in Georgia and across the Nation. Even though the money we put into this program now will save us much more in the long run by, among other things, reducing the amounts we need to spend on prisons. Head Start is quite simply the best investment opportunity we can offer our constituents for their tax dollars. We are being penny wise and pound foolish. Despite this huge investment opportunity, taxpayers are currently supporting twice as many prisoners as Head Start students. The administration does not have its priorities straight. Just look at the cost: We spent less than $7 billion on Head Start this year, while we spend over $74 billion a year on the prison system. It costs only $18 a day to place a child into Head Start, and over $50 a day to keep someone incarcerated in jail. This is not fuzzy math--it is crystal clear. We can save money if we realign our priorities. We must fully fund with Head Start to guarantee that we leave no child behind. This is not just any ``program,'' it is an incredible investment in our future. Head Start takes our poorest children and cures their toothaches, fills their stomachs, and gives them eyeglasses. With that vision, children are able to see far beyond the blackboard. Full funding of Head Start would enable us to fulfill our Nation's promise to give everyone an equal opportunity in life. In short, Head Start gives children a reason to hope, and the ability to succeed. And isn't that what our Nation is all about? The promise that everyone, regardless of their background, can pursue their own happiness and achieve their own dreams. Every day people come to America in the hope that their children will have better opportunities than they did. Head Start is a critical part of our commitment to fulfill this promise. It is our Nation's attempt to be sure that every child gets to take advantage of an education. A good education represents everyone's best hope of realizing the American dream. Head Start is our program, painstakingly designed over 35 years, to ``aid participating children in attaining their full potential.'' This bill removes this language, but this ideal is still a part of Head Start. Do we want children who get a head start to come to school ready to learn, graduate and become productive members of our society, or do we want to watch our prison population continue to explode and scratch our heads, wondering what went so wrong? Today we have the capability to reduce the number of Americans in prison, to reduce the burden on taxpayers and at the same time give millions more children a reason to hope. Head Start is the smartest investment we can make in our future. For just $12.5 billion over the next 5 years, we can set every child on the road with their best foot forward and show them a world of possibilities. We are spending $1 billion a week in Iraq. Should we do less for the children of America? If some citizens don't succeed, it may not be our fault, but if we fail to show them how to succeed in the first place, we have only ourselves to blame.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2210, which will dismantle Head Start and rob children of their best opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and to become successful, happy, and healthy adults.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and the United States of America mourn the passing of an important civic and civil rights figure. Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. lived as a trailblazer, paving the way for future black politicians throughout the country. Furthermore, Maynard Jackson was not only a prominent political figure, but a man of character as well; strong, genuine, and always full of heart. Former Mayor Jackson was born in Dallas, Texas in 1938 into a family of civil rights activists. This strong background influenced Jackson to become involved in public affairs at an early age. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the birth of Jackson's first child, occurring within days of each other, proved a pivotal turning point in Jackson's life and inspired him to commit to serving the public interest. Jackson demonstrated immense courage when he challenged a popular, long-sitting United States Senator during his first run for public office in 1968. By becoming the first African-American to run for the Senate from the State of Georgia, Jackson cleared hurdles and opened new opportunities for African-American political ambition. Five years later, Jackson once again raised the bar of public service and made history with his successful campaign for the office of Mayor of the City of Atlanta. This victory made Jackson both the first black mayor of a major southern city and, at age 35, the youngest mayor in the United States. His election marked a turning point for both the City of Atlanta and our entire nation, as Jackson came to embody a rising political tide of young and energetic African-American politicians, along with the likes of Coleman Young and Tom Bradley, who possessed a sincere ambition to reinvigorate urban politics. The three terms that Jackson would go on to serve during the next twenty years would make him the second longest serving mayor in Atlanta history, a milestone in and of itself. While each of these accomplishments are impressive and significant, Jackson's record as Mayor of Atlanta is equally admirable. His record shows a deep commitment to equality and a bold desire to reform the traditional Atlanta business community to make it more inclusive. During his tenure in office, Jackson launched an aggressive program to increase the number of minority contractors employed by the city. He also succeeded at creating ``joint venture'' programs in which minority and white contracting firms worked together for the construction of the mid-field terminals at Hartsfield International Airport. Jackson's efforts in reshaping and marketing the city have been credited with supplying the Atlanta region with much of its growth over the past quarter century. Maynard Jackson turned what was a regional town into a national and international business center. Finally, Jackson gained international prominence during his final term as Mayor in the early 1990's. Once again, he did his utmost to use his position to bolster the prestige and notoriety of his hometown. His most visible accomplishment in office was surely his intimate involvement in the effort to bring the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games to Atlanta. We fondly remember the televised images of Mayor Jackson hugging and congratulating other city officials immediately following the announcement that Atlanta had been successful in its bid for the Olympics. Two years later, Jackson went before an international audience during the closing ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics and proudly waved the Olympic flag on behalf of the City of Atlanta and the United States of America. In recent years, Jackson sought to extend his sincere commitments to equality and progress to the national level. Jackson led a national initiative within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to encourage African-American voter participation by heading the DNC's Voting Rights Institute. In this he sought to empower those who lacked a significant political voice. During Jackson's career in public service, his tireless efforts have transformed a city, empowered its citizens, and brought it international recognition. Time and again, Maynard Jackson was a strong advocate for economic equality and high levels of civic participation within the African-American community. While this is likely the most noticeable aspect of his legacy, he has always desired to be known for his accomplishments on behalf of all individuals. Indeed, our entire nation experienced a great loss when Jackson passed away on June 23, 2003. He was 65 years old and left behind a tremendous political legacy. Maynard Jackson inspired an untold number of potential political leaders, so many of whom will benefit from the doors that he opened and the barriers that he shattered. He will be greatly missed by people of all races, Democrats, Republicans, Georgians and non-Georgians alike. Public servants such as Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., who have had a significant impact in local and national politics, leave not only action, but legacy. As was said upon the passing of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, ``They are no more . . . but how little is there of the great and good which can die! To the country they yet live, and live forever.''

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this sham Republican Medicare bill because it does not provide the adequate prescription drug coverage that our mothers and grandmothers absolutely deserve.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sorrow for the victims who continue to suffer the peril of deadly attacks of terror in Israel. I also rise in solidarity alongside the Israeli people in a stance against terrorists attempting to inhibit the progress of a successful peace process. I further rise in support of the cause of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. In order to further a road map for peace, there must be an immediate dismantling of Hamas, Islamic jihad, and all other terrorist organizations that actively threaten the lives of those who seek to dwell peacefully in this region. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support this important resolution to send a message to those who would willfully threaten the peace process. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sorrow for the victims who continue to suffer the peril of deadly acts of terror in Israel. I also rise in solidarity alongside the Israeli people in a stance against the terrorists attempting to inhibit the progress of a successful peace process. Most importantly, I rise in support of the cause of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. A year ago, in President Bush's speech in the Rose Garden, two criteria were outlined as necessary predicates for a successful agreement: First, a change in leadership of the Palestinian people, which has already taken place, and second, changes in conditions, which have not yet been accomplished. Steps are being taken on both sides to begin to implement the ``Road Map,'' but so much must be done. There has still been no end to the ongoing violence in the region. At the June 4th Summit in Aqaba, the new Palestinian Prime Minister pledged to end the violence and terrorism in this region ``without compromise.'' Since that time, there have been twenty-two innocent Israelis murdered and many others injured in three separate suicide attacks. More must be done to stop this violence now. Mere promises are not enough. While it is promising that the radical groups Hamas, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and Islamic Jihad today offered to suspend attacks against Israelis for three months, I would note that Hamas members in Gaza have already raised doubts about the deal. In order to further a ``roadmap for peace,'' there must be an immediate dismantling of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and all other terrorist organizations that actively threaten the lives of those who seek to dwell peacefully in this region. I urge the House to support this important resolution to seen a message to those who willfully threaten the peace process. We will not tolerate violence nor yield to its demands. We will continue to fully support the democratic state of Israel. We support democracy and statehood for the Palestinian people. Mr. Speaker, I would also note that what other democratic nations are doing also sends a message to the world community and to terrorists. For instance, I am deeply concerned about the plight of the Iranian opposition being detained in France today. I am concerned that the wrong message is being sent to the opponents of democracy and freedom when democratic nations punish supporters of democracy. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support the measure before us, to stand up and speak loudly for democracy and freedom in the Middle East.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Madam Speaker, today I voted against passage of H.R. 660, the legislation that would establish Association Health Plans (AHP's). Despite its intention to allow small businesses to band together in order to offer affordable health care benefits to their workers, this proposal will, in fact, make coverage more expensive for most small businesses and their employees. Though I support the intent of this legislation, some serious flaws became apparent during my consideration of the legislation in the Education and Workforce Committee, which prevented my support. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 4 out of 5 of the small businesses that now have health coverage would face higher costs if H.R. 660 was enacted. A recent report by Mercer Risk, Finance & Insurance Consulting for National Small Business United underscored this fact, finding that H.R. 660 would make health coverage more, not less expensive for many small businesses. In Georgia there are 722,535 people that get insurance coverage through small businesses. If H.R. 600 passes, 578,028 of these individuals will pay higher premiums. The problem with the legislation that will cause insurance costs to increase is a provision which preempts State laws regarding the degree to which insurance premiums can vary for different companies with a plan. Therefore, firms can be charged wildly different rates based on a variety of factors, including health status and age. This legislation would allow some nefarious companies to unfairly discriminate against consumers on the basis of age, gender or race. The ultimate effect, is that firms with sicker employees will not be able to afford coverage under an AHP. This means those firms and the firms currently in the traditional insurance market will end up paying higher premiums. Instead of offering a meaningful coverage alternative, AHP's would only help to those healthy enough to qualify for lower rates. Furthermore, this legislation prevents a State's insurance commissioner from protecting consumers' rights when they have concerns about their association health plan. The bill does not specify who has the duty or the authority to help consumers if they have a problem with their AHP. Instead, the bill creates a complex web of authority, in which consumers might only have recourse through the U.S. Department of Labor, which does not have the manpower or expertise to provide that help. When consumers have a serious problem with their health insurance coverage, they need to know they have somewhere they can go for real assistance. H.R. 660 just fails to guarantee that and could make it very difficult for consumers to get any assistance with their health insurance problems. I offered amendments in the Education and the Workforce Committee to correct both of these key concerns and improve H.R. 660, but both were rejected. For this reason, and because of my overarching concern that the bill falls short in delivering real help for small businesses, I opposed final passage of H.R. 660. In doing so, I was supported by a diverse array of over 500 national, State and local organizations including small business, consumer, insurance, union, provider, and patient advocate groups, as well as Georgia's Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner, who have joined in opposition to H.R. 660. I will continue to be an advocate for the interests of small businesses, but am convinced that H.R. 660 does not address the problems they face. I will continue to work with my colleagues to draft legislation that would give small businesses more options in offering health insurance without supplanting Georgia's consumer protection laws.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times in the past: I support tax relief, and I support repeal of the estate and gift tax. But, I also support tax relief that is fair and responsible. House Resolution 8, the Estate Tax Repeal Permanency Act is neither at this time. That's why I today I voted for the Pomeroy substitute, which would exclude estates worth $3 million--$6 million per couple--from the estate tax beginning in 2004. This provides relief sooner than under current law, and sooner than under H.R. 8. The Pomeroy substitute would repeal permanently the estate tax for 99.65 percent of all taxable estates. The Democratic alternative is effective and would provide immediate relief. Small and family businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, would be protected. Most important, it is the fiscally responsible thing to do. This vote comes against the backdrop of huge surpluses that have turned into record-breaking deficits. This year alone, our Nation will incur a record budget deficit of more than $400 billion. This Congress, the House has already passed over $425 billion in tax cuts, including the Republican tax cuts, the increased child tax credit action of last week, and the cuts provided for in the Energy bill from earlier in the spring. It has been estimated that the Republican estate tax repeal bill would cost $162 billion through 2013, and the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities projects that its costs would explode to more than $800 billion in the decade after that. Add this bill to the $425 billion in tax cuts already passed and it will take the total to at least $1.387 trillion of revenues lost over the next 20 years. That's $1.387 trillion in debt reduction that could have been achieved. The revenue decrease from the estate tax repeal would come just when baby-boomers are beginning to retire and will bring increased demands on Social Security and Medicare programs, not to mention the cost of the war in Iraq and our continued involvement overseas. I am in favor of reducing the tax burden in ways that will stimulate the economy and put money into the hands of those who need it most, but not at the expense of the long term health of this Nation, and not in a way that will burden our children and grandchildren for the rest of their lives. Our economy is still sputtering. We cannot continue to cut revenues when it does nothing to stimulate the economy. We are already making severe cuts in much needed services, and not expanding programs that are proven investments in our future and our children's future. As an example of the flawed priorities of this Congress, this week in committee the Republicans voted not to spend $12 billion to fully fund Head Start, yet a few short weeks ago they voted to give relief to people who do not need it in the form of huge tax cuts. Adding to our national deficit again today will continue to make it more difficult for the Federal Government to address other pressing social needs, including education, health care, and home land security. Long-term success in this country depends on high-quality education, stable and high-paying jobs and access to quality health care, and we must invest in these things to secure our children's future. What we need today is a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility. What we need today is a new direction and an emphasis on the future, not on the past. I support repealing the estate tax, and have voted to do so today in a responsible manner, by supporting the Pomeroy substitute.

Ms. MAJETTE

Ms. MAJETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John H. Harland Company, a leader in financial and industrial services, on its eightieth anniversary. Established in 1923 in Atlanta, Georgia, John H. Harland Company is a leading provider of products and services to their chosen segments of the financial and educational markets. Harland has a long history of adapting to changes in the industry and, in doing so, has helped to create numerous opportunities for itself and its employees nationwide. As a leading check printer, Harland was instrumental in the development of Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology in the 1950s. In the 1960s, Harland introduced the first scenic check, now a staple of the banking world. Today, Harland is one of the fastest- growing software companies in the financial industry. More than 85 percent of all schools in the United States use at least one educational product through Harland's Scantron subsidiary. And of the 5,000 John H. Harland Company employees, more than 20 percent are employed in Georgia alone, continuing the positive financial impact to the state that founder John H. Harland himself began. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding John H. Harland Company and its 5,000 employees for 80 years of growth and innovation, contribution and achievement.