Candice Miller

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, last November, in the championship match of the 2003 Major League Soccer season, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 4 to 2. The win clinched the Earthquakes' second MLS title in three seasons. House Resolution 475 deservedly congratulates the San Jose Earthquakes for winning the Major League Soccer Cup. With this championship, San Jose became only the second team in MLS history to win two Cups. Mr. Speaker, throughout the long soccer season, the steady leadership of Coach Frank Yallop guided the Earthquakes to 14 wins. And after winning the MLS Western Conference crown during the regular season, the Earthquakes rallied from behind in both the Conference Semifinals and the Conference Championship matches to reach the Championship. In the final match, the Earthquakes outlasted the Chicago Fire in the highest scoring MLS Cup final ever, winning 4 to 2. Mr. Speaker, Coach Yallop earned his second MLS Cup with the victory, and he became the second coach in league history to lead two championship teams. Also noteworthy, the Earthquakes' star forward Landon Donovan became the first player to score two goals in an MLS Cup final match. He earned the MLS Cup's Most Valuable Player award for his performance. Mr. Speaker, the 2003 season was certainly one to remember for the San Jose Earthquakes' players, for their coaches, for their support staff, and their fans. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for working to congratulate the champs of Major League Soccer, the San Jose Earthquakes, and I strongly support House Resolution 475. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 475.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 475) congratulating the San Jose Earthquakes for winning the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the second post office designation bill in honor of an Iraq war victim pays tribute to the courage and service of Army Private Shawn Pahnke. This legislation, H.R. 3537, names a United States Postal Service Facility after Private Shawn Pahnke of Manhattan, Illinois, the town in which Shawn grew up. Mr. Speaker, Shawn was another hero serving in Iraq to secure the freedom of all Iraqi citizens. Private Pahnke enlisted in October of 2002 right after getting married to his wife, Elisha. He left with the First Armored Division for Freidberg, Germany, four days before the birth of his son, Dean, on March 20, 2003. Sadly, Shawn would never meet his son. While patrolling the streets of Baghdad in a Humvee armored vehicle, a single bullet was fired into the vehicle and struck Private Pahnke in the back, fatally wounding him. Mr. Speaker, Shawn's lifelong dream was to serve in the military. In the days after his son's death, his father, Tom, told about the letter Shawn had written to his family. These letters described how proud he was to be a soldier. His mother, Linda, said Shawn wanted to show the Iraqi people how wonderful freedom could be. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) for honoring Army Private Shawn Pahnke. This post office is a deserved and permanent token of appreciation from a grateful Nation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3537.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the next three pieces of legislation that the House will consider today are each tributes to a fallen soldier of the United States Armed Forces who served in Iraq in the past year. All Americans and all peace-loving people around the world should have rejoiced in the news just yesterday that members of the Iraqi Governing Council signed an interim constitution, a grand step towards the objective of establishing free elections and a permanent self- ruling government in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, in working to achieve these extraordinary goals, countless American servicemen and women have sacrificed for months since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom nearly one year ago and, indeed, some American soldiers today have paid the ultimate price for our country. Today I am pleased that the House is taking time to consider bills that will honor the lives of three brave men whose service to our Nation and to freedom everywhere must never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, the first of the three bills introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) that we will consider is H.R. 3536. This designates a post office in Malden, Illinois as the Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid Post Office. All members of the Illinois State delegation have co-sponsored this meaningful legislation. Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid left his home in Malden, Illinois, on January 22, 2003 and headed to the Middle East as an engineer with the Army's Third Infantry Division to participate in the liberation of Iraq. He was killed tragically on April 7, 2003 in Iraq when a rocket propelled grenade hit the crane that he was operating. Sergeant Hollinsaid was 27 years old. Lincoln was a graduate of Princeton High School in Princeton, Illinois, and he was an avid fisher. He enlisted with the Army in 1995 and he had served ever since. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), I extend the heartfelt sympathy of the House of Representatives to the family of Lincoln Hollinsaid, especially his father, Dan, his mother, Nancy, and his two brothers, Adam and Kevin. I urge all the Members of the House to support H.R. 3536, that will commemorate the life and service of Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 287) recognizing and honoring the life of the late Raul Julia, his dedication to ending world hunger, and his great contributions to the Latino community and the performing arts.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 287, the concurrent resolution under consideration.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Having no other speakers at this time, I simply urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 287, and I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing it.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 287 that recognizes and honors the life of Raul Julia. Mr. Speaker, this resolution celebrates the contributions of one of the most dynamic actors of our time. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March of 1940, Raul Julia began his incredible theatrical career at a very young age. He moved to New York City in 1964 to pursue his livelihood on a grander stage, and he quickly landed parts in a number of Spanish-language productions. Raul Julia made his Broadway debut 4 years later in 1968 in a show called The Cuban Thing. He capitalized on his Broadway success to acquire a role as Rafael, the Fix-It Man on Sesame Street in 1971, but it was later that year when Julia earned his breakthrough part. He played Proteus in his first Shakespeare drama, two Gentlemen of Verona, for which he earned his first of four Tony Award nominations. Ultimately, Julia became a feature film star as well, starring most prominently in Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1985 and The Addams Family movies in the early 1990s. Mr. Speaker, while we may best know Raul Julia for his elegance and success as an actor, this resolution appropriately emphasizes Raul Julia's remarkable humanitarian legacy. Julia worked closely with the Hunger Project, which is a nonprofit aid organization, to create the Raul Julia Ending Hunger Fund. Julia worked hard with very little fanfare to recruit individual and business sponsors to contribute to the fund for the purpose of providing food to the hungry worldwide. He was a diligent spokesman for both the Hunger Project, as well as the Raul Julia Ending Hunger Fund, and his efforts are worthy of commendation by this House. In 1994, Raul Julia's noteworthy life was cut tragically short when he suddenly suffered a severe stroke and died shortly afterwards at the age of 54. However, I am very pleased that the House is remembering Raul Julia's legacy by considering this legislation today, and I urge all Members to support its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Illinois for his work to recognize Raul Julia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3690) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2 West Main Street in Batavia, New York, as the ``Barber Conable Post Office Building''.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds), my distinguished colleague and the sponsor of H.R. 3690. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3690 that designates the post office in Batavia, New York, as the Barber Conable Post Office Building. All members of the New York State delegation have cosponsored this legislation. Mr. Speaker, Barber B. Conable, Junior, was a wonderfully respected member of this body who served 10 terms from 1965 until 1985. His distinguished professional career included stints as president of the World Bank, as a Congressman, a New York State senator, an attorney, U.S. Marine Corps reservist, as well as a World War II veteran. Barber Conable sadly passed away last November at the age of 81. This legislation will rename the post office in Batavia, New York, after him, in a town that he represented both in Congress and as a State senator as well for so many years. Mr. Speaker, Barber Conable was perhaps best known for serving one 5- year term as president of the World Bank from July of 1986 until July of 1991. His commitment to fighting poverty all over the world made him a compassionate conservative who was well ahead of his time. Upon his passing, current World Bank president James Wolfensohn said that Barber Conable ``was a remarkable leader whose concern for the poor and passion to help improve their lives marked his tenure at the Bank.'' In the Congress, Barber Conable toiled away for many years as a minority member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, ultimately rising to the post of ranking member. For nearly a decade, he was the House Republican Party standard-bearer on taxes, trade and Social Security. Because he served in the minority, he often tried to use his wit to grab the attention of Members and others. The Congressman once mused, What is power? All it is is influence, and as long as people listen when I talk, I have got influence. Unquestionably, people did listen when Congressman Conable talked. A Cornell law school-educated lawyer, he was a persuasive, confident speaker who often spoke completely off the cuff when debating intricate tax policy in the committee. Overall, political columnist George Will matter-of-factly stated, There has never been a better Congressman. On behalf of the author of this legislation, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds), I want to extend the sincere sympathy of all Members of this House to the family of Barber Conable, especially to his wife Charlotte and his four children, Anne, Emily, Sam and Jane. I want to assure them that Barber Conable will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for his work on H.R. 3690. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3690, the bill under consideration.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to simply urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 3690.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, tonight President Bush will offer his optimistic vision for our great Nation. President Bush has been a remarkably strong leader in trying times. He inherited an economy headed into recession and took very bold action. He cut taxes for every American and softened the blow of tough economic times. He extended prescription drug benefits and coverage to our Nation's seniors who depend on Medicare. He was faced with unprecedented terrorist attacks that threatened our freedom. He did not sit back. He did not appease, as some have advocated. Instead, he took the fight to the terrorists, and America now has the initiative in the war on terror. The President's policies are getting America back to work. His policies will further grow our economy and create jobs. His policies will expand educational opportunities for our children. His policies will work to ensure that quality health care is available to every American. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of our great President and look forward to hearing his positive views for our Nation this evening.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, if we needed any more proof of an improving economy following last week's outstanding economic growth figures, we just got it. The manufacturing sector of our economy, which is important to so many States, including my home State of Michigan, appears to be turning around with a vengeance. October's indices showed manufacturing expanding more rapidly than at any time since January of 2000. The report also showed new orders for manufactured goods, the key to future growth, are at their highest levels since 1999. Overall construction spending has reached its highest level ever. Existing home sales are at record highs. And, of course, this morning we got the greatest news of all: unemployment fell in October and the economy created 126,000 new jobs. Every American should be happy. The Bush tax cuts are working; the economy is on the rise. But what is the response to all this good news from my friends on the other side of the aisle? More pessimism. More gloom and doom. Mr. Speaker, I am beginning to wonder if they view good economic news as good news at all.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise today to support H.R. 1829. I think most Americans would be surprised, and I dare say appalled, to know that the Federal Government has been using their tax dollars to engage in business which literally takes jobs away from hardworking men and women, away from law-abiding citizens who obey the laws of our Nation, who pay their taxes, try to raise their families, and the Federal Government takes their jobs away to give those jobs to convicted felons. Yes, that is the brutal reality of this. The Federal Government taking away jobs from taxpayers and giving those jobs to prisoners who are housed and fed by those same taxpayers. It sounds too ridiculous to be true, but believe it. Because some think we need to put prisoners' rights ahead of the rights of tax- paying American citizens, and they say that these poor prisoners are doing hard time and they need to be taught a skill. Let me say that hard time is a time that one is unemployed while they helplessly watch goods that they once proudly made now being made by prisoners who can produce the same product at a lower price because their overhead is being paid for by the Federal Government. And some would say what is the harm? Why not keep prisoners busy? That is an important thing for us to do, who cares? Well, go to west Michigan and talk to the thousands of unemployed workers who have lost their jobs because their own government has conspired against them and ask them if they mind. A once vital industry in Michigan has been decimated, the furniture industry. Not because the workers did not have a high degree of productivity, not because the quality of their products was inferior, not because their company wanted to ship those jobs to China or to Mexico. It has been devastated because the Federal Government has totally forgotten what the purpose of government is and, in fact, has actually, in the very height of arrogance, declared an unfair trade war against its own citizens. These companies are not even allowed to competitively compete for those contracts. Rather, they are given to criminals because of some misguided notion of rehabilitation. I am not a corrections expert. I admit that. But I do know that I could think of plenty of other rehabilitation outlets rather than assisting felons from, one more time, taking advantage of law-abiding citizens. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing, to do the decent thing, to change a law that is un-American, and vote for H.R. 1829.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Halloween, which means tricks and treats for every American. Today, our economy received a treat of its own, thanks to President Bush's pro-jobs agenda and economic growth tax cuts. For instance, the economy grew at a staggering 7.2 percent in the third quarter, the fastest pace since 1984. In addition, consumer confidence is on the rise, thanks in large part to a more favorable job market and a belief that this trend will continue. These are some pretty good treats for the American people and for our economy. But the Democratic candidates for President are offering some pretty frightening tricks. For example, every one of them wants to repeal some or all of the Bush tax cuts. That trick on our people will take the steam out of our robust recovery and kill new job growth. To the American people I say, be very careful when you are examining who should lead our Nation, because the tricks being offered up are downright scary. Happy Halloween.