Gwen Moore

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, earlier today I narrowly missed the vote on rollcall No. 1060. Had my vote been recorded, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Ryan, who passed away on November 6, 2007. Mr. Ryan was a compassionate leader and public servant who worked for many years in the Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Ryan's involvement in the nonprofit and political arena in the metropolitan Milwaukee area was truly impressive. Mr. Ryan served as a Milwaukee County Board Supervisor. He served the Village of Hales Corners for over 30 years; nearly 20 of those years were spent as Village President. He was to retire from public service and not seek another term as Village President next year. Mr. Ryan was known as the consummate professional with strong consensus building and problem-solving skills and a strong knowledge of how government worked at all levels. Mr. Ryan served as President and CEO of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center where he started the Flight for Life program; worked for the State of Wisconsin as a child welfare supervisor; and for Racine County's Human Service Department. While serving as a County Board Supervisor, he was chair of the Ryan Commission which played a significant role in changing how the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District was administered. Mr. Ryan faced a considerable challenge in his private life and was to retire from his successful public life. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer a year ago. Mr. Ryan's wife, Lisa, four children, Jimmy, John, Kristen, Cathryn; and three grandchildren all live in the Milwaukee area and were an integral part of his support network during this health crisis. Mr. Ryan remained the Director of Penfield Children's Center where he served for more than a decade. Penfield Children's Center located in Milwaukee's central city serves all of Milwaukee County. Penfield Children's Center works with the child's family to ensure that each child has everything he/she needs to succeed and achieve his/her full potential. One of my granddaughters was born with a weight of less than 2 pounds. She received care at Penfield and benefited from their superb services. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Ryan and his contributions to the Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Ryan's work throughout the years will continue to make a ``positive impact'' on the people of the entire metropolitan Milwaukee area.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Chairman, the opponents of H.R. 3685 have asked the question: What does perceived sexual orientation mean? It's when folks proclaim to have some sort of psychic ability to know who's gay. They have so-called ``gay-dar,'' so that a man who perhaps is slightly built or a woman like myself who has a deep voice is perceived to be homosexual and they could be discriminated against in the workplace. I can tell you that hundreds of thousands of school children will pass through these Chambers in the years to come, and as the guides in the visitors bureau talk about the history of this Chamber, this will be a signature moment, and I want to be identified as one of the people who stood up to the last vestige of discrimination in our country.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I was compelled to come to the well of the House here because I have listened very carefully to how we are sacrificing our troops for political stunts. We have been told that this bill, somehow, is unclean. I would submit that our troops have fought for an American quality of life that is reflected in this bill. As has been indicated, the National Institutes of Health is funded, Centers for Disease Control, substance abuse and mental health, Ryan White AIDS Programs, low-income heating energy programs, Healthy Start, Head Start, the Community Services Block Grant program, the Social Services Block Grant program, Child Care and Development Block Grant, all of these unclean programs like foster care and adoption assistance, the TRIO program, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, reading programs, school reform programs, programs that help our disabled and physically handicapped students, English language acquisition programs, Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Perkins Loans, Pell Grants. I would submit to you that those Marines and the Army, our soldiers are out there fighting for precisely these kinds of programs. This is a brilliant, brilliant joining of priorities.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sr. Ann Halloran, a community leader, co-founder and executive director of the Dominican Center for Women located in the Fourth Congressional District. The Milwaukee Archdiocese has recently presented Sr. Ann Halloran with the 2007 Vatican II ``Service to Society'' Award. Sr. Ann Halloran and Sr. Anne-Marie Doyle founded the Dominican Center for Women in 1990 in a near north-side Milwaukee neighborhood with no formal clubs or community-based organizations. The mission of this human service agency is to help create a beautiful and safe central city neighborhood by providing services in three programmatic areas: Education, employment and housing. Sr. Ann Halloran believes this three-pronged approach is essential to dismantling poverty. The programs at the Dominican Center for Women are offered free of charge to approximately 120 area residents. Initially, the center began by offering educational programs and employment counseling. As a result of participant surveys and with the urging of residents, a housing program utilizing a 12-block area surrounding the center was initiated in 1999. The housing program, designed to lead to home ownership, has become a primary focus of the center. The center leverages strategic partnerships and collaborations including Federal, State and local governmental agencies, faith-based organizations, sweat equity, volunteerism and the financial resources of a Habitat for Humanity loan, barter grants, IDA accounts and other resources found in the community, into affordable home ownership. Sixty-seven center program participants are now homeowners; they are primarily African-American women, single heads of households, who would not have been considered by mainstream conventional lending institutions. The center continues to work with new homeowners after acquisition of the home by convening monthly meetings to encourage them to voice neighborhood concerns, take group action toward resolution, and ultimately ensure retention of their homes. The Dominican Center for Women and the participants in its program have been so successful that beginning in 2004 they hosted their first annual ``Parade of Homes'' in this previously blighted area. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Sr. Ann Halloran's contributions to the Fourth Congressional District. She has helped to transform a neighborhood into a community.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act. I would specifically like to focus on Title V of the bill which would make changes to the 8(a) program. The 8(a) program is the last remaining federal initiative focusing on the development of minority- owned businesses through the award of federal contracts. Despite the fact that minorities make up one-third of the U.S. population, minority-owned businesses account for only 18 percent of all U.S. companies. This bill provides a strong step forward in increasing minority entrepreneurship. It is of great concern to me that 8(a) hasn't been updated since 1988, nearly 20 years ago. This bill would finally modernize the 8(a) program to reflect the changing economy. I am pleased at the similarities between the bill before us and legislation that I introduced this spring, H.R. 2532, the Minority Owned Venture Empowerment Act or MOVE Act. Like my legislation, businesses would have the opportunity to participate in the program for 10 years. This 1-year program extension would provide businesses more time to successfully grow and graduate out of the program. Additionally, similar to my proposal, this bill would raise the net worth restriction of the small business owner so that successful minority businesses are not shut out of the program prematurely. We must make more of an effort to encourage minority, women and veteran entrepreneurship. This bill would ensure that these businesses can compete fairly in the federal marketplace, grow their enterprises and create new jobs. I urge all members to support the legislation before us.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a compassionate leader, an educator, and an advocate for children, Ms. Lourdes Castillo-Uribe. Ms. Castillo-Uribe has served as principal at Escuela Vieau School for 15 years. Vieau School serves Head Start through 8th grade children, 96 percent of whom are of Hispanic descent. Ms. Castillo-Uribe achieved a 95 percent attendance rate at Vieau School, even though 69 percent of the students are bussed. Vieau School is the only P-5 DPI program and bilingual school recognized as high achieving by the Milwaukee Public School district. Ms. Castillo-Uribe prioritizes knowing the students, their families and their challenges such as lack of healthcare and food insecurity. For example, 95 percent of Vieau School students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Ms. Castillo-Uribe knows a positive early school experience strongly influences the future academic success of children in poverty. She sets high expectations for students and teachers and encourages creative thinking from teachers. She instituted the High Scope model for family involvement, providing daily opportunities for parental involvement in the academic and social lives of their children during school hours and after school in their Community Learning Center. For her commitment to our children and for her many efforts and gifts, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators named Ms. Castillo-Uribe as Principal of the Year from the Milwaukee Public School system for 2007. Ms. Castillo-Uribe's belief in ongoing professional development for teachers has lead Vieau School to become a training and professional coaching school. Instructional Practice Inventory, IPI, is a new initiative focusing on both high expectations and best practices for teachers. All the classroom teachers at Vieau are guided and mentored by teachers who are trainers and coaches for IPI. Ms. Castillo Uribe has formed a number of private/public partnerships to provide programs for students. The partnerships include: the Helen Bader Foundation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Alverno College, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, United Migrant Opportunities Services, UMOS, Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Mexican Fiesta, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Wisconsin Hispanic Professional Association. Ms. Castillo-Uribe graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to M. Castillo-Uribe who has dedicated her life toward educating and improving the lives of the children in the Fourth Congressional District and is an outstanding recipient of the Principal of the Year award.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing grave concerns about Iran's irresponsible violations both of its commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, NPT, and its agreements which it signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA. In the last year, I have joined my colleagues on a number of occasions to express the concerns of this body about these activities. Last February, I supported passage of a resolution that would condemn Iran for violating its international nuclear nonproliferation obligations while commending diplomatic efforts being taken by France, Germany, and the U.K. (EU-3) to suspend Iran's activities. I have also voted to condemn Iranian President Ahmadinejad's persistent denials of the Holocaust and his assertions that Israel should be ``wiped off the map.'' I have also supported legislation just this year authorizing State and local government pension plans to divest themselves of all non-U.S. companies investing more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector. It is clear that the threat posed by Iran acquiring nuclear weapons is real. Therefore, it is all the more important that this Congress support efforts that will help provide, and not restrict, the diplomatic, economic, and political tools available to address it. Just 10 months ago, Congress recognized that when it reauthorized the Iran Freedom Support Act to enhance U.S. tools for using financial means to address Iran's activities. As the House considers H.R. 1400, there are provisions of this bill that are commendable and which are worthwhile and which I support. In fact, in July, I voted for some of these provisions such as those expanding the law's scope to add financial institutions, insurers, underwriters, guarantors, and any other business organizations, including foreign subsidiaries, to the list of entities already barred from investing in Iran which were included in H.R. 957 which passed the House by a vote of 415-11. However, I could not support H.R. 1400 as currently written because I am concerned that its provision striking the ability of the President-- this President or any future one--to waive sanctions in situations where it serves the U.S. national interest. I am concerned that removing this ability will hinder, not help, our diplomatic or national security interests. Some have warned that the approach taken by this legislation would not only limit diplomatic options with Iran, but also create a rift with our allies in Europe and possibly strengthen support for President Ahmadinejad's regime in Iran. I think we ought to take those concerns seriously. At a time when the U.S. and the world should be in lock step in trying to deal with the Iranian threat, Congress should not put one more obstacle in the way. The reason Congress has been careful to add waiver authority to a number of sanctions provisions over the years--and I must confess to my own frustration with the use of the waiver authority at times--is that there are situations when it is in the United States' best national security interest to do so. If there are concerns about the President's use of the waiver, there are other options that Congress can pursue. In fact, on some sanctions that are currently on the books, Congress has given itself the power to negate a presidential waiver by enacting a joint resolution stating its disapproval. If this legislation were enacted, companies headquartered in a nation that have committed to work with us at the U.N. or within the E.U. to pressure Iran would be treated no differently from one headquartered in a nation that was actively supporting investment in Iran's energy sector. It makes no sense to argue that we are ``enhancing diplomacy'' by taking away the ability, on a case-by-case basis, to waive sanctions as an incentive for those countries taking responsible actions to address U.S. concerns and Iran's activities. Everyone agrees that working cooperatively and diplomatically with the U.N., E.U., and others to curb Iran's nuclear program and limit its nuclear activities is the best way to proceed. It is clear that a coherent strategy that has the support of our allies and the international community stands a far better chance of ending Iran's nuclear activities. However, if this diplomacy is to succeed, those who we charge with carrying out those efforts should be able to go to the bargaining table without one hand being tied behind their backs. While H.R. 1400 declares that the U.S. should use diplomatic and economic means to resolve the Iranian nuclear problem, I am concerned that the bill itself would undermine the very thing it is trying to promote at a time when that unity of effort is the most crucial. Just 10 months ago, Congress rejected the waiver provision contained in this bill when it last considered how to best enhance the tools available to the administration to deal with Iran's activities. I hope that as this legislation moves forward in the legislative process, further changes will be made to strengthen this bill in a way that will truly enhance, and not hobble, strong diplomatic efforts.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am compelled to come before the body today to talk about my deep concern about our continued engagement in Iraq. In the past 4\1/2\ years, we have gone from ``mission accomplished'' to ``mission untrue,'' and, in the words of one of our colleagues here on the Republican side, to ``mission unknown.'' In fact, we are arming and fueling this growing civil war. We have found Shia on Shia violence, Sunni on Sunni violence and Shia on Sunni violence. Our troops have no idea what the mission is anymore. I would submit, Mr. Speaker, that this is ``mission impossible.'' It is time to bring our troops home. Just recently we found that 190,000 weapons are unaccounted for. There are plenty of weapons in the ministry of interior, which has come to be a police force against our own troops. Mr. Speaker, we need to bring our troops home.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I rise today--as we consider the FY 2008 Defense Department Appropriations bill to speak about the need to ensure that every soldier returning from Iraq gets access to health care including mental health care servIces. One of the most important things funded in the bill is the program to help the Defense Department deal with the rising number of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from mental health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. As you know Mr. Chairman, PTSD is a chronic medical disorder that follows exposure to an overwhelming traumatic event. Its symptoms can include flashbacks, sleeplessness, restlessness, irritability. The majority of those with PTSD meet the diagnostic criteria for several psychiatric disorders, especially depression and substance abuse, and many also attempt suicide. Our military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan are constantly at risk for car bombs, suicide bombers, and improvised explosive devices. Combat imposes a psychological burden that affects all combatants, not only those who sustain physical wounds. Yet, despite a renewed interest and focus on this problem by Congress, I am disturbed by recent reports about the use of administrative discharges to ``involuntary separate'' ``unfit'' soldiers in order to maintain ``good order and discipline'' among the ranks. While this may seem quite normal, these reports indicate that these discharges may be pushing men and women out of the service for conduct that may be tied to undiagnosed or untreated post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms even as the Army's Surgeon General has stated that the ``army does not want PTSD treated as a discipline problem.'' PTSD and other mental health challenges often include complex behaviors which include difficulty controlling one's emotions and self- medicating with alcohol, other medications, or illicit drugs in an attempt to return to ``normalcy.'' Without a thorough evaluation by trained professionals during this process, many soldiers suffering with PTSD may be discharged and cut off from needed healthcare, with deadly consequences. This problem was brought to my attention recently and tragically through the case of a constituent who my office was working to help access VA health services which he thought he had earned through his sacrifice on the battlefield. This constituent served his country in Iraq for 10 months only to come back to be discharged as a ``disciplinary problem'' even though he manifested many symptoms that would indicate PTSD. Instead of helping him find the door to diagnosis and treatment, he was just plain shown the door. Besides losing access to DoD health services, the character of his discharge also unfortunately prevented him from receiving any of the VA health and mental health services that could have helped him which so many in Congress have fought to make available to returning service men and women. The Army did eventually clarify his discharge so that my constituent could access VA health benefits. Unfortunately, this changee did not occur until after his problems had gone untreated for several more months and only a few weeks before he ultimately committed suicide. However, why we would force our service men and women, who have fought the enemy on the battlefield, to fight the enemy of bureaucracy anew is beyond me, especially when medical professionals maintain that early intervention and treatment can make a difference for those with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Sadly, the problem is much more widespread than one constituent. There are many who have noted the increasing use of the administrative discharge process to quickly discharge soldiers considered ``disciplinary'' problems or ``unfit'' including pressure placed on unit commander to remove these soldiers rather than get them help. Mr. Chairman, I intended to offer amendments to try and get the DOD leadership to address this issue with a renewed sense of urgency especially since the DOD's own Mental Health Task Force expressed ``serious concerns'' about this problem. The Task Force found a conflict between the haste to enforce discipline and the need to properly evaluate soldiers prior to a disciplinary discharge to ensure that reported misconduct is not a result of an untreated or undiagnosed mental health condition. In June, that Task Force recommended that DOD change its policies to ``Guarantee a Thorough Assessment of Behavioral Symptoms When Evaluating Combat Veterans for Administrative/Legal Dismissal from the Military'' including ``carefully assessing a soldier's history of exposure to conditions that could cause PTSD, or traumatic brain injury, or related diagnoses for those facing administrative or medical discharge.'' While my amendments would have been made in order under the open rule under which this bill will be considered, the Defense Subcommittee Chairman, Mr. Murtha, graciously offered to work with me on this issue as the bill moves forward, including conference report language. On that basis, I will not offer my amendments today. In the word ofthe DOD's task force, ``the military also has a clear responsibility to restore to full level of function a service member damaged in the line of duty, and to be cognizant of and attentive to the psychological aftermath of deployment, manifested in hidden injuries of the brain and mind.'' We can and must do better for our soldiers.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a community leader and real estate and economic development visionary of the 4th Congressional District, Beechie Brooks. Beechie Brooks' vision was instrumental in revitalizing and changing the character of neighborhoods in Milwaukee's central city by developing the Halyard Park subdivision. The United Realty Group, a firm that was formed from the merger of several African American real estate companies in 1976, gained approval from the City of Milwaukee's Redevelopment Authority to develop a subdivision of single-family suburban style homes. Mr. Brooks' leadership was integral to creating this ``model'' of privately financed housing in the central city that continues to draw the attention of people in urban areas around the country. It serves as a testament to the fact that central cities can provide the same quality of life as suburbs. Beechie Brooks did not rest on his laurels but continued to spearhead development in the community including: assisted in the development of the Northtown Shopping Center on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and North Avenue which has been renamed Brooks Plaza in his honor; designed and built Brook's X-Press Car Washing Plant on 7th Street and W. North Avenue; oversaw the development of the Masterpiece Supper Club and Motor Lodge on 6th and W. Walnut Streets; and was a founder and treasurer of the state's second oldest African American-owned financial institution, the North Milwaukee State Bank. Mr. Brooks also served on the City of Milwaukee's Board of Assessment, the Wisconsin Real Estate License Examining Board and the NAACP Milwaukee Chapter's Executive Board and chaired their Housing Committee. Mr. Brooks was devoted to his wife of 58 years, Vernadine who passed away in 2004. They were both active members of St. Mark AME Church. He was instrumental in planning and constructing the building the church currently occupies and continues to serve on St. Mark's Trustee Board that manages the church's real estate holdings. Mr. Brooks is also a member of the Anvil Housing Board which manages the church's two senior citizen housing complexes. I am honored to have this opportunity to pay tribute to Beechie Brooks for his unwavering commitment to making Milwaukee a great place to live and work.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Chairman, today I offer an amendment cosponsored by Congressman Tom Cole, Congressman Bobby Scott, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter that will prohibit funds from being used to carry out a damaging, unethical Education Department proposed evaluation of a TRIO program, the Upward Bound program. This amendment will put a halt to this unethical study that deceives students and their families, takes away critical opportunities for them, and sets the program up for failure. This same language is included in the higher education reconciliation bill. I thank Members from both sides of the aisle for rebuffing the Education Department's repeated, relentless efforts to kill the TRIO Upward Bound program over the past 2 years. Because of the adamant congressional resistance, the Department has now decided that they can simply study the program to death. This is an unethical program. Madam Chairman, I submit for the Record three letters from highly respected institutional review boards that indicate that this is an unethical program and also a letter from 15 highly respected educational associations deeming the study unethical. The FDA regulates these institutional review boards, and it's precisely to protect human beings who are subject to human experimentation. memorandum To: Dr. Beverly Simone, President, Southeastern Community College From: Rebecca S. Rump, Chair, SCC IRB Date: June 8, 2007 Re U.S. Department of Education Upward Bound Research of Higher-Risk Students Following evaluation and consideration of the U.S. Department of Education's project, ``Impact Evaluation of Upward Bound's Increased Emphasis on Higher-Risk Students,'' Southeastern Community College's Institutional Review Board would like to express its concerns with this research and our involvement with the project. Although we expect that our College's Upward Bound program staff will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Education and the evaluation project, our initial concern is that potential participation in Upward Bound (UB) requires students to participate in the evaluation study. For those students and families who do not want to participate in the study, they can complete forms indicating that decision. Yet, they are still entered into a lottery in which they may not be chosen for UB. The design of the study (with UB very likely serving fewer students due to half of the students being assigned to the control, group) inherently denies services to students that they otherwise would likely receive without the study being conducted. In essence, we question the validity and ethical foundation of a study which induces a negative impact on the program being studied. Closely related to the fact that this study is not ultimately voluntary is the fact that the control group will only receive token monetary compensation as opposed to the benefits of Upward Bound (UB) despite having participated in the study to the same degree as the experimental group. In essence, by participating in the study some students will not have the opportunity to participate in UB. The project's research design is similar to other experimental-control group designs in which one group is denied a treatment in order to determine the treatment's effect. Typically in such research if the treatment is effective, the control group is immediately given the treatment as an ethical consideration for their being placed randomly in the control group. In the current project, the treatment is the Upward Bound program itself. Students in the control group will not be able to participate in UB due to age considerations after the study, and as the study stands, there is no plan to provide any educational program equivalent to UB after the study to the students in the control condition. Unfortunately, participants who are randomly placed in the control condition and not admitted to UB are not given equivalent compensation to those who are selected to participate in UB. Participants in the control condition wilt be given monetary compensation that simply does no equal the educational and personal benefits of participating in UB. Such inequity simply is not within the realm of ethical treatment of research participants. Finally, our last concern relates to the language level used in the materials that parents of participating UB students must complete. We presume that many of those parents read at levels below high school. Requiring completion of these materials may discourage participation in the program, a most unfortunate result for the prospective UB participants. The IRB appreciates the purpose of Upward Bound and understands the institutional decision to participate in the study, but we want you to know our concerns with respect to this research. As always, we appreciate your consideration of our position and your support of ensuring the integrity of research at Southeastern Community College. Central College Pella, IA, May 14, 2007. memorandum To: Dr. Paul Naour, Provost From: Dr. Keith Jones, Institutional Review Board Co-Chair Re U.S. Department of Education Upward Bound Research of Higher-Risk Students Date: May 14, 2007 Following evaluation and consideration of the U.S. Department of Education's project, ``Impact Evaluation of Upward Bound's Increased Emphasis on Higher-Risk Students,'' the Institutional Review Board would like to express its concerns with this research and our involvement with the project. Our initial concern is that potential participation in Upward Bound (UB) for all intents and purposes requires students to participate in the study. For those students and families who do not want to participate in the study, they can complete forms indicating that decision. Yet, they are still entered into a lottery in which they may not be chosen for UB. The design of the study (with UB very likely serving fewer students due to half of the students being assigned to the control group) inherently denies services to students that they otherwise would likely receive without the study being conducted. In essence, we question the validity and ethical foundation of a study which induces a negative impact on the program being studied. Closely related to the fact that this study is not ultimately voluntary is the fact that the control group will only receive token monetary compensation as opposed to the benefits of Upward Bound (UB) despite having participated in the study to the same degree as the experimental group. In essence, by participating in the study some students will not have the opportunity to participate in UB. The project's research design is similar to other experimental-control group designs in which one group is denied a treatment in order to determine the treatment's effect. Typically in such research if the treatment is effective, the control group is immediately given the treatment as an ethical consideration for their being placed randomly in the control group. In the current project, the treatment is the Upward Bound program itself. Students in the control group will not be able to participate in UB due to age considerations after the study, and as the study stands there is no plan to provide any educational program equivalent to UB after the study to the students in the control condition. Unfortunately, participants who are randomly placed in the control condition and not admitted to UB are not given equivalent compensation to those who are selected to participate in UB. Participants in the control condition will be given monetary compensation that simply does not equal the educational and personal benefits of participating in UB. Such inequity simply is not within the realm of ethical treatment of research participants. The IRB understands the institutional decision to participate in the study, but we want you to know our concerns with respect to this research. As always, we appreciate your consideration of our position and your support of ensuring the integrity of research at Central College. The University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, June 13, 2007. Kathryn S. Felker, Director, Educational Opportunity Programs, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Dear Ms. Felker: I am the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity at the University of Utah. The University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) provided me with information regarding the U.S. Department of Education's plan to evaluate the Upward Bound program. My understanding is that the study has been deemed exempt from local IRB review. Normally our IRB would make that determination and would not defer that responsibility to external agencies. Nevertheless, the study would appear to be exempt under Category 5 of the federal regulations 45 CFR 46. While the IRB will not exert oversight authority for this research, IRB staff have raised a number of concerns about the conduct of this study. After reviewing this information, I also will express my concerns over the study design. Recruitment of twice as many eligible students than can be served and randomly assigning applicants to intervention and control groups raises serious ethical issues. Assuming this well-established program has shown some evidence of benefit in past assessments, assignment to the control group would deny those benefits, but only after an extensive application process and the development of a relationship with program staff. Then to deny even the possibility of obtaining services from the Upward Bound program in the future may compound the harm and preclude services for which they would otherwise be eligible. Surely there is a better way to conduct an assessment of the program. The DOE will continue to collect data on the educational outcomes of the children in the control group, although they will not be receiving any services from the program. Further, the consent forms do not indicate an ability to withdraw from the study. Studies with non-intervention control arms always receive close scrutiny by the IRB because of their ethical complexities. It is incumbent on the investigators to demonstrate that this study design minimizes risks of harm and that other research designs are not feasible. Of course, I was not involved in the discussion over this research design, but it seems highly probable that other approaches could be used to assess the value of the Upward Bound program. I strongly encourage a reassessment of the conduct of this research. By way of credentials, I will note that I currently serve of the DHHS Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP) and so have extensive experience with research ethics and federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects. Please relay our concerns to the DOE and other federal officials who are involved in governing this project. Best regards, Jeffrey R. Botkin, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Pediatrics and Biomedical Ethics, Associate Vice President for Research Integrity.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act. Tactics that attempt to deceive or mislead voters regarding elections, candidates, or voting procedures chip away at the very cornerstone of our democracy: the right to vote. I strongly support this legislation because it will track and expose these tactics for what they are in order to continue to prove that we are not living up to the true meaning of democracy. Every vote is not being considered. Every vote is not being counted. Before and during the last election, there were reports of mass disenfranchisement and voter intimidation across the country. My district was subject to all types of deceptive flyers and phone calls targeted to black voters with misinformation designed to discourage them from voting. Mr. Speaker, as you know such tactics designed to prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote are not new. I am pleased that this legislation will make these types of acts a federal crime and set a penalty of up to 5 years in prison for any type of voter intimidation. I urge my colleagues to value and protect the right to vote by voting for this important legislation.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen, community leader, and world traveler of the 4th Congressional District, Frances Swigart. Fran Swigart passed away on June 17, 2007. Fran served in leadership roles on many non-profit boards: Interchange, UWM Board of Visitors, the Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee, League of Women Voters, MATA Community Media, Future Milwaukee, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, and the City of Milwaukee Ethics Committee. She was the Executive Director of Future Milwaukee for 9 years, preparing community leaders. Fran was president of the MacMurray College (Jacksonville, IL) Alumni Board, serving two terms. Fran was a member and leader in the League of Women Voters organization and believed strongly in people's right to exercise their franchise. She proudly served as an election site supervisor for 6 years. Fran facilitated numerous political candidate debates for the League of Women Voters throughout Milwaukee County. She also helped eliminate the bureaucratic barriers that prevented the League of Women Voters from registering new citizens to vote immediately following their swearing in ceremonies. Fran was a candidate for Wisconsin State Representative in the 22nd Assembly District, in 1992. Fran served as a panelist at my ``Citizenship Day'' events explaining why it was important to register and vote. In her spare time, Fran loved traveling; in fact, she reached every continent but Australia. She was also a 30-year member of a gourmet cooking group. Fran devotedly served her church, Immanuel Presbyterian, as an elder, deacon, trustee, and mission worker. Madam Speaker, Milwaukee has suffered a great loss with the passing of Fran Swigart, and we celebrate her life and her many contributions to the life of our community.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you so much. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment would repeal a section of U.S. law that requires a report to Congress 15 days before any U.S. assistance can be obligated for Liberia. The obligating agency, whether State or USAID, would be required to submit this paperwork in addition to information they may have already provided in their annual budget documents. I should note that the only other countries that are currently subjected to this requirement are Sudan, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Pakistan and Cambodia. Mr. Chairman, as you and many of my colleagues know, for over 20 years, the people of Liberia have been subjected to the ravages of poverty, conflict, coups, and corruption. As one observer put it, ``seldom has a country sunk as far as Liberia did under the leadership of Charles Taylor and his predecessors.'' I do think I need to recount the number of casualties from wars, including the last civil war which only a few years ago with the assistance of U.S. leadership, which killed a quarter of a million of the country's 3 million people and displaced most of the rest. In 2005, the people of the Republic of Liberia had the opportunity to go to the polls, some lining up for many hours, and open a new chapter in that country's tortuous history. When it was all said and done, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was elected President, becoming the first female president of any African country. In recognition of this historic election and the tremendous opportunity presented by these elections, last March, the House welcomed President Johnson-Sirleaf on her visit to the U.S. during which she addressed Congress, the U.N. Security Council, and met with President Bush. In the year and a half since then, President Johnson-Sirleaf has been busy trying to rebuild the nation's education and health system, devastated by years of war, oversee the deactivation and reintegration of the old security forces and ex-combatants, and accommodate the return of thousands who fled the country during the wars. Today, I am offering a very small and simple amendment which I believe would help make a difference in helping President Johnson- Sirleaf succeed in the monumental task--and it is monumental--that lays before her. My amendment would repeal a section of U.S. law that requires a report to Congress 15 days before any U.S. assistance can be obligated for Liberia for any purpose. The obligating agency (whether State or USAID) must submit paperwork for all obligated funds in addition to any information they may have already provided to Congress about these projects in the annual budget documents. I should note the only other countries that are currently subjected to this requirement are Sudan, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Pakistan, and Cambodia. According to State Department and USAID officials, such requirements impose reporting, program review, and other requirements that, in some cases, substantially slow the disbursement of reconstruction assistance to Liberia. This requirement was placed on Liberia funds beginning in the early 1990's and were put in place to give Congress the ability to exercise additional oversight when the ruthless and corrupt Charles Taylor and his predecessors ran Liberia and when U.S. assistance was relatively small. From 1996-2003, U.S. assistance ranged from $3 to $6 million. As you know, in light of the recent elections and optimism about the future of Liberia, Congress in the last few years has significantly increased U.S. assistance to Liberia. However, some have expressed concerns, including President Johnson Sirleaf, that the current laws notification requirements are delaying the receipt of these funds for important projects to help rebuild Liberia as it emerges from conflict. According to the State Department, these delays can be as long as 4 to 6 weeks and dependent on the Appropriations Committee being available to receive them--such as in the middle of the August recess. Given Liberia's 6-month rainy season (May to October) when much work cannot be done on many projects, these delays could push projects on the ground much farther behind schedule in reality. My amendment would prevent U.S. assistance from Liberia from being subjected to these additional reporting requirements in FY 2008. The State Department supports removing Liberia, noting that it will speed up the obligation of U.S. funds to this important country. The State Department notes, as do I, that these reporting requirements have outlived their usefulness with respect to Liberia. In the past, when we were dealing with the regime of Charles Taylor, they were absolutely useful and necessary. Today, as Congress continues to express its support to President Johnson-Sirleaf and the people of Liberia, including $100 million more in aid in the bill before the House, let us support efforts to speed up--and likewise remove obstacles that would hinder--the establishment in Liberia of social and economic conditions that foster reintegration, economic growth, and rebuilding of infrastructure--including access to basic education and health services. In these crucial but surprisingly fast moving first few months of President Sirleaf Johnson's administration, it is critical that we not only support her with words of encouragement, but remove bureaucratic obstacles that help prevent needed aid from being timely delivered to implement reforms and show that a democratically elected government can meet the people's needs. Removal of Liberia would not set a new precedent. Over the years. the following countries have been under and then removed from this reporting requirement: Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Nicaragua, Jordan, and Uganda, just to name a few. It can hardly be argued that Congress exercises less oversight over assistance to those countries now than it did when they were subject to the obligation reporting requirement. Additionally, the FY 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that was passed by the House removed Liberia from this provision. Why would we want to delay development assistance such as education funds to a country where more than half of the people today cannot read or write? Where male life expectancy at birth is slightly under 38 years and for females, slightly under 42 years. Infant mortality: 157 infants per 1,000 live births die before there first birthday. I certainly appreciate the need for Congress to retain and exercise oversight over these funds to ensure that they are being properly used, just as we do with the other nations receiving under this bill. Indeed, most of the countries receiving funding in this bill are not subjected to this reporting requirement. Once removed from these requires, the same regular Congressional Notification process would apply to Liberia that applies to all other countries. Let me be clear. Removing this requirement does not mean that Liberia is somehow a perfect country without problems or challenges. In fact, removing this requirement would recognize those challenges and serve to remove one more obstacle to ensure that this country and its new leaders have every opportunity to succeed. As President Sirleaf-Johnson said in her address before Congress last March: ``They (the Liberian people) are counting on me and my administration to create the conditions that will guarantee the realization of their dreams. We must not betray their trust. All the children I meet, when I ask what they want most, say, ``I want to learn.'' ``I want to go to school.'' ``I want an education.'' We must not betray their trust. I know that the gentlewoman from New York, the chairperson of the subcommittee, Ms. Lowey has been keenly aware of this issue. I certainly appreciate the efforts made by her, her staff, and Members of the Committee as they put together this very important bill and note the Committee's appropriate role in oversight and ensuring that funds are properly spent. I would like to yield to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. David Price, for 2 minutes. (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank you so much, sir. I just want to acknowledge that this administration has done a great deal for Liberia. Certainly Chairwoman Lowey has been exceptional. Liberia is a huge priority for her. I noted that my colleague, Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee, earlier, Mr. Chairman, added money to this bill, and as my colleague, Mr. Price, has said, this will make or break, I think, this administration that we are all so hopeful of the beautiful democracy that is budding in Liberia. This would be a precedent-setting form of assistance that will cost us no extra money. Thank you so much. I yield to the gentlewoman from New York.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an artistic leader and playwright from the Fourth Congressional District, Gerald Wallace. Mr. Wallace was instrumental in diversifying and enriching Milwaukee's artistic offerings by interjecting the voice of Milwaukee's African American artistic community. A prolific playwright, Mr. Wallace created works that reflected the full range of African American experience in this country. Mr. Wallace fulfilled his childhood dream when he founded the People's Theater. He created a 20-seat theater in a building located in the heart of the African American community through funds raised by providing evening studio performances in private homes. He expanded understanding of and appreciation for African American theater by both the actors and the audience with performances by People's Theater throughout the city and the State of Wisconsin. Mr. Wallace provided opportunities and mentored anyone interested in performing or learning other aspects of theater operation. He trained novices in speaking, projection, stage movement, and taught them to explore the depths of their characters in order to present a realistic portrayal on stage. Mr. Wallace exposed Milwaukee to the rich traditions of African American theater with the appearance of legendary actress Claudia McNeil, who performed with the People's Theater in James Baldwin's classic play, The Amen Corner. Many theater actors and actresses from Milwaukee began acting or honed their skills at the People's Theater. In fact, the founder of Milwaukee's African American Children's Theater had her genesis at the People's Theater. Mr. Wallace introduced students in Milwaukee Public Schools to theater through performances that involved both music and student participation. After observing his work in the community, Adolph Suppan, the former Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Fine Arts, hired Mr. Wallace to provide community outreach through work with the People's Theater. In later years, Mr. Wallace expanded his artistic interests by founding and operating a gallery showcasing the works by African American artists. Further, he provided classes to aspiring artists; for example Gullah basket weavers from South Carolina taught classes at his gallery. Mr. Wallace passed away on June 11, 2007; his influence and impact will be sorely missed in Milwaukee. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Gerald Wallace and his contributions to the artistic culture in the Fourth Congressional District.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a leader and volunteer from the Fourth Congressional District, Sam Carmen. Mr. Carmen is a recognized leader at the national and local level for his work in the area of educational innovation and reform. Mr. Carmen is retiring from the Milwaukee Teacher's Education Association (MTEA) after 28 years of faithful service. Sam Carmen graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. Following graduation, he worked for both public sector and private sector unions in various capacities. Mr. Carmen joined the staff of MTEA in 1979. In 1986, he became MTEA's chief spokesperson in contract negotiations with the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) Board. While he was serving as chief negotiator, MTEA developed a portfolio of educational reforms that were incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement and became national models. For example, Mr. Carmen negotiated an interview process for filling teacher vacancies replacing the traditional seniority model. MPS utilizes this process to select teachers who best fit their needs with the input of teachers, administration, and parent representatives. In 1994, Sam Carmen was selected as the MTEA Executive Director while continuing as the chief negotiator. As Executive Director, he was a leader in the successful establishment of the MPS/MTEA Teacher Mentor Program, the Joint Teacher Evaluation and Mentoring Program, the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC), and the Milwaukee Partnership Academy. Most recently, Mr. Carmen was instrumental in the development and implementation of a collaborative strategic planning process with MPS and the Greater Milwaukee Committee entitled ``Working Together, Achieving More.'' Sam Carmen has been active in organizations including: Citizen Action of Wisconsin; the Urban Directors' Association, a national network of urban union executives; the UWM School of Education Dean's Community Advisory Committee; and the Holmes Partnership, a network of professional organizations working to improve teaching and learning for all children. During Mr. Carmen's tenure, the MTEA established annual community outreach activities including: an art show and awards program for MPS students; a scholarship program for MPS graduates, particularly those pursuing teaching careers; and the Food for Our Future partnership with Hunger Task Force, a food drive and advocacy program. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to rise and pay tribute today to Sam Carmen's contributions to educational reform in the Fourth Congressional District.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 440th Airlift Wing's long and distinguished history. It was formed in 1943 at Baer Field in Indiana, but has been based at General Mitchell International Airport--Air Reserve Station located in the Fourth Congressional District, since 1957. The airport and Air Reserve Station are both named in honor of Brig. Gen. William Mitchell, the Milwaukeean who is considered the ``father'' of the modern Air Force. After moving to Milwaukee, the 440th Troop Carrier Group became the 440th Airlift Wing and in 1967, underwent another name change becoming the Reserve Tactical Airlift Wing. The 440th has received many honors including: the Air Force Association's Outstanding Reserve Unit during 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1968; the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 1968: 14 Feb--11 Mar for airlift operations to the Vietnam Theater; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period Oct 1985-- 30 Sep 1987; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 2 Oct 1992--2 Oct 1993; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period 1 Jun 1997--30 Sep 1998; and in 1998 received the highest score for a Reserve Unit in two years. In 1989, the 440th was equipped with eight new C-130s. The first C-130H was dubbed ``The Spirit of Wisconsin.'' The 440th has performed admirably in virtually every US combat theater and tactical operation including: the Cuban Missile Crisis; Vietnam Conflict; Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf States; and was the first wing unit to deploy members on Anti-Terror Operations after the September 11, 2001 assault on America. In fact, ``The Flying Badgers'' have been constantly available to provide airlift support, superb aircraft maintenance and security training and support. In 2006 the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) ordered the 440th to be reassigned to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. Flight operations in Milwaukee will end in June, 2007 and will resume at the Wing's new location at Pope AFB. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to the 440th for their stellar performance, dedication and service to my district and to the nation.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mildred Leigh Gold, a compassionate leader, a breast cancer survivor, and an advocate from the Fourth Congressional District. Mrs. Leigh Gold is recognized at the national, regional and local level for her work and achievements in the area of breast cancer awareness and treatment. Mrs. Leigh Gold came to Milwaukee in 1969. She was immediately hired by Catholic Social Services and worked there for 18 years. She provided counseling, guidance and other assistance to central city youth from 2 community sites: the House of Peace and the Inner City Development Project. In 1989, Mrs. Leigh Gold was diagnosed with breast cancer and this life altering event led to a significant change in her career. She became active with the Breast Cancer Awareness Task Force Board. In 1990, she accepted the challenge to design and implement the community-focused, City of Milwaukee Breast Cancer Awareness Program. This trailblazing, first-of-its-kind program took breast cancer screening services into underserved neighborhoods with a mobile van. The program has provided breast cancer screening service to over 27,000 women and reached many more women through its education awareness component. Public Health Nurses were utilized to have one-on-one visits with women presenting with abnormal breast exams; and a network of nurturing physicians and relationships with hospitals were developed to ensure follow-up care. In fact, the rate of follow-up visits in this program with physicians was an impressive 98% compared to the national average of 30%. The program she designed and implemented has been replicated throughout the United States because it has achieved such impressive outcomes. Mrs. Leigh Gold, who is retiring in June, 2007, has guided this nationally recognized program for 17 years. Mrs. Leigh Gold holds a bachelors degree in Social Welfare from A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, a masters degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as an LPN certificate. She has been married to Joe Gold for over 20 years. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Mildred Leigh Gold. Mrs. Leigh Gold's dedication to women's health care and her work to promote awareness and provide access to breast cancer treatment has truly been a life saver for many women in my district.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and work of Nick Topping, a highly respected, social justice activist, music impresario and business owner. Mr. Topping died on May 9, 2007, at the age of 89. Mr. Topping earned a degree in history and communications from the University of Wisconsin--Madison. During World War II, he was drafted and served in Army intelligence. When he returned, he founded a store named Topping and Company International House that he ran for over 50 years. The store stocked Greek and Middle Eastern food, books, and records from all over the world. Mr. Topping was one of nine children born to Greek immigrant parents who ran a grocery store at South 4th Street and West National Avenue. Mr. Topping was born Nick Topitzes and changed his name at the age of 18 because of the discrimination Greeks faced at that time. Nick Topping spent much of his lifetime working for peace and social justice. He marched with Father James Groppi over the 16th Street Viaduct during Milwaukee's civil rights struggle and took his daughters along on the marches with him. He belonged to the NAACP and became an early local protestor against the Vietnam War. Mr. Topping was also active in the growing south side Latino community and in the Chicano rights movement. Mr. Topping was a promoter of ethnic and folk music concerts in the 1950s and '60s including singers such as: Miriam Makeba, from South Africa; Pete Seeger; Josh White; Peter, Paul & Mary; Bob Dylan; and Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis, music composer for the movie Zorba the Greek. Nick Topping secured his place in modem Milwaukee history by securing the Beatles for their one and only Milwaukee concert on September 4, 1964. The concert quickly sold out with the most expensive ticket selling for $5.50. Nick Topping is survived by his wife of 56 years, Harriet; two daughters, Adele Fatemi-Topping and Alexandra Topping; a brother, Agamemnon (Memo); and a sister, Sandra Topitzes Brown, all of Milwaukee. Madam Speaker, Milwaukee has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Nick Topping. Today, I thank him and his family for their immeasurable achievements. I mourn his loss and I salute his legacy.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and work of Mr. Andrew Reneau, a highly-respected and deeply principled Milwaukee attorney and Family Court Commissioner. Mr. Reneau died on May 6, 2007, at the age of 90. Andrew R. Reneau was one of two African Americans to graduate from the University of Wisconsin in 1942. Upon graduation, the only work he could find was as a metal chipper at the Allis Chalmers foundry. After sustaining a serious eye injury, Mr. Reneau went back to school. A coin toss determined whether Mr. Reneau should become a mortician or go to law school. In 1946, Andrew Reneau earned a law degree and was the only African American in his Marquette University graduating class. Mr. Reneau began a successful private law practice serving people from all over the city, conversing both in Polish and Italian with his clients. In 1976, Reneau became an Assistant Family Court Commissioner. He was named the first African American Family Court Commissioner in 1978, serving until his retirement in 1995. Andrew Reneau was a NAACP chapter president, the first editor of The Globe newspaper, and was active with the Boy Scouts of America Council and the YMCA. He was a founding member of St. James United Methodist Church and involved in the National Conference of Christians and Jews. A proud graduate of UW and Marquette, he lectured on family law at both law schools. The grandson of slaves, he was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi in 1916, the youngest of eight children. The family moved to Beloit, WI, when he was 2 seeking better opportunities. Due to ill health, Mr. Reneau was unable to attend grade school for several years thus delaying graduation from high school until age 21. Mr. Reneau met the former Phyllis Cabell at a church convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, and they were married after he graduated from UW. Phyllis Reneau supported the family by working at a foundry while he attended law school. Phyllis Reneau passed away in 1995. Reneau family survivors include sons David, Paul, Joseph, and Peter; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, in Andrew Reneau's death Milwaukee has experienced a profound loss. Today, I thank him and his family for their immeasurable achievements, I mourn his loss and I salute his legacy.