Gwen Moore

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer legislation along with my colleague from Kentucky, Congressman Harold ``Hal'' Rogers, which seeks to increase venture capital investment in small businesses located in low-income urban and rural communities nationwide. Our bill, the Securing Equity for the Economic Development of Low Income Areas--SEED--Act, would reauthorize and expand the New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) program of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The New Markets Venture Capital Program was established in 2000 for the purposes of making equity investments in small businesses located in economically distressed communities through the creation of NMVC companies. Many conventional venture capital firms have been unwilling to invest in economically disadvantaged areas. NMVC companies aim to help fill the access to capital gap that exists for many small firms in these communities. New Market Venture Capital companies will leverage equity capital backed by SBA-guaranteed funds to invest in small businesses in depressed areas. NMVC companies can also apply for matching operational assistance grants to provide entrepreneurs with the services and technical support needed to help their businesses grow and succeed. Through the program, 6 New Markets Venture Capital companies have been formed and are currently still operating and making quality investments in small businesses throughout the country. For example, the Southern Appalachian Fund located in Congressman Rogers' Congressional District was one of the original New Markets Venture Capital companies established during the initial round of funding. The Southern Appalachian Fund (SAF) is a $12.5 million venture capital fund offering equity capital and operational assistance to eligible small businesses located in the Appalachia regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In 2004 alone, SAF invested over $1 million in three companies, which helped attract an additional $1.7 million in venture capital funding for these firms. As a result, these investments assisted in the creation of over 50 new jobs in the region. Unfortunately, though authorized, this worthy program has not received funding in each of the last 3 fiscal years. The SEED Act would reauthorize the New Markets Venture Capital program by providing $100 million in debenture guarantees and $25 million in operational assistance grants to fund the creation of a fresh round of NMVC companies. In addition, our legislation would incorporate small manufacturers into the mission of the program by encouraging the SBA to set up at least one company that is primarily involved in the investment and development of small manufacturing firms. The bill also seeks to diversify venture capital investments beyond the typical Silicon Valley and Northeastern corridors by encouraging the formation of NMVC companies in each of the ten geographic regions of the SBA. Many of my constituents have fallen on hard times and are in need of help. A large portion of my district is in the midst of an economic crisis at this moment. In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 59 percent of working age African American males in Milwaukee were either unemployed or out of the workforce. In the past five 5, Milwaukee has lost 33,000 manufacturing jobs, an industry that was once the lifeblood of the local economy. And, according to a study conducted by the University of Kansas, Milwaukee ranks 49th out of the 50 largest U.S. cities in terms of per capita venture capital dollars. Small businesses create nearly 75 percent of all new jobs and account for 99 percent of all employers. It is not a stretch to conclude that increased investment in small businesses leads to the creation of new jobs and sparks much needed economic development in areas that have experienced better days. And given the high levels of unemployment that exist in many distressed urban and rural communities throughout the country, the New Markets Venture Capital program would provide a crucial source of investment capital to small firms and help create new jobs. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this very important bipartisan bill.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to strenuously object to tucking the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Act reauthorization into this budget reconciliation bill. What this does is masquerade the Draconian policy changes of TANF that impinge on what we claim to be our priority, to help working families, particularly women, get back into the workforce. How can we do that, create productive workers in view of slashing the work supports so desperately needed by these marginal families? How can we cut $11 billion from the Medicaid program and say we want these women to go to work? How can we cut $4.9 billion from child support enforcement and say that we want you to go to work? How can we not even provide an inflationary increase in child care funding, while we increase those work requirements and say with a straight face that we are trying to help people reach self-sufficiency? How can we claim to try to raise women up and families up from their conditions, when we slash educational opportunity, reduce educational opportunity into oblivion? Well, Mr. Speaker, there are people who are prepared to tell me that we are increasing TANF benefits by almost $1 billion, but when you look at what we are doing, the $926 million over 5 years, scored by CBO, because they must include extensions of supplemental grants, which they are excluded by law from not projecting, if you look at that, and adjusting for this scoring factor, what we are actually seeing is a TANF spending reduction of $239 million. Yes, I said it, $239 million reduction in TANF services. This basic block grant is frozen. It increases work requirements, but it does do one thing that I approve of. It eliminates two performance bonus programs, saving us $1.1 billion, but it plows that money, $349 million, back into marriage promotion programs. Do we have any concern about the kind of domestic violence that this may spawn, or another $409 million for, quote, unquote, ``new research projects,'' researching and studying the poor, rather than providing the poor with the needed services like Medicaid, like child care, like educational opportunity? Instead, we are continuing to make this a windfall for what we call poverty entrepreneurs.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud an alliance of dedicated residents of the Fourth Congressional District for their passionate pursuit of peace and justice. On October 8, members of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of the United Nations Association, together with an array of partner organizations, will host a Call to Action and Celebration of the Global Campaign to Make Poverty History. This effort is extremely timely. Poverty has a devastating effect on the lives of those in developing countries, and creates structural problems for the global economy that ultimately harm our own economic well-being. The U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals call for progress in eight key sectors, including education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and gender equity. Taken together, these goals comprise a comprehensive strategy for reducing poverty and hunger. In reality, addressing global poverty requires us to confront the impact of debt on developing countries' ability to invest in the infrastructure and social services needed to improve the quality of their citizens' lives. The weight of the international debt that many developing countries carry poses an enormous obstacle to real progress toward eradicating poverty. Debt payments to international creditors inhibit many countries' efforts to recover from natural disasters, or establish healthcare, education and clean water programs. Impoverished countries in Africa pay on average $14 per person in debt service payments to international financial institutions, but spend only $5 per person on healthcare. In recognition of this fact, I cosponsored the JUBILEE Act, which directs the Secretary of the Treasury to immediately begin working with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the G8 to cancel the debts owed by the world's 50 most impoverished nations. I want to thank my constituents for their participation in this effort. I am proud of my community's commitment to pursue justice, dignity, and economic self-sufficiency for all of the world's citizens. I urge my colleagues to join me in championing this global initiative that will help secure a better, more prosperous and peaceful world for generations to come.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent, Mr. John Goldstein, in thanks for his distinguished record of leadership of Milwaukee's labor movement. John served as president of the Milwaukee County Labor Council for 8 years, capping off a career of local, national and international labor activism that included stints as secretary/treasurer of the Labor Council and president of the Amalgamated Transit Union. He left the Labor Council in September, 2005, to become the new executive director of Partnership for Working Families. John's leadership and commitment to advancing workers' causes are well known. In his tenure as president of the Labor Council, he spearheaded several major campaigns, among them brokering a resolution with Milwaukee County that improved the climate for workers attempting to organize new unions. He also worked with Milwaukee's Common Council to pass legislation that ensures uniforms needed for city workers are not sweatshop-produced. More recently, John developed a coalition to advocate for the implementation of economic development policies that would benefit a wide array of workers and neighborhoods. Throughout these efforts, and many others, John's leadership has been marked by a commitment to building broad coalitions to ensure that labor movement victories brought gains for the wider community. He is widely acknowledged as a pioneer in developing labor-community partnerships designed to address problems created by economic and racial disparities throughout the Milwaukee area. His colleagues included faith leaders, a variety of local union activists, and community organizations. In his role as Labor Council president and through his career, John has prioritized labor organizing, mobilizing for economic justice, and building a strong member-to-member political organization for the benefit of the working people of Milwaukee County. I know he will continue to demonstrate exemplary leadership in his new position as national program director for the Partnership for Working Families. I am thrilled to know that he will be based in Milwaukee, and that while providing technical assistance and leadership to labor-community coalitions across the country, he will continue to enrich our community.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, yesterday I voted in favor of H.R. 2601 which authorizes multilateral aid for the Department of State, the primary diplomatic arm of our government. It is more important than ever that we resolve international conflicts through persuasion and negotiation where it is possible, and I believe this bill, on balance, strengthens our ability to pursue that strategy. I am also pleased that this bill takes much needed steps to dismantle global nuclear black-market supplier networks, which pose a very real threat to our national security. That being said, I remain concerned about several ill-conceived amendments that were approved by this body. One such amendment attached the United Nations Reform Act, legislation which would almost certainly force the United States to withhold 50 percent of the dues owed the U.N. because the measure's reform benchmarks are simply not achievable within the required timeframe. Even the Bush administration opposes this bill on the grounds that it would handicap our ability to work with other countries to make the U.N. a stronger and more effective organization. I voted against the United Nations Reform Act when it was brought before the full House as a standalone measure last month, and again when it was offered as an amendment yesterday. I am also disappointed that my colleagues voted to approve an amendment that removes contraception from the fistula-prevention section of the bill. Fistula is a devastating injury that occurs when a woman suffers prolonged, obstructed labor. Very often, this befalls young girls living in impoverished, underdeveloped countries where birth control is unavailable and basic medical treatment doesn't exist. One of the best ways to prevent fistula is to prevent pregnancies from occurring to begin with. That's why H.R. 2601 included a bipartisan fistula prevention section which would, among other things, expand the use of contraception in countries where this injury is prevalent. Unfortunately, this body approved an amendment cutting contraception from this section of the bill, thereby weakening good faith efforts to prevent this terrible condition. Mr. Chairman, although I have concerns about both of these amendments, I am hopefully optimistic that they will be removed when a House-Senate conference convenes later this year.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today on the anniversary of the first Women's Rights Convention, I want to address the inequities that still exist in today's workforce. In 1996 when we destroyed the safety net for women and children by ending welfare, women have become even more reliant upon work for mere survival. Yet the lack of resources like child care, sick leave and disproportionate pay all conspire against most working women. As a matter of fact, the 9 to 5 National Organization of Working Women reported that women earned 76 cents for every dollar that men earned in 2004. Over a lifetime what that means is a 25-year-old woman who works until age 65 will earn over a half million dollars less than the average working male. The playing field for women is uneven because 40 percent of single working mothers pay at least half of their cash income for child care, and half the States have cut child care availability. Far too many women are forced to cobble together part-time jobs in order to survive, and 70 percent of the workers who hold two or more jobs are women.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2317.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a leader whose lifetime of public service reflected the very best of Wisconsin values. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the man credited with sparking the modern environmental movement, died July 3, at the age of 89. Growing up in the small town of Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Senator Nelson developed a passion for the natural world, the protection of which became his highest political priority. He learned the true value of public service from the examples set by his parents, a small-town doctor and nurse who were known for treating neighbors in need regardless of their ability to pay. Though his political career would take him to Madison, WI, and then on to our Nation's Capital, Washington, DC., he never lost the friendly and unpretentious character that marked his early years in Clear Lake. Among elected officials, Senator Nelson's leadership is undeniable. He served three terms in Wisconsin's State Senate before being elected Governor in 1959. Four years later, he ascended to the U.S. Senate, where he served for 18 years. His accomplishments are too numerous to list. He is most widely known as the founder of Earth Day, an annual celebration that mobilized public support for environmental stewardship and brought new political attention to the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world. Building on the grassroots organizing that made Earth Day a success, Senator Nelson authored landmark conservation legislation at both the State and Federal levels. His legacy includes a huge array of public lands and park spaces, including the St. Croix Wild and Scenic Riverway, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Governor Nelson State Park. He sponsored legislation to protect rivers and waterways. He co-sponsored laws protecting the Appalachian Trail, and banning the use of toxic chemicals like DDT and Agent Orange. Most widely known for his commitment to conservation, Senator Nelson also made his mark in other areas, including consumer protection, ethics and opposition to the Vietnam War. As remarkable as his legislative accomplishments was the appealing and unpretentious style for which he was known. A friend to all, Senator Nelson once remarked that he could never dislike anyone whom he took the time to know. He avoided partisan rancor, and developed lifelong friendships with many whose views he opposed on the Senate floor. While he clearly understood that maintaining relationships enabled his political accomplishments, his sincere regard for his contemporaries was never in question. When his career as an elected official ended in 1980, Senator Nelson continued his environmental advocacy as chairman of the Wilderness Society. As recently as April of this year, Senator Nelson wrote to students at MacDowell Montessori in Milwaukee--the same school my own granddaughters attended--to hail their Earth Day celebration and urge them to adopt a lifelong commitment to the environment. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Nelson for his efforts to protect the natural world around us. He understood that access to clean air, water, and wilderness is crucial not only for our physical survival, but also for our spiritual nourishment. I am thankful to him for his passionate pursuit of these public goods, and for the example of public service that I take as inspiration in my own career.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 11, on account of district business I was absent for votes on roll call numbers 363 and 364. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote on this amendment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' personal explanation

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of an esteemed advocate for equality, Mr. Wesley Scott. Mr. Scott, a longtime leader in the civil rights movement in Milwaukee, died May 28, 2005, at the age of 88. The oldest of 18 children, Wesley Scott came of age in an impoverished community of West Virginia coal miners. After earning his B.A. from Xavier University in New Orleans in 1942, Mr. Scott went on to serve his country, fighting in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon returning home he continued his education, receiving his Masters degree from Ohio State University in 1950. By 1951, he was serving as Executive Director of the Massillon, Ohio, Urban League. In 1958, Mr. Scott assumed the position of deputy executive director of the Milwaukee Urban League. Within a year he was promoted to executive director, a position he held for 23 years. At the helm of the Milwaukee Urban League, Mr. Scott distinguished himself with a dynamic yet dignified style of leadership. His contemporaries lauded his unflagging commitment to the advancement of African-Americans and poor people. He is credited with building bridges between white and black communities, seeking out opportunities for progress in a very difficult and often turbulent environment. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee Urban League became a premier organization in the fight for civil rights. Even after leaving the Milwaukee Urban League, Mr. Scott continued to work for racial equality. As an advisor to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, he helped open new doors for African-Americans in the corporate world, ensuring the development of a new class of African-American professionals in Milwaukee. He also worked on behalf of African-American businesses, advocating for stronger mechanisms to ensure that disadvantaged business enterprises would benefit from the construction of Miller Park. Throughout his life, Wesley Scott was a tireless advocate for equality. Earlier this year, the Milwaukee Urban League announced plans to honor his legacy by transforming its headquarters into the Wesley L. Scott Senior Living Community. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to salute Mr. Scott for his commitment to advancing equality and to celebrate the life he dedicated to serving our community.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 333, I inadvertently voted ``aye'' when I intended to vote ``no.'' Please have the Record reflect that I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment Offered by Mr. Hefley

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, due to my questioning of witnesses at a hearing of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee yesterday morning, June 23, I just missed the vote on rollcall no. 304. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 20, I was unavoidably detained at the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's Regional Hearing in St. Louis, Missouri and therefore absent for votes on rollcall nos. 283, 284, 285, 286, and 287. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall nos. 283, 284, 285, 286, and 287.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 13, I was absent for votes on rollcall No. 241 and 242. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall No. 241, and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 242.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I just want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for his stewardship over these funds. I just want to respond to a couple of things that he said. First of all, the balance of those funds for the New Venture Capital Program has been rescinded, so it is not available for another round. Also, you know, I do not know where the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) received his figures about displacing 400 employees at the SBA. Certainly, I support the SBA and its functions, but we are talking here in this amendment about distressed communities and not disadvantages bureaucrats. Mr. Chairman, I would offer to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) that if he were upset about the source of funding for this amendment, that he would not disparage the wonderful purpose of this amendment, but would rather seek to work with me to find ways to do this. Surely we have an employment crisis. This initiative will help distressed communities versus just trying to buoy up a bureaucracy. Mr. Chairman, I would ask the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) to work with me. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment which seeks to restore funding for a program of vital importance to distressed and blighted communities, both in urban and rural areas which are being left behind at an astounding pace in our global economy. The New Market Venture Capital program really was designed by this House in 2000 for the purpose of making equity investments in small businesses that operate in economically distressed communities through the creation of the New Market Venture Capital companies. Most conventional venture firms, of course, are very risk-averse to invest in these economically distressed areas, and this program was designed to fill that gap in access to capital. During the first round of awards, the New Market Venture Capital program developed a company to serve Appalachia, the Central Appalachian region of Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia, and they invested this first round $2.8 million in four companies to help these rural communities. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would provide $30 million in debenture guarantees and $5 million for operational assistance grants to fund the creation of a fresh round of New Market Venture Capital companies. And it is paid for by using funds from the Small Business Administration's salary and expense account. Mr. Chairman, I have given you an example of how we have helped small rural areas, but I would like to call your attention to my own community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which I think bears mentioning. In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 59 percent of African American males in Milwaukee were unemployed and out of the workforce. Since 1999, the unemployed residents of any color has increased by 80 percent. And in the last 5 years we have lost 33,000 manufacturing jobs. We know, of course, that small businesses create 75 percent of all new jobs and account for 99 percent of all employers. Mr. Chairman, I would think that this would be a grand bipartisan effort. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of an outstanding high school in my district. On June 10, 2005, Spotted Eagle High School celebrates its Tenth Anniversary. For the past decade, Spotted Eagle High School has offered a supportive learning environment not only for the Native American students for whom it was designed, but for a multiracial body of at-risk youth whose needs require the intensive and individualized attention the school provides. Spotted Eagle was established in 1994 by the Milwaukee Area American Indian Manpower Council in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Indian Community School of Milwaukee. Spotted Eagle High School's mission is to promote an appreciation for all cultures, emphasizing their relevance in today's society. The school endeavors to create a sense of community while emphasizing building skills that can contribute to students' self-reliance. The curriculum includes strong School- To-Work components; a culturally- integrated, competency-based, student-centered curriculum; and social services designed to meet the educational needs of their students and their families. Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that many young people in Milwaukee face daunting challenges in completing their education because they live in poverty. Spotted Eagle High School recognizes those challenges, and provides specialized support services to assist students in coping with them as they strive to complete their educational goals. Case managers work directly with students to ensure that family needs are being addressed. Students at the school benefit from the emphasis on parental involvement, and access to health-related services and alcohol and drug awareness programs. Members of the school staff are rooted in the same cultural communities as the students they teach. Education and support program are designed to be relevant to students' cultural backgrounds, increasing the likelihood that students will stay in school and complete their education. I know firsthand that caring and committed educators have the ability to empower students. I salute the staff, board members, present and former students and parents of Spotted Eagle High School for their efforts to transform the lives of Milwaukee's youth. I wish them the best as they celebrate their Tenth Anniversary, and look forward to celebrating many more milestones and achievements with them.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly introduce H.R. 2695, the Safe Housing Identification Exemption for the Lives of Domestic Violence Victims, the SHIELD Act, with the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Harris). I know of the victims that have finally built up the courage to leave their abusive relationships and have nowhere to go but to a homeless shelter. I know of the women who every day are scared for their lives because their abusers are trying to track them down. I know of the victims who are so scared that they can be tracked down by their predators, and they probably would not seek housing assistance if they knew that HUD required them to disclose their personal information, their Social Security numbers, birth date and location into the homeless management information system database. I am thinking of those abusers who have ready access to this personal information. They may be their partners. These abusers may work in one of these agencies and have ready access to this database. I ask my colleagues to please support H.R. 2695, the SHIELD Act, to exclude personally identifying information. Reaching out for assistance is a really big step for these victims. Let us not put them in grave danger.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Safe Housing Identification Exemption for the Lives of Domestic Violence Victims (SHIELD) Act. Mr. Speaker, I know of the victims that have finally built up the courage to leave their abusive relationships and have nowhere to go but a homeless shelter. I know of the women who everyday are scared for their lives because their abusers are trying to track them down. Mr. Speaker, I know of the victims who want to feel safe, who want to believe that these federal agencies and services are there to protect them. And, ultimately all of our federal services are intended to effectively serve and protect our citizens. But, I also know of the victims who are scared that they can be tracked down by their predators and probably would not seek housing assistance if they knew about the HUD requirement to disclose their personal information and location. All HUD homeless shelters and food banks, domestic violence centers and transitional housing receiving McKinney-Vento Funds are required to input personal identifying data into the Homeless Management Information System Database. This tracking database requires personal identifying information including names, Social Security numbers, date of birth, race and ethnicity. This personal information database can be easily accessed by personnel working in state, local and federal agencies. Mr. Speaker, I am thinking of the victims whose abusers readily have access to this personal information. These abusers may work in one of these agencies or have the ability to access this database. All they would have to do is type in the victim's name or other identifying pieces of information and they would immediately know where the victim is staying or the domestic violence shelter they visited. A loophole like this is far too detrimental to their safety and could put many victims of domestic violence in further danger. In order to address this problem, I have introduced the SHIELD Act along with my colleague from Florida, Katherine Harris. This bill would require any agency participating in the Homeless Management Information System to exclude personal identifying information of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Instead the legislation recommends the use of nonpersonal identifying information for data collection and statistical purposes. Reaching out for assistance is already a big step for many victims of domestic violence. We should not put them in greater danger or deter them from seeking these valuable services because of an agency loophole. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the SHIELD Act.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, I would like to associate myself with the many sage comments of supporters of this amendment. The gentleman from Colorado has opined that the BRAC Commission would reach the same conclusion if we were to grant this extension. I really question that. Since we are at war, we have engaged in two wars since the BRAC Commission was last considering these bases, we have had many humanitarian requests for assistance. Our men and women in uniform have been stretched thin all across this country and throughout the world. Mr. Chairman, I would ask that we support the Bradley amendment because I believe that a comprehensive examination of our future defense needs, our potential threats, have not been adequately reviewed.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 207, the Markey-Holt amendment to H.R. 2419, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to an outstanding leader within the Milwaukee educational community, Mr. Robert L. Peters. Mr. Peters, who worked in the Milwaukee Public Schools for over thirty years, is retiring this month as Principal of James Madison University High School. As an educator and principal, he made a difference in the lives of thousands of young Milwaukee residents. Mr. Peters came to Milwaukee from Mississippi. He received a B.S. cum laude from Jackson State University in 1972, earning his M.S. shortly thereafter from the University of Southern Mississippi. As a principal, Mr. Peters sought to address long-standing problems-- like discipline and attendance--in new ways. Ever an educator, he continued to teach and to develop new curricula throughout his career as an administrator. Mr. Peters developed five Milwaukee Public High Schools into praiseworthy educational facilities, creating nurturing, safe instructional environments that fostered student learning and academic excellence. Mr. Peters is also an upstanding member of the Milwaukee community, taking an active role in his church, Tabernacle Baptist Church, and participating in numerous civic organizations and community activities. As a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), he was active in the Annual Fund Raising Campaign. As a volunteer with Project Return, he provided counseling to local residents attempting to make the difficult transition from incarceration to regular society. He found ways to integrate this community leadership with his educational mission, for example, by developing a curriculum and conducting workshops for teachers to prepare for Black History Month. His awards and commendations are numerous. Mr. Peters was recognized as one of North America's 100 Best Educational Administrators by Executive Educator and has been selected as Wisconsin's Principal of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Robert L. Peters for the immeasurable service he has rendered to our country and his community. I sincerely thank Mr. Peters for his enduring commitment to Milwaukee's children, and wish him a long, enjoyable retirement.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Congressman Jerry Kleczka, an esteemed Member of this body who represented Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District for over 20 years. More specifically, today I want to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments for which he is being honored in Milwaukee this coming weekend. My colleagues listening here on the floor today know Congressman Kleczka, my predecessor, as a champion of the causes of working men and women. A spirited and tenacious advocate, he fought for so many reforms, from legislation to protect senior citizens in public housing, to affordable and accessible healthcare and a strong Medicare program, to the rights of workers, and the rights of citizens to privacy in a digital age, just to name a few. When he decided to leave Federal elective office in 2004, Congressman Kleczka left behind an additional legacy that will endure for many years to come. In 1984, he independently offered to host an individual intern in his Congressional office. From that single internship grew an entire program which, over the last twenty years, has developed into a remarkable center for public service education, Marquette University's Les Aspin Center for Government in Washington, D.C. As a result, over 700 students with an interest in public service have interned in nearly 100 congressional offices and in multiple federal agencies. Jerry was there for the Center's internship program from the very start as its stalwart champion, advocate, and host of so many of its interns. Of the countless students to which he offered the opportunity for congressional experience, many have gone on to fine careers in public service and two have even won elective office, Wisconsin State Assemblyman Pedro Colon and Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic. He was awarded the Center's Founders Award in 1999 and has served on its Board of Visitors since 1996. In addition to all his prior work on its behalf, last year Congressman Kleczka made a remarkably generous donation to Marquette's Les Aspin Center which has made possible the establishment of an entirely new program through which students will study state and local government in Milwaukee starting this summer. With this selfless act he has permanently endowed the cause of public service learning throughout Milwaukee and at Marquette and created a legacy that will last for years to come. This weekend, Congressman Kleczka's efforts will be properly recognized. On Sunday, May 22, Marquette University will award him an honorary doctorate of laws to acknowledge him as a champion of the D.C. intern center and the benefactor of a new Milwaukee institution that will foster the desire for public service among our best and brightest closer to home. I ask my colleagues to join in congratulating Jerry on receiving this well-deserved honor.