Harry Mitchell

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 106.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I am writing regarding today's rollcall votes 949, H. Res. 32, denouncing the practices of female genital mutilation, domestic violence, ``honor'' killings, acid burning, dowry deaths, and other gender-based persecutions and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that participation, protection, recognition, and independence of women is crucial to achieving a just, moral, and honorable society, as well as 950, H.R. 400, the War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007. Please accept my apologies as I was attending a family event in Arizona and was not able to cast my votes tonight. It was my intention to vote ``yea'' on both H. Res. 32 and H.R. 400.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize long time Tempe resident, past councilwoman and friend, Linda Spears, who will be receiving the 2007 Don Carlos Humanitarian of the Year Award tonight in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona. The Don Carlos Humanitarian Award honors a Tempe resident who upholds the humanitarian ideals of Charles Trumball Hayden, Tempe's founder, who was referred to as ``Don Carlos'' by Hispanic pioneers due to his generosity and compassion for people in need. This prestigious recognition is awarded each year by the Tempe Community Council to pay tribute to Tempeans for their outstanding humanitarian service in the community over an extended period of time. Linda served on the Tempe City Council from 1994 to 1998. Yet Linda's service to the community dates back to 1990, through a variety of human service efforts in the community. Linda continues her dedication to the community through her activities with the Boys and Girls Club, contributing her leadership and fundraising skills to help the needs of children served by their programs. Madam Speaker, in addition to her service to the Boys and Girls Club, Linda served on the boards of the TIE Foundation from 1997 through 2003, the Tempe Salvation Army from 1999 through 2002, the Centers for Habilitation from 1996 through 2003 and Tempe Community Council from 1999 through 2007. Linda is an active member of Kiwanis Club of Tempe, was elected its first female president in 1992 and helped to conceptualize Tempe's Fantasy of Lights Parade which now draws crowds of over 45,000 from the community. Linda is passionate when it comes to providing affordable housing in Tempe, a passion that led her to the boards of the Industrial Development Authority and Newtown Community Development Corporation. And if that is not enough, Linda's current endeavors includes raising money and awareness for the Tempe Community Foundation, which provides funding to meet the needs of all human service agencies serving Tempe residents. Linda's activities should be viewed as those of a true community steward. Linda's commitment to our Tempe community truly embodies the spirit of Don Carlos and the humanitarian ideals that continue to make Tempe a great and desired place to call home. It is for these reasons that I join former Mayor Neil Guiliano, the Tempe Community Council, and Linda's family and friends in relaying a heartfelt ``thank you'' for your service and congratulate her on receiving this award.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I am writing regarding today's rollcall votes 865, H. Res. 257, supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and 866, H. Res. 643, recognizing September 11 as a day of remembrance, extending sympathies to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and their families, honoring the heroic actions of our Nation's first responders and Armed Forces, and reaffirming the commitment to defending the people of the United States against any and all future challenges. Please accept my apologies as I was meeting with constituents in my district and was not able to cast my votes tonight. It was my intention to vote ``yes'' on both resolutions.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, on rollcall vote 856, the Westmoreland amendment to H.R. 2786, please accept my apologies as I was unavoidably detained and was not able to cast my vote in the allotted time. It was my intention to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the gala opening of the Tempe Center for the Arts, in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona. This wonderful event has been years in the making, and is the culmination of the collective efforts of our citizens, volunteers, and city staff under the leadership of a forward-thinking mayor and city council. This opening could not have happened without the visionary voters of Tempe who, in May 2000, demonstrated their commitment to local arts by passing Proposition 400. That measure dedicated a small source of funding to support the development, construction and operation of the center. This opening would not be possible without the leadership of the Tempe City Council--both past and present--who under the leadership of former Mayor Neil Giuliano, I showed an unyielding commitment to making Tempe an even stronger community. Their foresight helped make the Center for the Arts one of the hallmark structures along the shore of the Tempe Town Lake--a shining reminder of how the arts can enrich our lives every day. Let me also recognize the unsung heroes of this project: the Tempe city staff and the army of volunteers who worked every day, and made significant sacrifice, to make this project a reality. Their work serves as a glowing example of what great things can happen Tempeans work together. Let me tell you something about this magnificent facility. It is a truly multipurpose building with 88,000 square feet, complete with a 600-seat theater, a 200-seat studio, 3,500 square feet of gallery space for showcasing visual art and 3,400 square feet of meeting and event space. The art theme even extends to the outdoors with a 17-acre park and sculpture garden. The building itself is a work of art designed by Tempe's own Architekton in collaboration with Barton Myers Associates of Los Angeles. The soaring roofline and expanse of windows overlooking the Tempe Town Lake truly makes this a ``jewel in the crown'' for the City of Tempe and its citizens. What I really appreciate about the new Center is that it has been driven by citizen input from the very beginning. At the outset, the Tempe Municipal Arts Commission worked tirelessly on all aspects of the project and stayed true to the vision of a professional level facility which would serve the community. Just last year, the Friends of the Tempe Center for the Arts formed as a separate non-profit entity whose stated mission is to ``support the artistic activities of the Tempe Center for the Arts; support a system of funding through public, private and philanthropic sources; encourage and foster appreciation of the arts for future generations, and help to develop the Tempe Center for the Arts to be known in the community and regionally as a dynamic center for exciting cultural experiences.'' Based on the quality of the finished project, I would have to say that the original vision is well on its way to fruition. To the thousands of people who had a hand in bringing this wonderful venue to the citizens of Tempe, I say thank you and well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chandler Little League National All-Star Team from my home state of Arizona. They played a tremendous season and made it all the way to the United States Semifinal round of the 2007 Little League Baseball World Series. Arizona is a young state, but is rich in baseball history. Our Cactus League is the home to the Spring Training sites of a dozen major league teams. Future major league stars blossom in the Arizona Fall League. Minor league baseball has long called Arizona horne, and our state's collegiate baseball and softball teams frequently outperform their peers. But I can tell you from experience that in Arizona, we are most proud of our Little Leaguers. We are proud of the boys and girls who play not for money or fame, but for the love of the game. And, today, all of us in Arizona are especially proud of each and every player on the Chandler team. Over the last six weeks, this group of 13 young baseball stars played their hearts out to achieve an impressive 23 to 3 record. They played in Prescott, Arizona, California and went all the way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania as they represented the U.S. West Division with spirit and determination. Even more important than learning about how great success on the field can feel, I know the members of this team learned valuable life lessons: the importance of teamwork, what it means to have a teammate depend on you, and why it is important to practice sportsmanship. As a former teacher and coach, I know these lessons are as important as any of the lessons they will learn in the classroom. So, Madam Speaker, I am proud to enter into the Congressional Record--for all the nation to see--the names of the members of the Chandler Little League National All-Stars: Dalton Krum, Cody Bellinger, Matthew Haggerty, James Ziegler, Jake McCann, Boston Whitlow, Connor Woods, Seth Fretheim, Edgar Galiz, Scott Wojnar, Skyler Palermo, Luke Parrish, Kyle Pechloff; Coaches Clay Bellinger and Chris McCann; and Manager Jeff Parrish. They have made all of Arizona proud.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of House of Tricks, a historic landmark restaurant in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona. House of Tricks was established in 1987 and has since become an important and lively part of downtown Tempe. It has served innovative cuisine and fine wines for twenty years and continually attracts patrons; this is true for both those just discovering House of Tricks, as well as those who return time after time. The success of the restaurant is due to its owners, Bob and Robin Trick. Their dedication to Tempe and to their patrons has made House of Tricks a highly acclaimed destination. The success of House of Tricks can be attributed to Robin and Bob's desire to make their restaurant a lasting part of the historical landscape. The Tricks bought a small 1920's cottage in 1987 and expanded their restaurant in 1994 to an additional cottage. The Tricks then restored this building to its original turn of the century splendor. The gardens that connect the two cottages add to its charm and make it a peaceful and beautiful place away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. The success and longevity of this local restaurant is a model for independent businesses. It is for these reasons and more that I join in congratulating the Tricks on this accomplishment and wish them many more years of prosperous business.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, earlier today I introduced, along with my colleague Chris Shays, the Capital Gains and Estate Tax Relief Act, a bill to extend key tax cuts that are critical to middle class families in my district and across the country. If enacted, the Capital Gains and Estate Tax Relief Act would preserve the lower tax on capital gains as well as the reduced estate tax which are both set to expire in 2011. Several years ago, these tax cuts were championed by President Bush and a Republican Congress. Clearly the political winds have changed. But in the race to distance ourselves from the former congressional leadership, I implore my colleagues to give careful consideration to these tax cuts before dismissing them. They are sensible. They help millions of middle class Americans. They encourage investment and make our tax code more fair and more predictable. After careful consideration, I believe they should be made permanent and bipartisan. They affect small businesses. They affect the stock holders. They affect anyone who owns a home. While, a generation ago, these may have sounded like the lofty concerns of the wealthy elite, today, these are mainstream, middle- class experiences. In 1983, less than 20 percent of Americans owned stock. Now, between IRAs, 401(k)s, and education savings accounts, more than half of Americans do. And after a decade and a half of low interest rates, more than two- thirds of Americans are now homeowners. By 2011, the year that these tax cuts expire, economists predict that number will reach 70 percent. When it comes time to sell your home or trade your stock, capital gains taxes prevent you from making optimal financial decisions. This is bad for sellers, bad for buyers, and bad for our economy. Decisions like these should be based on personal and financial needs, such as paying for college or planning for retirement, not the needs of the IRS. While it would be impractical for us to eliminate the tax on capital gains, I believe we can take steps to minimize its harmful effects. Most notably, we can make the temporary cut from 20 percent to 15 percent permanent. The estate tax is equally troublesome. Before the temporary tax cuts went into effect, anyone with assets of more than $675,000 at the time of his or her death was subject to the estate tax. In calculating this amount, the government didn't just count the amount of money in your bank account. It also counted the value of your home and the value of your investments. And if you owned a small business, the government counted the value of that business as well. As home values began to rise and the number of small businesses continued to grow, more and more middle-class tax payers began exceeding this exemption. This was a particular problem in Arizona, where home prices have increased by more than 150 percent in the past decade. But there are many States where the growth of real estate has outpaced Arizona's. In other words, if a taxpayer purchased a $250,000 home in the 1990s and this home increased in value to $625,000, the owner was only allowed $50,000 in additional assets before the Federal Government started taking away 55 percent of everything else that person owned upon his or her death. If that taxpayer was self-employed, owned a small business, or had money saved in a retirement account, it is easy to see how quickly his or her estate could exceed $675,000. Home ownership and small businesses are things we want to promote. Over the past decade, small businesses have created more than 60 percent of new jobs in the United States. In Arizona, small businesses account for 97 percent of employer businesses. But home ownership and small business development are precisely the things that are hurt by the estate tax. It makes it harder for family businesses to transfer their assets down from one generation to another. When combined with capital gains, it makes it harder for parents to realize the benefit of the recent housing boom and share that benefit with their children. I believe we need an estate tax that takes inflation into account, so the value of your property today will be the same as what you would like to pass onto your children. H.R. 3170 would permanently reduce the estate tax by establishing a system for future increases in the estate tax exemption based on inflation. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the combined costs of making these tax cuts permanent to be $332 billion over 10 years. To put this in perspective, we are currently spending $124 billion a year on the war in Iraq. If we can find that much to help Iraqis with their economy, I believe we can find $332 billion to help our own. In March, I voted against the Budget Resolution, H. Con. Res. 99, in part, because it failed to extend cuts to the estate and capital gains taxes. At the time, I expressed frustration with both Democrats and Republicans for failing to work together to create a budget that incorporates good ideas from both sides of the aisle. When I ran for Congress last year, the one thing I heard over and over again from voters was how sick and tired they were of partisan bickering in Washington that was getting nothing done. I believe we can do better. So today I challenge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to do the right thing. Consider this legislation, not through a caustic, partisan lens, but on its merits. The middle class wants Congress to make these key tax cuts permanent, and working together, I know we can make that happen.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Native American communities, twenty-two federally recognized Arizona tribal nations, representing more than 300,000 community members. On June 2, 1924, the United States Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act which guaranteed certain citizenship rights to Native Americans, however in Arizona that did not guarantee their right to vote. Yet as early as 1863, before citizenship was granted, Pima and Maricopa warriors were serving in the United States Army protecting settlers in the Arizona territory. Additionally, while Arizona Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States before World War I, more than 8,000 Native Americans from Arizona served our country in the United States military during World War I. In 1928, Peter Porter, a Pima from the Gila River Indian Community, courageously filed the initial lawsuit to challenge the denial of Native Americans' right to vote yet his efforts were denied by the Arizona Supreme Court. The Court argued that Native Americans were under federal guardianship. In 1940 this distinguished body passed the Nationality Act of 1940, reaffirming citizenship of Native Americans, inspiring more than 25,000 Native Americans to serve in our country in the United States military. Yet, they were still being denied the right to vote in Arizona. In 1947, two brave Yavapai men, Frank Harrison and Harry Austin, filed suit to overturn the 1928 Arizona Supreme Court decision which denied Native Americans the right to vote. The acts of these courage men, members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community, a community I am honored to serve and represent in the United States Congress, won the landmark case. On July 15, 1948, the 1928 court ruling was overturned and Arizona's Native Americans confirmed their right to vote. Sunday, July 15, 2007, is Arizona Native America Right to Vote Day. It is with a great deal of pride that I rise today to honor our Arizona Native American community on this very special day. It is also with great resolve that I reaffirm my commitment to our Native people, honor their sovereignty and urge the United States Congress to honor all commitments conferred with our Native American Tribal Nations.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, in January, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki publicly committed to meeting a set of benchmarks, including quelling sectarian violence, disarming sectarian militias and developing a plan to share oil revenues equitably among all Iraqis. In May, Congress, in a bipartisan way, made clear that the Iraqi government should be held accountable for meeting those benchmarks and required the President to report on the Iraqi Government's progress in meeting those goals. That report, which was released today, demonstrates the President's surge is failing and that the Iraqi Government is failing to meet the benchmarks it agreed to meet 7 months ago. The Iraqi Government has not moved toward national reconciliation. This morning, we learned that Director of Central Intelligence General Michael Hayden, an accomplished four-star general, told the bipartisan Iraq Study Group 8 months ago that Iraq's leaders are ``unable to govern.'' Now, the inability of the Iraqi Government to govern seems irreversible. If there is no functioning government in Iraq, how do we expect to fix the problems in that country militarily? We continue to see the serious consequences that result from that inability to govern. Sectarian violence has not been quelled; it continues to escalate. Sectarian militias have not been disarmed; they continue to wreak havoc. There has been no progress on a plan to share oil revenues equitably among all Iraqis. The situation is rapidly deteriorating and American troops are caught in the crossfire. Continued U.S. involvement in Iraq must be contingent on the Iraqi Government keeping its word. Benchmarks without accountability are not benchmarks at all. They are blank checks. And I refuse to allow the Iraqi Government, or any government, to have a blank check on American lives. The time has come to redeploy American troops from Iraq and reduce the U.S. military role in Iraq. We must do so in a responsible way that will help us better meet our strategic objectives and renew our fight against global terrorism. I am convinced that this course, combined with stepping up our diplomatic efforts, provide the best opportunity to achieve our strategic objectives, reduce sectarian violence and force Iraq's leaders to get serious about Iraqi reconciliation and stabilization efforts. As their failure to meet the benchmarks clearly illustrates, Iraq's leaders are unwilling and incapable of moving toward national reconciliation. If the United States allows the Iraqi government to have an open-ended timetable to meet these benchmarks, and demands no accountability, our troops may literally be in harm's way forever. We cannot continue to allow the safety of our troops to be placed in the hands of Iraqi leaders who have failed to keep their word or are incapable of meeting their obligations. Make no mistake: the deteriorating situation in Iraq is not a result of military failure. Our nation's armed forces crushed Saddam Hussein's regime in one of the most complete and impressive military victories in the history of our country. The disaster in Iraq is a result of the Bush Administration's failure to plan and failure to listen. It is a result of misplaced trust in the Malaki government. It is a result of mismanagement and incompetence. Even worse, the administration's failed policy in Iraq has limited the success of our mission in Afghanistan, and hindered our ability to destroy al Qaeda's international operations. As a result, U.S. intelligence analysts say al Qaeda is the strongest it has ever been since the September 11, 2001, attacks. We must renew our commitment to leading the fight against global terrorism and destroying al Qaeda. Our Nation is at a critical crossroad in Iraq, and Congress has a difficult choice to make. But one thing is clear: staying the course is not an option. We can ill afford to continue down the same course of failure that has undermined our mission in Iraq, and undermined our ability to protect our Nation from terrorist threats.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the awarding of the first DaVita Patient Citizens Hero Award to Mr. Ed Stizza from Fountain Hills, AZ for his efforts and activities to educate his community about Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage Renal Disease. Mr. Stizza is unquestionably a worthy recipient of the DPC Hero Award, which spotlights individuals who have gone above and beyond to positively impact and progress kidney education and care within their communities. A 30-year patient of diabetes and survivor of colon cancer, Mr. Stizza is a model of perseverance. Four years ago, facing a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease, Mr. Stizza turned his battle into an opportunity to empower others. As a dialysis patient for these past 4 years, Mr. Stizza has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of other dialysis patients, and to educate those in his community who are at risk of kidney failure. More the 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, which if left untreated can lead to End Stage Renal Disease. However, with the help of individuals like Mr. Stizza and particularly his work in support of the Kidney Care Quality and Education Act, the need for dialysis can be reduced and the lives of the more than 400,000 patients currently suffering from ESRD will improve. Mr. Stizza is the quintessential every day hero who, in the face of numerous obstacles, not only triumphed, but simultaneously worked to improve the lives of others. He has undoubtedly improved the lives of many in his community and beyond.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, this past week the nation commemorated the bravery and heroism of firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect the lives and safety of others. I would like to turn my colleagues' attention to the accomplishments of Phoenix firefighter Captain Billy Shields, who is leaving the ranks of his brother and sister firefighters this Friday, June 30, to start a new phase of his life. When Captain Shields retires from the Phoenix Fire Department and the United Phoenix Firefighters Association Local 493, where he served as president, he will do so with a long record of accomplishments. He has been a stalwart advocate for his fellow firefighters, and as president of United Phoenix Firefighters Association, advanced improvements in fire health and safety standards for firefighters, ambulance and emergency response personnel in Arizona. Since 1997, Captain Shields has led the way in negotiating contracts for the United Phoenix Firefighters Association that protected the job rights of firefighters and the security of their families. He worked with management; city officials and other community stakeholders and reached a consensus to enhance fire and emergency response capabilities. Because of his work, Central Arizona's fire services are state of the art. It is important to recognize that Captain Shields is unique among union leaders in his commitment to working closely with the business community to improve the local economy. He was appointed to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council where he serves on its Executive Committee. He has labored to advance an economy for a new generation. He was one of the visionaries who helped advance the biotechnology industry in Arizona with the establishment of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, which is known to Arizonans simply as T-Gen. He partnered with others to improve education at all levels--preschool, primary, secondary and higher education. To help accommodate the explosive growth we are facing in Central Arizona, he has played an instrumental role in the development of our transportation infrastructure and the expansion of transportation options. All Arizonans who have had a chance to work with Captain Shields are indebted to him for his commitment to make our communities a better place to live, work and raise a family. I've seen this commitment first hand. I worked closely with him as Mayor of Tempe and as an Arizona State Senator, and came to rely on him as a friend and counselor. It has been a pleasure to work with him and I look forward to the chance to collaborate with him as he undertakes new challenges. Captain Shields, I am proud of your service. Arizona is proud of your service, and forever indebted to you for making our communities stronger, safer and more secure. Marianne joins me in wishing you and your family the very best in this new chapter of your life.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants funding from the NEA reaches people of all races, classes and geographic areas. I have been personally involved with Childsplay in Arizona for many years and have seen first-hand the impact the arts can have on the community and good work the NEA performs. Through NEA grants, the arts are shared with those at all income levels and in all communities. I remember specifically the impact one Childsplay production had on the children who attended. Eric and Elliott, a play that received $23,000 in grant money from the NEA, dealt with teen depression and suicide. This play about hope shared the tools to recognize and cope with depression. It inspired young people to come forward to seek help. Since its inception, Eric and Elliott has formed a unique partnership with the Mental Health Association of Arizona and a counselor now travels with the production to provide on-site counseling services to young people. The play earned the ``Distinguished Play Award 2006'' from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. This is just one example of many in which arts and arts education deeply impacts young people and adults. Also, and importantly, where the Federal Government invests, the private sector and community follow. NEA funding from the Federal Government encourages the private sector and local communities to invest in arts organizations and signals that the arts are a worthy investment. Millions of people have benefited greatly from NEA-funded programs over the last 40 years and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting increased funding for this important organization.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight some encouraging and important activity at America's colleges and universities. This morning I attended a kick-off event celebrating the decision by 284 universities and colleges from across the Nation to sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Let me say that I am pleased to see that this group is led by President Michael Crow of Arizona State University, which is in my hometown of Tempe. ASU and the other 283 colleges and universities have made a commitment to move their respective campuses toward meeting a long-term goal of climate neutrality. I applaud their commitment to lead the country by example. Sustainable energy is an issue that affects our environment, our economy and our national security, and we cannot leave this problem for future generations of Americans to solve. These universities and colleges are taking proactive steps to solve the problem of global warming. They are implementing solutions on campus, educating students and future generations, and generating the research for how we can solve the growing climate change crisis. By making this climate commitment, these colleges and universities have made a bold declaration that America's higher education institutions are ready and able to take on the challenge of global warming and are committed to concrete action. I am particularly proud of the steps ASU has taken to address climate change. ASU has already established the Global Institute of Sustainability and the School of Sustainability. This is a significant accomplishment of which the entire State of Arizona is proud. I congratulate these universities for their leadership and vision and wish them success in this endeavor.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman DeGette for her leadership in this area. Congress rarely gets an opportunity to do what it can do today, offer hope to millions of Americans who suffer from diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's and Huntington's disease. As I have said many times, I believe the best way we can honor life is by investing in science and ethical research. A growing majority of the American people, including my constituents in Arizona's Fifth Congressional District believe this is an investment that we should make, and they were proud when, last January, 253 Members of the House voted to support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The American people support this research because they understand that we have a moral obligation to invest in embryonic stem cell research because it provides the best hope for a cure for these diseases and many others. They know we're already seeing progress in this field. Just last month, scientists used embryonic stem cells to create insulin-producing cells that could one day lead to a cure for diabetes. Just imagine what we could do with a more serious commitment to stem cell research. The American people are watching us today, and the millions of Americans who could be helped by passing this legislation are depending on us today. Let us do the right thing and pass this legislation.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, today Representative Dean Heller and I introduced the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Act. The bill is a companion to S. 300, which was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona. The bill provides for a long-term, comprehensive, cooperative program among 50 Federal and non-Federal entities in Arizona, California, and Nevada to protect 26 endangered, threatened and sensitive species on the Lower Colorado River and to provide assurances to affected water and power agencies of the two States that their operations may continue upon compliance with the requirements of this program. The program will create over 8,100 acres of riparian, marsh and backwater habitat for protected species, and includes plans for the rearing and stocking of more than 1.2 million fish to augment populations of two endangered fish covered by the program. The program will operate on and around the Colorado River from Lake Mead to the U.S.-Mexico border, but like most water issues relating to the Colorado, its effects will be felt throughout Arizona, and across the southwestern United States. This bill has been more than a decade in the making, and I believe it is a worthy, bipartisan compromise. The program's cost will be divided 50-50 between the Federal Government and the non-Federal participants. California participants will pay 50 percent of the non-Federal share, and Arizona and Nevada participants will pay 25 percent of the non- Federal share. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the weeks and months to come to make this long sought program a reality.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the awarding of the Publisher's Weekly Bookseller of the Year for 2007 to my favorite bookstore, Changing Hands, in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona. Changing Hands bookstore is a model for independent businesses. It has not only survived, but thrived in the age of ``chain stores''. Changing Hands regularly hosts teens' and kids' programs, features book signings by local and national authors, and is a meeting place for book groups. President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, as well as Senator Hillary Clinton are just a few of the notable authors who have been featured at events at this Tempe institution. Changing Hands has been a Tempe destination since it first opened its doors in 1974. It has attracted a loyal following that draws an eclectic group of individuals whose interests range from New Age to older age to teen age. The business thrives because owners Gail Shanks, Bill Sommer, and Suzie Brazil are committed to innovation, employee participation and customer service. Without them, the community would have an intellectual void. If one were to choose a place in Tempe to represent what the community should value, that place would be Changing Hands bookstore.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of an amendment that will help improve the transfer of medical records from the Department of Defense to the Veterans Administration upon discharge. This amendment will help ensure that when a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine voluntarily authorizes the transfer of his or her medical information to the VA, the information will, in fact, be transferred. I want to thank Chairman Skelton for supporting this amendment. His dedication to our fighting men and women is legendary, and our Nation's veterans are lucky to have him on their side. I also want to thank Representatives Zach Space, Tim Walz, and Ciro Rodriguez. I am proud to serve with them on the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. They have been full partners in this endeavor, and as the chairman of our subcommittee, I am honored by their support. And, finally, I want to thank Chairman Filner. His leadership has been invaluable, and I am grateful for his help.

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of an amendment that will help improve the transfer of medical records from the Department of Defense to the Veterans Administration upon a soldier, sailor, airman or marine's discharge. This amendment will help ensure that when one of our troops voluntarily authorizes the transfer of his or her medical information to the VA, that information will, in fact, be transferred. Sadly, the safe and efficient transfer of medical records to the VA has been, and continues to be, a persistent problem. Despite numerous attempts to design and implement a system for sharing vital medical information, the DOD and VA have been unable to do so. This information is essential to the well-being of our veterans. Without it, we cannot ensure that they receive the proper medical care from the VA. The Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has held hearings on this issue, and we have heard a myriad of explanations for why this is the case. According to the Government Accountability Office, one of them is a technical, legal hurdle involving the law that protects the privacy of patients' medical records: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. According to the GAO, the DOD and VA have differing interpretations of HIPAA, and as a result, HIPAA has become a barrier against the sharing of medical information. And even worse, the HIPAA hurdle has persisted for years. In May 2005, the GAO reported, DOD and VA have been working on a data sharing agreement for over 2 years, but have not reached an agreement. DOD and VA differ in their understanding of HIPAA Privacy Rule provisions that govern the sharing of individually identifiable health data for servicemembers currently receiving that exchange. DOD's and VA's inability to resolve these differences has impeded coming to an agreement on exchanging seriously injured servicemembers' individually identifiable health data. At the time, the DOD and VA were attempting to draft a memorandum of understanding to enable them to begin sharing medical information. However, according to the GAO, even if they had completed the memorandum of understanding, HIPAA would have remained a barrier. Specifically, the GAO found, . . . the draft memorandum restates many of [the legal authorities contained in the I [``HIPAA''] Privacy Rule for the use and [disclosure of individually identifiable health data. As a result, even if the memorandum of understanding is finalized, DOD and VA will still have to agree on what types of individually identifiable health data can be exchanged and when the data can be shared. This just does not make any sense. HIPAA is supposed to ensure the privacy of a patient's medical records, not prevent their transfer, at the patient's request, to his or her doctor. If the DOD and the VA can't recognize this, then I believe it is time for Congress to clarify it for them. The Mitchell, Space, Walz, Rodriguez Amendment would require the DOD to provide every member of our Armed Forces a HIPAA authorization form, the voluntary signing of which would legally obligate the DOD to transfer that servicemember's medical records to the VA upon his or her discharge. I want to emphasize that participation in this process would be completely voluntary. No member would be forced to share his or her medical information because of this amendment. Rather, the amendment would merely ensure that when a servicemember unambiguously authorizes the transfer of his or her medical information to the VA, that information will, in fact, be transferred. I want to thank House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton for supporting our amendment. His dedication to our fighting men and women is legendary, and our Nation's veterans are lucky to have him on their side. I also want to thank Representatives Zach Space, Tim Walz and Ciro Rodriguez. I am proud to serve with them on the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. They have been full partners in this endeavor, and as the subcommittee's chairman, I am grateful. Finally, I want to thank Chairman Filner. His leadership has been invaluable, and I am honored to have his support.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Chairman, as we find ourselves falling farther and farther behind countries like China and India, which are graduating thousands more engineers and mathematicians than we are, America needs continued technological innovation to remain atop the global economy. Yet industrial research and development that leads to breakthrough innovation is often expensive, and positive results are often a long time coming. This can be especially problematic for small businesses. But America cannot afford not to help small business get the technology and training they need to compete in the world market. I sponsored and supported H.R. 1868 in committee, largely because it includes two programs to help small businesses: the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Technology Innovation Program. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership helps America's small manufacturers improve productivity and competitiveness through technology. The Technology Innovation Program too assists small business to pursue new technology development. By supporting these programs we are supporting industry and ensuring that our economy continues to lead the world in technological innovation. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1868.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 60th birthday of Mr. John G. Bebbling, a wonderful friend and loving community member. John's life story is quite impressive. John was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He came to Arizona, graduated from my alma mater, Arizona State University, with a degree in Business Administration in 1971 and served in the United States Coast Guard. In 1974, with only $1,000 in hand, John opened Tempe Paint and Decorator Center. Thirty years later, that investment turned into a $100 million a year operation, employing over 200 within his community. John's ability and business expertise has led to many achievements, which include earning the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award, runner-up for the Arizona Small Business of the Year Award and the prestigious Arizona Business Leadership Award. And just last month, John's company TDC Interiors celebrated their 33rd anniversary. John has always believed in giving back to his community. He has been actively involved in the Arizona Boys Ranch, Centers for Habilitation, Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Tempe Diablos, Sun Angel Foundation, Sister Cities International and the Arizona State University Foundation. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA and the Salvation Army. Aside from John's business and civic commitments, John is a loving and devoted father to this three children Jamie, Allison and John and a cherished friend to many. Further, John has been a dear friend to the Mitchell family. Having been by each other's side in good times and not so good times, I have counted John as a close personal friend for almost 40 years. John's successes should be viewed as those of a true community steward. It is for these reasons that I join John's family and friends in wishing him a blessed 60th birthday and continued health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, today we are considering several bills to implement the Innovation Agenda including H.R. 362, the ``10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds'' Science and Math Scholarship Act. Last month, I was pleased to support this legislation in Committee. H.R. 362 invests in thousands of new and highly qualified teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, scholarships, and investment in undergraduate science, technology, engineering and math (``STEM'') education. I taught high school in Arizona for 28 years, and I know that my fellow teachers work hard and do a good job with the resources they have. But I was also a State Senator for 8 years, and I know our schools need help. Arizona's students are below the national averages in every subject area. Arizona's teachers teach six children more per class than the national average. That's a problem. Arizona must increase the number of highly qualified teachers and lower the student to teacher ratio. As a former educator, I understand first-hand the impact that education has on our children and their future. I appreciate Chairman Gordon's leadership on this issue, and I am pleased to see the chairman's legislation works to increase the number of qualified science and math teachers. Ensuring that our students receive a first-rate education is vital not only to Arizona's future but our nation's as well. I believe that if we want to successfully compete and prosper in the 21st century, we must make education a national priority. The National Academy of Science was asked how the United States can accomplish this goal. Their report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, recommends action to recruit highly qualified science and math teachers and implement programs to strengthen the skills of our current teachers. I wholeheartedly agree. To continue to compete in the global economy we need to increase the number of science and technology graduates and our schools need the resources to successfully educate our children. H.R. 362 supports this important goal and I look forward to supporting its passage today.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, today we are considering several bills to implement the Innovation Agenda including H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act. In February I was pleased to support this legislation in Committee. H.R. 363 provides merit-based grants for researchers early in their careers, establishes a Presidential innovation award, and creates a national office to identify, prioritize, and coordinate research infrastructure needs at universities and national laboratories. America needs innovators and leaders if we want to remain competitive in the global economy. This is especially true when it comes to science and engineering. Retaining scientists and engineers, however, is often difficult, because they receive such low pay early-on in their careers. If we don't invest early in our future innovators, we will fall behind. H.R. 363 supports an important goal and I look forward to its passage today.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony of Arizona. This is a remarkable milestone for any organization, but especially for a volunteer-run, nonprofit one. As a long-time supporter of the arts, I must take this occasion to commend them on a job well done, and commend them for undertaking this ambitious endeavor. Let me tell you a little bit about MYS. In the spring of 1982, a group of interested parents and music educators from the East Valley began exploring the potential for developing a youth orchestra. Their goal was to provide a challenging program of excellence in orchestral music for your school musicians through the ninth grade. The first Metropolitan Youth Symphony season was launched that same year as more than 150 youngsters participated in the September auditions. The gala premiere concert, on November 10, 1982, featured two string orchestras and one full symphony orchestra. The growth of Metropolitan Youth Symphony has been impressive. Now in its 25th season, the 267 members of MYS, under the direction of Wayne Roederer, musical director/principal conductor; Lew Felton, associate conductor; and Amy Bennett, Division III conductor, are divided into three string orchestras and one full symphonic orchestra. Members attend weekly rehearsals at Westwood High School and perform in at least four formal concerts each season. Over the years, MYS orchestras have been invited to perform in a variety of locations including Phoenix Symphony Hall, the Mesa Amphitheatre, Fiesta Mall, Disneyland and Washington, DC. On June 13, 1993, members of Division I, the full symphony orchestra, received the honor of performing at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall. The gala 25th anniversary concert will be performed at the Ikeda Auditorium of the Mesa Arts Center at 7 p.m. on April 28, 2007, with alumni performing with Division I. In addition to orchestra performance opportunities, MYS sponsors wind sectionals, a recital series, Division I weekend retreat in Prescott, a scholarship competition and the MYS Fiddlers. The mission of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony has always been to educate young instrumental musicians through the ninth grade in the art of orchestral performance through the use of the world's finest orchestral music to develop character, discipline, leadership, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to excellence. This enables MYS to contribute to the East Valley's rich cultural heritage and create a higher level of appreciation for the performing arts. This occasion marks not only the 25th anniversary of a vibrant organization, but the retirement of Musical Director and Principal Conductor Wayne Roederer. Without him, this anniversary would not have been reached, and hundreds of young musicians would have missed out on the experience of performing with similarly motivated individuals. I say thank you and well done.