Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 19.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 20.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 19. I am pleased to be here on the floor with my distinguished colleague from New York to talk about the appointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents. The Smithsonian's governing board is comprised of 17 members. These members include the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Vice President of the United States, six Members of Congress, and nine citizens who are nominated by the board and approved jointly in a resolution of Congress. The nine citizen members serve for a term of 6 years each and are eligible for reappointment to one additional term. Shirley Ann Jackson will fill a vacancy on the board being created with the departure of Hanna Gray. Shirley Ann Jackson is the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the first African American woman to lead a national research university. Dr. Jackson has been a pioneer in many of her other endeavors as well. She is the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT, the first African American to become a commissioner and chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the first African American woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Her accomplishments in the field of physics and her leadership as the head of a national research university provide her with tremendous experience that will benefit the Smithsonian's board. Dr. Jackson is currently President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and she was named one of seven 2004 Fellows of the Association for Women in Science. In addition to her experience, Dr. Jackson has received the Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Academia from the National Society of Black Engineers. She has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, and she has been recognized in such publications as Discover and Industry Week magazines and the Essence book, 50 of The Most Inspiring African Americans. I could go on and on because I have merely scratched the surface of Dr. Jackson's numerous achievements, as well as the honors and awards she has received. But I will conclude by saying that it should be very clear that Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson would be a tremendous addition to the Smithsonian Institution's governing board. It will be an honor and pleasure to have her serve on that board, and I ask my colleagues to support House Joint Resolution 19. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to reiterate that Mr. Kogod is a person who is going to enhance and add so much to the board, and we are so pleased today to be making this resolution to put him on the board.

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

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in March 2005, we rise to thank Mr. Wayne Myers for 31 years of outstanding service to the United States government, with the majority of it here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Wayne began his government career in 1967 as a soldier in the U.S. Army where he was trained as a combat radio repairman and served a tour of duty in South Vietnam. Upon being honorably discharged in 1970, he continued his education in the electronics field. After 4 years, Wayne became a technician at the National Air and Space Museum and later transferred to the National Gallery of Art. In 1979 he joined the engineering staff of the House Recording Studio as it began the historic television coverage of House floor proceedings. For the past 25 years Wayne Myers has led by his quiet dependable example. He has been a selfless team player. His faith has given him the inner peace to work through the most tenuous times without complaint while still maintaining a great sense of humor. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Wayne for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in March of 2005, we rise to thank Mr. Art Nash for 26 years of outstanding service to the United States government, with the majority of it here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Art began his government career in 1967 as a soldier in the U.S. Army where he was trained as an electronics technician and served two years. After 10 years in the private sector he began his House career at the House Recording Studio's engineering department in 1980. For the next 24 years, Art has been an indispensable member of the television floor coverage crew, the Recording Studio tape room and maintenance shop. Art has been described as a man of God who loves all people. His positive attitude has been his trademark and the term ``detail man'' best describes him. He has been an excellent teacher to his co-workers and all those around him. He has taken his time to do the job right or find an even better way. Service has been his greatest achievement. Whether it was during the long hours that the House was in session or working side by side with his co-workers, Art Nash has given his best. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Art for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005. I would like to thank my colleague and friend, Cong. Rick Renzi from Arizona, for his hard work to bring this legislation to the floor. His commitment to improving the housing conditions in Indian Country is an example we should all follow. Native Americans today are experiencing chronic housing affordability problems. Over 32.5 percent of the homes located on tribal lands are overcrowded and less than 50 percent of homes in Indian Country are connected to public sewer systems. Approximately 40 percent of tribal homes are considered substandard compared to a national average of six percent. Last May, the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a field hearing in Tuba City, Arizona on the state of housing in Indian Country. The hearing was the first time the Housing Subcommittee held a hearing on tribal lands. At this hearing, members were able to witness first hand the substandard conditions experienced by Native Americans. It gave members the opportunity to learn of the many barriers to housing development on reservations. After that hearing, the Financial Services Committee took action and passed H.R. 4471, which restored the government repayment under the Title VI Loan Guarantee Program from 80 percent to 95 percent in case of default. The bill we are considering today represents another installment in this Committee's commitment to addressing the many housing needs facing Native Americans. H.R. 797 requires federally recognized, self-governing Indian Tribes (whose self-governing status would otherwise make them exempt) to comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act--title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968--if they receive financial assistance from the Agriculture Department for farm housing. Under current law, the department can provide loans to farm owners to improve housing conditions for themselves or their workers. The Indian Civil Rights Act prohibits tribes from making laws that restrict freedom of religion, speech or the press. It also sets other requirements pertaining to fair due process for people who are arrested. The measure also exempts tribes currently in compliance with the Indian Civil Rights Act and tribes acting under other federal affordable housing programs from compliance with certain sections relating to fair housing under other civil rights laws, which overlap with provisions in the Indian Civil Rights Act. The bill makes Indian tribes or their housing entities eligible for Youthbuild grants. The grants are part of a Housing and Urban Development Department program that provides job training and academic assistance to low-income young people. Finally, the measure clarifies that the Interior Department cannot restrict access to or reduce funds going to tribes receiving block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996 (PL 104-330). Development programs delivered to Indian Country should be highly flexible and adaptive to the very unique and specific circumstance in each tribal setting. Native Americans must be able to take full advantage of partnering and leveraging efforts across institutions and at all levels of government. While today's legislation does not make monumental changes, it will help stretch the housing resources available to Native Americans. If we begin to succeed at these initiatives, then opportunities will move into these rural areas. As we work to help strengthen opportunities in Indian Country, together we will all continue to play a significant role in improving the quality of life for all families. I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 86, on the motion that the Committee rise. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 86.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in April 2005, we rise to thank Ms. Mary D. Watts for 26 years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. Mary began serving the United States House of Representatives in 1979 as a Technical Support Specialist working at House Information Systems. Milestones during her career at the House include conducting the first evaluations for office fax machines in 1980 and Personal Computers in 1984. She was instrumental in establishing training and support for House staff to make use of the new technologies associated with desktop computers. As the Division Manager for the Customer Services Group, Mary managed the House computer helpdesk staff, Field Service Technicians and System Integrators providing technical support, and consulting services to every Member, Committee and Leadership office of the House. Managing the day-to-day operations of the Technical Support Branch, Mary is responsible for information technology solutions and support services for 12,000 personal computers and over 4,000 BlackBerry wireless devices in Washington, DC and more than 950 district offices across this country. Mary's contributions while serving the United States House of Representatives have been significant. Her passionate customer service, organizational knowledge and personnel management skills earned her the reputation among her colleagues and customers as a person with a calm demeanor and respect for everyone. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Mary for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Mary many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 147) electing members to the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 147, a resolution electing the House Members to the Joint Committee on Printing and Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. This important resolution names our House Members to these two committees, and once passed, we may begin to work with the other body, which has already organized, to organize the entire committee for the 109th Congress. I want to thank my colleagues for agreeing to serve with me on these committees. I would just like to briefly mention that on the Joint Committee on Printing would be the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle); the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds); the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), our ranking member; and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady). Joint Committee of Congress on the Library is the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers); the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller), our newest Member; the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender- McDonald), our ranking member; and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren). I want to thank our ranking member for working with us on this resolution, and I ask for support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 147.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Matthew and Elizabeth Dillon are celebrating the arrival of their son, Sean Wyatt DIllon; and Whereas, Sean Wyatt Dillon was born on January 6, 2005 and weighed eight pounds and two ounces; and Whereas, Matthew and Elizabeth Dillon are proud to welcome their new son into their home; and Whereas, Sean Wyatt Dillon will be a blessed addition to his family, bringing love, joy, and happiness for many years to come. Therefore, I join with Members of Congress and Congressional Staff in celebrating with Matthew and Elizabeth Dillon the birth of Sean Wyatt Dillon.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Commander Williams is a life member of the Sons of AMVETS Squadron 95; and Whereas, Commander Williams has held all offices at the local level and was instrumental in projects such as Adopt a Highway, Christmas Baskets for the needy, and the `Thank a Vet' program; and Whereas, Commander Williams also served as the Sons of AMVETS 12th District as 1st Vice Membership and Commander, during which time he developed a positive rapport with veterans' facilities in Ohio and worked with the program `Robes for Vets,' which places a warm bathrobe for each veteran in each of the Veterans Affairs facilities in Ohio; and Whereas, Commander Williams is a loving husband to his wife, Cindy, and father to his children, Britney, Sarah, and Cassie. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in commending Commander Grady Jay Williams for his unwavering service to the Sons of AMVETS.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Dr. Carl J. Greever has provided outstanding service and contributions while serving as the Coroner of Jackson County and the Medical Director of the Jackson County Health Department; and Whereas, Dr. Carl J. Greever served his community through a family practice from 1962 to 2002 and served as the Health Commissioner from 1974 to 1998; and Whereas, Dr. Carl J. Greever has served his community with dignity and excellent medical care and has been an integral part of the community; and Whereas, the Jackson County Commissioners proclaimed January 21, 2005, as Dr. Carl J. Greever Day. Therefore, I join with Dr. Greever's family, friends, the residents of Jackson County, and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in commending Dr. Carl J. Greever for his exceptional work and years of service, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, over the past 15 years this body has provided almost $3 billion for genetic research and the sequencing of the human genetic code. This project, known as the Human Genome Project, has led to more information about diseases and a better understanding of our genetic makeup. Advances in genetics have already led to the discovery of genetic markers for heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, many cases of breast cancer, and a wide variety of other diseases. Along with these discoveries, scientists and healthcare professionals are developing new diagnostics which allow for early treatment, personalized medicine, new cures, and targeted preventative medicine. Currently, there are over 15,500 recognized genetic disorders which affect 13 million Americans. Just two years after the completion of the Human Genome Project, laboratories are offering 1,042 different genetic tests, almost 700 of which are used for diagnostic purposes. On average, most Americans have six potential harmful genetic mutations and the coming years hold tremendous promise as a flood of new tests and treatments reach the marketplace. Unfortunately, these new abilities to predict and manage disease also provide opportunities for the misuse of this information. Should individuals and their families run a risk of losing insurance policies and jobs, many may choose not to take advantage of these new healthcare technologies. Without appropriate protections, this perceived threat could stop Americans from learning about their individual healthcare risks and taking steps which could prevent life threatening conditions later in life. For these reasons, I am pleased to support the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2005 which was introduced today by Congresswoman Judy Biggert. This legislation would provide the protections needed to insure that the use of genetic information continues to advance medical treatments and improve our nation's health by prohibiting the improper use of genetic information in employment and health insurance. I look forward to working with my Colleagues on this important issue.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Mayor John K. Finley; and Whereas, Mayor Finley was a father, counselor, leader, friend, and mentor to thousands and will be deeply missed. His achievements and example will be always remembered; and Whereas, Mayor Finley was a member of the West Virginia Fire Association, Ohio Fire Chief Association, and the Ohio Firemen's Association. He was the longest active member of the M&M Volunteer Fire Department; and Whereas, Mayor Finley was a charter member and Elder of the Church of the Gospel Ministry in McConnelsville, and also a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of McConnelsville, where he served as Sunday School superintendent and treasurer; and Whereas, Mayor Finley lived his life as a servant of the people as mayor and councilman of McConnelsville for more than 31 years, during which, his proudest accomplishments were the establishment of the Hawk Missile Site, the McConnelsville Swimming Pool, and updating McConnelsville's water and sewer systems; and Whereas, the understanding and caring to which he gave to others will stand as a monument to a truly fine person. His life and dedication gave joy to all who knew him. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mayor John Finley.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 133) providing amounts from the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives for continuing expenses of standing and select committees of the House from April 1, 2005, through April 30, 2005, as amended.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 133. It is a pleasure to be here today with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt); and I also want to mention our ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald). As we go through the process here, it is going to be a privilege and a pleasure to work with her and all the Democrats and Republicans on the committee to provide for the funding resolution. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 133, which provides interim funding for the standing select committees of the House from April 1, 2005, through April 30, 2005. The rules of the House provide interim funding for committees until March 31 of 2005. This resolution will extend that funding for an additional month, thereby allowing the Committee on House Administration the time needed to put together the committee funding resolution that will, once passed, fund the committees for the duration of the 109th Congress. This is nothing unusual. We have done this in the past. The committee chairmen and ranking members will appear Thursday of this week and the following Wednesday to present their budget requests to the committee, and that will be all the committee Chairs. As the House will be out of session for the final 2 weeks of March for the Easter district work period, floor consideration of the committee funding resolution really will not be practical or possible, therefore, before March 31; and, therefore, it necessitates passage of this interim funding resolution. That is why we are here today. I therefore urge my colleagues to support resolution 133; it is needed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for supporting this resolution today and also look forward to working with the Congresswoman and ranking member. When the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) chaired the Committee on House Administration, he pushed towards the one-third and always provided one-third at that time to the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). We have kept in that tradition, together with the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) and also with the current ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender- McDonald). I am very happy to say that last session, with the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), we achieved the two-thirds/one-third, and we need to continue to do that. And I think that is the only fair way, and we need to evaluate how the two-thirds and one-third is split. Again, with the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), we did that. It was a great achievement that was started by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas). As far as the issue of the committees, although I do not see any abuse that has occurred, as far as retooling the rules and regs of the House, we are always willing to sit and talk about that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 133.