Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Senate Joint Resolution 19 provides for the reappointment of Anne d'Harnoncourt to serve on the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents. Anne d'Harnoncourt currently serves as the George D. Widener director and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She graduated magna cum laude from Radcliffe College in Cambridge and received her master's degree with distinction from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Mrs. d'Harnoncourt started her museum career at the Tate Gallery in London. She has also worked at the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked in several different levels within the Philadelphia Museum of Art before being named the chief executive officer in 1997. Anne d'Harnoncourt has an extensive background, as you can see, Mr. Speaker, in the arts, and is head of one of our Nation's premier museums. I believe her strong background makes her an excellent candidate for reappointment to the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents, and I urge my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 19. I also want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), and my colleague here today, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano), who have made this resolution possible. 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. Mr. Speaker, it is again a pleasure to be here with my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano), and to lay before the House Senate Joint Resolution 20, which provides for the appointment of Roger W. Sant to serve as a citizen regent on the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents. This governing board of the Smithsonian is comprised of 17 members, which includes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Vice President of the United States, three Members each of the U.S. House and Senate, 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. Roger Sant currently serves as the chairman of the board for AES Corporation, which is a leading global power company and was cofounded by Mr. Sant in 1981. He graduated from Brigham Young University and received his MBA with distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Sant chairs the board of the Summit Foundation and several other prominent boards, including Marriott International Resources for the Future, the Energy Foundation, and the National Symphony. He has previously been director of the Mellon Institute's Energy Productivity Center and has authored books on energy conservation. Mr. Sant has also served in the Ford administration and was a key player in forming early initiatives to create an energy policy in the United States. Roger Sant's broad business background and his educational experience, particularly in the area of energy conservation, make him a strong candidate for nomination to the Smithsonian Institution's governing Board of Regents. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 20. 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, Whereas, Daniel Lee Neff served as director of Ohio's Office of Appalachia under former Governor George Voinovich from '94-'98, and assistant director from '91-'94; and Whereas, Mr. Neff is a veteran public policy professional in Ohio and Executive Director of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government's Association in Cambridge; and Whereas, Mr. Neff has been selected as Director of Local Development Districts for the Appalachian Regional Commission and Managing Director of the Development District Association of Appalachia; and Whereas, Mr. Neff has proven how local leaders working at the grassroots can spark regional and local positive change for all Appalachian communities; Therefore, I commend his contributions as a citizen and leader and support and wholly affirm his appointment that gives honor to Ohio as he continues to achieve great things for his Appalachian neighbors.

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. 239), providing Capitol-flown flags to each surviving victim, and the family of each deceased victim, of the terrorist attacks which occurred on September 11, 2001, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to point out, and I would be remiss if I did not do this, that though we have authored this resolution, myself and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), I want to note that this tremendous idea, this tremendous gesture, this move by this Congress to help communicate with these families that we do care that they paid the ultimate price, was the idea of the gentleman from Washington. He brought it to us. And I just wanted to commend the gentleman for bringing this idea. Although we have authored it, we really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gentleman in proposing this.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this bill is here on behalf of the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, and myself. This resolution would authorize funds for the provisions of flags that have been flown over the great Capitol to the surviving victims and the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Pursuant to this resolution, those who were injured or lost a loved one in these hideous attacks would be entitled to receive, at no cost, the United States flag. I believe all Members will agree that provisions of the flag, what we believe in the flag as a symbol of our country and to give that is the least we can do to show our support for those tragically affected by these barbaric acts. Mr. Speaker, as we stand here tonight, behind you is our flag, which is the greatest symbol of our country. And as we have the energetic give and take of public debate on the floor of this Chamber to do our duty, to represent freedom, to represent our constituents and our very American way of life, we recognize, I know, that we could not be here to have our debates and our agreements and our disagreements if it were not for the veterans of our country, who from the beginning of our revolution up through today, as our military stands ready always, as our troops are overseas in situations that put them in harm's way, and we always know through all of this that the colors do not run on that flag and neither have our veterans. I mention the veterans because they are so important to us. Mr. Speaker, I believe also we should mention that we realize that somewhere in this tragic amount of individuals who have lost their lives, there are veterans; but we also recognize in fact that there are nonveterans that have also in fact lost their lives. And it is fitting that those targeted, whether veterans or nonveterans, should receive in tribute the symbol of our great Nation, the American flag, that has been flown across the United States Capitol, the structure that houses our great institutions of democracy. Tragically, the victims of this savage attack are numerous. Though there are many victims, each should be honored. Every single one of them. This resolution will permit Members to show that they, this Congress, and our country mourn the loss deeply of our fellow citizens and we are in solidarity with those that have had the ultimate price of their lives taken away from them and we are in deepest sympathy with their families. It has long be been the law of this Nation and of our land that when a veteran dies their family receives a flag. All those who died and were injured on September 11, 2001, again may have not been in our armed services, but they all assuredly were casualties of war, and they should be recognized as such. I hope all Members will join me in passing this resolution.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday, September 17, 2001.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I too want to stand to thank the gentleman for introducing what I think is a very important and critical resolution. I just wanted to reflect for a second. I know the hour is late, but I will be brief. When the hostages were taken in Iran, I can remember clearly, there were elected officials that began to want to introduce resolutions to ask students because they were from Iran, Iranian Americans, to actually not be able to be teaching assistants or to leave, and that whole fever erupted across the country. I can remember a scene in a restaurant where there were Iranian Americans, and in fact, it was in Ohio at the time, that people were saying, why do you not go home? These people were home. That type of fever prevailed. Now we have amongst us over 1 million Iranian Americans that live in the United States and live in neighborhoods, and people who know them, and people look back with embarrassment and shame about what happened. We do not want to see that happen again. So the feelings and thoughts have to be I think for us to realize that we need to learn our lesson and look back from what happened at that time. Also, I just wanted to reflect on the children of people of Arab American descent and some of the comments that are made to them. It is incumbent upon us, and that is what we are doing tonight to spread this word, and to ask Americans that feel this passion for fairness to talk to other Americans when they make a comment that is a broad brush. I want to close by saying that I lived in Iran in 1978. I have been on the other side of this type of situation, and I was there during the turbulence during the fall of the Shah. At that time I can remember Iranians who told other Iranians to not make the comments because we were obviously American in our look. I want to thank those people that helped thousands of us to not have the harassment. I have been in those shoes, in a sense, and we have to just I think as Americans, Mr. Speaker, put ourselves in the shoes of these Americans of Arab descent, and I think this message will go out. I hope the media also, I say to the gentleman, keep hammering this in, that our country was founded on fairness and freedom that has been so eloquently expressed here tonight. I thank the gentleman for doing something good and right for the people of this country.

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 H. Con. Res. 223, the concurrent resolution just agreed to.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 223 permits the use of the Capitol rotunda for a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in yesterday's tragic act of terrorism against the United States. This country has suffered the most terrible and horrific terrorist attack in its history. Although we still do not know the full story, these unspeakable acts of brutality strike at the very heart of our society. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all who have been directly touched by this tragedy and their families. Prayer can now be the source of unification and peace for a Nation that is beginning the healing process. The rotunda in our Nation's Capitol is a symbol of unification. House Members, Senators and the American people have historically gathered there for solemn occasions. It is, therefore, fitting that the people's representatives from both bodies gather together there today. No matter what the troubles in the world, you can have peace with God and you can achieve it with prayer. My fellow colleagues, please join me and the millions across the country and the world as we remember those who died in a senseless and cowardly act of terrorism. May their memory serve as a reminder that the American spirit lives on and cannot be extinguished.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 223) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in the events of September 11, 2001, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Bill Mazeroski will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, August 5, 2001 at 1:30 in the afternoon at the legendary Cooperstown, New York; and, Whereas, Bill Mazeroski grew up in Turkeyfoot and Rush Run, Ohio where his dedication to the game lead him to perform arduous tasks for his Uncle so that he could earn enough money to purchase his first baseball glove; and, Whereas, his professional career began as a second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1956 and ended 17 great years later in 1972; and, Whereas, Bill Mazeroski is an eight time Gold Glove winner and holds the major league record for the most double plays for a second baseman; and Whereas, Bill Mazeroski became the first player ever to end the World Series with a home run; and, Whereas, Bill Mazeroski is a National League all-time All-Star; and, Whereas, his career total included 2,016 hits and a .983 field percentage at second base; and, Whereas, he went on to cultivate new baseball talent as a coach for the Pittsburg Pirates and later for the Seattle Mariners; Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Bill Mazeroski, an exceptional athlete, one of Baseball's all time greats, and an Ohio Valley legend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Ellen Ratner was born August 28, 1951 and will be celebrating her 50th year surrounded by admiring friends and family; and, Whereas, Ellen has much to be proud of as she reflects on her past accomplishments and anticipates her future endeavors; and, Whereas, Ellen has achieved respect and notoriety among Presidents, Members of Congress, and foreign leaders as she has successfully navigated and illuminated the ever changing tide of American politics; and, Whereas, Ellen is also an accomplished writer, authoring ``The Other Side of the Family: A Book for Recovery from Abuse, Incest, and Neglect'' as well as ``101 Ways to Get Your Progressive Ideas on Talk Radio''; and, Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Ellen Ratner as she celebrates 50 years of achievement. I am honored to be a close friend with a woman whom I hold in the highest esteem.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Robert B. McKenna successfully completed the Federal Emergency Management Agencies Executive Fire Officer Program; and, Whereas, the Emergency Fire Officer Program is designed to provide senior officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire administration; and, Whereas, Robert McKenna throughout his career has dedicated himself to demonstrating the highest degree of professionalism; Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of Robert B. McKenna, a leader in his community whom I am proud to call a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Officer William David Peoples, of the Cambridge, Ohio Police Department has been recognized as its Officer of the Month for May 2001; and Whereas, Officer Peoples has continually demonstrated a superlative degree of professionalism, care and commitment in his role as a police officer, and Whereas, he was awarded the Exceptional Service Medal in 1995 for his heroic actions and effective problem solving as he helped deliver water to the 12,000 residents of Cambridge when a main line broke; and, Whereas, he was again recognized with the Life Saving Medal with Silver Torch, in 1997 for his patience and bravery in the prevention of a suicide attempt; Therefore, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the dedication and the exemplary service of Officer William D. Peoples, a man whom I am proud to call a constituent and one who serves as an example to us all.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, on June 30, 2001 Robyn Horner and Michael Shaheen joined together into the blessed union of holy matrimony, and; Whereas, they began on that day, witnessed by God, a journey together that will lead them to the path of all of life's joys, Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating them and wishing them the very best that life has to offer.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 319 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' The CHAIRMAN pro tempore (Mr. Nethercutt.) There being no other amendments, under the rule, the Committee rises. Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Simpson) having assumed the chair, Mr. Nethercutt, Chairman pro tempore of the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4) to enhance energy conservation, research and development and to provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for the American people, and for other purposes, pursuant to House Resolution 216, he reported the bill, as amended pursuant to that rule, back to the House with sundry further amendments adopted by the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, the exemplary work of the Heath Fire Department has earned them the recognition of the Congressional Fire Service Institute for outstanding work in providing protection to their community; and, Whereas, the partnership between the Fire Department and the city is a strong and essential component for serving the community effectively; and Whereas, the relationship that has been cultivated between the Newark Fire Department and the city that it serves has proven to be an effective element for fire prevention; Therefore, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of the Heath Fire Department that has brought honor, pride, and security to their community.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, the exemplary work of the Newark Fire Department has earned them the recognition of the Congressional Fire Service Institute for outstanding work in providing protection to their community; and, Whereas, the partnership between the Fire Department and the city is a strong and essential component for serving the community effectively; and Whereas, the relationship that has been cultivated between the Newark Fire Department and the city that it serves has proven to be an effective element for fire prevention; Therefore, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of the Newark Fire Department that has brought honor, pride, and security to their community.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, with great pride and satisfaction I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Melanie Kidder, should be recognized for her outstanding achievement; and, Whereas, Melanie Kidder proudly represented her community as Belmont County's delegate to the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, held in Washington, D.C., and Whereas, having advanced to the fifth round, she rose to be among the very top of her 248 competitors from across the nation, and Whereas, she showed grace, courage and uncommon maturity as she achieved great success before a national television audience in the final round of the spelling competition; and, Therefore, I ask you to join with me and the citizens of Ohio, in recognition of Melanie Kidder's outstanding performance.