Doug Ose

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for the time. I rise today in support of the legislation that he has brought to the floor. I do want to add my compliments to the gentleman from Massachusetts' (Mr. Markey) efforts and the gentleman from Michigan's (Mr. Dingell) and others. I think for the first time we have very clearly approached the root cause of this. As the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) and others have spoken, the broadcasters who have allowed the creeping profanity and indecency to enter our airwaves have done so on the basis of a conscious decision they have made, that is, they are trading that kind of language for the added revenue that comes from increased ratings. The gentleman from Michigan's (Mr. Upton) bill significantly increases the penalties for violation of existing FCC rules and regulations; and in that regard, I hope that it will go a long way towards abating this kind of activity. I have always felt that addressing the bottom line of our licensees would be an effective means of influencing their behavior, and I hope this works accordingly. I do think there remains a certain uncertainty as it relates to how the broadcasters shall address this issue having to do with exactly what is profane or what is not profane. I suspect that we will be dealing with that either with regulation at the FCC or here on the floor by statute in the days to come. It is really remarkable to see the connection between, if you will, the outside world or the private side, how our constituents communicate with those of us elected to the House or the Senate, in some cases, react to certain instances, and what actually transpires. As with many of the Members here, I have received not dozens, but hundreds, of communications regarding the, as the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) said, the creeping profanity. This is a great step in the right direction. I applaud the chairman for bringing it forward, and I thank him for the time.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, March 2, 2004, I missed rollcall votes 32, 33. Had I been here, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 32; and ``aye'' on rollcall 33. I request that my comments be placed in the Congressional Record at the appropriate section.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 101st anniversary of the Juvenile Courts in California. As a result of the tireless efforts of the California Federation of Women's Clubs (CFWC), a bill was passed and signed into law by Governor George C. Pardee establishing the California juvenile court system on February 26, 1903. California became the seventh state to establish a juvenile court system with the first courts in San Francisco and Los Angeles--only 4 years after the nation's first juvenile court began in Chicago, Illinois. Until the 19th century, children were confined and punished according to the standards established by criminal courts--adults and juveniles, men and women, sane and insane criminals were treated the same. CFWC fought to establish a system that would consider that children may have less than fully developed moral and cognitive capacities. The CFWC's umbrella organization, the General Foundation for Women's Clubs established 75 percent of the nation's libraries and was the national model for juvenile courts upon which California's system is based. The California Federation of Women's Clubs, chartered in 1900, sought legislation to create a separate court system for juveniles based on the understanding that children are inherently different from adults and that the state has a certain responsibility to protect and rehabilitate young offenders. Juvenile courts provide rehabilitation and benevolent supervision based on the concept of parens patriae (the State as Parent), allowing the state to intervene in the interest of protecting the child. The focus of the juvenile court was on the offender, not on the offense, on rehabilitation, not punishment. Because of the actions of the CFWC, criminal cases involving individuals under the age of eighteen began to be adjudicated in a juvenile court. The CFWC also funded the courts until the courts were included in the State budget. This system allowed courts to provide a standard procedure for processing the crimes committed by juvenile offenders while paying additional attention to the special needs and circumstances of children. Over the years juvenile courts have evolved to more closely resemble the criminal justice system. Today the CFWC continues to work for adequate programs of probation and rehabilitative services in humane facilities for children. In addition to creating the Juvenile Courts of California, CFWC members strive to promote education, literacy, healthy lifestyles, preservation of natural resources, crime prevention, art appreciation and increased international understanding. The organization contributes an average of 4 million volunteer hours and $3 million on 25,000 projects annually. The California Federation of Women's Clubs is a non-profit, charitable organization that was organized in January 1900, becoming the thirty-seventh state to join the General Federation of Women's Clubs--which is one of the largest and oldest volunteer organizations in the world. ``Strength United is Stronger'' was chosen as the motto and still holds true today as the Clubs working together make a difference throughout the world.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 25, 26, and 27, for family reasons. Had I been here, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 25; ``aye'' on rollcall No. 26; and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 27.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1385) to extend the provision of title 39, United States Code, under which the United States Postal Service is authorized to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research, as amended.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1385, introduced by my distinguished colleague from my home State of California (Mr. Baca), extends the life of the breast cancer research semipostal stamp. Mr. Speaker, on the night of July 22, 1997, Dr. Ernie Bodai, Betsy Mullen, and David Goodman sat breathlessly in the House gallery awaiting the outcome of a vote that they had worked tirelessly to see become a reality. At that time, H.R. 1585, the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act, was landmark legislation establishing the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Program and directing the U.S. Postal Service to issue a new first-class breast cancer stamp with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Programs. This advocacy team, a surgeon, a survivor and a widower, used their own time and resources to convince lawmakers to pass this essential legislation. Dr. Ernie Bodai of Carmichael, California, a constituent and personal friend of mine, led the charge. After 14 visits to Washington within 2 years, as well as spending over $100,000 of his personal savings, he succeeded, creating the lead for breast cancer fund-raising. Dr. Bodai is the pioneer of the breast cancer stamp, chief of general surgery for Kaiser Permanente, and CEO of CureBreastCancer, Inc. Joining him in this crusade was Betsy Mullen. Ms. Mullen is one of slightly over 2 million women living in the United States who have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at age 33 and formed the Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer, the acronym WIN ABC, which provides information and support for life-and-death decisions about treatment options. The final member of this advocacy team is David Goodman, a WIN board member who lost his wife to breast cancer less than a year before appearing on the House floor. H.R. 1585, the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act, passed the House on a 433 to three vote; and on August 13, 1997, President Clinton signed this legislation into law. By May 9, 1998, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the new 40 cent stamp, and August 9 the stamp officially went on sale to the public. The legislation we are considering today, H.R. 1385, reauthorizes the breast cancer research stamp program through the year 2006. The stamp marks the first time that some of the proceeds of stamp sales have gone to fund research, and the awareness raised as a result of this historic stamp designed to save lives continues to be priceless. As of December of 2002, 421.3 million breast cancer research stamps have been sold dating from July 29, 1998, raising almost $30 million for biomedical breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. The Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program receives 30 percent of the moneys raised from stamp sales. Since the breast cancer stamp was introduced, Department of Defense has received over $9 million from the stamp's sales, and the National Cancer Institute has received $24 million. The breast cancer stamp functions like a regular first-class stamp and is purchased on a voluntary basis by the public. In 1997, when a person purchased the breast cancer stamp, 32 cents would be used for postage and the extra 8 cents from each stamp sold was turned over to research programs run by the National Institutes of Health and the Defense Department. Today, the stamp can be purchased for 45 cents. The stamp is a line drawing of the Roman goddess Diana reaching back to retrieve an arrow from her quiver, and the words, ``Fund the fight. Find a cure,'' written across. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known; therefore it is imperative that researchers continue to study the basic biology of cancer. Research proposals funded by the Breast Cancer Research Stamp look at the basic biology of breast cancer, such as understanding the changes in breast cells, including DNA and proteins in the cells that result in the development of breast cancer. An increased understanding in cancer cells could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent or treat breast cancer. Funding is directed to prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment research projects. Studies examine the use of antibiotics to block breast cancer cell growth, to observe tumor behavior to keep the cancer from spreading, to explore immunotherapy and the potential to create a vaccine to stimulate the human immune system to protect itself from breast cancer, and search for alternatives to mammography for breast cancer detection. The program's success encouraged Congress to appropriate additional funds to the Breast Cancer Research Program in subsequent years, totaling over $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2004. To date, the Breast Cancer Research Program supported awards in three categories: Research, Research Resources, and Training Recruitment, as well as the Innovator Award. Projects are coordinated to specifically avoid duplication of research between the Department of Defense on the one hand and the National Institutes of Health on the other. Awards are meant to fill gaps in ongoing research and to compliment initiatives sponsored by other agencies. The Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program has emphasized support for research and training awards that encourage innovative approaches to breast cancer research to accomplish the program's vision of eradicating breast cancer. In addition to research, the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program has sponsored three Era of Hope meetings to publicly present results of DOD funded studies and provide researchers with the opportunity to share their results with the scientific community, with policymakers, and with the lay public. The most recent meeting, in 2003, was held in Orlando, Florida, with over 1,500 scientists, clinicians, and breast cancer survivors and advocates in attendance. A National Cancer Institute report estimates that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, accounting for 30 percent of all cancers in women. In 2004, more than 40,000 individuals are projected to die from breast cancer. In 2003, the American Cancer Society estimated 21,100 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in my home State of California and, of these, 4,000 women will die from this disease. An individual's breast cancer risk depends on a variety of factors, including family history, reproductive history, life-style factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking, and a number of other factors that are not yet understood. A woman's risk for developing breast cancer increases if her mother, her sister, her daughter, or two or more other close relatives, such as cousins, have a history of breast cancer, especially at a young age. However, 85 percent of women who develop breast cancer have no known family history of the disease. Early detection and treatment is the key to survival. Declining death rates caused by breast cancer are believed to be the result of early detection and improved treatment. Breast cancer prevention experts strongly encourage women of all ages to have regular mammograms and to conduct breast self-examinations monthly. When people choose to purchase the Breast Cancer Stamp every day, they can turn that simple little act into a meaningful and effective way to participate in the fight against breast cancer. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by thanking my friend, Dr. Ernie Bodai, for his persistence in this fight against breast cancer. Driving through Sacramento, he can be easily spotted in his car, which is adorned by its license plate PL 105-41, the public law number that made the breast cancer fund-raising stamp official. It is in honor of this man and to honor the lives of the victims of breast cancer that I stand before my colleagues, supporting the reauthorization of H.R. 1385. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) for his efforts towards stamping out breast cancer, and I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 1385. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman in complimenting the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) for introducing this legislation, and I urge all Members to support its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Clean Airwaves Act, legislation designed to prohibit seven profane words from being broadcast over America's airwaves. Existing guidelines and standards that govern our airwaves and communications mediums allow profane language to infiltrate the hearts and minds of our nation's youth. I rise today to protect our children from existing rules and regulations that leave them vulnerable to obscene, indecent, and profane speech through broadcast communication. The purpose of the Clean Airwaves Act is to amend section 1464 of Title 18 of the United States Code from which the Federal Communications Commission derives its authority to regulate the use of profane language used in broadcast communications. This legislation will help close the loophole on profanity on our public airwaves, leaving our children free from exposure to offensive and crude speech broadcast over America's airwaves. In FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, the U.S. Supreme Court stated, ``Among the reasons for specially treating indecent broadcasting is the uniquely pervasive presence that medium of expression occupies in the lives of our people. Broadcasts extend into the privacy of the home and it is impossible to completely avoid those that are patently offensive''. Subsequently, public broadcasting is more accessible to children. The current FCC guidelines regarding indecency determinations aren't strong enough to stop harmful, indecent, and profane language broadcast over America's airwaves. It is wholly necessary to give the FCC the tools it needs in order to protect our broadcast airwaves. Currently under FCC policy, indecency determinations hinge on two factors. First, material must describe or depict sexual or excretory organs or activities. Second, the material must be patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium. The vagueness of this stipulation creates a loophole that inevitably allows specific profane language to be broadcast. One notorious example of a profane broadcast aired at the Golden Globe Awards program in January of 2003. In this broadcast, performer Bono uttered a phrase that may not be repeated at this time and qualified as indeed profane and indecent by a rational and normal standard. The FCC has in its authority, the power to enforce statutory and regulatory provisions restricting indecency and obscenity. However, in the Golden Globe Awards example, the FCC concluded that the use of the word as an adjective or expletive to emphasize an exclamation did not meet their threshold for indecency. The FCC further stated in the October 3, 2003 Memorandum Opinion and Order that ``in similar circumstances, we have found that offensive language used as an insult rather than as a description of sexual or excretory activity or organs is not within the scope of the commission's prohibition of indecent program content.'' As a result, the use of particular profane language was aired to the public and no action was taken to ensure it would not take place in the future. Therefore, I reiterate the necessity to act upon this loophole in the U.S. Code to ensure that the public is free from inappropriate communications over public broadcasts and that our airwaves be clean of obscenity, indecency, and profanity.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I announce the birth of Elana Helen Kaplan. Elana was born on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at Fairfax Hospital in Northern Virginia to my former Legislative Director, Jim Kaplan, and his wife Stacie. Almost exactly two and a half years ago I welcomed Elana's twin sisters, Shauna and Sierra, on the floor of this House. Today I join Shauna and Sierra in welcoming their baby sister Elana. Among the proud family members who join me in welcoming her are her grandparents: Dr. and Mrs. Jerold Kaplan of California, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rothman of Maryland. Stacie's sister, Ms. Amy Rothman, Jim's brothers, Lt. Scott Kaplan (USN) and Mr. Glenn Kaplan, Stacie's grandmother, Mrs. Doris Scherr, and Jim's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Schwartz also join me in this joyous welcome. These three little Kaplan girls owe much to this chamber, as Jim met their mother Stacie through a fellow congressional staff member and proposed during a tour of the Congressional dome in 1997. As the father of two daughters myself, I can only hope that these young ladies will continue to bring joy and pride to their family and to their community in much the same way my daughters brighten my life every day.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Diabetes Caucus, I rise today in honor of National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a growing concern in this country as each year increasing numbers of Americans are being diagnosed with the disease. The disease does not discriminate; children, adults and senior citizens alike are realizing the devastating impact of diabetes and its tragic effects have touched the lives of Americans across the country. Diabetes itself is debilitating, but it can also lead to heart, kidney, nervous system or dental diseases, as well as blindness, high blood pressure, complications during pregnancy, strokes, and even death. Today, 17 million people live with diabetes and approximately 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year in people over the age of 20. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with 19 percent of Americans over the age of 25 losing their lives to diabetes each year. The statistic that 1 million children have been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes is particularly unnerving. In my home state of California, every half-hour a life is lost due to causes directly or indirectly linked to diabetes. Currently, there are two million Californians who have been diagnosed with diabetes, putting California's average above the national rate. That number is expected to double by the year 2020. Organizations such as the Juvenile Research Fund are vital to research efforts to find a cure for diabetes. In addition to conducting its own research, JDRF provides valuable outreach programs in schools and the community to educate the public on diabetes related issues. This past June, the Sacramento chapter of JDRF sent two of my constituents, Juleah Cordi and Gianna Gallo, to the Children's Congress. At this conference, children afflicted with diabetes spoke with Members of Congress to raise awareness of this debilitating disease. As a congressional co-chair of this event, I would like to thank Juleah, Gianna and other Children's Congress participants for their help in bringing attention to this issue. The cost of diabetes is rising, both in terms of the cost to treat the disease and the number of American lives lost resulting from complications relating to the disease. We must support the National Institute of Health's funding for diabetes research so that organizations like JDRF may continue to provide preventative education and help curb the spread of the disease. Education is a key component in preventative efforts, by encouraging individuals to make life-style changes that will reduce their risk of getting diabetes. Mr. Speaker, we have made great strides over the years in diabetes research and outreach education. I applaud the many organizations that have contributed to this effort and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring National Diabetes Month. Let's help give those Americans living with diabetes hope that one day soon, we will find a cure to diabetes.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2420, the Mutual Funds Integrity and Fee Transparency Act of 2003. As a Member of the Financial Services Committee I am proud to be an original cosponsor of legislation that makes significant and much needed reforms to the mutual funds industry by implementing measures to improve transparency on fund fees and practices, bolster oversight abilities, address conflicts of interest and enhance information provided to investors. H.R. 2420 will strengthen the market by improving investor confidence and by giving investors the necessary information to make more informed investment decisions. In today's climate, it seems one cannot pick up a paper without reading about financial scandals involving improper conduct involving mutual funds. The actions of this body in passing this H.R. 2420 will mitigate the adverse impact these recent scandals may have on the market by reassuring American investors that Congress and relevant regulatory bodies are acting expeditiously to address shortfalls in industry practice and regulation. I commend Chairman Baker on his leadership on this bill, with foresight he recognized loopholes in mutual fund regulation and even before the current scandals surfaced worked hard to implement significant reforms to clarify and codify rules on disclosure, improve transparency, and increase oversight capabilities. In the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises, where I serve as Vice-Chairman, Chairman Baker has held a number of hearings to examine this issue in a deliberate and methodical manner, and I thank him for his dedication to this issue. I would also like to recognize the leadership Chairman Oxley has demonstrated in bringing this bill to the floor today. His manager's amendment strengthen the existing bill and in the spirit of the H.R. 2420's original intent, ensure that mutual funds are contentious in their fiduciary duty to investors. Mutual funds have become more accessible to increasing numbers of Americans over the years, and this has served the industry well. Today 95 million individuals, comprising nearly half of all U.S. households, own mutual funds. More Americans have a vested interest in the success of these funds for the health of their savings and pensions, and their increased involvement also is symbolic of the trust they have in the integrity of the system. It is imperative that we do not let the American mutual investors down by failing to resolve these issues. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important and necessary step in restoring American investor trust into the mutual fund industry. I applaud the leadership Chairman Baker and Chairman Oxley have shown on this bill, and thank them for their service on behalf of American investors. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep sympathy to the victims of the fires that have been plaguing southern California this past week and even now continue to rage. I would also like to recognize the emergency assistance that has been mobilized to help the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino. The scope of the devastation this disaster has delivered is vast. It has viciously taken at least 14 lives, destroyed over 1,500 homes, and burned over 500,000 acres of land. In addition, over 50,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the men and women from my district who, where capable, have dedicated their time to helping combat the fires in southern California. Calaveras County has donated 5 fire engines along with 15 fire fighters. Amador County has donated an entire team consisting of 2 engines and nine people, including one fire chief. In addition, Solano and Sacramento Counties have each dedicated significant resources to assist in the firefighting effort, including over three fire strike teams and two trucks. These mobilizations are fighting to alleviate the impact of this disaster even as I speak. It is my sincere hope that these brave men and women will be able to safely and swiftly contain these fires. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is a growing and tragic epidemic that has undoubtedly touched loved ones, affecting mothers, sisters, daughters, as well as friends. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection of the disease through mammograms, clinical breast examination, as well as breast self-examination. During 2003, over 211,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States and breast cancer remains as the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Alarmingly, every 2 hours, on average, a California woman dies of breast cancer. I am honored to promote breast cancer awareness and research by urging my colleagues to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research program for 2 more years. Millions of people have purchased the Breast Cancer Research stamp, a program that was first introduced in July 1998, generating over $34.5 million for research and development. The Breast Cancer Research stamp is especially important to me because my constituent, Dr. Ernie Bodai of Carmichael, CA, was the leading force behind the program. After 14 visits to Washington within 2 years, as well as spending $100,000 of his personal savings, he succeeded, creating a leading for Breast Cancer fundraising. Dr. Bodai is the pioneer of the Breast Cancer stamp, Chief of General Surgery for Kaiser Permanente, and CEO of CureBreastCancer, Inc. Driving through Sacramento, he can be easily detected by his car, which is adorned by its license plate--PL 105-41--the title of the public law that made the breast cancer fundraising stamp official. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, let's do our part to protect our constituents, promote breast cancer research and education, and reauthorize the Breast Cancer Stamp program.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CH2M Hill's 30th Anniversary in Sacramento and to acknowledge its 30 years of service to the greater Northern California region. In 1973 the firm of CH2M Hill established an office in Sacramento with an initial staff of 4 individuals and brought with it a vision for development, a commitment to prosperity, and a dedication to community service. Today, 30 years later, CH2M Hill employs more than 240 local engineers, scientists, planners, and administrative personnel and has succeeded in realizing its goals by bringing growth and progress to the citizens of Sacramento. CH2M Hill's efforts and work can be seen virtually everywhere in Sacramento. Just a few of its accomplishments include completing tunnel access to the California State University at Sacramento in time for the 2000 Olympic Trials; being the first environmental consultant helping to create the DNA light rail connection; removing over a million pounds of contaminants from the soil and groundwater beneath McClellan Air Force Base; managing the CalFED program to sort out water storage, transfer, and distribution in the Central Valley; and delivering over 2,000 other local and regional projects in the last 30 years which include providing landmark engineering and scientific services throughout northern California, most notably for the restoration of the Owens Valley and the seismic stabilization of the Bay Area's major bridges. Proving consistently to be an industry leader in sustainable business innovation, CH2M Hill is credited with piloting the first office- recycling program in the City of Sacramento, as well as becoming the USEPA Best Workplace for Commuters company and aggressively promoting alternatives to single-driver commuting. It prides itself most however, with its constant commitment to community service. The Sacramento Blood Bank benefited last year from the quarterly blood drive hosted by CH2M Hill and named them the Blood Drive of the Year. The Sacramento Food Bank for the past 4 years has had to send two trucks over to gather all the food contributed for the Holiday Food Drive by this organization. And a few years ago CH2M Hill answered the call from the University of California at Davis to become the corporate underwriter for their new Engineering building by raising over $16,000 from staff alone in order to complete a $50,000 pledge it made to the University. Individuals in CH2M Hill's office are constantly engaged in supporting 14 other community service and charity programs. On behalf of myself and the citizens of Sacramento, I congratulate and thank CH2M Hill on 30 years of continued success and service.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Chairman, today, I rise to discuss Mr. Rohrabacher's Amendment (No. 1) to the Water Resources Development Act of 2003 (H.R. 2557). This amendment is well intended since it seeks to find a way to provide additional funds for needed port security improvements. It permits seaports to impose fees to be collected on a per container basis to be used for port security. On May 21, 2003, after holding a hearing on port security, with my Government Reform Subcommittee Ranking Member John Tierney, I introduced a bi-partisan bill, entitled the ``Port Security Improvements Act of 2003'' (H.R. 2193). Our bill takes a different approach. To date, Congress has provided extensive Federal funding to fully ensure air security. In contrast, Congress has not provided sufficient Federal funding to fully ensure port security. Currently, the U.S. Customs Bureau collects $15.6 billion in duties on commodities entering the U.S. through marine transportation. Our bill dedicates a portion of these duties for five years toward port security enhancements. In addition, our bill reflects other recommendations from our witnesses. It sets deadlines for issuance of regulations governing transportation security cards, and requires regulations that include a national minimum set of standard security requirements for ports, facilities, and vessels. Since America's ports are crucial to our economic well being, it is essential that we find the right balance between increasing port security while not impeding the flow of commerce and trade. As a Republican, I am sensitive to the costs of excessive government regulation. But, in a post-September 11 world, I realize that we must take additional precautions to protect our fellow citizens and our economy. We need to make sure that our ports are safe. I am not convinced that they are safe today. H.R. 2193 currently has 31 co-sponsors. This summer, both the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and I requested that Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo hold a hearing on this bill. Today, I ask for additional co-sponsors for H.R. 2193 and for Chairman LoBiondo to schedule the requested hearing.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, on September 4, I recorded a ``yes'' vote on rollcall vote No. 463. My vote should have been ``no.''

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the upcoming celebration of the 60th birthday of Mr. Rick Merri of Sacramento. I have known Mr. Merri for many years. I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Merri family since the early 1980s. I have had the honor of conducting the marriage ceremony of his eldest son Rick Jr. I have had the privilege of coaching and playing soccer with each of Mr. Merri's three sons. I say with some measure of pride that I was a contributor in making each of these three young men into contributing members of our American society. Mr. Merri has been a quiet and effective participant in various youth activities in and around Sacramento for at least two decades. He has consistently lent his insights and initiative to making our community better for those that come behind him. He has not been alone in this effort. Paulette Merri has stood alongside him at every step of the way and provided valuable course corrections at every step. These two Americans, as a team, without regard to recognition or reward, have over the course of their lives strived to provide a safe and healthy and improving community for their three sons and many neighbors and friends. Truth be told, it is hard to distinguish where the efforts of one of these individuals ends and the other begins. They are emblematic of so many other Americans across this country. August 9, 2003, will mark the occasion of the 60th birthday of Rick Merri. Rick and Paulette have done a remarkable job in successfully raising three sons, who now are each making their own way and mark on our country. It is fitting and appropriate that we wish Rick Merri the very best wishes on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Happy birthday, my friend.

Mr. OSE

Mr. OSE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. OSE. Mr. Chairman, I want to clarify the critical piece on this 8 U.S. Code 1182 is a notification process for the Secretary of State to receive notice from the families that an issue involving the foreign alien and these children has arisen. The Secretary of State's office, in our conversation with them, will receive a fax, a registered letter, a phone call, an e-mail, all these things; and my purpose in bringing that up is to try and establish a legislative history that the Congress is comfortable with any one of those singular forms of communications as long as it can be substantiated in a court of law that the Secretary of State has been put on notice. So I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. OSE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.