Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as a former Sea Grant extension agent, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3389, a bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program Act. There is little more that I can add to the summary of the legislation provided by the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). However, I wanted to say that this final version of H.R. 3389 reflects a fair and noncontroversial compromise between legislation passed by the House in June by a 407 to 2 vote and the companion legislation passed by the other body. Certainly the higher authorized levels for program appropriations, revised rating and evaluation procedures, and new requirements to enhance cooperation and coordination between Federal agencies and Sea Grant programs will help ensure that the National Sea Grant Program stays on the cutting edge of applied marine research, technology transfer, education, and outreach. Perhaps most important, Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents a clear repudiation by the Congress of the administration's ill-advised budget proposal to transfer the National Sea Grant Program from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to the National Science Foundation. While I approve and respect NSF's mission and scientists, and while I continue to support full funding for NSF, I, like many other Members, believe that the national interest is best served by keeping Sea Grant in NOAA. This legislation unequivocally reaffirms that commitment. Let us also hope that it puts this misbegotten issue to rest once and for all. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support passage of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the election is over and we know the results: The Republicans retained the majority in the House of Representatives and actually will now have the majority in the Senate; in fact, will control the Presidency and both Houses of Congress for quite a while. I want to congratulate the Republican Party and the President, but I want to also point out that now that they are in charge of everything in Washington, they have a heavy responsibility, and one of the responsibilities they have is on an issue I talked about a great deal here on the floor of the House of Representatives and that is on health care reform. There is absolutely no question that during the course of the campaign, and well before that, that I heard from my constituents about the need for a Medicare prescription drug benefit, about the fact that so many who now have health care insurance are losing their insurance and are afraid even if they have a job about whether or not that health insurance will continue to be affordable. And I also heard from a number of my constituents, and I know my colleagues did as well, about the need for HMO reform and a Patients' Bill of Rights. I must say it disturbed me that during the course of the campaign that the Republicans, in talking about some of these issues, I think have done a spin on the issues in a fashion that was not completely honest about what their agenda was on some of these very important issues, particularly the need to provide a prescription drug benefit and the need to make sure that the costs of prescription drugs would not continue to climb. I want to point out in particular the effort on the part of the drug manufacturers, the prescription drug manufacturers, to influence the election, to spend a tremendous amount of money trying to convince the electorate that Republicans were really going to effectively address the issue of affordable prescription drugs. I think that much of it was advertising, trying to convince the public that the Republican plan was a good one when in fact it was not. I have a clip that was in my local newspaper by the Associated Press on Saturday, November 9, and it says, ``Drugmakers Glad for GOP Wins.'' ``Experts say the pharmaceutical industry's heavy spending in the election paid off in a Republican Congress that will certainly be more sympathetic to its views.'' There is a quote that says, `` `The pharmaceutical companies spent a lot of money and they are going to be looking for a payback,' said Stephen Schondelmeyer, director of the Pharmaceutical Research in Management Economics, or PRIME.'' The article continues, ``Investors are also optimistic. Pharmaceutical stocks rose an average of 2.25 percent in the 2 days following the election compared with a 1.12 percent increase in the overall market, according to Morningstar.com.'' The problem is that the Republicans were also funneling money into so-called senior groups that were nothing more than a front for the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry was the ninth largest political contributor during the 2002 election; 73 percent of the $18.1 million it doled out went to Republican candidates, according to the Center for Responsible Politics. It also reportedly funneled $16 million to two senior citizen groups that ran ads supporting Republican candidates. There is another article in the New York Times from Sunday, October 20, that talks about United Seniors Association, a conservative group, that acknowledges it receives financing from the drug industry's major trade group, and they ran ads in various districts, mostly saying Republicans had the right answers to the prescription drug problem facing seniors. Now I say that the Republican answer to prescription drugs is basically to privatize Medicare. They wanted to give some money to seniors on the theory that they would take that money and go out and buy drug insurance in the private market. The Democrats talked during the campaign, and continue to talk, about the need to just expand the existing Medicare program to provide a prescription drug benefit the same way we do with doctors' bills: Pay $25 a month, get 80 percent of the costs of prescription drugs covered by the Federal Government through Medicare. There is a $100 deductible and a 20 percent copayment. I would hate to see the Republicans take the election results as a mandate to say they should not have a Medicare prescription drug benefit and instead should move towards a private scheme. Frankly, I do not think that is what the average senior wants. I do not think that is what the average senior thinks that the Republican Party stands for. The problem is that the Republican Party, through the pharmaceutical industry, spent so much money convincing the electorate that this is the way to go, I do not think that the public really understands what the Republican proposal for prescription drug benefit is all about. The same is true with regard to the need for health insurance and also with HMOs, and we will get into that another time. But I am simply saying to my colleagues on the Republican side, if they want to see progress on health care reform, sit down with the Democrats and work with us because this is something that must be addressed on a bipartisan basis in the next Congress.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, during morning hour and once again, I want to thank or congratulate, I should say, the Republicans on their election victories last Tuesday, but I would say that now that they will control both the House and the other body, as well as the presidency, they have the obligation to address the Nation's economic woes. They cannot continue to mask the economic slump that we face. During the last week, there was news, this is in the International Herald Tribune from November 2 to 3 of this year, and it says, ``Indications that the United States may be headed for a renewed slump have piled up over the last week, with weakness spreading from manufacturing to employment to consumer spending. The bad news culminated Friday with reports of a rising jobless rate and softness in a variety of other indicators. ``The government reported that the unemployment rate rose last month to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent the previous month. ``In yet another bit of bad news, a survey that tracks activity of corporate purchasing managers, a key gauge of manufacturing strength, showed another drop. The Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index fell once again.'' The Republicans are in the majority now and soon in both Houses. They have to address the economy. It is their obligation to do so, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the following is the Inaugural Address of Dr. Rodney D. Smith, President of Ramapo College in New Jersey. I want to wish him and the entire community at Ramapo College a successful academic year. Inaugural Address, May 2, 2002, of Rodney D. Smith ``Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon . . . must inevitably come to pass!''--Paul J. Meyer. Chairman Ramirez, Trustees, Ambassadors, Honorable Congresswoman Roukema, Honorable Governor McGreevey, other distinguished platform guests, Distinguished guests in the audience, Ramapo College colleagues, students, fellow college/University Presidents, delegates, family members, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen: Today, standing on this beautiful campus of rolling hills . . . with stately evergreens surrounding a mixture of architectural centuries old beauty and 21st century ingenuity--I am exhilarated by the convergence of Ramapo's potential and its rich history. Indeed, I am inspired by the challenges and magnitude of the charge of leading this most innovative of institutions into the future. Often in life we find ourselves taking on challenges that both weigh heavily and strengthen us at the same time. While they empower us, these challenges also require all the strength, creativity, skill, patience and sensitivities that make us who we are. Today, I remember growing up on a small island, away from the U.S. mainland, in the Atlantic Ocean--where we took it for granted that we could fish whenever we wanted, swim where we wanted, and live wherever we wanted. I remember the cool tropical breeze sweeping over the sea . . . as I looked out at the vast ocean where the sky met the sea--watching the sun sink deep into the water. I remember wondering what was beyond those deep waters--I wondered about what future awaited beyond the horizon. As we forge ahead in this new partnership, this strengthened relationship, we must look to the future as we reflect on where the College has been, the courses that were chosen, the choices made, and then move to establish a clear vision beyond the vast unknown oceans that lie ahead. We must seek to understand the tides, the many currents, the uncharted seas. We must appreciate the richness of the ocean and respect the unknowns . . . that await within its depths. John Dewey, in Democracy and Education, wrote: `To Learn from Experience is to make a backward and forward connection between what we do to things and what we enjoy or suffer from things in consequence.'' Today, I add my humble experiences as a new factor in the Ramapo College Equation. I bring lessons taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Education--``To always seek what is truth--even in our acceptance that some questions have no answers.'' I bring almost ten years of experiences from one of the most premier institutions in the country, Hampton University, led by one of America's most successful and innovative leaders within the higher education enterprise, Dr. William R. Harvey. William Harvey has taught me many lessons over the years but one that stands out, that I now bring to Ramapo College, is the importance for leaders to listen to advice, pay heed to guidance, consult, go away and cogitate, if you have to, but at the end of the day always stand up for what you believe is the right thing to do, do it . . . and let the chips fall where they may. Our Founding President, George Potter, visualized an innovative college offering traditional academic values . . . in a non-traditional setting, a college that would be devoted to the development of the individual student's talents . . . through a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum . . . based in the liberal arts and sciences. As Ramapo celebrated its 15th year, Dr. Robert A. Scott continued the dynamic leadership in June 1985. Under President Scott's leadership Ramapo's niche became redefined and was focused in International and Multicultural Education. Scott noted that more than one half of Ramapo's faculty had substantial experience in other nations and cultures; and some were nationally known for their leadership in International Education. He noted that Ramapo College's Model UN program consecutively took best delegation honors in competitions against Harvard, Army, Georgetown, Pittsburgh and other prominent institutions. He noted that northern New Jersey continued its expansion as home for the headquarters of many multinational and international firms. Ramapo's neighbors came to include such firms as: Sharp, Minolta, Sony, Simac, Seiko, Samsung, Konica, Laura Ashley, Jaguar, UPS, KPMG, and many, many others. In addition to the large populations of ethnic groups already settled here, large numbers from Spanish-speaking, Asian and Caribbean countries also came to the area. Eventually, the combination of these market forces resulted in Ramapo's mission being more clearly defined with four distinct pillars: Interdisciplinary Teaching, Experiential Learning, International Education, and Intercultural Understanding. International Education Today, Ramapo continues to expand study abroad and exchange opportunities. It is the home for the Governor's School for International Studies. Today, Ramapo continues to expand mutually beneficial partnerships with its corporate neighbors. We will expand corporate partnerships to offer newly designed post-9/11 Executive Development Seminars for renewed understanding and appreciation for world events and meanings. Ramapo College will maintain its position as a pace-setter in the corporate/higher education arena. And, In the very near future, we will bring all these resources and partnerships together in the creation of even more innovative opportunities under the Marge Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship. Our students must have a solid understanding and concern for the fundamental issues of world peace, poverty, commerce, and politics . . . . including: war, terrorism, racism, global warming, pollution, and the depletion of our forests and fisheries. In that respect, part of our Mission is to develop Ramapo's relationship with the United Nations and other global players. This will be a powerful new strategy that fully exploits the fact that the United Nations is in our backyard. Look, for example, at the plight of women and children around the globe: Women and children make up 70 percent of the world's poor. Women comprise over \2/3\ of the world's illiterate population. Women and children account for 80 percent of the world's refugees. Women produce, process and market \3/5\ of all the world's food. Women may perform as much as \2/3\ of the world's work. And yet-women receive only \1/10\th of the world's income. And women own less than \1/100\th of the world's property. These are the kinds of fundamental issues that our students--our world citizen--must be prepared to challenge. There are more than six billion people living on the Earth today. But if we imagine that the Earth's population, as a village of just 100--people maintaining the existing ratios-- what would our global village look like? Dr. Phillip Harter of the Stanford University School of Medicine calculated the following: 57 would be Asian 21 would be European 14 would be from the Western Hemisphere 8 would be African 52 would be female 48 would be male 70 would be nonwhite 30 would be white 70 would be non-Christian 30 would be Christian 89 would be heterosexual 11 would be homosexual 6 people would possess 59 percent of the entire world's wealth, and all 6 would be from the United States. 80 would live in substandard housing 70 would be unable to read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be near death 1 would be pregnant 1 would own a computer And only one would have a college education. That college education is both . . . an opportunity and an obligation. Intercultural Understanding Therefore, in fulfillment of our mission of Intercultural Understanding. We will not confuse America's richness in multi[chyph]culturalism with inter-cultural and intra- cultural understanding. Despite America's diversity, we have remained shut-off, segregated in our knowledge and understanding of our fellow Americans . . . and thus the world-at-large. At Ramapo College we will create forward and backward linkages to the past and the future. Ramapo College believes that the key to international understanding and world peace begins at home. In expanding our mission to seek opportunities to make education accessible to underserved populations, We will seek to expand services to the community by providing continuing education opportunities; we will ask the faculty to explore a means of keeping a promise made to our founding Trustee, Mrs. Thomases back in 1969. We will seek to establish the Ramapo College Hackensack Center as a direct means to provide educational and training opportunities. In the words of Langston Hughes: ``The dream belongs not just to the dreamer, but to all the hands that help to build.'' Interdisciplinary Teaching Towards our mission of Interdisciplinary Teaching. The faculty will collaborate and continue exploring future changes in subject and area majors. We will seek ways to expand summer programs, thus giving students the opportunity to complete undergraduate degrees in three years. Our Interdisciplinary approach will be expanded, allowing faculty to explore the implementation of five-year masters degree programs that allow undergraduates to work toward advanced degrees. Liberal Education Our students will be world leaders who have passion and compassion. Their liberal education will equip them to deal effectively in a rapidly changing world. Through our emphasis on the liberal arts, our students will learn not only skills of math, sciences and technology, but also gain knowledge of cultures, languages, history, literature, art, geography, all with a global perspective on the world's issues. We will not seek University status. We will seek even greater recognition as a liberal arts college of distinction, focusing on a rigorous undergraduate academic program . . . while offering graduate and professional opportunities. We have engaged the entire Ramapo community, with a mandate from the Board of Trustees, toward successful strategic planning. . . . The Ramapo College Ten Year Strategic Plan will be released this summer. In order to accommodate the mind-boggling demand for quality higher education in our state, a demand that will increase at a rate faster than any other period in the history of American higher education, we have moved forward on: the construction of a $34 million, 528-bed, townhouse complex; finalized plans and begun a capital campaign for an expanded $24.3 million Sports and Recreation Center; completed plans for a nine-story, state-of-the-art, environmentally-compatible, residential center; completed plans for a state-of-the-art Sustainability Center, that enhances our reputation as the first college along the east Coast to conserve energy with Fuel Cells. And, with assistance from our corporate partners, the great state of New Jersey, our many friends in Congress, especially congresswoman Roukema, we will in short order begin a world of opportunities through the Marge Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship. Our students will be able to work effectively across America and across different cultures. The future belongs to them. And they shall be prepared for it! Our goals have been set. The future of Ramapo College continues to beckon as a beacon for this 1969 innovation that became a 1986 tradition and now, in 2002, a 21st century pacesetter leading international understanding and 21st century partnerships! I am honored to be the new president of Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to Dr. Kenneth Geigel from New Jersey, who is being honored by the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County. Born in 1938, in the South Bronx, Dr. Geigel attended St. John Chrysotom's Elementary School. He had a short-lived career as a TV repairman before going to work at the Bank of America on Wall Street. Upon graduation, he returned to the Bronx and started to work for Casita Maria, a settlement house in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. It was at Casita Maria that he met his wife Carmen. Eager to continue his education, Dr. Geigel, enrolled at New York University and received a Master of Arts in Human Relations. It was during the same time that he became involved with a small group of Hispanic Leaders in Manhattan and was instrumental in the founding of ASPIRA. Dr. Antonio Pantoja, the first Director of ASPIRA, hired him as the fund-raiser for the newly formed organization. Dr. Geigel left in 1967 and went to work for the New York City Board of Education as a Field Project Administrator. In 1968, he became a Special Administrative Assistant to the Board Members working on decentralization. After decentralization was passed in 1969, he was appointed by Mayor Lindsey to the Commission of Human Rights, the Hispanic Affairs Division. He resigned after one year and took another challenging opportunity as the Associate Director of the Higher Education Program at NYU. Dr. Geigel and his family moved to Freehold, New Jersey. The commute into the city became hectic for him as well as unbearable for his wife who was still working at Casita Maria. He was offered the position of Registrar at Livingston College, a newly formed College of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He was the first Hispanic to hold such a position at a major University within the State of New Jersey. While working at Rutgers, he earned his Doctorate Degree in Education and became a founding father of the Hispanic Association of Higher Education of New Jersey. As a resident of Freehold Township, he became involved with the large Hispanic population in the borough. Working with the Catholic Church of St. Rose of Lima and the Bishop, they were able to locate a vacant building and transform it into what is now the St. Rose of Lima Hispanic Parish Center, a multi-service center for the community. Presently, Dr. Geigel serves as a council member of the Freehold Township Human Rights in the consulting firm of Johnson, Geigel and Yucht Associates, specializing in teaching and mentoring life skills to low-income groups. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing Dr. Kenneth F. Geigel as the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County honors him for his unfaltering dedication to the Latino community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to two friends and constituents of the Sixth District of New Jersey: Mayor and Mrs. Frank E. Adams celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Reverend Joseph A. Manning, OP, married Mrs. Ellen and Mr. Frank Adams on September 20, 1952 in St. Peter's Chapel in Newark, New Jersey. Having met on the Beach of Belmar, New Jersey, the couple became engaged and is happily married. Mr. Frank Adams, like most elected officials in the City of Spring Lake, New Jersey, balanced his time between working to support his family and administering an elected position. Retiring after thirty- eight years as Claims Manager at New Jersey's Bell Telephone Company Legal Department. Mr. Adams continued to hold his respective office as Mayor of Spring Lake Heights, signifying him as Mayor for nineteen years. Mayor Adams previously served as a member of the Borough Council for ten years and is a charter member of Elks Lodge 2534 in Manasquan, American Legion Chapter 432 Spring Lake, and the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. Mrs. Ellen Adams, the former Ellen Jayne Carlin of Newark, New Jersey was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, and was the Secretary of the Patrician Guild. Mrs. Adams is a past Grand Regent of the Court of Saint Margaret #1146 and Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Spring Lake. We celebrate today the life and journey of these two talented and dedicated individuals whose sole purpose remains to their community's enrichment. It is with great pleasure and esteem that I recognize the contributions of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Adams.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a constituent in the 6th District of New Jersey. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Mr. Wallace Morales, who is being honored by the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County. Mr. Morales was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1955. His father was a career Serviceman and his family lived in various parts of the United States and Europe before settling in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1966. Mr. Morales attended Long Branch High School where he was a member of the school's undefeated wrestling team in 1973. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Monmouth University and a Master's degree from Kean University. For the last 24 years he has taught Bilingual Education and/or English as a Second Language in the Long Branch School System, most recently at the Audrey W. Clark School. He is married with two children and is a parishioner of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Long Branch. Mr. Morales is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, TESOL, and the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County. Throughout the years, Mr. Morales has been an active member of the community. He has worked as a Camp Counselor and volunteered as an Assistant Baseball Coach for the Long Branch Department of Parks and Recreation. He has served as a math tutor at the High School and as a district tutor for Pupil Personnel Services for the Long Branch School District. He served as a Wrestling Coach at the Long Branch Junior School and the Long Branch High School, and a Coach at the Seashore Day Camp in Long Branch. He has entertained children and adults with his singing and playing the guitar at the Long Branch Public Library, the Elberon Public Library, the Ronald McDonald House, the Spanish Fraternity, the Brookdale Learning Center and the Long Branch Public Schools. Mr. Morales has also participated in many activities of interest to the Latino American Community, such as the Columbus Day parade, the United Nations/Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Puerto Rican Discovery Day, the Spanish Fraternity Tutorial Program, the Three Kings Day Program, the Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Luzo-Brazilian Heritage Month Celebration. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing Mr. Wallace Morales as the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County honors him for his dedication to the educational advancement of Latinos.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor today to honor a longtime friend and supporter of the people of the Sixth District of New Jersey, Mr. Victor J. Ferlise, Deputy to the Commanding General of the Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Vic Ferlise has been awarded the Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership. The American University presents this award each year to two career executives of the federal government who have demonstrated superior leadership that resulted in outstanding organizational achievements and strong commitment to the effective continuity of government by successfully bringing about the development of managers and executives. The award is named for a former professor and public servant committed to the education and training of managers and executives. Since 1992, Mr. Ferlise has direct responsibility for the five major business units of CECOM: the Research, Development and Engineering Center, the Logistics and Readiness Center, the Acquisition Center, the Software Engineering Center, and the Information Systems Engineering Command. As the largest employer in Monmouth County, New Jersey, CECOM is a key component of the economy of central New Jersey, and Mr. Ferlise has direct oversight of more than 10,000 employees. Before being appointed as the Deputy of the Commanding General, Mr. Ferlise served as the Chief Counsel of the Legal Office at Fort Monmouth. He has received numerous civilian awards and decorations, most notably the Distinguished and Meritorious Presidential Rank Awards and the Army Exceptional Civilian Service Award. President George Bush personally presented the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award to Mr. Ferlise during a ceremony in Washington, DC in October 2001. Mr. Ferlise has been an instructor in the Graduate Acquisition Program at Monmouth University, a member of the Executive Advisory Council for its School of Science, Technology and Engineering and a member of the Governor's Council on Armed Forces and Veterans' Affairs. He is the author of ``Innovations in Logistics Modernization,'' an article published in the May-June 2000 issue of Program Manger Magazine. I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending and honoring the distinguished gentleman, Mr. Victor J. Ferlise, for his superior leadership and strong commitment to the effective continuity of this Government.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a constituent in the 6th District of New Jersey. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Mr. Gylmar (Gio) Roberto Simoes, who is being honored by the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County. Gylmar Simoes was born in Brazil and moved to the United States in 1979. He and his wife Linda as well as their three children, Jonathan, Samantha and Emerson live in Long Branch. Gio, as he is best known around town, is not only very active in the community, he is also the owner and editor of the Latino USA Newspaper which is published in both Spanish and Portuguese. In 1996, Gio founded and directed the ``Annual Brazilian Day in Long Branch Festival'' which is celebrated every Labor Day weekend and draws over 7,000 Latinos every year. In 1997, he founded and directed the ``Annual City of Long Branch Soccer Cup'' which became the largest adult soccer tournament in the State of New Jersey, with participation of over 35 soccer teams from five states including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Gio was one of the Principals in the creation of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Monmouth County and was the founder of the PEB (Pais de estudantes Brasileiros) Parents of Brazilian Students of Long Branch. Gio has also worked as a Spanish and Portuguese translator for the Assembly of God Church, the prisons and drug rehabilitation centers in New Jersey and New York. Gio founded the Latino USA Newspaper 2 years ago to serve the Latino Communities throughout Monmouth County. The newspaper can now be found in 21 cities throughout New Jersey. It is in full color and reaches over 60,000 Latino readers per edition. The newspaper was awarded ``La Pluma de Oro'' in January 2002 by the APH (Associacion de Periodistas Hispanos) as the fastest growing Latino newspaper in the tri-state area. In 2001, Gio received the Brazilian Man of the Year award given by the Brazilian Association of Monmouth County and in 2002 received the Long Branch Mary Cox ``Man of the Year'' award. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing, Mr. Gylmar Simoes, as the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County honors him for his unwavering commitment to the Latino community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a distinguished gentleman who resided in the 6th District of New Jersey. It is with great respect that I pay tribute to Mr. Gilberto Melendez, who is being honored, In Memoriam, by the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County. Mr. Gilberto Melendez was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on November 1, 1943. He and his family moved to the United States in 1944. His mother, Benardina R. Melendez, worked as a bookkeeper for the newly founded ASPIRA in New York. He lived in New York until he moved to Neptune in 1968. In 1973, Mr. Melendez was elected to the Neptune Township Committee and served two, three-year terms. In 1977, he was hired by Monmouth County as Secretary to the County Tax Board, a position that was later changed to County Tax Administrator. In 1979, he served as mayor of Neptune and served on the Planning Board. In March 1991, he was reappointed to the Planning Board of Neptune to serve a two-year term. Additionally, Mr. Melendez was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Liberty Fire Department in Neptune as well as the Puerto Rican Civic Association. Gilberto Melendez was a pioneer in the field of politics. He was recognized by County leaders and served as Mayor of Neptune at a time when very few Latinos were active in politics. He is remembered as a tax expert and a fair man who often spoke up on behalf of the average taxpayer. Gil, as his sister, Elba Figueroa, called him describes him as, ``A wonderful brother, always there when he was needed and just as caring as an older brother could possibly be. His sense of humor is what we most remember about him. Our parents brought us up with much love for each other and to love God because without Him we were nothing.'' Stories of Mr. Melendez's popularity and compassion were legendary in the county. Friends would say that everywhere he went he knew somebody and everyone loved him. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to Mr. Melendez, as the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County honors him, In Memoriam, for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the advancement of Latinos.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I only plan to take about 10 minutes of the hour this evening, and I rise to discuss matters in two foreign countries. The matters are unrelated but are of a great deal of concern to me. First, I would like to turn to Cuba and then, later, to Northern Ireland. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to draw attention once again to the continued denial of peaceable efforts to bring Democratic reforms on the Island of Cuba. Early this year, over 11,000 citizens of Cuba took a courageous stand and petitioned the Cuban National Assembly to hold a nationwide referendum vote on guarantees of human rights and civil liberties. Named for the 19th century priest and Cuban independence hero, Padre Felix Varela, the Varela Project was the first ever peaceful challenge to Castro's four-decade-long control of the island. During his visit to the island, former President and now Nobel Peace prize winner Jimmy Carter spoke about the Project on Cuban television. Because Varela received no attention from the Castro government press, this marked the first time many on the island heard of the Project. Shortly after Carter's speech, Castro organized mass island-wide demonstrations as a sign of ``so-called'' support for the Cuban socialist system of government. Castro then started his own ``petition,'' forcing almost all of Cuba's voting population to sign in support of an amendment to the Cuban constitution mandating the current government structure as ``untouchable.'' And yet Cuban officials, in the very few times they have responded to questions about Varela, called Oswaldo Paya and other organizers insignificant and have ignored their constitutional duty to respond to the petition. In a recent article in the New York Times, Paya responded by saying, ``This may not be of statistical importance, and it may not be understood well outside Cuba, but as a sign it had great value and the government understood that well. The key to the Varela Project is the personal and spiritual liberation of people. No more masks. The regime did not respond, it fled.'' Mr. Speaker, despite receiving extensive international attention for his efforts, life in Cuba has not been easy for Paya. Paya has received numerous obscene phone calls and has been subject to government surveillance. He was denied permission to travel to the United States to receive an award from the National Democratic Institute in Washington. And during the week he would have traveled, someone defaced his front door with red paint. Other human rights leaders in Cuba connected to the Project have fared even worse. The president of the Human Rights Foundation, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leyva, is in jail and faces a possible 6-year sentence for official disrespect and resisting arrest, among other charges, after protesting the arrest of an independent journalist in March. His group had been active in collecting signatures for the Varela Project petition. Guillermo Farinas Hernandez, a psychologist in Santa Clara, said this week he expected he might face criminal charges for his endorsing the Varela Project at a local meeting last month where officials discussed scheduled National Assembly elections. Paya has said the government's referendum, as well as the harassment of the Project's supporters, only further reflect the need for change in Cuba. To that end, Paya and other opposition figures continue to collect signatures and have formed a civic committee to direct the drive, stating that they wanted it to be a nonpartisan project to demand fundamental rights like freedom of expression, the right to own private businesses, electoral reform, and amnesty for political prisoners. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude talking about Cuba tonight and the Varela Project with one final note from the New York Times article I mentioned earlier. In response to foreign visitors that have suggested that things in Cuba were not as bad as in other Latin American countries that are plagued by poverty, corruption, and violence, Paya said only this, and I quote: ``They ask if we are ready for change. What people are never ready for is oppression.'' Once again I commend all those involved in the Varela Project, and I will continue to speak out in favor of the Project until the Cuban government responds in some way. Now, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to turn briefly to Northern Ireland this evening because of my great concern about events over the last 2 weeks. I would like to initially urge British Prime Minister Tony Blair to take serious steps in preserving the peace in Northern Ireland. Mr. Blair must take immediate actions to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement does not fall apart. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, on Monday, October 14, Prime Minister Blair suspended the power-sharing government of Northern Ireland. It is important that the agreement and the devolved institutions are reinstituted as soon as possible. The Good Friday Accords, and more specifically the participation of all parties in the Belfast assembly power-sharing government, are the only real solution to lasting peace in Northern Ireland. The only way for the agreements and power-sharing institutions to succeed, however, is for the Unionists to immediately accept equality amongst all citizens and parties in the north. The Protestant ruling parties must cease their stall tactics and work within the confines of the agreement to create a government that will be representative of all residents of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland must also immediately implement all the Patten Commission's recommendations. The north must provide its citizens with a full, fair, and just reform of their police service. The PSNI, Police Service of Northern Ireland, must be representative of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Blair should immediately demand the full implementation of the Patten police recommendations and ensure that Northern Ireland has a police service that is representative of all parties involved. Mr. Speaker, I am quite worried that the Good Friday Agreement is hanging by a thread. These historic accords, which have shown the world that two parties which have battled for centuries can come up with an agreed-upon solution, are the only real way to preserve peace in Northern Ireland. And I once again urge Prime Minister Blair to reinstitute the Belfast Assembly and take immediate action on the Patten Commission's recommendations on policing. It is my hope these historic accords can be salvaged and a real and lasting peace will be preserved.

Mr. PALLONE

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

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in spirit with several of my constituents and hundreds of other Irish Americans in the New York Metropolitan area, as they stage a protest outside the New York City consulate of Great Britain. I wish I could be there in person to join in their fight. Mr. Speaker, last Friday the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the PSNI, formerly the RUC, raided the government offices of Sinn Fein in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. This unprofessional and haphazard raid appears to be politically motivated--with those involved hoping to unravel the power-sharing government established under the Good Friday Agreements. The raid of these offices and several homes of Sinn Fein party workers once again show that the PSNI/RUC remains nothing more than a political tool of unionists hoping to undermine a just and lasting peace in Northern Ireland. These raids were obviously done to publicly embarrass Sinn Fein, with the hope that this will be the final straw that will force the demise of the Good Friday Accords. Soon after these raids, both Ian Paisley of the DUP and David Trimble of the UUP called for Sinn Fein to be excluded from the power sharing government. Also, Mr. Paisley, withdrew his party's support from the government. These actions show the unionists true feelings--they hope that by excluding Sinn Fein the Accords will collapse and force the Crown to retake complete control of the North. It is quite obvious to me that the only way a lasting peace can occur in Northern Ireland is by protecting the power sharing institutions and fully implementing the Patten Commission's recommendations. The actions of the PSNI last Friday shows that the police as a whole are still quite loyal to the crown and quite often use their influence and authority for political purposes. Northern Ireland is in dire need of a police service that is more representative of the community and is responsive to the needs of all the citizen of Northern Ireland. These raids are just another example of how the PSNI has not moved away from the tactics of the RUC in the '60s, '70s and '80s. The PSNI is anti-Catholic, anti-Sinn Fein and anti-Good Friday Agreement. PSNI must be forced to stop its sectarian efforts and truly protect all parties. I hope that Mr. Trimble, Prime Minister Blair and all the other parties involved continue their commitment to peace in Northern Ireland by standing by the original Good Friday Accords and most importantly fully implementing the Patten Commission's recommendations. Patten and the Accords are our only true hope that peace can survive in Northern Ireland.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity on the House floor to congratulate India and its election commission on the successful conclusion of free, fair, and transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir for an 87-member state assembly. The challenges experienced by candidates, political workers, and voters were extreme in this election. Targeted violence by terrorists was used as a tool for the specific purpose of foiling these elections and impeding this exercise in democracy. The people of Jammu and Kashmir were very brave to literally risk their lives in order to participate in these elections. In fact, the outcome of these elections was such a success that during the fourth phase of polling an estimated 52 percent of the nearly 450,000 electorate exercised their right to vote in six constituencies of the Doda district alone. The example of these elections further reiterates India's dedication to democracy since it gained independence over 50 years ago. It is no wonder that the United States and India, the world's two largest democracies, are partners in the ongoing effort to build a more democratic world. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the same cannot be said about Pakistan. Not only has militant infiltration across the Kashmir border increased over the past 2 months, but in addition there is much concern that the legislative elections currently being held in Pakistan are a sham. President Musharraf has single-handedly emasculated the leadership of major political parties that oppose him, and he has altered the constitution to such an extreme degree that it is clear that the outcome of the election will favor a party of politicians or the ``King's Party'' who are directly under his control. And this is deliberate and I think absolutely undemocratic. Mr. Speaker, the point I am trying to make is that we have two neighboring countries but that their electoral process and government structure could not be more different. As Indian citizens of Jammu and Kashmir faced potential death by heading to the polls over the last 4 weeks, these citizens courageously cast their votes, and I believe this democratic will and exercise on the part of the Indian Government and its people must be appropriately commended. And again, Mr. Speaker, that is why I felt it was necessary for me to speak on this important issue this late in the evening.

Mr. PALLONE

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

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to come to the House floor today to mark the 42nd anniversary of the independence of the Republican of Cyprus. Despite the tragic events that have taken place during the past 4 decades, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to the core principles enshrined in the Cyprus constitution guaranteeing the basic rights and freedoms of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike. Members of this Congress have strongly supported the Republic of Cyprus. Resolutions have been introduced in the House and Senate expressing the sense of Congress that security, reconciliation, and prosperity for all Cypriots can best be achieved within the context of membership in the European Union, which will provide significant rights and obligations for all Cypriots. The legislation has strong support in the House, having been unanimously approved by the Subcommittee on Europe of the House Committee on International Relations. The Senate has also passed this legislation out of their Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously. The House version has 83 bipartisan cosponsors, and the legislation echoes longstanding U.S. policy in support of Cyprus' accession to the European Union. Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of Cyprus' Independence Day this year, as in the past 28 years, is complicated significantly by the fact that over a third of the island nation's territory continues to be illegally occupied by the Turkish military forces, in violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. In spite of this, Cyprus remains committed to achieving a resolution of this military problem through peaceful negotiations. On July 20 of 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and to this day continues to maintain 35,000 heavily armed troops in the occupied territory. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly evicted from their homes, became refugees in their own country, and fell victim to a policy of ethnic cleansing. 1,493 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, have been missing since 1974. In 1983, in flagrant violation of international law and the treaties establishing the Republic of Cyprus and guaranteeing its independence and territorial integrity, Ankara promoted a ``unilateral declaration of independence'' in the area under its military occupation. The U.S. Government and the U.N. Security Council condemned the declaration and attempted secession. To date, no other country in the world, except Turkey, recognized the so-called ``Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.'' In 1999, the Security Council reaffirmed that ``a Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded and comprising two politically equal communities.'' These parameters have been reiterated by the Security Council on several occasions. In a landmark decision on May 10 of 2001, the European Court of Human Rights found Turkey responsible for continuing violations of human rights. The court decision emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus is the sole legitimate government of Cyprus, and pointed out Turkey is engaged in the policies and actions of the illegal occupation regime. In the face of a short, but painful, history of the Republic of Cyprus, there has been remarkable economic growth for those individuals living in the government-controlled areas. Sadly, the people living in the occupied area continue to be mired in poverty as a result of the policies pursued by the Turkish leadership and the occupying power. These issues would be resolved if Turkey would withdraw their illegal occupation and allow the democratic government of the Republic of Cyprus to run its own affairs. And I hope, Mr. Speaker, that we see that day soon when we see democracy and unity for all of Cyprus.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a resolution today that expresses the Sense of Congress that the United States Postal Service should issue a stamp honoring the holiday ``Diwali'', also known as the Festival of Lights. The Citizens Stamp Advisory Commission under the U.S. Postal Service currently issues many stamps with holiday themes, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and most recently, Eid. The Commission has not issued a stamp honoring Diwali, and I am hopeful that we will soon have a U.S. postal stamp commemorating this beautiful festival celebrated in India and throughout the world. Diwali is one of the most important and colorful of the Indian festivals and is celebrated enthusiastically by Indians all over the world. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is seen as a brand new beginning for all. Traditionally Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having its own significance, rituals and myths. Light, in the form of candles and lamps, is a crucial part of Diwali, representing the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope for the future. During Diwali people light small oil lamps and place them around the home to pray for health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame. Fireworks are an exciting part of Diwali and the celebration of the festival is also customarily accompanied by exchanging sweets. The rich culture associated with the Diwali tradition includes observation of this holiday by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslims and Buddhists. Diwali is a time for communal gatherings and spiritual enlightenment. People from across the world make an effort to visit their family, friends and neighbors on this wonderful holiday. The spirit of Diwali has survived political, economic and social vicissitudes throughout history, while always carrying the universal symbolism of the triumph of light, goodness, knowledge and truth. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Diwali is an exceptionally rich and culturally significant holiday that expresses hope and for these reasons, this holiday should be commemorated as a United States postal stamp. Mr. Speaker, I feel that Diwali is truly a marvelous holiday that deserves recognition. As the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee continues it plans for issuing new stamps, I hope that it will consider issuing a Diwali stamp to honor this culturally significant holiday celebrated in the United States and abroad.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Native American Caucus to introduce the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act. This bill would provide funding for the establishment of an incentive program for schools to eliminate the use of names and symbols that are offensive to Native American people. Many elementary and secondary schools across the country use words and symbols representing their schools that are demeaning to Native Americans. Nationally, more than 1,200 schools inappropriately use such offensive names or nicknames, often these become mascots. In addition, these names or symbols are used at athletic games for mascot characters, chants and other antics. While I believe the intentions of these school communities is not to disrespect or harm Native Americans, that is the end result of allowing these offensive terms to continue in these educational institutions. Once this bill is signed into law, the Secretary of Education would be authorized to make grants to eligible schools to assist such schools to discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction as a team name, mascot, or nickname. Funding would be provided to schools to change their names and symbols on all equipment and apparel throughout the institution, including on team jerseys, signs, stationary, walls, fields and gymnasium floors. Schools participating in the program may also qualify for construction or renovation funds. Given that the president's No Child Left Behind education plan does not include construction and renovation funding (with the exception of immediate danger areas), this would be a major incentive for schools to replace their offensive names and logos. Because of the federal government's trust responsibility and obligations to tribal governments, tribally-controlled schools would be eligible for construction or renovation funds, regardless of whether or not they alter their names and symbols. The legislation would also provide for the establishment of a Committee of American Indian Relations to conduct cultural proficiency trainings at schools participating in the program to further assist the school communities with understanding and changing their behavior. The Committee would also assist the Secretary with reviewing proposals submitted by schools for eligibility determination and funding of grant purposes. The Committee would be headed by a Director, selected by the Secretary in consultation with tribal governments. This program would receive federal funding for five years. During the first two years of the program, some funding would be devoted to establishing the Committee, identifying schools interested in participating and then working with those schools to actually change the offensive names and symbols. Over the remaining three years, funding would be devoted to any necessary construction and renovation required at the school sites. I have developed this legislation in consultation with representatives from the National Indian Education Association, the Indian Teacher and Educational Personnel Program, the Capital Area Indian Resource Center and the California Rural Indian Health Board and would like to thank these tribal organizations and their staff for their commitment to bringing this bill to fruition. The idea for this legislation came from a similar bill proposed in the California state legislature. The California bill would have mandated that all schools in the state with offensive Native American names and symbols change their identifying features in order to continue receiving state funding. This bill failed to receive the votes necessary to become state law. I believe that forcing educational institutions to adhere to a new procedure without preparing them for such a change can have negative consequences. Educating the school community about why such change is important, and gradually gaining their support can make the transition easier and oftentimes leads to positive results. This is why I am introducing this bill that would not mandate schools change, but instead provide incentives and activities building awareness in school communities as to why these names and symbols are not appropriate in educational environments. I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Native American Caucus to introduce the Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act and urge my colleagues to co-sponsor and vote for this legislation. This bill will help ensure that the United States is better prepared to prevent and respond to terrorist activities and other emergencies. Once this bill is signed into law, federal, state, local and tribal governments within the United States will be fully integrated in a national homeland security strategy. Moreover, my bill will ensure that all levels of government are engaged in a coordinated effort and well equipped to defend against bioterrorism and to handle any other public health or safety emergency that threatens our land or people. For the first time in the history of our country, every government in America will be positioned and united to assist in the singular effort of protecting what we have here on our shores. Ever since President Bush stated in his State of the Union Address earlier this year that State and local governments should have access to Federal homeland and anti-bioterrorism security funding, it has been my strong belief that tribal governments should participate in these programs and be included in the distribution of these funds. However, since the president did not mandate the inclusion of tribal governments in homeland security and emergency preparedness programs, there has been confusion within the departments of the Federal Government as to whether or not Indian tribes should receive homeland security program or grant funds. Similar to State governments, tribal governments have citizens to serve and protect and their decisions often benefit the larger surrounding communities and states. Tribal governments administer hospitals, law enforcement and public safety agencies, research centers, childcare facilities, primary and secondary schools, colleges, court systems, environmental protection agencies and carry out numerous other governmental functions. Tribal business interests include a full range of activities from agriculture to industrial production to business parks. As a result of such tribal governmental administration and commercial activity, Indian tribes provide major contributions to the local, regional and national economy by providing both revenue and employment opportunities to both Indian and non-Indian people of America. During the first round of homeland security funding distribution every state was allocated $5 million in federal funds to develop their homeland emergency preparedness plans. However, tribal governments struggled to develop their emergency preparedness plans with their existing resources. It is vital that Congress and the Administration guarantee that the Federal Government and State, local and tribal governments participate in an integrated and coordinated effort to protect our people and lands. A failure to integrate and coordinate with tribal governments in the homeland security plan could leave many weak governmental links in America's homeland security chain of protection. Since we are spending a great deal of time and resources developing a national homeland security strategic plan, we might as well strive to get it right the first time. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support the Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act. During a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing in March, I asked Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson if tribal governments would have access to homeland security funds administered by his Department, and if so, by what means would the Secretary inform tribes of their eligibility? Secretary Thompson responded by stating that to the best of his knowledge, tribal governments would be eligible for such funding and that he would notify the tribal governments of their ability to access these funds. I hoped that by informing tribal governments of their ability to request these funds, that this would encourage such governments to come forward and successfully receive the funds crucial to protecting their people and land and participate in the national strategy to protect America here at home. Unfortunately, Secretary Thompson has failed to clarify the eligibility of tribal governments to participate in homeland security administered by the Health and Human Services Department. In addition, Secretary Thompson did not adequately contact tribes about their needs or reach out to provide them with homeland security information. Instead, he responded to my request by sending a letter to Governors reminding each that they should not overlook the existence of tribal governments within their borders. While I was disappointed that Secretary Thompson had not chosen to reach out to tribal governments prior to March, I believed that the lack of communication between the new Administration and tribal governments stemmed from the President's non-issuance of an Executive Order requiring the Federal Government to establish a consultation policy with tribal governments. Without such an order, I believed tribal governments would have continued to be left out of the loop on Federal programs and other information that could dramatically benefit their governments and citizens. In an attempt to address this situation, I sent a letter to the President, which was cosigned by twelve of my colleagues, asking that he clarify his policy position regarding consultation with tribal governments and I urged him to offer an Executive Order. I am pleased that the administration responded to my letter by reaffirming the existing Executive Order on tribal consultation. After 6 months of communications concerning the necessary role of tribal consultation and requesting that the President issue a directive for such interaction, I am pleased that the Bush Administration has clarified his policy. In a letter dated June 19, Alberto Gonzales, Counsel to the President, wrote: Dear Congressman Pallone: On behalf of President Bush, thank you for the letter you and some of your colleagues sent on March 20, 2002, regarding the issuance of an Executive Order on consultation and coordination with Indian tribal governments. As you know, President Clinton issued Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, on November 6, 2000. In early 2001, the Bush Administration reviewed the Executive Order and found it to be consistent with the views of the Administration on tribal consultation and coordination. Currently, the Administration is working to see that the order is implemented. It is our hope that growing experience with tribal consultation and the emergence of agency policies and procedures will result in better federal governance on issues of concern to tribal governments.'' I applaud the administration for clarifying the role the federal departments will take in consulting with tribal governments on issues that affect them. Yet, I remain concerned about their record in implementing this policy. My bill will remedy the Administration's failure to establish tribal participation in homeland security activities and provide that tribes are treated as states, as appropriate, but there are many other instances in which federal programs need further clarification with respect to the eligibility of Indian tribes. I want to thank all of my colleagues in Congress who supported my letter to the President requesting clarification of his tribal consultation procedure. I want to thank Representatives Baca, Blumenauer, Filner, Inslee, Jefferson, Lee, Maloney, McCollum, Reyes, Roybal-Allard, Stupak and Udall, for their support on this initiative. During this 107th session of Congress, the president and Congress have requested and approved substantial homeland security and emergency preparedness funding increases for federal and state governments in Fiscal Years 2002 and 2003. In an attempt to ensure tribal governments received access to these funds, I urged the Administration and my colleagues to mandate that a portion of these funds be made available to their governments. For the most part, such goals have gone unfulfilled and it is time to rectify this situation. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the subsequent introduction of weapons grade anthrax into the United States postal system and congressional office buildings in Washington, D.C., the President and the Congress have worked closely to respond to the need to rebuild and strengthen the nation's public health, national security and emergency response systems. Current versions of Homeland Security Department legislation incorporate state and local governments, health officials and law enforcement entities. However, to make certain the United States is fully prepared to prevent and respond to terrorist activities on all fronts, I believe tribal governments must also be included. Despite the government-to-government relationship between tribal governments and the United States, the United States has not honored its trust responsibility and failed to include and consult with tribal governments in homeland security planning. Moreover, there are no specific provisions for the BIA or the IHS to participate in homeland security programs and funding. In an attempt to remedy these situations, I am introducing this bill to ensure the coordination and integration of tribal governments in the national homeland security strategy and to establish an Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security within the Department of Homeland Security. The bill will also designate specific provisions for the BIA and the IHS to participate in homeland security funding. Throughout many areas of the United States, tribal, BIA and IHS facilities and services are the only sources available to provide emergency health services, disaster response, and law enforcement to tribal and surrounding non-tribal communities alike. Thus, enhancing the capacity of Tribes to plan, protect against and respond to bioterrorism or other public health or safety emergencies is vital to all Americans. To ensure the bill meets the needs and honors the rights of tribal governments, I have consulted with representatives from the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), National Congress of American Indians, California Rural Indian Health Board and tribal governments in designing its contents. I am pleased that we are moving forward together on this initiative. I would like to acknowledge Ms. Lenna Aoki of NIHB for lending her expertise in government relations and strategic planning in this legislative effort. Summary of events reestablishing tribal government participation in homeland security: 9/11/01, terrorists attack World Trade Center in New York City and shortly thereafter weapons grade anthrax is delivered into the United States postal system and congressional office buildings in Washington, D.C. 1/29/02, President Bush declares in his State of the Union Address that state governments should have access to federal homeland and anti- bioterrorism security funding. During his speech, the President fails to specify whether tribal governments are included in this homeland emergency preparedness plan, establishing great confusion within the departments of the federal government as to whether or not they have access to funds. 1/31/02, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson writes a letter to all state governors in follow-up to his letter of 1/11/02 further advising them of the comprehensive financial resources that their states will be receiving, ``in support of State and local public health measures to strengthen the nation against the threat of biological weapons.'' One billion dollars was made available to states to foster State and local preparedness. Each state received $5,000,000 to implement part one of the two-part plan. Tribal governments were not mentioned in this letter and therefore received zero funding from this funding source. 2/1-28/02, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., instructs his staff person, Mr. Mark LeBeau, to take the lead to ensure access for tribal governments to homeland security and anti-bioterrorism funding. Mr. LeBeau, on behalf of Congressman Pallone, began to consult with the national and regional organizations which represent tribal governments, as well as with tribal governments directly, on this initiative. 3/13/02, Congressman Pallone, during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, presses Secretary Thompson as to whether or not tribal governments would have access to homeland security and anti- bioterrorism funds. Secretary Thompson responds by stating that tribal governments are eligible for both types of security funds. The Secretary stated that he would notify the tribes of their ability to access these funds. 3/20/02, Congressman Pallone sends a letter with twelve colleagues to the President asking the he clarify his procedure of consulting with tribal governments on all issues pertaining to Indian Country. In the letter, the Congressmen state, ``we have spoken with numerous American Indian tribal representatives during the past six months, and have learned that they are incredibly concerned that the Administration has not issued an Executive Order on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. Without such an Order, agencies and entities such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Homeland Security team have developed their own management systems without consulting the Indian tribal governments. Such non-inclusion stimulates confusion at the national, state and tribal level, and leaves Indian tribal governments out of the loop.'' 3/22/02, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson writes a letter to all state governors requesting that, ``State's plans take full advantage of the great resources and health care delivery systems that Tribes and the IHS have to offer and that you involve them to the maximum degree possible in both your planning and implementation.'' 5/13/02, Congressman Pallone sends ``Dear Advocates of Indian Country'' letter to tribal governments informing them of his effort to pressure the Bush Administration to make homeland security funds available to tribes. 5/17/02, Congressman Pallone publishes a column in Indian Country Today regarding the need for tribal governments to have access to federal homeland and anti-bioterrorism security funding, and urge such governments to request such funding from the federal government. 6/19/02, Alberto Gonzales, counsel to the President, responds to the letter sent by Congressman Pallone and the twelve colleagues regarding consultation with tribal governments. Mr. Gonzales writes, ``In early 2001, the Bush Administration reviewed the Executive Order and found it to be consistent with the views of the Administration on tribal consultation and coordination. Currently, the Administration is working to see that the Order is implemented.'' 7/17/02, Congressman Pallone sends ``Dear Advocates of Indian Country'' letter to tribal governments, updating them on his decision to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing appropriations and authorization measures of the Anti-Terrorism Emergency spending bills; the president's budget request for FY 03 related to this initiative, as well as the newly planned homeland security department budget to determine where tribal governments can access such funding. 7/25/03, Congressman Pallone sends ``Dear Advocates of Indian Country'' letter to tribal governments informing them of the Administration's decision regarding the role the federal departments will take in consulting with tribal governments on all issues that affect them. 8/5/02, Congressman Pallone sends ``Dear Advocates of Indian Country'' letter to tribal governments updating them on the consultation meetings he has held with the National Indian Health Board regarding the proposed Homeland Security Department. 8/5/02, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson writes a letter to Congressman Pallone to inform him of the recent efforts that the Department of Health and Human Services has made to ensure the inclusion of tribal leaders in bioterrorism and overall public health preparedness activities. The Secretary states, ``though we did not specifically include American Indian and Alaska native tribes in the initial letter sent to governors, the HRSA Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program cooperative agreement guidance dated February 15, 2002 recommended that tribal and IHS hospital take a leadership role in regional planning. 8/28/02, Congressman Pallone publishes a column in Indian Country Today regarding his decision to introduce a bill to ensure the coordination and integration of tribal governments in the national homeland security plan and to establish an Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security within the Department of Homeland Security. The bill, developed in consultation with tribal governments and their representative organizations, will also designate specific provisions for the BIA and the IHS to participate in homeland security funding. 9/26/03, Congressman Pallone introduces the Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Native American Caucus to introduce the Great Plains Historic Grassland Wilderness Area Act and urge my colleagues to co-sponsor and vote for this legislation. This bill will ensure that the last remaining pristine grasslands are protected. While ninety-nine percent of the original grasslands have been altered from their natural states for corporate interests, such as mining coal, oil and gas, one percent remains in pristine form. I believe this one percent must be protected. Though humans continue to transform and extract ``resources'' from the natural environment, our earth maintains the ability to revitalize itself. In spite of this revitalization process, numerous species and natural environments have been destroyed because of our decisions. While most of the remaining pristine grasslands are located on federal lands throughout the plains region, a small portion are on tribal government lands. I believe that the federal government, in conjunction with tribal governments of this region, should work together to ensure the continuance of these unique environments. Such efforts would provide these areas of the earth the time to replenish through natural processes. In 1964, Congress vowed, ``to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring source of wilderness.'' I believe this promise has not been met and am introducing this legislation to reinforce Congess' commitment to protect these lands. Once this bill is signed into law, federal lands that contain pristine grasslands would be protected and enhanced for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In addition, tribal governments which own such pristine grasslands or have such land held in trust by the federal government, could choose to participate in the benefits and programs provided under this bill. Participating tribal governments would receive financial and technical assistance for their complete participation in the processes to manage, protect, and restore these natural environments with the federal government. I believe that these governments should have a greater role in managing federal grassland wilderness areas using their proven methods of environmental sustainability. Tribal governments administer hospitals, law enforcement and public safety agencies, research centers, childcare facilities, primary and secondary schools, colleges, court systems, environmental protection agencies and carry out numerous other governmental functions. As a result of such tribal governmental administration activity, Indian tribes provide major contributions to the local, regional and national economy by providing both revenue and employment opportunities to both Indian and non-Indian people of America. Clearly, such governments can effectively assist the federal government in managing federal grassland wilderness areas. Tribal colleges of this region would be contracted to initiate and complete a study of the grasslands wilderness area to determine the original plant and animal species inhabiting the grasslands, their present condition and the steps necessary to restore such species to self-sustaining levels. These administrative and research activities would be carried out through the Office of Native American Wilderness Management in the Department of the Interior. The Office would be headed by a Director, selected by the Secretary in consultation with tribal governments from the plains region. I would like to thank all of the tribal government leaders who participated in the consultation sessions to design this bill. I would especially like to thank Ms. Charmaine White Face for her dedication and consistency to assisting in bringing this bill to fruition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and I must say that I support most of the provisions of the conference report. I am concerned, though, and I do object to one provision with regard to India. In section 1601 of the legislation, the President is required to submit a report to Congress with regard to U.S. efforts relative to nonproliferation benchmarks. There is mention in that regard of both India and Pakistan. Mr. Speaker, I do not think that India should be mentioned and specified in this report for the following reasons: First of all, in the House version of the bill we did not include India. India was included at the behest of the Senate. And if you think about it, since 1998, when India and Pakistan both tested nuclear weapons, India has had very good relations with the United States and has had numerous discussions on the issue of benchmarks for nonproliferation. Right now basically there is no disagreement between the United States and India in that regard. India has stated very dramatically that it has put in place a moratorium on further testing of nuclear weapons. India has also been very adamant about a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, which is certainly not the case with regard to Pakistan. For that reason, I do not think we need to include India in any further negotiations or in any report that would have to be submitted on behalf of the President. I am not quite sure why it was the case that the conference report did not adopt the House version of the bill, which I think made a lot more sense than the Senate version, and I did want to raise an objection at this time because I think that once again our policy is somehow reflecting that if Pakistan is included then India has to be included as well. I think that does not make sense under the circumstances.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have great respect for the gentlewoman from Ohio, but I could not believe that she would start out by talking about the Republicans passing the budget. She knows very well that unless you pass the appropriation spending bills pursuant to that budget, you have not done anything. As my colleague from Texas mentioned, the Republicans have only brought up five of the 13 appropriation bills. To suggest that they are dealing with the budget and the spending is absurd. They are not. They have not dealt with it. They are not bringing up the bills. But, more important, this morning, this resolution that we are considering essentially chastises the other body for not bringing up welfare reform or estate tax repeal. The bottom line is that this body, the House, has the opportunity under the Republican leadership to pass a very important piece of legislation which is sponsored by my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), and another Republican on the other side, the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson), that would deal with the cost of prescription drugs. We know that our constituents say that the biggest problem that they face is health care costs and particularly the cost of prescription drugs. The other body has already passed this bill, which is called the Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act, by a 78-21 vote, overwhelmingly, because they know it would save American consumers over $60 billion in prescription drug costs. Rather than pass sense of Congress resolutions here today that are meaningless, why do the Republicans in the House not simply take up this Senate bill and save American consumers millions of dollars on their drug costs? This bill, the Senate-passed bill, would close the loophole and restore competition in the pharmaceutical market while protecting an inventor's right to legitimate patent protection. It deals with patents. It deals with bringing generics to the market quicker in order to cut the cost of prescription drugs. Under the bill, once the valid patents on a prescription drug expire, competitors can enter the market and consumers can get lower prices. The reason the savings from this bill are so substantial is that competition is the best weapon we have against overpriced prescription drugs. Why is it not happening? It is not happening because the pharmaceutical industry is giving literally millions of dollars to the Republicans and the Republican leadership to not bring this bill up, because they do not want it to happen. Today in Congress Daily are ads, large ads, full page, by the pharmaceutical industry, by PhRMA, the brand-name drug lobby, saying, don't pass this generic bill. In Roll Call there is another full-page ad: Don't pass this generic drug bill. Because the pharmaceuticals are concerned that they are going to lose money, that the American consumer is going to save money and they are going to lose money if we bring up this bill. In fact, it has gotten so bad that they are actually pressuring some of the companies that have been lobbying and asking that the generic bill come up; they have been pressuring them to withdraw their support for the generic bill. There was another thing today in Congress Daily where they are trying to get some of the Republicans who support this bill to not support the discharge petition to bring it up. It is an outrage what the pharmaceutical industry is doing. Let the House Republicans bring this bill up rather than the nonsense that they are proposing this morning.