Chip Pickering

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on March 11, Jack Holmes Thomas Sr. passed away after a short battle with acute leukemia at age 80. Jack was a man of God who served his family, community and country honorably and with distinction and I take this opportunity to remember his life. Born on January 10, 1925 in Natchez, Mississippi, Jack was the husband of Helen Putt Thomas and the father of two sons: Jack H. Thomas Jr. and Robert Bryan Thomas. He had five grandchildren: Chris, Mallory, Chase, Tiffany and Heather. Jack was part of ``the greatest generation'' and served in the US Marine Corps in World War II where he earned the Purple Heart. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1951 with a bachelor of science in agricultural education and served the US Department of Agriculture for thirty-three years before retiring. Jack was a past president of the Mississippi Federation of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, an active life member of the Elk Lodge, a past president of the Starkville Shriners Club, and a strong Mississippi State University supporter and avid Bulldog fan. Jack was a faithful member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Starkville and taught Sunday school and discipleship training while in Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, Jack Thomas has long been a blessing to his family and friends, but one that was felt beyond those people in the community at large. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, Mertis Louise Floyd Scott, Deputy Chief Nurse of the G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly after a very short illness on October 15, 2004 at the young age of 48. She dedicated her life to the care of others and I take this opportunity to remember that life that so blessed us. Mertis exemplified the meaning of nursing and received numerous professional awards during her twenty-six years of service at the VA Medical Center. In May of 1989, Mertis was named recipient of the Secretary's Award for Excellence in Nursing, presented to her by Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Edward J. Deriwinski in Washington, DC. She also received a citation from President George H.W. Bush. Mertis held high the values of leadership and exhibited a continual quest for knowledge. She had a commitment to service through any challenge with a positive attitude. Mr. Speaker, Mertis always remembered her faith and commitment to serve God and man. She defined her humanity by her service to patients and health providers alike. Her colleagues defined her life with these words: loving, caring, nurturing, generosity, patience, angelic personality. She was an inspiration to the lives she touched both personally and professionally. We mourn her passing, but we remember and celebrate her life.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on March 12, the First Baptist Church of Starkville celebrated Dr. Kermit McGregor's 50 years in the ministry. Fifty years in service to any calling is noteworthy, but it is my particular pleasure to honor him for his decades of dedication to God. Dr. McGregor is currently serving as the transitional pastor in Starkville, but he has been a blessing to many congregations across Mississippi. Since beginning the ministry at age 16--the same year he and his wife Phyllis were married--he has preached the Gospel in Pontotoc, Dumas, Smithdale, New Albany, Bruce, Winona, Hattiesburg, Clinton, Mendenhall and now in Starkville. Additionally, he has served as director of public relations at the Baptist Children's Village in Clinton, and as a trustee and chairman of the Board of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. A graduate of Blue Mountain College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and William Carey College, Dr. McGregor says he works today just as hard as he did before his ``retirement'' 6 years ago. But he maintains that in his calling, one never actually retires. Mr. Speaker, Dr. McGregor has over the years encountered several major heart attacks and has even been clinically dead for a short amount of time. But he persevered and lives now following a heart transplant over 10 years ago. I believe his current health, his longevity, his sharpness of mind and his continued service to God and man comes not from his physical heart, but from his heart for God which never ceased beating in the past 50 years.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on February 11, Mississippi State University named Charles E. ``Charlie'' Weatherly the 2005 National Alumnus of the Year. This is the highest honor that the MSU Alumni Association can bestow on a member and recognizes Charlie out of the nearly 100,000 alumni in the association. I know of no one in the Mississippi State family more deserving for this award than Charlie Weatherly. He has devoted 43 years of his life to the university and it is my distinct pleasure to honor him for that service today. Charlie graduated from Mississippi State College (now Mississippi State University) with a degree in industrial management in 1959. He was a star football player for the Bulldogs and active in campus activities. In 1962, he became the first full time field representative for the alumni association and served in this capacity until 1967, when he was appointed the association's executive secretary. In 1976, he was named Director of Alumni Affairs and served admirably in this position until 1986, when he became coordinator of special projects for both the Alumni Association and the MSU Foundation. Charlie was the prime fundraiser and coordinator for constructing the Eugene Butler Guest House, as well as serving as director of the first constituency based fund drive. Prior to retirement, he served as director of development for Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine and remains a member of the board of directors of the MSU Alumni Foundation, a scholarship assistance program for deserving MSU students. Mr. Speaker, our university experiences educate and shape our lives for many years to come. They are not just sources of academic expansion but also economic engines for communities like Starkville and states like Mississippi. It is notable to give back in some capacity to an institution that provides an improved quality of life for so many. For Charlie Weatherly, this was not a one time gift or occasional favor, but a lifetime of service and commitment that continues today. I am proud that the Mississippi State University Alumni Association has so properly bestowed this honor on him.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker; on February 25, Coach Ron Polk achieved another impressive milestone at Mississippi State University. With the Bulldogs defeat of the Eastern Illinois Panthers in a 3-1 game, Coach Polk marked his 1000th win in 26 seasons at Mississippi State University. Before a crowd of about 2,400 fans in the Polk-DeMent Stadium--which honors Coach Polk--the Bulldogs won their season opener and then celebrated this Mississippi State icon at a post game ceremony. Coach Polk, in his usual humble and humorous manner told reporters on scene, ``It's just a number. All 1,000 wins means is that you haven't died yet and you've coached a long time. We have some really great players here but I haven't had time to reflect back on that success yet.'' Bulldog pitcher Alan Johnson said, ``We didn't feel any added pressure. Coach Polk didn't mention it to us one time. However, we knew we were at 999, going for the big win. It feels good to win the first game but it also feels really good to be a part of Coach Polk's 1000th win.'' Coach Polk is the all-time most winning coach in Southeastern Conference history and began the 2004 season as Number 12 among Division I's all-time coaching ranks. His record now stands at 1234- 602-2 in 32 seasons as a collegiate head coach and 1000-490-2 in 26 seasons at Mississippi State. He has twice been honored as the National Coach of the Year (1973 and 1985) and was also honored by his peers as the recipient of the ABCA's Lefty Gomez Award. Coach Polk has earned his place in the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1995), the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame (1998), and the Georgia Southern University Hall of Fame (1990). He also rates as one of only three head coaches in the history of college baseball to guide three different schools to the NCAA College World Series. Ron Polk authored ``The Baseball Playbook'', the Nation's leading college textbook for baseball, and is featured in a recently published book, ``6 Psychological Factors for Success: America's Most Successful Coaches Reveal the Path to Competitive Excellence.'' Coach Polk has also been actively involved with coaching in international baseball. He has completed seven tours as a member of the coaching staff for the U.S.A National Baseball Team, twice serving as the head coach (1991 and 1998) and five times as assistant coach. Two of his teams represented the United States in the Olympic Games. He was an assistant coach on the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 1988 Olympics and on the bronze medal-winning U.S. team in the 1996 Olympics. Coach Polk has also skippered Mississippi State teams in international competition including a goodwill summer tour of West Germany in 1976 and in 1982 and competition at the World Amateur Tournament in the Netherlands. And Mr. Speaker, these numbers and records and achievements do not include his 1997 victory as Honorary Coach of the Republicans in the Annual Congressional Baseball Game, which I will remind my colleagues, we won. I take this opportunity to salute and honor Coach Polk's achievements at this 1000 MSU win milestone. As this and other seasons continue, I know we will see the steady hand and experienced leadership of Coach Ron Polk. He is the lead spokesman for baseball at Mississippi State University, and beyond, the king of college baseball.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Chairman, during the debate of the REAL ID Act of 2005, of which I am a co-sponsor, I was unavoidably detained and unfortunately missed the opportunity to vote on the amendment offered by Representative Jerrold Nadler. If I would have been present, I would have voted a resounding ``no'' against this amendment. The Nadler amendment would have stricken the provision in the REAL ID Act that tightens and improves our asylum system, which has been abused by terrorists with deadly consequences. The REAL ID Act will protect the American people by allowing immigration judges to determine witness credibility in asylum cases and ensuring that all terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility are also grounds for deportation. In summary, as a co-sponsor of this bill, I believe that all of the provisions in the REAL ID Act are essential in protecting our citizens from future terrorist plots and I would have voted ``no'' on the Nadler Amendment.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2005. With more than 100 different forms, arthritis is one of the most widespread and devastating chronic diseases in the United States. These conditions are extremely costly to our health care system, our economic vitality, and erode the quality of life for nearly 70 million, or one in every three Americans who suffers from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. It is estimated that 300,000 children are affected by juvenile arthritis, a disease with high prevalence yet widely unknown, that causes deformity, blindness and in some cases death. As the number one cause of disability in the United States, arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease affecting men, women and children alike-- arthritis has no boundaries. Simple, daily tasks like brushing teeth, pouring a cup of coffee and even just getting out of bed become excruciating obstacles for millions of people with the disease. The costs associated with arthritis are immense. The disease results in 750,000 hospitalizations, 44 million outpatient visits and 4 million days of hospital care every year. The estimated total costs of arthritis in the United States, including lost productivity, exceeds $86 billion. While the current impact of the disease is quite astounding, efforts now can help prevent and control arthritis for future generations. Despite myths that inaccurately portray this illness as an old persons' disease, two-thirds of those with osteoarthritis are under the age of 65. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active are both steps that can prevent this form of arthritis. More broadly, the pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through early diagnosis and appropriate disease management. This legislation will bring critical Federal resources to bear on a significant public health problem facing this country. This legislation will lessen the burden of arthritis on society and on individual citizens, like my constituent, Alfred Price of Brandon, Mississippi. Mr. Price has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for more than 50 years, and I have witnessed over the years how this disease has ravaged his body. In recent years, research into the prevention and treatment of arthritis has led to measures that successfully reduce pain and improve the quality of life for millions. This legislation would develop a National Arthritis Education and Outreach Campaign to educate healthcare professionals and the public on successful self-management strategies for controlling and preventing arthritis. To ensure greater coordination and intensification of federal research efforts, this legislation would create a National Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Summit to look at challenges and opportunities related to arthritis research within all the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. Finally, this legislation expands research for juvenile arthritis at the National Institutes of Health through the creation of planning grants for innovative research. To address the severe shortage of pediatric rheumatologists, it creates incentives to encourage physicians to enter the specialty field through the establishment of education loan repayment and career development award programs. Mr. Speaker, we must make the necessary investments in the fight against arthritis--our Nation's number one cause of disability. This legislation will improve the quality of life for millions of adults and children and save our nation valuable human and economic resources. I urge all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this legislation and enact it in a timely manner so millions of Americans, like Mr. Price, can live life with less pain.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with Congress the actions of some of Mississippi's often unsung heroes and their recent efforts in the face of a mighty storm. The damaging effects and extraordinary loss caused by Hurricane Ivan cannot help but make a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. For those of us who love the Gulf Coast, with its deep beauty and usually gentle but sometimes ferocious character, this is especially poignant. We also understand the value of community when facing a disaster like Hurricane Ivan. Although many contributed to the preparation and recovery from Ivan, I would like to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary group of our neighbors that never seek recognition: our Mississippi military community. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, during the 2004 hurricane season, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron once again earned the right to call themselves the ``Hurricane Hunters.'' The 53rd flew nearly every day after July 30th, sometimes into two different storms simultaneously. Because of their courage and professionalism, those of us back home and across the nation were able to track Ivan, properly prepare our communities, and--as the 53rd has allowed us so many times in the past--save lives. The Naval Air Station Meridian Team of military, civilians and contractors worked selflessly and shoulder to shoulder to provide a safe haven for those caught in Ivan's path. Station aircraft were sortied or otherwise safeguarded. NAS Meridian provided Air Traffic Control and refueling services to over 90 aircraft evacuating Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. They provided food, shelter and support throughout the storm to over 1,000 evacuees and 100 pets. Neighbors rose to the occasion to make sure there was room for everyone. Many families living in base housing opened their homes to friends and comrades from Gulf Coast units. In Ivan's aftermath, evacuees were assured care until it was safe to return to their homes in south Mississippi and coastal Alabama and Florida. Station crews went immediately to work with their neighbors to care for the community. Most impressively, this team of highly dedicated and skilled professionals fully restored the base to resume the business of the nation within hours of the storm's passage. As Ivan approached, Columbus Air Force Base crews were hard at work providing a safe location for Coast Guard aircraft caught in the path of the hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also recognized that Columbus had a great deal to offer and quickly established a staging area on base. Evacuees seeking refuge in north Mississippi were also assured shelter. Just like at NAS Meridian, the outstanding staff and base volunteers went immediately to work and quickly restored their base and community moments after the storm passed by. Our National Guardsmen continue to inspire and impress. With nearly half of Mississippi's Guard troops mobilized in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, our Adjutant General made available the state's remaining forces to support those along Ivan's projected course, as well as in communities devastated by previous storms in Florida. In south Mississippi, troops were arriving long before Ivan made landfall. After the storm, our Guard made a tremendous difference in getting badly required relief to those who needed it most. Regardless of the threat, I take great comfort in knowing our Guardsmen are on the job looking after us here at home and abroad. We Mississippians have repeatedly witnessed the unique capabilities of our SEABEES across the globe and over the years, but we will always remember their support after Hurricane Camille ravaged our state in 1969. Although we were fortunate to not bear the brunt of Ivan, our Gulfport SEABEES proved they were there for those that did. I was most impressed with their ability to, within 18 hours of Hurricane Ivan's passing, put large numbers of people, equipment and logistics support from the Construction Battalion Center Gulfport on the most critical disaster recovery and service restoration missions at NAS Pensacola. We Mississippians are proud of our SEABEES, deployed in Iraq and elsewhere around the world, and know from first hand experience that they will always be true to their motto ``with Compassion for others--we build, we fight--for peace with freedom.'' In peace or war, against the terrors of evil men or the ravages of nature, Mississippians seek to secure our homes and neighbors from danger. From Columbus to Keesler and Pascagoula to the Stennis Space Center, Mississippi continues to show that we have the full military package: our citizens serve bravely in our armed forces both domestically and abroad; our bases train and prepare our nation's top pilots and troops; our universities provide cutting edge military research and technology; while our manufacturers produce vehicles, radar and aircraft our forces need for their missions. In my district, I am particularly proud to count as neighbors the Navy's finest advanced jet-training base and two of the National Guard's premiere air wings. Our individual Mississippi National Guardsmen do tremendous work every day to safeguard the defense of our great nation. We Mississippians greatly appreciate that the patriots who so nobly operate our bases are also the neighbors who stand with us in the face of terrorism and disasters like Hurricane Ivan. To them I offer my gratitude, and the thanks of their fellow Mississippians.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5419) to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to facilitate the reallocation of spectrum from governmental to commercial users; to improve, enhance, and promote the Nation's homeland security, public safety, and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through the use of enhanced 911 services, to further upgrade Public Safety Answering Point capabilities and related functions in receiving E-911 calls, and to support in the construction and operation of a ubiquitous and reliable citizen activated system; and to provide that funds received as universal service contributions under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 and the universal service support programs established pursuant thereto are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act, for a period of time, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5419.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for two reasons: First, to support S. 150, ``The Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act,'' and, second, to clarify a mischaracterization of a provision of S. 150 that has appeared in the media and perhaps in the minds of some of my colleagues concerning the affect of S. 150 on Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. First, I support passage of S. 150 and commend my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for working vigorously to forge a compromise that addresses, albeit in a temporary fashion, the most important issue we face today concerning what's been termed the ``digital divide''-- bridging the gap between those who have Internet access and those who do not by protecting such access for all Americans from overburdensome taxation by a multiplicity of State and local governments that would directly and substantially inhibit the growth and expansion of this still relatively young technology. This bill extends until November 2007 the current moratorium that prohibits States, or their political subdivisions, from taxing Internet access or imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Both houses of Congress also compromised on the treatment of States who had been taxing Internet access even before 1998 when Congress passed the Internet Tax Freedom Act. The grandfathered status of those States to continue taxation of Internet access will be extended for 3 more years under S. 150. While I support the compromise we are voting on today because it accomplishes our intent to prohibit State and local taxation of Internet access in the interim, I still firmly believe that we should permanently prohibit State taxation of Internet access in the future. However, I do look forward to working with our State, county, and city leaders in the future to address the broader issue of taxation of goods and services over the Internet. Everyone recognizes that the Internet knows no borders, domestically or globally, and we should treat it as such by permanently prohibiting an estimated 30,000 different jurisdictions nationwide from imposing taxes on Internet access and stifling this innovative technology that has become not only a useful informational, educational, and recreational technology for most Americans but also an economical necessity for our business community. Second, and more importantly for my purposes as the lead sponsor in the House of H.R. 4129, the ``VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004,'' S. 150 as passed by the Senate contains a provision specifying that Voice- over-Internet-Protocol (``VoIP'') services are not covered by the moratorium. That provision states:

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Amendment being offered by Mr. Barton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. First, I would like to thank Chairman Barton for his leadership on this issue. I agree with Chairman Barton that H.R. 10 is not the vehicle by which to effectively transition this precious public spectrum to public safety and valuable commercial and non-licensed uses. In order to address all issues and concerns, we must take a comprehensive approach and develop a comprehensive solution so that our first responders receive all the tools they need and the American people receive the unimaginable benefits of digital technology. The Senate proposal is the wrong approach and I hope we will work to accomplish our goal in a more all-inclusive process focusing on all broadcast issues. We cannot effectively address the digital transition piece by piece. I look forward to working with Chairman Barton on this very important issue in order to find a date that is appropriate and achievable in order to effectively transition to that new and exciting digital age of television that will promote public safety, encourage innovation, create jobs, and benefit all Americans.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 741) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with regard to new animal drugs, and for other purposes.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 741.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a problem faced by livestock and food animal producers, animal and pet owners, zoo and wildlife biologists, and animals themselves, as well as to present a policy remedy that can lead to a solution for this often unnoticed threat. We face a severe shortage of approved animal drugs for use in minor animal species. These include sheep, goats, game birds, ranched deer, rabbits and all fish and shellfish. A similar shortage of pharmaceutical medicines exist for major animal species for diseases that occur infrequently or which only occur in limited geographic areas. These species include horses, cattle, dogs, cats, swine, and others. Millions of animals go either untreated for illnesses or treatment is delayed, due to the lack of availability of these minor use drugs. This produces not only unnecessary animal suffering, but could also pose a serious threat to human health, while undermining our agricultural industry. An unhealthy animal left untreated can spread disease through an entire stock of its fellow species, resulting in severe economic losses and hardships to our farmers and ranchers. Ultimately, these costs are passed on to consumer food costs. One example that is reported in my home State of Mississippi is the catfish industry, the fifth largest agricultural sector in my home State. Every year, they lose approximately $60 million attributable to minor diseases for which drugs are not available to treat aquaculture and catfish. In this industry alone, we have approximately 800 different species, yet the industry has only six drugs approved for use in treating aquaculture diseases. It creates tremendous economic hardship and animal suffering within the industry. Restricted market opportunity, low profit margin, and the requirement of massive capital investment prevents the economic feasibility of drug manufacturers in pursuing research, development, and government approval for medicines used in minor species and infrequent conditions and diseases. As a sponsor of this bill, or one similar to the one we introduced in the House, it is an honor today to resolve this issue with the passage of S. 741, the Minor Use and Minor Species Act, or affectionately referred to as the MUMS Act. This legislation will allow companies the opportunity to develop and approve minor use drugs which are of vital interest to a large number of animal industries. Our legislation incorporates the major proposals of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine to increase the availability of drugs for minor animal species and rare diseases in major species. The Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 required the Food and Drug Administration to provide Congress with a report describing administrative and legislative proposals to improve and enhance the animal drug approval process for minor uses and minor species of new animal drugs. This report by FDA delivered to Congress in December of 1998 laid out nine proposals. Tonight, eight of these FDA proposals require statutory changes, and this bill before us reflects those changes called for in the report. Today's MUMS Act creates incentives for animal drug manufacturers to invest in product development and obtain FDA marketing approvals. Furthermore, it creates a program very similar to the successful Human Orphan Drug Program that over the past 20 years has dramatically increased the availability of drugs to treat rare human diseases. Mr. Speaker, besides providing benefits to livestock producers and animal owners, this measure will develop incentives in sanctioning programs for the pharmaceutical industry, while maintaining and ensuring public human health. This measure is supported by the Food and Drug Administration, the American Farm Bureau, the Animal Health Institute, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and virtually every organization representing all genres of minor animal species. This is vital legislation which will fill a great need in the animal health world. S. 741 will alleviate much animal suffering. It will promote the health and well-being of minor animal species, while increasing and protecting human health. It benefits pets and provides the emotional security of the pets and their owners. It will provide greater health security to various endangered species of aquatic species, and it will reduce economic hardships and risks to farmers and ranchers. This is a commonsense piece of legislation which will benefit millions of Americans, from our farmers to our pet owners. I call on all of my colleagues in the House to support S. 741, and I take personal privilege to thank my staff who have worked on this, John Rounsaville and Cade King. They have worked hard and worked effectively to bring this bill to passage in the House, to passage in the Senate, and to the President's signature soon. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to commend the gentlewoman from New York for all of her hard and good and effective work and that of her staff. It is a great accomplishment after a long path to get to this place, both on the allergens and on the MUMS. I am glad that we could find a coalition that could make something during a difficult Congress actually pass, and we will send this to the President. It will be signed, and we can celebrate soon. So I thank the gentlewoman for her good and hard work and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) and many from the committee. Again, my staff, Cade King and John Rounsaville, I wish that they could be here with us tonight to celebrate.

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

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2004. The prevalence of chronic diseases in the U.S. has become the most significant public health problem of our current day. It is estimated that by the year 2020, 157 million Americans will suffer from some chronic illness. Whether it is asthma, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, these conditions are costly to our health care system and erode quality of life. With more than 100 different forms, arthritis is one of the most widespread and devastating conditions in the United States. Nearly 70 million, or one in every three, American adults suffers from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, and nearly 300,000 children live with the pain, disability and emotional trauma caused by juvenile arthritis. In some cases, the disease causes deformity, blindness and even death. As the number one cause of disability in the United States, arthritis is a painful and debilitating chronic disease affecting men, women and children alike--arthritis has no boundaries. Simple, daily tasks like brushing teeth, pouring a cup of coffee and even just getting out of bed become excruciating obstacles for millions of people with the disease. The costs associated with arthritis are immense. The disease results in 750,000 hospitalizations, 44 million outpatient visits and 4 million days of hospital care every year. The estimated total costs of arthritis in the U.S., including lost productivity exceeds $86 billion. Arthritis is an overwhelming and debilitating hardship for countless families. While the current impact of the disease is quite astounding, there is much that can be done to prevent and control arthritis. Despite myths that inaccurately portray this illness as an old persons' disease, some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can be prevented with weight control and other precautions. More broadly, the pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through early diagnosis and appropriate disease management. The goal of this legislation is to lessen the burden of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases on citizens across our Nation, like my constituent, Alfred Price of Brandon, Mississippi. Mr. Price has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for more than 49 years and has shown me over the years the damaging effects of the disease to his body. In recent years, increasing effective research into the prevention and treatment of arthritis has led to measures that successfully reduce pain and improve the quality of life for millions who suffer with this disease. Cooperative efforts at every level have led to the development of a National Arthritis Action Plan, with emphasis on public health strategies to make timely information and medical care much more widely available across the country. This legislation would develop a National Arthritis Education and Outreach Campaign to educate health-care professionals and the public on successful self-management strategies for controlling arthritis. To ensure greater coordination and intensification of federal research efforts, this legislation would create a National Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Summit to look at challenges and opportunities related to arthritis research within all the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services. For the 300,000 children who are affected by this disease, this legislation expands and intensifies research for juvenile arthritis at the National Institutes of Health through the creation of planning grants for innovative research. It also creates incentives to encourage health professionals to enter the field of pediatric rheumatology through the establishment of education loan repayment and career development award programs. These incentives would help to address the severe shortage of these specialists in our country, so that all children will have greater access to physicians trained in state-of- the-art care for arthritis. Mr. Speaker, we need to make the necessary investments in the fight against arthritis--our nation's number one cause of disability. This legislation will improve the quality of life for large numbers of adults and children and avoid thousands of dollars in medical costs for each patient. I urge all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this legislation and enact it in a timely manner so millions of Americans, like Mr. Price, can live life with more hope and less pain.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, forty years ago this Sunday, members of the Ku Klux Klan committed a terrible crime against three young men in Neshoba County. It was a crime against them, a crime against equality, and a crime against freedom. As we remember the killings of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner during the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi, I'd like to take the opportunity to share with you the statements of that community today in 2004. These statements represent a call by community leaders; a tri-racial commission of blacks, whites, and Choctaws; and city and county elected officials to seek justice and forgiveness for these crimes of the past. Like the rest of the country, Mississippi still has much work to do concerning racial reconciliation, but I believe we have come further and are more committed to racial harmony than many other states. But I will let this Neshoba County community speak for itself: First is the Philadelphia Coalition's Resolution for Justice. This tri-racial coalition led by Leroy Clemons and James E. Prince III is leading the call for justice in this community, and organizing the events affiliated with the 40th Anniversary Memorial this weekend. The Philadelphia Coalition's Resolution for Justice: Statement Asking for Justice in the June 21, 1964 Murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner Forty years ago, on June 21, 1964, three young men, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, were murdered in Neshoba County by members of the Ku Klux Klan. The state of Mississippi has never brought criminal indictments against anyone for these murders--an act of omission of historic significance. There is, for good and obvious reasons, no statute of limitations on murder. This principle of law holds that anyone who takes the life of another person for any reason not provided by law is never immune from prosecution, no matter how remote in time. With firm resolve and strong belief in the rule of law, we call on the Neshoba County District Attorney, the state Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice to make every effort to seek justice in this case. We deplore the possibility that history will record that the state of Mississippi, and this community in particular, did not make a good faith effort to do its duty. We state candidly and with deep regret that some of our own citizens, including local and state law enforcement officers, were involved in the planning and execution of these murders. We are also cognizant of the shameful involvement and interference of state government, including actions of the State Sovereignty Commission, in thwarting justice in this case. Finally, we wish to say to the families of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, that we are profoundly sorry for what was done in this community to your loved ones. And we are mindful of our responsibility as citizens to call on the authorities to make an effort to work for justice in this case. Continued failure to do so will only further compound the wrong. We, the undersigned, call on those in authority to use every available resource and do all things necessary to bring about a just resolution to this case. The Philadelphia Coalition. Next comes the resolution by the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors, the elected leadership of this community on the county level. Neshoba County Board of Supervisors' Resolution Forty years ago, on June 21, 1964, three young men, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were murdered in Neshoba County. The State of Mississippi has never brought criminal indictments against anybody for these murders. There is for good and obvious reason, no statute of limitations on murder. This principal of law holds that anyone who takes the life of another person for any reason not provided by law is never immune from prosecution, no matter how remote the time. With firm resolve and strong belief in the rule of law, we call on the appropriate authorities to make every effort to seek justice in this case. We regret that history will record that the authorities did not make a good faith effort to do its duty and we call on the people in authority to make an effort to seek justice in this case. Finally, we wish to say to the families of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner that we regret what was done in this community to your loved ones. We, the undersigned, call on those in authority to use every available resource and do all things necessary to bring about a just resolution to this case. By: James Young, President, Neshoba County Board of Supervisors. The leadership of the City of Philadelphia, the county seat and population center of Neshoba County, has also passed a resolution in support of this seeking of justice. City of Philadelphia's Resolution: Resolution Asking for Justice in the June 21, 1964 Murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner Forty years ago, on June 21, 1964, three young men, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were murdered in Neshoba County. The State of Mississippi has never brought criminal indictments against anybody for these murders. There is for good and obvious reasons, no statute of limitations on murder. This principal of law holds that anyone who takes the life of another person for any reason not provided by law is never immune from prosecution, no matter how remote the time. With firm resolve and strong belief in the rule of law, we call on the appropriate authorities to make every effort to seek justice in this case. We regret that history will record that the authorities did not make a good faith effort to do its duty and we call on the people in authority to make an effort to seek justice in this case. Finally, we wish to say to the families of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner that we regret what was done in this community to your loved ones. We, the undersigned, call on those in authority to use every available resource and do all things necessary to bring about a just resolution to this case. By: Rayburn Waddell, Mayor; Janice Payne, Alderwoman at Large; Joe Tullos, Alderman, Ward I; Roy White, Alderman, Ward 2; Ronnie Jenkins, Alderman, Ward 3; and, Bobbie Jackson, Alderwoman, Ward 4. The Community Development Partnership is Neshoba County and Philadelphia's chief economic development organization and represents the interests of many businesses, financial institutions and companies in the region. Community Development Partnership's Resolution Resolution Asking for Justice in the June 21, 1964 Murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. Forty years ago, on June 21, 1964, three young men, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were murdered in Neshoba County. The State of Mississippi has never brought criminal indictments against anybody for these murders. There is, for good and obvious reasons, no statute of limitations on murder. This principle of law holds that anyone who takes the life of another person for any reason not provided by law is never immune from prosecution, no matter how remote the time. With firm resolve and strong belief in the rule of law, we call on the appropriate authorities to make every effort to seek justice in this case. We regret that history will record that the authorities did not make a good faith effort to do their duty and we call on the people in authority to make an effort to see justice in this case. Finally, we wish to say to the families of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner that we regret what was done in this community to your loved ones. We the undersigned, call on those in authority to use every available resource and do all things necessary to bring about a just resolution to this case. By: Brenda Mills, Chairwoman of the Board; and David Vowell, President. This Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have long represented an integral part of this community and has created a model of economic and community revitalization and development. Today they have moved from poverty to prosperity and are an integrated part of both the community and this call for justice. Letter From the Tribe of Mississippi Choctaw Indians Dear Friends and Neighbors: Forty years ago, three communities, white, black, and Choctaw, lived in Neshoba County separated by fear, ignorance, and bigotry. Although all of us were Neshoba Countians, Mississippians, and Americans, living together in a relatively small geographic region, we lived apart in our separate communities seeking protection and self-preservation among our own kind. Mainly what we knew of one another was to be wary. Being a small community many of us did interact and often positively, but mutual respect, honor, and acceptance were indeed not commonalities shared between us. Being forced apart, we were often denied the opportunity to learn from one another's differences and to gain from each other's strengths. Forty years ago, three young men who ignored the walls of separation between our communities were sacrificed to the fears and hatreds that long simmered throughout our country. Forever since, Neshoba County has been associated with an act of infamy. However, those three that we lost, live among us today. While it is right to mourn them, we honor them more when we celebrate their lives for the positive changes they provided to all of us. Today white, black, and Choctaw still live together in Neshoba County. We also work together, transact business together, learn together, worship together and play together. While we have not eliminated fear, ignorance, or bigotry, we have surpassed those constraints and are prospering together. While we continue to maintain our separate communities, we do so now not to, but because we choose to in order to preserve our unique cultural identities. Now, forty years later, we come together with ease, and as equals not just to remember the trauma of the past, but more importantly, to admire our present, and plan our future together. All of our communities have changed for the better, we have an economy that is flourishing, our people are working and prospering, with the Tribe alone providing more than 9,000 jobs. When we work together and support one another, good things happen. On behalf of The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, I commend Philadelphia Coalition for its efforts to celebrate our unity. Sincerely, Phillip Martin, Tribal Chief. Mr. Speaker, today at the request of this community, federal and state law enforcement officials are actively studying the potential of reopening this case to bring any remaining murderers to justice. The purpose is not to reopen old wounds, but to bring closure and healing to those wounds by providing the remedy of justice. This weekend, I will participate in events in Neshoba County memorializing the deaths of three men who sought equality, justice and civil rights. We will remember the past, take stock of the present, and work for the future. We are a better Mississippi today, we will be still better tomorrow. I commend this community for showing leadership and embracing justice and look forward to working with all the citizens of Neshoba County as we continue to move forward both socially and economically. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3658) to amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen education, prevention, and treatment programs relating to stroke, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As one of the sponsors of this bill and serving on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I would like to begin by commending all those who have worked to bring this legislation to the House floor. I would like to extend a special thanks to my colleague and sponsor, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), as well as Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton); subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis); subcommittee ranking member, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), and committee staff for their tireless efforts to move this important legislation. As a personal point of privilege, I would like to commend my staff Mary Mills Lane and before her Jason Dedwylder for their long and good work on this legislation. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention, stroke remains the Nation's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of long-term disability. According to the American Heart Association, on the average every 45 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Every year 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke, and 164,000 lose their lives. My home State of Mississippi ranks seventh highest in terms of death rates from stroke. Approximately 2,000 individuals in Mississippi alone lost their lives to stroke in 2000. Not only are individuals losing their lives, but today 4.7 million Americans are stroke survivors, and as many as 30 percent are permanently disabled, requiring extensive and costly care. It is expected that strokes will cost the Nation $53.6 billion in 2004, including $33 billion in direct costs and $20.6 billion in indirect costs. Prompt treatment of patients experiencing stroke can save lives and reduce disability, yet thousands of stroke patients do not receive the care they need. Additionally, most Americans cannot identify the signs of stroke, and even emergency medical technicians are often not taught how to recognize and manage the symptoms. Even in hospitals, stroke patients often do not receive the care that could save their lives. The STOP Stroke Act is the first step to removing these barriers to quality stroke care in order to save lives and reduce disability. This legislation addresses a number of significant barriers to quality stroke care, including low public awareness, lack of necessary infrastructure, low awareness among medical professionals and a lack of adequate data collection. This bill authorizes a national public information campaign to educate the public about stroke, how to reduce risk, recognize the warning signs and seek emergency treatment as soon as symptoms occur. This legislation also authorizes the Paul Coverdell Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse to collect data about the care of acute stroke patients and foster the development of effective stroke care systems. The clearinghouse will serve as a resource for States seeking to design and implement their own stroke care. It will help build systems to collect, analyze and disseminate information and will build on the efforts of other communities to establish similar systems. The STOP Stroke Act will provide grants for public and nonprofit entities to develop and implement continuing education programs and the use of new diagnostic approaches, technologies and therapies for the prevention and treatment of stroke. Finally, this bill authorizes a telehealth stroke treatment pilot project to support States' efforts to develop comprehensive networks to improve stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. These grants will allow States to identify stroke centers, improve communications networks that bring stroke care to rural areas and decrease response time. The time has come for a bill to stop the incidences, the high rates of stroke. This bill is past due. We are in a situation where stroke rates are on the rise, and we must now act to address the issues that are going to help us match resources with the growing need to prevent and treat this devastating illness. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to properly move similar legislation that previously passed by unanimous consent in the last Congress. I urge my House colleagues to vote for this bill. And as a point of personal privilege, I want to commend all of this work, my own work, to the memory of my grandparents, my mama and papa, my papa suffered from a stroke, and all those family members all across this country who have lost someone to a stroke and have watched their family care and love those who have been affected. I hope that this can help provide the resources and the information as all the country comes together to help those, first to prevent stroke and to care for those who have been the victims of stroke. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns).

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

Mr. PICKERING

Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 857.