Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my unanimous consent request.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question on the amendment and the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 256.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I will remind my colleagues that this rule is fair and balanced. Of the 12 amendments made in order by the Committee on Rules, 6 are offered by Democrats and 6 by Republicans. This equal treatment is appropriate for consideration of a bill that has bipartisan support. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting both the rule and the underlying Teacher Empowerment Act which relies on the principles of teacher quality, smaller class size, accountability, and local control to improve our children's education. But, teachers are central to today's debate, which is appropriate. Perhaps more than any other factor in education, teachers are key to academic achievement. By investing in our teachers through this legislation, we are strengthening our most valuable education resource. I urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the Teacher Empowerment Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Teacher Empowerment Act because it promotes teacher quality, reduces class size and sends dollars directly to the classroom. In light of the third annual math and science study scores, I am concerned that we are not focusing enough on math and science education. Therefore, I am especially pleased that this legislation promotes and strengthens math and science teacher training through the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Math and Science Education. Located at the Ohio State University, the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse collects, catalogs and disseminates K-12 curriculum materials and resources in mathematics and science and provides teachers with a variety of services, including a technical help desk and reference service, print publications, and 12 demonstration sites located throughout the Nation. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania knows, the Eisenhower Clearinghouse is not a one-size- fits-all program. This program is available to teachers all across the country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, there are no forms to fill out, applications to file or enrollment fees to pay. Because of this flexibility, our Nation's math and science teachers made Eisenhower National Clearinghouse's website one of the most visited education sites, receiving over 14 million hits. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania whose work I very much admire for his response.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica). (Mr. MICA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am sorry the gentleman for whom the Committee on Rules made two amendments in order now finds himself opposing this fair rule.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 253 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that this is a program that deserves our strong support, and I thank the chairman very much for his time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley), the ranking member of the Committee on Rules, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 253 is a structured rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 1995, the Teacher Empowerment Act. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. For the purpose of amendment, the rule makes in order, as an original bill, the committee's amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the bill. Under this fair and balanced rule, 12 amendments are made in order, 6 offered by Democrats and 6 offered by Republicans. That means Members from both sides of the aisle will have equal opportunity to amend this bill. The rule makes in order a number of minor amendments as well as an amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling) which reflects bipartisan compromise on a number of issues and a substitute amendment offered by a Democrat member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. All 12 amendments are printed in the Committee on Rules report and may be offered only by a Member designated in the report. The amendments shall be considered as read and shall be debatable for the time specified in the report. These amendments are not subject to amendment or a demand for a division of the question. All points of order against the amendments are waived. In addition to the amendment process, the minority will have another opportunity to change the Teacher Empowerment Act through the customary motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Finally, the rule allows for orderly and timely consideration of the bill by allowing the Chair to postpone votes and reduce voting time to 5 minutes on a postponed question, as long as it follows a 15-minute vote. Mr. Speaker, we can all remember our favorite teacher who made school more interesting and learning more exciting. These special individuals had a lasting impact on us and contributed in a major way to our attitudes toward school and our development as young people. We cannot underestimate the value and influence of a good teacher, and our investment in teachers should reflect their worth. The Teacher Empowerment Act recognizes teachers as perhaps the most important determinant in our children's academic success, and the bill seeks to enhance student performance through funding programs to improve teachers' skills. Specifically, H.R. 1995 streamlines the Eisenhower Professional Development Program, Goals 2000, and the ``100,000 New Teachers'' program to give States and localities more flexibility in their use of these funds to advance teachers' professional development. Ninety-five percent of these funds will be distributed to local districts where those who are most familiar with the needs of their local schools will play a greater role in determining how the money is used to provide teachers with the tools to improve student learning. Some of my colleagues oppose the consolidation of government programs and may fear local control. But given the failure of a bloated education bureaucracy and the micromanagement of education by the Federal Government, it is hard to understand any aversion to the reasonable changes this legislation envisions. It is time to challenge the status quo and move our education dollars to the local level to give school boards, principals, and teachers some flexibility to use these dollars as they see fit. That does not mean we are giving away Federal dollars, turning our heads the other way and hoping for the best. The Teacher Empowerment Act actually increases accountability to parents and taxpayers by providing public access to information about the qualification of teachers and the average statewide class size. Additionally, local districts and schools will be measured by performance indicators and goals set by their State and accepted by the Federal Government. The remaining 5 percent of funds available through the Teacher Empowerment Act may be used for a variety of purposes, including oversight of local programs and assistance for schools that are failing to raise student achievement. The funding flexibility this legislation provides will help local education agencies to recruit, reward, and retain the very best teachers. For example, the bill encourages States to develop innovative programs that promote tenure reform, teacher testing, alternative routes to teacher certification, merit-based teacher performance systems, and bonus pay for teachers in subject areas where there is a shortage of qualified candidates. One criticism of the bill that I would like to address is the administration's concern that this legislation undermines the President's ``100,000 New Teachers'' Class Size Reduction program. In fact, the bill requires funds to be used to hire teachers to reduce class size. It is true that this requirement is not a Federal mandate, like the President's proposal. It may be waived, but only if it is in the best interest of the students to do so. For example, the requirement could be waived in cases where reducing class size would mean relying on underqualified teachers or inadequate classrooms. This is exactly the type of common sense flexibility we need to insert into our Federal education policies. In addition to teacher training and education class size, the Teacher Empowerment Act continues an emphasis on basic academic skills, including math and science programs. This is an area in which a lack of qualified teachers is evident in the poor performance of U.S. students, whose achievement is falling behind that of children in other developed countries. Under the bill, localities must continue to expend the same amount on math and science programs as they would under the existing Eisenhower program, with limited exceptions. Along those lines, I am pleased that the Teacher Empowerment Act will allow for continued funding of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education, which is located at Ohio State University. The ENC serves as the Nation's repository of ``K'' through 12 instructional materials in math and science education. Its collection of almost 15,000 curriculum resources is the most extensive in the Nation and provides a reliable resource for any teacher interested in professional or curriculum development. Since its creation in 1992, the ENC has distributed almost 4 million CD-ROMs and print publications, and its Web site received over 14 million hits just last year. This program's success in collecting and disseminating information on the best practices in math and science education deserves our continued support. In addition to math and science, the Teacher Empowerment Act also places an emphasis on technology by encouraging school districts to train teachers in the use of technology and its application in the classroom. The legislation also promotes reading and writing skills by extending the authorization of the Reading Excellence Act and providing a separate authorization for the National Writing Project. Mr. Speaker, this legislation promotes smaller classes, encourages innovation through local control, and emphasizes basic academic skills to improve student performance. But, most importantly, the Teacher Empowerment Act recognizes the value of the individuals who interact with and provide guidance to our children on a daily basis. The ability of teachers to connect with children and peak their interest in learning is a gift that some have, but more commonly it is skill that teachers must learn. This legislation invests in teachers by giving them access to the tools they need to make a positive impact on our students' success. I congratulate the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) on his great work, and I urge my colleagues to support this fair and balanced rule, which will allow the House to debate, improve upon, and pass the Teacher Empowerment Act. It is a good rule and an important bill, which takes another step forward in meeting our responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment. I urge a ``yes'' vote on both measures. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), a member of the committee. (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the African Growth and Opportunity Act and this fair rule. Yesterday, in the Committee on Rules, my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), and others who testified somberly described the many problems plaguing Africa. I think we are all too familiar with the images of hungry African women and children living in poverty and war- ravaged nations. For too long, the people of sub-Saharan Africa have suffered from the rampant spread of disease, environmental degradation, and political corruption. Our hearts go out to these victims of human suffering. But there is hope. Since the beginning of this decade, 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have moved toward democracy and market-based economies. And, in just the past week, a cease-fire in the Congo and a peace agreement ending the war in Sierra Leone were signed. Today the opportunity is ripe in the United States to give momentum to these positive trends by engaging Africa through trade, investment, and cooperation. The African Growth and Opportunity Act does just that. This legislation not only begins to break down barriers to trade but also provides needed debt relief and facilitates $650 million in investment in sub-Saharan Africa. Does this bill solve every problem facing the African people? No. But through this legislation, we are strengthening the foundation on which a stronger, more stable, more prosperous Africa will stand, an Africa that will be in a better position to address its problems with a strong ally found in the United States. American companies and workers stand to benefit along with the African people. This legislation opens the door to a market of nearly 700 million people who will have the opportunity to buy American-made goods. Exports are the economic key to growth, competitiveness, and job creation here at home, and the U.S. must continue to look for new markets to penetrate. Mr. Speaker, there is another bonus found in this legislation, which is the broad support it has garnered. I am proud to join with the Speaker, the Republican leadership, the President, and many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, including one of the bill's lead sponsors, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), in my support of this legislation. Passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act will provide one more example of Republicans and Democrats, Congress and the White House, working together to do something positive for American workers and businesses, while reaching out to improve the lives of millions of Africans who are much less fortunate. I urge support of the rule and the bill.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for yielding this time to me. I rise in strong support of this fair and balanced rule which the House or which allows the House to debate and vote on the Financial Services Act. Updating our Nation's antiquated banking laws has been a goal of Congress for nearly 20 years, and we are finally standing on the doorstep of success. The journey to this point has been arduous, but those of us who have worked on this legislation understand the great benefit to our Nation's competitiveness and to American consumers who will enjoy more seamless financial services as a result. The delicately crafted compromise legislation that will allow us to achieve these goals is protected by this balanced rule, and anyone who claims to be for financial services modernization should support the rule. It is our best chance to go forward. There are many who have sacrificed their own key issues and set aside their view of a perfect world in order to achieve the laudable goals of financial modernization, but, Mr. Speaker, sadly last night the spirit of compromise and sacrifice broke down in spite of the fact that 5 of 11 of the amendments that were adopted had Democratic names on them; broke down, and my Democrat colleagues on the Committee on Rules decided to undermine the years of hard work and jeopardize the success of financial modernization over the fate of one amendment. Perhaps more disappointing is their decision to dishonor a commitment to bipartisanship on the bill and on an amendment that will protect the privacy of consumers' financial personal information. This is not a policy issue. The substance of the privacy amendment has not changed. It is a case of political one-upsmanship that dismisses the interest of the American people. I hate to say it, but it appears that the Democrats are grasping at straws to find any issue with traction that bolsters their political advantage whether or not the policy is sound. As a moderate Republican and a person who advocates reaching out across party lines to build consensus, I have to say that today I understand the public's cynicism about politics and politicians. It is truly a sad day for America when their elected representatives expend their energy to create chaos for political gain rather than progress for the American people. It is no wonder the American people are jaded. I know I am. But I cling to the hope that we will use our better judgment and redeem ourselves by voting to pass this rule and moving forward to pass historic bipartisan financial modernization legislation. I urge a yes vote on the previous question and the rule.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Chairman, I thank my friend for yielding this time. Madam Chairman, let me ask my colleagues if they are tired of their phone ringing in the middle of dinner only to be solicited for lawn care service. Are they tired of getting so much junk mail that they have to empty their trash twice as often as they used to? Are they tired of their teenagers being solicited for a new credit card every other week? Are they tired of wondering who in the world is giving out their addresses and phone numbers to these strangers? Well, I am, and I am mad as heck about it. So today I am taking the floor to issue a public service warning to all of our constituents: ``Mr. and Mrs. America, your personal financial information may be disclosed by your bank to any Tom, Dick and Harry without your knowledge and without your consent.'' That is right, America, in all the years of banking law in this country there are no laws on the book to protect your privacy. Can you imagine that? That is wrong. It is un-American, it is anti-consumer, and it has to stop. The privacy amendment being offered here tonight is a historic precedent to put an end to that. Now, many of my friends on the other side of the aisle say it is not perfect or complete enough, but, Madam Chairman, for the first time ever we will be saying that each financial institution has a legal obligation to protect the privacy and confidentiality of its customers. And for the first time ever we will be saying that every financial institution must adhere to strict standards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records. And for the first time ever we will require every institution to fully disclose to a customer up front what their privacy policy is. And perhaps most importantly, for the first time ever we will require that financial institutions give their customers a right to just say no to the sharing of what most Americans hold very, very dear: private information about themselves and their families. Madam Chairman, make no mistake, this is a landmark privacy legislation which was drafted in a bipartisan fashion. And given that current law gives our constituents no protection whatsoever, and given that our colleagues in the other body have no privacy protection in their banking bill whatsoever, and given that last year's version of this very bill had no privacy protections whatsoever, while customers are growing more and more troubled by random telemarketing and junk mail, it is critical we adopt this amendment. Privacy is a very personal thing. Americans feel very strongly about protecting it. Let us heed the voice of America. I urge adoption of the amendment.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those who seek to raise awareness about the importance of biomedical research to call attention to the invaluable benefits of biomedical research and to the necessity of making a sustained, significant commitment to research efforts at NIH, our nation's premier research institution. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting a doubling of the National Institute of Health's budget, including the budget of the National Cancer Institute, over five years. The Federal investment in cancer research makes sense and saves dollars by unlocking the answers to how cancer is best detected, treated, and prevented. These answers will reduce health care costs and save lives. The costs, both human and economic, of cancer in this country are catastrophic. The human costs in terms of lives lost are immeasurable, and the economic costs exceed $107 billion annually. Our national investment in biomedical research is the key to containing spiraling health care costs, as every $1 invested in research saves $13 in health care costs. Yet, the amount we invest in cancer research today is equal to only 2 percent of the health care costs attributable to cancer. And while cancer is a greater threat than ever, only 31 percent of approved cancer research projects receive funding. Our goal should be to quicken the pace of research by funding at least 45 percent of research initiatives. A much more aggressive effort is required to combat cancer and to reduce human suffering and lives lost to the many forms of this devastating disease. According to a 1994 NIH report, approximately $4.3 billion is invested in clinical and translation research, which means $9.3 to $13.6 billion is shaved off annual health care costs. As a result of a research investment of $56 million over 17 years, $166 million is saved annually in the care of testicular cancer, a 91 percent cure rate has been achieved, and life expectancy has increased by 40 more years. And, a research investment of $11 million in the management of breast cancer has saved $170 million annually in breast cancer treatment. More cancer research could prevent cancer, save more lives, and benefit the economy, as well. Eighty-five percent of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) budget creates jobs and funds researchers across the country. And NCI research provides the foundation for innovative new cancer drug development--316 new medicines were in development last year. Since 1993, the number of cancer drugs in development has increased 155 percent. More biomedical research at NIH overall is critically important. Indeed, the sharing of medical innovations across scientific and medical disciplines benefits all research. For example, AIDS research has advanced cancer research and research on maternal health has been applied to arthritis research. Research pays for itself many times over by creating American jobs, supporting U.S. businesses, and strengthening the U.S. economy. Notably, NIH-funded research generates $17.9 billion in employee income and over 726,000 jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical fields. Overall, NIH-funded research contributes $100 billion annually to the American economy. Doubling the budget of the NIH and the NCI will enable extraordinary opportunities for research success and real progress in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. To make a real difference in the lives of the 1 in 2 American men and 1 in 3 American women who will develop cancer over his or her lifetime, we must dramatically increase our Federal investment in cancer research.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules. I call up House Resolution 221 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), pending which I yield myself such time as I might consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 221 is a structured rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 1802, the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means. An additional 20 minutes of debate time will be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce. The rule waives clause 41(b) of the Congressional Budget Act against both the bill's consideration and the consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means which the rule makes in order for the purpose of amendment. These waivers are required because there are provisions in both bills, in both the bill and the substitute amendment, that provide new entitlement authority. This authority will allow States to provide Medicaid coverage to adolescents leaving foster care and allow continued SSI benefits to certain Filipino veterans who fought in World War II, two worthwhile causes. The Committee on Rules heard testimony yesterday which revealed that there is little controversy surrounding H.R. 1802; however, a few amendments were filed with the Committee on Rules which would make minor but important changes to the legislation. Of the six amendments filed, two were withdrawn, and three were made in order. One other amendment, which pertained to the Higher Education Act, was not germane to the bill. The amendments made in order under the rule are printed in the Committee on Rules report. The amendments will be considered in the order specified by the report, if offered by the Member designated, and are debatable for the time indicated in the report. Debate on each amendment will be equally divided between a proponent and an opponent, and the amendment shall not be subject to amendment or to a demand for division of the question. To assure efficient consideration of the Foster Care Independence Act, the rule allows the Chair to postpone votes and reduce voting time to 5 minutes on a postponed question as long as it follows a 15-minute vote. Finally, the rule provides for a motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, we have a crisis in this Nation which can be seen on the faces of thousands of children who are languishing in our foster care system. As an adoptive mother, I know firsthand the joy of opening one's heart and their home to a child. It is heartbreaking to look into the eyes of children who are so desperate to have someone to call mom or dad, to have a place to call home and to have a sense of peace that comes with permanency. In 1997, Congress tried to help these children by passing legislation to facilitate the adoption of children in foster care. As a result, the dream of a permanent family and a loving home is becoming a reality for more and more children. Yet despite our best efforts to streamline the system and find willing families to adopt these kids, the reality is that there are thousands of children who will never leave the foster care system during their childhood. Every year approximately 20,000 adolescents are forced out of the foster care system because they have reached the age of 18. On their 18th birthday they are emancipated and left to their own devices to create a life for themselves, often with no one to rely on for emotional, financial or moral support. It is not surprising that these young people are more likely to quit school, be unemployed, have children out of wedlock, end up on welfare or in jail. Without a support system, these kids often develop mental health problems, become dependent on drugs or turn to lives of delinquency and crime that put them at great risk of violence. We simply cannot turn our backs on these young people. As parents, we do not cut off our children once they turn 18, although I think it is safe to say that even if we did, our children would have a better chance at survival than the products of the foster care system. These adolescents, more than most, need personal support and a helping hand if they are going to succeed in adulthood, and it is common sense to make a small investment in these kids to ensure they become productive taxpaying citizens who can make contributions to society rather than become lifelong dependents on the government. The Foster Care Independence Act doubles the money available to the States for the independent living program to help children make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. The bill expands this program to provide assistance to former foster kids between the age of 18 and 21 by helping them prepare for secondary education, plan a career or train for a job. These programs also may offer personal and emotional support through mentors as well as offer financial assistance and housing. Under the bill States are encouraged, though not required, to provide health care coverage through Medicaid to young adults who have left foster care. H.R. 1802 also increases the amount of savings children may accumulate and still be eligible for foster care payments. It makes little sense to discourage kids from saving some money to prepare for the day when they will be on their own. This legislation allows children to remain eligible for foster care assistance if they have resources up to $10,000. To encourage innovation the bill provides flexibility to States and localities so that they can build on their own unique strengths and utilize their existing resources to meet the purposes of the independent living program. There are only a few requirements States are expected to meet, including a 20 percent match of Federal dollars. By requiring a State investment in a program, H.R. 1802 encourages wise use of funds. States also are expected to collect data and report outcome measures so that the Federal Government can assess what is working. In addition to the worthwhile goals of this legislation with regard to foster children, the bill incorporates a number of reforms that will reduce fraud and inefficiency in the SSI program. The SSI program has been on the General Accounting Office's list of programs that are at high risk for fraud and abuse. Reforms of H.R. 1802 will save taxpayers nearly a quarter of a billion dollars over 5 years. I hope my colleagues will agree with me on the merits of the Foster Care Independence Act which furthers the cause of good government by providing assistance to the neediest in our society while safeguarding the taxpayers' dollars by attacking fraud and abuse in government programs. Mr. Speaker, a childhood spent in foster care is enough of a challenge for one lifetime. Let us help these children find a brighter future in their adulthood. I urge my colleagues to support this fair rule and passage of the Foster Care Independence Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.