Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) 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. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 360 provides for a single motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, or his designee, that the House concur in the Senate amendment with the amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution. This resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the motion to concur in the Senate amendment with an amendment. It provides an hour of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Finally, the resolution provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening motion. Madam Speaker, this is this body's fourth attempt to find the middle ground. This is the House's fourth attempt to address the needs of unemployed Americans and to provide a needed boost to our economy. This House is putting forth a solution in order to build a consensus. The amendment made in order under this resolution includes special depreciation allowances for certain property and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses. If we help businesses, we help create much needed jobs. It provides an additional 13 weeks of temporary extended unemployment benefits for those who have exhausted their regular benefits. It includes the liberty zone tax benefits for reconstruction of New York City. Finally, it extends a number of expiring, yet very important, provisions such as tax credits for electric vehicles, the welfare-to-work tax credit, the Archer medical savings accounts, tax credits for production of alternative energy sources, work opportunity tax credits, temporary assistance to needy families, or TANF, and that is to name just a few. Madam Speaker, while the economy is currently showing strong signs of recovery, many workers still face the harsh realities of unemployment. The economic downturn that began at the end of the year 2000 and that was exacerbated by the tragic events of September 11 left many Americans unexpectedly out of work. We need to make sure this economy moves in the right direction and that these folks get the help that they need. By adopting this motion, we will give crucial assistance to Americans who, through no fault of their own, were separated from their occupations, and will ensure that these Americans can care for their loved ones, keep their homes, and feed their children. I urge Members not to turn their backs on American workers, because it is their entrepreneurship, their risk-taking, and their strong work ethic that are driving the forces behind the greatest economy in all the world. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the motion to be offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas). It is our hope that the other body will accept this initiative so that we can quickly move this important legislation to the President's desk for his signature. We need to get unemployed Americans the help they need and deserve, not only in the form of extended benefits; but also it is essential that we get them jobs. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to remind my colleagues that this body has done its job. It has looked for consensus, and it has found a solution. This motion to help unemployed workers as they look for jobs will give a boost to them and also a small boost to the businesses that can help create those jobs. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying motion so that it can be sent finally to the President for his signature. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 7 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, but, more importantly, at this moment a very close friend of Dave Thomas.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for so graciously allowing me to manage the time for this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to be here today to remember Dave Thomas. My deepest condolences go to Dave's beloved wife, Lorraine, his children, his grandchildren, and to the many, many people who loved him at Wendy's International and across the United States of America. It was easy to love Dave. He was a selfless, kind and thoughtful man whose fun-loving nature and honest disposition made him a friend to so many. Most of America will remember Dave as the face of Wendy's, that square hamburger made with pride to perfection. I know I remember when the first Wendy's was launched in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, back in 1969. Today, over 6,000 Wendy's are sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods and cities across the U.S. and in 34 countries. There is no question, Dave Thomas will be remembered as a man of humble beginnings who created one of the most successful fast-food chains in the entire world. He was indeed a business giant, a remarkable man. But today I ask that we also remember Dave as a tireless champion for children, for the thousands of children who do not have families to care for them, who do not have permanent homes, and who are waiting to be adopted. As an adopted child himself, Dave felt so fortunate to have been given a family to care for him, to love him and to support him. Throughout his life, he carried with him an acute awareness for the wonderful and generous gift he was given; and as he grew to manhood, he never forgot his roots, and in time he would find himself fighting to give other parentless children the gift he so cherished and respected. While Wendy's continued to grow and prosper, Dave knew that he wanted to be more than just a successful businessman. Dave found that he could best give back by using his success, his passion, and his familiar friendly face to raise public awareness about that issue so close to his heart. His mission took shape in 1990 when President George Bush asked Dave to act as a spokesperson on a new initiative called Adoption Works for Everyone. Dave embraced this honor with enthusiasm and grace, and then he rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Throughout the next decade, Dave continued his tireless advocacy for children everywhere, and I am proud to have worked shoulder to shoulder with him on many initiatives. He created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, whose vision it is to see that every child has a permanent home and a loving family. Through the foundation, Dave hoped to ease the many barriers families so often face when trying to adopt. By making adoption easier and more affordable, fewer children are now trapped in the endless foster care system, and more children will grow up with brothers and sisters and moms and dads who love them. Dave once said, ``If I can get just one child a home, it would be better than selling 1 million hamburgers.'' Oh, how like Dave. We will remember Dave for his humility and kindness, for his compassion and warmth, and for his dedication to children everywhere who are awaiting a loving family to take them home. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring a dear friend and a champion for children, Dave Thomas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 1 minute to my neighbor, the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), another friend of Dave Thomas.

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

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), for giving me the opportunity to express my admiration for this extraordinary man. I also want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for joining me in honoring Dave's life. We have lost a good friend, a good friend to this country, a good friend to each of us, and a good friend to so many children waiting for a home. While we mourn his loss, we should feel proud of his accomplishments and empowered by his mission. As a society, we can remember Dave by working towards increasing public awareness of the need for adoption. As Members of Congress, we can continue to look for ways to cut through the red tape that often stands in the way of encouraging families to even consider adoption, and as individuals, we can recognize and appreciate the power of one man's determination to make a difference. Dave once reminded us that children who do not have families are not somebody else's responsibility, they are our responsibility. If we want to make a difference in a child's life, this is where we must start. Dave's charisma, passion, and dedication help lead us on our way. It is now up to each of us to carry on Dave's mission and to continue fighting for these kids. Dave, you singlehandedly made this world a better place. We will miss you.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), my distinguished colleague.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), a classmate of mine and the chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is a noncontroversial rule that will allow us to pass very important legislation to continue the availability of affordable student loans, lock in these low rates, avoid possible long- term disruptions in access to financing, and provide educational opportunities for all our young people. Let us give our children the opportunity to invest in themselves, and more importantly, to invest in this country's future. I urge my colleagues to support this fair rule and this bipartisan bill. 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 am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Slaughter), 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 334 makes in order the bill S. 1762 under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to commit. Mr. Speaker, S. 1762 amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish fixed interest rates for student and parent borrowers and extends current law with respect to allowances for lenders. To put it simply, this legislation will allow for the continued availability of affordable student loans for students and their families by addressing a long-standing problem in the Federal student loan program about how interest rates are calculated. It will simplify loan terms, reduce confusion, and lock in low rates for the borrower. At the same time, it will provide stability for lenders, helping to avoid disruption in loan availability. Mr. Speaker, more than 9 million United States students today need student loans to help pay for college, and the education of our Nation's children is a major concern of most Americans, and it is the top priority for our President. While we all know that more money is not the single answer to improving the education of our children, student loan affordability and access should never become the barrier to a college education. It is important to pass this bill today so we can lock in these historically low interest rates. Students attending the Ohio State University, which is located in my district, will benefit just like the millions of others pursuing that dream of a higher education all across our country. S. 1762 recognizes that investing in our children and providing them the opportunity to invest in themselves would prepare them and our country for the challenges of tomorrow and stays true to the spirit that ``no child be left behind.'' I would like to take a moment to congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), my colleague and good friend and the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for his hard work and commitment to improving the educational opportunities for all American students. I would also like to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking member of the committee, for his work and support of this bipartisan legislation. Finally, let me congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, for his hard work and leadership on this very important legislation. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation has the support of all the parties involved, including the lenders and the student associations alike, and it has the support of a majority of this body as it garnered 257 votes the last time we considered it. I urge all of my colleagues to support this rule, and I encourage a ``yes'' vote on S. 1762. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 334 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man we all know as Dave, a man blessed with an extraordinary knack for business and a heart of gold. Sadly, we lost him to cancer only a few weeks ago. Dave Thomas personifies the American dream, that a young person of humble beginnings can and should dream big. And that he did, by creating the third largest fast-food chain in the world. Dave's devotion to his business was surpassed by only one thing, his great love for children. As an adopted child, Dave felt so fortunate to have been given a loving family to care for him. He wanted to see other children experience this joy. Dave took his passion and turned it into something extraordinary. In 1992, he founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to serve as a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. The foundation is based in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Dave in our joint effort to bring children and families together and make the process of adoption easier. Dave once said, ``If I can get just one child a home, it would be better than selling 1 million hamburgers.'' Well, Dave, you did just that, and more. You are a true class act, one who will be sorely missed, but remembered by all for generations.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Roukema), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher), also a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 315 and ask for its immediate consideration.

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

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Keller), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), my colleague and friend, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 315 is a standard rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The rule also waives all points of order against its consideration. Mr. Speaker, today we take an historic leap forward on behalf of our children, parents and teachers across this great Nation. While lately, the attention of Americans has been focused on the war on terror, the Congress has continued to focus its attention on our Nation's most precious resource, our children. This conference report does just that and recognizes that investing in our children today will prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. The Committee on Education and the Workforce, assigned the demanding task of reforming our Nation's failing Federal education policy, has reported back a conference report that we all can and should support. I am pleased to stand before my colleagues today to present a rule on a bipartisan piece of legislation that will transform the Federal role in education to ensure that indeed no child is left behind. The education of our children is the top priority for our President and a major concern of most Americans. H.R. 1 represents the most sweeping, comprehensive education legislation to be brought before the House during our tenure. I would like to take a moment to congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), my colleague and very good friend, for his hard work and commitment to improving the educational system for our children. I would also like to commend the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), for all his work and support for this bipartisan legislation. Despite a decade of economic growth and Federal spending of more than $130 billion since 1965, the achievement gap dividing our Nation's disadvantaged students and their peers has continued to widen. Mr. Speaker, the message is loud and clear. Money alone is not the answer. It is time for accountability. It is time for reform. It is time for a renewed commitment to our children. This conference report embodies President Bush's education vision and stays true to his four principles of education reform, accountability, flexibility and local control. It expands options for parents and funds what really works. It all starts with determining which students are in need of additional help and which schools and school districts are in need of improvement. H.R. 1 accomplishes this task by implementing annual assessments in the core subjects of reading and math for students in grades three through eight. However, the bill also recognizes that communities know more about their children than Washington bureaucrats. H.R. 1 respects local control, by allowing States to design and implement these tests, and provides Federal funds to aid them in this task. It also explicitly prohibits federally-sponsored national testing or curricula. Armed with knowledge, we will be able to determine which schools are failing to educate our children. This information will be readily available to parents in the form of annual school performance report cards. Based on these facts, H.R. 1 provides a system of accountability to ensure that students do not become trapped in chronically failing schools. H.R. 1 provides real options for parents with students in chronically failing schools. Parents would be allowed to transfer students in failing schools to better performing public or charter schools. Supplemental services would be provided from Title I funds for tutoring, after-school services, and summer school programs. Finally, charter schools would be expanded to provide opportunities for parents, educators and community leaders to create schools outside the bureaucratic red tape of the educational establishment. In exchange for these new accountability measures, the plan will dramatically enhance flexibility for local school districts, granting them the freedom to transfer up to 50 percent of the Federal education dollars they receive among an assortment of ESEA programs and target the true needs of their individual communities. Mr. Speaker, since the creation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965, numerous programs and restrictions have been piled on the Act, creating a bureaucratic maze of duplicative policies, all well-intentioned, but amazingly inefficient. H.R. 1 will give some needed organization to this patchwork of programs by consolidating the programs under ESEA and targeting resources to existing programs that serve poor students. We know that over 60 percent of children living in poverty are reading below the very basic level. We cannot expect these children to succeed. Children who cannot read are destined for academic underachievement. We cannot allow children to be denied access to the world that can be opened to them only through books. The President's Reading and Early Reading First programs will introduce a scientific- based comprehensive approach to reading instruction that will serve to re-focus education policy on this fundamental skill. The President's education plan, No Child Left Behind, also emphasizes two other fundamental areas of education, through the establishment of math and science partnerships. The United States cannot remain a world leader in technology and scientific discovery without fundamental math and science education. I am pleased that H.R. 1 includes an initiative which will encourage States to partner with institutions of higher learning, businesses and nonprofit math and science entities to bring enhanced math and science educational opportunities to our children. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1 is filled with calculated reforms that will restructure Federal education policy. It includes provisions to increase safety in our schools, promote English fluency and improve teacher quality, and provides the most important change in Federal education policy in almost 40 years. Every Member of this House has a vested interest in the education of our children. We cannot afford to sit idly by or be timid in fulfilling our responsibility to ensure that every child has access to an education that gives them every chance to reach their full potential and exceed their goals and their parents' dreams for their future. I urge my colleagues to keep the children at the forefront of our focus. Support this rule, adopt this conference report and send this historic legislation to the President of the United States so that no child is left behind. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and someone very instrumental in the good work that has gone into this bill.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), a hard- working and very important member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.