Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time remains?

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 reserve the balance of my time.

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 reserve the balance of my time.

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. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentlewoman from Florida, for yielding me time and for her hard work and dedication to this issue. I would also like to thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), for all of her work and assistance on this bill, along with the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for his help. Madam Speaker, I rise in the strongest support for the Afghan Women and Children Relief Act. This legislation authorizes our President to use funding from the 2001 Emergency Supplemental under such terms and conditions as he may decide to provide health and educational assistance to the women and children of Afghanistan. As we all know, the plight of women and children under the ruling Taliban regime and their terrorist allies has been dire. As recognized by this legislation, Taliban restrictions on women's participation in society made it nearly impossible for women to exercise their basic human rights. The restrictions on Afghan women's freedom of expression, association and movement denied women full participation in society and, consequently, kept them from effectively securing basic access to work, education and even health care. Under Taliban rule, women were beaten and in some cases shot for simply leaving their homes unaccompanied, even if only to seek medical attention for a sick child. The heavy suffering of Afghan women has been unthinkable and immeasurable. As described by one Afghan woman, the owner of a secretly run beauty shop, ``It was like being in prison,'' she said. ``We had no life. We were not people.'' Madam Speaker, there is a tide in the course of human history. Taken at its height it can lead to progress, to advancement, to success; but missed it can leave any cause trapped in shallow water. Therefore, we must act with haste and determination when the current moves and the water is deep with opportunity. Madam Speaker, the current is moving. The tide of history is nearing a peak moment in Afghanistan, and this legislation provides the tools to respond. The Taliban, along with their record of brutal oppression, are being driven out of the country and out of power, and women have already begun to emerge from beneath their burkas. They are awakening to what I deeply hope will be a new day. There has rarely been a more important moment, a more crucial time than this. While women may be free of the hand of Taliban injustice, we do not know what lies ahead for them. Therefore, at this time of change and uncertainty we must act to give the women of Afghanistan hope and to help them reclaim their dignity, respect and, ultimately, their right and equal place in society. Life for women before the Taliban stands in stark contrast to the last 5 years. Over time, the drive towards greater rights for women was moving forward. In the 1920s, Afghan women received the right to vote; and in the 1960s, the Afghan constitution recognized their equality. By the early 1990s, in Kabul, women represented 70 percent of schoolteachers, 50 percent of government workers and 50 percent of doctors. To say the very least, the cause of women's rights in Afghanistan suffered a major setback under Taliban rule. President Bush and the First Lady have recognized the dire plight of Afghan women. The administration is already taking steps to cast light on the evil that has been done to Afghan women and has spoken out in favor of giving women a voice in their new government, along with the right to economic freedom. Congress must do its part in this important effort by giving the President the resources to help these women recover from the years of abuse they have suffered. This means providing most basic health care and educational assistance, which will authorize the President over the next 3 years to provide targeted funding to aid organizations already on the ground. Through our work, we can help Afghan women to regain their footing. Madam Speaker, we may never be able to understand why the Taliban chose a path of such brutality and oppression. It certainly does not come from Islam, which teaches peace and respects human rights. In fact, in many other parts of the Muslim world, women play important roles as doctors, teachers, journalists, lawyers, diplomats and other professionals. It is not the Muslim religion which has oppressed women in Afghanistan. It is hate, fear and the injustice of the Taliban. After the Taliban began their retreat, one woman who was among the first women to read the news at Radio Afghanistan burned her burka. She said, ``Now I see the sunlight, and it is so beautiful.'' Madam Speaker, all the women of Afghanistan deserve to see the sunlight. Let us play our part by passing important legislation.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. 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, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), 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 288 is an appropriate but fair rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2269, the Retirement Security Advice Act of 2001, and it is consistent with previous rules that our committee has reported and the House has adopted on bills affecting tax policy. This rule provides for 100 minutes of general debate in the House with 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). The remaining 40 minutes are equally divided between the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel). In lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means, the amendment printed in Part A of the Committee on Rules report accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopted. I would simply note for my colleagues that this Part A amendment combines the provisions reported by the respective committees into one amendment. After general debate, it will be in order to consider only the substitute amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) or his designee, printed in Part B of the Committee on Rules report and is debatable for 1 hour. Finally, the rule permits the minority to offer a motion to recommit, with or without instructions. The resume waives all points of order against consideration of the bill as amended, as well as the amendment in the nature of a substitute. Mr. Speaker, today in America more and more working men and women are investing. We are no longer living in a world where only the richest Americans participate in the stock market. Today's workers are using worker-directed or 401(k)-type plans to manage and grow their retirement funds. In fact, it is estimated that some 43 million workers are, in part, managing nearly $1.5 trillion dollars in assets through defined contribution plans. Unfortunately, current law does not reflect the new world that we live in. For the average worker trying to get ahead, raising a family or simply pursuing the American dream in any way they choose, managing their retirement funds can be a daunting, difficult and sometimes costly task, and current law is keeping them from getting the direction that they need. Back home, I know many young people who are in their early careers or newly married. I see them and their spouses trying to understand today's complex financial reality. And these are smart kids. They know that you can never be too young to begin planning for your future. But with a future that involves starting a family, purchasing a home and a car, planning for children's educational needs, understanding investments for retirement is just one more difficult piece of a very complicated puzzle. Everyone who enters the workforce has dreams of one day returning to full-time private life. Some dream of a house on the shore or a ranch out west. Others dreams are more modest, a small home close to family and friends. But the common theme of all retirement dreams is security, comfort and a small reward for a lifetime's work. Planning for retirement today is not like it was when our mothers and fathers and even some of us were new to the workforce. Retirement planning does not simply involve Social Security and a savings accounts. Today's retirement planning requires an understanding of the many investment options and their attendant risk and benefits. To be sure, planning for the future through investment is a welcome aspect of our country's financial progress and the continued expansion of options for American workers. But we would be remiss if we did not make sure that the law kept up with these widening options. We must recognize that with the wealth of investment options available to workers, there must also be options for advice and direction. Workers need access to sound advice to help them maximize their retirement security as well as minimize their risk. H.R. 2269, the Retirement Security Advice Act responds to this need and provides Americans with access to this help. It allows employers to provide their workers with access to high quality, professional investment advice. It retains critical safeguards and includes new protections to ensure that participants will receive advice solely in their best interests. Advice will be provided by fiduciary advisors who will be personally liable for failure to act solely in the interest of a worker and subject to both criminal and civil sanctions through the Department of Labor for any breach of their fiduciary duty. It is also important to note that all existing securities and State insurance protections will continue to apply as well. H.R. 2269 also includes a strict, plain-language disclosure requirement to inform participants about any and all potential fees or possible conflicts of interest when advice is first given. Finally, it works to educate and empower workers who have full control over their investment decisions and help to close the investment advice gap. Mr. Speaker, like President Bush, I too trust Americans to manage their own money. Indeed, everyone should be a part owner in the American dream. This legislation will finally allow employers to sponsor investment advice for their workers and empower them to make decisions based on solid and experienced judgment. Today's workers have more choices for their future. Let us make sure they have the tools to know which choice is best for them. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. 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 288 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to lay on the table House Resolutions 179, 182, 217, 220, 236, 237, 258, 267 and 268.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is a good conference report. It balances a number of very important priorities. It protects our environment and keeps the United States at the forefront of space exploration. It provides needed funding to ensure new scientific discovery and addresses our Nation's critical housing needs. Finally, it provides for the benefits and assistance of our Nation's veterans that they have earned and that they should enjoy. It is a fitting and timely tribute as we prepare for Veterans' Day this November 11. Mr. Speaker, once again our hats should be off to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) and the entire appropriations committee. I urge a yes vote on this rule and the conference report. 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 such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), my distinguished colleague and the chairman of the VA-HUD Committee on Appropriations. We all take our hats off to him for his hard work, as well as to the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg), my distinguished colleague and a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

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), 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 279 is a standard rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2620, the Fiscal Year 2002 Veterans Affairs, and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill. Mr. Speaker, this conference report provides yet another example of a carefully crafted, bipartisan product from our Committee on Appropriations that maintains fiscal discipline, while addressing some of our Nation's most pressing needs. It takes care of our veterans; addresses the Nation's critical housing needs; helps to protect and preserve our environment; invests in scientific research; and continues the exploration into space. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh); the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), the ranking member, and all the members of the Committee on Appropriations for their hard work and dedication. The conference report maintains our commitment to our Nation's veterans who selflessly placed themselves in harm's way so we may enjoy the very freedoms which we so cherish. With November 11, being Veterans Day, fast approaching, our Nation's veterans deserve our thanks, but more importantly, they deserve and have earned the benefits provided in this conference report. This year the VA-HUD appropriations bill provides an additional $1 billion over last year's increase for Veterans Medical Health Care, bringing the total to $21.3 billion. And I am proud to inform my colleagues, and more importantly our veterans, that we have increased Veterans Medical Health Care by $4 billion over the course of the last 3 fiscal years. The bill increases Veterans Medical and Prosthetic Research yet again by $20 million and provides an extra $128 million over last year's funding level for the Veterans Benefit Administration to expedite claims processing, which is a big problem. Mr. Speaker, along with providing for the needs of our veterans, this legislation targets important resources towards the challenges faced by our urban communities and populations to provide adequate housing to help the most vulnerable folks in our society. Low-income families will benefit through this bill's investment in the Housing Certificate Program, which provides funding for Section 8 renewals and tenant protection. A $1.7 billion increase over last year's funding level will allow for the renewal of all expiring Section 8 contracts and provides needed relocation assistance. A total of $15.6 billion is provided for this important program in fiscal year 2002. This includes $140 million to fund some 26,000 new Section 8 vouchers. This housing assistance is critical in helping families who are trying to lift themselves up and improve their lives. Other needed housing programs that help our elderly, people with AIDS, and the disabled also receive increases above last year's funding levels in this conference report. The report also provides important resources to preserve and protect our environment for the next generation to enjoy. It targets funding with an emphasis on State grants to protect the water we drink and the air we breathe. The State Revolving Fund for Safe Drinking Water is increased by more than $25 million from last year's level, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is funded at $1.35 billion, equal to last year's level, and, finally, State Air Grants are increased $8 million over last year. Mr. Speaker, this conference report also maintains our commitment to the exploration of space and the improvement of science. I am pleased to say that the National Science Foundation is increased by some $363 million above fiscal year 2001. This represents the largest NSF budget ever, and will go a long way to help foster scientific discovery, promote basic research, as well as increase scientific education. NASA also receives an increase that will bring total funding to $14.8 billion. It fully funds the Space Shuttle operations and maintains our commitment to the International Space Station. This will enable the United States of America to continue our superiority in space exploration and aeronautical research. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this conference report provides the Federal Emergency Management Agency with $2.2 billion for disaster relief to help some of our Nation's hardest-hit communities, much needed in this time of our Nation's crisis. Mr. Speaker, this is a good conference report and it deserves our support. It takes a responsible path towards addressing our Nation's most pressing needs and priorities. I urge all my colleagues to support this straightforward, noncontroversial rule, as well as this must-do piece of legislation. 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 279 and ask for its immediate consideration.

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

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our friend and colleague from Glens Falls, New York, Gerald Solomon. I had the honor to serve with Chairman Solomon on the Rules Committee. He was a strong leader for our committee who stood firmly on his policy beliefs and was respected for it. He was unyielding and passionate on the important issues. I can tell you, there were many times that I was glad to have him in my corner. During his twenty years of service in the House, Chairman Solomon was a tireless advocate for the people of the 22nd district of New York. He was a true and dedicated public servant--in every best sense, a patriot. He served in the United States Marine Corps and exemplified its true spirit. He was always faithful to the corps and his country. As a member of Congress, he was an unrelenting defender of the American flag--the symbol of our nation that has engendered so much unity and pride in these trying times. I remember Chairman Solomon fondly for so many things, perhaps best of all because he shared my passion for adoption. He was dedicated to helping children find permanent, loving homes. In fact, he was invaluable in aiding two of my constituents in their fight to keep their adopted children. I know that they remember him as I do--as an advocate for families. Here in the House, we remember Chairman Solomon for his service to our country. He was also a husband, a father, and our friend. He will be missed.

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 ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time for the Speaker, as though pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, to declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3061) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes, and that consideration of the bill proceed according to the following order: The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against the bill and against its consideration are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the 5-minute rule. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII, and amendments so printed shall be considered as read. During consideration of the bill, points of order against amendments for failure to comply with clause 2(e) of rule XXI are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill and ask that this letter be included in the Record.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong and unwavering support for this resolution, for the President and for our Nation. The events of September 11 have left a scar on the United States of America, a scar that may never completely heal. And part of us will always remain beneath that rubble, but as we steady ourselves, from deep within, we look toward the pursuit of security and justice. By enacting this resolution, we speak with one voice. We are united behind our common cause and against our common foe. We should not take lightly the great effort that we set in motion here today. Indeed, each of us must give pause in our hearts as we start the men and women of our Armed Forces down this path. But this pause, this reflection should not be mistaken for hesitation. Our resolve is undaunted. The attackers of September 11 meant to unleash fear and chaos. Instead, they unleashed our fury. Mr. Speaker, we do not blink in the face of this challenge. Our Nation rises up, and when we clear away the dust and the smoke, the world can be sure that the United States will shine on, the brightest beacon of liberty and freedom.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honorable chairman for yielding me time. Today, first and foremost, our hearts go out to the victims and families affected by yesterday's sad and shocking attacks. The stories of tragedy and the compelling stories of heroism that have begun to emerge from the smoke and the shattered buildings will forever be a part of this black day that has been burned into our national memory. But let these days that follow be remembered not just for our sadness and anger, but for our national resolve. As a Nation, we must now pull together to overcome this vicious attempt to break our national spirit. Those responsible for yesterday's horrific events have seriously miscalculated the strength and resolve of Americans. Our sense of security may be temporarily unsteadied, but our unity is emboldened. Our bonds of liberty, our bonds of freedom, our bonds of democracy are stronger and run deeper than any individual, than any building, than any monument, and no act of violence, no knives or sharpened razors, can ever sever them. We will not be intimidated by these cowards. We will remain committed until those responsible learn the steep cost of taking innocent lives, innocent American lives, on American soil. The flame of liberty remains bright and will continue to shine upon the world, casting deep into the dark shadows of violence, intolerance and extremism. There will be no corner on this Earth where the demons of September 11 will be safe from justice. For now, we must go on with our daily lives, because to do otherwise would be giving into the evil behind these events. In our schools and offices, in our neighborhoods and churches, we must help our families, our friends and our neighbors begin the healing process. I urge my fellow Americans to donate blood, to volunteer, to offer their prayers and their assistance to help those in need. As America recovers, we will also pursue our attackers and fight on. Mr. Speaker, we are at war with the most vicious, most cowardly and most wicked enemy we have ever faced as a Nation. But America will not go gentle into that good night. For those we have lost and for the future of our Nation and the freedom we hold dear, we will strive, we will persevere, and we will prevail.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honorable Chairman for yielding me this time. Today, first and foremost, our hearts go out to the victims and families affected by yesterday's sad and shocking attacks. The stories of tragedy, and the compelling stories of heroism, that have begun to emerge from the smoke and shattered buildings will forever be a part of this black day that has been burned into our national memory. But let these days that follow be remembered not just for our sadness and anger, but for our national resolve. As a nation, we must now pull together to overcome this vicious attempt to break our national spirit. Those responsible for yesterday's horrific events have seriously miscalculated the strength and resolve of Americans. Our sense of security may be temporarily unsteadied, but our unity is emboldened. Our bonds of liberty, our bonds of freedom, our bonds of democracy are stronger and run deeper than any individual, than any building, than any monument. No act of violence, no knives or sharpened razors, can sever them. We will not be intimidated by cowards. We will remain committed until those responsible learn the steep cost of taking innocent lives--innocent American lives--on American soil. The flame of liberty remains bright and will continue to shine upon the world, casting deep into that dark shadows of violence, intolerance, and extremism. There will be no corner of the earth where the demons of September 11th will be safe from justice. For now, we must go on with our daily lives because to do otherwise would be giving in to the evil behind these events. In our schools and offices, in our neighborhoods and churches, we must begin the healing process. I urge my fellow Americans to donate blood, to volunteer, and offer their prayers and assistance of help to those in need. And as America recovers, we will also pursue our attackers and fight on. Mr. Speaker, we are at war with the most vicious, most cowardly, and most wicked enemy we have faced as a nation. But America ``will not go gentle into that good night.'' For those we have lost and for the future of our nation and the freedom we hold dear--we will strive, we will persevere, and we will prevail.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. I thank my good friend from Florida and colleague on the Committee on Rules for yielding me this time, and I rise in very strong support of this rule. Mr. Speaker, I came to the House of Representatives nearly 9 years ago, and for the majority of my tenure here, Congress has been struggling with the concept of a bill of rights for patients. There are no policy arguments that have not been made, no statements left unspoken, and no new points to interject. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of the patients' bill of rights is agreed to by every one here. We all agree that patients should have access to emergency room and specialty care and direct access to obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians. We agree that doctors should have input in the development of formularies for prescription drugs and that patients should have access to health plan information. All the players agree that gag clauses that prevent doctors from discussing certain health care options with their patients should be prohibited and that patients should have a right to continuity of care. In fact, I would like to remind my colleagues that the House has previously passed a patients' bill of rights. We have, we have done it here, and yet we still have no Federal protection to offer the 170 million Americans with private health insurance. Well, help is on the way. We finally have a President committed to making this happen and a Congress which has worked long and hard to help him. Mr. Speaker, I understand this task has been a daunting and difficult one, and that is why the agreement President Bush forged yesterday is a giant step forward. An agreement that involved so many hardworking, committed Members on both sides of the aisle needs a chance to go forward today. Mr. Speaker, we need a bill that will not penalize employers for offering health care benefits; we need a bill that will not drive up the cost of premiums; and we need a bill that will offer remedy to patients who have been wronged; and, most of all, we need a bill that can be signed into law. There are many who would rather not see this happen today. They would rather the American people not have this benefit. They would rather have a political issue. And it is so easy to stand in the way. It is much harder to forge consensus. This time the Committee on Rules, which has met into the wee hours nearly every night this week, has forged a fair and good rule that will do all of this. We have already spent too much time on solutions that go nowhere. This legislation, with the agreement offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood), has been agreed to by the President. It will offer our best chance to provide real patient protection to those Americans who desperately need it and have needed it for far too long. I urge my colleagues to support this rule. It is fair, it is very delicate, it is balanced, and it will bring a patients' bill of rights to our President for his signature.