Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 113) recognizing the social problem of child abuse and neglect, and supporting efforts to enhance public awareness of the problem, as amended.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 113.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 113 offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth). House Resolution 113 recognizes the social problem of child abuse and neglect and supports efforts to enhance public awareness of child maltreatment. The resolution is timely and appropriate, as next week begins National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every year, approximately 3 million reports of possible child abuse and neglect are made to child protective services. According to the most recent report, it is estimated that 63 percent of victims suffered neglect, 19 percent were physically abused, and 10 percent were sexually abused in the year of 2000. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, 1,200 children died in that same year due to child maltreatment. Child abuse and neglect have tragic social repercussions. Human and economic costs related to crime and delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and welfare dependency affect all citizens; and all citizens should seek to break this cycle and give victimized children hope for a brighter future. This resolution also commends Child Help USA for its efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children throughout the United States. Child Help USA is one of the Nation's oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Mr. Speaker, their mission is to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children. Child Help USA has also created a National Day of Hope to be observed on April 2, 2003, to focus public awareness on child maltreatment. National Day of Hope is a time for all Americans to remember the young victims of abuse and neglect by keeping them in their thoughts and prayers and encouraging community involvement to ensure that all appropriate resources are available to assist the abused and neglected children. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is important and timely in that it draws attention to the need for more public awareness of the problem of child abuse and neglect and supports the goals and ideals of the National Day of Hope. I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) for bringing this resolution forward and urge my colleagues to vote in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I applaud all the speakers this morning. We have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the HEALTH Act of 2003. This bill will be the first step towards curing the escalating medical liability costs. The runaway litigation has forced a dozen States into near cardiac arrest, including my home State of Nevada. In Nevada medical liability costs have skyrocketed, forcing doctors to leave in droves. The trauma center in our top hospital had to shut its doors because there were not enough doctors to treat the patients. Just about every day you pick up the paper and you turn on the TV and there is another story about a pregnant woman or an emergency patient going into other States to have their babies delivered or emergency care treated. It is just one example. In Las Vegas, Mr. Speaker, obstetrician Dr. Shelby Wilbourn packed up a 12-year practice and moved to Maine, where insurance rates are more affordable and doctors appear less likely to be sued. Mr. Speaker, in order to remedy this, we must pass this legislation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sam McGrandy and Chris Stemmer, Boulder City High School's Athletes of the Month. Sam and Chris won this award based on their outstanding academic, leadership, and athletic skills. Sam McGrandy has played every position on the girls basketball team and served as team captain last year. She has also played for the Boulder City High volleyball team, and maintains a 3.7 average in school. Chris Stemmer has played boys basketball for Boulder City for the last three years, and was selected to the All-Division Team last year. Chris has also competed in football and track for Boulder City High. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent each of these young athletes, and look forward to having the opportunity to honor these students on their future achievements.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ask my distinguished colleague from California to engage in a colloquy. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for bringing this important bill to the floor. I represent a State that has grown more than 75 percent since the 1990 census. As with many States, after the 9-11 catastrophe, Nevada saw an increase in the need for temporary assistance for needy families. Without the existing supplemental TANF program, Nevada and other growing States would not be able to meet their commitments. I want to thank the gentleman for reauthorizing the supplemental grants and the contingency funds, and I would ask the chairman for his favorable consideration in the future for measures to prevent State population growth from outstripping available resources for needy families.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, spaceship Shuttle Pilot Commander William McCool, 41, a beloved father, husband, son and brother was a man who most of the world could only aspire and dream to become. Commander McCool spent his life in the service of his country and in the service of humanity. He dedicated his life to not only his family but to his dream of one day becoming an astronaut. McCool was an experienced Navy pilot with more then 2,800 hours in flight. He graduated second in his 1983 class at the Naval Academy, went on to test pilot school and became an astronaut in 1996. His excitement for space travel was solidified when on his first and last mission he exclaimed, ``there is so much more than what I ever expected, it's beyond imagination, until you actually get up and see it and experience it and feel it.'' The tragic loss of the Columbia Space Shuttle crew and their sacrifices will never be forgotten, not by William McCool's family, the families of the other crew members, and not by his countrymen. They were as gracious, courteous and giving in the last weeks of their lives as they were in all the other weeks. William McCool will forever be remembered for his dedication and contributions to science. His adventurous and brave personality is what made this man into an American hero. The legacy of Commander McCool will vicariously live through the next generation of space explorers, for his bravery in the face of death will surely inspire others to pick up where he left off. We thank you William McCool for your dedication and love of country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.