Jim Ramstad

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to the proud history and wonderful accomplishments of Boy Scout Troop 283 of Wayzata, MN. This Sunday, March 19, Troop 283 will be celebrating its 90th anniversary at Wayzata Community Church. Troop 283 is Minnesota's oldest Boy Scout troop. Troop 283 has a rich tradition of public service to help people in need and has represented the highest standards in Scouting for nine decades. The Scouts and their many volunteer leaders have displayed an inspiring dedication through these past 90 years. Mr. Speaker, these young people are tomorrow's leaders and they are getting the skills, knowledge, moral guidance and inspiration they need through Scouting. The young people of today, who now more than ever need strong adult guidance and parental involvement in learning valuable life skills that will help them mature, have been extremely well-served by the generous and dedicated volunteers and parents who have led Troop 283 through the past 90 years. Mr. Speaker, Troop 283 has focused on giving our young people positive role models, emphasizing the importance of community service to help people in need, protecting the environment and promoting good citizenship. Everyone who has been involved with Boy Scout Troop 283 through the years is to be congratulated on their 90-year investment in the future of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking all the young people and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 283 over the past 90 years for all they have done to produce good citizens who keep America strong.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Minnesota and I are overwhelmingly opposed to the administration handing over day-to-day management of six U.S. ports to a company owned and operated by the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Speaker, this port management deal poses a very real risk to national security, as many experts have pointed out. As the former Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, Clark Ervin, said last week, ``It is true that our Coast Guard would remain in charge of port security. But that means merely setting standards that ports are to follow and reviewing their security plans. Meeting those standards every day is the job of port operators. They are responsible for hiring security officers, guarding the cargo and overseeing its unloading.'' As another security expert put it, you cannot separate port security from port management. Our ports are on the front lines of our homeland defense, and terminal operators play a key role. It is undisputed that under the contract to manage the six U.S. ports, Dubai Ports World would handle shipping arrivals, departures, unloading at the docks, and many other security-related functions. The UAE-owned company would be responsible for keeping cargo containers secure from the time they are unloaded from foreign ships until the containers are taken away on trucks. In addition, terminal operators work with port security plans that contain sensitive security information. They are responsible for securing the perimeter of the terminals and they conduct security training for dock workers. Mr. Speaker, the fundamental question is this: Do we really want a company owned by a foreign government that has been a home base for terrorists, do we really want that company in charge of these functions? I think not. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, we also know the United States Coast Guard conducted an intelligence assessment of Dubai Ports World and its owners in the United Arab Emirates. As a result of that December 13, 2005 intelligence assessment, the Coast Guard warned: ``There are many intelligence gaps concerning the potential for DPW assets to support terrorist operations that preclude the completion of a thorough threat assessment of the merger.'' The intelligence assessment also stated: ``The breadth of the intelligence gaps also infer potential unknown threats against the large number of potential vulnerabilities.'' Mr. Speaker, this Coast Guard assessment raises serious questions on the overall security environment at DP World facilities, the background of some personnel and foreign influence on company operations. As a cosponsor, Mr. Speaker, of H.R. 4807, authored by Chairman Peter King of our Homeland Security Committee, I strongly support this critical legislation that would allow Congress to block the ports deal following the current 45-day investigation. Mr. Speaker, the security of our homeland must be our highest priority. That is why we need to pass this important legislation.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to strongly oppose the use of our brave troops as political cover to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, to oil drilling. Adding the totally unrelated and highly controversial ANWR drilling provision to the Defense appropriations bill (H.R. 2863) is the most outrageous abuse of power I've seen in my 15 years as a member of Congress. This last-ditch effort to impose oil drilling in the Arctic wilderness by converting the Defense appropriations bill into a ``garbage bill'' is a great insult to our troops and a flagrant abuse of the legislative process. We should oppose this heavy-handed, backdoor tactic to impose oil drilling in one of the Nation's last great wilderness areas. We should vote down the conference report so the conferees can remove the ANWR provision and bring back a clean Defense spending bill tonight for our approval. I urge members to honor our troops and stand up for the environment by rejecting this conference report. Let's not hold our brave troops hostage to Arctic oil drilling!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this important legislation to address pending funding issues for America's workers, and I applaud the work of Chairman Thomas and Chairman Boehner on this bill. As my friend from North Dakota, on the other side of the aisle, just pointed out, relief for the pension plans of America's struggling airlines is not in the current House bill. Certainly important to my district, but I have been assured, Mr. Speaker, that as this bill moves to conference with the Senate version, the special challenges facing airlines will be addressed. It is important to the people of my district. Northwest Airlines is the largest employer in the Third Congressional District of Minnesota, and thousands of Northwest employees are counting on Congress to rescue their pension plan. No one wants to see another pension plan fail and be turned over to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation. Northwest Airlines is struggling to emerge from bankruptcy and is trying to do the right thing for its employees by maintaining its pension plan. So as this bill moves through the process, I agree, we must provide relief to this fragile industry. But we must pass this bill today to get it to conference so we can take care of the airlines. We must act today by passing this bill so employees can get the benefits they were promised and so the PBGC and taxpayers will not be on the hook. So let us pass this bill, get it to conference, address the airlines' pension problems in conference, and get this bill to the President before we go home for the holidays.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of H.R. 2017, the Torture Victims Relief Authorization Act. I am especially proud that the first Center for Victims of Torture in the United States is located in Minnesota. Minnesota's Center for Victims of Torture is certainly one of the premier centers for torture survivors in the entire world. Minnesota is home to about 30,000 victims of torture, and there are some 500,000 victims of torture in our country. Even though people are becoming increasingly aware of the issue of torture, support and treatment for the victims have often been lacking. That's where the center, with its excellent leadership, comes in. We in Minnesota have learned much, and now we want to bring that leadership, and the path-breaking work of the center, to the rest of the country. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation provides support for Minnesota's Center for Victims of Torture and will enable our world- renowned Center to continue providing rehabilitation and other critical services to victims of torture. All Minnesotans can be proud of our Center for Victims of Torture, which helps victims of torture recover from their horrific pain, suffering and scars. Mr. Speaker, the issues of torture and human rights have finally penetrated the global consciousness, and I urge my colleagues to support passage of this important legislation.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize last week's World AIDS Day and draw attention to the troubling relationship between chemical dependency and the spread of HIV/AIDS. In addition to the implicit dangers associated with intravenous drug use, use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol abuse can lead to poor decisions and unsafe sexual behavior that can result in HIV infection. America's youth, our most precious resource, are at especially high risk since adolescents face increased vulnerability to chemical addiction. Studies show that 50 percent of the individuals addicted to illicit drugs begin using drugs when they are between 15 and 18 years old. That's why the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) views drug abuse prevention and treatment as essential to stopping the spread of HIV infection, especially for America's young people. And while NIDA is an excellent resource that provides some of the top research in the area of chemical addiction, it is equally invested in educating the public about this public health problem. That's why, in conjunction with World AIDS Day, NIDA is initiating a new public awareness campaign about the dangerous relationship between addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS. As co-chair of the Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, I want to congratulate NIDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for developing this life-saving campaign and commend these fine organizations for the tremendous research they are doing. This educational campaign and impeccable research will help us to better understand and prevent the devastating connection between chemical addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to welcome this morning's guest chaplain, Pastor Mac Hammond. Pastor Hammond and his wife, Pastor Lynne, who is with us in the gallery, are pastors of the Living Word Christian Center, a vibrant church in the Third Congressional District located in Brooklyn Park, MN. This is an incredible story. On November 12, 1980, Mac and Lynne Hammond stood before a gathering of 12 people in a small meeting room at a hotel in Plymouth, Minnesota. On that day, Living Word Christian Center was born. Today, 25 years later, Living Word has grown to an active congregation of more than 10,000 members. Pastor Mac Hammond's inspiring life has spanned several careers, from Air Force captain, where he served as a pilot, to owner of an air cargo business, to gifted minister of the gospel. The people of our area, of our State are so grateful for Pastor Mac Hammond and his ministry to the community. The Living Word Christian Center is home to a number of important ministries that are truly doing the Lord's work here on Earth. Close to my heart, the Living Free Recovery Services program provides treatment to families struggling with the ravages of drug and alcohol addiction. Living Word also operates Maranatha Christian Academy and Maranatha College, two highly respected, God-centered academic institutions in our area. The church's Compassion Center ministers to inner-city residents, and CFAITH provides online missionary outreach. We are all very grateful, Madam Speaker, for these wonderful ministries and for the faith, hope, and love brought to so many by Pastors Mac and Lynne Hammond. As you heard in his moving prayer, Pastor Hammond is a tremendously gifted speaker and a true man of God. I knew Mac would offer a truly inspirational prayer this morning, and God knows we needed it. Many thanks, Pastor Hammond, for your moving and thoughtful prayer and for serving the House of Representatives as our guest chaplain.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great public servant, a man of great faith and good works, a great American-- and a friend to all Minnesotans and many who have served in this House. Al Quie is a truly honorable man, a ``servant leader'' of the highest order. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation before us to honor this dedicated public servant. This legislation would designate the post office in Dennison, Minnesota, as the ``Albert Harold Quie Post Office.'' Mr. Speaker, this is a truly fitting and well-deserved honor for an outstanding former Member of Congress and great Governor of the State of Minnesota. As my friend since I was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1980 when Al was Governor, I consider him one of the most honorable people I've known in my 25 years of public service. Mr. Speaker, Al Quie is truly one of the all-time ``greats'' of Minnesota government and politics. His record of unquestioned integrity, leadership, legislative accomplishments and public service will forever rank Al Quie as a ``giant'' in Minnesota history. Al Quie was born on a farm in Wheeling Township, Rice County, near Dennison, Minnesota, on September 18, 1923. Al Quie's many accomplishments as a Navy pilot, dairy farmer, legislator, Member of Congress, Governor, religious leader and all-star citizen make this honor, the naming of his hometown post office, a truly fitting recognition of his public service. Al Quie completed all of his formal education within a few miles of the Dennison Post Office; he attended grade school in Nerstrand, high school in Northfield and graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1950. Governor Quie served as a pilot in the United States Navy from 1943- 1945 and later became the owner and operator of a dairy farm. He was the clerk of District 43 School Board from 1949-1952 and a supervisor for the Rice County Soil Conservation District from 1950-1954. Al Quie was a member of the Minnesota State Senate from 1955-1958 and was elected to the 85th U.S. Congress and served 20 years here in this chamber. He served as the 35th Governor of Minnesota from January 1, 1979, until January 3, 1983. Mr. Speaker, Al Quie's tireless work to help others since he left the Governor's office with such wonderful organizations as Prison Fellowship has been truly inspirational. His strong faith also serves as a powerful force and profound example for me in my life. Al Quie has continued his public servlce in too many ways to fully emunerate here. Al has served on many boards--not only Prison Fellowship Ministries, but Lutheran Brotherhood Mutual Funds, Lutheran Health Systems, Tentmakers, Vesper Society, Nobel Peace Prize Forum, Search Institute, Council on Crime and Justice, Urban Ventures and AGORA. Al Quie was a member of the Commission on Excellence in Education that wrote ``A Nation at Risk.'' Today, Al is a sought after speaker and mentor as well as a voting member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church-Wide Assemblies. Al has also been busy seeing this great nation he served so ably. After completing his service as Governor of Minnesota, he was able to take time to fulfill his life-long dream of riding horseback along the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico--and write a best-selling book about it, ``Riding the Divide.'' Al Quie has had quite a ride, serving others and leading our state and nation. I am proud to say that today he resides in Minnetonka, Minnesota, my home town in the 3rd Congressional District, which I am privileged to represent. Al personifies both the greatness and goodness of Minnesota. Above all, Al has been a good friend over the years, and I love, admire and respect him and his wonderful family. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this fitting tribute to a great leader and a truly good man, Al Quie.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 16th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. As we celebrate Recovery Month, it is time for Congress to knock down the barriers to treatment and recovery for 26 million Americans suffering the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction. Mr. Speaker, it is a national disgrace that 270,000 Americans were denied treatment last year. It is a national tragedy that 150,000 of our fellow Americans died last year as a direct result of chemical addiction. It is a national crisis that the costs of addiction amount to $400 billion a year in increased health care costs, criminal justice costs, social service costs, and other related costs. And think of the costs that cannot be measured in dollars and cents: the costs of human suffering, broken families, shattered dreams and destroyed lives. But there is hope. Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction works and recovery happens. Mr. Speaker, as a grateful recovering alcoholic of 24 years myself, I am living proof that treatment does work and that recovery is real. The problem is too many people do not have the access to treatment that I have. That is why Congress must pass the Treat America Act that I have authored with my good friend, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), H.R. 1258. This treatment parity legislation will give Americans suffering from addiction greater access to treatment by prohibiting health insurers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment. Discriminatory barriers, by the way, that do not exist for any other disease. Chemical dependency treatment parity is not only the right thing to do, it is also the cost-effective thing to do. Study after study has shown the average premium increase due to full premium parity is less than one-half of 1 percent. So in other words, for the price of a cup of coffee per day, we could treat 16 million alcoholics and addicts who are presently in health plans and being discriminated against. We also need to provide greater access to treatment for the 10 million alcoholics and drug addicts in the Medicaid program. Mr. Speaker, the American Medical Association, the AMA, categorized addiction as a disease in 1956. Now, 50 years later, it is long overdue for Congress to treat the illness of addiction as the progressive and fatal disease it is. It is time to end the discrimination against people who need treatment for chemical addiction. It is time for Congress to deal with our Nation's number one public health problem. It is time for Congress and the President to pass chemical addiction treatment parity. With 26 million Americans still suffering, we cannot afford to wait. With some 300,000 Americans being denied treatment this year, we cannot afford to wait. With 150,000 people dying last year as the direct result of addiction, we cannot afford to wait. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me and the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) and thousands of other recovering people in recommitting our efforts to pass treatment parity. Also, we need to recognize the addiction counselors and treatment professionals throughout our great country who have dedicated their lives to helping people recover. They are America's unsung heroes. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let us celebrate ``Recovery Month'' by honoring the millions of Americans who are experiencing the promise and possibility of recovery, and let us never forget that 26 million Americans are still in need of our help.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the Minnesota spirit is alive and well. The Minnesota spirit of compassion and help for people in need has moved countless Minnesotans to step forward to provide relief for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. My district office has literally been overwhelmed with calls from people offering housing, food, clothing, health care, labor, and monetary assistance. Camp Ripley, located in northern Minnesota, is presently welcoming over 3,000 survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Other Minnesota communities are similarly opening their doors. In our suburban communities, churches and synagogues, civic and service clubs, school groups, the business community and numerous other organizations have answered the call to help disaster survivors. The Minnesota Vikings football team collected 70,000 pounds of clothing, toiletries, and other supplies for Katrina's survivors. As head coach Mike Tice said, this was an example of Americans helping Americans. In our Lake Minnetonka community, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, representing 21 area churches, has a long history of helping people in need. Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners is jump- starting its annual housing fund drive to aid the housing needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors. I will be home this coming Saturday to join Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners in kicking off a drive to raise $1.5 million for people in the gulf States who are so devastated by Hurricane Katrina. John Berg, chairman of the Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners Housing Fund, put it best when he said, ``It's simply the right thing to do. We can't look away from the suffering of these people. We need to leverage all the resources and partnerships available to ensure a safe place to call home for both the families and children of our community and the families and children devastated by Katrina. It's a time for faith,'' concluded Mr. Berg. Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, Mr. Speaker, which sponsors the Sleep Out annually to raise funds for homeless people in our community, will also continue to raise funds for local emergency and long-term housing initiatives. Last winter's Sleep Out raised over $1.3 million from the generous people of our Lake Minnetonka communities to literally, literally, bring in 42 homeless families from the cold and to enable 656 other families with over 800 children to keep a roof overhead. Mr. Speaker, the people of our communities back home have big hearts, and I know they will come through again for the Hurricane Katrina Housing Relief Fund. A special thanks to all the good people of Minnesota for opening their arms to hurricane survivors who have suffered so greatly. Once again, Mr. Speaker, the people I am proud to represent are doing the Lord's work here on Earth.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of landmark civil rights legislation for Americans with disabilities--the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark law was passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. As we mark the 15th anniversary of this historic event, we celebrate the tremendous progress and new doors that have been opened to individuals with disabilities as a result of the ADA. The purpose of the ADA was to provide clear and comprehensive national standards to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. As a result, individuals with disabilities are now able to live in their homes and have access to new careers. Accessible busses and trains and better paratransit systems have made it possible for more people with disabilities to get to work and school, enjoy restaurants and theaters and travel. The ADA has improved society, not only for the 14 percent of Americans over the age of five who have at least one disability. Common-sense accommodations like curb cuts and close captioning have also benefited Americans without disabilities. On this important anniversary, we must remember that while we have come a long way in eliminating barriers, critical work remains to ensure all Americans can live up to their full potential. Tragically, we still have stereotypes and misconceptions that affect people with disabilities. Sadly, we still have examples like the boy in Pennsylvania who was the target of discrimination by his T-ball coach. This is not an isolated incident, as I have learned of another boy in Kansas who was denied the right to play T-ball like any other 7-year- old because he had cerebral palsy. Fortunately, because of the ADA, that boy was eventually allowed to play T-ball. Giving people with disabilities the right to participate fully in society is what this landmark legislation is all about. As co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I know that the ADA is a major achievement and much has been accomplished over the last 15 years. As we celebrate how far we've come, let us also recommit to creating a society in which no barrier stands in the way of fully participating in our society.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the U.S.- Central American Free Trade Agreement For me, free trade has always been about jobs and economic opportunity. But this agreement is about much more than that. It's also about increasing democracy in a region whose stability is fragile but moving in the right direction. It's about improving the environment. And it's about stemming illegal immigration. The economic benefits of CAFTA are undeniable. CAFTA countries comprise the tenth largest market for U.S. goods, and the rapid growth of U.S. exports to CAFTA countries suggests this market could grow even more with the lowering of trade barriers. My home State of Minnesota exported $12.7 billion in goods worldwide last year and ranks seventh in State agriculture exporters. Between 2000 and 2004, Minnesota manufacturers' exports to Central America increased by 83 percent, which clearly demonstrates Central America's viability as an emerging market for U.S. exports. And the elimination of protectionist tariffs in Central American countries will provide further increases in export opportunities for Minnesota farmers, manufacturers and service providers. Passage of this agreement is so important to the U.S. economy because under the Caribbean Basin Initiative, over 80 percent of Central American imports already receive duty-free treatment. And if you separate the agriculture sector, CAFTA countries receive duty-free treatment on 99 percent of imports, 99 percent. It's time for our farmers and manufacturers to get fair treatment by allowing our exports to have duty-free access to their market. CAFTA's passage is also necessary to advance overall trade liberalization. CAFTA's failure could cause a significant setback to other bilateral agreements in the works and also to the WTO-wide Doha Round negotiations. The U.S. must remain competitive in the global economy, especially with the emergence of major exporters like China. Lowering trade barriers with developing countries in our hemisphere helps our overall competitiveness against China by increasing competition in growth sectors that China would otherwise dominate--like textiles, apparel and light manufacturing. So the economic argument is rock solid, but CAFTA's passage goes beyond economic considerations. It will also help promote democracy, decrease illegal immigration and increase environmental standards. For decades during the cold war, the U.S. spent significant resources fighting the spread of Communist and tyrannical dictatorships in Central America. Fortunately, Daniel Ortega's Sandinistas and the other leftist insurgencies which tore Central American countries apart have since been defeated and replaced by fledgling democracies. But now another destabilizing leader--Venezuela's Hugo Chavez--threatens peace and prosperity in the region. Just last week, Chavez was reportedly revving up his military-- warning them to be prepared for the imminent invasion by the U.S. And not surprisingly, Chavez is also the most vociferous opponent of CAFTA in the region. Make no mistake, Hugo Chavez is licking his chops at the prospect of CAFTA's failure--waiting to exploit our missed opportunity and trap these nascent democracies under his thumb. These Central American countries lie on the precipice of economic stability and democratic government, and they deserve a chance to develop the same freedoms we have here. Mr. Speaker, in addition to the economic and political benefits, CAFTA's passage will also improve environmental standards in Central America and decrease the flow of illegal immigrants from the region. Study after study has shown that as economies improve, so do environmental standards. Once people get beyond the basic needs of food and shelter for their families, they can focus on the greater goods of clean air, clean water and conservation. Trade is not a zero-sum game. The elimination of tariffs helps increase exports and grow economies, and as the economies of Central America grow, so will their environmental quality. Similarly, illegal immigration stems from the human desire to improve one's economic condition. As a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus, I believe we have a long way to go to improve our border security and stop the flow of illegal immigration. An improving economy in Central America will help achieve this goal, as the increase in job opportunities in the region will encourage more people to remain in their native countries. The empirical data supports the agreement. Trade liberalization has always had the empirical data on its side. The immediate tariff reductions found in CAFTA expand market access for U.S. farmers, manufacturers and service providers and continue our country down the path of even greater market access worldwide. It will also significantly improve standards of living in Central America. Congress must now have the resolve to do what is right and pass CAFTA. The future of our economy and the political stability of our region depend on it.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, Edmund Burke put it best when he said the main reason we have government is to keep people safe. That is why the cut made by the committee is extremely disappointing. We need to restore the funding for the important Byrne grant program. In my home State of Minnesota, I have seen firsthand the importance of Byrne grants to local police in reducing crime and drugs and improving public safety. Byrne grants fund critical overtime pay, task forces, equipment and ``buy'' money. How else are you going to prosecute drug cases if you do not have Byrne grants to provide ``buy'' money? Without this money, Minnesota would lose nearly half of its 20 multijurisdictional drug task forces. We all know in this body that violent crime is at a 30 year low. Why go backwards? We must never forget our cops are on the front lines in the war on crime, fighting drug dealers and protecting our homeland. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment to restore funding for the important Byrne grants. Let us restore this program to the 2005 levels. It is time to honor the sacrifices made each and every day by our Nation's law enforcement community and give our finest the support they deserve.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I recently joined with nearly all members of this body in voting for H.R. 2520, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. This important piece of public health legislation will help increase awareness of the possibility of using cord blood to improve access to blood-forming stem cell transplants and research. I also want to take a moment to bring attention to another aspect of this bill, the reauthorization of the National Bone Marrow Registry. Since its inception in 1986, the Registry has enjoyed strong bipartisan support and has been committed to helping people who need a lifesaving marrow or blood cell transplant. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) has successfully operated the National Bone Marrow Registry through a competitive contract renewed every 5 years. The NMDP maintains the largest listing of volunteer donors and cord blood units in the world, supports patients and their doctors throughout the transplant process and matches patients with the best marrow donor or cord blood unit. This past November, the NMDP celebrated an important milestone when it facilitated its 20,000th transplant. The NMDP has worked diligently to increase the diversity of the National Bone Marrow Registry so that all Americans have access to lifesaving blood-forming stem cell transplants by increasing donations from racial and ethnic minorities and incorporating umbilical cord blood units as a new source of cells. The NMDP also provides transplant centers with the logistical support patients need from the moment a physician initiates a search. The NMDP provides expert advice on searching the National Registry, coordinates the testing of cord blood units and adult donors, ensures that the correct cells are obtained and delivered as directed by the physician, and assists patients with insurance, travel and other needs that arise as part of the transplant process. These programs help doctors focus on caring for their patients and helps patients and their families focus on what is important--getting well. I salute the NMDP for all it does to help patients, and I am pleased Congress was able to pass H.R. 2520.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a historic Minnesota and national treasure, the Old Log Theater. The Old Log is a pioneering lighthouse in the history of theater in our Nation, located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Greenwood, next to Excelsior, Minnesota. Just as Lake Minnetonka for generations has been a powerful attraction for visitors from all over the world trying to escape the summer heat, the rich tradition of the Old Log Theater has been a magnet for theater fans around the globe. On June 9th, the Old Log Theater will celebrate its 65th anniversary, a truly remarkable accomplishment that is most deserving of special recognition. Mr. Speaker, the Old Log Theater, under the visionary guidance of Don Stolz, is the Nation's oldest, continuously running professional theater. Don is largely responsible for the Old Log's legendary 65-year run. He has worn every hat: producer, artistic director, company member, ticket seller, public address announcer, theater host and many more. Don's distinguished presence, the great respect he enjoys in the community and the profession, and his wonderful sense of humor have as much to do with the success of the Old Log as any other factor. The enduring legacy of this great theater is that, at its roots, the Old Log is a family affair. Don, his wife, Joan, and their sons, Tim, Tom, Dony, John and Peter, have acted as a team, filling every role. And author and public relations manager Bob Williams is really a member of the Stolz family, too. Originally opened in the spring of 1940 as a summer stock company in a log stable, the Old Log has entertained over 6 million patrons over the past six and a half decades. In 1960, a new theater opened and the Old Log started running year- round its stable of the best in contemporary comedies from Broadway and London's West End. Theater buffs can find some of the best comedic talent in the country in the Old Log's resident company of Equity actors. Famous stars too numerous to mention have started their careers at the Old Log. Radio and TV personalities have graced its stage year after year. But those of us who have been in the audience--and we come back time and again!--have been graced the most by the continuing excellence of the Old Log. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Don Stolz and the Stolz family on the 65th anniversary of the Old Log Theater.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, critics of embryonic stem cell research maintain that it is wrong to promote science which destroys life in order to save life. As the leading prolife legislator in Washington, Senator Orrin Hatch put it, since when does human life begin in a petri dish in a refrigerator? To reduce this issue to an abortion issue is a horrible injustice to 100 million Americans suffering the ravages of diabetes, spinal cord paralysis, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, cancer, MS, Lou Gehrig's disease and other fatal and debilitating diseases. I met with researchers from four of the main stem cell institutes in America. As one prominent researcher told me, and I am quoting, ``The real irony of the President's policy is that at least 100,000 surplus frozen embryos could be used to produce stem cells for research to save lives. But instead, these surplus embryos are being thrown into the garbage and treated as medical waste, thrown into the garbage and treated as medical waste.'' Only 22 of the 78 stem cell lines approved by the President remain today. As another leading researcher said, ``This limit on research has stunted progress on finding cures for a number of fatal and debilitating diseases.'' Mr. Speaker, it is too late for my beloved mother who was totally debilitated by Alzheimer's disease which killed her. It is too late for my cousin who died a tragic, cruel death from juvenile diabetes while still in his 20s; but it is not too late for the 100 million other American people counting on us to support funding for life-saving research on embryonic stem cells. Let us not turn our backs on these people. Let us not take away their hope. Let us listen to respected pro-life colleagues and friends like Orrin Hatch, former Senator Connie Mack, former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson when they tell us this is not an abortion issue. We should support embryonic stem cell research. Mr. Speaker, critics of embryonic stem cell research maintain it is wrong to ``promote science which destroys life in order to save life.'' As the leading pro-life legislator in Washington, Sen. Orrin Hatch put it, ``Since when does human life begin in a petri dish in a refrigerator?'' To reduce this issue to an abortion issue is a horrible injustice to 100 million Americans suffering the ravages of diabetes, spinal cord paralysis, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease and other fatal, debilitating diseases. I have met with medical researchers from the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, the Mayo Clinic, the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University. As one prominent researcher told me, ``The real irony of the President's policy is that at least 100,000 surplus frozen embryos could be used to produce stem cells for research to save lives. Instead, these surplus embryos are being thrown into the garbage and treated as medical waste.'' Only 22 of the 78 stem cell lines approved by the President in 2001 remain today. As another leading medical researcher said, ``This limit on research has stunted progress on finding cures for a number of debilitating and fatal diseases.'' Mr. Speaker, the scientific evidence is overwhelming that embryonic stem cells have great potential to regenerate specific types of human tissues, offering hope for millions of Americans suffering from debilitating diseases. Mr. Speaker, it's too late for my beloved mother who was totally debilitated by Alzheimer's disease which led to her death. It's too late for my cousin who died a cruel, tragic death from diabetes in his 20's. But it's not too late for 100 million other American people counting on us to support funding for life-saving research on stem cells derived from donated surplus embryos created through in vitro fertilization. Let's not turn our backs on these people. Let's not take away their hope. Let's listen to respected pro-life colleagues and friends like Senator Orrin Hatch, former Senator Connie Mack and former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson when they tell us this is not an abortion issue. Let's make it clear that abortion politics should not determine this critical vote. Embryonic stem cell research will prolong life, improve life and give hope for life to millions of people. I urge members to support funding for life-saving and life-enhancing embryonic stem cell research. The American people deserve nothing less.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, critics of embryonic cell stem research maintain it is wrong to promote science which destroys life in order to save life. As the leading prolife legislator in Washington, Senator Orrin Hatch put it, ``Since when does life begin in a petri dish in a refrigerator?'' To reduce this issue to an abortion issue is a horrible insult to 100 million Americans suffering the ravages of diabetes, spinal cord paralysis, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease. I have met with medical researchers from the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins University. As one prominent researcher told me, ``The real irony of the President's policy is that at least 100,000 surplus frozen embryos could be used to produce stem cells for research to save lives. Instead, these surplus embryos are being thrown into the garbage and treated as medical waste.'' Only 22 of the 78 stem cell lines approved by the President in 2001 remain today. This limit on research has stunted progress on finding cures for a number of debilitating and fatal diseases, according to scientists and patient advocacy groups across America. Mr. Speaker, the scientific evidence is overwhelming that embryonic stem cells have great potential to regenerate specific types of human tissues, offering hope for millions of Americans suffering from debilitating, fatal and cruel diseases. Mr. Speaker, it is too late for my beloved mother who was totally debilitated by Alzheimer's disease, which led to her death. It is too late for President Reagan who suffered a similar fate. It is too late for my cousin, Joey, who died a cruel death in his 20s from diabetes, but it is not too late for the 100 million other American people counting on this House to support funding for life-saving research on stem cells derived from donated, surplus embryos created through in vitro fertilization. Let us not turn our backs on these people and take away their hope. Let us listen to respected colleagues and friends like Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Connie Mack, and former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, all prolife people, all who tell us this is not an abortion issue. Let us make it clear that abortion politics should not determine this critical vote. Embryonic stem cell research will prolong life, improve life, and give hope for life to millions of people. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support funding for life-saving and life-enhancing embryonic stem cell research. The American people deserve nothing less.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of all Minnesotans to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims of the school shootings at Red Lake High School and to the entire Red Lake community. On March 21, 2005, tragedy struck Red Lake, Minnesota and left a community devastated and a Nation shocked. Mr. Speaker, we are all deeply saddened by this horrific event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and the entire Red Lake community. We commend the Red Lake tribal leaders and members, local law enforcement officers, school officials and medical support staff for their heroism and courage in response to this tragedy. Now, we must use this occasion to mourn the loss of loved ones and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The people of Minnesota will never forget this terrible loss of innocent lives. May those who died be remembered forever in our hearts.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Lions Club, which has served the great City of Brooklyn Center and all of Minnesota for 50 years with extraordinary excellence. The Brooklyn Center Lions Club rose from humble beginnings a half century ago, with early membership in the single digits, scrap drive projects and the purchase of a single pair of eyeglasses for a needy child. The Lions Club has now grown to over 70 members, who organize projects that shape the community and better the lives of thousands of people. Membership has been strong and growing over the past 50 years, but only Lion Larry Roen remains as an original charter member. Congratulations Lion Roen! Mr. Speaker, the Brooklyn Center Lions Club also has the distinction of producing five District 5M5 Governors over the last 50 years: Frank Erwin, Bill Legler, Richard Risley, Thomas Shinnick and Orlander ``Ole'' Nelson, each of whom represented the finest Lions Club tradition of public service to help those in need. The Lions gave generously 36 years ago when they built beautiful Lions Park in Brooklyn Center. Their generosity didn't stop there, as they later added a fantastic picnic shelter to the park. Through the Quest Youth Outreach program, which emphasizes drug abuse prevention, community service, education, environment, health, recreation and service-learning, the Brooklyn Center Lions have reached out to three school districts with their important public service. Mr. Speaker, the Brooklyn Center Lions serve people through many important programs like Campaign Sight First, Hearing Dog and Leader Dog. The Brooklyn Center Lions are also active in the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and the Children's Eye Clinic and Hearing Foundation. Additionally, the Lions sponsor the Earle Brown Days Parade, one of the largest parades in Minnesota, as well as numerous Halloween parties. The Brooklyn Center Lions are also active in Boy and Girl Scouts. Deeply involved in diabetes research, the Brooklyn Center Lions, with the help of other 5M5 District Clubs, have raised $20,000 for this important cause. Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the true spirit of the Lions' motto, ``We Serve,'' the Brooklyn Center Lions have served the people of Brooklyn Center very well for 50 years. We thank them for their service, which they have performed with pride and distinction. Congratulations, Brooklyn Center Lions, on your 50 years of service!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to legendary sportswriter Sid Hartman on his 60th anniversary with the Star Tribune, Minnesota's largest newspaper. For six decades Sid Hartman has been writing his celebrated column, and his WCCO radio show and daily sports reports are heard by hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners throughout the Upper Midwest. Mr. Speaker, Sid Hartman personifies the American dream. Born and raised on the north side of Minneapolis, Sid started peddling newspapers as a fifth-grader in downtown Minneapolis and doing chores for the sports editor of the Star Tribune when he was in high school. In all, Sid Hartman has worked for the Star Tribune for 70 years, and to this day nobody, nobody, works harder or gets more scoops than Sid. As he puts it, ``I get out every day and make the rounds,'' and that is exactly what Sid does. The Golden Gophers, Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild, Lynx, area colleges and high schools, Sid is there every day, as he puts it, ``talking to people in person every day, all the time.'' Mr. Speaker, Sid Hartman is a true Minnesota institution. He is the pivotal player and chief architect in making Minnesota major league in the world of big-time sports. But Sid will tell you he is the lucky one to have lived such a remarkable life and career. Now in his eighties, Sid Hartman has not slowed down one bit. He is the consummate ``homer'' and Minnesota's biggest booster of our beloved sports teams. Minnesotans can always count on turning to page 3 of the sports section of the Star Tribune and reading Sid's latest jottings on ``sports heroes,'' ``stiffs'' and ``geniuses,'' as only Sid can label them. And, Mr. Speaker, nobody has more close personal friends than Sid Hartman. From Bud Grant and Lou Holtz to Bobby Knight and George Steinbrenner, Sid knows them all in the world of sports. I dare say there is not one major sports figure in the United States who is not a close, personal friend of Sid Hartman. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, it is a privilege to recognize and congratulate Sid Hartman on his 60th anniversary. The people of Minnesota, well, at least most of us, hope Sid continues his legendary sports writing for many years to come.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I rise in opposition to the amendment by my colleague and friend from West Virginia. Preventing the IRS from using the professional services of private collection agencies to help collect past-due income taxes is bad policy for taxpayers, and it is bad for IRS collection efforts. It is fundamentally unfair, Mr. Chairman, to people who pay their taxes for those who do not pay their taxes, the deadbeats, to get off scot-free. And right now, we are losing millions and millions of dollars because of deadbeat taxpayers. In fact, the backlog for the IRS is at $280 billion; that is billion with a ``b'' and growing every year. The concerns raised by my friend and colleague can be dispelled by objective study of the IRS proposal. The Subcommittee on Oversight of the Committee on Ways and Means has examined the issue extensively, and we have solid evidence of the success of private collection agencies in collecting other debts for the Federal Government and the more than 40 States that also use them to help collect State income taxes. First, the security and privacy of sensitive taxpayer information is absolutely essential. Nobody doubts that. That is why IRS employees, anyone performing work under contract with the IRS, would be subject to heavy, heavy criminal penalties for violations of security and privacy. In addition, a taxpayer could bring a civil suit under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act against private collection agency employees for any unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information. So there are protections to guarantee against the type of abuses that have been cited. Second, private collection agencies would not be compensated solely based on dollars collected. The IRS has developed a set of criteria, including quality of service, taxpayer satisfaction and case resolution, in addition to collection results. These would all be components, elements in determining how PCAs would be paid for the work performed for the IRS. Third, Mr. Chairman, more than 40 States already use private collection agencies to assist with their State tax collection efforts. In the last fiscal year, total collections by these private collection agencies for the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services and Treasury were $546 million, up 23 percent from the previous year. Mr. Chairman, let us get real. Disturbing allegations raised regarding the practices of one contractor should not taint the quality work done by many other collection contractors who are serving the States and Federal Government well. It is important to remember these collection contracts would only involve cases in which the tax liability is not in dispute because taxpayers have admitted to the liability. They have admitted they owe the tax. The more complex cases where liability is disputed would remain with the professional employees at IRS. I urge my colleagues to support taxpayer equity and vote no on this amendment.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This amendment would fully fund the President's request for the Access to Recovery grant program, which helps people who need chemical dependency treatment get the help they need from the treatment provider of their choice. Mr. Chairman, it is time for Congress to get serious about the problem of alcohol and other drug addiction and treat it like the number 1 public health crisis it is. Nearly 1 in 10 Americans today is suffering the ravages of chemical addiction. Twenty-six million Americans are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, and 156,000 Americans died last year from this fatal disease. The public costs of untreated addiction are also staggering. A Brandeis University study found that addiction costs the American economy $400 billion a year. That is billion with a B, Mr. Chairman. These criminal justice costs, health care costs, lost productivity in the workplace, and so on are a huge drain on our economy, and there are countless other human costs we cannot even begin to quantify. At the same time, Mr. Chairman, there is real hope for Americans struggling with the disease, hope through treatment and recovery. We have all the empirical evidence in the world to show that treatment works, and expanding access to treatment, as the President wants us to do, is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the cost- effective thing to do. The National Institute on Drug Abuse did an exhaustive study and found that every dollar spent on treatment saves $7 in criminal justice costs alone. If savings in health care are factored in, we save $12 for each dollar spent on treatment. A California study found that statewide emergency room admissions dropped by one-third after treatment, and crime declined by two-thirds following treatment. So the question, Mr. Chairman, is not whether we can afford to provide treatment; the question is whether we can afford not to provide treatment. Mr. Chairman, I stand here today as a grateful recovering alcoholic of 23 years, 1 month, and 9 days, and I am alive today only because I had access to the treatment that I needed. If fully funded, the Access to Recovery program could extend the same lifeline to 100,000 other Americans who desperately need help, who desperately need treatment. President Bush proposed the Access to Recovery program last year, and we funded just half of his $200 million request. As a result, 45 States applied for funding; because of the lack of funds, only 14 States and 1 tribal government received any grants. It is clear, Mr. Chairman, the demand far outstrips the supply of these critical funds. The bill before us, once again, contains only one-half the funding that the President requested. Mr. Chairman, this is a life-or-death issue, and we cannot afford to be half-hearted about it. This amendment would fully fund the President's request by adding $100 million to the Access to Recovery program. It is fully offset with cost-savings for administrative accounts. Mr. Chairman, President Nixon, when he first declared the war on drugs in the 1970s, directed 60 percent of funding, of Federal funding, to treatment. Today we are down to 18 percent, 18 percent. That is why over half the treatment beds available just 10 years ago are gone. That is why 3.5 million Americans were denied treatment last year alone. This program, the Access to Recovery program, will not only enable addicted Americans to receive treatment, it will also help increase the number of providers, and the rigorous peer review process at SAMHSA for obtaining the grants and its strong program evaluation requirements will lead us to better performance-based treatment in this country. I urge my colleagues to support this critical program and provide hope to thousands of Americans who need treatment for the fatal disease of alcohol and other addiction, alcohol and other drug addiction. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Point of Order

Mr. RAMSTAD. I do, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I understand this amendment is subject to a point of order because it seeks to add funding to an account administered by SAMHSA. Unfortunately, the authorization for SAMHSA did expire at the end of last year. At the very least, Mr. Chairman, this should be a wake-up call for Congress to reauthorize SAMHSA without further delay. SAMHSA is a critical source of treatment funding for the 45 million Americans suffering from mental illness and the 26 million Americans suffering from chemical addiction. It is unfortunate this amendment will most likely be ruled out of order because Congress has not acted to reauthorize SAMHSA. However, I look forward to working with the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Regula) and my other colleagues on the critical mission of expanding access to treatment for people suffering the ravages of chemical addition.