Jim Ramstad

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act. Today is an historic day. Congress is finally delivering on our promise to create a meaningful and long overdue prescription drug benefit for Medicare seniors and people with disabilities. This bill means seniors will no longer have to choose between purchasing life-savings drugs or the basic necessities of food and housing. In addition to this important new prescription drug benefit, the bill modernizes and improves Medicare to give seniors better choices and greater access to state-of-the-art health care. I am grateful for the many important provisions in this package from my Medicare Innovation Responsiveness Act (H.R. 941), which will increase seniors' access to lifesaving medical technology. As founder and co-chair of the Medical Technology Caucus, I have seen first-hand the incredible advances that medical technology and prescription drugs have made to treat and cure debilitating conditions. The current Medicare system is crying out for reform with its failure to incorporate these critical improvements. Currently, seniors and people with disabilities face unconscionable delays of up to five years before Medicare provides access to technology that can literally be a matter of life or death. The bill before us incorporates many of the reforms I have proposed in Medicare's coverage, coding and payment process that will speed access to lifesaving technology. Thanks to this legislation, we are finally tearing down barriers that discourage innovation and deny America's seniors the medical technologies they desperately need. Seniors have waited too long for access to the same treatment options as other Americans. In addition to the excellent work and leadership of Chairman Thomas and Chairman Johnson, I want to thank two unsung staff heroes--John McManus and Deb Williams--who have worked so tirelessly on these provisions. I am also pleased the bill includes H.R. 841, legislation I introduced with Mr. Cardin to break down regulatory barriers facing specialized Medicare+Choice plans that serve the frail elderly. Mr. Speaker, this package of reforms will improve the lives of our seniors and generations to come who count on Medicare. I urge my colleagues to support this landmark legislation and deliver on our promise to modernize and strengthen Medicare.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I rise in strong support of this economic growth package to put Minnesotans back to work. Mr. Speaker, too many people in Minnesota have lost their jobs, and, as a result, too many families are hurting. Nationally, over 1 million Americans have lost their jobs over the last 2 years because of sagging economic growth. We must pass H.R. 2, the economic growth and jobs package, to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Economists predict this package of tax incentives and tax reductions will result in the creation of at least 1.4 million new jobs in the next 2 years. Unfortunately, our friends on the other side who oppose this job- creating legislation fail to understand that economic growth is the key not only to job creation, but also to increased tax revenues to fund the necessary functions of government. More jobs mean more taxpayers, which mean more revenues, the fundamental point missed by critics of this economy growth package from our Ways and Means Committee. This critical job-creating legislation will accelerate the rate cuts, marriage penalty elimination and child tax credits; increase small business expensing to provide the core of our economy with incentives to grow; and cut taxes on corporate dividends and capital gains to give the stock market a boost and promote private investment. Mr. Speaker, Minnesotans looking for work need jobs. The economy needs a boost. We need to increase business spending, consumer spending and investment. This legislation will provide the incentives and tax relief for the economic growth and job creation we need now. Let's pass this legislation and help put people back to work.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the University of Minnesota men's hockey team did it again. During our spring recess, Minnesota defeated New Hampshire 5 to 1 to win its second consecutive NCAA championship, the first time a team has repeated as NCAA hockey champion in 31 years. Mr. Speaker, the key to these back-to-back titles has been hard work by talented athletes, superior coaching by Coach Don Lucia and his great staff, and the greatest fans in hockey anywhere. In the title game, Minnesota and New Hampshire were tied 1 to 1 until the final period, but a three-goal outburst over 5 minutes and 20 seconds of the third period iced the team's second consecutive national championship. Minnesota has a long and proud hockey tradition as the hockey capital of the world, and all Minnesotans are extremely proud of our national champion, Golden Gophers. Unlike most repeat champions, Mr. Speaker, this one came as somewhat of a surprise. The Gophers started the season slowly, but that is to be expected of a team that lost so many players after beating Maine in overtime in last year's title game. But thanks to Coach Lucia's inspiring leadership, great motivational skills and good chemistry, this year's team started gathering steam as players returned to the lineup from injuries. Each player, coach, trainer and manager played a pivotal role during the season, picking each other up at critical times. Our University of Minnesota's men's hockey team also won the WCHA, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, tournament on the road to its second consecutive national title. Mr. Speaker, all Minnesotans and Gopher hockey fans everywhere are very proud of this great team. The 2002-2003 Gopher men's hockey team, our back-to-back national champions, are now part of college hockey history. We congratulate our national champions, for they are true champions, both on and off the ice.

Mr. RAMSTAD. I am glad to yield to the gentleman from hockey-rich Duluth, Minnesota.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for his comments, for his great support of University of Minnesota athletics, both in Minneapolis and Duluth, and I was just as proud to support the Gopher women's team, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, as I am here today. Both are great teams, and that is why Minnesota, as the gentleman knows, is the hockey capital of the world.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and achievements of Donnell D. Etzwiler, M.D. My home state of Minnesota lost a true hero for people with diabetes on April 6 when Dr. Etzwiler passed away, but his legacy lives on. Dr. Etzwiler touched countless lives with his commitment to improving the quality of care for Americans with diabetes. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, Dr. Etzwiler served for four decades as a pediatrician specializing in diabetes care at the Park Nicollet Clinic in Minneapolis. He is perhaps best known as the founder of the International Diabetes Center (IDC) in Minnesota, where he served as President and Chief Medical Officer until 1996. The mission of the IDC is to ensure every person with diabetes or even at risk of developing diabetes receives the best possible care. Throughout Dr. Etzwiler's three decades of leadership, the IDC delivered on that promise. The IDC has trained over 20,000 health professionals, including hundreds from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Poland and Russia. Because of his dedication to the children he cared for, the IDC organized and hosted the First International Symposium on Diabetes Camps in 1974. This important group helped establish standards and accreditation for diabetes camp programs. In 1976 and 1977, Dr. Etzwiler served as President of the American Diabetes Association. Later, he spent over twelve years as a Principal Investigator for the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial at the National Institutes of Health. This groundbreaking study demonstrated that keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible in people with diabetes slows the onset and progression of complications like eye, kidney and nerve disease. Dr. Etzwiler's commitment to improving diabetes care transcended national boundaries. He served as Chairman of the Diabetes Collaborating Centers for the World Health Organization. The Russian government officially recognized his work by awarding Dr. Etzwiler a Peace Award for co-founding and co-directing the International Diabetes Programme in Russia. Most recently, Dr. Etzwiler received the National Institute of Health Policy's Health Care Leadership Award for his outstanding record of service. As if all these landmark accomplishments were not enough to occupy his time, Dr. Etzwiler was also heavily involved in professional medical associations, serving in many leadership positions. He was a member of the Institute of Medicine. He received over 30 honors and awards from professional and civic organizations. He was a professor of medicine for over 40 years and published over 200 articles and abstracts about diabetes care. Dr. Etzwiler's commitment and compassion has literally saved and improved the lives of countless people across the globe, especially children with diabetes. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the millions of Americans with diabetes and their friends and family, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Donnell D. Etzwiler.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a son of Minnesota who died tragically this weekend while embedded with the 3rd Army Infantry Division in Iraq. NBC news reporter David Bloom was a native of Edina, Minnesota, in the Third Congressional District which I am privileged to represent. David's parents, Harold and Laura Bloom, and his brother, John Bloom, are residents of Edina. David distinguished himself at an early age as a champion debater and hockey player at Edina West High School. David was also an avid fan of his beloved Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, and he often touted his hometown teams on national television. David Bloom's meteoric rise as a journalist was nothing short of spectacular. As his NBC colleague, Katie Couric, said, ``David was always there for the story and not the glory. He was a reporter's reporter.'' Another NBC colleague, Matt Lauer, said, ``David personified energy, passion, compassion, and balance.'' With his engaging personality, sound intellect, high level of energy, and great sense of humor, David Bloom's 10-year career at NBC News always drew rave reviews. From his early years at the network in Chicago and Los Angeles to his years as White House correspondent and co-anchor of Weekend Today, David Bloom always got the story. As NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert said, ``David was first and foremost a competitor. He was very resourceful, stretching every deadline he ever met. One marvels at how much he did and how well he did it.'' Mr. Russert and many other close friends and colleagues also have said that David loved his wife, Melanie, and his three daughters more than anything. When Russert gave him the nickname ``Bloomster'', David readily told them it was his second favorite nickname. His favorite nickname was ``Dad.'' Madam Speaker, David Bloom was well-liked and respected by everyone who knew him. That was evidenced by the lofty praise that has filled the airwaves and the newspapers across America since his tragic and untimely death at age 39. David Bloom was a great credit to his native Minnesota, his beloved family and friends, and his profession. As his co-anchor, Soledad O'Brien, put it, there was not a dry eye anywhere at NBC. I know my colleagues here in the House of Representatives feel the same profound sadness at the loss of David Bloom. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Bloom's family, his wife, Melanie, and daughters Nicole, Christine, and Ava, as well as David's parents, Harold and Laura, and his brothers, John and Jim.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support our brave troops in harm's way, as they fight to disarm Saddam Hussein of his weapons of mass destruction. My gratitude and prayers are with the 270,000 brave American troops at war to protect the American people, including 2,512 Minnesota National Guard and Reserve Troops. Mr. Speaker, politics stops when war starts. It's time for all members of this body to take off their political hats and put on their American hats in support of our troops. At time of war, there are no Republicans, no Democrats and no Independents, only Americans. As Americans, we have the will power and the staying power to accomplish this mission and bring our troops home safely. Thanks to our brave troops, I am confident we will be successful at disarming this brutal and murderous dictator of his weapoons of mass destruciton. And for that, Mr. Speaker, they deserve our deepest gratitude, respect and prayers. May God bless our troops and our Commander-in-Chief, and may God bless America!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate National Peace Corps Day and recognize the Peace Corps for its stellar record of achievement throughout the past five decades. The Peace Corps has become an enduring symbol of our nation's commitment to encourage progress, create opportunity and expand development at the grass-roots level in the developing world. Since 1961, more than 168,000 Americans responded to our nation's call to serve by becoming Peace Corps Volunteers in 136 countries. There are currently 29 volunteers from my district alone who are deployed all over the world, from Kyrgystan to Guatemala. Mr. Speaker, Peace Corps Volunteers have made significant and lasting contributions around the world in agriculture, business development, education, health and the environment, and have dramatically improved the lives of individuals and communities around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers have strengthened the ties of friendship and understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries for 42 years. President George W. Bush has issued a call to service for all Americans--both at home and abroad. The President seeks to double the number of Peace Corps Volunteers throughout the world, from the current level of 7,000 to 14,000 volunteers in FY07. Mr. Speaker, Peace Corps Volunteers, enriched by their experiences overseas, have brought their communities throughout the United States a deeper understanding of other cultures and traditions, thereby bringing a domestic dividend to our nation. National Peace Corps Day recognizes the work of returned Peace Corps Volunteers as they bring their experiences to work, school, places of worship and recreation, sharing with colleagues, friends and community members how their volunteer service changed and shaped their lives. Mr. Speaker, National Peace Corps Day honors its Volunteers, past and present, and reaffirms our country's commitment to helping people help themselves throughout the world. I would like to congratulate them for the tremendous, and far too often thankless, work they do to improve the human condition.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely dismayed by the continued public silence by fashion design house Christian Dior to repeated requests from outraged citizens asking Dior to stop marketing addiction to our young people. As a grateful recovering alcoholic, I believe it is vitally important for us to condemn the glamorizing of addition for profit by Christian Dior. The Dior ad campaign for its new ``Addict'' line of fragrance, lipstick and nail polish shows a complete disregard for the millions of people who suffer from the disease of addiction and their families. Mr. Speaker, Dior's massive new ad campaign is the ultimate in corporate irresponsibility. Dior's abuses trivialize America's No. 1 public health problem--alcohol and other drug addiction. The Dior ads portray addiction as ``bold, daring and totally sexy.'' Young women targeted by this ad campaign are told ``every day a new temptation.'' Ad copy urges them to ``follow your cravings.'' Dior's outrageous and irresponsible ads claim that becoming an addict is hip, daring and sensual. Dior needs to hear there's nothing hip about the disease of addiction--a disease that killed 150,000 Americans last year. Mr. Speaker, there's nothing hip about a disease that afflicts 26 million Americans, including 2.1 million teens. In Minnesota alone, more than 18,000 young people ages 14 to 17 are in need of treatment for their addiction. The visuals of the ``Addict'' campaign are shameful. One example from the internet site is something called the ``Addict Film.'' The music is hypnotic. The visuals pulsate with jarring quick cuts. A model, clad only in skimpy underwear and sweat, brushes her hair back as she leans forward. She's wide-eyed and anxious. Her finger dips into something on a shiny mirror-like surface. She brings her finger up beside her nose. Later she grabs a blue bottle out of the air and settles down with half-closed eyes and an open mouth. Under the music a seductive voice whispers, ``addict, addict, addict.'' The ad asks, ``Will you admit it?'' Mr. Speaker, Dior is part of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy), a Fortune 500 company based in France. LVMH talks about corporate responsibility. Company documents say the principles of protection, prudence and care must be applied if the company is to ``reconcile economic development with the overall well-being of humanity.'' But their own annual report says the ``Addict'' marketing visuals are ``the perfect illustration of the possible connotations of the word `addict.' '' Mr. Speaker, they obviously don't tell the real truth of addiction. This ad campaign shows callous disregard for parents who have lost a child to addiction. It trivializes a critical public health issue and cheapens the hard work of recovery from addiction. Magazines like Rolling Stone, Elle and Glamour carry these ads. People around the country are getting samples in the mail. These ads are appearing in newspapers that are in the homes of families, families with children. Faced with a multi-million dollar ad campaign that glamorizes addiction, how can parents teach their children it is not cool to try drugs? Mr. Speaker, we need a tremendous public outcry against Dior's campaign to glamorize the disease of addiction--the same public outcry that would result if Dior tried to glamorize other deadly diseases like cancer or AIDS. We need to put public pressure on Dior to pull the ``Addict'' campaign and rename the product. We need to let Dior know their ``Addict'' campaign shows careless disregard for families who have lost a child to addiction. Dior needs to know they are doing great harm to parents trying to each their children not to use drugs or alcohol. Dior needs to know they are doing a tremendous disservice to people in recovery. Dior's marketing campaign is a slap in the face of each and every brave young person in recovery. Mr. Speaker, the frequency and intensity of these ads will increase as we enter the Christmas shopping season. The city Council of Detroit has just condemned this marketing campaign. There are diverse coalitions working from coast to coast to protect the health and safety of our children and retain the dignity of people who are doing the hard work of recovery. We must expose Dior's outrageous and irresponsible marketing campaign. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope this body will join me in condemning this ad campaign which attempts to glamorize addiction. Please join me in using our leadership to send a clear message that addiction is not fashionable.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife, Sheila Wellstone. As we all know, the Wellstones perished in a tragic plane crash, along with their daughter Marcia, three staff members and two pilots on October 25, 2002. It has been 18 days since that terrible day, and I am still overwhelmed by sadness at the tragic death of our dear friends whose plane went down in a northern Minnesota wetland near Eveleth. I continue to join all Minnesotans in mourning our great loss. Minnesota has lost two compassionate and caring public servants. Both Paul and Sheila will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved them. As the Wellstones' son, David, said, ``The words that come to mind about my dad are integrity, passion, fairness and intensity. When the going got rough, there was no one else you wanted in your corner.'' And about his mother, Sheila, David Wellstone said, ``The words that come to mind are selfless, caring, loving, tenacious, proud and strong. She gave of herself like you would not believe.'' Mr. Speaker, we all know that nobody fought harder or with greater passion for the underdog than Paul and Sheila Wellstone. Senator Wellstone dedicated his life to serving others, and he was a tireless advocate for people in need. Paul Wellstone was a person of absolute integrity and was often willing to ``go it alone'' to stand up for what he believed was right. Sheila Wellstone was a true champion for battered women and their families, and I was privileged to work with her on many important causes like the Violence Against Women Act and securing funding for Cornerstone, an emergency shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Senator Wellstone's best friend, Rick Kahn of Minnetonka, tells how Paul used to say to him, ``It is not enough to cling to principles, no matter how noble they may be, unless we are truly willing to risk everything.'' While Senator Wellstone and I had our disagreements on many policy issues, there is no disagreeing that I lost my partner in the fight for people with chemical addiction. I will always, always be grateful to Senator Wellstone for his tireless and principled efforts to provide chemical dependency treatment for more Americans, and Paul Wellstone was the Senate sponsor of our legislation to provide parity for chemical dependency treatment.N O T I C E Effective January 1, 2003, the subscription price of the Congressional Record will be $434 per year or $217 for six months. Individual issues may be purchased for $6.00 per copy. Subscriptions in microfiche format will be $141 per year with single copies priced at $1.50. This price increase is necessary based upon the cost of printing and distribution. Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer Even though we encountered strenuous resistance from special interests, Senator Wellstone was always truly willing to risk everything for our cause to help people with addiction. He was absolutely relentless in his efforts to push for parity, both for people with chemical addiction, and those suffering from mental illness. Paul would call me frequently, and usually late at night, to breathlessly relay his progress in securing another cosponsor for our bill or to ask for advice; or usually to give advice. I came to absolutely cherish those late night phone calls from my friend. As William Cope Moyers, vice president of the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota, the world-renowned treatment center for chemically dependent people, put it, ``Senator Wellstone was a passionate champion of what we do at Hazelden, and his loss is immeasurable.'' Not only did we lose two deeply committed champions for battered women and people with addiction, and so many other Americans, I lost two of my dearest friends in that plane crash. I have been asked many times since the crash to share personal stories about the Wellstones. It has been absolutely heart warming to share personal memories about Paul and Sheila with people throughout Minnesota. And as we all know, in this body as well as the other body, Paul Wellstone took his job very seriously, but he never, ever took himself too seriously. He had a great ability to poke fun at himself and bring people together. Even when he had policy disagreements with people, he always disagreed in an agreeable way, flashing that contagious Wellstone smile and slapping the person on the back in a warm, loving way. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to finish this eulogy to our departed comrade and friend.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, one of my favorite recollections of Paul was the time he was considering a campaign for President. Before he got on the airplane for our weekly commute back to Minnesota, I instructed all of the regular commuters to start humming ``Hail to the Chief'' as soon as Paul got on the plane. On cue, the passengers struck up a cord of ``Hail to the Chief,'' and Paul saw me sitting in the back and came right over to me and said ``Ramstad, do not forget. I might be only 5 feet 5 and you are 6 feet 3, but don't ever forget I was a wrestler and you were only a basketball player.'' That was Paul Wellstone, always in good humor, always flashing that contagious smile that reflected his love for all people. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, Paul Wellstone was a person of great courage. Who can forget Senator Wellstone painfully walking around the Capitol bent nearly double from the back injuries he had sustained as a wrestler and from his struggles with multiple sclerosis, but always the first to run back into the kitchen of the Senate Dining Room to thank the cooks and dishwashers for his meals. Mr. Speaker, I ask all in this body to pause for a silent moment to pay our respects to Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their daughter Marcia, and to the others who perished in that plane crash, Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, Will McLaughlin, Richard Conry and Michael Guess. My heart goes out to the family members left behind and to Paul's dedicated staff. May you rest in peace, dear friends. Amen.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, decisions involving war and peace are by far the most difficult and agonizing as they potentially involve putting America's sons and daughters in harm's way. That is why I focused heavily on the Iraq resolution for weeks, attending every possible briefing from the CIA, National Security Council, Joint Chiefs, and the State Department. I have examined the classified data made available by our intelligence officials. I have also listened to the people of Minnesota. I realize there are people of goodwill and good conscience who will disagree with my conclusion. My fundamental principles approaching this resolution are several: First, the highest responsibility of the Federal Government is to keep the American people safe. Second, the greatest danger to our national security is terrorists with weapons of mass destruction. Third, diplomacy should always be exhausted and proven unworkable prior to the use of force. Fourth, war should always be the last option. Consistent with these beliefs, my oath of office, and my conscience, and based on all of the briefings and classified data I have seen, I have decided to vote for this bipartisan resolution for several reasons. First, Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorists pose a clear and present danger to our national security. Second, this resolution is the last best chance for a peaceful outcome with Iraq, because diplomacy not backed by the threat of force will not work with Saddam Hussein. Third, this resolution puts maximum pressure on the United Nations to enforce its own resolutions and on Saddam Hussein to comply. Fourth, this resolution requires the President to exhaust all possible diplomatic efforts and certify that diplomacy is unworkable prior to the use of force. I am hopeful that diplomacy backed by the threat of force will work to get the United Nations weapons inspectors back into Iraq to disarm Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. As history has taught us, diplomacy without the threat of force does not work with dictators. Since September 11, the world has changed. Protecting our national security now means preventing terrorists from getting weapons of mass destruction. Our highest duty is to assure that no weapons of mass destruction are used to harm the people of the United States. The overwhelming evidence is that Iraq continues to possess and develop a significant chemical and biological weapons capability and is actively developing a nuclear weapons capability. Moreover, declassified intelligence reports document ties between al Qaeda and the Iraqi government, including the presence of senior members of al Qaeda in Baghdad. We also know from high-ranking terrorist prisoners at Guantanamo Bay that Iraq has provided training to al Qaeda in developing chemical and biological weapons. In conclusion, I believe the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) summed it up best when he said, ``Iraq presents a problem after September 11 that it did not before, and we should deal with it diplomatically if we can, militarily if we must. And I think this resolution does that.'' Like the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), I believe this resolution will strengthen our diplomatic efforts to disarm Saddam Hussein and enhance the prospect of a peaceful outcome. I ask all Members to vote their conscience, as I will in supporting this resolution.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), for yielding time to me, for her assistance with this legislation, and also for her kind tribute to Tom Burnett, Jr. I also thank my friend, the gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Davis), for his tribute to Tom Burnett, Jr., and for his assistance with this legislation as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true American hero. The legislation before us, H.R. 5207, would rename the West Bloomington, Minnesota, post office in my district in honor of Bloomington native Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., a true American hero. I want to express my appreciation also to the chairman and my friend, the gentleman from Indiana, and my friend, the ranking member, the gentleman from California, as well as the majority leader, my friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for allowing this bill to come to the floor so expeditiously so that we can pass it by September 11. Mr. Speaker, I introduced this legislation at the request of Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead and the Bloomington City Council, which unanimously passed a resolution of support. Most of us know the story of Tom Burnett, Jr., who was on board United Flight 93 when it was hijacked by the terrorists on September 11. Tom, as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) explained, was able to reach his wife, Deena, on his cell phone and told her, ``We've got to do something. I know we are all going to die. There are three of us who are going to do something about it.'' Led by Tom Burnett, Jr., the passengers aboard United Flight 93 showed tremendous courage in taking on the evil terrorists who intended to kill as many Americans as possible. As we all know, that plane crashed in Pennsylvania, instead of hitting the terrorists' intended target of this building, the United States Capitol, according to FBI Director Mueller. We all owe a deep debt of gratitude to Tom Burnett, Jr., and the other brave Americans on Flight 93. Tom Burnett was not even originally scheduled to be on that fateful flight, I might add. And I will never forget the words at Tom's funeral mass of long-time Burnett family friend, Father Joe Slepicka, who said, ``Ancient history tells us God seems to call the right people in the right time and place to do the right things for the good of others.'' Mr. Speaker, God called Tom Burnett, Jr., and Tom did the right thing for the good of others. Tom Burnett grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, the son of Thomas and Beverly Burnett, Sr. He was the quarterback of the Thomas Jefferson High School football team and led his team to the State championship game in 1980. Tom married Deena in 1992 and they have three beautiful children, Madison, Halley and Anna-Clair. Tom was also a highly successful business executive and had many other credits to his name. Mr. Speaker, Tom Burnett, Jr., will always be remembered both as a great and a good man who loved his family and loved America. As Tom, Sr., said, ``There weren't many shades of gray in Tommy. He was loyal to his country and loyal to his family and he knew right from wrong.'' The people of Bloomington, Minnesota, Tom Burnett's hometown, have honored Tom's memory in several lasting ways. On the Friday after the September 11 attacks, the Bloomington Jefferson High School football team wore Tom's number 10 on their helmets. On this coming Thursday at Bloomington Stadium when Jefferson plays crosstown rival Bloomington Kennedy, Tom's jersey number will be retired. A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Tom Burnett's honor, and a collection of Tom's favorite books was placed in his former high school's media center. A white oak tree was planted in Tom Burnett's honor in front of his home church, St. Edward's Catholic Church in Bloomington, where Tom was confirmed and where his funeral was held. A large fieldstone was placed in front of the tree with the words from the Book of John, Chapter 15, verse 13, ``There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend.'' Mr. Speaker, that says it all about Tom Burnett, Jr. Tom's ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by his family, his community and his grateful Nation. Tom Burnett, Sr., fondly remembers a conversation with his son on the 50th anniversary of the D-day invasion in France when Tom, Jr., prophetically wondered out loud whether he, Tom Burnett, Jr., would have had the same level of courage those soldiers had during the invasion of Normandy Beach. On September 11, Tom, Jr., was tested and he certainly showed that level of courage, courage that inspires all of us today, courage of an American hero. Our Nation owes a deep debt of gratitude for Tom Burnett's bravery on September 11. Naming a post office in Tom Burnett's hometown in Bloomington, Minnesota is one meaningful and lasting way Congress and the President can honor his heroism and his memory. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation to rename the West Bloomington Post Office the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. Post Office.

Mr. RAMSTAD. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California, my friend, the chairman of the Committee on Rules, for his very, very kind and thoughtful remarks.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest humanitarians to ever serve in the United States Congress. Congressman Tony Hall has inspired not only the Members of this body, but people throughout the entire world, with his untiring and selfless dedication to helping people in need. Congressman Tony Hall is a true servant-leader. The minute you meet Tony and talk to him about what drives him, you can easily understand why he has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1998, 1999 and 2001. Tony Hall's pioneering leadership for hunger relief programs and international human rights is legendary. After 24 years as a Member of Congress and all Tony Hall has accomplished around the world, it is easy to understand why President Bush has nominated him for the rank of ambassador as the United States representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, the organizations that deal with international hunger relief. Tony has served the people of his district in Ohio and the people of this great country with great distinction for 24 years, and we are all going to miss Tony as he leaves the House for his new position. But Tony will remain uppermost in our hearts and minds as he continues the important work which has defined his legacy here in Congress. Tony Hall has left his mark, Mr. Speaker, in so many ways. I have worked closely with Tony on many legislative initiatives, including hunger, housing, and welfare issues. It has been a real privilege to serve with Tony as a member of the Congressional Hunger Center, of which Tony Hall is the founder and chairman. But, Mr. Speaker, I am even more privileged to have come to know Tony and his wonderful wife, Janet, on a personal level and to witness firsthand their important ministry to people in need. Although examples are endless, one example leaps to mind. Tony and I have shared many fond memories of the 20th anniversary dinner of our Greater Lake Country Food Bank in Minneapolis, which I helped found. My good friend, our good friend, Hy Rosen, who is the director of this important food bank in Minnesota, asked me to find a keynote speaker for the 20th anniversary celebration in April of 2000. Of course, I thought immediately of my friend Tony Hall. I will never forget Tony's stirring, inspiring message to the overflow crowd of volunteers, staff, and community leaders that night at the Greater Lake Country Food Bank. Tony's message inspired all of us to work even harder to help fight hunger, inspired all of us to move to greater heights in the war against hunger, inspired all of us to greater accomplishments on behalf of people in need. Tony Hall has that effect on people. Tony can motivate like few others because of the way Tony Hall speaks right from the heart. Tony Hall walks the walk. Mr. Speaker, Tony Hall calls it his ``personal passion'' to fight hunger and improve conditions for the neediest people, both here at home and abroad. Tony and I have been active with an organization in Washington called the People's House. I keep a card in my wallet which talks about the People's House as a place where any person in our Nation's Capital can call and talk to a friend, anytime, night or day. The friends who made this possible know that Tony is a true friend to so many people, a person who every day sees his calling as helping the less fortunate and bringing the light of the Lord into all areas of this life. Those of us who know Tony are very pleased to see him continuing the important work he began here in Congress 24 years ago in his new position as ambassador to the U.N. organizations that deal with international hunger relief. I might add, this is a great appointment by President Bush. He could not have chosen a more qualified, a more compassionate or a better individual to serve in this important position. I am truly privileged by Tony's friendship the past 12 years; and I wish, on behalf of all of the people of Minnesota, Tony and Janet all the best in their new challenges. May God bless you both, Tony.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding me the time. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important motion which I offered with my good friend, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), the cochair of the House Disabilities Caucus, and I want to thank him for his leadership on these issues, as well as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney). The right to vote, Mr. Speaker, is the most basic and fundamental right we have as Americans, and despite the importance of this constitutionally important and constitutionally protected right, every election there are millions of citizens with disabilities who find it difficult, if not impossible, to cast their ballot. Across the country, thousands of visually impaired people, voters, are unable to cast a secret vote, a right afforded to every other American, because of their inability to read the ballot visually. This motion to instruct asks the conferees to include language passed by the Senate that requires every polling place to offer at least one voting machine equipped for individuals with disabilities. That is the least we can do, Mr. Speaker, to provide access to voting for every American, every citizen. This motion is about fairness, and people with disabilities deserve equal access to voting. Over the years, Congress has worked hard to ensure that every person's voice is heard regardless of race, religion or ethnic background. It is long past time that we provide the same opportunity to individuals with disabilities. This motion is very timely. We have just returned from celebrating the 4th of July, the birth of our great Nation. We have the opportunity today, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that the vision of our Founding Fathers is realized, that every American has an equal opportunity to vote. I urge Members to vote yes for this important motion, and again, I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) for his leadership on this important issue.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4954, the Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002. This is truly a monumental day for millions of seniors in America. Congress is finally addressing our greatest generation's need for a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Prescription drug coverage is one of the most critical issues facing our Nation. This issue has moral, medical, and economic implications for every single American. Under this bill, seniors will no longer have to become insolvent just to pay for the prescription drugs they need. We are rescuing seniors from the terrible dilemma of paying for food or life-saving medicines. The problem is that when the majority of people need prescription drugs most, in the later years of life, the largest insurer of the elderly does not provide prescription drug coverage. As a result, many seniors go without the drugs they need, dilute their prescriptions or forego other basic necessities to purchase vital prescription drugs. This is wrong, Mr. Speaker. H.R. 4954 not only provides affordable prescription drug coverage, but also strengthens the Medicare system to ensure that doctors are available to treat Medicare patients and hospitals can keep their doors open to Medicare beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, our seniors need and deserve a Medicare system that reflects the advances in medicine that have occurred in the past 37 years since Medicare began in 1965. They also deserve prescription drug coverage under Medicare. The Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act provides a prescription drug benefit to all seniors and reforms irrational payments to doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes. The bill also strengthens the long-term financial condition of the Medicare program. All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for this prescription drug coverage, and seniors will save nearly 30 percent, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this critical legislation because the seniors of America deserve a prescription drug benefit and a modernized Medicare system.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pastor Ed Johnson, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rosemount, Minnesota, who will soon become Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Ed and his loving wife, Ellie, have been doing the Lord's work in our state and nation for 35 years and have truly made a difference in the lives of thousands of people. Pastor Ed has been a special friend and spiritual mentor since the day we first met in the spring of 1990--over 12 years ago. From my first major vote on ``Operation Desert Storm'' to coping with my mother's Alzheimer's disease, Pastor Ed has been there for my family and me. His wise counsel, friendship, support and prayers are deeply appreciated. Mr. Speaker, many of our colleagues remember Pastor Ed Johnson from his service as Guest Chaplain for the House of Representatives several years ago, when he made a lasting impression on all of us. That's Pastor Ed--always serving the Lord in a loving, kind and gentle way. Whether he's motivating young missionaries on the mission field, encouraging young preachers, supporting Sunday school teachers and bus drivers, counseling families, teaching new members and students or reaching out to the community to build a growing flock for his remarkable church, Pastor Ed has been there for all of us the past 35 years. Pastor Ed has been repeatedly recognized by local, state and national religious organizations for the phenomenal growth of his church and his many other accomplishments. It's easy to understand his success once you meet him. Pastor Ed Johnson's First Baptist Church has been successful because of its family-oriented approach centered firmly on the Bible. No one escapes the reach of Pastor Ed's inspiring motivational tools: a warm heart, an unyielding resolve and an eloquent speaking style. Pastor Ed's dynamic approach to building faith is based on what he learned at Tennessee Temple University and Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Ed doesn't just encourage people to come to church, he goes out and gets them! He has assembled an armada of buses to go out into a 15-mile radius from Rosemount and bring people to his church and Sunday school. Then he sends the members of his congregation out into the world to spread the gospel and do good works to help people in need. Under Pastor Ed's visionary leadership, First Baptist Church of Rosemount has developed a missionary program that oversees 46 missionaries in countries throughout the world, 7 Christian schools and colleges and numerous full-time Christian ministries right here in the U.S. Also, Pastor Ed founded the First Baptist Church Christian School in 1971. Today, that school has produced 400 graduates, many of whom have entered the ministry full time throughout the world, as well as many other callings. Pastor Ed has been recognized for his accomplishments time and again, and he has been honored with Doctor of Divinity Degrees from Hyles- Anderson College and Baptist Christian University. A past President of the Minnesota Association of Christian Schools, Pastor Ed is now that group's Executive Director. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of both the American Association of Christian Schools and the General Council of Baptist Mid-Missions. In these positions, he has traveled throughout the nation in recent years, spreading faith with an evangelistic and Biblical conference ministry. Finally, Mr. Speaker, Pastor Ed Johnson has made a difference in politics and government both in Minnesota and our nation. From our work together in the Minnesota Legislature to save the option of home- schooling for Minnesota families to my very first and most challenging endorsing convention for Congress, Pastor Ed has been a key ally and loyal friend. I treasure his wise counsel and consider his friendship a true blessing. Mr. Speaker, as Pastor Ed Johnson retires from his active ministry, we wish him and his wonderful wife, Ellie, all of God's blessings and thank him for the great impact his ministry has had on countless people in Minnesota and around the world. May God bless you, Pastor Ed and Ellie, and may God bless America!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true Minnesota sports legend, devoted family person, and wonderful friend--Paul Giel-- who passed away suddenly on May 22, 2002. Paul Giel--All-American football and baseball player at the University of Minnesota from 1951 to 1954; Major League Baseball pitcher from 1954 to 1961; Sports broadcaster and director for WCCO Radio for eight years; Athletic Director at the University of Minnesota for 18 years; and Vice President of Public Affairs for the Minneapolis Heart Institute the past 12 years. As great as Paul Giel's athletic and professional achievements were, Paul was an even greater person. Legendary Minneapolis Star Tribune sportswriter Sid Hartman said it well, ``If there ever were a role model for the young athlete in high school or college, it had to be Paul Giel. Success on the field only made him a better person off it.'' WCCO's Ray Christensen,, our state's beloved sports announcer who started doing football broadcasts in 1951--when Paul Giel was a sophomore--said this about Paul Giel: ``Paul was a winner in every way, but most important, I think he was a winner as a person. When you earn so many rewards as a player, as an athletic director and in other ways in sports, sometimes you forget to be a person. And Paul never forgot.'' Bom and raised in Winona in southeastern Minnesota, Paul Giel was a 5-11, 185-pound single-wing tallback at the University of Minnesota. He ran and passed for 4,110 yards and 35 touchdowns and finished a close second to Notre Dame's Johnny Lattner in the Heisman Trophy voting his senior year. Paul Giel is a member of the National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame. He was a two-time All-American in football and the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten. In baseball, Paul Giel was also an All-American. He won 21 college games from 1952 to 1954, and he pitched for four major league teams from 1954 to 1961. For 18 years starting in 1972, Paul Giel was the Athletic Director at the University of Minnesota. He was the man who hired Herb Brooks as hockey coach, and Herbie recently recalled Paul's words when he was hired: ``Listen, I'm just new to this job. I don't know rules and regulations, everything else,'' he said, ``but do what's right. Don't break any rules. Do what's right.'' ``People believed in Paul Giel,'' said Herb Brooks. ``Parents believed in him. Players believed in Paul Giel.'' Mr. Speaker, all Minnesotans believed in Paul Giel, and their faith in him was always rewarded. Paul Giel was a man of great character and principle, especially when it came to the place he loved more than any other, the University of Minnesota. ``I don't think I've ever known anyone who cared more or who was more loyal to the University of Minnesota than Paul Giel,'' said Tom Moe, University of Minnesota Athletic Director. ``He was a tremendous friend. I just had tremendous admiration for him. I'm sick. It's a sad day for Minnesotans.'' Yes, Mr. Speaker, it's a sad day to lose a Minnesota legend, our humble hero and All-American in every way he lived his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul's loving wife, Nancy, their three wonderful children, Paul Jr., Gerilyn, Tommy, their spouses and his six grandchildren. Paul also dearly loved his mother and father-in- law, Colonel and Mrs. Tom Davis, as well as his sister Ruth and brother Edward. Paul Giel's legacy will continue to live in the hearts of every Minnesotan who knew and loved him. Thanks ``Old Number 10'' for all the great memories and for always making Minnesota proud.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, we have all learned in the last eight months how fragile life can be, and how nobility and grace can rise from tragedy and sadness. We have all mourned recently with our colleague Bill Luther the loss of his beloved wife, Darlene, who was a distinguished member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, as well as a loving wife and mother of Alex and Alicia Luther. Mr. Speaker, I was profoundly moved by a recent story from the Fergus Falls Journal which reflects the great love Darlene and Bill shared for each other, as well as others. The story, by Mary Mahoney, also speaks volumes about the enduring power of human kindness. Because I would like to share this beautiful story of love, sacrifice and the enduring bond of friendship, I respectfully submit for the record the enclosed article from the Fergus Falls Journal of February 7, 2002, entitled ``Family's gift of life leaves enduring bond,'' by Mary Mahoney. [From Fergus Falls Journal Feb. 7, 2002] Family's Gift of Life Leaves Enduring Bond (By Mary Mahoney) More than 25 years before his unexpected death, Gary Bradow told his wife Norma that he wanted his organs donated. ``I told him that if he went first, I didn't know if I could do it,'' Norma said from her Fergus Falls home. ``Gary told me I could, that I would just know it was right.'' But nothing could have prepared Norma for the awful day that Gary died. A malformed artery in his brain caused a fatal stroke in March 1998 at the age of 57. Norma was faced with the one decision she didn't want to make. `` ``People think of `harvesting' organs as an awful thing,'' she said. ``But I realized we were farmers; harvesting is a wonderful thing for farmers. And in the case of donating Gary's organs, `harvesting' was wonderful too.'' A man in Wisconsin received a kidney. A 63-year-old widow got another kidney. Two others received his eyes. And State Rep. Darlene Luther was the recipient of Gary's liver, literally occurring hours before she would have died. A simple thank-you letter written to Norma six months after the transplant established a bond that couldn't be broken-- even after Darlene's death on Jan. 30. ``I don't think of myself as one but as two persons,'' she wrote, signing only her first name. With those words, Norma knew she had to connect with this woman who had reached out to her. ``Her letter touched my heart in a way I just can't describe and I immediately called LifeSource and said I had to meet her,'' Norma said. ``It took awhile, but two weeks before Christmas 1998, both of them (Darlene and her husband U.S. Representative Bill Luther) were here.'' In the four years since Darlene's transplant, the Bradow family became dear and special friends with the Luthers, visiting often and corresponding frequently. Darlene even flew out to Seattle one day to have lunch with Norma and her daughter Pam, who lives in Seattle, and flew back the same afternoon. ``The bond we had was completely beyond words,'' Norma said. ``She was such a kind and generous lady.'' Another twist of fate connected the families as well. Bill, who grew up in a dairy farm near Fergus Falls and has relatives in the area, had briefly known Gary before his death. ``I knew of them and had spoken with Gary before all of this happened,'' Bill said. ``And the odds that my wife would receive a liver transplant from a man from my hometown--it's just amazing the way life can bond people together.'' To Darlene, it was a sign that more needed to be done to increase awareness of organ donation. She felt she was the perfect person to educate people about the benefits of organ donation as a state representative, and helped enact legislation providing funding for a mobile education unit for LifeSource, the organ donation procurement organization that helped secure her liver. ``She (Darlene) did such a great amount of work, getting families to talk about organ donation,'' said LifeSource Public Relations manager Susan Mau Larson. ``She was a living statement of the wondrous good provided by organ donation.'' The mobile unit is similar to a bookmobile, with displays and kiosks about organ donation. In late December, LifeSource presented a plaque that will hang in the mobile unit, thanking Darlene for all the work she's done for organ procurement. Last week, a bill passed through the House of Representatives--named in honor of Darlene--making a person's organ donation wishes a binding contract, meaning a family member cannot override the decision. The Senate will begin its process on the bill today, Mau Larson said. But despite the positive work Darlene provided, tragedy struck the Luthers and the Bradows--once again. ``Darlene called me in late October to let me know she had stomach cancer,'' Norma said. ``The anti-rejection drugs masked the cancer and by the time they found out, it was inoperable.'' It was then that the friendship shifted and Norma began helping Darlene the way she had been helped after her husband's death. ``I wrote her weekly notes, little inspirational things to encourage her,'' she said. ``Her inner peace was phenomenal; she was such an inspiration to me and I was trying to help her.'' When Bill called Norma the morning after Darlene died, she said the news was heart-wrenching enough. But what came next practically took her breath away. ``Darlene had requested she be buried in Fergus Falls, where she could be near us,'' Norma said. ``I burst into tears when Bill said that.'' For Bill and his children Alex and Alicia, it was a natural decision. ``We were so appreciative of those four years Darlene received because of the transplant,'' Bill said. ``The Bradows are part of our family.'' He insisted that Norma ride in the lead car during the burial procession and that Gary's family, including his mother, Emma and daughters Tara and Debra, take part in the service held Wednesday afternoon at Oak Grove Cemetery. ``That's what they mean to us,'' Bill said. ``And it's what Darlene would have wanted.''

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, we have all learned in the last eight months how fragile life can be, and how nobility and grace can rise from tragedy and sadness. We have all mourned recently with our colleague Bill Luther the loss of his beloved wife, Darlene, who was a distinguished member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, as well as a loving wife and mother of Alex and Alicia Luther. Mr. Speaker, I was profoundly moved by a recent story from the Fergus Falls Journal which reflects the great love Darlene and Bill shared for each other, as well as others. The story, by Mary Mahoney, also speaks volumes about the enduring power of human kindness. Because I would like to share this beautiful story of love, sacrifice and the enduring bond of friendship, I respectfully submit for the record the enclosed article from the Fergus Falls Journal of February 7, 2002, entitled ``Family's gift of life leaves enduring bond,'' by Mary Mahoney. More than 25 years before his unexpected death, Gary Bradow told his wife Norma that he wanted his organs donated. ``I told him that if he went first, I didn't know if I could do it,'' Norma said from her Fergus Falls home. ``Gary told me I could, that I would just know it was right.'' But nothing could have prepared Norma for the awful day that Gary died. A malformed artery in his brain caused a fatal stroke in March 1998 at the age of 57. Norma was faced with the one decision she didn't want to make. ``People think of `harvesting' organs as an awful thing,'' she said. ``But I realized we were farmers; harvesting is a wonderful thing for farmers. And in the case of donating Gary's organs, `harvesting' was wonderful too.'' A man in Wisconsin received a kidney. A 63-year-old widow got another kidney. Two others received his eyes. And State Rep. Darlene Luther was the recipient of Gary's liver, literally occurring hours before she would have died. A simple thank-you letter written to Norma six months after the transplant established a bond that couldn't be broken--even after Darlene's death on Jan. 30. ``I don't think of myself as one but as two persons,'' she wrote, signing only her first name. With those words, Norma knew she had to connect with this woman who had reached out to her. ``Her letter touched my heart in a way I just can't describe and I immediately called LifeSource and said I had to meet her,'' Norma said. ``It took awhile, but two weeks before Christmas 1998, both of them (Darlene and her husband U.S. Representative Bill Luther) were here.'' In the four years since Darlene's transplant, the Bradow family became dear and special friends with the Luthers, visiting often and corresponding frequently. Darlene even flew out to Seattle one day to have lunch with Norma and her daughter Pam, who lives in Seattle, and flew back the same afternoon. ``The bond we had was completely beyond words,'' Norma said. ``She was such a kind and generous lady.'' Another twist of fate connected the families as well. Bill, who grew up on a dairy farm near Fergus Falls and has relatives in the area, had briefly known Gary before his death. ``I knew of them and had spoken with Gary before all of this happened,'' Bill said. ``And the odds that my wife would receive a liver transplant from a man from my hometown--it's just amazing the way life can bond people together.'' To Darlene, it was a sign that more needed to be done to increase awareness of organ donation. She felt she was the perfect person to educate people about the benefits of organ donation as a state representative, and helped enact legislation providing funding for a mobile education unit for LifeSource, the organ donation procurement organization that helped secure her liver. ``She (Darlene) did such a great amount of work, getting families to talk about organ donation,'' said LifeSource Public Relations manager Susan Mau Larson. ``She was a living statement of the wondrous good provided by organ donation.'' The mobile unit is similar to a bookmobile, with displays and kiosks about organ donation. In late December, LifeSource presented a plaque that will hang in the mobile unit, thanking Darlene for all the work she's done for organ procurement. Last week, a bill passed through the House of Representatives--named in honor of Darlene--making a person's organ donation wishes a binding contract, meaning a family member cannot override the decision. The Senate will begin its process on the bill today, Mau Larson said. But despite the positive work Darlene provided, tragedy struck the Luthers--and the Bradows--once again. ``Darlene called me in late October to let me know she had stomach cancer,'' Norma said. ``The anti-rejection drugs masked the cancer and by the time they found out, it was inoperable.'' It was then that the friendship shifted and Norma began helping Darlene the way she had been helped after her husband's death. ``I wrote her weekly notes, little inspirational things to encourage her,'' she said. ``Her inner peace was phenomenal; she was such an inspiration to me--and I was trying to help her.'' When Bill called Norma the morning after Darlene died, she said the news was heart-wrenching enough. But what came next practically took her breath away. ``Darlene had requested she be buried in Fergus Falls, where she could be near us,'' Norma said. ``I burst into tears when Bill said that.'' For Bill and his children Alex and Alicia, it was a natural decision. ``We were so appreciative of those four years Darlene received because of the transplant,'' Bill said. ``The Bradows are part of our family.'' He insisted that Norma ride in the lead car during the burial procession and that Gary's family, including his mother, Emma and daughters Tara and Debra, take part in the service held Wednesday afternoon at Oak Grove Cemetery. ``That's what they mean to us,'' Bill said. ``And it's what Darlene would have wanted.''

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a Minnesota legislative giant who served our great state with the highest distinction and recently passed away at the age of 80. Former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Lloyd L. Duxbury, Jr., served in the Minnesota Legislature from 1951 to 1969, the final eight years as Speaker. I had the privilege of working for Speaker Duxbury as his chief aide in 1969--and I will forever be grateful for that invaluable experience and our friendship of the past 33 years. ``Dux,'' as he was affectionately known to his countless friends, was a very influential leader in our state's political history, a brilliant lawyer-legislator and legendary politician. Everyone loved ``Dux''--for his infectious laugh and great sense of humor, as well as his warmth, charm and love for people from all walks of life. Speaker Duxbury was born and raised in Caledonia, Minnesota, a small town in the southeastern part of our state. Dux loved his bluff-and- farm-filled native southeastern Minnesota. He loved the farmers and small shopkeepers, and he loved his fellow lawyers and legislators. And everyone loved Dux! From his prep school days at Phillips Exeter Academy to his college and law school years at Harvard University, Dux had literally thousands of friends and admirers, as his legendary career touched thousands of lives. Dux served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 until 1946. He received his B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1947 and his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1949. Elected to the Minnesota House in 1950, shortly after graduating from Harvard Law School, Dux rose to the leadership ranks. He was highly respected as a legislator, served the House Conservative Caucus as its leader from 1959 until 1962, and was elected Speaker of the Minnesota House in 1963. Lloyd Duxbury's top legislative priority was fairness. That's why he worked so hard in Minnesota to remove the tax on people's personal property and convert it to a sales tax. Speaker Duxbury worked with people of all sides to get things done and he was at his best when circumstances got the most heated. Dux brought people together to solve problems, and he hated partisan wrangling. When President Richard Nixon nominated Dux to be U.S. Attorney in 1969, he turned the post down because of its partisan nature. Following his retirement as Speaker in 1969, Dux was appointed Vice President and Counsel of the Burlington-Northern Railroad and moved to Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Dux worked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging and lobbied for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. At age 78, he was still taking the subway to his office here before returning to Minnesota so he could spend more time with his beloved family and friends. Lloyd Duxbury is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David and Margaret Duxbury, daughter, Marna Duxbury and 3 grandchildren, Nicole, Christine and Jacob Duxbury, as well as his brother, John Duxbury. You might be gone, Dux, but you will never be forgotten, as your legacy will live forever. You truly represented the best in public service, Speaker Duxbury, and your love for your family, friends and country will live forever in the hearts of each of us. God bless you, Dux, and rest in peace dear friend.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true servant leader who proves, year after year, that one person can make a big difference in the lives of people in need. Bob Fisher of Bob's Shoe Repair in Wayzata, Minnesota has raised more than $1 million over the past 6 years by his winter ``sleep-outs'' to help people who are homeless. This past winter alone, on behalf of Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, ``Shoe Bob,'' as we affectionately call him, raised $520,000 for Interfaith Outreach's community housing fund during his 30-day sleep-out for the homeless. Sleeping outside in subzero temperatures in Minnesota winters, that has become Bob Fisher's trademark. Bob's well-worn tent and sleeping bag have not only raised badly needed funds to provide housing, but his sleep-outs have raised public awareness of the housing shortage and the increasing number of homeless families in our Lake Minnetonka community, State, and Nation. Bob is teamed up with other caring people at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners who distribute the housing resources he raises to homeless families. Led by one of Minnesota's greatest humanitarians, LaDonna Hoy, and supported by an active board of truly charitable community leaders, Interfaith Outreach helps kick off Bob's sleep-out for the homeless each and every year. More than 500 supporters gathered on November 17 to kick off last year's sleep-out, featuring a soup supper with bread, hot chocolate, and water served by the Girl Scouts. And thanks to the Boy Scouts, four campfires kept everyone warm along Lake Street in Wayzata as the various churches that support Interfaith Outreach provided song and spirit. The distinguished mayors of our five neighboring communities issued their ``Housing Week'' proclamation, and 200 young students joined Bob Fisher in sleeping outside on the first night in the 2001 cold. Two local bank employees also slept outside with Bob to offer their support. Mr. Speaker, I know firsthand that Bob's sleep-outs are a true ordeal, as I slept outside in December of 1997 in below-zero temperatures as part of Bob's sleep-out for the homeless. It was a night of bone-chilling cold, well spent, as we raised several thousand dollars to help bring homeless families in from the cold. Mr. Speaker, every year the fundraising goal for Bob Fisher's sleep- outs gets higher, reflecting his strong commitment, infectious enthusiasm and energy, as well as the increasing need for more affordable housing in the Twin Cities' western suburban area. Bob Fisher, Interfaith Outreach, and the people of our Lake Minnetonka communities are already looking forward to this year's ``Housing Week,'' November 16 to 23, 2002, which will once again be kicked off by Bob Fisher's sleep-out for the homeless. In fact, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners is working hard to expand this campaign by encouraging communities throughout Minnesota and the Nation to follow Bob Fisher's example. I urge my colleagues to take Bob Fisher's story back to their communities and tell their constituents how one person in Minnesota, a cobbler with a big heart, has made a big difference in the lives of countless homeless people. Tell America the story of ``Shoe Bob'' and his mission to help homeless families secure affordable housing. Tell America how one person has increased awareness of the homeless problem, bolstered community involvement in addressing the housing shortage, and raised more than $1 billion to help families with their housing crises. Yes, Mr. Speaker, Bob Fisher has proved that one person can make a big difference in the world, as he has walked in the shoes of the homeless. We salute you, Bob Fisher, just as we salute Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners. Our gratitude also goes out to all who have supported Shoe Bob's sleep-outs for the homeless. He is truly doing the Lord's work, and he represents the absolute best in public service. Thank you, Bob Fisher. Thank you to all my friends at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, and to the entire Lake Minnetonka area, those who have supported this worthwhile, important drive to help people who are homeless.