Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mr. George Hoddy and to pay tribute to his lifetime of achievements and service to the city of Owosso and people of the State of Michigan. On March 7, 2005, Mr. Hoddy will be celebrating his 100th birthday and deserves recognition for his lifetime of service to his community. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1905 and educated at the Ohio State University, George Hoddy came to Michigan armed with a Masters degree in electrical engineering to work for Charles Kettering. In 1942, after several roles as a research engineer for various electric companies, George Hoddy started the Universal Electric Company in Owosso, Michigan. Owosso has been forever touched by the roots Mr. Hoddy has put down there, his legacy of community involvement will not be forgotten by the people who call it home. In the last 60 years, Mr. Hoddy has served on the Board of Directors for over twenty community organizations in the city of Owosso including an eighteen year tenure on the Owosso Public School Board and fifty years of service and support of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Hoddy has served as the Director of the Michigan United Way, President of the Shiawasee county United Way. Has been a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufactures and Owosso Rotary Club. Mr. Hoddy has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Regents for Baker College and continues to serve as a Regent today. Mr. Speaker, George Hoddy is responsible for enriching the Owosso community and has been instrumental in the industrial and economic development of Owosso, Michigan. He is an inspiration to all those who have the opportunity to meet him. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the lifetime of achievements of George Hoddy and to wish him all the very best as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives will vote on House Concurrent Resolution 30 supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which has been observed in February the past 5 years. Last year, I brought together a number of African-American community leaders in Lansing, MI, with an expert on HIV/AIDS issues in the Black community. That gathering brought to light the sad statistics on this disease among African Americans across the Nation and right in my own community. The more than 172,000 African Americans living with AIDS in the United States represents about 42 percent of cases in the Nation. Estimates put the Michigan HIV-infected population at more than 16,000, with African-American men, at 44 percent, and African-American women, at 20 percent, outnumbering two-to-one all cases in white men-- 25 percent--and women--5 percent--and those of other ethnicity. Ingham County in the Eighth Congressional District is among the 15 Michigan counties that account for 84 percent of all cases of HIV/AIDS in the State. Across the Nation, in 2003, African Americans accounted for half of all new HIV infections, even though they make up only slightly over 12 percent of the Nation's entire population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control tell us that African-American women account for 67 percent of all new AIDS cases among women, and AIDS is one of the top three leading causes of death among African-American women ages 35 through 44. Among African-American men, AIDS also falls in the top three of causes of death among those ages 25 through 54. Today's vote highlights the need to support the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7 each year at the local, State, and national level of government and media. It also highlights the need to build awareness and education among African- American communities as we work to reduce this dangerous disease among the families and communities across the Nation. As we acknowledge the awareness and education efforts signified by National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I am committed to working with our community and national groups as they focus on preventing this serious disease and reducing the impact it has on individual communities and states, and on our entire Nation.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LTG Gary Ace who will be leaving his position as Legislative Liaison officer in the Army House Liaison office on February 18, 2005. Gary has volunteered for assignment to United States Central Command with duty in Iraq and Kuwait. During his tenure, Lieutenant Colonel Ace has distinguished himself as a friend, trusted resource, and an officer who epitomizes the modern American professional soldier. The quality of Lieutenant Colonel Ace's leadership, management, and inter-personal skills, led him to be specially selected to serve in the Secretary of the Army's Legislative Liaison office in the United States House of Representatives. In that capacity, he has been responsible for maintaining liaison with 435 Members of Congress, their personal staffs, and 20 permanent or select legislative committees. Over the past year, Gary devoted himself to getting to know more than 100 Members personally. His dedication, candor and professionalism while serving in this capacity has earned him the reputation of being a go-to person on Capitol Hill to resolve issues pertaining to the Army. Gary's fine service to his country has seen him recognized with many awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Expert Infantry Badge. Lieutenant Colonel Ace has repeatedly stood for the defense of this Nation, her citizens and their freedom. This devotion and steadfast commitment to the defense of freedom and liberty around the world is the hallmark of a great American. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my personal gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Ace for his service to the House of Representatives, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gary for his service to our country. The United States will be well served as Lieutenant Colonel Ace furthers his career at CENTCOM in Iraq and Kuwait.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote No. 18, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Damore for his outstanding leadership and commitment to improving healthcare as the President and CEO of Sparrow Hospital and Health Systems in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Damore has led the Sparrow Health System to its success as one of the top healthcare providers in the greater Lansing area. Since his arrival in 1990, the Sparrow Health System has become mid-Michigan's first and only Level 1 Trauma Center, and increased its medical staff from 500 to 850 physicians. Under the direction of Mr. Damore, the Sparrow Health System has expanded its residency programs with Michigan State University, allowing young health professionals to gain the valuable experience needed for the future, while providing quality healthcare to mid-Michigan residents. The Sparrow Health System has a mission to provide quality, compassionate and affordable healthcare to the residents of mid- Michigan. In the past fourteen years of dedicated service, Mr. Damore has guided the Sparrow Health System to exceed this mission with expanded facilities and increased inpatient admissions from 18,000 to 29,000 per year. It is because of his exceptional leadership and success that we offer Mr. Damore a fond farewell as he has been offered a position as the President and CEO of Mission Health and Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Damore will certainly be an asset to the Asheville healthcare community. Mr. Speaker, during his tenure at the Sparrow Health System Mr. Damore has brought affordable and superior healthcare to the residents of mid-Michigan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Joe Damore for his extraordinary commitment and dedication to provide top quality health services, and to wish him success in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, homecare represents a tremendous value for millions of Americans' healthcare dollar by providing a family-friendly and clinically proven way of receiving quality healthcare where they prefer to receive it--at home. Homecare is about superior healthcare and a quality life for at least 8 million households across the United States. Recent studies of homecare services show that it can shorten inpatient hospital stays, reduce the overall cost of care, improve clinical outcomes, expand patient and caregiver satisfaction, advance functional independence, and reduce the risk of institutional placement. For some Medicare beneficiaries, formal homecare is the most cost-effective strategy for achieving functional improvement. Homecare does not require brick-and-mortar investments and with the rapid advances in technology virtually every service, short of surgery, can be delivered in the home. For these reasons, I join homecare patients and caregivers throughout the United States in celebrating November as National Homecare and Hospice Month.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize A&F Wood Products, a family-owned and operated business in Howell, MI, for earning the 2004 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. Founded upon the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New Freedom Initiative works to ensure that Americans with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work and make choices about their daily lives to participate fully in their communities. A&F Wood Products is just one of five companies nationwide to be recognized for their commitment to these ideals. A&F Wood Products has embraced the philosophy on which the New Freedom Initiative was founded. Working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, A&F Wood Products is able to provide employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities through accessibility support, training, and a user-friendly workplace environment. Today, 35 percent of A&F Wood Products' workforce are persons with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, when President Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative in 2001, unemployment for the disabled was as high as 70 percent by some estimates. Today, businesses like A&F Wood Products are working feverishly to slash that number. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing A&F Wood Products for earning the 2004 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award and for their commitment to the disabled.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the groundbreaking of the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. The Great Lakes National Cemetery will serve as Michigan's second national cemetery and serve the needs of the nearly 460,000 veterans living within 75 miles of Oakland County, Michigan. In 1987, the Detroit region was one of ten areas identified by the Veterans Administration as having a large veteran population not served by either a national or state veterans cemetery within a reasonable distance. The new 544 acre Great Lakes National Cemetery will meet the needs of Michigan's finest men and women for the next fifty years. Mr. Speaker, every American that wears the uniform deserves a final resting place that honors and remembers their service to America. However, the families of these veterans should not be required to travel great distances to pay their respect to their loved ones. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service the Great Lakes National Cemetery will bring to the Veterans and their families in Southeast Michigan.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work ethic of some of Michigan's finest workers at the TRW Automotive plant in Fowlerville, Michigan. On September 15, 2004, TRW Automotive announced that its Kelsey-Hayes Company automotive braking facility in Fowlerville, Michigan, earned a place on Industry Week's prestigious list of ``10 Best Plants'' in North America for 2004. Industry Week awards its 10 Best Plants award to facilities that have made credible changes in the way they run their operations, aligning production processes with customer needs and harnessing people's desire to make things better. The Fowlerville TRW is well deserving of this distinction, the plant boasts a 100% on-time delivery performance to 15 assembly locations, less than five days' on-hand inventory levels, and a defect rate of just three parts per million, down from 64 ppm in 2000. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the workers at TRW Automotive for their strong commitment to quality manufacturing. American automotive workers are the best trained, most highly skilled workers in the world. Industry Week's profile of these fine manufacturers is a testament to their aptitude and steadfast commitment to quality.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, our antiquated federal pay system does not adequately account for the unique needs of federal law enforcement officers. For example, the current salary, including all overtime payments, for a FBI Special Agent in San Francisco is $56,453. But even a ``low- income home'' within a 60 to 90 minute commute from San Francisco costs $300,000, requiring a mandatory income of $86,000. As a result, agents commonly face four hour daily commutes on top of their regular ten hour plus shifts. Because staffing decisions are based on the needs of the nation, today many federal law enforcement officers are being asked to live beyond their means in order to serve their country. Mr. Chairman, the 9/11 Commission Report's specific policy recommendations are underpinned by two important general conclusions. First, that the FBI is central to the war on terrorism and second, the need to provide adequate resources to FBI Agents. In fact, on pages 425-426 of their report, the 9/11 Commission says: A specialized and integrated national security workforce should be established at the FBI consisting of agents, analysts, linguist, and surveillance specialists who are recruited, trained, rewarded, and retained to ensure the development of an institutional culture imbued with a deep expertise in intelligence and national security. Mr. Chairman, developing and maintaining an ``institutional culture imbued with deep expertise'' is severely undermined by the Bureau's inability to retain highly skilled agents in high-cost of living areas. Often, agents will seek to transfer out of high-cost of living areas, like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, to name a few. The disincentive to stay in high-cost of living areas makes it more difficult for the FBI to recruit the best agents to serve in supervisory positions, and thus creates an obstacle to creating the type of institutional culture the Report calls for. If the high-cost of living in certain areas was mitigated, this disincentive could be removed, and it would be easier to create a more healthy seniority system that would allow a strong intelligence culture to flourish. Also on page 426, the 9/11 Commission says ``The FBI should fully implement a recruiting, hiring, and selection process for agents and analysts that enhances its ability to target and attract individuals with educational and professional backgrounds in intelligence, international relations, language, technology, and other relevant skills.'' Mr. Chairman, the status quo's inability to fairly compensate FBI agents in high-cost areas is undermining the Bureau's ability to recruit and retain highly skilled individuals in crucial locations. For instance, cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are uniquely vulnerable to terrorist threats. The Report makes it clear that Congress must undertake efforts to ensure that the FBI is able to attract and retain employees possessing high-level skills. These employees must be fairly compensated with consideration of the cost of living in these areas in order for the Bureau to retain their services. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 10 takes a positive first step by providing recruitment and retention bonuses to federal law enforcement, particularly the FBI. However, it is imperative that this Congress act on fundamental pay reform in an expeditious manner.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Captain Robert J. Aprill of the United States Naval Reserve. Captain Aprill joined the Reserve Officer Candidate program in February of 1974 while pursuing dual degrees at Eastern Michigan University in Political Science and History. After his graduation, Captain April attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and received his commission in the Naval Reserve in December 1975. In his twenty nine years with the Naval Reserves, Captain Aprill has served America honorably. His many reserve duty assignments included: Training Officer and Executive USS W.S. Sims, Commanding Officer USS Elmer Montgomery and Gaining Command Liaison Officer USS Elmer Montgomery. Mr. Speaker, since 1915 it has been the mission of the United States Naval Reserve to maintain a state of constant readiness and availability, able to deploy rapidly and effectively in times of peace or war. With the new threats facing America in the War on Terror, this mission has been paramount to America's security, but it cannot be accomplished without dedicated civilian soldiers like Captain Aprill. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Captain Aprill for his service to America and to wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, September 30, 2004, the House had a vote on Res. 792, a resolution to honor the United Negro College Fund on its 60th anniversary. On House rollcall vote No. 486, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dale Glynn of Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan for being named Michigan High School Principal of the Year. Mr. Glynn was presented with this honor by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals on September 27, 2004. During his tenure as Principal, Dale Glynn has striven to provide his students with access to the best education by developing rewarding after school programs and creating an environment of inclusiveness for all of the students at Everett High School. Mr. Glynn has been honored by his peers and is loved by his students because of his steadfast commitment and determination to provide his urban school the same access to quality education as suburban counterparts. Mr. Speaker, providing quality public education to all our nation's students has been a top priority of this Congress. Educators like Dale Glynn who make tremendous strides to providing high caliber education to all students must be recognized and commended. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dale Glynn for being named Michigan High School Principal of the Year.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, September 23, 2004, the House had a vote on H.R. 1057. On House rollcall vote No. 468, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Deputy Director Bruce Gebhardt for his 30 years of distinguished service to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His breadth of knowledge and experience in national security, terrorism and intelligence issues have made America markedly safer in the wake of September 11, 2001. Mr. Gebhardt entered on duty as a Special Agent with the Bureau on July 7, 1974, and began his career investigating organized crime and narcotics. Mr. Gebhardt was the recipient of the FBI Medal of Valor as a result of action taken during an airplane hijacking event in Denver, Colorado in 1976. More recently as a Special Agent in Charge, Mr. Gebhardt oversaw numerous operational success in organized crime, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cyber crimes and white collar crimes. But today, more than ever, America owes a debt of gratitude to Bruce Gebhardt for his work to retool and reshape the FBI after September 11, 2001. In August 2002, Mr. Gebhardt was appointed by Director Mueller to serve as Deputy Director for the FBI and for the last 2 years he has been responsible for restructuring the FBI into a counterterrorism and intelligence focused agency. As Deputy Director, Mr. Gebhardt has made important contributions to the national security of the United States and more fully prepared the Federal Bureau of Investigation to fight terrorism both at home and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my best personal regards to Deputy Director Gebhardt on his retirement from the FBI and wish him all the best in the future. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him on behalf of the American people for his service and commitment to our collective security.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, September 14, 2004, the House had a vote on an amendment to H.R. 5025. On House rollcall vote No. 452, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the Capito amendment. As a former FBI agent, we would be asked to get a subpoena to get the records contained in a tax filer's information, even as a Federal law enforcement agent in an agency right next door. Why, because it is the most invasive information the government asks of its citizens. And not only asks, but tells us we must submit. This is information worth protecting. Any slip, any slide that takes away the faith and comfort and belief in the Federal Government to protect that information is wrong. They have not clearly shown in any way that they can protect this information. I would strongly urge that we all stand together on this. For those of us who disagree with positions of the IRS or do not disagree, the information does not belong to the government, it belongs to the people. We should do everything in our power to keep it, including keeping inherently governmental functions within the government. At least there is accountability.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Monday, September 13, 2004, the House had votes on H. Con. Res. 363, H. Res. 667, H. Res. 760. On House rollcall votes Nos. 441, 442, 443, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I rise today to pay tribute to Janet Trautwein for receiving the Gordon Memorial Award presented by the National Association of Health Underwriters. Since 1949, The National Association of Health Underwriters have been recognizing individuals that have generously and selflessly given their time and effort to the health insurance industry and the financial protection they provide to millions of Americans. Janet Trautwein is well deserving of this award. She has served the association well as a staffer, but more notably in her years of uncompensated service as a former agent and active volunteer NAHU member in the state of Texas. Ms. Trautwein has exemplified the character of the Gordon Memorial Award by working hard to better the insurance industry without expecting anything in return. Mr. Speaker, today, more than ever, volunteers are coveted members of our communities, selflessly giving their precious time and effort for the greater good. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Janet Trautwein for her service and for receiving the Gordon Memorial Award from the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today in America, nearly 1 in 5 adult Americans functions at the lowest literacy level. I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization in Southeast Michigan that is making tremendous strides in the fight against adult illiteracy. The Oakland Literacy Council delivers quality individualized basic reading and English language instruction to Oakland County, Michigan adults, many of whom are English as a second language students. Since its inception in 1984, the Oakland Literacy Council has contributed more than 527,000 hours of instruction to 7,000 adults. The Literacy Councils' free service has been valued at over $13.2 million. In 2003 alone, 400 volunteers donated 43,920 hours of their time to give 450 Oakland County residents the literacy skills necessary for a new job, a high school diploma, or just to read a bedtime story to their children. Mr. Speaker, the Oakland Literacy Council showcases the very best of America's generosity. Besides the thousands of hours of donated time, the Literacy Council is entirely supported by public and private donations to offer free tutoring to all of its students. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding service the Oakland Literacy Council, and its gracious donors and volunteers, have provided to Southeastern Michigan.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of Stephen Warner, a constituent of Michigan's eighth congressional district and a member of the United States Olympic Team. Stephen competed in the Men's Lightweight Four division for the United States rowing team in Athens. Prior to his first Olympics in Athens, Stephen won gold at the 2000 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2004 World Cup in Munich. It gives me great pleasure to be able to stand here today and recognize the accomplishments of Stephen and all of our Olympic athletes. The Olympic games stand for more than athletic competition, they also showcase to the world that the similarities that unite us are far greater than the differences that divide us. Through sportsmanship and competition, the athletes of the XXVIII Olympiad are able to build bridges where politics and policy have faltered. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Stephen Warner as an athlete and competitor but also as a good will ambassador to our great nation. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting their achievements in Athens and wish them all the best in future competition.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to General Richard A. Cody, a true American Patriot, who has dedicated his career to the service and defense of America. On June 24, 2004 General Cody was named the 31st Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. General Cody's impressive military career began upon graduation from the United States Military Academy on June 6, 1972 with his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. General Cody is an Air Assault graduate and Master Aviator with over 5000 hours of flight time. During his thirty-two years of service, General Cody has participated in a variety of command and staff assignments. General Cody served as Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, as well as 101st Aviation Regiment during Operation Desert Storm and most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Army. General Cody has shown brilliant leadership throughout his career having been awarded with decorations such as the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. Mr. Speaker, for the last thirty-two years, General Cody has selflessly served the American people, keeping our country safe and free. I cannot think of a better soldier to lead our armed forces as they continue to protect America. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing General Cody's service to America and to offer my best personal regards on his appointment as Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Friday, July 9, 2004, the House had a vote on an amendment to H.R. 3578, that would have established a Manufacturing & Technology Administration within the Commerce Department. On House rollcall vote No. 357, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the House-Senate negotiated substitute amendment and final passage of the Project BioShield Act of 2004. This legislation will greatly strengthen our nation's capabilities to protect our military, first responders and U.S. citizens from the threat of biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. I am extremely pleased that the final language that recently passed the Senate incorporates the expanded definition of eligible countermeasures for which BioShield funds can be designated. This expanded definition would permit BioShield funding and procurement for certain FDA-licensed vaccines and other medical countermeasures in addition to experimental products for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile. It is important to note that while BioShield was intended to stimulate and accelerate the development of new countermeasures, existing safe and effective FDA-licensed vaccines and medicines may have new unlicensed applications that may also contribute to our nation's preparedness. These new product applications must be tested and licensed by the FDA and made available for the stockpile. For example, the only FDA-licensed anthrax vaccine is manufactured in my home state by BioPort Corporation. BioThraxTM vaccine is licensed for pre-exposure vaccination of the military and other civilians at risk of exposure to anthrax. Though it is recommended by the CDC for post-exposure use in conjunction with antibiotics for protecting those who may have been exposed to this deadly biological agent, it is not yet licensed for this use. These existing products, like BioThraxTM vaccine, will provide our nation with an insurance policy to strengthen its immediate bioterrorism preparedness capability, while supplementing other experimental vaccines and medicines currently in development, though many years away from FDA-approval. I am especially pleased that during the Senate debate, the Senate managers of the BioShield legislation also clarified their understanding of discussions with the Administration regarding the use of BioShield funds under new section 319F-2(c)(9) of the Public Health Service Act. The bill's managers agreed that BioShield allows for the future procurement of vaccines already being purchased under government contract at the time of enactment of BioShield. Further, clarification in the Senate allows for their procurement under new or existing contracts. Under this interpretation, the President and BioShield procuring agencies will have the flexibility to use BioShield funds for the purchase of additional doses of FDA-licensed anthrax vaccine for inclusion in the stockpile for post-exposure use with antibiotics. This would be in addition to those previously contracted doses currently funded from discretionary appropriations and available to the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. The consensus panel published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have already recommended the FDA-licensed anthrax vaccine for post- exposure use in combination with antibiotics. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences agreed with the FDA that the FDA- licensed anthrax vaccine is safe and effective for the prevention of anthrax in those at-risk of exposure to anthrax, including against inhalation anthrax. Since 1998, more than 1.1 million military and civilian personnel have been safely vaccinated with more than 4 million doses of the vaccine. Indeed, these statistics also include both the pre- and post-exposure vaccinations of many of our own Congressional colleagues, staff members and decontamination workers before and following the October 2001 anthrax attacks. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to consider the immediate procurement of millions of additional doses of the FDA-licensed anthrax vaccine, as well as additional doses of antibiotics for the Strategic National Stockpile. These doses are essential to improving our capability to respond to another potential anthrax attack. This is the same method used by these agencies for the stockpiling of both licensed and experimental smallpox vaccines. Mr. Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to follow the lead of the Senate by unanimously clearing this legislation for signature by the President. This will send a strong message to the world that our nation is serious about protecting our citizens and first responders from deadly terrorist threats with tested and proven medical countermeasures.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time; and I want to also thank Members on both sides of the aisle on this very, very important issue. This legislation will greatly strengthen our Nation's capability to protect our military, first responders, and U.S. citizens from the real threat of biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. I am very pleased that this expands the definition of eligible countermeasures and would permit funding and procurement for certain FDA-licensed vaccines as well as experimental products for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile. I cannot say how important that is. We find heroes and patriots both abroad and at home risking their lives in defense of freedom in this war on terror, but there are patriots and unsung heroes in my community who, under withering criticism, toiled to make their product better and get it into the hands of those who needed it most. Thanks to the employees of Bioport in Lansing, Michigan, since 1998, more than 1.1 million military and civilian personnel have been safely vaccinated with more than 4 million doses of the vaccine, including both pre- and post-exposure vaccinations of many of our own congressional colleagues and staff members after the October, 2001, anthrax attacks. These existing products, like BioThrax vaccine, will provide our Nation with the insurance policy to strengthen its immediate bioterrorism preparedness capability in conjunction with working on new experimental vaccines. Mr. Speaker, I would even go further and urge the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to consider the immediate procurement of millions of additional doses of the FDA- licensed anthrax vaccines, as well as additional doses of antibiotics for the Strategic National Stockpile. These doses are essential to improving our capability and responding to another potential anthrax attack. I want to again thank the President of the United States for making this a priority and sending a very clear and strong message that our Nation is serious about protecting the citizens and first responders from deadly terrorist threats with proven countermeasures.