Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, over the years, the safety of vehicles and passengers in a funeral procession have been of significant concern to both funeral directors and law enforcement officials. Various means have been utilized to alert the public to a funeral procession and to protect its integrity. However, these methods are haphazard, lack uniformity and rely on local and state rules and regulations, if any, for enforcement. With the advent of private vehicles with daytime running lights as a standard feature, increased traffic congestion in urban areas, road rage and an increase in the number and variety of law enforcement and emergency vehicles, funeral processions have become more and more vulnerable to accidents and other hazardous conditions. Furthermore, with this increased risk comes increased liability exposure for the funeral home and funeral director resulting in increased financial strain. Therefore, the use of Mobile Infrared Transmitters by authorized personnel only as well as increased use of law enforcement personnel as funeral procession escorts would go a long way in addressing this very real problem. My bill would protect the authorized user and impose penalties and jail time for an unauthorized user or seller.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, facts are very stubborn things. Given the sense of where the intelligence community is today, they are beleaguered at every corner. For years, their hands were tied behind their back. And now you have commissions coming out and say, gee, we tied your hands and now we are faulting you for not being super heroes and doing super work without the funding and resources. I think it is accurate, and I think we should make that statement that we all recognize those shortcomings of 1990s, but we will stand with you today. It is an important commitment for the morale of the intelligence officers in the field.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy).

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume just to clarify and point out that in fiscal year 1993, President Bush requested a 4 percent increase, and the Democrat Congress that year cut the request by 10 percent, effectively reducing the funding by 5 percent from the 1992 appropriation. I understand the politics of being a convert to intelligence. Thank you. Let us stand together and say, okay, that time has gone, we are going to move forward, we are going to stand with the intelligence community. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), the chairman of the committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), whose service in the CIA has been unparalleled, and his service to his country is unmatched.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I might consume. I rise today, and I am not one that normally comes to the floor; but given my time as a special agent with the FBI and watching the intelligence community get really abused in the 1990s and to see this very partisan debate engaged in this Intelligence authorization, I felt compelled to come to the floor, at least to try to interject some common sense and some plea that we could get back to the serious work of protecting the United States of America. One way we do that is we stand tall and we stand together and we commend those who are risking their lives every day in what is an art, a skill, to some degree a science, of collecting intelligence around the world. The 1990s was brutal to intelligence collection. Funding was reduced. As a matter of fact, the number of intelligence operatives declined by 27 percent from 1992 to 1999. From 1991 to 1997, the number of stations declined by 30 percent. The number of assets declined by 40 percent. The intelligence reporting declined by approximately 50 percent. As a matter of fact, George Tenet said in front of the commission, When I became DCI, I found a community and a CIA whose dollars were declining and whose expertise was ebbing. There was a feeling in the community of intelligence that they were the stepchild; they were the sinister folks who we did not need to spend money on anymore, who had passed their prime after the close of the Cold War. They became the great awful folks that we wanted to blame for a lot of things. As a matter of fact, in the Deutch guidelines of 1995, they basically said that CIA operatives around the world could not associate with unsavory characters. I have to tell my colleagues that as an agent of the FBI, if you were not dealing with some unsavory characters, you were not catching bad guys. That is exactly what we needed to do. My colleagues can imagine the morale and the confusing message that we send to somebody who is risking their life in some remote corner of the world, dealing with somebody who would just as soon slit your throat as to say hi, and say to them, boy, you cannot deal with unsavory characters to save and defend the United States of America; it might embarrass us somewhere along the way. Well, if we are going to defeat terrorism, we need to deal exactly with those unsavory characters. The gentlemanly days of Ivy League spies are over. The threat today are those who behead their hostages. The threat today are those who use illegal operations and criminal enterprise to conduct horrible acts against the United States, including flying airplanes into buildings. So what we do by this amendment is say, yes, we have made some mistakes; yes, we did not hold you in high regard in the last decade, but we do today and we appreciate your work. You will not be on TV. You probably will not write a book. You probably will not be famous, but you are risking your life every single day for the defense of the United States. I talked to a CIA station chief just this weekend who said our business is really to steal secrets, and all we want is the appreciation of what we do, the art of getting to them before they get to us. These are great Americans, and when we tell them not to do something, they will not do it. When we tell them that we care and believe in them, they are going to do it. So this amendment is exactly that. It is us standing together, trying to set aside our partisan differences on what should never be a partisan issue, the safety and security of the United States of America. So, to every FBI agent who gets up in the morning and worries that on their watch something bad is going to happen, to every CIA agent, to every other intelligence operative that we have employed by the United States of America who stands tall as a patriot for their Nation, we ought to say today, we recognize we did not treat you well, but we understand how valuable you are today, and we will stand with you. We will stand with you all the way. We are going to give you the resources you need, and we are going to give you the respect that you should command. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Shirley Grieve who is described as ``a one-woman champion of causes'' in Ingham County, MI. Shirley Grieve's contributions are best described in an article in the Ingham County Community News, written by Editor Rachel Taylor: Mason, MI.--Shirley Grieve is a one-woman champion of causes. To find out which one she's campaigning for on any given day, just take a look around her Mason home, where the 67- year-old resident spends time raising money for worthwhile efforts. Addresses, letters, leaflets and various ``thank you'' notes litter Grieve's dining room table. The mother of six takes volunteering seriously, committing to fundraising goals and these days, surpassing most of them. This June, Grieve will be recognized for her commitment, as the Ingham County Community News' 2004 Agnes Corner Volunteer of the Year recipient. The award, now in its fifth year, is given to a member of the community that has made significant volunteer contributions locally. Grieve fits the bill perfectly. This year alone the list of her efforts includes: Raising $6,000 for the Capital Area Community Services' (CACS) Walk for Warmth in February, which helps pay heating and electric bills for people in dire need of financial assistance; collecting hundreds of items to send to U.S. troops stationed overseas; organizing a spaghetti dinner to benefit the Mason Kiwanis Golden K Club; and raising over $7,000 to help fund Angel House in a matter of weeks. The project is headed up by Capital Area Child & Family Services to build mid-Michigan's first emergency shelter and advocacy center for abused children. I always said, ``I'm going to get out and make something of myself,'' explained Grieve, who grew up in West Virginia as the daughter of a coal miner. ``Now, I didn't make something of myself by working but I made something of myself by volunteering.'' Grieve said her volunteer efforts started 32 years ago after moving to Mason from Lansing with her husband Richard. She said the rural life style was a shock in many ways and made her desperate to make friends in the community. ``The only thing I had was a dog in the back yard,'' remembered Grieve. ``Then the kids would go to school and I would just have the baby.'' In an effort to meet people, Grieve said she started volunteering in the schools, where her children were attending. Through Girl Scouts and the PTO Grieve said she began feeling more at home. Soon Grieve began volunteering at St. James Catholic Church, where her family still attends services. Other projects followed. Throughout all of it, Grieve said she remembered to follow in her mother's footsteps--a woman who made her own mark with church fundraisers and bake sales in West Virginia. The most important rule her mother taught her? ``You always send a thank you note and people will respond with your next fundraiser,'' she said. CACS Center Coordinator Deb Biehler said Grieve, who has been volunteering with the agency for five years, is a force of positive energy. ``She can work circles around people,'' said Biehler. Grieve raises at least three-quarters of the funds raised during Walk for Warmth each year. ``We wouldn't have raised the money without her,'' said Biehler. ``She's helped hundreds of people.'' And then there are the little things, said Biehler, like volunteering to collect food bank donations every Sunday at St. James and picking up bread for the food bank at local stores when no one else can go. Members of the Mason Kiwanis Golden K Club say Grieve is an asset to the community. The club's president-elect, Jim Day stated, ``She has that rare gift for causing other people to share their time and funds with a minimum of resistance and a maximum of positive results. I am in awe at hearing about her achievements and of the wonderful good that she generates. People who possess her awesome ability and dynamic energy in motivating people in supporting worthwhile causes are very rare individuals.'' Mason resident Don Jacot said Grieve's volunteer efforts are felt throughout the Mason community. ``She is a trustee for the Fair City Golden K Kiwanis Club. She volunteers for the Signal Corps Operation Up Link for service men and women. She volunteers for the Book Buddies and Head Start. What energy.'' Grieve said she is happy to help further good causes. ``I know in my heart it makes me feel good,'' she said. ``I get so much out of it. I think if people did it once they'd do it again too.'' The staff of the Ingham County Community News is planning a luncheon ceremony in Grieve's honor on Tuesday, June 29 in Mason. Mr. Speaker, we wish to extend congratulations to Shirley Grieve for her commitment to serving her community. We are honored to support her efforts and ask that our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join us in recognizing their very worthy achievements.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Monday, June 21, 2004, the House had votes on H. Res. 591, H.R. 4363, H. Res. 660. On House rollcall votes Nos. 276, 277 and 278, I was out of the country. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, over the last 15 years, the Archery products industry has seen a tremendous growth in its sport due to increased deer populations and expanded hunting seasons. Unfortunately, that expansion has reached a plateau and we are seeing decreasing numbers of bow hunters and sportsmen nationwide. This problem threatens not only our industry but the future of our sport as well. The archery industry tax adopted in the early 1970's has accomplished many of its original goals, but has shown a limitation that keeps the sport from growing in the future. I believe that it is once again time for the leaders in the archery industry to step forward and reform the archery excise tax to meet the demands of the next century. This reform must protect the archery industry by benefiting the next generation of sportsmen and enhancing our heritage. The current tax represents an unfair burden shared by only a few manufacturers in the larger archery industry. While you cannot fault the leaders who drafted this legislation in the early 1970's, since then, the sport has created dozens of new industries and products. Unfortunately, the tax has not changed to keep up with the changing market in archery products. Today, only a few of the manufacturers of archery products pay the tax, most products used in archery hunting today have never paid the tax, and with the legislation passing today, that failed legacy will continue. It is time to create a program that will accomplish the goal of expanding the sport and sharing the tax among the broad variety of archery product industries. When the legislation to tax the archery industry was enacted in the 1970's, one-half of the revenue was to be used for purposes of the regular Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program and one-half could be used for the acquisition and development of public archery ranges and for courses. Unfortunately, budget constraints have limited the amount of money state agencies had been able to expend on development of ranges. Reform should mandate that 20 percent of the funding be directed to ``wildlife heritage, skills and education programs.'' This would include tremendous programs like ``Becoming an Outdoors Woman'' and ``Archery in Schools.'' The current system taxes domestically made arrows, bows and equipment leaving much of the current industry untaxed and making the current structure a heavy burden on the consumers and a few manufacturers. Reform should clarify the definition of arrows and make several additional changes to the bow and arrow excise tax provisions in current law. Under current law, imported arrows are not taxed. To remedy this, a 3-5 percent excise tax would be imposed on the first sale of a shaft suitable for making an arrow. Since many arrow shaft manufacturers also sell arrows, a 3-5 percent excise tax would be imposed on the first sale of an arrow unless the excise tax has already been collected on the arrow shaft used in making the arrow. In addition, a 3-5 percent tax will be levied on other industry items including: tree stands, releases, quivers, hunting blinds, archery targets, scents and sprays. The list of taxable items, among others, already includes bow handles, bow levels, bow stabilizers, camouflaged bow covers, kisser buttons, and string peeps. This proposal never received serious consideration from Congress and was dismissed by the proponents of the current proposal as too complicated and too troublesome to consider. Unfortunately, the proposal in H.R. 4520 is a half step that will force the State agencies, wildlife groups, and the archery industry to come back to the Congress for a real reform that will promote the sport of archery, enhance our nation's wildlife resources and protect the archery industry.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with special privilege that I rise today to honor Mexico's President, Vicente Fox, on the occasion of his visit to Michigan and to thank him for his continued efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between our great countries. President Fox's visit is a sign of the strong cultural and economic connection shared with America. Today, Michigan is called home by many Hispanics of Mexican descent. The result is a significant cultural bond that connects Mexico and Michigan. Mexico is considered a partner, neighbor, and a friend to Michigan. President Fox's commitment to strengthening these ties is deep and far reaching. His dedication to upholding the integrity and principles of Mexico, and his continued work on behalf of the people in Michigan, are testaments to his strength of character. President Fox's visit to Michigan's state capitol will undoubtedly further the state's relationship with Mexico and continued economic integration. Mexico can be considered more than a friend, rather a partner in building a more democratically prosperous state. His visit to the state of Michigan is just a glimpse of many good things to come; Mexico and Michigan will continue to work together to enhance our common prosperity. Mr. Speaker, President Fox is a Mexican patriot with a great vision for his country. His vision extends to the people of Michigan so that they may share equally in prosperity. He has given selflessly of himself to better his country, and has shown equal enthusiasm in bettering his relationship with the great state of Michigan. President Fox has truly earned the respect and admiration of all those who know him.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Bohn Musgrave, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 31, 2004. Mr. Musgrave was born in 1904 in a log cabin in Michigan's rural Upper Peninsula. After graduating from high school and attending Central Michigan University, he taught in a two-room country school and then worked as a principal in the Sebawing School District. Following his marriage to wife Doris in 1926 and the birth of his two children, Bohn earned a degree in Agriculture from Michigan State University and worked as an Agricultural Agent for Kalkaska and Mecosta Counties. In 1954, Mr. Musgrove relocated to the Lansing area and worked as a supervisor in the Michigan State University Extension Service until his retirement in 1969. Even after leaving the workforce and surviving a bout with bone cancer in his right leg, Bohn stayed active, traveling the world with Doris, visiting all 50 states and 41 countries. After his wife's death in 1988, Bohn took on the role of family historian, compiling and self- publishing five books of poems, personal anecdotes, and memories for his family and close friends. His fondness of history and love of Michigan led him to contribute heavily to A History of Columbus Township, published in 2000, and to an oral history compiled by Michigan State University about the logging industry. Ever eager to impress upon young minds the significance of days past, he has visited elementary schools in the Lansing area to share his knowledge of the history of the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Musgrave is also a charter member of Haslett Community Church, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Mr. Speaker, Bohn Musgrave has been a devoted father and dedicated worker. He is a master storyteller, poet, and artist. Today, he still resides in Haslett, Michigan. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Bohn Musgrave's 100th birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, recently, a poem was given to me in fond memory of Sergeant Lewis (Louie) Annear of the 9th Infantry Division, I ask these moving words be included in the Record: Last night I had a vision tho my mind was quite awake; A vision born of sadness, of memories I could not shake. In retrospect the years passed by, and uncasing life's review; A boy I loved sat my side, his life I lived anew. I saw him as a baby, I held him in my arms; I prayed the good ALL Father to keep him safe from harm. I saw him as a tow-head, his blond hair all awry. His blue eyes kind and gentle, and heard his happy cry. I saw him fishing on the lake when first he learned to cast; I saw him land his first great fish as whitecaps hurried past. I saw him on the football field, elusive as a ghost. His shifting hips and racing feet seemed to fairly float. I saw him in the house of God, devout, sincere and true; I think the angels gathered there when he was passing through. I saw him in his much loved home alive and always kind; The family sort of worshipful when he was on their mind. I saw him in the workshop when soil begrimed his hand; But, even grandeur proclaimed him every bit a man. I saw him in his uniform when he heard his country's call And despairing of God's mercy, I saw him in his fall. I followed him from ship to beach on Africa's dark shore; I lived with him at Kasserine Pass, Bizerte and far more. I saw his wound and felt his pain when he wrote of how they fought; And prayed to God they would send him home, that was my only thought. I saw my prayers unanswered as from England came the word; This soldier boy was listed for D-Day's most dangerous work. I lived with him for D-Day, felt suspense and honest fear; For only fools, not angels, sought then to give us cheer. Then came the fateful hour, the supreme test was at hand; Poised on the foremost troop ship, I saw him proudly stand. I saw his well trained muscles, twitching there beneath his gear; But, his head was high, his eyes were clear, he was master of all fear. I saw the sea as it tossed on high and heard the grinding waves; And then the roar of guns, and bombs, as night gave way to day. I saw him land, one of the first, his face was to the front; And I prayed to God to save this boy who was always moving up. I lived with him again, those days when death rode every wave; Scant rest or food, just fighting on, for us our homes to save. For days on end, I trudged with him, my mind, his body torn; He would not stop, from dawn to dusk, and yet on until morn. I felt despair, I was sick at heart, it seemed no God or man; Could ask so much of just a boy nor wield such a high command. And when at last he came to rest, it seemed a welcome lair; On foreign soil, at break of day, I saw him lying there. The command to halt had come at last, sweet peace and rest were his; And then I took my weary soul and stole into the mist. My soul seemed dead, my mind a blank, I could not reason why; So great a task was asked of him, or why he had to die. For days I pondered, lost in doubt, just a asking why; And, then at last, the mist broke out, again I saw the sky. I saw the face of God look down, His staff was raised on high; And at His side, with hand in hand, I saw our soldier boy. And there my soul worn vision found its answer as to why; This soldier boy of ours had lived and why he had to die. His life had been all goodness, and glorious his deed; God too, has use for soldiers, very special are His needs. Tis the good who die to glory, and for us left here behind; their noble lives remind us we too should be their kind. The light he burned so brightly, in home or far afield; Will light our steps upward in God's commanded zeal. Encouraged by his example, strengthened by his unfaltering faith, We too may leave the battle, to rest in God's grace. And, so my vision ended, with God and Louie, too; I now resume my journey, as he would have me do. So Mr. Speaker it is my honor to rise to recognize Staff Sergeant Lewis Annear for his service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice to our great country. As we dedicate the new National World War II Memorial, I call on my colleagues to join with me in recognizing this brave American as he gave his life to ensure the freedom that America enjoys today.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize MARO Employment and Training Association. This organization will be celebrating thirty years of community service in June 2004. MARO Employment and Training Association represents 60 not-for-profit community organizations, providing vocational training, employment and support services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment and community access. MARO Employment and Training Association assists members by sharing information with community organizations regarding how to serve people with a number of varying disabilities. The group works on both the state and federal level to increase opportunities for people with barriers to employment. Members are offered affordable Workers' Compensation Insurance and prescription drug coverage through self- insured programs as well an array of networking opportunities. MARO Employment and Training Association works together with the Michigan Community Mental Health agencies, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Works! agencies, the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan Commission for the Blind, and with local schools. MARO Employment and Training Association provides a critically important service. The work the organization does is respected throughout the state and it has proven to be a great asset in Michigan for 30 years. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing MARO Employment and Training Association for the service and opportunities the organization has provided for Michigan citizens.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize the outstanding success of the third Annual Mid-Michigan National Dance Week. National Dance Week is a wonderful opportunity for the children in Michigan's Eighth District as it encourages their cultural growth and promotes their physical well-being. In late April, over 450 mid-Michigan dancers representing 16 dance, gymnastics and performing arts studios delighted over 3,000 spectators who enjoyed a weekend filled with free, family-oriented entertainment. Over the past 23 years, National Dance Week has actively encouraged the growth of dance in America. Today, National Dance Week is providing an opportunity for many young Michiganders to learn about the cultural and artistic expression of dance. Mr. Speaker, National Dance Week is broadening the horizons and opening doors for many of mid-Michigan's most talented dancers. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the success of National Dance Week 2004 and to wish continued success to National Dance Week this year and beyond.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of Brent Bair for being named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA). ITSA is a not-for-profit organization established in 1991 to coordinate the development and deployment of transportation-related technologies in the United States. Mr. Bair was named ITSA Board Chairman at the ITSA annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, Bair served as vice-chairman of the board and has served as a board member since 2001. Mr. Bair has also served as chairman of the Congressional ITS Caucus Advisory Committee and is a board member and former president of the Intelligent Transportation Society of Michigan. As an ardent supporter of Intelligent Transportation Systems, Mr. Bair brought the FAST-TRAC system to more than 600 intersections in Oakland County, Michigan. The FAST-TRAC system uses video cameras to detect vehicles approaching an intersection and computers determine, in real time, the most efficient timing for the traffic signals at that intersection. Because of Mr. Bair's vision for the future, the Road Commission for Oakland County now operates the largest system of adaptive traffic signals in the nation and the largest deployment of video imaging for traffic management in the world. Mr. Speaker, Brent Bair has served the people of Oakland County with distinction and I am confident his abilities will serve all Americans as chairman of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the appointment of Mr. Bair and to thank him for his service to the people of Michigan.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Monday, May 17, 2004, the House had votes on H. Con. Res. 420, H. Con. Res. 423 and H. Con. Res. 403. On House roll call votes #177, #178 and #179, I was unavoidably detained at the airport. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Heidi Capraro, of Hillside Middle School in Northville, who was chosen as Michigan's Teacher of the Year for 2004-2005. Mrs. Capraro has shown extraordinary commitment to her students and her profession over the past 14 years. Mrs. Capraro's enthusiasm and patience have made her a favorite among her students, and a well-respected teacher among her peers. She is an engaging instructor known for incorporating hands-on learning as a key element of her science curricula. Her willingness to devote extra time and attention to her classes repeatedly leads to academic and personal successes among her pupils. In addition to being a conscientious and competent educator, Mrs. Capraro is a dedicated mentor and role model for the students of Hillside Middle School. She is held in high esteem not only among her colleagues, but by parents and students as well, and her influence carries on long after her students leave the sixth grade. On behalf of my constituents of Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Heidi Capraro for this well-deserved honor, Michigan's Teacher of the Year.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a constituent in Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, Ms. Peg Bostwick. Ms. Bostwick has served the State of Michigan for the past 15 years as the 404 Federal Program Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). During her time at the Michigan DEQ, Ms. Bostwick has been a tireless advocate for wetlands protection and funding for wetlands research. On Thursday, May 20, 2004, Ms. Bostwick will be honored for her work by the Environmental Law Institute as a part of the 2004 Wetlands Awards. As the recipient of the award for State, Tribal and Local Development, Ms. Bostwick is being honored in Washington, DC for the outstanding work she has done on behalf of all of us in Michigan. Peg Bostwick's work on behalf of the State of Michigan has been extensive. She is a knowledgeable leader on wetlands issues, working to ensure that science and government policy work together to promote a healthy environment. Mr. Speaker, Peg Bostwick has committed herself to bettering Michigan's environment. I can think of no greater compliment to her than to say that Michigan's environment is better off because of her efforts.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, May 6, 2004, the House had a vote on H. Res. 402, a resolution urging the Lao People's Democratic Republic to provide unrestricted access to Laos for international election monitors and humanitarian aid workers. On House rollcall vote #149, 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 to recognize Bill Cecil, of Waverly Intermediate School in Lansing, who was chosen as Michigan's Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004. For the past 16 years, Mr. Cecil has been a dedicated and passionate educator and mentor for his students. Mr. Cecil created the ``Best Year Ever'' program as a means of getting his students excited about the challenges and opportunities of a new school year. The program places an emphasis on working together as a team to achieve common goals, while stressing the importance of attitude, effort and attendance. Additionally, Mr. Cecil is a strong advocate of parental involvement in a child's success, and he encourages such participation within his classroom. Mr. Cecil's positive attitude and tireless dedication to making a difference in the lives of his students makes him an ideal selection for Michigan's Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and creativity make him a model of success for students, parents and teachers across the country. On behalf of my constituents of Michigan's Eighth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Bill Cecil for this well-deserved honor, Michigan's Teacher of the Year.