Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I congratulate the chairman of the committee for a fine job on a fine bill for the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the United States military. I stand here as a friend of Turkey. I stand here as someone who looks to a strong relationship with Turkey in the years to come. I also stand here as a strong proponent of the Cunningham amendment. I met Mr. Erdogan the weekend before he was to be elected. We talked to some of his top leaders and advisers, ministerial-level officials in the new government. We came to a conclusion when we were getting ready to leave that it was probably in the best interest, and maybe in the next 10 or 15 or 12 days there would be a vote and they would push for a vote, understanding the very clear consequence that if they did not do this vote, we believed and we believe today there will be more American casualties on the battlefield and more Iraqi citizens killed. Instead of standing up and showing leadership in those 10 days, they decided to ride that wave of populism and avoid that vote. They had their chance to make a difference in this debate. Leadership would have solved this problem, and I understand they are a new government. I understand they have challenges with their IMF requirements, and they have challenges they need to meet in reforming their economy, and I understand that they have a struggling economy like our own. But it is a concern to me that this money is in this bill at this time. This is a wartime supplemental. Our chairman graciously stood up earlier and said let us keep these troops in our thoughts and our prayers, and I was humbled by that. This bill is for the very brave patriots who fight for America today, and by no means should we underestimate what the Turkish decision by a democracy, who are still friends, but let us not underestimate what that decision did; it cost us more money, more time, and more American lives. I find it offensive that we would put this money in this bill today on this floor. This is not the time nor is it the place to be debating the Turkey financial future or IMF or economic reform, or the fact that they helped us 50 years ago. Let us send a message to this new government that we are their friends, but there are consequences to being a part of democracy. I met with the Ambassador to Turkey yesterday who said this money ``is not anything that they asked for,'' quote/unquote; that the money has nothing to do with any of the previous arrangements made on humanitarian aid supply, resupply or flyover, no bearing whatsoever. This has nothing, quote/unquote, to do with the war. A State Department senior official said yesterday that Powell's visit did not get any new agreements, it reinforced old agreements with Turkey. Let us not get confused by the things that we will hear on this floor or by the letters that we receive. This is about old agreements and old relationships that we should value as allies. This should not be about a new billion dollars at a time when we have soldiers dying on the battlefield as a result of their decision. Let us remind our friends in Turkey that they are allies of ours and they will continue to be, and even democracies can have differences; but sometimes there is a cost and a consequence to a decision to turn your back at a very critical time. This is not about a trade agreement or a company that got its privileges taken away in a copyright violation. This decision cost American lives. Let us stand up today and let them remember that. They are going to continue to be our friends, and I am going to continue to be a supporter from Turkey. But I want them to understand that we can never tie these issues together. Some of this money will be used to bring home our dead. The fact that we are allowing this money to be in this bill is wrong. I would ask Members to stand up today and support the Cunningham amendment and let us save Turkey economic development for another day.

Mr. MIKE ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. MIKE ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Thursday, March 20, 2003, the House voted on H. Con. Res. 104, expressing support and appreciation for our Armed Forces and the President participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On House rollcall vote No. 83, 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 congratulate FBI Agent John Larsen on being named the U.S. Marshals Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. His dedication and desire to work for the cause of justice is a model for all law enforcement officers. Agent Larsen was a key figure in the prosecution of Robert Burke. Burke was convicted of supplying the handcuff key to Jeffery Erickson, who ultimately used it to escape confinement and murder Deputy U.S. Marshal Roy Frakes and Court Security Officer Harry Belloumini in 1992. For the past ten years, Agent Larsen has worked tirelessly to uncover evidence for this case that may never have been found otherwise. Agent Larsen first located Mr. Burke in Ireland, and then helped facilitate his extradition back to the United States on charges of perjury. He then oversaw over 180 witness interviews, most of which were with imnates, being asked to recall conversations that had taken place over a decade ago. Having nothing to offer some of these witnesses for their testimony, Agent Larsen had to implore upon their sense of decency to bring some closure to the family and the United States Marshals Service. Through perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to justice, Agent Larsen was a crucial factor in bringing an emotional case to a close. Mr. Speaker, John Larsen's record of service and the fruits of his labor speak for themselves. Earning the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award from the U.S. Marshals is a well-deserved token of the respect that is due him for his efforts. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to see justice carried out.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Clear Lake Elementary School for being named a Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School. This award is given to those elementary schools that exemplify educational excellence. It is designed to identify and give public recognition to outstanding schools that achieve high academic standards, to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness, and to communicate best practices for educational success among Michigan schools. Through hard work and dedication, Clear Lake Elementary has met the criteria for this award. It is committed to instilling, ``Competence, Confidence, and Character'' in all students. Through partnerships with parents, encouragement of critical thinking and cooperation, and character education, the staff at Clear Lake Elementary provides these excellent educational principles. Mr. Speaker, Clear Lake Elementary is to be recognized for earning the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Award. They are an example of the tremendous potential elementary schools have to make a difference in the lives of their students. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the teachers and administration at Clear Lake Elementary for their commitment to excellence and their desire to provide students with a high-quality education. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them good fortune in the future.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Court Security Officer (CSO) Charles J. Todd for his quick thinking and courage in his recent arrest of a wanted criminal. His quick actions have earned him the U.S. Marshal's CSO of the Year Award. On July 9, 2002, a violent homicide was committed in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Three suspects were charged in the homicide and two were arrested immediately. The third suspect, Francis Kelly, remained at large. On July 12, CSO Todd viewed a wanted poster for the third suspect at the beginning of his shift. Later that day, Todd observed an individual who met Kelly's description, as the subject was walking toward him down a street with heavy pedestrian traffic. CSO Todd used a ruse to get the subject to identify himself and then detained him until back-up units arrived. CSO Todd's attention to detail and dedication to duty and bravery deprived Francis Kelly the opportunity to kill again. CSO Todd's actions were not only a positive reflection on himself and the Court Security Officer program, but also on the United States Marshals Service. Mr. Speaker, CSO Todd has clearly displayed his bravery and sense of duty in this action. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to see justice carried out. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him good fortune in his new position as Site Supervisor with the CSO contracting firm.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's finest public servants, and my good friend, Mr. Christopher C. Cox. Chris, who recently departed as my Chief of Staff in order to serve President George W. Bush, exemplifies the finest qualities of the men and women who serve the members of this legislative body. Chris is a man of great integrity, loyalty, intellect, and is dedicated to the best interests of the United States. It is this selfless service to his government that sets Chris apart from others in his generation. Turning down the lucrative practice of law following his graduation from the University of Illinois School of Law, Chris came to Capitol Hill to be a participant, rather than a mere spectator, in our democracy. During his service on the Hill, Chris has been a tireless advocate for common-sense conservative government and a key player in the effort to maintain a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. In addition to serving as a trusted advisor to my staff and I, Chris honorably served Congressmen Robin Hayes, Saxby Chambliss and Mac Collins. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in wishing Chris well in his new capacity as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, and to thank Chris for his years of service in the people's House.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Carpenter Elementary School for being named a Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School. This award is given to those elementary schools that exemplify educational excellence. It is designed to identify and give public recognition to outstanding schools that achieve high academic standards, to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness, and to communicate best practices for educational success among Michigan schools. Through hard work and dedication, Carpenter Elementary has met those criteria. It provides year-round education for its students, and even holds, ``intercessions,'' which are optional five day theme-based learning experiences made available during vacation periods. By using this format, the school reduces time spent in review, enhances student retention of learning, and improves student and staff attitude and attendance. Mr. Speaker, Carpenter Elementary School is to be recognized for earning the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Award. They are an example of the tremendous potential elementary schools have to make a difference in the lives of their students. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the teachers and administration at Carpenter Elementary School for their commitment to excellence and their desire to provide students with a high-quality education. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them good fortune in the future.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Dave Camp and I rise today to honor the service of the men and women of the 144th Military Police Company from Owosso, MI, who spent the past year defending the Pentagon. The 144th has a proud history of service in time of need. In 1990-91, the unit was activated and sent to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, where it operated a holding camp for Iraqi prisoners of war. Numerous members of the unit have volunteered to serve at Michigan airports, border crossings, the Bioport facility in Lansing. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the effort of these soldiers has kept safe the command center for America's fighting men and women, and the heart of our national defense operations. These soldiers have sacrificed much for their country, putting their lives on hold to serve America. Today, as our Nation engages in a war on terrorism, these men and women are role models for their fellow citizens as they stand in defense of our nation and the free world. Their devotion and commitment to their country and to the state of Michigan have earned them great respect. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in extending our gratitude to the fine men and women of the 144th Military Police Company. We are honored to recognize their service.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michigan State Senator Mike Bishop on earning the 2003 Credit Union National Association's National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. His dedication and desire to work for the improvement of our state is a model for all state legislators. Senator Bishop is a 1989 graduate of the University of Michigan and a 1993 graduate of the Detroit College of Law. He is a practicing attorney for Booth & Patterson, P.C., a licensed real estate broker and president/owner of Freedom Realty, Inc., and Pro Management, Inc. Senator Bishop served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, and now serves as Assistant Majority Leader while representing Michigan's 12th district in the Michigan State Senate. The National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award was bestowed upon Senator Bishop for his sponsorship of HB 5327, a bill designed to promote financial education in grades K-12. With hard work and determination, then-Representative Bishop promoted this bill in such a way that it was passed by both the House and the Senate, with only one dissenting vote in the House and none in the Senate. Senator Bishop's legislation, now law, will help ensure that children will be educated in financial responsibility, and as a result will be better prepared for life. Mr. Speaker, Senator Bishop's record of service and the fruits of his labor speak for themselves. He has served the state of Michigan well, and has done much to provide for its future. This award is a well- deserved token of the respect that is due him for his efforts. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join with me in thanking him for his commitment to excellence and his desire to benefit others through public service. I would also like to ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him good fortune in his new role as a State Senator.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Major General E. Gordon Stump who is retiring as the Adjutant General of Michigan and Director of the Department of Military Affairs for Michigan. General Stump's distinguished military career and his leadership skills led to his appointment by Governor John Engler as Adjutant General and Director of Military Affairs in 1991. He has commanded the 150 units of the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan Air National Guard, as well as directed two veterans' nursing homes and administered grants to a dozen veterans' service organizations. Decorated many times for his service, General Stump served his nation with valor in the Vietnam War, in South Korea during the U.S.S. Pueblo crisis, and in various assignments throughout his more than 37 years of active and reserve duty. Today, as America engages in a war on terrorism, General Stump is a role model for the young men and women around the globe who stand in harms way, defending our nation and the free world. General Stump's devotion and commitment to this nation and the state of Michigan, and his leadership of the men and women of Michigan's National Guard and Air National Guard, and his service to the state's veterans organizations have earned him great respect. On February 15, 2003, General Stump and his wife, Marie, will be honored by family, friends, associates, and Michigan leaders at a special farewell reception and dinner in East Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Speaker, we wish to extend congratulations to General E. Gordon Stump on the occasion of his retirement. We are honored to recognize his many accomplishments and ask that our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join in recognizing his very worthy achievements.

Mr. MIKE ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. MIKE ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, in 2001, more than 5.8 million cubic yards of foreign municipal waste was imported to the State of Michigan, with the citizens of the State having no say in the process. The citizens of Michigan have made it clear: they want the power to regulate incoming foreign waste. Through their elected officials, Michigan citizens have attempted to gain some control of the importation of municipal waste to Michigan. Each time though, these legislative actions have been deemed unconstitutional in court, as states have not been granted the necessary authority by Congress. The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 is designed to give every state the authority to prohibit or limit the influx of foreign municipal waste through state legislative action. A Supreme Court decision in 1978, City of Philadelphia v. New Jersey, struck down a New Jersey statue which prohibited the importation of most out of state municipal waste, partially on the basis that the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, had no ``clear and manifest purpose of Congress to preempt the entire field of interstate waste, either by express statutory command, or by implicit legislative design.'' The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 would amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that express statutory command. Northeast Bancorp v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 472 U.S. 159, 174 (1985) said ``When Congress so chooses, state actions which it plainly authorizes are invulnerable to constitutional attack under the Commerce Clause.'' The Solid Waste International Transportation Act of 2003 would be a plain authorization of the state's authority to prohibit or limit incoming foreign municipal waste. Every State in this Nation should have the ability to regulate the influx of foreign municipal waste. If a State wants to prohibit the importation of foreign waste, they aught to have that power. If a State wants to import large amounts of foreign waste, they aught to have that power. Or if a State wants to restrict the importation of foreign municipal waste, they aught to have that power too. Through their elected representatives, let's give the citizens of their respective States a say in the importation of foreign municipal waste.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Jim and Sue Wheeler of East Lansing, Michigan, who were chosen as the 2002 8th Congressional Angels in Adoption honorees. Jim and Sue Wheeler's personal dedication to raising 10 children, several of them adopted, makes them deserving of our respect and admiration. Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute honors families or organizations who have shown a real commitment to improving the lives of children through adoption. Jim and Sue Wheeler are the role model for families who care about children. Their long-range impact on this nation will be felt for decades and generations to come and I was honored to sponsor them for recognition as Angels in Adoption. The Wheelers are among 140 honorees from the 50 states who were recognized at special ceremonies in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. Jim and Sue Wheeler married in 1984. She was a professor at Michigan State University. ``We had an `ours-mine-yours' relationship,'' Jim told us. He had two children from a previous marriage and Sue had a daughter from a first marriage. Then they had a child together in 1986 and thought they were through. But the Wheelers decided they would like to have a larger family and thought maybe there were children out there who needed a home. Since then Jim and Sue have had six more children by adoption through Catholic Social Service of Lansing/St. Vincent Home. Their diverse family of 10 children now represents three races! Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this very special couple and their family. They are truly deserving of our respect and admiration.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished FBI agent from the Bureau's Detroit Division on the occasion of his retirement. On June 28, 1971 Louis Paul Russo entered on duty as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On October 1, 1971 SA Russo reported to the Detroit Division. Director J. Edgar Hoover transferred SAA Russo from Detroit, to the Lansing Resident Agency beginning January 11, 1972. On December 21, 1972 SA Russo was transferred to the Cincinnati Division. SA Russo served in Cincinnati for over 16 years before he was reassigned to Detroit arriving on October 2, 1989. SA Russo successfully worked a broad spectrum of cases including, Bank Robberies, Civil Rights, Auto Theft, Labor Violations, Fugitives, Counter Intelligence, and Organized Crime. Agent Russo spent his entire career as what is commonly called a ``street agent.'' Street agents are the agents that solve the cases, make our neighborhoods safe, and protect these United States from our enemies; foreign and domestic, all at a great personal sacrifice to themselves and their families. I am aware from Agent Russo's co-workers that right up to his last days ``on the rolls'', Special Agent Russo came to work early, poured over his files, ``hit the streets'' and got the job done. After September 11, 2001 SA Russo, while attending to his other cases, enthusiastically reengineered himself to transition with the Bureau in their new focus on the investigation of Terrorism, all with more energy and sense of purpose than most agents 30 years younger than he. I have heard him affectionately referred to as a ``one man squad''. Agent Russo was always going above and beyond. I am aware of an instance where Agents on the organized crime squad in Detroit where assigned to fan out across the Motor City looking for evidence of construction equipment thefts that had allegedly occurred many years earlier; all to verify the credibility of a witness. They were only looking for evidence that such thefts had been reported; so many years had gone by, any leads were certain to be cold. The agents one by one returned at the end of the day with the various proofs that these pieces of equipment had in fact been reported stolen. Agent Russo also came back to the office with police reports to verify the long ago reported thefts and with a backhoe and other heavy equipment in tow, he had not only verified the thefts, he had recovered the stolen property. SA Russo has received letters of commendation from every Director that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has ever had. SA Russo consistently received top job performance reviews and he has garnered many letters of appreciation from Assistant United states Attorneys. Most importantly, SA Russo has earned and kept the respect of every agent he has ever served with. He has diligently protected the citizens of the great State of Michigan and the citizens of this great nation with enthusiasm, dedication and pride. Special Agent Russo exemplifies the finest traditions of the FBI and of the Bureau's motto of ``Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity''. His efforts and his example have made the FBI the enduring and honorable institution that it is. He will be missed when he retires December 31, 2002, having served for over 31 years as a Special Agent. From this former Special Agent, on behalf of the State of Michigan and this Nation; thank you, Louis Paul Russo.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Blood of the Martyrs--Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive and its sponsors, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, the American National Red Cross, and the National Black Catholic Congress. This very important blood drive will take place from January 15-22, 2003 as part of National Blood Donor Month. The Second Annual Blood of the Martyrs--Martin Luther King, Jr. blood drive in 2002 was met with a response of nearly 650 donors, who donated a total of 520 pints. These pints provided a supply of 2,080 blood units to be used for patients needs. I offer heartfelt thanks to all those who gave last year and contributed to this wonderful turnout. The goal for this year's drive is 1205 productive units of blood which will result in blood supplies for nearly 5000 people. I encourage everyone who is able to donate blood, to do so for this worthy cause-- it may be you who saves a life! Mr. Speaker, at this time in our Nation's History, when our President is encouraging all Americans to serve a purpose greater than themselves, when we must rely on our neighbors, I can think of a few ways to better serve our fellow Americans than by giving the gift of life, by donating blood.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, just a few short weeks ago, I believed the President's focus on unilateral U.S. action raised more questions than it answered. Chief among my concerns were issues such as international support, the existence of a clear and present danger to the United States, conditions for maximizing success and minimizing casualties, and the effect of unilateral action of Middle East stability. I was pleased to see the President listen to these concerns, work closely with the Congress, and produce the bipartisan resolution currently under debate in the House. One thing is clear, the strength of our Republic, our commitment to debate, democracy and freedom is as strong today as in any time in our Nation's history. Like most Americans, I have wrestled with the question of how to neutralize the threat of Saddam Hussein. During my travels in Michigan, thousands of constituents have shared their concerns about a unilateral and full-scale American invasion of Iraq. In fact, I continue to share those very concerns. This week, I will cast the toughest vote of my time in public service--a vote that may commit American men and women to a war against Iraq and its brutal dictator. This is a war in which lives surely will be lost. The first time I faced such a tough decision was in giving the President authority to send troops into Afghanistan to hunt down the terrorist who attacked our Nation on September 11, 2001. As we all are learning, the face of war is changing. Formal declarations of war by our enemies are going the way of trench warfare and cavalry charges--relics of a different era. The resolution currently before Congress reflects that changing reality. Today's enemies do not distinguish between civilian and military targets. Today's enemies are just as likely to use chemical and biological weapons as bullets and bombs. These are the very real threats posed by modern enemies that do not allow us to wait for an attack of catastrophic proportions. Going to war, however, requires more than recognizing the threat. It is the immediacy of these threats that pose a clear and present danger to U.S. citizens. This was underscored in my recent briefings at the White House with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, CIA Director George Tenet, and other military intelligence and foreign policy experts. Their information, some of it classified, reinforced the very real threat Saddam poses with nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and his willingness to use them. Even against the United States. A great deal of soul searching has gone into the process that began with talk about the U.S. attacking Iraq and has now come to an agreement on four very important points: (1) Multilateral Action. Last month, after returning from a Middle East trip, it was absolutely clear that Saddam's neighbors who know him best, fear him deeply and would shed few tears if he were removed from power. However, the region's leaders, especially Saudi Arabia, were concerned about the fragile future of the Middle East. They want Saddam removed, but through a strong alliance, not one-on-one, America versus Saddam. This bipartisan congressional resolution authorizes President Bush to ``obtain prompt and decisive action'' by the United Nations Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of ``delay, evasion and noncompliance'' with all relevant international resolutions. (2) Force As Last Resort. The Bush administration and our allies must exhaust all diplomatic efforts before resorting to armed force in Iraq. The resolution provides that President Bush must certify to Congress, before any military strike, if feasible, or within 48 hours of a U.S. attack, that diplomatic and other peaceful means alone are inadequate to protect Americans from Saddam's weapons of mass destruction. If America must go to war against a regime that threatens our lives, it will not happen until all other possible solutions have been exhausted. (3) Congressional Oversight. In addition to the certification to Congress before a military strike, this resolution requires President Bush to report to Congress every 60 days on ``matters relevant'' to the confrontation with Iraq. (4) Retaining American Sovereignty. While the resolution authorizes the United States to work through a U.N. Security Council resolution, no American sovereignty is forfeited. If all efforts fail and the national security of the United States is under direct threat by Iraq, the resolution authorizes the President to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines ``necessary and proper'' in order to defend America. God Bless America!

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Financial Services be permitted to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 5400, agreement between United States and Mexico concerning establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North American Development Bank, and for other purposes.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Rev. Donald F. DeVos, president of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), who peacefully left this world on Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2002. Don dedicated his life to serving the least, the last, and the lost. I witnessed this firsthand as late as March of this year when I met with Don in my office. He was here in Washington, 81 years old, resplendent in his attire, walking the marble halls of Congress strongly advocating on behalf of Michigan's at-risk and abused youth. Don brought tremendous vision, leadership, grace and love to his work. He came to the Mission in 1990 to just ``help out'' and two years later he became the organization's president. When Don arrived, the Mission quietly operated on a small budget, with few facilities, and a narrow focus in the city. Under Don's strong leadership, the Mission expanded its services and has become the largest provider to the homeless and addicted in southeast Michigan. In 1998, Don DeVos was awarded Executive of the Year by United Way Community Services. A year earlier, the City of Detroit awarded the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Agency of the Year. Today, the Mission has an $8 million budget, operates facilities in 18 locations throughout the Metro area, including Highland Park and Howell. The Mission successfully transforms the lives of gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes, juvenile offenders, and the homeless with time- tested, cost-effective programs, and through the power of the Living Gospel. The Mission's programs, which include drug treatment, transitional housing, education, job training, and youth assistance, have a combined success rate of 77 percent. Don would often say that his most satisfying moments came when he would meet someone who held out his or her hand and said, ``Mr. DeVos, I went through your program and it changed my life!'' It occurred at his favorite lunch spot, Mario's restaurant; on the street outside his office on the notorious Cass Corridor; even the doorman to Don's apartment building was once a Mission resident. This is Don's legacy. While Don's energy and inspiration came from above, the person who gave him daily encouragement and strength was his beloved wife, Betty, who passed away last year. Losing his life-long partner was difficult for Don. Now they are together again. Don was a graduate of Union High School in Grand Rapids. After graduating in 1942 from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago he served in the U.S. Navy. Beginning in 1944, Don worked with Christian leaders throughout the world, including the Rev. Billy Graham, to found Youth for Christ International and to direct public relations for other faith-based international organizations, including World Vision and Global Concern. Before coming to the Mission, he founded a long-term residential treatment program in Texas for young substance abusers that has changed the lives of thousands of boys and girls. In Don's office hangs a beautiful motto that reads, ``The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.'' The greatest thing I can say about Don is that he lived every day of his life by this sacred promise. Don DeVos died one year, one month, and one day after his beloved wife, Betty.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the appeal on the table.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Amanda Davio and her classmates at St. Martha Catholic School in Okemos, Michigan, for their special efforts to thank the thousands of volunteers and emergency workers who responded to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon here in Washington, D.C. Last year, soon after those tragic attacks, I asked children throughout Michigan's 8th Congressional District to write letters and cards to the military men and women who were preparing for the war against terrorism. St. Martha students responded to that request along with hundreds of other students. Several of the schools, like St. Martha and Amanda Davio's kindergarten class, also sent along letters and cards for the workers at the attack sites. These were forwarded to the Red Cross and eventually Amanda's card made it into the hands of New York City Police Officer Steve Tarricone. Officer Tarricone contacted the school, eventually traveled there to meet the students, especially Amanda, whose greeting has inspired him at a time when his spirits were very low. Since then, the Davio family has visited New York and the two families have become good friends, developing a special bond born out of the shared experience of dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The remarkable story of this new friendship is best told in the words of Amanda's father, Christopher Davio who wrote: With the approach of the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I'd like to relate an upl-fting side to the story and how, out of such horrific happenings; blessings and new relationships can grow. Shortly after 09/11/01, U.S. Representative Mike Rogers sent out a request to the school children of his district to write cards and letters to the rescue workers at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. My daughters' school, St. Martha Catholic School in Okemos, like I'm sure many other schools in the area, answered the call and each class composed cards, which were delivered to Mr. Rogers for forwarding to the workers. The cards followed a circuitous route and my daughter Amanda Davio's (age 5 and in Kindergarten at the time) card ended up posted in a Red Cross tent at the Staten Island Landfill, along with hundreds of other cards and notes. There in early March of this year, the construction paper card caught the eye of an NYPD officer, Steven Tarricone. The card, with a 5 year olds rendition of the American Flag and the words ``Thank You'' on the cover had a simple but profound message inside, ``You Make Me Feel Proud.'' Officer Torricone saw that the card, signed Amanda Davio, was stamped with the school's name and address on the back and wishing to express his gratitude for the support and comfort that the card and all the other cards and notes had given him, placed it in his pocket and took it home. Steve showed the card to his wife and his partner. He had to put in long days and was drawing extra shifts while the city still struggled with the aftermath of the devastating attack. After a few weeks, he put together a package and sent it to the St. Martha School. Inside the package was a thank you card in which he wrote a little about himself and his job. He described the day he found Amanda's card, he was assigned to the Staten Island Landfill and as he said, ``My job for the day was to sift through the debris to try to find anything that would bring closure to the family members of victims of the World Trade Center.'' He thanked Amanda, her classmates and the staff at St. Martha School for their support and for taking the time out of their day to thank all the rescue workers. Steve included in the package five pictures he took on the days immediately following the disaster and took the time to describe on the back of each picture what was shown. He also sent along an NYPD cap, arm patch and ID cards with the request that they be given to Amanda. Mrs. Helen Hillman, Principal of St. Martha, related to me how moved she was as she opened the package and after discussing the contents with other staff members, Amanda's teacher, Kara Lampke, suggested she present the items to Amanda at the upcoming spring program that the school children were to perform the next week. When next she saw me at the school, Mrs. Hillman told me to be sure and have my camera ready at the end of the program as Amanda was going to be presented with something. Being the proud parent that we are, my wife and I videoed and photographed throughout the show and when the time came for Mrs. Hillman to present the items and relate the story, sat there stunned by the thoughtfulness of Steve's reply. For him to express his gratitude in such a way and to know that someone took the time to show all the children how important their support was to the workers and victims of September 11 was one of the most significant events in my life. A few days later, Officer Tarricone called the school to see if they had received the package and talked to Mrs. Hillman at length about what the cards had meant to him and other workers at the sites. He said he was amazed at the outpouring of support shown by the entire county and was moved by the fact that Amanda's card had come from a kindergarten from halfway across the county. My wife and I began to put together a few things to send back to Officer Tarricone and his family and after videoing greetings from Amanda and her sister Angela (8) and Alissa (14), included the tape of the presentation and the school program along with other cards, photos and expressions of thanks. When Steve got that package, he called to share his excitement with us and told ``in the past 24 hours, I've watched the tape at least 25 times.'' He had shown it to his mother and sister and they were all so happy about our reaction to his reply. We kept in contact over the next few weeks and Steve told us that he had gone to the Policemen's Benevolent Association for permission to have Amanda named an Honorary NYPD Officer. After receiving permission, he had a plaque made and sent it along with more photos, commemorative pins and the arm patches from each of the units of the NYPD to Amanda. In the meantime, Mrs. Hillman called our local papers and news outlets and a story was run on the front page of the Community News as well as a news segment on WLAJ which was aired as a local connection to the official closing of the clean up effort at Ground Zero. Since then, Mrs. Hillman has traveled to New York on a trip that she had planned long before all this developed. Steve met her at the airport with a red rose and welcomed her and her a red rose and welcomed her and her family. He arranged a visit to police headquarters and Ground Zero for all of them. We took our family to New York at the end of August to meet Steve and his family (wife Michelle and daughter Ashley). Upon our arrival at a nearby hotel Wednesday, August 28, we called Steve and he immediately came to meet us. Greeting him for the first time was like seeing a close family member after a long absence. Amanda ran into his arms and the smiles lit up the whole lobby of the hotel. Steve took us to his house and we met Michelle and Ashley. Steve had a shirt made for Amanda in the style of his uniform, complete with her name and honorary badge number as well as NYPD arm patches and badge insignia. We saw Steve again the next day at his house and met with a reporter and photographer from the Long Island Catholic, a diocese newspaper who had heard of the story from one of their staffers with family here in Okemos. After visiting with the representatives from the paper, we did a little touring locally then went to dinner with Steve and his family. On Friday, Steve and Michelle met us at our hotel and took us into Manhattan. He had arranged a tour similar to the one given to Mrs. Hillman on her trip earlier in the month. We got to lower Manhattan about an hour before our appointment at One Police Plaza and while driving near Ground Zero, saw a fire station at the corner of Water and Wall Streets. Steve asked us to wait in the car while he went in and talked to the firemen on duty. The firemen, after hearing the story from Steve, welcomed us into the station, gave us a tour of the fire trucks and equipment and posed for pictures with the girls in fire suits and helmets. We paid our respects to the fallen members of the station at a memorial on the sidewalk in front of the firehouse, thanked the two firemen for the tour and their welcome, and went on to our appointment at Police Headquarters. Pulling up to One Police Plaza was like entering a military post. Concrete barriers are placed so that only one vehicle can enter or leave the lot at a time and a large sanitation truck blocks the opening, pulling away to allow access after getting clearance from the guard post, then moving back to block the entrance. Security was tight! Upon entering the building, we passed through metal detectors and were photographed and given passes to wear on our outermost clothing. We were all escorted to the Division of Community Affairs where we met Detective John Rowen and his daughter Ashleen. Detective Rowen took us to a conference room where we also met Detective Eugene Canapi. Gene had heard the story and came in on his day off to show us a presentation that the department had put together as a historical documentary on the events of September 11, 2001. Both men expressed their welcomes to us and told us how much the cards and letters from across the nation had meant to them. John said that of all the cards he had seen, it never occurred to him to answer back and he was glad that Steve had shown such thoughtfulness to reply to Amanda. After the presentation, reporters from the New York Post and Newsday interviewed us and took photos of Steve and Amanda in their ``uniforms!'' We met Deputy Commissioner Patrick (Division of Community Affairs) and were greeted and treated like VIP's by everyone. Detective Rowen and his daughter took us all down to the waterfront near Battery Park where we boarded a Police Harbor Patrol boat and were given a tour of the area from the water. We rode under the Brooklyn Bridge, out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I'm not usually an emotionally demonstrative person but I had tears in my eyes when I saw the Statue. It was my first visit to New York City and had never seen it before. I remember thinking back to 9/11/01 and hearing the threats made to her after the horrible attacks. I was sure at that time that I'd never see it in person and was truly overcome at seeing her from the boat. I imagine that is how my ancestors felt coming over from Italy at the turn of the last century. While on the Harbor Patrol boat, I talked with one of the officers that made up the crew of three. He had no idea who we were and when I told him the story he told me how glad he was that Steve had replied in the way that he had. He described the events of that day and how they ferried survivors and rescue workers to the site and told me how much they all appreciated the support shown by the rest of the country after the attack. He said that the Red Cross had given him a box of cookies sent by some school children from New Jersey and that he still kept the note that they had enclosed in his wallet, nearly a year afterwards. After the harbor tour, we returned to One Police Plaza and were told that Police Commissioner Ray Kelly would like to meet Amanda. We were absolutely floored! Steve was really nervous as we waited to be escorted into the Commissioner's office, as he had never met him before either. Detective Rowen remarked that he doubted that many officers with Steve's experience (he's been on the force for seven years) had been invited to meet the Commissioner in his office. Commissioner Kelly greeted us warmly and posed for pictures with Amanda and Steve and a group photo with all of us. He gave us a brief tour of his office and explained that his desk was Teddy Roosevelt's from his tour as Commissioner in the late 1800's. After leaving the Commissioner's office, Detective Rowen took us to see Ground Zero. After seeing it so often in news coverage, it was an uncanny feeling to actually be at the site. I said a quiet prayer for the victims and listened while Detective Rowen related his memories from the day of the attack. He was at the command center when the first plane hit and was helping victims at the foot of the buildings when the first tower fell. There is a brief shot of him running up the street in one of the CNN videos as the cloud of debris follows behind. He said it was like a wall of water, he ducked into a side street and the wave of dirt followed him around the corner. A nearby visitor asked what is was like to be surrounded by the smoke and he said it wasn't smoke, it was more like dirt and fine particles of concrete dust that followed him and eventually covered him like so many of the photos we all saw from the news that day. The site now looks more like a construction site and an individual happening along on it today would probably wonder what was going to be built there. The sides of the hole go straight down for probably five or six stories and you can see each level of the substructure of the underground areas across the way. We could see where the subway tunnel was going north from the site. For someone who had never seen the World Trade Center, it was hard to imagine just how tall it was. Standing at Ground Zero now, you are surrounded by skyscrapers, the tallest of which is 54 stories. I tried to explain to my daughters that if they took that building and placed another one just like it on top that would have been about the same height as the 110 stories of the Twin Towers. Many of the buildings still show damage from the attack and collapse of WTC. Still the clean up has been a heroic effort in and of itself. My family thanked Detective Rowen as we left and my middle daughter, Angela (8) exchanged e-mail addresses with Ashleen planning to stay in contact. As we drove back to Long Island we all were just amazed at the events of the day. Reflecting on the tragedy of last year and remembering the expressions of welcome and gratitude from each and every person we met. When we had first discussed going to New York City to meet Steve and his family, he had told us that when we got there he was going to throw a big party. As the plans for the trip grew, we found out that his daughter Ashley's second birthday (September 1) would be celebrated on Saturday, August 31 and that he was having his whole family over. We picked that weekend to go so that we could meet all of them and make sure that they knew just how special we thought that Steve and Michelle were. Saturday dawned with a story in the New York Post about Amanda and Steve and how a small thank you card and its magnificent reply reached halfway across the country to bring them together. As we arrived at Steve and Michelle's, we were welcomed by all of their family and friends as a new part of the family. Steve's mother Linda had gifts for each of our girls, as did his Aunt Val & Uncle Len. We got to meet his partner and other friends form the force. About halfway through the party, we all heard the sound of bagpipes tuning up. Steve had told me that there was another surprise coming and as he called us all to the patio, he announced his Lieutenant and other members of the Emerald Society, NYPD's pipe and drum corps. They gave a short concert for all of us in honor of Ashley's birthday and Amanda's visit. Once again the emotions overflowed to hear the patriotic medleys and other songs from the bagpipes and drum. It was a great way to cap off another extraordinary day. Our last full day in New York was spent touring the city like normal visitors. We left Steven and his family to give them a chance to spend Ashley's birthday alone while we went to the observation deck of the Empire State Building, drove down Broadway and explored Manhattan by ourselves. For visitors coming to New York for the first time, you're struck by the size of all the buildings, the number of people and you quickly come to see that there is no place like it in the country. I've had the privilege of visiting 46 of the 48 contiguous United States as well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Truly New York City has no equal. After having dinner with Steve, Michelle, Ashley, and Steve's sister Lisa's family, we headed back to our hotel and the next morning left for home. Our trip to New York City was way more memorable than we could ever have imagined. It gave my children an experience that they will never forget. Steve and his family are in the process of planning a trip here for a visit to St. Martha School in early November. We are all looking forward to seeing them again. The police officers and firefighters of New York showed the rest of the nation that heroes arise from adversity. My family has been fortunate to meet one of those heroes and to get to know him as a good friend. People like Steve Tarricone are around us every day, and sometimes the small gestures, like a thank you card sent by a kindergartener can bring them into our lives. The next time your child comes home from school and says that they sent cards to someone, be it at a local nursing home, or to the President of the United States, I hope that you will recognize the importance of those messages to all who see them. Mr. Speaker, Christopher Davio is right. Small gifts of kindness can have immeasurable benefits. Today, we wish to extend our appreciation to Amanda Davio and her family, Officer Steve Tarricone and his family and colleagues, and all the students from the 8th District who helped our nation begin its recovery. I now ask that our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join us in recognizing this remarkable American story.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

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

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleagues, and I will ask for their help today because Michigan is in need. In the Civil War, Michigan mustered 90,000 troops to defend the Union. During that tumultuous time in our history, Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying: ``Thank God for Michigan.'' We have the second most diverse agricultural crop in the United States. We offer all the flavors of this great country to our fellow States. Michigan is responsible for creating the permanent middle class in America when Henry Ford decided to pay the workers on the line $5 a day. During World War II, Michigan converted all of its automobile production plants into plants that produced military arsenal, making Michigan the arsenal of democracy for the world. We did that for the United States of America. Michigan is home of the Great Lakes, which account for 20 percent of the world's fresh water, all of it worth defending. And I am here to tell you today that Michigan right now is under attack. I need every colleague in this House from Maine to California to Florida and in between to step up to the plate and say, ``We will stand beside you, those who have stood by America before.'' In the year 2000, Canadians sent 4.2 million cubic yards of waste to Michigan, nearly double from the year before. Canada is the second largest land mass country in the world, and yet they are unable to handle their own trash. This situation gets worse. Toronto is scheduled to close its last landfill at the end of the year. Recently, city workers in Toronto went on strike. I want to point this out to you. This is the scene in Toronto just a few weeks ago: trash blocking roadways. This is a park area filled with trash from Toronto. As you can see, the residents were throwing bags of garbage over the fence, piling up everywhere all across their city. Here is the bad news. All of that trash that my colleagues see right here is coming to the great State of Michigan and we are absolutely uncertain as to its contents. Let me just quote for my colleagues a woman from Toronto as quoted in the Toronto Star, when city workers settled a strike that allowed garbage to pile up in the streets. She was quoted as saying ``I'm relieved that it's on its way. It was polluted, smelly and germy.'' 160 semi-trucks each day are delivering polluted, smelly and germy Toronto trash to the great State of Michigan. At the end of this year, when Toronto's last remaining landfill closes, that number is expected to exceed 250 trucks every day of this trash in our landfills. Michigan has had a long-term plan to deal with its own garbage. Just with Canadian trash alone, Michigan's landfill capacity has been reduced from 20 years to 10 years, and getting smaller every day. In one landfill that accepts Canadian trash, PCBs and soiled coffin waste were discovered. The needle program in Toronto is coming to a landfill near you great citizens of Michigan. This amendment is important today. There is a lot of work we need to do on this issue to stop Canadian trash. However, we ought to have the courage today to stand with our fellow Michiganders to give them at least the hope of protecting their environment in the great State of Michigan. The purpose of my amendment is to hire six U.S. Customs agents to be stationed 24 hours a day on the Ambassador Bridge and the Blue Water Bridge, three at each bridge for every shift. The sole responsibility of these agents will be to inspect Canadian trash coming into Michigan. The money provided includes dollars for equipment, training and benefits. Now, the only way to know what's in this trash is to get our hands dirty and inspect it. Let's find out where the PCBs are coming from, where the soiled coffin waste is coming from and where the bottles are coming, since Canada does not have a bottle deposit program like Michigan. This is the right and decent thing to do, to let us in Michigan defend our borders as we have stood with the rest of this country to defend theirs. I am going to ask my colleagues again today, please strongly support this amendment. We want to make sure that every trash container coming into Michigan meets existing environmental and health regulations. Today, we have no assurance that is happening. Today, we cannot be certain that there is no leeching from this material, ruining our lakes, our streams and ruining the great land of Michigan. Instead of spending a little more money going after grandma who owes the IRS $12, we are going to spend just a little bit less from the $4 billion account that we are reducing to protect the health and environment of my home State, the great State of Michigan. I challenge all of my colleagues to please support this issue. Stand loudly with us as we tell the Canadians to please handle their own trash and leave the littering to those who get a ticket.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mark Oglesby on earning a James Madison Memorial Fellowship. Mark Oglesby is an American History teacher at Howell High School in Howell, Michigan, and is receiving this fellowship to continue in graduate studies with a concentration on the history and principles of the United States Constitution. This award is intended to recognize promising and distinguished teachers, to strengthen their knowledge of the American constitutional government, and expose the nation's secondary school students to accurate knowledge of our constitutional heritage. I am confident that Mark Oglesby's hard work and dedication to educating America's young people will continue well into the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mark Oglesby on earning the James Madison Memorial Fellowship, and wish him success in his future endeavors.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Catholic Social Services of Lansing/St. Vincent Home and Michigan State University for development of the Child Welfare Learning Collaborative. The new collaborative will focus on applying the resources and expertise of both organizations to explore and develop models of best or even better practice in service delivery to children and families. By calling on a variety of expertise across disciplines, including human medicine, social work, the legal profession and community leaders, the collaborative will bring these forces together with the very families served to increase the effectiveness of working with those families and their children. On September 4, 2002, the collaborative will gather to launch this new initiative, committed to bringing the latest, cutting edge research and scholarship to practice, gathering input from well-seasoned practitioners, talented graduate students, and the children and families receiving services. The collaborative will transform what is known and learned into best practice models that will benefit the children and their families. Especially critical is the collaborative's intention to provide a voice and face for foster children who must remain sheltered by confidentiality protections. The September 4 kickoff event features Michigan State University Professor John Seita, a former foster child himself, as keynote speaker. Mr. Seita is an accomplished author on the topic of foster care. Mr. Speaker, we wish to extend congratulations to Catholic Social Services of Lansing/St. Vincent's Home and Michigan State University for their commitment to serving the children of Michigan and to developing a program that will serve as a model across the nation. We are honored to support their 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, I rise today in recognition of the Lao Veterans of America, Michigan Chapter. These veterans who served in the United States ``Secret Army'' are Hmong and Lao combat soldiers. They served in Laos during the Vietnam War from 1961 until 1975. The Lao Veterans of America is made up of tens of thousands of Hmong and Lao combat veterans and their families who played a historic role in the covert operations during the Vietnam conflict era. Fearless Hmong men, women and children fought and died alongside U.S. soldiers. It is reported that approximately 35,000 to 40,000 Hmong soldiers lost their lives in combat, 50,000 to 58,000 were wounded, and 2,500 were missing in action. Even when the war had ended, North Vietnamese Communist forces continued to commit deadly acts of violence on the innocent people of Laos. The Lao Veterans of America represent a group of selfless men and women, who risked their lives in the fight for world freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Lao Veterans of America, Michigan Chapter, for their outstanding efforts and contributions to this world.

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleagues, and I will ask for their help because Michigan today needs their help. In the Civil War we mustered 90,000 troops to defend the Union. We had the second most diverse crop of agriculture in the United States. We offer all the flavors of this great country to our fellow States around. Michigan is responsible for creating the permanent middle class in America when Henry Ford decided to pay the workers on the line $5 a day. We became, in World War II, we converted all of our automobile making capacity to be the arsenal of democracy for the world. We did that for the United States of America. We have 20 percent of the world's fresh water right there in Michigan, all of it worth defending. And I am here to tell you today that Michigan right now is under attack. And I need every colleague in this House from Maine to California to Florida and everybody in between to step up to the plate and say, We will stand beside you, those who have stood by America before. In the year 2000, Canadians sent 4.2 million cubic yards of waste to Michigan, nearly double from the year before. Canada is the second largest land mass country in the world, and yet they think they are unable to handle their own trash. This gets worse. Toronto is scheduled to close its last landfill at the end of the year. Recently, city workers in Toronto went on strike. I want to point this out to you. This is the scene in Toronto just a few weeks ago: trash blocking roadways. This is a park area they had to fill in with trash from Toronto. As you can see, the residents were just throwing bags over the fence, piling up everywhere all across their city. Here is the bad news about that. All of that trash that my colleagues see right here, absolutely unregulated as to what is in its contents, is coming to the great State of Michigan. Let me just quote for my colleagues from someone from Toronto, when they settled the strike and said it is all over, she was quoted as saying ``I'm relieved that it's on its way. It was polluted, smelly and germy.'' One hundred sixty trucks a day of polluted, smelly and germy Toronto trash coming to pollute the great State of Michigan, and at the end of this year, when their landfill closes, that is going to go to nearly 250 trucks every day of this trash in our landfills. Michigan has had a long-term vision of this. Just with Canadian trash alone, it cuts our landfill capacity from 20 years to 10 years, and getting smaller every day. In the one landfill that we found that accepted Canadian trash, PCBs, soil coffin waste, I do not know what that is, scares me to find out, the needle program in Toronto coming to a landfill near the great citizens of Michigan. This amendment is important today. There is a lot of work we need to do on this issue to stop it, but before we do that, we ought to be able to have the courage today to stand with our fellow Michiganders and say we are going to give them at least the hope to protect their environment in the great State of Michigan. The purpose is to hire six Customs agents to be stationed 24 hours a day on the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, whose sole responsibility is to inspect Canadian trash coming into Michigan. The money includes equipment, training and benefits. Now, the only way that we are going to stop this trash, whatever is in that bag that that Torontan is sending to us, is to get our hands dirty and crawl around in it and inspect it and find out where the PCBs are coming from, where the soil coffin waste is coming from, where their bottles, which they refuse to have a deposit program like Michigan does, is coming from. This is the right and decent thing to do to let us in Michigan defend our borders as we have stood with the rest of this country to defend their borders. I am going to ask my colleagues again today, please strongly support this amendment. We want to make sure that every trash container coming into Michigan meets existing environmental and health regulations. Today, we have no idea if that is happening. Today, we have no idea if there is leeching from this material, ruining our lakes, our streams, ruining the great land of Michigan. Instead of spending a little more money going after grandma who owes the IRS 12 bucks, we are going to say please spend just a little bit less of that $4 billion that we are reducing to protect the health and environment of my home State, the great State of Michigan, and I challenge all of my colleagues to please support this issue. Stand loudly with us as we tell the Canadians to please handle their own trash and leave the littering to those who get a ticket.