David Reichert

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank my good friend from Texas, and it's good to have others in Congress who understand the role that law enforcement officers across this country play and the important work that they do to keep us all safe. And the judges were a great partner for us in keeping our communities and neighborhoods safe. I want to thank you for your years of service in law enforcement and thank you for being here tonight to share some of your thoughts with us on National Police Week. Some of the things that you mentioned I want to touch on. We, as Americans, cannot really talk about success and freedom in America and being free in America until we know our children are safe and we know our children and family are secure. One of the things that I think is important is to have people in Congress who understand law enforcement. And for those police officers out there listening, I assure you that there are people here who understand and appreciate so much what you do. Some of us have been there. The judge touched on a number of police officers injured in the line of duty. I was one of those in a domestic violence call in the mid- 1970s, back when I was much younger and had dark brown hair. But in the middle of trying to save the wife of a deranged person, her husband, I was in the battle for my life. This man had a butcher knife and was trying to slit the throat of his wife, and I was able to grab her and push her out a bedroom window but suffered butcher knife wounds to the side of my neck. I also understand the need for support, for the community to come around us and support us and be there for us when we need them to stand up and tell elected officials: We need more police officers. We need technology. We need more help. We need you to be there for us and support us with budget increases, not budget cuts. We need you to make strong laws in your local communities, your cities, and your States and your counties that help us do our job, that help us protect American citizens from criminals, from being victims, and also to protect our rights. The United States has some serious problems that we need to address, and I don't think they're being addressed the way they should be. People know that we have a gang problem. People know that we have a drug problem. People know that we have child predators on the Internet, sexual predators on the Internet, preying on our children. I want to share a few facts with you. Gangs are increasing. We used to think about gang problems, drug problems, and those sorts of things as inner-city problems, inner-city crimes. These crime activities now are spread across the Nation, as you can see by this map. This is an indication of the gang problem across our country. The white dots you see are where gang activity exists today, and it's pretty much maintained the same level over a number of years. The red dots indicate increases in gang activity. The blue dots, which you don't see many of, indicate a decrease. Now, if you can't see this fully on your TV screen at home, please feel free to go to our Web site and check your neighborhood, check your city, check your State to see what condition your neighborhood is in as far as increase in gang activity and drug activity. Today there are 25,000 gangs operating in more than 3,000 jurisdictions in the United States. Gang membership has escalated to 850,000 members. Even more alarming, gangs are increasingly targeting our young kids. They're not recruiting kids from college, young men and women from college. Yes, they are, but this isn't their target age. They're not just recruiting kids from high school. They're not just recruiting kids from junior high school or middle schools. But they're also targeting our kids who are in elementary schools. The average age of a gang recruit today is seventh grade. That's an 11- or 12-year-old child being recruited into a gang in some city across the United States of America now, today, tomorrow, and the day after. What are we doing? According to a 2001 Department of Justice survey, 20 percent of students age 12 through 18 reported that street gangs had been present at their school during the previous 6 months. More than one-quarter of the students in urban schools reported a street gang presence. Eighteen percent of students in suburban schools and 13 percent in rural schools reported the presence of street gangs. This is not just an inner city problem. This is a problem that is spread across this country. It is in suburban schools. And it is in the suburban neighborhood that I live in in Washington State. Gangs threaten the freedom and security of our communities in many ways. They are directly linked to the narcotics trade, human trafficking, ID theft, assault, murder and a host of other crimes. There were over 631 gang-related homicides in the United States in 2001. Gangs readily employ violence to control and expand their drug trade. Now I have personal experience too, of course, with that but more on a personal level rather than a professional level as a police officer. I want to talk about the impact of drugs on children and families. I am the proud grandfather of six grandchildren. Two of my grandchildren are adopted. They were foster grandchildren, foster children of my daughter and her husband, who were drug-addicted babies. They came into my daughter's home and her husband's home when they were about 2\1/2\ months old. Little Briar is 6 years old and doing fine. He was 2\1/2\ pounds when he was born, a little meth-addicted baby. Little Emma is 5 years old. She was a crack cocaine, heroin, meth and alcohol-addicted baby. Think about that for a minute. Drug-addicted babies. Gang members who are promoting drugs and selling drugs to young teenage girls on our streets who then become pregnant and give birth to drug-addicted babies. I hope that everyone watching understands the impact of what I just said. Do you know what happens when a meth baby is born? Have you ever thought about the pain they go through? When they are born, they have no idea they are hungry. In fact, they don't know how to eat. They don't know how to suck on a bottle. The poison from the meth escapes through their bottom. So they put the babies on their belly in a fetal position with a warming light over the top of them. The poison, as I said, escapes through their bottom. But you can't put any ointment on them because it holds the poison against the skin. You can't use baby powder. It does the same thing. It creates more pain. So what do you do with a meth-addicted baby? You let the baby suffer for 2 or 3 weeks and let the drug escape through the bottom while the baby feels intense burning and pain during that period of time. Briar went through that. Emma, as a crack cocaine, heroin and meth-addicted baby had additional issues to deal with. Today these children are in a good home. They have a chance at a good life and to be productive citizens in this country. But ladies and gentlemen, those are the kids that we need to protect. Those are the kids that our police officers are out there every day trying to prevent them from becoming drug-addicted babies, trying to prevent those young girls that we see out there from becoming mothers of drug-addicted babies, trying to prevent those young men out there from becoming fathers of drug-addicted babies and then disappearing into the streets. So we have to say enough is enough. We have a crisis on our hands. Gangs, drugs, sexual predators, Internet sexual predators, gangs on the rise, organized gangs, 850,000 gang members. Congress needs to stop talking about these issues and needs to act. We need to act today. And during this Congress, the majority has been silent on this issue. And as I said, I understand as a sheriff, as a police officer in a uniform driving a police car, and as a detective, I needed the tools then to do my job. I know there was a fight in the battle in the budget arena at the county council level, at the State level and at the Federal level to find us the tools that we needed. But every day we went out and we did our job with the tools that we had. One of the things I wanted to point out today is that we have, as Republicans, presented over 103 pieces of legislation to help police officers get the job done. I have to tell you that as a cop, because I still see myself as a cop trying to be a legislator, trying to find the way to stop the craziness and the violence in this country, where are the people of the United States who need to push their representative, who need to call their representative, who need to e-mail their representative, who need to be pounding on the front door and demanding that we do something about gang violence in this country, that we do something about stopping the recruitment of our grade school kids and junior high school kids into gangs? Of the only six bills that we have out of the 103 that the Democrats have agreed to accept, and they have actually passed, three of those are resolutions. While we support resolutions and the statements that they make in support of police officers, in support of stopping crime and protecting our citizens, we need real action. To address the gang epidemic in our suburban communities, I have introduced legislation, H.R. 367, the Gang Elimination Act, that would identify and target the three international gangs that present the greatest threat to the United States and create a gang most-wanted list and develop a national strategy to eliminate the gang epidemic plaguing our neighborhood. This bill has not seen the light of day. I even testified in front of the committee. That bill has not even seen the light of day. Why not? Is it because it is a Republican bill? Is it because the majority doesn't support the job that police officers are out there trying to do every day? Why are we not providing the tools that our cops need? I ask that question every day when I come to work in this body. Crime is on the increase. Violent crime is on the increase. Gang activity is on the increase. Drug addiction is on the increase. More drug-addicted babies are being born. The pediatric interim care center that Briar and Emma were taken to and treated and foster cared out and finally adopted by my family has increased their capacity to now nearly 45 babies that they can hold within that facility. And it's not enough. They need more space. So I would ask the majority, please consider the other 103 bills. Let's bring the Gang Elimination Act to the floor. Let's bring these other 103 bills to the floor. Let's act on these today. Let's help the police officers out there in our country that need our help today. Let's not wait another minute. I demand that we have action here in Congress in helping our police officers. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, it's an honor and a privilege for me to be a servant of the people in the House of Representatives. I came to this office through a rather unusual route. My first career was in law enforcement. And we are here tonight to recognize National Police Week, and especially National Police Memorial Day on Thursday. My 33-year career in law enforcement started in 1972. I was a 21- year-old police officer, a sheriff's deputy with the King County Sheriff's Office. I worked patrol for 5 years. I worked as a property crimes detective. I worked as a homicide detective. And I've worked as a lead detective on a serial murder case. I've worked as a patrol sergeant, SWAT commander, a hostage negotiator--just about every aspect of law enforcement that you can think of I've been fortunate enough to experience--and finally, my last 8 years as first elected Sheriff in King County in almost 30 years. And here I stand today, in my second term in the House of Representatives, to talk about law enforcement. I feel I have, as you might guess, some knowledge about what police officers do and what dangers they might face. And this week especially is an important week to stop and think about what police officers across this Nation do. I think that sometimes we take them for granted, the brave men and women who serve all across this Nation to protect us each and every day. If you think about your life, think about my life and what we do each day by getting up in the morning, preparing breakfast, going to work, going to school, feeling safe, coming home from work, picking up your children from school, we sort of take those police cars for granted that we see patrolling our neighborhood. And Sunday, this past Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day, an opportunity for families to get together with their children and grandchildren, as I did on Sunday with my three--actually, two of my children showed up, and some of my grandchildren were there, but an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the contribution that mothers make to this Nation. And we did it safely in our home. But at the same time, I remember, as I was sitting there this Sunday, and most holidays, really, reflect back on my career and think about those days I was in a police car, as I drove around the neighborhoods that I was patrolling and recognizing that all of these families were together on this special day, Thanksgiving, New Year's, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, all those days that bring families together that I was driving around in my patrol car in those communities, all the cars parked at these homes, it was my job, and my partner's job on either side of me in the districts that they patrolled, to keep them safe while they enjoyed that day. We take that for granted. I think we take our freedom for granted. I once spoke at the University of Washington not too long after taking this office and I was talking to a group of students, 400, 500 students or so, and really was emphasizing the importance of freedom and how much that we need to embrace our freedom and recognize that freedom isn't free, not just the men and women who are serving here as police officers in our country, protecting us each day here at home, but those men and women who are protecting our freedom all around the world in our armed services. And as I was a little bit passionate about freedom and about how important it is for us to recognize that if we don't guard freedom it will slip through our fingertips, a young lady in the class raised her hand and said--and they still call me Sheriff, by the way--Sheriff, I don't understand why you're talking about freedom so much. We have been a free country for years, and we're going to continue to be free. That really struck me, that one comment by that young college student, because she really pointed out what I had believed for a long time, that people in this country are taking our freedom for granted. Success in our world today, success in our communities today, it really depends upon what our police officers do. Remember your police officers out there who are balancing, protecting your neighborhoods every day. I was the sheriff during WTO. We had 40 to 50 thousand people who were rioting in the streets of Seattle in 1999. Now, there is a great balance that had to take place there as we tried to bring peace to the city of Seattle during those riots. Before the riots began, people were saying, let's go to Seattle and listen to people speak and express their freedom of speech. And then as people arrived and some decided to create havoc, people were a little bit nervous because crimes were being committed, the rights of other people were being trampled upon by those who felt that their freedom of speech was more important than others who were trying to express their freedom by going to work, coming home, leaving and going and moving and shopping and doing the things that we do every day. So at one point what we had to do in WTO during those days was to shut the city down. Certain segments of the city of Seattle were cordoned off. There was a curfew placed on the city of Seattle on the citizens. So freedom was lost. If you think about freedom on a continuum, you have the ``freedom to'' and the ``freedom from.'' ``Freedom to'' is the police officers that raise their right hand and say, I swear that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States, that I will protect your rights provided to each and every citizen of the United States of America. And on the other end of the continuum you have the ``freedom from.'' We promise that we will do our best to keep you from becoming victims of crime. Well, in WTO you saw that balance sway. Freedom was being expressed, people were expressing their freedom more vocally than they should have. It got out of control. Chaos ensued. Police came in. Freedom was taken away. The balance in the continuum of freedom was unbalanced. But in America and in Seattle, as peace was restored to the city, the curfew was removed and certain areas of the city that were closed off were now open once again for people to move about the city. This is America, where we recognize that we can't keep people from moving where they want to move and go where they want to go. It's a free country. So the police have a tough job. Imagine being a police officer, 50,000 people rioting in the streets and you're one of the police officers standing in line trying to protect America, protect the citizens of Seattle. And I saw this happen. One of the police officers, the sheriff's deputies standing his post shoulder to shoulder with the rest, as I was standing behind him, was standing stoically in the face of thousands of people screaming and yelling and protesting. And one had a stick in his hand and reached over and hit the police officer, the sheriff's deputy over the head with that stick. And the sheriff's deputy didn't move, just stood there. And they moved the crowd along. It's a tough job to balance freedom and protection of America, but our police officers do it every day. Let's take a moment to talk about and think about National Police Week. This is a week where we celebrate and appreciate and remember the efforts that all of our police officers put forth each and every day. And boy, I could tell you some stories, I would be here all night, about my experiences on patrol and some of the things that police officers see and the dangers that they face. More than 56,000 police officers are assaulted every year. Every 53 hours a police officer is killed in the line of duty here in the United States. I've lost some friends over my 33-year career. I want to share their stories briefly. And as you can tell, it's emotional, memories that come bubbling up as I remember those days. My best friend by the name of Sam Hicks, he and I were working homicide together. We were tracking down a killer. He went out one night with another friend of mine because they got a tip on where this killer was. And as they went out in search of this killer, they found him. They began to follow him. And the killer and his brother ambushed my partner and shot him in the chest with a .308 Winchester rifle and took his life. He left behind a wife and five children. That was June 1982. Two years later, a good friend of mine who was a classmate in the academy--in fact, we rode together every day to the police academy in 1973--Mike Rayburn, a great public servant, excellent police officer, dedicated, committed to his job and his family and his community, was working a special unit in Seattle. He knocked on a door, the door opened, the man opened the door and thrust a World War II sword through the crack of the door and into Detective Rayburn's body. He fell and died. These are only two stories of two special friends. There are many people who are touched by the loss of a police officer, mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, sons and daughters, grandparents, neighbors and friends. It's a job we should respect, we should thank them for, praise them for, not take for granted, and always remember them. I'd like to pause in my presentation for a moment and yield some time to my good friend who is a judge from Texas, Congressman Ted Poe.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the Eighth District of Washington State, which is the most trade dependent state in the Nation. We have a growing and vibrant economy based on technology and small business. Opening new global markets gives these businesses incentives to improve their products, produce more goods, and ultimately employ more American workers. The Korean Free Trade Agreement will benefit Washington State. We cannot afford to lose South Korea as a trade partner; in Washington State, one in three jobs relies on trade. In these uncertain economic times, we need to open markets, not reduce them. Congress must act now to preserve our trade relations and preserve American jobs. I respectfully submit the following article from the Seattle Times for the record: [From the Seattle Times] Korean Free-Trade Pact Important for Washington (By Kathleen Connors) Two years ago, government and business leaders from across the state welcomed U.S. and Korean officials to Seattle for a week of trade negotiations. Seattle was chosen for a reason: Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the country, and there are already strong ties between Washington state and Korea. The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement is now signed and awaits congressional consideration. Last week, President Bush welcomed to Washington, D.C., for the first time, newly elected South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who brought with him an important present: an agreement to fully reopen the Korean market to U.S. beef. South Korea had been the third-largest export market for U.S. beef until 2003, when U.S. producers were effectively shut out of the market. Washington state exported $50 million of beef products to Korea that year, so the resumption of exports beginning in May will be a welcome boon to local producers. Lee's visit comes at a time when American trade policy is again at a crossroads. Our continued ability to open foreign markets and expand trade opportunities through trade agreements is seriously at risk. There has been a long debate about the impact of trade on America's economy. Despite political challenges, presidents of both parties--supported by Congress--have consistently promoted trade. Despite 95 percent of America's potential customers being outside our borders, the era of trade cooperation may be over. Trade has become a presidential campaign issue, with candidates suggesting they would consider pulling the United States out of the North American Free Trade Agreement. And congressional leaders are threatening to defeat all pending trade agreements, including agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea. Does the Korea agreement matter? It does for Washington state. The Korea agreement is part of a broader Asia-Pacific strategy for Washington, and Asian nations welcome their relationship with the state. In 2007, Korea was Washington's fifth-largest export market. The U.S.-Korea FTA would allow nearly 95 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to become duty free within the first three years of the agreement, and two-thirds of U.S. agricultural products will become duty free immediately. Microsoft and Washington's many high-tech companies will benefit from Korea's eliminating duties on all products in this sector, as well as Korea's commitment to treat digital products equally regardless of whether they are transmitted in physical form or electronically. The agreement locks in and improves an open trade regime for technology-related services, such as telecommunications, computer and related services, and audiovisual and recreational services. It also strengthens protections for intellectual property by deterring piracy and unauthorized sharing of music, video, software and other content over the Internet. Korea is a long-term customer for Boeing. In April 2005, Korean Air placed an order for up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a deal worth approximately $2.6 billion at list prices. For Starbucks, this agreement will reverse a very bad trend. Coffee exporters had been excluded from previous trade agreements, including NAFTA and the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Under the Korea agreement, the bound tariff of nearly 30 percent will go immediately to zero. Many of these products will be shipped through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, which already benefit from strong relationships with Korean shippers Hanjin and Hyundai. But it's not just large businesses and their workers that will benefit. In 2005, 89 percent of U.S. companies exporting to Korea were small or medium-sized. Washington beneficiaries include companies like Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane, and Trinity Glass International in Tacoma. For Washington's farmers, the current 24-percent tariff on cherries would be immediately eliminated in the industry's top overseas growth market. The state's wine producers would finally have a fair chance to compete for Korean consumers. And Washington potato growers would immediately benefit from an 18-percent tariff reduction in a market that generated $23 million in sales in 2006. So what's next? This agreement will not pass without our active support. And we simply cannot take for granted the votes of our congressional delegation. Those who oppose trade have consistently been louder and more organized. And now they use a stagnant economy as their latest argument for voting down any trade agreement, despite export figures being the bright spot in our current economic data. Washington state knows better. This agreement will have clear benefits for our region. But we must overcome a tough political season and an effective opposition to make this agreement a reality. For Washington state, the agreement is a clear winner.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Cinco de Mayo, a date which is celebrated by Americans, Mexicans, and many others around the world. The victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, came to represent unity and patriotism for the Mexican people, which is now celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo. That same spirit of unity and patriotism exists in this country, and sharing it with as many as possible is an honorable and notable goal. Millions of Hispanic Americans thrive and contribute in our country, with over 18 million residing in the Western United States, 65 percent of them of Mexican descent. These citizens bring their unique culture to communities throughout the United States. This is the epitome of what this Nation is all about--having the freedom to come together and celebrate so many different cultures. On Cinco de Mayo, we reflect on the contributions of the country of Mexico, the battle for unity and patriotism, and that our freedom to celebrate is not something we can take for granted.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Paul Soreff on receiving the ``Most Significant Work or Work Having the Greatest Impact'' award from the Washington State Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association, AILA. Prospective citizens have to jump through many hoops during their journey to becoming a citizen. I am often contacted by hard-working men and women who want nothing more than to be an American. Their courage, tenacity and new found patriotism is inspiring, much like the help Paul provides so many of them. As the driving force behind AILA's Citizenship Day, Paul's dedication in helping legal permanent residents apply for naturalization is a wonderful, patriotic thing to do. The work Paul invested in Washington State's newest citizens is now being emulated nationwide. The participation level at Citizenship Day is outstanding and it is no doubt a reflection of Paul's leadership and selfless nature. He also serves as a professor of law at Seattle University and his students are very fortunate to have such an advocate as a teacher. While navigating the immigration system is not easy, the guidance and service Paul provides alleviates stress and anxiety for many. His selfless work is an example for not only immigration attorneys and professors but also for each of us.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Kind motion to instruct conferees and the need for increased conservation funding in the farm bill. Our farmers are eager to share in the cost of protecting our environment, but currently two out of three farmers are turned away by the USDA due to insufficient funding when they apply to participate in conservation programs. As a result, we continue to lose thousands of acres of valuable farmland, grasslands, wetlands, and private forest lands. We also fall further behind schedule in our efforts to clean up rivers, lakes and streams. We cannot and should not ask farmers to choose between their bottom line and smart, sensible preservation of the land they protect. The House-passed version of the farm bill contained a landmark increase of $5.7 billion in authorized conservation funding. This money supports programs that protect our most sensitive and ecologically important lands, keeps soil and nutrient pollution out of our rivers, lakes and streams, and safeguards wetlands. Since the conference committee is weighing various priorities as they try to bring the farm bill process to a close, it is important they know that Members of this House feel that conservation should be at the top of the priority list and that we maintain what the House has already passed. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this motion and to support the inclusion of the necessary conservation funding in this farm bill.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the City of Bellevue, Washington, for being named the best place in the Nation to live and launch a business by Fortune Small Business. Anyone who has visited in the past decade couldn't help but notice the abundance of construction cranes throughout the downtown area. They would also quickly realize that Bellevue embodies the true spirit of American innovation. I'm proud to represent this city that lies within the Eighth Congressional District of Washington. Bellevue is a worthy recipient of this honor, with its growing downtown and natural beauty thanks to its proximity to the Cascade Mountains and breathtaking Mount Rainier. Citizens can enjoy the 90 city parks or nearby views of Lake Washington. With multiple high-tech corporations in the city, Bellevue draws a talented, high-tech workforce that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that grows our economy and creates jobs. As we celebrate the achievements of small businesses across the Nation during ``Small Business Week,'' it is my hope that cities across the country follow Bellevue's lead and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and provide the key to our economy's resilience in uncertain economic times. Today, I'm proud to honor the City of Bellevue for its achievements in creating one of the finest places in America to live and work. I ask for unanimous consent to insert the following article into the record. The No. 1 Champion: Bellevue, Wash. Abundant Tech Talent. Gorgeous Views. (But Costly Homes and Taxes.) (By Mina Kimes, March 26, 2008) BELLEVUE, WASH. (FORTUNE Small Business)--Earl Overstreet, Chief Executive Officer of General Microsystems (GMI) in Bellevue, travels fewer than five times a year for business. But he visits the Mercer Slough Nature Park, across the street from his office, every day on his lunch break. He walks across a wooden bridge, gazes at Bellevue's rising downtown--and then turns away. Over the past ten years Overstreet has watched the city evolve from a bedroom community into an urban center of skyscrapers and 117,000 inhabitants (the latest population figures, according to the local chamber of commerce), but he's more eager to point out blackberry bushes and red-tailed hawks. ``When you're surrounded by mountains and nature,'' he says, ``you can't help but be content.'' Overstreet, 60, and his wife, Barb, the firm's CFO, spend free time hiking, kayaking, and biking around the area. While new businesses are cropping up quickly, most office buildings are still enveloped by greenery--the city boasts 90 parks and 50 miles of trail. ``Taxes [including a 0.1496% business tax on gross receipts] and property costs are high,'' says Overstreet, ``but it's a premium for the living conditions.'' The median home sale price hovers at $500,000 (the metro area averages about $400,000), but Bellevue, lying 20 minutes from Seattle, also boasts low crime rates, great schools, and excellent health care. Nearly 60% of locals over 25 have at least a bachelor's degree. The city expects to add 15,500 jobs by 2010, up 11.5% from 2006. Bellevue's strategic location helps tire growth. GMI, whose revenue rose from $6 million in 2002 to $28 million last year, is based near its suppliers--Hitachi, Symantec, Sun Microsystems--as well as customers such as Boeing and Starbucks. ``Many of our employees came from our clients,'' Overstreet says. The city is also a font of tech talent, thanks to the Microsoft campus in nearby Redmond. Many former Microsofties have launched startups in Bellevue. Current employees pour wealth into a growing service sector. Overstreet points out that many small businesses in Bellevue operate globally--not surprising considering that 40% of the population is nonwhite or foreign-born. ``We do have a glittering downtown now,'' he says, ``but it's the diversity that attracts entrepreneurs like me.''

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, last week's unprecedented vote to change the rules and delay considering the Colombia Free Trade Agreement was one of the most disappointing moments I have had as a Member of the House of Representatives. I was disappointed that the Majority would so blatantly play election-year politics and cater to special interests at the expense of good economic policy. I was disappointed that my Democratic colleagues in Washington State--the most trade-dependent State in the Nation--rejected my call for a united delegation effort to bring the FTA to the floor, and instead followed the Speaker at the expense of our region's needs. With our economy lagging, and in light of how important this agreement is to large employers in our State like Boeing and Microsoft, I cannot understand the thinking behind their position. But more than anything, I was disappointed that the House was denied the opportunity to consider a trade measure of critical importance to our economy and to our workers. I traveled to Colombia two weeks ago to see firsthand the progress the country is making, and it is remarkable. I met with union members who support and union members who oppose it. And let me say a word about that: The unions who oppose the FTA represent workers who are unaffected by it. The unions who support the agreement are those whose workers will be affected. Let me repeat that: The unions in Colombia that will be affected by this trade agreement support it. I also met with President Uribe, the Attorney General, and disarmed paramilitary combatants. I saw the broad support from the Colombian people for this agreement and the progress the country has made to protect and promote human rights. I returned even more convinced that we must pass this agreement to grow our economy, create jobs, and support a strategic ally. The Colombia FTA would grow our economy by opening new markets for American businesses and farmers while bringing fairness to our existing trade relationship. Virtually all of Colombian goods enter America duty-free, while American goods face tariffs. With so many jobs tied to trade in Washington, common sense says we must level the playing field. The FTA will also support democracy in an unstable region. It's imperative for Americans to view free trade agreements not just as a mutual economic benefit, but also as a core component of our country's diplomacy and security. Colombia stands tall as a beacon of democracy in the face of Hugo Chavez's anti-American policies. And Colombia remains a key ally in efforts to combat the illegal drug trade. What message does it send to our allies around the world if we ask so much of them, then turn our backs on them at a crucial moment? Why do so many Members come down here to talk about working together with other countries in foreign policy, but do not want to do so in trade? Trade is foreign policy. Delaying the Colombia FTA signals to our allies that America is closed for trade, and encourages our rivals to exploit new markets. It also derails the consideration of other pending trade agreements like one with Korea, Washington State's fourth largest trading partner. This is absolutely the wrong message to send in this time of economic uncertainty. Regardless of your views of the FTA, the House deserves to debate it under the rules of consideration this chamber agreed to when it approved trade promotion authority. Let's stop playing political games that cater to special interests, and let's start working together, as Democrats and Republicans, to pass the trade measures that are important to our economy and our workers.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker. I want to congratulate Mr. Tracy Krause being recognized as the National Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The award was presented on April 11, 2008, at the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Hall of Fame Banquet. The NASPE is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. Mr. Krause is a Physical Education teacher at Mount Tahoma Senior High School. He has taught Physical Education for 15 years. His contributions to physical education were recognized because of his innovative approach to physical education and wellness. Rather than just focusing on activities students can do on the track and in the gym during that particular school day, Mr. Krause exposed students to a lifetime of physical activity such as biking, hiking and climbing with positive results and ever-increasing interest from students and administrators. Mr. Krause takes responsibility for the lifetime fitness of his students, not just the years they are enrolled in his class. Apart from his work at Tahoma High, Mr. Krause is a National Board Certified Teacher who has presented numerous workshops and conferences and supervises pre-service teachers at regional universities throughout Washington State. The work he is doing to better the fitness level and overall wellness of young people is a wonderful anecdote for relieving pressure on an increasingly expensive health care system. I again congratulate Mr. Tracy Krause for the recognition he received from the NASPE, encourage him to continue in his important work and thank him for the lives he has already permanently changed for the better.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate PACCAR, Inc. for earning the 2008 Governor's Trader of the Year Award in Washington State for expanding the State's international trade. PACCAR, headquartered in my congressional district, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of light-, medium- and heavy- duty trucks. In addition, PACCAR provides financial services and informational technology for the actual truck makers--all while conducting its business with the health and safety of the planet in mind. With 22,000 employees worldwide and 2,500 in Washington State, PACCAR is a local business with a truly global reach. In 2007, PACCAR had $15.2 billion in net income, selling products and services in more than 100 countries, while setting record industry sales for commercial vehicles above 15 tons in Western and Central Europe. I also want to recognize PACCAR for its leadership and innovation in energy independence and environmentally friendly business practices. The company truly represents the spirit of the Pacific Northwest region by conducting business within and very often exceeding regulatory environmental standards, harnessing the power and efficiency of solar energy and, perhaps most importantly, conserving energy utilizing breakthrough hybrid technology. PACCAR is a leader in truck design and manufacture. It is an American company from the Pacific Northwest with a global impact. It is also a wonderful example of American business leading the way in energy independence and environmentally-friendly business practices and I offer its employees my sincere congratulations and appreciation.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, April 13-19 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week--a week dedicated to public-safety telecommunicators who handle millions of calls every year with great efficiency. The selfless nature with which these public servants do their jobs is truly one of a kind. Since 1991, Congress has recognized their work. It gives me great pleasure to honor and personally say `thank-you,' to the many men and women in my district and across Washington State that provide this valuable service to our communities each and every day. As the former Sheriff of King County in Washington State, I worked alongside the men and women in our communications center, depending on them daily to provide me with the correct information in order to safely carry out my duties and keep our communities safe. I will never forget the great lengths the men and women at our communications center took to be sure I was okay after a head-on collision in 1991, and the care and compassion they showed me. After the collision, I was able to get out of my car and check on the others involved in the accident. I left my portable radio behind in the patrol car, not knowing that the men and women at the communications center were nearly in tears and beside themselves with worry, wondering if I was safe. It is a difficult and sometimes emotional duty they perform, not always knowing what's happening on the other end of the line because they can't see what's going on but can hear the cries for help and the commotion and confusion of the scene. I cannot adequately express how much it meant to me, knowing they cared so much about my well-being. The men and women at our communications centers are truly heroes to the law enforcement officers and citizens they serve. A former Chief of Police in Colorado once wrote that dispatchers must possess, among other things, the humor of David Letterman, the endurance of the Energizer Bunny and the patience of Job. It is not often that such traits are found in one person. However, in my experience, to find such a person one need look no further than the telecommunications section of a local police, fire or Sheriff's office. These men and women work tirelessly with the heart of a servant; always ensuring the needs of the callers and the first responders they dispatch are met and placing their security above all else. I encourage all my friends, colleagues, and neighbors to take a moment during this week to thank a telecommunications dispatcher--let them know their service is appreciated and encourage them to continue providing guidance and help to their fellow citizens when they're most in need.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. As a representative from the State of Washington, the most dependent State on trade in the Nation, I strongly urge my colleagues to reject this unprecedented rule and allow the Colombian Free Trade Agreement to come to the floor to a vote. I traveled to Colombia last weekend to see firsthand the progress that country is making. I met with union members who support this agreement. I met with union members who oppose this agreement. I met with President Uribe. I met with the labor minister. I met with the attorney general there. I met with the people who have been disarmed and left the paramilitary organizations. I met with shantytown residents. You want to talk about human rights? Those people are the poorest people in the world. Those are the people we can help with this agreement. Not only can we help poor people here in the United States of America, but this is designed to help poor people, struggling people in Colombia. Human rights, ladies and gentlemen, is worldwide. When we give them jobs, we give them hope.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, in December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring April 2 as the annual World Autism Awareness Day (WARD). Autism is only the third disorder to be recognized in this manner by the UN, showing the pervasive nature of autism and its ever-increasing effect on millions of people worldwide. As the Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children's Health Care Caucus, I recognize the destructive force that is autism and I am proud to recognize Worldwide Autism Awareness Day in order to raise awareness of this life-altering and little known disorder. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that autism now afflicts one in every 150 American children and nearly one in 94 boys. These numbers are extremely disconcerting, especially when coupled with the fact that we know little about the root causes of autism. By raising public awareness of autism, hopefully more money will be allocated to research and develop cures and treatments. I am leading an effort to increase the funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Increasing NIH funding offers the best hope we have to finding cures and treatments for diseases and disorders like autism. Collectively, we must commit every available resource to all research in order to enhance the quality of life for many, and it is my hope that raising awareness of this disorder will lead to new resources to combat it. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined and autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world. While currently there is no medical detection or cure for autism, early diagnosis and intervention shows much promise. With increased support for autism awareness, together we will offer hope in an area that desperately needs it. And finally Madam Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues to join us in this fight, to fund NIH medical research and bring hope to children and their families.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to the decision made by the United States Air Force to choose a foreign company for their new refueling tanker. The recent Air Force decision to give the KC-X tanker contract to Airbus jeopardizes our national security. We should not send a contract that could potentially be worth more than $40 billion to a foreign company when we have a viable American option. Additionally, Airbus is a company that receives European government subsidies. Boeing, with the support of the government, is currently fighting Airbus at the World Trade Organization on the basis that they have an unfair advantage from these subsidies. What message does this send when our own government is fighting these subsidies on one hand and rewarding them with a $40 billion contract on the other? The Tacoma News Tribune recently said, ``The Air Force's job was to make a business decision. Now Congress has to make a policy decision, and there's room for legitimate debate.'' Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, on March 24, 1989, the worst oil spill in our Nation's history occurred as the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and dumped 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound off the scenic Alaskan coast. Five years later, a Federal jury in Anchorage awarded the fishermen, businesses, and affected communities punitive damages. However, to date, Exxon has paid none of the $2.5 billion punitive damages awarded to these fishermen as a result of the environmental devastation caused by ExxonMobil's recklessness. What has ExxonMobil done? While the company has paid for the value of the lost fish, it has never compensated the families for their other continuing damages including, in the words of one trial judge, the fact that ``the social fabric of Prince William Sound and Lower Cook Inlet was torn apart.'' There are still thousands of fishermen, food processors, and others who are awaiting justice. Tragically, this number is dwindling as many of those affected have passed away while waiting for some form of resolution that has never come. All the while, ExxonMobil employs one primary tactic: delay. I would usually not comment on litigation that is ongoing, but these delay tactics of repeatedly appealing a just verdict all the way to the Supreme Court are irresponsible and indefensible. It has now been over 19 years since one of the worst environmental disasters in our Nation's history and 14 years since the initial jury verdict. I believe in the free market, and I believe a corporation has the right to earn profits, but they also have a responsibility to their community and their country, especially when they make an awful mistake. ExxonMobil has done the former by earning $36 billion in 2006, a record for a single company. Now it is time for ExxonMobil to face up to its corporate responsibility, close this dark chapter in the company's history, and end this undue burden on the victims and the courts. March 24, 2008, marked the 19th anniversary of this tragedy--but the question has now turned to: Will our Nation's highest court uphold the judgment that these victims still sadly await?

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements and congratulate Catherine Olsson, Seungsoo Kim, Marguerite Taimi, and Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, for their outstanding excellence in Advanced Placement, AP, math and science as awarded by the Siemens Foundation. Catherine, who attends Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, and Seungsoo, a student who attends Mountain View High School in Vancouver, Washington, were two students from my home State who received a $2,000 scholarship from the Siemens Foundation and the recognition that comes along with such a prestigious award. Ms. Taimi, an 18-year teaching veteran at Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington--located within my congressional district--was recognized by the foundation for her dedication to students in her AP calculus class. Additionally in my district, the entire AP math and science department at Newport High School was recognized for their significant strides and continued excellence in AP courses. The Siemens Foundation, in partnership with the College Board, a non- profit association committed to connecting students with overall college success, is celebrating its tenth year of presenting awards and significant scholarships to students, teachers, and institutions in all 50 States. This year alone, Siemens and the College Board awarded 97 students, dozens of teachers, and many high schools monetary gifts, bringing their total commitment since 1998 to more than $4.5 million. One of my constituents, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, appeared before the Committee on Science and Technology on March 12, 2008, and spoke at length of the need for improved math and science education in order to maintain our leadership in technological innovation. With that message in mind, please join me in congratulating Catherine, Seungsoo, Ms. Taimi, Newport High School, and all the other students, teachers, and high schools who strive for excellence in AP math and science. Moreover, I want to thank the Siemens Foundation and the College Board for their extraordinary commitment to encouraging America's future mathematicians, scientists, and engineers.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following article from Monday, March 10, 2008 into the Record: A Chance To Stand Up Congress has a chance to do what the Federal Communications Commission did not. Protect democracy and serve the public. The Senate can start by adopting North Dakota Democrat Sen. Byron Dorgan's ``resolution of disapproval.'' The grumpy- sounding legislation would scrap a new FCC rule that lifts the cross-ownership ban, which forbade a company from owning a newspaper, television station and radio station in the same market. The FCC adopted a sneaky new rule change in December. Commission Chairman Kevin Martin portrayed the new rule as restrained because it would only apply to the nation's top 20 media markets. A closer reading reveals that it is far- reaching, allowing for exceptions. Not encouraging, considering the FCC's demonstrated willingness to hand out exemptions to its rules. The FCC's troubling rush to appease big media conglomerates must be checked. The public was overwhelmingly against media concentration at every FCC hearing in the past couple of years. The commission not only ignored its public-interest charge, but also disregarded its own studies that showed the damage done to local news by consolidation. This is not the first time the Senate has pushed back against the FCC. A resolution was broadly supported in 2003 to block an earlier FCC attempt to abolish the cross- ownership ban. Republican opposition was led by Sen. John McCain. The vote ended up being symbolic because the Republican-held House refused to enact its own resolution. Washington has changed since 2003. Expect the Senate to get this resolution through, and for the House to follow. More media consolidation will further gut the news outlets that are essential to maintaining a vigorous, informed democracy. Congress has a chance to slap the FCC back into line, while protecting the public at the same time.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 945, a resolution that establishes March 2008 as ``National Criminal Justice Month.'' Prior to joining this body, I worked for 33 years as a member of the King County Sheriff's Office, eventually becoming the elected Sheriff of King County in 1997. I could not agree more with the sentiments of this Resolution and want to personally thank each one of the approximately three million Americans working within our nation's criminal justice system today. I know a job in the criminal justice system, no matter what it is, can often be thankless and tiring. The pressures of family, life and service can be overwhelming. I also know the physical and mental toughness that is required to perform these duties. However, the excitement of a job well done and the respect given to these heroic men and women outweigh the sometimes unpleasant challenges they face. Those who serve in our criminal justice system today are tasked not only with protecting our communities and neighborhoods but also with protecting our homeland and serving on the front lines of our war against terrorism. Within this framework, the job these brave public servants are doing is truly remarkable. Although sometimes it is hard to feel and see, the gratitude of the American people and this body for our dedicated public servants will not waver. I ask--as the Resolution does--that we all look seriously at how we as individuals can prevent and respond to crime to help the public servants we too often take for granted.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, While I am pleased that the House has once again renewed Andean trade preferences, I think this bill highlights more than ever the need to pass pending free trade agreements that have languished for far too long without consideration. We must continue to open markets to encourage American companies to innovate and compete with their global counterparts. This grows our economy and creates jobs. I am proud to represent a district in Washington State that integrates our nation's leading technology innovators with a vibrant and highly productive small business community. Opening new global markets gives them incentives to improve their products, produce more goods, and employ more American workers. I have seen these job-creating effects first-hand, with trade accounting for 1 out of every 3 jobs in my state. In this time of economic uncertainty, Congress must act now to advance America's broader trade agenda. We cannot allow important agreements with Panama and Korea to remain on hold while Europe and China continue to knock down trade barriers and improve their competitiveness in the global economy. And surely recent provocative comments by the leader of Venezuela helps put into perspective the urgent need to use the power of trade in Colombia. I urge my colleagues in the Majority to stop the delays and pass these free trade agreements. Let's advance the trade measures needed to grow our economy, create jobs, and not only improve our relations with global partners, but also to foster global peace and freedom.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise and congratulate Northwest Kidney Centers for the recent completion of their SeaTac facility. Located near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the new facility provides additional medical surge capacity at a moment's notice to communities facing a major public health emergency. With ever-increasing numbers of obese and diabetic Americans, organizations such as Northwest Kidney Centers offer an unparalleled number of services to patients in need of critical, advanced care. Hundreds of dialysis staff and nephrologists are equipped and prepared for any emergency, and the new facility's innovative design allows additional dialysis stations to be activated at any time. The new facility will no doubt play an integral role in the lives of countless Northwest residents who depend on kidney therapy to live quality lives--and to enable them to spend more time with their families and friends. The new Northwest Kidney Centers' SeaTac Facility is a perfect example of a successful State and Federal partnership, and it will be a significant asset to our communities. All of us in the Northwest can take pride in knowing that the SeaTac facility is a model for the rest of the country to follow.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from the State of Washington, and I rise in strong opposition to this closed rule. This rule gives the House no opportunity to engage in meaningful debate about this important issue. I am disappointed that the majority did not make in order a substitute amendment I cosponsored to consider the bipartisan legislation that was unanimously approved by the Senate last year. Let me be clear: I strongly support mental health parity. That is precisely why I am so concerned that the bill before us today could derail our efforts to pass mental health parity legislation altogether. While the House bill could reduce access to care for the mentally ill, decrease the affordability for health care coverage, and even close a hospital in my State, the Senate measure represents some of the very best that can come from bipartisan collaboration and compromise. It reflects the interests of mental health advocates and providers while also respecting the rights of States like Washington to enact mental health laws that go beyond the Federal standard. Mr. Speaker, I came to this House, this body, a little over 3 years ago. My previous profession was in law enforcement for 33 years, so I came here in a little bit different way than most Members of the House of Representatives. So today I make the statement not as a Republican but as a citizen of the United States of America. I am standing here today as an American saying that we need to stop the partisan bickering and we need to come together as Democrats and Republicans and we need to address this issue of not having opportunity, not having a voice, to share in the decisions that are being made in this House. It is time that we come together. The Senate bill that passed unanimously needs to be considered on the House floor.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand with our State delegation to recognize an important new program begun in Washington to support our soldiers and veterans. We must never forget that we enjoy our freedom today because of the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of generations of men and women in uniform. From the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, our troops have willingly and repeatedly stood in harm's way to preserve the values and liberties we cherish. I know my colleagues who stand here with me today share my commitment to keeping our promises to America's veterans. But we must also keep our promise to veterans in our communities, and the Veterans Family Fund Certificate of Deposit is a perfect example of just such an effort. It is a straightforward way of raising additional funds to meet the needs of Washington veterans and their families, and to assist our returning troops in making a seamless transition home. This program represents some of the very best that can come from public-private partnerships. I commend the many participating banks and credit unions for joining with the State VA to make this initiative possible, and I hope that other States will soon follow Washington's lead. No matter how big or small the effort, we must continue to pursue every available means of supporting our troops. We are the United States of America today, and we are free, because of the sacrifices of these men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line--for us, for their country.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. On February 1, 2008, two young women with developmental disabilities walked into a Baghdad market, most likely unaware that they were being used as walking bombs, about to be remotely detonated. In a horrific and coordinated attack, these vulnerable women lost their lives, along with more than 70 other innocent bystanders. As the godfather of a young boy who has developmental disabilities and as a strong advocate for that community, it is my hope that we continue to fight against the exploitation of these heroic people anywhere in the world. This horrific attack is the latest demonstration of the kind of uncivilized evil that we are confronting in the war on terror. We have even heard rumors this week that young children are being used by these terrorists. What kind of human being would stoop to this level to achieve their aims? Madam Speaker, this event should serve as an example why our Nation must continue to protect the rights of the innocent and to continue to preserve freedom for everyone.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, in today's global, highly competitive economy it is imperative that we create new opportunities for our children and ensure that all students, no matter their age, income, or race, have access to quality, affordable education. I am pleased to rise in support of this important legislation and I'd like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for bringing this bipartisan bill to the floor so that we may finally make the dream of college a reality for all children. Last year, an overwhelming majority of my colleagues joined me in supporting the College Cost Reduction Act, which the President signed into law. This was a good first step to addressing the rising cost of college but today we have an opportunity to do so much more. Education is the lifeblood of a free and democratic society. We have a responsibility to the future prosperity of this great Nation and the rest of the world to ensure that our children have access to the very best education possible--which means controlling costs, strengthening our standards, promoting excellence, and creating new opportunities for previously disadvantaged children. Increasing the maximum Pell Grants and making them available year-round will go a long way towards accomplishing this goal. Finally, Mr. Chairman, if we are to remain a global economic leader we must continue to invest in science and math education. The foundation of innovation lies in a motivated and well-educated workforce equipped with science, technology, engineering, and math skills. While the U.S. is supporting math and science, the rest of the world is not standing still and many countries are working hard to build their own innovation capacity. Our inability to provide our students with a premiere or even a basic education in math and science is a threat not only to our economic security, but also to our national security. The Hart-Rudman Commission was convened in 1998 to take a look at threats facing our country's national security over a 25-year period. The final report, released in early 2001, received national attention after 9/11 because it stated that the number one threat facing our country was terrorism, and it predicted that an attack was likely to take place on U.S. soil. But what is not as well known is that the report stated the second biggest threat to our national security was our Nation's inability to educate our own children in math and science. It called for a ``recapitalization'' effort. Our Nation has benefited and has been living on the intellectual capital that was driven to our shores by Nazism, Communism and poverty in the 20th century. But now, in a global economy, we can no longer rely on the world's minds coming to our country. And this trend coupled with our own deficiencies in education has created a crisis that, according to this report, reaches national security proportions of the highest magnitude. A great real-world example exists in my own district in Washington State, which exemplifies the importance of science and math education. My district is home to several high-tech companies, including Microsoft. In order to ensure the continued success of Microsoft and other similarly situated companies, we must take steps now to fix our failing math and science programs to make certain they're able to hire the very best and brightest and we don't have to rely on a failing immigration and visa program to coax highly skilled and trained workers from overseas. I believe we need to continue to emphasize math and science throughout a child's education. During a speech before the National Governor's Association at their 2005 Achieve Summit, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said, ``In math and science, our 4th graders are among the top students in the world. By 8th grade, they're in the middle of the pack. By 12th grade, U.S. students are scoring near the bottom of all industrialized nations.'' The need for serious attention and improvements to our math and science education is clear. I am happy to see the committee begin to address this need today through scholarships, grants, and incentive programs to encourage students to pursue careers in math and science. Every parent wants their child to grow up to have more opportunities and a better life than they had. Providing our children with access to a higher education is integrally linked to the future economic, social, and cultural health of our democracy. I urge all my colleagues to stand up for our children and their future and join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize January 2008 as Mentoring Month and I am proud to offer my support to H. Res. 908, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month. The history of mentorship nationwide and in my district is a rich one. In Washington State alone, there are approximately 190 organizations specifically dedicated to placing young people into formal mentoring relationships. These organizations spent approximately $30 million in 2006 to forge and maintain those relationships--much of that money coming from private citizens. Most important, all that work has amounted to approximately 29,000 young people in Washington State taking part in a positive mentoring relationship. One organization in particular that has had a tremendous and lasting impact on many disadvantaged youth in my district is Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2007, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound provided more than 2,500 children with mentoring matches and has a vision to provide successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all. Many of us know personally or have heard first-hand the heartbreaking accounts of young people who veered off the path of success or, because of a variety of circumstances, never even knew where to find that path. Mentoring can be a promising approach to enriching the lives of disadvantaged children and youth by discouraging juvenile delinquency, improving school attendance and performance, and by providing positive adult role models. A young man from my district, Lorenzo, is a shining example of the unique way in which mentoring enriches the lives of our youth. Lorenzo moved to Washington State from West Samoa in 2006, and immediately received mentoring help from Ken--an individual who has consistently given of his time to mentor and nurture young people in my home community. Ken helped this young man through the discomfort of transitioning into a new environment, through the academic process, and into positive relationships with his new peers. Upon graduating from Kent-Meridian High School--my alma mater--Lorenzo gained admission to Central Washington University and is a wonderful example of the power of responsible and caring adult guidance. Today, as Congress recognizes January 2008 as National Mentoring Month, I encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, religious and educational institutions to support mentoring and give young people in our community the gift of time and friendship through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound or other mentoring programs throughout Washington State and our Nation.