E. Shaw

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Scott Maine of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida for being named the South Florida Sun- Sentinel's Class 6A-5A-4A Player of the Year. A pitcher for the William T. Dwyer Community High School baseball team, Scott Maine has proven himself to be a local athletic star while playing on the field. Having some of the best statistics in the county, Scott appropriately refers to himself as a ``power pitcher.'' A credit to his hard work and dedication, Scott plays at an exceptional level. While some baseball players would be lucky to achieve an earned run average, or ERA, of as low as 2.00, Scott finished his senior season with an ERA of 0.10. This past season, players on opposing teams were unable to produce much offense when facing the arm of Scott Maine. Having a repertoire of pitches, Scott's ratio for strikeouts to walks is 7.5:1. A ratio that places Scott far and above his fellow competitors. Dwyer High School's baseball coach, Tony Gullo, considers Scott's arm to be one of his Godgiven tools. In fact, Scott's pitching is so valuable to the team that a pitch count was recorded during the 2003 high school season. For every game, Scott would throw up to sixty-five pitches, departing from games around the fourth or fifth innings. This past spring, as the athletic season came to an end, and as the graduating seniors accepted their diplomas, Scott Maine departed Dwyer High School a legend. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such an outstanding young man and extend my best wishes to Scott Maine as he begins a baseball career.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2738, the United States-Chile Free Trade Implementation Act. A free trade agreement with Chile is tremendously important to U.S. trading interests with our South American neighbors. The legislation before us provides a new market access for U.S. Consumer and industrial products, new opportunities for U.S. financial institutions, an open and competitive telecommunications market, protections for U.S. investors, common ground on environmental protections, and allows for 85 percent of consumer and industrial products to become duty-free. Chile is a trade leader in South America. Over the last decade, Chile has doubled its gross domestic product and has become the 4th fastest growing economy in the world. This success stemmed from low inflation, a balanced national budget, a vigilance to eliminate corruption and a strong financial infrastructure. In securing this agreement, we acknowledge the leadership of the Lagos Administration both in Santiago and here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ambassador Robert Zoellick and his distinguished team at USTR in crafting what can truly be called a world class agreement. Free trade is the future of the U.S. economy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2738.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2739, the United States-Singapore Free Trade Implementation Act. A free trade agreement with Singapore allows U.S. industries access to America's 12th largest trading partner--a partner that represents roughly $40 billion in two-way trade of goods and services. H.R. 2739 provides direct market access for American industries and workers. With the implementation of this bill, Singapore will immediately eliminate tariffs on all goods from the United States. The agreement before us is also critical to U.S. investors. Direct foreign investment in Singapore was more then $27 billion in 2001. This agreement ensures U.S. investors will receive the same fair treatment as investors from Singapore. Mr. Speaker, I salute Ambassador Robert Zoellick and his team for successfully negotiating the agreement before us today. I urge adoption of H.R. 2739.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would say to the gentleman, I was sitting there right next to the chairman. The minority Member that was sitting there alone, the only one in there, physically threatened a majority Member.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, so what? I mean, so far, we have had a discussion of he said, who said, cops came, Sergeant of Arms was called, these types of things, but let us look at the resolution. The resolution says that the House of Representatives disapproves the manner in which the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) conducted the mark-up of legislation in the Committee on Ways and Means on July 18, 2003, and find that the bill considered at that mark-up was not validly ordered reported to the House. Well, I think it is important that we talk about what happened. The only thing that was in dispute is, and that I can see here is, to whether a timely objection was made to dispense with the reading of the bill itself, and the Democrats or the minority party were all back in the library with the exception of one; and he was engaged in a conversation with the staff when the motion was made, and at that time, the chairman said, Hearing no objection, it is considered as read and open for amendment at any time. With that, the lone minority Member in the room got up and left. At that time, the chairman yielded the floor to the main sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), on the majority side. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) then proceeded to describe the bill and talk about the bill for a number of minutes, for a long period of time, at which time the minority party had plenty of time to come back into the room, but they had all left. Now, if you were to say that this was an improperly crafted, improperly passed bill, then all the minority has to do at any time is to get up and leave the room. There was clearly a quorum in the room. The bill was called up and it was voted upon. That is what we are here to decide. Now, if we are to decide personalities, then this is not the place for it. As a matter of fact, our rules of the House decorum says that we are not supposed to get involved in that, but we could get involved in it for a long time, for a lot of Members; and we cannot do that because of the decorum of this House of Representatives. My friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), and he is my friend, he objected that the minority has the right to use any of the rooms, just as the majority does. I am sorry, that is not the way the rules of the House are written. The gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) controls those rooms, but that is not what is complained about here. What is complained about here and what we are here to debate today is whether or not there was a proper handling of the rules with regard to the legislation itself, the legislation itself. There is a lot of blame to go around. I quite frankly, prior to the start of this hearing, I tried to get the Speaker or somebody to try to work this out so this thing could be defused over the weekend. It desperately needs defusing. The Committee on Ways and Means is one of the premier, if not the premier, committees within this House of Representatives. We do need to work on some decorum within the committee; we know that. It is the premier committee in the House of Representatives.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentlewoman, a respected member of the Committee on Ways and Means who was a judge, I would say that I also was a judge, and if anyone had conducted themselves like that in my courtroom, they would have been held in contempt of court.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. This is probably, I think without question, one of the most important sessions that this Congress has had regarding Medicare since its inception. We have heard a lot of argument about old fashioned Medicare and new Medicare and the changes, and the truth be known, both political parties understand that medical treatment has changed in the last 40 some years since Medicare first came on line. We know that. Drugs are more important to keep the seniors out of hospitals, to keep them mobile, to keep their quality of life moving. So this is a very important thing, and it is important that we put this in the Medicare law. And it is very important that we make it where the seniors can afford it. Florida has the seven most heavily used Medicare congressional districts in the country. I have seen on more than one occasion, while standing in line waiting for a prescription to be filled, somebody going up. I have a very vivid memory of the last one I saw, this elderly lady coming up and finding out what her prescription drugs was going to cost and looking at this bottle and that bottle and then handing that bottle back. She was low income. This bill will take care of her. She will be taken care of under this bill, and she will not have to give that bottle back because she needs it. These are prescription medicines, these are what control her quality of life, and this is a good bill. The Republican bill looks after the low-income people first, and it also takes care of those who are the heavy drug users because of the illnesses that they are suffering from. Obviously we can sweeten the pie by increasing the expenditures, but we heard tonight one of the Members from the other side was saying that we are letting it wither on the vine. We are putting $400 billion into Medicare. We are propping it up. We are putting some reforms in there, we are putting some cost containments in there that is going to make it a better deal. The price of drugs because of the Republican bill will come down, and the people that need it most, the heavy users and the low income, will be taken care of. This is a very good bill. It is one that the Congress should definitely, definitely pass. H.R. 1, its time has come and it is time for this Congress to act. I compliment the chairman and all of those who did this very complex bill and put it together. It is a good bill and it is one this Congress should pass.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christopher Balogh of Jupiter, FL, for receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. It is my pleasure to congratulate this fine young resident of the 22nd Congressional District of Florida who has been incredibly dedicated to the betterment of not only his community but himself. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires more than 3 years to complete a minimum of 800 hours of community service, 200 hours in both personal development and physical fitness, in addition to a total of four nights of expedition/exploration. These are cumulative hours as Christopher has previously earned the Bronze and Silver Medals. I applaud his hard work and dedication. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Christopher Balogh of my district who is being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal today. The outstanding work done by this dedicated young man has been truly influential in his community, and I congratulate him as he is recognized among the Nation's most outstanding young people.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matthew Mills of Jupiter, FL, for receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. It is my pleasure to congratulate this fine young resident of the 22nd Congressional District of Florida who have been incredibly dedicated to the betterment of not only his community but himself. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires more than 3 years to complete a minimum of 800 hours of community service, 200 hours in both personal development and physical fitness, in addition to a total of four nights of expedition/exploration. These are cumulative hours as Matthew has previously earned the Bronze and Silver Medals. I applaud his hard work and dedication. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Matthew's advisor, Ms. Lynn Lyons, who has shown tireless dedication to the Youth Congressional Award and has mentored countless youth over the years. The relationship between Ms. Lyons and her students has been an extraordinary one. Ms. Lyons is now retired after her years of teaching at St. Mark's Episcopal School. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Matthew Mills of my district who is being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal today. The outstanding work done by this dedicated young man has been truly influential in his community, and I congratulate him as he is recognized among the Nation's most outstanding young people.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Counts of Jupiter, FL, for receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. It is my pleasure to congratulate this fine young resident of the 22nd Congressional District of Florida who has been incredibly dedicated to the betterment of not only her community but herself. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires more than 3 years to complete a minimum of 800 hours of community service, 200 hours in both personal development and physical fitness, in addition to a total of four nights of expedition/exploration. These are cumulative hours as Elizabeth has previously earned the Bronze and Silver Medals. I applaud her for her hard work and dedication. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Elizabeth's advisor, Ms. Lynn Lyons, who has shown tireless dedication to the Youth Congressional Award and has mentored countless youth over the years. The relationship between Ms. Lyons and her students has been an extraordinary one. Ms. Lyons is now retired after her years of teaching at St. Mark's Episcopal School. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Elizabeth Counts of my district who is being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal today. The outstanding work done by this dedicated young women has been truly influential in her community, and I congratulate her as she is recognized among the Nation's most outstanding young people.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Vezin of Jupiter, Florida for receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. It is my pleasure to congratulate this fine young resident of the 22nd Congressional District of Florida who has been incredibly dedicated to the betterment of not only his community but himself. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires more than three years to complete a minimum of 800 hours of community service, 200 hours in both personal development and physical fitness, in addition to a total of four nights of expedition/exploration. These are cumulative hours as Chad has previously earned the Bronze and Silver Medals. I applaud him for his hard work and dedication. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Chad's advisor, Ms. Lynn Lyons, who has shown tireless dedication to the Youth Congressional Award and has mentored countless youth over the years. The relationship between Ms. Lyons and her students has been an extraordinary one. Ms. Lyons is now retired after her years of teaching at St. Mark's Episcopal School. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Chad Vezin a resident of my district who is being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal today. The outstanding work done by this dedicated young man has been truly influential in his community, and I congratulate him as he is recognized among the nation's most outstanding young people.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Brannen of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida for receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. It is my pleasure to congratulate this fine young resident of the 22nd Congressional District of Florida who has been incredibly dedicated to the betterment of not only his community but himself. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Award Gold Medal requires more than three years to complete a minimum of 800 hours of community service, 200 hours in both personal development and physical fitness, in addition to a total of four nights of expedition/exploration. These are cumulative hours as Peter has previously earned the Bronze and Silver Medals. I applaud him and his hard work and dedication. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Peter's advisor, Ms. Lynn Lyons, who has shown tireless dedication to the Youth Congressional Award and has mentored countless youth over the years. The relationship between Ms. Lyons and her students has been an extraordinary one. Ms. Lyons is now retired after her years of teaching at St. Mark's Episcopal School. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Peter Brannen of my district who is being presented with the Congressional Award Gold Medal today. The outstanding work done by this dedicated young man has been truly influential in his community of Florida, and I congratulate him as he is recognized among the nation's most outstanding young people.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Deerfield Beach, Florida for their selection as 2003 All-America City Award Finalist. It is my pleasure to congratulate the mayor, the city commission, and the citizens of Deerfield Beach as they are recognized by our nation with consideration for the oldest and most respected community recognition award in the nation. I applaud the residents of Deerfield Beach for their strong civic pride and their dedication to their community. Mr. Speaker, located in Florida's 22nd Congressional District, the city of Deerfield Beach has previously been recognized as America's First Project Impact Community and as a four-time National Blue Wave award-winner, as well as an All-America City finalist in 2001. Deerfield Beach is not only home to many quality corporations and non- profit organizations, but the city also thrives on the strong partnerships between non-profit organizations, the government and the private sector for the betterment of the community. The philosophy of these relationships is seen through the three projects that helped Deerfield Beach receive the title of an All-America City finalist. The NE Focal Point/CASA (Children, Alzheimer's Senior and Adult Services), Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that provides members of the Deerfield community with many philanthropic services for the community. Second, the Gateway Community Outreach (GCO), Inc., operates as a food distribution facility for those in need. Gateway provides homeless prevention guidance and financial assistance to its clients. Lastly, the Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC) is a non-profit organization that educates disadvantaged youth in not only automotive repair but in academic and future life management skills through an intensive, nine month classroom and an automotive hands-on training program. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate those citizens of Deerfield, Florida and the delegation of 70 friends, residents and officials of Deerfield Beach who have worked incredibly hard over the past year to receive the title of All-America City finalist. I go on to wish the city of Deerfield Beach good luck as they challenge the other 30 finalists for this award, in hopes to receive the ultimate recognition as the All-America City.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Pompano Beach, Florida for their selection as a 2003 All-America City Award Finalist. It is my pleasure to congratulate the mayor, the city commission, and the residents of this city as they are recognized by our nation with consideration for the oldest and most respected community recognition award in the United States. I also applaud the residents of Pompano Beach for their strong civic pride and their dedication to their community. Mr. Speaker, located in Florida's 22nd Congressional District, the city of Pompano Beach has been selected as one of the 30 Finalists for this year's All-America City Award. This award is the nation's most prestigious civic recognition presented to the city who best exemplifies the award's mission to reward ideal communities where citizens, government, business and nonprofit organizations together exhibit superior civic ideals. The city of Pompano Beach proudly exhibits the All-America City criteria, along with an increased level of community pride and spirit amongst the city residents. In the final round of this competition, Pompano Beach will present their innovative ideas for addressing a wide array of social and community issues to a 10-member panel, during their current stay in Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate the citizens of Pompano Beach, Florida and the distinctive members of their community who have worked incredibly hard over the past year to instill such strong civic pride in the residents of Pompano Beach which has to lead the city to its title of an All-America City finalist. I go on to wish the city of Pompano Beach, Florida good luck as they challenge the other 30 finalists for this award, in hopes to receive the ultimate recognition as the All-America City.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the contributions to the academic excellence of St. Anthony's Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the efforts of its principal, Elaine Patterson, who is retiring. St. Anthony's School is the oldest Catholic school in Broward County, Florida, and Elaine has guided thousands of students throughout her 22-year tenure. Elaine has served as St. Anthony's principal from 1986 to 2003. In that time, she introduced the school's pre-kindergarten program, forwarded technology by way of computers, and promoted innovative programs which helped in the total development of the children in her care. Mr. Speaker, through the years, Elaine has earned the respect of fellow principals in the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as many of the teachers who have worked with her. As a grandfather whose grandchildren have benefited from Elaine's professionalism, I can say that her retirement will be a loss to the school and the families she has guided during her career. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Elaine Patterson on a distinguished career educating South Florida's youth; and on behalf of the entire Shaw family, I wish to thank Elaine for her great service. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the contributions made to the academic excellence of St. Anthony's Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida through the efforts of its principal, Elaine Patterson, who is retiring. St. Anthony's School is the oldest Catholic school in Broward County, Florida, and Elaine has guided thousands of students throughout her 22-year tenure. Elaine received a Bachelor of Science Degree at Southern Connecticut State University and a Master's Degree in Guidance at Florida Atlantic University. Her experience includes elementary classroom teaching, guidance counseling, and serving as a vice-principal before becoming a principal. Elaine has served as St. Anthony's principal from 1986 to 2003. In that time, she introduced the school's pre-kindergarten program, forwarded technology by way of computers, and promoted innovative programs which helped in the total development of the children in her care. She worked very closely with St. Anthony's Pastor, Father Timothy Hannon, in achieving these goals and was very active in fund raising activities which made attaining them possible. In addition to her administrative activities, Elaine has served with distinction on numerous committees for the Archdiocese of Miami and has headed two very successful Self Study Committees. She served as a member of the St. Anthony's Advisory Board, the Parish Council, St. Anthony's Foundation for Education, the Home and School Association and the Victoria Park Civic Association of Homeowners. Mr. Speaker, through the years Elaine has earned the respect of fellow principals in the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as, the many teachers who have worked with her. Elaine's leadership and example have made her a mentor to many. She believes in an open-door policy for everyone and will be remembered as a kind and compassionate administrator. As a grandfather whose grandchildren have benefited from Elaine's professionalism, I can say that her retirement will be a loss to the school and the families she has guided during her career. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Elaine Patterson on a distinguished career educating South Florida's youth, and on behalf of the Shaw family, I thank Elaine for her service. God bless Elaine Patterson and the entire St. Anthony's family.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of Smithtown Christian School, located in Smithtown, NY and to congratulate the faculty, staff, students and alumni on this special occasion. Located in my colleague Tim Bishop's district, SCS was established in 1978, and since its inception, Smithtown Christian School has become an academic and athletic leader among private schools on Long Island. Over its 25 years of educating children, SCS originally began as an elementary school with 59 students and 4 teachers. Under the direction of Pastor Salvatore Greco and the SCS administration, Smithtown Christian added a middle school in 1986, followed by a full registered four-year high school in 1991. SCS made history in June of 1991, by graduating its first high school class. Today, 25 years following the first lesson, first exam, and first Chapel service, 650 students grace the halls of SCS with 40 full-time faculty. More importantly, over its 25 years, an estimated 10,000 students have attended Smithtown Christian. Truly a great testament to the original vision in 1978. Mr. Speaker, SCS is a special place for it's the elementary and middle school of my Chief of Staff, Eric Eikenberg. Born and raised on Long Island, Eric attended SCS from kindergarten thru ninth grade, 1981-1991. Also, Eric's sister Christina attended SCS from kindergarten thru sixth grade, 1984-1991. They both cherish their years at SCS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Eikenberg family, I salute Pastor Greco and the entire Smithtown Christian School family on reaching this historic plateau. May God bless Smithtown Christian School throughout its next 25 years.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I bring sad news of the passing of an American hero, Mr. Al Ross of Palm Beach County, Florida at the age of 101. Al Ross was one of the last remaining veterans of World War I. Al was a living legend in Palm Beach County, who freely gave of his time to educate many generations of Americans on the true meaning of service to our nation and deep understanding of the Pledge of Allegiance. In countless schools and public appearances around the county, he was a fiery champion for all veterans and a defender of the flag. Up until the very last moment that continued to be his mission. In 2002, fewer than 500 veterans of World War I remained and Al was the last known survivor in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Still wearing his 1918 Navy uniform, I last saw him this past July 4th speaking to a Town of Palm Beach picnic celebrating America. As always, he had something new to share with his audience, and this month was looking forward to again being a featured speaker at this year's Memorial Day services at the National Cemetery. We in Congress should remember Al Ross, along with his fellow soldiers and sailors from the Great War who are rapidly departing God's green earth which they ably defended with honor and dignity. Mr. Speaker, Al Ross, small in stature, big in heart will be missed. He lived to see our military go from trench warfare to laser guided missiles, from Verdun to Baghdad. Yet as Al Ross would say, our flag was still there bringing freedom and hope to people around the world. In Al's honor I close with his favorite, The Pledge of Allegiance, which he recited many hundreds of times and explained its meaning in his own colorful way. ``I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.'' Mr. Speaker, I salute Al Ross on behalf of a grateful nation.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Miss Elise Baker, first-place winner of the 2003 Congressional Art Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery''. This unique competition provides Members with the opportunity to showcase the artistic achievements of high school students within their districts, thereby acknowledging our Nation's gifted young artists. Since the first competition in 1982, nearly 5,000 local contests have been conducted, involving more than 650,000 high school students. In its 22nd year, the competition has recognized Ms. Elise Baker for her outstanding artistic talent. Elise was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 31, 1986. The daughter of Don and Susan Baker, Elise also has a 12-year-old brother, Robby. For her elementary education, she attended St. Paul Lutheran School, where she developed a serious interest in art. Since enrolling at A.D. Henderson University School of Florida Atlantic University for middle school, she has taken a number of honors art classes and has been awarded as an outstanding art student on several occasions. Elise is currently a Junior at Grandview Preparatory School in Boca Raton, Florida. Elise's interests are not limited to the realm of art, and she has energetically pursued numerous extra-curricular activities. Fostering a lifelong love of dance, Elise began her formal dance education at the Dance Academy of Boca Raton during pre-school. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance and has performed in many student talent competitions over the years. She has furthermore been a member of the South Florida Youth Ballet, a repertory company which put on many performances in Palm Beach County, and has danced with the Miami City Ballet in ``The Nutcracker'' at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Her colorful dancing background undoubtedly contributed to her leadership as captain of the Grandview Cheerleading Team during the past two years of high school. She has attended several Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) instructional camps, from which she has been honored with various awards, including the opportunity to perform a cheerleading routine during the New Year's Day Parade in London, England in 2003. Last summer, Elise completed Culver Military Academy's six-week program in Culver, Indiana and earned her Tuxis Medal. Today, Elise enjoys babysitting and performing volunteer work in her spare time. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton and actively participates in their Youth Group, as well as other youth-oriented activities in the area. Elise's natural gift for art runs in her family, as she is the great grand-niece of Edward Buyck, a famous artist from Albany, New York, who is renowned for his pre-inaugural portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 and for his countless works presently on display at the Governor's office in Albany and in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. As Elise's art teacher at Grandview, Mr. Robert Williams, said, `` `A' talent and hard work pay off.'' We would like to recognize both Elise's talent and hard work and congratulate her on winning this year's competition. We also wish her the best of luck in her pursuit of artistic studies in college, which she plans on continuing, particularly in the fields of decorating and fashion design.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, many lands and waters managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service allow recreational fishing and include more than 260 public fishing programs on national wildlife refuges nationwide. There were about 6 million fishing visits to national wildlife refuges in 1999. While the number of visitors engaged in freshwater fishing is holding steady, saltwater fishing is growing in popularity. Recent surveys indicate that many people engage in fishing in order to experience peace and solitude. National wildlife refuges can offer a quiet, yet wild, fishing experience for the American people. Among prime fishing experiences on national wildlife refuges are Tamarac Refuge in Minnesota, featuring some 21 lakes, five of which are open to canoes or small boats; anglers can real in northern pike and walleye. The Bayou Sauvage near New Orleans gives urban anglers a spectacular setting of both freshwater and saltwater fishing. In Philadelphia, John Heinz Refuge provides year-round fishing opportunities as one of the growing number of refuges with facilities that are disabled accessible. In my home State of Florida there are about 30 such refuges in where countless numbers of natives and tourists go each year to experience the great outdoors. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this resolution and our National Wildlife Refuge System, which creates these opportunities for anglers all across the United States.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day. More than fifty years have elapsed since world experienced the horrors of the Holocaust. Year-round, we actively battle against ignorance and disbelief through educating and informing others about the causes, realities, and legacies of the Holocaust. But there is one day during the year when we make a special effort to commemorate the Holocaust. Although no singular day stands out as representative of the destruction and suffering that spanned the years of the Holocaust, we set aside the day of Yom Ha'Shoah, which corresponds to the 27th of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, to memorialize the tragedy and pay tribute to all who suffered. Today, we remember those who endured, those who fought, and those who died during World War II. We recognize not only the loss of more than six million Jewish lives, but also the loss of human potential. Entire families were decimated during the terror that marked this dark time in history. We call to mind the descendants of victims of the Holocaust who never had the opportunity to make their contributions to mankind. And we recall the heroes who risked and surrendered their lives in the greatest fight for freedom and democracy the modern world has ever known. Our greatest tribute to those millions who suffered at the hands of the Nazis will be to ensure that their memory will forever endure in our hearts. It is through our reflections on Holocaust Remembrance Day that we acknowledge our loss, and it is through our actions that we educate future generations and build a new world for them. The fires of hatred, which blazed so brightly in Europe from 1939 through 1945, have not yet burned out. They continue to smolder in the hearts of terrorists worldwide. Today we join in a solemn bond with the victims of the Holocaust to extinguish the fires of hatred and to ensure that the world will never suffer such a horrific tragedy again. With contemporary illustrations of antagonism fresh in our minds, we marvel at the strength and character of the Jewish people. Their steadfast determination to rebuild their lives following the Holocaust has given the world a remarkable model of resolve. Through their example, we can glimpse the extraordinary human spirit that rises above the fruitlessness of anger and resentment. With this special day and with our deeds we honor that spirit. Mr. Speaker, we observe Holocaust Remembrance Day to always remember and never forget. I am proud to recognize Yom Ha'Shoa and urge all Americans to do the same.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the members of Florida's 22nd Congressional District who have been selected as recipients of The Congressional Award Gold Medal. At this time, there are nearly 13,000 young Americans participating in The Congressional Award program. Of these participants, Congress has presented its highest award attributed to young people, The Congressional Award Gold Medal, to 150 outstanding individuals. I would like to recognize six students living in Florida's 22nd District who have been honored with this award, as well as, two other Congressional Gold Medal recipients from 2001. Christopher Balogh, from Jupiter, Florida earned the Bronze Medal on July 6, 2001, the Silver Medal on July 16, 2002, and the Gold Medal on March 24, 2003. Peter Brannen, from Palm Beach, Florida, earned the Bronze Medal on May 7, 2000, the Silver Medal on April 18, 2001, and the Gold Medal on November 19, 2002. Elizabeth Counts, from Jupiter, Florida, earned the Bronze Medal on April 6, 2000, the Silver Medal on April 18, 2001, and the Gold Medal on March 24, 2003. Chelsea Ewer, from Palm Beach, Florida, earned the Bronze Medal on May 18, 2001, the Silver Medal on April 11, 2002, and the Gold Medal on March 24, 2003. Matthew Mills, from Jupiter, Florida, earned the Bronze Medal on July 18, 2000, the Silver Medal on July 5, 2001, and his paperwork is currently in review for the Gold Medal. Chad Vezin, from Jupiter, Florida, earned the Bronze Medal on April 6, 2000, the Silver Medal on April 17, 2001, and the Bronze Medal on January 29, 2003. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these students on this honor and wish them the best of luck in their bright futures.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.