Jean Schmidt

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, if we could have a moment of silence.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of Senate bill 5. This Nation is divided on this issue. Many people believe our tax dollars should not be used when the compromising of a human life is involved. Many people believe embryonic stem cells kill a human life. The research on embryonic stem cells has not lived up to the hope and promise of its supporters. Other forms have, and these do not compromise a human life. They include cord blood and embryonic fluid, adult stem cells, and just as reported in today's Christian Science Monitor, artificial stem cells from mice. Let's use the public's tax dollars in a way that does not compromise our human values. Let's vote ``no'' on Senate bill 5.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2078, legislation to name the United States Postal Facility in Cherry Fork, Ohio, as the ``Staff Sergeant Omer T. `O.T.' Hawkins Post Office.'' I would urge my colleagues to support this legislation to honor an American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. Born on November 29, 1972, O.T. always knew he wanted to be a soldier; and at the age of 10 he actually wrote the Army requesting that he become a member of the Army. In high school, he was a member of the academic team and was voted ``Most Likely to Succeed.'' Instead of going to college or taking another career path, just shortly after graduation he joined the Army. In the Army, O.T. quickly developed a leadership style armed with an arsenal of wit and knowledge that was admired by all who served with him. His deployments took him across the globe, including Desert Storm, Somalia, Haiti, Egypt twice, Bosnia, and Kosovo. His colleagues described him as a tremendous soldier, someone who loved his country. U.S. Army SSGT Omer O.T. Hawkins died on Thursday, October 14, 2004, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb. His letter as an innocent young boy illustrates the lifelong desire O.T. had to serve his country and why I am humbled to sponsor this bill honoring him. He believed in what he did, and his last message was: ``I will continue to fight when others falter and grow weary of their duty. I firmly believe in the Constitution. In fact, I believe it applies to all humanity, not just America.'' I would like to share a poem written by O.T.'s nephew Joshua for his funeral: ``A soldier isn't judged by how good his aim is or how many bullets he's used. He isn't judged by how many lives he's taken or how many ribbons decorate his uniform. He won't be judged by how many wars he's fought or enemies he's made. ``A soldier is judged by how many flags hang for him and how many yellow ribbons decorate cars for him. ``I know my Uncle O.T. is above us smiling because he knows that in 20 years people won't remember how many medals he received but how hard he fought for his country.'' Please help ensure that future generations of SSGT O.T. Hawkins' family, friends, and neighbors in Cherry Fork, Ohio, never forget how hard he fought for his country. Please support H.R. 2078.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2077, legislation to name the United States postal facility in Blue Creek, Ohio, the ``George B. Lewis Post Office Building.'' George Lewis is the perfect example of what it is to be an American. This is an individual who served his country on the battlefield, and then came back home to serve his country on the farm field. George Lewis was born on April 22, 1928, in Peebles, Ohio, a farming community in Adams County, the second of five children. George spent his entire life, save 2 years fighting the Korean War, in Adams County, where he devoted his entire life to improve it. George Lewis began his career in public service with the Federal Government on February 1, 1946, still a few months short of his 18th birthday when he enlisted in the Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, George returned to Adams County to work on the family cattle farm until September 1, 1950, when he was called to duty and drafted into the Army and sent to Korea at the age of 22. He rose in the ranks quickly, earning the rank of tank sergeant. He saw battle on several occasions and earned several medals and awards for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned back to the family farm to do the work. George was hired as the Blue Creek Postmaster on November 5, 1955, where he served ably until his retirement on September 27, 1992. He was known to all in his community as the Blue Creek Postmaster. He retired with 40 years of Federal Government service. During his career as postmaster, George remained active in his community, not just only on the family farm which his family has held for over 200 years. He was instrumental, as was mentioned, in forming the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department, serving as its chief, and was an honorary lifetime member. He also continued in his public service with the Adams County Hospital Board, the Adams County Agricultural Society, the Fair Board director, and was president of the Jefferson Township Parent-Teacher Association. Lastly, he was a member of the Moores Chapel United Methodist Church. George was known as the ``go-to guy'' because he could fix anything from a tractor to a toaster, and he never said no to anyone. He was known for his willingness to help everyone, friends or strangers, and had a quick wit and a common sense which made him universally respected in his community. George died on October 25, 2000, after a battle with lung cancer. He was survived by his wife of over 45 years, Juanita, five children and six great-grandchildren. George B. Lewis lived as a humble and practical man. He was not afraid of hard work, hard situations or hard decisions. He faced life with courage, common sense and a feeling of responsibility for Blue Creek, where his entire family still resides to this day on that same family farm. I urge my colleagues to honor this man and support this legislation.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Buddy LaRosa as he receives the Tree of Life humanitarian award on April 30, 2007 from the Jewish National Fund. The Jewish National Fund has bestowed its highest honor, the Tree of Life award, annually since 1981. Recipients of this prestigious honor are chosen on the basis of outstanding community involvement, professional leadership and humanitarian service. Previous national recipients have included Hank Aaron, Archbishop Joseph Bernardin and Donald Trump. The Tree of Life award was named to symbolize the Jewish National Fund's efforts to reclaim and develop the land of Israel from barren and uninhabitable land into a land of lush green forests and fields, productive farmlands and varied tourism and recreation facilities. The Jewish National Fund is honoring Mr. LaRosa because of his outstanding community service, active civic involvement and ongoing dedication to helping those less fortunate. This talented and generous man is the name behind one of Cincinnati's most recognized and beloved eateries, LaRosa's Restaurant. A lifelong native of Western Hills, Buddy opened his first pizzeria there in 1954 with a couple of partners, limited funds, and his Aunt Dena's recipe. Today, Buddy is known as the ``Pizza King'' and LaRosa's, with its 15 company-owned restaurants, 45 franchise locations across the region, and more than 1,500 employees, is a household name synonymous with great pizza. Buddy's commitment to the youth in the Cincinnati area is legendary. Buddy has often said, ``To live a full life, be a credit to my family and community, and touch young people so that one day they too may experience the joys I have had.'' This philosophy, combined with a strong work ethic, is no doubt the recipe to Buddy's success. Buddy was inspired to give back to the youth of our community after a fire devastated his Western Hills restaurant in 1973. Hundreds of area high school students, through their sports coaches, helped to rebuild his restaurant in a record 40 days. As a way to fulfill his personal goal of giving back to students in the community, Buddy founded the Buddy LaRosa High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1975. The Hall of Fame has seven new inductees each year and honors 12 local high school students for their academic and athletic achievements. Today, this outstanding program is a cornerstone of our community and has touched the lives of countless young people. Over the years, Buddy has generously given back through his involvement with the Cincinnati Golden Gloves for Youth Program and the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic League. Some of his other beneficiaries include various schools and charitable organizations such as Children's Hospital Medical Center, WCET-TV, and the Free Store Foodbank, Inc. Buddy is a graduate of Roger Bacon High School and earned an associate degree in business technology. He also served his country in the United States Navy from 1948-1952. Buddy has been married to his wife, JoAnn Augustine, for 55 years and they have 4 children and 13 grandchildren. All of us in the Cincinnati area congratulate Buddy LaRosa on receiving the Tree of Life humanitarian award.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, on H.R. 1905, motion to recommit, I was unavoidably detained due to official business. I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this legislation because it is long overdue. Seven years is a long time and much has changed. This bill includes language important to my own district, but more importantly, it has national importance. We need this legislation to authorize new Army Corps of Engineer water infrastructure studies and projects. And it is not just about new projects, but how the Corps manages them, and for Congress to have an opportunity to exercise its oversight authority over current and future projects. This legislation is long overdue. I want to commend our committee leadership on both sides for working in a bipartisan fashion to move this so quickly. I thank everyone for their hard work, and I look forward to voting for this this evening.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to Georgetown High School in Brown County on winning the Division IV Ohio High School Athletic Association's Men's Basketball Title. The city of Georgetown has always been attached to the catchphrase ``the home of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant''. Now President Grant will need to share that catchphrase with the 2007 Men's Basketball Champions. Georgetown, Ohio, home of Ulysses S. Grant and the 2007 State Champion G-Men. With the win the Georgetown G-Men became the only basketball team in Ohio this year to complete an undefeated season. Though unranked the G- Men never gave up their dream of a perfect season and a state championship. As Georgetown High School marched their way through the state tournament all of Brown County caught G-Men fever. It seemed when Georgetown took to the basketball court in Columbus Brown County's population crashed to near zero. Madam Speaker, I salute the school, Coach Underwood and the entire community on their perfect season. Brown County is very proud tonight. Go G-men!

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce the ``National Levee Safety Program Act of 2007''. We know, following the terrible devastation of Hurricane Katrina, how important reliable hurricane and flood protection infrastructure is. Congress has taken steps in the past to ensure that the nation's flood damage reduction infrastructure is properly inventoried, inspected, and assessed. In 1986, Congress authorized ``the National Dam Safety Program Act'' to conduct an inventory and assessment of all dams nationwide. ``The National Levee Safety Program Act'' is modeled after this successful program and law. Thanks to the Dam Safety Program Act, we know a great deal more about our nation's dams. When it comes to our nation's levees, however, we know very little. We do not know where they are all located and we often do not know their condition. We do not even know how many levees there are in the United States, how old they are, and, in many cases, who constructed them or who is responsible for their operation and maintenance. Much of this is due to the fact that levees have been built for decades by different entities, at different times, and to different standards. There has never been a national inventory of levees. I am introducing the ``National Levee Safety Program Act'' so we can develop such an inventory and work with the states to encourage them to develop their own levee safety programs. This legislation authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an inventory, inspections, and assessments of all levees nationwide. The legislation establishes an Interagency Committee on Levee Safety to create standards for federal levees, and creates a National Levee Safety Advisory Board made up of state, local, and private officials to advise the Committee on Levee Safety on the safety of levees in the United States, the implementation of this Act by state levee safety agencies, and policy relating to national levee safety. The bill also provides incentives for states and localities to participate in the program. The National Levee Safety Program Act builds on my efforts in the last Congress encouraging states and local jurisdictions to work together to establish modern, statewide building codes which help mitigate costly future natural disasters, improving public safety and hopefully saving lives as well as taxpayer dollars. Similarly, creating an inventory of our levees is a valuable way for us to reduce the likelihood of costly, unforeseen future disasters. I am aware of at least three important levees built by the Corps of Engineers in Southern Ohio providing flood protection to Cincinnati, Portsmouth, and New Boston. This legislation would ensure the Corps maintains an up-to-date assessment of these levees while it also builds a broader inventory of levees throughout Ohio and our nation that were built by non-federal stakeholders. This legislation is fiscally responsible. In order to make the best investment of taxpayer dollars, we need to do an inventory, an inspection, and an assessment of levees across the United States. We need to know what they are protecting and what level of risk is associated with them. This should help us prioritize future spending on flood protection so we can spend taxpayer dollars more wisely. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 139 on final passage of H. Res. 64, rollcall No. 140 on final passage of H. Res. 228, and rollcall No. 141 on final passage of H. Res. 222, I am not recorded because I was absent due to attendance at a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of the rollcall votes.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight after another long day out of disappointment--disappointed that we are not having a real debate about how we win in Iraq. We have spent countless hours in what is little more than political theater. This body is scheduled to meet 145 days this year. Just to open our doors, we spend over $8 million for each legislative day. This debate will cost some $30 million, yet it will yield nothing but a partisan vote on a nonbinding resolution after literally hundreds of speeches designed to do no more than charge up one's own political base. I am deeply disappointed. The people expect more from us. They expect solutions, not grandstanding. They expect both parties to work together. There will be no victory when our votes are tallied. We will have every problem we began with, but be even further apart politically. Tonight, I believe we embarrass ourselves before our brave men and women in uniform, before the American people and before our enemies.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3, and urge a ``no'' vote on this question before the House. I strongly oppose H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. A human embryo is human life. H.R. 3 would use Federal tax dollars, tax dollars of hardworking Americans to fund the destruction of human life. This research is already permitted. The debate is not about stopping it but about who is going to pay for it. To my colleagues who support this legislation, I share your concern for finding future medical treatments to improve lives, but disagree with your focus on embryonic stem cell research. There are other promising techniques to produce stem cells, techniques that do not involve the destruction of human life. Moreover, these techniques have actually achieved results. Cord blood has saved the lives of people with leukemia and other blood-related diseases. This week a series of encouraging research reports reveal the promise of stem cells obtained from amniotic fluid. These share the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, but obtaining them does not damage the embryo. We should focus on funding alternative sources of stem cell research, something we can all support. H.R. 3 advances the proposition that this body must choose between science and ethics. That is not the case. Let's be aggressive in looking at alternative ways to save human lives through stem cell research, ways that do not compromise our moral values and the lives of the unborn. I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill and work towards finding and funding methods that do not involve the destruction of human life.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise to add my voice in tribute to retiring Chairman Mike Oxley. Today is a sad day for me. Though I haven't known him nearly as long as my fellow colleagues from Ohio, I, too, will miss our Coach. I use that word not just as a tribute to his years of Congressional baseball and basketball dominance. I call Chairman Oxley my Coach because that is what he has been to so many of us. Chairman Oxley has been a model of public service since graduating from the Ohio State University School of Law in 1969. Coach Oxley has been legislating for over 30 years and he has always been kind enough to help others learn the ropes. He has taken me and literally hundreds like me by the hand and guided us through the legislative process. A kindness that I will never be able to repay. Coach Oxley, we will miss you in the halls of this great institution. I will miss your counsel and will be forever disappointed that you retired before the long hotly debated issue over which Member from Ohio has the lowest handicap was completely resolved. However, I trust that future coaching sessions will be available by phone. Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, to you and your family.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 32 years of service from the distinguished gentleman from Illinois, my friend and colleague, Chairman Henry J. Hyde. I am humbled to say that I have served the American people alongside a truly great American. Though I have only served for a little over a year with him, I have grown to admire him for his unwavering commitment to protecting innocent life. Mr. Hyde has fought vigorously to protect those who cannot protect themselves most notably with the Hyde Amendment in 1976. Before taking office, I was President of Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati and admired his leadership and guided wisdom. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for his commitment to principle rather than expediency. He stood up for American values and during the Cold War, worked to ensure that America remain that shining city on a hill. I am honored and proud to say that I am his colleague. The gentleman and his leadership and wisdom will be missed. This institution has certainly been blessed by his service. Mr. Chairman, congratulations on your retirement and congratulations to you and your new bride.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I strongly rise in support of the Child Custody Protection Act. Every State has laws that require minors to get parental consent before they are allowed to do simple things like getting an aspirin or going on field trips. In many States, parents must give permission before their children can get tattoos and body piercings. There are reasons for placing these restrictions on minors' freedom, because minors often lack the experience, perspective, and judgment to recognize and avoid choices that could be detrimental to them. One of the main roles of parents is to protect children from their own inexperience, lack of perspective, and judgment. Twenty-six States have considered this issue and determined that it is not appropriate for minors to have abortions without any parental involvement. Yet the considered judgment of those State legislatures and parents in general are easily circumvented by the simple act of driving across a State line. It is time to restore the rights of parents and States. As a wife and a mother, I agree. We in Congress have a duty. I ask for your support.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Reverend Phil Fulton, who is serving as guest chaplain for the House of Representatives today. Reverend Fulton is from Adams County which is located in the district I represent. Reverend Fulton was born and raised in southern Ohio, and now serves our community daily. For the last 30 years, he has worked as pastor of Union Hill Church, an independent community church which is located in Peebles, Ohio. He plays a very active role in our local area, helping those around him. As vice president of Love, Incorporated, he has reached out to many folks by meeting their intimate needs in a very personal way. He is chairperson of the Ten Commandments Committee which is working on issues related to the display of the Ten Commandments in public places. Reverend Fulton is not only an active member of our community, but he is also a devoted member of his family. He has been married to his lovely wife, Sharon, for 40 years, and they have two children and five very energetic grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in welcoming Reverend Phil Fulton to the House of Representatives as our guest chaplain.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of sustaining the President's veto of H.R. 810. I strongly oppose H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. An embryo is human life. H.R. 810 would use Federal tax dollars, our tax dollars, to fund the destruction of human life for scientific research. This misguided research is already permitted. What we are debating is who should pay for it. Should it be the taxpayers or private research? To my colleagues who support this legislation, I share your concern for finding future medical treatments to improve lives. But let's be open in the process and look for ways that do not compromise life in any form, at its beginning, its middle, or end. There is no justification for the destruction of innocent life for the sake of another. Congress has a moral obligation to protect women and the unborn, and I urge my colleagues to sustain the President's veto and vote ``no'' on this question.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 3504, the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act. As my colleagues know, researchers have already published studies in which cloned animals were grown in utero to harvest fetal tissue. Some researchers have indicated that cells or tissues from human fetuses are more desirable than embryonic stem cells. It is morally shocking to think that someone would engage in so- called ``fetus farming'' of a human embryonic embryo. It is essential that Congress act today and pass the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act to prevent and prohibit such gruesome research from ever being performed on a developing human child. Congress has a moral obligation to protect women and the unborn, and I urge my colleagues to support S. 3504 to do just that.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I just want to give this audience here three reasons to support this bill: first, it funds groundbreaking stem cell research. The types of stem cells promoted by S. 2754 possess similar potential to differentiate into any cell in the human body as embryonic stem cells. This bill authorizes funding for pluripotent stem cell techniques that do not involve the derivation from a human embryo. Two, it is noncontroversial. It does not authorize Federal funding for research that would create, discard, destroy, knowingly harm human embryos or fetuses, avoiding this sensitive and controversial issue. Pluripotent stem cells derived from methods that do not result in the destruction of human embryos possess the ability to differentiate into all human cells, just like embryonic stem cells. This bill does not mandate any techniques or methods for deriving or creating alternative pluripotent stem cells. It simply establishes the guidelines for the type of research authorized for funding. Finally, it supports scientific research. Researchers exploring alternative methods of deriving stem cells will benefit from Federal funding. Mr. Speaker, no one in this room is untouched by the need to have good quality research. In my own family, my cousin has Lou Gehrig's disease. We need responsible research. This is responsible research. Background: Scientists believe that stem cell therapies may be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, from degenerative neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lou Gehrig's, to other conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Pluripotent stem cells, of which embryonic stem cells are one type, can produce all of the cell types of the developing body. However, they need not be derived from human embryos. A May 2005 White Paper published by the President's Council on Bioethics described, in depth, various methods of deriving pluripotent stem cells without destroying embryos. In keeping with the recommendations of the President's 2001 policy on Federal stem cell research and the Dickey amendment, S. 2754 would authorize appropriations for the Secretary of HHS to conduct research into developing techniques ``for the isolation, derivation, production, or testing'' of pluripotent stem cells that do not involve the destruction of human embryos. Bottom Line: S. 2754 will allow federal funding for stem cell research that is ethically sound because embryos will neither be created, harmed, nor destroyed.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he needs on this resolution to the gentleman from the State of North Carolina (Mr. Coble).

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 881) congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on their victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 881, offered by the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), congratulates the National Hockey League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on their victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. On their way to their second Stanley Cup appearance in four seasons, the Hurricanes notched an impressive 55-22-8 regular season record, second best in the Eastern Conference. Carolina boasted the best home record in the league, experiencing record crowds at the RBC Center, the loudest house in the NHL. Four Carolina players recorded 30 goal seasons, led by emerging superstar Eric Staal, who finished seventh in the NHL with 100 points. As for the team's last line of defense, Martin Gerber set a franchise record for goaltender wins in a season. The team's depth was instrumental as well as their success was a testament to the character of its players and the ``whatever it takes'' mentality that permeated the locker room. Rookies and all-stars lined up side by side, playing key roles in the Hurricanes' run to respectability. Through the myriad of injuries, General Manager Jim Rutherford and Head Coach Peter Laviolette mixed and matched players as well as lines and pairings, shocking the Hockey Nation as Carolina stayed atop the Southeast Division standings. Knocking off the Montreal Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres along the way, the Hurricanes returned home to beat the Edmonton Oilers with a score of 3- 1 and claimed the first NHL championship in their franchise history. I urge all Members to come together and commend the hard work and perseverance of the Carolina Hurricanes by adopting House Resolution 881. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the hometown pride has been well received with the Hurricanes. At the beginning of the season, they dreamed the impossible dream, and they captured it. I believe that we as this body deserve no less than to recognize them for their effort. I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 881.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mrs. SCHMIDT

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Murphy/ Schmidt amendment to H.R. 5672, and I commend Mr. Murphy for his good work on this important issue. I introduced legislation on the issue of manipulation of caller identification information, and I know first-hand there is a need to end the practice of ``call spoofing.'' With the increasing frequency of identity theft, we must do all that we can to end opportunities for falsification of this data. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.