Pat Tiberi

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with bittersweet sadness that we are here today. We thought that earlier this year this would be awhile before it came, but it is here before we know it. And it is not really an overstatement to say that these three individuals that we are honoring tonight have dedicated their lives to public service and serving our communities and serving our great State of Ohio, and certainly our country, spending so many years on the ground, in fact 70 years of service to this United States House of Representatives alone. Ralph Regula, who served in our military, who served in the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate before being elected to this body in 1972, I will never forget his service to the Appropriations Committee and all the fine work he did for so many people across our State and across our Nation and across the spectrum of labor, health, human services and education, and his work in Interior. And Dave Hobson, ``Uncle Dave'' as we affectionately call him, for his years of service to our country, as well to our military and the Ohio Senate before coming to the United States House of Representatives. His work with respect to our military men and women is unparalleled, an advocate, the best advocate for the young men and women in uniform here in the United States and those serving abroad and his work on the appropriations committees to help them and help so many others across our State as well. And Deborah, who served as a judge before coming to the United States House of Representatives, and her work in our leadership for so many years and guiding our party. Her work on children's issues and cancer research, again, has been unmatched and will be missed. But I know all three will continue serving in so many other different ways. I will miss Deborah and Dave on the plane ride to and from Columbus every week, all three have been amazing friends. They have been more than just friends. They have been teachers, they have been mentors, they have been everything you could ask a colleague to be or more. They have represented the best of what this body inspires us to do. They have represented our State and our country in great ways. Thank you all for your guidance, your wisdom, your service and your friendship. You set a standard to which those of us who follow hope to someday achieve.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, today we commemorate International Literacy Day, a day that provides us an opportunity to assess the status of literacy and adult learning both in our country and around the world. While much progress has been made since the first Literacy Day 42 years ago, much remains to be done. According to United Nations estimates, some 774 million adults lack minimum literacy skills. One in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and individuals dedicated to ensuring that every man, woman and child has an opportunity to learn basic skills. In my home state, the Ohio Literacy Network has been meeting the needs of adult learners for 21 years. Since its inception in 1987, the network has played a leading role in promoting awareness of adult literacy needs, advocating on behalf of adult learners and service providers, encouraging public-private literacy efforts and facilitating the exchange of literacy information. In short, the Ohio Literacy Network is dedicated to building stronger communities by providing opportunities to any adult wanting to learn basic literacy skills. I salute the Ohio Literacy Network, and similar organizations throughout the world, as they man the front lines in the battle to better the lives of individuals by improving their basic skills.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, congratulations are in order for the Ohio Newspaper Association, which is celebrating 75 years of service to its members and those who read and use newspapers every day. The ONA represents 83 daily newspapers, more than 170 weeklies, and over 150 newspaper Web sites. As you might expect, the ONA provides effective representation for its members before all levels of government, but it does far more than that. The association has long been a strong advocate for open government, benefiting all our citizens. It also provides seminars, workshops, and other tools for professional development. Just as important are the activities of the affiliated Ohio Newspapers Foundation. This charitable organization provides scholarships and internships for journalism students, assistance to high school newspapers, and sponsors projects promoting literacy across Ohio. For 75 years, the Ohio Newspaper Association and its members have provided leadership in promoting freedom of the press and a well- informed society, ideals that are important to all of us. I join others throughout our State in wishing them decades of more success.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the community of Delaware, OH. Ohio Magazine recently named Delaware one of Ohio's Best Hometowns. Praised for its small town atmosphere, eclectic character and friendly neighborhoods, Delaware is a charming place to call home. Kindness and hospitality are lifelong qualities of this community and its members. As one of Ohio's fastest growing communities it's easy to see why Ohio Magazine has named it one of Ohio's Best Hometowns. Home of the Little Brown Jug, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the Central Ohio Symphony, Delaware has much to offer its residents and visitors alike. The blending of old and new has created an energetic and historic downtown while preserving the personality of small-town America. I offer my congratulations to Mayor Windell Wheeler and the members of the Delaware community. All have produced a welcoming place fur Central Ohioans to call home.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, Ohio is known for football. Many players from the State's two NFL teams, and our No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes have been playing football in Ohio since childhood. The rich football tradition was again highlighted in my district, as I am proud to recognize Newark Catholic High School as Division VI State champions. Head Coach Bill Franks's team didn't have an easy road to get the championship title, it was a road paved with hard work and determination. This wasn't the first trip to the big game for Newark Catholic, as they have seven State titles under their belt. Even with a strong team, the competition was harder than ever this season. Newark Catholic had gigantic wins over both the second and sixth place teams, which earned them a ticket to the championship game against an unbeaten Bascom Hopewell-Loudon. I feel honored to represent such a rich history of football at this high school. Newark Catholic won its first title back in 1978 and since then the Green Wave has claimed six championship titles. There is even a book telling the story of the exceptional football program at this high school titled, ``Growing Up Green: Newark Catholic Football and the 1985 State Championship.'' After the 28-14 win on December 1, the school can proudly display their eighth title win. With a history like that, I'm sure the future is bright for this football program. Congratulations to all of the coaches, players, families and community.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure I congratulate the Golden Eagles of Big Walnut High School as the Division III Football State Champions! Head Coach Scott Wetzel, in his twelfth year leading the Golden Eagles, found his team tied 10-10 in the fourth quarter. With less than 10 minutes to play, Joe Reed scored on a 54-yard interception return which clinched the title for his team in the 17-10 victory over Licking Valley. This season brought many firsts for this team, high school and county. This was Big Walnut's first-ever championship game appearance, and also the first time a Delaware County high school earned a state title! This 2007 football team advanced further than any other team in school history. I'm proud to congratulate this team and community and join with them in celebrating the history made with their State Championship title!

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, as many of my colleagues know, today is America Recycles Day. Celebrating its 10th year, America Recycles Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of recycling and encouraging Americans to increase their involvement in recycling at home and work. It also serves as a reminder of the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling. We're familiar with many recyclables, as more and more Americans take them out to their bins every day. Cardboard boxes are recycled and re- appear as new boxes. Yesterday's front page of a local newspaper may show up as a sports page next month. Glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastics are also fixtures of daily recycling habits. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling is conservatively projected to have saved 900 trillion Btus, equal to the annual energy use of 9 million households, in 2005. But it's also important to recognize that recycling is much bigger than just the daily household products that end up in the curbside bin. More than 150 million tons of old cars, tires, materials from buildings that have been demolished, and a wide variety of left- over manufacturing materials are recycled in this country every year. Scrap recycling is a $65 billion industry in the U.S. that employs over 50,000 people. It also invests significant capital in high-tech, environmentally designed manufacturing machinery that is used to sort, pack, transform, process, manufacture and ship materials to become new products. The scrap recycling industry is also a leading exporter, sending more than $15 billion a year in products to over 140 countries around the world. I hope all Americans will take a moment to think today about the role recycling plays in their daily lives, the environment, and our economy, and dedicate themselves to doing more.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. TIBERI. Yes, I think we can take a look at the best of what is happening in Ohio right now. We are doing some pretty innovative things. I am sure in Massachusetts and Illinois there is some innovation going on as well. The intent at the end of the day is to help the borrower and level the playing field. And so yes, I would be happy to work with the committee.

Mr. TIBERI. Would the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Frank and Chairman Waters for their leadership on these issues. For the, last 6 years I had an opportunity to work with both in the Committee on Financial Services and Housing Subcommittee on very important issues. Unfortunately, I am no longer on the committee but the issues are still very important to me. This amendment today is about empowering home buyers. It would require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to ensure high- risk borrowers and borrowers who are applying for zero down-payment loans to receive housing counsel. Under the current bill, the language allows the Secretary to provide counseling; this requires it. Madam Chairman, as a former Realtor, I have seen firsthand the benefits, the joys, the importance of homeownership in America. However, given the current environment in our country, we need to make sure that there are safeguards put in place to protect homeowners to ensure fiscal responsible homeownership and guard against further default, bankruptcy and loss of home. Buying a house today arguably is the most important and biggest investment in a person's life. Counseling, I have found, plays a very important role in empowering consumers, leveling the playing field, and making sure they have all of the right information to go into owning their own home. In the past year, Ohio, California, Florida, Michigan and Georgia have comprised over half of our Nation's foreclosed homes. Recently Ohio, under the leadership of Governor Strickland, established the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, which is comprised of various advocates and people in the housing community throughout the State. In their report, they listed seven recommendations. One of those recommendations was to focus on expanding housing counseling services and making it available to everyone. This amendment today only deals with two classes of borrowers: high- risk borrowers and those who are applying for zero-down loans under this legislation. I believe it is very, very important, critically important, Madam Chairman, to make sure these borrowers understand the importance of homeownership, the responsibilities of homeownership. Madam Chairman, it is important because if we are going to take a bite out of this problem, and a bite is all this does today with this amendment because it only deals with those two types of borrowers, we need to make sure that every single borrower who is applying for a home under these two circumstances get all of the education that they need and deserve. So I urge the adoption of this amendment. This is about empowering consumers, and I hope the House supports the amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank the chairman and the gentlewoman from Illinois. Just a point of clarification: Some of the things that are happening now in Ohio is you have online counseling that is taking place for people that don't have access maybe in person to a counselor. So there is room to grow here, Chairman Frank and Mrs. Biggert. I think we have an opportunity to empower consumers and look forward to working with both of you. I urge adoption of this amendment, and urge passage of the bill.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, my heart goes out to Paul's wife, Karen, and his five children. As Mr. Obey said, I can't believe it, either. I first met Paul Gillmor when he was president of the Ohio senate and served in the senate. He had a very distinguished career before having ever come to the United States Congress, a career that many would admire, just there in our statehouse in Ohio. His reputation was as a man of great humility. Something that we all could learn a lesson from is Paul Gillmor's humility, the gentleness of Paul Gillmor, the way he treated people, the way he loved to serve the public of Ohio and northwest Ohio and the constituents he was so proud to serve. Paul was an Air Force veteran. Many didn't know that. He was a proud graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University in my district, and, for an Ohioan, a proud graduate of the University of Michigan's law school. Paul was known around the statehouse as a very gentle person, as a man who rose to the top of the political game, but never forgot where he came from, a successful politician, a successful public servant, a successful businessman. Yesterday I had the opportunity with a couple of other Members, Congressman Jordan and Congressman Hobson, to sit in the airport in Columbus in the afternoon to chat with Paul as we were coming back to Washington, DC. I had the added opportunity to spend some time with him on the airplane sitting next to him. I will remember Paul in the way that I have always known Paul, a very happy warrior, a man who loved what he did on a daily basis. He enjoyed August, reaching out to community after community in northwest Ohio at town hall meeting after town hall meeting, up at the lake with friends and family. He enjoyed August. He had a smile on his face. He enjoyed public service. He enjoyed representing the people of northwest Ohio. That's how I will remember Paul Gillmor. We lost a good friend. Ohio lost a native son. And America lost a patriot.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the dedication and achievements of Mr. Rick Cornett of Worthington, Ohio. August 1, 2007 marked the 10-year anniversary of Mr. Cornett's leadership as Executive Director of the Ohio Optometric Association. Beginning his career serving as a Clinical Specialist for the U.S. Army, Mr. Cornett has spent more than three decades working in leadership roles. His continued enthusiasm about eye and vision issues, disease and care is admirable. During his tenure, the Ohio Optometric Association has enjoyed phenomenal success. The Association has increased their resources, public health initiatives and advocacy for expanding patient access to services and promoting the importance of a lifetime of comprehensive eye care. Mr. Cornett has spent 10 years dedicated to the profession of optometry and ensuring the care of patients. The Ohio Optometric Association is fortunate to have the leadership and enthusiasm of a director like Mr. Cornett. I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Mr. Cornett for his dedication and hard work over his 10 years of service and wish him the best for the next 10 years.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, It is my pleasure to recognize Tom Price for his induction to the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our State's way of life. As leaders in the community and the economy, farmers have provided invaluable service to Ohio since its inception. Therefore, those who contribute to the furtherance of agriculture in our State deserve to be placed among the ranks of our finest citizens. The Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame is an institution that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions through lifetimes of service and dedication to our State's agriculture industry. Tom Price has dedicated his life to central Ohio's farming community. Throughout his career he has shared his experiences by teaching classes at The Ohio State University. He has served on numerous councils, continually being recognized by state leaders, county farm bureaus and local agriculture councils for his efforts. Finally, he has made a lasting impression on his community by improving relationships between Delaware County's rural and urban neighbors. In all areas of his career, Tom Price has worked hard to improve Ohio, sharing his expertise and developing partners in our community. For his life of perseverant service to Ohio and consistent hard work toward the betterment of our fair State, I commend Tom Price upon his induction into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. He is truly deserving of this honor, one of the greatest our State's agricultural community can bestow. I am pleased to commend him on this accomplishment.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to this bill today. I support the Children's Health Insurance Program. The original goal was worthy, Mr. Speaker: Cover poor children. Unfortunately this bill does much more than that. It expands the program to more adults and to children of middle-class parents who may already have insurance, and funds this expansion through relying on tobacco taxes that are going to bring in less revenues through the years, including tax increases on private health care plans, cuts to community hospitals, nursing homes, home health care providers, and, yes, cuts to Medicare beneficiaries. Democrats are cutting Medicare, specifically the Medicare Advantage program. Seniors in my district have been writing and calling me, and I have been talking to them. One said to me, ``The quality of our health coverage is greatly improved through Medicare Advantage.'' Another said, ``I cannot afford higher out-of-pocket costs. I get preventative care. I also get some dental coverage and eye care that I would not be entitled to under original Medicare.'' And, lastly, ``Please, in the name of decency, do not vote to change my health care.'' Mr. Speaker, over 13,000 of my constituents benefit from Medicare Advantage. I will not vote to cut their benefits today. I will not, Mr. Speaker, support this bill which pits grandparents versus their grandkids.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the communities of Gahanna and Westerville, Ohio. Both have been ranked by Money magazine as two of the 100 best places to live in the Nation. Praised for their economic opportunity, quality school systems, and safe and hospitable neighborhoods, Gahanna and Westerville are truly desirable places to live. As a life-long neighbor of both communities, I have been witness to the kindness of both communities every time I pass through. The friendly atmosphere cultivated by the members of both communities is engaging and welcoming, making them a wonderful place to call home. The rankings by Money magazine are true testaments to the Buckeye spirit, which both areas adequately represent. I offer my congratulations to Mayor Becky Stinhcomb of Gahanna, Mayor Diane Fosselman of Westerville and the members of both communities. All have created wonderful places for Central Ohioans to call home.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor to rise and recognize Worthington Libraries, recently named the 2007 Library of the Year by Library Journal and Gale. The roots of Worthington Libraries can be traced to 1803 and the small town of Granby, Connecticut, where a group of 100 men, women and children set out to begin a new life in Worthington, Ohio, bringing their collections of books with them. The library which was formed to manage those books was the first in Franklin County and only the third in Ohio. The first building to actually house the collection came in 1927 when Elizabeth Jones Deshler donated money for a library building on the northeast corner of the Village Green, the area set aside by Worthington's founders for the public pursuit of learning and education. Mrs. Deshler dedicated the building to the memory of her grandfather, Worthington founder James Kilbourne. In 1931, Mrs. Deshler funded the addition of north and south wings on the James Kilbourne Memorial Library Building. With a new location and an additional building, the current Library offers the world-class service and learning environment to match its storied past. The library is still the focal point of the community, emphasizing accountability to its patrons through rigorous, forward- looking planning and quality service that embraces not just adults but also children and teens. The community returns the compliment with strong financial support, giving the library 65.5 percent of its funding, even though three-quarters of Ohio's public libraries get most or all of their funding from the state. Innovations which contributed to Worthington Libraries' selection for Library of the Year included a roving reference librarian, new ways to promote high-traffic items like popular fiction, a teen blog and ``MySpace'' page, adult programming that extends to forums sponsored with the town's Council for Public Deliberation, and strong e-assets that include not only 164 topnotch electronic resources and more than 8000 full-text periodicals but also TumbleBooks, which provides animated stories for children. It is an honor to represent a community which prides itself upon the pursuit of knowledge, and the Worthington Libraries nobly provides that endeavor for its residents. Congratulations to all the staff of Worthington Libraries for continuing to find new ways to promote reading and learning.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is a distinct honor for the central Ohio delegation to rise today to commend the leadership and accomplishments of Karen Holbrook during her tenure as the President of The Ohio State University. Holbrook became Ohio State's 13th president in October, 2002, and has served the University and the greater university community nobly for five years by guiding Ohio State towards ever-increasing prominence in research initiatives and funding, higher academic standards, and enhanced community partnerships. Ohio State has steadily risen in national rankings of universities since 2002, climbing to 19th among the nation's public universities in U.S. News and World Report's 2007 edition of ``America's Best Colleges.'' Under Holbrook's watch, the quality of the student body has also increased dramatically. Fifty-two percent of Ohio State's incoming freshmen in the fall of 2007 are expected to be in the top 10 percent of their high school class and 90 percent will be in the top 25 percent. Average ACT scores have also increased. Thanks to better- prepared incoming students and a nationally recognized First-Year Experience program, freshman-sophomore retention has risen to 91.5 percent, well above the average among similar universities. The completion of the South Campus Gateway project, a mixed-use development of retail, entertainment, offices and housing, has revitalized the edge of campus through the Campus Partners initiative. These improvements have enhanced student life, revitalized an urban neighborhood and provided high-quality destinations for the campus community and visitors alike. With annual research expenditures now at $652 million a year, Ohio State is ranked 8th among public research universities in the nation by the National Science Foundation based on the amount of sponsored research. Also, the University has risen from 5th to 3rd among public universities in industry-sponsored research. Holbrook presided over the creation of the Undergraduate Research Office to encourage and enable undergraduate students to connect to research projects as part of their educational experience. As a result, more than 300 students now participate in the annual Denman Undergraduate Forum. Finally, Holbrook has led the University into strong partnerships in the community, especially with renowned research institute Battelle, which includes the Metro High School for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math, the Urban Arts Center, WOSU@COSI (a collaboration of the university's public media stations and the Center for Science and Industry), and the Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. These partnerships and initiatives are already bearing fruit, and their impact and importance will only increase down the road. It is truly a pleasure to have worked with President Holbrook over the last 5 years and to have joined her in efforts that increased the prominence and reputation of a great institution. The Ohio State University is a better place because of Holbrook's leadership, and for that, all Buckeyes are forever in her debt. Go Bucks. Beat Michigan.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentlewoman from North Carolina's amendment, and I too will echo the words of the gentleman from Indiana that it is disappointing to see what we are doing here tonight; when the American people spoke loud and clear last November for transparency, for more openness in government, and what we have is less transparency and less openness in government. I think you will see tonight and tomorrow a series of amendments that will try to strike that balance that the American people spoke so loudly about in November. Tax and spend is back. Today is just the beginning. I believe what we will see in the next 11 appropriation bills is a lot more spending that the American people are going to be very surprised about. With that, Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I recognize the 100th birthday of Mr. Howard E. LeFevre. Such a milestone is certainly deserving of recognition. Mr. LeFevre has been an eyewitness to some of the most tumultuous events in human history. Two World Wars, the birth and demise of the Soviet Union, the first flight of an airplane, and space travel are all examples of events that have transpired in his lifetime. His life has been marked by his service and generosity. Service to others and service to the community are timeless American traditions and hallmarks of what has made our nation so great. Mr. LeFevre's leadership and strength of character have enhanced every organization under his care and positively influenced countless members of our community. Mark Twain was right when he observed, ``Only he who has seen better days and lives to see better days again knows their full value.'' Please allow me to join his family and friends in wishing him all the best.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution this evening. The resolution we are debating this evening is a nonbinding resolution. It has no effect of law. It does nothing to change our direction in the war on terror. For those who oppose the war, this resolution does nothing to end it. For those of us who would like to debate the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, this does nothing. For those of us who would like to continue to show our support for the funding of the troops, it does nothing. For all of the chest pounding from the majority about a new direction or redeployment, this does nothing. This resolution could pass 435-0 and it still would do nothing. Madam Speaker, there has been no opportunity for a free exchange of proposals this evening that could be useful in moving us forward. In fact, just this morning, one of Ohio's largest newspapers, the Columbus Dispatch, said it best in their lead editorial: ``Empty gestures. Democrat's resolution on Bush's Iraq war policy is political posturing.'' That says it all. Madam Speaker, your party has the majority in the House and in the Senate. Yet we have tonight before us a resolution that does not do anything. If the majority wants to exercise real leadership, let's have a true debate. Let's make real decisions, tough decisions, that is for sure, but real decisions. Madam Speaker, let me tell you about a young marine corporal in my district. His name is Matt. Matt represents the best and brightest in America. Matt had a scholarship to go to college. He turned it down. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after Iraq was liberated. Matt was on his second tour of duty just last month when he was shot. He returned home a few weeks ago. Matt will receive a Purple Heart. Weeks before he was shot, Matt sent an e-mail back to his family and friends in Ohio. In it he says: ``We have done a lot of good in Iraq, but on the homefront we likely will not see that reported.'' Matt said he has watched his fellow marines' hearts grow heavy when they talk to their family and friends, and that this is a tough part of war and a tough part of fighting for freedom. I spoke with Matt a few days ago as we began debate on this resolution. Matt asked me to oppose the resolution and give him and his fellow soldiers the tools and the support that they need to help Iraqis help themselves take control of their own country, and together fight and defeat radical extremists. Matt supports the mission. Matt does not want to see his children and grandchildren going back to Iraq to handle what can and should be done now. Our constituents elected us to lead, Madam Speaker. Our brave servicemen and -women look to us for leadership. We must not disappoint them. Matt, God bless you and your fellow troops for your great and wonderful service to our country. I will vote against this resolution, this nonbinding resolution tomorrow, and will do all I can to support you and your fellow soldiers in your mission to fight and defeat radical extremists who seek to destroy our way of life.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to offer my best wishes to my aunt and uncle who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Antonio and Ida Frissora first met after Ida moved to Columbus, Ohio from Niagara Falls in 1955. They were married on January 26, 1957 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and have now spent 50 years together. Antonio and Ida have been wonderful parents to Christina, Tony and his wife, Caroline, and Don and his wife, Robin. They are the proud grandparents of eight. As loving parents and grandparents, they continue to set a wonderful example for others to follow. I join with their family and many friends in wishing Antonio and Ida all the best on this joyous occasion.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I join those who mourn the death of former United Nations Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick. Ambassador Kirkpatrick was a great American patriot and champion of liberty for those living under Communist or other totalitarian regimes. Like President Reagan, who appointed her to the U.N. post, Ambassador Kirkpatrick was an American original. She became a Republican when she found that the Democratic Party no longer reflected her values, just as Reagan did. She was Reagan's first female cabinet level appointee, and was his point person at the U.N., where she was a brilliant advocate for her country's interests. If Ambassador Kirkpatrick did not originate the phrase ``Blame America First,'' she certainly brought it to the attention of the American people with her use of the words in defending President Reagan's foreign policy at the 1984 Republican convention. She pointed out that Democrats and other critics were quick to place the responsibility for all the world's problems at the feet of their own county. Somehow, Ambassador Kirkpatrick said, they always blame America first. Unfortunately, those words too often still apply today. Ambassador Kirkpatrick deserves a large share of the credit for helping the U.S. win the Cold War. Her efforts brought freedom to many around the globe who otherwise may not have been able to enjoy it. She remained a passionate spokesperson for her country's interests until her death. Her voice has been silenced now, and it will be missed.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 6326) to clarify the provision of nutrition services to older Americans, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.