Jim Walsh

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Aquinas boys' varsity soccer team. The team had an outstanding season with a record of 22 wins, no losses, and two ties. The team rose to become class B State champions, defeating Westhill by a score of four to zero. This was the second time the boys have captured this title in 4 years. The entire Aquinas lineup was overflowing with speed and skill that the team's opponents could not match. Keith Manscuk, Chris Roland, Steve Fantuzzo, and Frank Iacovangelo all contributed to Aquinas' victory with one goal apiece. Westhill's coach, Ronald Ficken, hailed the team as not only the best in class B, but also the best team in the State in any class. The team includes Latim Bitek, Connor Burgasser, Sean Connell, Anthony Dambra, Stephen Fantuzzo, Frank Iacovangelo, Adam Kelly, Daniel Kolb, Corey Lown, Keith Manscuk, James Marsala, Chris Nacca, Patrick Nicholas, Jaymes Nowicki, Dominic Pettinari, Joe Pettinari, Chris Roland, Mike Roorda, Brad Torchia, and Cory Wisecup. The team was coached by Joe LaPietra and Tad Valentino. These boys are a source of pride to our community and should be commended for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw, Ph.D., and Associate to the Chancellor, Mary Ann Shaw, M.S. Both Dr. and Mrs. Shaw are retiring administrators at Syracuse University and active members of the central New York community. Kenneth A. Shaw has served as chancellor of Syracuse University with great honor since 1991. Prior to coming to Syracuse, Chancellor Shaw presided over the 26-campus University of Wisconsin system that serves more than 160,000 students. In addition, Dr. Shaw was chancellor of the Southern Illinois University system from 1979 to 1986, president of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville from 1977 to 1979, and vice president and dean of Towson State University from 1969 to 1977. Dr. Shaw is the recipient of honorary degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2002; Purdue University, 1990; Illinois State University, 1987; Illinois College, 1986; and Towson State University, 1979. He was also awarded the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award in 1986 and received the Advancement and Support of Education's District II Chief Executive Leadership Award. Recently Chancellor Shaw was elected chairman of the Metropolitan Development Association, a regional development, planning, and research organization including a 12-county area in upstate New York. In retirement, Chancellor Shaw plans on taking a more active role with the association. Mary Ann Shaw is the associate of the chancellor of Syracuse University and has held this position since 1991. At Syracuse University she works closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement and assists her husband, Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw. During her tenure as associate, Mrs. Shaw has helped found and direct the University's Center for Public and Community Service, which promotes public and community service as a fundamental part of the teaching and learning experience. Mrs. Shaw was an original founder of the Syracuse University Literacy Corps, a cadre of SU students who tutor young students in local schools. Mrs. Shaw is currently the chair of the steering committee for the development of the Central New York Children's Hospital and was instrumental in the development of United Way's Success By Six. Mrs. Shaw has also been active as a member and/or officer of the following community organizations: Lifetime Healthcare, Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of Central New York, Inc., the Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Symphony, and Central New York Community Foundation. Chancellor Shaw has long been known among the Syracuse University student body for his accessibility and visibility not only in university activities, but in everyday student life. The chancellor has demonstrated his profound commitment to the education of students in many ways; none more significant than his connection and engagement with the Syracuse University student body. Upon hearing of the chancellor's plans to retire, the Syracuse University student newspaper, the Daily Orange, published an editorial that praised his willingness to defend the newspaper's freedom of speech and his consistent availability to answer questions and talk with the student writers. The editorial wrote that Chancellor Shaw `recognized the importance of an independent student voice amid a university of administrative voices.' The Shaws' dedication to the constant advancement of the resources and ideas available to students is reflected in the university's many academic achievements. Chancellor and Mrs. Shaw will leave a lasting influence on the relationship between the Syracuse community and the university. The success attained by the Shaws is attributed largely in part to their genuine concern and interest in providing an atmosphere that fosters growth and discovery. Both Chancellor and Mrs. Shaw have made a far-reaching impact on the students and faculty of Syracuse University as well as the surrounding community. Their leadership has elevated the educational curriculum and caliber of student attending and graduating from Syracuse University. Chancellor and Mrs. Shaw have set an educational precedent that solidifies Syracuse as a top collegiate program. On behalf of the students, faculty and community members of Syracuse, I extend my sincere gratitude for the dedication and service Chancellor Shaw and Mrs. Shaw have offered to the community. We look forward to their continued involvement in local civic and business organizations in retirement.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to former Congressman James M. Hanley. Mr. Hanley, who died earlier this month, served eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1981. At his retirement at the conclusion of the 96th Congress, he was chairman of the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. I have been fortunate to know Congressman Hanley throughout my life, as he was a resident of the same Tipperary Hill neighborhood in Syracuse, NY, in which I grew up. A graduate of St. Lucy's Academy in Syracuse and a veteran of World War II, Congressman Hanley won an upset election for Congress in 1964 based upon his reputation as an active community leader and successful businessman. Mr. Hanley translated the keys to his business success as a local funeral director into his Congressional office operations, attending to personal details and providing timely response to constituent requests. He was a thoughtful and gracious man who actively legislated on behalf of the best interests of the people he served. After his retirement, the Federal office building in downtown Syracuse was named James M. Hanley Federal Building by this institution in his honor. On behalf of the people of the central New York district he represented, I extend our deepest sympathies and thanks to his wife Rita, son Peter, daughter Christine, four grandchildren, and great- grandson. Mr. Speaker, I also respectfully request that remarks made during the Hon. James M. Hanley funeral at St. Patrick's Church in Syracuse, NY, be embodied into the Record. Remarks were spoken by John Mahoney, former Chief of Staff to the late Representative James M. Hanley: Thirty years or so ago, after a tough redistricting, Jim ended up with a Congressional seat that ran from Oswego County to the Pennsylvania border. It was so politically lopsided, even the cows were enrolled Republicans. The campaign was brutal--16 to 20 hours a day. On one particular day, we started off about 6:00 a.m. at the gates of Crouse Hinds, shaking hands with both the graveyard shift coming off duty and the first shift going on. During the course of the morning, Jim did a radio talk show in Syracuse, then went to a neighborhood coffee klatch in Cazenovia, spoke at a service club luncheon in Norwich, and met with a farm group outside Deposit. We then drove back up to Oxford for a Dinner, and about 10:00 headed back toward Syracuse--because we had to be at another plant gate at 6:15 in the morning. Somewhere outside of Sherburne, I found myself nodding behind the wheel. Since there were just the two of us, and Jim was almost asleep already, I said ``I've got to stop for coffee or we'll end up in a ditch, and some farmer will find us after the last snow in March.'' As we sat at a semi-circular counter--I with my eyes at half-mast, and Jim with his jaw only an inch or so off the counter--I caught a glint of recognition in the eye of a truck driver across from us. He sat there stirring his coffee and stared at Jim's bedraggled appearance. Finally he said, ``There must be some benefit to that business that I JUST

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, each year in November American families across the country gather together in thanksgiving to recognize the variety of blessings they have received. It is fitting that we also choose this month to recognize the importance of adoption in our society. Currently, thousands of children across the country, freed for adoption, are waiting to be a part of a loving and caring family with a stable home and attentive parents. Many of these children have special physical, mental, or emotional needs and require special nurturing from devoted parents and families. Let it be known that their adoption by special people who elect to take full responsibility for their care, their upbringing, and their overall well-being is an important service not only to these children, but to our country at large. Adoption not only provides obvious benefits to the affected child, but it has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences for many adoptive parents. We all benefit when a needy child is adopted. The County of Onondaga in New York's 25th Congressional District will be recognizing the importance of adoption on Friday, November 21, in ceremonies at Onondaga County Family Court. It is my privilege to recognize and thank all those families, caseworkers, and staff gathered for this important event who have dedicated themselves to improving the welfare of our community's children. It is my hope that this recognition further promotes the importance and benefits of adoption for all those involved. I thank all those responsible for organizing this special local observance of National Adoption Awareness Month.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Village of Newark's Sesquicentennial Anniversary. Incorporated on July 21, 1853, the Village of Newark along the Erie Canal in Wayne County, New York is 150 years old this year, and a host of celebratory events are planned to recognize this milestone this month. Newark is the only village in Wayne County, New York established as a result of the building of the Erie Canal. Begun in 1817, canal construction crossed the bountiful farmlands of Wayne County, where land was cheap but virtually inaccessible overland or by natural waterways. In 1820, Joseph Miller received the contract to construct a mile and a quarter of the canal through what is today the Town of Arcadia. In addition to constructing the waterway, Miller purchased some 100 acres for the establishment of a canal side village, plotting streets and dividing parcels into building lots. The Village of Newark grew into a busy merchant port along the canal, and served as a gateway to markets for Wayne County farmers. Newark has a strong history as being the founding home to many well-known business entities, including Sarah Coventry Jewelry, the Jackson & Perkins Company, and Ultralife Batteries. Today, Newark remains a commercial center for the region and is Wayne County's most populated urban center. On behalf of the people of New York's 25th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate the residents of Newark on the Village's 150th Anniversary.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his hard work in support of this appropriation. I rise in opposition to the gentleman from Indiana's amendment. Our former great President Ronald Reagan was proud of saying America is great because America is good. I think that is what this debate is about. I just returned from Iraq and met many of the people, including some of the ministers, the council of ministers. Put yourself in Iraqi shoes for just a minute. Think of the leap of faith it would take you to conclude that America, first of all, these people for the last 30 years have had the boot of tyranny on their throats. Americans come through and they liberate, or concur, however you want to interpret it, this is the Iraqi thinking, what are they going to do next? The Americans are saying we are going to help you rebuild your country and give it back to you. It takes a real leap of faith. I suggest to Members if we give them this money, help them to invest it, build their country back as opposed to putting more loans on them, the leap of faith will be aided. The goodness of America will be noted. We were also briefed by the coalition provisional authority. The estimates of oil-derived revenue for Iraq after 2 or 3 years when production increases roughly estimates the cost of running this country of managing the systems, of teaching its kids, of providing its health care and for the welfare of the people. But if we put additional burdens on them, they will not be able to payment to manage the country in addition to the debt service. We also, by the way, lose tremendous credibility with this donor's conference that is coming up in just a week. If we put additional debt upon the Iraqi people how can we go to the French, the Germans, the Russians, and the Kuwaitis who are owed reparations of $100 billion and say to them you have to forgive your debt, but we are not going to forgive ours, we are going to put additional debt on this poor country. This country has tremendous potential, but we have to help them to reach it. And they cannot get there without us. No one has helped the Iraqi people in the last 30 years. We believe that we have come to do that, and I believe that we will. The Marshall Plan model that you have heard about really did work in Western Europe. It prevented the third world war. As my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, has said over and over, the best way to prevent the third Iraqi war or sending American soldiers back to the Middle East, is by investing in the future of this country, in this really accomplished and thoughtful and resourceful people who have not had the ability to express themselves or their potential for the past 30 years. So, in conclusion, I would just argue very strongly that we help them. The American public with a good explanation will support us on this. If we do not sell it, the American people will not support us. We need to sell it to them, but it is a good investment in our future and in the future of democracy in the world. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) for organizing and leading this delegation to Iraq. It was a remarkable journey and lots of observations, I think, are important that the American public hear from us. First of all, I am here to support the emergency supplemental, $66 billion for our troops. They need this money for equipment and to continue to do their jobs, which they have done courageously and brilliantly in war and in peace. I do not think the American public has any idea of how bright and effective and resourceful our soldiers are in war and in peace. I have never seen so many masters of public administration degrees in one place as I have in our United States Army and in our Marines. They are doing a remarkable job in very difficult conditions. The $20 billion for the rebuilding of Iraq and some for Afghanistan is essential. This will not only help to restore the strength and the vibrancy of that country but it will also help our troops to do their job. A New York Times reporter stated recently, ``We broke it. We need to fix it.'' Well, we did not break it. The United States did not break Iraq; Saddam Hussein broke Iraq. Our soldiers in their execution of this war were extremely careful. They went after Saddam's palaces, military installations, Baathist Party headquarters, the political and military infrastructure. The roads and bridges and canals of this country were relatively untouched, which is remarkable. When I tell people that back home, they say, well, why do we not hear that more often? I do not know why, but that is one of the reasons I wanted to speak today. This should not be alone. Iraq is heavily burdened by reparations to Kuwait, which I do not believe they should pay. Kuwait is a wealthy country. The loans that were made to Iraq were made to Saddam Hussein by Western powers. I think we should work with them to forgive those. I do not think we should be a party to putting more burden on the Iraqi people. They will have the resources within a year or two to run their own country, to manage their own affairs. But this infusion of funds will help them get their power grid up, which was destroyed by looters after the war, not during the war. Their water grid, Saddam did not build water systems in the north or the south because they were not his supporters. We need to make sure the Kurds and the Turkmen and the Shea peoples have the same quality of life that they have in central Iraq. This country has tremendous potential. We all saw it from 150 feet off the ground in Black Hawk helicopters. We saw the potential. This is an agricultural mecca. They have the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; the Fertile Crest that we all studied about in school is still there. They have top soil 4, 5, 6, 7 feet deep, 1,000 miles long, 100 miles across. They can feed most of the central part of Asia. But most importantly, if this country becomes democratic, and I think it can if we stay with the task and get the job done, it will be a beacon, as our leader said, to the rest of the Middle East which is sorely lacking in democracy. It will put pressure on the Saudis, the Syrians, and the Iranis to follow suit and give their people a stake in their government.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to make one point, and it was specifically asked that I do so. When we split, half our group went to Mosul, half went to Kirkuk. We met with the city council and the mayor of Kirkuk. The mayor spoke first, and the first thing he said in a very emotional way, he was a Kurd, he said, I want you to go back to the United States and tell the mothers and fathers of these soldiers that we are deeply grateful to them for the sacrifices their sons and daughters made to liberate us. I wanted to make sure that I delivered that message. It was repeated by Shiias, Turkimen and other Kurds who served on the city council. So I just wanted to make sure I made that point.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and also for providing for speedy consideration of this bill. The gentleman from Wisconsin takes remarkable interest in all of this legislation, has a thorough understanding of it, and I very much appreciate his interest. I rise in strong support of the reauthorization of the Northern Ireland Peace Process and Cultural Training Program. A long time ago, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, I was given the opportunity at a tender young age to broaden my horizons and in a short 2-year period of time step out of my role in traditional American society and immerse myself into a culture that opened my eyes to a new world and new perspective on life. This experience inspired me to help create a similar program that could be applied to those living in Northern Ireland and the border counties. As chairman of the Friends of Ireland and a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, I have traveled annually to Ireland, both with the President and leading my own CODELs, and through these experiences have had a firsthand opportunity to watch the peace process evolve. Through these experiences, I felt a program of this nature could be applied to people on both sides of the conflict. The program was first enacted by Congress in October of 1998 and is up for reauthorization this year. Since the program's infancy, approximately 1,000 men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 have traveled from disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the border counties bordering Northern Ireland. This program provides unemployed members from different communities, of varying educational level levels and religious backgrounds the opportunity to work in the United States for up to 2 years in our society, a society where it does not matter what religion you practice or what street you live on. This program creates 4,000 temporary nonimmigrant working visas per year and targets men and women from these disadvantaged areas. Moving forward, we have tailored the program slightly so that it truly applies to disadvantaged people residing in areas of Northern Ireland where there are deep pockets of unemployment. This program is not intended or structured to be a work visa program for college graduates looking to gain work experience, but rather a program to give those without an education, without a job, without the skills the opportunity to gain experience and expertise and overall self-confidence before they return. There have been several questions raised regarding the new unemployment and educational restrictions placed on the applicants. The reasoning behind limiting the program to those without a degree of higher education is to target the truly underprivileged and, more specifically, those susceptible to paramilitary recruitment. Participants go through an 8-week predeparture training period during which time they research and secure employment in the United States prior to their arrival. As a result, they are gainfully employed before they reach the U.S. The program continues to give participants practical training experience during the time they are here as well as the opportunity to coexist and experience conflict resolution training in a diverse society. Therefore, we have changed the education requirements in order to better target those who deserve to participate in the skills-based opportunity that this program provides. We have also placed a requirement that the participants must be unemployed for at least 6 months prior to departure to the U.S. In previous years, the requirement was 3 months. Recruiters in Dublin and Belfast ran into a problem when college-level graduates began staying purposefully unemployed for 3 months in order to qualify for the program. Therefore, the 6-month time frame creates a more extreme period in which they must be unemployed. The legislation now states that it is mandatory for the participants to return home for at least 2 years following their stay in the United States. Politically, the island of Ireland has been relatively stable, and we are seeing positive changes unfold as the peace process continues to work. The results and return rates of the Walsh visa program have been terrific. The program will continue to support this transition by providing new potential leaders with valuable job skills and a demonstrated ability to live and work with people of diverse views. I hope all members will join me in supporting this low-risk, high- return investment to support the continuing movement towards peace in Northern Ireland. Through programs like this, we will be able to solidify the steps toward a permanent peace.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from New Mexico for the leadership that he has provided on this important committee and on this resolution. I rise today in support of House Resolution 362, a bill that I sponsored with many, many of my colleagues. There is tremendous interest in the Congress in sporting issues; and we have a broad caucus of Members, I believe, from every State and territory. This resolution expresses this body's support for millions of Americans who partake in sportsman activities. With fall in the air, some of the best hunting and fishing days of the year are just around the corner. As this Saturday, September 27, is recognized as National Hunting and Fishing Day, there is no better time to honor the American sportsman and -woman. Sporting activities provide families with an escape from the fast- paced life of modern society. Through outdoor activities, parents and children are able to spend quality time together, and time-honored traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Some of my fondest memories were spent growing up with my family hunting and fishing in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I still am involved in both of those but have added birding and hiking to those outdoor activities, also. It is a wonderful way to spend time to learn about the environment, to gain an appreciation for nature and its wonder. In addition to sporting's positive impact upon the American family, most anglers and hunters alike are ardent environmentalists. They are respectful and appreciative of our Nation's natural resources and beauty and often pass that same level of appreciation and respect and understanding on to their children when participating in outdoor activities. My own commitment to environmental preservation and protection of our water resources stems from lessons learned and experiences undertaken as a youngster in the woods and on the lake. Through licensing fees and associated charges, American sportsmen and -women contribute millions of dollars annually to the protection of wetlands critical to habitat, forests and unique environmental sites and the propagation of various species. American sporting activities also have a significant impact on our Nation's economy. This $70 billion industry benefits the economy everywhere from the big city to the small town. Anglers alone support 1 million jobs nationwide and buy $3.2 billion in fishing equipment every year. It was a fellow New Yorker, President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, who established America's first wildlife refuge and laid the foundation for our current national park system. It was this sportsman President's leadership that led to our Nation's tradition of strong environmental stewardship today. Mr. Speaker, if it had not been for the resolution and the work of this body today, I would have been on the Salmon River just north of my district in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) because there is a tremendous salmon run on today because of the rainstorm that we received last night. It is breathtaking in its beauty to plumb those waters and breathe the crisp fall air that is inhabiting that area right now. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this resolution provides the U.S. House of Representatives with a perfect opportunity to recognize the importance and impact American sportsmen have in our country today. As a member of the bipartisan Sportsmen's Caucus, I encourage my colleagues to support this deserved resolution.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 367.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, as our country approaches the second anniversary of 9/11, I rise today to honor the students of the Youth Action YouthBuild program from New York City, New York. On the day after this horrific act of terror, this group showed dedication, character, and courage in a time of national crisis in the United States and for that, they deserve our recognition and thanks. On September 12, 2001--one day after the tragic events of September 11th--the city of New York called for the assistance with recovery and cleanup. More than sixty-five YouthBuild students and staff organized themselves to respond to that call. Without regard for their own personal safety, the students marched themselves downtown to see how they could help. YouthBuild was among the first organizations to act in response, as most of the nation still sat in stunned silence. The remarkable students and staff of YouthBuild selflessly donated themselves to the 9/11 cause for more than a month--volunteering their labor and helping to raise money for the cause. The generosity shown by these young people was both magnificent and exhilarating. Thank you, YouthBuild students and staff, for your contributions to America in her hour of need.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this CARES process is something that the Congress voted to support. It is an ongoing process. Certainly we are all nervous about its impact upon our own veterans medical centers. This is of great concern to us. We all have an affinity and a relationship with our VAs, with the vets that go there, and the doctors and nurses and staff who serve there. But it would be wrong for us to step in on behalf of one center, because all Members have the same concern. The Secretary has not seen the proposals yet on realignment. Any protection built into this bill for any specific facility would undermine the overall plan. I think this discussion is best left until next year when the capital assets studies are completed and an official proposal is on the table. So at this time, Mr. Chairman, I urge a strong ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order against the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve my point of order.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. We are prepared to accept the amendment. I thank the gentleman for his diligence, and we think this will help the bill.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, just briefly, to correct a point, there are no cuts for the homeless in this bill. There is an increase of $35 million. There are no cuts in section 8 housing vouchers, there is an increase of over $900 million. But if we accepted this amendment, it would cut HUD's information technology by 35 percent and make it very difficult for them to continue their operation. For that reason I oppose the amendment, and I urge a ``no'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I yield time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for the concern he has expressed for his constituents in his community. We will work with EPA and have the Inspector General look at this site to ensure that any remedy gives adequate consideration to the health of the gentleman's constituents and other environmental impacts. I look forward to working with the gentleman on this issue as we move towards the conference.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment would strike three provisions in the bill which are legislative in nature, and I have been asked to do this by the relevant authorization committee Chairs, and I would ask for the adoption of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.