Lynn Woolsey

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Betty Times. Betty Times was a truly unique individual whose record of dedicated community service is an inspiration. Her leadership has meant so much to the many agencies she supported as well as the individuals whose lives she touched. Her work included the Marin City-USA Project, Sausalito School Board, Marin General Hospital Board, Marin Education Fund, the Marin City Community Development Corporation, the National Women's Political Caucus, and many others. She became the first African-American to head a county department when she was named to direct the newly formed Citizens Service Office in 1978. She has been honored by the Marin Women's Hall of Fame, the county Human Rights Commission (the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award), and the Marin County Grass Roots Leadership Network. Mr. Speaker, we honor Betty Times for her strength, good humor, wit, and integrity as well as her leadership. The Marin community will be the poorer for her loss.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I want to know who is taking care of our children. This weekend will mark 100 days since President Bush delivered his inaugural address. In that speech, he promised this Nation that he would leave no child behind. Yet since then the President has focused almost all of his attention on promoting his multi-billion dollar tax break. This tax package would use up so much of our surplus that it actually leaves millions of children behind; behind in terms of reduced funding for child care, behind in terms of cuts to juvenile justice programs, and behind in terms of education programming. Madam Speaker, Americans do not want tax breaks for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans; they want safe schools and a bright future for our children. In the past 100 days, the President has shown us who is taking care of billionaires; but, like me, the American people want to know who is taking care of our children.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lt. Colonel Hugh Pentland Dunn's 100th Birthday. Mr. Dunn was born in New York City on April 24, 1901. He is a veteran of three wars: World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Hugh Dunn lives in Santa Rosa, CA, with his wife Patricia. He has a humor and brightness that shines with every story he tells. People who visit Hugh Dunn find him refreshing and entering to be around. We are all enriched by his first-hand memories of the early 1900's. At age 17, he lied about his age to join the Canadian Army's Expeditionary Force and entered World War I. After the war, he attended college at Columbia University in New York City and joined the ROTC as an officer. Eventually he transferred to City College because of protests at Columbia against the ROTC. Mr. Dunn served in World War II in the Korean conflict, ending his career in Germany in the Army of Occupation. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent such a dedicated and knowledgeable veteran. Please join me in celebrating his 100th birthday.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to once again reflect on the atrocities suffered by the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Turks 86 years ago. Little did anyone know that, on this very day, April 24, 1915, that day would forever signify the beginning of a Turkish campaign to eliminate the Armenian people from the face of this Earth. Over the following 8 years, 1.5 million Armenians perished. Hundreds of Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were massacred. More than 500,000 were exiled from their homes. Armenian civilization, one of the oldest civilizations, virtually ceased to exist. Sadly, little attention is paid to this tragic episode of 20th century history. But that is why I join my colleagues, as I have each year since I was elected to Congress, to remember one of the most tragic events that humankind has ever witnessed. But, unfortunately, as time wears on, so much of it has faded into memory, and people begin to forget what occurred during that horrific time. Even worse, as time passes, and people are distracted from the atrocities, naysayers and revisionists have the opportunity to change this generation's understanding of the Armenian genocide. Just as outrageous is that this genocide has gone unpunished, and an international court has yet to condemn the massacre of an entire nation. In part, this is because the current leaders in Istanbul will not acknowledge the crime committed. That is why it is imperative that the United States House of Representatives becomes a voice in the campaign to recognize and acknowledge the Armenian genocide. That is why we must support the Bonior-Radanovich resolution. Mr. Speaker, despite the unspeakable tragedy, Armenians remain a compassionate, proud, and dignified people. An Armenian civilization lives on and thrives. In fact, every proud Armenian that walks the Earth worldwide is the product of generations of perseverance, courage and hope. Thankfully, this Armenian spirit lives on within our own borders, especially in my home State of California. On behalf of Armenia and on behalf of all of our Armenian friends, neighbors, and colleagues, I urge the House of Representatives to recognize our responsibility to learn from the past and to speak out in order to prevent similar atrocities in the future. This could well be the most important lesson each of us takes away from such an atrocious global experience.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, what's wrong with this picture? Females make up slightly more than 50 percent of this country's population, yet, less than 30 percent of America's scientists are women. Even fewer engineers are women--less than 10 percent! In 1994 there were 209 tenured faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology--and 15 of them were women! Of course, these figures aren't surprising when you learn that in 1985 women earned less than thirty percent of the bachelor degrees in the physical sciences, and, less than ten percent of the bachelor degrees in engineering. You don't even want to hear the percentage of PhD's in science and math-based fields that are earned by women. Just to give you an example, about eight percent of the PhDs in physics in 1988 were awarded to women. My colleagues may be asking themselves, ``So what . . . is this some national problem?'' Yes--this is a big problem. A big problem for employers; a big problem for women as future wage earners; and a big problem for our nation as we compete in the global marketplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 1994 and 2005, the number of women in the labor force will be growing twice as quickly as men. A recent study of school-to-work projects found ninety percent of the girls clustered in five traditionally female occupations. My colleagues do not need me to tell them that careers in traditionally female occupations pay far less than careers in science, math, and technology. For example, a data analyst can expect to make $45,000 a year while a licensed practical nurse makes less than $25,000 a year. And a kindergarten teacher makes only $18,044 a year. In addition, the National Science Foundation reports that the jobs facing workers will require higher skill levels in science, math, and technology than ever before. The NSF report is verified by a letter I recently received from the American Electronics Association. They wrote to tell me that today the hi-tech industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. And, the future looks even worse. A recent AEA report showed that the number of degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics have actually declined since 1990. Quite clearly, there is no way that America can have a technically competent workforce if the majority of students--females--continue not to study science, math and technology. That is why today I am introducing a bill to help school districts encourage girls to pursue careers in science, math, and technology. Although my bill is formally titled ``Getting Our Girls Ready for the 21st Century Act'' it will be known as ``Go Girl!'' ``Go Girl'' will create a bold new workforce of energized young women in science, math and technology. ``Go Girl'' is modeled on the Trio program, which has successfully encouraged two million low income students, whose parents never attended college, to attend and graduate from college. Similarly, the lack of female role models hamper female interest in studying science, math, and technology. Girls, and their parents, first, must be able to envision a career in these fields for themselves and their daughters. Then, they need practical advice on what to study and how to achieve the necessary academic requirements. ``Go Girl'' follows girls from the fourth grade, the grade in which girls typically begin to fall behind boys in math and science, through high school. To encourage girls' interest in math, science and technology in the early grades, girls will participate in events and activities that increase their awareness of careers in these fields, and they will meet female role models. Older girls will visit college campuses and meet with students and professors in these fields. ``Go Girl'' participants benefit from tutoring and mentoring, including programs using the internet, such as the ``design your future program'' started by Carol Bartz, the president of Autodesk Software Company. American school girls are close to fifty percent of america's future workforce. If they turn away from careers in science, math, and technology, we will be short changing our employers and our young women. I hope that my colleagues will join me in sending a new message to our girls in school--a message that says, ``you go, girl'' to a career in science, mathematics and technology.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, when I look at the Republican budget, it is absolutely clear to me who is taking care of the billionaires in this country. What I want to know is who is taking care of our children? The Republican budget puts children and their needs behind a $2 trillion tax cut that gives 45 percent of the benefit to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. In fact, a third of our children are part of families that would receive zero benefit from the proposed tax cut. Let me say that again. One-third of the children in this Nation live in families that would benefit nothing from the proposed tax cut. In recent months, we have all heard the Republicans talk about helping children. Now is the time to support those words with actions in this budget. They will not do it. They are not doing it. The Democrats, however, invest in our children by providing tax cuts for the families that need them the most, by protecting Social Security and Medicare, by improving the schools for these children and, most importantly, by paying down the national debt for their future. By voting for the Democratic alternative, we will make good on a promise not to leave children behind, and we will then invest in our children. Hence, we will be investing in the future of this Nation.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, when I look at the Republican budget that was passed today, it is clear to me who is taking care of the billionaires in this Nation. But I want to know who is taking care of our children. The Republican budget resolution passed today puts children and their needs behind a $2 trillion tax cut that gives 44 percent of the benefit to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. In fact, a third of our children are part of families that would receive zero benefit from the proposed tax cut. Let me say that again, one-third of all American children live in families that would receive nothing from the Republican tax cut. Nothing. In my State of California alone, 1.7 million middle- and low-income families would not see a single cent from the expensive Republican tax plan; that is more than a third of the families in our State. In recent months, we have heard the Republicans talk about helping children. I think it is time the Republicans put their promises to children in their budget. The Republican budget does not fulfill their promise to leave no child behind, instead it leaves millions of children behind, behind in terms of reduced funding for childcare, reduced in terms of cuts to juvenile justice programs and behind in terms of educational dollars. Mr. Speaker, last week the Democratic Caucus Task Force on Children, which I chair, released a report on how the President's budget blueprint shortchanges our children. The Republican budget mirrors the President's budget and is equally negative for our kids. In fact, the Children's Task Force found that the Republican budget proposal spends so much of their tax cut that to make ends meet, the class size reduction initiative would have to be eliminated, funding for after-school programs would have to be frozen, child care for 50,000 low-income children would be cut, and $145 million could be cut from Head Start resulting in 25,000 fewer children and their families receiving Head Start services in the year 2002. This is not acceptable. The Republican budget could reduce funds for maternal and child health programs, as well as those that I listed before, making it harder for low-income children to have a healthy start and a healthy future. Mr. Speaker, where is the compassion in taking money away from children and putting it into the pockets of the wealthy? Our children deserve better, Mr. Speaker. Let us face it, in today's world, kids are lucky if they have two parents living at home with them, and if they do, chances are that both parents work outside the home. They work hard. They commute long hours, and it is our children who are being left behind. Now is the time for us to be expanding programs for children, not cutting them. This Congress should be considering paid leave for new parents, not tax breaks for billionaires. It is time we got our priorities straight and show our children that we care about them, that we care about their future. Our children may not vote, they may not make contributions to political campaigns, but they must be part of every single decision we make here on Capitol Hill. The Democratic Budget Alternative that I voted for would have made a smart investment in our children's future by providing reasonable tax cuts so that they are aimed at the families who needed it the most. It would have protected Social Security and Medicare, improved school and, most importantly, paid down the national debt for the future of our children. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic Alternative would have made good on promises to leave no child behind. And our plan would also have moved all children forward, forward toward a bright future. The bottom line is that the Republican budget's math does not add up. Once they have subtracted $2 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy, the remainder is much too small to divide sufficiently among programs that matter to our children. Children may only be 25 percent of our population, Mr. Speaker, but they are 100 percent of our future. The fact is, America's children are America's future. This Republican budget places both at risk.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, how Congress chooses to spend our Federal funds says a great deal about who we are as leaders, who we are as people, and who we are as a Nation. Mr. Chairman, the President may say that he supports improving education, but the Republican budget fails to reflect on that priority. It fails to reflect what he said during the campaign, that he wants to leave no child behind. In order to truly support children, we must invest in education at every level. The progressive budget does just that by increasing funding to hire new teachers, by improving teacher compensation, by supporting school renovation, and by helping schools to invest in technology. Rather than cutting millions of dollars from Head Start, as the Republican budget does, the Progressive Caucus budget fully funds Head Start. It adds $11.5 billion to the Head Start program. This way, we will leave no child behind. Like my Progressive Caucus colleagues, I also believe that one of our national priorities in order to invest in our children must be to greatly increase the role of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and conservation measures. In that way, we will be able to meet our future energy needs. In that way, we can invest in our environment and at the same time invest in our children and in our Nation's future. Lastly, the Republican budget increases military spending while making deep cuts in children's programs. This sends a message loud and clear to our children about what we value in this Nation. It tells them that we value weapons more than we value them. I believe that our Nation's strength is in our children. Our children are our national security, and we must support them.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, due to an event I was hosting with Leader Gephardt, yesterday I missed roll call vote #53. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, in honor of International Women's Day on March 8, 68 of my House colleagues and I sent a letter to the Secretary of State urging the Bush administration to support U.S. ratification of CEDAW, the U.N. convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Ratified by 166 other nations, CEDAW establishes a universal definition of discrimination against women and provides international standards for equality in education, health care, employment, commercial transactions and public life. This Congress, I have reintroduced House Resolution 18, and I ask my colleagues to become cosponsors. Let us send a message loud and clear to women in this Nation and all over the world that the United States is truly committed to protecting women's rights.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to highlight some of the serious shortcomings in the Bush administration's environmental arena as it relates to national energy plans. Last month, President Bush stood before Congress in these very Chambers and spoke to the American people, saying he would pursue alternative energy sources and environmentally sound policies to help solve our energy crisis. In fact, I want to quote the President because he told us, and I quote, ``We can promote alternative energy sources and conservation, and we must.'' He was so right. At the time, I thought the plan sounded too good to be true. Unfortunately, with the recent release of the administration's budget blueprint, I realize that it was too good to be true. Sadly, the Bush administration's budget blueprint reneges on the commitments the President made to pursue renewable energy sources. Headlines in the Washington Post and other newspapers across the country have stated the administration's intent to cut energy efficiency and renewable energy R&D and technology development programs by 35 percent. That is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. This is especially frustrating because in this Congress we have an impressive group of bipartisan support for renewables. As the lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Energy of the Committee on Science, I am personally working with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett), the chairman, to promote environmentally sound priorities. Mr. Speaker, if the 35 percent cut in the blueprint were to go through, it would seriously hamper efforts to develop improved and lower cost solar energy; it would hamper wind power investment, bioenergy and geothermal energy technologies. This is where our Federal priorities must be, not in increasing our dependence on fossil fuels, as the administration appears to want in its policies. It is said that actions speak louder than words, Mr. Speaker. That is why I am outraged. But I am not surprised. I am not surprised that the administration's commitment to environmentally friendly sources of energy lasted only as long as the television cameras were rolling. I say to our President, now is not the time to cut funding for national energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Now is the time to increase the investment. Proposing to cut funding for vital energy efficiency and renewable energy programs would be a step in the very wrong direction, and it would be a serious blow to the efforts that we hope to take to craft a sensible national energy policy. In my district, as well as across California, consumers and businesses are facing electric and gas bills two or three times higher than those of last year. California is facing an electricity reliability crisis that threatens our State's economy. What we need is responsible energy policy that includes significant investment in clean energy sources to supplement electric supply, and we also must recognize the need to reduce demand for electricity by promoting and using more efficient energy technologies. These are programs that will protect our environment and leave a better future for our children. Since passing the National Energy Policy Act in 1992, Congress has generally ignored energy issues; but the power problems in California, as well as the increased price of natural gas and oil throughout our entire Nation, have brought energy back to the top of our Nation's agenda. The energy shortage we are experiencing in California is proof enough that Congress must raise the stakes in search of alternative energy sources. Obviously, what we are doing now is not good enough. As Congress and this administration forges a long-term energy plan, it is imperative that we make a true commitment to alternative energy sources, efficiency, and conservation to prevent future energy crises and to protect our environment. Measures of this kind can work. For example, in my district two of my counties are working to make sure we have more energy-efficient programs, programs that must be modeled for the rest of the country.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my collegue from California, Mr. Thompson, wish today to honor Andrea Learned. Back in 1989, when Andrea Learned became executive director of Face to Face, an organization located in Sonoma County that cares for people with AIDS, it was a struggling grassroots organization facing a terrible epidemic that was still very new. Over the next eleven years. Andrea shaped Face to Face into one of the best and most comprehensive AIDS services organizations in the nation. Through her creative leadership, courageous innovations, and simple courage in the face of indifference and fear, she has brought new hope to our community, and most especially to Sonoma County residents and families dealing with AIDS. Andrea Learned has been an outstanding champion of AIDS services and advocacy, not only in Sonoma County, but nationwide. She has served on both the Sonoma County AIDS Commission and on state and national planning boards, inspiring others with her steadfast commitment and refusal to give up. Today, guided by 11 years of Andrea's leadership, Face to Face provides case management, benefits counseling, emotional support, transportation to appointments, and advocacy to hundreds of clients. It is vital work that we are proud to support. At the end of 2000, Andrea Learned retired from Face to Face. Her staff, volunteers, and clients will miss her immensely. Mr. Speaker, today we salute Andrea Learned for her many years of dedicated work for Sonoma County.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor tonight in celebration of National Women's History Month, the month of March. I come here to salute the women in this country. This month is unique to me, particularly because Sonoma County, in my district, is the birthplace of the National Women's History Project, the nonprofit educational organization that is responsible for establishing Women's History Month. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the status of women, which I happened to be chair at that particular time, initiated a Women's History Week. Later in 1987, with the help of museums, libraries and educators across the country, the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Mr. Speaker, a resolution recognizing Women's History Month was quickly passed with strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Although the month of March gained this distinction about 20 years ago, and a lot has happened since then, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. When we celebrate women and when we look at women and children and the challenges ahead, we must do more for women and we must do more for families. We must do more for our communities and for our Nation, and one place where we can start is by improving education. Females make up slightly more than 50 percent of this country's population. Yet, less than 30 percent of America's scientists are women. In addition, the National Science Foundation reports that the jobs facing today's workers will require higher skill levels in science, math and technology more than ever before. Quite clearly, there is no way that America can have a technically competent workforce if the majority of students, females, do not study science, math and technology. That is why I introduced a bill last Congress to help school districts encourage girls to pursue careers in science and math. Although my bill is formally titled Getting Our Girls Ready for the 21st Century Act, it is really known as Go Girl. Go Girl is designed to create a bold new workforce of energized young women in science, math, technology and engineering. Last year, it was included as an amendment to two separate bills in the Committee on Science and the Committee on Education and the Workforce. This year I will be reintroducing Go Girl. Along with improving early education, we must also invest in job training programs and initiatives that give women the tools they need to become self-sufficient. Mr. Speaker, we all know that one of the best tools a woman can have is a quality education, since it is nearly impossible to get a good job without a strong educational background. That is why I am working on legislation to allow education to count as work when we reauthorize the welfare to work legislation. Mr. Speaker, this month, the month of March, encourages us to think about the progress women have made, and it reminds us to use every instrument in our power to continue to move forward. We must continue to dedicate ourselves to the jobs ahead. We must improve education for young girls and adolescents. We must invest in job training for women, ensure equal pay for equal work, and we must protect these rights, both in the United States and abroad. It is said that a woman's work is never done, hence we are here tonight working in the middle of the night. Our predecessors knew the same thing in 1848. Today, we know that with challenges ahead, we have our work cut out for us. We must continue so that we can get the job done.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Vernon Cox. Mr. Cox was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1928, and passed away on January 14, 2001, in Kentfield, California. Essentially a quadriplegic for much of his adulthood, he devoted his own life to improve the lives of the poor, the sick, the disabled. He worked for greater economic opportunities for minorities. As a member of the Marin County Human Rights Commission, he fought to eliminate bigotry. He also added his most influential voice to protect our environment and was one of the founders of the environmental education program at the College of Marin. As a co-founder of the Marin Center for Independent Living Mr. Cox was instrumental in providing housing, employment, access to public transportation, and recreation for the disabled, and served on the Golden Gate Bridge District's Disabled Access Committee. He advocated for employment opportunities for women, minorities, and other groups as a member of the Marin County Affirmative Action Advisory Committee. He served on a seemingly endless number of commissions, committees, panels, and boards, and all from his wheelchair. Mr. Speaker, we have lost a great man. We have lost an irreplaceable member of our community. He will be sorely missed by all of us who value the dignity of every individual and cherish the diversity of our great nation. Vernon Cox was a true hero.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, before I came to Congress, I was a human resources professional in the electronics manufacturing industry, and I know from experience how important workplace safety is. Over 20 years ago, my company began seeing repetitive stress injuries because employees were using the same motions repeatedly to put parts in printed circuit boards. I have to say that the majority of those workers were women. So in response to what was going on out on our manufacturing floor, and those of my colleagues who do not think of OSHA as a friend might think this is weird, but as the human resources manager of this company, I called OSHA for help. We worked. They came and worked with us as partners and came up with a solution that reduced the injuries for our workers and saved a lot of money for our company. We knew that if we wanted to be successful, we wanted to protect our workers from the injuries that they were experiencing. If my colleagues want to know did this company become successful? Yes, indeed. This company became a Fortune 300 company. Mr. Speaker, workplace safety standards protect workers; they save business money. It is a win-win all the way around. It must not be repealed. Vote against this resolution, and vote for the protection of worker safety.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Ms. Margaret Azevedo. Margaret Azevedo, a long-time progressive in Marin County, exemplified the very best in public service to our community. During her 45 years of activism, Margaret was known for her thorough and balanced approach to preserving our environment. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Marin and their quality of life earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her. As a member of many organizations including the Marin County Planning Commission, the North Central Regional Coastal Commission, the Coastal Conservancy, the Bay Area Transportation Study Commission, the Association of Bay Area Government's Housing Task Force, the League of Women Voters, the Marin Council for Civic Affairs and the Point Reyes National Seashore Foundation Margaret worked endlessly to enhance the long-term health of the Northbay community. She was known for her breadth of knowledge as well as a keen sense of humor. Margaret Azevedo is credited with preserving 240,200 acres of open space as well as playing a major role in the establishment of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary. Her numerous awards--such as the San Francisco Examiner's 10 most distinguished women of the Bay Area, Marin Women's Hall of Fame and the League of Women Voters' Bunny Lucheta Award for Outstanding Public Service in Marin County--are a testament to the success of her efforts. Mr. Speaker, Margaret's death in December 2000, leaves a void in Marin that will be impossible to fill as well as a legacy that demonstrates the value of an individual's dedication to preserving and bettering our environment and our world.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, just do it. Go ahead, return the historically black colleges and universities and the Hispanic-serving universities to the subcommittee where they belong, the subcommittee that has jurisdiction over higher education, the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, the subcommittee for this century. Separating historically black, Hispanic, and tribal institutions from the higher education subcommittee is insulting. It is harmful. It takes us back to the 19th century. The Republicans' decision is insulting and harmful. It is harmful to our colleagues. It is harmful to the institutions, to the students, and those who attend them, and it is harmful to our Nation. What good reason could there be for not changing this decision? There is no good reason. Just do it.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution that pays tribute to the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, Dale Earnhardt. Not was Mr. Earnhardt one of the most talented drivers NASCAR has ever seen, he was also a strong role model for our country's youth. His untimely death was a shock to our constituents and a great loss to our country and the NASCAR community. Dale Earnhardt's recent death has deeply saddened the people of our community as it has the people from across the country. On February 22, 2001, more than 500 citizens of my district gathered at our local NASCAR facility, the Sears Point Raceway, in Sonoma, CA, to pay tribute to his memory. Braving both thunderstorms and hail, these fans honored his life and his achievements. This service included an eight-by-four- foot poster board that was signed by race fans from all over Marin and Sonoma. In addition caps, pictures, flowers, and notes were left by fans in his honor. Future events have been planned at the raceway to honor his memory and they will contribute all of the proceeds from the sale of his souvenirs this season to Speedway Children's Charities in Mr. Earnhardt's name. The loss of a legend like Dale Earnhardt will be felt by members of Marin and Sonoma counties for many years to come. I believe the words of Sears Point Raceway president and general manager Steve Page best sum up the sentiments of our local community: Dale Earnhardt may have been the most talented driver ever to climb in a stock car, but his loss will be felt well beyond the racing community. Dale was one of the most distinctive personalities in the world of sports. His image as a fierce competitor, as the relentless pursuer in the black car personified the qualities that have characterized history's greatest athletes. These were no fans more passionate or loyal than Dale Earnhardt fans. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all NASCAR fans across the nation, and especially those who have enjoyed Mr. Earnhardt's time racing at Sears Point Raceway, I send our deepest sympathies to his family.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, yesterday was the eighth anniversary of the signing of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Since 1993, that landmark legislation has allowed 35 million Americans to take time off from their jobs to be with children or ailing relatives without fear of losing their jobs. That is peace of mind for the American worker, and it is something that all workers need and deserve. But even with FMLA in place, not all parents are taking the time off that is available to them. In fact, a recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor found that 88 percent of eligible employees who need time off do not take it because they cannot afford to go without a paycheck. Scientific research shows that early bonding between parent and child is exceptionally critical to that child's future, to that child's success. Yet 83 percent of women who give birth are back to work within 6 months, and 70 percent of them say it is because they need the money. Madam Speaker, America's children are paying the price for their parents' need to earn a living; and those parents are forced to choose between the needs of their children and putting food on the table. And that is not right. The Family and Medical Leave Act has helped millions of families. But what we are finding out is there are millions more who are being left behind. It is time that the United States joined the more than 120 countries around the world that provide paid leave for new parents. Let us face it, times are changing. If today's children are lucky enough to have two parents living with them, chances are that both parents are in the workforce and they work outside of the home. Parents are working hard. They are commuting long hours. And it is our children who are being left behind due to today's hectic lifestyles. Studies find that parents are spending an average of 52 days a year less with their children than they did 30 years ago, 52 days a year less with their children. We have to give parents the tools they need to bridge the gap between work and family, especially when there is a new baby in the home. Along with Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, I have, again with this Congress, introduced legislation to provide start-up funding for States that want to establish paid leave programs for new parents. Already, my State of California offers new moms paid maternity leave through their State Disability Insurance. Women are eligible for up to 4 weeks of leave before delivery and 6 weeks after. That means a great deal for mothers. It means a lot to the newborns and the newly-adopted children. And, in the long-run, it will mean a great deal for the children as they grow up and become successful and are working on their futures. But 10 weeks is not enough time. It is too short. As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I continue to work to make education our top priority. But I have come to realize that having the best schools and the best teachers in the world will not matter if kids are not ready to learn when they enter the classroom. One thing that we need to do to help them be ready to learn is have them bond with their parents right after birth or right after adoption. As my cochairs and I on the Democratic Caucus Task Force for Children came to the conclusion last year that part of our children's agenda was paid for leave for new parents, we realize that it is more critical than ever to allow paid leave so that kids will get a good start. Madam Speaker, parents want to be there for their children. Children are their number one priority. As a parent and a grandmother, I know how important those first weeks and months are to the parent and to the child. Let us show America's families, their parents and their children that the Family and Medical Leave Act was a good start but that these parents, these families, deserve more. Let us make paid leave for new parents a priority in this Congress. Our children are 25 percent of our population, but they are 100 percent of our future.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, earlier today several of my colleagues gathered in the Senate to pay tribute and celebrate the life of former Senator Alan Cranston. Like my colleagues, I marvel at the passion and commitment Senator Cranston brought to the issues he cared about during his 86 years. Senator Cranston's wide-ranging life experiences gave him an incredible insight on some of the most important events in the 20th century. We are fortunate that he shared his experiences and perspective with us as a journalist and an author, most notably with his 1946 book, Killing the Peace, which was an account of the Senate's failure to join the League of Nations. The Senator's distinguished career also included time as president of the World Federalists, comptroller of California, and as a leading figure in reforming the California Democratic party. His contributions will always be remembered in these fields by those who worked with him and benefitted from his work. However, I am most thankful for his commitment and leadership on issues of peace and nuclear disarmament. As many of my colleagues know, Senator Cranston and I share a common perspective and commitment to these issues. His leadership on disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons is truly admirable. After leaving the Senate in 1993, Senator Cranston continued his push for nuclear arms reductions. He launched a much-needed effort at the 1995 State of the World Forum to abolish nuclear weapons worldwide through educating U.S. citizens and world leaders. Senator Cranston took his message and crusade far and wide, including to former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev. Locally, my congressional district--home to many caring and dedicated peace and environmental groups--was fortunate enough 2 years ago to have Senator Cranston join us for an event highlighting the need to abolish nuclear weapons. Once again, he reminded us all that while nuclear weapons will not be eliminated overnight, the United States must be a leader and take the first steps toward elimination of these weapons. As the founder of the Global Security Institute, he was able to forge ahead with this dream of abolishing nuclear weapons. With his passing, the peace and nuclear disarmament community certainly lost a true friend and leading voice. On behalf of the thousands of citizen groups that will continue to campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons, I thank him for his ground breaking work in this arena. And, everyone should know, we will continue in this shared quest to make the world safe from the dangers of nuclear weapons.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gaye LeBaron. For 43 years Gaye LeBaron's columns in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat have recorded and enlivened Sonoma County and the Redwood Empire. By personalizing the community's history and sense of place with honesty and good humor, LeBaron captured the respect and the hearts of her readers. In her 8,000 columns LeBaron demonstrated that quality journalism can be witty, insightful, and compassionate. She worked as an observer and story teller, yet did not hesitate to take a stand--on issues as great as racial discrimination or as mundanely important as street lights-- when it was needed. Whether focusing on the quirkiness of every day happenings or wrapping the reader in the sweep of North Coast history, Gaye LeBaron's colorful depictions made life what it is--interesting and personal. LeBaron has also devoted her time and expertise to community causes through teaching, speaking, fundraising, and serving as a resource where needed. Her work interviewing local elders for a video history project with the Sonoma County Museum will stand with her columns as a testament to this special region and the spirit of its people. I can say personally that being included in a Gaye LeBaron column is a coveted experience. We will miss Gaye on a daily basis but will look forward to her continuing contributions.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my extreme disappointment that the global gag rule has been imposed on U.S. assistance to international family planning programs once again. On his second full day in office, President Bush reinstated this Reagan-era restriction, gagging foreign private organizations from using their own funds to educate women and families about their full range of reproductive choices. For decades, U.S. aid to family planning organizations overseas has helped these groups provide invaluable services for women around the world. Our Nation has a history of helping women educate themselves and to providing access to needed reproductive health services. I assure my colleagues that piling on restrictions to censor what foreign organizations can and cannot do with their own private funds is nothing to be proud of. Each year in the developing world, nearly 600,000 women die from pregnancy-related complications. That is why our support for a full range of reproductive health services, including contraception, health workshops, counseling and maternal care becomes more important every day. By imposing the gag rule, President Bush is taking away a woman's right to make decisions, decisions that affect her reproductive health, her emotional and physical security, and her family's future. President Bush is imposing his own values on foreign groups, and he is limiting these groups to providing only the services that get his seal of approval. The truth is that family planning programs reduce the need for abortion. They promote safe motherhood and they increase child survival. Denying women birth control and counseling creates more unwanted pregnancies, more abortions, and more suffering. It is also a fact that more than 75,000 women die each year due to unsafe abortion. Without access to safe and affordable services, abortion will be less safe and will put more women's lives in danger. I know that the women of this House are more committed than ever to protect the rights of women around the world. We have a responsibility to work to reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancy and improve the lives of women and children at home and abroad. Implementing a global gag rule is not the way to meet this goal.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize James B. Orrell. James Orrell has provided invaluable support and leadership to Marin County school districts and the Marin County Office of Education for 35 years. During his many years of service he has demonstrated leadership in public education and dedication to students, parents, teachers and community members. James had worked in the Office of Education as Assistant to the Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Director of Employer/Employee Relations, Special Education Project Manager, liaison to the Marin County School Boards Association and the Joint Legislative Action Committee, and Administrative Assistant. He has also been a Teacher and Principal at San Quentin and Interim Superintendent of the Reed School District as well as representing Marin for 30 years on the California School Masters Board to promote excellence in education by recognizing outstanding teachers and administrators. During his long career in public education, Mr. Orrell worked tirelessly to provide high-quality education programs, and services for all students. It is my pleasure to honor James Orrell. I am proud to represent such a dedicated educator.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Elizabeth Marquardt. Elizabeth Marquardt has served for 22 years as a Governing Member of the Petaluma California School Board, the longest term in its history. Her vision, intelligence, and dedication has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of Petaluma students. During her tenure Elizabeth was instrumental in raising money for schools and co-founding the Petaluma Educational Foundation. From sorting through the budget challenges following the passage of California Proposition 13 to hiring three superintendents, she has given generously her time and energy. Elizabeth has accomplished this while fostering a friendly, cooperative atmosphere that has helped board members work together to reach decisions that are best for the children of Petaluma. It is my great pleasure to pay tribute to Elizabeth Marquardt. I am very proud to represent such a remarkable woman.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Keith Woods. Keith Woods has left the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce where he served with distinction--and flair--for 13 years. During his tenure, Mr. Woods made the Chamber into one of the most active in the state with a broad diversity of programs including classes, a speaker series, connections with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the creation of the popular Wednesday Night Market. Keith's strong leadership in the business community and his well- known sense of humor have earned him a national reputation. He is known for the quick quips and insightful jabs that at various times run the gamut from self-depreciation to stinging sarcasm. He is Santa Rosa's toastmaster as well as the city's master of the roast. He has also been honored three times by the California Association of Chambers of Commerce, including an award for Executive Director of the Year. Even beyond California's borders, Mr. Woods has had an impact, spreading the word at national chamber events about the importance of community involvement. With Keith Woods at the helm of the Santa Rosa Chamber, there was always excitement, enthusiasm and new ideas in the business community. Thanks to Keith, it was never simply ``business as usual.'' It is my great pleasure to pay tribute to Keith. I am very proud to be representing him.