Lynn Woolsey

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5542, the sole purpose of which is to consolidate the responsibility for the administration of the black lung benefits program in the Department of Labor. Historically, the Social Security Administration has handled claims filed prior to 1973, while the DOL has handled claims filed since 1973. As the population served by the Social Security Administration has decreased because of age, the Department of Labor has, pursuant to memorandum of understanding, undertaken increased responsibility for the program. At this point it make sense to consolidate responsibility for the program in the Department of Labor. Mr. Speaker, while I support this bill, I am disappointed that we are failing to deal with other issues, issues that would be more meaningful and benefit American workers. We have failed to increase an inadequate minimum wage. We have failed to protect workers from abuses by managed care companies. We are impoverishing families who have exhausted their unemployment benefits by failing to provide extended benefits. In short, Mr. Speaker, we are not taking the steps we need to in order to protect working Americans. While we should be doing much more, I have no objections to this very modest bill. I urge the adoption of H.R. 5542. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for making this possible for all of us to come here to honor our colleague, Patsy Mink, with the resolution and with memories that say so very much about this woman that we loved so dearly. But as everyone has heard, no words can capture the great loss that we feel. The Congress, our country, and the rest of this world have lost a most remarkable woman. I knew of Patsy Mink from Hawaii by reputation for many, many years before I met her. In fact, Patsy is one of the reasons I decided to run for the House of Representatives. I was convinced that I would be a help to her in her work for civil rights and economic justice; but once I was elected and sworn in in 1993, I think I was more work to Patsy than I was help for her because she became a mentor, a mentor to me, and through her I learned so very much about standing up for my beliefs even when they were not always popular, knowing and trusting my constituents, remembering that those were the people that I work for and passionately fighting for those who are less well off who need a hand up. Women and minorities in our country have benefited greatly because of Patsy Mink. She has taught us all so very much. Patsy Mink will never be forgotten, and she will always be honored.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that September is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, and to commend the efforts of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation in San Rafael, CA, which is part of the district that I am privileged to represent. For over twenty years this organization has dedicated itself to researching this horrible disease and providing support for those with this condition. Very few people may know about this disease, or have even heard of it, but alopecia areata is a serious condition that can affect the entire population, although it most commonly affects children. Alopecia areata is the partial to complete loss of hair over the entire body. Without eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on the scalp, those affected are left unprotected from the weather and other environmental conditions. While not medically disabling or life threatening, this disease causes much emotional pain. Suffers of this disease may have difficulty adjusting to the changes to their body and the differences between themselves and others around them. Children may encounter frustrating situations at school with other children who do not understand this disease. Alopecia ateata is an autoimmune disease, with no known cause and no known cure. Greater awareness and an increased investment in alopecia areata research are critical components in our quest for a cure. That is why the National Alopecia Areata Foundation plays an important role in the lives of those who suffer from this disease. This foundation provides funding for research, as well as support services and resources for the sufferers. I am so proud to represent this foundation in my district and offer them my continued support. Mr. Speaker, especially during the month of September, as well as throughout the year, we must continue to raise awareness for alopecia areata and work to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4691. It is a misguided measure that has dangerous implications for women's reproductive health and for our health care system as a whole. Of course, elections are near, so this debate might be advanced because of a right wing, anti-choice agenda. We have heard and it has been made quite clear that their political schemes are worth sacrificing the health of American women. This bill robs women of their right to get comprehensive information about their medical and legal options, and this bill will leave health care providers at the whim of the anti-choice movement. The current state of our health system is obviously weakening day by day. Our constituents are experiencing increased premiums or they are being dropped by their plans altogether, and now the right wing of this Congress is prepared to tell our constituents that their right to make an informed decision is being taken away. Mr. Speaker, rather than putting patient access to care in further jeopardy, why are we not working to improve access to quality health care? This bill also is a slap in the face to State and local governments that have implemented policies that put a woman's health ahead of bad politics. We cannot fall for the outrageous antics of the anti-choice community. We cannot let them twist another health care issue into a political issue. That is why I implore my colleagues, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, vote against this extremely harmful measure and vote against this rule.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the gentlewoman who just spoke realizes that constituents in her State have lost $8.66 billion, the fourth highest amount in the Nation, of their hard earned nest egg due to a poor economy, corporate scandal and weak pension laws. Here we are after that, it is the last full week in September and the House has passed only five of 13 appropriations bills, and yet we are taking precious time to debate a meaningless resolution urging the Senate to pass a pension reform bill. Do I want the Senate to pass pension reform? I sure do. But rather than wasting our time worrying about the Senate, I call on the majority party to pass a real pension reform bill here in our House because we have not done that yet. Unlike the House passed pension bill, a real pension reform bill will make pension fairness its number one highest priority. The House passed pension bill not only fails to correct the pension inequities in current law which favors corporate executives over employees, it actually makes them worse. The House passed bill continues to allow executives to sell the stock that they receive in stock options at any time they choose, while it blocks their employees from selling company provided stock for 5 years. The House passed pension bill will continue to allow executives to dump their own company stock without notifying their employees. In fact, under the House passed bill executives can actually encourage employees to continue to buy company stock just as they did at Enron, where thousands of employees lost significant amounts of their pensions. And an even bigger step backwards is that the House passed bill gives an unfair share of benefits to top executives, resulting in fewer pensions for lower wage workers.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, the end of September is approaching. The House has passed only 5 of 13 appropriations bills, and yet here we are taking precious time to debate a meaningless resolution urging the Senate to pass a welfare reform bill. Do I want the Senate to pass a welfare reform bill? Of course I do. I want them to pass a good welfare reform bill, a bill that gives welfare recipients access to the education and training they need to get jobs that pay a livable wage; a welfare bill that ensures that there will be safe and affordable child care for children while their moms are away from home, and a welfare bill that holds States accountable for helping families move towards self-sufficiency. Rather than taking time here on the House Floor to debate the Senate's schedule, I urge the House leadership to attend to the important business of the House, such as the generic drug bill that has already passed the Senate. If the leadership here in the House really wants to do something to help families, passing the Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act, the GAAP Act, would do the trick. In the year 2001, for the fourth year in a row, Americans increased their spending on prescription drugs by more than 17 percent, and it is known that the longer a big drug company can keep a generic drug off the market, the more it costs consumers. The GAAP Act would get generic drugs to the market faster, helping American families save money. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the GAAP Act would save consumers over $60 billion over the next 10 years; $60 billion. So let us help all families, both those on welfare and those who are not. Let us stop wasting precious floor time on the business of the Senate and instead get on with the legitimate business of the House, such as passing the rest of the appropriations bills and the important bills that are before us like the GAAP Act.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent George Goddard who died on August 15, 2002, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Mr. Goddard was born in Chicago in 1923. After graduating from Yale with a commission as Lt. (jg) in the U.S. Navy, he served on board the communications ship USS Panamint, which, during World War II, took the Japanese surrender of the island of Hokkaido. After moving to Massachusetts in 1948, Mr. Goddard studied architecture at the Harvard School of Design where he was influenced by Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe. He moved to Belvedere in Marin County, CA, with his growing family and started his architectural career with Skidmore, Owens and Merrill. He later practiced independently and as a planning consultant designing teaching hospitals and medical and dental schools. As a lifelong activist in social, political, and conservation causes, George stayed involved. He served on the Belvedere Planning Committee and played an integral role in acquiring Richardson Bay tidelands to save them from development. He also served as supervising architect during the move by barge of Lyford House, an 1870s dairy residence about to fall under the wrecker's ball, to its current home at the Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary. George Goddard loved hiking, backpacking, sailing, and politics. In the 1990s, he organized a group of fellow navy officers into what became known as the Liars Club. Calling themselves Admirals, they met periodically to embellish their war experiences. As no one paid any attention to anyone else, they could go on for years retelling the same enhanced stories. He is survived by his wife Sheret, six children, two grandsons, and six stepchildren. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Goddard was a valued member of the Marin community who will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I stand today in opposition to the President's efforts to launch an illegitimate first strike against Iraq. The President's war fervor threatens the lives of thousands of American soldiers and Iraqi civilians, ignores international law, undermines our fight against terrorism, and may make average Americans less safe. Yet, the President presses for an invasion. It is true that Saddam Hussein is a dictator. He is a bad man, and the world would be better off without him. But the world will also be better off if the United States works within the scope of international institutions instead of launching an unprovoked first strike against Iraq. America's greatest asset is our moral authority, not our military power. Attacking a sovereign country unprovoked forfeits that authority completely. It is true that Saddam has repeatedly violated United Nations resolutions, but it is also true that only the United Nations has the authority to enforce those resolutions. Furthermore, none of those resolutions call for regime change in Iraq, an often-stated goal of the President's. On top of all of that, a first strike invasion of Iraq could actually undermine America's vital interests in the Mideast and around the world. It is unfortunate but true that Iraq's neighbors mistrust the United States even more than they mistrust Saddam Hussein. Invading Iraq could have drastic repercussions by energizing extremists looking to overthrow governments across the Mideast. Such an outcome is even more likely if Saddam Hussein responds to an invasion by retaliating against Israel. If he succeeds in killing Israelis and polarizing the Mideast, what then? The President claims Iraq's weapons of mass destruction are more than can be justified for aggression. In America, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. Those weapons programs are frightening, but policy must be based on fact, not fear. It is believed that Saddam's nuclear weapons program was 95 percent destroyed by 1998, when the U.N. inspection teams pulled out. There is no reason to think that a new round of weapons inspectors will not be just as effective. Meanwhile, President Bush has sent a message of his own by backing out of the ABM treaty, refusing to sign the Kyoto treaty, refusing to be a party to the mine ban treaty, withdrawing the U.S.' signature to the International Criminal Court treaty, and embracing the use of mini nukes. Is it any wonder that other nations hesitate to support a first strike invasion when we in the United States ignore the same international standards that we accuse Saddam Hussein of disregarding? We must take a long, hard look at our own policies to ensure that we do not violate the same rules we expect others to follow. As a Nation, it is our responsibility to live up to our own democratic ideals. We owe it to our children to exercise the full range of diplomatic options in Iraq so we can prevent a war that will cost thousands of lives while at the same time giving a boost to our real enemies: The terrorists who planned September 11. War represents a failure of civilization. It is a last resort. America's strength is our commitment to moral action, and a government based on the rule of law. That law must never be silent, and our sensibilities must never be intimidated.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spectrum, Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Concerns, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. Spectrum began its work in 1982, under the leadership of Rev. Janie Spahr, and with the direction of Executive Director Paula Pilecki, Spectrum has continued to pursue its mission to ``strengthen, mobilize and serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people, and promote acceptance, understanding and full inclusion in Marin County.'' Spectrum is the only organization in Marin County that focuses exclusively on addressing the needs of LGBT people. In twenty years, over 1,000 volunteers have helped tens of thousands of people come together to speak out against fear and discrimination. Spectrum works with a national network of social Justice advocates to make the world a more inclusive and safe place for all people. Spectrum recognizes that in a diverse community, it is important that people learn to respect each other and their differences. Spectrum plays an active role in the community, providing outreach programs that educate the community on LGBT people and provide systems of support for LGBT people. Spectrum's Speakers Bureau makes presentations to elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and community groups. Volunteer speakers share their personal stories to dispel myths and stereotypes about LGBT people. Spectrum's program, Rainbow's End, provides support for LGBT and questioning youth, 14-19 years old. Community Connections focuses on LGBT seniors providing peer support, facilitating social groups and educational forums. Mr. Speaker, Spectrum has played a pivotal role in the LGBT community. The support they provide to LGBT people and the education they provide to the public has had an everlasting effect on Marin County.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Roselle, a yellow Labrador dog, whose bravery on September 11 as she led her blind owner Michael Hingson from the World Trade Center is an inspiration. Michael and Roselle have become well-known as representatives of the power of the human/animal bond to build a trust that can carry them through even the greatest tragedy. Michael was working on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center when the building was struck. After making sure everyone in the office was evacuated safely, Roselle and Michael began the long descent down the stairwell. Despite the heat and smoke, they calmly made their way from the building and started running for the subway as Tower 2 began to collapse. In the subway, Roselle guided Michael and another woman down the stairs and led Michael to the home of a friend in mid-Manhattan. Michael has traveled with a dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind for 37 years. Roselle's ability to lead, and Michael's to command, under such difficult circumstances embodies the success of the lifelong partnerships developed through this program. Mr. Speaker, Roselle's story demonstrates that there were many kinds of bravery on September 11, 2001. It is appropriate to honor the bond that enabled her to save the life of Michael Hingson.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Point Reyes National Seashore on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. On September 13, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed into law P.L. 87-657 ``to save and preserve, for the purpose of public recreation, benefit, and inspiration, a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped.'' Conceived as a park in the 1930s, the hard work of dedicated people made Point Reyes National Seashore a reality many years later. Today the Seashore, located an hour's drive from the urban San Francisco Bay Area, is enjoyed by over 2.5 million visitors annually. It comprises over 71,000 acres including estuaries, beaches, coastal grasslands, salt marshes, and coniferous forests and contains 45 percent of North American avian species and 18 percent of California's plant species. The Park is the best site for whale watching on the West Coast with as many as 200 migrating whales sited per day. In 1988 Point Reyes National Seashore was internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its examples of the world's major ecosystem types and named the Central California Coast Biosphere Reserve. Lying just across the San Andrea Fault from the rest of North America, the Point Reyes peninsula is also a geological land in motion which has moved over 300 miles in the last 100 million years. Visitors to the Park's Earthquake Trail can see the results of this activity from near the epicenter of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The cultural history of Point Reyes dates back 5,000 years to a time when the Coast Miwok Indians inhabited the peninsula. Over 120 Miwok archeological sites exist within the park. In 1579 Sir Francis Drake was probably the first European in the area, landing on the shores of the Bay which bears his name. Lighthouses and lifesaving stations, several still available to visitors, were established in the 19th century in response to the many shipwrecks in the treacherous waters off the coast. In the early 19th century Mexican land grantees established ranchos, and today ranching operations continue in the Park's pastoral zones. Today, under the direction of Superintendent Don Neubacher, the Park successfully balances the needs of visitors and ranchers with the preservation of ecosystems and historical sites. Mr. Speaker, Point Reyes National Seashore ranks among the top twenty most-visited National Park service areas in the country and exemplifies the Park Service's mission to ``care for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.''

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2503 has one fatal flaw, and it must keep every Member of this Congress and in this body, every Member that supports public education, from voting for it. H.R. 5203 takes much-needed Federal funds away from public schools and gives that money to wealthy families to pay for private schools. While private schools and religious schools and military schools are an important part of the education mix in this country, they must not be funded with Federal dollars. Yet this is exactly what H.R. 5203 does. It makes the tax breaks for families who use education savings accounts to pay for private schools a permanent benefit. Families who can afford to put part of their income into education savings accounts more often than not are the same families who can afford to pay for private schools. We must not, we cannot, and we should not be using precious Federal dollars to subsidize children who come from wealthy families so that they can go to private schools and take that money away from our public school system. A strong public education system is the only way we can prepare all of our children for the high wage, high skilled jobs that will ensure America's place in the world market. A strong public school system is also how we prevent dependency on welfare here at home. Public education is the backbone of our country. It is why we are a great Nation. We cannot afford to give money to private schools when we do not have the will and we do not have the budget to fully fund our Nation's public education system. We cannot invest in private education when we do not meet our Federal obligation to IDEA, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. But when we do have a budget that truly leaves no child behind, I will support a measure like this. Until then, vote against H.R. 5203 because it weakens public education and it must be defeated.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the town of Glen Ellen and the Glen Ellen Post Office on the occasion of its 130th anniversary. Located six miles north of Sonoma and established on July 19, 1872, Glen Ellen and its Post Office enjoy an interesting history. In the beginning, the small settlement was to be named Lebanon by early pioneer John Gibson. A document dated June 4, 1872 indicates he was also first to apply to the postmaster general in Washington, DC, for the creation of a post office. However, for reasons unknown, the application was never answered. Fortunately, another was filed on July 19, 1872 allowing the town to establish the community post office, which was named Glen Ellen after the wife of Colonel Charles Stuart, Ellen Mary Stuart. These early residents had built their home and ranch at the base of the Mayacamas, just east of what is now Hwy. 12. Over the past 130 years the Glen Ellen Post Office has been guided by the experienced hands of a long list of postmasters. The first being the highly respected steamboat captain from San Francisco, Charles Justi. He served as postmaster for nine years until the reigns were passed to John Gibson, the original petitioner for what was almost the Lebanon Post Office. Gibson served for three years until his partner, Charles Crofoot succeeded him on November 28, 1888. Crofoot, who served for nearly four years, was followed by a long series of esteemed guardians of Glen Ellen's treasured institution. Today, located in the picturesque vineyards of Jack London country, the Glen Ellen post office is presided over by postmaster Kip Fogarty. Even during the 1880's Glen Ellen was a tourist destination. During its heyday many people came and stayed at the Glen Ellen Hotel. The area, now known as the Valley of the Moon, was already becoming known for vineyards when winemaker Kate Warfield, daughter of Post Master Mary Overton, won national awards for her Glen Ellen wines produced at Ten Oaks Vineyard on Dunbar Road. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Glen Ellen on this historic birthday and the Post Office for its 130 years of faithful service and commitment to the residents of the Glen Ellen community.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrea Fox of San Rafael, California, a talented professional planner, community volunteer, athlete, and breast cancer activist and an inspiration to many. Andrea Fox lost her tenacious battle against breast cancer on July 2, at the age of 35, leaving a legacy of extraordinary courage and compassion. A beautiful young woman with incredible grace and dignity, ``Annie'' Fox was dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. Diagnosed with a particularly aggressive cancer in 1998, the former triathlete, who ate organically and exercised regularly, had none of the traditional risk factors for cancer. Undergoing a lumpectomy, she continued her athletic training and the stage IV cancer seemed to disappear. But, in April 2000, cancer came back and, pursuing every treatment she could find, including non-western, untraditional methods, Annie appeared to have beaten it back again. Andrea focused her considerable energies on increasing public awareness and getting national attention for the serious epidemic of breast cancer in Marin County, joining the board of Marin Breast Cancer Watch. ``Annie was our angel,'' said Board President Roni Peskin Mentzer. Whether lobbying in Sacramento for breast cancer research or educating the community about the dangerously high rates of cancer in Marin, Annie made a difference, she made history. Never daunted, she participated in athletic events such as the renowned Dipsea Race and the Human Race, and was organizing new events, like the July 20, 2002 foot race from Mill Valley to the Mountain Theater on Mt. Tamalpais to increase public knowledge and raise much needed funds for research. In October 2001, only two months after her engagement to longtime partner and soul mate, Chris Stewart, the cancer reappeared and Annie mounted still another heroic campaign. Not one to seek sympathy, she was driven to passionately lead the fight for all women to find a cause to this insidious disease. Despite increasing pain, she continued her work at the Marin Civic Center. ``Annie was a special person . . .'', Stewart said, ``bringing a wonderful happiness to all those who knew her. . . . She was passionate about her work and about preserving the environment.'' A woman of uncommon positive spirit, Andrea Fox lost her courageous battle with breast cancer surrounded by friends and family, leaving her devoted fiance, mother, brother, and a grieving community. We are all more fortunate to have been graced by the presence of Andrea Fox, her beauty, wisdom and strength. Her love, resolve and remarkable will are the cornerstones of the legacy of courage she has left so that we might continue the fight. While Annie is gone, the spirit of this ``angel'' of our community will forever be with us.

Ms. WOOLSEY

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

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my amendment requires the Secretary to create a Homeland Security Institute. It will be an independent, federally- funded research and development center: A think tank. That same style organization that will contract with the Department to provide objective analysis and to advise on science and technology issues. In the Committee on Science, we voice-voted with no opposition the creation of this institute. I was pleased that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) supported it in committee, and hope that he will also support it this evening. Since it was dropped in the version by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), I commend the Committee on Rules for bringing it before the House for consideration. The concept for a homeland security institute is based on the key recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences' June 2002 report entitled Making the Nation Safer: The Role of Science and Technology in Countering Terrorism. Government agencies, including the Departments of Defense, DOE, HHS and the National Science Foundation, currently sponsor more than 35 institutes like this amendment proposes. Let me give an example of how the institute could work. First responders and emergency personnel from different jurisdictions and departments often have difficult times communicating during a crisis. An appropriate role for the institute would be to work with Federal, State and local agencies to develop the technology and implement the standards necessary to communicate effectively in a crisis. The fact is that existing Federal agencies may not be able to supply the depth and breadth of technical expertise needed. Many of those with the necessary analytical and technical skills necessary do not work for the government. Instead, it is more likely that they could be working at one of the current institutes, like the Rand Corporation or the Institute for Defense Analysis, or in academia. Considering the technical nature of the threats before us, the brightest minds of our time must be at the table. Just because these individuals do not draw their paycheck from the Treasury Department does not mean that we should not tap their expertise. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will ensure that the Department of Homeland Security has outside objective expertise available at all times. I hope that the committee will support my amendment.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, we are just days away from the August recess, but instead of using this time to pass the very important spending bills that we have not even looked at yet, the GOP leadership has once again scheduled a vote on an issue that the Supreme Court has already struck down. Let us be clear. This debate on the so-called partial-birth abortion procedure is nothing more than a ploy to advance the political agenda of the anti- choice community, and they have made it quite clear that their political schemes are worth sacrificing the health of American women. But we cannot fall for this. We cannot fall for this outrageous propaganda of the anti-choice community. We cannot let them twist another health care issue into a political issue. We should be promoting a woman's health, not endangering it. We should be debating concrete measures to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and to ensure that all pregnant women have affordable access to the care they need so they can deliver healthy babies, not telling doctors how to practice medicine. American women are counting on us to ensure that their doctors can provide the care that best meets their individual medical needs. The highest court in the land ruled that our government has no authority to force a woman to risk her health or her life in order to carry a pregnancy to term. Let us put politics aside and think of American women first. The Federal Government has no business poking its nose in decisions that are best left to a woman and to her doctor. I urge my colleagues to reject this blatant attack on women's health and vote against H.R. 4965.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 188, the resolution sponsored by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros- Lehtinen), and I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) for yielding me time to express my concerns regarding the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government. Three years ago, the Chinese government began its brutal crackdown against Falun Gong practitioners in China. People have been killed, imprisoned, and beaten for expressing their peaceful beliefs, and we know this is absolutely unacceptable. Across America, many local United States officials have responded by sponsoring resolutions affirming the right of Falun Gong practitioners to enjoy freedom of speech. They have done this in their particular community across America. And much to our outrage, these local officials have been pressured by Chinese officials demanding that they recant their support for Falun Gong practitioners. In a Democratic Nation, the value of free speech and freedom of religion means that this is absolutely unacceptable to us. The gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) touches briefly in this issue in H. Con. Res. 188, and later this week, I will be introducing a resolution which focuses solely on Chinese efforts to interfere with local American officials. Mr. Speaker, I ask Members to ask themselves how do they feel about the Chinese governments telling the mayors and city councils in their districts who to support, who to allow to demonstrate and speak and, what to do in general? I urge all Members to support H. Con. Res. 188, and to cosponsor my resolution that directly addresses China's attempts to stifle democracy right here in America.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, this is a battle that my California colleagues and I have been fighting for many, many years. It is not a fad. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for their leadership on this issue. Without this amendment, the Bush administration's concern with promoting the interests of big oil over serving the people of California will cause great harm to our coast. The answer to America's energy needs is not contained in 36 oil leases; our energy future depends on increased use of renewable energy sources and conservation measures. Drilling for oil off our coast will threaten to destroy our environment, wreak havoc on our economy, an economy that depends on tourism and a great deal on fishing. Unfortunately, the future of these 36 undeveloped leases is only a symptom of a bigger problem. The real solution is for the Federal Government to enact a permanent ban on drilling off California's coast. For too long now, the coast of California has been protected only by a multiyear presidential order.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen) for all the gentleman has done over the years. But despite how much I like the gentleman from New Mexico, what an embarrassment. Once again, the House of Representatives is considering a Department of Interior appropriations bill that does not sufficiently fund the arts and the humanities. Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts was cut dramatically in 1995 by more than 40 percent, and it has never returned to adequacy. Shame on us. Opponents of this amendment call for fiscal discipline, as if the richest Nation in the world needs to be culturally impoverished. Shame on us. We all know that it is not the lack of money that keeps funding for the NEA and the NEH so low, because the funding we invest provides a huge economic return on our Federal investment, both in dollars and in jobs. According to a recent study by Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts industry generates $134 billion in economic activity every year, creating more than 4 million jobs. The arts industry is a money maker, not a money taker. Another study, this one by the Arts Education Partnership, provides hard evidence that children who participate in the arts improve their critical learning skills in math, reading, language development, and writing. In addition, NEA funds programs like Positive Alternatives for Youth, which lowers the rate of juvenile crime by creating artist-led after-school programs for our youth. When we deprive the NEA or the NEH of needed funds, we deprive this entire Nation of an active cultural community. It is a battle that has been going on since the stockades were used to control creativity in Puritan times, and it is absolutely wrong-headed. The arts teaches us to think, encourages us to feel and see and to look in different ways. This is a good amendment, and it must be passed.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, while I do not oppose the provisions that are included in the Fed Up Act, I am fed up for bringing it up on a suspensions calendar. I am not going to vote against this bill because of what is in the bill, I am going to vote against it because of what is not in the bill. As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I had planned to offer an amendment to Fed Up when it was marked up in the full committee. However, rather than consider any Democratic amendments, the committee mark was cancelled and this bill was never considered at the committee level. Had it been, I would have offered an amendment to ensure that vocational education programs obey civil rights laws. Just a few weeks ago, The Washington Post and other newspapers reported on a recent survey that revealed pervasive gender segregation in vocational and technical education programs all around the country. The survey found that women remain clustered in classes which lead to traditionally female jobs, such as cosmetology, child care or fashion technology. On the other hand, the classes in carpentry, electronics, and automotive programs were 85 percent male. So women are trained for jobs as hairdressers, earning a median hourly wage of $8.49 an hour, while males get work as plumbers who earn an hourly wage of $30 an hour. Thirty years after the passage of title IX, the patterns of enrollment in technical and vocational education programs look shockingly similar to the patterns that existed prior to the passage of title IX 30 years ago. I am fed up with this unfair legislative process. I am fed up with being denied opportunity to work with my colleagues in crafting legislation that comes to the House floor. I urge Members to vote against the Fed Up bill, and vote against any bill where half the House is muzzled. Until Democrats are given a fair role in House proceedings, I suggest that we vote no.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrea Fox of San Rafael, California, a talented professional planner, community volunteer, athlete and breast cancer activist, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Andrea Fox lost her life in a battle against breast cancer on July 2 at the age of 35, leaving a legacy of extraordinary courage and compassion. A beautiful young woman with incredible grace and dignity, Annie Fox was dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. Diagnosed with a particularly aggressive cancer in 1998, the former triathlete, who ate organically and exercised regularly, had none of the traditional risk factors for cancer. Undergoing a lumpectomy, she continued her athletic training and stage IV cancer seemed to disappear. But in April 2000, the cancer came back, and pursuing every treatment she could find, including non- Western, nontraditional methods, Annie appeared to have beaten it back again. Andrea focused her considerable energies on increasing public awareness and getting national attention for this serious epidemic of breast cancer in Marin County, joining the board of Marin Breast Cancer Watch. ``Annie was one of our angels,'' said board president Roni Mentzer. Whether lobbying in Sacramento for breast cancer research or educating the community about the dangerously high rates of cancer in Marin County, Annie made a difference. She made history. Never daunted, she participated in athletic events such as the renowned Dipsea race and the human race, and she organized new events like the July 20, 2002 foot race from Mill Valley to the Mountain Theater on Mount Tamalpais to increase public knowledge and raise much-needed funds for research. In October 2001, only 2 months after her engagement to long-time partner and soulmate Chris Stewart, the cancer came back and Annie mounted still another heroic campaign. Not one to seek sympathy, she was driven to passionately lead the fight for all women to find a cause for this insidious disease. Despite increasing pain, she continued her work at the Marin Civic Center. ``Annie was a special person,'' Stewart said, ``bringing a wonderful happiness to all those who knew her. She was passionate about her work and about preserving the environment.'' A woman of uncommon positive spirit, Andrea Fox lost her courageous battle with breast cancer surrounded by friends and family, leaving her devoted fiance, her mother, her brother and a grieving community. We are all more fortunate to have been graced by the presence of Andrea Fox, her beauty, her wisdom and her strength. Her love, resolve and remarkable will are cornerstones for the legacy of courage she has left so that we might continue the fight. While Annie is gone, the spirit of this angel of our community will forever be with us.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, the strength of our economy is built on the honesty, integrity and transparency of our financial institutions. Over the years, weakened Federal regulation of accounting practices has allowed corporate greed to run rampant and has led to the failure of some of our largest businesses. When these businesses fail, thousands of employees lose their jobs and pensions while corporate executives become rich. These captains of industry do not stay with a sinking ship, they jump off first, and they jump off with all the treasure. This is not a simple problem of a few bad apples; the problems are systemic, and we need major changes in our country's accounting practices of our corporations. What is important to remember is that when corporations fail, workers lose their jobs, families hit hard times and children suffer. There must be a zero tolerance for corporate corruption.