Diane Watson

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Kay Jackson was born on July 1, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the third child born to Lawrence Homer Moore, Sr. and Edna Moore Osborne who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her second father, Willis “Pops” Osbornes and her brother, John Alfred Moore. The family moved from Detroit in the summer of 1945 to Los Angeles. Dorothy attended public schools in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles High School with honors in 1961. As a youngster, “Dottie” as she was known to her family, was introduced to the arts at an early age taking up tap dance, piano, and choral lessons. Her love of music and the arts continued throughout her life. Baptized at Trinity Baptist Church, Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age. She attended church regularly and participated in Sunday school and bible classes. She continued her involvement in church activities until her health failed. An old African proverb states that “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” Dorothy epitomized this concept which became a reality in the community where she grew up known as the Hobart Street “village”—a group of families in her neighborhood who bonded and acted as a family unit. Dottie gave music lessons to younger children in the neighborhood and continued to teach Music throughout her high school and college career. Although members of the village settled in areas world wide—Poland, Paris, Massachusetts, Arizona, and of course California—the Hobart family remains united and in touch today. Dorothy attended public schools in Los Angeles and graduated from L.A. High School with honors in 1959. She earned an A.A. Degree at East Los Angeles Junior College. While attending East Los Angeles, she met and married Charles G. Jackson in 1962. From this union one daughter, Shelley Darnell Jackson, was born. Dorothy demonstrated diligence, dedication and determination in family matters. While she was pursuing her education, she provided exemplary care and nurturing to her daughter and children of other family members. Later she received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts Degree at California State University, Los Angeles. In 1966 she began her career and pursuit of excellence in education for children by working in the Early Childhood Education Program at Normandie Avenue School and subsequently accepted a fourth-grade teaching position at Sixth Avenue School. This devoted educator served the Los Angeles Unified School District for 33 years as a Teacher, Title I Coordinator, Area Advisor, Assistant Principal and Principal. Her last administrative assignment was Principal at Glen Feliz Elementary School. Due to her commitment to and understanding of education, she was appointed to the California Textbook Commission by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown in 1991. Dottie, a multi-talented educator, made tremendous contributions to the school and community and received many honors and accolades including the “Woman of the Year” from the California State Legislature. A scholarship was established in her name by BAPAC and continues today. She was actively involved in politics serving as the Chair of the Los Angeles Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC), President of the National Association of Minority Political Women (NAMPW), and a founding member of Los Angeles African American Women's Political Action Committee (LAAAWPAC). She was also a member of the Council of Black Administrators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Associated of Administrators of Los Angeles, and the New Frontier Democratic Club. Dottie was well-traveled, spiritual, and an avid reader. She enjoyed going to movies, to plays and to political activities with her sister and friends, often bragging and telling you about the many accomplishments of her granddaughter, Dannielle Bowman. Even though she was diagnosed at an early age with Lupus, she lived a full, active, and productive professional and personal life as evidenced by her many achievements and activities. Dorothy endured many years of aches and pains. But she never lost faith because she was grounded in the spirit of Christ. On September 11, 2002 after many physical battles she answered God's call. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband, Charles G. Jackson; one daughter, Shelley Jackson; a granddaughter, Dannielle Bowman; one sister, Gwen Moore Dobson (Ron); two brothers, Lawrence H. Moore (La Verne) and Arnold Osborne (Ellen); three brothers-in-law, William Jackson (Barbara), Gary Cooper (Brenda), and Johnny Charles Cooper (Shirley); five sisters-in-law, Karen Woo (Victor), Gwen, Patrice, Deniece and Jan Cooper; father-in-law, James L. Jackson (Shirley); two nephews, Ron Dobson (Tina) and Marc Moore (Tammie); two nieces, Lawri and Lani Moore; grand niece, Christina Carr; grand nephew, Dylan, Trey and Mason; and a host of friends and relatives.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues today in honoring the contributions of Korean Americans to our national heritage. On January 13, 1903, the S.S. Gaelic arrived in Honolulu, marking the beginning of the documented history of the Korean-American experience. Mr. Speaker, 102 Korean immigrants walked off that ship almost 100 years ago. Many of them probably expected that they would spend a few years in Hawaii and then return home. In the 100 years since then, the Korean-American population has grown to over 1 million and has become a vital and dynamic part of our American family. No account of Korean-American heritage would be complete without listing the accomplishments of several American heroes of Korean descent, like Colonel Young Oak Kim, the first Asian American to command a combat battalion. To date, Colonel Kim is also the most decorated Asian-American soldier, earning two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. Or Dora Yum Kim, a pioneer in developing social services for California's poor and disadvantaged citizens. And Dr. Sammy Lee, Olympic diver and swimming coach, physician and veteran. Dr. Lee was not only the first Asian-American to win an Olympic gold medal, but also the first American to win two Olympic gold diving medals, the oldest person to win a gold in diving, and the first male to win back-to-back gold medals in diving as well. I am proud to represent a congressional district with a vibrant Korean-American community. My congressional district is also home to a number of institutions that stand as a testament both to the determination and success of Korean-Americans, but also to the richness of Korean-American heritage. The Korean-American Museum presents exhibitions that serve to bring the role of Korean-Americans in our history to the public at large. The Korean Heritage Library at the University of Southern California holds a wealth of history of Korean-American life. And one cannot forget the many churches, community groups, and businesses that make up the fabric of everyday life in the Korean-American community. The Korean-American story is above all an American story, a story of our country, our communities, and our neighborhoods. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to celebrate 100 years of Korean- American contributions to our Nation.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

Ms. WATSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 513. I first commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his leadership on this important resolution, and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) for introducing it. Madam Speaker, for decades the people of Ireland have longed for peace and stability. Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, this dream is closer to reality than ever before. The Good Friday Agreement is a testament to the leadership abilities of George Mitchell and is one of the great achievements of President Clinton's foreign policy. However, the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has not been without its setbacks, and it is critically important that all parties continue to push strongly for progress on political, security and economic fronts. Madam Speaker, just a few miles away business leaders from the United States, Ireland and Northern Ireland met last week at the United States-Ireland Business Summit. I am pleased to report that these leaders helped lay the groundwork for the economic prosperity for Northern Ireland which is so critical to the peace process. This summit focused on generating new opportunities for business between the United States, Ireland and Northern Ireland, including promoting foreign investment, reducing regulatory barriers and increasing bilateral trade. Progress on these critically important issues can create new jobs for those unemployed on both sides of the Atlantic and make a tangible contribution to the success of the Good Friday Agreement. I commend the leaders who participated in the summit, and urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Johnnie Roseboro, an All-Star catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. John passed away on August 16 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 69. Johnnie Roseboro played in the major leagues from 1957 to 1970 with the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Washington Senators (now the Texas Rangers). He was named to All-Star teams in 1958, 1961, 1962 and 1969, and won Gold Gloves for his defensive play in 1961 and 1966. Roseboro became the Dodgers' starting catcher in the team's first season in Los Angeles, replacing the legendary Roy Campanella who had been paralyzed in an auto accident. Roseboro was nicknamed ``Gabby'' by his teammates because he went about his business quietly and without fanfare. He always carried himself with dignity and class. These attributes are exemplified in the aftermath of the famous bat swinging incident in which San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal inflicted a two inch gash on Roseboro's forehead. The incident tarnished Marichal's reputation, who was only voted into baseball's Hall of Fame after Roseboro publicly stated that he thought Marichal was being unfairly kept out the Hall of Fame. Roseboro's nobility of mind and heart defined him in his life both on and off the baseball diamond. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Fouch-Roseboro and daughter, Morgan Nicole Fouch-Roseboro and his children by a former marriage, daughters Shelley Roseboro, Staci- Roseboro-Shoals, and Jaime Roseboro. In closing, I would like to enter into the Record the following eulogy to Mr. Roseboro, prepared by Oliver Herford. [lsqb]From the Eulogy for Johnnie Roseboro[rsqb] ``A Man is Known By the Silence He Keeps'' (By Oliver Herford) Some men walk through life making all a big ado. Puffing up their chests when reminiscing on unremarkable past accomplishments and feats. Opening wide their mouths to expel dubious wisdom and conspiracies, tendering words upon words upon words, but no meat. But other men forgo words and express their abilities in deed. They do so simply, without fuss nor fanfare, dancing nor prancing. They just step up to the plate, eye the ball and swing. Sometimes, the ball grazes the tree tips and is going . . . going . . . gone, or it may foul backward into the stands. Regardless. For these few exceptional men, each gesture--win or lose--is always authentic and with the full weight of their being, forcing witnesses to pause, slack- jawed, in awe-inspired amazement. There is little wonder into which camp John Roseboro fell. Ask anyone to describe him in two words and they would say succinctly: No Bull. He was unapologetically comfortable in his skin, to the core: you either got him or you didn't. For him, there was little worthy of sweat. He would simply throw up his hands and say, ``No big deal,'' and move on. He left it to the critics to assess the long-term merit of his accomplishments--for him, it was all in a day's work, nothing more. He considered suggestions but, in the end, his instinct would always trump any outside counsel. In spite of this characteristic, he made it utterly impossible to be angry at him. But, thankfully, the same worked in reverse. If you looked down to discover your feet on the wrong side of his line, a simple apology would always be followed by ``That's okay, Babe,'' and any trace of the dispute would be immediately expunged. Although his urtle-like mien caused some strangers to hesitate, his inner circle of friends and family knew the hard outer shell merely served as protection for its precious cargo--a tender and easily broken heart. This vulnerability might uncover why it was this particular organ's weakness that sparked his fifteen-year downward health spiral. Although, admittedly, he did nothing to impede the descent. Even after enduring countless (okay, 54) hospital stays, surgeries and treatments at Cedars Sinai alone, he maintained an unyieldingly laissez-faire attitude toward improving his condition. Yet it is the rare man whose friends and family cannot utter a single negativity after fruitlessly imploring him--for decades--to set down the Coke can, exercise, and consider the fish section of the menu. But he would likely have undergone a thousand colonoscopies of bypasses if it meant any reprieve from the constant barrage of heart-health suggestions, books, pills and tonics he received on a daily basis. His food motto remained intact until the end: ``I'll die with a full stomach and that's that.'' Replacing words with such mottoes was just his way, each comment whittled down to its essence and punctuated with a saying for good measure. Favorites included ``Ain't nothin' shakin' but the leaves,'' . . . ``God willin' and the creek don't rise'' . . . and ``Is the Pope Catholic?'' Sayings aside, John was definitely a laconic spirit--the irony in his nickname, Gabby, was well-earned. But, as they say, silence is a text easy to misread. Just ask anyone brave enough to venture toward the back of the room and take a seat next to him. His bulbous eyes voyeuristically scanning the crowd, extracting vital bits of data to launch into an anecdote or a unique observation. Between tales of the Glory Days, life insights and off-colored jokes, they would discover--as we already had--a man of infinite, yet simplistic, wisdom blended with an understated hilarity. He was the anti-thesis of the ``dumb jock.'' A voracious reader, he would complete several books a month. In his later years, he took countless adult education courses, honed his considerable culinary talents and taught himself to use his new computer to surf the internet. Although John was undeniably great on the ball field, his greatest accomplishments lie in his legacy off the field. He was generous in his purchases for loved ones, but his best gifts were always of the non-monetary persuasion: unparalleled insight, laughs, great stories and lots of love. Any time spent with him was guaranteed to be an unforgettable treat and its own reward. In short, John Roseboro was one of the best--and easiest-- men you'd ever befriend. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend. His life force beats strongly in the hearts of all who were blessed enough to share their lives with him. John was born in Ashland, Ohio in 1933 to Cecil Geraldine Lowery Roseboro and John Henry Roseboro. His only sibling was James Alexander Roseboro. John Roseboro is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Fouch-Roseboro and daughter, Morgan Nicole Fouch-Roseboro and his children by a former marriage, daughters Shelley Roseboro and Staci Roseboro-Shoals (John), and son Jaime Roseboro (Karen). Additional family members include grandchildren Ashley Shoals, Amber Shoals, Kaitlyn Roseboro, Sydney Roseboro, April Roseboro,; brothers-in-law James Walker, Kenneth Walker, Jackie Millines; sisters-in-law Ifeoma Kwesi, Annie Roseboro, Michelle Hollie, Andrea Frye and Yolanda Leary; nephews Anthony M. Roseboro (Tia), Pearl Daniel White, Sinclair Saunders; nieces Gayle Mitchell (Charles), Sabrina Phillips, Latrice Westbury; great-nephews Alexander Roseboro, Jermaine Mitchell, Orlando Mitchell, Kenyon Saunders, Ronaldo Walker, Antonio Walker, Rico Walker, Norris Bray; great- nieces Shelbi Roseboro, Crystal Phillips, Summer Rain Phillips; god-daughters Kaiyanna Frye, Alexandra Josephine Richardson Jackson, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. And I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) for introducing this legislation. I was just up in New York at the funeral for Lionel Hampton; and all of the way through, the talented performers would recall when they were all together, and Nat King Cole was part of that group. He was a man whose artistic talent was matched only by his efforts to break down the barriers that divided America from itself. Nat King Cole had a gift of enormous musical talent. He did not like his singing voice; he thought it was not good enough so he thought he should play, but they talked him into singing while he was playing. He was known most for his singular voice, bringing alive such tunes as ``Mona Lisa,'' ``Rambling Rose,'' ``The Christmas Song,'' and ``Unforgettable.'' His daughter, Natalie Cole, would say that for many a year she mourned her father's death and did not have the courage to record with him until much later after his death; and the song ``Unforgettable'' truly will live forever. He was truly unforgettable. But many experts considered his work as a pianist as his most significant contribution to American music. He was recognized among jazz musicians as one of the most formidable and technically proficient pianists of his day. His trio format influenced jazz pianist greats Ahmad Jamal and Art Tatum. In the 1940s, he played piano on recordings with jazz seminal jazz greats Lester Young and Charlie Parker. In 1956, Cole debuted his own television show, which quickly became a major hit. Despite its success, many major advertisers refused to have commercials aired on it for fear that they would alienate the white population and, in particular, their Southern customers. Nat King Cole first recorded with Decca Records, and later with Capitol Records. Sales of his albums brought Capitol unprecedented commercial success, and some have even labeled Capitol Records' famous circular building in Hollywood as ``The House that Nat Built.'' But Nat King Cole's contribution to American art was matched by his contribution to American society. Cole was a quiet, but consistent, force for integration. During an age when many black artists were resigned to the reality of racial segregation, Cole refused to play in segregated clubs. In 1949 when Cole moved with his family to the exclusive Hancock Park neighborhood in Los Angeles, an area represented now by the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) and myself, Cole faced hostility from his new neighbors. Yet Cole stood his ground, and successfully integrated the neighborhood, which remains one of Los Angeles' most prestigious addresses. So I am proud to join the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) and the rest of my colleagues to rename a post office in the Hancock neighborhood after Nat King Cole. He is lovingly remembered as a great musical talent, but also as a great American.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of H.R. 4727, but I want to bring up another matter that relates to security and it relates more to the Transportation Security Administration. Mr. Chairman, since September 11 of last year, Congress has taken important steps to help ensure the safety of America's flying public. For example, we established the Transportation Security Administration, federalized airport baggage screeners and expanded the Federal Air Marshal Program. Although these were valuable first steps, we must make sure that they are effective. For example, recent press reports have indicated that the Air Marshal Program has encountered significant problems as the service seeks to expand in response to last year's terrorist attacks. Subsequently, I have requested that the GAO conduct a study on reported failures of the Air Marshal Program. Among the problems cited in recent news articles are: Many new air marshals were given guns and badges and put aboard planes and flights before extensive background checks were completed; marshals have complained that program rules, specifically the dress code, can identify them as air marshals, thereby limiting their effectiveness and putting them in jeopardy; scheduling problems had left many marshals working as much as 16 hours a day while others are idle for weeks. These problems, among others, have led at least 80 air marshals to resign from the program and some to consider a class action lawsuit, according to the article. These reports, if true, represent a serious decline in a program that until recently was hailed as one of the finest in our Nation. In the wake of September 11, the movement to expand the Air Marshal Program was an appropriate response to the terror attacks. However, it is apparent that the rapid expansion of this program has caused new problems. It is my hope that the GAO report will bring to light these new problems so that the TSA and Congress can take appropriate action on behalf of the American people.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, this past August, two distinguished citizens and close friends of mine passed away. I would like to honor their lives by submitting their obituaries into the Congressional Record. Honoring the Life of John Walter Redfud John Walter Redfud, born September 20, 1914, in Houston, Texas, was the second of four children born to John Walter Redfud, Sr., and Lillie Livingston Redfud. His parents, sister (Kathryn) and brothers, (Augustus and Paul) preceded him in death. He was reared in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He graduated from Second Ward High School. John graduated in 1938 from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a B.S. in Liberal Arts. In 1947 he received a M.A. Degree from the University of Southern California (U.S.C.) and an Accreditation for School Administration from California State University. As a college student, John sang in the mixed glee club. He was a talented athlete, lettering in two sports for three years. In his senior year, he was captain of his football team and co-captain of his basketball team. In 1990 he was inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame for both sports. Later, he assisted the Los Angeles Kappa Chapter in earning many trophies during the early years of Inter-Fraternal Basketball Tournaments. After graduation from Southern University, John was employed for four years as a classroom teacher and coach of the football and basketball teams of Central High School in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Two of his football teams were State champions. He also coached football and basketball at Webster Parish High School in Louisiana. John arrived in California in 1943 where his employment included: service as a Deputy Probation Officer (recurrent) for ten years; counselor for the California Youth Authority, Juvenile Hall and Avalon Community Center; and various assignments in the field of education. He retired in 1983 as principal of Adult Education in the Compton Unified School District after thirty-three years, seventeen of those years as a classroom teacher at Willowbrook Junior High and Centennial High School and sixteen in Adult Education Administration. (Note: John Redfud's ability to remember names was phenomenal. His participation in the first three years of the graduation ceremonies at Centennial High School would show case this remarkable ability. He called each graduate to come forth and receive their diploma by their name without the use of any notes or papers.) He taught principles of Adult Education for the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA) extension and received the Freedom Foundation Award from Valley Forge Pennsylvania for classroom teaching. A devout Catholic, John was previously a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, serving as an usher for twenty years, and was a member of St. Peter Claver, serving two years as president. He joined St. Eugene Church in 1975. On August 10, 1944, John married Genevieve Taylor, his beloved wife of fifty-eight years. Three children were born to this union; a daughter, Yolanda Lyllye; sons: Duane Walter, (a Kappa) and Damon Anthony. The family traveled often and extensively together throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. After the children were grown, John and Genevieve traveled to Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. John was a life member of Southern University Alumni Federation, a foundation member and past president of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, member of NEA, CTA, United Negro College Fund, (UNFC) and the Lake Charles Club. Also, John was a life member 71-510 of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; initiated in 1938 into Alpha Sigma Chapter at Southern University. He participated in the under graduate chapter of USC and joined with graduates of Los Angeles Alumni Chapter when it was reactivated after World War II. He was a past Polemarch and was always active in fund raising, reclamation and recruiting. John assisted in the chartering of the first campus based chapter in San Diego. He accompanied and assisted then Province Polemarch, Edgar Bishop, (Elder Diggs Awardee), in the chartering of a chapter in Okinawa, Japan. Additionally, he was a contributor to the Western Province Foundation, Inc. and was a member of the Kappa Million Dollar Club, always ready to contribute in anyway to Kappa causes. An annual high school scholarship is awarded to a St. Eugene student in John's name from funds donated by family, former students and friends in celebration of his 80th birthday. Another scholarship is given in his name at Southgate High School for one of his former students. John departed this life on August 25, 2002 at 6:45 a.m. during hospitalization at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital located in West Los Angeles. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Genevieve; daughter, Yolanda Lyllye; sons, Duane W. and Damon A.; grandchildren, Danzio, Nickolas and NoraLena; great granddaughter, Danish; one nephew, John Paul Redfud, one niece, Gwendolyn Redfud-James (McDonald James), sister in- law, Matilda Redfud, five brothers in-law; nine sisters-in law; many Redfud and Livingston descendants, cousins, relatives, friends, former students, co-workers and fraternity brothers who loved him profoundly. It goes without saying that John Redfud will always be remembered as ``Mr. Redfud'' the teacher who made a difference.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 94, honoring the sisters Venus and Serena. Congratulations are indeed in order for these champions. My colleagues have already outlined some of the outstanding accomplishments that these two young women from Compton, California, have achieved, and I too pay my respects to the number one and the number two ranked Women's Tennis Association players in the world. These young adults have created many first-time achievements for American women in world tennis. Their skill, charisma, dedication, plus love for the sport herald an exciting era in women's tennis. Venus and Serena have shown not only athletic dominance on the court but social consciousness and mature contributions off the court and have made wise contributions of not only their time but their money as well. The Williams sisters who grew up in Compton, California, have overcome considerable odds to excel in their chosen sport. Their accomplishments similar to those of Tiger Woods in golf prove that with hard work, dedication, the right kind of guidance, and nurturing, all Americans can achieve and succeed in activities and careers that have been traditionally reserved for those with a higher economic status. The Williams sisters exemplify this and have smashed many contemporary barriers, providing a beacon of light for all Americans; and so many people have said this could not be done. I commend Venus and Serena for their past deeds and look forward to what their future brings, and we will enjoy the seeds that they have sown across America for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to cosponsor H. Res. 94.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for putting forward this needed amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This amendment would create a mechanism for the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the status of America's emergency preparedness. This type of information is crucial for Congress to make informed decisions about funding and oversight of our Nation's homeland security. The bill that we are considering sets out an institutional structure for homeland security. Yet this structure is only one of three elements necessary to effectively secure our homeland. Number two is a comprehensive homeland security strategy with the administration produced and delivered to Congress earlier this month. The third element is having a method to assess the progress of our efforts to secure our homeland from attack. This is where our amendment comes in. By creating a mechanism for the Secretary of Homeland Security to report on the progress of the Federal Government and the various State governments in preparing for emergencies, Congress can better supply the resources necessary to defend our country. In particular, it is important to have a sense of what the various States are doing to prepare themselves. By requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to evaluate the preparedness of State governments, we do not seek to impose a particular mandate on the State or demand that their planning conforms to a federally dictated one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we seek a candid assessment of how well prepared each State government is for emergencies so that we might identify breakdowns in our homeland security infrastructure. In any emergency, State governments will be tested. The Federal government can supply additional resources and expertise, but often State officials will be the first on the scene in case of a disaster. We will continue to rely on State governments to play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. I urge Members to permit the Shays-Watson amendment to be introduced during the floor consideration of H.R. 5005.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the distinguished Chair of the House Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, for bringing this important resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, since the Chinese Government launched its brutal campaign against Falun Gong practitioners over 3 years ago, the U.S. Congress has been joined by human rights' groups and the State Department in condemning this campaign of terror and intimidation. I have been visited at my district office by the distinguished Chinese ambassador who feels that the Falun Gong is a threat to the orderly process of government in China. I had questions at the time that they came; but I listened diplomatically, I responded in a very diplomatic way, but I disagreed. Unfortunately, these calls for fair and decent treatment of the Falun Gong has fallen on deaf ears in Beijing. Since 1999, over 250 Falun Gong practitioners have been killed by the Chinese Government. Many of those killed refused to break their links to the Falun Gong and have paid the ultimate price as a result. Thousands more Falun Gong adherents arrested in cities and villages throughout China have been subjected to brutal mistreatment, rape, and torture by their jailers. As we speak today, thousands of Chinese citizens remain behind bars or locked away in mental hospitals because they refuse to break from the Falun Gong. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to fathom the reasons for the Chinese Government's decision to declare Falun Gong an evil cult and to launch a brutal crackdown on its adherents. And maybe there is good reason. However, as I can see it, Falun Gong's only apparent crime is its ability to organize and attract followers in a country in which the government wishes to have a monopoly on organization and ideology. Prior to the Chinese Government's edict of July 21, 1999, to smash the Falun Gong, its adherents organized the largest peaceful public demonstration in China since the democracy movement in 1989. These peaceful protests have continued to today, despite the repression. We often see a few lone Falun Gong practitioners on the nightly news, bravely unfurling banners in Tiananmen Square, only to be hauled off into police vans a few seconds later. To counteract these brave acts, the Chinese Government has embarked on an intense media campaign both in China and abroad to defame Falun Gong as a cult, thereby designating Falun Gong for particularly harsh treatment under the PRC's anticult agenda. Falun Gong supporters, largely silent and intimidated in China, have sought legal refuge abroad and in any place they can from these human rights' violations. There have been numerous civil complaints filed in U.S. Federal courts for the violations of the Torture Victim Protection Act, the Alien Tort Claims Act, and other crimes against humanity. Lawsuits have also been filed claiming that PRC embassies and consulates have been responsible for harassment here in the United States. The Congressional Human Rights Caucus recently heard testimony from local government officials, including some from my own home State of California, that they have been subject to pressure from Chinese diplomats to renounce proclamations of support for Falun Gong by local city councils. I, myself, as I said, have been pressured. Mr. Speaker, it is important that the United States Congress strongly condemn such outrageous behavior and stand with local officials in the United States who wish to speak out for human rights in China. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I had not intended to give my tribute this afternoon, but we cannot be in these Chambers or in hearing distance and not be compelled to come up and add to this tribute. We are going to say more later. I have known the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for almost 30 years now. I remember her as a legislator who rushed up to me one day and said, What is the name of that bill, that bill? What is the number of that bill that you had? We want to do it in Florida. She was always probing, always seeking to make good public law. We served together in Noble Women many years ago. I just went up to her and I said, I want to take credit for getting you here in 1992. After that very devastating earthquake she called my office. We had had a big uprising in Los Angeles. She said, What can I do? I have two young men running against me. I said, Turn your headquarters into an emergency relief center. She did that. She gave out beds and blankets and food, and she ended up in the place where she needed to be; that was in the House of Representatives. She has served with distinction, but most of all, she has served with heart, directly under God, and shared that with all of us. For that, we will be eternally grateful to you, Carrie. We love you.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to this most deceptive bill that is particularly harmful to my 92-year-old mother and other senior women.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman). I thank all Members who are making the case for our seniors and particularly those who are women, because they rely more heavily on prescription drugs than the average American. Although they represent just 13 percent of the population, they consume more than one-third of all prescriptions. Not only do seniors use more drugs, they also rely on more costly medications. Drug expenditures for seniors constitute 42 percent of the Nation's total. Seniors with health insurance find themselves without coverage for prescription drugs more often than not. More than 10 million Medicare beneficiaries lack coverage, and millions more have inadequate and unreliable drug plans. Part of the solution to our current problem is the enactment of a meaningful drug benefit within the Medicare program. I am from California, and I know some Members did not really understand what our substitute Democratic proposal had in it. They said it will hurt California. The only reason that perception was out there is because California has an excellent MediCal program where we offer about 32 to 35 more benefits than are required under Medicaid. That accrues to the Medicare program as well. This proposal that is a substitute proposal or a supplemental proposal will only benefit our seniors in California, not hurt them. Republicans have proposed a bill to address the problem that is just plain bogus. The American public must filter out the rhetoric and see the Republican plan and the Democratic substitute for what they really are. The phone calls that the gentlewoman is getting are people who have been deceived and misled. We need to clarify so they will know. I want to spend a second clarifying. The Republican bill covers less than one-fourth of Medicare drug costs over the next 10 years. The Republican bill does not help with any drug cost between $2,000 and $5,600. The Republican drug benefit is vague. They offer a standard suggestion for what private plans might offer. In addition, their bill does not guarantee that seniors will have affordable, and that is the keyword, affordable drug coverage. The House Democratic proposal adds a new Part D in Medicare that provides voluntary prescription drug coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries beginning in the year 2005. The Democratic proposal authorizes Medicare contractors to obtain guaranteed reductions in prices. The Secretary of Health will have the authority to use the collective bargaining power of Medicare's 40 million members to negotiate prices on particular drugs. The basics are: $25 a month premium, $100 a year deductible; and beneficiaries pay 20 percent, Medicare pays 80 percent and a copay; and a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit per member per year. That, Mr. Speaker, is the Democratic plan. That is not a Republican maybe plan. Yes, it has a price tag. But the Republican $1.6 trillion tax cut would pay for this program several times over. Just do the math. Members should be able to respect older Americans, and we need to be able to give aid to New Yorkers post 9-11 and fight the terrorist threat at the same time. We can do it all if we were not foolishly led to support a $1.6 trillion give-back to the wealthiest Americans.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, as of now, Medicare does not cover the cost of prescription drugs. Approximately 10 million Medicare recipients nationwide lack any prescription drug coverage. I want Members to support the Democratic plan for strengthening Medicare. The Democratic plan uses the collective bargaining power of Medicare's 40 million beneficiaries to guarantee lower drug prices. Medicare contractors will compete for enrollees by negotiating discounts. Drug prices will be reduced for everyone by stopping big drug company patent abuses. Mr. Speaker, the plan the House adopts must lower the cost of drugs for all seniors. It must ensure senior coverage for all drugs their doctor prescribes. The plan should be an affordable and guaranteed Medicare drug benefit. It must not force seniors into HMOs or predatory private insurance. The Democratic proposal addresses each of these points. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic plan guarantees choice on prescription drugs. I urge my colleagues to honor our seniors.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, thank you, Mr. Issa, for introducing this bill, and for allowing me to speak in support of naming a post office after Congressman Ron Packard. Ron Packard has been a fixture in California politics for as long as I can remember. When most people think of the responsibilities of a Member of Congress, they think of our work here in Washington, shaping policy and passing legislation. But much of the job we do is focused on our own communities back home, serving as advocates for our hometowns and neighborhoods. Over the two decades that he served in Congress, Ron Packard excelled in both these roles. In the House he rose to become an Appropriations subcommittee chairman, one of the so-called ``Cardinals'' who have a special responsibility for shaping our government's spending policy. But he was always focused on finding ways to help out his constituents and neighbors back home. Congressman Packard started out in local politics, as director of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Strengthening the economy of his community and his state was his overriding passion. Like many Californians, Ron Packard was a pioneer, moving to California to serve in the United States Navy. After his service he settled here, and helped to build our state, as a dentist and local businessman. This blend of military and private sector experience made Congressman Packard uniquely qualified to deal with one of the great economic challenges that California has had to confront over the last decade-- the decline in huge defense budgets that came with the end of the Cold War. The California economy has had to adjust to this new reality, and Congressman Packard was a leader in this effort, whether it was cleaning up or converting old military sites or supporting efforts to diversify the local economy. Congressman Packard retired so that he could spend more time with his family. I understand that he now has thirty-four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, so I expect that spoiling all those youngsters will keep him quite busy. This bill is a fitting tribute to Congressman Packard for the years of service he has provided to this House, his community and his country. Thank you again Mr. Issa.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 4, my flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. was unexpectedly delayed due to airplane mechanical problems. I therefore was unable to return in time to cast my votes on legislation that had been put to a vote of the floor of the House of Representatives. Had I returned in time, I would have cast my votes in the affirmative for the following bills: H.R. 4073, Microenterprise Assistance Reauthorization; H.R. 4466, National Transportation Antiterrorism Act; H.R. 4800, Repeal Sunset for Adoption Tax Credit; H.R. 4823, Repeal Sunset for Holocaust Restitution Payments Exemption; H.R. 2941, Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, Medicare does not cover the cost of prescription drugs, and as a result, approximately 10 million medical recipients nationwide lack any prescription drug coverage. It is estimated by the Kaiser Foundation that seniors spend on average $1,756 per year for prescription drugs. Due to the extraordinary cost of prescription drugs, millions of seniors will, A, have to choose between proper medication and rent; B, have to choose between proper medication and groceries; or, C, have to suffer because of improper doses of unaffordable medicines. Mr. Speaker, I challenge this Congress. How dare we. How dare we affect the quality of life for our seniors by withholding funding for prescription drugs. How dare we dismiss our seniors with a poorly funded mandate that will not cover their needs. How dare we allow our Medicare seniors to be squeezed by an industry lobby when life and death is on the line. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to honor our seniors, respect their age and wisdom and their contributions to America. Fully fund medical prescription drug coverage.

Ms. WATSON of California

Ms. WATSON of California. I will not yield.

Ms. WATSON of California. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia.

Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I would always be happy to yield if I can get my question answered specifically. You cannot take me back to 1970-something and answer my question. I want to know how that Committee on Rules slipped these provisions in a clean and clear bill to support our fighting forces. That bill would have gone off this floor in a snap. And so I am so disappointed that you are trying to Houdini me into telling me an answer that relates to something that happened way in the past. I am talking about the bill in front of us that came out of the Committee on Appropriations. And I want to thank the people for acting with integrity and respect. And I might close in saying this, to the people who represent America, I was sent here to represent a constituency of Americans. I am going to do that job. I am not going to play games with it. I am not going to sell them out, not you when you get 65 and older, not our children, not our grandchildren. I will fight if it takes me the rest of this weekend into Memorial Day because I believe that we have said to the people of America, you entrust us. You give us your trust, and you pay into Social Security. I want it there when you get ready to retire. I want you to be able to buy your pharmaceuticals that will help you live. I want to be able to say to our children, we are not mortgaging your future. I want to let you know we are not going to play games with the trust you put in us. So let us do away with this bill. Let us go back and come back with the bill that came out of appropriations and you will get my vote. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the process that brought this bill to the floor. As America faces the twin challenges of terrorism and a weak economy, Americans more than ever need their elected leaders to demonstrate courage. Not much courage is required to do the easy things, like cut taxes. No, true courage is required to do the hard things, like balance the budget, and save for the retirement of today's workers, as well as their children. Unfortunately, the process used here--to consider what was reported out of the appropriations committee as a bipartisan bill--demonstrates that courage is in short supply among the Republican leadership. Republicans know they can't balance the budget and continue to give tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals and corporations. They know their tax scheme puts the future of Social Security at risk. But rather than face that truth, they have decided to sneak a debt limit increase into this bill, avoiding a debate that will force them to defend their lack of fiscal responsibility. Mr. Chairman, what is the Republican leadership afraid of? If they believe that America should proceed down the path of deficit spending and more debt, they should permit a debate on a debt limit increase. Instead, they are trying to sneak this debt increase past the American people, and hope they won't notice. Mr. Chairman, haven't we learned anything over the past year? I thought the events of the past year had taught us that when America's leaders put partisanship aside and work together, our nation can be a powerful force for good. Instead, the Republican leadership has gone out of its way to reject a solid, bipartisan bill with partisan sleight of hand. Mr. Chairman, please do not let this be the legacy that the 107th Congress leaves to the American people.