[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H92-H96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 335) honoring the contributions of Catholic 
schools.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 335

       Whereas America's Catholic schools are internationally 
     acclaimed for their academic excellence, but provide students 
     more than a superior scholastic education;
       Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added 
     education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, 
     intellectual, physical, and social values in America's young 
     people;
       Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for 
     the 2000-2001 academic year was 2,647,301, the total number 
     of Catholic schools is 8,146, and the student-teacher ratio 
     is 16 to 1;
       Whereas Catholic schools provide more than $17,239,224,112 
     a year in savings to the Nation based on the average public 
     school per pupil cost;
       Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students 
     and over 25 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic 
     schools are minorities;
       Whereas the graduation rate of Catholic school students is 
     95 percent, only 3 percent of Catholic high school students 
     drop out of school, and 83 percent of Catholic high school 
     graduates go on to college;
       Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly 
     dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities 
     by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich 
     in spiritual, character, and moral development; and
       Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic 
     education, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops 
     stated, ``Education is one of the most important ways by 
     which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of 
     the person and building of community. Community is central to 
     education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an 
     ardently desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church, 
     therefore, must be directed to forming persons-in-community; 
     for the education of the individual Christian is important 
     not only to his solitary destiny, but also the destinies of 
     the many communities in which he lives'': Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event 
     sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association 
     and the United States Catholic Conference and established to 
     recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of 
     Catholic elementary and secondary schools; and
       (2) congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and 
     teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to 
     education, and for the key role they play in promoting and 
     ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi).


                             General Leave

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H.Res. 335.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of America's 
Catholic elementary and secondary schools and congratulate these 
schools, students, teachers, and parents for the dedication to 
education in our country. I would like to thank the sponsor of the 
legislation, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer) and the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce, for their help in bringing this resolution 
to the floor today.
  This resolution recognizes Catholic schools and Catholic Schools 
Week. This is an event sponsored by the National Catholic Education 
Association and the United States Catholic Conference and established 
to recognize the vital contributions of America's Catholic schools.
  Catholic schools are widely acclaimed for their academic success. I 
am fortunate enough, being from central Ohio, to have one school in my 
district, a Catholic school, that has been recognized for that success. 
They are a past recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's Blue 
Ribbon Schools Award for Excellence. This is the highest award any 
private or public school can achieve. In fact, St. Francis DeSales, a 
Catholic high school in Columbus, is a past recipient of that award.
  But Catholic schools provide much more than just a superior 
scholastic education. They ensure a broad values-added education 
emphasizing the lifelong development of a student of moral, 
intellectual, physical, and social values in all of our young people. 
They produce students dedicated to their faith, values and families and 
communities. Indeed, they are central to building a sense of community 
in this country that all Americans should have the opportunity to 
enjoy.
  I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to be an original cosponsor of this 
resolution. I strongly support its adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I 
yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, today's resolution recognizes the contributions of 
Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, I attended Catholic schools. I received 
a high quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly. 
Children all across America have benefited from a Catholic education.
  Certainly we can all agree that Catholic schools are a strong and 
positive force in American education. Fortunately, the truly great 
aspect of American education is its diversity. We must have an 
educational structure that can provide anyone in any city in any State 
with the opportunity to succeed.
  The House's recent bipartisan support for the education reforms in 
H.R. 1, signed into law by President Bush, have strengthened these 
opportunities. The educational recipe for success in our country 
certainly includes Catholic schools, schools with other religious 
backgrounds, nonreligious private schools, along with our public 
schools. It is this variety, this diversity that truly makes American 
education powerful and helps make American education successful in its 
mission.
  Mr. Speaker, today we are recognizing the educational and societal 
contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. We must 
recognize the importance and value that all pieces of our educational 
structure have in the lives of our children.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the author of this 
resolution for bringing it to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would just like to point out that Catholic school enrollment 
continues to increase in the United States of America, with more than 
2.6 million students nationwide for this last past academic year. 
Catholic schools also teach a diverse group of students. Over 25 
percent of schoolchildren enrolled in Catholic schools are minorities.
  Mr. Speaker, the graduation rate of Catholic school students is 95 
percent,

[[Page H93]]

and only 3 percent of Catholic high school students drop out of school, 
and 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for 
yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of House Resolution 335, 
which recognizes and honors the contributions of Catholic schools in 
the United States. I commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer) 
for his leadership in sponsoring this legislation, and I congratulate 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), a member of the committee, for 
bringing it to the floor today. As we all know, Catholic schools 
throughout our Nation have a storied and well-earned tradition of 
academic excellence and I am pleased to join my colleagues in 
recognizing them.
  This resolution is straightforward. We are honoring and we 
congratulate Catholic schools, students and teachers, for their 
continued contributions to education and society and the vital role 
they play in promoting and ensuring a stronger and brighter future for 
this Nation. This week is the national Catholic Schools Week, and it is 
fitting that today we are focusing upon the important role that 
Catholic schools provide in giving us a well-rounded education for 
America's young people, one that gives special attention to the 
academic, moral, and social development of our children. The very 
appropriate theme of this year's week is ``Catholic schools: Where 
Faith and Knowledge Meet.''
  As Ernestine Sanders, the President and CEO of the Cornerstone 
Schools Association, a Catholic ``mini-district'' in Detroit, Michigan, 
has said, and I quote, ``At his core, a citizen is not a good citizen 
without virtue, without integrity, without honor, without a love for 
the other.''
  I am proud of how all Catholic schools emphasize intellectual, 
spiritual, moral, and social values and produce well-rounded citizens. 
Catholic schools have found a way to teach students not only academic 
knowledge, but also real life lessons in service to mankind and respect 
for one's neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the outstanding contributions 
and dedication of Catholic schools, as I am a proud product of Catholic 
schools in Ohio, having attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School 
in Reading, Ohio, and Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and then went on to graduate from another Catholic institution, 
Xavier University, which is also located in Cincinnati.
  In the great State of Ohio, Catholic schools have made a positive 
impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students.

                              {time}  1445

  For example, Fenway High School in Middletown, Ohio, Chaminade-
Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio, and Badin High School in 
Hamilton, Ohio, are all excellent schools that have profoundly 
influenced the lives of their students and continue to make significant 
contributions to our community.
  The top priority of the past year in our Committee on Education and 
the Workforce was H.R. 1, a landmark reauthorization of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act, which provides services and benefits to 
both public and private schools.
  Across our country, many Catholic schools participate in the programs 
and activities assisted by these funds. One of the primary goals of 
H.R. 1 was to improve achievement for all students, and thereby close 
the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and their peers.
  Unfortunately, these gaps have remained stubbornly wide over the last 
3 decades. However, without our Nation's Catholic schools and the 
dedicated teachers who serve them, the achievement gaps today would 
even be wider. In fact, some data indicates that one of four Catholic 
school students are from underprivileged backgrounds.
  Coupled with the fact, pointed out by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Tiberi), that 98 percent of Catholic school students graduate and 83 
percent of them go on to pursue a higher education, it is clear that 
Catholic schools have been very successful in educating all of the 
students who enter their doors.
  Indeed, of the total students enrolled in Catholic schools, almost 14 
percent are not of the Catholic faith. These students come from a wide 
variety of faiths and they have chosen to attend a Catholic school. 
Catholic schools and educators have had tremendous success in reaching 
out to all students and their parents who are seeking the best possible 
education for their children. This is especially true for inner-city 
schools, where in some cases the majority of students enrolled are non-
Catholic.
  Malcolm Forbes in his book ``What Big Cities Owe to Catholic 
Schools'' said, ``Catholic schools provide hugely consequential oases 
of impact and hope. Their value is literally and figuratively beyond 
measure.''
  I strongly concur with this statement, and I urge my colleagues to 
vote today in support of this resolution.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Michigan for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 335 
in recognition of Catholic Schools Week. Catholic schools play a 
tremendous role in preparing young men and women for meaningful 
citizenship and to become future leaders.
  In fact, the Archdiocese of Chicago, with 267 elementary and 45 
secondary schools, 6,000 teachers, and 130,000 students, operates the 
largest nonpublic school system in the Nation. This is a school system 
that can claim many noteworthy achievements, including above-average 
attendance rates, graduation rates, and college attendance rates.
  Every year, the U.S. Department of Education designates schools that 
demonstrate excellence as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Two of the 
29 schools nationwide that have received this designation three times 
are run by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
  Equally noteworthy is the commitment of Catholic schools to educating 
inner-city students, who oftentimes are left behind. Through the Big 
Shoulders Fund, scholarships and educational programs are provided to 
114 Catholic schools that serve inner-city students. Seventy percent of 
the elementary and high school students in the Big Shoulders program 
are minorities, and 36 percent are non-Catholic. Ninety-six percent of 
the Big Shoulders secondary school students graduate high school, and a 
remarkable percentage, 88 percent, go on to college.
  So on the occasion of Catholic Schools Week, I offer heartfelt 
appreciation to the Catholic school professionals whose dedication to 
our Nation's children is enormous. I always say that teaching is one of 
the most noble of all professions, and I would certainly take my hat 
off to all of those who help to prepare students through a good 
Catholic education.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Boehner), chairman of the committee.
  Mr. BOEHNER. I thank my colleague for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I failed to mention that we are joined by the president 
of the Ohio Senate, Mr. Richard Finan. I bring this to the attention of 
Members because he is a friend to all those who would serve in the 
State legislature; but he is another fine example of one who was raised 
by and attended Catholic schools.
  As a matter of fact, he is a proud alumnus of the University of 
Dayton, where he serves on the board of directors at UD, a fine 
Marianist university in Dayton, Ohio.
  But he is with us today, and it really goes to show you what a good 
solid education will do for all of us. As many know, I have 11 brothers 
and sisters; and my father did not make a lot of money, he owned a bar; 
but he felt strongly about the need for all of us to get a good 
education, and made the sacrifice to send all of us to parochial 
schools, to the point where heaven knows how my mother was ever able to 
balance the books and make this happen, but I thank them for their 
commitment to me and my 11 brothers and sisters, because without that 
commitment, God only knows, I may not be here today.

[[Page H94]]

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand on this floor as a proud graduate of St. 
George's Elementary School and St. John the Baptist High School and 
Fordham University. Some might say I am an exception to the rule, since 
there are so many great graduates of parochial schools, and 
particularly we talk today about Catholic schools. The Catholic 
education I received provided me with the tools to not only forge 
success in life, but gave me an unending desire to serve my fellow man. 
That is where I learned this, besides, of course, from my home.
  I stand before the Members as the father of three sons who also 
attended Catholic school. Not too long ago in our Nation's history, 
Roman Catholics were not welcomed in many parts of our society. That 
has changed. My Catholic education taught me that every American, no 
matter their religion, their creed, their color, had an equal right and 
should get an equal chance to the American dream.
  When we celebrate the 28th annual Catholic Schools Week, I am proud 
to report that Catholic schools continue to be a vibrant patch of the 
American quilt. The 8,146 Catholic schools in this Nation serve more 
than 2.6 million students. That is a lot of students that would be in 
the public schools. We support the public schools, but we are here 
talking about a major portion of our society are in Catholic schools.
  As a child and lifelong resident of my major city, Paterson, New 
Jersey, I am proud to report that 46 percent of the Catholic schools 
are in urban areas. Many of these schools educate our most vulnerable 
students.
  Catholic schools continue to be as diverse as America. One in every 
four Catholic students, or students in a Catholic school, are minority. 
The results continue to be outstanding. Eighty-three percent of the 
Catholic high school students go on to higher education and only 3 
percent drop out, a figure well below the national average.
  For the three sons that I sent to Catholic school, I knew, along with 
learning the three Rs, their spirits would be nurtured. This is the 
same Catholic spirit I learned in school: a spirit of tolerance, of 
compassion, and service to our fellow man; a spirit that translates so 
easily to the secular world of public service this Chamber honors.
  I am pleased to add my voice to the chorus of those celebrating the 
wonderful achievements of these wonderful American institutions.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Eshoo).
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me. I thank our ranking member and everyone that is a part of this 
tribute to Catholic schools and the education, the superb education 
that they provide for students across our country.
  This Congress is devoted to education and to improvement in our 
public education system. This is something that is a value of the 
American people; and they want it implemented in classrooms across the 
country, so I am proud to have been part of the effort to improve 
public education.
  In our country, we also have other institutions of learning. 
Certainly, Catholic schools have given their best and produced students 
for the betterment of our Nation. I am a product of a Catholic 
education, and I am proud of that. I know that my teachers, along with 
my parents, helped shape me to be who and what I am today.
  I am very proud of my children being graduates of Catholic schools. 
My daughter Karen today is the head of the middle school, St. Joseph's, 
in Atherton, California. Her husband, Jim, my wonderful son-in-law, is 
part of a high school faculty at Convent of the Sacred Heart.
  So I want to pay tribute to all of the lay people that are part of 
Catholic education across our Nation, and to the great orders, the 
sisters. I am a product of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and my 
children, of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. To the brothers, to the 
priests, to the nuns that have made Catholic education what everyone in 
this country has come to believe it represents, our thanks. They have 
contributed mightily to the betterment of our Nation and have deepened 
our spirituality and shaped citizens for decade after decade after 
decade.
  I am very proud that the House of Representatives has chosen for the 
third year in a row to make this a tradition in the House where we pay 
tribute to Catholic schools and all that they have done. I thank 
everyone that is part of this effort.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the sponsors of the H. 
Res. 335 in honoring the success of Catholic Schools in providing a 
quality education to millions of children around the country. However, 
I am concerned that this resolution also contains language that 
violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the establishment clause of 
the first amendment, thus insulting the millions of religious Americans 
who are struggling to educate their children free from federal control 
and endangering religious liberty.
  The success of Catholic schools has been remarkable. Catholic schools 
operating in the inner-city have been able to provide an excellent 
education to students written off by the educational establishment as 
``unteachable.'' Contrary to the claims of their critics, Catholic 
schools do not turn away large numbers of children in order to limit 
their enrollment to the ``best and the brightest.'' In fact, a few 
years ago the Archdiocese of New York offered to enroll all students 
who had been expelled from New York's public schools! Mr. Speaker, I 
have introduced legislation, the Family Education Freedom Act (H.R. 
368) which would help more parents afford to send their children to 
Catholic, or other religious schools, by providing them with a $3,000 
tax credit for K-12 education expenses.
  While I join with the sponsors of this legislation in praising 
Catholic schools, I am disturbed by the language explicitly endorsing 
the goals of the United States Catholic Conference. The Catholic 
Conference is an organization devoted to spreading and advancing 
Catholicism. While the Conference may advance other social goods 
through its work, these purposes are secondary to its primary function 
of advancing the Catholic faith. This is especially true in the case of 
Catholic schools which were founded and are operated with the explicit 
purpose of integrating Catholic doctrine into K-12 education.
  Therefore, even though Congress intends to honor the ways Catholic 
schools help fulfill a secular goal, the fact is Congress cannot honor 
Catholic schools without endorsing efforts to promulgate the Catholic 
faith. By singling out one sect over another, Congress is playing 
favorites among religions. While this does not compare to the type of 
religious persecution experienced by many of the founders of this 
country, it is still an example of the type of federal favoritism among 
religions that the first amendment forbids.
  What is the superintendent of a Baptist private school or a 
Pentecostal home schooler going to think when reading this resolution? 
That Congress does not think they provide children with an excellent 
education or that Congress does not deem their religious goals worthy 
of federal endorsement? In a free republic the legislature should not 
be in the business of favoring one religion over another. I would also 
like to point out the irony of considering government favoritism of 
religion in the context of praising the Catholic schools, when early in 
this century Catholic schools were singled out for government-
sanctioned discrimination because they were upholding the teachings of 
the Catholic Church.
  Allowing Congress to single out certain religions for honors not only 
insults those citizens whose faith is not recognized by Congress, it 
also threatens the religious liberty of those honored by Congress. This 
is because when the federal government begins evaluating religious 
institutions, some religious institutions may be tempted to modify 
certain of their teachings in order to curry favor with political 
leaders. I will concede that religious institutions may not water down 
their faith in order to secure passage of ``Sense of Congress 
resolutions,'' however, the belief that it is proper to judge religious 
institutions by how effectively they fulfill secular objectives is at 
the root of the proposals to entangle the federal government with 
state-approved religions by providing taxpayer dollars to religious 
organizations in order to perform various social services. Providing 
taxpayer money to churches creates the very real risk that a church 
may, for example, feel the need to downplay its teaching against 
abortion or euthanasia in order to maintain favor with a future pro-
abortion administration and thus not lose its federal funding.
  Of course, the idea that politicians should bestow favors on 
religions based on how well they fulfill the aims of the politicians is 
one

[[Page H95]]

that should be insulting to all believers no matter their faith. After 
all, despite what a few of my colleagues seem to think, Mr. Speaker, we 
in Congress are neither omnipotent nor divine.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I join the sponsors of H. Res. 335 in 
their admiration for the work of Catholic schools. However, I also have 
reservations about the language singling out the religious goals of one 
faith for praise.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
measure to recognize the role Catholic Schools have played in the 
education of America's Children.
  This week Catholic elementary and secondary schools nationwide 
celebrate the 28th annual Catholic Schools Week. Saint Philips High 
School and Saint Pius High School in my District will be celebrating 
this week. This event was established to increase support for private 
Catholic schools and to recognize their accomplishments and 
contributions to the country.
  ``Catholic Schools Week'' celebrates education that goes beyond 
preparation for a secular life; it is an education that prepares 
students for a Christian life. Parents who chose to send their children 
to Catholic Schools do so because they not only want their children to 
have an excellent education in reading, writing and arithmetic, they 
also want them to have a Christian education.
  Although public schools can prepare children for a secular life 
through a good education, they are Constitutionally bound to not extend 
their role as educators into the area of religious education. I 
encourage parents who would like the benefits of public education and 
the rewards of faith based education to make a commitment to work with 
those religious communities that share their beliefs in the development 
of after school and weekend parochial programs.
  This bill states that Congress supports the goals of Catholic Schools 
Week, an event sponsored by the National Catholic Educational 
Association and the U.S. Catholic Conference, and congratulates 
Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for their 
contributions to education.
  Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students, 24 percent of 
whom are minorities. Moreover, only three percent of Catholic high 
school students drop out of school and 83 percent go on to attend 
college.
  Finally by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich 
in moral guidance, Catholic schools produce students and, ultimately, 
citizens who are strongly dedicated to their faith and communities.
  I offer my heart felt thanks to the Catholic Schools and other 
religious schools across the nation for their dedication to excellence 
in the classroom as they prepare young people to achieve excellence in 
life.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
335, which celebrates the significant contributions that Catholic 
schools make each and every day throughout the nation. I would like to 
take this opportunity to thank my colleague Mr. Schaffer for continuing 
in the tradition of recognizing the role of Catholic schools in our 
nation and around the globe.
  My district of Guam is nearly half a world away from Washington, D.C. 
and is home to more than 100,000 Roman Catholics, who encompass an 
overwhelming majority of the resident population. Guam has a centuries-
old history and tradition of Roman Catholicism since the island was 
discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Magellan, who was voyaging 
around the world, was the first European to land on Guam. He was 
accompanied by several of his chaplains when he stepped ashore in the 
southern village of Umatac. Centuries later, local residents continue 
to celebrate the history of the discovery of Guam with a re-enactment 
of Magellan's landing.
  The year 1662 ushered the first of multiple arrivals of Spanish 
missionaries to the island. Over time, various types of Catholic 
teachings have provided Guam's children with educational skills. The 
first missionaries began the tradition of ``Eskuelan Pale,'' or 
Catholicism classes, which taught basic reading and comprehension 
skills and religious doctrines. Today Guam's Catholic schools strive 
for academic excellence and continue to instill moral values in their 
students.
  Several religious orders and countless cadres of lay teachers have 
provided educational guidance and have broadened opportunities for 
Guam's school children since the end of World War II, when a formal 
Catholic school system was established. The School Sisters of Notre 
Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Dominican Sisters, the religious orders of 
Capuchin, Franciscans, Jesuits, and Marists have all served to educate 
Guam's school children.
  Three institutions offer a Catholic high school education in Guam. 
These include: Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, which is Guam's only 
co-ed Catholic High School; the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna; 
and Father Duenas Memorial School in Mangilao, which together serve an 
enrollment of approximately 1,100 students. There are seven elementary 
and middle schools, including: Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School in 
Sinajana; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Agat; Saint Anthony School 
in Tamuning; Saint Francis School in Yona; San Vicente School in 
Barrigada; Santa Barbara School in Dededo and Dominican School in Yigo, 
which together serve an enrollment of 2,300 students. Finally, four 
Catholic nursery schools in Guam bridge the continuum of education from 
infancy to elementary. These include: the Dominican Child Care Center 
in Ordot; the Infant of Prague in Mangilao; Maria Artero in Agana 
Heights; and Mercy Heights in Tamuning.
  As a former educator who was raised in the Catholic faith, I 
certainly appreciate the education provided by Catholic schools. Three 
of my five children have attended Catholic schools in Guam and in 
Virginia and 10 of my 16 staffers in both my District and D.C. offices 
are products of the Catholic school system in Guam and the Philippines. 
Additionally, my aunt, Mary Underwood, was instrumental in the 
establishment of the Catholic school system after World War II. She was 
also the first native of Guam to commit her life as a nun to the 
devotion and service of the Catholic church.
  Catholic schools continue to provide a broad, value-added education 
and to shape the life-long development of moral, intellectual, physical 
and social values of students. This week marks National Catholic 
Schools Week, which is the culmination of an annual celebration of the 
significant educational role of Catholic schools across the nation and 
around the globe.
  At this time, I would like to commend the contributions of all 
Catholic schools, students, parents, teachers and administrators in 
Guam and across the nation. I would also like to recognize the 
important contributions of the Archdiocese of Hagatna, which oversees 
the administration of all of Guam's Catholic schools, and, 
particularly, to applaud the service of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, for 
continuing in the tradition of fostering excellence in the education 
and moral well-being of the children of Guam.
  I stand in support of this resolution and urge my colleagues to join 
in support of the passage of H. Res. 335.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my 
strong support for H. Res. 335, a resolution recognizing the valuable 
contributions of Catholic Schools.
  This week marks the 28th Anniversary of National Catholic Schools 
Week, a week dedicated to honor the achievements and successes of 
Catholic Schools throughout the U.S. More than 2.6 million children are 
enrolled in the 8,146 Catholic Schools in our country.
  A Catholic education challenges students through a combination of 
high standards, strong motivation, effective discipline, and an 
atmosphere of caring. These characteristics foster excellence in 
students. In a society where academic and moral standards are 
constantly being debased and watered down, Catholic schools 
consistently deliver a level of student performance that is well 
supported by the evidence. Too often these days, our kids are bombarded 
with mushy, well-meaning rhetoric that says that everybody can score 
``above average.'' Too many school systems have adopted the false 
notion that filling our children with a bogus sense of self-esteem is 
more important that actually ensuring that they master their subject 
material. President Bush rightfully denounces ``the soft bigotry of low 
expectations.'' Fortunately, Catholic schools are part of the solution 
of the problem of low expectations.
  Catholic school student test performance in the three grade levels of 
the National Assessment of Educational Progress exceeds public school 
test results by an average of 4.5 percent in math, 4.8 percent in 
science, and 12.5 percent in reading. Only 3 percent of Catholic school 
students drop out of school, compared to a 14 percent dropout rate of 
students in public schools. In addition, 83 percent of Catholic high 
school graduates go on to college, as compared to 52 percent of public 
high school graduates. While there are a variety of factors that can 
partially account for these differences, sociologists and education 
therorists cannot explain all of these differences away without 
acknowledging that challenging our students and expecting more from 
them inspires students to work harder and take more pride in their 
academic work.
  Catholic schools recognize parents and family as primary educators, 
while fostering a shared vision among the two. As the father of four 
children who have attended Catholic schools, I know they strive to 
create a special bond between families and the school.
  As Pope John Paul II said, ``. . . and so the purpose of Catholic 
Education is to communicate Christ to you, so that your attitude toward 
others will be that of Christ.''
  Obviously, children do not from their core moral values because of 
what schools teach them. Respect for life, and for the rights of 
others, does not start at school. It starts at

[[Page H96]]

home. But that does not mean that our schools don't have a role to play 
in helping parents instill in their children a sense of right and 
wrong. Schools can help parents, or they can help undermine their 
efforts. I am proud that Catholic schools are working every day to help 
parents to instill decency fair play, and respect for others. Parents 
know their job is not an easy one these days. Their moral lessons are 
constantly being undermined by contradictory messages that bombard our 
kids from every possible direction. It's very reassuring to parents of 
Catholic school students to know that at least they child's school can 
be counted upon to be an ally in this struggle.
  Lastly, in honoring the contributions of Catholic schools, we must 
not forget or neglect the vital role of our public school system. Both 
school systems assist and teach each other. Many troubled children have 
transferred out of the public school system and have been turned around 
in a Catholic school. This symbiotic relationship strengthens both 
systems.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members lend their support to H. Res. 
335, and pass it unanimously.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Catholic School Week, I 
rise today to express my support for H. Res. 335, honoring the 
contributions of Catholic schools to our children and our country.
  For centuries Catholic schools have been a gift to the nation as well 
as to the Catholic church. They have helped millions of children become 
informed and caring citizens. In New York, His Eminence Edward Cardinal 
Eagen, Archdiocese of New York and Bishop Thomas V. Daily, Diocese of 
Brooklyn and Queens are part of a long standing American tradition of 
providing quality religious instruction to New York City children, 
where the Catholic schools are older than the public schools, dating 
back to the year 1800. I am particularly proud of St. Joseph's in 
Astoria, whose supportive and dedicated parents I was happy to write a 
letter in praise of earlier this week.
  Mr. Speaker, from Head Start to high school, Catholic schools prepare 
our children to be positive influences on the lives of others, 
particularly in urban and inner city areas. They promote academic 
excellence and spiritual enrichment. Their values-centered instruction 
produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, their families, and 
the communities. They provide hope and promise to those who may be 
bereft of it. Perhaps most importantly, they have created opportunities 
to integrate the families and children of many nationalities and 
cultures into America and into New York.
  Mr. Speaker, more than 24 percent of school children enrolled in 
Catholic schools, such as St. Bartholomew's in Elmhurst, are 
minorities, many new to our country and the English language.
  In my district alone, roughly 30 schools serve over 8,000 students, 
74 percent of which are minorities, many of whom are immigrants. To 
these children, Catholic schools perform the tireless work of uplifting 
all boats, and ensure that no child in their care is left behind. Their 
value to our education system and to society as a whole is--literally 
and figuratively--beyond measure. I know these things because I myself 
am a product of Catholic schools. The dedicated teachers at Power 
Memorial High School, and the principles of the Church that guided them 
helped me become the man I am today. In addition three of my relatives 
received the divine calling to dedicate themselves to the Lord's work. 
My Uncle, Father John Crowley is currently the Pastor of St. John of 
the Cross Church in Vero Beach, Florida. Another Uncle, Father Paul 
Murphy is a Catholic priest in Philadelphia and my Aunt, Sister Mary 
Rose Crowley, is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, in West Palm 
Beach.
  Mr. Speaker, Catholic school and the Church had a profound influence 
on my family and myself in the way we learned to see the world. But the 
world today is a lot different than the one most of us grew up in. So 
perhaps the most significant contribution of Catholic schools remains 
their dedication to lend purpose and guidance to those lost in poverty 
and tough neighborhoods.
  In my district, Catholic schools initiate school enrichment, in 
particular ``user-friendly'' after-school and special education 
programs benefiting youngsters throughout the Bronx and Queens, 
providing direction to children who might otherwise be lost to the 
streets. These programs and the strong support parochial schools 
provide to children surrounded by urban challenges provided wholesome 
influences and much needed structure, making an invaluable difference 
in countless lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you please join me in honoring the 200,000 
Catholic educators in our country. They serve the 2.6 million students 
attending approximately 8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools 
in America. We thank them for their dedication, their service, and 
their commitment to our children.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 335 that honors the contributions of Catholic Schools throughout 
our country. Whatever our religious affiliations we can all admit that 
for many generations our parochial schools have achieved positive 
results in providing an excellent education.
  The graduation rate of Catholic school students is 95 percent, 83 
percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college, and only 3 
percent of Catholic high school students drop out of school. The 
Catholic schools throughout New Mexico have mirrored these national 
statistics by providing a high standard of excellence in the way they 
educate their students.
  For example, the LaSallian Christian Brothers founded St. Michael's 
High School, in my Congressional District, in 1859. One hundred and 
forty-three years later, St. Michael's continues to provide many of the 
families of northern New Mexico with a parochial education that 
emphasizes both its religious, academic, and social goals.
  Catholic schools, such as St. Michael's, promote positive values, a 
sense of spirit and support by educating each student in the spirit of 
faith and of academic excellence.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution that honors the 
contributions Catholic schools have made to our society.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walden of Oregon). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
335.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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