[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4907-S4910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

       POM-413. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to the federal temporary 
     unemployment compensation program; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                       House Joint Memorial 4031

       Whereas, over the past few years, the national economy has 
     struggled unsuccessfully to rebound from the recession, and a 
     strong and sustainable recovery remains elusive; and
       Whereas, there are two million four hundred thousand fewer 
     jobs today than when the recession began; and
       Whereas, in November 2003, long-term joblessness reached a 
     twenty-year high, and nearly one-fourth of the unemployed 
     have been out of work for at least half a year; and
       Whereas, in November 2003, the nation's unemployment rate 
     remained at five and nine-tenths percent, and Washington's 
     unemployment rate was among the highest in the country at six 
     and eight-tenths percent; and
       Whereas, Congress and the President originally approved 
     temporary extended unemployment compensation to provide 
     assistance to unemployed workers who were unable to find new 
     jobs before exhausting their regular benefits, and to 
     stimulate the economy by injecting dollars directly into 
     local communities; and
       Whereas, unemployed workers in most states could receive up 
     to thirteen weeks of federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation; and
       Whereas, unemployed workers in states suffering from severe 
     economic distress such as Washington could receive up to 
     twenty-six weeks of federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation; and
       Whereas, Congress adjourned without providing for a further 
     extension of unemployment compensation benefits after 
     December of 2003; and
       Whereas, across the nation, more than one million 
     unemployed workers are expected to exhaust their regular 
     benefits in the first quarter of 2004; and
       Whereas, in Washington, more than twenty-five thousand 
     unemployed workers are expected to exhaust their regular 
     benefits in the first quarter of 2004; and
       Whereas, these unemployed workers are left with few, if 
     any, job prospects or other means of assistance; and
       Whereas, Federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation benefits helped these hard-working people and 
     their families put food on the table and pay their bills 
     while they looked for work; and
       Whereas, Federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation injected cash into troubled economies throughout 
     the nation and in Washington; and
       Whereas, the economic and labor market conditions that 
     warranted federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation still persist; and
       Whereas, if federal temporary extended unemployment 
     compensation benefits are not extended, workers and their 
     families will suffer severe economic hardships and states 
     such as Washington will be deprived of this crucial economic 
     boost: Now, therefore,
       Your Memorialists respectfully pray that Congress and the 
     President extend and make retroactive the federal temporary 
     unemployment compensation program. Be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United States, the Secretary of the Department of Labor, the 
     President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from 
     the State of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-414. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to treatment of chronic diseases; to the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 170

       Whereas, an estimated 125 million Americans suffer from at 
     least one chronic illness, which includes such maladies as 
     asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, 
     and many cancers. Approximately 60 million people are 
     afflicted with more than one of these conditions; and
       Whereas, chronic illnesses, which are responsible for 7 of 
     every 10 deaths, are the

[[Page S4908]]

     leading cause of death in our country. More than 75 percent 
     of state Medicaid spending goes toward the treatment of 
     chronic illnesses, and more than half of Medicaid spending 
     treats Medicaid enrollees who have more than one chronic 
     disease; and
       Whereas, the health care system of the United States could 
     more accurately be called a ``sick care'' system, as most 
     costs are incurred in the treatment of acute episodes of 
     chronic illnesses that, in many cases, could be avoided or 
     lessened by preventive measures. Many chronic diseases can be 
     mitigated through improved diet, increased exercise, avoiding 
     tobacco use, or other management steps. In spite of this, our 
     country spends only a fraction of its health care money on 
     prevention; and
       Whereas, many studies have demonstrated widespread problems 
     with the quality of care delivered to individuals with 
     chronic illnesses. These studies often cite the absence of 
     appropriate screening and follow-up care, inadequate 
     coordination of treatment among health care providers, and 
     many preventable and costly complications; and
       Whereas, there are structural barriers to improved 
     treatment of chronic illnesses. Specifically, Medicaid and 
     Medicare do not encourage preventive steps or better 
     coordination for the treatment of people with more than one 
     disease. Clearly, with the financial pressures in health care 
     and the aging of our population, we need to take stronger 
     steps to deal with chronic conditions in a more effective 
     manner: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States and the United 
     States Department of Health and Human Services to make the 
     treatment of chronic diseases a higher priority. We urge 
     federal policy makers to transform the regulatory, financial, 
     and clinical structures for dealing with chronic diseases, 
     including more support for preventive measures, better 
     coordination of care, and the removal of regulatory barriers 
     within Medicaid and Medicare and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, and the United States 
     Department of Health and Human Services.
                                  ____

       POM-415. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to pregnancy care centers in Michigan; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 167

       Whereas, pregnancy care centers, which are also known as 
     crisis pregnancy centers, are located in Michigan and across 
     our country and provide vitally needed help to women and 
     families at difficult times in their lives. These centers 
     offer free, confidential, and compassionate services, which 
     range from pregnancy testing and childbirth classes to help 
     with housing, counseling, and medical referrals; and
       Whereas, pregnancy care centers encourage women to make 
     positive choices in life by providing them with accurate and 
     complete information. This information covers such key topics 
     as nutrition, prenatal care, adoption service, and parenting; 
     and
       Whereas, many pregnancy care centers across the country 
     also offer classes in abstinence education, including 
     programs carried out in schools; and
       Whereas, the work of pregnancy care centers is largely 
     conducted by volunteers, with contributions of time, talent, 
     and financial support from people who seek the intrinsic 
     value of helping women and families facing a variety of very 
     personal difficulties. With the strong societal implications 
     of the good work being done at pregnancy care centers across 
     our state, these centers are performing a great volume of 
     services that clearly are carried out for the public benefit: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States and the 
     Michigan Department of Community Health to develop 
     collaborative relationships with pregnancy care centers in 
     Michigan. We urge that any assistance made available to help 
     with medical and abstinence education programs be 
     administered in a manner that does not compromise the values 
     of the centers; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, and the Michigan 
     Department of Community Health.
                                  ____

       POM-416. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative funding for DNA testing; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

                        House Resolution No. 193

       Whereas, one of the most significant breakthroughs in the 
     area of crime fighting is DNA testing. This scientific 
     technology has had a dramatic impact in protecting innocent 
     people accused of crimes and identifying murderers, rapists, 
     and other violent criminals. Because of the effectiveness of 
     this tool, there is enormous frustration among citizens and 
     law enforcement professionals that there is a large backlog 
     of cases awaiting laboratory testing, both here in Michigan 
     and across the country; and
       Whereas, in spite of state and federal efforts to date, 
     there remains in Michigan a backlog of over 74,000 cases 
     awaiting DNA testing. It is estimated that Michigan State 
     Police labs can expect 50,000 new DNA samples per year. At 
     the current level of funding available, it is expected that 
     only 42,000 of these can be processed annually, adding to the 
     backlog of cases; and
       Whereas, this lag in testing represents a genuine threat to 
     public safety. There have been well-publicized reports of new 
     violent crimes being committed by people who were on the 
     streets solely because tests were still pending. Police 
     across the state are confident that, if the backlog of cases 
     were to be eliminated, thousands of unsolved serious crimes, 
     including murders and rapes, would be solved. The magnitude 
     of removing so many violent criminals from society cannot be 
     ignored; and
       Whereas, the issue of finding ample resources to conduct 
     DNA tests on a timely basis is a substantial security issue 
     for our nation. The federal nature of this issue is further 
     underscored by the fact that violent criminals often move 
     around the country. Clearly, this issue is vital to the 
     safety of our citizens: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to increase the 
     level of federal funds available to the states for DNA 
     testing; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-417. A memorial adopted by the House of Representatives 
     of the Legislature of the State of Florida relative to the 
     protection of crime victim's rights; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

                         House Memorial No. 335

       Whereas, the rights of a victim of violent crime, being 
     capable of protection without denying the constitutional 
     rights of those accused of victimizing him or her, should not 
     be denied, and
       Whereas, a victim of a violent crime should have the right 
     to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding 
     involving the crime and of any release or escape of the 
     accused, and
       Whereas, a victim has the right to be included in such 
     public proceeding and to be reasonably heard at public 
     release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings, 
     and
       Whereas, a victim has the right to adjudicative decisions 
     that duly consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding 
     unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution 
     from the offender, and
       Whereas, these rights should not be restricted except when 
     and to the degree dictated by a substantial interest in 
     public safety or the administration of criminal justice or by 
     compelling necessity: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida, That 
     the Congress of the United States is requested to enact a 
     proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States 
     to protect the rights of crime victims. Be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this memorial be dispatched to the 
     President of the United States, to the President of the 
     United States Senate, to the Speaker of the United States 
     House of Representatives, and to each member of the Florida 
     delegation to the United States Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-418. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to the Aganda family of Selah, 
     Washington; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                       House Joint Memorial 4041

       Whereas, the plight of the Aganda family of Selah, 
     Washington has touched the hearts of citizens all over the 
     state; and
       Whereas, Tomas Aganda, his wife Judy Aganda, and their 
     daughter Jennylyn Aganda face concerted and repeated efforts 
     by the United States Government to deport this family back to 
     the Philippines; and
       Whereas, the Aganda family, including sons Herbie and 
     Khmson and daughter Stephanie, have been outstanding members 
     of the Selah community for over a decade; and
       Whereas, the Aganda family lawfully entered this country on 
     October 22, 1990, and shortly thereafter purchased a small 
     laundry business in the Selah community; and
       Whereas, Judy Aganda's parents are United States citizens 
     who live in Yakima; and
       Whereas, the Aganda family first sought an investor's visa 
     so that they could stay and contribute their energy and 
     talents to this community and Country, but were denied 
     because the business was considered too small to support the 
     family; and
       Whereas, the business is viable and has supported the 
     family for over a decade; and
       Whereas, Judy Aganda has a cancerous growth as the base of 
     her skull that requires continued treatments that would not 
     be available to her in the Philippines; and
       Whereas, United States District Court Judge Fred Van 
     Sickle, in granting a six-month stay of the deportation 
     order, noted that the United States Government's insistence 
     on deporting Judy Aganda, in the face of her life-threatening 
     condition, was a

[[Page S4909]]

     ``magnitude of constitutional violation that is what I regard 
     as a manifest injustice''; and
       Whereas, the protection of the six-month stay will end 
     April 17, 2004, but the need for a compassionate and reasoned 
     resolution of this crisis remains: Now, therefore,
       Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the United States 
     Government end its concerted efforts to deport the Aganda 
     family and to instead provide them an opportunity to remain 
     in this country, especially in light of the fact that their 
     daughter Stephanie, who is a United States citizen, will be 
     twenty-one years old in 2005 and will then be able to file an 
     immigrant visa for her parents; and further,
       That is the United States Bureau of Citizenship and 
     Immigration Services, acting in concert with the Department 
     of Homeland Security, is unwilling or unable to provide this 
     compassionate relief, then we call upon the members of our 
     state's congressional delegation to seek relief for the 
     Aganda family through the passage of a private bill of 
     relief. Be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United States, Tom Ridge, Secretary of the Department of 
     Homeland Security, Eduardo Aguirre, Jr., Director of the U.S. 
     Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, the President 
     of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State 
     of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-419. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to granting a federal charter to the Korean War 
     Veterans Association; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 24

       Whereas, as our nation witnesses once again the sacrifices 
     of our fellow citizens taking up arms to preserve liberties, 
     we have reawakened our sensitivity to the importance of 
     service to veterans from all of America's wars. Organizations 
     that work to help and advocate on behalf of veterans help 
     fulfill a promise between our country and its defenders; and
       Whereas, the Korean War Veterans Association is the only 
     veterans organization comprised exclusively of Korean War 
     veterans. This group has established an excellent record of 
     service to those who served and suffered in Korea and their 
     families; and
       Whereas, however, the Korean War Veterans Association is 
     one of the few veterans groups of its size operating without 
     a federal charter. Legislation is currently pending in 
     Congress in both the House of Representatives (H.R. 1043) and 
     the Senate (S. 478) to grant a federal charter; and
       Whereas, the long overdue granting of a federal charter 
     would enable the association to significantly enhance its 
     efforts to help needy Korean War veterans and their families. 
     With a charter, which would extend to it the same status as 
     other veterans groups, the Korean War Veterans Association 
     would be able to further its work and participate more fully 
     with other groups. A federal charter also would permit the 
     organization to assist in processing claims for benefits; and
       Whereas, as our nation marks the fiftieth anniversary of 
     the end of military hostilities on the Korean Peninsula, 
     granting the federal charter would be most appropriate: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives (the senate 
     concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United 
     States to enact legislation to grant a federal charter to the 
     Korean War Veterans Association; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-420. A resolution adopted by the City Council of the 
     City of Gulfport of the State of Mississippi relative to same 
     sex marriages; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, the Mayor and City Council recognize that marriage 
     as an exclusive ceremonial relationship between a man and a 
     woman is not only traditional, but is a principle upon which 
     this country was founded, and is a union that has been held 
     sacred in society and essential to the moral value system in 
     the City of Gulfport, State of Mississippi, and throughout 
     this land; and that state and local tax laws, criminal laws, 
     marital benefits, rights and benefits arising from the 
     spousal relationship and dependents' rights are structured in 
     this country historically and presently to a man and woman 
     (opposite sex) marital relationship; and
       Whereas, it is recognized that same sex relationships are 
     offensive to many citizens in this country for traditional, 
     personal, and religious reasons, and that marriages of a man 
     and woman have always been celebrated as proper, and always 
     will be acknowledged as natural, proper and built and honored 
     upon a foundation of values of the United States of America; 
     and the recognition of same sex marriages on the other hand 
     will have a devastating effect on the moral traditions and on 
     the laws and legal system of the country, and shall 
     ultimately mandate marriage unions to be ordained within 
     religious denominations against serious religious beliefs of 
     certain faiths thereby bringing about a dissolution of 
     freedom of religion in this Country; and
       Whereas, believing that States should have a right to 
     protect its traditions and values, especially when confirmed 
     by the will of the people, and for the purpose of protecting 
     the family and its values, the Governing Authority of the 
     City of Gulfport hereby desires to memorialize its support of 
     the position addressed by President George W. Bush that an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution should be placed 
     by the legislative branch of the United States of America on 
     the ballot to allow the electorate to decide whether or not 
     laws prohibiting recognition of same sex marriages are 
     legitimate and not to be overruled by the Courts: Now 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Gulfport, 
     Mississippi, as follows:
       Section 1. That the matters, facts, and things recited in 
     the Preamble hereto are hereby adopted as the official 
     findings of the Governing Authority.
       Section 2. That United States President George W. Bush be, 
     and he is hereby officially commended by the Mayor and City 
     Council of the City of Gulfport, Mississippi, for his 
     position statement and proposal that the legislative branch 
     of the Government of the United States of America enact 
     legislation to allow the electorate of the country to vote on 
     an amendment to the United States Constitution that will 
     clearly establish that laws prohibiting recognition by the 
     States of same sex marriages are constitutionally valid; and 
     the Governing Authority of the City of Gulfport, Mississippi 
     hereby makes publicly known is support of this position by 
     President Bush.
       Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect 
     immediately upon its passage, and shall be spread upon the 
     minutes of the Gulfport City Council, and copies shall be 
     directed to the President of the United States of America, 
     Honorable Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of 
     America, to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
     to the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, and to Honorable 
     Trent Lott, U.S. Senator, Honorable Thad Cochran, U.S. 
     Senator, and Honorable Gene Taylor, U.S. Representative to 
     Congress, and the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the 
     State of Mississippi, the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Mississippi, the President 
     Pro Tem of the Mississippi State Senate, and the Harrison 
     County delegation to the Mississippi Legislature, such other 
     officials in government as the Mayor or City Council may 
     direct to receive a copy thereof.
                                  ____

       POM-421. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the General 
     Assembly of the State of Tennessee relative to funding for 
     the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant; to the Committee on 
     the Judiciary.

                       Senate Resolution No. 110

       Whereas, the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) was 
     enacted in the 2002 reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice 
     and Delinquency Prevention Act; and
       Whereas, this grant provides dollars for use by states and 
     units of local government to promote greater accountability 
     in the juvenile justice system; and
       Whereas, between 1998 and 2002, the State of Tennessee 
     received $20,757,000 in JABG funds for accountability-based 
     juvenile justice system programs; and
       Whereas, rural counties across the State have received 
     funds to assist with juvenile court services and with 
     decreasing the backlog of juvenile cases; and
       Whereas, the types of programs in Tennessee currently being 
     funded by the JABG include: (1) intensive probation services; 
     (2) residential observation and assessment services; (3) 
     intensive after-care services: (4) alternative school and 
     summary adventure-based programs; (5) additional juvenile 
     court officers and referees to handle cases; (6) improved 
     data systems for tracking juvenile cases; and (7) new youth 
     and drug courts for diversion from the regular juvenile 
     justice system; and
       Whereas, because of the JABG funds, juvenile courts in 
     rural areas, which normally have minimal resources; now have 
     a greater variety of services to meet more individualized 
     needs; and
       Whereas, because of the services enabled by the JABG funds, 
     juvenile offense referrals in Tennessee for crimes such as 
     homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, rape, larceny, and 
     burglary have been reduced by 16 percent between 1997 and 
     2001; and
       Whereas, the JABG funds are providing for seven staff 
     positions and community-based services through OASIS Center, 
     YCAP Positive Beginnings program, Save Our Children and Frank 
     Reed Memorial Tutoring Program, all of which are community-
     based youth serving non-profit agencies in Nashville, 
     Tennessee; and
       Whereas, because of services provided by JABG funds, the 
     Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County juvenile court's 
     central intake diversion unit was able to divert 1,700 youth 
     out of the juvenile justice system; and
       Whereas, JABG funds are being used in Davidson County to 
     support an onsite mental health specialist in the juvenile 
     court, who facilitates intervention with the mental health 
     cooperative and provides the court with information on youth 
     who are acting in ways that warrant evaluation; and
       Whereas, it is necessary to maintain JABG funds to continue 
     the success of reducing juvenile crime in Tennessee and 
     providing

[[Page S4910]]

     more individualized, accountability-based interventions for 
     youth involved with the juvenile courts: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the senate of the one hundred third general 
     assembly of the state of Tennessee, That the continued 
     success in the reduction of juvenile crime in Tennessee and 
     the increase of vital services provided to children who are 
     in the juvenile criminal system is dependent upon the renewal 
     of Juvenile Accountability Block Grant funds by the federal 
     government. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate strongly urges the United States 
     Congress and the President of the United States to restore 
     funding for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grants because 
     of the tremendous value these funds provide for local 
     communities in Tennessee. Be it further
       Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Senate is directed to 
     transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to each member of 
     the Tennessee Congressional Delegation, to the Honorable 
     George W. Bush, President of the United States, to the 
     Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and to the President and Secretary of the 
     United States Senate.
                                  ____

       POM-422. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the General 
     Assembly of the State of Ohio relative to the Election 
     Assistance Commission; to the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration.

                       Senate Resolution No. 1550

       Whereas, the help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law No. 
     107-252, establishes the Election Assistance Commission to 
     serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the 
     compilation of information and review of procedures with 
     respect to the administration of federal elections; and
       Whereas, the Election Assistance Commission, among its 
     other responsibilities, is charged with providing for the 
     testing, certification, decertification, and recertification 
     of voting system hardware and software by accredited 
     laboratories, as well as the adoption of voluntary voting 
     system guidelines; and
       Whereas, states desiring to implement voter-verifiable 
     paper ballots for electronic voting systems are dependent 
     upon the Election Assistance Commission issuing its 
     certifications and voluntary voting system guidelines in 
     order to acquire secure voting machines; and
       Whereas, the members of the Senate of the 125th General 
     Assembly of Ohio are committed to seeing the provisions of 
     the Help America Vote Act of 2002 implemented in such a 
     manner as to make electronic voting as safe and secure as 
     possible for Ohio citizens: Now therefore be it
       Resolved, That we, the members of the Senate of the 125th 
     General Assembly of Ohio, request the Congress of the United 
     States to direct the Election Assistance Commission to 
     develop standards and security accreditation guidelines for 
     all electronic voting devices in accordance with the Help 
     America Vote Act of 2002; and be it further
       Resolved, That we, the members of the Senate of the 125th 
     General Assembly of Ohio, request the Congress of the United 
     States to direct the Election Assistance Commission to 
     establish standards for the design and use of reasonably 
     affordable voter-verifiable paper ballots for electronic 
     voting systems for states that desire to implement the use of 
     those ballots; and be it further
       Resolved, That we, the members of the Senate of the 125th 
     General Assembly of Ohio, further request the Congress of the 
     United States to direct the Election Assistance Commission to 
     expedite its efforts regarding the testing, certification, 
     decertification, and recertification of voting system 
     hardware and software and the adoption of voluntary voting 
     system guidelines pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 
     2002; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly 
     authenticated copies of this resolution to the members of the 
     Ohio Congressional delegation, to the Speaker and Clerk of 
     the United States House of Representatives, to the President 
     Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, and to 
     the news media of Ohio.
                                  ____

       POM-423. A joint memorial adopted by the Legislature of the 
     State of Washington relative to the State's DVA health care 
     system; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                       Senate Joint Memorial 8040

       Whereas, there are 670,000 veterans who have chosen to call 
     the great State of Washington home; and
       Whereas, these citizens are deserving of a world class 
     health care system to deal with injuries and diseases 
     resulting from their selfless service to our country; and
       Whereas, Washington State has significantly fewer veterans 
     being served by the United States Department of Veterans 
     Affairs (U.S. DVA) than other states in the nation, and in 
     2002 was ranked second to the last in the number of veterans 
     receiving health care through the U.S. DVA; and
       Whereas, veterans in Washington State are being placed on 
     waiting lists by the U.S. DVA in order to receive health care 
     and pharmacy services; and
       Whereas, the U.S. DVA national waiting list data from July 
     2002 through September 2003 indicates the Veterans' 
     Integrated Service Network 20, which includes Washington 
     State, has the largest number of veterans waiting for 
     nonemergent clinic visits; and
       Whereas, an increasing number of Washington State veterans 
     who formerly relied on alternate health care providers are 
     finding themselves without health care and are turning to the 
     U.S. DVA for their health care for the first time; and
       Whereas, the U.S. DVA Capital Asset Realignment for 
     Enhanced Services (CARES) initiative has not fully considered 
     the current and future need for veterans' health care 
     services across the Veterans' Integrated Service Network; and
       Whereas, it is imperative that Washington State receive 
     adequate federal resources to care for the increasing number 
     of veterans who will rely on the U.S. DVA for health care 
     services: Now, therefore,
       Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the President will 
     ensure the U.S. DVA health care system in Washington State 
     will be adequate to serve the current and future demands of 
     our state's veterans. Your Memorialists further pray that 
     Congress and the President affirm the debt owed these 
     veterans and provide funding for those services deemed 
     necessary. Be it
       Resolved, That copies of this Memorial be immediately 
     transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the 
     United States, the Secretary of the United States Department 
     of Veterans Affairs, the President of the United States 
     Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each 
     member of Congress from the State of Washington.
                                  ____

       POM-424. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Michigan 
     relative to eligibility for prisoner of war benefits; to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                        House Resolution No. 179

       Whereas, under current federal law, a former Prisoner of 
     War is eligible for special benefits when the imprisonment 
     extends for a period of at least 30 days. These benefits 
     include a variety of health services, including some that 
     require a threshold of eligibility of 90 days of internment; 
     and
       Whereas, many people strongly feel that the length of time 
     served as a POW necessary to receive special benefits is far 
     too long. The sacrifice being made by members of our military 
     who are incarcerated as prisoners and the conditions they 
     face are such that the 30-day requirement is entirely 
     inappropriate; and
       Whereas, much stronger protections should be extended to 
     the men and women who risk everything in defense of their 
     country and their fellow citizens. Creating a minimum 
     threshold for POW benefits eligibility would send an 
     important message to our military that our country is making 
     a true commitment to these heroes commensurate with their 
     suffering and sacrifices: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the house of representatives, That we 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact 
     legislation to reduce the threshold of eligibility for 
     Prisoner of War benefits to one day of imprisonment; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.

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