[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 1406-1412]
[From the U.S. 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. 28) honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 28

       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 1999-2000 academic year was 2,653,038, the total number 
     of Catholic schools is 8,144, and the student-teacher ratio 
     is 17 to 1;
       Whereas Catholic schools provide more than $17,200,000,000 
     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 24 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 Repre- 
     sentatives--
       (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 gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) 
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 House Resolution 28.
  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 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Boehner).
  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Tiberi) for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of House 
Resolution 28, which recognizes and honors the contributions of 
Catholic schools in the United States. Our Nation's Catholic schools 
have a long tradition of academic excellence, and I am pleased to join 
in recognizing them today.
  As this new Congress begins, it is fitting that we are focusing on 
the impact and the important role that Catholic schools play in 
providing a well-rounded education for America's young people; one that 
gives special attention to the academic, moral, and social development 
of our children.
  One of the top priorities for the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce will be to reauthorize this year the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act, which provide benefits to both public and private 
schools. Across our country, many Catholic schools participate in many 
programs and activities assisted by these funds.
  Last year, Catholic schools around the country enrolled more than 2.6 
million children in more than 8,000 Catholic schools across the 
country. The student-teacher ratio in most Catholic schools is 17-to-1, 
and more than 24 percent of their students come from disadvantaged 
backgrounds.
  Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of Catholic school students graduate; and 83 
percent of their high school graduates go on to pursue a higher 
education. It stands to reason that if it were not for our Nation's 
Catholic schools, and the dedicated teachers who serve them, the 
achievement gap between the disadvantaged students in our society and 
their peers would be even wider.
  Moreover, I would point out that of the total students enrolled in 
Catholic schools, about 13 percent are not of the Catholic faith. These 
students come from a wide variety of faiths and have chosen to attend a 
Catholic school. I think that it speaks to the mission and success of 
Catholic educators to reach out to all students and their parents who 
are seeking the best possible education for their children, especially 
for inner-city schools in which the majority of students enrolled are 
non-Catholic.
  Mr. Speaker, I can attest to the outstanding contributions, 
dedication, and accomplishments of Catholic schools, because I and my 
11 brothers and sisters are products of Catholic schools in Ohio. I 
attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School in Reading, Ohio and 
Archbishop Moeller High School in the Cincinnati suburbs. I then went 
on to attend and graduate from Xavier University.

                              {time}  1500

  Catholic schools have made a positive difference in the lives of 
hundreds of thousands of students in my State and around the country. 
Outstanding schools such as Archbishop Fenwick High School in 
Middletown, Ohio; Stephen T. Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio; and 
Sidney Lehman High School in Sidney, Ohio; and countless Catholic 
elementary schools throughout my district, they have shaped the lives 
of countless students and continue to make a profound contribution on 
our communities.
  I am proud of how these and 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.
  This resolution is very simple. We want to rightly honor and 
congratulate Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for 
their ongoing contributions to education and for the key role they play 
in promoting and ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this 
Nation.
  I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer) for his 
leadership in sponsoring this legislation and urge my colleagues to 
vote in support of it.

[[Page 1407]]


  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand with my colleagues and recognize 
our Nation's Catholic schools.
  First, I must point out the number of Catholic schools in our Nation. 
There are 8,200 elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United 
States. They do, indeed, deserve to be celebrated.
  What a great gift to our Nation these schools provide, producing 
graduates who are not only academically capable but also such a great 
part of the community. Our Catholic schools not only teach subjects 
like the alphabet and the Pythagorean Theorem and the Preamble to the 
Constitution, but they teach our students how to be part of our 
communities.
  They teach that service to others is an integral part of any life, 
religious or lay. They teach the dignity of the individual. They teach 
students to work for justice and to help each child develop a strong 
moral compass to follow.
  Today, I believe I am joined by several colleagues who also are known 
for their support of education.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, to recognize the 
contributions of America's Catholic elementary and secondary schools 
and congratulate these schools, the students, the teachers, and their 
parents for the dedication to education in our country.
  I would like to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer), the 
sponsor of this legislation, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), 
the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, as well 
as the majority leader, for bringing this important resolution to the 
floor this afternoon.
  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. 
Central Ohio, which I am fortunate enough to represent, is blessed with 
many outstanding Catholic schools. In fact, St. Francis DeSales, a 
Columbus Catholic high school in my neighborhood, is 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.
  But Catholic schools provide more than a superior scholastic 
education. They ensure a broad education emphasizing the development of 
moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in our young people. 
They produce students strongly dedicated in our faith, values, 
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 to be an original cosponsor of this resolution, and I 
strongly support its adoption by the House.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how many speakers the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) has?
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, we believe there will be three additional 
speakers.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, since none of mine have shown, if the 
gentleman from Ohio would like to go ahead.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Tiberi) for granting me the time in which to speak on this important 
resolution.
  Today I rise in strong support of the resolution honoring the 
contributions of Catholic schools to our children and the educational 
system. As the debate on education continues and reform education 
continues, I think it is vitally important to recognize people and 
schools who have succeeded in educating our children.
  America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their 
academic excellence and among the many fine academic Catholic schools 
in this Nation.
  In the city of Reno, for example, there is Bishop Manogue High 
School, which has a long and distinguished record of excellence in 
their academic and athletic programs.
  Catholic schools, like Bishop Manogue, emphasize the lifelong 
development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in 
America's young people. These values are crucial to the future of our 
Nation, especially as our society tends to grapple with problems like 
the breakdown of the family and school violence.
  I want to thank our Catholic schools for their dedication to our 
children, and I look forward to working with them toward our goal of 
improving the education of every child.
  As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I encourage all of my 
colleagues to strongly support its passage and the contributions that 
Catholic schools have made to our children and to our Nation.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) 
have any other speakers? We do not have any on this side other than 
myself to close.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately we have two more speakers, and 
they are not here.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Tiberi) has the right to close. If the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Sanchez) will proceed.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, growing up Catholic in a pretty Catholic family, I know 
firsthand that the Catholic Church has always sought to feed the hungry 
and clothe the poor. We welcome immigrants, people who speak different 
languages and bring very different needs. We welcome everyone as we 
work to help the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless.
  Catholic schools, too, welcome diverse studentbodies with open arms. 
It is not just Catholics who attend Catholic schools; children who need 
special attention, dedicated teachers attend Catholic schools. Families 
who are looking for an added dimension to faith and morals sometimes 
choose Catholic schools. Parents who want safe schools that excel in 
academics choose Catholic schools.
  Today with our communities' public schools, the Catholic schools and 
the Diocese of Orange educate, in every sense of the word, our 
children. Various schools, like Santa Margarita High School or Mater 
Dei in my own district, Servite in my district, Rosary, Connelly, and 
numerous elementary parochial schools, all are Catholic schools.
  So, Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to recognize Catholic schools and 
the educators, parents and parishes who make these wonderful 
institutions possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Delaware (Mr. Castle), who is the subcommittee chairman on the issue we 
are debating.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding 
time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring 
Catholic schools and their contributions to our communities throughout 
our Nation.
  Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the important role 
that Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country play 
in providing a values-added education for America's young people.
  This tradition of honoring Catholic schools is 27 years old this year 
and is one I believe should continue.
  Just last week, students from St. Hedwig Elementary School in 
Wilmington, Delaware, visited me in Washington, D.C. during Catholic 
Schools Week. I was impressed by all they have been learning and 
achieving, and I compliment them for their hard work and interest in 
our democratic process.
  While the majority of our students are enrolled in public schools, 
Catholic

[[Page 1408]]

schools still play a key role in our entire society. Over 2.5 million 
children attended 8,000 Catholic schools last year throughout the 
United States.
  In my State of Delaware, which is the size of a congressional 
district, we have over 15,000 students attending 38 Catholic schools, 
all of whom obviously contribute greatly to their communities.
  I thank the students, teachers, principals, and the administrators 
for making the Catholic community shine in my State.
  I regard Catholic schools as a team player with public schools, other 
private and parochial schools and home schools in defining America's 
education system.
  According to the National Catholic Educational Association, the 
graduation rate of students in Catholic schools is nearly 95 percent. 
The dropout rate is just about 3 percent. Eighty-five percent of all 
Catholic school graduates go on to college. These achievements impress 
me and deserve to be honored today on the House floor.
  I would just add, Mr. Speaker, the importance of the integration of 
all the education of our young children, as they get into more choice, 
more opportunities for our kids, more comparisons, the Catholic 
schools, along with all the other schools, add to this mix. Our goal 
should be to educate every child in America as well as we possibly can. 
Certainly Catholic schools aid in that; and for that, we are very 
blessed. I honor them and appreciate them and encourage support for 
this resolution.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would like to close by saying that sometimes I think people think 
those of us who are so supportive of public schools may not be as 
supportive of our private schools, but the reality is that we care 
about all of our schools and those institutions who choose to help 
educate our children. Today I have been proud to talk about our 
Catholic schools and the way that they excel and the way that they 
complement the rest of the education system that we have here in the 
United States.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased that Congress has 
recognized the important role that Catholic Schools play in our 
community. As a Latino, I know the important place in our history of 
Catholic Education. In my district, the Saint Thomas Aquinas High 
School is regarded as both an academic and athletic giant. The San 
Bernardino Diocese School System under Bishop Gerald Barnes has made 
major investments into their school system to bring their students 
education into the 21st Century.
  Even though I am a strong supporter of public schools, I understand 
the importance Catholic Schools have played in our nation's education. 
The quality of education provided at Catholic schools is truly 
remarkable. Not only do they focus on academic achievement but they 
also instill values and moral lessons in young people. Their 
curriculums are often full of programs in character development and 
community service. Catholic school students graduate with a wide 
variety of skills that will not only help them in their careers but 
also in their family and community life. I am pleased to support this 
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools.
  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
invaluable contributions of our nation's Catholic schools.
  Last week was Catholic Schools Week, and January 31st was National 
Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. In honor of these events, my 
colleague, Mr. Schaffer from Colorado, has introduced a resolution to 
honor our nation's Catholic schools.
  The United States Department of Education has provided us with 
statistics that show Catholic schools take in children from many 
different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and yield well educated, 
college-bound, young adults.
  Our nation's Catholic schools boast a 95 percent graduation rate and 
83 percent of their students go on to college.
  Not only do these children come away from their schools with strong 
academic credentials, but they gain an appreciation for the importance 
of faith, family, and community that is critical to our society's well 
being.
  At a time when our nation is asking the question: ``How can we give 
our children the best education possible?'' The Catholic schools are 
providing some answers by demonstrating what works.
  For these achievements, I congratulate 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 our nation's students.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to join with my 
colleagues in passing House Resolution 28, honoring the contributions 
of Catholic schools to academic excellence. Catholic schools have 
enhanced the quality of life for the community, as well as hundreds of 
thousands of young people who have benefited from its commitment to 
developing their minds and their spirits.
  I would like to recognize the good work of schools such as Notre Dame 
High School, Resurrection High School, Northside Catholic Academy 
Schools, and St. Scholastica Academy in Illinois. These Catholic 
schools, like their counterparts, provide critical leadership and 
support to the intellectual development of the lives of so many in 
Illinois. With a 95 percent graduation rate, and 83 percent rate of 
continuing on to higher education, catholic schools deserve our 
recognition for the work they do.
  I applaud the success and commitment of Catholic schools in the 9th 
Congressional District and in this nation.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our 
nation's Catholic schools. Catholic schools not only provide students 
with an excellent education but also provide spiritual enrichment.
  The contributions made by Catholic schools often exceed the classroom 
walls. The curriculum is designed to challenge students and to 
encourage religious awareness and development of morals and values. 
Students are encouraged to volunteer in a range of activities including 
working in soup kitchens, aiding other students with homework or 
working to improve a neighborhood park.
  During the past 30 years, Catholic schools around the nation have 
made significant improvements in enrolling minorities and have 
continued to expand the educational mission in urban areas. There are 
approximately 1,020 Catholic schools in urban areas today.
  A common complaint of parents and teachers is overcrowding in 
classrooms. Catholic schools often provide students and teachers with 
the opportunity for learning on a personal level. For instance, class 
size on average provide a ratio of 17 students to every one teacher, 
allowing teachers to focus on the needs of individual students. The 
effectiveness of this system is repeated in the statistic that 83 
percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college and the 
drop-out rate is only 3.4 percent.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these institutions and 
the wonderful contributions they make in their communities and in our 
nation's future.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of house 
resolution 28 which celebrates the contributions of Catholic schools 
throughout the nation. From the easternmost point of the U.S. Virgin 
Islands to the westernmost tip of Orote Point in Guam, Catholic schools 
continue to provide a valuable education to more than 2.5 million 
students in the United States.
  As Guam is home to more than 1,000,000 Roman Catholics, representing 
an overwhelming majority of the resident population, I am particularly 
pleased to speak in support and in recognition of the contributions of 
Catholic schools today.
  Guam has a long and rich history of Catholicism since the island was 
discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who docked at Guam with his 
chaplains during his sail around the world. The year 1662 ushered the 
first of many arrivals of Spanish missionaries. Over time various types 
of Catholic education have been provided in Guam beginning with the 
tradition of ``Eskuelan Pale'', or Catholicism classes, which taught 
basic literacy in Guam for 275 years today's modern school facilities 
which usher in 21st Century lessons into the classroom. 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.
  There are three Catholic high schools in Guam, including: Notre Dame 
High School in Talofofo; Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna; and 
Father Duenas Memorial School in Mangilao serving an enrollment of 
approximately 1,100 students. There are also 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;

[[Page 1409]]

Saint Francis School in Yona; San Vicente School in Barrigada; Santa 
Barbara School in Dededo and Dominican School in Yigo, serving an 
estimated enrollment of 2,300 students. 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.
  Although I have not attended Catholic schools, as a former educator 
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 17 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 
become a nun.
  Catholic schools have often provided a broad, value-added education 
and shape to the life-long development of moral, intellectual, physical 
and social values of students. Catholic Schools Week is the culmination 
of an annual national celebration of the important role that Catholic 
elementary and secondary schools across the country play in the 
education of our nation's students.
  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 
contributions of the Archdiocese of Hagatna, which oversees the 
administration of Guam's Catholic schools, and particularly Archbishop 
Anthony Apuron, for continuing the tradition of providing excellence in 
the education and moral well-being of the children of Guam.
  I urge your support of House Resolution 28.
  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to adopt H. Res. 28 
commending the contributions of Catholic schools. As a Roman Catholic 
having attended and graduated from Catholic Schools and a Catholic 
university, I am proud to be the original sponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, today the House voices its strong support for the goals 
of Catholic Schools Week and recognizes the vital contributions of 
America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. The 
House also congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and 
teachers across our great nation for their ongoing contributions to 
education and for the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a 
brighter, stronger future for America. As the first clause of the 
resolution states, ``America's Catholic schools are internationally 
acclaimed for their academic excellence, but provide students more than 
a superior scholastic education.'' Mr. Speaker, this is the essence of 
the resolution.
  Catholic schools ensure a broad values-added education, emphasizing 
the life-long development of moral, intellectual, fiscal and social 
values in America's young people. Americans have responded positively 
to Catholic schools. The total Catholic school student enrollment for 
1999 and 2000 was 2,653,038, which is an increase over the 1998 and 
1999 school year. The total number of Catholic schools is 8,144. The 
student/teacher ratio in those institutions is less than 17 to 1.
  Catholic schools provide more than $17 billion a year in savings to 
the nation based on the average school per pupil cost, enabling more 
money to be spent on students in government-owned schools. Catholic 
schools teach and contribute to a diverse group of students. Twenty-
four percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools are 
minority students. The graduation rate of Catholic school students is 
95 percent, and only 3 percent of Catholic high school students drop 
out of school. Eighty-three percent of Catholic high school graduates 
go on to college. Mr. Speaker, these are impressive statistics, and 
they quantify why America's Catholic schools are internationally 
acclaimed for academic excellence.
  Catholic schools not only develop sound academic abilities in their 
students, but they produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, 
their values, their families, and communities. Catholic schools do this 
by providing an intellectually stimulating environmental rich in 
spiritual development and moral character.
  In 1972, a pastoral message was adopted by the National Conference of 
Catholic Bishops that stated the following, ``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 for the destinies of the many communities in which he lives.''
  It is on that basis, Mr. Speaker, that this resolution recognizes 
Catholic schools and Catholic Schools Week. This is an event sponsored 
by the National Catholic Education Association, which is, by the way, 
the largest private organization of professional teachers in the world. 
It is also sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference and 
established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands 
of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
  So today the House congratulates Catholic schools, their students, 
their parents, and teachers across the country, for their ongoing 
contributions to education and for the key role they play in promoting 
and ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this nation.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Catholic School Week 
and I want to spend a few moments commending the Catholic schools in my 
home district of El Paso, Texas and in other parts of our country for a 
job well done.
  There are many Catholic Schools in my district including Cathedral 
High School and Loretto Academy; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Blessed 
Sacrament, Father Yermo, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our 
Lady of the Valley, St. Joseph's, St. Patrick's, Saint Pius the X, St. 
Raphael's, and St. Michael's. I know each and every one of these 
schools contributes greatly to the fabric of the educational system in 
El Paso, and I am proud of the efforts of all of the priests, nuns, 
teachers and other support staff in these schools. They work tirelessly 
to improve the lives of our children.
  Our Catholic schools continue to show exemplary results in education. 
They share, with other Catholic schools across the nation, a long-
standing tradition of excellence. The Catholic schools in El Paso 
continue to show steadfast commitment to teaching and spiritually 
guiding young men and women as they prepare for higher education and 
for life's many challenges. Catholic schools continue to exhibit strong 
leadership, a clear vision and sense of mission that is shared by the 
schools, students, parents, and alumni. In El Paso, our Catholic 
schools have exhibited high quality teaching and have provided a safe 
environment for learning. Spirituality, as a guiding principle, should 
be emulated across our country. The values that are instilled at our 
Catholic schools are fundamental values that are central and important 
to the functioning of society as a whole.
  Daily school prayer, religion classes, and school Mass emphasize 
God's central role in our lives. As a Catholic myself, God and 
reverence are personally and centrally important to me and I appreciate 
the commitment that our Catholic schools make in insuring that our 
students will have faith and prayer in their lives. I cannot overstate 
how important faith in God is to overall success and happiness in life.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge Archbishop Armando X. 
Ochoa of the Archdiocese of El Paso for his strong leadership and 
dedication. He continues to support the mission of our Catholic schools 
in educating our youth. I urge all my colleagues to join with me and 
commend all of the people across the country who make the Catholic 
schools so successful.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools in America. I 
congratulate the more than 8,000 Catholic schools that serve this 
nation's students. I am a product of Catholic schools as a graduate of 
Holy Family High School in Birmingham, Alabama so I know first hand 
about the value of a Catholic school education.
  According to the National Catholic Education Association, Catholic 
schools serve over two and a half million students a year. With an 
impressive average student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, Catholic schools 
provide the necessary one-on-one teaching that students need to learn. 
My graduating class of Holy Family had 23 students who graduated with 
me! I was able to bond with my classmates and had a true sense of 
family and support. My experiences with Sister Mary Catherine, Sister 
Mary Ambrose, Sister Mary Mathilda, Sister Jean Bernadette, Father 
Nathaniel, Father Carl, and Father Alvin instilled in me and the other 
girls at Holy Family an appreciation for Math and Science that was 
unprecedented at that time. The same quality education that I enjoyed 
as a youth is making a difference in communities across the United 
States, including my 37th District of California.
  I am proud of the four Catholic schools in my district that have 
created rigorous educational environments with quality teaching: St. 
Miguel Catholic School in Los Angeles,

[[Page 1410]]

California, Verbum Dei High School in Watts, California, St. Albert the 
Great Catholic School in Compton, California, Our Lady of Victory Grade 
School in Compton, California and St. Philomena Grade School in Carson, 
California. These schools make a tremendous contribution to the 
community and I am proud to represent them in Congress.
  Many years ago, my Catholic education spawned a love of learning that 
I have treasured throughout my life. Institutions that generate this 
type of intellectual curiosity in our nation's youth are critical to 
developing productive, hardworking citizens and leaders of tomorrow. 
That is why I join my colleagues in recognizing America's Catholic 
schools. I commend the community of teachers, students, parents and 
administrators that have established this high standard for learning 
that challenges and engages students. They are playing an integral role 
in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the children 
of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to 
recognize the splendid reputation, the years of dedicated service, and 
the outstanding achievement of Catholic Schools. During Catholic 
Schools Week, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm remarks that 
highlight the achievements of a leading institution that provides 
immeasurable educational support to neighborhoods and communities 
throughout our Nation.
  In fact, Catholic Schools in America have had a tremendous impact in 
the lives of many Americans. For example, Chicago has the Largest 
Catholic School System in the United States. It is comprised of 277 
elementary schools serving close to 105,000 students. In addition to 
educating younger students, the Chicago Catholic School System provides 
direction and oversight to 48 secondary schools; its programs and 
services reach the lives of 33,648 teenagers.
  In Chicago and abroad, Catholic Schools have provided education and 
service to those that have been traditionally left behind in our 
society. For years, through their educational programs, they planted 
seeds of hope in the minds and hearts of many poor and neglected 
children, which have germinated to produce leaders and champions.
  So, I graciously thank our teachers, counselors, Nuns, and Priests in 
our Catholic Schools for their years of dedicated service. And I urge 
them to ``keep on, keeping on'' as they continue to prepare our young 
to excel in the New Millennium.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
recognizing the contributions of our Nation's Catholic schools. As 
Father Andrew Greeley of Chicago has observed: ``Our Nation's Catholic 
schools are a seventh sacrament.'' Today, we salute Catholic teachers 
and students around the world. As a product of Catholic schools, back 
home in Toledo I can attest to the quality of instruction, the 
professional and nurturing approach of the many fine sisters, priests 
and lay teachers whom I remember so fondly, and in fact still count 
among my friends and advisors to this day.
  Despite the coarsening of our popular culture, what I call the 
``poverty of affluence'', it is heartening to know that total Catholic 
school enrollment for the 1999-2000 school year was over 2.6 million 
students at more than 8,100 schools. In my home state of Ohio, there 
are over 193,000 students attending 528 Catholic schools. In these 
quality institutions, joined by many fine public schools, character and 
commonly cherished values are instilled into generation after 
generation. Honesty, integrity, love of family and country, self-
respect and self-discipline are just a few of the hallmark results of 
Catholic-based education.
  Catholic schools are one of the cornerstones of our educational 
system providing faith based educational opportunities to those 
families who desire their children to have a Catholic faith based 
education. Catholic schools accept young people from every walk of 
life, from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. These schools have 
played an historic role in welcoming and teaching the sons and 
daughters of immigrants, whether they be Irish, Polish, Hungarian or 
Russian, whether they are African-American, or Chinese or Latino, just 
to name a few. In the heart of our Nation's biggest cities and most 
humble rural towns, Catholic schools continue this missionary endeavor.
  It is my pleasure to honor the contributions of Catholic schools, 
both the men and women who lead and teach and care so deeply for our 
young people. Those students have made, and continue to make, a 
difference in the life of their families, communities and world.
  Our system of education is most appropriately conducted on the local 
level. Therefore, it is both our right and responsibility to support 
our schools, our teachers, parents, support staff, administrators, our 
sisters and priests, and our children, whom we know will one day 
inherit and take responsibility for all of our work and world.
  Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our nation's 
Catholic schools and the record of excellence they hold in our 
children's education.
  I believe our most profound responsibility is to ensure that every 
child has a first-class education, that no child is left behind and 
that all students share in the pride and promise of educational 
opportunity--Catholic education provides that opportunity.
  As a former student at the University of Notre Dame and a former 
teacher at Mount Saint Michael's Academy in the Bronx, NY, I know the 
benefits Catholic schools and universities provide to students in 
America.
  Our children deserve the best schools in the world; they deserve 
schools that will help them meet the challenges of tomorrow. That is 
why I'm pleased with the bipartisan support H. Res. 28, ``Honoring our 
Catholic Schools,'' is receiving from my colleagues in the House today.
  America's student drop-out rate is increasing at an alarming pace. 
But our nation's Catholic schools have given a diverse group of 
students the inspiration, environment and counsel they need to stay in 
school. A tribute to the strength and quality of a Catholic school 
education is the 95 percent graduation rate among Catholic high school 
seniors.
  America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for 
providing small classrooms where each student can have the attention 
they need to achieve their future goals. America's Catholic schools 
also graduate a record 83 percent of students who go on to college.
  I believe that while we call for higher standards in our nation's 
schools, we must also recognize those schools that are providing the 
education America's students need to succeed. I am pleased to join with 
my colleagues in honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. After 
all, our children are our country's most precious resource.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Catholic 
schools across America and back home in Illinois. All Catholic schools, 
their teachers, administrators, parents and students should be 
congratulated for their vital role in promoting and ensuring a bright 
future for this country.
  It is amazing that Catholic Schools graduate 95 percent of their 
students and that 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to 
college. I know that the education and, more importantly, the values, 
that were imbedded in me at St. Patrick's high school in Chicago proved 
themselves invaluable in college and in my professional career.
  In my hometown of Chicago, the Catholic Archdiocese has an 
unparalleled record of educating students of all racial and economic 
backgrounds. Chicago has one of the largest Catholic school systems in 
the nation, and the best and the brightest in Chicago are often alumni 
of their Catholic schools.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for scheduling this vote honoring the 
contributions of Catholic Schools. It is my hope that they will 
continue to flourish and prosper for the benefit of millions of school 
children around the country.
  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the National 
Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. As a Catholic school graduate, I 
know the value of a Catholic education. I know first hand that Catholic 
schools teach students discipline, pride and respect for learning. I am 
so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay persons who taught me at St. 
Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, Parmadale, St. Aloysius 
Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John Cantius High School for 
their love and guidance through my formative years.
  I especially wish to recognize the delegation of students, teachers 
and parents that make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic 
Schools a special day. Their commitment to ensuring an exceptional 
education and maintaining quality Catholic schools ensures that 
Catholic students in the future will continue to benefit from 
outstanding educational opportunities. An overwhelming percentage of 
Catholic high school graduates attend college, which is a sign of the 
excellent work of our Catholic School system.
  I would also like to recognize the National Catholic Educational 
Association (NCEA) for their efforts to promote educational and 
catechnetical goals. By sponsoring programs like the Seton Awards, 
which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to 
Catholic education, the NCEA works diligently to insure better 
education across America.
  Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one 
of the most important goals of our society. I am encouraged by the 
ongoing involvement of the students, teachers

[[Page 1411]]

and parents who are observing the National Appreciation Day for 
Catholic Schools.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in 
celebrating Catholic Schools.
  As a student at St. Mary's elementary school in St. Croix from 
kindergarten through eighth grade, a graduate of St. Joseph's Mountain 
School in St. Joseph's, New York, and St. Mary's College, Notre Dame 
Indiana, I personally owe a debt of gratitude to Catholic schools for 
what I have been able to achieve.
  Catholic schools across the country have contributed greatly to the 
communities in which they exist and the nation at large. Numerous 
studies show that parents place their children in Catholic schools for 
the superior academic achievement of Catholic school students. They 
1996 tests of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 
sponsored by the U.S. government demonstrated that students in Catholic 
schools score higher than those in public schools. As a result, 
Catholic school education is becoming a popular choice among parents. 
Catholic preschool enrollment has increased by nearly 223% since 1987-
88.
  As I pay tribute to the 8144 Catholic schools in this country, I want 
to pay tribute to those schools that have nurtured and educated me, 
those that I have already mentioned, and St. Pius V in Jamaica, New 
York.
  I also would also like to make special mention of the Catholic 
Schools in my district--St. Mary's, St. Joseph and St. Patrick's in St. 
Croix, and Saints. Peter and Paul in St. Thomas. The people of the 
Virgin Islands and I appreciate them for all they do and have done for 
the children of our islands.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the sponsors of the H. 
Res. 28 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 sprit, 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 its 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, those 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 intergrating 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 
favors 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 where 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 preform 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 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. 28 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.
  Last week over 8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools 
nationwide celebrated their 27th annual Catholic Schools 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 not to extend 
their role as educators into the area of religious education. I 
strongly urge 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 Education 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 drop out of school and 83 percent go on to attend college.
  Finally, the resolution states that, 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 across the 
nation for their dedication to excellence in the classroom as they 
prepare young people to achieve excellence in life. In closing I would 
like to extend a special thanks to the Catholic Schools in Houston like 
Saint Philips High School, and Saint Pius High School.
  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution on 
Catholic education, and to share with my colleagues some of the rich 
history and achievements of Catholic schools in New Mexico.
  The Catholic Church has had a presence in the American Southwest for 
over 400 years. Before public education was established in New Mexico, 
Catholic friars began teaching at local Indian pueblos. In the early 
1800s, the Spanish government, cooperating with the Catholic Church, 
established schools in the territory of New Mexico.
  Today New Mexico has 29 Catholic elementary schools and 4 secondary 
schools. Over 8,000 New Mexico children are enrolled in Catholic 
schools and the ethnic composition of the student body reflects the 
rich diversity of New Mexico (Hispanic 43%, Anglo 31%, American Indian 
11%). I am very proud of

[[Page 1412]]

New Mexico's Catholic schools and their students. Last year 324 
students graduated from Catholic high schools in New Mexico. This is a 
99% graduation rate and, of those, 99% went on to post-secondary 
education.
  It's the dawn of a new century: It is a century in which knowledge is 
a commodity children must have to succeed. Catholic schools across 
America are giving our children this opportunity.
  Catholic schools have given New Mexico's children the wings they need 
to achieve their dreams. As Catholic schools nationwide celebrate 
Catholic school week, we thank them.
  Mr. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, 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. 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 28.
  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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