Walter Payton represented sheer perseverance.

It is his way of life that fills our memories and our hearts.

His commitment to excellence and immense endurance makes his death seem all the more unbelievable.

Any American, regardless of race or gender, can identify with Walter Payton.

This bipartisan legislation is designed to help prevent the abuse and abduction of children.

I'm pleased to announce that over 30 members will join Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher and myself in introducing the Smart Kids--Safe Kids Act.

In my home state of Texas, IAF Southwest Network has been involved in convincing municipalities to raise the minimum wage to a living wage; in improving the conditions in the communities along the Texas-Mexican border, the so-called…

For 25 years, grassroots organizations in communities across seven states have been working with the IAF Southwest Network to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Moreover, they have provided aid for those seeking to become homeowners, encouraging people to put down roots and contribute to the revitalization of their communities.

The Metropolitan Organization in Houston has been at the forefront of these efforts.

It is organizations like The Metropolitan Organization and the Industrial Areas Foundation Southwest Network that make our nation great.

I commend them for their twenty-five years of hard work, and wish them success in their continuing effort to make democracy work for all citizens of our Nation.

I rise to offer this amendment to H.R. 2606, to increase funding by $25 million and direct this funding to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

I have seen firsthand the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Today I rise to support Representative Slaughter's amendment which will add money to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

NEH also provides many educational tools for children.

For every dollar the endowment awards, other sources contribute $12 to make art happen in thousands of communities.

The NEA is an independent agency of the Federal government charged with supporting the arts in America for All Americans.