I rise today in honor of the National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools. As a former Catholic school student, I know first hand the value of a Catholic education.

I rise today to honor the memory of C. Sam Theodus. Sam was a great national labor leader and a great friend to many, particularly in the Greater Cleveland area; I am proud to count myself as having been Sam's friend.

Clearly the national Teamsters recognized what Local 407 had long known--that Sam Theodus was an incredible, compassionate, and dignified leader.

He was the top vote getter for the position of vice-president in that election.

Secondly, the celebration will include recognition of a person whose life and work in the church and community exemplifies the legacy and spirit of the Reverend Absalom Jones.

Mr. Speaker, the Washington Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians uses its Absalom Jones Day Celebration in two significant ways.

First, the proceeds which are generated will be used for the benefit of the Black Episcopal College scholarship and endowment funds.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in a tribute to the legacy and spirit of Absolom Jones, an 18th century slave and join the 1999 Absalom Jones Day Celebration presented by the Washington Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians.

I am introducing legislation that would fix an inequity in the current reimbursement rates for low-income Native Americans.