about 60 percent of the servicemen now in the war zone in Iraq have families back home.

the majority of those in service to our country are married with families.

They also routinely conduct training and education classes for all of their employees to ensure the completion of environmental and efficiency goals.

I would like to express my gratitude to Shipman Elevator Company for producing agriculture products that are environmentally respected.

Shipman Elevator Company has taken pro-active steps to ensure that their operations are safe and environmentally sound.

I would like to thank Ralph Hettick for being a true example of what a great citizen can do for our country.

Ralph's patriotism is evident in his constant urging for children to respect the flag and our country.

I rise before you today to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Ralph Hettick.

His commitment to the country is demonstrated by his service in the infantry during World War II as well as his continued patriotism.

The issue of consumer protection, whether it relates to telemarketing fraud or sweepstakes deception is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

I am proud to have played a part in the House consideration and markup of the Honesty in Sweepstakes Act of 1999.

I would be remiss if I did not thank my colleagues who have sponsored honesty in sweepstakes legislation in the House.

The direct economic cost of health care for kidney failure, stemming largely from the Federal Government, is more than $15 billion per year.

Knowledge is power.

I have long supported increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

It is estimated that 12.5 million Americans have lost at least 50% of their normal kidney function.

In 1997, approximately 361,000 Americans suffered from ESRD and required life-saving dialysis or kidney transplants.

I rise to recognize the tremendous work performed by a group of dedicated and tireless professionals: the members of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).