E1086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 25, 1999 THE HEALTH INFORMATION INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO that his contributions to family values in Amer- PRIVACY ACT OF 1999 AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD ican society are as numerous and meaningful MEDAL TO REV. THEODORE as his devoted contributions to human rights, HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN HESBURGH, C.S.C. education, the Catholic Church and the global OF CALIFORNIA community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. TIM ROEMER Mr. Speaker, today is Father Hesburgh's Tuesday, May 25, 1999 OF INDIANA 82nd birthday, and I believe that this is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most appropriate time for Congress and the Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to entire Nation to join me in recognizing this re- Tuesday, May 25, 1999 join Reps. GARY CONDIT, ED MARKEY, JOHN markable man and living legend of freedom in DINGELL, SHERROD BROWN, JIM TURNER, and Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to America. I strongly encourage my colleagues my other colleagues in introducing the Health introduce legislation to award a Congressional to support this bipartisan legislation and urge Information Privacy Act of 1999. There is an Gold Medal to Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, the House of Representatives to pass this im- urgent need for Congress to enact legislation C.S.C. I introduce this bill with Representa- portant measure. to protect the privacy of medical records. We tives PETER KING, JOHN LEWIS, PETE VIS- f have worked hard to develop a consensus ap- CLOSKY, MARK SOUDER, ANNE NORTHUP and proach to achieve this goal. 85 original cosponsors in the U.S. House of RUTH HYMAN TESTIMONIAL DIN- Health records contain some of our most Representatives. It is my understanding that a NER AT THE JEWISH COMMU- personal information. Unfortunately, there is companion bill will be introduced in the U.S. NITY CENTER OF MONMOUTH no comprehensive federal law that protects Senate later today. COUNTY the privacy of medical records. As a result, we This bipartisan legislation recognizes Father face a constant threat of serious privacy intru- Hesburgh for his many outstanding contribu- HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. sions. Our records can be bought and sold for tions to the United States and the global com- commercial gain, disclosed to employers, and OF NEW JERSEY munity. The bill authorizes the President to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES used to deny us insurance. There have been award a gold medal to Father Hesburgh on Tuesday, May 25, 1999 numerous disturbing reports of such inappro- behalf of the United States Congress. It also priate use and disclosure of health informa- authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike and sell du- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, tion. plicates to the public. June 3, 1999, the Jewish Community Center When individual have inadequate control The public service career of Father of Greater Monmouth County in Deal, NJ, will over their health information, our health care Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University honor one of our leading citizens, Ms. Ruth system as a whole suffers. For example, a re- of Notre Dame, is as distinguished as his Hyman, with a Testimonial Dinner. I am cent survey by the California HealthCare many educational contributions. Over the pleased to add my voice to the chorus of Foundation found that one out of every seven years, he has held 15 Presidential appoint- praise for this exceptional lady. adults has done something ``out of the ordi- ments and he has remained a national leader Mr. Speaker, it is rare to see someone who nary'' to keep health information confidential, has made such an impact on her community including steps such as giving inaccurate infor- in the fields of education, civil rights and the development of the Third World. Highlighting a as Ruth Hyman has. Through her professional mation to their providers or avoiding care to- work, civic commitments, wide-ranging net- gether. lengthy list of awards to Father Hesburgh is work of friendships and a unique personal The Health Information Privacy Act would the Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest ci- flair, she has made a deep and lasting impres- protect the privacy of health information and vilian honor, bestowed on him by President ensure that individuals have appropriate con- Johnson in 1964. sion. Her accomplishments include her ap- trol over their health records. It is based on Mr. Speaker, justice has been the primary parel business, Ruth Hyman Fashions, and a three fundamental principles. First, health in- focus of Father Hesburgh's pursuits through- lifetime of work with numerous Jewish commu- formation should not be used or disclosed out his life. He was a charter member of the nity organizations. Ruth is currently the Presi- without the authorization or knowledge of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, created by dent of the Long Branch, NJ, Hadassah, a individual, except in narrow circumstances Congress in 1957 as a compromise to end a Benefactor and Board Member of the Jewish where there is an overriding public interest. filibuster in the U.S. Senate to prevent pas- Community Center, Board Member of the Jew- Second, individuals should have fundamental sage of any and all legislation concerning civil ish Family and Children's Service, and Mem- rights regarding their health records, such as rights in general and voting rights in particular. ber of Congregation of Brothers of Israel. She the right to access, copy, and amend their Father Hesburgh chaired the commission from was the first Chairperson of the Women's records, and the opportunity to seek protection 1969 to 1972, until President Nixon replaced Business and Professional Division of the for especially sensitive information. Third, fed- him as chairman because of his criticism of Jewish Federation. Some of her other affili- eral legislation should provide a ``floor,'' not a the Administration's civil rights record. ations and leadership positions include, Past ``ceiling,'' so that states and the Secretary of Father Hesburgh stepped down as head of President and International Life Member of Health and Human Services can establish ad- the University of Notre Dame in 1987, ending American Red Magen David for Israel, life ditional protections as appropriate. the longest tenure among active presidents of member of Daughters of Miriam, AMIT, B'nai Congress faces an August 21 deadline for American institutions of higher learning. He Brith, Past President of Deborah, and Life passing comprehensive legislation to protect continues in retirement much as he did as the Member of the Central New Jersey Home for the privacy of health information. I am very Nation's senior university chief executive offi- the Aged. She is also Chairperson of the pleased to have come together with Mr. cerÐas a leading educator and humanitarian Women's Division of Israel Bonds, a position CONDIT, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. BROWN, inspiring generations of students and citizens, she has held for the past 25 years. and Mr. TURNER in developing this common- and generously sharing his wisdom in the All of this hard work has not gone unno- sense legislation. These members have been struggle for the rights of man. ticed, Mr. Speaker. Ruth has been presented leaders in health care and privacy issues for I am personally grateful to Father Hesburgh with the Hadassah National Leadership Award years. As a result of their expertise and in- for his friendship and guidance during my and the Service Award from the Jewish Fed- sight, I believe we have produced a con- years as a student at the University of Notre eration's Women's Campaign, and she was sensus bill that colleagues with a wide spec- Dame. My family shares my gratitude. My selected as Chai Honoree and Woman of the trum of perspective can support. grandfather, William Roemer, was a professor Year of the Long Branch Chapter of Hadas- A recent editorial in the Los Angeles Times of philosophy during the early years of Father sah. She was chosen by the Jewish Federa- exhorted Congress to ``fulfill its promise to Hesburgh's presidency, and my parents, Jim tion as Lay Leader of the Year. She has been pass the nation's first medical privacy bill.'' It and Mary Ann Roemer, also worked during his presented with the State of Israel Bonds called for legislators in both houses to ``em- tenure at the University. Golda Meir Award, the Service Award from the brace [this] compromise language'' that my Mr. Speaker, I once asked Father Hesburgh Jewish Federation Women's Campaign, and colleagues and I have drafted. for advice about how to raise a happy and the State of Israel Bonds Ben Gurion Award. I hope that my colleagues will join me in co- healthy family with children. His reply was In addition to her major contributions at the sponsoring this legislation, and I look forward helpful, insightful and advice I continue to fol- Jewish Community Center, Ruth is founder of to working with them to ensure that Congress low today: ``Love their mother.'' I strongly be- Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem, Israel, and meets its responsibility to address this impor- lieve Father Hesburgh's response here was the Mt. Scopus Hospital, where her name is tant issue. just one of many shining examples illustrating inscribed on the hospital's Pillar of Hope. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1087 Mr. Speaker, as everyone who has known els. Since its founding in 1893, the Field Mu- Congress has moved expeditiously, as is our her will attest, Ruth Hyman's hard work for the seum has been a leader in the natural tradition, to address the destruction caused by community emanates from her sincere warmth sciences, conducting world-class research in recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas. and generosity. It is an honor to join with the disciplines such as anthropology, biology, agri- H.R. 1141 also includes long overdue relief to JCC in paying tribute to her, for who she is culture, ecology and sociology. The Field's Central America still struggling in the after- and what she's done. collection of over 20 million specimens, includ- math of Hurricane Mitch. Sorely needed relief f ing its recent acquisition of ``Sue'', the largest is being supplied to America's farmers. and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever Today's vote to provide $100 million in mili- PERSONAL EXPLANATION found, serve to both educate and astound the tary assistance and economic support to Jor- visiting public. dan coincides with the visit of King Abdullah. HON. XAVIER BECERRA The Sidney R. and Addie Yates Exhibition These funds will enable that nation to assist in OF CALIFORNIA Center will serve as a permanent tribute to the the Middle East peace process, pursuant to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressman in Chicago. It will be seen by the Wye River agreement. There is renewed the millions of visitors who make the Museum Tuesday, May 25, 1999 optimism that the recent elections in Israel can their destination for cultural programming. The help reinvigorate that process. Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on May 24, facility will offer new and unique temporary ex- 1999, I was unavoidably detained during two hibits, such as the current exhibit, ``The Art of This bill also includes some important legis- roll call votes: number 145, on the Motion to Being Kuna: Layers of Meaning Among the lative provisions. The repeal of the June 15th Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1251, Des- Kuna of Panama,'' which will instruct and de- funding cutoff for the Departments of Com- ignating the Noal Cushing Bateman Post Of- light visitors from Chicago, the nation, and the merce, Justice, and State and the Federal Ju- fice Building; and number 146, on the Motion world. diciary, included in the fiscal 1999 omnibus to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 100, to While we miss Sid Yates, we will never for- bill, ensures that essential government func- Establish Designations for U.S. Postal Service get the legacy he left behind, nor will the mil- tions no longer face shutdown. The bill grants Buildings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Had I lions of visitors to the Field who will gaze and the Department of Justice the authority to been present for the votes, I would have voted look in wonderment at the exhibits placed in make restitution to Japanese Americans and ``aye'' on roll call votes 145 and 146. the Center named for Sid and Addie Yates. Latin Americans of Japanese descent who were forcibly detained in the United States f f during World War II, but whose claims have IN HONOR OF THE FIELD MUSE- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1141, not been settled. Settlement of these claims UM’S DEDICATION OF THE SID- 1999 EMERGENCY SUPPLE- will close a shameful episode in this great na- NEY R. AND ADDIE YATES EXHI- MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT tion's history. BITION CENTER The Republican majority continues to use HON. JULIAN C. DIXON appropriations bills to pass damaging environ- HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY OF CALIFORNIA mental provisions. This time we have Senate OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provisions to protect narrow special interests IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES at the expense of the environment. We con- Tuesday, May 25, 1999 tinue to delay reforms to the 1872 mining law Tuesday, May 25, 1999 Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reluctantly and changes in oil valuation which ensure that Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am support this conference report, as well as the government receives reasonable royalties very pleased to celebrate the dedication of the commend Chairman YOUNG, Mr. OBEY, and from drilling on federal land. I urge my col- Sidney R. and Addie Yates Exhibition Center the conferees for their hard work in bringing leagues to vote to recommit this legislation so located at the Field Museum of Natural History this difficult bill to the floor. Clearly, many of that the bill's onerous environmental provi- in Chicago, IL, on May 27, 1999. The Center my colleagues share my ambivalence about sions can be removed. is so named because of the tremendous con- this legislation. As a body, we seem to be all So, while I share the reservations voiced by tributions that Congressman Yates and his over the place on this measure. Some of my many of my colleagues, I believe we need to wife, Addie, made over the years in support of friends on the Republican side voted earlier move forward with the important work H.R. the arts, humanities, and the environment. this month to oppose NATO intervention in 1141 funds. There is no greater champion of the arts, Kosovo; now they support doubling the Presi- humanities, and environment than Congress- dent's Kosovo budget request. My Democratic f man Sidney Yates, and there is no greater colleagues support funding to provide relief to champion of Congressman Yates than his life- tornado victims in Oklahoma, hurricane victims PERSONAL EXPLANATION long mate, Addie. In her own right, Addie has in Central America, and refugees in Kosovo; contributed greatly to causes close and dear however, they balk at the bill's environmental to her heart. She spearheaded the wonderful riders and inflated defense spending. Mem- HON. ROBERT W. NEY exhibit, ``The Children's Wall of Remem- bers on both sides of the aisle decry emer- OF OHIO brance,'' in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Mu- gency designation of non-emergency items, seum, commemorating the nearly 1.5 million but we have a bipartisan inability to admit that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES children who perished in the Holocaust. our current budget caps are unrealistic and Tuesday, May 25, 1999 Through her efforts, hundreds of thousands of unworkable. American children were educated about the I have great concerns over portions of this Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the fol- Holocaust and expressed this learning by legislation; however, on balance, Mr. Speaker, lowing statement to my colleagues. When I painting tiles, which eventually found their way I believe that the need for much of the funding was traveling back to Washington, D.C. on to this, now famous, Wall of Remembrance. is real and outweighs my reservations. Given May 24, 1999, H.R. 974, the District of Colum- Congressman Yates' illustrious 48-year ca- the situation in Kosovo three months ago and bia College Access Act, was passed by voice reer in the House included saving the arts and our commitment to the defense of Europe, I vote. Due to the fact that I was commuting humanities from drastic budget cuts in the believe that President Clinton made the right and the vote took place before the 6 p.m. 1980's, helping to establish the National Holo- decision to join our NATO allies in acting scheduled time, I missed the voice vote. I caust Museum here in Washington, DC, em- against Milosevic's ethnic cleansing campaign. would like to make it known for the record that powering the Department of Interior to safe- The responsibility to allocate dollars to pay for had I been present, I would have asked for a guard more public lands and the rights of Na- the military campaign falls on the Congress. recorded vote and voted against this bill. I do tive Americans, and protecting the Tongass While the increases over the President's re- not feel that students in the District of Colum- National Forest from logging. The field Muse- quest for Kosovo should be addressed in the bia should be made ``exceptions'' when it um's state-of-the-art new exhibition center will regular 2000 appropriations process, we need comes to paying in-states fees at any state in- be a lasting tribute to the work of Mr. Yates. to move forward to commit these funds. stitution. This privilege is not granted to stu- Located on Chicago's beautiful lakefront, the I strongly support emergency funding for dents in this country who choose to attend a Field Museum is one of the city's crown jew- non-defense items in the supplemental. The state college outside of their residential state.