E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 106 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 145 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1999 No. 33 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE the Senator from Montana (Mr. The Reverend Michael E. Robinson, A message from the Senate by Mr. BURNS), from the Committee on Appro- Head of Upper School, St. Patrick’s Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- priations. Episcopal Day School, offered the fol- nounced that the Senate had passed The message also announced that lowing prayer: bills of the following titles, in which pursuant to Public Law 94–304, as O God, You have so revealed Yourself the concurrence of the House is re- amended by Public Law 99–7, the Chair, in the glory of the heavens and in the quested: on behalf of the Vice President, ap- many faces of the nations, in the still S. 314. An act to provide for a loan guaran- points the following Senators to the small voice and in the might of the tee program to address the Year 2000 com- Commission on Security and Coopera- forces of nature. Make us aware of puter problems of small business concerns, tion in Europe (Helsinki)— Your presence as You come in judg- and for other purposes. the Senator from Texas (Mrs. ment through the events of our time. S. 447. An act to deem as timely filed, and HUTCHISON); Help us to discern through the many process for payment, the applications sub- the Senator from Michigan (Mr. mitted by the Dodson School Districts for ABRAHAM); and competing claims, the right and the certain Impact Aid payments for fiscal year just by using the tools of reason, com- 1999. the Senator from Kansas (Mr. BROWNBACK). passion and wisdom. Help us to be good The message also announced that citizens, to work for the common good, pursuant to section 4355(a) of title 10, f to be willing to sacrifice whatever it United States Code, the Chair, on be- WELCOME TO REV. MICHAEL E. takes to work with You, and to remake half of the Vice President, appoints the ROBINSON this world into Your kingdom, the following Senators to the Board of (Mr. WISE asked and was given per- place where Your will is done, where Visitors of the United States Military Your children may know no other way mission to address the House for 1 Academy— minute and to revise and extend his re- but the way of righteousness, justice, the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. marks.) and peace. This we ask, anxious yet SANTORUM), from the Committee on Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, the gen- calm in You; unsure, yet certain in Armed Services; and You; weak, yet strong in You; through the Senator from Texas (Mrs. tleman from Texas (Mr. BENTSEN) and I take great pleasure in introducing to Him who is the saviour of us all, Jesus HUTCHISON), from the Committee on Christ our Lord. Amen. Appropriations. the House today the Reverend Michael Robinson. f The message also announced that pursuant to section 6968(a) of title 10, The gentleman from Texas and I are THE JOURNAL United States Code, the Chair, on be- proud parents of children at St. Pat- half of the Vice President, appoints the rick’s Day School here in the District The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- of Columbia. The Reverend Robinson is ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- following Senators to the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval the Upper School director for St. Pat- ceedings and announces to the House rick’s and has just done an incredible his approval thereof. Academy— the Senator from Arizona (Mr. job. He and his wife Frances and their Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- MCCAIN), from the Committee on two children are members of the St. nal stands approved. Armed Services; and Patrick’s community in every way, f the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. whether it be the church or through COCHRAN), from the Committee on Ap- the school. I saw him this morning di- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE propriations. recting traffic, shepherding students The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman The message also announced that and parents in. He will be doing the from Maryland (Mr. BARTLETT) come pursuant to section 9355(a) of title 10, same thing this evening, as well as forward and lead the House in the United States Code, the Chair, on be- guiding them spiritually and educa- Pledge of Allegiance. half of the Vice President, appoints the tionally throughout the day. I think it Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland led the following Senators to the Board of is a tribute to Reverend Robinson that Pledge of Allegiance as follows: Visitors of the United States Air Force he is always the teacher. He is accom- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Academy— panied today by the St. Patrick’s Stu- United States of America, and to the Repub- the Senator from Colorado (Mr. AL- dent Council as well. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, LARD), from the Committee on Armed Reverend Robinson will leave St. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Services; and Patrick’s and join the St. Nicholas

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

H893

. H894 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this plus to save Social Security and Medi- cial Security and Medicare. So that next semester as Headmaster. He will care and pay down the debt to keep our there can be no doubt about our prior- leave behind many parents and stu- economy growing. With regard to So- ities, I will state it loud and clear. dents who have been touched forever cial Security, we reserve 62 percent of Democrats are committed to using the by his work, as I say, both spiritually, the projected budget surplus to pre- lion’s share of the Federal surplus to educationally, in so many ways. We serve Social Security until 2055. With protect Social Security and Medicare wish him well and take great pleasure regard to Medicare, we reserve 15 per- well into the future. and celebrate all that he has done for cent of the projected surplus for Medi- For the first time in three decades, St. Patrick’s and the many students care, ensuring that the Medicare trust the Federal Government has a surplus. and parishioners that attend therein. fund is secure for 20 years. This is a historic opportunity to pro- f We are paying down the debt, Mr. tect Social Security and Medicare so Speaker. We are investing a total of 77 that our seniors can live independently ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER percent of the surplus in Social Secu- and with dignity. Protecting Social Se- PRO TEMPORE rity and Medicare to reduce the na- curity and Medicare is sound fiscal The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. tional debt to its lowest level since planning. Two-thirds of our seniors rely on Social Security for over one- FOLEY). The Chair will entertain 15 1917. This is what the Democrats are one-minutes on each side. all about. half of their income. Medicare ensures f that 99 percent of our seniors have f health insurance. These two programs MAKING TAX RELIEF A REALITY NEW DOCUMENTARY FEATURES are paramount to a strong and a vi- MEMBER AS HOLOCAUST SUR- (Mr. ARMEY asked and was given brant America and should come before VIVOR permission to address the House for 1 a 10 percent tax cut that benefits most- minute.) ly the wealthy. The surplus must be (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, the Amer- used carefully, not spent irresponsibly given permission to address the House ican people are overtaxed. Americans on a one-time, feel-good tax break. for 1 minute and to revise and extend work almost 3 hours every 8-hour On behalf of our peers and our par- her remarks.) workday just to pay their taxes. Fed- ents and our children, let us not squan- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, a eral taxes, State taxes, income taxes, der this historic opportunity. new documentary by renowned sales taxes, utility taxes, death taxes f filmmaker Steven Spielberg, entitled and on and on. ‘‘The Last Days,’’ tells the tragic tale PRESIDENT’S BUDGET DOES NOT But what many folks do not realize is ADD UP of the Nazi Holocaust through the eyes that they are paying way too much. (Mr. SCHAFFER asked and was given of five Hungarian Jews who personally The government is charging the Amer- permission to address the House for 1 experienced and survived this horrific ican people more than it needs to pay minute and to revise and extend his re- period of history. its bills, an estimated $2.6 trillion over One of the survivors featured in the marks.) the next 10 years of tax overcharge. Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, the documentary is one of the most articu- That is a whopping $27,000 per family, late Members of Congress, our col- Congressional Budget Office, or the money those families could put forward CBO, has issued a report confirming league from California, TOM LANTOS. to buy a home or pay for their chil- TOM is one of the five Hungarian Jews what everyone in Washington has dren’s college. known for 1 month now. The Presi- who describes their experiences in a Mr. Speaker, no one would tolerate a Nazi war camp. Fortunately, unlike an dent’s budget does not add up. phone company or cable company that The nonpartisan CBO has carefully estimated 438,000 other Hungarian Jews overcharged them and then refused to and millions of other Jews in Europe, documented exactly why the Presi- return the money. Indeed, we would all dent’s budget does not do what it says our colleague was able to escape his call upon the government for relief. death sentence. it does. The numbers in his budget are Yet the government is overcharging not even close. The spending caps are It is to TOM’s credit that, decades the American taxpayer. It is time they after his experience with totalitarian- busted. Social Security is endangered. knew about it. The surpluses are not what they appear ism, he has not forgotten those around Mr. and Mrs. America, help is on the the world who live under repressive re- to be. way. Today I will announce a national The administration has no response gimes. From China to Cuba, TOM gives initiative designed to make tax relief a voice to those who are forced to remain to this nonpartisan report. Through reality. I will be joined by many col- slick accounting and deception, the silent by repressive regimes. I urge all leagues who, like myself, are commit- of our colleagues to view ‘‘The Last budget looks wonderful on paper. The ted to showing that Americans are problem is that there is not an econo- Days’’ to remind ourselves that we overtaxed. We are united in the belief must always fight against tyranny. mist to be found who can defend it. The that we can both save Social Security double counting of imaginary money f and return a portion of the overcharge and the shifting of funds make a mock- to Americans in the form of a tax cut. UNVEILING 1999 DEMOCRATIC ery of the budget promises signed into Mr. Speaker, that money does not be- AGENDA law just 2 years ago in the bipartisan long to the government. It belongs to balanced budget agreement. That (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given the American taxpayers. Americans agreement was supposed to prevent ex- permission to address the House for 1 earned it, Americans paid it, Ameri- actly the kind of budgetary chicanery minute.) cans deserve a refund. Return the tax that is contained in the President’s Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am overcharge, and the American people budget. very proud to say that in just a short will be treated properly and fairly by The American people deserve better, period of time over at the Library of this government. Mr. Speaker. Congress, President Clinton, Vice f f President GORE and Democrats in the House and the Senate will unveil our 1999 DEMOCRATIC AGENDA THE ONLY SURPLUS IN 1999 Democratic agenda which, once (Ms. DELAURO asked and was given WASHINGTON again, is a families first agenda. The permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was centerpiece of our congressional agen- minute and to revise and extend her re- given permission to address the House da is to invest the surplus, to save So- marks.) for 1 minute and to revise and extend cial Security and Medicare and pay Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, today his remarks.) down the debt. Democrats from both Chambers will Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, who What Democrats are doing with this unveil our agenda for the 106th Con- is kidding whom? The only surplus in agenda is continuing on the path of fis- gress. At the top of that agenda are the Washington, D.C., is in the Social Se- cal responsibility by investing the sur- two pillars of retirement security, So- curity trust fund. The truth is, Social March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H895 Security money coming in one door credit card debt; let’s go get deeper in try, the modern-day merchants of today is going out the other door to- debt.’’ That would not be a financially vengeance. A Republican bill will be in- morrow, because the facts are very prudent family. The United States Con- troduced limiting lawsuits against the clear. The Social Security trust fund is gress, acting on behalf of the American gun makers, ironically sponsored by a big basket full of IOUs. The reason is people, ought to pay off the credit card the same gentleman who once told the very simple: Politicians from both par- debt in Medicare and in Social Secu- Committee on the Judiciary a plaintiff ties have reached in and borrowed rity. deserved her day in court. In the eyes money from the Social Security trust f of the GOP, a sitting President can be fund and have not repaid it. Billions dragged into a civil suit, but not the and billions of dollars. Beam me up. CONGRATULATING COACH JIM gun industry. Now we are saying Social Security is PHELAN AND MOUNT ST. MARY’S Clearly, the Republicans care more going to run out of money. I say not MOUNTAINEERS ON EARNING about guns than people. I guess that is one dime of Social Security should be BID TO NCAA BASKETBALL what GOP stands for: ‘‘Guns Over Peo- used for anything but Social Security. TOURNAMENT ple.’’ I yield back any economic common (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked f sense that may be left down here. and was given permission to address THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET DOES f the House for 1 minute and to revise NOT ADD UP and extend his remarks.) THE SURPLUS BELONGS TO THE Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. (Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma asked and TAXPAYERS Speaker, I rise today to congratulate was given permission to address the (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- coach Jim Phelan and the Mount St. House for 1 minute.) mission to address the House for 1 Mary’s Mountaineers on earning a bid Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- minute and to revise and extend his re- to the NCAA basketball championship er, the truth is now out about the marks.) for only the second time in their President’s budget. The nonpartisan Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I have a school’s history. Congressional Budget Office, the CBO, simple question to ask. To whom does The Mounties won the right to go to has now documented the obvious. The the surplus belong? Anyone listening the Big Dance by defeating the Blue President’s budget just does not add to the other side would conclude that Devils of Central Connecticut State on up. the surplus belongs to the government. Monday night by a 72–56 margin. Mon- It is not simply a case of the usual In speech after speech, I have heard im- day night’s victory was the third Washington accounting tricks. The ac- plied that politicians in Washington straight upset for the Mountaineers counting is so outrageous that no seri- have the first claim to the money as if who were seeded sixth entering the ous analyst can defend it. In fact, the it is their money. Northeast Conference Tournament. nonpartisan CBO, Congressional Budg- The surplus belongs to the taxpayers. The Mount was led by the smooth et Office, shows exactly where and why It is their money. The surplus is in fact shooting of Gregory Harris and the te- it does not add up. The budget busts nothing more than tax overpayment nacious defense of Melvin Whitaker. the spending caps that were signed into made by taxpayers. In addition to earning a right to play law by the President in 1997, in the Anyone who has ever looked at Wash- in the NCAA championships, Monday’s summer of 1997. And even more disturb- ington for any length of time knows victory was also an historic event for ing, Mr. Speaker, this budget, not only that one of only two things will happen their longtime coach. Jim Phelan be- does it not save Social Security, it to the surplus. We can give it back to came only the fourth coach in NCAA even dangers Social Security. the people who earned it or Washington history to win 800 games. He joins the Mr. Speaker, the American people de- will find a way to spend it. ranks of Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith and serve better. I think Jesse ‘‘The Body’’ Ventura Clarence Gaines and is the winningest They deserve an honest budget. was right. The government should active coach in the NCAA. Coach They deserve a budget that will con- apologize and then refund the money Phelan’s 800 wins demonstrate his com- tinue American prosperity. back to the people to whom it belongs mitment to the school, his players and They deserve a budget that protects in the first place, the taxpayers of his community. I am convinced the Social Security. America. Hall of Fame is just around the corner. Mr. Speaker, the President’s budget f Congratulations Mount Saint Mary’s, does not do that. ANOTHER VIEW ON SOCIAL and congratulations Coach Jim Phelan. f SECURITY AND MEDICARE f PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE FOR FUTURE GEN- (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was b 1015 given permission to address the House ERATIONS for 1 minute and to revise and extend GUNS OVER PEOPLE (Ms. STABENOW asked and was his remarks.) (Mr. GUTIERREZ asked and was given permission to address the House Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, let given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) me set the record straight. The money for 1 minute.) Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise that comes in here belongs to the Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, dur- today to support a Democratic admin- American people. But what we fail to ing the past year did we not hear the istration that has brought us from very deal with is the history. Republicans say something about the large deficits to large surpluses and to All during the Reagan administra- rule of law? I think I recall some Re- say that the next step is to protect So- tion, Democrats and Republicans in publicans saying everyone deserves his cial Security and Medicare and pay this House spent Social Security or her day in court, even if it means back the Social Security Trust Fund. money and used it like a credit card. tying up Congress, the White House We are not really out of debt until we We built up a $5 trillion debt for the and the judiciary, costs the taxpayers do that. Cold War. Now, after almost 10 years of $40 million, huge legal bills for every- Mr. Speaker, if we cannot pay off the work, since I have been in the Con- one. But when it comes to their good national debt when we have a surplus, gress, since 1988 and under Mr. Clinton friends in the gun lobby and their pre- when will we do it? for the last few years, we have got a cious time and money, well, the Repub- Never. surplus. What does the majority leader licans simply will not allow them to be Mr. Speaker, this is a test of the cur- offer us? Let us take the surplus and threatened with a lawsuit or held ac- rent Congress. Are we going to con- give it away and leave that credit card countable through civil action. tinue fiscal responsibility or go back to debt there. Mr. Speaker, once again the GOP the spending and the deficits of the No American family, when they re- does the bidding of the National Rifle 1980s? ceive money in a Christmas bonus or Association, preempting cities like I stand to support Social Security, whatever, says, ‘‘Well, we got all this Chicago who dare to sue the gun indus- Medicare and paying off the debt. If we H896 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 do that, we put real dollars back into Mr. Speaker, let us work together to advantaged children achieve along people’s pockets by lowering interest strengthen Medicare and Social Secu- with their more fortunate peers. rates, which means our mortgages, our rity. Social Security and Medicare are Title I must be supported. Tax relief credit cards, our car payments go needed for the current seniors, the for the well off must wait. down. baby boomers, and our children and our f Mr. Chairman, we need to bring down grandchildren. the debt and protect Social Security f UNITED STATES VULNERABLE TO and Medicare for future generations, BALLISTIC MISSILE ATTACKS NO EXIT STRATEGY and I call on my colleagues to join us (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given in doing that. (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 f permission to address the House for 1 minute.) minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, it is the THE REPUBLICAN PLAN IS marks.) BETTER THAN A PAY RAISE official policy of the United States to Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I remain vulnerable to a ballistic missile (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given rise to talk about our administration’s attack. That might be surprising to permission to address the House for 1 foreign policy and the men and women many, but it is true, even though it minute and to revise and extend his re- in our Nation’s military service. I have flies in the face of common sense. Iraq, marks.) three words to describe the administra- North Korea, Iran are all embarked on Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, tax relief tion’s strategy for deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons programs that would is as good as a pay raise, maybe even troops to police Kosovo, and they are: enable them to reach the United States better. A pay raise could mean higher No exit strategy. with a ballistic missile, and China al- taxes. It could result in sending more Can we honestly ask the men and ready has that ability. money to Washington, D.C., and have women of our Armed Services to stand Mr. Speaker, the only thing we have very little extra money jingling around up and once again become the world’s to protect us is a relic of the Cold War, in our pockets. But tax relief is more police of foreign policy decisions? an ABM treaty with a country that no money in the household budget. Should we not justify to the American longer even exists. Mr. Speaker, Americans do one of people the need for intervention based Do my colleagues think the leaders two things when they get a little extra on some realistic, identified and of Iraq and North Korea and Iran and money in their pocket. It is saved or it threatened vital national interest? Communist China are impressed with is spent. Either is good for the econ- I should think so. our ABM treaty? I do not think so. omy. Saving the money from a tax cut However, when a defective strategy Mr. Speaker, the administration’s would provide more resources, more results in a multi-year deployment, timid, weak and uncertain steps to capital for creating new jobs and new billions of dollars in cost to the Amer- begin building a national defense sys- businesses. Spending the tax relief not ican taxpayer and the risk in lives of tem are not enough. They are too lit- only provides for the needs of hard- every American soldier over there, it is tle, and I am afraid they are going to working Americans, but the demands time for us to say no. It is time that be too late. for products will create new jobs and our foreign policy marches to a new ca- I urge the Congress to take the lead sustain the jobs we have. dence, one that protects our vital na- on this vital issue, Mr. Speaker, and as Mr. Speaker, tax relief can be as tional interests and the lives of our my liberal colleagues so often love to good, if not better, than a pay raise, hard-working, dedicated men and say: and the Republican plan will not only women in our nation’s military. Let us do it for the children. restore the integrity of Social Secu- On behalf of our Nation’s interests rity, rebuild our national defense, and the lives of our service men and f strengthen education, but it will also women, I yield back this dangerous for- TRIBUTE TO JUDGE LEON provide much-needed tax relief for eign policy and the balance of my time. HIGGINBOTHAM hard-working Americans. f (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked f EDUCATION MUST BE OUR and was given permission to address SAVE OUR AMERICAN TREASURES: NUMBER 1 PRIORITY the House for 1 minute and to revise MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given and extend her remarks.) (Mr. GREEN of Texas asked and was permission to address the House for 1 Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. given permission to address the House minute and to revise and extend her re- Speaker, I want to invite my col- for 1 minute and to revise and extend marks.) leagues of the House of Representatives his remarks.) Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I ran to join me this evening for a special Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for Congress, and I am here today be- order to pay tribute to a wonderful and this is a good day. I am glad the debate cause I believe that our children’s edu- outstanding American, a jurist of great is on tax cuts versus Social Security cation must be the number one priority renown, the late Judge Leon and Medicare and paying down our na- in our country. Education is another of Higginbotham. He was awarded the tional debt. Medicare and Social Secu- President Clinton’s major budget prior- Presidential Medal of Honor in 1995 and rity are two of the greatest, most effec- ities because he also agrees that we the Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian tive programs our country has ever must prepare all of our children for the Award, and in 1994 South African Presi- created. They provide the two fun- high-skill, high-wage jobs that will in- dent Nelson Mandela asked damental keys to retirement security: sure America’s leadership in the world Higginbotham to be an international medical and financial security. marketplace and at the same time pre- mediator. I would hope that we would Mr. Speaker, this Congress has the vent dependency on welfare here at spend our evening, this evening, paying responsibility to every American, past, home. tribute to this great American. present and future, to save these na- Public education is the backbone of I STAND HERE FOR THE CHILDREN tional treasures. our country. It is why we are a great Mr. Speaker, let me also say that I The good news is that we have the Nation. Public education is available stand here for the children. Be it lib- opportunity to ensure the long-term to all. eral or conservative or moderate, I do stability of these programs. The bad This Congress we have an oppor- not know who could not stand for the news will only come if people try to po- tunity that comes along once every 5 children. liticize the programs or, worse yet, dis- years, and that opportunity is to re- I believe we should, if my colleagues mantle them. We can strengthen Social view and update the Elementary and will, pay off the debt and as well save Security, Medicare and pay down the Secondary Education Act. ESEA is Social Security and Medicare. At the debt. They are popular with the Amer- best known for Title I, the program same time, we can give targeted child ican people for the simple reason that that educates the disadvantaged. Title tax credits to businesses that provide they work. I is important because it helps dis- child care services, and we can March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H897 also provide targeted tax credits to that established community police offi- Yesterday the House passed a resolu- stay-at-home parents. We can do all of cers, and I want to tell them Mark tion that directs this body towards real this at once by doing the right thing Brown was the epitome of a commu- social security reform. That bill was and standing for our children. nity police officer. sponsored by a freshman, the gen- f On the TV stations in Seattle I lis- tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. PAUL tened to tribute after tribute after RYAN). The gentleman from Nebraska AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC tribute to a man in his grocery stores (Mr. LEE TERRY) has already intro- PROGRAM AT ROME HIGH and in his restaurants who was a pillar duced a bill to eliminate a tax on inter- (Mr. BARR of Georgia asked and was of his community. Mark Brown, as a national home pages, and the gen- given permission to address the House community police officer, I want his tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. MARK for 1 minute and to revise and extend children, Hannah and Alex, to know GREEN) is heading up a project for the his remarks.) they lost a father and we lost an Amer- freshman class that will reduce Federal Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it ican hero, Mark Brown. mandates on our State governments. seems as if every day we are reading or f We believe local people can best se- hearing a new story about the dif- cure our Nation’s future: parents, b 1030 ficulty our military forces are having teachers, pastors, small business own- recruiting and retaining top-notch per- ED-FLEX AND ENDING SOCIAL ers, and civic leaders. These are not sonnel. Our military is being stretched PROMOTION only the heroes of our home towns, thinner and thinner by missions of (Mr. FORD asked and was given per- they are the heroes of our country. The some dubious value around the world, answers to our problems are seldom and we are paying the price with the mission to address the House for 1 found here in Washington. They are loss of key personnel and lower reten- minute and to revise and extend his re- found on Main Street, in board rooms tion. marks.) I am pleased today to announce that Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I also extend and community centers, in church at least one program in Georgia’s 7th my prayers to the Brown family, as we sanctuaries and classrooms, and in District is taking steps to reverse this all do. family rooms all across our Nation. trend. That program is the Air Force Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. Freshmen Republicans are working Junior ROTC Program at Rome High 800, as my friend just did, the Ed-Flex to return dollars, decisions, and free- School. The Air Force Junior ROTC Partnership Act of 1999. I support this dom back home. Program at Rome High School official bill because it gives States and local f school districts the flexibility to tailor is only 4 years old, yet it is already COMMEMORATING THE NAVAL Federal programs to meet their local having a major positive impact. It of- RESERVE ASSOCIATION fers students a variety of challenges needs. (Mr. GARY MILLER of California and learning experiences in airplanes But with flexibility also comes ac- asked and was given permission to ad- and on flight simulators as well as in countability. Ed-Flex works to require dress the House for 1 minute and to re- classrooms that help prepare them for States to identify specific and measur- vise and extend his remarks.) a career in military aviation. Addition- able goals they have for those students Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. ally, it helps teach students the kind of and groups affected by the waivers. In Speaker, I rise today in recognition of work ethic and values that will enable other words, Ed-Flex requires States to the men and women of the Naval Re- them to succeed as leaders no matter have accountability systems in place serve Association, and to congratulate where their future takes them. prior to granting them the authority This program and programs like it to waive specific requirements. them on the 84th anniversary of the deserve our support. I am proud to But Ed-Flex alone will not solve all founding of the Naval Reserve, cele- honor today the Rome High School of our problems. Our public schools brated on March 3, 1999. At the same Junior ROTC Program. still have pressing needs: Unmet school time, I wish the Association’s Spring f construction and modernization, a National Conference to be held on the shrinking pool of qualified teachers, same day in San Diego, California, the HONORING MARK BROWN, ONE OF and a lack of technology in the class- best of success. OUR NATION’S FALLEN LAW EN- room. The American people owe the 94,000- FORCEMENT OFFICERS At a time when children are being strong Naval Reserve a debt of grati- (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given promoted to successive grades based on tude for the sacrifices they have made, permission to address the House for 1 age and not achievement, social pro- both past and present. America’s minute and to revise and extend his re- motion is an issue that should concern strength and position as the sole super- marks.) us all. It must stop. That is why I urge power in the world is the result of our Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise my colleagues, cosponsors of Ed-Flex, dedication to our country’s defense. today to urge adoption of House Reso- to not only cosponsor Ed-Flex, but to Without the Naval Reserve’s contribu- lution 31 in honor of fallen police offi- support the Democrats’ plan to reward tion, America would not have become cers and, more personally and specifi- those school districts who end social the beacon of democracy it is today in cally, in honor of a great Shoreline promotion and close underperforming the world. For that, I, along with the City police officer and King County schools by providing them with addi- residents of the 41st Congressional Dis- sheriff’s deputy, Mark Brown, who died tional funds to build new schools and trict in California, thank them. in the line of duty Saturday, February hire new teachers. Ed-Flex is good, but I look forward to working with them 27, leaving his wife, Laurie, and Han- alone it will not solve all our problems. and other members of the Naval Re- nah and Alex, his children; and it is a f serve Association on issues which af- personal matter because he was my fect all the men and women of our cousin. FRESHMAN REPUBLICANS ARE military. WORKING TO RETURN DOLLARS, Mr. Speaker, I want to tell the Mem- f bers that I am proud that my cousin re- DECISIONS, AND FREEDOM BACK sponded to an alarm last Thursday on HOME WELCOME TO WHITNEY his motorcycle and was pursuing his (Mr. DEMINT asked and was given ELIZABETH GERRO duties and was involved in a collision permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and and died early Saturday morning, and I minute and to revise and extend his re- was given permission to address the want to tell them that it brings home marks.) House for 1 minute and to revise and that we have many public servants who Mr. DEMINT. Mr. Speaker, I rise extend his remarks.) get up and risk their lives every day, today on behalf of my fellow freshmen Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and their families do not know whether Republicans to thank the leadership having a Member of Congress in your they are coming home. for recognizing our ideas and allowing family is kind of like a white elephant Mr. Speaker, I want to tell my col- us to quickly turn our campaign prom- gift. You are kind of glad you have it, leagues that in 1993 I voted for a bill ises into action. you just do not quite know what to do H898 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 with it. But every now and then it pays The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- bill, and to reduce voting time to 5 off to have a congressman in your fam- lows: minutes on a postponed question if the ily. H. RES. 85 vote follows a 15-minute vote. Finally, Today is one of those days. On De- Resolved, That at any time after the adop- the rule provides for 1 motion to re- cember 7, 1998, Mike Gerro and Jan tion of this resolution the speaker may, pur- commit, with or without instructions. Barton Gerro had a beautiful baby suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 603, daughter, Whitney Elizabeth Gerro. House resolved into the Committee of the reported by the Committee on Trans- They have written this poem to an- Whole House on the state of the Union for portation and Infrastructure, would consideration of the bill (H.R. 603) to amend nounce her arrival to the world, and I title 49, United States code, to clarify the ap- clarify that the Death on the High Seas want to read it for my colleagues here plication of the Act popularly known as the Act shall not be the controlling law in in the House. It is entitled, ‘‘A Special ‘‘Death on the High Seas Act’’ to aviation in- lawsuits arising from aviation crashes Arrival.’’ cidents. The first reading of the bill shall be into the high seas. She’s an angel of sweetness dispensed with. General debate shall be con- The purpose of this legislation is to A treasure of love fined to the bill and shall not exceed one ensure that families of passengers A beautiful blessing hour equally divided and controlled by the killed in airline disasters are not treat- From heaven above. chairman and ranking minority member of ed differently under law depending on the Committee on Transportation and Infra- whether the aircraft crashed over land A daughter adored. structure. After general debate the bill shall Who with nurture will grow. be considered for amendment under the five- or water. What a pleasure to welcome minute rule. Each section of the bill shall be This discrepancy arises from a Su- Whitney Elizabeth Gerro. considered as read. During consideration of preme Court ruling in Zicherman ver- She really is a blessing. She had her the bill for amendment, the chairman of the sus Korean Airlines that applied the baptism this past Sunday in Arlington, Committee of the Whole may accord priority Death on the High Seas Act to lawsuits Texas. I am very, very proud to be one in recognition on the basis of whether the related to crashes over the ocean. Member offering an amendment has caused of her uncles. Under the Death on the High Seas Act, it to be printed in the portion of the Con- Mr. Speaker, families are denied the f gressional Record designated for that pur- pose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments ability to seek compensation in a court THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WORKS of law for such noneconomic factors as DILIGENTLY TO PROTECT SO- so printed shall be considered as read. The chairman of the Committee of the Whole a loss of companionship of a loved one, CIAL SECURITY may: (1) postpone until a time during further relatives’ pain and suffering, or for pu- (Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given consideration in the Committee of the Whole nitive damages. Under existing law, for permission to address the House for 1 a request for a recorded vote on any amend- example, parents receive virtually no minute and to revise and extend his re- ment; and (2) reduce to five minutes the min- compensation in the death of a child. marks.) imum time for electronic voting on any post- On the other hand, if a plane crashes poned question that follows another elec- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, the Re- tronic vote without intervening business, over land, State tort laws usually publican Party is working very dili- provided that the minimum time for elec- apply, offering a broader range of legal gently and very intensely with the tronic voting on the first in any series of remedies to surviving family members. Senate to try to protect social secu- questions shall be 15 minutes. At the conclu- Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from rity. We have a lot of concerns about sion of consideration of the bill for amend- Pennsylvania (Mr. SHERWOOD) and his the President’s proposal, which only ment the Committee shall rise and report colleagues on the Committee on Trans- protects or earmarks 62 percent of the the bill to the House with such amendments portation and Infrastructure have social security trust fund dollars for as may have been adopted. The previous made this legislation an early priority question shall be considered as ordered on this session, and have requested an social security. the bill and amendments thereto to final Many of us believe that we should passage without intervening motion except open rule, which was granted by the put 100 percent of social security dol- one motion to recommit with or without in- Committee on Rules without dissent. lars into social security and not spend structions. Accordingly, I encourage my col- it on any other program; not for roads, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. leagues to support House Resolution 85, not for bridges, not for congressional FOLEY). The gentleman from Washing- and I reserve the balance of my time. salaries, not for anything else. We hope ton (Mr. HASTINGS) is recognized for 1 Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I that we can get the President to come hour. yield myself such time as I may con- around to our way of thinking. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. sume. We also feel that we need to pay Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I Mr. Speaker, this is an open rule. It down the debt. We have a debt of $5.4 yield the customary 30 minutes to the will allow for full and fair debates on trillion. Which costs the American distinguished gentleman from Ohio H.R. 603. As my colleague has de- families, on an average for a family of (Mr. HALL), pending which I yield my- scribed, it will allow for 1 hour of gen- four, about $2,000 dollars a year. That self such time as I may consume. Dur- eral debate, to be equally divided and is $2,000 for a college tuition, for house ing consideration of this resolution, all controlled by the chairman and rank- payments, for a nice vacation, for a time yielded is for purposes of debate ing minority member of the Committee car, whatever the need of the family is. only. on Transportation and Infrastructure. Now it just goes to interest on the (Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked The rule permits amendments under debt. It does not even pay down the and was given permission to revise and the 5-minute rule, which is the normal principal. extend his remarks.) amending process in the House. All These are things we think the Presi- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Members on both sides of the aisle will dent’s budget ignores. We want to put Speaker, House Resolution 85 is an have the opportunity to offer germane it on the table. We are working in that open rule providing 1 hour of general amendments. direction. I hope that the President debate. It would be equally divided and H.R. 603 would allow the families of will decide to join us. controlled between the chairman and ocean plane crash victims the same f the ranking member of the Committee rights to file lawsuits as when the on Transportation and Infrastructure. crash takes place on land. It was intro- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION The rule provides that each section duced in response to TWA Flight 800, OF H.R. 603, CLARIFYING THE AP- of the bill shall be considered as read. which crashed off the coast of New PLICATION OF THE ‘‘DEATH ON Furthermore, the rule authorizes the York in 1996. In 1997, the House passed THE HIGH SEAS ACT’’ TO AVIA- Chair to accord priority in recognition a similar bill by a voice vote under sus- TION INCIDENTS to members who have preprinted their pension of the rules, but the Senate Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. amendments in the CONGRESSIONAL failed to take action on the bill. Speaker, by direction of the Commit- RECORD. This is an open rule. It was adopted tee on Rules, I call up House Resolu- The rule also permits the chairman by a voice vote of the Committee on tion 85 and ask for its immediate con- of the Committee of the Whole to post- Rules. I urge adoption of the rule and sideration. pone votes during consideration of the of the bill. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H899 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance sume. During consideration of this res- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of of my time. olution, all time yielded is for the pur- my time. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. pose of debate only. Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, I yield back the balance of (Mr. HASTINGS of Washington asked yield myself such time as I may con- my time, and I move the previous ques- and was given permission to revise and sume, and I thank the gentleman from tion on the resolution. extend his remarks.) Washington (Mr. HASTINGS) for yield- The previous question was ordered. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. ing me the customary 30 minutes. The resolution was agreed to. Speaker, H. Res. 86 is an open rule (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was A motion to reconsider was laid on waiving clause 4(a) of rule XIII, that given permission to revise and extend the table. requires a 3-day layover of the commit- her remarks.) Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise f tee report, against consideration of the bill. I would advise my colleagues that in support of this open rule providing PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION the committee’s report was, however, for the consideration of H.R. 661, Con- OF H.R. 661, COMMERCIAL OPER- filed yesterday on March 2. ditionally Prohibiting the Operation of ATION OF SUPERSONIC TRANS- The rule provides 1 hour of general Supersonic Aircraft. PORT CATEGORY AIRCRAFT debate to be equally divided and con- This bipartisan bill is brought to the House by the Democratic leader on the Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. trolled between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Com- Committee on Transportation and In- Speaker, by direction of the Commit- frastructure, the gentleman from Min- tee on Rules, I call up House Resolu- mittee on Transportation and Infra- nesota (Mr. OBERSTAR), and the gen- tion 86 and ask for its immediate con- structure. The rule provides that the tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- sideration. bill shall be open for amendment at any point. STER), our Committee on Transpor- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- tation and Infrastructure chairman. lows: Furthermore, the rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition They are joined by the gentleman from H. RES. 86 to Members who have preprinted their Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI) and the gen- Resolved, That at any time after the adop- tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN). amendments in the CONGRESSIONAL tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- Since this has been described as the RECORD. The rule also allows the Chair- suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the ‘‘year of aviation’’ in Congress, this man of the Committee of the Whole to House resolved into the Committee of the may then be the first in a series of ap- postpone votes during consideration of Whole House on the state of the Union for pearances by these thoughtful and ca- consideration of the bill (H.R. 661) to direct the bill and to reduce votes to 5 min- pable leaders on aviation issues. I the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit utes on a postponed question if the the commercial operation of supersonic thank them for their efforts on this vote follows a 15-minute vote. legislation and look forward to their transport category aircraft that do not com- Finally, the rule provides one motion ply with stage 3 noise levels if the European good work as the session proceeds. to recommit with or without instruc- Union adopts certain aircraft noise regula- The rule will allow our highly skilled tions. The first reading of the bill shall be tions. aviation leaders on both sides of the dispensed with. Points of order against con- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 661 will prohibit aisle to make the case for the bill, sideration of the bill for failure to comply the operation of supersonic aircraft, which I will address just briefly in dis- with clause 4(a) of rule XIII are waived. Gen- such as the Concorde, in the United cussing the rule. eral debate shall be confined to the bill and States if the European Union adopts a In short, the bill would respond to ac- shall not exceed one hour equally divided rule prohibiting the operation of U.S. and controlled by the chairman and ranking tion being considered by the European aircraft that have been modified to re- Union which would severely restrict minority member of the Committee on duce noise emissions or fitted with new Transportation and Infrastructure. After the use of some 1,600 U.S.-registered general debate the bill shall be considered engines. aircraft used by cargo, package serv- for amendment under the five-minute rule. The Europeans claim the EU rule is ices and passenger airlines. The bill shall be considered as read. During an environmental issue, but in fact it The straw man in this case is airline consideration of the bill for amendment, the is a trade issue, because the rule would noise, as the EU proposes to take ac- chairman of the Committee of the Whole effectively prevent U.S. airlines from tion against these U.S.-registered air- may accord priority in recognition on the selling their aircraft to European air- craft which have been engineered to basis of whether the Member offering an lines if those aircraft have been modi- amendment has caused it to be printed in the meet or exceed all applicable noise fied. standards. And I repeat, the United portion of the Congressional Record des- Ironically, however, the proposed EU ignated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule States aircraft are in compliance. XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be con- regulation would not prevent European If taken, this action will make it sidered as read. The chairman of the Com- airlines from selling their own modi- more difficult to sell the United mittee of the Whole may: (1) postpone until fied aircraft to other European air- States-owned aircraft because they a time during further consideration in the lines. This legislation, then, is in- would be barred from operating inter- Committee of the Whole a request for a re- tended to send a signal that the U.S. nationally. corded vote on any amendment; and (2) re- will not sit for such blatant discrimi- H.R. 661 says that if the EU persists duce to five minutes the minimum time for nation and that U.S.-modified aircraft in taking such action, our Secretary of electronic voting on any postponed question should be treated no differently than that follows another electronic vote without Transportation must respond by pro- intervening business, provided that the mini- similarly modified European airplanes. hibiting the arrival of the supersonic mum time for electronic voting on the first Mr. Speaker, CBO estimates that transport, the Concorde, an aircraft in any series of questions shall be 15 min- H.R. 661 would have no immediate im- which by comparison to our ever-more- utes. At the conclusion of consideration of pact on the Federal budget and that quiet United States aircraft is a regu- the bill for amendment the Committee shall the bill contains no intergovernmental lar roof-rattler. rise and report the bill to the House with mandates as defined by the Unfunded H.R. 661 sends a simple message to such amendments as may have been adopted. Mandates Reform Act. The bill would, our friends ‘‘across the pond’’ in the The previous question shall be considered as however, provide a new private-sector ordered on the bill and amendments thereto European Union that we will respond to final passage without intervening motion mandate on British Airways and Air in kind should they choose to take ac- except one motion to recommit with or with- France, the operators of the Concorde, tion that prohibits the use of U.S. air- out instructions. although such mandates are not ex- craft which are completely in compli- pected to exceed the $100 million b ance with international standards. 1045 threshold. That being said, I commend my Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Mr. Speaker, none of us relishes re- friends from the committee of jurisdic- Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I taliatory measures of this type. Indeed, tion, the Committee on Transportation yield the customary 30 minutes to the we wish they were, in fact, unneces- and Infrastructure, and urge support of distinguished gentlewoman from New sary. But fair is fair and, accordingly, the rule and the bill. York (Ms. SLAUGHTER), pending which I I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance yield myself such time as I may con- 86 and the underlying bill, H.R. 661. of my time. H900 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Mr. McDade, who was the predecessor Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my Speaker, I yield back the balance of of the gentleman from Pennsylvania colleagues to support this bill. It is a my time, and I move the previous ques- (Mr. SHERWOOD), introduced this bill simple piece of legislation that will fix tion on the resolution. last year, and it was passed overwhelm- the harmful inequity that results when The previous question was ordered. ingly in this House, but it died in the the Death on the High Seas Act is ap- The resolution was agreed to. Senate. The gentleman from Pennsyl- plied to aviation disasters. A motion to reconsider was laid on vania (Mr. SHERWOOD) is to be con- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance the table. gratulated for moving this legislation of my time. f so expeditiously through our commit- Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield tee so that we can be here on the floor 4 minutes to the distinguished gen- CLAIRFYING THE APPLICATION OF today to correct this obvious, nearly tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN), THE ‘‘DEATH ON THE HIGH SEAS bizarre inequity. It is something that chairman of the Subcommittee on ACT’’ TO AVIATION INCIDENTS we certainly should do. Aviation. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Now, this bill, sponsored by the gen- Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank HASTINGS of Washington). Pursuant to tleman from Pennsylvania and sup- the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. House Resolution 85 and rule XVIII, the ported by many of us on both sides of SHUSTER) for yielding me this time. Chair declares the House in the Com- the aisle, will be very helpful to the Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- mittee of the Whole House on the State families of the victims of TWA 800, port of this legislation which was in- of the Union for the consideration of some of whom reside in the gentle- troduced by the very distinguished gen- the bill, H.R. 603. man’s district, and the families of air- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHER- craft crash victims throughout the b 1052 WOOD). Let me just say that this legis- United States. It will ensure that all lation, I think, shows that the gen- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE families are treated equally, regardless tleman from Pennsylvania really cares Accordingly, the House resolved of whether a loved one died, be it in the about his constituents and is willing to itself into the Committee of the Whole water or on land. try to help them in any way he can. House on the State of the Union for the Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance This legislation is an example of that, consideration of the bill (H.R. 603) to of my time. because many young people from the Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield amend title 49, United States Code, to gentleman’s district in Montoursville, myself such time as I may consume. clarify the application of the Act popu- Pennsylvania, died tragically in the Mr. Chairman, I strongly support larly known as the ‘‘Death on the High TWA 800 crash. But this legislation will Seas Act’’ to aviation incidents, with H.R. 603, a bill to clarify the applica- tion of the Death on the High Seas Act. help people all over the Nation and it Mr. FOLEY in the chair. could help families years from now if, The Clerk read the title of the bill. An identical bill overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives God forbid, we have another similar The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Pursu- crash in the ocean. ant to the rule, the bill is considered as last Congress. Unfortunately, the full Senate did not consider the bill before Mr. Chairman, this legislation is de- having been read the first time. signed simply to clarify the application Under the rule, the gentleman from the end of Congress. H.R. 603 addresses a gross inequity of the Death on the High Seas Act to Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER), and the which was brought to our attention by aviation accidents. This issue arises be- gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. OBER- the family members of the victims of cause, in 1996, the Supreme Court real- STAR) each will control 30 minutes. The TWA flight 800, which is created when ly surprised everyone in deciding the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI) case of Zickerman versus Korean Air- will control the time of the gentleman the Death on the High Seas Act is ap- plied to aviation accidents. lines in holding that the Death on the from Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR). If a plane crashes into the ocean High Seas Act applies to lawsuits that The Chair recognizes the gentleman more than 3 miles from land, as did arise out of an aircraft crash in the from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER). TWA flight 800, the Death on the High ocean that occurs more than 3 miles Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield Seas Act applies. This act denies fami- from land. myself such time as I may consume. lies the ability to win noneconomic Mr. Chairman, in 1996, the Supreme b 1100 damages in a lawsuit. This means that Court decided that the Death on the a family member could not be com- The effect of this decision is to treat High Seas Act applied to aviation acci- pensated, for example, for the loss of families differently depending on dents. This took everybody by surprise companionship of a loved one; parents whether their relative died in an air- because the Death on the High Seas could not be compensated for the loss craft that crashed into the ocean or Act is a shipping law and the Federal of their teenaged sons and daughters; one that crashed on land. Aviation Act states that shipping laws sons and daughters could not be com- I think it is fair to say that almost do not apply to aviation. pensated for the loss of their elderly no one in the aviation or legal commu- Nevertheless, the Supreme Court said parents. However, if a plane crashed on nities believe that this Death on the it did apply when the plane crashed land, State tort law or the Warsaw High Seas Act would apply to the TWA into the ocean outside of U.S. terri- Convention would apply. Both permit crash until the recent decision in the torial waters. The effect of this deci- the award of noneconomic damages. Zickerman case. sion is to treat families differently de- The effect of applying the Death on Moreover, as a matter of simple fair- pending on whether their relative dies the High Seas Act to aviation acci- ness and equity, a 1920 maritime ship- in an aircraft that crashes into the dents is to treat families differently ping law should not apply to the vic- ocean or one that crashes into the depending on whether the loved ones tims of the TWA crash, and this is the land. die in an aircraft that crashed into the injustice that this legislation will cor- If the plane crashes into the ocean, ocean or one that crashed on land. This rect if we pass this bill. the Death on the High Seas Act ap- is obviously unfair. The value of an in- As of now, if we do not enact the bill plies. This act prevents a family from dividual’s life does not change depend- of the gentleman from Pennsylvania collecting damages for their relatives’ ing on where the plane happens to (Mr. SHERWOOD), if a plane crashes into pain and suffering or from the loss of come down. the ocean, the Death on the High Seas the companionship of their loved one. H.R. 603 would correct this critical Act applies. This Act denies families However, if the plane crashes into land, flaw of the Death on the High Seas Act. the ability to seek compensation in a there is no legal bar to collecting these First, the bill simply adds the bill to court of law for the loss of companion- damages. the list of shipping laws that do not ship of a loved one, their relatives’ pain So, there really is no reason why the apply to aviation. Secondly, the bill and suffering, or punitive damages. Ba- monetary recovery from a lawsuit makes this change applicable to all sically, these people are limited to re- should depend upon where the plane cases still pending in the lower courts, covering only lost wages. happens to come down, whether it is which includes the family members of Because of the Zickerman decision into the water or into the land. the victims of TWA flight 800. and this law, it means that parents will March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H901 receive almost no compensation in the I have known Joe McDade all the crete, steel, and we create great trans- death of a child. years I served in this body, at first as portation systems, move America, that On the other hand, if a plane crashes a staff member and then as a colleague. we also have the compassion to act in on land, State tort laws apply. These There is one quality that shines matters of this kind that do justice for would permit the award of nonpecu- through this thoughtful and sparkly, those of our fellow citizens and those niary damages such as loss of compan- ever-with-a-twinkle-in-his-eye gen- whom we represent in this great body. ionship and pain and suffering. tleman who chaired the Subcommittee Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I am Simply put, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 603 on Energy and Water Development, and pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- amends the Federal Aviation Act so that was his concern for his fellow tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHER- that the Death on the High Seas Act human beings, his splendid representa- WOOD), the principal author of this leg- does not apply to airline crashes. It tion of the people of his District, the islation. would accomplish this by specifically remarkable locomotive museum that I Mr. SHERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I stating that the Death on the High visited when I took my daughter up to rise in strong support of H.R. 603, the Seas Act is one of the navigation and look at a college in his District, the ev- Airline Disaster Relief Act. I want to shipping laws that do not apply to air- erlasting memorial that he has created thank my distinguished chairman, the craft. in one after another community gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. With this legislation, we will ensure project to serve the needs of his people. SHUSTER) for his hard work and leader- that all families will be treated the But none of those accomplishments ship in shepherding H.R. 603 to the same, regardless of whether a plane will be a greater memorial than the en- floor. crashes into the ocean or on land. actment of this legislation, which has Additionally, I am grateful for the Again, Mr. Chairman, let me thank been introduced by the gentleman from guidance and support of the gentleman the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pennsylvania (Mr. SHERWOOD), his suc- from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN), the sub- SHERWOOD) for introducing this legisla- cessor in the Congress and our commit- committee chairman, the gentleman tion, which will help a number of con- tee. from Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR) and stituents in his district and others It is really unfortunate the other the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPIN- across the Nation who were devastated body did not act on this legislation in SKI), ranking members. by the loss of their loved ones in the the last Congress. We hope that moving The Committee on Transportation TWA Flight 800 tragedy. the bill early this year will give them and Infrastructure’s swift consider- As the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. motivation to proceed with dispatch ation of this measure is greatly appre- LIPINSKI) noted, this bill passed the and to take action on the mark of de- ciated by me and by the families of the House last year overwhelmingly. Un- layed justice overdue. victims of TWA Flight 800 and the fortunately, we did not get it worked Those of us who have served on the out in the Senate and in conference, Swiss Air tragedies. PanAm 103 Commission, my good This bill, above all, is about fairness. and we need to do that this year. I friend, John Paul Hammerschmidt, It is about providing equitable treat- think we can very quickly. former ranking member of the Sub- ment for the families who lost loved Let me also thank the gentleman committee on Public Works and the from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER), the ones in airline disasters over inter- Committee on Transportation and In- national waters. Right now, we apply a very distinguished chairman of the full frastructure, and I served on the committee, for his support on this leg- 79-year-old maritime law written to PanAm 103 Commissions. We learned help the widows of sailors lost at sea in islation, as well as the gentleman from that families of the victims realize cases of modern airline disasters. This Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR), the ranking nothing that we could do will bring maritime law is known as the 1920 member, and especially my good back their loved ones. friend, the gentleman from Illinois What they ask is that the injustice in Death on the High Seas Act. On July 17, 1996, 230 people lost their (Mr. LIPINSKI), the ranking member of that case, that the tragedy not be re- lives in the tragic crash of TWA Flight the Subcommittee on Aviation. peated through terrorist actions 800. Among the victims were 21 people This is a good bill, and I urge all against aviation, and in this case that Members to support it. justice be done for families in the fu- from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, a Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield ture that may have, God forbid that it small town in my district. The people such time as he may consume to the should happen again, but who may of Montoursville were brutally im- gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. OBER- have such a tragedy occur. pacted by the sudden loss of 16 high STAR), the ranking member of the Com- PanAm 103 did not raise this issue be- school seniors and five chaperones on a mittee on Transportation and Infra- cause it crashed on land. Had PanAm trip to France for educational pur- structure. 103 not been delayed a half hour on the poses. For the families of the victims Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Chairman, I ground in London and taken off on aboard Flight 800, this tragedy has thank my good friend, the gentleman time, it would have been blown up over been made worse by the Supreme from Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI), for yield the North Atlantic. Court’s application of this dated mari- me this time. I compliment him on the It would have raised the same issues time law. splendid job of leadership he has done that TWA 800 raises for us in this legis- If a plane crashed on land, family in working to craft this legislation and lation of Death on the High Seas, that members can seek redress for losses in to bring it to the floor. I thank the ancient piece of legislation that pro- State courts for various different types gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. hibits recovery for those who are lost of compensation. However, if a loved SHUSTER), chairman of the full com- beyond the territorial limits of the one crashed at sea, one can only seek mittee, for moving so quickly and deci- United States. compensation for loss of income in a sively last year and again this year to I will not repeat all of the points that U.S. District Court. correct the clear gap in the law that have been made about the details of In the case of a child or a retired per- amounts to an abuse of the rights of the legislation. I do not think it is nec- son lost at sea, the Supreme Court’s the families of victims. I thank, of essary to do so. The gentleman from Il- application of this archaic maritime course, the gentleman from Tennessee linois (Mr. LIPINSKI) and the gentleman law makes that child valueless in the (Mr. DUNCAN), our splendid chairman of from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER) and face of the law. the Subcommittee on Aviation, the the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Clearly, the application of this law is ever judicious and thoughtful advocate DUNCAN) have already made that case. patently unfair and cruel. Why are we for aviation. What we do hear, though, is a lasting standing here in 1999 and applying a This legislation arises out of a trag- memorial to the families of the vic- 1920’s maritime law to modern aviation edy that occurred in Long Island tims, to the victims themselves, that disaster claims? The time has come to Sound, but it arises also out of the gen- justice in the future will be done create one level playing field and one uine, deep, profound humanitarian con- should ever a tragedy of this mag- process for all airline crash claims. cern of our former colleague, the gen- nitude occur on the high seas. The current treatment of land and tleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. It is a great tribute to our committee sea crashes as separate and unequal McDade. that, as we build memorials of con- must come to an end. This bill clarifies H902 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 that the 1920s Death on the High Seas To this day the crash continues to be a na- York to Paris. They were on their way to Paris Act does not apply to aviation. tional tragedy. For almost 2 years, the families to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. I urge my colleagues to overwhelm- of those who perished have had to deal with Their loss, and the loss of all of the pas- ingly approve this bill for it is the more than the unbearable pain of losing a sengers and crew on the plane, was a horrible right thing to do. It is the fair thing to loved one in such a sudden, violent and public tragedy. do. It is the compassionate thing to do. manner. To this day they have to live with not Kyle and Amy symbolized the American Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I do having many answers for their loss, as they spirit and were outstanding members of their not believe that I have any other continue to wait for an explanation about why community. Kyle was a small businessman speakers, and I yield myself such time the disaster occurred. and owned part of his family hardware and as I may consume. As if this disaster alone is not enough, the plumbing businesses. Amy worked at the Mr. Chairman, I would simply like to tragedy is made all the worse by an outdated hardware store and was a member of the say in conclusion that this is a very law that prevents survivors from suing in state Tamaqua Area School Board. Her work in important piece of legislation. I agree court, in front of a jury, for damages like pain local education programs was outstanding and that it should be passed overwhelm- and suffering and loss of companionship that she was the top vote-getter in both the pri- ingly. are traditionally available under the tort law mary and general election. I want to thank the gentleman from system. Had the plance crashed seconds ear- Both Amy and Kyle were well liked and well Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) and the gen- lierÐwhen the plane was only two miles off of respected in the community. The effect of this tleman from Minnesota (Mr. OBER- New York's coastÐthis would not be an issue. change in the law would allow families such STAR), ranking member, and the gen- However, at nine miles out, the 1920 ``Death as Kyle and Amy's to receive the same mone- tleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman on the High Seas Act'' governs. This out-dated tary awards families receive when planes SHUSTER), and the Democratic and Re- law dictates that lawsuits arising from aviation crash over land. publican staff for their outstanding co- accidents that occur more than 3 miles off of I strongly encourage all members to support operation and work on behalf of this the United States shoreline be brought in Ad- H.R. 603 The Death on the High Seas & Air- bill. miralty Court, and limits recovery of damages line Disaster Act of 1999. To help all families Everyone has worked very diligently for survivors to lose income only. While this who lose loved ones in aircraft accidents re- to bring this bill to the floor as early may have been an appropriate law 79 years gardless of where the plane crashes. as possible in this session of Congress ago, in 1999 it is nothing short of outrageous. Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield so that we could give the other body A constituent of mine, Carol Ziemkiewicz back the balance of my time. ample and sufficient time to pass it. (ZEM-ka-witz), lost her daughter on that flight. GENERAL LEAVE Because, as it has been stated here, it Jill Ziemkiewicz had been working as a flight Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I ask is definitely the right thing to do, the attendant for only a month and a half when unanimous consent that all Members fair thing to do, the equitable thing to she was assigned to her first international may have 5 legislative days within do. So, please, everyone vote on behalf flight on TWA Flight 800. She would be going which to revise and extend their re- of this bill. to Paris, where she was eager to visit the Gar- marks on H.R. 603. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in den of Versailles. An hour before TWA Flight The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Is support of H.R. 603, the Death on the High 800 left to take Jill to Paris, she called her there objection to the request of the Seas Act. mother and summed up her anticipationÐher gentleman from Pennsylvania? As many know, I have been an outspoken last words to her were ``I'm psyched.'' There was no objection. proponent of the ideas contained within this Jill was only twenty-three years old at the Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield bill because of a tragedy that struck my district time she was killed and it is accurate to say back the balance of my time. on July 17, 1996, the crash of TWA 800, and that her life, along with every other on the The CHAIRMAN pro tempore (Mr. the loss of all of its passengers and crew. plane, ended to early. But the 230 people who BURR of North Carolina). All time for This important act would allow full com- died in that crash were not the only victims on general debate has expired. Pursuant pensation for the families of victims of aviation that fateful night. Those victims left behind to the rule, the bill shall be considered disasters like TWA 800. Current law makes families, friends, and loved ones, people who under the 5-minute rule by section, and certain distinctions between different types of continue to live but whose lives will never be each section shall be considered read. aviation disaster victims. These distinctions the same because of this tragedy. During consideration of the bill for prohibit the families of some disaster victims I am proud to support H.R. 603. H.R. 603 amendment, the Chair may accord pri- from receiving the type of compensation that will help to ensure that Carol Ziemkiewicz and ority in recognition to a Member offer- they truly deserve. As a result, many aviation the hundreds of other surviving family mem- ing an amendment that he has printed disaster victims suffered both the loss of a bers like her know that the lives of their loved in the designated place in the CONGRES- loved one and the economic assistance that ones had valueÐthat what happened to them SIONAL RECORD. Those amendments such persons provided. was a tragedy and we all must do what we will be considered read. H.R. 603 would replace outdated provisions can to ease their pain and suffering. They The Chairman of the Committee of of a law adopted 79 years ago that was de- have been through enough. I urge my col- the Whole may postpone a request for a signed to allow the surviving family members leagues to support H.R. 603. recorded vote on any amendment and of sailors lost at sea to sue for lost wages. Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in may reduce to a minimum of 5 minutes Subsequent court rulings determined that the support of H.R. 603 The Death on the High the time for voting on any postponed act applies to all maritime and aviation disas- Seas & Airline Disaster Act of 1999. I would question that immediately follows an- ters that occur more than one marine league, like to commend Chairman SHUSTER and other vote provided that the time for or three miles, from America's shoreline. Ranking Member Mr. OBERSTAR for quickly voting on the first question shall be a TWA 800 crashed nine miles off of Long Is- moving this bill through the Transportation minimum of 15 minutes. land's South Shore. Therefore, the Supreme Committee. I would also like to call commend The Clerk will designate section 1. Court ultimately determined that the incident Representative DON SHERWOOD for all of his The text of section 1 is as follows: was covered by existing law that limits com- hard work on bringing this bill to the floor. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- pensation to the families of victims of aviation Mr. Chairman. H.R. 603 will correct an in- resentatives of the United States of America in disasters. I am sorry to say that victims of equity in the law which currently treats families Congress assembled, TWA 800 and their surviving families have suf- differently depending on whether their relative SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION AMENDMENT. fered greatly as a result. died in an aircraft that crashed into the ocean Section 40120(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘(including As a matter of justice and human decency, or one that crashed into land. This is espe- the Act entitled ‘An Act relating to the I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 603. We cially harsh for families which lose a child in maintenance of actions for death on the high cannot fully restore the lives of those affected a crash. This creates cruel inequality depend- seas and other navigable waters’, approved by the crash of TWA 800 and similar disas- ing on where a plane happens to come down. March 30, 1920, commonly known as the ters, but can, and should, do what we can to Mr. Chairman, the need for this bill became Death on the High Seas Act (46 U.S.C. App. ease their pain. clear after TWA 800 crashed 8 miles off Long 761–767; 41 Stat. 537–538))’’ after ‘‘United Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, on July 17th, Island, New York on July 16, 1996. Two of my States’’. 1997, 230 people died when TWA Flight 800 constituents, Kyle and Amy Miller of Tamaqua, The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Are exploded 9 miles off the coast of Long Island. PA, were aboard this flight en route from New there any amendments to section 1? March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H903 Hearing none, the Clerk will des- Under the rule, the gentleman from sume. I want to thank the chairman of ignate section 2. Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER) and the our full committee for that very The text of section 2 is as follows: gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. OBER- strong, forceful, well-phrased state- SEC. 2. APPLICABILITY. STAR) each will control 30 minutes. ment but, more importantly, for his The amendment made by section 1 applies The Chair recognizes the gentleman prompt action on this legislation, mov- to civil actions commenced after the date of from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER). ing it through subcommittee and full the enactment of this Act and to civil ac- Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield committee to the floor quickly, be- tions that are not adjudicated by a court of myself such time as I may consume. cause the situation demanded quick ac- original jurisdiction or settled on or before Recently, the European Union took tion. The gentleman is a strong advo- such date of enactment. the first step in adopting a very dis- cate for American interests, whether in The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Are criminatory regulation that would ef- steel or in other modes of transpor- there any amendments to section 2? fectively ban most U.S.-based stage 3 tation, but especially here in this case There being no amendments, under hushkitted and certain U.S. re-engined in aviation. the rule, the Committee rises. aircraft from operation in the Euro- I did my graduate studies at the Col- b 1115 pean Union, even though they meet all lege of Europe in Brugge, Belgium, at international noise standards. the time of the formation of the Euro- Accordingly, the Committee rose; Hushkitted aircraft are older aircraft pean Common Market. I have contin- and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. that have what is essentially a muffler ued to follow events in Europe very WICKER) having assumed the chair, Mr. added so that they can meet the cur- closely, from the coal and steel com- BURR of North Carolina, Chairman pro rent stage 3 noise requirements. Re- munity, through the European Com- tempore of the Committee of the Whole engined aircraft are stage 2 aircraft mon Market, to the European Par- House on the State of the Union, re- that have stage 3 engines added to liament and the Council of Ministers ported that that Committee, having meet current noise requirements. developments, all of which have united had under consideration the bill (H.R. Now, the proposed European Union Europe, have brought a higher stand- 603) to amend title 49, United States regulation, on which they have already ard of living to Europe in the post- Code, to clarify the application of the taken the first step, limits the number World War II era, all of which develop- Act popularly known as the ‘‘Death on of possible buyers of U.S.-owned ments have been strongly supported by the High Seas Act’’ to aviation inci- hushkitted and re-engined aircraft. a succession of U.S. presidents and dents, pursuant to House Resolution 85, Under the regulation, the European Congresses. he reported the bill back to the House. Union operators can only buy these We want a strong, economically The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under hushkitted and re-engined aircraft strong, united Europe. It is in our best the rule, the previous question is or- from other European operators. They economic interest. It is in our national dered. cannot buy them from American opera- security interest. But it is to be a Eu- The question is on the engrossment tors. rope that will trade fairly with the and third reading of the bill. In addition, the regulation signifi- United States, that their markets must The bill was ordered to be engrossed cantly increases U.S. costs of operation be open to ours on the same terms and and read a third time, and was read the in European Union countries. New U.S. conditions that ours are open to theirs. third time. operations will have to be flown by air- And we have the world’s largest open, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The craft originally manufactured to meet free market for any commodity, and question is on the passage of the bill. stage 3 requirements even though the especially in aviation. The question was taken. retrofitted engines meet all the re- We have negotiated one after another Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on that quirements. U.S. hushkitted aircraft liberal aviation trade agreement with I demand the yeas and nays. will not be allowed to fly in Europe. European countries, beginning with the The yeas and nays were ordered. This is blatant, outrageous discrimi- Netherlands. Free open-skies agree- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nation. This regulation implements a ments. We have with Germany. We ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- regional standard that is substantially have with Italy. We are negotiating ceedings on this question will be post- different from that agreed upon one now with France. Why, then, in the poned until later today. through international standards and face of this openness to trade, why in f unfairly targets U.S. operations. the face of U.S. cooperation with Eu- The bill before us takes the first step rope in aviation matters, joint ven- COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF SU- to respond to these discriminatory tures with Airbus industry, the joint PERSONIC TRANSPORT CAT- practices by effectively banning flights venture between GE and Snekma, the EGORY AIRCRAFT of the Concorde in the U.S. if a final French engine manufacturer, why in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- regulation is adopted by the European the face of some 60 percent of the mate- ant to House Resolution 86 and rule Union. The Concorde does not meet the rials and parts produced for Airbus air- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in stage 3 noise requirements that the craft coming from the United States, the Committee of the Whole House on U.S.-owned hushkitted aircraft cur- why is the European Community tak- the State of the Union for the consider- rently meet. It does not even meet the ing anti-competitive action as they ation of the bill, H.R. 661. less restricted stage 2 requirements. have done with their proposal to elimi- So it is important that we, today, b 1116 nate some 1,600 U.S. aircraft from the take our first step in response to the European air system? IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Europeans, having already taken their The European Commission made a Accordingly, the House resolved first step, so that we demand a level recommendation to the European Par- itself into the Committee of the Whole playing field. I strongly urge support of liament, which debated this issue, and House on the State of the Union for the this bill. then adopted a proposed regulation, consideration of the bill (H.R. 661) to It is our hope that we do not need to submitted to the European Council of direct the Secretary of Transportation proceed further with the Senate and Ministers, that would restrict the use to prohibit the commercial operation having this signed into law, because in Europe of some, but not all, aircraft of supersonic transport category air- our hope is that the Europeans will not that have either a new engine or a craft that do not comply with stage 3 proceed beyond the step they have al- hushkit installed on existing engines noise levels if the European Union ready taken. But if they do, we are cer- to meet their highest current noise adopts certain aircraft noise regula- tainly prepared to respond in a similar standards, Chapter 3 of ICAO, or stage tions, with Mr. BURR of North Carolina fashion, and I urge strong support for 3 as we call it in the United States. in the chair. this pro-American legislation. On the face of it, it looks fair, but in The Clerk read the title of the bill. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance practice it applies only to U.S. aircraft The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the of my time. and U.S. engines. Conveniently, it ex- rule, the bill is considered as having Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Chairman, I cludes the engines produced by the GE been read the first time. yield myself such time as I may con- alliance with the French manufacturer H904 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Snekma, the CFM series engines. U.S. If the proposed recommendation is Mr. Chairman, we are responding aircraft engines are quieter than their adopted, then our bill banning the Con- today. Our action moving this bill European Chapter 3 counterparts, and corde is an appropriate response to Eu- through committee and to the floor so if this regulation is finalized, the effect rope’s anti-competitive practice. quickly has already had a positive ef- would be to cost American businesses fect. Deputy Transportation Secretary b 1130 over a billion dollars in spare parts and Mort Downey informed me yesterday engine sales and reduce the resale The Concorde is European aviation’s that he was advised at an ICAO meet- value of some 1,600 U.S. aircraft as well flagship aircraft. The Concorde is Eu- ing on Friday that the President of the as reduce the market for U.S. rope’s signature technological mark on EU has postponed action for at least 3 hushkitted manufacturers. world aviation. It is a mark of pride for weeks on the pending proposal, which Now, I have been to the Nordham fa- Europe. We have been allowing their means that the Council of Ministers cilities in the United States where they market pride to fly in our airspace, will not be able to consider the banning manufacture hushkits, and I have seen even though it does not meet our noise of U.S. engines and hushkitted engines the splendid job they do. And their standards. We have been tolerant of at least until the end of this month. hushkits have been installed, starting and cooperated with airlines flying the The reason: They took very careful with Federal Express and then with Concorde. British Airways and Air note of this bill moving through com- other U.S. airline operators, to meet France operate four daily flights, eight mittee and to the House floor. The Sec- our Stage 3 standards. They do a su- operations, that is, eight arrivals and retary of Transportation and the State perb job. They quiet those engines departures each day into U.S. airspace. Department have asked for consulta- down. We are down now from the 1990 Yesterday, March 2, was the 30th anni- tion with the EU. We understand that noise law in the United States, from versary of the first Concorde flight to those consultations are likely to take 2,340 aircraft in 1990 that were Stage 2, the United States. place within the next week or so, cer- we are down to just under 900 aircraft. It is rather appropriate we bring this tainly before the end of this month. By the end of this year we will be down legislation to the floor today. I am I share the administration’s hope to under 600, and by the end of next willing, and I know the chairman of that the Europeans will come to their year we will be down to zero. our committee is willing, to cooperate senses and realize that they have a lot We have done a far superior job of and to support continuation of the at stake in working with us rather noise control in the United States than waiver that has been in place for these than against us. We have already been the European Community has done. three decades. But we are not going to through the banana wars. We have had Our aircraft are seen worldwide as the do it unless the Europeans play fair steel trade issues between the United standard. Our technology is seen world- and unless they drop their regulation States and the European community. wide as the standard. So why has Eu- that would prohibit certain U.S. air- Countervailing duties have been im- rope chosen to take this policy initia- craft from operating in European air- posed on unfair trade practices by the tive? Hushkits have been used for over space. Fair is fair. European community and by Russia. I 15 years to quiet aircraft. The regula- There will be positive environmental think Europe should get the message tion says that engines with a higher benefits from prohibiting the Concorde that in aviation, cooperation, competi- bypass ratio would be allowed in the in our airspace. Preliminary analysis tion on a fair and equitable playing European airspace, but those high by- from the FAA says that eliminating field is right, but protective practices pass engines are mostly European man- the Concorde and its noise from New are not. We take a strong stand today ufactured. York airspace will reduce the noise and I think we have got their atten- An engine’s bypass ratio is only one footprint around John F. Kennedy tion. We have just got to keep the heat of several factors in determining the International Airport by at least 20 on. actual noise produced by that equip- percent. I think that is a very strong Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance ment. Compare a 727–200 re-engined argument. The Europeans I hope will of my time. with a Pratt & Whitney JT8D–217C/15 see the wisdom of changing their ways. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I am engine and a Airbus A300B4–200 The Clinton administration, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- equipped with a CF6–50C2 engine. The pleased, has responded vigorously to tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN), 727, and I want to be very precise about this thinly veiled attempt to give a the distinguished chairman of our Sub- this, because the Europeans have made competitive advantage to European committee on Aviation. a big stink about this issue, the 727 I Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank aircraft and engine manufacturers. have described is quieter than the Air- the gentleman from Pennsylvania for Transportation Secretary Slater, Com- bus 300. The 727 re-engined has a per- yielding me this time, and I rise in merce Secretary Daley and U.S. Trade formance standard of 288.8 decibels; the strong support of this bill by one of the Representive Ambassador Barshefsky Airbus A300, 293.3 decibels. Yet, under great aviation experts, the gentleman have already appealed to the European the European Union proposed regula- from Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR). I am Commission to defer action and to let tion, the Boeing aircraft would be proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. this go to the proper forum, the ICAO, banned, the Airbus aircraft will fly. H.R. 661, Mr. Chairman, would pro- Well, I got news for the Europeans, the International Civil Aviation Orga- hibit the commercial operation of su- that does not fly here in the United nization. personic transport aircraft if the Euro- States. Furthermore, I think this Last week, Commerce Under Sec- pean Union adopts a rule that would would be destructive in the long run retary for International Trade Aaron prohibit operation of U.S. aircraft that for the Europeans to enact this and testified before the Finance Committee have been modified with hushkits or permanently put into place this regula- of the other body: fitted with new engines. The Europeans tion because it will create havoc in the The acceleration of consideration at the contend that their regulation is merely international community in negotia- Council level appears aimed at precluding intended to improve the environment consultations between the United States and tions on future noise regulation and air the European Union before implementation by reducing aircraft noise, but this is emissions standards from aircraft. on April 1, 1999. Because of its potential im- really ridiculous. The European Union, Probably there is no one today who pact on our bilateral commerce, Secretaries if they adopt this rule, would be asking can remember what the skies over Daley and Slater, and Ambassador us to allow one of the noisiest air- Washington looked like 25 years ago. Barshefsky have written not only the Euro- planes in the world into the U.S., the Huge clouds of smoke, 12,000 tons of pean Commission but also to Ministers of the Concorde, which does not even meet pollutants deposited on the Nation’s Member States asking that the Council not Stage 2 noise standards, while banning capital from aircraft taking off from proceed with adoption of the regulation until some of the quietest airplanes in the National Airport. We have cleaned that consultations could be held. We are deeply world, planes that meet the more ad- concerned that this regulation remains on all up. We do not see those black track for approval without meaningful con- vanced Stage 3 noise requirements. smoke trails any longer. Well, Europe sultations having taken place. I have in- These would be banned only because caught on, too. They followed our path, formed the EU that the United States is pre- they come from the United States. but now they want to be discrimina- pared to respond appropriately to the harm This is not an environmental issue. tory. our industry will suffer. This is a trade issue. What the EU is March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H905 proposing goes against every principle that will prohibit the operation of the the distinguished chairman of the Com- of free trade and open skies and in fact Concorde in the United States. This mittee on International Relations. would be very unfair trade. In fact bill is in direct response to a proposed (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given what the Europeans are trying to do is European regulation which would ef- permission to revise and extend his re- to keep U.S. aircraft out of their mar- fectively ban most U.S.-based Stage 3 marks.) ket. The regulation in question would hushkitted and reengined aircraft from Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank prevent U.S. airlines from selling their operation in the European Union. the gentleman for yielding me this aircraft to European airlines if those The European resolution banning time. I am pleased to rise in support of aircraft have been modified with these hushkits is supposedly based on noise- this bill requiring retaliation against more advanced hushkits or new en- related environmental concerns. How- the European Union banning flights of gines. But the regulation would not ever, there is no environmental analy- the Concorde if the EU adopts legisla- prevent European airlines from selling sis that supports the hushkit ban. In tion restricting the use of so-called their hushkit modified aircraft to fact, some of the aircraft that will be hushkits. other European airlines. banned under the regulation are quiet- I commend the gentleman from Min- This is blatant discrimination, Mr. er than some of those that will still be nesota (Mr. OBERSTAR) for bringing the Chairman. There is no reason that U.S. flying into European airports. issue to the floor and our attention and hushkitted aircraft should be treated The European regulation banning to the gentleman from Pennsylvania differently from European ones. More- hushkitted and reengined aircraft is (Mr. SHUSTER) and the gentleman from over, aircraft with a hushkit or a new not an environmental regulation. In- Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) for moving engine are environmentally friendly. stead, it is an unfair trade action dis- this measure quickly through the As I have noted, they meet the Stage 3 guised as an environmental regulation. House. standards established by our own FAA The regulation proposed by the Euro- We had the opportunity to raise this and the Chapter 3 standards estab- pean Parliament is specifically tar- issue with members of the European lished by the International Civil Avia- geted against U.S. products, such as Parliament in Strasbourg during this tion Organization, ICAO. In many Boeing aircraft, Pratt & Whitney en- past January. I was joined in that re- cases, these aircraft are quieter than gines, and hushkits, which are only gard by the gentleman from California aircraft that the Europeans would con- manufactured in the United States of (Mr. HORN), a member of the U.S. dele- tinue to allow. America. There is no doubt that this gation and a member of the Sub- The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. regulation is designed to discriminate committee on Aviation of the Commit- OBERSTAR) has acted quickly in ad- against U.S. aircraft and aircraft man- tee on Transportation and Infrastruc- dressing this issue and he and the gen- ufacturers. ture. We informed our European col- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- The economic effect of this proposed leagues that we were very much con- STER) are both to be commended for regulation will be immediate and se- cerned that the proposed legislation moving this bill so quickly. I know vere. The U.S. aviation industry is al- that there is some concern regarding was a design standard and not a per- ready suffering at the hands of the Eu- the speed with which we are moving. formance standard and that it was uni- ropeans. Within the past 2 years, Some people really wanted us to go lateral action not in keeping with the Boeing’s market share has fallen from much further. But this bill is an appro- rules of the International Civil Avia- 70 percent to 50 percent. Boeing is los- priate and I think measured response tion Organization. We told them it ing out to Airbus, which is still sub- to the European action. It would target would cause great harm to American sidized by four European countries that the commercial flights of the Concorde interests. own it, because Boeing does not receive which meet neither the Stage 3 nor Upon our return to the States, the the same protectionist treatment that Chapter 3 standards for noise. In fact, gentleman from California and I de- is given to Airbus. as I noted earlier, they do not even cided to proceed in expressing our We cannot allow the Europeans to meet Stage 2 noise standards. They views in greater detail. Meanwhile, the use the environment as a false excuse make much more noise than the legislative tempo in Europe sped up al- to attack U.S. aviation and aviation hushkitted aircraft that the Europeans most as if to try to cut off the flow of companies. Therefore, if this proposed want to ban. The EU refused to enter information from this side of the At- regulation banning hushkitted and into consultations regarding its meas- lantic. reengined aircraft is implemented, we ure until this bill was introduced. It is b 1145 important that we move ahead with must reciprocate by banning the oper- ation of the Concorde, which is the The legislation was approved in early this bill to keep up the pressure on the February even though it did not appear EU. This approach will give our State pride of European aviation. H.R. 661 sends a strong message to on the advanced agenda for that day of Department added leverage in its con- our counterparts in Europe that we are the week, and the final step in the sultations and negotiations on this serious about this issue. We cannot af- adoption of the European legislation is matter. approval by the Council of Ministers of This is a very good bill, Mr. Chair- ford to let Europe use unfair trade man. I urge my fellow Members to sup- methods to protect and promote their the European Union. However, in reac- port it. own aviation industry at the expense of tion to strong representations by sev- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Chairman, I U.S. companies. Boeing cannot afford eral members of our own Cabinet and, yield such time as he may consume to to lose any more market share. In fact, I believe, in the expectation that this the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPIN- no U.S. company can afford to lose legislation we are now considering will SKI), ranking member of the Sub- business because of unfair trade regula- be coming to the floor, the European committee on Aviation, and thank him tions. Union’s Executive Commission has for his splendid support for this issue. I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- asked the final approval by the council Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I port H.R. 661. This bill will ban the op- administrators be held off until late thank the gentleman from Minnesota eration of the Concorde in the United March. During that time and during for yielding me the time. I want to States if and only if the European which negotiations will be under way compliment him on this piece of legis- Union implements the regulation ban- we are hoping that some kind of agree- lation. My only regret in regards to it ning hushkitted and reengined aircraft. ment can be reached that will uphold is that I did not think of it first. I sa- We must act quickly to let the Euro- our American interests. lute him. I also want to thank the gen- peans know we are serious about pro- Mr. Chairman, we have often heard tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) tecting U.S. environmental interests the view that sanctions do not work. and the gentleman from Pennsylvania from unfair trade actions, even if they Well, this is a case where the justified (Mr. SHUSTER) for moving this bill so are disguised as environmental protec- frustration and concern of the Amer- quickly through the subcommittee and tions. ican people has brought us to the point the full committee. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I am of adopting a unilateral sanction to re- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in very, pleased to yield 41⁄2 minutes to the gen- taliate, and we will do so by a wide very strong support of H.R. 661, a bill tleman from New York (Mr. GILMAN) margin. I hope that the sponsors of this H906 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 bill will bear in mind how important it standard, and that it was a unilateral action and balance them along with the very impor- was to take quick action and will not not in keeping with the rules of the Inter- tant American interests involved in the hush kit agree to legislation to place speed national Civil Aviation Organization. We told issue per se. bumps in the way of enactment of fu- them it would cause great harm to American Let me indicate my dismay that the ``hush ture sanctions bills. I hope that the interests. kit'' issue was allowed to get to the point bill’s managers will be sensitive to the We were pleasantly surprised to learn that where it may precipitate a series of measures need to modify this bill as the process the new Chairman of the European Parliament and countermeasures. We need to prevent moves along and will bear in mind the delegation, Barry Seal, M.E.P., was the that from happening and not just reacting to importance of the overall U.S.-EU rela- spokesman of the Socialist group on aviation. events. tionship and balance them along with He told us that he had been unaware of the The U.S. and European Parliament delega- the very important American interests problem the United States had with the legis- tions agreed in Strasbourg to step up the level involved in the hushkit issue. lation and that he would look into it. Mr. Seal of our cooperation for this purpose (among Let me indicate my dismay that the serves on the EP's Transportation Committee. others). Indeed, we have formed a ``Trans- hushkit issue was allowed to get to Subsequently, a meeting of the Parliament's atlantic Legislative Dialogue.'' We hope to this point where it may precipitate a Environment Committee was held and this bill have, for example, videoconferences to allow series of measures and counter- was discussed. Another member of the EP's in depth discussions on the issues that con- measures. We need to prevent this from delegation for relations with the United States, cern us. Aviation issues such as Airbus/Boe- happening and not just reacting to Mary Banotti, M.E.P., raised our concerns ing and ``hushkits'' might well be a good place events. The U.S. and European par- along with her own. However, she did not to start. We will also be setting up links be- liamentary delegations agreed in amend the legislation, but expressed her hope tween relevant Committees to try to give early Strasbourg to step up the level of our that an amendment could be worked out that warning and advice in both directions across cooperation for this purpose among would provide for a performance standard in the AtlanticÐagain, to try to prevent crises in others. Indeed, we have formed a trans- lieu of a design standard. our relationship and to find ways to cooperate. atlantic legislative dialogue. We hope Upon our return, Congressman HORN and I There is no question that there have been to have, for example, video conferences wrote to the EU Members we had met with ex- significant bumps on the road in U.S.-EU rela- to allow in-depth discussions on the pressing our views in greater detail. In addi- tions in the recent past. With tensions high on issues that concern us. Aviation issues tion, Mr. HORN and I rounded up several col- the banana and beef hormone disputes, not to such as Airbus/Boeing and hushkits leagues on a letter to Secretary Slater and mention issues such as data protection, Iran, might well be a good place to start. Ambassador Barshefsky to express our con- and Cuba, we need to keep all lines of com- We will also be setting up links be- cerns. munication open. The private sector also needs to be on the tween the relevant committees to try Meanwhile, the legislative tempo in Europe lookout for legislation or regulations that will to give early warning and advice in sped up, almost as if to try to cut off the flow cause the U.S. and the EU to come into con- both directions across the Atlantic, of information from this side of the Atlantic. flict. Organizations such as the Transatlantic again to try to prevent crises in our re- The legislation was approved on February Business Dialogue and the Transatlantic Pol- lationships and find ways to cooperate. 10th, even though it did not appear on the ad- icy Network have an important role to play in Our Nation and the EU’s democracies, vance agenda for that day or week. this regard. Our Administration could also do which have the world’s largest trading The final step in the adoption of the Euro- a better job in keeping on the lookout for such and investing relationships, need, of pean legislation is approval by the Council of Ministers of the European Union. However, in problems on the horizon. But they need to be course, to head off conflict wherever helped by the private sectorÐand there is no reaction to strong representations by several possible. question that the rather non-transparent policy In conclusion, not only is conflict members of the United States cabinet, and, I process in Brussels contributes to our being disruptive to our economies, but it can believe, in the expectation that this legislation taken by surprise from time to time. Policy- make it difficult for us to cooperate on we are now considering would be coming to makers need to have issues on which conflict the floor, the European Union's Executive important matters on the transatlantic might arise brought to their attention well in Commission has asked that final approval by agenda and in third countries. It has advance, so that they can be addressed with the Council of Ministers be held off until late aptly been said that if our Nation and ample time to make effective, thoughtful deci- March. During this period of time, during which Europe do not act together, little will sions. get done on the world scene. negotiations will be under way, I hope some Our Nation and the EU's democracies, So, let me conclude again by saying kind of agreement can be reached that will up- which have the world's largest trading and in- that we simply must do a better job of hold American interests. vesting relationship, need, of course, to head managing the U.S.-EU relationships, Even so, it appears that the legislation itself off conflict wherever possible. Not only is con- but I regret to say that at this point we will be adopted, and whatever agreement flict disruptive to our economies, but it can need to keep the pressure on, and the comes will be by way of a side agreement of make it difficult for us to cooperate on impor- best course of action is to pass this some sort relating to the implementation of the tant matters on the transatlantic agenda and in measure before us. Accordingly, I urge legislation. If no appropriate agreement is third countries. It has aptly been said that if my colleagues to support H.R. 661. reached, legislation like this may be just the the United States and Europe do not act to- Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bill re- beginning of our reaction to the EU's position. gether, little will get done on the world scene. quiring retaliation against the European Union Mr. Chairman, we have often heard in this Let me conclude by saying that we simply banning flights of the Concorde if the EU chamber the view that ``sanctions don't work.'' must do a better job of managing the U.S.-EU adopts legislation to restrict the use of so- Well, here is a case where the justified frustra- relationship but, I regret to say, at this point called ``hush kits.'' tion and concern of the American people have we need to keep the pressure on and the best I became aware of the so-called ``hush kit'' brought us to the point of adoptingÐdare I say course of action is to pass this bill. issue late last year, when the impending Euro- it?Ða ``unilateral sanction'' to retaliate. And we Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support pean legislation to ban the entry of additional will do so by a wide margin. I hope that the H.R. 661. ``hushkitted'' planes from Europe was brought sponsors of this bill will remember how impor- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Chairman, be- to my attention by industry. tant it was to take quick action and will not fore I yield to the gentleman from Con- After consultation with industry and the Ex- agree to legislation to place ``speed bumps'' in necticut (Mr. GEJDENSON), I yield my- ecutive branch, we had the opportunity to the way of the enactment of future ``sanctions'' self 30 seconds to say that I am de- raise it with members of the European Par- bills. lighted to hear from the Chairman of liament in Strasbourg this past January. I was The mere threat of the passage of this the Committee on International Rela- joined in this regard by our colleague, Con- sanctions bill becoming law should make its tions that this mechanism is being set gressman STEVE HORN, a member of our final enactment unnecessary. It may well be up for consultations through the com- United States delegation and a member of the necessary to modify this bill in the Senate or mittee process between the U.S. Con- Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation in Conference to reflect an agreement be- gress and the European Parliament. I Committee. tween the United States and EU. I hope that think that will go a long way to im- We informed our European friends that we this bill's managers will be sensitive to the prove understandings and prevent, were concerned that the proposed legislation need to do so, and will bear in mind the im- hopefully, debacles of this kind or near was a design standard, not a performance portance of the overall U.S.-EU relationship, debacles of this kind. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H907 Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to internationally-established noise standards such date of adoption, the commercial oper- the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. agreed upon by the International Civil Aviation ation of a civil supersonic transport category GEJDENSON). Organization. aircraft to or from an airport in the United Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Chairman, I And the regulation, which is presumably de- States unless the Secretary finds that the aircraft complies with stage 3 noise levels. want to commend the chairman and signed to reduce environmental noise, will ranking member for moving quickly. allow purchases of aircraft with the same level The CHAIRMAN. During consider- This is a critical time in our relation- of noise emissions that are already owned by ation of the bill for amendment, the ship with the European community, be- EU operators. Chair may accord priority in recogni- cause the ground rules are just being This type of gerrymandered regulation is a tion to a Member offering an amend- established, and if the United States step backward in our efforts to promote inter- ment that he has printed in the des- sits back as the Europeans close up national cooperation and a freer flow of trade, ignated place in the CONGRESSIONAL this very important market for us, pro- and may actually be a violation of some bilat- RECORD. Those amendments will be tecting and nurturing their own mar- eral air service agreements between EU mem- considered read. kets, we will find it will not just be in ber states and the U.S. The Chairman of the Committee of aerospace, it will be in every other sec- If the rule is adopted, U.S. manufacturers, the Whole may postpone a request for a tor. Any time the Europeans have a airlines, and leasing companies stand to lose recorded vote on any amendment and problem, whether it is exports of grain billions of dollarsÐand the impact on U.S. may reduce to a minimum of 5 minutes or beef or technology, they will come aviation workers will be substantial. the time for voting on any postponed up with some new standard that their I've heard estimates that the EU rule could question that immediately follows an- companies have already reached or result in job reductions as high as 16 thou- other vote, provided that the time for have been advance notified, and Amer- sand at impacted airlines and engine manu- voting on the first question shall be a ican companies will be locked out. facturers. minimum of 15 minutes. This administration and this Con- The U.S. can't stand by and watch as the Are there any amendments to the gress have to be tough and hard on this EU unilaterally takes steps with this wide of an bill? issue because, as we begin the relation- impact on U.S. airline, machinist, and aero- If not, under the rule the Committee ship with a unified Europe, if they get space workers. rises. the sense that they can shut out Amer- H.R. 661 is an appropriate response to an Accordingly, the Committee rose; ican products without paying a price, unfair barrier, and I strongly support its pas- and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. every worker and every company in sage. FORBES) having assumed the chair, Mr. America is under threat. Again, I thank the Chairman and the Rank- BURR of North Carolina, Chairman of Mr. Chairman, again I commend the ing Member for their efforts and I urge my col- the Committee of the Whole House on ranking member and the chairman for leagues to support this legislation. the State of the Union, reported that taking this swift action. Mr. FROST. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express that Committee, having had under con- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Chairman, I apprehension regarding the passage of H.R. sideration the bill (H.R. 661) to direct yield myself 30 seconds. 661. This bill, which bans the Concorde from the Secretary of Transportation to pro- I totally concur in the splendid state- operating in the United States, was introduced hibit the commercial operation of su- ment of the gentleman from Connecti- to deter the European Union (EU) from adopt- personic transport category aircraft cut (Mr. GEJDENSON). After all, Europe ing a proposed regulation that would limit the that do not comply with stage 3 noise is where they invented the Hanseatic use of hushkitted aircraft in Europe. American levels if the European Union adopts League, cartels, and they know how to companies are worldwide suppliers of certain aircraft noise regulations, pur- control markets. This is a message to hushkits, which are fitted on older aircraft to suant to House Resolution 86, he re- Europe: ‘‘You’re not going to do it in reduce their noise level to meet worldwide ported the bill back to the House. aviation.’’ noise pollution standards. The EU regulation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Mr. Chairman, I have no further discriminates against U.S. companies, and will the rule, the previous question is or- speakers, and I yield back the balance cost American industry millions of dollars in dered. of my time. losses. I strongly oppose the EU's regulation The bill was ordered to be engrossed Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield to restrict hushkitted aircraft, and support ef- and read a third time, was read the myself such time as I may consume. forts to propel the EU to reassess their hushkit third time, and passed, and a motion to I would emphasize indeed it is the regulation. reconsider was laid on the table. gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. OBER- Last week, the EU did just that. The EU de- f STAR) who provided the leadership in cided to postpone its decision on banning moving this bill forward, and so I am hushkitted aircraft until the end of March 1999. GENERAL LEAVE very happy to be supportive of his ini- Originally, the EU was scheduled to pass the Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask tiative, but he is the one that really regulation on March 9, 1999. This delay gives unanimous consent that all Members deserves the credit for this. U.S. negotiators a chance to make our case to have 5 legislative days in which to re- Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in the EU, and us a chance to carefully consider vise and extend their remarks in the strong support of this legislation, and I would a reasoned and appropriate U.S. response if RECORD on H.R. 661, the bill just like to thank the distinguished Chairman and one proves necessary. I have some concerns passed. the ranking member for giving members the that this particular proposal is neither effective The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there opportunity to express their concern about this nor risk free for U.S. interests. objection to the request of the gen- situation. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield tleman from Pennsylvania? At a time when the United States has ad- back the balance of my time. There was no objection. vanced measures to reduce trade barriers and The CHAIRMAN. All time for general f open doors to the global marketplaceÐand debate has expired. while the European Union has done much of Pursuant to the rule, the bill is con- PEACE CORPS ACT the sameÐwe're facing the passage of a new sidered read for amendment under the AUTHORIZATION European Union regulation to limit the fair 5-minute rule. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- trade of aircraft. The text of H.R. 661 is as follows: ant to House Resolution 83 and rule The regulation will have the effect of target- H.R. 661 XVIII, the Chair declares the House in ing the resale of U.S. aircraft that already Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- the Committee of the Whole House on meet International noise standards. And one resentatives of the United States of America in the State of the Union for the consider- of the most frustrating aspects of this initiative, Congress assembled, ation of the bill, H.R. 669. common position 66/99, is that some of the SECTION 1. COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF SUPER- SONIC TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIR- b 1155 aircraft banned under that regulation are quiet- CRAFT. IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE er than some that are permitted to be sold. If the European Union adopts Common Po- The regulation would prohibit the purchase sition (EC) No. 66/98 as a final regulation or Accordingly, the House resolved of aircraft, from non-EU nations, that have adopts any similar final regulation, the Sec- itself into the Committee of the Whole been re-engined with a ``hushkit'' to meet retary of Transportation shall prohibit, after House on the State of the Union for the H908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 consideration of the bill (H.R. 669) to Americans have served in the Peace pleased to report to you that we have seen an amend the Peace Corps Act to author- Corps, including seven U.S. ambas- equally significant increase in interest in ize appropriations for fiscal years 2000 sadors, five current Members of Con- Peace Corps service among Americans here at home. Each year, tens of thousands of our through 2003 to carry out that Act, and gress and Senator DODD, and they rep- fellow citizens contact the Peace Corps seek- for other purposes, with Mr. PEASE in resent an invaluable corps of veterans ing information about serving as a Volun- the chair. who speak over 80 languages in some of teer, and thousands of more of our citizens The Clerk read the title of the bill. the countries most important in ad- apply for Peace Corps service than our budg- The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the vancing our Nation’s nationality secu- et can fund. This growth in interest in the rule, the bill is considered as having rity, economic and humanitarian inter- Peace Corps reflects our country’s great tra- been read the first time. ests. dition of service and our willingness to work Under the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Chairman, the Peace Corps is with people in some of the world’s poorest New York (Mr. GILMAN) and the gen- changing. It is not the same young peo- countries who want to build a better future for their communities. I believe that now is tleman from Connecticut (Mr. GEJDEN- ple going overseas just to teach the time to enable more of our citizens to SON) each will control 30 minutes. English. More people are volunteering offer their skills in the cause of peace and The Chair recognizes the gentleman after retiring, providing a wealth of progress in the developing world. from New York (Mr. GILMAN). knowledge and experience to their I also wish to assure you and the Commit- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman I yield projects. tee that the Peace Corps is prepared to man- myself such time as I may consume. Peace Corps Director Mark Gearan age this growth in the Volunteers corps in a (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given formed the Crisis Corps to bring former responsible manner. In recent years, the permission to revise and extend his re- volunteers back to the most difficult Peace Corps has implemented a series of marks.) projects of importance to our Nation. operational policies that have reduced the Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, the For example, Crisis Corps volunteers agency’s overhead costs and improved the way we conduct our business. We have re- main purpose of H.R. 6689 is to reau- are serving today in Central America, duced the size of our headquarters staff, thorize appropriations to expand the helping those nations recover from the closed five regional recruitment offices, and Peace Corps to President Ronald Rea- 200-year devastation of Hurricane closed 18 overseas programs. These cost sav- gan’s goal of 10,000 volunteers. This Mitch. ings have allowed us to open new and excit- legislation was introduced by the gen- b 1200 ing Volunteer programs in South Africa, Jor- tleman from California (Mr. CAMPBELL) dan, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. More- and the gentleman from Connecticut House passage of this bill will dem- over, these management streamlining efforts will also ensure that the Peace Corps can re- (Mr. GEJDENSON), and I am proud to be onstrate that the Congress is back at work, passing important legislation cruit, train, and support additional Volun- a cosponsor along with the gentleman teers under the Committee’s authorized from Illinois (Mr. HYDE), the gen- and doing it on a bipartisan basis. Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, I urge funding level. tleman from Nebraska (Mr. BEREUTER), support for this measure, and I insert Finally, Peace Corps Volunteers are fulfill- the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. LEACH) ing an even larger purpose through their and the gentleman from New York (Mr. the following for the RECORD: service in the developing world: By living THE DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS, HOUGHTON). I understand that all three and working overseas for two years, they are Washington, DC, March 3, 1998. strengthening the ties of friendship and Republican and all three Democratic Hon. BENJAMIN GILMAN, Members who served in the Peace cross-cultural understanding between our Committee on International Relations, citizens and the people of other countries. In Corps cosponsored this bill. Senator House of Representatives, Washington, DC. the process, they build enormous goodwill DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am writing to con- COVERDELL and Senator DODD will in- for our country and make an intangible con- vey my sincere appreciation to you and the troduce companion legislation in the tribution to our country’s long-term inter- other Members of the Committee for your Senate. ests abroad. As we look to maintain Ameri- decision to authorize an increase of $29 mil- Mr. Chairman, 14 years ago Ronald ca’s leadership in the next century, our un- lion for the Peace Corps FY 2000 budget. The derstanding of other people and cultures will Reagan’s late beloved Peace Corps di- Peace Corps has been fortunate to enjoy bi- assume an even greater importance in main- rector, Loret Ruppe, gave us a vision of partisan support in the Congress for many taining our international leadership. I be- a Peace Corps that could grow to 10,000 years. On behalf of the Peace Corps, I wish to lieve that there are few organizations that volunteers, and today we renew that thank you for the strong leadership that you can contribute as much to America’s under- have brought to bear in making it possible goal on a bipartisan basis, working standing of the world beyond our borders as for more Americans to serve our country as with the administration and with the the Peace Corps. Peace Corps Volunteers. If Congress appro- minority in Congress to realize that vi- Mr. Chairman, as part of our efforts to priates the Committee’s authorized funding sion. mark the 38th anniversary of the founding of level, there will be 8,000 Volunteers serving the Peace Corps, yesterday thousands of This bill was carefully drafted in co- overseas by the end of FY 2000. This proposed former Volunteers visited classrooms in operation with the administration and budget will keep the Peace Corps on the path every state to talk with students about the with OMB, and while we initially to achieving the goal that Congress estab- cross-cultural experience they gained while planned to get the Peace Corps to 10,000 lished for us in 1985—to field a Volunteer serving in the Peace Corps. This is but one Corps of 10,000—in the early part of the next by the year 2000, budget realities and example of how Peace Corps Volunteers con- century. our concern for the planned and or- tinue their service, even after returning derly expansion of the Corps means This is a particularly appropriate moment in the Peace Corps history to undertake a home, and our country can take great pride that we will reach our goal by the year careful effort to expand the number of Vol- in what our Volunteers are accomplishing 2003. This is a slower pace than we like unteers. Today, there are nearly 6,700 Volun- overseas every day. I thank you and the and with which the gentleman from teers serving in 79 countries. In recent years, other Members of the Committee for provid- Alabama (Mr. CALLAHAN) has indicated however, the requests for Peace Corps Volun- ing the support that is so vital to the thou- he would be more comfortable. teers that we have received from developing sands of other Americans who want to take part in the Peace Corps experience, and I We choose the Peace Corps as one of countries has generally far exceeded the ca- pacity of our budget. There is a reason for look forward to working with you to make our first orders of business because it our goal of 10,000 Volunteers a reality. represents the best part of our foreign this: Our Volunteers are making important and lasting contributions to the development Best wishes. assistance programs. The Peace Corps of some of the world’s poorest communities. Sincerely, ARK D. GEARAN, remains foremost in the imagination of Their work at the grass-roots level in edu- M America’s young people. From Presi- cation, small business development, the en- Director. dent Kennedy to President Reagan and vironment, health, and agriculture has be- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance now to President Clinton, the Peace come a model of success for other inter- of my time. Corps serves as a symbol of what is national development agencies. Given the Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Chairman, I best in our own Nation and its humani- pressing need for this kind of people-to-peo- yield myself such time as I may con- tarian missions around the world. ple assistance, I am confident that the addi- sume. Today, there are millions of people tional Volunteers we recruit will have effec- Mr. Chairman, oftentimes the debate tive and successful jobs in their overseas around the world whose first impres- communities. on the floor is whether the investment sion of our Nation is through a Peace As the need for the service of Peace Corps of the taxpayers’ resources is commen- Corps volunteer. To date, over 150,000 Volunteers continues to rise overseas, I am surate with the benefit we get as a March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H909 country from the expenditure. The en- volunteers, qualified to be ambassadors complished an actual reduction of 13 tire foreign assistance program is less of our country overseas, and to do good percent in the United States-based than 1 percent of the Federal budget, at the most basic levels overseas, we staff, putting more of the Peace Corps and the Peace Corps is less than 1 per- have more volunteers for that task resources overseas where they make cent of that budget. than we have budget authority to em- such a difference. When we take a look at the impact it ploy. The Peace Corps has also achieved a has on the world community from For example, over the last 4 years, 14 percent decrease in the annual cost President Kennedy’s initiation of this the numbers of Americans requesting of a volunteer. Under Mark Gearan’s program, there is no American pro- applications for the Peace Corps has directorship we have closed unneces- gram that has been a better ambas- gone up by 40 percent. Financially, sary regional recruiting offices, and sador for America and its values than though, over the last 4 years, we have consolidated our activities overseas. the Peace Corps. only been able to adopt and make part The administration, in other words, I think a sense of what the broad- of the Peace Corps an increase of 2 per- has improved the Peace Corps until it based support in this Congress is for cent. is, in my judgment, to be compared fa- this program is not because of a Wash- Since its inception, over 150,000 vorably with any of our foreign assist- ington decision, it is a decision in the Americans have served in the Peace ance programs. countryside. The American people like Corps. I am proud to relate that every Lastly, Mr. Chairman, I want to add what the Peace Corps does. It takes returning Peace Corps volunteer mem- a personal note, that when my wife and people with normal skills in survival, ber of this House of Representatives is I were in Senegal we witnessed the building dams, houses, finding ways to a cosponsor of the bill. I draw particu- opening of the Karen Robinson Center train people better, and puts them in lar attention to the gentleman from just outside Dakar, a center that was countries where they are desperately Connecticut (Mr. CHRIS SHAYS), the created to assist albino children who, needed. gentleman from California (Mr. SAM in that society, had theretofore been Unlike other programs that are often FARR), the gentleman from New York social outcasts and who also had phys- hard to calculate in their impact, that (Mr. JIM WALSH), and the gentleman ical disabilities particularly associated have fungible effects on their economy, from Wisconsin (Mr. TOM PETRI); and with the bright sun, the danger of ex- this is one where we can see one indi- over in the other body, Senators DODD posure to sun, due to their lack of pig- vidual helping a family, helping a vil- and COVERDELL. Senator COVERDELL is mentation, as well as the near- lage, and representing the very best of not technically a returned volunteer, sightedness that is oftentimes associ- our American society. but he was director of the Peace Corps ated with albinism. So I am proud to be here today to under President George Bush. The point is that this center, opened support this budget, to support the Ad- Mr. Chairman, I have a personal in- for this remarkably compassionate ministration’s request to make sure terest in Africa that I have attempted purpose, was named for a Peace Corps there is adequate funding so these am- to bring to the attention of my col- volunteer whose idea it was, who ar- bassadors for America’s best interest leagues on many occasions. Whenever I ranged the local funding, who arranged can continue to do their job. I would travel to Africa, I try to focus on the the assistance with the local authori- hope that my colleagues would all join poorest countries, the countries of ties, so that it happened. together in supporting this legislation. greatest need. My wife travels with me. Mr. Chairman, there are stories like Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Susanne and I have visited, just in the the Karen Robinson Center in every of my time. last few months, the Ivory Coast, country throughout Africa that I have Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield Ghana, Mali, and in previous trips, as been privileged to visit over the last 3 such time as he may consume to the well, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanza- years. I conclude by saying that of all gentleman from California (Mr. CAMP- nia, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo. of the honors that the chairman of the BELL), a sponsor of the legislation. Every time we visit we make a point Committee on International Relations Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I to see the Peace Corps volunteers, to could have given me, his designation of thank the gentleman from New York find out what they are doing, to talk me to be the author of this bill is cer- (Mr. GILMAN) for giving me the honor with them. Then I will frequently write tainly the highest. I am most grateful. to present this bill on the floor. I would a note to the individuals’ parents to let not be here were it not for the gra- them know how proud we are of the job Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Chairman, it ciousness of the chairman of the Com- they are doing. Recently, Mr. Chair- is a great pleasure to yield 5 minutes mittee on International Relations, who man, I have been writing notes to their to the gentlewoman from California asked me to carry this very important children, because the Peace Corps now (Ms. ESHOO). legislation. is taking more and more Americans Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, I thank At the start, I also want to recognize who have finished a career and have de- our very distinguished ranking mem- the very fine leadership of Mark cided to give to their country and give ber, the gentleman from Connecticut Gearan and the Administration’s to their world at that stage in their (Mr. GEJDENSON). strong support for this Peace Corps re- lives, a little departure from what we I am very proud to rise today in sup- authorization bill. We truly have a bi- might have originally identified with port of H.R. 669, a bill which is de- partisan consensus that this is a way the Peace Corps. signed to expand the Peace Corps so it to show to the rest of the world the This bill allows adequate funding to can meet the demands and challenges very best that America has to offer; allow this increase in volunteers and to as it heads into the 21st century. that funds for the Peace Corps are, in make other changes in the authorizing Mr. Chairman, the extraordinary vi- my judgment, the best dollars that we legislation, so that Peace Corps volun- sion of President Kennedy really lives spend in the foreign assistance cat- teers and employees will have many of on today through the Peace Corps. In egories. the same benefits accorded to members the Congress of the United States, we This reauthorization bill permits the of the Foreign Service. have our own honor roll of former increase in numbers of volunteers from Affirmatively, it is good for our Peace Corps members: in the House, today’s level of 6,700 to eventually country, good for the world. But in ad- the gentleman from California (Mr. 10,000 by the year 2003. I note that this dition, I wish to anticipate those who SAM FARR), the gentleman from Con- is, as a benchmark, still not the maxi- have criticized the Peace Corps, who necticut (Mr. CHRIS SHAYS), the gen- mum that we have ever had in the have been very few over the years, but tleman from New York (Mr. JIM Peace Corps. That was reached in 1966, there have been some, and to the ex- WALSH); certainly in the Senate, CHRIS when we had 15,000. But it is a goal to- tent that those criticisms were valid, it DODD, the late Paul Tsongas. wards which we have been directing is my judgment that this director of Mr. Chairman, when we send Peace our efforts for some time. the Peace Corps, Mr. Mark Gearan, has Corps volunteers overseas, we do not Presently, we have more people in superbly addressed them. just export our volunteers. We really America applying to be Peace Corps I note, for example, that under his are exporting American values. Our volunteers, qualified to be Peace Corps leadership the Peace Corps has now ac- Peace Corps volunteers demonstrate H910 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 firsthand what it means to build com- have the highest regard for my neigh- As a personal note, a former intern of munity and to build democracy. We ex- bor and colleague. this Member’s staff in whom we take port our great intellectual genius with Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to great pride was Tammy Ortega, who each one of our volunteers. my distinguished colleague, the gen- performed in an exemplary fashion as a The Peace Corps has always enjoyed tleman from Nebraska (Mr. BEREUTER), Peace Corps volunteer in ecuadorial a bipartisan support in the Congress. the chairman of the Subcommittee on Guinea. This Nation should be proud The proposed increases in this bill real- Asia and the Pacific of the Committee that we have individuals like Tammy ly represent, I think, a very small in- on International Relations. who are willing to devote 2 or more vestment for a large return. By sending (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was years of their lives to helping those our best and our brightest ambas- given permission to revise and extend less fortunate. sadors, the Peace Corps itself is one of his remarks.) Mr. Chairman, for many reasons, this the most effective and long-lasting for- Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I Member is pleased both to cosponsor eign policy tools that the United thank the gentleman for yielding time this important bill, and I urge all of States of America has. to me. my colleagues to support H.R. 669, in- Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- At a time when so many of our young troduced by our distinguished col- port of H.R. 669, the Peace Corps Reau- people, Mr. Chairman, are turning league, the gentleman from California thorization Act, which will strengthen away from public service, are not inter- (Mr. CAMPBELL). the impact of the Peace Corps. This ested in it, the Peace Corps is actually b 1215 inundated with applications and is hav- legislation was introduced by our dis- ing to turn people away from that serv- tinguished colleague, the gentleman Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I from California (Mr. CAMPBELL), and ice. We know that we need to match yield such time as he may consume to cosponsored by the distinguished chair- their idealism and their attraction to the gentleman from New York (Mr. man of the committee, the gentleman the Peace Corps. WALSH) a distinguished member of the The number of Americans requesting from New York (Mr. GILMAN), the dis- Committee on Appropriations, a sub- tinguished gentleman from Connecti- applications and information about the committee chairman, and himself a re- cut (Mr. GEJDENSON), the ranking Peace Corps has increased by more turned Peace Corps volunteer. member of the Committee on Inter- than 40 percent over the last 4 years. Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I thank national Relations, and many other Yet, the Peace Corps is only able to in- the gentleman from California (Mr. members, including this Member. CAMPBELL), my good friend, colleague, crease its volunteers by 2 percent dur- We passed this bill from the commit- ing this same period. and classmate for his hard work on this tee unanimously on February 11th. I important issue. I am exceedingly proud to be a politi- would congratulate the distinguished cal descendant of John Fitzgerald Ken- Mr. Chairman, the Peace Corps not gentleman from California for intro- only benefits the world, it benefits our nedy, and I am an unabashed idealist. ducing this act which, if passed and President Kennedy’s aspirations live on country, it benefits the individual. Ev- signed into law, would authorize the eryone wins in this program. It is a re- today, and the torch, as he said, has expansion of the Peace Corps to 10,000 been passed to a new generation. That markably ingenious idea. Take Ameri- volunteers by the year 2003. It will be ca’s idealistic youth, send them around new generation includes my son, Paul fulfilling the goal set by former Presi- Eshoo, who is a volunteer in the Peace the world. They learn, the people in the dent Ronald Reagan in 1985, who built other countries learn, there is a benefit Corps today in Nepal, in the on the legacy of President John F. Himalayas. to all. Kennedy. Then these young people come back I cannot wait to send him an e-mail Mr. Chairman, in the 38 years since to the United States and, throughout to say that this legislation has passed, the Peace Corps was established, its our society, they are engaged and ac- and that with it, the Congress of the volunteers have compiled a distin- United States really not only thanks guished record of service to people in tive in making this a better country, and acknowledges what the volunteers countries around the world. Volunteers just as they were when they visited in the Peace Corps are doing all around provide badly needed, at times critical, Nepal or Ghana or any of the other the world, but that we match our ideal- assistance, while at the same time em- Peace Corps locations around the ism and our pragmatism in the invest- bodying not just the technical know- world. ment of America’s tax dollars in the how but also the ideals and the can-do Mr. Chairman, I have a bias, obvi- hopes and aspirations of people around spirit of the American people. ously, as a returned Peace Corps volun- the world. The annals of the Peace Corps are re- teer. But the fact is, the world is So I urge my colleagues to support plete with examples of communities changing. We have seen great progress this legislation. It is very well put to- strengthened and lives changed, both here in our country. But in some places gether. If in fact the amendment that among those who have received the as- in the world, the countries are actually would flatten out this budget is of- sistance and among the volunteers poorer. People are in more difficult fered, I urge my colleagues to vote themselves, who come back to this conditions than they were when I was a against it. It is an amendment to di- country and continue to provide serv- volunteer 25 or 30 years ago, so the minish aspirations. It would be an ice to our Nation’s communities. need is still there. And, as the world amendment to diminish the hopes and Former volunteers have gone on to changes, other countries open up to aspirations of generations and genera- distinguished careers in many fields, this idea, and we need to fulfill that tions that have seen fit to go around including five Peace Corps alumni who need. the world and be America’s best ambas- are members of this body. There can be I just recently returned to India and sadors. little doubt that the type of—that the to Nepal to my village. It was a re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. need for the type of assistance the markable homecoming for me. I saw PEASE). Without objection, the gen- Peace Corps provides remains great. At people who were there when I was tleman from California (Mr. CAMPBELL) the same time, this Member is pleased there. I renewed relationships. Vis- will control the time allotted to the to note that there is no shortage of ually, it was very much the same as gentleman from New York (Mr. GIL- Americans, both young people and when I left, although there were im- MAN). those with years or even decades of ex- provements in permanent housing. There was no objection. perience, willing to dedicate a signifi- They have electricity in the village Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I cant period of their lives to volunteer- now. They have municipal water in the yield myself such time as I may con- ing to assist others. village. sume. In its 38-year-history, more than 1,200 We used to have to boil the water and Mr. Chairman, before introducing the volunteers have come from this Mem- put iodine in it to make sure it was next speaker, I am proud to say that ber’s low population State of Nebraska, drinkable. Today, they have municipal my colleague, the gentlewoman from including 63 Nebraskans currently pro- water throughout the village. Two California (Ms. ESHOO), has added her viding this important form of volun- weeks after I returned home, I received strong support for this legislation. I teer service. an e-mail from my village. Talk about March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H911 amazing. When I was there, the only Corps reauthorization funding to meet Presi- continue to be welcomed into communities machine that I saw on a regular basis dent Clinton's goal of expanding the number around the world for their unique ability to was the Thailand International jet that of volunteers to 10,000 early in the new mil- work closely with the indigenous populations flew over on Tuesday. lennium. to implement successful development projects. The world is changing dramatically Thanks to the 150,000 peace corps volun- Mr. Chairman, this bill makes good sense. and rapidly as it gets smaller, as the teers who have served overseas, communities The Administration supports it. Congress has world gets smaller. And with this around the world have benefited from the con- been on the record since 1985 in support of Internet now that is reaching out and tinue to reap the benefits of the contributions the goal of 10,000 Peace Corps volunteers. touching every village, literally, in the of the Peace Corps. 6,700 volunteers are And even this increase would still leave Peace world, the personal relationships that serving in 80 countries, working to bring clean Corps funding at only one percent of our for- Peace Corps volunteers make and the water to communities, teaching children, help- eign aid budget, which itself is less than one associations they make with people ing to develop small businesses, and prevent- percent of our overall federal budget. from all these different countries can ing the spread of AIDS. I urge my colleagues to support the Peace only benefit our country. Today, volunteers are making contributions Corps by voting for H.R. 669. We will be more and more a global by working along side local people throughout Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- citizen, more and more involved in all the world as AIDS and environmental edu- man, I rise today in support of the Peace of these countries, and the more cators, business advisors and teachers. Corps Act (H.R. 669). This bill authorizes ap- knowledge we have of the rest of the Through their work, they are helping people of propriations for fiscal years 2000 through world through these individuals can developing countries to help themselves for 2003. This organization has a legacy of serv- only make us stronger. only 1 percent of our foreign aid budget. ice that has become an important part of Mr. Speaker, those are the emo- There is no greater testament to the suc- American history. tional, the idealistic views. Let me tell cess of this program than the Peace Corps Di- President John F. Kennedy first proposed a few things about the Peace Corps. rector's recent visit with Kenya's minister of the idea of the Peace Corps during a cam- They are changing, too, with the im- public works who had been taught by a Peace paign stop at the University of Michigan in provements that Director Gearan has Corps volunteer and Tanzania's minister of 1960. He challenged the students to give two made. They have reduced headquarters education who could still recall all of his Peace years of their lives to help people in the devel- staff by 13 percent. They have reduced Corps teachers. Communities around the oping world. the number of domestic recruiting of- world, including our own, are better off today Later in his inaugural address, President fices. They have reduced the cost to as a result of Peace Corps volunteers, their Kennedy stated the philosophy of the organi- support volunteers in the field. All of mission, their contributions and their commit- zation: ``To those peoples in the huts and vil- this with the thought in mind that we ment to service. lages of half the globe struggling to break the need to be better and smarter and work The Peace Corps is a successful inter- bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best ef- faster, reduce the cost of government. national diplomacy program that is improving forts to help them help themselves.'' The But, at the same time, the invest- the lives of people in the developing world and Peace Corps was officially established on ment that we are making in these indi- enriching the lives of Peace Corps volunteers March 1, 1961 by an Executive Order. Sargent viduals in those countries and ulti- who return from the field to contribute to their Shriver was appointed as its first director. mately in our own country is a sound own communities across this nation. We can Since its inception, the Peace Corps has investment that we need to support be proud of this program and its legacies and trained 150,000 volunteers to work in 134 today. salute the members of this body who have countries. Currently there are 6,700 volunteers Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong served. serving in 80 countries. The increased funding support of this legislation. I have always sup- Volunteers are returning home to be leaders proposed in this bill would allow the Peace ported the Peace Corps and the invaluable in every field. Young and old of all back- Corps to expand to its goal of 10,000 volun- work their volunteers provide because I have grounds are not only sharing their commitment teers. It would also allow the Peace Corps seen it first hand. These volunteers are infor- to altruism and volunteerism throughout the programs to expand to South Africa, Jordan, mal ambassadors for the United States. They world, but are coming home to continue their China, Bangladesh, Mozambique and other spread our culture and values while learning commitment to service in an ever increasing countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, and absorbing from people in some of the multi-cultural society. As the Ranking Member South America, Eastern Europe and Africa. most remote areas of the world. More impor- of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I ask For the past 38 years, the Peace Corps has tantly, they bring these cultures back with my colleagues to support H.R. 669. been an important part of our foreign assist- them to the United States and educate friends Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in ance program. It helps communities gain ac- and neighbors on the communities that most strong support of H.R. 669, which will expand cess to clean water, grow food, prevent the only read about in magazines. our sensible investment in the Peace Corps. spread of AIDS and work to protect the envi- I have traveled to some of these areas As an original cosponsor of this important ronment. where Peace Corps volunteers are working. legislation, I am proud to join my colleagues Some Peace Corps volunteers include cur- Time and again, I am always impressed with today in support of the Peace Corps, one of rent members of this House: Representative the volunteers I meet. Their acceptance into our most effective foreign assistance tools. SAM FARR of California, Representative TONY the community and the hard work they provide This bill, which has broad bipartisan sup- HALL of Ohio, Representative THOMAS PETRI of is truly remarkable. Just when you think you port, will increase the number of Peace Corps Wisconsin, Representative CHRISTOPHER have reached the most remote area on earth, volunteers to 10,000 over the next four years. SHAYS of Connecticut, and Representative there is a Peace Corps volunteer helping to It is especially fitting that we make this com- JAMES WALSH of New York. Donna Shalala, build a house or sow a field. mitment today, just a day after the Peace Secretary of the Department of Health and Since the Peace Corps' inception thirty-eight Corps celebrated its 38th birthday. Human Services also served in the Peace years ago, its popularity has only grown. In Under the outstanding leadership of Mark Corps. 1998, more than 150,000 individuals contacted Gearan, the Peace Corps has become a lean Let me tell you a little about the Peace the Peace Corps to inquire about becoming a and effective advocate for the United States' Corps participation from my state of Texas. volunteer, this is an increase of over forty per- foreign assistance goals around the world. There are 197 Texans currently serving in the cent since 1994. We must make sure that the With almost 7,000 volunteers in about 80 Peace Corps. Since 1961, Texas has supplied Peace Corps is able to meet this demand. countries, the Peace Corps has brought as- 2,784 volunteers. Of the colleges and univer- Further, I believe that success and effective- sistance in education, microcredit, health care, sities that send Peace Corps volunteers this ness should be rewarded. Therefore, I strongly and a range of other fields to millions of peo- year, the University of Texas at Austin has 52 support this reauthorization and the goal of ple in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, volunteers. reaching 10,000 volunteers by fiscal year the Pacific, and the Middle East. An intern from Houston now serving in my 2003. This bill responds to the increasing demand office, LaQuinta Wadsworth, was a participant Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Chairman, on the 38th an- for the Peace Corps, both in the United States in the Peace Corps internship during the sum- niversary of the founding by President Ken- and around the world. Here in the United mer of 1998. She traveled to Ghana as a part nedy of the Peace Corps, one of our nation's States, interest in volunteering in the Peace of a Peace Corps program through her school, most successful international relief and devel- Corps has increased by 40 percent over the Texas Southern University. Her internship was opment programs, I rise in support of Peace last four years. And Peace Corps volunteers designed to increase awareness among the H912 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Americans to serve our country as Peace is amended by striking ‘‘Civil Service Com- (HBCUs). Corps Volunteers. Peace Corps volunteers mission’’ and inserting ‘‘Office of Personnel LaQuinta shared these thoughts, ``The play a vital role in the development of some of Management’’. Peace Corps motto is `The Toughest Job You (2) Section 5(h) of such Act (22 U.S.C. the worlds' poorest communities. Through the 2504(h)) is amended by striking ‘‘the Federal Will Ever Love', and this statement is definitely contributions of these volunteers, great strides Voting Assistance Act of 1955 (5 U.S.C. 2171 true. The service opens the minds of the vol- have been made to improve education, eco- et seq.)’’ and all that follows through ‘‘(31 unteers to new and amazing people and ad- nomic development and healthcare. In recent U.S.C. 492a),’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3342 of ventures. The Peace Corps is an asset to the years, our foreign neighbors have come to de- title 31, United States Code, section 5732 communities of the countries in which volun- pend on Peace Corps volunteers for the grass and’’. teers serve.'' root assistance, and the demand for volun- (3) Section 5(j) of such Act (22 U.S.C. Another citizen from my district, Roosevelt teers increases every year. Furthermore, 2504(j)) is amended by striking ‘‘section 1757 Harris worked as Associate Director of Field of the Revised Statutes of the United American interest in the Peace Corps has States’’ and all that follows and inserting Operations for the Peace Corps in Liberia risen by 40%. Increased funding for this pro- ‘‘section 3331 of title 5, United States Code.’’. from 1972±1975. He had this to say about his gram over the next three years is essential to (4) Section 10(a)(4) of such Act (22 U.S.C. experience, ``It has been one of the best expe- insure that more Americans can make a dif- 2509(a)(4)) is amended by striking ‘‘31 U.S.C. riences I've ever had in my life. It surpasses ference around the world. With great pride I 665(b)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 1342 of title 31, any foreign aid in terms of the direct impact it recognize the individuals in the Peace Corps United States Code’’. has on the local populace and the exchange and this organization for its commitment to (5) Section 15(c) of such Act (22 U.S.C. between people contributes greatly to world 2514(c)) is amended by striking ‘‘Public Law helping our international neighbors. Organiza- 84–918 (7 U.S.C. 1881 et seq.)’’ and inserting peace. The Peace Corps enhances the image tions such as the Peace Corps have not only ‘‘subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, of America abroad. If I had the opportunity, I established proud traditions of goodwill and United States Code’’. . . . [would] not hesitate to return to the service around the world, but also have con- (6) Section 15(d)(2) of such Act (22 U.S.C. Peace Corps.'' tributed to improved relationships with people 2514(d)(2)) is amended by striking ‘‘section 9 These testimonials are just an example of of other countries. Support for the Peace of Public Law 60–328 (31 U.S.C. 673)’’ and in- the positive impact the Peace Corps has had Corps requires little more than one percent of serting ‘‘section 1346 of title 31, United on the lives of former volunteers. I urge my the resource allocated for foreign assistance. States Code’’. colleagues today to vote in support of this ap- (7) Section 15(d)(6) of such Act (22 U.S.C. The benefit gained from this investment will be 2514(d)(6)) is amended by striking ‘‘without propriation for this worthwhile organization. felt by both the foreign countries we help and regard to section 3561 of the Revised Stat- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ex- the volunteers who return from their service utes (31 U.S.C. 543)’’. press my very strongest support for H.R. 669 with a better understanding of the world. Let (8) Section 15(d)(11) of such Act (22 U.S.C. to authorize $270 million in fiscal year 2000 us continue to support the Peace Corps Orga- 2514(d)(11)), as amended by this section, is for the Peace Corps. This bill will provide an nization as a display of the strong American further amended by striking ‘‘Foreign Serv- increase of $29 million over current funding commitment to international development and ice Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 801 et levels. Surely a very modest increase, Mr. seq.)’’ and inserting ‘‘Foreign Service Act of partnerships. 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.)’’. Speaker, for a program that has such a posi- Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Chairman, I tive impact around the world and such a prov- have no further speakers, and I yield The CHAIRMAN. During consider- en track record of success. back the balance of my time. ation of the bill for amendment, the Over the last 38 years 6,921 Peace Corps Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I Chair may accord priority in recogni- Volunteers from Massachusetts have built a yield back the balance of my time. tion to a Member offering an amend- legacy of service and made contributions to The CHAIRMAN. All time for general ment that he has printed in the des- the health, education, and development of debate has expired. ignated place in the CONGRESSIONAL countless people around the world. Currently, Pursuant to the rule, the bill is con- RECORD. Those amendments will be 232 Massachusetts citizens are serving in the sidered read for amendment under the considered read. Peace Corps. 5-minute rule. The Chairman of the Committee of I can go into any school in my district and The text of H.R. 669 is as follows: the Whole may postpone a request for a find young people who dream of working in H.R. 669 recorded vote on any amendment and the Peace Corps. These students already Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- may reduce to a minimum of 5 minutes know that the Peace Corps embodies our resentatives of the United States of America in the time for voting on any postponed most enduring values of service, compassion, Congress assembled, question that immediately follows an- and peace-making. They dream about going SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA- other vote, provided that the time for to some of the poorest communities on the TIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003 TO CARRY OUT THE voting on the first question shall be a face of this earth and helping people help PEACE CORPS ACT. minimum of 15 minutes. themselves, while learning about other people Section 3(b) of the Peace Corps Act (22 Are there any amendments to the and other cultures. U.S.C. 2502(b)) is amended to read as follows: bill? But their dreams will only come true if we ‘‘(b)(1) There are authorized to be appro- If not, under the rule, the Committee provide now the necessary funding to allow priated to carry out the purposes of this Act rises. the Peace Corps to expand its volunteer pro- $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $298,000,000 for Accordingly, the Committee rose; gram. Under the leadership of Peace Corps fiscal year 2001, $327,000,000 for fiscal year and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 2002, and $365,000,000 for fiscal year 2003. Director Mark GearanÐa Massachusetts na- ‘‘(2) Amounts authorized to be appro- WALSH) having assumed the chair, Mr. tive, I might addÐmore and more of our fellow priated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year PEASE, Chairman of the Committee of citizens, of all ages and backgrounds, are ap- are authorized to remain available for that the Whole House on the State of the plying to serve as volunteers. Under his lead- fiscal year and the subsequent fiscal year.’’. Union, reported that that Committee, ership, the Peace Corps has also become a SEC. 2. MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE having had under consideration the bill model government agencyÐstreamlining pro- PEACE CORPS ACT. (H.R. 669) to amend the Peace Corps cedures, cutting costs and reducing the num- (a) INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL.—Section 15(d) Act to authorize appropriations for fis- of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2514(d)) is amended— ber of U.S.-based staff, while at the same time (1) in paragraph (11), by striking ‘‘and’’ at cal years 2000 through 2003 to carry out increasing the support and training for new the end; that Act, and for other purposes, pursu- volunteers. (2) in paragraph (12), by striking the period ant to House Resolution 83, he reported I am especially grateful that the new pro- at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and the bill back to the House. gram established in 1996, the Crisis Corps, (3) by adding at the end the following: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under will be sending more than 60 experienced ‘‘(13) the transportation of Peace Corps em- the rule, the previous question is or- former Peace Corps Volunteers to Central ployees, Peace Corps volunteers, dependents dered. America to help those communities rebuild of such employees and volunteers, and ac- The question is on the engrossment after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch. companying baggage, by a foreign air carrier and third reading of the bill. when the transportation is between two The bill was ordered to be engrossed I urge my colleagues to support this author- places outside the United States without re- ization and to reject any amendments to gard to section 40118 of title 49, United and read a third time, and was read the freeze or cut funding for the Peace Corps. States Code.’’. third time. Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in (b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.—(1) Section The SPEAKER pro tempore. The support of H.R. 669, a bill that will allow more 5(f)(1)(B) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(f)(1)(B)) question is on the passage of the bill. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H913 The question was taken; and the Obey Roukema Taylor (MS) Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall Olver Roybal-Allard Thomas Speaker pro tempore announced that Ortiz Rush Thompson (CA) vote No. 31 I was unavoidably detained. Had the ayes appeared to have it. Ose Sabo Thompson (MS) I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, I ob- Owens Salmon Thornberry f ject to the vote on the ground that a Oxley Sanders Thune quorum is not present and make the Packard Sandlin Thurman Pallone Sawyer Tierney CLARIFYING THE APPLICATION OF point of order that a quorum is not Pastor Saxton Towns THE ‘‘DEATH ON THE HIGH SEAS present. Payne Schakowsky Traficant ACT’’ TO AVIATION INCIDENTS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Pease Scott Turner dently, a quorum is not present. Pelosi Serrano Udall (CO) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Peterson (MN) Shaw Udall (NM) PEASE). The pending business is the The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Peterson (PA) Shays Upton sent Members. Petri Sherman Velazquez question of the passage of the bill, H.R. Pursuant to clause 8(c) of rule XX, Phelps Sherwood Vento 603, on which further proceedings were this 15-minute vote will be followed by Pickett Shimkus Visclosky postponed earlier today. Pitts Shows Walsh The Clerk read the title of the bill. a 5-minute vote on H.R. 603. Pomeroy Sisisky Waters The vote was taken by electronic de- Porter Skeen Watt (NC) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The vice, and there were—yeas 326, nays 90, Portman Skelton Waxman question is on the passage of the bill on not voting 17, as follows: Price (NC) Slaughter Weiner which the yeas and nays are ordered. Pryce (OH) Smith (NJ) Weldon (FL) This will be a 5-minute vote. [Roll No. 31] Quinn Smith (TX) Weller The vote was taken by electronic de- YEAS—326 Rahall Smith (WA) Wexler Rangel Snyder Weygand vice, and there were—yeas 412, nays 2, Abercrombie Doggett Kaptur Regula Souder Whitfield not voting 19, as follows: Aderholt Dooley Kasich Reyes Spratt Wise [Roll No. 32] Allen Doyle Kelly Reynolds Stabenow Wolf Andrews Dreier Kennedy Rivers Stark Woolsey YEAS—412 Bachus Dunn Kildee Rodriguez Strickland Wu Abercrombie Condit Gordon Baird Edwards Kilpatrick Roemer Stupak Wynn Aderholt Conyers Goss Baker Ehlers Kind (WI) Rogan Talent Young (AK) Allen Cook Graham Baldacci Ehrlich King (NY) Rogers Tanner Young (FL) Andrews Costello Green (TX) Baldwin Emerson Kleczka Ros-Lehtinen Tauscher Archer Cox Green (WI) Barcia Engel Klink Rothman Tauzin Armey Coyne Greenwood Barrett (WI) English Knollenberg Bachus Cramer Gutierrez Barton Eshoo Kucinich NAYS—90 Baird Crane Gutknecht Bass Etheridge Kuykendall Archer Graham Riley Baker Crowley Hall (OH) Bateman Ewing LaFalce Armey Green (WI) Rohrabacher Baldacci Cubin Hall (TX) Becerra Farr LaHood Ballenger Gutknecht Royce Baldwin Cummings Hansen Bentsen Fattah Lampson Barr Hall (TX) Ryan (WI) Ballenger Cunningham Hastings (FL) Bereuter Filner Lantos Barrett (NE) Hastings (WA) Ryun (KS) Barcia Danner Hastings (WA) Berkley Fletcher Larson Bartlett Hayes Sanford Barr Davis (IL) Hayes Berman Foley LaTourette Bilbray Hayworth Scarborough Barrett (NE) Davis (VA) Hayworth Berry Forbes Lazio Blunt Hefley Schaffer Barrett (WI) Deal Hefley Biggert Ford Leach Boehner Hill (MT) Sensenbrenner Bartlett DeFazio Herger Bilirakis Fossella Lee Bonilla Hilleary Sessions Barton DeGette Hill (IN) Bishop Frank (MA) Levin Burton Hostettler Shadegg Bass Delahunt Hill (MT) Blagojevich Franks (NJ) Lewis (CA) Cannon Istook Shuster Bateman DeLauro Hilleary Bliley Frelinghuysen Lewis (GA) Chabot Johnson, Sam Simpson Becerra DeLay Hilliard Blumenauer Frost Linder Chenoweth Jones (NC) Smith (MI) Bentsen DeMint Hinchey Boehlert Gallegly Lipinski Coble Kingston Spence Bereuter Deutsch Hinojosa Bonior Ganske LoBiondo Coburn Kolbe Stearns Berkley Diaz-Balart Hobson Bono Gejdenson Lofgren Collins Largent Stenholm Berman Dicks Hoeffel Borski Gekas Lowey Combest Latham Stump Berry Dingell Hoekstra Boswell Gephardt Lucas (KY) Cox Lewis (KY) Sununu Biggert Dixon Holden Boyd Gibbons Luther Cramer Lucas (OK) Sweeney Bilbray Doggett Holt Brady (PA) Gilchrest Maloney (CT) Crane Manzullo Tancredo Bilirakis Dooley Hooley Brady (TX) Gillmor Maloney (NY) Cubin McIntosh Taylor (NC) Bishop Doolittle Horn Brown (CA) Gilman Markey Cunningham Metcalf Tiahrt Blagojevich Doyle Houghton Brown (FL) Gonzalez Martinez DeLay Mica Toomey Bliley Dreier Hoyer Brown (OH) Gordon Mascara Doolittle Moran (KS) Walden Blumenauer Duncan Hulshof Bryant Goss Matsui Duncan Paul Wamp Boehlert Dunn Hunter Burr Green (TX) McCarthy (MO) Fowler Pickering Watkins Boehner Edwards Hutchinson Buyer Greenwood McCarthy (NY) Goode Pombo Watts (OK) Bonilla Ehlers Hyde Calvert Gutierrez McCrery Goodlatte Radanovich Wicker Bonior Ehrlich Inslee Camp Hall (OH) McDermott Goodling Ramstad Wilson Bono Emerson Isakson Campbell Hansen McGovern Borski Engel Istook Canady Hastings (FL) McHugh NOT VOTING—17 Boswell English Jackson (IL) Capuano Herger McInnis Ackerman Dickey Oberstar Boyd Eshoo Jackson-Lee Cardin Hill (IN) McIntyre Boucher Evans Pascrell Brady (PA) Etheridge (TX) Castle Hilliard McKeon Callahan Everett Sanchez Brady (TX) Ewing Jefferson Chambliss Hinchey McKinney Capps Granger Terry Brown (CA) Farr Jenkins Clay Hinojosa McNulty Carson McCollum Weldon (PA) Brown (FL) Fattah John Clayton Hobson Meehan Delahunt Meek (FL) Brown (OH) Filner Johnson (CT) Clement Hoeffel Meeks (NY) Bryant Fletcher Johnson, E. B. Clyburn Hoekstra Menendez b 1241 Burr Foley Johnson, Sam Condit Holden Millender- Burton Forbes Jones (NC) Conyers Holt McDonald Messrs. LATHAM, SIMPSON, KING- Buyer Ford Jones (OH) Cook Hooley Miller (FL) STON, TANCREDO, GRAHAM, SEN- Calvert Fossella Kanjorski Cooksey Horn Miller, Gary Camp Fowler Kaptur Costello Houghton Miller, George SENBRENNER, HILL of Montana, Campbell Frank (MA) Kelly Coyne Hoyer Minge HALL of Texas, BOEHNER, SCHAF- Canady Franks (NJ) Kennedy Crowley Hulshof Mink FER, BILBRAY, WATKINS, MORAN of Cannon Frelinghuysen Kildee Cummings Hunter Moakley Kansas, HAYWORTH, SUNUNU, BAR- Capuano Frost Kilpatrick Danner Hutchinson Mollohan Cardin Gallegly Kind (WI) Davis (FL) Hyde Moore RETT of Nebraska, Mrs. FOWLER, and Castle Ganske King (NY) Davis (IL) Inslee Moran (VA) Mrs. CHENOWETH changed their vote Chabot Gejdenson Kingston Davis (VA) Isakson Morella from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Chambliss Gekas Kleczka Deal Jackson (IL) Murtha Chenoweth Gephardt Klink DeFazio Jackson-Lee Myrick Mr. Aderholt changed his vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Clay Gibbons Knollenberg DeGette (TX) Nadler Clayton Gilchrest Kolbe DeLauro Jefferson Napolitano So the bill was passed. Clement Gillmor Kucinich DeMint Jenkins Neal The result of the vote was announced Clyburn Gilman Kuykendall Deutsch John Nethercutt as above recorded. Coble Gonzalez LaFalce Diaz-Balart Johnson (CT) Ney A motion to reconsider was laid on Coburn Goode LaHood Dicks Johnson, E. B. Northup Collins Goodlatte Lampson Dingell Jones (OH) Norwood the table. Combest Goodling Lantos Dixon Kanjorski Nussle Stated for: H914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Largent Ose Skeen dents. Had I been present, I would have voted Mr. PORTER of Illinois. Larson Owens Skelton Latham Oxley Slaughter ``aye'' on Roll No. 32. There was no objection. LaTourette Packard Smith (MI) Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall f Lazio Pallone Smith (NJ) vote No. 32, I was unavoidably detained. Had APPOINTMENT TO COMMISSION ON Leach Pastor Smith (TX) I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Lee Paul Smith (WA) SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN Levin Payne Snyder f EUROPE Lewis (CA) Pease Souder Lewis (GA) Pelosi Spence GENERAL LEAVE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Lewis (KY) Peterson (MN) Spratt Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. objection, and pursuant to section 3 of Linder Peterson (PA) Stabenow Lipinski Petri Stark Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Public Law 94–304 as amended by sec- LoBiondo Phelps Stearns all Members may have 5 legislative tion 1 of Public Law 99–7, the Chair an- Lofgren Pickering Stenholm days within which to revise and extend nounces the Speaker’s appointment of Lowey Pickett Strickland the following Member of the House to Lucas (KY) Pitts Stump their remarks and include extraneous Lucas (OK) Pombo Stupak material on H.R. 669, the bill just the Commission on Security and Co- Luther Pomeroy Sununu passed. operation in Europe: Maloney (CT) Porter Sweeney The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Chairman. Maloney (NY) Portman Talent Manzullo Price (NC) Tancredo PEASE). Is there objection to the re- There was no objection. Markey Pryce (OH) Tanner quest of the gentleman from New Jer- f Martinez Quinn Tauscher sey? THE REPUBLICANS TAKE ACTION Mascara Radanovich Tauzin There was no objection. Matsui Rahall Taylor (MS) ON IMPROVING SCHOOLS McCarthy (MO) Ramstad Taylor (NC) f McCarthy (NY) Regula Terry (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given McCrery Reyes Thomas REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER permission to address the House for 1 McDermott Reynolds Thompson (CA) AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 41 minute and to revise and extend his re- McGovern Riley Thompson (MS) McHugh Rivers Thornberry Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask marks and include therein extraneous McInnis Rodriguez Thune unanimous consent that my name be material.) McIntosh Roemer Thurman removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 41, the Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, we have McIntyre Rogan Tiahrt McKeon Rogers Tierney Mass Immigration Reduction Act. heard a lot today and we will hear a lot McKinney Rohrabacher Toomey The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there more in the future about who is saving McNulty Ros-Lehtinen Towns objection to the request of the gen- social security, but there is a key fact Meehan Rothman Traficant we should keep in mind. That is, for 40 Meeks (NY) Roukema Turner tleman from Georgia? Menendez Roybal-Allard Udall (CO) There was no objection. years the Democrats held control of Metcalf Royce Udall (NM) f this House. The number of times they Mica Rush Upton worked to save social security was Millender- Ryan (WI) Velazquez APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER OF somewhere around zero. McDonald Ryun (KS) Vento BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF GAL- Miller (FL) Sabo Visclosky The important thing here is not Miller, Gary Salmon Walden LAUDET UNIVERSITY whether we talk, but whether we do. Miller, George Sanders Walsh The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Today in the Committee on Education Minge Sandlin Wamp Mink Sanford Waters objection, and pursuant to section 103 and the Workforce we are considering a Moakley Sawyer Watkins of Public Law 99–371 (20 U.S.C. 4303), bill called Ed-Flex, to give local and Mollohan Saxton Watt (NC) the Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- State governments more flexibility, Moore Scarborough Watts (OK) Moran (KS) Schaffer Waxman pointment of the following Member of and allowing school boards more flexi- Moran (VA) Schakowsky Weiner the House to the Board of Trustees of bility in education. Similar bills are Morella Scott Weldon (FL) Gallaudet University: being considered on the Senate floor. Murtha Sensenbrenner Weller Mr. LAHOOD of Illinois. We are actually doing something about Myrick Serrano Wexler Nadler Sessions Weygand There was no objection. what other people talk about. It is a bi- Napolitano Shadegg Whitfield f partisan effort. The gentleman from Neal Shaw Wicker Delaware (Mr. CASTLE), the gentleman Nethercutt Shays Wilson APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER OF from Indiana (Mr. ROEMER), and others Ney Sherman Wise BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF INSTI- Northup Sherwood Wolf from both sides of the aisle are reach- Norwood Shimkus Woolsey TUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND ing forth. Nussle Shows Wu ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE AND Will the Democratic Party join with Obey Shuster Wynn ARTS DEVELOPMENT Olver Simpson Young (AK) us in trying to give flexibility? I will Ortiz Sisisky Young (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without refer to two articles, which I will insert NAYS—2 objection, and pursuant to section 1505 into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD along of Public Law 99–498 (20 U.S.C. 4412), with these remarks. One is from Steve Blunt Hostettler the Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- Gordon, president of the East Allen NOT VOTING—19 pointment of the following Member of County School Board, saying, States Ackerman Dickey Oberstar the House to the Board of Trustees of should fight Federal meddling in the Boucher Evans Pascrell the Institute of American Indian and schools. We don’t need a national Callahan Everett Rangel Capps Granger Sanchez Alaska Native Culture and Arts Devel- school board in Washington. We need Carson Kasich Weldon (PA) opment: to give more flexibility to local school Cooksey McCollum Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. boards and States. Davis (FL) Meek (FL) There was no objection. Another is a letter to the editor b f praising Concordia High School in my 1249 district, which is the largest Lutheran APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER OF So the bill was passed. high school in the country, for their BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF JOHN The result of the vote was announced drug testing programs. At the local F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE as above recorded. level people are doing things, not just PERFORMING ARTS A motion to reconsider was laid on talking. the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without The letters referred to are as follows: Stated for: objection, and pursuant to section 2(a) [From the Ft. Wayne News Sentinel, Feb. 22, Mr. KASICH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- of the National Cultural Center Act (20 1999] ably detained and unable to record a vote by U.S.C. 76h(a)), the Chair announces the STATE SHOULD FIGHT FEDERAL MEDDLING IN electronic device on Roll No. 32, to amend Speaker’s appointment of the following SCHOOLS title 49, United States Code, to clarify the ap- Member of the House to the Board of With the start of the new legislative year, plication of the act popularly known as the Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Cen- one issue that always comes up is education. ``Death on the High Seas Act'' to aviation inci- ter for the Performing Arts: Of course, the president, governor and every March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H915 legislator have this issue near the top of about the results and leave the means imple- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a their agendas. mentation to the local school districts. They previous order of the House, the gen- The president used his State of the Union can better assess their specific needs and re- tleman from Iowa (Mr. BOSWELL) is rec- speech to address aspects of education, and I spond to them directly. would like to respond. He recommends bring- Third, let the local districts decide how to ognized for 5 minutes. ing public education more under the author- spend money. The recent ‘‘100,000 teachers’’ (Mr. BOSWELL addressed the House. ity of the federal government. He also makes legislation is a perfect example. Considering His remarks will appear hereafter in some points that should be common-sense to the amount of money appropriated, it will the Extensions of Remarks.) most Americans, but to him are more of a never meet the need to hire that amount of revelation that only the federal government teachers. It creates an obligation to the f should implement. school districts to make up a difference that His first point was to end social promotion. they may not have. Children should not graduate with a diploma Finally, I would ask that education remain ST. JOSEPH’S DAY BREAKFAST they can’t read. Who could possibly oppose a local issue and that the state resist any further federal intervention. There are prob- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a this? Already schools—at the local level—are previous order of the House, the gentle- endeavoring to ensure reading skills are lems in public education, but they can be woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- mastered at the earliest grade levels. much better resolved at the local and state His second point was to close low-perform- level. Washington doesn’t need to involve LEHTINEN) is recognized for 5 minutes. ing schools. Will the federal government de- itself any further. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I I realize I do not have the influence on law- cide this issue? By what standard? Indiana rise today to inform my colleagues makers that the president or governor may already examines each public school’s per- have. But I am only a school board member. about an important event, the St. Jo- formance and intervenes when necessary to I want to do what is in the best interests of seph’s Day Breakfast, that will be held help those schools to meet their specific students in this district. I ask parents who on March 18th, and I strongly urge any- needs. We don’t need the federal government support these ideas to contact their rep- one who can be present to attend. The to transcend the state authority already in resentatives and tell them how they feel. place. St. Joseph’s Day Breakfast is spon- sored by a truly exceptional organiza- His third point suggested that teachers [From the Ft. Wayne Journal-Gazette, Mar. only teach subjects they are trained in. This 2, 1999] tion called the Faith and Politics Insti- is another local issue—one manipulated by tute. PRAISE SCHOOL THAT FIGHTS DRUGS contracts, state licensing rules and course It has long been said that one picture is The St. Joseph’s Day Breakfast cele- offerings requested by students. What we at brates the day of St. Joseph, who is the the local level need is greater flexibility in worth a thousand words. Unfortunately those words do not have to be the truth or patron saint of the worker. This event putting qualified teachers into the class- accurate. Such is the case with the Feb. 26 room. Indiana should modify the licensing brings Members of Congress together editorial cartoon. It infers several incorrect procedure to allow people to teach who are with leaders of our Nation’s labor concepts. The first is that education will qualified in the material but do not nec- unions. As they break bread together, take a secondary role to drug testing at essarily have a major in education. they will remember the religious val- Concordia High School. One only has to look An example is: Schools are in great need of at ISTEP scores, graduation rates, percent of ues and the moral imperative that un- vocational program teachers. People who graduates going to college and SAT scores to derlie the struggle for economic jus- have vocational skills but may not meet li- refute that idea. tice. censing requirements could pass their expe- The second is that the testing will occupy This is a bipartisan event sponsored rience on to students. For example, people the entire school day. Testing can be com- just out of the military or retirees could fill by our colleagues the gentleman from pleted in a very short period of time, being Georgia (Mr. JOHN LEWIS) and the gen- this need. minimally disruptive to the school day. For tleman from New York (Mr. AMO His fourth point was to allow parents to a non-drug user an inconvenience—to a drug choose which public school to send their user, surely no more disruptive than days HOUGHTON) to honor those who have child to based on school ‘‘report cards.’’ Indi- missed because of over indulgence. acted courageously on behalf of the ana already requires each district to publish His third incorrect concept is the most working men and women of our coun- information about schools’ performance. damaging. His attempt to ridicule the re- try. The St. Joseph’s Day Breakfast is Charter schools have been a state issue and cently announced plan for random drug test- should remain so. One aspect of charters also the primary event of the Faith and ing at Concordia, by overstating his case, Politics Institute, and the motto of that makes them unique is the avoidance of will give those who have a misguided belief many current state Department of Edu- that drug testing is evil and an invasion of this wonderful organization best sums cation regulations. I suggest that if some privacy the belief that taking action to help up their goals and their accomplish- schools can do this, all public schools should prevent good kids from making bad decisions ments: spirit, community and con- be allowed to avoid these rules. is an unworthy undertaking. science in public life. His fifth point was to ‘‘implement sensible Rather than swelling up with righteous in- The Faith and Politics Institute was discipline policies.’’ Not long ago, the presi- dignation over the alleged loss of privacy, I established in 1991 as an interfaith, dent pushed through the mandatory one-year would suggest the editorial staff consider nonpartisan approach to reach consen- expulsion for any student who comes to looking at the educational success gained at school with a handgun. Every state had to a high school where standards are set, expec- sus across party lines and break down make this into law. Indiana already had a tations delineated and students and faculty the polarization that often engulfs our law forbidding handguns to be within 1,000 are held accountable for their actions. This body. The mission of Faith and Politics feet of a school. Why was it necessary to fed- action to take care of a problem that occurs seeks to provide occasions for moral eralize this issue? in every high school in this area is the act of reflection and spiritual community to I would like to make some suggestions in responsible administrators and parents who political leaders, and draws upon the contrast to the president’s agenda. are taking action rather than burying their moral lessons and religious traditions First, give real tax relief to families. When heads in the sand. to encourage civility and respect for families have both parents working out of EARNIE WILLIAMSON, necessity, they have less time for their chil- Fort Wayne. one another and differing opinions. dren. A parent waiting for the child to arrive f These values, civility and respect, at home is better than after-school pro- are essential to our strong democracy, grams. Families are paying approximately 40 SPECIAL ORDERS and toward this end Faith and Politics percent of their income to taxes. One parent The SPEAKER pro tempore). Under have brought Mark Gerzon to Washing- is effectively working just to pay the govern- ment. Children need their parents—not an- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ton for private meetings a year before other government program! uary 6, 1999, and under a previous order he led our Members into the historic Second, do not generalize when talking of the House, the following Members bipartisan Hershey retreat. about education. Every school has unique will be recognized for 5 minutes each. Since its inception, the Institute has problems—and many have unique successes. f brought to Capitol Hill a combination Create opportunities for all schools to suc- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a of theological perspective, spiritual ceed in the areas that they want and need. previous order of the House, the gen- sensitivity, and political know-how as Rather than add more bureaucracy, remove it has undertaken projects on behalf of what currently exists. Free the public tleman from Florida (Mr. DIAZ- schools up so that they can compete equally BALART) is recognized for 5 minutes. labor, race, economic exploitation, the with private schools. It is tempting—and (Mr. DIAZ-BALART addressed the environment, and kindness to all. Last easy—for legislators to get their hands into House. His remarks will appear here- June this marvelous organization the means of education. Be more concerned after in the Extensions of Remarks.) kicked off, with the help of General H916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Colin Powell, the ‘‘Congressional Con- California. Today I ask my colleagues and the poor throughout the United versations on Race’’, which is spear- to join me in making March 31 a Fed- States and for the inspiration his he- headed by a bipartisan steering com- eral holiday so that our entire Nation roic efforts gave to so many Ameri- mittee made up of equal numbers of can honor Cesar Chavez for his many cans. Republican and Democrat Members. contributions. We in Congress must make certain The goal is to ‘‘evoke the potential Cesar was the son of migrant farm that the movement Cesar Chavez began among Members of Congress, seeking workers who dedicated his life to fight- and the timeless lessons of justice and spiritual insights to provide creative ing for the human rights and dignity of fairness he taught be preserved and moral leadership on racial issues.’’ farm laborers. He was born on March honored in our national conscience. To They have already sponsored many 31, 1927, on a small farm near Yuma, make sure that these fundamental events to bring about a dialogue on Arizona, and died nearly 6 years ago in principles are never forgotten, I urge race, and will continue to do so, under- April of 1993. Over the course of his 66- my colleagues to support House Joint standing that the ‘‘serious of experi- year life, Cesar Chavez’ work inspired Resolution 22 which would declare ences to deepen Members’ understand- millions and made him a major force in March 31 as a Federal holiday in honor ings and to strengthen their leadership American history. of Cesar Chavez. In the words of Cesar in the realm of race relations’’ is a In 1962, Cesar Chavez and his family and the United Farm Workers, si se worthy goal. founded the National Farm Workers puede, yes, we can. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully urge my Association which organized thousands f colleagues on both sides of the aisle to of farm workers to confront one of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a get involved with this wonderful Insti- most powerful industries in our Nation. previous order of the House, the gen- tute, to go to the breakfast, if they He inspired them to join together and tleman from Virginia (Mr. WOLF) is can, because it is good for us individ- nonviolently demand safe and fair recognized for 5 minutes. ually and good for the country as a working conditions. (Mr. WOLF addressed the House. His whole. Through the use of a grape boycott, remarks will appear hereafter in the f he was able to secure the first union Extensions of Remarks.) contracts for farm workers in this The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. f country. These contracts provided farm PEASE). Under a previous order of the workers with the basic services that FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND House, the gentlewoman from the Dis- most workers take for granted, serv- REDUCING THE DEBT trict of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) is rec- ices such as clean drinking water and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ognized for 5 minutes. sanitary facilities. Because of his fight previous order of the House, the gen- (Ms. NORTON addressed the House. to enforce child labor laws, farm work- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Her remarks will appear hereafter in ers could also be certain that their HOEFFEL) is recognized for 5 minutes. the Extensions of Remarks.) children would not be working side by Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise f side with them and would instead at- today because we stand on a threshold The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tend the migrant schools he helped to of a truly remarkable time, a time previous order of the House, the gen- establish. In addition, Cesar Chavez when we will be able to do wonderful tleman from Florida (Mr. MILLER) is made the world aware of the exposure things for this country and for our recognized for 5 minutes. to dangerous chemicals that farm children. (Mr. MILLER of Florida addressed workers and every consumer faces In fiscal year 2001, we will have for the House. His remarks will appear every day. the first time in decades a surplus in hereafter in the Extensions of Re- As a labor leader, he earned great our budget, in the general fund budget. marks.) support from unions and elected offi- What we do with this surplus will tell f cials across the country. The move- a great deal about us, about our re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ment he began continues today as the solve, about how serious we are in pro- previous order of the House, the gen- United Farm Workers of America. viding a strong, fiscally sound country Cesar Chavez’ influence extends far tleman from Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for those who come after us. is recognized for 5 minutes. beyond agriculture. He was instrumen- Some would have us spend this sur- (Mr. BLUMENAUER addressed the tal in forming the Community Service plus on a multitude of well-intentioned House. His remarks will appear here- Organization, one of the first civic ac- programs and initiatives. But this is a after in the Extensions of Remarks.) tion groups in the Mexican-American time for restraint, not largesse. Others communities of California and Arizona. would have us return the surplus to the f He worked in urban areas, organized American people in the form of broad, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a voter registration drives, brought com- across-the-board tax cuts. But for the previous order of the House, the gen- plaints against mistreatment by gov- average taxpayer, that would provide a tleman from Minnesota (Mr. GUT- ernment agencies. He taught commu- small short-term gain when we have KNECHT) is recognized for 5 minutes. nity members how to deal with govern- the ability to provide a much longer (Mr. GUTKNECHT addressed the mental, school and financial institu- term and larger benefit. House. His remarks will appear here- tions and empowered many thousands That benefit can be provided if we after in the Extensions of Remarks.) to seek further advancement in edu- use this projected surplus over the next f cation and politics. There are countless 15 years to keep the budget balanced stories of judges, engineers, lawyers, and pay down the national debt. A NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR CESAR teachers, church leaders, organizers Under the administration’s debt re- CHAVEZ and other hardworking professionals duction program, our debt payments The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a who credit Cesar Chavez as the inspir- will be reduced from today’s level of 14 previous order of the House, the gen- ing force in their lives. percent of the national budget to only tleman from California (Mr. FILNER) is During a time of great social up- 2 percent by the year 2015. recognized for 5 minutes. heaval, he was sought out by groups The numbers are huge. We owe in Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise from all walks of life and all religions public debt $3.7 trillion. Under the today to honor and remember a great to help bring calm with his nonviolent President’s debt reduction plan, that American leader and hero, Cesar Cha- practices. In his fight for peace, jus- would be reduced to $1.3 trillion by vez. He was a husband, father, grand- tice, respect and self-determination, he 2015. This would be an immense gift to father, labor organizer, community gained the admiration and respect of the American people, and it would ben- leader and symbol of the ongoing millions of Americans and most Mem- efit all Americans, families, farmers struggle for equal rights and equal op- bers of this House of Representatives. and businesses. It would provide a real portunity. March 31, the birthday of Cesar Chavez will be remembered for long-term benefit to almost every eco- Cesar Chavez, has already been de- his tireless commitment to improve nomic level of American society, un- clared a State holiday in my State of the plight of farm workers, children like a broad, across-the-board tax cut March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H917 as proposed that would mean little the entire public, both present and fu- Of course when you spend money, more to the average American than ture, of our Nation benefits from it, there is always an argument that it is $100 a year in a tax cut. but in purely political terms, those helping people, and it does. But you The biggest effect of paying down our folks in the 1980s and 1990s had a point. have to look at the long term as well. debt would be a further reduction in in- The constituencies were definitely If we spend all the money now, we will terest rates that would save home- more well defined for all of the pro- be forfeiting and mortgaging our chil- owners thousands of dollars in mort- grams and tax cuts that were being dren’s future, and that is not fair. At gage payments. The burden of loans proposed and passed. I just stand up this particular time it is particularly shouldered by our college students today to say that fiscal discipline and frustrating, because we have a strong would be greatly alleviated. Our farm- fiscal responsibility should still be a economy. We have unemployment of ers would be able to save thousands of priority. just over 4 percent, we have inflation of dollars on their equipment purchases Since I have been elected to Con- below 2 percent. We have a strong econ- which in turn would allow them to be gress, a lot of folks have been talking omy so that we do not have to spend as more efficient and increase their to me about what it means to be a Con- much money. The economy is taking yields. gressman, how can in essence you care of people. The government does With lower interest rates, industry prove that you have done a good job. I not have to do as much. Now is the would have more to invest in new tech- talk a lot about my emphasis on fiscal time to be fiscally responsible, because nologies and there would be more responsibility and balancing the budget if we do not do it now, a few years from money to invest in education, in trans- and there tends to be this look like, now when the business cycle turns on portation and other infrastructure im- ‘‘Well, that’s just not good enough.’’ As us, it is going to be a thousand times provements that would make the they like to say, you have to have more difficult, because people are America of the 21st century even something to bring home, something to going to need those programs and that stronger than the last. put your name on, whether it is a new help or that tax cut even more. Now is The importance of reducing the debt, bridge, a new bus stop in your district, the time to be fiscally responsible, bal- however, can be measured in more a new swimming pool, you name it, ance the budget and give something ways than just dollars and cents. If we something that you went back there back to our future. show courage and restraint, if we dem- and fought for Federal money to bring I think all politicians in this body onstrate that we too can finally live home. I understand that. In fact, I will should be proud to go back to their dis- within budgetary guidelines, if we only say that many if not most of all of trict and say, ‘‘Don’t judge me by do in Washington what American fami- these programs are indeed worthwhile. whether or not I brought you back a lies have to do every day at home, we Spending money on all of those things highway or a bridge or some other Fed- will restore much of the trust that has will help the district, help the State, eral program. Judge me by the fact been lost in government by the Amer- help the future of the country. that I had the foresight and the dis- ican people. But we also have to remember that cipline to balance the budget and take We talk about bipartisanship. Now is we need to be fiscally responsible be- care of our economy for today and to- the time to begin practicing it. I urge cause, a couple of reasons: First of all, morrow.’’ That is what I think we all Democrats and my friends on the in the future, folks are going to need should be doing back here in Congress, Republican side of the aisle as well to all of those things as well and if we despite the overwhelming pressure to do what is prudent, to do what is right, spend all their money now, they are spend money. Spend it, fine. The Fed- to do something for their children and not going to have them. And second of eral Government spends a lot of grandchildren that will be a lasting all, when you run debt up too high, you money, $1.7 trillion. No reason we can- legacy. Keep the budget balanced and drag down the economy, drive up inter- not spend it within our means. No rea- use the surplus to pay down the debt. est rates and create job loss, which son we cannot be fiscally responsible f makes it even more necessary to spend and balance the budget. I urge that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Federal money and it becomes a down- do that as soon as possible and remem- previous order of the House, the gen- ward spiral. ber that discipline when we go into the tleman from Illinois (Mr. SHIMKUS) is What I want people to recognize is budget battles that lie ahead this year. that being fiscally responsible and pay- recognized for 5 minutes. f (Mr. SHIMKUS addressed the House. ing down the debt does have a constitu- ency. That is the legacy that I want to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a His remarks will appear hereafter in previous order of the House, the gen- the Extensions of Remarks.) leave in my district. I think that is tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) f something to bring home, to go back to the people of the Ninth District of the is recognized for 5 minutes. FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND State of Washington or any other dis- (Mr. PALLONE addressed the House. REDUCING THE DEBT trict in the country and say, ‘‘Yes, His remarks will appear hereafter in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a maybe I didn’t fight for every last Fed- the Extensions of Remarks.) previous order of the House, the gen- eral dollar but I fought to balance the f tleman from Washington (Mr. SMITH) is budget for your benefit, your children’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a recognized for 5 minutes. benefit and their children’s benefit.’’ I previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. think all politicians on both sides of tleman from California (Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge fiscal dis- the aisle should have the courage and CUNNINGHAM) is recognized for 5 min- cipline and fiscal responsibility as we stand up for that. utes. work on the budget for the next fiscal As we head towards this year’s budg- (Mr. CUNNINGHAM addressed the year. et, there is going to be a major battle. House. His remarks will appear here- Back in the 1980s when we were run- There is incredible pressure to spend after in the Extensions of Remarks.) ning up our yearly deficits and con- money or cut taxes in thousands of dif- f sequently our overall Federal debt, ferent places. The thing about it is, there was a phrase that politicians these programs do have some value. As LEGISLATION TO PREVENT used to utter in dealing with the prob- I have often said, I wish just once in GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS lem which was, ‘‘The balanced budget my time as a public official somebody The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a has no constituency,’’ which is to say would walk into my office and say, previous order of the House, the gen- that when you spend money or cut ‘‘We’ve got this plan to spend $5 mil- tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. GEKAS) taxes, there is somebody or some group lion on fill-in-the-blank,’’ and I could is recognized for 5 minutes. of somebodies who are going to be honestly look at that person and say, Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I want the happy about it. It has a constituency ‘‘That’s just a complete waste of last two speakers to know that I am that you can please. money. That doesn’t do any good for grateful for their emphasis on fiscal re- Who benefits from the balanced budg- anybody and there’s no way we’re sponsibility and to let them know how et? Who specifically? Well, obviously going to do it.’’ refreshing it is to hear Members of the H918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 other side of the aisle concentrate on MEXICO IS NOT AGGRESSIVE IN The gentleman from Florida (Mr. reduction of debt, budget responsibil- DRUG ENFORCEMENT MICA) of the Subcommittee on Drug ity, fiscal responsibility. It gives impe- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Policy on the Committee on Govern- tus to my remarks about to be made on previous order of the House, the gen- ment Reform took a CODEL to Central something that has been bothering me tleman from Indiana (Mr. SOUDER) is and South America that just arrived for 10 years and on which I have spoken recognized for 5 minutes. back a little over a week ago, and we at least 100 times on the floor and on Mr. SOUDER. First, Mr. Speaker, I spent 3 days in Mexico, and I would which I will ask for their support when would like to say ‘‘amen’’ to the gen- like to put into the RECORD a list of the time comes. This mainly is budget tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. GEKAS) different things that Mexico has actu- restraint through prevent government and would like to remind people who ally been doing in the past year: shutdown legislation. sometimes do not remember historical PGR—PROCURADURIA GENERAL DE LA If there ever was a clamp on our abil- points and therefore are prone to re- REPUBLICA, FEBRUARY 19, 1999 ity to balance the budget and to exude peat them is, as one of the so-called Overall Reform of Mexico’s Law Enforce- fiscal responsibility, it is the lack of a firebrands of the Class of 1994, I sup- ment Legal System—Key Points—Legal, In- mechanism to prevent government ported Mr. GEKAS and other similar stitutional Reorganization, and Human Re- shutdown. What have I proposed over legislation from the beginning, as we sources. the last 10 years which now seems to be did before the government shutdown. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS gathering more momentum? The fact is that it was not the House Articles 16 and 19: Increased balance in Everyone should recognize that on that shut down the government, it will order to present proof of the ‘‘probable September 30, the end of the fiscal year not be the House that shuts down the cause’’ of the crime and obtain arrest war- for the Congress of the United States, government, and it should not be, rants, and orders of formal incarceration for the U.S. Government, if no new (submission to criminal proceeding). which is why we need to pass this legis- budget is in place the next day, Octo- Article 22: Forfeiture of organized crime lation. We have been for this all the ber 1, we enter into an automatic shut- proceeds in not concluded criminal proceed- down of government until a budget can way along. ings (e.g., death of the offender). The inten- Others would like to make it look tion is to avoid the simulation in the trans- be put into place. What we have re- like unless they get their way in the fer of the assets to third parties. sorted to in the past, as a Congress, has appropriation bills that we are the bad Article 123 paragraph B fraction XIII: Po- been temporary appropriations for 10 guys, but that is different from the lice bodies depuration, dismissed police offi- days, 2 months, sometimes more than cers will not be able to demand reinstall- truth, and it is put up or shut up time. that, but always with another crisis to ment, and they would only be compensated. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. face us at the end of that deadline on FEDERAL ACT FOR THE CONTROL OF PRECURSOR GEKAS) has had this bill for year after whether or not we will have a full CHEMICALS—DEC. 26, 1997, OFFICIAL GAZETTE budget. year. Where are the cosponsors who To prevent and locate the diversion of My proposal is so simple that it can- like to whine about the threat of a gov- chemical precursors, and it regulates the not penetrate the consciousness of ernment shutdown? Why are they not chemical substances related to in the 1988 Members of Congress, and that is this: backing his bill? Vienna Convention against Illicit Drug Traf- That at the end of the fiscal year, Sep- But I came down here today to talk ficking. tember 30, if no new budget is in place about the drug issue. In the last few Fast mechanism in order to add the regu- the next day, if no new budget has been days, the President has certified Mex- lated chemical substances list. ico as a cooperating partner in the war Data Base: Increased coordination between passed, then the next day automati- agencies and PGR. Imports and exports ex- cally, by instant replay, like in profes- against drugs, and I would like to com- change of information with other nations. ment particularly on that subject. Al- sional football, instant replay, there PROPOSED FEDERAL ACT FOR THE ADMINISTRA- will be enacted last year’s budget. though in the Committee on Education TION OF SEIZED, FORFEITED AND ABANDONED and the Workforce we are continuing b 1315 ASSETS to work with the Drug-free Schools Objective basis for the proper administra- What will that do? Act, Safe and Drug-free Schools Act, tion of the proceeds of crime. That means that forever we will we are continuing to work with treat- Strengthening of the legal basis for the use avoid the possibility ever after of shut- ment programs and many other areas, of the proceeds seized by the Federal Public ting down government because there right now the focus is and should be on Prosecutor in the fight against crime. will always be a budget in place. I ask interdiction, because there is only so Sharing of proceeds with State, Local and for support of my instant replay legis- Foreign governments. much schools can do in Indiana and Final destiny of the seized proceeds in lation which is making the rounds now around the country if they are flooded of the Members of the Congress because favor of the Federal Judicial Branch and the with this huge supply of high-grade co- it makes common sense. Attorney General’s Office. Establishment of Deputy Attorney General In the past, I have been saying that caine, heroin, marijuana that has been coming in mostly through the Mexican Offices for Criminal Procedures A, B y C the reason my proposal has not passed (Territorial distribution of the cases), Spe- is because it makes so much sense. border and increasingly through the Mexican border and is produced pre- cial Prosecutor’s Office for the Attention of Now I want to turn that around and Health Related Crimes (Drug trafficking), say: Because it makes so much sense, dominantly in three countries in the Special Unit on Organized Crime, Special and because it is vital to fiscal respon- world: Peru, Bolivia and Columbia. Unit against Money Laundering, and Reli- sibility, and because it is vital to the Mr. Speaker, we need to understand ability Control Center. reduction of the debt, and because it is that we, while we can argue whether DISMISSAL OF BAD ELEMENTS vital to keep the stream of American this is a cancer or a war, it is, in fact, Imposition of 1,973 sanctions (Dec. 2, 1996 society moving past any impasse that both because there is a war going on in to Feb. 17, 1999), 438 dismissed, 294 disquali- we might have because of budget South America. Two countries have fied, and 157 dismissed/disqualified. breakdowns, I urge that we now see the made tremendous progress: Peru and Criminal charges against 317 former public light of day and pass my instant replay Bolivia. It shows that we can actually servants. legislation. reduce the coca bean grown, reduce the TRAINING No more government shutdowns, no cocaine being processed and reduce the Participation of DEA, and FBI. more leaving our troops as we did in cocaine being shipped. National Police of Spain, National Police Desert Storm ready to fight that battle In Columbia, there is a battle on the of France, Canadian Royal Mounted Police, and Police of Israel. while the government back in Washing- ground; and, in Mexico, it is a little bit ton shut down. Can my colleagues bigger question because it is clear that NEW FRINGE BENEFITS FOR THE PERSONNEL IN- VOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAF- imagine anything more disgraceful, some of the people, or most, as far as FICKING more embarrassing, more revolting we can tell, of the people in their gov- ernment are attempting to cooperate Civil Service regulations, major medical than that? My legislation would pre- expenses insurance (‘‘Premier’’), Life insur- vent that for all time. with us. It is not clear that we have ance (major risk—100 thousand to 400 thou- Mr. Speaker, I urge full and constant had such cooperation in the past, and sand dollars), additional salary to com- and instant support of my instant re- many of the proposals are relatively pensate risks, and bonuses for relevant ac- play legislation. new on the table. tions. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H919

BINATIONAL SEMINAR ON MEXICO-US LEGAL The following will be used for the eradi- FEADS, CENDRO and all PGR structure. TRAINING cation of illicit drug crops—35 fast surveil- Meetings to coordinate and exchange infor- It is focused on the knowledge of legal pro- lance aircraft. 64 helicopters (24 will be pur- mation with a similar group in San Diego, visions and investigation techniques in both chased during this year and the next), and California are also taking place. countries. autonomous access to satellite images and EXTRADITIONS IN PROCESS—FIGURES UPDATED Its objective is to provide participants precise aerial photographs to detect illicit TO FEBRUARY 13, 1999 with a wider and clearer comprehension of drug crops and verify its effective eradi- Active (Mexico requests to other coun- the legal systems, the structures and means cation. tries), Total 383; with the U.S.—355, 92.6%. 3. Strengthening the coordination between of law enforcement in Mexico and the US. Passive (Requests made to Mexico by other the PGR, SEDENA and SEMAR. RELIABILITY CONTROL CENTER countries), Total 235; from the U.S.—210, 4. Create a control center within the PGR 89.3%. It was established on May 2, 1997, performs to coordinate the counter-narcotics oper- Application of the provisions to prevent evaluations (vetting) for the detection of the ations, joint, interinstitutional, and multi- and detect transactions carried out with re- reliability of the personnel. Applies the fol- disciplinary. sources from illicit origin. lowing evaluations: Medical, toxicological, 5. Utilize Air Platforms in the combat to Suspicious transaction reports, 715; con- psychological, family background and finan- drug trafficking, 7 air platforms with cruis- cerning transaction reports, 31; and large cial situation, and polygraph or lie detector. ing range of 9 to 12 hours. Equipped with— value transaction reports, 5,623,665. RELIABILITY CONTROL CENTER long range, high resolution air radars, long Mexican citizens surrendered in extra- range electronic-optical sensors, and high The evaluations are applied to newly re- dition to the U.S. cruited public servants, and All individuals technology cruising systems. Mexicans by naturalization: John Amos 6. Renew the distribution of the air, sea working in FEADS, UEDO, and UCLD. Devries (Robbery/fraud 07/27/95), Leslie and land reaction forces. Periodical evaluations are applied to all Wortemberg Kenneth (Drug Trafficking 01/19/ 7. Apply Trust Control procedures to coun- the employees of the Attorney General’s Of- 96), and Dominick Espo´ sito Joseph (Drug ternarcotics personnel, in addition to those fice (PGR). 60% of the people tested have trafficking 06/12/96). been rejected or dismissed. applied by the PGR. ´ ´ 8. Increase the budget for the purchase of Native Mexicans: Francisco Gomez Garcıa SEALING OPERATION tracing and interdiction infrastructure. (Sexual Abuse 04/17/96), Aaron Morel Lebaron ´ The following agencies of the Mexican Mexico has been the world’s leader in the (Criminal Association 04/25/96), Delia Cantu ´ Government participate in the sealing oper- eradication of crops since 1994. It is an effort de Sanchez (Sexual Assault 03/04/98), Rosendo ´ ations—Attorney General’s Office (PGR), coordinated by the Attorney General’s Of- Gutierrez Rojero (Sexual Abuse 10/15/98), and ´ ´ Ministry of the Interior (SG), Ministry of fice, the Ministry of National Defense and Bernardo Velardes Lopez (Drug trafficking/ National Defense (SDN), Ministry of the the Ministry of the Navy, among other. Homicide of a BP agent 11/06/98). Navy (SM–AM), Ministry of Communications There is a continuous growth of efforts, and Mexican citizens subject to extradition and Transport (SCT)—Federal Highway Po- the methods used are air spraying and man- proceeding at the 1st step (Not Compulsory lice, and Ministry of the Treasury (SHCP)— ual eradication. Opinion of the District Judge). ´ ´ Fiscal Police. Jua´ rez Cartel—The dismantling of this or- Gerardo Alvarez Vazquez (Drug trafficking ´ ´ The operation sealing includes—Early ganization began with the drug-trafficking 12/03/97), Miguel Angel Martınez Mtz. (Drug warning operations, identification and inter- protection activities performed by General trafficking 06/08/98), and Luis Amezcua diction of suspicious targets, air, land and Jesu´ s Gutie´rrez Rebollo. More than 100 ar- Contreras (Drug trafficking 10/08/98). (All sea interdiction, patrolling, control of land, rest warrants were issued, and millions of provisional arrest.) sea and air collateral elements that support dollars were seized corresponding to various Extraditions of Mexicans already granted drug trafficking, creation of a comprehen- real properties and documents that allow the pending an amparo (all of them in drug traf- sive communications system, coordination identification of money laundering activi- ficking related crimes). Date on which the extradition was granted with the authorities of Guatemala and ties. Belize, and organization of an intelligence by the Secretary of State of Mexico. Tirzo Tijuana Cartel—16 members of the crimi- ´ scheme. ´ Angel Robles, 02/28/97; Jaime Arturo Ladino, nal organization of the Arellano Felix have ´ The sealing operation covers the following been arrested. 09/04/97; Juan Angel Salinas, 12/16/97; geographical areas—Gulf of California— Colima Cartel—5 members of this Cartel Everardo Arturo Pa´ ez, 05/04/98; Florentino States: Baja California, Baja California Sur, have been arrested, among which are the Blanco, 05/08/98; and Jose´ de Jesu´ s Amezcua, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit. Land: 419,049 Amezcua Contreras brothers. 12/10/98. km 2. Litorals: 3,525 km. Gulf Cartel—Juan Garcia Abrego and Oscar Mexican citizens tried under Article 4 of Peninsula of Yucata´ n—States: Campeche, Malherbe were arrested, and four of its mem- the Federal Penal Code (important cases). Yucata´ n, and Quintana Roo. Land: 132,426 bers have been aprehended. Oscar Malherbe de Leo´ n, Drug trafficking/ km 2. Litorals: 1,740 km. criminal association; David Alex A´ lvarez, ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SPECIALIZED UNIT Southern Border—States: Chiapas and Ta- ‘‘Spooky’’*, Homicide/illegal deprivation of AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING basco. Land: 30,783 km.2 Litorals: 300 km. freedom; Jose´ Eustaquio Cha´ vez Laines*, In the near future the efforts of the Seal- The Specialized Unit against Money Laun- Homicide/drug trafficking; Jaime Gonza´ lez ing Operation will also cover the State of dering (UECLD) was established on January Castro, Drug trafficking; Gildardo Martinez Tamaulipas. 1st, 1998. UECLD has been working in close Lo´ pez**, Money laundering; Carlos Escoto collaboration with FEADS and UEDO, in Alcala´ **, Money laundering; Miguel A´ ngel BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW STRATEGY order to coordinate the various matters re- 1. Intensify the fight against production Barba Martin**, Money laundering; Jorge lated to money laundering crimes. Money ´ and traffic of drugs by doing the following: A Milton Diaz**, Money laundering; Jose Ser- laundering matters (From January 1st ´ higher control in the access, transit and exit gio Calderon Fdz.**, Money laundering; and through December 31st 1998). Pre trial inves- Lionel Barajas, Homicide. of drugs. The sealing of borders, coasts, mar- tigations, 58; Criminal proceedings, 31; and * Convicted. itime ports and airports, and the eradication Convictions, 3. of illicit drug crops. ** Operation Casablanca. At present in process. 2. Procure new systems of detection, de- OFFICE OF THE FISCAL ATTORNEY OF THE BROWNSVILLE LETTER FEDERATION struction, tracing, register and response. Signed on July 2, 1998 between Attorney Helicopters with advanced equipment of— Contributes with the PGR in the fight Generals Reno and Madrazo establishing Navigation, overnight operation, and coded against money laundering by presenting ac- commitments in order to improve coopera- communications. 40 speedboats (there is a cusations and criminal complaints on the tion and to regain confidence between both current inventory of 20 and the rest will be probable commission of such crimes. countries. purchased next year). 8 gunboats ‘‘Holzinger Accusations and complaints presented, Based on the Letter, both countries signed 2000’’ equipped with high speed interdiction (December 1994 to February 1999). Article 115 a Memorandum of Understanding on proce- boats (more than 50 knots) and a helicopter. Bis of the Federal Fiscal Code (repealed), 47; dures for cooperation regarding law enforce- 3 ‘‘Centenario’’ corvettes equipment with— and Article 400 Bis of the Federal Penal ment activities. 1 high speed intercepting boat. 2 ‘‘Caribe’’ Code, 19. Likewise, authorities of Mexico and the International Cooperation Principles, full patrols for low waters. 144 speedboats (al- U.S. have been working on effectiveness respect to—The sovereignty of both coun- ready existing) for coast and riverside pa- measures for a bilateral, objective, trans- tries, the territorial jurisdiction, and the do- trolling. parent, and balanced evaluation of the ef- mestic law. Counternarcotics equipment at ports, air- forts of both countries in the fight against ports, roads and border crossings, equipped TIJUANA—SAN DIEGO GROUP drug trafficking. with X-rays—‘‘Mobile Search’’ (current in- Personnel, 21 elements vetted and trained. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important ventory of 5 and 8 will be purchased next Functions, intelligence investigations in all year), ‘‘Cargo Search’’ for the inspection of the national territory in order to locate the to acknowledge, as frustrated as I and containers at ports, ‘‘Body Search’’ and Arellano Fe´lix brothers. other Members are with Mexico, the ‘‘Buster’’ in ports, airports and border cross- Information exchange, this group will be fact is is they are attempting to make ings, and dog units for drug detection. supported by the Border Task Forces, progress. Now that is different from H920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 saying that they have made progress. 5-minute special order of the gen- Let us balance the budget in 7 years, Yes, they have continued to eradicate tleman from Florida (Mr. DIAZ- and if we balance the budget in 7 years, marijuana, they have fallen behind BALART). then the economy will explode. some in some of their efforts for inter- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Now the President said that we could diction on cocaine, and we need those PEASE). Is there objection to the re- not do this because this would destroy efforts back up. They have not extra- quest of the gentleman from Florida? the economy, and how many liberals dited people that we have asked to be There was no objection. did I hear come to the floor and speak extradited, but they have started the f into this microphone and tell the process to extradite. American people if we tried to balance LIBERALS THINK WASHINGTON the budget in 7 years, the economy But there are a couple of facts that KNOWS HOW TO SPEND AMERI- make this a very difficult vote should would be wrecked? Boy, talk about a CANS’ MONEY BETTER THAN rewriting of history. Now they talk it come to that here in Congress. One THEY DO is, for all the current plans and efforts about the Clinton recovery? that they have done in this past year, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a I remember Alan Greenspan, Chair- there are a couple of irrevocable facts. previous order of the House, the gen- man of the Fed, testifying before the One is, their drug czar was living in an tleman from Florida (Mr. SCAR- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. KASICH’s) apartment owned by one under the BOROUGH) is recognized for 5 minutes. committee, and he said: Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I If you guys and ladies will only pass name of one cartel member. Through would like to compliment the gen- this balanced budget plan, you will see that compromised drug czar, who was tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. GEKAS) interest rates go down, you will see un- actually on the take from the cartel, on his plan. It is something that we employment go down, and you will see potentially every single source we have have supported since 1995 and had the one of the largest peace-time economic in Mexico was compromised. President and also Members of this expansions in the history of our coun- It is going to be very difficult to re- Chamber on the left supported the try. build a relationship of trust when you same thing. Then when the President That is what Alan Greenspan said. have potentially blown every single vetoed the nine appropriation bills in And do my colleagues know what? It is source you have worked to develop 1995 that shut down the government, a good thing we listened to the eco- over decades when they have the broth- that could have been avoided. I hope nomic intelligence of Alan Greenspan er of the President being involved in that we will be willing to do that in the instead of the demagoguery that came the assassination of a presidential can- future. from the other end of Pennsylvania Av- didate, when they have people high up I was very, very interested to hear enue, because we stayed the course, we in their military, we learn that they our Democratic friends talk about fis- fought the good fight, and we took a are on the take from the drug cartel. cal responsibility and talking about deficit from $300 billion when we got These are not little low-level occa- how the saying went that the balanced here in 1995 down to a point where it is sional problems. When we have the budget has no constituency. Mr. Speak- almost balanced. DEA unable to go into regional parts of er, I can tell my colleagues one person Mr. Speaker, the news only gets bet- their country, we have substantive that cared about it in 1993 while he was ter. We find out this past week that the problems we have to address with Mex- sitting on the couch watching C-Span CBO is now saying: ico. in the summer in Pensacola, Florida, If Congress and the President do The North American Free Trade was myself. nothing, then the $5.4 trillion debt that Agreement, often referred to along the I remember in 1993 watching the gen- threatens my children’s economic fu- border and in other parts of the coun- tleman from Ohio (Mr. KASICH) and a ture and all of America’s economic fu- try as the North American Free Drug band of young Republican conserv- ture will virtually be eradicated in 15 Trading Act, is something that has atives come to this floor and fight the years. opened up the borders, and we have to President and the liberal left’s plans to But the question is: Can the President and those on the get control of those borders. But we pass the largest tax increase in the his- left leave well enough alone? must not forget much of what we know tory of this Republic. See, their vision about the corruption in the Mexican See, we have got these horrible little of America then and now has been that things called budget caps, a road map government is because leaders of Mex- if we want to balance the budget, the for fiscal responsibility, and they think ico have in fact identified those leaders only way we can do it is by raiding the this is a bad thing. In fact, the Presi- for us and acknowledged that they pockets of taxpayers. dent sees his only way out is by doing have to clean it up. The fact is is they In fact, we had some insight on this what he did in 1993 and what Demo- have started and have proposals on the about a month ago when the President crats have done for 40 years. He says, table to work through extradition, to went up to Buffalo, New York, and he let us take it from the American peo- work through rebuilding their navy. told the people in the audience that we ple; they do not know how to spend We need a maritime agreement, but really have to avoid this idea that the their money. Let us raise taxes by bil- one of their comebacks to us is, as my Republicans have that we are going to lions and billions of dollars. That is in colleagues know: Your government cut taxes. The President said to that the President’s budget. That is the never asked us to sign the maritime Buffalo audience: President’s plan. agreement. We could give you money back and My gosh, if we talk about cutting Part of our argument in Congress is hope that you spend it on the right taxes, how about cutting taxes for with our own administration, and it is things, but we cannot trust you, basi- Americans that make from 45 to tough to put all the blame on Mexico. cally. $60,000? Raising the threshold? What if I say that as somebody who, for my 4 As my colleagues know, what a vi- we talk about cutting capital gains years here in Congress, has been stead- sion for America. What a sad, tired, taxes that actually helps so many ily pounding on Mexico because I be- worn-out vision for America. It is a vi- Americans, helps grow the economy? lieve they have not been aggressive sion that is radically different from They say that is a bad thing. I dis- enough in drug enforcement. I have had what the Republican party believes. agree. several amendments related to Mexico, GOP, as far as I believe, stands for Unlike the liberals, I still believe and I am not certain how I am going to government of the people. We believe Americans know how to spend their vote. But it is not a clear-cut case, and people know how to spend their money money better than Washington, D.C. we need to continue to encourage the better than bureaucrats in Washington, f current government. D.C. That is why I ran for office in 1994. KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE f I saw the President’s budget and the Democrats’ budget that passed without REPUBLICAN PARTY EXCHANGE OF SPECIAL ORDER a single Republican vote, and I saw The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under TIME that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. KA- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I SICH) and the rest of the Republicans uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Colo- ask unanimous consent to reclaim the laid out a blueprint, and we said: rado (Mr. SCHAFFER) is recognized for March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H921 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- It has now become an international losophy on what we thought was going jority leader. organization, and, Mr. Speaker, I am to be good for our future and for our Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that this fourth and fifth kids and our grandkids. honored to be joined in this special grade classroom of Mrs. Vogel’s has We decided, with a great deal of de- order with a number of Republican col- now raised over $100,000 worldwide, and termination, that we were going to bal- leagues, two from my home State of has redeemed, has purchased freedom, ance the budget. We cut out $70 billion Colorado and one from the great State for over 1,000 people in the Sudan. It is of projected spending that first year, in of Michigan, and I would invite other an absolutely incredible story. This 1995. We pledged among ourselves that members of our conference to come classroom has done more for human we were going to be very frugal in cut- join us as well as we spend a little bit rights in the Sudan than this adminis- ting down the size of this government of time sharing with each other and tration, I assure the Members, than in order to balance our budget, in order with our colleagues on the opposite this government, has done. to not pass on the debt of this country side of the aisle and indeed the Amer- They are not finished yet. When I to our kids and our grandkids. ican people the values and beliefs that was there on Monday, they had just re- I am a farmer. Where we grew up in we stand for and that we, as a Repub- ceived a fax copy of a front page article Addison, Michigan, our goal was to pay lican party, hope to move forward on that appeared in a Tokyo newspaper off the farm so we could leave the farm the floor of the House. about this class. It is truly an extraor- to our kids, so they had a better Among those are key objectives of dinary situation. I brought them a flag, chance of making it and surviving. We this session: tax relief for the Amer- and each one of the students in the should do the same thing as a country. ican people, a strong national defense, class had written me a note. I have in- We were successful. The only reason a world-class education system, and troduced them into the CONGRESSIONAL that we went from a $300 billion deficit Social Security reform in a way that RECORD. But I want to keep talking projected for as far as we could see, guarantees and safeguards the Social about this, Mr. Speaker, because few $200 billion on out, was that we became Security system. other people are. This is a land that very frugal in slowing down the in- Mr. Speaker, part of that discussion needs our attention. crease in spending. Now we have suc- also entails some international issues I am on the Committee on Inter- ceeded. We have an overall unified that I know at least one Member is pre- national Relations. We had the Sec- budget surplus. Most all of that is com- pared to talk about, and with that I retary of State, Madeleine Albright, in ing from the social security surplus. yield to the gentleman from Colorado a week ago to discuss foreign policy The question is, what do we do now? (Mr. TANCREDO) who had a unique expe- issues. As it turns out, in a half-hour If part of the goal is to have a smaller, rience with one of his elementary presentation, in a 30-page written docu- less intrusive government, should we schools in his district that I think all ment about foreign policy, every for- reduce taxes? Should we pay down this of us would benefit learning more eign policy issue we have, every coun- $5.5 trillion debt? Should we somehow about. try was named where we have an inter- make the adjustments into capital in- vestments, hopefully in individuals’ b 1330 est, where there is a concern, except for one. I scanned it thoroughly to names for social security, to start solv- Mr. TANCREDO. I thank the gen- watch for it, to look for it. Not one ing the social security problem? tleman. It truly was. Of the 25 or more time was there a mention of the Sudan. Let me tell the Members what I years that I have spent in public life, There are horrendous things happening think the fear is as Republicans try to this was perhaps the most significant there that need to be brought to the at- make these tough decisions. The fear is and most moving experience I think I tention of the American public. The at- that if we do not get this money, if you have had. tention is being brought by classrooms will, extra money out of town, the I visited a class, a fourth and fifth like this one; no, in fact, just this spenders, the tax and spenders, are grade class at Highline Community classroom. I wish there were more, and going to use it for expanded govern- School in my district. It is a public there will be before we get done with ment spending. school in the Cherry Creek School Dis- this. Just a comment on the President’s trict. Why this school is unique, and it Mr. SCHAFFER. It is a remarkable budget. He is suggesting over $100 bil- certainly is unique, and that is a word example of what a classroom can be, lion of increased spending, almost $100 that gets thrown around a lot, often- given the liberty and freedom to teach billion over the caps that we passed in times misused, because it really means under the direction of a professional 1997 for increased spending. We could nothing else like it. But I can use it ap- educator. For those students in par- say that is coming out of the social se- propriately and correctly in describing ticular, they are getting quite an edu- curity surplus, because that is where it this particular school. cation in international affairs, about is coming from. Actually, this particular class and how government works, about human What do we do? If we could be guar- their teacher, Mrs. Vogel, about a year rights, and so on. anteed that the spenders that want a ago this class studied or actually had Those young kids also ought to be bigger government, that want to tell to just read a little tract that was dis- concerned about their retirement and the people of this country how they cussing the situation in the Sudan, their savings, another topic that Re- should act and where they should go particularly the situation of slavery in publicans care deeply about. and how they should do it by increas- the Sudan. I yield to the gentleman from Michi- ing the taxes and taking the money out The Sudan, as we know, is a troubled gan (Mr. SMITH) to talk about why of their pockets, if I could be convinced country with a history of civil war now those kids should care about the Social that we could hold the line on spending that has gone on for about 8 or 10 years Security Administration. and the growth of this intrusive gov- that has cost almost 2 million lives. Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I thank the ernment, then I say the first choice is More people have died in this struggle gentleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAF- to pay down the public debt. than in any war since World War II. FER) for organizing this one-hour ses- Not only does that increase the econ- This is absolutely amazing that we pay sion. When I yield to the gentleman omy by reducing interest rates, but I so little attention to it. That was real- from Colorado, I want you all to feel think there is a danger of the spenders ly the concern raised by the students free to respond. saying, look, we need this money for and the teacher. Mr. Speaker, let me just give my im- all of these good things, and therefore They said, how can this be happen- pression of what has happened, how it we are going to reach into that pot, if ing? How can slavery be happening in happened, and maybe what we have to you will, of social security trust fund this day and age, medieval slavery be look forward to. money and start spending it like they occurring in the world someplace In 1995, Republicans took the major- have for the last 40 years. today, and nobody knows or no one ity in this House, the U.S. House of So let us look at a balance. Let us cares? So they set about to do some- Representatives. After being a minor- say that everything coming in from so- thing about it. They started an organi- ity for 40 years, we came in quite ag- cial security should be saved for social zation that they now call STOP. gressively trying to promote the phi- security. One way to do that is to pay H922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 down the debt. Hopefully we will have try did, and we put a command center missile defense system. The most log- the guts, the intestinal fortitude, to inside that mountain in Colorado ical way to have a missile defense sys- move ahead on social security. But let Springs, actually in the district of the tem is a space-oriented system. us also look at the other general fund gentleman from Colorado (Mr. JOEL All of a sudden, in the last year, the surpluses to put that money back HEFLEY), who is considered around here Democratic Party and the administra- where it came from, in the pockets of as an expert in defense. tion has turned a new leaf. They have this country’s taxpayers. This center, among other responsibil- now stepped forward and said, we are Mr. Speaker, that is sort of my ities, detects missile launches from willing to have a missile defense sys- speech. I think the challenge is really around the country. As many of us tem. It is amazing in this country how ahead of us. I just encourage, Mr. know, and we have been very active in few of us out there know that this Speaker, everybody that is listening to complaining about this, unfortunately, country has no missile defense system. contact their Congressman, contact the need for a strong military has been When I speak with my average con- their United States Senator, to give somewhat diluted because we have stituent, I say, tell me, do you think them your ideas and thoughts as we been in fairly peaceful times. I can as- the United States, if we detect a mis- move ahead. The danger is that this sure the Members, as my colleagues sile launch, which we detect in the government is going to continue to would agree, that that is a very dan- NORAD facility in Colorado Springs, grow, it is going to continue to be more gerous attitude to get into. and by the way, our detection can tell intrusive, it is going to continue to be We are respected throughout the us the size of the missile, the speed of a weight or a burden on economic ex- world and we are the superpower the missile, the destination of the mis- pansion and development. throughout the world in part because sile, time of firing, et cetera, et cetera. Mr. SCHAFFER. Back home in Colo- of the strong military that we have. When I tell my constituents that rado, there is no question that the ma- There are a lot of people in this world then the only other thing we can do is jority of constituents that we hear who would like to take things that we call up on the phone to the destination from in my State are very strongly be- have, and they will take it by force, if and say, you have an incoming missile, hind the belief that the era of big gov- they ever have that opportunity. We say a prayer, that is all we can do for ernment is over. When we look at the can never afford to be second in the you, they are stunned. Because a lot of President’s proposed budget plan, it strength of our military. my constituents know that we provide does entail escalated rates of spending In order to maintain or actually re- missile defense for the country of here in Washington, additional tax in- gain, at this point in time, the Israel. We provide missile defense for creases in that budget, and just tre- strength in our military, we have to do some of our allies’ ships, because under mendous growth of the bureaucracy several things. One, the quarters that the antiballistic missile treaty we can and the regulatory structure in Wash- these military people sleep in and the do that, but we do not provide it for ington. pay that they have is very low. I last ourselves. My district is on the eastern half of week toured a number of military bar- Is that the finest example of ludi- Colorado. My colleague from the other racks, and I will tell the Members, it crous behavior we have ever seen? It is half of Colorado is here representing looks like poverty housing in a large important that we put in place in this the western slope. I yield to the gen- city. It is disgraceful. country, not just talk about it, al- tleman from Colorado (Mr. MCINNIS). We owe these young men and women though talking about it is an impor- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would that are serving in our military more tant first step. I am glad that the like to change the subject for a mo- than that. We need to make a commit- Democrats have joined us to talk about ment, although I do recognize and ap- ment to put money in to bring those it. They have come over to the Repub- preciate the gentleman from Michi- barracks up to at least decent living lican position that the defense of this gan’s comments on social security. standards. The good news about our country is The second thing, of course, and the country is necessary, that we need to that people are living to a longer age. Republicans have taken the initiative put missile defense in. That is as a result of our good health on this, that is a pay increase for our But we have to get beyond talking. in this country and the medicine and people who serve in the military. So we What about a land-based system? In so on. But they have never adjusted have to worry about personnel. We my opinion, the only realistic missile anything in social security to account have to get our personnel built back up defense that we can put in in this coun- for that. The average couple on social again. We have got to give them bene- try is going to have to be space-ori- security right now draws out $118,000 fits that will encourage our personnel ented. Why? A land-based system, with more than they have put into the sys- to stay in the military for a career. We the technology that we have today, tem. On an actuarial basis, the system have to get the excitement back in the cannot pick up a threatening missile at is broke. personnel that we put in there about the launchpad of another country. It The Republicans have said for years the defense of this country. can only pick it up once that missile is that we have to fix it. I note that the We have very dedicated, very hard- within a certain range. Maybe 100, 200 President, in the State of the Union working people that serve us today in miles is when the radar picks it up and Address, said that he wanted to reserve the military, but we are testing their actually fires a missile against it, a certain percentage. We have agreed patience when we ask them to live in probably within 100 miles of the target to reserve that percentage. I am glad the kind of facilities they are in, and over the land. that the President has joined our long- when we pay them the kind of pay we So if our missile here from a land- term efforts in saying we can do it in a are giving to them. based system goes up and connects balanced budget way. But as the gen- The second issue that I touched on at with the enemy missile, and by the tleman has said, I think very accu- the beginning of my remarks is the way, they told me when I went and rately, we have to make sure we keep NORAD Command Center, and frankly, looked at our land-based system that the big spenders, keep their fingers out what we call missile defense. the odds of these two missiles coming of the cookie jar. For years the Democrats, and I will together at the same time are about I would like to shift for a moment, make this very clear, for years the the same as throwing a basketball out because I know my colleagues would Democratic administration and the of Cincinnati, Ohio, and making it like to talk about it, and invite the Democrats in most part have opposed through the hoop in Washington, D.C. gentleman from Michigan to join us as the Republicans’ urging that we install You get about one chance on a land- well. That is topic of the national de- a missile defense system in this coun- based system, and if you happen to hit fense. try. the incoming missile, you blow it up In Colorado, all three of us border an President Ronald Reagan was ridi- over the United States. If, for example, area called the NORAD Command Cen- culed, ridiculed, by the liberal media we had an incoming missile into Kan- ter. What they actually did in Colo- and by the liberals in the United States sas City, they might connect with the rado, they went into a mountain full of Congress and around parts of this coun- missile somewhere over Colorado and granite, they hollowed it out, our coun- try when he said, this country needs a we would have this nuclear explosion. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H923 What makes sense on a defensive We just have not spent the money to launch against the United States but missile system is a space-oriented sys- deploy this technology. And it is now they knew that we could destroy that tem that can pick up and either de- becoming an expensive proposition. If missile at some point over Russia, so stroy the missile before it leaves the we would have been on track and mov- we may pick a point where it has the launchpad, or has any number of win- ing forward on a missile defense system maximum impact on Russia. They dows as the missile is coming over to over the last 6 years that the Clintons would be reluctant to launch that mis- our country to hit that missile. have held the White House, the cost of sile if they knew on its course it was going over Moscow and we could use a b 1345 this would be substantially less than what we are confronted with today. laser beam and destroy it there and And our odds of being able to come in But when it comes to the reality that have nuclear impact there. There is on the directional altitude of that mis- we are virtually defenseless after an at- some serious thought about that. sile with a laser are a lot higher than tack has been initiated, it really causes Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, the the hopeful or lucky shot from a land- us to put this within the context of pri- other aspect that I think needs to be based system. orities. We are spending billions of dol- understood by more Members of Con- So, I know that I and my colleagues, lars in Washington on things that real- gress and the American people is that we have had many discussions on it. ly do not affect the day-to-day lives of the threat of this kind of warfare is Our constituents are concerned about the American people. But defending really getting broader, not more con- it in Colorado where the detection our borders is one of those priorities strained. Even though the Berlin Wall takes place. But it is a subject that all that we need to get more serious about fell and the old line communists have of us have to put to the forefront so here in Washington. lost power in Russia, in the old Soviet that we can offer the next generation, Mr. Speaker, it has been a long time Union, it is the expansion of rogue na- those young people that the gentleman coming for the President to stand here, tions accumulating and developing nu- from Colorado (Mr. TANCREDO) went as he did just recently, and say all of clear technology that we need to be and visited, we want to assure not only the sudden he realizes we need to de- more concerned about. the ability to free slaves, but assure velop a system to defend our country. In fact, it was Korea that launched that the next generation has the best It is a realization that I think is a step the Taepodong missile, the three-stage possible defense out there for these in the right direction, but it is 6 years rocket, and really announced to the rogue nations that are willing to use a too late, frankly, and it puts the Amer- world that they had the capacity with- missile or a nuclear weapon against the ican people at some peril. in a 600-mile radius to reach the North United States of America. What the White House has tried to American continent in less than a half- The best way to do it, and finally rec- convince the Congress over the years is hour. That was a real shock to all of ognized by that side of the aisle, is for that we can maintain national security us, but I also think it sends up a signal us to sit down, not just talk about it, through reliance on our intelligence- for all of us that we do need to elevate put money where our mouth is, and gathering community throughout the the level of priority in this Congress, build that system as soon as we can. I world. But Pakistan and India showed and express that concern to the White House, that defending our borders is a am sure my colleagues may want to how reliable that system is, when high priority. comment on it. Pakistan detonated five nuclear de- Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, the It is the reason that we, as a Repub- vices, frankly, when we were looking lican Conference, have made this topic is certainly a relevant one, but right at the site and had not figured not a new one here in Congress. For among our top four objectives in this out what was occurring. Congress. I yield to the gentleman years, the Republicans have been try- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, as the ing to point out this fact that the from Colorado (Mr. TANCREDO). gentleman pointed out that he just re- Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I North American continent has no de- cently toured NORAD, NORAD is prob- think it is important for our colleagues fense against a single, incoming inter- ably the most sophisticated intel- to understand and for the people listen- continental ballistic missile. We can- ligence-gathering facility in the world. ing to understand that those rogue na- not stop it presently. The other sophisticated ones happen to tions are indeed becoming much more The strategy that we have suggested be under the control of the United dangerous and they now pose the great- over the years involves several dif- States or on American territory also. est threat to the security of the United ferent strategies, trying to get at least So we have the intelligence capability. States that has actually existed since two shots at a missile launched at the But the intelligence does not do a lot the end of the Cold War. North American continent. I had a tour of good once we figure there is an in- One of the reasons why that is the of NORAD, I have been on a few of coming missile, as the gentleman said. case today is because they have tech- them over the years, but just a few We can have all the intelligence in the nology. They have been able to im- months back. And one of the simula- world about where that missile is com- prove their missile systems, they have tions that I had seen, just in terms of ing, but if we do not have a missile de- been able to improve their guidance the timing, is important to realize. We fense, what good is the intelligence? systems as a result of a technology are talking about a missile launched Mr. SCHAFFER. That is exactly that we provided for them and also as from the interior of China takes about right. With the technology we have a result of the President’s Executive a half-hour to get to the North Amer- today, if it were to be employed, it vir- orders that were signed that allowed ican continent. A half-hour is all the tually makes the prospect of nuclear that transfer of technology to go on. time we have. weapons becoming obsolete a very real Since I am the newest Member here, What NORAD does is approximately one. Think about that for a moment. I had several great opportunities to within the first few minutes, they can The prospect of having nuclear weap- discuss issues like this during various identify the type of missile that is ons become obsolete basically by step- retreats and prior to actually coming launched, can identify a potential path ping forward and deploying the tech- and taking over or getting sworn in, in the early first few minutes, can nology that makes it possible to knock and I asked every single person that identify potential targets, and over down those missiles at a reliable rate came in, every single person who had a about the first 15 minutes gets closer in the offender’s airspace before these foreign policy or foreign relations or and closer to narrowing and defining missiles finish the boost phase or leave some expertise in this area, I asked the specific targets. It takes about 15 the enemy territory and airspace. them four questions: Is it true that we minutes to identify the exact city that Mr. MCINNIS. And where the missile have transferred technology to the Chi- is being targeted in such a launch. would discharge in the country of the nese? Is it true that transfer was ille- But what a space-based laser system person launching the missile. Then gal? Is it true that it has jeopardized would allow us to do is basically shoot they would think twice about launch- our security? And is it true that that down those missiles in the boost phase. ing it if they knew, for example if was made as a result of these Executive The technology, people think this is China or Russia right now, where our orders signed by the President? some technology that does not exist. big concern about Russia is an acciden- Mr. Speaker, each case, to a person, This is technology that we have today. tal launch, but if Russia decided to liberal, conservative, and this was at H924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 the Kennedy School at Harvard, we had mined that I am going to put my re- Now, I have got to say that when I four liberal people in front of us, for- sources not as a critique of the Clinton came here a few years ago to Washing- eign policy specialists, and to a person administration necessarily, but to say ton, I was really shocked, in fact dumb- they all said yes. We never had one per- to the Clinton administration, all founded, that there were people here in son that disagreed with that. right, the administration is finally ac- Congress who sat on a certain side of When we look at the situation that knowledging, as we have all discussed, the aisle that would vote for a missile we face, not only is there more nations thank you for finally acknowledging defense system if that missile defense out there with the capacity to strike that we need to put money into this system would defend another country. the United States; now we are even military. Real money into a real mili- But at the same time there would be a more unprepared than we were in the tary. Thank you for acknowledging motion made by somebody on the Re- past because of what this administra- that we need real missile defense in publican side, and I hate to do this but tion has done to our military. Not just this country. it tended to draw along partisan lines, our missile defense system, but the We should assume that the prolifera- if somebody proposed that the missile general preparedness of the military tion of nuclear weapons will continue. defense systems that we were develop- which has degraded dramatically over We should assume that we cannot uni- ing would be used to defend our own the last several years. And not only has laterally disarm. And we should as- children or our own families, they the preparedness degraded, our ability sume that at some point in time some- voted against that funding. to respond all over the world degraded, body might try and take us on. There I just shook my head. I have to say but out responses everywhere around is a reason that they call our Trident this as somebody who believes in rights the world. Troops continue to be sent submarines, for example, ‘‘peace- and responsibilities, that if the tax- all over the place. There a proposal to keepers.’’ Because if we are strong and payers of the United States are going send 4,000 to Kosovo, along with the we remain number one, we minimize to bear the responsibility of developing United Nations troops, that would not the chances of us getting into an en- missile defense systems, how in the be under American command. Troops gagement. But we must, nonetheless, world can those who claim to represent that would be under blue berets. be prepared. those taxpayers not allow that defense These things are being asked of Mr. Speaker, I think it was George system to defend those taxpayers? American troops and boys and girls, Washington who said the best way to b 1400 citizens who are in the armed forces. avoid a war is to always be prepared for To put their life on the line. To go in war. Well, as we have said here, the It is astonishing how shortsighted harm’s way. We are not providing the best way to avoid an incoming missile people can be. For a long time, people support that we need to both in the is to always be prepared for an incom- did not think about the fact that our housing and also in the actual equip- ing missile. That is our best defense. troops could have missiles rain down ment of war that they need to protect That is all we are asking of the admin- on them when they were in a tactical their lives. And we put not just them istration. Put money in so that the situation. All at once, now it is univer- but the entire Nation at risk by the best way to protect the next genera- sally accepted by Democrat, Repub- fact that we do not have the defense tion from an incoming missile is to be lican, Independent, left and right, that system that we need. prepared for an incoming missile. a theater defense system is not only Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, 2 years Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I yield appropriate, it is essential if we are ago the President stood up there at the to the gentleman from California (Mr. going to defend our troops in the field. podium during his State of the Union BILBRAY). What is sad is, are we going to wait address and boasted at the time that Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I com- until the missiles land in our neighbor- there were no nuclear weapons pointed mend the delegation from Colorado. hood before the same enlightenment at the United States of America. Just a Just an observation: The air in Colo- applies for defending our sovereign ter- year later, there were no less than 13 rado may be thin, but its representa- ritory here in North America? What is targeted at the United States by China, tion in Congress is very strong. really scary is, what does it take to and done so presumably with the tar- Mr. MCINNIS. Our snow is good. learn. geting technology and satellite com- Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I would I think that maybe what it takes to munication equipment that they ended like to point out, as somebody who rep- learn is that a lot of Americans before up with through the signing of the six resents San Diego which actually is 1814 thought the Capitol was safe be- waivers, that have been mentioned, by one of the largest if not the largest cause of our big Atlantic Ocean. After the Clinton administration, the Presi- military complex in the world, we al- the sacking and burning of this Capitol dent himself. ways think about the fact that since and this city, there was a lot different Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, if the the sacking and burning of Washington attitude about national defense. gentleman would yield, that is exactly in 1814, Americans have basically per- I hope that we are able to learn from the point. We do not need to argue with ceived themselves as being insulated other countries’ experiences rather the administration about whether or from attack from across the ocean. The than having to wait for those disasters not there are missiles pointed at this trouble right now is that we sort of to actually end up in our own neighbor- country. We know. And what we have make that assumption that our Capitol hood. tried to convince the administration is is safe. In fact I think, more impor- Let me point out, I will say this that we should not go on the assump- tantly, we would like to make the as- clearly, and I think any Member of tion that Russia is telling us the truth sumption that our wives and our chil- Congress will say this, the only thing that they are no longer targeting the dren and our families back at home are worse than seeing our Capitol de- United States. We should not go on the safe from foreign aggression. stroyed would be watching our neigh- assumption that China says, ‘‘Don’t The sad fact about it is that is not borhoods at home destroyed. We have a worry. We are not interested in target- true. And I will just ask anybody if responsibility to defend that and to add ing the United States.’’ they want to think that this is not an that. I do not think it is something In fact, we should go on the opposite important issue to do as I was able to that is pie in the sky. I do not think it assumption. The fact is that through- do. Talk to the parents who lived in is something that is outside. out the world, whether it is Russia or Tel Aviv at the time the scuds were I think we saw what American inge- China or some terrorist organization, coming into Tel Aviv in Israel, and nuity did with a glorified P.C. com- there will be at some point in the fu- talk to those parents about the dif- puter and a missile defense system that ture of this country a threat or a mis- ference of being soldiers in the field as was never meant to be a missile de- sile launched against this country. We opposed to being parents at home and fense system. It was supposed to go can today prepare for that. the fear of their children having mis- after airplanes. But Americans and Mr. Speaker, I am one of the leading siles rained down on them. That really American ingenuity can conquer this critics of the Clinton administration made an impression on me and really problem and defend our neighborhoods. and what they have done to our defense changed my attitude a lot of ways I think we have to have the trust and and to our military. But I have deter- about missile defense capabilities. commitment to get the job done. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H925 We spend billions and billions to go what should be higher priorities here in place, and to put under government all over the world to protect everybody this Congress, not only with respect to hands and government management. else’s neighborhood. Doggone it, we our attention, but also with respect to I have often heard some of the special have the responsibility to do the same budgeting and the finances, many may interest environmental groups try and for our own. wonder how it is that the gentleman educate the American public thinking Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, re- and I and others like us believe that we that the government every day sells claiming my time, the Patriot System should balance the budget and do it away land and gives land to mining we all watched during the Desert continuously, second, establish the pri- companies and timber companies, and Storm conflict was something that we orities that allow us to rescue the So- the land is being destroyed by millions celebrated, and I think most Ameri- cial Security system, provide for a of acres. In fact, just the opposite is cans found to be rather remarkable. world class education system and de- true. You see dwindling industries, not But we had the ability in a theater fense system, as well as provide tax re- just because of this, but in part related missile defense structure to have a rel- lief for the American people. to this, you see dwindling industries in atively high success rate of shooting I want to kind of switch the subject timber and so on. down incoming missiles with respect to by talking about another issue we are What you see is the government ac- the attacks on Israel. concerned about, but it really is all quiring land. The government is a net But once again, the discussion about within the context of priorities. The acquirer. In other words, the govern- a national missile defense system as it President, in his latest budget, has pro- ment acquires more land than it gets relates to an intercontinental scenario posed $10 and a quarter billion for what rid of by many, many, many multiples. is a defense system that we just do not amounts to a land grant, the Federal The government does not sell very have and does not exist today. Government purchasing more land, pri- much land. If they sell, it is for a right- Again, the scientists, those who are marily in our State and out in the of-way or they may do a land swap or involved just from the research and West under the Lands Legacy Initia- something like that. technology side, have developed the tive. But if one takes a look across this technology to defend our country. It is This is one of the things, when the country, when one looks at the dif- just a matter of making it a priority President and others who believe what ferent lottos that are used to buy open and putting the pieces in place here po- he does, that the Federal Government space, the different kind of funds that litically to make that defense system a should increase the ownership of prop- local municipalities and areas have reality. That is what we are going to be erty, decreasing the amount of private dedicated of taxpayers’ money to buy pushing for this year. ownership of property in America, that land from the private marketplace and Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, if the some are inspired by that. There is no to put it into the government hands, gentleman will yield just very briefly, I question about that. and then you consider proposals when am sure that, when we get back to our But, in reality, what proposals like the President of the United States is office, somebody will call up and say, this do is, first of all, it takes valuable willing to go out and spend billions and ‘‘Are you guys aware of what is called land out of private ownership. These billions of dollars to take more land the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty?″ lands are taxed by our local school dis- away from the American people and Just very quickly, to run through tricts, by local communities, provide put it into the government, I mean, I that again, the Anti-Ballistic Missile necessary funds for education, for am not sure that is the right answer. Treaty, the basis or premise for it was street, and road improvements, for Clearly, all of us with today’s tech- that Russia got together with the county budgets, and so on. nology have to be more concerned United States and said, ‘‘All right, the But the other thing it does, by re- about what do we do for the preserva- best way for us to provide security that moving that land from private owner- tion for future generations of the land we will not have a conflict between ship and putting it into the govern- we have. But I think the best managers each other is neither one of us will ment’s pocket, it results in restricted of the land most obvious, not always, build a missile defense system. That liberty and freedom of the American but most often are the people that live way, we will be hesitant to attack each people. the land, the people that live off the other because we do not have anything For the gentleman and I who rep- land, the people that work the land, to defend ourselves.’’ resent a great western State, our herit- the people that enjoy the beauty of the For example, the United States, age is built upon the land and land land. under the theory of this treaty, would ownership and sound management of You must always be suspicious when not attack Russia because they would natural resources in a way that has the government shows up and says we not have any way to defend themselves really created a thriving economy are here to help. We have better ideas from Russia’s retaliation. among western States. than you do. The better ideas come out Well, those days of that treaty are So I use that as an example, and per- of Washington, not out of Colorado. over. If one reads the treaty, the treaty haps the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Mr. SCHAFFER. Absolutely. can be abrogated by the United States MCINNIS) and I would talk further just Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, as the and by Russia. It is foolish for us to about the effect of the Clinton admin- government buys, for example, wilder- continue under the pretense that this istration, the Federal Government’s ness areas, the first thing you do is you treaty is going to preserve us from an perspective on these western land-re- take away local control. The gen- incoming missile attack at some point lated issues. tleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAFFER) in time by some rogue nation. But, once again, I point out that this and I have discussed this on a number At the time this was signed, tech- is an area where the administration’s of issues. nology was different, the thoughts priorities are different than the Con- The gentleman has a vast district in were different, the atmosphere was dif- gress’. We believe in defending the eastern Colorado, some of the most ferent, and the number of countries country, creating great schools. The beautiful, I think, some of the most that had this kind of weaponry was dif- President obviously believes in having beautiful plains in the United States. I ferent. the Federal Government purchase more adjoin him, and I have the western part So I think it is important, as the land that is better managed under pri- of the State of Colorado which we gentleman from Colorado (Mr. SCHAF- vate ownership. think are the most beautiful set of FER) and I have discussed, do not let Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman mountains. We share those beautiful that ABM Treaty be a diversion from from Colorado (Mr. MCINNIS). mountains with States like Utah, Mon- what is a necessary and, frankly, an Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank tana, Idaho, and Wyoming, but the obligation of this Congress and to the gentleman for yielding to me. This Rocky Mountain range. people of this country for this genera- issue of course crosses party lines. It is There are certain areas there that tion and future generations to defend a bipartisan issue. It is the question of are owned by the government, and the our country. how much land should the Federal Gov- government should retain the owner- Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, re- ernment be allowed to continue to buy ship of that. But we must make sure claiming my time, we, in discussing up, take out of the private market- that the concept of multiple use stays H926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 in place. We have to be careful because, move in, these trees die, they become b 1415 what else happens, is when the govern- brittle, they become dry. It really sets Mr. MCINNIS. If I might, the gen- ment buys land, they drive up the price up the West for some of these devastat- tleman is correct. And let me make it for everybody else. ing forest fires that get worse and very clear. There are some areas, and It is very hard today to find one’s worse year after year after year. my colleague and I have talked about children or my children desire to go But there is one interesting thing this, there are some areas where tim- out and be a farmer, especially in our about these forest fires. Sometimes bering is not appropriate. There are areas where the government has driven they tend to stop along straight lines. some areas, regrettably, where in our up the price of land because they are I have flown over some of the old history some people have abused the out acquiring the land. We have to en- burned areas, and I have never seen timber rights. They have gone out and courage good and prudent management anything like it before. It is really re- clearcut areas where they should never of the land, whether it is in the govern- markable. have clearcut. And part of that, by the ment hands or whether it is in private These forest fires will burn, and they way, was the irresponsibility of the hands. will stop along pretty much a straight Federal Government’s supervising that But I am not sure the answer is al- line in some cases. The difference be- type of thing. ways to take it out of private hands tween the side that burned to the But what has happened is they have and put it into government hands and ground and the side that is still green taken that section of misbehavior and one is going to end up with better man- and standing and flourishing and pro- said, and there are actual groups out agement. Sometimes that might be the viding habitat for wildlife is that the there that have said, we never want an- answer, but not always. government owns the land that was not other piece of timber taken off Federal The American people need to be well managed and not well taken care lands. We have the national Sierra aware of how many thousands of acres of. Private owners are managing the Club, whose number one goal of their every day across this country, through land that is still green today, still pro- president is to take down the dam at one government agency or another, at viding critical habitat for wildlife and Lake Powell, drain Lake Powell, which one level, local, clear up to national, go so on. is one of the most critical resources in from private hands into public hands. The bottom line is the Federal Gov- the western United States. Mr. SCHAFFER. Absolutely. Mr. ernment owns far more land than it is What I am trying to say here is that, Speaker, reclaiming my time, the best able to effectively take care of, and just as we have an obligation as citi- stewards of the land, the best environ- that is irresponsible. That is an zens of this country to build a missile mentalists are the farmers, the ranch- antienvironmental record that our defense system for the next generation ers, the private landowners who have a Federal Government is moving itself and just as we have a like obligation to future at stake in the ownership of into by acquiring more land than we provide a good solid education system that land. This is what they want to have the capacity to care for. for the next generation and just as we hand down to their children. I would also make one other observa- have a similar obligation to provide a Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a tion. Since the fall of communism and retirement system for the next genera- heritage, like the gentleman said. the old Soviet Union, many of the re- tion, we also have an obligation for Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, it ab- publics have had a difficult time mak- this next generation to enhance the en- solutely is. For us in Colorado, this is ing the full transition to free market vironment that we are in. But the an- what defines our State. This is part of capitalism and ensuring democracies in swer for the enhancement of the envi- our culture in the western States. We their new countries. ronment is not necessarily, and in have some of the most beautiful vistas One of the key provisions that comes most cases not at all, to take away the and greatest natural resources, some back to us over and over again in ob- right and the dream of private property private, some public, but in all cases, servations is that what these countries ownership. these are resources that, when man- need to do to make the last step to- Now, I should add, and some night we aged well, the extraction of minerals or ward free market capitalism is guaran- should just come and discuss that, how the sound timber management actually tee private property ownership. These when the government decides they do improves the environmental quality, are countries that understand they not have the money to go in there, particularly with respect to timber. need to move toward private property what they will do is go in and regulate. Let me talk about that for a mo- ownership, not away from it. That way they never have to buy the ment, because the timber industry in We here in the United States, enjoy- land. They just go in on private prop- the west, after, not only the poor poli- ing the greatest economy on the planet erty and regulate it so no one can cies that are put forward by the Forest right now, are moving with great speed move. Service these days, but also the in the exact opposite direction, having In the State of Colorado we had, I misapplication of the Endangered Spe- taxpayers wealth confiscated from the think it was the jumping mouse. cies Act, there are very, very few mills American people, sitting here in Wash- Mr. SCHAFFER. The Preble’s Mead- left in States like ours. ington, D.C. so the Clinton administra- ow Jumping Mouse. But what we are discovering is that tion and others who agree with him Mr. MCINNIS. The jumping mouse, active forest management, from a sci- can then go back and purchase at and on the eastern range, which had entific perspective, actually improves above-market prices land that should never been seen, never been spotted, et overall forest health. What we are see- remain in private property ownership, cetera, et cetera, et cetera, and they ing out in the West today are devastat- putting it into the hands of the govern- were going to regulate that as an over- ing forest fires that burn far more in- ment which, as I mentioned, is incapa- riding land issue. tensely than ever before. We are seeing ble of doing an effective job of taking My bottom line is, we owe it to the the pine beetle infestation in western care of it. next generation to protect our environ- States, which is an infestation at esca- So it is quite a problem. It is one ment, but we owe it to this next gen- lated levels primarily as a result of the that, when we hear the term the ‘‘war eration to do it in a common-sense way poor condition of government-owned on the west,’’ the gentleman and I un- that also preserves, as my colleague forests in western States. derstand that term very well. But for has very accurately defined, the fun- When these trees begin to grow too others who have heard the term may damental philosophy of this country, closely together, they start competing not understand what that means. It es- and that is, as a citizen of this country for nutrients, for water. They prevent sentially means the Federal Govern- we all dream someday of owning our the snowpack from getting to the sur- ment coming into a great State like own house or owning our own piece of face of the forest floor, and it ours, not only purchasing the property the pie. And if we take care of that pie, respirates much quicker than would be rights, but the mineral rights that go we can all have at that opportunity. Do natural. with it, and affecting directly the not let Washington, D.C., dictate and As a result, these trees begin to un- water rights, water being the most pre- do not let Washington, D.C., try to con- dergo a certain amount of stress. Once cious natural resource that our econ- vince the American people that they they become stressed, these beetles omy depends on. know what is best. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H927 Mr. SCHAFFER. Sustaining our her- ised under the new farm policy a couple ment-imposed fixed costs of doing busi- itage and preserving our legacy is real- of years ago, which happened before ness, the inheritance tax certainly ly a matter of keeping this land in pri- the gentleman and I arrived here, but being one of them. Capital gains tax re- vate ownership. Many of the old farm- it was clear one of the things we said lief is something else that could make ers and ranchers who are reaching re- we would do is regulatory reform. That the difference between farmers declar- tirement age now and planning their has not happened. There are still enor- ing bankruptcy and selling out versus estates realize they are going to have mous costs associated with production remaining in production agriculture to deal with the inheritance tax. agriculture. and hopefully passing these productive Mr. MCINNIS. The death tax. And, again, as the gentleman, my agricultural assets on to their children. Mr. SCHAFFER. This is another as- friend from Colorado (Mr. SCHAFFER), The important thing to remember pect that we are trying to address and also noted, there is the tax burden. when we talk about eliminating the in- trying to eventually get to the point of Today, when someone dies, we basi- heritance tax, or the death tax, we eliminating the death tax overall. And cally have to deal not only with the hear many of our critics on the Demo- I think that the Congress ought to view undertaker but with the IRS. And that cratic side of the aisle who will claim death tax elimination in environ- is a real liability in terms of trying to this is a tax cut for the rich. We have mental terms as well. Keeping these provide a framework for passing on the all heard that. And many farmers and properties in the hands of the families family farm, the family ranch, the ranchers, when calculating the present that have worked this land for many, family business to the next generation value of their land and equipment and many years is something that we want of Americans. The tax burden contin- so on, it sounds like an awful lot of to see more of, rather than moving to- ues to strangle folks who are in the money. But that wealth is all tied up ward more government ownership. business of production agriculture. in the land. It cannot be extracted eas- I know this is an issue in our State of So I think this is something that ily at all. Colorado. It is also an important issue needs to be addressed. I hope we will do And what we are talking about is the in the State of South Dakota, and I see it in this Congress as part of our agen- children, the heirs of the present farm the gentleman from South Dakota has da, as we address the needs that are out land owners, having to fork over up- joined us for the remaining couple of there and talking about, for the first wards of 50 percent of the value of that minutes that we have left. The inherit- time in a generation, the politics of asset over to the Federal Government ance tax is a big issue for his constitu- surplus, a surplus that has come about when it changes hands between the ents, and we will finish this special as a result of decisions that we made a parents to the children. Fifty percent order up with just a brief discussion on couple of years ago in the balanced of the value of an asset value of a farm inheritance taxes. budget agreement. We were able at means that that farm goes on the auc- Mr. THUNE. Well, Mr. Speaker, I that time to bring some tax relief, but tion block, that it is sold. It is over. It thank both my friends and colleagues we need to bring additional tax relief is out of business. And that is why the from the great State of Colorado for after we have addressed Social Secu- inheritance tax relief that we are try- taking this issue up. This is an issue rity and coupled that with paying down ing to push forward is so critical for which is important, obviously, to any- the national debt, which is an impor- agriculture today. body who makes their living off the tant priority for myself and a lot of Mr. THUNE. It is. And what people land. Members I think on our side of the do not realize is that agriculture is a And one of the things I find is one of aisle, and hopefully a lot of Members in very capital-intensive business. It is the biggest insults to people who actu- the whole Congress, but also to look at not uncommon for a small independent ally are in the actual day-to-day busi- ways that we can continually stream- producer to have a lot of investment in ness of farming and ranching and in- line regulations and lessen the tax bur- equipment in order to try and do all volved in natural resource industries is den on America’s working families. the things they have to do to raise a to suggest that they are not concerned I cannot think of any working family crop and then be able to market it. about conservation. When the gen- today that is having a tougher time So the gentleman is exactly right in tleman was discussing the environ- making a living and making ends meet that people, when they talk about this mental burdens and the regulations than people who are in the day-to-day being something that favors people in that the government imposes on people business of agriculture. the higher income categories, I can tell who are trying to make a living at Mr. SCHAFFER. The farm economy my colleague one thing, the farmers that, I could not help but think of a lot is really going to be strained this year. and ranchers I know and visit with in of the small independent farmers and The administration’s failure to aggres- South Dakota are not people I consider ranchers in my State of South Dakota sively and assertively open up foreign to be cutting the fat hog. In fact, right and the cost that is associated with export markets is really leaving Amer- now, they are having a very, very dif- those burdens. We talk right now about ican producers high and dry in many ficult time. prices being in the tank, which they cases. And if we want to keep them on the are, and it is very difficult for small Also, the debacle in Brazil, for exam- land, if we want to keep that small independent farmers and ranchers to ple, with the devaluing of the currency family farm, independent producer, the make a living today. And, obviously, and the role indirectly that our govern- thing that I think has helped establish that is something that we are going to ment played, is going to result in cheap and build the values in this country have to address as well. soybeans swamping the U.S. market. that we cherish, if we want to keep Frankly, one of the reasons we are Now, we have some soybean growers them on the land, we have to make it not doing so well is because we have out in our parts of the country, it is easier to transfer that farm or that failed in a couple of important things, going to be a bigger issue perhaps in ranch to the next generation of Ameri- and one is opening export markets. We the Midwest, but for agriculture in cans. And that is why I think, again, as made a commitment, when the last general these kinds of realities over we look at what we can do in terms of farm policy was put in place, that we the next months are going to, unfortu- trying to assist the agricultural econ- would aggressively open export mar- nately, result in a very troubled agri- omy today, rolling back the estate tax, kets. We have not done that. We do not cultural economy in America. And I the death tax, dealing with capital utilize the tools that are in place and, think we are going to feel the brunt of gains, as the gentleman noted, is im- furthermore, I think that this is a it around August, September, and Oc- portant as well, and also trying to fig- basic failure in our farm policy today. tober, in those months, and on into the ure out a way to make it less costly to And, as a result, we are seeing the de- year 2000. be in production agriculture. pressed prices because we do not have But at a time when we know that Because, again, there are enormous the demand that we need out there. competitiveness issues, that regulatory costs to these regulations. I hear ludi- But the second thing that is really issues are going continue to be hitting crous examples of this all the time. important, as the gentleman men- hard on American farmers and ranch- And probably the most recent one I tioned, is regulation and taxes. Again, ers we need to seize on that oppor- heard was a small business in South that was another thing that was prom- tunity to focus on the other govern- Dakota that wanted to sell, and they H928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 were trying to get a buyer. And the This goes on to say, ‘‘We have a great your Chevy and put it on another buyer, before they could consummate military filled with terrific soldiers Chevy. That part is not going to last the sale, had to go through an environ- who are suffering from an inability to you very long and we are going to lose mental analysis. Well, they discovered train at every level with battle focus those numbers of pilots. in one of the buildings there was an air and frequency necessary to develop and It is said that we have more tasks for conditioner hanging out in the back, as sustain its full combat potential.’’ armed services than we do people. Now, there often is in our State of South Da- Mr. Speaker, we are maintaining we are asking our people in all services kota, because the summers get to be a only 23 percent of our enlisted. If my to do this 300 percent increase of de- little hot, but that air conditioner, as colleagues go out in any military divi- ployments. But we have one-half the air conditioners are prone to do, was sion today and ask our sailors or our force to do it with. That means that dripping a little bit of water. And the troops of any branch how many of the ones that are left have to go and do EPA said, well, I am sorry, we cannot them have been there within the last 8 twice the work than we had to do it be- have that. That is disrupting the vege- years, every hand will go up; about 90 fore. We cannot sustain that kind of tation. Ironically, their solution to percent of them. They have not seen downsizing and leave our troops unpre- that was to come up with a one foot by anything else but a de-escalation of pared. one foot square slab of concrete to military spending and/or support, If we look at Haiti, at Somalia and place down there. Not that that would which is denied. Aideed, Aristide is still there, it is still disrupt the vegetation. We only have, today, 14 of 23 up jets a disaster and we have spent billions of There are ludicrous, frivolous exam- at Navy Fighter Weapons School, dollars. The already low budget that ples of these regulations all the time. known as Top Gun. They do not have we have, all of those excursions come And I will not say for a minute that engines. There are 137 parts missing. out of that low budget which even there are not needs in terms of safety The 414th for the Air Force, the same drives us further. and health reasons why we have regu- problem. They do not have engines or f lations, but there are certainly a lot of parts to fly their aircraft back here in EDUCATION frivolous ones. And as they apply to ag- CONUS. We had 4 of 45 up jets at Oce- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. riculture, we should look at what we ania. What does that all equate to? GUTKNECHT). Under the Speaker’s an- can do to make it less costly. Why they are down is because we are Mr. SCHAFFER. The American pub- nounced policy of January 6, 1999, the taking the parts to support Bosnia, to gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. lic is looking to Congress for somebody support our off-loads and our carriers here to listen and to resolve many of ETHERIDGE) is recognized for 60 min- and our air force out of Italy, to put utes as the designee of the minority these issues, and I am proud to be part those parts in those parts of the world. of the Republican conference that will leader. We are killing our training back home. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to push forward for a strong When we only have 23 percent of our economy, for maintaining and protect- want to take this opportunity to thank enlisted and 30 percent of our pilots in ing Social Security, providing a strong my Democratic colleagues for joining all services, that means our experience national defense, providing for a world- me here today to talk about one of the is gone. Captain O’Grady, who was shot class education system and, ulti- most vital issues that faces this Con- down, was not trained in air combat mately, trying to provide for some tax gress, I think, and certainly this coun- maneuvering. relief for the American people. try over the next several years, and f b 1430 that is education. So that you and others will not think THE STATE OF THE MILITARY That lack of training. When you only that I am just standing talking about have four up jets in a training squad- education, because I have found in this The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ron back here in the United States, GUTKNECHT). Under a previous order of great deliberative body called the Peo- that means all your new pilots are get- ple’s House, we talk about a lot of the House, the gentleman from Califor- ting limited training so when they go nia (Mr. CUNNINGHAM) is recognized for issues, and we can talk endlessly on over, whether it is just handling an 5 minutes. issues if someone will provide us data. emergency or handling a combat situa- Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I But prior to my being elected to the just a left a meeting with Secretary tion, they are not trained for it. We People’s House in 1996, I served 8 years, Cohen, Chief of Naval Operations, and lost about 50 airplanes this year, Mr. or two terms, as the elected State Su- General Shelton. I know people are Speaker. We are going to lose a great perintendent of Schools in my home talking about Social Security, they are number of aircraft and pilots over the State. I have made education a top pri- talking about education, they are talk- next 5 years, even if we invest in those ority, public education for our chil- ing about Medicare, but I want to read spare parts and so on today. dren, not only at the State level but I something to my colleagues, and I Now, the service chief will tell you, have done that also since I have been want to quote. we have just put money into the spare here in Congress. Quite often our military leaders have parts and it takes delay. But that Throughout my service as Super- been remiss in stating what the actual money they took and put into spare intendent and to this day as a Member needs are so that they do not get in parts came out of other military pro- of Congress, I have spent a great deal trouble, and I would like to read this to grams. The chiefs have told us we need of time in the classrooms of the schools my colleagues. This was taken from a $150 billion. That is $22 billion a year. of my State to observe firsthand the hearing in Las Vegas, Nevada. It said, The President’s new money is $4 bil- exciting educational innovations that ‘‘Displaying unusual candor, the com- lion. Last year when they say they are taking place in my home State. I manders of combat training centers for needed 150, the President said, ‘‘Well, would say that is true all across Amer- the Army, the Air Force, the Marines, I’ll give you a $1 billion offset,’’ which ica. As my colleagues join me this the Navy and Coast Guard described means it has to come out of other mili- afternoon, I trust they will talk about poor training conditions, outdated tary programs, which is a zero gain, some of the exciting things that are equipment held together ‘by junkyard zero net for the military. happening in their State, also. Too parts’, and an underpaid, overworked We are in bad shape, we are losing many times, all we do is we talk about cadre of service workers who cannot our troops, the economy is high, but the problems, and it is important to ac- wait to get out and find a better job.’’ the number-one reason why our troops knowledge we have shortcomings and What is happening is our overseas de- are getting out, yes, pay raise is impor- that we work on those shortcomings to ployments are 300 percent above what tant. But the number-one reason is be- make them better, because young peo- they were at the height of Vietnam. We cause they are away from their fami- ple only have one chance to get a good are driving our military into the lies. They are going overseas, they are education in their first 12 years and so ground but not using the reinvestment deploying, they are coming back, then it is throughout the rest of their lives. into the parts, the manpower, or even they have to deploy here and they do But sometimes it is important to ac- the creature comforts for our military not have the equipment, the spare knowledge our successes as well as our folks. parts that they use or take a part off of shortcomings. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H929 Recently, I had the opportunity to students and, yes, for their staff and things that a lot of schools do not visit a school in Wake County, which for the parents: have. Every school should have this. happens to be the largest county in my ‘‘Motivational global studies will ac- But it gives them a chance to under- district and that also is the capital complish a narrowing of the achieve- stand what they are about. city county. The school I went in was ment gap between minority and non- ‘‘Integrated, project-based learning Conn Elementary and it is really now minority students.’’ This is true not will ensure active participation and in- called Conn Global Communications only in my State, it is not just true in depth understanding of global con- Magnet Elementary School. That is a Conn, it is true in every school in this cepts.’’ When we talk about education mouthful. But what it really means is country. How do we narrow that gap sometimes, many of us talk about edu- that these young people are wired between those students who are achiev- cation in the framework of our own through the Internet and through a ing at a high level and those who are background, of how schools were when special innovative program that the not and how do we make sure they all we were in school. If we have not been leadership in that county has put to- achieve at a much higher level because in the classroom in the last 10 years gether in a partnership with the Fed- we need all of them participating in and we go in and visit, we would recog- eral Government to do some creative this new economy of the 21st century. nize the school, we would recognize the and exciting things for these young ‘‘Cultural diversity will provide op- hallways, we might even recognize the people. They really are on the cutting portunities for children to recognize classroom, but I will guarantee you if edge of education reform in America. and appreciate the value of cultural you look at the curriculum and the The buzzword in Washington these differences in their own communities things that a lot of teachers are doing days is accountability. I would say to and beyond.’’ Let me tell you why that in these creative classrooms, it would you, as strongly as I possibly can, that statement is so important. We have the sure be different. an effective accountability or assess- most diverse population in our public ‘‘Integrated project-based learning ment mechanism is absolutely essen- schools today we have had in the his- will ensure active participation and in- tial to sustain educational achieve- tory of this republic. Yet there are depth understanding of global con- ment, and I will talk about that later those who want us to believe that we cepts.’’ I want to repeat that, because I on today as I talk because we have can educate the same way we have edu- think that is important as we move in done that in North Carolina on a state- cated historically. That is absolutely this world economy. We stand on this wide basis. not true. We have to recognize the cul- floor and we talk about the issues of But now let me continue to talk tural diversities and backgrounds from trade. We talk about the issues of about Conn Elementary, because they which our children come, accept those, money moving, et cetera. All this is in can teach us here in Washington a and then help them achieve at a high the perspective of the world that has great deal about this whole issue of ac- level. That may mean that they need changed in the last 10 years with global countability and what you do to excite more time on task in some areas than communication. and energize young people and make others and it may mean that they need ‘‘Lower student-teacher ratios will them really love school all over again smaller class sizes. This Congress is encourage more active involvement in and love this thing we call learning. going to be about that, and I will talk the learning process, more develop- Let me share with my colleagues and about that more in just a moment. mentally appropriate teaching, dif- read, if I may, Mr. Speaker, the mis- ‘‘Technological resources will enable ferentiation of instruction, and focused sion statement of Conn Elementary students to communicate with the applications to improve student per- School. Let me say that Conn is not an world around them.’’ Many times when formance.’’ The last bullet I read is so exception in my State of a school hav- we talk about technology, some of us important to this whole concept of ing a mission statement. Every school talk about technology as if it were just what we talk about when we talk about has one. a computer. That is not the whole view total education for every child, so that ‘‘Conn Global Communications Mag- of the issue. Computers are just one it is geared to that student, that that net Elementary School will prepare piece of a total mass communication student understands what is expected, students for successful citizenship in a world that we live in that children that teachers have class sizes small global society. The learning environ- must have access to in our public enough that they can deal with. In a ment created at Conn will provide an schools. If they do not have access to diverse population that we have when a educational experience that will em- that total view of technology, how in phasize heightened communications teacher has to go in the classroom and the world can we expect them to walk skills via reading, writing, mathe- have 30 students, it is a very, very dif- out of school one day and engage and matics, science technology, and the ficult task when the range is so great interface in a world that is changing so arts as a means of connecting and with those students. rapidly? We talk on this floor of the I have said many times, my wife and interfacing with the world.’’ I would read that again, but let me House about the changing world and I have three lovely children of whom just paraphrase it very quickly to say talk is awful cheap. It is easy to talk we care very deeply, and I love them they understand that education is about changing education and making dearly. But I would be less than honest broader than what some have said, it better. I have often said, money is if I did not say today, it would be very reading, writing and arithmetic. It has not the only issue but the last time I difficult if we had 30 of them and we gone long past the three Rs. There are checked, without a certain amount of were trying to instruct them around a lot of other things that need to be money very little happens. Even the house and to direct traffic. I think interfaced and integrated in a good, though here at the Federal level we that is true in most households. Too sound public education these days. only put in about 7 percent of the re- many times we ask our teachers to do ‘‘Conn will ensure success for all stu- sources that our public schools use, we the impossible task of doing what we dents.’’ Underlined ‘‘all students.’’ Not can have a tremendous impact if we could not do, what we would not do, just the bright students, not just the will encourage, provide leadership, help and yet we talk a lot, and I have often students that come from parents who and be a partner. Because we are a said when it comes to education, we all have money, not just from parents who partner. We are not the senior partner have lots of answers and very few solu- have the time to interface and work but we are a major partner and we tions. In the political arena, we need to with the schools, but all students. ought to be a partner that is about become better partners. As those part- Now, let me share with you why they helping rather than throwing impedi- ners, we need to be sort of like the say that and how they get to that ments anywhere along the way. managing partner. We are willing to point, because I think it is important ‘‘Communication skills will be the help where we can and push where we to as we emphasize that this innova- key to meaningful connections between need to and be less critical of the chil- tive public school focuses on achieving students’ education and their under- dren and teachers who I think are for all their students and how they do standing of individuals, groups and working awful hard. it. countries.’’ Now, understand when I Let me close on Conn Elementary To achieve these goals, Conn has set use this, this is a special school that with one other point, and then I am out the following expectations for their has access to the Internet and other going to yield to one of my colleagues. H930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 This vision is a prescription for excel- Last Saturday, I was at Burnet Ele- the bowling alleys before we could use lence for Conn Elementary and really mentary in Houston Independent them in our public schools. I hope we for education in Wake County. I think School District, not necessarily for an are not waiting for that long before the that would be somewhat true of all the education program, although there was computers are really utilized in our schools in my State of North Carolina. students there and their parents, but it public schools. Conn is a richly diverse, inner city was for a Fannie Mae home buyer semi- Teacher training and educational magnet school, and they really are lay- nar. So, using the public school facili- technology, there is so many things ing a foundation for lifelong learning ties also for home buying in an inner- that is part of this agenda, and I know and citizenship for these students. In a city school in Houston. we share the same goals. The Federal situation where in many cases we Recently, I was at R.P. Harris Ele- Government cannot dictate what goes would say those students could not do mentary and H.I.C. to read to the stu- on in our local schools, but we can it, they are measuring up and they are dents and talk about what I do. But help. We can provide a little extra help achieving at very high levels and they this Friday that school will be having for our school board members, our ad- are closing the gap between minority their Career Day that I will be there, ministrators, our teachers, our parents and nonminority students. They are and also we are hosting a job fair for and the State legislators who provide doing it because teachers care, stu- people in the community. most of the funding, and we can help to dents are focused, parents are engaged, Public education is working, and all make sure that we pave the way for the and they are also disaggregating data we need to do is go to our districts, to 20th century, 21st century, so our chil- for both minority and nonminority stu- go to those schools and see it happen- dren will be prepared to stand here on dents. ing. You see the success. I like to spend the floor of the House and want to get Let me tell you what I mean when I time in my schools because it re- their children and their grandchildren say disaggregating, because so many charges my batteries for the debates prepared for the next century. times we talk about averages, average we are having like today on Federal I thank the gentleman for asking for students. Very few of us are average. funding for education and things like this special order and allowing me to We are special in our own way. If you that, but it also provides a great role participate today. take that data and break it down in in- model for Members to go in and sit Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gen- dividuals and individual groups, pretty down and read to their students and tleman from Texas, because he is abso- soon you will find out which student also to talk about the job we do. lutely correct, and the Families First really needs the help, where you need Mr. Speaker, we have quality edu- agenda at this time with the edu- to give more time for math, where you cation in every one of my public cational package in it is just a tremen- need to give more time for reading. schools in my district. And, again, I dous piece with the President’s initia- have lots of different school districts in tive for more teachers, for modernizing b 1445 Houston Harris County, a very urban our school facilities. All of us learn differently and at dif- district, predominantly minority chil- Every State has needs, and every ferent levels, and Conn Elementary is dren, both African American and His- State is doing some things to make a doing that to make sure that every panic, but there is quality education difference, and yet at the end of World child reaches their full potential. Mr. going on, and that is why I want to War II, when our men and women came Speaker, to meet the needs they are talk about the Democratic Families home from fighting the war that many making sure that some of these stu- First agenda that was just announced in history said would end all wars, dents have smaller class sizes, and they today by the President and the Demo- which it did not, they put their shoul- can only do it, my colleagues, because cratic Leader, the gentleman from Mis- der to the wheel, and they said: We are they have some additional money in a souri (Mr. GEPHARDT), and Senator going to build schools, and we will partnership with the Federal Govern- DASCHLE where we talk about school make sure that children have an oppor- ment, and the State is putting some modernization and providing Federal tunity. extra in it. That is why I say when you tax credit to States and school dis- We now have an obligation, and I say it does not take extra money we tricts to modernize and renovate 6,000 want to yield to my friend, the gen- are deceiving ourselves and misleading local public schools. The Houston Inde- tleman from Mississippi’s 4th district the public. It takes additional dollars. pendent School District, who recently (Mr. SHOWS), for some comments on Mr. Speaker, with that I yield to the passed a bond election, a scaled-back what is happening in his area as it re- gentleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN) who bond election, by the way, is providing lates to this whole education agenda really does understand how important the local funds. that we are working on. it is, how important education is to the Now, on the Federal level, we need to Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, what I future of this country. He is close to it. try and help because of the deteriorat- would like to say, too, as an educator Not only has he been a fighter here in ing situation of not just urban schools myself that has spent a long time ago, Congress, but every weekend when he like I represent, but rural schools, we appreciate the opportunity to speak goes home, his wife reminds him. smaller class sizes. Texas now has a on behalf of the gentleman from North Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I law since 1984 that is 20-to-1 for ele- Carolina’s bill. As an educator back in thank my colleague from North Caro- mentary schoolchildren from kinder- Mississippi back in the 1970s when we lina for yielding to me. garten through 4th grade, and that is had a tremendous problem of over- Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to share great. The President announced we crowding in schools then and some of in the gentleman from North Carolina would like to see 18-to-1. Of course, the facilities were not what they need- (Mr. ETHERIDGE’s) special order because that will not help my wife who teaches ed to be, and still today, as I went not only am I privileged to have a wife 30 and 32 children in high school alge- through the district during the cam- who teaches high school algebra, with- bra class, but we know that we need to paign and visited some schools that I out her I could not have made it put our resources into elementary thought have been outdated years ago, through college algebra, Mr. Speaker. schools. they are in terrible need. So she tutored me to make sure I can So the Families First agenda, the Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that a have my gentleman’s C, but every Democratic agenda, also builds on ad- lot of times we look at what we do to weekend when I go home, I try to spend ditional teacher training and recruit- create a good environment around a time in our public schools. ment. business place where we do build new Just recently, I was at Stevens Ele- My wife told me a story a few weeks buildings to increase business, and it mentary in the Aldine School District. ago, and I know the gentleman from increases learning, and the same thing Last Monday, I was actually at Aldine North Carolina (Mr. ETHERIDGE) can re- could be said for education. 9th Grade Center, Aldine High School late to this. She said: But, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- 9th Grade Center, because this week is You know how long it took us to get tleman for giving me the opportunity Texas Public School Week in Texas, overhead projectors out of the bowling to express my support for the efforts to and so to recognize the value of public alleys and into the public schools? It improve the education of America’s education. took us years. The technology was in children. In the past few months in March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H931 Mississippi, and especially in my dis- 42 children. What a challenge. We had started, and I think every teacher in trict, we have had several plants that them lined up in what we used to call America can identify with the state- employed thousands of hard-working the old cloakroom, as my colleagues ment he just made. Without dating people in my district shut down, and in know, where you would have students him, and I will not do that, but he was rural areas like mine in southern Mis- even out of my sight. It was then that talking about when he started teach- sissippi a plant closure can devastate I learned to realize that the quality of ing. an entire community and county. education is so much compromised The diversity of the student popu- The international marketplace is when you cannot look that child one lation in our schools have changed dra- here today. A new technology contin- on one in the eye and get their undue matically in recent years, and the ues to change the face of business and attention and the respect first because home life of so many of our students employment opportunities. American everything after that, not very much have changed because we have two-par- jobs continue to migrate across our can be accomplished without that. ent households, both are working, or borders. We cannot stand idly by and Mr. Speaker, I valued those first even if it is a single-parent household, let honest, hard-working Americans years in knowing that, however we in- and I thought his point as it relates to suffer because we are not preparing vest in education, we can help parents the children having someone to really them for this reality. We must work and communities work together to pro- identify with, to let that teacher or in together to do whatever it takes to vide better learning environments for that classroom be their friend today as make sure that our young people have our children through school moderniza- it was years ago when they had some the education and training to perform tion and construction. That is really time. good jobs at competitive wages. the key and, of course, more specifi- Let me ask this question because I One obvious way to accomplish this cally, smaller classrooms, as I alluded think it is important. As we reduce the is to build new schools that make the to from the problems of a large class- class sizes, as we have started to do most of modern technology available room. and we need to continue, and provide to our students. The Etheridge School Our commitment today to funding for the good learning environment Construction Act provides tax credits for more teachers will help the local where when one goes to school, if it is to help finance school construction school districts provide a smaller, the nicest place one goes to that day, bonds. This legislation would provide more enriching learning experience for that is what it ought to be. almost $30 million in school construc- our kids. It was almost impossible, as tion bonds from Mississippi alone, and many kids that I had that first year b 1500 we can use every bit of it, and we need and my wife has in high school English that help. For children in Mississippi’s class in Eldorado, our hometown now, Then certainly that is not only going 4th District this would mean the oppor- to really relate to the kids in an indi- to help the discipline problems we see tunity to move out of old and over- vidualized way. I believe that it is im- that we are spending money on, but crowded schools that are in need of re- possible to have a mentorship, if my more importantly, as the gentleman pair and to new schools with new tech- colleagues will, for kids. This is how just alluded to, discipline and achieve- nologies in their classrooms. It would they relate. They get involved with a ment go hand-in-hand. We will see mean having classes in actual class- teacher. If the teacher is allowed to get achievement go up dramatically. rooms and not in temporary trailers. to know them personally, and I believe Mr. PHELPS. The gentleman’s exper- I feel like this is a bipartisan bill and that that is a value beyond description, tise is much beyond mine in education, a cost-effective way to help our States it is hard to put a value on, because I and I value the gentleman’s opinion, so meet their educational needs, and we personally feel that some of our prob- he can relate to what I am saying. need to pass this bill quickly. It is for lems that we are experiencing through- But just as one who has had formal the future of not only Mississippi, but out the Nation with our kids rebelling experience in a classroom, and coming for this great country. in one way or another in the most vi- from a family of educators, I have two Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, now cious way is violence, that we see the brothers that are public school admin- to my friend from the 19th District of school shootings, the dropout situa- istrators, similar to the gentleman’s Illinois (Mr. PHELPS). He understands tion, the lack of attendance. The whole capacity in his home State before he how important quality education is, attitude is because many teachers do came here. So I learned from not only how important it is, how the assess- not get a chance to know those chil- them but my own experience. ment, what growth means and the need dren, know those kids and the prob- I can only tell the Members, the way for new school buildings. He has been a lems that they are having in their I relate to what we were talking about, hard worker since he has been in here home life. mentorship, is in fact a coach’s suc- in Congress. I had the occasion when In the small rural areas, such as El- cess. Let us take coaches, for example. our Chief State School Officer worked dorado, Illinois, a town of 4,000 people, It is not so much from one coach to the with his Chief, so I yield to the gen- my wife has made it a point to find out other, that they do not have the key tleman from Illinois. what is troubling the child when they plays, because they are pretty much Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, I thank seemingly are not caring what is going passed from one school or university to the gentleman for the opportunity to on, or missing school, or have a dif- another, but it is the way the coach participate in this discussion on a very ferent attitude from one day to the motivates his team or his or her team valued issue to all of us, education; next. She has found, to get to the heart to accomplish the end result to win. and, Mr. Speaker, today I rise to sup- of the matter, what is troubling that That motivation only occurs when port the Democratic initiatives to im- child. Smaller classrooms will afford us the coach takes that student aside and prove education for our children to do this, possibly even avoiding the says, hey, how are things going? Do through better schools and smaller most extreme expression of violence. you want to meet me out for a round of classrooms. I really believe that. So it goes to the golf? Let’s go fishing Saturday. Be- As a former teacher and a husband of heart of discipline. cause they can identify where some a teacher, I have always believed that I know we talk about quality of in- child may have a lack of attention, and the single most important challenge we struction in the classroom, but smaller just take that buddy under their wing. face as parents and as the citizens of classrooms can be one of the major I have seen myself, in my short ten- this Nation is the education of our tools of discipline because most kids ure, in talking to coaches and teachers children. I have seen as a teacher and are really saying: Give me your atten- that have had that individualized part- later as a State legislator the problems tion. And many times their mis- nership, friendship, that has made the our schools face and the limitations as behavior is out of getting attention. difference to kids excelling who may States and local school districts strug- Mr. ETHERIDGE. If the gentleman not have had the support at home to gle to overcome them on a daily basis. will yield for a moment, because I begin with, to try to overcome that, or As a teacher, my first year I taught think he is on to something. Let me reinforce what is there. school in Harrisburg, Illinois, Unit 3 raise a question with him because he Another matter that really, as a District. I walked into a classroom of talks of the 42 students he had when he State legislator, I bring here, and I H932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 want to talk more on this later about They have documented their perform- that one out. Our priorities are mis- school infrastructure and our needs ance in a systematic way. That has en- directed. there, but it has always astounded me abled them to show what they are Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague, and I am still bewildered why we as a doing. the gentlewoman from Connecticut society are so willing to fund the build- Let me say that it is happening in a (Ms. DELAURO), who is a champion if ing of prisons, and yet not only hesi- school and in a county that is seeing ever there was one, for education, to tant but stubborn to fund building some of the most rapid growth in stu- share with us some thoughts she has on schools. dent enrollment population in the Na- this subject. I guess we react to it; we all want to tion. As a matter of fact, North Caro- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank reduce crime, and get to the heart and lina is the fifth fastest growing State the gentleman, and I want to commend the source of crime. We do not want to in the Nation over the next 10 years, as my colleague for the leadership role he have fear in our neighborhoods. I think documented by the U.S. Department of has taken on the issue of education. It that is why in my area we have risen to Education, for student enrollment in is not just this evening, but it has been the occasion to fund prisons, but at the high school. Wake County alone has since he arrived in the Congress, he has expense of schools, in many regards, in added over 30,000 students in the past 14 made this a principal part of what his Illinois, I can attest to that. years, and gained anywhere from 3,500 efforts are here. I congratulate him for To me, if we invest in education, or to 4,500 students every year, this is the that. usually an investment of any nature in size, and larger than some school sys- I am delighted to join with the gen- the private sector or in our own lives tems. tleman. Just on the point he was men- or homes, we expect to benefit, to reap When we start talking about building tioning, I think it is interesting to benefits. When we invest in education, buildings, they have an ongoing project note that the gentleman is so right, I think the benefits from the govern- that they have not gotten out of. They this is not about the Federal Govern- mental standpoint of expenses to tax- are bursting at the seams. They cannot ment getting into the school construc- payers will be less for crime, for pris- get enough space. We can imagine what tion businesses, nor about just bricks ons, less for welfare, and unemploy- that does to each individual school. and mortar and bells and whistles and ment will be reduced, to benefit pro- Since 1990 alone, Wake County has newfangled buildings and all of this. I will just tell Members about my ductive society members. seen 29.9 percent growth in student part of the country. I am from the That is what the value of education population, but every county that Northeast, from Connecticut. We did a is. I hope to be part of this 106th Con- touches Wake County in my district school survey. We found that in my gress, and in solving these problems. has grown over 20 percent in the last 8 community the age of the school build- Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I years. That is why Congress I think ings is rather staggering. The average thank the gentleman from Illinois. He needs to step up this year and follow age of the elementary school buildings has well stated the foundation that I through on the proposal the President is 50 years old. More than half of the el- think that we all can agree with as it has talked about for providing school ementary schools regularly hold class- relates to improving the educational construction for our students. es in areas not designed to be class- opportunities for all of our children in I have a bill that I will be introduc- rooms, including cafeterias, hallways, this country, to make sure that the ing later this week called the mobile or temporary rooms, and stor- 21st century will be bright for all stu- Etheridge School Construction Act. We age areas. The average class size is 23 dents, and ultimately, as he has indi- now have 55 sponsors, and I hope to students. So that I happen to live in cated, make sure that our social secu- have more before it goes in tomorrow. the part of this country where the in- rity system is sound, that everyone is It will provide for $7.2 billion in school frastructure, and whether that is the construction bonds for growing States productive and working and paying roads, the bridges, whatever it is, in- and localities that are hurting. into it, and will make a difference. cluding our schools, are old. Now, some of my colleagues will say, Let me touch on a couple of points, What does that mean in terms of the and then I want to turn to my good that is not the Federal government’s future? If we just take one small aspect friend, the gentlewoman from Con- responsibility. I would ask them, what of that, that is technology, we have necticut, for a couple of comments on did we decide when we did not have some buildings where the thickness of this educational piece. electricity and we did not have tele- the walls is so big and so dense that to I talked earlier about the Conn expe- phones? There was a time we did not wire these schools up so that we can rience. There are a couple of other have canals in this country, and we put really be connected with the Internet, points that I would like to make, espe- in a system in the Federal Government and put in the kind of computer and cially on a school that is in the inner to make sure we had water transpor- advanced technology that our young city, they are working hard, they have tation. Finally we got to the interstate people need today, is either prohibi- formed what they call CONNections, system, thank goodness for Eisen- tive, or there are some places where advisory committees, where each group hower, who pushed us into it. There are the computers are stored in boxes in has to work together to bring the par- a lot of things we have gotten into in rooms because they do not have the ents in; or if they happen to be in a fos- recent years that we were not in. ability to get them wired up. ter care home, whomever is responsible I will say to the Members, our sol- What are we talking about with for the child, they have a responsibility diers who came home from World War school construction? It is moderniza- to come and work with the individual II decided we needed to build some tion, it is providing the kinds of facili- assessment of those teachers, so that schools. They put their shoulders to ties that are going to lend themselves every child can get extra care and the wheel. It is now our responsibility for that future opportunity for our extra time on those core subjects. as we move towards the 21st century to young people. They are working to reduce class make sure that the baby boom echo I am going to use myself. I am old. sizes, where they are getting more indi- does not have to be taught in lean-tos My kids are computer literate. My vidualized attention and a feeling of and in shacks and in rundown build- grandkids will be computer literate. belonging on the part of each student. ings. We have little tots that know more My friend, the gentleman from Illinois, We need to build some school build- about computers than I probably will just talked about those advisory ings to make sure these children have ever know. I want to talk about a groups that are showing up as hard evi- a good place to go to school. They need classroom that I went to this past dence and data on results for children. to have as good an environment to be week. I think sometimes we tend to forget taught in as my colleague, the gen- But the fact of the matter is, what that. It is not in isolation. We have to tleman from Illinois, talked about that was a textbook to me, to my genera- do it altogether. Their assessment we are sending our prisoners to. When tion, and the importance of that, is measures are working. They are on we talk about sending children to what the computer is to our kids track on a year to year assessment school, and they ride by a $30 million today, so looking at modernizing our that has been going on long enough prison to go to a $4 million school, they schools so we can deal with this new now that this absolutely is working. are not very dumb. They can figure technology is critical. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H933 Now, that having been said, school That is why I am excited about this has been proposed by the Democrats is construction. What we are offering families first agenda that we have em- very, very important for our needs in here is not to build the schools, not to barked on, with education being at the southern Nevada. say where they are going to get built, center of it. I know the gentleman is Also, the fact that we want to mod- not to preempt any local control of going to continue to make this battle ernize our schools. What is the use of this effort. But what we will try to do in the next year and a half, and I look having a belief that we need to have as a proper role for the Federal Govern- forward to joining that battle with computers in every classroom and con- ment is to say to the locality, you have him. I thank the gentleman for letting nect everybody in the United States to to float bonds to be able to modernize me participate with him tonight. the Information Highway if we have or to build. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I schools that are obsolete and do not What we want to do is to provide you thank the gentlewoman from Connecti- have the ability to bring in the tech- with a tax credit. Use the tax code to cut, because she has been on the fore- nology that is so important? This is es- help to pay the interest on those bonds. front of this issue. She understands as pecially true for a community like Therefore, you can float the bonds, you much as anyone in this Congress that southern Nevada where we have some can get some financial resources to pay education, public education for our schools that are a little bit older. the interest, thereby cutting down the children, is the one thing that levels In order to accommodate the tech- costs to local communities and tax- the playing field for all people. It nology which is going to take us into payers and what they have to pay in makes no difference what their eco- the 21st century and that our children terms of modernizing or building those nomic or ethnic background is, when absolutely must be trained to be edu- classrooms. they get an educational opportunity, it cated on, that is a very, very impor- It is good for the community, it is is very difficult to ever close that door tant issue for us. good for the tax relief and local prop- again. I thank the gentlewoman for her Mr. Speaker, another important issue erty taxes, and we get to where we time. is the hiring of new teachers. Next want to be in modernizing facilities for Now let me turn to my friend, a new school session, when our schools open advancement for our young people. It Member of Congress, and yield to the up next September, we are going to be makes perfect sense. It makes sense to gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. BERK- 700 teachers short of the amount that use the tax code in a way that facili- LEY), from the First District, who has we will need in order to teach the num- tates the direction we want to go in in taken on this issue of education again, ber of students that we have in south- trying to meet a goal and a value, be- because she fought for it in her home ern Nevada. So the President’s initia- cause education is about values and State before she came here. tive to hire an additional 100,000 teach- who we are as a country. Secondly, it Ms. BERKLEY. Yes. I thank the gen- ers, that is very important for southern is to provide the kinds of tax relief to tleman, Mr. Speaker, for giving me the Nevada and I suspect for many school struggling local communities in this opportunity to speak with him about districts across the United States. effort. an issue that I have a great passion for. The two perhaps most important So this is one of the most logical I believe that the Democratic agenda, issues in my mind are the after-school pieces of legislation that has come which puts families first, is absolutely programs and the summer school pro- along, with the perfect match between pivotal to the success of my district. I grams. For a large number of my local control and Federal government would like to tell the Members a little school population, they are going home partnership in an effort. No one is sug- bit about the district that I represent, to empty houses. They are latchkey gesting that the Federal Government because in order to understand how im- kids, because their parents are work- get into the business of constructing portant educational issues are to the ing, and we have a working class envi- schools. people of southern Nevada, Members I just want to make one more point ronment in southern Nevada. So these need to know a little bit about the dis- kids are coming home to empty homes on computers and teacher training, trict that I represent. which we allow for in this families first with nobody to help them, nobody to I have the fastest growing district in take care of them. agenda and our budget. I did go into a the United States. We have the fastest If we can provide after-school pro- classroom, and I watched a first-rate growing school-age population in the grams for these kids, it actually satis- teacher who takes every opportunity United States. fies two needs that we have in southern that she can to avail herself of infor- b mation and learning herself to be 1515 Nevada. One is that it gives them a skilled, and then transmitting these There are 5,000 new residents that wholesome place to come after school, kinds of skills to young people today. come to Las Vegas, Nevada, every sin- but the second thing is it gives them As I said, we can provide and we can gle month, and there is no end in sight an opportunity to get additional men- get involved in getting all of the hard- to the growth. We have to build a toring so that they can learn the mate- ware into these schools, and if we do school a month in order to accommo- rial that they have to learn in order to not have competent and qualified date the growth, in order to make sure pass to the next grade. teachers who can teach our youngsters that our students have a place to go to Mr. Speaker, we are opposed to social about how to use the machinery, then school. So the issues that we are dis- promotion, but if we are opposed to so- they are just going to stay in the boxes cussing in our education agenda are ab- cial promotion we are going to have to and it is not going to amount to a hill solutely pivotal to the success of our do something to help these kids so that of beans. It really will not. schoolchildren in southern Nevada. they can, in fact, be promoted with the So that the training, that we have There are certain areas that are of rest of their class. That is why summer competent and qualified teachers to particular importance, and I would like school programs are so important as train in this area, is critical to where to highlight those. The fact that I do well. we want to go. In addition to which, it have the fastest growing school age Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, if the says to parents and says to local tax- district in the United States and one of gentlewoman would yield at this point payers, we want to make sure we are the largest school districts in the for a moment, let me ask a question. It keeping our kids up to date, that the United States, with 210,000 students sounds like Nevada is doing some cre- standards rise, that there is account- going to school in Las Vegas, Nevada, ative things, and North Carolina has ability on behalf of the schools and the that means that school construction is done some of these same things. I as- children and the teachers, so that we absolutely necessary in order for us to sume that they are doing after-school make sure that our children are com- make sure that our kids have a place tutoring in some areas right now for petent and qualified for those opportu- that they can go to school. those students who need extra help to nities of a new century that we do not We need to get them out of the stay up with the other students, and know what of, it is going to have so portables, get them out of the trailers probably some early morning tutors, many promises and opportunities for and get them into a classroom environ- too. young people. We would be foolish to ment where they can thrive. So the Ms. BERKLEY. We are doing some, squander these opportunities. school construction component that but not half enough. And if we could H934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 get some help from the Federal Gov- If we think about it, when most of us We have to work our system together ernment in order to do that, that would were growing up, our world was much so we have some parity across the be absolutely wonderful. smaller in the sense that we thought country. Another important thing is, of about the competition being maybe the Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gen- course, the summer school programs. community next door, the county next tleman from North Carolina (Mr. MCIN- Because the very students that need door, or maybe even the State next TYRE), my colleague from the Seventh the summer school programs are often door. For our young people today, that District, to share with us some of his those who can ill afford them, and if is not so. It is the whole world. thoughts on education. they have to pay for the summer We talk about the world having Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, we school program then those students shrunk. It has only shrunk in that time know that education is the key to the who actually need it might not have has shrunk. Because if something hap- future of this country. And when I the opportunity. pens today on the far side of the world, think about the words of Robert H. Those are the issues that I find very, within seconds it is front page news in Jackson, the Supreme Court Associate very important and compelling; and Washington, D.C., or hometown, U.S.A. Justice, who once said that, ‘‘Edu- those are the reasons that I came to This means that for our children and cation should be a lifelong process, the Congress, in order to make sure that for us as adults, we have to learn to formal period serving as a foundation the people of southern Nevada are pro- deal with issues differently. That puts on which life’s structure may rest and tected. an extra burden on our public schools rise.’’ Mr. Speaker, if I may have one more and on our teachers. We realize when we talk about this minute, the education that I received When we were talking earlier about foundation and the structure of life we in southern Nevada was wonderful. It the teachers and having training to have to ask ourselves what kind of was wonderful for the life that I am deal with computers, it really means message are we sending to our chil- leading today. It will be obsolete for that the teacher has to be able to inte- dren? What are they learning now that the life that my children are leading. grate their teaching techniques on that will make them the leaders of tomor- It is important for us as the leaders computer. Otherwise, the computer is a row? Mr. Speaker, I think there are three of this country to make sure that the tool that will not be used. students that are going through school Ms. BERKLEY. Interestingly enough, important ingredients that we here in now will have the tools and the oppor- I go home every weekend. Last week- the Congress and we here in the Nation should consider, that it does take the tunities that they need in order to suc- end I was home, and I had an oppor- people, the purpose, and the partner- ceed in the 21st century. We have a tunity to read. It was Reading Readi- ship in working together. golden opportunity in this country to ness Week, and, of course, in Las Vegas First of all, the people. We realize make a difference, make a difference in we are working very hard to read to that it is not just up to the educators the lives of millions of children that our children and give parents an oppor- alone. They need our help and support. are crying out for help, crying out for tunity to read to our children as well. But it is also up to the people of the I was one of those people who went quality education, crying out for a community and the people in govern- good life. into the classroom to read to a group ment, the people in business, the peo- I, for one, am going to join with the of kindergarten students, and I can say ple in all sectors of society who will gentleman from North Carolina to do that not only were the kindergarten come together and provide that posi- everything I can to make sure that students absolutely superb to read to, tive example of commitment. People these students are taken care of so but I was particularly impressed with who are willing to go and help the that they can take our places in the their teachers and the amount of train- teacher, call up a teacher and say, I 21st century and lead this country to a ing necessary in order to be able to want to know how I can come help. new horizon and new beginning and pass on the skills that these children And when we decry the lack of role greater heights. are going to need. models for our children today and we Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I So, Mr. Speaker, I am very, very ex- wonder what are they seeing? Are they thank the gentlewoman from Nevada. cited. When I look at those kinder- just seeing the athletic heroes and the She understates her hard work, be- gartners, when I look at my own chil- movie stars? But where are the future cause she has worked hard since she dren, I can only imagine what a mag- businesspeople and the future nurses has been here. She had a record of sup- nificent life they have ahead of them. and doctors and the future teachers, port for education before she came, it But before they can have any life at the future people that will be working preceded her, and she is doing an excel- all, we need to make sure that they in the communities? lent job. have the tools to prepare them to lead Mr. Speaker, they are out there in Mr. Speaker, I think the point that the life that they are going to be lead- the communities now, and our children the gentlewoman made, that education ing in the 21st century. are looking at us, and they are wonder- is no longer a K–12 or K–16 through four And as the gentleman has so cor- ing, are we going to provide some kind years of college or master’s or doctor- rectly demonstrated in his comments, of example for them? Are we volunteer- ate. It is a lifelong process. All we need that technology component is so vital. ing our time to go into the schools and to do now is talk about the new tech- In order to not only succeed in the 21st help? nologies and recognize those of us that century, but merely to survive in the I know the last 18 years that I have are rusty with computers have to get 21st century, they are going to need to been spending as a volunteer in the up to speed on those computers because have those skills. And if we do not give school, I continue to do so even now in most of our children are ahead of us. them to our students while they are in Congress when I am home during a re- The gentlewoman from Connecticut school now, I am afraid they are going cess, to spend time with kids, to volun- (Ms. DELAURO) just talked about it, but to be terribly disadvantaged and un- teer personal time, to show support for the truth is that is the way of life for able to compete in the global world our teachers and, most of all, support all of us now, and we have to do a bet- that we now live in. for our children. ter job. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I With the people working together, we Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, with thank the gentlewoman for her com- can share a common purpose, a purpose the help of the gentleman from North ments, and she is correct. Education is that instills and inspires in our chil- Carolina, and hopefully with the help the key to opportunity in the future. dren the idea that they can become of those across the aisle, we can work We have worked at it in North Caro- what they dream they might become together in a bipartisan way to make lina, and she has worked in Nevada, one day because they see in us an ex- sure that all of these children in our and all of us have to work at it in this ample of coming to them. Why would great country have the same opportu- country because of the mobility of our that person come and spend time in our nities that the gentleman and I had population. schools? He is too busy. He is a doctor. when we were growing up. For a child in North Carolina today, Or why would that businessperson take Mr. ETHERIDGE. The point the gen- they may be going to school in Nevada time to come talk to us about market- tlewoman makes is absolutely correct. next week or California or New York. ing? March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H935 Mr. Speaker, when we take time to Finally, as we talk about the staff SURPLUS SHOULD GO TO SOCIAL invest ourselves, we set an example shortage we are going to be facing, we SECURITY that pays more than money could buy. are going to be facing some, we have to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Third, we put together with that a recognize if we are going to keep some the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- partnership. We here in Congress are of these people longer than the years uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Okla- looking at issues affecting school con- after their retirement, we have to homa (Mr. COBURN) is recognized for 60 struction. We are looking at issues af- make sure that we change our retire- minutes. fecting the reduction of class size. We ment policies for them and make sure Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, I found are looking at issues that will affect that their employment opportunities the previous hour very enlightening. private business being able to donate are where they ought to be, and they Many of the things that I heard I abso- computers and being able to get tax de- get the ample training to make sure lutely agree with. ductions for doing that, much like they that they can deal with our young peo- But the subject I came to talk about can for other charities and other orga- ple. today is something that oftentimes is nizations now. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman overlooked by the American public, So the question is, will we be willing from North Carolina for a comment. and that is the fact that one hears in to work together in that partnership? I the press and one hears on this floor all the time that we have a surplus, that know it is a challenge for us here in b 1530 Congress, but it is a challenge that we there is a surplus of money in the Fed- are well up to and that we can do on Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I just eral Government today. I am here to both sides of the aisle. wanted to say two other things briefly. tell my colleagues that that is not Mr. Speaker, I know that Robin We in the Congress can also support true. There is not a surplus in the Fed- Cooke once wrote that, ‘‘Education is our local school districts where we eral Government today. In fact, the more than a luxury, it is a responsibil- have military bases. As a member of monies that are shown in surplus actu- ity that society owes itself.’’ Education the Committee on Armed Services, I ally belong to the Social Security sys- is something we cannot just leave up to hope that we will challenge ourselves tem, the retirement system. one group or one organization and ex- to support impact aid for direct appro- What I have before me is a graph that pect them to handle it for us. It is an priations to school districts with mili- shows my colleagues actually what is investment that has to come from the tary children. happening right now and what is pro- heart and from the hands and from the Secondly, I hope all of my colleagues jected to happen with Social Security heads of all of us putting ourselves into will do something that we did, and that monies. This chart, my colleagues will the educational process to work to- is host an education summit in your see, is from the Social Security Trust- gether to strengthen the foundation of district. I have held two over the last 2 ee’s report, and it was issued this last the future of this society. years. We even had the U.S. Secretary year. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I of Education come down. Listen to the If my colleagues will notice, what thank the gentleman from North Caro- parents and the children themselves they see is somewhere around $70 bil- lina for his comments, and certainly talk about their needs, and that way lion to $75 billion per year actual more education is that critical linchpin that we will know that what we are doing is money coming in to the Social Secu- fuels our economy, gives us oppor- making a difference back home. rity system than we are paying out. That is, everybody that is working in tunity, and the reason we are the kind Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, let this country is paying a FICA tax, and of society we are to reach out and help me close by saying thank you for this everybody that they work for is paying the people around the world. opportunity to share with you, with a portion of that FICA tax that comes Any of us that travel any places our colleagues and with the American to the Federal Government. This last know how people admire Americans, people hopefully an issue that is so year, it was about $480 billion that ev- and part of it is because we have a sys- critical to the future of this country, eryone who worked in this country tem that says everyone who shows up educating our young people, providing will have an equal opportunity. paid in. a rich opportunity for each one of When you look at this graph, what Today we have talked about a num- them, making sure that we have teach- actually happened is we paid out some- ber of issues of the Family First agen- ers in front of those classrooms who what less than that to the seniors who da of education, and one of them being are well trained, who are well equipped, are presently on Social Security. What the linchpin of school construction. and they have an environment in which we have before us in Washington today Too many times when people want to to teach effectively, and for children to is a shell game. talk about education, they fail to talk have a place to learn the way they How do we confuse people about what as our colleagues have today and have should learn in this place we call is going on with Social Security? When reminded us, that the teacher is the America for the 21st century. I talk to seniors in my district, as a heart of that issue and the students are matter of fact, when I talk to seniors why we are there. f anywhere, I have not found anybody But the truth is, if we ask teachers that wants that money spent for any- what is most important to them in REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- thing except Social Security. having the opportunity to teach chil- We continue to play a shell game by dren, it is not always salary first. Rec- ING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 707, DISASTER MITIGATION not being truthful with the American ognizing that certainly they pay the public. What one will see is, when we same for food or shelter as we do, but AND COST REDUCTION ACT OF 1999 get to the year 2013, this surplus of they need a good environment to teach, money that is paid in versus the money and children should have a good place Mr. DREIER (during the Special that is paid out on Social Security to learn. Order of Mr. COBURN), from the Com- starts running a deficit. Also, they need the latest in tech- mittee on Rules submitted a privileged As we can see, with the baby nology, simply because the young peo- report (Rept. No. 106–41) on the resolu- boomers, of which I am one, by the ple that leave those classrooms are tion (H. Res. 91) providing for consider- year 2030, the Federal Government is going to be coming into the workforce. ation of the bill (H.R. 707) to amend the going to have to come up with some And if anyone wonders why business Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and $750 billion a year to fund the Social has stepped up and decided that edu- Emergency Assistance Act to authorize Security program. cation is the most important issue on a program for predisaster mitigation, All right. So we have a problem that their agenda besides making a profit, to streamline the administration of is coming to us. The first thing I was all we need to do is look at our public disaster relief, to control the Federal taught by my father as a young boy is schools. They are going to be employ- costs of disaster assistance, and for that a half truth is a whole lie. The ing these young people; and, secondly, other purposes, which was referred to half truth is that there is a surplus. they are also going to be their consum- the House Calendar and ordered to be Yeah, there is more money in Washing- ing public. printed. ton than what we are spending out. But H936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 it does not belong to the Congress to money, or do you believe that there are pointing out here is something that spend any way it wants to. It belongs UFOs out there,’’ more people believe really the American public is way to the Social Security system. there are UFOs flying around than be- ahead of us on. Unfortunately, he is ex- What is going to happen if we con- lieve they will see their Social Secu- actly right in that this is beginning to tinue with this half truth-whole lie is rity money. That is a condemnation on show itself in the confidence that peo- that the children that are going to be Congress that we have let down the ple have in government. 30 years of age, that are going to be American people. Because I do not know if my col- born this next year, are going to have So what are our options? Save the leagues have seen the Roper poll, but a FICA tax rate of 28 percent instead of hundred percent of the Social Security there was a Roper poll. It has been 12 percent. surplus and transition it into some in- commissioned every single year, basi- That means that if we made $100,000, strument that earns more money, one. cally, for the last 30 years. In that poll, $28,000, not income tax but payroll tax, What we can do is repay the money back in 1963, they basically said to the will have to go just to keep even to taken by the fund by raising taxes, and American public, ‘‘Do you have con- fund the Social Security system in this that is exactly what I outlined, that we fidence that people in Washington, that country. are going to have a 28 percent effective your government, will make the right So before we can ever begin to hope FICA tax by the year 2015 to pay to decision?’’ And 73 percent of Americans to solve the Social Security problem, meet the obligations that we have com- said, ‘‘Yes, we believe that Washington, we have to be honest about what it mitted to under Social Security. our government, will make that right really is. What it really is is the sur- Or, finally, we can do all sorts of decision.’’ pluses that were seen last year and the things to Social Security. We can back That poll, when it was taken last surplus that we are going to see this up on our agreement to Social Secu- year, what people found was that 19 year is made up entirely of Social Se- rity. We can raise the age at which it percent of Americans thought that curity money. is available. Nobody wants that. Or we Washington would make the right deci- The next diagram shows you what ac- can lessen the benefits. sion. That is reflected in the UFO poll tually happens to Social Security Our seniors now can hardly get by on that the gentleman mentioned. money. Right now, the Federal Govern- the Social Security money that they I saw some other crazy questions ment uses excess Social Security to are receiving. So option three is not that were asked in a recent poll. One of pay for more spending or to pay off the any good. Option two, all it does is the questions was, ‘‘Which of the fol- debt. transfer our lack of physical control, lowing is more likely to happen: You Last year, we did retire some exter- our lack of ability to do what we were collect all the Social Security money nal debt. We borrowed Social Security sent up here to do, and sends it to our that you are entitled to, or a pro wres- money. We gave them a note that bears grandchildren. tler is elected President?’’ Believe it or As I talked to seniors, three things interest. We used that money to pay off not, more people thought that the pro come to their mind. They do not want people outside of our government, out- wrestler would be elected President. the Social Security money spent on Another one was, ‘‘If you had $1,000 side of our Nation, who have loaned us anything but Social Security. Number to bet on the Superbowl or $1,000 to pay money to run at a deficit. We are pay- two, they want the debt paid down. into the Social Security system, which ing that off. So we are putting in IOUs, Number three, they do not want to sad- one would give you a better return on credited to the Trust Fund. dle their grandchildren with the ex- your money?’’ Again, I think this is It is important to note that, last cesses of our inability to do what we horrible, but more people believed in year, we took $26 billion of the Social were sent up here to do. the Superbowl bet than the Social Se- Security Trust Fund and spent it on So let me draw you a comparison. curity bet. nonSocial Security programs, which Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, will the Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- stole $26 billion of the seniors’ Social gentleman yield? ing my time, let me interject some- Security money and spent it on other Mr. COBURN. I am happy to yield to thing, because the American public programs. the gentleman from South Carolina does not know this. The actual rate of That is why it is so interesting to (Mr. SANFORD). return, real dollar rate of return on hear that we have to spend all this ad- Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, before one’s money that one puts into Social ditional money on education where, in the gentleman goes on, I see this next Security over the last 30 years has been fact, if the Congress would live up to chart up on spending, but for one sec- less than 1 percent per year. It has its obligations that it made in 1973 on ond I would like to go back to that been six-tenths of 1 percent. Well, one IDEA that we would fund 40 percent of first chart that he was holding up on could loan the money to one’s the cost of the special ed in this coun- the surpluses or lack thereof them- grandkids at 2 percent and do three try, we would free up billions of dollars selves. Because what I think is inter- times better than what the Federal in local monies to be spent on edu- esting about that chart is that, while Government has done with one’s Social cation, and we would not have to have we may not get it in Washington, folks Security money. a Federal program to build schools, be- back home in Oklahoma or folks back Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, if the cause the schools would have the home in South Carolina or folks back gentleman will yield, what I think is money to build it, because we have not home across this country really under- interesting about that is that is not a kept up our end of the bargain. stand this chart; and that is, Washing- fault of the designers of Social Secu- So what is going to happen in 2013, ton says we are running a surplus. Yet, rity. In other words, back in 1935, when we are going to spend more money when I talk to folks back home, what they created this system, I mean no- than what comes in. We are going to they tell me is, if we went down the body could have anticipated that a have to either go borrow money, or we street and there was someone living on baby boom generation was coming our are going to raise taxes. It is real sim- our street that had to borrow against way. ple. Actually, we are going to do one of their pension fund reserves or retire- So I think that they did create a three things, and let me show my col- ment reserves to put gas in the car or great system. It did a lot of good for leagues what that is. food on the table or rent money down, my mother, for my grandmother. But So how do we solve the Social Secu- we would say that family was not run- the question now is, because of what rity program? How do we solve this ning a surplus. has been going on here, in other words, problem so that the money that goes In the business world, if we actually because of the way Washington has into Social Security is used for Social borrowed against our pension fund re- been borrowing against these Trust Security? How do we solve it so that serves to pay for the current oper- Fund balances, we have a real problem. the people who are working today can ations of the company, we would go to The question that the gentleman cor- have a retirement benefit that is sup- jail based on Federal law. rectly raises is, what are we going to posed to be guaranteed to them? Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, that is do to protect those balances? As they poll young people under 35 right. Last year, when Washington bor- and they ask them, ‘‘Do you believe Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, what I rowed $101.3 billion from the Social Se- that you will get Social Security think the gentleman from Oklahoma is curity Trust Fund, they did it without March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H937 people making a lot of noise back What we see here is if we do not re- country and nobody says, yes, the Fed- home. A lot of people did not realize strain spending, then we are going to eral Government is efficient. Well, if it that, one, the money had been bor- continue to spend more and more and is not efficient, why do we not cut rowed, or those that did, it did not feel more of the Social Security money on spending within the Federal Govern- that real. It did not feel like it was out programs that are not related to Social ment to make it efficient so that we of their pocket. Security. will not spend Social Security money? But if that same money was housed Now, I happen to believe that this The education dollars that the gen- in individual accounts, and I do not year or early next year we will run tleman from North Carolina (Mr. mean laissez faire, good luck, hope- what is called a true surplus. That is, ETHERIDGE) wants to spend, and which you-make-it-when-you-retire kind of we will have more money coming into we need to invest in education, I do not accounts, but accounts with a lot of the government than we spend, exclud- think we will find anybody that dis- controls, just as all Federal workers ing Social Security. The CBO budget agrees with that, we can find that have, for instance, with the Thrift Sav- projects that somewhere between 2000 money through the inefficiencies of the ings Program, if we had those controls and 2001. That is this green line. But if Federal Government. in place and people got a monthly we follow what President Clinton One last example. If this country statement and they knew to the penny wants to do, he wants to spend 38 per- were to go to war tomorrow, we would all, as a Nation, hunker down and say, how much was in their Social Security cent, and, actually, it is more than we have an emergency, we can do account, and then Washington came up that, it is about 45 percent in the next things better, we can do things more $100 billion short, and they said, ‘‘Well, 5 years, of the Social Security surplus efficiently, we can do things in a way let us see, Mr. COBURN, your pro rata on new programs. Now, I come from a district that is a that costs less. share of that will be $734.53. Would you We have an emergency right now Democrat district. I am a Republican, mind cutting a check and sending it to equal to any world war we would go to, but my district is 75 percent registered Washington?’’ people would go berserk. and that emergency is we are taking Democrats. My Democrats, my con- So I think that, as Alan Greenspan, away the opportunity, we are taking chairman of the Federal Reserve, very stituents, do not want that money away the future of our grandchildren correctly pointed out, we need to cre- spent. And what will we see as we do by not having the courage to stand up ate a real firewall that protects basi- this? What happens to the national and cut the spending where it does not cally people, Social Security money debt? The national debt goes up. What need to be spent and spend the money from the political forces in Washing- is it that our children are going to where it does need to be spent. ton. have to pay back? They are going to Mr. SANFORD. On that point, I b 1545 have to pay back the national debt. think it is interesting that Economist Under President Clinton’s program he magazine, which is certainly well re- Mr. COBURN. Let me add one other is going to raise the national debt hun- garded, ran an article in the last 2 thing. The Social Security System, as dreds of billions of dollars. The total weeks called ‘‘Counting Your Chickens designed, was a good system. We had a debt. Before They’re Hatched’’, and what the lot of people working to pay for very Now, sure, he is going to shift some article talked about are the projected few people getting benefits. of it, but at the end of this last year, surpluses that are supposed to one day We have two Members here that are when we went through, and even materialize and yet how maybe that term-limited that are talking about though we spent Social Security might not happen. And, therefore, if we this issue. We are citizen legislators. money and we paid off some external commit it to other forms of govern- We are both in our last term. We have debt, our national debt actually in- ment spending, in other words, these been here 4 years. These are our last 2 creased $22 billion. Now, what is the projected surpluses, if we commit them years. One of the things that has hap- reason for that? We passed spending to different forms of spending, we are pened is this body, because of politics proposals that were off budget. Emer- kind of locked into a situation that rather than because of American spirit, gency supplementals. could cause us to leave this place run- has promised things for votes without Whenever we hear those words, ning big massive deficits. asking the taxpayers to pay for it. So ‘‘emergency supplemental’’, what that Larry Lindsey, who was a member of we have seen a lot of expansions in So- means is our grandchildren are getting the Fed, wrote an interesting piece cial Security, which are not bad, but ready to get it. Because it is not going about 6 months ago breaking out the they did not have the political courage to be paid for, except in rare instances. revenue stream to the Federal Govern- to say, if we spend more, we have to This Congress, since 1994, has offset ment. In other words, the taxes that pay for it. So, therefore, the system’s two of those, but the vast majority are sent in by Americans across this expenditures went up without a con- have not been offset, so they will end country up to Washington. His argu- comitant increase in the revenues to up paying for that. And the next year, ment was that a large part of this job pay for it. that money that was spent comes in to of balancing the budget has, as the gen- So now we have two problems: We raise the baseline of spending for that tleman correctly pointed out, not been have, one, the population shift with the year. done by folks in Washington by actu- baby boomers; but we also have the So the reason the national debt went ally cutting spending but it has really lack of true integrity by the Congress up $22 billion, even though we retired been done on the shoulders of working to pay for the things that they pass on external debt, is because we borrowed Americans. as a benefit. So the way to get re- more than what we showed on the Because what had happened is the elected is to send the pork back home, books. There was another $22 billion historic average, basically since the tell people that we are doing something that was spent that we were not honest time of World War II, in other words, for them, but their grandchildren and with the American public about who government’s take as a percentage of their great grandchildren are going to was going to pay for it. And it is our all the activity in America, what they be hassled, and their standard of living grandchildren. call GDP, has been about 20 percent. is going to be markedly decreased be- I have two little grandchildren, a 3- We have been basically at or slightly cause we did not have the courage to year-old and a 1-year-old, and the last below that number. Well, right now we say, if we are going to do something, thing I want to do is leave them a leg- are at a post-World War II high in we have to pay for it. acy where they have an income tax terms of Washington’s take as a per- This gets me to the next slide: why rate of 30 percent and a working tax centage of the collective activity of we have to control spending. This is rate, a FICA tax rate, of 25 percent, working Americans. And if we actually the Federal budget, excluding Social and that their standard of living is really break out the number, what we Security. These are the real numbers. going to be markedly lower than ours. see is a large part of that income This is no hokeypokey. There is noth- What is the answer to that? Let me stream to the Federal Government is ing other than CBO numbers here and just finish this point. The answer is the due to capital gains income and it is OMB numbers. President Clinton’s Federal Government is not efficient. I due to bonus income. It is tied to this budget and the actual CBO projections. have asked about that around this bull market. H938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Well, most certainly, at some point, It was an agreement. Last year the om- in taxes than what we expected we this market is going to cool off. And nibus reconciliation package broke would, and the first inclination here in Mr. Lindsey’s argument was that when that agreement. The President signed Washington is, times are good, let us it does so, all of a sudden, since it is in- it, this House signed it. Neither of spend it. come tax that is solving the problem these two gentlemen that are talking Mr. COBURN. Show me the money. rather than spending cuts, it is going today agreed with that. We did not Mr. HOEKSTRA. Show me the to cause us to run big deficits again. So vote for that bill. The point being, as money, and out the door it goes. Again, the importance of what the gentleman we start the 2000 budget, with the ad- we have kind of set the priorities in the is stressing here, which is actually ministration’s budget, they break the wrong place, because we have said the keeping a lid on government spending, spending caps by $30 billion. first place the money goes is to us, this I do not think can be overemphasized. So we have to get back to this idea generation, this generation of citizens Because here we have a member of the that we have to restrain spending. The and this government in Washington. Fed saying how important this is, fact is there are lots of programs with- And, really, what we ought to be doing which is exactly what the gentleman is in the Federal Government that are in- is we ought to be taking care of the saying right now. effective, that have not been looked at, sins of the Congresses in the 1980s who Mr. COBURN. I think what is impor- that do not accomplish what they were built up this $5.5 trillion debt. We tant for everyone to understand is all set out to do, that have not had an ought to take care of those sins and of this red in the President’s budget oversight hearing to make sure they do start paying down the debt. comes from social security taxes. that. The Congress has failed to do its I agree with the gentlemen. In my Every bit of it. And what he has said is job for the last 20 years in terms of district people are saying, nobody is that we are only going to spend 38 per- oversight. There have been very few talking about paying down the debt. cent of social security taxes on some- programs that have been started that They say we are talking about reduc- thing else, rather than we are going to have ended, number one; and there ing taxes, we are talking about more take Social Security and put that have been even many more of those spending, but nobody is talking about money in Social Security and have the that have been started that we have paying down the debt. We ought to fiscal discipline to control the spending never looked at to see if they were ac- take care of the sins of the 1980s and in the Federal Government. complishing the very goal we set out to start paying down the debt. And when Mr. SANFORD. And could I add on accomplish. we do that, that is good for seniors, be- that point? I do not know if the gen- So if, in fact, we can constrain spend- cause we strengthen Social Security; tleman has looked at the analytical ing, by the year 2001 we will have a real and that is good for our kids, because perspectives within this year’s budget, surplus, and then we can decide what it takes this $5.5 trillion debt off their but there are assumptions that could we do with that real surplus. Do we pay back. make those red numbers, frankly, a lot down the debt, as most of the seniors b 1600 bigger. Because one of the assumptions in my district want us to do? Do we built into the Social Security plan is give some money back to people who Mr. COBURN. I think again, just to that domestic discretionary, which is are working poor and working? Be- reemphasize the point, first, if we do basically every other spending outside cause they are having trouble making not put all the Social Security money of Medicare and interest and Social Se- it now. Do we give some of this money into Social Security, one, if we do not curity, is going to go dramatically back to them? Do we expand selec- address the problems with Social Secu- down. tively some of the government pro- rity, we are going to see at least $800 Right now it is about 7 percent of grams? billion per year in increased taxes on GDP, again, the collective activity of Our goal should be to let us not spend working Americans just to pay for So- all working Americans, and what they anything until we are in this stage. We cial Security. That does not have assume is that it goes down to 3 per- are spending money we do not have factored into it any inflationary spirals cent. Now, they had to assume that, be- now and we are stealing from the So- that might be higher than what we cause to keep the amount of money cial Security System. think they are going to be. going into Washington within historic I see the gentleman from Michigan So to get $800 billion in 2030, $780 bil- bounds, which is about this 20 percent (Mr. HOEKSTRA) is here. Would he like lion in 2029, what do we do? What that number, and given the fact we have 70 to jump in on this? means is the constituents in my dis- million baby boomers starting to retire Mr. HOEKSTRA. Well, I just wanted trict, my grandchildren, they are not around 2012, and we know entitlement to thank my colleagues, number one, going to get to do anything except spending is going to go up, to keep it for doing the special order and for, barely eat, barely sleep and have a roof within that realm of reasonableness, number two, inviting me to participate over their head if they want to pay for they had to shrink the other number. in this process. my generation’s Social Security. I think that is a crazy assumption. I am part of the Committee on the So the hard work has to start now. Because what it means is if all of a sud- Budget, and as we enter the next cou- The hard work has to be associated den Congress does not get real tough in ple of weeks the decisions that we with restraining spending, not nec- this other area of government spending make are going to be critical. Do we essarily new spending on new programs called domestic discretionary, what stay within the spending caps, the but paying for it by cutting spending that means is a tax cut down the road, agreed-upon level that a couple of somewhere else that is not effective, which goes straight back to the gentle- years ago we said we can live within rather than spending more of our man’s grandkids. this; that we can get done what we grandchildren’s money. Mr. COBURN. Absolutely. There is want to get done in Washington if we Mr. SANFORD. I know that the pri- another thing which is important to spend at this level? mary focus of our brief visit this after- note. And this is not a method to try to I know a couple of years ago some of noon is on government expenditure, it beat up on the President’s budget. That us had a very difficult time voting for is on truth in advertising, if you want is not my point. My point is to draw a those spending caps because we to call it that, because the government contrast. Even within this, there is $50 thought it was too much money. We has been, I think, disingenuous with billion worth of tax increases, in fees said we need to get to a surplus quicker the way it has called this a surplus, be- and licensing fees and tax changes. So and we ought to rein that spending in cause this is not what folks at home that if, in fact, the $50 billion in tax in- a little. But as part of a bipartisan would call a surplus, it is not what creases were not added, we would be compromise, the President coming to business would call a surplus. But tied stealing $75 billion or $80 billion from the table, our colleagues on the other to it is this issue of Social Security. the Social Security based on the spend- side coming to the table, we said, all There is one point that I think is worth ing. right, we will give, we will let us have mentioning, because it frankly sounds The Congress agreed with the Presi- a little more spending. And now we get alluring. As you mentioned earlier, dent in 1997 that we would have 5-year to 1999, the economy has been good, which is not related to reserving the budget caps that were locked into law. Washington has been collecting more surplus for Social Security but in the March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H939 larger context of the Social Security the higher return and we will take risk we have to take a look at is now is a problem, that the trustees, not what I out, but by leaving it there, it leaves wonderful window of opportunity. say, not what you say, not what the Washington’s hands in it and that Much like we did a couple of years ago gentleman from Michigan says but means a couple of things. It means, when we did the balanced budget agree- what the trustees have said is that if one, I do not think you can serve two ment, we can and we found common we do nothing to save Social Security, masters. Microsoft stock, for instance, ground, we did it with welfare and it is going to have real problems down last December, not this December but when we found the common ground, we the line. The choices are fairly limited the December before, between Decem- were able to move forward and 3 years as we all know. You can cut current ber 18 and December 23 dropped by later we are finding out that those pro- benefits, you can raise taxes, or you about 14 percent. It did so when the grams have been very successful. When can grow the assets of the trust fund at Justice Department announced that we worked to cut spending, when we a higher rate than they are now grow- they were bringing suit against Micro- worked to do the budget agreement, we ing at. soft. If the Federal Government was in- said we can get to a surplus by 2002. Mr. COBURN. Let me ask the gen- vested in Microsoft through the form of Under those rules, we were there in tleman a question. If all the money the Social Security trust fund, then all 1998. Now I think we can apply that coming into the Federal Government, of a sudden you are going to have same kind of creativity in a much dif- real surplus plus Social Security, was AARP calling you up, their representa- ferent environment because we have saved, we still will not have enough tives saying, ‘‘Wait, don’t bring up that made so much progress on spending, we money to take care of Social Security, suit because my trust fund money is in can take that creativity and apply it to will we? that.’’ In other words, it is very dif- Social Security and I think the values Mr. SANFORD. Correct. ficult in Washington to serve two mas- and the principles that the gentleman Mr. COBURN. That is an important ters. I think we ought to think about was articulating are exactly what we point that the President has never that. For that matter it is very dif- want to do. We want to make sure that mentioned. No matter what the sur- ficult in Washington to serve one mas- we don’t impact seniors’ benefits. We pluses are in the future, no matter how ter. want to really restore the integrity of great they are, saving all Social Secu- The gentleman from California (Mr. Social Security for 50 to 75 years. We rity money for Social Security plus all WAXMAN) to his credit cares passion- want to make real progress on those the rest of it will never save enough ately about the issue of tobacco smok- issues. money to be able to meet the obliga- ing. I cannot imagine him disappearing The other thing that we know that tions for the babies born from 1942 on. and not caring what the trust fund was we can do is that we can make a lot of We will never get out of the hole. So invested in because he cares about the other progress. The interesting thing is something has to happen. I think that issue. The gentleman from New Jersey we get to a surplus, is that we forget is the gentleman’s point. (Mr. SMITH) from the Republican side about the $1.6 trillion that we are cur- Mr. SANFORD. Of the available cares passionately about the issue of rently spending and we naturally as- choices, I mean, it seems to me that abortion. I cannot imagine him sitting sume that all that money is being the most reasonable of those three idly by while the trust fund was in- spent wisely. Today in the Education choices would be growing the assets of vested in a pharmaceutical company Committee we marked up what we call the trust fund at a higher rate. And that had a pill related to abortion. In an ed flex bill which is going to allow then the question simply is, well, do we other words, from all sides there would the States a much greater degree of do that collectively, which is essen- be political influence in the trust fund. flexibility. Why? Because when they tially what the President had proposed What I think you have to look at in a get involved in reporting back to Wash- with investing a portion of the trust trust fund is how are you going to get ington from a State or a local level fund in equities, or do we do that the highest return so that one can every dollar that we collect in taxes for through individual accounts? enjoy the best return. education, only 65 cents of it reaches a I just think it is worth stressing that Mr. COBURN. Let me just summa- child. And that if we apply the same in my look at this problem, the idea of rize, if I can. The whole purpose of kind of creativity to that $1.6 trillion an individual account and not a laissez talking to the American public about that we are spending today, we open up faire, good-luck-grandmom-hope-you- this is it is called daylight. Knowledge all kinds of opportunities to better make-it-when-you-retire kind of ac- is powerful. The more Americans know educate our kids so that no child will count, but the idea of a controlled per- that we are actually taking Social Se- be left behind, that we then would have sonal account with a lot of different curity money and spending it on some- room for Social Security, to save So- safeguards, just as a janitor here on thing other than Social Security, the cial Security, and then if we really are Capitol Hill would have through the more reaction that we are going to get serious about taking a look at that $1.6 Thrift Savings Plan. to say, ‘‘Don’t do it.’’ Because we know trillion that we are spending today, we Mr. COBURN. The whole idea is with not to do it, but the tendency in Wash- would also have room for tax cuts, by a guarantee that nobody would ever ington is to spend money, not conserve saying we can get the same impact for get less than what they are committed your money. The tendency is to think education. to now in terms of Social Security. in the short term, not the long term. I We took, and my colleagues are both There will always be that guarantee want us thinking about our grand- familiar with this, on Education at the there. children, and I want us to ensure that Crossroads, 39 different agencies ad- Mr. SANFORD. The reason I think we live up to every commitment that ministering something like 700 pro- that is so important is, more than any- we have made to seniors. We can only grams, losing 35 cents of every edu- thing, and this is again what the chair- do that if we are honest about the cation dollar to bureaucracy, not to man of the Federal Reserve, Alan problem that faces us. To be dishonest educating children. Just think about Greenspan, said, that you have to cre- will compound the problem for another changing that process and focusing on ate a firewall between political forces generation past this one. the kids. We can get 35 percent more in Washington and that money. If there Any fix that is going to happen on Federal money into the classroom just is not a firewall, most certainly the Social Security cannot be a short-term by taking a look at the process here money will be borrowed against, which fix. It has to be a long-term fix. And it and saying, it is not the process that is is what has been happening over the has to recognize the reality which is important, it is not the bureaucracy last 30 years, to fund other areas of the government cannot continue to that is important, it is our kids that government. So if you are going to cre- take 22 percent of the gross domestic are important and we are going to get ate that firewall, again I come down on product without holding down growth, there. the side of individual accounts, not holding down opportunity, holding This is really a wonderful era right only because of the firewall but also down job creation and holding down now that we ought to grasp and we because of the way this place works. capital investment. ought to take a look at every issue. We It is interesting, it sounds enticing, Mr. HOEKSTRA. If the gentleman ought to save Social Security, but we let us invest collectively, we will get will yield, I think the other thing that cannot forget about going back and H940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 taking a look at the $1.6, $1.7 trillion for a young person born in 1970, they family support is so important, and that we spend each and every year. would have to live 110 years just to get this young lady, she is 86 years old, Mr. COBURN. I think the other point their own Social Security taxes back would not make it if she did not have that the Education at a Crossroads out. Not even a return on the Social a family. made to me is not all our problems in Security but just the taxes themselves Mr. HOEKSTRA. If the gentleman education are going to be solved by back out. would yield, I think what our colleague money. I have a daughter who is not Mr. COBURN. Let us say that in a has pointed out is the awesome respon- teaching now, she is fortunate enough little plainer words. If you put X sibility you have. As my colleagues to be able to be home raising her chil- amount of dollars into Social Security know, at the Federal level, at the State dren. But what she told me was two and you were born in 1970, what that level and at the local level we are things about education. One is, is I got says is you would have to live to be 110 going to working Americans and say- to spend about a third of my time fill- years old until you got that money ing: ing out paperwork for the bureaucracy. back. That is not in real dollars, that The first 40 cents you own of every The second thing is I do not have the is in dollars from 1970, which means dollar is ours. tools to control the discipline in my you would probably have to live to 130 classroom. or 140 to get it back in real dollars, not So, Mr. Speaker, we have got an awe- So it does not matter how much counting earning any interest on the some responsibility as to how we spend money we spend, if we do not fix those money that you had invested. that money, how we spend it today, two problems where teachers can Mr. SANFORD. So some of these and also the commitments and the teach, then we are not going to solve looks at fixing the problem may fix the promises that we make. So, as my col- the problem. It is easy to get a vote trust fund but make it so that some- leagues know, we are in many ways from a constituent saying I am spend- body has to live 150 years to get their making a lot of choices for those peo- ing a lot of money on education. It is return. That is not the promise of So- ple on how their money is going to be very difficult to talk about what the cial Security. What I am hearing from spent because we have taken it from real problem is, because it requires us constituents back home is Social Secu- them, and we do not give them a choice to change. It requires all of us to par- rity taxes are the largest tax 73 percent as to whether they are going to use it ticipate and do something. of Americans make. Consequently what for education, for homes, for an invest- I just wanted to make one other they are telling me is for me, it is the ment or for their retirement. thing. I am into my sixth decade. I largest investment I will make. There- Mr. COBURN. Let me get the gen- proudly have joined an organization fore, you need to make this stuff count. tleman to yield for a minute, if he called AARP. I did that not because Because some people say, you need to would. That to me says we certainly do they necessarily represent all my view- focus on additional savings outside of not want to waste this money and that points but I wanted to be able to have the roughly 10 percent of what you we want that in the green so they will input as we say this, I am interested in earn every day, every week and every have more of that flexibility. And that getting my Social Security. I am a month on Social Security. You need to is the contrast here. Hundreds of bil- baby boomer. I have an investment in make additional savings. They are say- lions of dollars of additional Social Se- my retirement. Since I am not going to ing, ‘‘Mark, you can only squeeze but curity being spent on non-Social Secu- have a retirement from Congress, I am so much blood from a turnip. I am rity programs versus no Social Secu- going to want my Social Security struggling between gas money, rent rity money being spent on anything ex- money. So to me it is important that money, food money, education money. cept Social Security, and when we do we create the truthful paradigm that I don’t have any other savings. There- get to a true surplus, then deciding we are trying to make sure the Amer- fore, I’ve got to make Social Security what we do with it. ican public knows today about where count.’’ Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, we the Social Security money is, where it So we have got to stay focused not on have the commitment then not only is going and how big the problem is for actuarial balance but on the promise of for how we spend the current dollars, the future. Social Security which is to make sure the 1.6–1.7 trillion, but then we also Mr. SANFORD. I would follow up it is not a system that guarantees have the commitment that our col- with, as we look at ways of doing that, somebody a negative rate of return or league was talking about, the promises I think it is very important that we a 1 percent rate of return but some- that they inherently believe that we focus on the big problem. At times in thing higher than that. have made. I mean, every week they Washington, we get so caught up in ac- b 1615 are paying 12–13 percent to Social Se- tuarial balance of the trust fund and it curity and Medicare, expecting that will extend it from 2030 to 2035 and 2030 Mr. COBURN. Let me share with my somewhere along the line they are to 2045, all kinds of strange numbers fo- colleagues, as they both know, I prac- going to receive a benefit from that. cused only on the trust fund but not tice medicine on Mondays and some- But we know from all the surveys that really focused on the big picture. The times on Fridays and on the weekends, most young people do not believe they big picture to me would be that Roo- and I cannot use the patient’s name be- will ever see a penny of it, and that sevelt when he and others designed this cause I would be breaking a confidence, means that we are not really keeping system, the promise was we will create but I am going to call her Mattie. the faith with the people that are pay- a system that creates for you a better Mattie, she has diabetes, she has hy- ing those taxes today because they do lifetime in retirement. In this whole pertension, she has congestive heart not believe that they will ever get it, debate, I think we ought to keep fo- failure. She is getting her Social Secu- that we will ever solve, if the gen- cused on not just actuarial balance of rity. Her husband recently died. There tleman will fetch that chart back up, trust funds, because we can do that. We is no way she can have on today’s pay- as my colleague knows, they do not can do that by cutting benefits a little ment an adequate living to care for her have a degree of confidence that we are bit, raising taxes a little bit. In other without her children helping her out. going to take care of that blue part of words, we can get to actuarial balance Mr. Speaker, just to fix Social Secu- the chart. rity we are going to get back to that in the trust funds fairly easily. Taxes Mr. COBURN. So let me ask the gen- point, let alone meeting the obliga- have been raised almost 50 times or tleman from Michigan a question. Can tions that we really have for our sen- benefits cut almost 50 times within the we solve the Social Security problem iors. So what we are really talking system since it was created. But I and can we meet the obligations to sen- about is getting people back up in the think we could do that and still miss iors in this country and can we do that future to meeting what was originally the main point. The main point is are honestly? we or are we not keeping Roosevelt’s promised and meeting that commit- promise of a better lifetime in retire- ment, but it does not solve all our Mr. HOEKSTRA. Absolutely. ment? problems with our seniors. Mr. COBURN. Absolutely. As you correctly pointed out, there Mr. Speaker, the government cannot Mr. HOEKSTRA. The opportunity is was a recent UCLA study that showed solve all those problems. That is why here today to do that. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H941 Mr. COBURN. And that means we humble means. She had never made a grandkids, and it will be a transition have to be honest about what the num- lot of money over her lifetime. In fact, process. It is not going to affect you. It bers are. We cannot use this as a politi- she had washed clothes over the bulk of is probably not even going to affect cal tool to win a political race. We her lifetime. people who are 60 years old today. It is have to be honest. This should be above So, therefore, the people at the uni- going to affect the people who are politics. This should be above, about versity figured, yes, she is going to younger than that who are going to keeping our commitment to our sen- make us a cloth doily or a napkin, have time to understand any changes, iors, and making sure we ensure a fu- maybe something that she has hand- will be a dialogue with them. We will ture for the working people today, and made. Instead, she strokes them a process through these types of changes, making sure we ensure the opportunity check for about $100,000. They are flab- and we will not jeopardize their Social for our children and grandchildren for bergasted, and the reporter there from Security either. But for the people who tomorrow. I believe we can do that, but the New York Times is asking: are getting a check today, it is not it is going to take political courage. It How in the world did you do this? going to change. is going to take the courage of states- And she says: Mr. COBURN. We are about to run men, not politicians, to come up here Well, I just put a little bit away over out of time. I just want to leave the and do that. The American public is a long period of time. American public with something that going to have to measure whether or Mr. Speaker, that power of compound Martin Luther King said in his last not we did that or not. interest is something that we ought to speech at the National Cathedral. He Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I would take advantage of when we look at said that cowardice asks the question, say again, and I do not want to go off cures for Social Security. is it expedient? And we have seen a lot the subject, which again is rightly fo- Mr. HOEKSTRA. If the gentleman of expediency in this body through the cused on honesty in accounting, and would yield, I think, and also as we years. And he said vanity asks the that is if we, as my colleagues know, if take a look at it, I do not think there question, is it popular? And we have we have to borrow money to get to run are any proposals here that are saying seen a lot of things done because they the surplus that we are running, most take all of the Social Security money are popular but not necessarily good folks would say we are not running a and do that with all of the Social Secu- for the Social Security system or not surplus and therefore it is important to rity funds. It is most of the proposals, good for the future of our children. But do something about spending. That is if not all of them, are very modest pro- he said conscience asks the question, is the primary thing we are talking posals to take advantage of the exact it the right thing to do? about. benefit that the gentleman is talking The debate this year about the budg- But tied to that again is this issue of about, and they all have structured in et and about Social Security cannot be Social Security, and I think it is so im- them protections for the individuals based on expediency, cannot be based portant that when we look at security who will be on Social Security so that on popularity. It has to be based on for Social Security, of the available they will not get less money than what what is right and best for all three gen- choices which are cut benefits, raise they get today but will have the oppor- erations concerned. taxes or grow the investment at a high- tunity to earn higher returns and have I want to thank the gentlemen for er rate than we are growing at, that we a higher payout when they get to be 65 sharing this time with me, and I hope simply take a page out of the Federal or 67. we can do it again. book, if my colleagues want to call it Mr. SANFORD. And, most signifi- f that. Because everybody from a sen- cantly, I think they would keep in SALUTE TO A. LEON ator to a janitor here on Capitol Hill place the safety. The key issue with HIGGINBOTHAM has the option of going into basically a Social Security is safety of Social Se- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a 401(k) plan, a savings plan, and in that curity. If we were to draw a financial previous order of the House, the gentle- plan they have got a limited number of pyramid, the safest investments ought woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) investment choices. One can have a to be there at the foundation, if my is recognized for 5 minutes. Treasury fund, a corporate bond fund colleagues will, of the investment, and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. or an equities fund; and with all that, Social Security is that foundation. Speaker, this Congress is an honorable nobody can put all their eggs in one So I think the most important thing place; and our biggest challenge, of basket, nobody can go out and say, I is the safety, and I go again straight course, is to ensure the people’s wants have got a hot stock tip from my back to what Alan Greenspan, Chair- and desires are our first priority. In brother-in-law, and I think I am going man of the Federal Reserve, said: this very historic place have been to invest my Social Security money in If we leave the money in Washington, major debates: the decision to move that or, in this case, their thrift sav- political forces will probably find a into World War II, the Korean con- ings money in that. Nobody can say, I way to get their hands on that money, frontation, the Vietnam war. hear the Singapore derivatives are a which is what has been happening for But the mighty issues of the 1960s, hot investment right now; I think I the last 30 years. post Brown versus Board of Education, will go into that. It is all very much Mr. HOEKSTRA. If the gentleman and the civil rights marches and the controlled, and what is interesting would yield, I just want to make one march on Washington in 1963; I might about that, as a result, there are no point that I do every time. imagine that there were emotional de- horror stories of janitors on Capital I have had a lot of meetings with sen- bates around the Civil Rights Act of Hill losing everything that they have. iors in my district because I wanted to 1964 and the Voter Rights Act of 1965. So I think it is important that we start with seniors because I want to It is fitting in recognizing this honor- look at the idea of putting to work make it very clear to them that what able place and those enormous chal- what Einstein called the most powerful we are talking about. We are not talk- lenges that we met that we bring at- force in the universe, and that was this ing about, if you are getting a Social tention to a gentleman who through- power of compound interest. Security check today, we are not talk- out his life played a pivotal role in As my colleagues know, there was ing about changing their system. As changing the lives of so many Ameri- this woman a couple years back, and I my colleagues know, they are not cans. He was part of that debate, al- do not know if my colleagues remem- going to next month or next year get a though he was not a Member of the ber the story, a woman by the name of letter saying, you know, you have got United States Congress. His words, his Oseola McCarty, and she was from Hat- this money and you have to figure out opinions, his convictions were all inter- tiesburg, Mississippi, and yet she ended how to invest it in these kinds of woven in the success stories of what we up on the front page of the New York things. No. If they are on Social Secu- ultimately accomplished, those who Times, not for axe murdering a cousin rity and they are getting a check served in the United States Congress or a nephew, but for a great reason, and today, we are not messing with that. during that time frame. that was she went down to the local What we are doing is we are talking We lost him last year. university and said, I would like to about how we are going to save Social So it is my honor to be able to rise help out. And she was a woman of very Security for our kids and for our today and salute A. Leon H942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Higginbotham, a warrior, a jurist, an that world, I told myself that night, for 12 from the District of Columbia (Ms. intellectual giant, a committed Amer- black students in a northern University in NORTON), who will provide us with her ican; most of all, a lover of the Con- the United States to be given a small corner own insight of Judge Higginbotham. of the on-campus heated dormitories for Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank stitution. And I believe today, as we their quarters. Perhaps all that was needed proceed to honor him, we will find was for one of us to speak up, to make sure the gentlewoman from Texas for yield- enormous inspiration no matter what the administration knew exactly how a ing, and I thank her for her hard work side of the aisle we may come, Demo- small group of its students had been treated on this special order in tribute to a crats or Republicans, Independents, in by those charged with assigning student great American. It is, I think, quite ap- what he stood for and how he loved this housing. propriate that there should be a special Nation. The next morning I went to the office of order for Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Edward Charles Elliott, president of Purdue I know that his wife and best friend, University, and I asked to see him. I was here on this very Floor of the House of Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, misses given an appointment. At the scheduled time Representatives. He testified shortly him greatly. To her I say, and her chil- I arrived at President Elliott’s office, neatly before his death here in the House. His dren, Karen and Nia, Stephen and Ken- but not elegantly dressed, shoes polished, work for many Americans and their neth, who are listening today, watch- fingernails clean, hair cut short. right to representation in this body ing today, this is not done out of a ‘‘Why was it,’’ I asked him, ‘‘that blacks after he left the bench also entitles his sense of officialdom, but it is a privi- and blacks alone had been subjected to this memory to be noted here. special ignominy?’’ Though there were larger lege, it is an honor to be able to salute issues I might have raised with the President May I say that this is only one of this great American and to commemo- of an American university, this was but 10 many commemorations that are being rate him in the CONGRESSIONAL years before Brown vs. Board of Education, I held for Judge Higginbotham around RECORD, for he has touched so many had not come that morning to move moun- the country. I myself was at such a me- lives. tains, only to get myself and 11 friends out of morial for him just 2 weeks ago at the I am going to start, and as I start I the cold. Yale Law School. There are memorials Forcefully, but nonetheless deferentially, I at the several law schools where he want to make note of the fact that one put forth my moderate or modest request, of his employees, if I might say, one that the black students of Purdue be allowed taught, in addition to the many other who joined him in so many fights, has to stay in some section of State-owned dor- things that he did in his life. joined me on the floor of the House, the mitories, segregated if necessary, but at There will also be a memorial here in gentlewoman from the District of Co- least not humiliated. the House sponsored by the Congres- lumbia (Ms. NORTON). By the way, his Perhaps if President Elliott had talked sional Black Caucus for Judge wife looks forward to the tribute of with me sympathetically that morning, ex- Higginbotham in April, and Members plaining his own impotence to change things will receive notice of that memorial. which she will be organizing this com- but his willingness to take up the problem ing April. She is excited about it and with those who could, I might not have felt We expect that his wife, herself a dis- looks forward to it. as I did. Perhaps if he had communicated tinguished scholar, Dr. Evelyn Higginbotham, will be here. b 1630 with some word or gesture, or even a sigh, that I had caused him to review his own The man we commemorate on the Let me begin, and then I will yield to commitment to things as they were, I might Floor this afternoon is a man of rare the gentlewoman from the District of have felt I had won a small victory. talent and humanity, an extraordinary Columbia. This is, I think, the best But President Elliott, with directness and American, an astute scholar, a great way to introduce many Members to a with no apparent qualms, answered, Federal judge. I would like to say a few person who all of us will assume is our ‘‘Higginbotham, the law doesn’t require us to let colored students in the dorm, and you ei- words about his role as a judge and his friend and was our friend, and that is, ther accept things as they are, or leave the role as a scholar, as Members may A. Leon Higginbotham, Junior. university immediately.’’ come to talk about the role he played His book, In the Matter of Color, As I walked back to the house that after- in lawsuits that were brought by Mem- Race and the American Legal Process: noon, I reflected on the ambiguity of the bers in order to secure their places here A Colonial Period, is a giant of a state- day’s events. I heard, on that morning, an el- as representatives in the House of Rep- ment on American history. But I would oquent lecture on the history of the Declara- resentatives. be remiss not to share with you about tion of Independence and of genius of the When Judge Higginbotham was ap- Founding Fathers. That afternoon I had been the man. The preface of this book reads told that under the law, the black civilian pointed, initially named to the bench as follows. It gives us a sense of what students at Purdue University could be by President Kennedy, who then was molded him, what caused him to be so treated differently from their 6,000 white assassinated, and had his name moved convicted and so committed. classmates. Yet I knew that by nightfall, forward by President Johnson, he was This book has been in the writing for al- hundreds of black soldiers would be injured, one of the youngest men ever ap- most 10 years. But if isolated personal inci- maimed, and some even killed on far-flung pointed to the bench, and one of the dents really do play the dramatic role in re- battlefields to make the world safe for de- first African Americans ever appointed directing lives they often seem to have mocracy. to the Federal bench. played, I have to go back for the book’s very Almost like a mystical experience, a thou- sand thoughts raced through my mind as I But I must tell the Members that beginnings to a painful memory that comes this was not the kind of superlative out of my freshman year at college. Perhaps walked across the campus. I knew then that it was not the incident itself but the proper I had been touched in a way I had never been that Judge Higginbotham was after in legal basis upon which the personal affront touched before, and that one day, that I his life, the youngest or the blackest or was rationalized that may turn out to have would have to return to the most disturbing the first of a kind. He spent his life been the seed out of which this work has element in this incident, how a legal system being the best. He gave real meaning to grown slowly. that proclaimed equal justice for all could si- a word we throw around without al- multaneously deny even a semblance of dig- Let me take you back to 1944. I was a 16- ways being able to document it, the year-old freshman at Purdue University, one nity to a 16-year-old boy who had committed no wrong. Shortly thereafter I left Purdue word ‘‘excellence.’’ of 12 black civilian students that was attend- Who is Leon Higginbotham? Leon ing that school. If we wanted to live in West University and transferred to Antioch Col- Lafayette, Indiana, where the university was lege. Ultimately I chose law as my vocation, Higginbotham was a poor black boy located, solely because of our color, the 12 of and in 1952, I graduated from Yale Law from Trenton, New Jersey, whose par- us at Purdue were forced to live in a crowded School. ents had no education, elementary private house rather than, as did most of our On that opening note, let me say that school education, but whose life tells white classmates, in the University campus not only was his life changed, but he us that all you need is a mother and fa- dormitories. We slept, barrack style, in an helped change the lives of Americans. ther who care deeply that you get an unheated attic. So that is why today we take the chal- education in order to reach your own One night, as the temperature was close to lenge of trying to commemorate his potential. zero, I felt that I could suffer the personal He had deep racial experiences as a indignities and denigration no longer. The legacy in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, United States was more than 2 years into the to be given to his family and to honor child, even in the north, as Trenton, Second World War, a war our government him appropriately. New Jersey, is located. But in a real promised would make the world safe for de- With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the sense, his own dedication to racial mocracy. Surely there was room enough in esteemed, honorable gentlewoman equality goes far beyond the personal. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H943 It is very easy for me to be against ra- United States for his principled inter- very precious to me, and it is a book cial segregation, because I went to seg- pretation of the law. that was 10 years in the making be- regated schools. That is hardly a prin- If you are a judge, and ultimately cause it documents the way in which cipled position. It is a very important Judge Higginbotham became the chief the law was as enmeshed in all of our stimulus, and it is a very compelling judge on the Court of Appeals for the racial doctrine and practices. way in which to understand racial seg- Third Circuit, you have to follow prece- What he demonstrates through a de- regation. dent if you are abiding by the rule of tailed evaluation of the case law and But Judge Higginbotham understood law, the rule of the law. the statutory law in about a half dozen equality in racial terms out of his own Let me quote from the Chief Judge of of the colonies is that without the law life, and understood and was dedicated the Third Circuit today, Judge Edward every step of the way, slavery, and to equality as a universal principle. He Becker. I am quoting: later discrimination, would have been felt as deeply about equality for His jurisprudence was always anchored in impossible. Law was the handmaiden of women, for example, as for African the record. He could be and was eloquent in slavery and discrimination. Facilitated Americans. He did not believe that the opinions when he was vindicating civil it. Augmented it. Made it possible. word or the idea of equality could be rights, but he didn’t reach for the result. He Here was a man who loved the law. segmented. was a good craftsman and an altogether solid Loved the law enough to expose the It was my great privilege to know judge. law for the role it had played in the Judge Higginbotham up close when I Now, as judges go, Judge deepest injustice in our society so that was a young woman just coming to the Higginbotham, I think, when one eval- we could understand it, throw it off, as bar, because I was privileged to be his uates his work, will be remembered as will be the case when we do understand first law clerk. Every student out of an activist judge. I am proud of that. I the derivation of an issue. law school wants to clerk somewhere, know the gentlewoman is. But the fact Leon Higginbotham lived several life- and particularly for a Federal judge. that he could do that within his craft, times all in one for his 70 years. I be- But I have to tell the Members that adhering to the rule of law in a prin- lieve that his role as a scholar of the there are Federal judges and there are cipled fashion, says everything about history of the law will be remembered Federal judges. The experience of why he was so highly regarded every- as least as much as his role as a lawyer clerking for an energetic, young, prin- where among his peers who serve or and a judge, because of these two mon- cipled, brilliant Federal judge was a have served on the bench. umental books, ‘‘In the Matter of very important one for my own profes- Make no mistake about it, A. Leon Color,’’ and the second book, ‘‘Shades sional development. Higginbotham was a black man, and of Freedom.’’ He had intended to do Judge Higginbotham had already understood himself as a black man. about a half dozen such books. He got been the first black to serve on the The gentlewoman has spoken about two done. Federal Trade Commission, but he had and has read from his own works about Essentially, what Higginbotham did not had a lot of experience with young some of his early experiences. This is a was to look at 300 years of law. And people. He was very young himself. He man who would never forget that he when I say ‘‘law’’ I do not mean read- immediately made me into his appren- was a black man. ing decisions of the Federal courts. I mean looking at every single case in tice, an extension of the judge. Of b 1645 course, clerks do research for the the colonies, every single statute in judge, but we did research together. We Yet, his approach to equality coming the colonies, and in the process he un- wrote together. He would give me out of his treatment as a black man masked what was and can only be something that he wrote to edit. I was universal because it taught him called a jurisprudence of racism that is would give him something that I wrote that everyone had to be treated in just part and parcel of our law and was to edit. the same way as he demanded to be there from the very beginning. He The experience of working that close- treated. showed how it was there even at the ly with someone that accomplished is a One of his opinions that I believe will time of the writing of the Declaration wonderful way to get initiated into the become an American classic was a case of Independence which, of course, does profession. He was a consummate pro- where the defendant sought to dis- not mention race at all. fessional, a first class technical lawyer, qualify the judge because of his racial Thus, what Higginbotham did as a which is something every young person views off the bench. The judge had no scholar was to show us the law at its could do with when you get out of law prejudicial racial views off the bench, worst and our law as it is now becom- school and are, in effect, first then but he was known to speak before ing as its best. In effect, what he shows learning to be a lawyer. groups about his feelings about racial are the extraordinary, huge contradic- Moreover, Judge Higginbotham was a equality. tions in our law and that these con- wonderful mentor. That is not the word The judge responded to this request tradictions survived even the Civil we used then. Mentoring has become that he recuse himself from hearing War, which after all was fought in part something that is often spoken of the case about racial discrimination to erase slavery and contradictions today. It was simply a natural way to with an exhaustive opinion. Here was a based on race. Instead, a new case law proceed for the judge, for I was the judge that just did not say that ‘‘I am came into being and fortified discrimi- first of a very long line of clerks, re- not going to do it, and I resent the fact nation to follow slavery. search assistants, interns. We are all that you want me to get off the case In a real sense, Leon’s time on the over the country now. Many of them simply because I am black and believe bench and his scholarly investigation worked on his books. Some of them as- that black people should be treated is what undergirded his passion against sisted in his chambers. All of them equally and have deigned to say so.’’ racial discrimination. It is, as I have learned from him. That is not how the judge did it. He indicated, easy enough to have passion At the same time, Judge wrote an exhaustive opinion showing against racial discrimination that is Higginbotham, who will be known for why he should not be disqualified. felt. What was extraordinary to see was his boldness on racial issues after he One of the lines from that opinion I how Higginbotham was animated by left the bench, enjoyed enormous re- want to read: ‘‘Black lawyers have liti- what he had read about slavery, what spect at the bench and at the bar for gated in the Federal courts almost ex- he had discovered about the role of the his work as a judge. clusively before white judges, yet they law in perpetuating slavery and dis- First of all, there was his prodigious have not argued that white judges crimination. capacity for work. Then there was the should be disqualified on matters of ra- At the end of his life, that is what thoroughness with which he went cial relations.’’ propelled him. It was intellectual curi- about his work, first as a lawyer, and But I would like to say a word about osity at its best. And as one of his then as a judge. Although we know the Higginbotham the scholar. The gentle- former law partners have said, he died judge for his deep racial views, he is woman from Texas read from a book by working, which is what he wanted to one of the most respected judges or was the judge, ‘‘In the Matter of Color.’’ I do. He died in love with the law, expos- one of the most respected judges in the have an autographed copy here that is ing the law, wanting to let everyone H944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 know what was wrong with it so that Higginbotham and his research helped He was a judge hero. He won awards. we could make it right. And he spent enunciate or make plain those difficul- The Presidential Medal of Freedom in much of his life doing what it will take ties. 1995, the Raoul Wallenberg Humani- to make it right. The existence of this 18th Congres- tarian Award, and he was so respected Like the gentlewoman, I would like sional District is by the very fine as a humanitarian that in 1994, South to close by reading a couple of passages works of Judge Higginbotham and his Africa President Nelson Mandela called from ‘‘In the Matter of Color,’’ because supporting team, the NAACP Legal De- him to be an international mediator in these passages document what I have fense Fund, who argued against the de- that country’s first election. been trying to convey about why the mise of minority-majority districts He would never turn down anyone judge wrote about the law’s imperfec- which, for some reason, has gotten a without a voice. At the height of rac- tions. bad name in our legal system and all ism in our country, Judge I am quoting here: ‘‘Specifically, this we see it is as an attempt at represen- Higginbotham was able to break the book will document the vacillation of tation. color barrier and become an influential the courts, the State legislatures, and But I think that it started early in member of our society. He serves as an even honest public servants in trying his life, his recognition of the fact that inspiration. And so it is important that to decide whether blacks were people he had to be a fighter. I am glad the we honor this soldier, born on February and, if so, whether they were a species gentlewoman ended on the fact that he 25, 1928, in New Jersey. He was a son of apart from white humans, the dif- was a great American. He, as a child, New Jersey, and he liked to tell people ference justifying separate and dif- wanted to be a firefighter. But it was a before his death that there were only ferent treatment. I am aware that an time when racism and bigotry would two books in his home, a dictionary analysis of cases, statutes and legal not allow this dream to become a re- and a Bible. edicts does not tell the whole story as ality. And it is somewhat ironic that Higginbotham’s personality and to why and how this sordid legal tradi- we have the ugliness of racism to character are taken from his parents tion managed to establish itself. Never- thank for this advocate of civil rights. who believed that a man should be kind theless, there is merit in abolitionist Thus, as he wanted as a youth to be a to everyone, regardless of their social William Goodell’s statement: ‘No peo- firefighter, he became in the end the class, and that they should be strong in ple were ever yet found who were bet- responsible person for the dampening their convictions. His father was a sim- ter than their laws, though many have of the fires of racism. ple plant laborer who worked at the been known to be worse.’ ’’ As a jurist and as an author, Leon same plant for 45 years, and Judge Finally, let me read the last passage Higginbotham’s dedication to civil Higginbotham would say that his fa- I want to bring to the attention of this rights of all Americans was un- ther was late to work only once during body. The judge goes on to say, ‘‘While matched. Judge Higginbotham re- that tenure. I do not represent what I put forward minded us in poignant terms and with Judge Higginbotham acquired his fa- here as a complete picture of the prac- his powerful voice of our Nation’s tor- ther’s work ethic which few matched during his career as a judge, author, tices of the society, that canvas will tuous and still unfinished struggle to lawyer, professor, humanitarian. never be painted unless someone first live up to its constitutional mandate of treats adequately the interrelationship equal justice under the law. He realized b 1700 of race and the American legal proc- that the Constitution was an inclusive But, oh, how he loved his mother. ess.’’ document designed by our founding fa- She had a sixth-grade education. He Mr. Speaker, we are a part of the thers to include all Americans and he gave his mother credit for his apprecia- American legal process. To the extent fought with all his might and intellect tion of the value of education and com- that we come to grips with the schol- to protect his principles and guaran- passion for his fellow man. His mother arly discoveries of Leon Higginbotham, tees. as well contributed to young Leon we will avoid the pitfalls out of which One can imagine our perspective in Higginbotham’s work ethic. She not we have just come. Leon Higginbotham the House Committee on the Judiciary only raised him but also the children of served us in so many ways. As a law- during the impeachment proceedings the people for whom she worked. yer, as a judge, as a scholar, enlighten- when he brought this eloquence, this Judge Higginbotham would often say ing us, humanizing us in each and statesmanship, this intellect into those of his mother that, if she had been every role. impeachment proceedings. Everyone to given the opportunity, she could have This special order simply brings to a one, Republicans and Democrats been a lawyer or great psychiatrist. He the attention of this body the role that alike, respected this giant intellectual. would often refer to the lost opportuni- a great man has played in the life of And he handled us in that committee. ties of his mother and other African our country. And it was not with insult, but it was Americans by referencing the story of Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentle- with straightforwardness. He knew the Saint Peter and Napoleon. woman from Texas for yielding me this Constitution. He had lived it and he The story goes on that Napoleon hap- time. shared his vision with us. I thank pened upon Saint Peter one day in Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Judge Higginbotham for that. heaven and said he was the greatest Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for He was an African-American judge general in the history of the world. both her passion and her distinct elo- and we just finished celebrating Afri- Saint Peter responded to Napoleon, quence. can-American History Month. He is the ‘‘No, you are not the greatest general.’’ Mr. Speaker, I think it is very clear, kind of person that I know in years to Two days later, confused how he after her rendition, why I thought it come I will go into the halls of our ele- could not be the greatest general with was so important to come to the floor mentary schools and middle schools his numerous victories, he asked Saint and honor this great American. I am and rather than seeing some of the age- Peter if he could meet this individual. delighted as well that other Members old heroes that all of us support from Saint Peter took Napoleon to meet this are joining us, and I wanted to com- the 1800s and early 1900s, and maybe individual. To Napoleon’s surprise, he ment on some of the points made by the new ones, the athletes of the 20th recognized this person. Napoleon com- the gentlewoman from the District of century, we will begin to understand mented to Saint Peter that this indi- Columbia (Ms. NORTON) in that she de- the role of Judge Higginbotham. And I vidual had only made shoes for his fined a special role and responsibility can imagine that his face will be plas- army, and that Saint Peter must have and interaction that she had with tered all over the schools of America: been mistaken. Judge Higginbotham. Here we see a popular judge. Saint Peter replied, ‘‘No, I am not I guess I can call myself a product of As a judge, he authored 600 opinions mistaken. If this individual had been Judge Higginbotham’s work, for in the in 29 years, first on the U.S. District given the opportunity, he would have State of Texas I would venture to say Court for the Eastern District of Penn- been the greatest soldier the world that it would be difficult to count more sylvania then on the Third U.S. Circuit would have ever known.’’ than 20 African-Americans on our en- Court of Appeals, and finally as that Judge Higginbotham was a soldier tire State elected judiciary. Judge court’s Chief Judge. but, as well, in his humble beginnings, March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H945 became a great jurist. So in his enroll- was a shining example of integrity and made the decision in Cleveland that ing in Yale Law School, that further set the standard which all African the school system had unfairly, uncon- refined his desire, his intellect for serv- Americans who aspired to be a Federal stitutionally segregated schools for Af- ice in the civil rights war. judge should meet and the standard rican American children. He indicated that a janitor at Yale that any person aspiring to be a Fed- Here it was Judge Higginbotham de- moved him to his ultimate commit- eral judge should meet. livering that lecture. I have to tell my ment to civil rights. One of the great- Judge A. Leon Higginbotham was ap- colleagues the room boomed. He deliv- est legal minds that this country had pointed to the Federal bench in 1964. In ered that address, stood tall above ev- ever seen was convinced by a janitor 1989, he became the chief judge of the eryone else. I was pleased to have had that he made the right decision to at- United States Third Circuit Court of an opportunity to be in the audience. tend Yale. Appeals, which covers Pennsylvania, Judge Battisti’s wife said, as she in- What most people do not realize is New Jersey, and Delaware. troduced Judge Higginbotham, no one that, during that conversation that He retired from the bench in 1993 but could better deliver the lecture on be- Judge Higginbotham had with this jan- never from the struggle. Judge half of her husband who took a lot of itor, the janitor told Judge Higginbotham used his courtroom to flack for saying that the schools in the Higginbotham that he had worked display his dedication to human and City of Cleveland were unlawfully and sweeping those floors at Yale for 25 civil rights. He enforced the broad con- unconstitutionally segregated. years in the hopes that he would see stitutional protections of individual In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to the day when an African American en- rights and personal liberties in tribute thank the gentlewoman from Texas tered the doors of Yale. Judge to his roll model, the late Supreme (Ms. JACKSON-LEE for organizing this Higginbotham did that in 1949 and Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. special order. Mr. Speaker, I want to graduated in 1952, going on to his first It would only be interesting and axio- thank you for the opportunity to be job as an Assistant District Attorney matic that, in fact, Judge heard. I ask all Americans to join us in in Pennsylvania, going on to Special Higginbotham had the opportunity to celebrating a great American hero, the Deputy Attorney General for Pennsyl- comment with regard to Judge Mar- great, late Judge A. Leon vania, appointed by John F. Kennedy shall’s replacement on the bench and Higginbotham. to the Federal Trade Commission, all the need to never forget from whence Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. firsts, and then ultimately to the 1964 you came. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman appointment to the U.S. District Court History will recognize him as more from Ohio for her passion, her enthu- in the Eastern District of Pennsyl- than an outstanding jurist. He was an siasm, and the excitement that she has vania. President Kennedy had nomi- outstanding African American. He used generated around the life and legacy of nated him in 1963, but a Mississippi his intellect as a tool to address the A. Leon Higginbotham. This is very Senator blocked his appointment for a wrongs in America. special to have the gentlewoman’s par- year. According to a noted Harvard law ticipation. I want to just note for the RECORD a professor, Charles Ogletree, ‘‘He was Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distin- comment by Bernard Wolfman on the epitome of the people’s lawyer. De- guished gentleman from New Orleans, Judge Higginbotham when he invited spite his individual merits and accom- Louisiana (Mr. JEFFERSON), the next Judge Higginbotham to teach at Penn- plishments, he never hesitated to lend governor of the State of Louisiana. sylvania Law School. He described his a hand to the poor, the voiceless, the And I hold in my hand one of the cases aptitude and skill as a professor with powerless, and the downtrodden.’’ of Judge Higginbotham, the State of the following description: ‘‘He has dem- As a child, the Judge learned first- Louisiana versus Ray Hayes. onstrated by his life’s work how one hand that separate and unequal re- Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I can love and serve the law at the same duced opportunities had cast a shadow thank the gentlewoman from Texas time as he makes a proper target of on the horizon of African Americans. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) for yielding to me stringent criticism because of his prej- Judge Higginbotham credits his moth- and for that very accurate description udice, assumptions and dogma and be- er with instilling in him the impor- of me. cause of the harm it inflicted on the tance of education. Education was the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay trib- people of color whose slavery in Amer- key that could unlock the door. ute to a great American, Judge A. Leon ica the law had embraced and whose ul- Soon after joining the Federal bench, Higginbotham, Jr., a man who was a timate freedom the law was slow to Judge Higginbotham began teaching at giant in stature, a giant in intellect, promote or assure.’’ the University of Pennsylvania. My and a giant in his unparalleled achieve- What an apt description of Leon colleagues have talked about his career ments. Higginbotham. So much you could say, prior to the bench and after the bench. Physically, Judge Higginbotham was so much we want to say, so many deni- But he would eventually author more a towering man who stood over 6 foot 4 als to him, but yet so much a warrior than 100 Law Review articles and au- inches tall and possessed a booming and a victor, but yet a kindly man, as- thor a book, as has previously been voice that was both awesome and in- tute with his own learning, but hum- said, entitled ‘‘In The Matter of Color.’’ spiring. At a memorial service held for bled by his own experience. In Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, him in Philadelphia, there were many I am gratified today, Mr. Speaker, Ohio, I had the opportunity and privi- references to the voice, the Judge’s that Members of this House have come lege to serve as a judge for more than booming baritone that commanded re- to join us in honoring Judge Leon a decade. He inspired me, Judge spect and attention in every setting. Higginbotham. With that, I am de- Higginbotham, to stay in the court, to Intellectually, Judge Higginbotham’s lighted to yield to my esteemed col- be willing to make the right decision peers heralded him as one of the most league, the gentlewoman from Cleve- even when it was not the popular deci- brilliant jurists, historians and schol- land, Ohio (Mrs. JONES) who has joined sion, to be a judge who was not content ars in the history of American juris- us in this special order. to hide behind the cannons of ethics, prudence. His numerous accomplish- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I but willing to speak out on matters ments include almost 30 years of dis- want to thank the gentlewoman from with respect to the legal system with- tinguished service on the Federal Texas for this opportunity to be a part out violating those cannons of ethics. bench, coveted teaching positions at of this special order regarding the I am pleased and privileged to stand both the University of Pennsylvania great, late Judge Higginbotham. before my colleagues today and to tell and Harvard University, and two re- The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. them that the last time I had a chance nowned books and numerous articles JACKSON-LEE) should be commended for to see Judge Higginbotham was in on race and the American legal proc- organizing this special order, because Cleveland at Case Western Reserve ess. we are paying tribute to one of Ameri- University. He was delivering the In service, Judge Higginbotham was ca’s greatest jurists and legal scholars. Judge Frank J. Battisti lecture. always a person of compassion, prin- I will always remember him as an ad- It is something that Judge Frank J. ciple, and integrity. Though his work vocate of civil and human rights. He Battisti was, in fact, the judge who schedule was legendary, Judge H946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 Higginbotham found the time to serve lives he has touched. We all shall re- the impact that intolerance and preju- as a mentor, as a teacher, as an advi- member him fondly, Mr. Speaker, and dice breeds in this country. sor, and as a friend to countless many. we shall miss his work with us, and While he was a student at one univer- In my own personal experience, God bless his family and keep him high sity he complained about substandard Judge Higginbotham has come to this in our memory. housing for black students and was Congressional Black Caucus on numer- I recall, as I stand here, the words of told by the president of the university, ous occasions to provide us advice, lec- Frederick Douglass, which I think ‘‘The law doesn’t require us to let col- tures, and to be involved in our Con- speak well to how we should remember ored students in the dorm, and you can gressional Black Caucus weekends and Judge Higginbotham, and speaking either accept things as they are or you stir us to a great achievement. He has about a fairly different issue, but none- can leave, immediately.’’ been an inspirational figure for our theless one that is related, the issue of Despite his outstanding academic Caucus for many years and was one liberty and freedom. credentials, he was denied employment who was always ready to give of his Frederick Douglass said something by two major white law firms when time. like this, ‘‘When it is finally ours, this they realized that this man, with these In my own personal work for the freedom, this liberty, more usable to credentials on paper, was a black man. Black Caucus, Judge Higginbotham man than earth, more important to So his tolerance and fight against in- joined with me and with Lou Stokes man than air, when it is finally ours,’’ tolerance grew out of himself being dis- and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. he said, ‘‘then when it is more than the criminated against and experiencing CLAY) to help in a project to raise mumbo jumbo of politicians,’’ he said, the negative impact of intolerance. money and to explain to the giving ‘‘when it is diastole, systole, reflex ac- We can often tell a lot about a man community how important it was to tion, when it is finally ours,’’ he said, by what other people say about him, support reinforcement efforts around ‘‘then this man, this Douglass, this and it was interesting to me some of the country through that giving and negro, beaten to his knees, but yearn- the things that people said about him. through their support. ing for the day when none are enslaved, Here is Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood He traveled with us to New York and none are alien, none are hunted, then Marshall, former Justice on the United to Philadelphia to make the case as to this man,’’ he said ‘‘this Douglass will States Supreme Court, said of Leon why it still made sense for the commu- be remembered, oh, not with the Higginbotham: ‘‘A great lawyer and a nity at large to give in this very impor- statuted rhetoric,’’ he said, ‘‘and not very great judge.’’ Not a long accolade, tant endeavor. just concise and to the point. I can tell my colleagues, and on a with wreaths of bronze alone, but with lives, grown out of his life, with lives President Clinton on Judge more personal note, for my daughter Higginbotham. ‘‘One of our Nation’s Jamila, who was a student at Harvard fleshing his dream of this beautiful needful thing.’’ most passionate and steadfast advo- Law School when Judge Higginbotham cates for civil rights.’’ b was there in his last years, he was her 1715 People were always calling this man third-year paper advisor and was one And so Judge Higginbotham’s life a hero, but he was also a very humble who took the time to help her to get will flesh our dreams of freedom and man. Professor Charles Ogletree, ‘‘The through her third year preparation and liberty in this country and we will live epitome of the people’s lawyer. Despite to graduate well from Harvard Law and work in the future and achieve be- his individual merits and accomplish- School. So I thank him personally for cause of the life and the legacy of this ments, he never hesitated to lend a what he did for my family, particularly great man. hand to the poor, the voiceless, the for my daughter. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding powerless, and the downtrodden.’’ Undoubtedly, Judge Higginbotham’s to me. This was a man who could command personal attributes and professional ac- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. the respect of all of us, and did com- complishments qualify him as a great Speaker, I thank the gentleman very mand the respect of all of us, yet he American. However, I believe that his much for those very moving closing re- fought all the way to the end for ordi- legacy lies in the fact that he used marks and the words that would be at- these attributes not to enrich himself nary common people. tributable to Judge Higginbotham. I remember very well when my Con- but, instead, to enrich America. He used his remarkable talents to I now want to yield, Mr. Speaker, to gressional District was in the midst of mount an intellectual challenge to all the chief constitutionalist on the Com- litigation, and he said, ‘‘You know, we vestiges of racism in society and the mittee on the Judiciary, also a Yale need to convene a group of people to law and to provide constructive cri- law graduate and certainly friend of talk about the importance of having tique of those who chose to feign a Judge Higginbotham, the gentleman minority representation in the Con- color-blind vision of society and poli- from North Carolina (Mr. MEL WATT). gress of the United States.’’ About 2 tics in America as an excuse for not (Mr. WATT of North Carolina asked weeks after that I got a call telling me dealing with the tough racial issues and was given permission to revise and that scholars and historians and pro- that face us all. extend his remarks.) fessors and college presidents were con- In his own words, ‘‘One of the biggest Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. vening to have a discussion about this problems for American society during Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, issue in North Carolina. the 20th century is our not recognizing the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. He had just gotten on the phone and the consequences of racism and that SHEILA JACKSON-LEE), for organizing called systematically people that he the real test of the 21st century is our this special order in tribute to a won- knew would have an interest in this, being able to move from equality in the derful human being and statesman, and they all interrupted their schedule abstract to equality in significant re- Judge Higginbotham. to come and have a discussion about sults.’’ Let me start by just expressing con- how we would communicate to a court It is not an overstatement to say dolences to Judge Higginbotham’s wife, the importance of having minority rep- that, in the last several decades, when- Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, and to resentation in the Congress of the ever the issues of social injustice were his two sons and his two daughters. United States after North Carolina had to be dealt with in this country, at the They stood with him and by his side been without a minority representative core of the debate was Judge and enabled him to provide a service to in Congress for over 90 years. What Higginbotham, standing and speaking our country that, in my estimation, is would one say to a court that would out on these very important questions. unparalleled in many respects. communicate the importance of the de- Judge A. Leon Higginbotham was an This is a very sad occasion for all of cision the court was being asked to extraordinary human being, who, in us, when we pay tribute to a fallen make? 1995, received the Nation’s highest ci- hero, and Judge Higginbotham, indeed, That was the kind of command that vilian honor, the President’s Medal of was a hero for us. He was a man who Judge Higginbotham had of people Freedom. practiced tolerance, and he practiced it around him. They respected him so Although he is gone, his legacy will because he had experienced many epi- much that they would drop other live on in the many individuals whose sodes of intolerance and he understood things and respond to his request. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H947 I remember very well the last en- fighter but in the end he answered a higher And his mother, as well, contributed to young counter I had with Judge calling by ``dampening the fires of racism.'' Leon Higginbotham's work ethicÐshe not only Higginbotham. I knew he had had a As a jurist and as an author, Leon raised him, but also the children of the people heart attack, and he had gone through Higginbotham's dedication to civil rights of all for whom she would work. an extended recovery period. All of a Americans was unmatched. He tirelessly Judge Higginbotham would often say of his sudden, we were having a hearing on worked to ensure that there was one rule of mother that if she had been given the oppor- the impeachment matter in the Com- law that applied to all individualsÐno matter tunity, she could have been a lawyer or a mittee on the Judiciary and there was their race, their gender, or their disability. great psychiatrist. He would often refer to the Judge Higginbotham expounding on Judge Higginbotham reminded us, in piognant lost opportunities of his mother and other Afri- the historical significance of the im- terms and with his powerful voice, of our na- can-Americans by referencing the story of St. peachment clause in the Constitution. tion's tortuous and still unfinished struggle to Peter and Napoleon. The story goes that Na- When it was over, I went to him and live up to its constitutional mandate of equal poleon happened upon St. Peter one day in I said, ‘‘Judge, what are you doing justice under the law. He realized that the heaven and asked if he was the greatest gen- here; shouldn’t you be at home in Constitution was an inclusive document de- eral in the history of the world. St. Peter re- bed?’’ And he said to me, ‘‘You know, I signed by our Founding Fathers to include all sponded to Napoleon, ``no you are not the can’t quit fighting about the things Americans, and he fought with all his might greatest general''. Two days later confused as that are important, and you know how and intellect to protect it's principles and guar- to how he could not be the greatest general I feel about the United States constitu- antees. with his numerous victories, he asked St. tion. I got to keep fighting for that.’’ As an African-American judge on the federal Peter if he could meet this individual. St. Peter Within 2 weeks after that Judge bench he would adhere to his vision on one took Napoleon to meet this individual and to Higginbotham passed away, but he was rule of law that applied equally to all Ameri- Napoleon's surprise he recognized this per- fighting to the very end, and we owe cans. As a jurist, Judge Higginbotham au- son. Napoleon commented to St. Peter that him just a tremendous debt of grati- thored some 600 published opinions in 29 this individual had only made shoes for his tude. years, first on the U.S. District Court for the army and that St. Peter must have been mis- I thank the gentlewoman for yielding Eastern District of Pennsylvania, then on the taken. St. Peter replied, ``no I am not mis- me the time to make these comments. Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and finally taken, if this individual had been given the op- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank as that court's chief judge. portunity he would have been the greatest sol- the gentleman, and I do see that this is Among his many accolades, Judge dier the world would have known''. not enough time, Mr. Speaker, to be Higginbotham was awarded the Presidential Judge Higginbotham referenced this story to able to commemorate such a giant. Medal of Freedom in 1995 and the Raul highlight the many lost opportunities of Afri- Let me simply say, and I am de- Wallenberg Humanitarian Award. He was so can-Americans like his mother. He also ref- lighted that our minority whip has respected as a humanitarian, that in 1994, erenced this story to spur young people today come to the floor, but let me thank the South African President Nelson Mandela to take full advantage of their own opportuni- gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. asked Higginbotham to be an international ties. Judge Higginbotham was able to take full WATT) for his words and simply say mediator during the country's first election in advantage of his limited opportunities, which that, likewise, I chatted with Judge which blacks could vote. But despite these made themselves apparent during his life. Higginbotham on that day in the Com- achievements he was never one to turn away The first of these opportunities came with mittee on the Judiciary when we held from those without a voice. Judge Higginbotham's acceptance into the hearings on the impeachment, and At the height of racism in our country, Judge Yale Law School. Despite his father's dismay what I noted most of all was his at- Higginbotham was able to break the color bar- at why his son turned down a full scholarship tempt to show his young students, six rier and become an influential member of our to attend Law School at Rutgers, Judge of whom he had brought with him, to society. The accomplishments of Judge Higginbotham still enrolled in his first year at show them to us and us to them and to Higginbotham serve as an inspiration for all Yale in 1949. That year, he was one of only get them to understand his passion. Americans but especially for African-Ameri- three African-Americans to enroll at Yale and Let me close, Mr. Speaker, by saying cans who strive to be leaders in our society. one of only five African-Americans to enroll at that we who knew him, miss him, ad- It is fitting that my colleagues and I pause any of the five Ivy League law schools. mire him, and love him, but we know today to honor A. Leon Higginbotham because Despite the daunting challenges of racism, Evelyn and the children have an even his life provides a legacy of leadership, impar- not to mention the riggers of the academic greater feeling, and so I would simply tiality, equality, and dedication for all public curriculum at Yale, Judge Higginbotham want to bring this to my colleagues’ servants, and indeed, for all of humanity. The thrived in his new environment. He received attention: He was a giant of a man foundation for this legacy comes from two indi- more oral advocacy awards in his tenure at with a baritone voice. He had a way of viduals who provided Judge Higginbotham Yale than any law student to that point in the impacting many of us. When he donned with a nurturing and loving environment. school's history. Anytime doubt crept into his his judicial robes and he spoke from Judge Higginbotham's beginnings were indeed head regarding whether he had made the right the bench, one got the sense that God humble, but I am sure he would describe them decision, Judge Higginbotham reminded him- was speaking up. Those were the words as his perfect fortune. self of a conversation he had with a janitor. of one of his law clerks. Born on February 25, 1928, Higginbotham Yes, that is rightÐjanitor. One of the greatest Judge Higginbotham was not God was raised in Trenton, New Jersey. It is said legal minds that this country has ever seen, but, Mr. Speaker, he certainly was a that in his home there were only two booksÐ was convinced by a janitor that he made the great American who went beyond the a dictionary and a bible. Higginbotham's per- right decision to attend Yale. What most peo- call of duty to fight on the battlefield sonality and character are taken from his par- ple do not realize is that during that conversa- for equal justice and opportunity. ents, who believed that a man should be kind tion that Judge Higginbotham had with this There are few greater tributes this esteemed to everyone regardless of their social class, janitor, the janitor told Higginbotham that he body can pay an American than to recognize and that he should be strong in his convic- had worked sweeping those floors for twenty- that individual's life and work in the public tions. five years in hopes that he would see the day forum established by our Founding Fathers. Judge Higginbotham's father was a simple when African Americans entered the doors of Mr. Speaker; I rise along with several of my plant laborer. He worked at the same plant for Yale. Therefore, failure was not an option that colleagues to pay honor to the legacy of 45 years and Judge Higginbotham would say Higginbotham could accept, and he forthrightly Judge A. Leon Higginbotham. that his father was late to work only once dur- earned his law degree from Yale in 1952. He How fortunate America was to have such a ing that tenure. Judge Higginbotham acquired would eventually become the school's first dedicated soldier in the struggle for civil rights. his father's work ethic, which few matched black trustee in 1969. As a child, a young Leon Higginbotham during his career as a judge, author, legal pro- Upon graduation, perhaps because of his dreamed of being a firefighter. But it was a fessor, and humanitarian. humble origins, or because of the words of time when racism and bigotry would not allow The mother of Judge Higginbotham com- that janitor, or because of the racism that he this dream to become a reality, and it is some- pleted her education only to the sixth grade himself experienced, Judge Higginbotham what ironic that we have the ugliness of rac- level. Judge Higginbotham gave his mother made a passionate commitment to the goal of ism to thank for this advocate of civil rights. credit for his appreciation of the value of edu- equality for all human beings. This ideal be- Thus, as a youth he wanted to serve as a fire- cation and his compassion for his fellow man. came the hallmark of his life and his career as H948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 he sought to help all Americans, no matter lief that they can and will make a difference in A native of Ewing, New Jersey located in how rich or how poor, no matter how influen- their careers as attorneys. He would reference my Congressional District, Judge tial or how powerful. his experiences in South Africa to illustrate his Higginbotham was widely known in his youth In his lifetime, there is not much that Judge point. In a 1982 trip to South Africa he had an as a talented musician and excellent student. Higginbotham did not doÐand do well. He has opportunity to speak before a group of future At a time when professional and academic been described by his friends, ``as performing black attorneys. In his introduction and greet- possibilities for blacks were severely limited, in each of his roles in the first rank, with abil- ing to these students he commented that it his outstanding accomplishments represented ity, dedication, energy, imagination, and cour- was a pleasure to meet the future Supreme hope that such success was within the reach age.'' His first job as an attorney came in 1952 Court Judges of South Africa. His audience of all our children. as an assistant district attorney in Philadel- laughed at this notion because at this time The African-American community knew that phia, Pennsylvania for two years. He would South Africa was still under the rule of apart- he was forced to live in an unheated attic later become a partner in a law firm there. His heid. Just a few years later, Judge room because his college had no housing for prestige grew when, in 1956, Higginbotham Higginbotham would return to South Africa at blacks. They knew of the struggle he endured became special Deputy Attorney General for the invitation of Nelson Mandela, to become at Yale Law School and during his early years Pennsylvania. an international mediator for issues surround- in the legal profession. His rise to national prominence came in ing the 1994 national elections in which all But his perseverance and refusal to settle 1962, when President John F. Kennedy ap- South Africans could participate for the first for anything less than excellence made Leon pointed him to become a commissioner of the time. On that visit, there is no doubt, that Higginbotham a living symbol of the possibili- Federal Trade Commission. President Ken- Judge Higginbotham must have thought about ties for all children. I am proud to take this time to salute Judge nedy's appointment of Higginbotham marked those students whom he had addressed in Higginbotham, and on behalf of all the citizens the first time that an African-American had be- 1982. come the head of a federal regulatory com- Judge Higginbotham often referenced this of the 12th Congressional District, would like mission. story to point out to law students that one to express my condolences to his family. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to In 1964, Higginbotham was appointed to the does not truly know when his or her oppor- pay tribute to a giant within American jurispru- U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of tunity will present itself. He wanted all poten- dence, Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. He Pennsylvania. President Kennedy had nomi- tial lawyers to realize the importance of their was a civil rights champion who died with his nated him in 1963, but a Mississippi Senator service to the Constitution and the laws of this blocked his appointment for a year, sup- boots on; it was only a few weeks before his nation. death that Leon Higginbotham testified before posedly because of his age. After Kennedy Judge Higginbotham is also acclaimed for the House Judiciary Committee in protest of was assassinated, President Lyndon Johnson his multi-volume study of race, ``Race and the its impeachment process. re-nominated Higginbotham to the bench and American Legal Process.'' In those books, he in 1964, at the age of thirty-five, he became Judge Higginbotham's contributions to the examined how colonial law was linked to slav- law, both as a peerless judge and superb edu- the youngest federal judge to be appointed in ery and racism, and examined how the post- some thirty years. Judge Higginbotham was cator, were immense. His love for the cause of emancipation legal system continued to per- justice made him a colossus of the civil rights only the third African-American to be ap- petuate the oppression of blacks. pointed as a federal district judge. movement. In his impeccably coherent and Just recently, Judge Higginbotham testified flawlessly logical testimony before the House In 1977, President Carter appointed him to before the House Judiciary Committee where be a judge on the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Judiciary Committee, Judge Higginbotham re- he demonstrated his firm commitment to the minded the nation's lawmakers, and the Amer- Appeals. In 1989, he became Chief Judge on Constitution before an esteemed panel of law- that same panel, which has jurisdiction over ican people, of his legal brilliance. yers, judges, and legal historians. I do not The achievements of Leon Higginbotham Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. He think that there was an American who, after retired as chief judge in 1991 and stayed on should serve as an inspiration to Americans of they heard him speak, did not turn away with all ages. His legacy is a stellar example of a as senior judge until 1993. a profound respect for his convictions, his con- He was one the most prominent and visible meritocracy at work, that diligence and oppor- siderable intellect, and his passion. tunity can be an equalizing force against the African-American judges on the federal bench. With his baritone voice that drew the envy The late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood vestiges of racism. After obtaining a brilliant of singers everywhere, Judge Higginbotham record as a civil rights attorney, he was first Marshall once called Judge Higginbotham ``a was often said to be larger than life when he great lawyer and very great judge.'' What appointed to a federal judicial post in 1964. donned his juridicial robes. ``When he spoke His performance as one of the country's most made him a great jurist was his desire to see from the bench you got the sense that God that the rule of law was fairly applied and that consistent and fair judges led to his appoint- was speaking up there,'' said Edward Dennis ment to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. As all received equal treatment in his courtroom. Jr., who clerked for Higginbotham in the I am sure that his law clerks would all agree a mediator in the 1994 South African elec- 1970's. And although I am sure Judge tions, that country's first post-apartheid experi- that despite a busy schedule, he always made Higginbotham would have frowned on that time for people irrespective of the person's ment with democracy, Judge Higginbotham comparison, I am sure there are many lawyers shared with the world his judicial expertise and status or station in life. and clients who would not. While the thoughts Judge Higginbotham's career as a professor impartiality. The entire country paid him tribute and memories of his fierce questioning surely of the law was no less astonishing. As a part in 1995, when President Bill Clinton awarded continue to instill fear and respect from those of his legacy, Judge Higginbotham leaves nu- him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. There lawyers that advocated before him, I seriously merous attorneys who have benefited from his is no question that Leon Higginbotham be- doubt that any of them would ever challenge knowledge and experience. By his example, longs to that group of exceptional people his judgement, or his fairness. which any nation would be proud to call its his writing, and his teachingsÐstudents who Judge Higginbotham championed equal have had the good fortune of sitting in his own. rights and the Constitution with unmatched His outspoken courage and passionate op- classrooms have undoubtedly learned the val- passion and energy. Rest assured, although position to racism were unceasing. Judge ues of careful research, and of honesty and there will never be another A. Leon Higginbotham's condemnation of the damage fairness. Bernard Wolfman, who invited Judge Higginbotham, there remain many disciples that discrimination and disregard for individual Higginbotham to teach at Penn Law School, who will continue to follow in his legal tradi- civil rights does to the justice system made his described his aptitude and skill as a professor tion. I can only hope to be considered ``Race and the American Legal System'' one with the following description: amongst them. of the most important and influential legal texts He has demonstrated by his life’s work how Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, the Honorable A. in the history of our country. one can love and serve the law at the same Leon Higginbotham, who recently passed I am honored to join my colleagues in salut- time as he makes it a proper target of trenchant criticism because of its prejudiced away at the age of 70, was a highly esteemed ing the living legacy of Leon Higginbotham. assumptions and dogma and because of the jurist, renowned scholar, noted lecturer, and His compassion and respect for the individual, harm it inflicted on the people of color civil rights leader. combined with his unrivaled knowledge and whose slavery in America the law had em- But the citizens of central New Jersey had love of the law, make him a person I am braced and whose ultimate freedom the law a special connection to Judge Higginbotham. proud to have known. We shall forever be in- was slow to promote or assure. For them, particularly the African-American debted to Judge Higginbotham for his superior Perhaps his greatest accomplishment as a community, he served as a shining example of commitment to justice and his impeccable ex- professor was to instill in his students the be- hope for the future. ample of judicial scholarship and service. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H949 Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to become one of the country’s most Because of the incidence of stopping join my colleagues in paying tribute to one of prominent African American judges; these women and gentlemen as they the true heroes of our time, and a personal and who, through his long and distin- come through the airport, I had a hear- hero of mine, Judge Leon Higginbotham. guished career, stood on the side of ing at the airport, organized it, and I One of the proudest moments of my life was those who needed help. had Jane Garvey, the Director of the in January of 1989, after having won election He, as we have heard, was awarded FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, to the U.S. House of Representatives for the numerous awards, including the Medal come with her top people, and she first time, when Judge Higginbotham adminis- of Freedom for his work and also the heard stories from folks who told how tered the oath of office to me at a ceremony Wallenberg Humanitarian award. they were stopped, denied passage be- in the Rayburn Foyer. Being sworn in as New He was a giant, and he certainly will cause they fit a certain profile. Jersey's first African American Congressman be missed, and I thank my colleagues One family, a good family, friends of by a man of Judge Higginbotham's Stature, for remembering him and bringing his mine, Dr. Basha and his family have who had achieved such a place in history, is spirit to light again so that the coun- been stopped on several occasions as an honor I will always remember. Earlier in my try can appreciate this remarkable they traveled on vacation to the Mid- career, Judge Higginbotham nominated me for man. dle East. Another woman told of her President of the National Council of YMCAs b 1730 son who was an Olympic rower going to and I remain grateful for that honor as well. a meet for a trial for the Olympics in It is with that that I would like to It was characteristic of Judge Higginbotham Cincinnati and he was detained, missed make a transition to another issue, but that no matter how high he rose, he was al- the flight, missed the opportunity for the transition is easy because it is a ways available whenever anyone needed his the Olympics, because he fit a certain civil rights issue, Mr. Speaker. help or guidance. He never missed an oppor- profile. We had another person who was In the Washington Post today, I read tunity to encourage young people to achieve a police officer in the Detroit area who that five workers, all Muslim women, their goals. was stopped and detained because he fit have filed a religious discrimination Judge Higginbotham was a man of great in- a profile. tellect, ability and passion for justice. He was complaint with the Equal Employment Now, let me say that this is not the a native of my home state of New Jersey, Opportunity Commission. Apparently, first airport and this is not the first in- where he grew up in the segregated society of according to this article, it was in the cident that led me to believe that air- Trenton. With determination and fortitude, he Metro section, I believe, of the Wash- port security is being contracted out to forged ahead, graduating from Yale Law ington Post, they were fired from their companies who do not have a commit- School in 1952. During President John Ken- jobs as screeners of passengers and lug- ment to treat all Americans with fair- nedy's Administration, he was appointed as gage at Dulles International Airport ness and dignity. the first African American to head the Federal because they refused to remove the Trade Commission. head scarves they wear for religious I just want to applaud these five In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson nomi- reasons. women for standing up for their reli- nated him to the U.S. District Court for the Their employer, Argenbright Secu- gious beliefs and for their rights, for Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He joined the rity, Incorporated, told them they their rights on the job. I intend to con- Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia would have to give up their head tact the FAA about this situation and in 1977, where he retired as Chief Judge in scarves or give up their jobs. Now, to insist that companies providing se- 1991. faced with such a choice, they chose to curity at our airports do so without honor their religious commitment. President Clinton awarded Judge discriminating against Americans re- As a result of the women’s complaint Higginbotham the Presidential Medal of Free- gardless of their religious faith or their to the EEOC, Argenbright Security is dom in 1995 and in 1996, he was honored ethnic heritage. now backtracking. The company has with the NAACP's Springarn Medal. issued a statement denying religious Mr. Speaker, Judge Higginbotham was truly f discrimination and inviting these five larger than life. Let us honor his memory and women to return to work. carry forth his proud legacy. What this incident does, though, is COMMUNICATION FROM THE f raise a larger issue, and, that is, of the CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET REGARDING IN- GENERAL LEAVE widespread and systematic discrimina- tion against Muslims and Arab Ameri- TERIM BUDGET ALLOCATIONS Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. cans at airports all across this country. AND AGGREGATES FOR FISCAL Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Under current procedures, security YEARS 1999–2003 all Members may have 5 legislative companies like Argenbright are used to days within which to revise and extend The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a enforce profiling standards to ensure previous order of the House, the gen- their remarks on this tribute to Judge airport security. Higginbotham. tleman from Ohio (Mr. KASICH) is rec- But you have to ask yourselves that ognized for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. if firms like Argenbright cannot even COOKSEY). Is there objection to the re- treat their Muslim employees fairly, Mr. KASICH. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Sec- quest of the gentlewoman from Texas? how are we to believe they will treat tion 2 of House Resolution 5, I submit for There was no objection. Muslim passengers whom they do not printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD interim f even know in a fair and courteous man- budget aggregates and allocations for fiscal ner? year 1999 and for the period of fiscal years DISCRIMINATION CONTINUES AT Now, we all understand that airport 1999 through fiscal year 2003. This submis- AMERICA’S AIRPORTS security is a must. But the people who sion includes the budget aggregates and allo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a are responsible for it should be trained cations to the Committee on Appropriations previous order of the House, the gen- in a way that ensures cultural sensitiv- that were not included in my submission on tleman from Michigan (Mr. BONIOR) is ity and fairness as they carry out these February 25. recognized for 5 minutes. important responsibilities. This These interim levels will be used to enforce Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, let me profiling issue is a huge embarrass- sections 302(f), 303(a) and 311(a) of the Con- just begin by echoing the comments of ment and problem, especially in the gressional Budget Act of 1974. Section 303(a) the gentlewoman from Houston, Texas Detroit metropolitan airport. We have, prohibits the consideration of legislation that (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) and the gentleman as many of my colleagues may know, provides new budget authority or changes in from North Carolina (Mr. WATT) about in the State of Michigan a large Arab- revenues until Congress has agreed to a a real giant in our history, Judge American and Muslim population, al- budget resolution for the appropriate fiscal Higginbotham, who was a noted de- most 700,000, close to 8 percent of our year. Sections 302(f) and 311(a) prohibit the fender of civil rights; who went on to State. consideration of legislation that exceeds the H950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 appropriate budgetary levels set forth in budg- 477 (H. Rept. 105±585) except that they re- ALLOCATIONS OF SPENDING AUTHORITY TO HOUSE et resolution and the accompanying report. flect adjustments for emergencies, arrerages COMMITTEES Without these interim levels, the House and other items under section 314 of the Con- Appropriations Committee would be prohibited under section 303(a) of gressional Budget Act. the Budget Act from considering legislation Budget These levels are effective until they are su- Authority Outlays with even negligible budgetary effects in cer- perseded by a conference report on the con- tain fiscal years because a budget resolution current budget resolution. Fiscal year 1999: is not in effect for the current fiscal year. Nondefense* ...... 287,107 273,837 If there are any questions on these interim Defense* ...... 279,891 271,403 There would be no levels to make determina- allocations and aggregates, please contact Violent Crime Reduction* ...... 5,800 4,953 tions under sections 302(f) and 311(a) for fis- Jim Bates, Chief Counsel of the Budget Com- Highways* ...... 0 21,885 Mass Transit* ...... 0 4,401 cal year 1999 and such determinations for the mittee, at ext. 6±7270. five year period would be based on the now- Total Discretionary Action ...... 572,798 576,479 obsolete levels set forth under H. Con. Res. APPROPRIATE LEVELS Current Law Mandatory ...... 291,758 283,468 84 (H. Rept. 105±116) in 1997. * Shown for display purposes only. The interim allocations and aggregates are Fiscal years essentially set at current law levels. They re- 1999 1999–2003 flect legislation enacted through the end of the Budget Authority ...... 1,443,821 (1) 105th Congress as estimated by the Congres- Outlays ...... 1,392,861 (1) sional Budget Office (CBO). In the case of the Revenues ...... 1,368,374 7,284,605 Committee on Appropriations, the allocations 1 Not applicable because annual appropriations acts for Fiscal Years are identical to the levels set forth in H. Res. 2000–2003 will not be considered until future sessions of Congress. ALLOCATIONS OF SPENDING AUTHORITY TO HOUSE COMMITTEES Committees Other than Appropriations

Total Budget year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1999–2003

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 17,337 9,727 8,499 6,967 2,738 45,268 OT ...... 14,885 5,927 5,729 4,374 51 30,966 Reauthorizations: BA ...... 0 0 0 0 28,328 28,328 OT ...... 0 0 0 0 27,801 27,801 Total: BA ...... 17,337 9,727 8,499 6,967 31,066 73,596 OT ...... 14,885 5,927 5,729 4,374 27,852 58,767 ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 47,809 49,218 50,895 52,579 54,366 254,867 OT ...... 47,672 49,108 50,792 52,476 54,273 254,321 BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 3,442 4,586 5,431 5,297 5,027 23,783 OT ...... 874 ¥2,016 ¥473 ¥24 186 ¥1,453 COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE Current Law: BA ...... 3,303 4,503 5,061 5,495 5,424 23,786 OT ...... 2,744 3,829 4,366 4,835 4,955 20,729 Discretionary Action: BA ...... 0 0 0 305 305 610 OT ...... 0 0 0 92 275 367 Total: BA ...... 3,303 4,503 5,061 5,800 5,729 24,396 OT ...... 2,744 3,829 4,366 4,927 5,230 21,096 COMMERCE COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 8,663 10,247 12,263 15,747 16,015 62,935 OT ...... 5,421 8,351 10,963 16,458 16,942 58,135 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 10,924 9,888 9,982 9,557 8,711 49,062 OT ...... 12,162 11,516 10,860 10,415 9,698 54,651 GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 57,886 59,661 61,516 63,577 65,822 308,462 OT ...... 56,644 58,365 60,164 62,174 64,396 301,743 Discretionary Action: BA ...... 0 2 4 4 4 14 OT ...... 0 2 4 4 4 14 Total: BA ...... 57,886 59,663 61,520 63,581 65,826 308,476 OT ...... 56,644 58,367 60,168 62,178 64,400 301,757 COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION Current Law: BA ...... 93 90 90 90 93 456 OT ...... 56 262 49 13 57 437 RESOURCES COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 2,296 2,391 2,370 2,319 2,351 11,727 OT ...... 2,253 2,254 2,332 2,205 2,326 11,370 JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 4,759 4,548 4,550 4,539 4,631 23,027 OT ...... 4,578 4,371 4,461 4,617 4,622 22,649 TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 49,121 48,697 49,721 50,714 51,714 249,967 OT ...... 16,114 16,021 16,026 15,834 15,722 79,717 Discretionary Action: BA ...... 1,205 2,410 2,410 2,410 2,410 10,845 OT ...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total: BA ...... 50,326 51,107 52,131 53,124 54,124 260,812 March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H951 ALLOCATIONS OF SPENDING AUTHORITY TO HOUSE COMMITTEES—Continued Committees Other than Appropriations

Total Budget year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1999–2003

OT ...... 16,114 16,021 16,026 15,834 15,722 79,717 SCIENCE COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 38 38 35 32 32 175 OT ...... 33 36 36 36 34 175 SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... ¥414 0 0 0 0 ¥414 OT ...... ¥585 ¥156 ¥140 ¥125 ¥110 ¥1,116 VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 1,182 1,144 1,077 990 931 5,324 OT ...... 1,296 1,358 1,331 1,316 1,355 6,656 Discretionary Action: BA ...... 0 394 874 1,367 1,868 4,503 OT ...... 0 360 833 1,325 1,824 4,342 Total: BA ...... 1,182 1,538 1,951 2,357 2,799 9,827 OT ...... 1,296 1,718 2,164 2,641 3,179 10,998 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE Current Law: BA ...... 671,063 676,265 692,412 705,685 728,575 3,474,000 OT ...... 659,770 666,279 684,407 696,184 721,486 3,428,126 Reauthorizations: BA ...... 0 0 0 0 19,553 19,553 OT ...... 0 0 0 0 17,312 17,312 Discretionary Action: BA ...... 0 ¥2 0 0 0 ¥2 OT ...... 0 ¥2 0 0 0 ¥2 Total: BA ...... 671,063 676,263 692,412 705,685 728,575 3,473,998 OT ...... 659,770 666,277 684,407 696,184 721,486 3,428,124

LEAVE OF ABSENCE Mr. BLUMENAUER, for 5 minutes, Mr. BONIOR, for 5 minutes, today. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- today. sence was granted to: Mr. FILNER, for 5 minutes, today. f Mr. SMITH of Washington, for 5 min- Mr. EVANS (at the request of Mr. GEP- utes, today. HARDT), for today and for the balance SENATE BILL REFERRED Mr. HOEFFEL, for 5 minutes, today. of the week, on account of a death in Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. A bill of the Senate of the following the family. (The following Members (at the re- title was taken from the Speaker’s Ms. SANCHEZ (at the request of Mr. quest of Mr. MORAN of Kansas) to re- table and, under the rule, referred as GEPHARDT), for today and March 4, on vise and extend their remarks and in- follows: account of official business. clude extraneous material:) S. 314. An act to provide for a loan guaran- Ms. CARSON (at the request of Mr. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for 5 minutes tee program to address the Year 2000 com- GEPHARDT), for today, on account of today. puter problems of small business concerns, personal business. Mr. MILLER of Florida, for 5 minutes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on f today. Small Business. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED Mr. GUTKNECHT, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. SOUDER, for 5 minutes, today. f By unanimous consent, permission to Mr. WOLF, for 5 minutes each, today address the House, following the legis- and March 4. ADJOURNMENT lative program and any special orders Mr. SHIMKUS, for 5 minutes, today. heretofore entered, was granted to: Mr. CUNNINGHAM, for 5 minutes, Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I move (The following Members (at the re- today. that the House do now adjourn. quest of Mr. MCNULTY) to revise and Mr. GEKAS, for 5 minutes, today. The motion was agreed to; accord- extend their remarks and include ex- (The following Member (at his own ingly (at 5 o’clock and 34 minutes traneous material:) request) to revise and extend his re- p.m.), the House adjourned until to- Mr. BOSWELL, for 5 minutes, today. marks and include extraneous mate- morrow, Thursday, March 4, 1999, at 10 Ms. NORTON, for 5 minutes, today. rial:) a.m. h EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL Reports and amended reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for official foreign travel dur- ing the third and fourth quarters of 1998 by Committees of the House of Representatives, as well as a consolidated report of foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for speaker-authorized official travel during first quarter of 1999, pursuant to Public Law 95–384, are as follows:

AMENDED REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 1998

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Hon. Gary Condit ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... 1,254.00 ...... (3) ...... 679.84 ...... 1,933.84 Hon. Bob Smith ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Hon. Tom Ewing ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Hon. Bill Barrett ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Hon. Collin Peterson ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Paul Unger ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Lynn Gallagher ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Jason Vaillancourt ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 H952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 AMENDED REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPT. 30, 1998—Continued

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Brian MacDonald ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84 Andy Baker ...... 8/21 8/26 Egypt ...... (3) ...... 559.84 ...... 559.84

Committee total ...... 6,972.40 ...... 6,972.40 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. BOB SMITH, Chairman, Feb. 18, 1999.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM AND OVERSIGHT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 1998

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

FOR HOUSE COMMITTEES Please Note: If there were no expenditures during the calendar quarter noted above, please check the box at right to so indicate and return.◊ 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. DAN BURTON, Chairman, Feb. 1, 1999.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 1998

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Lloyd Jones ...... 11/3 11/10 Australia/New Caledonia/Western ...... 1,596.00 ...... 7,574.13 ...... 9,170.13 Samoa/New Zealand. Manase Mansur ...... 11/3 11/10 Australia/New Caledonia/Western ...... 1,596.00 ...... 7,574.13 ...... 9,170.13 Samoa/New Zealand. Bonnie Bruce ...... 11/14 11/28 Spain ...... 1,700.00 ...... 1,750.23 ...... 3,450.23 Sharon McKenna ...... 11/14 11/23 Spain ...... 1,700.00 ...... 1,407.23 ...... 3,107.23

Committee total ...... 6,592.00 ...... 18,305.72 ...... 24,897.72 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. DON YOUNG, Chairman, Jan. 29, 1999.

AMENDED REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 1998

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Phil Kiko ...... 11/13 11/17 New Zealand ...... 1,070.00 ...... 1,936.00 ...... 3,006.00 11/17 11/21 Antarctica ...... 11/21 11/22 New Zealand ...... William Stiles ...... 11/14 11/17 New Zealand ...... 875.00 ...... 2,394.67 ...... 3,269.67 11/17 11/21 Antarctica ...... 11/21 12/01 New Zealand ...... Steve Eule ...... 11/14 11/17 New Zealand ...... 875.00 ...... 2,376.00 ...... 3,251.00 11/17 11/21 Antarctica ...... 11/21 11/22 New Zealand ...... Hon. George E. Brown, Jr ...... 12/5 12/13 Mexico ...... 1,919.00 ...... 829.76 ...... 2,748.76 Michael Quear ...... 12/5 12/13 Mexico ...... 1,919.00 ...... 829.76 ...... 2,748.76 Myndii Gottlieb ...... 12/6 12/12 Mexico ...... 1,422.00 ...... 713.94 ...... 2,135.94

Committee total ...... 8,080.00 ...... 9,080.13 ...... 17,160.13 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr., Chairman.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 1998

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Elizabeth Larson ...... 11/30 12/10 Europe ...... 3,250.00 ...... (3) ...... 3,250.00 Michael Meermans ...... 12/2 12/3 Europe ...... 213.00 ...... 213.00 12/3 12/6 Middle East ...... 405.00 ...... 405.00 12/6 12/8 Europe ...... 306.00 ...... 306.00 Commercial airfare ...... 4,029.24 ...... 4,029.24 Merrell Moorhead ...... 12/2 12/3 Europe ...... 213.00 ...... 213.00 12/3 12/6 Middle East ...... 405.00 ...... 405.00 12/6 12/8 Europe ...... 306/00 ...... 306.00 Commercial airfare ...... 4,029.24 ...... 4,029.24 Catherine Eberwein ...... 12/9 12/12 Europe ...... 1,042.00 ...... 1,042.00 March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H953 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN OCT. 1 AND DEC. 31, 1998—Continued

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Commercial airfare ...... 5,235.97 ...... 5,325.97 Committee total ...... 6,140.00 ...... 13,384.45 ...... 19.524.45 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportaion. PORTER J. GOSS, Feb. 12, 1999.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, HOUSE DELEGATION TO SOUTH KOREA, INDONESIA, HONG KONG, AND JAPAN, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 8 AND JAN. 19, 1999

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Hon. Jim Kolbe ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Doug Bereuter ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Connie Morella ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Moran ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Greenwood ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jerry Weller ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Earl Blumenauer ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Steve Kuykendall ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Everett Eissenstat ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Jamie McCormick ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Mike Ennis ...... 1/10 1/11 South Korea ...... 260.82 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Kolbe ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Doug Bereuter ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Connie Morella ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Moran ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Greenwood ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jerry Weller ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Earl Blumenauer ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Steve Kuykendall ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Everett Eissenstat ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Jamie McCormick ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Mike Ennis ...... 1/11 1/14 Indonesia ...... 554.31 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Kolbe ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Doug Bereuter ...... 1/14 1/16 Hong Kong ...... 538.14 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Connie Morella ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Moran ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jerry Weller ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Earl Blumenauer ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Steve Kuykendall ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Everett Eissenstat ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Jamie McCormick ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Mike Ennis ...... 1/14 1/17 Hong Kong ...... 888.21 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Kolbe ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Doug Bereuter ...... 1/18 1/19 Japan ...... 238.00 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Connie Morella ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jim Moran ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Jerry Weller ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Earl Blumenauer ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Hon. Steve Kuykendall ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Everett Eissenstat ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Jamie McCormick ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Mike Ennis ...... 1/17 1/19 Japan ...... 577.16 ...... (3) ...... Committee total ...... 22,930.90 ...... 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. 3 Military air transportation. JIM KOLBE, Feb. 2, 1999.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, HOUSE DELEGATION TO FINLAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, AND AUSTRIA, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 9 AND JAN. 18, 1999

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Peter Davidson ...... 1/10 1/12 Finland ...... 568.00 ...... 568.00 1/12 1/14 Germany ...... 508.00 ...... 508.00 Chaplain James D. Ford ...... 1/10 1/12 Finland ...... 568.00 ...... 568.00 1/12 1/14 Germany ...... 508.00 ...... 508.00 1/14 1/16 France ...... 502.00 ...... 502.00 1/16 1/18 Austria ...... 480.00 ...... 480.00 Total ...... 3,134.00 ...... 3,134.00 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. BEN GILMAN, Feb. 10, 1999.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO PERU, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 9, AND JAN. 14, 1999

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Robert Van Wicklin (Rep. Amo Houghton’s Office) 1/9 1/14 Peru ...... 1,224.00 ...... 3,260.40 ...... 4,484.40 H954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999 REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO PERU, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 9, AND JAN. 14, 1999—Continued

Date Per diem 1 Transportation Other purposes Total U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency 2 currency 2 currency 2 currency 2

Committee total ...... 1,224.00 ...... 3,260.40 ...... 4,484.40 1 Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. 2 If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. h RON KIND, Feb. 22, 1999.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, tors [NUREG–1600, Rev. 1] received February copy of D.C. ACT 12–586, ‘‘Sex Offender Reg- ETC. 22, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to istration Risk Assessment Clarification the Committee on Commerce. Amendment Act of 1998’’ received February Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive 855. A letter from the Secretary, Securities 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Code section 1– communications were taken from the and Exchange Commission, transmitting the 233(c)(1); to the Committee on Government Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Commission’s final rule—OTC Derivatives Reform. 865. A letter from the Chairman, Council of 846. A letter from the Secretary of the Dealers [Release No. 34–40594; File No. S7–30– the District of Columbia, transmitting a Navy, transmitting certification that the 97] (RIN: 3235–AH16) received February 9, copy of D.C. Act 12–628, ‘‘Advisory Neighbor- Department of the Navy has converted the 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the hood Commissions Management Control and Fisher House Trust Fund to a non- Committee on Commerce. 856. A letter from the Secretary of Com- Funding Temporary Amendment Act of 1999’’ appropriated fund instrumentality (NAFI); merce, transmitting the Bureau of Export received February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. to the Committee on Armed Services. Administration’s ‘‘Annual Report for Fiscal Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on 847. A letter from the Secretary of Defense, Year 1998’’ and the ‘‘1999 Foreign Policy Ex- Government Reform. transmitting a report containing informa- port Controls Report,’’ pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 866. A letter from the Chairman, Council of tion on the retention of members of the app. 2413; to the Committee on International the District of Columbia, transmitting a Armed Forces; to the Committee on Armed Relations. copy of D.C. ACT 12–607, ‘‘Health Benefits Services. 857. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Plan Members Bill of Rights Act of 1998’’ re- 848. A letter from the Principal Deputy, for Export Administration, Department of ceived February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Under Secretary of Defense, transmitting Commerce, transmitting the Department’s Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on the annual report on operations of the Na- final rule—Exports of High Performance Government Reform. tional Defense Stockpile; to the Committee Computers under License Exception CTP 867. A letter from the Chairman, Council of on Armed Services. [Docket No. 981208298–8298–01] (RIN: 0694– the District of Columbia, transmitting a 849. A communication from the President AB82) received January 20, 1999, pursuant to copy of D.C. ACT 12–397, ‘‘Establishment of of the United States, transmitting a copy of 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Council Contract Review Criteria, Alley Presidential Determination No. 98–36: Ex- International Relations. Closing, Budget Support, and Omnibus Regu- empting the United States Air Force’s oper- 858. A letter from the Assistant Secretary latory Reform Amendment Act of 1998’’ re- ating location near Groom Lake, Nevada, for Export Administration, Department of ceived February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. from any Federal, State, interstate, or local Commerce, transmitting the Department’s Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on hazardous or solid waste laws that might re- final rule—Revisions to the Commerce Con- Government Reform. quire the disclosure of classified information trol List: Changes in Missile Technology 868. A letter from the Chairman, Council of concerning that operating location to unau- Controls [Docket No. 990112008–9008–01] (RIN: the District of Columbia, transmitting a thorized persons, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6961; 0694–AB75) received February 9, 1999, pursu- copy of D.C. ACT 12–380, ‘‘Assault on an In- to the Committee on Commerce. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee spector or Investigator and Revitalization 850. A letter from the Director, Office of on International Relations. Corporation Amendment Act of 1998’’ re- Regulatory Management and Information, 859. A letter from the Assistant Secretary ceived February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on ting the Agency’s final rule—Re-issue of the transmitting the Department’s final rule— Government Reform. Early Planning Guidance for the Revised Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, De- 869. A letter from the Chairman, Council of Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM) National partment of State and Overseas Embassies the District of Columbia, transmitting a Ambient Air quality Standards (NAAQS)— and Consulates—received February 1, 1999, copy of D.C. ACT 12–633 ‘‘Closing of Public received February 17, 1999, pursuant to 5 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Alleys in Square 51, S.O. 98–145, Temporary U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on mittee on International Relations. Act of 1999’’ received February 23, 1999, pur- Commerce. 860. A letter from the Chairman, Council of suant to D.C. Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the 851. A letter from the Director, Office of the District of Columbia, transmitting a Committee on Government Reform. Regulatory Management and Information, copy of D.C. Act 12–574, ‘‘Home Purchase As- 870. A letter from the Chairman, Council of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- sistance Step Up Fund Act of 1998’’ received the District of Columbia, transmitting a ting the Agency’s final rule—Quality Assur- February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Code sec- copy of D.C. ACT 12–632 ‘‘Bethea-Welch Post ance Guidance Document 2.12—Monitoring tion 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on Govern- 7284, Veterans of Foreign Wars Equitable PM 2.5 in Ambient Air Using Designated Ref- ment Reform. Real Property Tax Relief Temporary Act of 861. A letter from the Chairman, Council of erence of Class I Equivalent Methods—re- 1999’’ received February 23, 1999, pursuant to the District of Columbia, transmitting a D.C. Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Commit- ceived February 17, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. copy of D.C. Act 12–580, ‘‘Equal Opportunity tee on Government Reform. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Commerce. for Local, Small, and Disadvantaged Busi- 871. A letter from the Chairman, Council of 852. A letter from the Chairman, Nuclear ness Enterprises Act of 1998’’ received Feb- the District of Columbia, transmitting a Regulatory Commission, transmitting a re- ruary 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Code section copy of D.C. ACT 12–631, ‘‘Annuitants’ Health port on the nondisclosure of Safeguards In- 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on Government and Life Insurance Employer Contribution formation for the calendar year quarter be- Reform. Temporary Amendment Act of 1999’’ received ginning October 1 and extending through De- 862. A letter from the Chairman, Council of February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Code sec- cember 31, 1998, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2167(e); the District of Columbia, transmitting a tion 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on Govern- to the Committee on Commerce. copy of D.C. Act 12–629, ‘‘TANF-related Med- ment Reform. 853. A letter from the Director, Office of icaid Managed Care Program Technical Clar- 872. A letter from the Chairman, Council of Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory ification Temporary Amendment Act of the District of Columbia, transmitting a Commission, transmitting the Commission’s 1999’’ received February 23, 1999, pursuant to copy of D.C. ACT 12–609, ‘‘Comprehensive final rule—Spent Fuel Heat Generation in an D.C. Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Commit- Plan Amendment Act of 1998’’ received Feb- Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installa- tee on Government Reform. ruary 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Code section tion—received February 22, 1999, pursuant to 863. A letter from the Chairman, Council of 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on Government 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the District of Columbia, transmitting a Reform. Commerce. copy of D.C. ACT 12–576, ‘‘Closing of a Public 873. A letter from the Senior Vice Presi- 854. A letter from the Director, Office of Alley in Square 371, S.O. 96–202, Act of 1998’’ dent and Chief Financial Officer, Potomac Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory received February 23, 1999, pursuant to D.C. Electric Power Company, transmitting a Commission, transmitting the Commission’s Code section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee on copy of the Balance Sheet of Potomac Elec- final rule—Policy and Procedure for NRC En- Government Reform. tric Power Company as of December 31, 1998, forcement Actions; Revised Treatment of Se- 864. A letter from the Chairman, Council of pursuant to D.C. Code section 43–513; to the verity Level IV Violations at Power Reac- the District of Columbia, transmitting a Committee on Government Reform. March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H955 874. A letter from the Chairman, Merit REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON employees providing air safety information; Systems Protection Board, transmitting the PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS to the Committee on Transportation and In- Board’s report for fiscal year 1998 listing the frastructure. number of appeals submitted, the number Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of By Mr. CAMPBELL: processed to completion, and the number not committees were delivered to the Clerk H.R. 954. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- completed by the originally announced date, for printing and reference to the proper enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7701(i)(2); to the Com- calendar, as follows: income tax for expenses incurred by tax- payers in transporting food to food banks; to mittee on Government Reform. Mr. SHUSTER: Committee on Transpor- the Committee on Ways and Means. 875. A letter from the Director, Office of In- tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 701. A bill to sular Affairs, Department of the Interior, By Mr. COLLINS: amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief H.R. 955. A bill to expand the geographic transmitting the fourth annual report on the and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize area of the TRICARE Senior Supplement Federal-CNMI Initiative on Labor, Immigra- a program for predisaster mitigation, to demonstration project for certain covered tion, and Law Enforcement; to the Commit- streamline the administration of disaster re- beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, tee on Resources. lief, to control the Federal costs of disaster United States Code, to include one addi- 876. A letter from the Secretary, Judicial assistance, and for other purposes; with tional site; to the Committee on Armed Conference of the United States, transmit- amendments (Rept. 106–40). Referred to the Services. ting a request on behalf of the Judicial Con- Committee of the Whole House on the State By Mr. GIBBONS (for himself and Ms. ference of the United States that Congress of the Union. BERKLEY): approve the consolidation of the office of the Mr. GOSS: Committee on Rules. House H.R. 956. A bill to designate the new hos- bankruptcy clerk and the office of the dis- Resolution 91. Resolution providing for con- pital bed replacement building at the Ioannis trict clerk of court in the Southern District sideration of the bill (H.R. 707) to amend the A. Lougaris Department of Veterans Affairs of West Virginia; to the Committee on the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, in honor of Judiciary. gency Assistance Act to authorize a program Jack Streeter; to the Committee on Veter- 877. A letter from the General Counsel, De- for predisaster mitigation, to streamline the ans’ Affairs. partment of Transportation, transmitting administration of disaster relief, to control By Mr. HULSHOF (for himself, Mrs. the Department’s final rule—Magnetic Levi- the Federal costs of disaster assistance, and THURMAN, Mr. COMBEST, Mr. HOUGH- tation Transportation Technology Deploy- for other purposes. (Rept. 106–41). Referred to TON, Mr. HERGER, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. ment Program [FRA Docket No. FRA–95– the House Calendar. NUSSLE, Mr. ENGLISH, Mr. WATKINS, 4545; Notice No. 2] (RIN: 2130–AB29) received f Mr. HAYWORTH, Mr. WELLER, Mr. February 22, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. FOLEY, Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS BARRETT of Nebraska, Mr. CONDIT, tation and Infrastructure. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. DOOLEY of Califor- 878. A letter from the General Counsel, De- bills and resolutions were introduced nia, Mr. EWING, Mr. MINGE, Mr. partment of Transportation, transmitting and severally referred, as follows: POMBO, Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. SMITH of Michigan, Mr. HOSTETTLER, Mr. the Department’s final rule—Policy and Pro- By Mr. PALLONE: cedures Concerning the Use of Airport Reve- MORAN of Kansas, Mr. THUNE, Mr. H.R. 950. A bill to amend the Federal Water JENKINS, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. GUT- nue [Docket No. 28472] (RIN: 2120–AG01) re- Pollution Control Act to improve the quality ceived February 22, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. KNECHT, Mr. OSE, Mr. HAYES, Mr. of beaches and coastal recreation waters, and TALENT, Ms. DANNER, Mrs. EMERSON, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- for other purposes; to the Committee on tation and Infrastructure. Mr. GORDON, Mrs. BONO, Mr. SHOWS, Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. ISTOOK, Mr. 879. A letter from the Director, Office of By Mr. DUNCAN: SNYDER, Mr. BEREUTER, Ms. WOOL- Regulations Management, Office of General H.R. 951. A bill to amend title 49, United SEY, Mr. PAUL, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, States Code, to provide assistance and slots DOOLITTLE, Mr. MURTHA, Mr. HILL of transmitting the Department’s final rule— with respect to air carrier service between Montana, Mr. SANDLIN, Mr. Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Rules of Prac- high density airports and airports not receiv- HILLEARY, Mr. FROST, Mr. STEARNS, tice—Notification of Representatives in Con- ing sufficient air service, to improve jet air- Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. CLY- nection with Motions for Revision of Deci- craft service to underserved markets, and for BURN, Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. HOLDEN, sions on Grounds of Clear and Unmistakable other purposes; to the Committee on Trans- Mr. LATHAM, Mr. LAFALCE, Mr. SCAR- Error (RIN: 2900–AJ75) received February 22, portation and Infrastructure. BOROUGH, Mr. KLINK, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the By Mr. BASS: TAYLOR of Mississippi, Mr. CALLAHAN, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 952. A bill to amend the Tele- Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SISISKY, Mr. REY- 880. A letter from the Senior Attorney, communications Act of 1996 to preserve NOLDS, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. BURTON of Federal Register Certifying Officer, Finan- State and local authority over the construc- Indiana, Mr. PITTS, Mr. HASTINGS of cial Management Service, transmitting the tion, placement or modification of personal Washington, Mr. LEACH, Mr. RADANO- Service’s final rule—Acceptance of BONDs Se- wireless service facilities; to the Committee VICH, Mr. COOK, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. cured By Government Obligations in Lieu of on Commerce. METCALF, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. TERRY, BONDs with Sureties (RIN: 1510–AA36) re- By Mr. BOEHLERT (for himself, Mr. Mr. WALSH, Mr. QUINN, Mr. BONILLA, ceived January 26, 1999, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. CLYBURN, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. WEYGAND, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. MASCARA, Mr. RYUN of Kansas, Mr. DICKEY, Mr. Means. WISE, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. MCINTOSH, and Mr. BARTLETT of 881. A letter from the Director, Congres- FILNER, Mr. COSTELLO, Ms. CARSON, Maryland): sional Budget Office, transmitting CBO’s Se- Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. SMITH of Washing- H.R. 957. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- questration Update Report for Fiscal Year ton, Ms. DANNER, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. enue Code of 1986 to provide for Farm and 2000, pursuant to Public Law 101–508, section FROST, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. WATERS, Mr. Ranch Risk Management Accounts, and for 13101(a) (104 Stat. 1388–587); jointly to the HINCHEY, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. QUINN, other purposes; to the Committee on Ways Committees on Appropriations and the Budg- Mr. METCALF, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. and Means. et. FARR of California, Mr. MARTINEZ, By Mr. KLECZKA (for himself, Mr. Mr. BONIOR, Mr. INSLEE, Ms. RANGEL, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. STARK, Mr. 882. A letter from the Deputy Under Sec- DELAURO, Mr. HORN, Mr. STARK, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. retary of Defense (Environmental Security), GEJDENSON, Mr. POMBO, Mrs. MCCAR- CARDIN, Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin, Department of Defense, transmitting a re- THY of New York, Mr. FRANK of Mas- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. port listing all military installations where sachusetts, Mr. EVANS, Mr. FORD, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. BORSKI, Ms. an integrated natural resources management LOBIONDO, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. MCGOV- BROWN of Florida, Mr. SANDERS, Ms. plan is not appropriate; jointly to the Com- ERN, Mrs. CLAYTON, Mr. MICA, Mr. DELAURO, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. HIN- mittees on Armed Services and Resources. TOWNS, Mr. OLVER, Mr. NADLER, Mr. CHEY, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. 883. A letter from the Assistant Secretary DOYLE, Ms. LEE, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. THOMP- for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Mr. KLINK, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. SAND- SON of Mississippi, Ms. RIVERS, Mr. transmitting a report entitled ‘‘Satellite ERS, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SNYDER, Mr. BAR- GREEN of Texas, Mr. DAVIS of Flor- Controls Under the United States Munitions CIA, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. TIERNEY, ida, Mr. SERRANO, Mrs. JONES of List’’; jointly to the Committees on Armed Mr. RANGEL, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mrs. Ohio, and Mr. SANDLIN): Services and International Relations. THURMAN, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. H.R. 958. A bill to amend title XVIII of the 884. A letter from the Secretary of Labor, GUTIERREZ, Mr. FORBES, Mr. Social Security Act to restore the non- transmitting a report entitled ‘‘Pension DEFAZIO, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. applicability of private contracts for the pro- Plans for Professional Boxers’’; jointly to ROTHMAN): vision of Medicare benefits; to the Commit- the Committees on Education and the Work- H.R. 953. A bill to amend title 49, United tee on Ways and Means, and in addition to force and Commerce. States Code, to provide for the protection of the Committee on Commerce, for a period to H956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999

be subsequently determined by the Speaker, H.R. 963. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. MICA (for himself, Mr. STUPAK, in each case for consideration of such provi- enue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit Mr. KNOLLENBERG, Mr. MILLER of sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the for a portion of the expenses of providing de- Florida, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mr. committee concerned. pendent care services to employees; to the ENGLISH, Mr. SESSIONS, Mrs. By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mr. Committee on Ways and Means. MALONEY of New York, Mr. OSE, Mr. SANDERS, and Mr. LEWIS of Georgia): By Mr. QUINN: HINCHEY, Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, H.R. 959. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- H.R. 964. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. SAWYER, Mrs. cation Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal MORELLA, Mr. HORN, Mr. GOODLING, Pell Grant; to the Committee on Education minimum wage; to the Committee on Edu- Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. and the Workforce. cation and the Workforce. HILLEARY, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. MARKEY, By Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California By Mr. QUINN: Mrs. FOWLER, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. (for himself, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, H.R. 965. A bill to provide that December 7 VENTO, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. MASCARA, Mr. HOLT, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. each year shall be treated for all purposes re- Mr. BORSKI, Mr. GEKAS, Mr. SHIMKUS, DELAHUNT, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. lated to Federal employment in the same Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. HYDE, and Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. HIN- manner as November 11; to the Committee BRADY of Texas): CHEY, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Mr. on Government Reform. H. Res. 92. A resolution recommending the PASCRELL, Mr. FARR of California, By Mr. RAHALL: integration of the Republic of Slovakia into Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. FRANK of Massa- H.R. 966. A bill to provide for the disposi- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization chusetts, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. tion of land deemed excess to a project for (NATO); to the Committee on International MCNULTY, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. flood control at Matewan, West Virginia; to Relations. GEJDENSON, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. BORSKI, the Committee on Transportation and Infra- By Mr. NADLER (for himself, Mr. Mr. OLVER, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. structure. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. DELAURO, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. ABER- By Mr. SENSENBRENNER (for himself BLAGOJEVICH, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. BOR- CROMBIE, Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Ms. and Mr. COBLE): SKI, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Ms. PELOSI, Ms. RIVERS, Mr. CLAY, Mr. H.R. 967. A bill to amend title 28, United CARSON, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. DAVIS of DEFAZIO, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. NADLER, States Code, to provide for Federal jurisdic- Illinois, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. FILNER, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. BER- tion of certain multiparty, multiforum civil Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. MAN, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. WEXLER, Ms. actions; to the Committee on the Judiciary. FROST, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. CROWLEY, By Mr. SHUSTER (for himself, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon, Ms. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. MAR- OBERSTAR, Mr. FRANKS of New Jer- KAPTUR, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. KLECZKA, KEY, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. DAVIS of Illi- sey, and Mr. WISE) (all by request): Mr. KLINK, Mr. LAFALCE, Mr. nois, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. H.R. 968. A bill to authorize appropriations LAMPSON, Ms. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of BLUMENAUER, Mr. BARRETT of Wis- for hazardous material transportation safe- Georgia, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. consin, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. FORBES, ty, and for other purposes; to the Committee MCGOVERN, Mr. MCNULTY, Mrs. Mr. ALLEN, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. MEE- on Transportation and Infrastructure. MALONEY of New York, Mr. MALONEY HAN, Mr. WYNN, Mrs. JOHNSON of Con- By Mr. SOUDER (for himself, Mrs. of Connecticut, Mr. MARKEY, Mrs. necticut, Mr. SABO, Mr. MCGOVERN, MYRICK, Mr. LARGENT, Mr. MCINTOSH, MEEK of Florida, Ms. MILLENDER- Mr. STARK, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. DICKS, Mr. WELLER, Mr. PITTS, Mr. MCDONALD, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Mr. BONIOR, Mr. HOEFFEL, Mr. HOSTETTLER, Mr. COBURN, Mrs. California, Ms. NORTON, Mr. OLVER, CAPUANO, Ms. MCCARTHY of Missouri, KELLY, Mr. ENGLISH, Mrs. Mr. PALLONE, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. POM- Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. WATERS, Mr. CHENOWETH, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. KOLBE, EROY, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, MALONEY of Connecticut, Ms. BALD- Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. WELDON Mr. SANDERS, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. WIN, Mr. MOORE, and Mr. of Florida, Mr. WICKER, Mrs. EMER- SHERMAN, Mr. SHOWS, Ms. SLAUGH- FALEOMAVAEGA): SON, Mr. COX, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. PAUL, TER, Mr. STARK, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. H.R. 960. A bill to amend the Endangered and Mr. CALVERT): TOWNS, Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mr. VENTO, Species Act of 1973 to ensure the recovery of H.R. 969. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Ms. WATERS, Mr. WAXMAN, and Ms. our Nation’s declining biological diversity; enue Code of 1986 to increase the amount of WOOLSEY): to reaffirm and strengthen this Nation’s the charitable contribution deduction, to H. Res. 93. A resolution expressing the commitment to protect wildlife; to safeguard allow such deduction to individuals who do sense of the House of Representatives regard- our children’s economic and ecological fu- not itemize other deductions, and for other ing strengthening the Social Security sys- ture; and to provide assurances to local gov- purposes; to the Committee on Ways and tem to meet the challenges of the next cen- ernments, communities, and individuals in Means. tury; to the Committee on Ways and Means. their planning and economic development ef- By Mr. THUNE: By Mr. NETHERCUTT (for himself, Mr. forts; to the Committee on Resources, and in H.R. 970. A bill to authorize the Secretary BALDACCI, Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin, addition to the Committee on Ways and of the Interior to provide assistance to the Mr. BENTSEN, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- Perkins County Rural Water System, Inc., BLUMENAUER, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. COYNE, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- for the construction of water supply facili- Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. ENGLISH, Ms. sideration of such provisions as fall within ties in Perkins County, South Dakota; to the DEGETTE, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. GEJDEN- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Committee on Resources. SON, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. By Mrs. MINK of Hawaii: By Mr. WALSH (for himself, Mr. HAYWORTH, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. H.R. 961. A bill to amend the Public Health HOUGHTON, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO, Mr. Service Act to provide for programs regard- SWEENEY, Mr. TOWNS, and Mr. BOEH- SESSIONS, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. SPENCE, ing ovarian cancer; to the Committee on LERT): Mr. STUPAK, Mr. TOWNS, Mrs. THUR- Commerce. H.R. 971. A bill to amend the Public Utility MAN, and Mr. WELDON of Pennsyl- By Ms. NORTON (for herself, Mr. OBER- Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to protect vania): STAR, Mr. WISE, and Mr. TRAFICANT): the Nation’s electricity ratepayers by ensur- H. Res. 94. A resolution recognizing the H.R. 962. A bill to authorize the Architect ing that rates charged by qualifying small generous contribution made by each living of the Capitol to establish a Capitol Visitor power producers and qualifying cogenerators person who has donated a kidney to save a Center under the East Plaza of the United do not exceed the incremental cost to the life; to the Committee on Commerce. States Capitol, and for other purposes; to the purchasing utility of alternative electric en- By Mr. PITTS (for himself, Mr. WATTS Committee on Transportation and Infra- ergy at the time of delivery, and for other of Oklahoma, Mr. SUNUNU, Mr. PICK- structure, and in addition to the Committees purposes; to the Committee on Commerce. ERING, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, on House Administration, and Ways and By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: Mr. BARR of Georgia, Mr. Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- H.R. 972. A bill to designate the Federal HOSTETTLER, Mr. PAUL, Mr. SESSIONS, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- building located at 709 West 9th Street in Ju- Mr. QUINN, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. ADERHOLT, sideration of such provisions as fall within neau, Alaska, as the ‘‘Hurff A. Saunders Fed- Mr. SOUDER, Ms. GRANGER, and Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. eral Building‘‘; to the Committee on Trans- CUNNINGHAM): By Ms. PRYCE of Ohio (for herself, Mr. portation and Infrastructure. H. Res. 95. A resolution expressing the ROEMER, Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. By Mr. KOLBE (for himself, Mr. PAS- sense of the House of Representatives that LATOURETTE, Mrs. KELLY, Ms. TOR, Mr. STUMP, Mr. SALMON, Mr. American families deserve tax relief; to the GRANGER, Mr. FROST, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. HAYWORTH, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. UDALL Committee on Ways and Means. HINCHEY, Mrs. CLAYTON, Mr. of Colorado, and Mr. UDALL of New By Mr. TRAFICANT: CUMMINGS, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. WALSH, Mexico): H. Res. 96. A resolution amending the Ms. NORTON, Mr. CLEMENT, Mr. KING H. Con. Res. 40. Concurrent resolution hon- Rules of the House of Representatives to re- of New York, Mr. VENTO, Ms. oring Morris King Udall, former United quire a two-thirds vote on any bill or joint LOFGREN, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. PAUL, States Representative from Arizona, and ex- resolution that either authorizes the Presi- Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mrs. JONES tending the condolences of the Congress on dent to enter into a trade agreement that is of Ohio, Mr. SANDLIN, Mr. DEFAZIO, his death; to the Committee on House Ad- implemented pursuant to fast-track proce- and Mr. FORBES): ministration. dures or that implements a trade agreement March 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H957

pursuant to such procedures; to the Commit- BURR of North Carolina, Mr. CAMP, Mr. BASS, H.R. 566: Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. tee on Rules. Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island, Mrs. CAPPS, DIXON, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. f Mr. TANNER, Ms. DANNER, Mr. UPTON, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, and Mr. INSLEE. HAYES, Mr. LEWIS of California, Mr. DICKS, H.R. 568: Mr. PAYNE. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Mr. WOLF, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. SMITH of Wash- H.R. 571: Mr. FORBES. ington, and Mr. SNYDER. H.R. 600: Mr. GARY MILLER of California, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 184: Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. DELAY, were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 212: Mr. METCALF, Mr. LAHOOD, and Mr. SOUDER, Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. PETERSON of tions as follows: Mr. SMITH of Washington. Pennsylvania, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. ICA ING H.R. 8: Mr. HERGER, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. H.R. 220: Ms. LOFGREN. M , and Mr. K of New York. H.R. 655: Mr. LAMPSON and Ms. KAPTUR. HAYWORTH, Mr. ENGLISH, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. H.R. 224: Mr. ISTOOK. H.R. 274: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. BORSKI, and H.R. 659: Mr. FROST, Mr. NEAL of Massa- TALENT, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. GREEN of Texas. chusetts, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, and Mr. EHR- Mr. FOLEY, Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. DREIER, Mr. H.R. 275: Mr. SAXTON. LICH. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. GOODE, Mr. WICKER, Mr. H.R. 303: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. WYNN, Mr. H.R. 683: Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. SHAW, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. NETHERCUTT, Ms. SHERMAN, Mr. METCALF, Mr. SAXTON, Ms. CLYBURN, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Ms. DANNER, Mr. MCCOLLUM, Mrs. EMERSON, Mr. DUNN, and Mr. ANDREWS. NORTON, Mr. GOSS, Mrs. MORELLA, Mrs. WATTS of Oklahoma, Mr. CONDIT, Mr. ROYCE, H.R. 306: Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. BACHUS, Ms. JONES of Ohio, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Ms. Mr. SCHAFFER, Mr. NEY, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, BROWN of Florida, Mr. BROWN of California, BROWN of Florida, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. FORD, Mrs. Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. FORBES, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. DANNER, Mr. CLAYTON, Mr. BISHOP, Mr. DIXON, Ms. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington, Mr. MANZULLO, FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. HALL of Ohio, Mr. LOFGREN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mrs. Mr. CRANE, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. REYNOLDS, MALONEY of Connecticut, Mrs. MCCARTHY of THURMAN, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. JOHN, Mr. SALMON, Mr. New York, Mr. MOAKLEY, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. FILNER. DICKEY, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. BARCIA, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. RIVERS, Mr. ROE- H.R. 685: Mr. HERGER. CHAMBLISS, Mr. HEFLEY, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. MER, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SABO, and Mr. WEXLER. H.R. 732: Mr. PORTER, Mr. PRICE of North LAHOOD, Mr. KASICH, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. H.R. 315: Mr. BROWN of California and Mr. Carolina, Mr. MOORE, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. HOSTETTLER, Mr. CALLAHAN, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. SCOTT. LOFGREN, Mr. UPTON, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. QUINN, BISHOP, Mr. SKEEN, Mrs. CHENOWETH, Mr. H.R. 325: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. SHERMAN, Mrs. MINK of Ha- LUCAS of Kentucky, Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. HOEFFEL, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. PASTOR, waii, Mr. DOYLE, and Mr. HOLT. BILBRAY, Mr. PACKARD, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. Mr. PHELPS, Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO´ , Ms. H.R. 745: Mr. WHITFIELD. WELLER, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. MILLER of Flor- VELAZQUEZ, and Mr. WISE. H.R. 746: Mr. FROST, Mr. SANDLIN, and Mr. ida, Mrs. BONO, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON H.R. 346: Mr. MANZULLO. BROWN of Ohio. of Texas, Mrs. NORTHUP, Mr. COOK, Mr. H.R. 347: Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania and H.R. 749: Mr. SAXTON, Mr. DEMINT, and Mr. DEMINT, Mr. COBLE, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. Mr. NORWOOD. UNDERWOOD. WATKINS, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. GARY MIL- H.R. 351: Mr. ROGERS, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. H.R. 750: Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut, Mr. LER of California, Mr. GORDON, Mr. FRANKS WAMP, Mr. SUNUNU, Mr. UPTON, Mr. CAMP- BARRETT of Wisconsin, and Mr. BLUMENAUER. of New Jersey, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. WALDEN of BELL, Mr. NEY, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, and H.R. 760: Mr. BROWN of California, Mr. Oregon, Mr. KOLBE, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. BARTON of Texas. ROHRABACHER, Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin, and Mr. RILEY, Mr. JENKINS, Mr. WOLF, Mr. H.R. 352: Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, Mr. Mr. EHLERS. PEASE, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. GOSS, Mr. YOUNG GARY MILLER of California, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. H.R. 762: Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. of Alaska, Mr. LEWIS of California, Mr. TERRY, and Mr. SKELTON. GEJDENSON, Mr. FROST, Mr. ROMERO- PHELPS, Mr. PITTS, Mr. MCINNIS, Mr. H.R. 355: Mr. BARCIA, Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mrs. BARCELO, Mrs. CLAYTON, Mr. HALL of Ohio, METCALF, Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma, Mr. CLAYTON, Ms. DANNER, and Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. UPTON, KUYKENDALL, Mr. OSE, Mr. HILL of Montana, H.R. 357: Ms. RIVERS and Mr. COYNE. Mr. STARK, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. COLLINS, Mr. COX, Mr. H.R. 371: Mr. SABO. Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. H.R. 372: Mr. PALLONE, Mr. SANDLIN, and SANDLIN, Mr. DIXON, Mr. FORD, Ms. HULSHOF, Mr. HAYES, Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. BRY- Mr. MARTINEZ. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. ANT, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. CLEMENT, Ms. H.R. 393: Mr. WAXMAN. TOWNS, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. FRANK of Massa- LOFGREN, Mr. RADANOVICH, Mr. GIBBONS, Mr. H.R. 403: Mr. BEREUTER, Ms. STABENOW, chusetts, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. WEXLER, FLETCHER, Mr. WAMP, Mr. PETERSON of Penn- and Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. RANGEL, Mr. FOLEY, Mr. WYNN, Mr. sylvania, Mr. LINDER, Mr. ARMEY, Mr. H.R. 410: Mr. GEJDENSON, Mr. WALSH, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. LEWIS MCKEON, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. EWING, Mr. BAR- FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. STARK, and Mr. of Georgia, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. MCHUGH, RETT of Nebraska, and Mr. KNOLLENBERG. PALLONE. Mr. BENTSEN, Mr. HAYWORTH, Ms. KAPTUR, H.R. 14: Mr. KING of New York, Mr. TIAHRT, H.R. 417: Mr. FILNER and Mr. LARSON. Mr. BISHOP, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. NADLER, and Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. HAYWORTH, Mrs. H.R. 430: Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. Mr. COYNE. MYRICK, and Mr. TALENT. SHIMKUS, Mr. INSLEE, and Mr. MCKEON. H.R. 783: Mr. SHOWS, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, H.R. 25: Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. H.R. 443: Mr. NADLER and Mr. PALLONE. Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. UNDERWOOD, and LAZIO, and Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 448: Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. BALDACCI. H.R. 27: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey and Mr. H.R. 461: Mr. SHOWS, Mr. WICKER, Mr. DEAL H.R. 786: Mr. HERGER. LUTHER. of Georgia, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. SHADEGG, H.R. 805: Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. KENNEDY of H.R. 44: Mr. OLVER, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. and Mr. BEREUTER. Rhode Island, Mr. SANDLIN, and Mr. TERRY, Mr. HYDE, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. ANDREWS, H.R. 472: Mr. TERRY. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. SPENCE. H.R. 483: Mr. HOUGHTON and Ms. PELOSI. H.R. 815: Mr. MICA, Mr. WALSH, Mr. KASICH, H.R. 45: Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. ED- H.R. 491: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma, Ms. DUNN, Mr. PE- WARDS, Mr. HILLIARD, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. Ms. KAPTUR. TERSON of Minnesota, and Mr. BONILLA. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. GOODE, Mrs. THURMAN, Mr. H.R. 492: Mr. TURNER. H.R. 832: Ms. STABENOW. COBLE, and Mr. WAMP. H.R. 502: Mr. WISE. H.R. 835: Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. CAPUANO, H.R. 46: Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania and H.R. 506: Mr. ENGEL, Mr. MICA, Mrs. MINK Mr. TERRY, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. LATHAM. of Hawaii, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. FRANKS of New and Mr. TURNER. H.R. 58: Mr. WEYGAND. Jersey, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. EVERETT, Mr. NEAL H.R. 845: Mr. SHOWS, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. H.R. 65: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. AN- of Massachusetts, and Mr. DUNCAN. PALLONE, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. FROST, DREWS, and Mr. SPENCE. H.R. 516: Mr. MANZULLO. and Ms. KILPATRICK. H.R. 82: Mrs. FOWLER, Mr. YOUNG of Alas- H.R. 528: Mr. CAMP, Mr. FOLEY, and Mr. H.R. 853: Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. CASTLE, ka, Mr. HALL of Ohio, Mr. WEXLER, and Mr. PAUL. Mr. ENGLISH, Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. HASTINGS UNDERWOOD. H.R. 534: Mr. GOODE. of Washington, Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut, H.R. 117: Mr. LARGENT. H.R. 540: Mr. HALL of Texas and Mr. LAZIO. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. REG- H.R. 142: Mr. STEARNS, Mr. ROMERO- H.R. 542: Mr. PETRI, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. ULA, Mr. SESSIONS, and Mr. SHAYS. BARCELO´ , Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. KLECZKA, Mrs. GUTIERREZ. H.R. 872: Ms. WOOLSEY and Mr. GREEN of MYRICK, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. ENGLISH, Mr. H.R. 550: Mr. BLILEY. Texas. WOLF, Mr. PETRI, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. GOOD- H.R. 552: Mr. METCALF, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. H.R. 884: Mr. LANTOS. LING, Mr. GOODE, and Mr. MCHUGH. ENGEL, Ms. LEE, Mr. LAMPSON, Mrs. CAPPS, H.R. 886: Mr. STARK and Mr. RUSH. H.R. 175: Mr. RAHALL, Mr. VENTO, Mr. NEY, Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- H.R. 894: Mr. PORTER and Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma, Mr. KANJORSKI, Ms. sissippi, Mr. WEINER, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mrs. H.R. 903: Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mrs. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon, Mr. CLAYTON, and Mr. HOSTETTLER. CHENOWETH, Mr. HANSEN, Mr. HASTERT, Ms. SANDLIN, Mr. MASCARA, Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. H.R. 561: Mr. PALLONE, Mr. STARK, Mrs. DUNN, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. ARMEY, Mr. DREIER, CHAMBLISS, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. CALLAHAN, Mr. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. Mr. OXLEY, Mrs. WILSON, Mr. LARGENT, Mr. RILEY, Mr. WYNN, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. BARRETT of WEINER, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. SCHAFFER, Mr. COMBEST, Mr. Nebraska, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. FORBES. POMBO, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. DEAL of H958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 3, 1999

Georgia, Mr. DELAY, Mr. CRANE, Mr. WOLF, FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. HYDE, Mr. WOLF, Mr. H. Res. 41: Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. BARR of Geor- Mr. DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. HOBSON, and Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. gia, Mr. BERMAN, and Mrs. MALONEY of New CHAMBLISS. CAPUANO, Mr. FORBES, and Mr. KUCINICH. York. H.R. 914: Mr. WALSH. H. Con. Res. 29: Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. DEMINT, H. Res. 55: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. LU- H.R. 935: Mr. FORBES. and Mrs. MYRICK. THER, and Mr. SCARBOROUGH. H.R. 941: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts and H. Con. Res. 31: Mr. INSLEE, Mr. ROEMER, H. Res. 82: Ms. NORTON. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. WOLF, and Mr. OLVER. H.J. Res. 2: Mr. GOODLATTE. H. Con. Res. 36: Mr. DEUTSCH and Mr. f H. Con. Res. 8: Mr. MANZULLO. CUNNINGHAM. H. Con. Res. 24: Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. KLINK, H. Res. 35: Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. OWENS, Mr. Mr. LEWIS of California, Mr. HILL of Mon- FORD, Ms. NORTON, Mr. KANJORSKI, Ms. LEE, DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM tana, Mr. SAWYER, Mr. REYES, Mrs. MALONEY Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. ROE- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS of New York, Mr. LARSON, Mr. CLEMENT, Mr. MER, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Ms. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, PORTMAN, Ms. PELOSI, and Mr. HOSTETTLER. were deleted from public bills and reso- H. Con. Res. 25: Mr. DEFAZIO. Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. H. Con. Res. 28: Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. KING of UPTON, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. PORTER, and Mr. lutions as follows: New York, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. ROTHMAN. H.R. 41: Mr. LINDER.