24114 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTS continue operating while we negotiate our dif- TRIBUTE TO QUENTIN ALEXANDER DOWN, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ferences over spending priorities. If not, Con­ SHOULDN'T GET PAID gressional salaries should be first on the HON. Bill BAKER budget chopping block. OF CALIFORNIA HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN I urge my colleagues to join me in cospon­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ILLINOIS soring this legislation to make Members feel Thursday, September 7, 1995 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the pain that will be inflicted on others if the Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, we Thursday, September 7, 1995 Government shuts down. are all aware ,of the outstanding work the Boy Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, if the Govern­ Scouts of America [BSA] does in training fu­ ment closes, so should its pocketbook. Today, ture generations of leaders for our country, I am introducing legislation to cut off the pay­ and I can testify personally to the benefits of checks of Members of Congress if the Federal HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP Scouting in my own life. That's why it is a par­ Government shuts down because of budget DEDICATION IN FREMONT, CA ticular pleasure for me to recognize my friend gridlock. Senator BOXER of California is intro­ Quentin Alexander today in the CONGRES­ ducing identical legislation in the Senate. SIONAL RECORD. Under Federal law, the House and the Sen­ HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK Quentin has been in professional Scouting ate must pass all appropriations bills by Octo­ OF CALIFORNIA for the past 38 years, during the last 21 of ber 1. If all the bills are not approved and a which he has served as the Scout executive in stop-gap measure is not enacted, the Federal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Mount Diablo-Silverado Council of the Government will be unable to make payments Thursday, September 7, 1995 BSA in my home region in the East Bay of or meet its obligations. Such a "train wreck" San Francisco. Under his stellar leadership, could result in a shutdown of certain Federal Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like the Mount Diablo-Silverado Council now operations. to join my constituents in the celebration of the serves as the facilitating organization for Too many politicians on Capitol Hill are talk­ completion of the modernization of the Cen­ 18,000 Scouts every year. The Council En­ ing about a "train wreck" as if we're dealing tury Village Apartments, a 100-unit apartment dowment Fund has been substantially en­ with toy trains. A shutdown of the Federal complex in the city of Fremont. larged under Quentin's careful stewardship, Government is a serious matter, and Members and the new Scout Service Center will offer of Congress should take it seriously. This complex was recently acquired and quality Scouting services for decades to come. The bill I am introducing is simple-if we renovated by the Mid-Peninsula Housing Coa­ Quentin and his gracious wife Nancy plan to don't finish the job, we don't get paid. The bill lition, a nonprofit housing developer, with fi­ remain in our mutual hometown of Danville has three simple provisions. nancing assistance provided by the city of Fre­ after Quentin leaves the Mount Diablo­ First, Members would not receive basic pay mont and its redevelopment agency. Silverado Council and look forward to staying for any period in which there is a lapse in ap­ Ten apartments at the Century Village are active in church and community affairs. While propriations for any Federal agency or depart­ reserved for participants in the Housing Schol­ Scouting will miss Quentin's active participa­ ment as a result of a failure to enact a regular tion, I look forward to benefiting from Quen­ appropriations bill or continuing resolution. arship Program, whi,~h combines affordable housing, job training, child care, and other tin's sage counsel and deep concern for Second, Members would not receive basic America's youth for years to come. It is an supportive services, to enable participants to pay for any period in which the Federal Gov­ honor for me to applaud Quentin's splendid obtain full-time employment and achieve eco­ ernment is unable to make payments or meet service to our Nation's young people, and to obligations because the public debt limit has nomic self-sufficiency. Through donated units extend my best wishes to him, Nancy, and been reached. and units required through financing agree­ their loved ones for all the days ahead. Third, no pay forfeited under this measure ments to be reserved for housing scholar­ could be paid retroactively. ships, the program is helping people who are A Government shutdown is not child's play. helping themselves during a critical period in MEDICARE CUTS If a "train wreck" occurs, it will disrupt the their lives. lives of millions of Americans. HON. PATRICIA SCHROEDER Even if so-called essential services are con­ To date, a total of 70 housing scholarships have been provided to families who are in job OF COLORADO tinued, many people will be affected by the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shutdown of Federal offices. Let me give a training. Over 90 percent of the housing schol­ few examples. arship recipients have successfully completed Thursday, September 7, 1995 The small business owner looking for a Fed­ job training. Housing Scholarship Program Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, over the · erally-assisted loan or technical assistance graduates are developing new leadership skills August recess, I went around my city of Den­ may be told to put his business plans on hold and becoming valuable assets to the program ver-from hospitals to neighborhoods-to talk until the shutdown ends. and the community. Graduates have testified about the proposed Republican Medicare cuts The senior citizen trying to apply for Social before the city council about the need for addi­ and know it will affect people's lives and Security benefits may have to delay her retire­ tional housing units. Graduates also serve as health. ment because her application can't be proc- mentors for new job training participants. In Denver, we have many teaching hos­ essed. · pitals-some of the best health care facilities Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I come before you The farmer looking for advice from the Soil in the country. They are also a good health Conservation Service may find the office today celebrating with my constituents the care deal for the American public. closed and no one answering the telephones. success of the Housing Scholarship Program In teaching hospitals, doctors get their train­ These disruptions are not necessary. It's our and the completion of the Century Village ing, hospitals get qualified personnel, and the responsibility to avoid a "train wreck" while Apartments. I hope all my colleagues will join public gets access to some of the best health Congress and the President debate the broad­ in congratulating the city of Fremont and the care possible. er spending priorities over which we differ. We Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition for their con­ Now teaching hospitals are going to take ought to be able to allow the Government to tribution to their community. Republican Medicare cuts on the chin. Cuts in

e This "bullet" symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24115 Medicare will force teaching hospitals to re­ the Golden Anchor Award, the Maritime War­ A PROCLAMATION HONORING duce the number of medical trainees they can fare Excellence Award, the Engineering/Sur­ DAVID LEE ELLIOT employ-medical residents who regularly work vivability Award, the Logistics Management 80 hours a week, doctors trained with the Excellence Award, and the Meritorious Unit HON. ROBERT W. NEY most up-to-date technology and curricula. Commendation for her performance during her OF OHIO In my district, St. Joseph Hospital employs 1992-93 Mediterranean deployment. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 100 residents. Cuts in Medicare will reduce During its commissioning ceremony, then Thursday, September 7, 1995 the reimbursement St. Joseph's gets to em­ Santa Barbara Mayor Gerald Firestone offered Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the fol­ ploy medical residents, an annual loss of $1.4 the U.S.S. Santa Barbara a safe port and lowing article to my colleagues: million that the hospital will have to make up hearty welcome if the ship would ever visit the from somewhere else in the budget. west coast. On behalf of the people of the 22d Whereas, Mr. David Lee Elliot of Zanes­ ville, Ohio sacrificed his life on Sunday, July Under the Republican Medicare cut scenario Congressional District, I would like to say that everyone loses: the doctors, the hospitals, and 23, 1995; and, 25 years later that the welcome would be Whereas, Mr. David Lee Elliot attempted most of all, the public. heartier than ever and the port safe as always. to make his neighborhood a better place to live by protecting his property; and, Whereas, Mr. David Lee Elliot was an out­ BOTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NA- standing and law abiding citizen of Zanes­ TIONAL POLISH ALLIANCE COMMENDING NATO FOR RETALIA- ville, Ohio; and, GROUP NO. 1837 TION AGAINST BOSNIAN SERB Whereas, Zanesville, Ohio is a better place to live because of the courageous action that AGGRESSION Mr. David Lee Elliot undertook; and, HON. JERRY WEllER Whereas, the residents of Zanesville and OF ILLINOIS the surrounding areas of Ohio will greatly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. GEORGEP.RADANOVICH miss such an exceptional person. Thursday, September 7, 1995 OF CALIFORNIA Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I would IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LONG ISLAND FIREFIGHTERS like to honor the 80th anniversary of the Polish DESERVE OUR GRATITUDE National Alliance Group No. 1837. Formed on Thursday, September 7, 1995 August 22, 1915, the group had 13 original Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would HON. RICK LAZIO charter members. The first was President like to commend NATO for finally exhibiting re­ OF NEW YORK Theodore Babicki and Vice President Thomas solve by retaliating against Bosnian Serb ag­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ki en. gression. I cannot help but wonder if such ac­ Originally, the group was all male. However, Thursday, September 7, 1995 tions against the Serbs early in the conflict on September 1, 1942, 35 woman joined the Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise would not have significantly altered the current PNA and has flourished to its current member­ to salute Long Island's brave men and women dismal situation. The lives of peacekeepers ship of 70. volunteer firefighters for risking their lives to could have been saved, civilian suffering could The Polish National Alliance assists reli­ battle and extinguish two raging brush fires in have been lessened, United Nations credibility gious, charitable, and military organizations, Rocky Point and Westhampton, NY during the could have been salvaged. Three and a half and the shut-in and ailing. The local PNA has week of August 21. We owe a special debt to years is far too long a period of time for such contributed to many worthwhile organizations: these courageous firefighters for their out­ atrocities to go unpunished. Unfortunately, 37 Morris Hospital, the Paderewski Foundation in standing efforts in safeguarding the lives and more lives needed to be sacrificed before ap­ Pennsylvania, the National Vietnam War Me­ properties of these East End communities. propriate steps were taken against the morial in Washington, DC, local Special Olym­ Volunteer firefighters from many commu­ Bosnian Serbs. But, we must not dwell on the pics. nities answered the call to duty. For the most past, instead we must look forward to the fu­ Clearly, the dedication and sincere efforts part, they came from Suffolk and Nassau ture and hope that the United Nations and by the local PNA has benefited Grundy Coun­ Counties on Long Island to battle enormous NATO continue not to allow Serb attacks on ty and other worthwhile projects. The cause windswept brush fires that affected approxi­ noncombatants in designated safe areas to go and hard work by the PNA is appreciated by mately 3,000 woodland acres in Rocky Point . unchecked. I must urge the administration to all who have been touched by their kindness. and 6,000 acres in Westhampton. What is continue in the direction that it has taken, and Congratulations PNA and best wishes for truly amazing is the fires, although devastating again reiterate the need to lift the arms embar­ many years to come. to eastern Long Island's precious pine go against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Diplo­ barrens, were contained and controlled without matic success depends on the credible use of loss of life. TRIBUTE TO THE U.S.S. "SANTA force. After fighting a swift-moving brush fire in BARBARA'' Rocky Point, Long Island's firefighters, with lit­ tle rest, once again became the first line of de­ fense and confronted the searing blaze raging HON. ANDREA H. SEASTRAND TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO H.R. in Westhampton. They demonstrated that they OF CALIFORNIA 1213 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES can always be counted on to respond quickly in emergency situations, even if it means put­ Thursday, September 7, 1995 ting their lives in jeopardy. Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Chairman, I rise HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK Long Island's volunteers risked their lives today to pay tribute to a U.S. Navy vessel that OF CALIFORNIA under extreme conditions and carried out their is celebrating its 25th year of distinguished IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES firefighting duties with honor and distinction. service. Like the beautiful city in the district I While the fires did not directly touch my west­ represent, the AE28-class ship proudly bares Thursday, September 7, 1995 ern Suffolk County congressional district­ the name of the third century martyr Santa New York's 2d District-volunteers from every Barbara-the protector against lightning, thun­ Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I am today intro­ fire department in my district responded to the der, and flame. Since being commissioned in ducing an updated version of H.R. 1213, with need. They are true professionals who never 1970 the U.S.S. Santa Barbara has earned a a prospective effective date. waver in answering the call to protect Long Is­ reputation as the Atlantic Fleet's finest, fast-at­ The bill relates to real property sales of S land's communities from harm. Their dedica­ tack AE. The distinctions and honors be­ corporations. It is my understanding that if the tion to duty is an outstanding reflection of the stowed upon her include three Battle Effi­ legislation has a prospective effective date, communities they serve. ciency "E" Awards won in 1979, 1989, and Treasury will have no objection to the pro­ While Long Island's brave volunteer fire­ 1993. Other honors she has received include posal. fighters can never be repaid for their devotion 24116 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 to duty, we can and should acknowledge their church, Don was a pioneer and active mem­ ices Need Government Help", the article was commitment by our continued support of their ber. written by Mr. Pierre Blaine, a St. Louis tele­ firefighting efforts. They performed well above So, today we salute a man who spent his vision producer, and appeared in the August and beyond the call of duty. lifetime overcoming the odds; of working hard 25, 1995 edition of the St. Louis Post-Dis­ Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Long Island's and contributing to the betterment of his fellow patch. firefighters and especially proud of those from man. To Betty, his beloved wife of over 49 SOCIAL SERVICES NEED GOVERNMENT HELP New York's 2d Congressional District. I hope years, and to his son, John, of whom he was (By Pierre Blaine) my colleagues will join me in applauding each immensely proud, Don leaves a rich legacy As the legislation steeming from the GOP's and every one of them for carrying out their and a name associated with honor. Contract With America cuts the federal gov­ work with unflinching resolve. Their sacrifices We will miss you, Don. ernment's ability to provide social services, have earned them our deepest gratitude. let us remember that the strength of the U.S. economy is in its mixed-economy fea­ SIMON KONOVER RECEIVES THE tures-a private market system with social IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONALD NEW LIFE A WARD welfare components. Traditionally, govern­ ment has been a major partner with non­ CRESSMAN- U.S. VETERAN profit organizations in delivering social serv­ HON. BARBARA B. KENNEI!Y ices to Americans. The private sector cannot HON. MICHAEL BIURAKIS OF CONNECTICUT pick up the slack of government retrench­ ment in many social areas. OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The government developed partnerships IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, September 7, 1995 with nonprofit organizations to help it carry Thursday, September 7, 1995 out welfare-state functions and deliver social Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today welfare services. In fact, the government has Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on September to pay tribute to the remarkable life of a re­ been the major source of nonprofit-independ­ 4, 1995, in gatherings throughout our Nation, markable man, my constituent, Simon ent sector funding. The evolution of vol­ Americans paused to commemorate the 50th Konover. He will be honored on September 8 untary associations has enabled the federal anniversary of the end of World War II. Sadly, with a ceremony at the Holocaust Museum government to use nonprofit organizations September 4, 1995, also marked the passing and the presentation of the New Life Award. to decentralize the carrying out of public of a veteran of that war-an American patriot Simon Konover is a survivor of the labor functions for the common good. The govern­ ment has already begun giving subsidies di­ who loved his family, his country, and his camps of World War II and the battle of Stalin­ rectly to nonprofit organizations to provide community. It is that man, a good friend, Don­ grad. Yet after enduring the worst that human­ services. ald Cressman, for whom I rise today to pay ity can do, he came to the United States and All the talk about vouchers to be given di­ tribute. created a new life-one dedicated to the best rectly to consumers for them to purchase Last year I had the privilege of honoring that humanity can do. His service to Connecti­ goods and services directly is a result of Don for 50 years of membership in the Amer­ cut's Jewish community and to the city of budget-deficit planning. The budget deficit ican Legion-he had joined in 1944. Don's has already cut the funding available to non­ Hartford are all but legendary. Simon Konover profit organizations. Reduced support from story, like that of so many of our fellow veter­ has served as chairman of the Jewish Federa­ the federal government has already pushed ans, is the story of America's greatness. One tion of Greater Hartford, the Greater Hartford nonprofit organizations into the commercial of nine children, Don was raised by his grand­ Israel Bond Campaign, and the Connecticut market for income. father on a farm at the foot of the Pennsylva­ Society for Yad Vashem. He is an Honorary The movement toward privatizing some nia Poconos. From his grandfather he learned Life Member of the Greater Hartford Jewish government services began during the presi­ lessons of discipline and perseverance that Community Center and the Hebrew Home and dencies of Ronald Reagan and George Bush. would help him overcome great hardships This philosophy advocated the use of vouch­ Hospital, and also serves on the boards of ers to compel users to seek alternative pri­ throughout his life. Most important, he learned Mount Sinai Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and vate-sector markets to traditional govern­ to walk despite having contracted polio at 5 the Institute for Living. There is probably not a ment help. But even Reagan's commission, years of age. In fact, he walked well enough civic organization in Hartford or in the State of the President's Task Force on Private Sector to pass his entrance physical into the U.S. Connecticut that has not been assisted by Initiatives, concluded in 1981 that it would Army and into combat duty. Following the war, Simon Konover. be impossible for the private sector to pick he had to learn how to walk again because of It is particularly fitting that Simon will receive up the slack in government retrenchment. a war injury which had put him in a body cast. furthermore, in 1992, corporations contrib­ this award at the Holocaust Museum, since he uted only 6 percent of the total amount of Don also learned to work hard, whether it has worked tirelessly for its creation. In doing charitable giving in the United States. The was as a member of the Civilian Conservation so, he has given us a precious gift-the gift of increases in the demand for social services Corps, which he joined at 17, or working on memory. In this 50th anniversary year of the continue to be out of proportion to the the hot beds of Bethlehem Steel, or going to liberation of Europe, I am proud to join with Si­ money available to nonprofit organizations. night school on the GI bill following his tour of mon's wife, Doris, his children, Jane, Michael, Nonprofit organizations are unlikely to be duty, or working as a realtor throughout his re­ and Steven, and his hundreds of friends and able to compensate for the current reduc­ tirement years. tions in federal funds. admirers to pledge that we will never forget. Over the past 18 years, the largest percent­ He had also learned to give. Each thinking age of cuts in the federal budget has been in person comes to a point in life when they real­ the discretionary grants to states and local ize they owe a debt of gratitude to a nation SOCIAL SERVICES NEED governments, but the increase in the demand that's provided them with the freedom and op­ GOVERNMENT HELP for social services still compels the nonprofit portunity to succeed. But, since those free­ sector to respond. Likewise, the projected doms were secured by our veterans, haven't HON. WILUAM (Bill) CLAY cuts in revenue for nonprofit organizations is disproportionate to the amount of the fed­ they already done more than their share? So OF MISSOURI often, however, it is our veterans who continue eral budget it consumes. Ironically, this re­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trenchment of federal dollars comes when to give generously of their lives to build and Thursday, September 7, 1995 the private sector is downsizing through lay­ strengthen their community. Don was such a offs, mergers, reorganizations and transfer of man. Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, some of our col­ work to other countries. If the United States He was a founding member of the Dunedin leagues are promoting the privatization of so­ has a recession because of high interest American Legion in 1958 and served many cial programs as a way to reduce the deficit. rates, it will cause further demands for serv­ years as a service officer. He was also an ac­ They contend that nonprofit organizations like ices by nonprofit organizations. tive member of the Dunedin VFW . and the churches have the millions of dollars nec­ Nonprofit organizations have been increas­ ing fees, donations, user fees and fund-rais­ DAV. He was a charter member of the Dun­ essary to provide education, housing, and ing. But those alternatives don't replace fed­ edin Elks; served as the first president of the health care services, to name a few. I would eral dollars; they have traditionally been ef­ Knights of Columbus; was a past president of like to share with those members a com­ fective only in supplementing a declining the Dunedin Board of Realtors and of the mentary that thoroughly discusses the infeasi­ base from the federal government. The pri­ Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. Even in his bility of their proposition. Entitled "Social Serv- vate sector has become more involved, but it September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24117 is naive to think that the corporate sector is HEALTH INSURANCE HORROR As a representative of our country, I plead going to continue to increase giving at levels STORY FROM TEXAS with you to take note of the health care needed to fill the gap caused by government problem and act on what is happening. We retrenchment. cannot keep on much longer the way things Corporate social responsibility depends on HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK are now. If something is not done soon, only the health of the economy as a whole. The OF CALIFORNIA the rich and the poor (those on disability or business of business is business, and the con­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES very low income supplemented by our gov­ tinued evolution of corporate involvement is Thursday, September 7, 1995 ernment) will be able to receive medical tied to the ability to make a profit over long care. What will happen to the middle class periods. The lack of resources to respond to Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, over the years, worker that has no company benefits? increased demand leads to doubt about I've entered a number of letters from fellow Respectfully, whether private organizations can continue citizens detailing the outrageous failures of our FRANCES R. CARA WAN , to provide adequate services. Private giving current health insurance system. Aransas Pass , TX. is projected to have to increase by 95 percent I'd like to share with you a letter from the between now and 2002 to fill the gap of fed­ Carawan's of Aransas Pass, TX, which details eral partnership with nonprofit organiza­ the crushing increase in health insurance pre­ EXPERIENCES AND IMPRESSIONS tions. Voluntary associations are a unique miums for a family which has had health prob­ OF ISRAEL phenomenon in American culture that have had a long affiliation with government in lems but which has incurred little health ex­ providing social services. pense in the last few years. Clearly, their in­ HON. MICHAEL P. FORBF.S Nonprofit organizations provide services surance company wants to force them into OF NEW YORK giving up their policy-but with no protection including health care, food pantries, social IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES welfare, housing, economic development and against pre-existing condition exclusions, the education. The services they provide are not Carawan's have no where to turn. Thursday, September 7, 1995 a statistical aberration; they represent help Their family policy started 8 years ago at Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to real faces. Can we afford a contract with $3,096 a year with a deductible of $2,000. It America without them? to join other Members of the House of Rep­ is now $3,645.90 a quarter with a $3,000 de­ resentatives on a tour of Israel during the Au­ ductible. gust recess. Attached is an account of my ex­ GUARDCARE: A TRAINING Mr. Speaker, I regret we did not pass H.R. periences and impressions of Israel while visit­ 3600 last year. It would have required the kind PROGRAM ON TARGET ing the country. of open enrollment, no-pre-existing condition, [From the Jewish World, Sept. 1-7, 1995) community-rated policies which would save HON. PATRICIA SCHROEDER the Carawan's and millions of other Americans CAN ISRAEL ACHIEVE STABLE PEACE AMONG OF COLORADO ENEMIES?- FACT-FINDING TRIP UNCOVERS from being priced-out of the insurance market. SOME ANSWERS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Following is their moving letter on why we so (By Michael P. Forbes) Thursday, September 7, 1995 desperately need health insurance reform: DEAR CONGRESSMAN: Today we received no­ News of the suicide bombing on a Jerusa­ Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, one of the tice that our health insurance was going to lem city bus came over the radio early Mon­ smartest uses of Federal resources is the Col­ be increased by 30% on July 1, 1995. In Janu­ day morning. Fifteen members of the United orado National Guard's free clinic for Denver's ary, 1994, our quarterly premiums for my States Congress, including myself, and our medically underserved. The clinic, a National husband and I for a $3,000.00 deductible were guests, were traveling at the time from Kib­ butz Nof Ginosser on the Sea of Galilee to Guard GuardCare program, was set up in the $1,770.00. The quarterly premium on July 1, 1995 for the same coverage will be $3,645.90 or the Golan Heights up north. My heart broke baseball stadium and served 640 people in as I heard the updates: four people dead, 106 the first 4 days. $14,583.60 a year. Eight years ago when we purchased this plan for our family the pre­ wounded; the culprit thought to be a woman GuardCare is a civil-military program de­ miums were $2q8.00 quarterly or $3,096.00 a suicide-bomber who carried a pipe bomb in signed to provide military training while bene­ year. (Note the deductible at that time was her bag. American Joan Davenny, 47 , of Con­ fiting the local community. In Denver, 1,633 $2,000 and has been increased not by our necticut, in Israel to visit her parents and people who otherwise would not have access choice to $3,000.00). I have spoken to my in­ take up Jewish studies at Hebrew Univer­ to medical treatment benefited. Across the surance carrier and they claim the large in­ sity, was among the innocent killed. crease is due to the high loss ratio in the Hamas, the Islamic fundamentalist terror­ State it will serve 5,000 people in need of ist group, claimed responsibility on Damas­ care. The program involved the whole commu­ group we are in. Since January, 1994, my hus­ band and I have paid in a total of $12,641.00 in cus Radio and promised similar attacks nity. With the help of U.S. West, it incor­ premium and had a total of $584.10 in claims. through the November 1996 Israeli elections. porated high tech telemedicine techniques that The stress from this impossible increase Their goal is to force Prime Minister enabled the National Guard field hospital to will surely increase our chances of recurring Yitzhak Rabin out of office because, they talk to Denver General Hospital via television illness. My husband and I both have had can­ say, he has declared war against Islam. A monitor. Denver General provided needed cer and we know what a financial strain a se­ growing number of Israelis blame Rabin and medical information. rious illness can cause with health insurance his peace endeavors for inspiring frequent at­ tacks and Hamas apparently sees oppor­ The National Guard provided the personnel, coverage and we can't imagine how we could handle such a situation without any protec­ tunity in the deepening fissures of Rabin's the tents, and the medical equipment. For the tion. We also realize that we cannot qualify popularity resulting from each of the atroc­ National Guard it was an ideal training oppor­ for another plan even though it has been ities. All the while, some suggest the region tunity in field medicine that allowed them to over six years since either of us have been is on the threshold of a lasting peace; that treat the needy in their own community rather hospitalized. Do we pay the increased pre­ those enemies whose every breath was once than the needy in a foreign country. It is a win­ miums until we deplete all our financial re­ dedicated to the destruction of the state of win situation for all. sources or do we save the premi urns and try Israel are now her "partners in peace." But Unfortunately, this will be the last year for to self-insured knowing we could not pos­ I ask myself, why then is this happening? the National Guard's clinic in downtown Den­ sibly save enough for a possible needed heart In a hardworking, seven-day visit to Israel or liver transplant. There is not a simple an­ characterized by back-to-back meetings that ver, and in cities in the other 15 States that swer. ran from the early morning through working have implemented GuardCare programs. Be­ My husband who is age 55 and I, age 54, are lunches to well past midnight, we, members cause the National Security Committee, in both self-employed. I am an insurance agent of Congress and our guests, came to under­ their zeal to fund unneeded weapons systems, and my husband is a commercial shrimper. stand the difficulties Israel faces in this war­ zeroed out the budget for these useful and My husband is a veteran of the Vietnam war prone region and to learn firsthand more economically efficient National Guard training with 8 years service to our country. We have about her history and gain unique insights opportunities in the authorization bill. The goal always worked, paid our taxes, and tried to into the dynamics of her politics, economy of GuardCare was to accomplish mission-es­ be responsible Americans. We have always and daily life. tried to protect our family with insurance It serves this nation's interest to continue sential readiness while rebuilding America. coverage and have never asked for a free to support $3 billion in aid to Israel for secu­ Which part of this goal does the committee handout from our government. It is not fair rity and economic development. Six hundred find so unworthy of funding? I'll bet it is not at this time in our life to be faced with such thousand immigrants, largely Russian Jews, the readiness part. a dilemma from no fault of our own. have arrived in Israel since 1990. The United 24118 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 States has provided $80 million for refugee dome) and the supersonic F-14 Tomcat fight­ nerable and set the stage for the madman settlement and $10 million in loan guaran­ er. It was wonderful to meet some New York­ Hitler to march through Europe in the worst tees for housing. Five million dollars for a ers while on the carrier and to experience conflagration the modern world has ever joint U.S.-Israel scientific technology com­ this tremendous asset to the greatest Navy known. Clearly, a poignant example of what mission will further both nations' research in the world. turned out to be a " false peace." Netanyahu endeavors. Finally, efforts to provide a last­ In several dozen high level meetings with wondered whether the Arabs are genuinely ing peace in the Middle East have been bol­ policymakers, we took the opportunity to interested in a lasting peace and, if so, are stered by forgiving $275 million in debt owed get behind-the-scenes insights into a myriad there sufficient security conditions to hold a by Jordan and $100 million as the U.S. share of issues that impact on Israel's security, her peace? of multilateral economic assistance for the future, peace negotiations with the Palestin­ Syrian President Hafez el-Assad may pro­ Palestinians. ians, the Syrians and the status of her deal­ fess interest in a peace agreement that in­ I'm proud of this nation's support for Is­ ings with surrounding countries. As an ar­ cludes handing over the Golan Heights, but rael. Remembering the tragedy that oc­ dent supporter of Israel and a member of the it's fair to question the wisdom of surrender­ curred in Oklahoma City is convincing evi­ House Appropriations' Foreign Operations ing northern Israel's three highest hills that dence that, while the Cold War period in subcommittee, I very much wanted assur­ directly overlook Syria and, according to which we knew our enemies is over, the ances that Middle East policy decisions military commanders in the region, are a world faces a far greater threat from illogi­ made by the United States were not only critical line of defense to protecting Israel in cal, fanatical terrorist groups. Many have beneficial to my own country but also to the the event of another war. Prior to Israel's their origins in the Middle East and the best interests of our ally Israel. Over dinners success in 1967's Six-Day War, Syria occupied world has no better expert in dealing with with such luminaries as Prime Minister the area where it erected an impressive base terrorism than Israel. Our nation's invest­ Rabin, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and of operations. ment there is a good one. U.S. Ambassador Martin Indyk, we were as­ We saw several of those Syrian-built bunk­ sured Israel and her once-threatening neigh­ er installations during our visit to the Golan For me, this was a return visit to Ameri­ Heights and from those locations, developed ca's greatest ally in one of the world's most bors were moving like never before toward a clear impression of the tremendous vulner­ troubled regions and an opportunity to see an unprecedented peace. ability many Israeli communities must have what changes had taken place in the nine Where Israel was once isolated, treated experienced during the numerous times they years since I was last there. My ties to Zion­ like a pariah by its neighbors, today it has were under military attack with no fall back ism were nurtured in a visit to Israel in 1986 treaties with Egypt, Jordan and, if Prime position. Today, we're reminded of the re­ after uncovering a long forgotten family fact Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat have gion's significance with word that Syrian that my great-grandfather, Rabbi Max their way, before too long will have a treaty peace talks remain in limbo because they Moses, had emigrated to the United States in in place with the Palestinians. Ambassador refuse to reconsider a demand that Israel to­ the last 19th century from Esslingen, Ger­ Indyk is hopeful that the second phase of the tally withdraw from the Golan. many and is today buried in a New Orleans Oslo Accords will be signed in Washington The Samarian mountains above Jordan Jewish cemetery. soon. In making his pitch for Congress to offer a similar line of defense that provides On August 15, in a trip paid for with pri­ keep from undermining the peace negotia­ security to a peace and most importantly, vate funds, a delegation that included me, tions maintaining the U.S. commitments to deters war. We were told by Yossi Beilin, my friend from Long Island Congressman Israel (something about which this group Peres' former deputy at the Foreign Min­ Dan Frisa; fellow New Yorkers Congressman didn't need convincing) Indyk noted Israel is istry and now minister of Economy and De­ Bill Paxon and his wife, Congresswoman more than willing to bear the added costs of velopment, that there have been no terrorist Susan Molinari; House Republican Whip, putting an end to territorial hostilities. incidents or killings in the secured Golan Congressman Tom DeLay of Texas, and 10 He cited as an example, an " Oslo II" provi­ since taken by Israel in 1967. Ramona Bar other congressional colleagues and guests de­ sion that involves redeployment of Israeli Lev, coordinator of the Golan Residents parted for an exciting, information-packed military forces out of Judea and Samaria at Committee that is opposed to annexation of week of taking in and land and its people. a cost of $300 million. While telling us of his the area by Syria, reiterated that point. Starting at Mt. Scopus with a tour of the past advocacy of Jerusalem as the site of the Nonetheless, Netanyahu reminded us that, 3,000-year-old capital city of Jerusalem and a U.S. Embassy, a move I've been pushing in since 1993, 170 lives have been lost to terror­ meeting with Mayor Ehud Olmert, to the ad­ Washington, Indyk now chastises the Con­ ism, largely emanating from the Arab-domi­ ministered territories of Judea and Samaria gress on the question saying it has "no busi­ nated hotbed of Gaza, and the toll continues and a visit there to the settlement of ness" pre-empting negotiations with the Pal­ to rise. Ma'aleh Adunim with its 200 families, our estinians. If other hopes are realized, a once In an age of very sophisticated technology, sightseeing took us from the lowest point on impossible agreement with Syria might even AWACs (airborne warnirig and control sys­ earth (1,298 feet below sea level) at the Dead be in the offing. As Indyk put it, " ... this tems), early warning systems, satellite Sea to the heights of Masada and Golan. is the 'new Israel' . . . the state of siege has photos and radar, Israel's military com­ We explored below-ground excavations of been lifted." manders were surprisingly candid in telling the two and a half miles of walls that encir­ If it is indeed a new day, as officials of the us there is still no substitute for processing cle the Old City of Jerusalem and, on the eve prime minister's Labor party government re­ the highest mountaintops and observing the of the Sabbath stopped to pray at the West­ peatedly suggested, then why are so many Is­ movements of the enemy with one's eyes. ern Wall, site on an annual pilgrimage by raelis unhappy with Rabin and his proposed Airpower, missiles and selective strikes can Jews to mourn the destruction of Herod's terms of a peace agreement? This fact-find­ cause tremendous damage and distract the Temple Mount and their 2,000 years of exile. ing trip was one way I would learn more. enemy, but as we were reminded, the U.S. At the Israel Museum, we took in the Dead In drawing distinctions between himself liberated Kuawait and won the Gulf War Sea Scrolls exhibit and later stopped by the and Rabin, Binyamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, with its ground troops and ultimately it is highly-touted Israel Arts and Science Acad­ member of the Knesset and leader of the the ground troops that must move in and emy, where innovation programs for gifted Likud party, suggested he is for autonomy in take an area. In Israel's case, a longstanding and talented high school students are in the administered territories of Judea and Sa­ point was being sustained that her best de­ their fifth year. Our travels took us to the maria, not the creation of a Palestinian fense rests in keeping the strategically im­ holy sites of Bethlehem and Nazareth; to one state, and characterized the Rabin position portant mountains and hills. of the earliest synagogues, dating from the as advocating a Palestinian state there rath­ As possible terms of an Israel peace accord fourth century at Capernaum and to the er than autonomy. The Likud leader vehe­ are floated about and the potential for that Church of the Beatitudes, both at the nearby mently opposes any agreement with the Pal­ nation to shrink from 40-55 miles wide to a Sea of Galilee. estinians to surrender land that not only narrow enclave of just 9-15 miles wide, con­ We made a detour to the port of Haifa and possesses an historical legacy intertwined ventional thought about the strategic impor­ out into the Mediterranean to visit Amer­ with Zionism but is of strategic military im­ tance of land to Israel's security are chal­ ican Navy personnel on the USS Roosevelt. portance. Specifically referring to the PLO lenged. It's tough for outsiders like us to Home ported at Norfolk, Virginia, this mag­ (now referred to as the Palestinian Author­ fathom a new way of looking at Israel's de­ nificent aircraft carrier was commissioned in ity), Netanyahu questioned, " ... how do we fense, even when respected leaders of the 1986, saw duty in Operation Desert Storm achieve a stable peace among a sea of en­ Labor government shift their views and now and today continues to be a stabilizing force emies? say the best tactical approach is monitoring for peace in the Middle East. The nuclear­ He said distinctions must be made between actions at the Jordan-Saudi border 400 miles powered ship is home to some 80 aircraft and, a "true peace" and a "false peace," referenc­ away. for this Long Islander, it was with tremen­ ing the late 1930s when for "peace in our Our tour included a visit with Dr. Saeb dous pride that I spotted Grumman-built time," British Prime Minister Neville Cham­ Erekat, a highly-placed representative of the planes: the E-2C Hawkeyes (an early warning berlain agreed in the Munich Pact to trade Palestinian Authority in Jericho and a nego­ all-weather defensive plane with a rotating land for peace. This left Czechoslovakia vul- tiator in Eilat for Arafat. I found Erekat to September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24119 be more defensive than conciliatory when Natan Sharansky, whose struggle against a administration to work with the industry in ex­ questioned by our delegation. He was asked totalitarian regime put him in prison for panding voluntary restrictions as an alternative about speeches attributed to Arafat in which nine years. Sharansky's only crime was his to new and over-reaching regulations. he called for a continued jihad. According to practice of his religion and his growing com­ I have never met a tobacco farmer or ware­ Peace Watch, a newsletter monitoring the mitment he had to Zionism. He became an house employee who would want their chil­ peace process, in a January 1995 speech to icon in the struggle of Jews to leave for Is­ dren to smoke cigarettes. ·They want existing Palestinian laborers Arafat was quoted as rael-to make aliyah-and an international saying, "all of us are willing to be martyrs champion of human rights. He was sentenced laws enforced, and they want voluntary meas­ along the way, until our flag flies over Jeru­ to 400 days of isolation, in so-called punish­ ures to be given the chance to work. salem, the capital of Palestine. Let no one ment cells, conditions that compelled him to What they do not want is for the Federal think they can scare us with weapons, for we go more than 200 days on hunger strike. It Food and Drug Administration [FDA] to use le­ have mightier weapon&-the weapons of was an honor for me to meet the hero gitimate public concerns about teen smoking faith, the weapons of martyrdom, the weap­ Sharanksy who is now enjoying freedom as a as the pretext for asserting its enormous regu­ ons of jihad." resident of Israel. latory jurisdiction over tobacco products. Erekat dismissed that and a series of simi­ My most profound and emotional moments Mr. Speaker, this bill is simple and straight­ lar outrageous statements with a convoluted came during our visit to the Yad Vashem forward. It simply bars the FDA from proceed­ explanation that jihad actually has two Holocaust Museum, a permanent memorial meanings: one refers to "little jihad" as the to the millions of Jews who, for the nature of ing with any regulations governing the sale or holy war the PLO leader long advocated that their beliefs, were persecuted, suffered and marketing of tobacco products. Prohibiting the ends in the destruction of Israel; the other died at the hands of history's greatest men­ FDA from moving forward with these proposed refers to "big jihad" as massive economic, ace. Six million Jews died in all; 1.5 million regulations is not only consistent with existing social and educational changes he wants to were children. My friend, Congressman Jon law, it will send an important message to bring to the Palestinian people. It is the lat­ Fox of Philadelphia, and I had the honor of every other agency that attempts to issue reg­ ter, said Erekat, to which Arafat referred. placing a wreath at the Hall of Remem­ ulations without express authority from the When Israel's Labor party officials were brance. I will carry with me forever the vivid Congress. queried on the issue, they gave a similar an­ memory of the Children's Memorial, where a This controversy is not new. In the last Con­ soft but firm voice carefully read in Polish, swer. gress, and in the Congress before that, legis­ I attempted to get assurances from him German, English and Hebrew the names, that since they now have Gaza and Jericho ages and birthplaces of all those children lation was introduced in the House and Sen­ and Rabin's support (though no final agree­ known to be among the 1.5 million killed by ate to expand the FDA by creating a new reg­ ment) in their bid to control Judea and Sa­ the Nazis. ulatory category for tobacco products. Those maria, would those be enough concessions to Ours was an extraordinary fact-finding proposals were rejected. In fact, throughout get the Palestinians to drop their opposition mission. It has left an indelible impression this century, tobacco's opponents have under­ to a united Jerusalem within the state of Is­ on me to ensure a sustained American re­ stood that their best chance to ban tobacco is rael? He dismissed my question, saying that solve that forever stands by Israel, our dear­ to give unelected officials of the executive any final decision must await the last stage est friend and closest ally in democracy and freedom. From history's triumphs and trage­ branch regulatory authority over this product. of negotiations set to begin in May 1996. Time and again, such attempts have been re­ Congress will consider extending the Mid­ dies, we must learn so that mankind does dle East Peace Facilities Act (MEPFA) later not repeat the mistakes of the past. And, jected. this month. It permits a waiver of U.S. laws most importantly, we must never, ever for­ When Congress has enacted legislation prohibiting aid to terrorists and paid the get. dealing with tobacco, its delegation to the ex­ Palestinians $100 million upon signing the ecutive branch has been narrow and very spe­ peace agreement with Israel. Enough doubts cific. The FTC, for example, has carefully surrounded the Palestinians' willingness to PROHIBIT THE FDA AND HHS drawn duties with respect to assuring that the comply with the Oslo Accords that Congress FROM REGULATING THE SALE Surgeon General's warning are placed on granted only short term extension of the act. OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS cigarettes marketed domestically. What I've learned during this trip will weigh Furthermore, in enacting the Federal Ciga­ heavily as deliberations of NEPF A move rette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965, on to the House floor. HON. LF. PAYNE The problem of water in this largely arid OF VIRGINIA Congress declared that the act set up a "com­ region has profound implications for Israel IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES prehensive Federal program to deal with ciga­ rette labeling and advertising (15 U.S.C. and several attempts to understand the Thursday, September 7, 1995 Rabin government's position yielded few sub­ 1331)." This language suggests strongly that stantive answers. Israel is seriously depend­ Mr. PAYNE of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today actions not plainly authorized by the act are ent on its seasonal rainfall and three critical I am introducing legislation to prohibit the beyond the powers of the executive branch. It feeders into the national water system: Isra­ Food and Drug Administration [FDA] or any is difficult to understand how the FDA can pro­ el's only fresh body of water, Lake Kincret agent of the Department of Health and Human ceed with new restrictions on tobacco adver­ at the Golan, the coastal plain aquifer and a Services from regulating the sale or use of to­ tising in light of this language. mountain aquifer. The coastal plain is sub­ bacco products. The bill is in direct response Even the FDA has acknowledged its inability ject to salt and pollutants that reduce water to the proposed rule that the FDA announced quality, shifting an additional burden to the to regulate tobacco. Golan lake and mountain ridges of Judea and last month. Under the Agency's proposal, the Unable to achieve victory in the halls of Samaria for an adequate supply of water and FDA would assume broad new powers over Congress, tobacco's opponents are now rely­ making it the most important long-term tobacco advertising, marketing, and use­ ing on the administrative powers of the execu­ source for the national water system. powers which Congress has steadfastly re­ tive branch to assert this new and potentially The fate of Israel's water supply would be fused to grant to the Agency. far-reaching authority over tobacco. Tobacco's largely left to Arabs in the administered ter­ I am very pleased to be joined in introducing opponents may celebrate the administration's ritories if tenets of the peace agreement with this bill by Representatives BALLENGER, action on tobacco right now, but they may rue the Palestinians are realized. I remain BAESLER, BOUCHER, COBLE, ROGERS, HEFNER, the day when they allowed the executive unsatisfied with explanations offered for dealing with the dilemma, most notably that ROSE, SPRATI, Scon, BUNNING, FUNDERBURK, branch to establish. such a precedent. a triumvirate multination entity might gov­ JONES, GORDON, CLEMENT, CLYBURN, TAYLOR Just imagine the outcry of tobacco's most ern future administration of the region's of North Carolina, CHAMBLISS, and WARD. vociferous opponents if another President at water. The purpose of this bill is not to thwart legiti­ another time tries to use executive powers to In what can best be described as wonder­ mate efforts to curb youth smoking. Everyone circumvent the expressed will of Congress on fully fun moments, we celebrated a Shabbat knows that minors should not smoke ciga­ such matters as environmental safety, work­ dinner and spent a beautiful, cool, starry rettes or dip snuff. Reducing youth smoking is place protection, and gender equity. They night sailing on the Sea of Galilee in a rep­ a goal that is almost universally shared. All 50 would cry foul and they would have every right lica of "The Jesus Boat." Newly-emigrated States have enacted laws to prohibit youth Russian Jews entertained with their music to. as we danced the hora to the " Have smoking. And the tobacco industry itself has Beyond this important concern about the Nagilah." taken voluntary steps to eliminate the sale of FDA's legal jurisdiction to act, it is also clear I was especially moved also by a breakfast tobacco to minors. On several occasions this that the administration's proposal runs con­ meeting we had with former Soviet dissident year, I have actively encouraged the Clinton trary to the whole focus of government right 24120 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 now. Americans want less government, not Children, families are given the attention they beat him and burned him, and when he was more. I find it ironic that as many agencies are need to help them stay in good health. This 5 and his brother was 2, she dumped them downsized and eliminated completely, the ad­ group of caring medical professionals seeks both outside a child welfare office in Chi­ out children in need, recruits the medical per­ cago. ministration would seek to expand the scope They were adopted, but the new parents and mission of the Food and Drug Administra­ sonnel and provides loving support. The Heal­ grew fearful of Tony as he got older. They tion in this manner. Tobacco is already one of ing the Children medical teams share their said he was violent and emotionally unsta­ the most heavily regulated products in the knowledge with the host country's medical ble, that he hit his brother and other kids. United States. Regulation begins at the plant personnel, in hopes that one day these trips When he was 10, they dropped him at an or­ bed and runs well beyond the point of sale. will not be necessary. At both home and phanage and tried to make sure he'd never Finally, the FDA needs to re-order its prior­ abroad, Healing the Children also flies children see his brother again. ities and focus on those issues which Con­ to hospitals where they will receive the best The child welfare officials wouldn't let him gress has charged it with. We have all heard possible treatment for their ailment. stay at the orphanage. They put him in a fos­ ter home. But he lured some of the younger the reports of the FDA being unable to test Through the caring leadership of executive kids into sex games, and the foster parents and approve life saving drugs in a timely man­ director and founder Evelyn Dudziec, this or­ got rid of him. The officials put him in a psy­ ner. It is an agency that should get its own ganization has performed these important mis­ chiatric hospital, and after four months they house in order rather than trying to take on sions for more than a decade. Mrs. Dudziec placed him in another foster home. He set new projects in areas where it clearly lacks ju­ works out of a small office in her home in that one on fire, earning himself another trip risdiction. Kinnelon, NJ where she oversees the man­ to a hospital. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent more agement of Healing the Children. She is also He went through a dozen foster homes, than 5,000 tobacco growers. These hard-work­ a member of Concerned Persons for Adoption each time getting in trouble and getting kicked out. So they shipped him to a place in ing farmers and their families don't want chil­ and the Spina Bifida Parent Support Group. Arizona he describes as " a prison," and he dren to smoke. All they want is for Washington As a volunteer chairperson of the Fresh Air hated it. to treat them fairly. Fund of Northern New Jersey, a member of Finally, a year ago, he was sent to The FDA's proposed rulemaking is not fair. the Vietnamese Refugee Program and a host Maryville Academy, the 112-year-old chil­ It contradicts the plain intent of Congress and to 48 children through Healing the Children dren's home in Des Plaines, Illinois, run by is a thinly-veiled attempt to regulate and ulti­ since 1981, Evelyn opens her heart to those Father John Smyth '57. After a failed adop­ mately destroy domestic tobacco products. I less fortunate. Together with Sister Jane tion and a dozen foster homes and two psy­ urge my colleagues from both parties and Frances Brady, SC, they serve as a rare and chiatric hospitals and one " prison," he's fi­ nally, at age 16, found a place that won't from all regions of the country to join me in special reminder of what one person can ac­ kick him out or lock him up. He's not the sponsoring this important bill. complish in this small world. mayor of Maryville, but he's doing okay. When House Speaker Newt Gingrich raised the prospect of removing unwed teenage TRIBUTE TO SISTER JANE MARYVILLE ACADEMY-AN OASIS mothers from welfare and allowing states to FRANCES BRADY, SC OF HOPE FOR ORPHANS use the saved money to open orphanages, he stepped into a quietly raging war among HON. WIWAM J. MARTINI HON. HENRY J. HYDE those who make it their business to look after abused and neglected children. OF NEW JERSEY OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES When First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES slammed the Gingrich proposal as "unbeliev­ Thursday, September 7, 1995 Thursday, September 7, 1995 able and absurd," it appeared to be one more Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, policymakers have clash of partisan politics. Actually, the pub­ Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to been discussing the merits of orphanages lic was getting its first glimpse of that war take this opportunity to recognize an outstand­ within the concept of foster care and the need among child-care experts. ing individual who has dedicated her life to to restore the family in our society. Gingrich's suggestion that the naysayers serving others. Sister Jane Frances Brady, watch the 1938 movie Boys Town to get an R. Bruce Dold, the Pulitzer Prize winning idea of what he had in mind was cockeyed. SC, brings comfort to those she touches deputy editorial page editor for the Chicago through Healing the Children, a remarkable, Whitey Marsh, the mug-to-mayor character Tribune, has written an excellent article for played by Mickey Rooney, is as much like service-oriented organization committed to the Notre Dame magazine, summer 1995 edition Tony Kohl as The Great Train Robbery is donation of medical resources to those who on Maryville, a "home of last resort." I am ex­ like Star Wars. But in a sense he probably cannot afford the attention they need. tremely proud of Maryville, which is located in didn't grasp, Gingrich was on to something. All over the world millions of families use my district, and of Father John Smyth, the The United States is currently the de facto the little money they have to buy just enough academy's director. parent for nearly half a million abused and food to survive; they cannot afford normal Mr. Dold's article deserves a wide audience neglected children, and the number is grow­ ing at a dizzying rate. The nation doesn't medical expenses. In the most underdevel­ and I am pleased to commend it to my col­ oped countries, children who need care go un­ know what to do with all these kids, or with leagues: scores more who are on the way. treated because of a lack of resources or [From the Notre Dame Magazine, Summer The revival of the orphanage is an un­ funding to afford the little care that is avail­ 1995] happy, but utterly unavoidable, choice. The able. Families suffer unthinkable pain, and A PLACE To CALL MY OWN experts just aren't willing to admit it. children are the victims in this tragedy. (By R. Bruce Dold) They held a roast last year for John Sister Jane Frances Brady, SC, the presi­ He was a real wisenheimer, as they called Smyth, but nobody could think of anything dent and chief executive officer of St. Joseph's it in those days, a cigar-smoking, card-play­ particularly snide to say about him. The best Hospital and Medical Center is a recipient of ing, suspenders-and-fedora kid, and if he line came from Chicago Police Superintend­ numerous awards from professional and civic didn't straighten out quick, why, "he'd turn ent Matt Rodriguez, who claimed that the out to be a 5-and-10 mug." That's what his good father held the Notre Dame record for organizations for her dedication to helping the most fouls in a varsity basketball game. needy. However, her commitment to Healing older brother said. That's the reason Whitey Marsh had to go to the orphanage. In a town that routinely chews up and the Children proves what the giving of ones Oh, it wasn't easy at first. The kid ran spits out public figures, Smyth, 62, is re­ self really accomplishes. Healing the Children away, but the sound of the lunch bell garded as an uncommon savior. has sent her to foreign countries where she brought him back on the double. And when He was a 6-foot, 5-inch center and team has served on medical teams helping children his brother robbed the bank and Whitey captain at Notre Dame when the 1956-57 bas­ who are suffering as a result of a lack of medi­ wouldn't spill the beans, it looked dark. ketball team placed third in the Mideast Re­ cal resources. As a part of Healing the Chil­ But Whitey was a good egg after all, and gional of the NCAA tournament. He was dren, Sister Jane has also opened the doors when he explained everything, how he was picked in the first round of the National Bas­ just trying to help his own flesh and blood, ketball Association draft by the Saint Louis of St. Joseph's to sick and needy children they let him go. And he was elected the Hawks, but after barnstorming for 30 games from around the world. mayor of Boys Town. with a group of college stars picked to play Through the work of Sister Jane Frances His father took off when he heard Tony against the Harlem Globetrotters, he gave up Brady, SC, and the organization, Healing the Kohl was born. His mother was a drunk who basketball to enter Saint Mary of the Lake September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24121 Seminary in Chicago and, in 1962, the priest­ worth. Maryville is usually the last chance "They provide consistency, motivation and hood. to repair them. professional care," says Patrick Murphy, the He knew nothing at all about Maryville Since 1979, Maryville has run an intensive Cook County Public Guardian, whose father when he was assigned there, fresh out of the therapy program based on the teacher-parent was a Maryville resident from 1914 to 1917. seminary, but he thought he could hack it model pioneered at the modern-day Boys "It's the only option for kids who can't han­ for a few years. The place hadn't changed Town in Nebraska. Up to nine children live dle the intimacy and demands and inconsist­ much since 1983, when it opened as Saint in a townhouse on 98-acre grounds in Des ency of a foster home." Mary's Training School, an outgrowth of a Plaines with a live-in adult or a married cou­ Critics of institutional care argue that it Chicago orphanage started a dozen years ear­ ple. Everything is a socialization experience. can harm children by depriving them of a lier to care for children orphaned by the the kids make their own meals, shop for family structure. Says Marion Wright Great Chicago Fire. their groceries, clean house, wash the dishes Edelman, director of the Children's Defense In the 1920s, Maryville housed as many as and balance the house checkbook. Fund, " We went back to foster care because 1,200 children during a flu epidemic, and that During the day, the parent notes all of orphanages are not all Boys Towns. Most many again during the Great Depression of their positive and negative behaviors and as­ families are better than most institutions. the 1930s. But its fate was tied to changes in signs points for each behavior. Shaking That does not mean it's not possible to have the nation's child-welfare policies, and in the hands and establishing eye contact with a humane institutions, but we believe in hav­ early 1970s it nearly closed. visitor earns points. Cleaning the dishes ing a few adults and a few children relating Today there are 276 kids on the campus, a earns points. Asking for help, giving com­ to each other. I don't want to say there's third of them girls. None of the 276 is a pliments, completing homework can all be never been a good orphanage, but it has to be Whitey Marsh. worth points. Anti-social behaviors such as at the very, very end of the continuum." There was a time, more than a century talking back or picking a fight bring nega­ Many of the kids at Maryville would agree. ago, when the orphanage seemed on the cut­ tive points. Give them a family that wanted them and ting edge of child protection. Children who At 7 each evening, all the points are tallied they'd be gone in a moment. But many of were orphaned in the mid-19th century, usu­ on a 5-by-8-inch card. It is, in essence, a those kids also acknowledge, perhaps reluc­ ally by health epidemics, either lived on the daily report card. Each child has to accumu­ tantly, that they can' t cut it in a family streets or were placed with adults in late 10,000 points every day to earn privileges right now. Says Tony Kohl, " I want to go poorhouses or jails. Some were shipped west for the next day: snacks, television, home after school and not think of myself as to live with farm families, who often treated Nintendo, the telephone. a Maryville kid. It'd be much different if I them more as indentured servants than as Over time, the kids move up to higher lev­ had a regular family, but I understand that's children. els. On the second level they get a later bed­ not going to happen." By comparison, the orphanage was a ref­ time, more TV time and a point-card review Maryville will never force a child to leave, uge. every other day instead of daily. On the no matter how difficult he is. But Tony has But orphanages fell into disfavor in the third level, privileges are more loosely nego­ still had to deal with a different kind of re­ 1950s and '60s, when studies suggested that tiated. On the fourth, the kids achieve a con­ jection. In the spring, his parent-teacher very young children who grew up in them siderable measure of independence. took a new job somewhere else. The change suffered from developmental delays and Run away from Maryville and they're bust­ to a new parent-teacher was hard on him, failed to establish personal relationships. ed right down to the bottom. and his school grades dropped. With the advent of antibiotics and the wel­ In 1982 there were about 140,000 foster No one has the corner on perfection in fare system, far fewer children were or­ homes available to take in kids; in the most child welfare. "Any kid who can be in a fos­ phaned by disease or economic depression. If recent count by the National Foster Parent ter home should be in a foster home. And if children had to leave their homes, it was Association, there were just 100,000. So where every kid can be in a foster home, close more likely because they had been abused or are they putting all those kids? Maryville," Smyth declares. " The question neglected. The nation moved toward placing "They're just putting more children in the you have to ask is, what happens to the kids those children with foster families, volun­ homes," says Gordon Evans, spokesman for who are bounced out (of foster homes). If teers who provided a temporary, substitute the association. " There's an exodus of fami­ you're going to turn your back on those kids, family. lies. The kids' problems are much more se­ they'll be on the street. In 1980, Congress passed the Adoption As­ vere than ever before, and (the foster par­ " When you take a kid who's bombed out sistance and Child Welfare Act, which estab­ ents) don't know how to cope." from a foster care program, who is destruc­ lished that the nation's goal was to prevent The foster care system, noble in intent, is tive, then you better have the wherewithal the removal of abused and neglected children a bureaucratic nightmare. Numerous studies to hang in there and solve the problem. Now, from their homes and, if they were removed, have shown that many foster parents aren't that is tough duty." to reunify them with their families as quick­ adequately trained to handle the most trou­ Besides psychological therapy, Maryville ly as possible. bled children. Moving children from foster provides preparation for teenagers to live on The way station of choice for kids who had home to foster home forces them to deal their own. It tries to prepare them not only to leave their homes was now the foster fam­ with rejection again and again. Health care for independent living but for family life as ily. The orphanage, officially, was on the for those children is so haphazard, as they adults. It has a Career Development Center outs. bounce from home to home, that some states with programs in carpentry, printing, auto What few people anticipated in 1980 was a have resorted to issuing health-care "pass­ repair and other vocations, each one spon,­ new epidemic, one that can't be wiped out by ports" so the latest doctor has some idea of sored by a local company. antibiotics: an epidemic of child abuse. In the child's health history. While studies show nearly half the children 1982 there were 262,000 children living in sub­ Some states have reacted to the problem who go through foster care drop out of stitute care; that number now has soared to by redoubling efforts to prevent child school, every child who lives at Maryville 450,000, a high percentage of them the vic­ abuse-or responding to it with counseling graduates from high school. If a Maryville tims of sexual or physical abuse or neglect. and other services to parents and children in kid is accepted to college. Maryville pays the Smyth estimates that 85 to 90 percent of their homes. Those efforts are necessary, but tuition, thanks largely to private donations. his youngsters come from homes where par­ the results of prevention efforts have been, On average, one-third of each graduating ents are afflicted by cocaine or alcohol at best, mixed. class goes on to college, and two-thirds of abuse. A decade ago, 85 percent of the chil­ While the child welfare system imploded, those students earn a degree. Maryville has dren at Maryville could be expected eventu­ something else happened. Orphanages-the graduated kids from Notre Dame, Northwest­ ally to return to their parents. Now, just 15 best of them, at least-evolved into highly ern and other top schools. percent have an realistic hope of ever going sophisticated models for turning around the All that comes at a hefty price; Maryville home. Heck, only 15 percent have any hope lives of the nation's most troubled kids spends about $35,000 a year on each child. of a parent so much as showing up at through intensive, round-the-clock treat­ The parent-teacher, unlike a foster parent, is Maryville for a visit. ment. a paid professional. At Maryville they earn When kids come to Maryville, they are Far from the barracks image of the old­ at least $34,000 a year, plus room and board. angry and lost. "We assume that they have style orphanages, the Maryville townhouse These costs are paid by the government and not been taught any social skills at all," would be the envy of any college kid private donations. Smyth says. "Most of them have been crammed into a dorm room. Each house has Smyth's operation also recruits and trains through several foster homes. It's just a mis­ a roomy kitchen, a living room, a dining foster parents and runs a parenting-teen cen­ match there. We're the safety net." area and bedrooms-one for every two kids. ter in Chicago, a witness protection pro­ Indeed, by the time kids land at Maryville, The living room has comfortable sofas and gram, a farm school and an emergency shel­ they have likely failed a half a dozen foster lounge chairs, a 27-inch TV and a VCR. On ter for sexually abused children. Altogether, homes, deepening their sense of distrust and the cork bulletin board, the therapy schedule Maryville facilities assist more than 12,000 cynicism and shattering their sense of self- shares space with the gym schedule. children each year. 24122 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 Yes, Maryville works. policy that prevents outright destitution but one thing, taxpayers are now referred to as The aversion to orphanages nevertheless contributes to a permanent underclass, customers. rages on. Gingrich's proposal to direct which is most prone to child neglect. As well they should be, says Stephanie money saved from welfare to orphanages " Everything it has done has destroyed Martin, a telephone representative at the raised such an outcry that all references to families," says Smith, who works closely agency's Jamaica (N.Y.) Tele-service Center. orphanages were removed from the House with welfare recipients. "These are the con­ " Social Security is a business of insurance," bill. ditions of welfare. You cannot own anything. says Martin, who handles 50 to 70 callers a But Gingrich had twisted the debate. Or­ You cannot save anything, you cannot work day. "They are paying to be insured." phanages shouldn't be repositories for the and you can't get married. I think that's The results so far: In a survey of telephone children of poor parents who are forced off slavery. If you took away welfare, they'd customer service in May, Social Security welfare; that's both mean-spirited and pro­ work. And they'd live and they'd succeed. outperformed private companies famous for hibitively expensive. But more orphanages But you have to raise people up so they can their customer service, including catalog re­ are needed right now for children who are compete. You start by making sure the fam­ tailer L.L. Bean and Baldrige Quality Award victims of serious physical or sexual abuse. ily stays together and the kids stay in winners Federal Express and AT&T Univer­ The genesis of the move to revive orphan­ school." sal Card. ages is generally traced to Lois Forer, a re­ Until the nation figures out how to raise "There are some government departments tired judge in Philadelphia who spent years up the underclass and end drug abuse-uto­ which are effectively resisting this whole in family court and saw no end to the foster­ pian notions, perhaps-it has to figure out (performance review) thing tooth and nail, care treadmill on which many children were what to do with all the kids who can't live which are bureaucratic nightmares beyond running. Joyce Ladner, the acting president safely at home, particularly those whose anything one could imagine," Hammer says. of Howard University and a child welfare ex­ emotional scars run deepest. " A few agencies are doing a good job. The pert, echoed Farer's opinion that more or­ It cannot afford to turn its back on any Social Security Administration is one of the phanages are critically needed. leaders." reasonable solutions. And that includes the Social Security Commissioner Shirley Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan sounded 1990s version of the orphanage. the alarm in 1989, writing that the preva­ Chater is hoping for a fringe benefit from re­ lence of crack-cocaine will "soon give us the engineering: If people believe Social Security is run efficiently, they may worry less about no-parent child as a social problem." The THE SOCIAL SECURITY likely answer, he said, was the re-establish­ whether it will go broke before they retire. ment of orphanages. Much in the way that ADMINISTRATION " Good service equals confidence in the pro­ Moynihan's prescience about the underclass gram," she says. was ignored in the 1960s, his warnings about HON. ANDREW JACO~, JR. To come up with a revamped process, the agency began the way corporations do: It the state of children have been ignored OF INDIANA today. created a reengineering team. Together with In 1991, Illinois became the first state to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES consultants, the team members visited pri­ launch a formal investigation into reviving Thursday, September 7, 1995 vate companies such as AT&T's Universal orphanages. But a state-established task Card operation to see how they operate. And force concluded that orphanages are "not Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, despite her they did what all market researchers do: consistent" with the goal of rapidly return­ splendid accomplishments as Social Security they talked to the people who use their serv­ ing abused children to their families. The Commissioner which are set out in the follow­ ices. "The cornerstone is to find out what task force seemed not to notice that in the ing USA Today article, Shirley Chater's nomi­ your customers want," says Toni Lenane, 18 months it spent preparing its report, Illi­ nation to become the first head of the non-par­ chief policy officer and head of the customer nois' foster-care rolls had swelled by another tisan independent Social Security Administra­ service program. The agency surveyed 10,000 people, conducted focus groups, and mailed 11,000 children. tion has been held up in the Senate Finance The opponents of orphanages make several 22,000 comment cards to people who had vis­ critical errors. They raise fears that orphan­ Committee, thus proving that there is more ited Social Security offices. ages will be used inappropriately in place of than one way to abuse a woman. What the team learned: Customers don't foster homes, but they don't recognize that [From the USA Today, Aug. 30, 1995) expect the world, but they want to be treated foster care is being destroyed by a system AGENCY PUTS Focus ON ITS CUSTOMERS well and quickly. Based on the results, the agency pledged to treat customers politely that forces troubled kids into it who don't (By Martha T. Moore) belong there, don't benefit from it, and and promptly. It instituted more courtesy whose behavior hounds foster parents into WASHINGTON.-For knowledgeable, helpful, training for employees. It is reassigning as quitting. polite telephone service, a shopper can call many as 700 staff members from head­ The opponents cling to the hope that bet­ that famous mail-order retailer in Maine. quarters and support jobs to field offices to ter foster care and "family preservation" Or, a taxpayer can call Social Security. deal with customers face-to-face. programs can handle the child-welfare crisis. After two years of corporate-style re­ The biggest effort focuses on the 800 num­ It's true that prevention programs are criti­ engineering, the Social Security Administra­ ber, most taxpayers' first contact with the cal and show real promise, but they are still tion is emerging as the federal agency that's agency. Social Security's goal is for cus­ in their infancy. And they're being swamped providing the best service to its customers­ tomers to reach a representative within five by the child-abuse epidemic. that is, to taxpayers. It's a favorite of Vice minutes. Just as flu and typhoid created scores of President Gore, the champion of reinventing It's a tough task. Because all Social Secu­ orphans in the 1890s, so have crack-cocaine government, and Michael Hammer. co-au­ rity checks normally arrive on the third day and AIDS in the 1990s. "We're always going thor of Reengineering the Corporation- the of the month (unless that falls on a Sunday), to have dysfunctional families. But I'm con­ book that spurred the reengineering move­ everyone who has a problem calls on the vinced that sexual abuse and physical al;mse ment. same day to complain. That's why the agen­ is the result of being high on crack-cocaine And in key measures of customers satisfac­ cy hasn't met its five-minute target yet. In and alcohol," says Smyth. "They're nuts, tion, Social Security has outscored compa­ the May telephone service survey, Social Se­ they're crazy: When they walk in a room, a nies famed for service, such as Nordstrom curity scored first in every aspect of tele­ 7-year-old girl looks like a 21-year-old girl. and L.L. Bean. That's an "incredible" phone service except time spent on hold: Its Human nature has not changed that much in achievement, Gore says. "They're really callers held for about eight minutes on aver­ 10, 12, 15 years." transforming and reengineering their agen­ age. Agency figures for week of August 7-11 In the 1990s, child abuse often starts in the cy." show that 69% of callers got through within womb. At the child intake center run by Reengineering, a term borrowed from the five minutes. Lenane admits that on the Maryville, roughly 5 to 10 infants arrive each corporate world, means a start-from-scratch worst days, callers may never get through. day suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome or overhaul of the way an organization does its So the reengineering isn't over. By January, the symptoms of crack-cocaine use by their work, with goals determined by customers' the agency predicts the success rate will mothers. desires and performance measured by com­ reach 95%. To hit that goal, it is adding staff The nation can't handle its drug epidemic, parisons against the best in the industry. to answer phones at peak times. In January, which begat the child welfare epidemic. It Since 1993, when the Clinton administration when calls typically increase because of De­ can't prevent drugs from being manufactured kicked off its National Performance Review cember retirees and frequent questions about here or shipped in from somewhere else. It for government agencies, Social Security has cost-of-living adjustments and taxes, the doesn't have enough jail cells to lock up the pressed hard to improve customer service, agency will boost the number of people an­ users. And it does not want to spend the through the agency's toll-free number (800- swering phones from 4,600 last year, then a money for treatment. 772-1213) for questions and information, and record, to 7 ,900. Most help comes from other On top of that, the nation is just beginning in its field offices. The changes that have agency workers trained to pitch in tempo­ to deal with the disaster of a federal welfare been made are both obvious and subtle. For rarily. September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24123 Upgrading phone systems and adding auto­ "WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME" Will send out a call to her sons, daughters mated information to answer the most com­ and citizens. mon questions. Already, a menu allows call­ LEWIS We will respond to her call, no matter what ers to choose English or Spanish language HON. JERRY we contend. help. That's a boon for Betsy Reyes, a bilin­ OF CALIFORNIA We will defend her to the very end. gual representative at the Queens (N .Y.) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Our nation is free. phone center. Before, she was summoned Thursday, September 7, 1995 We have demonstrated to the world, We will fight to keep her free. each time an agency worker received a call Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, from a Spanish speaker. Now those calls would like to bring to your attention a mean­ And yes this is what America, means to me. queue up automatically. That I wish the world to see. ingful message, "What America Means to Staggering delivery times of checks for Me," written by Julio Martinez who is a mem­ people who retire in coming years. The agen­ ber of VFW Post 2545 in Redlands, CA. As a TRIBUTE TO ELEANOR KAHLE cy had hoped to stagger checks for people al­ nation of immigrants, we must continue to rec­ ready receiving Social Security as well. But ognize that the strength of our country lies current recipients, whose finances revolve HON. MARCY KAPTUR largely in its diversity. I commend this passage around a check arriving the third of each OF OHIO to my colleagues in the House: month, were opposed. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WHAT AMERICA MEANS To ME While the reinvention of customer service Thursday, September 7, 1995 continues, the agency also is preparing to America means to me, the place of my birth. tackle an even tougher challenge: fixing the Born to a family who taught me, early in Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor process for awarding disability benefits. life, the life of an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Elea­ Now, it's a nightmare that can drag on for No matter the hardships, nor Kahle of Toledo, who died at the age of To love this land of my birth. nearly two years-even though the actual 78 years young on August 13, 1995. Council­ labor involved in a disability claim, by the America offered schools for you and me, woman and vice mayor emeritus, Eleanor agency's own count, totals 45 hours. Even a To become whatever we wished to become. Kahle, was a citizen-stateswoman, a mentor, a simple claim for benefits that doesn't get ap­ Through life adjustment and preparation. So we could build a stronger nation. team player, and a friend to thousands. Her pealed takes 155 days-five months-to be de­ passing leaves a void in our community no cided. The problem: a cumbersome adminis­ America means to me, freedom of speech, one can adequately fill. As long as I do not infringe on the rights, of trative process. Handling the disability pro­ Eleanor (Konieczka) Kahle, Polish-American gram, though it involves only 20% of Social any of our citizens. America is the only place on this earth, by heritage, began her life on September 10, Security recipients, takes up more than half 1916, in what was then the small community of the agency's $4.9 billion administrative Where people of all nationalities live, and co- budget. exist as fellow citizens. of Sylvania outside of the city of Toledo. At America means to me, freedom of religion, the time of her death, she had become a citi­ The goal for reengineering that process To worship any religion I choose. zen of the world. In fact, though over her life­ calls for a disability application to be han­ And the freedom not to worship if I so time she received recognitions too numerous dled by one person, down from 13 currently. choose. A four-level process will be cut to two levels. to mention, the one she cherished most was "You can always continue to throw money America means to me, the freedom, her last, that of being named National Volun­ at something, but we really needed to fun­ Of working where I choose to work. teer of the Year of Sister Cities International. And wherever I choose to work. It has been said that Eleanor Kahle had four damentally rethink the program," says And am guaranteed fair wages for my work. Charles Jones, director of the disability careers in her life: that of wife and mother of process redesign. America means to me, freedom, six children, pastoral associate in the Catholic To move from one job to another, without Church, executive director of the West Toledo The reengineering, which will take five reprisal. years to complete, hinges on a new computer From one state to another, without fear Senior Center, and elected official in the city system-which in turn hinges on a $1 billion upon my arrival. of Toledo. In all of these careers, Eleanor appropriation from Congress. But the biggest America means to me, the freedom, to Kahle forged new ground. She took no re­ obstacle is "people's natural resistance to choose where, sponsibility more seriously than raising her six major change. It is scary to a lot of people," I wish to live and am guaranteed, by our, sons as a young widow, and delighted in their Jones says. Constitution, the freedom. achievements as adults and in their children's. Reengineering scared Martin, the Queens To pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of She was also a devoted woman of the telephone representative, mostly because it happiness. church. There did not exist such a position as sounded like "more work to do." But the With total freedom. pastoral associate in the diocesan Catholic customer service program, which gives America means to me, freedom to elect, Church until Eleanor Kahle pursued its cre­ phone representatives more information so Public officials to govern us, ation. In the 1970's as a pastoral associate, they can answer questions quickly, "makes With our consent. she was essentially the highest ranking the job creative and interesting," she says. and to remove them if not content. woman in the Catholic Church, performing Even courtesy training is welcome. Social America means to me, the freedom, nearly all of the duties of the priesthood with Security phone reps get their share of angry, On the Fourth of July, her birthday, to cele­ the exception of the celebration of the Mass even suicidal callers. "It's stressful," Reyes brate. says. And because of the range of informa­ She gained her independence for you and for and the Sacraments. tion they provide, "we're like the doctor, me. Doggedly pursuing the creation of a senior lawyer, social worker, accountant," says So let us all celebrate. citizens center for several years in spite of tre­ Martin. America means to me, freedom to fly, mendous opposition, she oversaw the birth of "Psychiatrist," Reyes adds. Our beautiful flag, atop our flagpoles, the thriving West Toledo Senior Center in Fluttering majestically, throughout our na- 1979, directing its growth until her retirement In fact, as much as Social Security has tion, in 1993. Today that center stands, 5,000 sen­ modeled itself on the corporate world, it re­ Reminding us all that we live in a free na- mains different. iors strong, housed in a large, pleasant, refur­ tion. bished building, as a true legacy to her. "We should look for new ideas" from pri­ America may not be perfect, but, In 1983, I was honored by her service on vate industry, says Richard Heyniger, of the It is still the best nation in the world. my congressional staff in Washington as a Jamaica center. But he recalls his first job So we had best take care of her, by living special assistant on senior citizen issues, with Social Security, 21 years ago, visiting harmoniously together. guiding and advising me as Congress debated shelters in Manhattan. " Guys would sneeze If we look out for each other, on me and drool on me," as he tracked down She will continue to be the best nation in changes in the Social Security system to as­ homeless men to give them their benefits, he the world. sure its future solvency. She approached that says. "I don't think there are lot of private We know we are still learning to live to­ opportunity with the zest, intelligence, and sector organizations that do that. They're gether, as American citizens. dedication that characterized her entire life. concerned with customers-but they're also But let an outsider threaten America, and In 1987, at the age of 70, when most people concerned with profits." she, would not dream of making such a major 24124 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 change in their life, Eleanor began her stellar amples of their continued ministry on Milwau- INTRODUCING THE MEDICARE AND political career as an elected official winning a kee's South Side. MEDICAID PAYMENT INTEGRITY seat on Toledo's city council. Four years later, When I attended St. Helen's Grade School, ACT OF 1995 in 1991, she finished first in the city council the Felicians staffed the facility and I know full races among a field of eight, and was elected well of their dedication and impact on educat­ HON. JOHN D. DINGEIL the city's vice mayor, one of only two women ing young minds. I warmly remember the dis­ OF MICHIGAN in Toledo history to rise to the post. Always cipline and understanding and warmth-al­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES planning and working toward unmet horizons though for some reason, I remember the dis­ Thursday , September 7, 1995 she kept up the brisk pace of public life right cipline the most! I wonder why? until her unexpected illness, and never Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased wavered from the idea that she might return to I ask my colleagues to join me in recogniz­ today to introduce, with my colleague, Mr. her duties. It was during her career as a coun­ ing the Felician Sisters' remarkable contribu­ WAXMAN, the Medicare and Medicaid Payment cilwoman that Eleanor Kahle committed her­ tion to the citizens of Milwaukee, WI, and to Integrity Act of 1995. self to the Sister Cities International ideals. the United States. They are a shining example This legislation would improve the Govern­ She traveled abroad extensively as a goodwill of the commitment and dedication which is ment's ability to detect fraud and abuse in the ambassador for Toledo and our Nation, estab­ representative of Polish immigrants throughout Medicare and Medicaid programs. It would lishing new relationships with the cities of our nation's history. create a new mechanism to increase funding Szeged, Hungary, and Poznan, Poland. She Mr. Speaker, I offer best wishes and con­ available for combating health care fraud and hosted dozens of visitors in her home and was gratulations to the Felician Sisters as this abuse without drawing down from the U.S. Toledo's most dedicated ambassador-at-large. year's Milwaukee Society's "Polish Americans Treasury, or further burdening taxpayers. The bill would establish a new health care In every endeavor, Eleanor Kahle conducted of the Year." antifraud reinvestment fund, into which certain herself with grace, dignity, and eloquence. In monetary recoveries resulting from health care her own mind, she never had to be the leader "just wanted to make sure the job got done.': fraud enforcement cases would be deposited. These funds would be used to support addi­ Yet in her persevering and joyful way, she led TRIBUTE TO ED GANNAWAY tional enforcement activities by the Federal her community forward always, many times as Government. The account would be available a lone pioneer. Who can forget the twinkle in to fund and innovative methods to her eye or her cherubic grin. In the words of HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS e~panded investigate fraud and abuse, sanction offend­ her children, while describing her and compar­ OF GEORGIA ers, deter misconduct, and return improperly ing her to the roses she so enjoyed, Eleanor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES spent money to the trust fund and the Treas­ Kahle was "a true American beauty." ury. Thus, the individuals and corporations In special memory of Eleanor's life, in honor Thursday, September 7, 1995 who defraud our Nation's health care system of her gifts and talents, and in recognition of will foot the bill for increased policing of these her achievements and the special roles she Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, August 22, fulfilled so exceptionally in our community, our 1995, is a day etched in the minds of those programs. This legislation also provides for a stable Nation, and our world, the Eleanor Kahle Me­ who flew on board ASA Commuter Flight 529 funding source for payment integrity activities morial Scholarship Fund will be established at from Atlanta, GA, Gulfport, MS. Flight 529 was undertaken by the health care financing ad­ Lourdes College, to be awarded to a nontradi­ forced to crash land in a small field near ministration. These include: tional student who wishes to pursue those Carrollton, GA, resulting in the death of four passengers and its captain, Ed Gannaway of First, medical and utilization review; second, goals which Eleanor cherished and toward audit of cost reports; third, Medicare second­ which she strove. This scholarship will stand Dublin, GA. However, due to the sheer heroics of Captain Gannaway, 26 passengers survived ary payer determinations and recovery of pay­ as a legacy to Eleanor, her life, and her ments; and fourth, education of providers and ideals. On behalf of all the citizens of our com­ the crash landing. Landing a plane with a blown engine took a level head and all the beneficiaries regarding payment integrity. munity whose lives have been improved by These activities would no longer be subject to her vigilant work, let us publicly thank her as outstanding skills available to Captain Gannaway. the ups and downs of the appropriations proc­ well as her family for their selfless devotion to ess. However, spending could not exceed the others. We shall miss her always and be in­ Flight attendant Robin Fech, of Warner Rob­ amounts that were appropriated for fiscal year spired by her life's work. She remains our true ins, has similarly earned our praise for her 1996 through 2002. friend. calm and efficient preparation of the pas­ This bill is a serious attempt to expand fraud FELICIAN SISTERS HONORED AS sengers for the crash landing that awaited and abuse activities without increasing bur­ 1995 "POLISH AMERICANS OF THE them. Fortunately, Robin Fech survived the ill­ dens on Federal taxpayers. In the near future, YEAR'' fated flight. Senator Bos GRAHAM of Florida will be intro­ Today, I would like to take this time to rec­ ducing this bill as part of a larger legislative HON. GERAID D. KLECZKA ognize Captain Ed Gannaway for the manner package that includes further expansion of in which he guided his crippled plane over fraud and abuse activities. We have been talk­ OF WISCONSIN houses, power lines, and trees to finally find ing with Senator GRAHAM and his staff and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the hayfield near Carrollton. Because of Ed may be offering an even broader bill in the Thursday, September 7, 1995 Gannaway, 24 others are still alive today. Ed House in the near future. Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Gannaway was a great American, and many In the meantime, this is a good first step recognize the Felician Order of Sisters who lives are touched by his passing. Whether it and I commend it to my colleagues. have been named "Polish Americans of the be the kids from Boy Scout Troop 66 or those that knew him from First United Methodist Year" by The Milwaukee Society, an affiliate HONORING BOB SLAGLE FOR HIS of the Polish National Alliance. church in Dublin, Ed Gannaway will be missed. SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE In 1855, the Felician Order was established TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY in Poland by Mary Angela Truszkowska. Nine­ Our hearts go out to his wife, Jackie, and teen years later, in 187 4, five Felician Sisters three sons, Craig, Russell, and Rob. It will al­ HON. KEN BENI'SEN came to the United States and opened a paro­ ways be hard to face this loss, but I pray that OF TEXAS chial school in Polonia, WI. As time went on it be reassuring to know that Ed Gannaway IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and their numbers increased, they also estab­ died for the sake of other lives. Without Ed lished orphanages, homes for the elderly, hos­ Gannaway as pilot on this particular day, the Thursday, September 7, 1995 pitals, and day care centers, in addition to news of this crash might have been far graver. Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to teaching. Today, St. Francis Hospital, Villa St. The best way to sum up Ed Gannaway's feat eubmit the following statement on behalf of Francis, the Terrace at St. Francis, and St. Jo­ . is as Rev. Jack Key said, "Ed Gannaway truly myself and my Democratic colleagues in the seph Day Care Center for Children are all ex- flew on wings of eagles." Texas delegation: September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24125 Our friend Bob Slagle, who has served as the Chairman for his 15-year tenure of serv­ community after community throughout Amer­ Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party ice and lifetime of commitment to his party, ica, in large ways and small, citizens decide since September, 1980, has announced that he state, and nation. every day to become part of the democratic will not seek reelection in 1996. Party activ­ Respectfully submitted by: process. They do this by joining an organiza­ ists and party officers are often typecast and Henry B. Gonzalez, Twentieth District; E miscast as "political hacks" engaged in a "Kika" de la Garza, Fifteenth District; tion; bringing other together to improve or ex­ cynical electoral game that emphasizes only Charles Wilson, Second District; Mar­ pand existing services; inventing a better winning and cares little about policy and its tin Frost, Twenty-Fourth District; mousetrap; asking why a flawed practice can't effect on people. Often the work of party Charles W. Stenholm, Seventeenth Dis­ be changed; engaging in a civil and respectful leaders is taken for granted, as credit and trict; Ralph M. Hall, Fourth District; debate; considering another viewpoint; or glory is showered on consultants, candidates, John Bryant, Fifth District; Ronald shouldering the responsibility to make hard and high profile political gurus. Coleman, Sixteenth District; Solomon decisions. Over the span of 15 years, Bob Slagle has P. Ortiz, Twenty-Seventh District; Jim When this happens, there are no losers. Ev­ sacrificed his time and energy serving his Chapman, First District; Pete Geren, erybody in the community wins. When a com­ party, his state, and his nation, and we are Twelfth District; Chet Edwards, Elev­ munity development bank is opened when thankful for the respect and commitment he enth District; Gene Green, Twenty­ has shown to those of us who have run for of­ Ninth District; Eddie Bernice Johnson, none existed before, or when individuals co­ fice and serve in this great body. Today we Thirtieth District; Frank Tejeda, operate so that dry lands may be irrigated, no are proud to salute our Chairman, Bob Twenty-Eighth District; Kenneth E. one need ask who is up, or who is down. Slagle, for his commitment to the people and Bentsen, Jr., Twenty-Fifth District; Score keeping quickly becomes irrelevant. his belief that this great system of govern­ Lloyd Doggett, Tenth District; Shelia Through action and energy, participation and ment we call democracy must work to make Jackson Lee, Eighteenth District. deliberation, taking responsibility and seeking sure all Americans have the opportunity to common ground, American democracy comes fully realize their talents and put them to to life an<;l everybody in the community wins. work for the common good. Although he is a THE PBS SERIES ''THE AMERICAN Mr. Speaker, In my view there is no better fierce partisan, Bob is an even fiercer pa­ PROMISE" triot, a man whose politics are driven by a antidote to doubts about our Nation's future. belief that the more people participate in We need only shift our gaze away from the politics, the better our government will HON. CARD~ COWNS latest reiteration of partisan one-upmanship, to serve the people. OF ILLINOIS the grassroots democracy taking place in our When one stops to think about what it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES communities. must be like to deal year round will all the Thursday, September 7, 1995 The American Promise, the new PBS se­ different groups and factions within a politi­ ries, does exactly that: it reminds us all of the Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as cal party, one has to appreciate the dedica­ community-based democracy that is found be­ has been said many times before, ours is the tion Bob has shown to working to keep yond this Capitol, and in so doing, it helps re­ only Nation founded on an idea-the idea of Democrats together as we have fought for store our faith in the idea of democracy, the those things we believe are important for our democracy. No idea is more American. Yet country. As Chairman, Bob has worked to idea of America, and the limitless possibilities the idea of democracy is neither simply de­ for our Nation's future. make sure the Texas Democratic Party is fined, nor easily described. American democ­ truly an inclusive, democratic party, the The American Promise is a 3-hour television racy expresses itself in endless variations. program on civic participation and grassroots party where all calls are taken, where every­ Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my col­ one still counts. At the same time, the Texas democracy. In some 50 different story seg­ Democratic Party has pioneered many mod­ leagues of the grassroots of democracy, tak­ ments taken from every region of the United ern campaign concepts during Bob's tenure, ing place everyday in communities across the States, lessons are offered on the skills and including the ticketwide coordinated cam­ United States, which is literally vital to the life values needed to bring our democracy to life. paign; the development of a statewide com­ of our Nation, yet too often ignored in the These vignettes are collected around distinct puterized voter file that contains voter his­ chambers of this Capitol. With this in mind, I themes to illustrate core American values such tory, targeting, and demographics data to recommend to you the American Promise, an allow campaigns to target voter contact ef­ as freedom, responsibility, opportunity, partici­ important new PBS television series celebrat­ pation, and deliberation. forts; and the implementation of a secure, ing community-based democracy. The Amer­ on-line interactive communications net­ One of the story segments features an out­ work. ican Promise makes its national broadcast standing example of community-based democ­ Thanks to Chairman Slagle's tireless ef­ premier on October 1, 2, and 3. racy in Chicago in the Seventh Congressional forts, Democratic officeholders have not Here, in Washington, we conduct democ­ District which I represent. The Full Circle been "defeated with a redistricting map," racy's most visible work. It is the democracy Fund, designed and funded by the Chicago while at the same time the protection and studied in civics and political science class­ Women's Self-Employment Project, provides creation of African American and Hispanic rooms and reported by our newspapers, mag­ vital capital along with business advice to districts have been achieved. Perhaps most azines, and television programs. important, Bob worked to build a solid small micro-enterprises. In the last 3 years, the We arrive here after elections, propose and Women's Self-Employment Project has lent donor base to assure the party of a stable study legislation, debate, and then vote on funding source, and he and the party staff $60,000 to 60 low-income women without a have traveled all over Texas to conduct competing bills and amendments. It is a fact single default and a late payment rate of only workshops, hold rallies, and campaign for that each stage of the process has winners three percent. Democrats up and down the ticket. All this and losers. By necessity we live and work in The Full Circle Fund lends to circles, of has helped keep the Democrats the majority a world of partisanship and competition. Be­ teams, all women in the circle are responsible party in Texas at a time when many other fore any bill becomes the law of the land, it for the loan. The circle qualifies for the loan, states with similar demographics have been must be debated, tested, and its consequence one or two women in the circle get the money flooded by a " Republican tide." thoroughly understood by the people and by first, then when they have begun paying it For 15 years as Chairman and long before us, the peoples representatives. that, Bob has worked side by side with peo­ back, other circle members are eligible for ple from all walks of life to make our state Not surprisingly, this world in which we are funds. Circle members meet to collect loan and nation stronger through their participa­ immersed leaves many citizens frustrated and payments, discuss their businesses, and pro­ tion. His friends include the famous and the cynical. Too often, this version of democracy vide each other with support and advice. To­ unknown; rich and poor; black, brown, and seems to be nothing but a political contest. gether, these women work together to create white; urban and rural; conservative and lib­ Who is up? Who is down? How do yesterday's opportunity, social capital and the backbone of eral; and even some Republicans-all those events affect the power to get things done to­ community democracy. who believe that by bringing people together morrow? Our standing is gauged by an ex­ One of the lending circle meetings at BJ's to find the common good, the great Amer­ traordinary sensitive barometer, instanta­ Professional Beauty Supply will be a part of ican democratic system offers "the best hope on earth." neously reflecting each small political success the American Promise's first hour and it offers On Saturday, September 9th, Texas Demo­ and failure. all of us much to consider and remember crats and friends from around the country Yet this work-our work here in Washing­ about our communities. will join in "A Salute to Bob Slagle" in Aus­ ton-is but one form of American democracy. After the October PBS broadcast premier tin. We join in saluting Bob and thanking It is a serious mistake to think otherwise. In The American Promise will then be put to use 24126 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 in high school and junior high school class­ After completing his navigator training, First organized in 1895 as the Bay View rooms throughout the United States, as an in­ Major General Phillips attended KC-135 com­ Reading Circle, the small group of 13 women structional tools on civics and community­ bat crew training and subsequently served as and men met to discuss issues of the day as based democracy. an instructor navigator. He flew regular com­ well as matters relating to history and lit­ The National Council for the Social Studies bat missions over Vietnam as a KC-135 navi­ erature. has endorsed the program. And Farmers In­ gator. Subsequently, Major General Phillips The organization continued to grow and in surance Group, the program's corporate spon­ graduated from pilot training with top honors 1914 joined the State Federation and drafted sor, has pledged to make the video, teaching and worked as a T-37 instructor pilot. His re­ its first constitution and by-laws. With more guides, and classroom materials available to sponsibilities continued to become more com­ members came more involved discussions of all interested schools and teachers at no cost. plex and challenging as his Air Force career various topics of interest to the group including Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and progressed. Major General Phillips has held art, music, education, period furniture. Individ­ viewers across the Nation to tune-in to this im­ many assignments in the logistics manage­ ual members also composed music, wrote po­ portant program. And I would like to thank the ment field, including positions at the Pentagon etry and even wrote and produced plays that Farmers Insurance Group, and its chairman, and several Air Force bases. Perhaps one of received recognition through the General Fed­ Leo E. Denlea, Jr., for bringing The American his most fascinating assignment was as a lo­ eration of Women's Clubs. Promise to us. The program reminds us all of gistics systems analyst at the Doshan Tappeh Over the years, the club changed its name what right about America, and what we have Air Base in Iran during 1978 to 1979. Major to the Newberry Women's Club and involved to do to make good on America's bright future. General Phillips had the misfortune of being itself in many social, civic and charitable held hostage for 3 weeks when the Ayatollah projects including the organization of a club for Khomeini overthrew the Shah of Iran. He was girls, assistance in health clinics, contributions IN HONOR OF MAJ. GEN. JOHN F. only released after the United States recog­ to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, filing Christmas PHILLIPS nized the Khomeini regime. and Easter baskets for the needy and even Major General Phillips is an experienced providing an arts and nursing scholarship that HON. VIC FAZIO pilot, navigator and instructor pilot with more is awarded annually to a Newberry High OF CALIFORNIA than 3,000 flying hours, including 300-plus School graduating senior. combat flying hours over Vietnam. He has re­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES As the club's second century begins, their ceived several major military awards and primary focus centers on education, the arts, Thursday, September 7, 1995 decorations; some of these include the Distin­ public affairs, home life, conservation and Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise guished Service Medal, the Air Force Com­ international affairs. While their interests have today to honor U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John mendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the certainly broadened, they have not forgotten F. Phillips, the Commander of the Sacramento Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with their origins and the primary purpose of the Air Logistics Center [ALC] at McClellan Air Palm. Despite the tremendous duties of over­ original club. Force Base. Major General Phillips will be re­ seeing the Sacramento ALC, Major General Mr. Speaker, it is through organizations like tiring from the Air Force later this month after Phillips participates in a number of community the Newberry Women's Club that our heritage an exceptional career characterized by many activities. He serves on the board of directors is maintained while at the same time allowing significant and demanding assignments. Be­ of the Sacramento Urban League Metropolitan us to look forward to meet the needs of peo­ cause of his outstanding record of leadership Chamber of Commerce, Ballet, and is the ple. I congratulate the Newberry Women's and accomplishments, the Secretary of De­ chairman of the local Combined Federal Cam­ Club and wish them well in their next 100 fense has asked Major Phillips to continue his paign charity drive. Major General Phillips and years. service to the Nation by selecting him as Dep­ his wife Blanche are the parents of three chil­ uty Undersecretary of Defense for Logistics. In dren and grandparents of two. this critical position, he will oversee the work Major General Phillips is keenly aware of CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF done by maintenance depots for all branches the struggle that African American military offi­ MATUSALA TEWOLDE-KUFLOM of the military. cers and pilots before him have faced. In rec­ As commander of the Sacramento ALC, ognition of this, he helps maintain their spirit HON. JACK f1EIDS Major General Phillips oversees a center that and the important history of their efforts OF TEXAS employs approximately 13,500 civilian and through his service as the vice president of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES military personnel and manages $3.2 billion the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Thursday, September 7, 1995 I join my colleagues today in honoring Maj. annually, including a $548 million payroll and Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the Gen. John F. Phillips for his more than 30 $820 million in contract awards. This center crush of business leading up to the August years of distinguished and dedicated service provides worldwide logistics support to a num­ district work period, I was remiss in not bring­ to the Air Force and our Nation. I also con­ ber of aircraft that include the F-117 Stealth ing to the attention of the House a very joyous gratulate him on his Department of Defense fighter, F-22, F-111 series, A-10, F-15 and bit of news that I know we all can appreciate appointment and wish him continued success KC-135; manages more than 200 communica­ and celebrate. Belatedly, I want to take a mo­ as he embarks on a new career. tion systems and eight space systems; and re­ ment today to congratulate two fine individuals pairs, overhauls and modifies entire categories in Fairfax, VA on the birth of their son in May. of complex avionics components, hydraulic NEWBERRY WOMEN'S CLUB On May 19, Tewolde T. ''Ted" Kuflom and and pneudraulic systems, and flight control CELEBRATES lOOTH ANNIVERSARY his wife, Tsehainesh Ugbazghi-Adkeme be­ systems. came the proud parents of their first child, Major General Phillips' Air Force career HON. BART STIJPAK Matusala Tewolde-Kuflom. began when he was commissioned as a sec­ OF MICHIGAN "Ted" and his wife immigrated to the United ond lieutenant after receiving his bachelor of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES States from Eritrea in September 1988 and science degree with honors in biology and have worked hard since then to become suc­ chemistry from Jarvis Christian College, TX. Thursday, September 7, 1995 cessful small business owners. For the last 5 Later, he would earn his master of science de­ Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is, indeed, an years, they have operated the D-11 Market, a gree in logistics management from the Air honor for me to bring to the attention of the corner grocery store located in northeast Force Institute of Technology. In addition, U.S. House of Representatives and its mem­ Washington, DC. Major General Phillips has also studied and bership an event that occurred just last week Their hard work and determination to build completed academic programs at several in my congressional district, the First District of a better life for themselves, and their deep other educational institutions including the Air Michigan. On Thursday, August 31, 1995, the love for their son, ensure that Matusala will Command and Staff College, the Institute of Newberry Women's Club, of Newberry, Ml, have what we want for all children: a loving Aerospace Safety Engineering at the Univer­ celebrated its 1Oath anniversary. I congratu­ and secure home life and a chance to fully sity of Southern California, the Defense Sys­ late all members of this outstanding organiza­ partake in the American dream. tems Management College, and Harvard Uni­ tion, both past and present, on reaching this I salute "Ted" and wife, and I know you join versity. milestone. with me, Mr. Speaker, in congratulating them September 7, 1995 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 24127 on the healthy arrival of their son, Matusala risk for miscarriage. We were pleased to dis­ story about an environmental-genetic inter­ Tewolde-Kuflom. cover that a diabetic woman can also reduce action. What about the genetic piece that her risk for having a miscarriage by improv­ completed the puzzle? ing her control. In fact, a diabetic mother in We know something else about the causes MOLECULAR BIOLOGY MAY excellent control has no greater risk for hav­ of neural tube defects; certain ethnic groups REDUCE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS ing a miscarriage than a woman with no are known to be at high risk. In the Celtic medical problems. population, in particular in Scotland and Ire­ More work remains to be done on diabetes. land, the risk is up to five times higher than HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS Although we know that some aspect of ma­ the risk in the U.S. They call neural tube de­ OF PENNSYLVANIA ternal diabetic control causes malforma­ fects the curse of the Celts. So there is clear­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions, diabetes is not just high blood glucose. ly a high risk genetic group. It is more complicated than that. In addition We saw this as a golden opportunity to Thursday, September 7, 1995 to raising blood glucose, diabetes can cause look for an environmental, that is vitamin­ Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, we have all been numerous other metabolic changes. Sci­ related, genetic, that is Celtic, interaction. aware of the problems associated with birth­ entists are now trying to determine which of We at NIH and our collaborators at the the many biochemical abnormalities caused Health Research Board of Ireland and Trin­ the possibility that an infant is born with cer­ by diabetes is responsible for birth defects-­ ity College, Dublin explored what it was tain defects-but up to now, we have not had as a way of identifying more precisely those about these high risk Irish mothers that put a full understanding of why a child dies pre­ at highest risk, and to improve our under­ them at risk for having a child with a neural maturely or fails to develop to its full human standing of the mechanisms by which these tube defect. potential. Recently, at the 39th briefing before defects occur. We had several clues. First, we knew that the Congressional Biomedical Research Cau­ Diabetes illustrates another fascinating folate was important. This made it very like­ cus, Dr. James L. Mills, chief of the pediatric riddle about birth defects. We know that ly that these women or their embryos had a epidemiology section at the National Institute those diabetic women in very poor control problem absorbing folate from their diet, or are at highest risk for having a malformed using folate normally in their metabolic re­ of Child Health and Human Development, de­ infant, 20 percent or more of their offspring actions. Unfortunately, humans use folate in scribed incredible advances in identifying will have major birth defects (that's about over a dozen different reactions, making it causes of birth defects and their possible pre­ ten times the rate in the general popu­ very difficult to determine where the prob­ vention. lation). Why is it that the other 80 percent lem was. But we were lucky. I believe that his remarks will indicate the are not affected? We know that women who We had a second clue-low vitamin B12 lev­ remarkable advances made in molecular biol­ take medications that are known to cause els also seemed to increase the risk for neu­ ogy at the National Institutes of Health. birth defects during the critical period when ral tube defects, and of all the dozen plus re­ the embryo's organs are developing still do actions that involved folate, only one in­ BIRTH DEFECTS not have a 100 percent chance of having af­ volved B12 as well. In this reaction, B12 and (James L. Mills, M.D.) fected offspring. What we do not know is why folate are used to eliminate a chemical It is a great pleasure for me to have the op­ some embryos escape unscathed. known as homocysteine. Homocysteine is portunity to come and share my enthusiasm We do have some ideas, however. One of converted into methionine, an essential in­ for birth defects research with you today. the reasons we think not every exposed em­ gredient in the production of proteins, DNA Had I been asked to give this talk in 1980, bryo gets malformations brings me to the and other critical items for the embryo. when I first started doing birth defects re­ next topic; that is, how factors from outside We hypothesized that women whose fetuses search, I would have done so with consider­ the developing embryo-in the embryo's en­ had neural tube defects could not covert able trepidation. The fact is, most birth de­ vironment-and genetic factors interact to homocysteine to methionine normally. We fects research in those days was rather pe­ cause birth defects. Now let me explain just were able to measure homocysteine levels in destrian. It was good work but not exciting. what I mean by factors outside the develop­ the blood of women who were pregnant, car­ It consisted of classifying and describing var­ ing embryo. The embryo's environment rying fetuses with neural tube defects. The ious birth defects. We might have been fight­ means whatever is in the mother's blood­ homocysteine levels were higher than nor­ ing a war on cancer then, but we were hardly drugs she takes for acne, high blood glucose, mal, indicating that these women were not fighting a skirmish on birth defects. or low vitamin levels. By genetic factors, I able to convert homocysteine normally. Today, the situation has changed dramati­ mean anything hereditary that make the We believe that this inability to convert cally. Dr. Holmes has already pointed out embryo directly susceptible to birth defects. homocysteine is the reason that these that we have expanded our understanding of In order to illustrate how the embryo's en­ women have babies with neural tube de­ how birth defects occur tremendously. We vironment and genetic factors together fects-either because homocysteine is toxic have better strategies for identifying new produce birth defects, I want to tell you a to the embryo, or because the embryo does causes of birth defects, and we are able to story about neural tube defects and folic not receive a sufficient amount of the prod­ identify families at risk more accurately acid. Neural tube defects are a malformation ucts of the reaction. Genetically, these than we ever could before. of the nervous system. They are among the women seem to have an abnormal enzyme (a I will discuss several areas of research that most devastating defects. Anencephaly is a chemical that moves the reaction forward). have blossomed over the last decade. First, uniformly fatal defect in which most of the Adding more of the vitamin, folic acid, in es­ how biochemical abnormalities cause birth brain is missing. Spina bifida is a disruption sence pushes this chemical reaction forward defects; next, how factors in the embryo's of the spinal cord that is often fatal. In sur­ and converts the homocysteine normally. environment interact with intrinsic (ge­ vivors, it causes paralysis, bladder and bowel Here then was the missing piece of the puz­ netic) factors within us to produce birth de­ problems and severe disability. zle. A combination of an environmental fac­ fects; and finally, how our understanding of Many years ago scientists observed that tor-insufficient folate-and a genetic fac­ these biochemical, environmental and ge­ neural tube defects were much more common tor-impaired ability to clear homo­ netic factors can lead to preventing birth de­ in poor families. Some suspected that die­ cysteine-causes neural tube defects. fects. tary deficiency was an important factor. This leads me to the last major topic-how First, I would like to speak about how bio­ When women who had delivered an affected our understanding of these biochemical and chemical abnormalities in mothers cause child were tested, they were found to have genetic factors can lead to the prevention of birth defects in their offspring. I have chosen significantly lower levels of several vita­ birth defects. After all, it may be very satis­ as an example work done by us at NIH with mins-notably folate-in their blood. This fying to know how birth defects occur, but collaborators at five major universities in prompted scientists to give women vitamins we are really in this business to save chil­ the Diabetes in Early Pregnancy Study. before they became pregnant to try to pre­ dren from death and disability. In order to Women who have diabetes at the time that vent neural tube defects. When investigators do this, we are constantly on the lookout for they become pregnant have a greatly in­ gave women vitamin tablets containing folic markers to identify women at risk, and for creased risk of having a child with a birth acid before they became pregnant, they were interventions to prevent birth defects. defect. Heart, brain and spinal cord defects able to decrease the risk for neural tube de­ We now know of several biochemical risk are just a few of the many birth defects that fects, thus proving that folic acid was an im­ factors. The diabetes specialist can use clini­ infants of diabetic mothers are at increased portant factor in the causation of NTDs. In cal markers like blood glucose to identify risk of experiencing. We have learned that fact, the United States Public Health Service women in poor metabolic control, women this increased risk is related to how well the now recommends that all women who could who should avoid getting pregnant until mother is controlling her diabetes early in possibly get pregnant take folic acid to pre­ their medical problems can be corrected. We pregnancy. The better her control, the lower vent these defects. So, investigators had hope that we will soon have a practical test the risk. We also made a little bonus discov­ found the environmental piece of the puz­ to identify women who do not convert homo­ ery. Diabetic women are also at increased zle--folate. But remember, I said this was a cysteine well and, thus, are at increased risk 24128 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 7, 1995 for having children with neural tube defects. defects, the moral questions often have clear Ms. Thompson strives to effect change in These women could then be targeted to re­ answers. her students by strengthening their self-es­ ceive extra folic acid to prevent neural tube In conclusion, Mark Twain once said that teem, self-discipline, creativity, and critical defects. In the meantime, we can still pre­ everybody always talks about the weather vent many neural tube defects by ensuring but nobody ever does anything about it. thinking skills. She creates opportunities for that all women who might become pregnant Until recently it could have been said that her students to explore, create, perform and take folic acid supplements. we scientists always talked about birth de­ develop positive attitudes about themselves. What will the future bring? To use the il­ fects but never did anything about them: Ms. Thompson uses her considerable musi­ lustration of neural tube defects again, we Now we are in an exciting new era where we cal talents to enhance her teaching methods. expect to find the specific biochemical reac­ are not just talking about birth defects; now tion that is working too slowly in converting we are doing something about them. We are She views art and music as a means to enrich homocysteine. Once this is done, we will preventing them. oneself culturally and academically. By leading look at the enzyme that is supposed to move her students to a second place victory in a that reaction ahead. Because each enzyme is New York singing competition and spearhead­ manufactured by a specific gene, it will be EUNAM. THOMPSON, EXCELLENT ing a $40,000 fund-raising campaign, Ms. possible to see if the women with the homo­ TEACHER Thompson created a once-in-a-lifetime oppor­ cysteine abnormality have a defective gene for that enzyme. This is as simple as finding tunity for her students to sing for Pope John out whether the genetic code contains an HON. TONY P. HAil Paul II in Rome. error for that gene. When that is accom­ OF OHIO Ms. Thompson has worked in the public plished, women can be screened by gene test­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES school system for more than 30 years and ing as another method of identifying women Thursday, September 1995 now serves the Dayton community as director at higher risk for having babies with neural 7, tube defects-those who especially need addi­ Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today of Choral Music and Humanities at the Patter­ tional folate before they become pregnant. to salute Euna M. Thompson, a teacher in my son Career Center. She has received many Looking even farther into the future, we district, who embodies excellence in the field awards and accolades including the Impact II may be preventing birth defects by gene of education. Ms. Thompson is an outstanding Grant for two consecutive years, the Dayton­ therapy. When a couple has a gene abnormal­ Montgcmery County Public Education Fund's ity that prevents them from having normal example of the vital and significant impact that a teacher can make on students' lives. Excellence in Teaching Award and the Martin children, it may be possible to perform in Luther King Award for promoting human rights vitro fertilization and insert the proper gene Ms. Thompson is a recipient of the 1995 Ex­ into the fertilized egg to correct the defect­ cellence in Teaching Award of the National through the arts. and to do it even before the fertilized egg is Council of Negro Women. The Excellence in Mr. Speaker, I applaud Ms. Thompson for put into the mother's uterus. Teaching Award honors teachers who uphold her devotion to children. By making a real and Of course, we face new challenges with the legacy of Mary Mcleod Bethune, eminent positive difference in her students' lives, Ms. these new scientific advances. Moral issues, such as when to perform genetic testing and educator and founder of the National Council Thompson makes a real and positive dif­ gene therapy, will require very careful con­ of Negro Women, by making significant con­ ference in our future. sideration. Fortunately, when the goal is to tributions to the education of African American save the life of the child by preventing birth students.