19548 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

1996 NATIONAL PRAYER General SHALIKASHVILI. Today as we gather We welcome you all here today and you BREAKFAST here in Washington, we are joined by count­ should be aware of the fact that in addition less and countless Americans all across our to the President and his wife and the Vice nation in prayer and in fellowship. And on President and his wife, there are in attend­ HON. BILL BARRETI every base, on every post and on every ship, ance members of the Senate and the House, OF NEBRASKA we are joined as well by our men and women members of the President's Cabinet. Of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in uniform who have answered our nation's course General Shalikashvili and other call to serve. Wednesday, September 17, 1997 members of the Joint Chiefs and the military Just across the Potomac on Ft. Myer, command. We have prime ministers and Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, across the Pacific at Misawa Air Base, heads of state, leaders of giant corporations earlier this year the transcript of the 1997 Na­ aboard the USS America, in Haiti and Ku­ and organizations from all over the world tional Prayer Breakfast, held here in Wash­ wait, in South Korea and Bosnia, in all of and we welcome all of you. these places and hundreds more, America's Allow me to quickly introduce to you the ington, DC, was printed in the CONGRESSIONAL sons and daughters are taking to their knees RECORD. It has come to my attention that the people who are sitting at the head table, and solemnly asking God for strength. most of whom will participate and, there­ transcript of the previous year's National Pray­ They are rededicating themselves to free­ fore, will be introduced in their own right. er Breakfast was inadvertently not submitted dom, to the freedom that can be found in a But for those who do not participate, so that in the RECORD. The Challenging and moving nation loosed from the chains of oppression. you know who is here, I will start with my message brought to us that morning by our They are rededicating themselves to peace, colleague, Senator Akaka from Hawaii. Next former Senate colleague, Sam Nunn, should the peace that can now be heard in the silent to him, Ariel Bybee, who will sing to us hills of a nation that for years knew only later. General Shalikashvili, whom you've be available for everyone. Therefore, I request war and destruction. And they are rededi­ that a copy of the program and of the tran­ heard from in the opening prayer, and his cating themselves to the love of God that wife, Joan. script of the 1996 proceeding be printed in the you see in the eyes of a cold and frightened Senator Simpson, who will represent the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD at this time. child, held in the reassuring arm of an Amer­ Senate prayer group, and his wife Ann. Sen­ NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST ican soldier in a faraway place called Tuzla. ator Carol Moseley-Braun, and I'll tell you And so I ask you now to join them and to CHAIRMAN: THE HONORABLE BOB BENNETT why she's here at the appropriate time. bow your heads in prayer. Becky Geren, the wife of Congressman Pete Pre-Breakfast Prayer: The Honorable DAN­ Almighty God, our Creator and Sustainer, Geren, who heads the House prayer group. Of IEL AKAKA, U.S. Senator, Hawaii. we do affirm here and now how wonderful it course you know the Vice President and his Opening Song: Pine Valley Choir. is to join together today in Your name, for Opening Prayer: General John M. wife. You know this fellow with a full head today we bow in prayer as those who, as indi­ of hair next to me and his wife. Shalikashvili, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of viduals and as a nation, have been magnifi­ Staff. My wife, Joyce, next to Mrs. Clinton. Sen­ cently and prodigiously blessed. We are ator Nunn and his wife, Colleen, and we of BREAKFAST thankful for the opportunity we have been course will hear from him. Dr. Dorothy Welcome: The Honorable BoB BENNETT, given to act as Your servants, and as serv­ Height, we will hear from her. Van Cliburn, U.S. Senator, Utah. ants of the people. We are also grateful for this opportunity to who will provide music. Annette Lantos and Remarks-U.S. House of Representatives: Congressman Tom Lantos from California, The Honorable PETE GEREN, U.S. House of pray as a nation for our sons and daughters in the United States Armed Forces here and and then Sonny Montgomery from Mis­ Representatives, Texas. sissippi. So, those are the folks who are here Old Testament Reading: The Honorable around the world who represent our heritage and continued resolve to ever uphold what is before you. [Applause.] TOM LANTOS, U.S. House of Representatives, In the New Testament it records an occa­ California. right and to ever oppose what is wrong and would threaten liberty and justice, and of a sion where a lawyer came before Jesus in an Remarks-U.S. Senate: The Honorable AL attempt to tempt Him and trap Him in His certainty to do Your will. SIMPSON , U.S. Senator, Wyoming. words. As I read that, I realize that the be­ Solo: Mr. Van Cliburn. Our Father, we join in prayer breakfasts throughout the world and we ask Your bless­ havior of lawyers maybe hasn't changed too THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ing upon all who have united in a spirit of much in the centuries from then until now, New Testament Reading: The Honorable genuine fellowship and kinship. We are but just some lawyers, I assure you. SONNY MONTGOMERY, U.S. House of Rep­ grateful for all Your blessings and for our In an attempt to trip Him up, the lawyer resentatives, Mississippi. liberty, and we ask that You strengthen our asked Jesus a question that he was fairly Prayer for National and International hearts and give us a continued resolve to sure Jesus would have trouble with because Leaders: Dr. Billy Graham. work together in the cause of freedom and it was the question that has been widely de­ Message: The Honorable SAM NUNN, U.S. peace throughout the globe. And in a world bated, and certainly had been widely debated Senator, Georgia. threatened by discord and fear, we ask that in that time: what is the greatest command­ Introduction of the President: The Honor­ You watch over our President and all of our ment in the law, and perhaps with a bit of able BOB BENNETT. nation's leaders, that You continue to help derision in his voice, he prefaced the ques­ THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES them cope with the crucial problems of our tion by saying, " Master, what is the greatest Closing Song: Ms. Ariel Bybee. time. commandment?" Closing Prayer: Dr. Dorothy Height, Na­ Father, we ask now that You bless our na­ Jesus was more than prepared and He tional Council of Negro Women. tion, our nation's leader and all leaders here quoted from Deuteronomy, " Thou shalt love today. We ask that You bless this breakfast the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with gathering of fellowship, and we ask that You all thy soul and with all thy might" And NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST, FEBRUARY 1, then went further, quoting from Leviticus, 1996 bless this food for Your honor and for Your glory. said to the lawyer, " and to the second is like Senator BENNETT. Good morning. My name In Your name we pray, Amen. unto it." Quoting from the 19th chapter of is Bob Bennett. I am the leader of the Senate Senator BENNETT. Thank you, General Leviticus, he said, "Thou shalt love thy Prayer Breakfast, and in the tradition of the Shalikashvili. We 'll now enjoy the brea:kfast neighbor as thyself." And then He gave the National Prayer Breakfast, this is the year and pick up the program when presumably lawyer this magnificent summary. He said, of the Senate to conduct this activity so you're through eating. Thank you. "On these two hang all the law and the that it becomes my happy lot to greet you [Breakfast.] prophets.'' here on behalf of both the Senate and the Senator BENNETT. In the Senate prayer I can think of nothing better than that House to this special occasion. group we always bang the glass at the stroke summary as the theme of the prayer break­ General John Shalikashvili, Chairman of of 8:30 and get started, whether you're fin­ fast. All of us have our own interpretation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will offer the open­ ished eating or not, so we will follow that who is the Lord our God. All of us strive to ing prayer. tradition here today. do the best we can to understand who that is

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 fl oor. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19549 and to love Him with all our hearts, souls Sonny Montgomery, then brings us to date nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of and minds. But all of us, regardless of our re­ on the lives, and too often of late, the deaths the Lord is perfect.' ' ligious tradition, can recognize the impor­ of our friends and House members, past and Senator SIMPSON. Mr. President and First tance of learning to love our neighbor as our­ present. He shares with us celebrations such Lady Hillary, and Vice President and Presi­ selves, and it is in that spirit that we gather as recent births and the trials and tribu­ dent of our Senate, Al and Tipper. Distin­ here this morning and in countless groups lations of others. guished guests, greetings to my fellow seek­ around the world. We then lift up our colleagues and their ers and discoverers and wanderers, not nec­ We gather that way in the Senate of the families in prayer with rejoiceful prayers of essarily in that order. United States every week. We also do that in thanksgiving, prayers for healing, for com­ It is always a grand morning. One of the the House every week and it is my privilege fort, and for the blessing of our name and our great honors of my life was to give the prin­ to introduce to you the Honorable Pete leaders. We follow the prayer with a hymn, cipal address at this National Prayer Break­ Geren, Congressman from Texas, who is the long on enthusiasm and sometimes short on fast in 1989. I was filled with trepidation that leader of the House prayer breakfast, to harmony. a seeker like me would be asked. The night bring us their greetings. Congressman Jake Pickle of Texas used to before, the Reverend Billy Graham, one of Representative GEREN . Senator, thank regale us with the history of each hymn, or the most loving, inspirational, caring men in you. I'm not sure your lawyer comment was at least the history according to Jake. Jake this world, called and said, " Alan, we are in the spirit of the occasion but we 'lllet that is now retired and we all miss him. praying for you." I said, "You're praying for one pass. [Laughter.] Following the hymn, a House member tells me? I'm doing plenty of that for myself." Mr. President, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Vice us about. his or her life story, about the in­ But that's very typical of the Reverend Billy President, Mrs. Gore, and distinguished fluences that changed his life, his values, his Graham. guests, one and all. I bring you greetings philosophy, his faith, his politics. On these Long ago in public life I learned where to from the prayer breakfast of the United occasions members offer a window into their turn when I didn't know where to turn. States House of Representatives. My charge souls that I suspect few others ever see. There's only one source for that. today is to tell you about our prayer break­ Through this sharing, each of us so often is The Senate prayer breakfast group gathers fast, with the hope and prayer that perhaps surprised that beyond the accent, the geog­ every Wednesday morning for a convivial you can build on our experience in your na­ raphy, and the political label, surprised at hour between 8 and 9. Our leaders, Bob Ben­ tion, your state, your place of work, or per­ how much we all have in common. nett, Republican from Utah, Danny Akaka, haps even in your neighborhood. After hearing Joe Moakley of Massachu­ Democrat from Hawaii, rare people, both of In the book of Matthew Jesus told us, setts talk of his South Boston childhood, them. The presenter of the day, after an "Where two or three are gathered together Charlie Rangel, who grew up in Harlem, said, opening prayer, shares about themselves in My name, there am I in the midst of " Joe, we really grew up in the same neigh­ with us for 15 or 20 minutes, followed by a them." Today those gathered in His name borhood. We just never knew it." Regarding time of discussion and fellowship. Promptly number in the thousands and we thank Him our differences, and they are many, we grow at the hour of nine we close with a prayer as for His message. to understand them and appreciate them. we stand with hands joined around the ta­ Every Thursday morning that the House is We close with another prayer. We pray bles. in session we gather, 40 to 50 members that we may be salt and light in this world. Sometimes the theme is the Bible. Some­ strong, in His name. Our gathering is ex­ Each of us truly is blessed by our participa­ times it's public life. Sometimes it's about traordinary by Capitol Hill standards, for so tion and pray that somehow our Congress family and our jobs, but always it's about many reasons, and truly a blessing for those and our nation, one nation under God, could ourselves and the impact of that greater who have chosen to make it a part of their be blessed as well. Thank you very much. force in our lives, a higher being. All faiths lives. I say extraordinary by Capitol Hill [Applause.] there, all philosophies, all believers. standards. In a supercharged environment Senator BENNETT. We will now hear an Old Those are always very moving times and where most all meetings are restricted by Testament reading by the Honorable Tom we share much with each other and we gain party membership, or even more narrowly by Lantos from California, after which Al Simp­ much from each other. It helps us endure in philosophical subsets within the party, by son, retiring but not really very retiring, the partisan and political world in which we race, by religion, by region, by state, by Senator from Wyoming, will speak on behalf have chosen to labor. Kindness, civility, tol­ cause, our meetings are interfaith, ecumeni­ of the Senate prayer group. erance, and forgiveness are all part of the es­ cal, multiracial, nonpartisan, and about as Representative LANTOS. President Clinton sence of our gatherings. We try to put aside diverse as this great land of ours. and Mrs. Clinton, Vice President and Mrs. harsh judgment and criticism. I remember The Irish brogue of south Boston, the Gore, ladies and gentlemen. We all know why the words of a wonderful couplet that my syrupy drawl of South Georgia, the sharp everybody is here at the head table. No one mother used to share: "There is so much and clipped tongue of Brooklyn, the twang of knows why I am here. I am here as a re­ good in the worst of us and so much bad in Texas, and the flat tones of the Midwest fill minder that we are slow learners. Bob Ben­ the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us the room every Thursday morning. Extraor­ nett said, "Thou shall love thy neighbor." I to find fault with the rest of us." I like that dinary. There are no guests, not even family am the only survivor of the Holocaust ever one. I knew you would. members, no camera, no press, no record of elected to the Congress of the United States, We also talk about our human frailties. We the proceedings. It is as private as Capitol which I take as the most poignant reminder talk about how easy it is to fall for the blan­ Hill can be and members share their hearts. of how profoundly we have failed to learn dishments of flattery and be overcome by I said no guests. Well, there is one excep­ that central, profound, and powerful mes­ ego. I've often said that those who travel the tion. Legislators or parliamentarians from sage. high road of humility in Washington, D.C. around the world will join us to learn about This is my birthday and I didn't expect it are not troubled by heavy traffic. [Laugh­ our breakfast and on occasion return years to be this elaborate. [Laughter, applause]. ter.] later to tell about the breakfasts that they But as always, I want to express my appre­ It is always a very uplifting time. And yes, have started in their land. ciation to my wife Annette, and I want to actually too a time of sharing our own Today prayer breakfasts are held in over tell all of you that as I blow out the candles vulnerabilities. It was Will Rogers, our great 100 countries around the world, in countries tonight on my birthday cake, I will have a American humorist, who said, "It's great to as far-flung as India, Peru, Mongolia, Japan. simple wish, that all of our 17 grandchildren be great but it's greater to be human." So, in a way, our breakfast engages in out­ and all the children all across the globe We are very privileged to be able to serve reach to the world, but that's not our main should have an opportunity to grow up in in the United States Senate, a special obliga­ purpose. Our focus is internal, on the lives peace and dignity and friendship. tion. People do observe us. We are scruti­ and hearts and souls of our colleagues. It is I'd like to share with you a psalm you all nized, and we hope to do more than just talk fellowship. It is an eye in the storm of the know, Psalm 19. a good game. We need to live the things we swirling world of politics. "The Heavens declare the glory of God, the learn and share. There is a saying in Washington that if skies proclaim the work of His hand. Day Let me close with a poem that is some­ you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog. after day, they pour forth speech, night after thing we try to take from the weekly Senate Our breakfast belies that expression. Break­ night they display knowledge. There is no prayer breakfast group and something we fast begins at eight, and I think it's the only speech or language where their voice is not might hope to remember from this mar­ three dollar breakfast left in Washington. It heard. Their voice goes out into all the velous convocation today. That little poem, probably violates the gifts ban, Mr. Speaker. earth, their works to the end of the world. In "We'd rather see a sermon than hear one any I'm not sure. the heavens, He has pitched a tent for the day. We'd rather you would walk with us We visit informally for most of the first sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth than merely show the way. The eye is a bet­ half hour. When we are called to order, we from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing ter pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine begin our day's program with a scripture to run his course. It rises at one end of the counsel is confusing, but example always reading. Our very own general, Congressman heavens and makes its circuit to the other; clear. We can soon learn how to do it if you 19550 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18~ 1997 all let us see it done. We can watch you well up our eyes unto the hills, to take the time "It is my prayer that uniting in the spir­ in action but your tongue too fast may run. to ask, what would Jesus do, and to remem­ itual atmosphere will bring us together as a And the lecture you deliver may be very wise ber that He said, "Whatsoever you do to the people, whatever our backgrounds, and and true, but we'd rather get our lessons by least of these, you do to me." [Applause.] strengthen the moral and spiritual values observing you." Senator BENNETT. As Congressman Geren that we are dangerously close to losing. May There's the word for the day. God bless you indicated, Sonny Montgomery, CongTessman God bless you all." all. from Mississippi, has been one of the pillars We assume, Dr. Graham, that you are Senator BENNETT. Senator Al Gore was a around which the House prayer breakfast watching on television, and we miss you. But regular attender at the Senate prayer break­ group has been built over the years. Sonny we tell you you are in our prayers and fast. Vice President Al Gore gets there as has announced his retirement from the Con­ thoughts and that we pray your recovery is often as he possibly can. We are poorer for gress, so we asked him to give the New Tes­ as complete as you indicate the doctors have the fact that that is not as often as it used tament reading here at the National Prayer promised you it will be. to be, but we 're always glad to see the Presi­ Breakfast. Now faced with this kind of a hole to fill, dent of the Senate when he does show up at Sonny, when you're through, don't leave I did what you always do when you have a our prayer breakfast and we 're honored and because we have something we'd like to give real problem. You go to your friends. Carol pleased to hear from him now. The Vice you as a memento. Moseley-Braun, Senator from Illinois, after President of the United States. Representative MONTGOMERY. Mr. Presi­ her initial " whoo" at the suggestion that she Vice President AL GORE. Thank you, Sen­ dent, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Vice President, Mrs. would be standing in for Billy Graham. ator Bennett and Mrs. Bennett, and Mr. Gore, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Senator Ben­ proved just how much of a friend she really President, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Speaker, Con­ nett, for giving me the opportunity to read is when she said, "Yes, Bob, I will do it." gressman Geren and Mrs. Geren, Senator two passages from the New Testament. In the tradition of the National Prayer Nunn, who will deliver the message, and Mrs. A few minutes ago Pete Geren talked Breakfast. where we always have a prayer Nunn, other members of the House and Sen­ about the House prayer breakfast group, and for national and international leaders, we ate here at the dais, other distinguished Thursday is the best day of the week for me will now have the honor of having that pray­ guests at the dais and in the audience and in because of the prayer breakfast. I could have er offered by the Senator from Illinois, Carol the overflow room. Let me especially wel­ not made it up here for 30 years without the Moseley-Braun. come the international dignitaries who are House prayer breakfast being in the Con­ Senator MOSELEY-BRAUN. Thank you. Sen­ with us this morning. gress. ator Bennett assured me that the charity of Now, to do what I'm supposed to do, two the people at the prayer breakfast would As Tipper and I stood outside the hotel readings from the New Testament. From the early this morning, it was so cold that those Living Bible, I Corinthians, chapter 13, keep me from being run out of town while who didn't know me well thought I was fro­ trying to substitute for the great Dr. zen stiff. [Laughter.] Three years ago at verses 11 through 13. It is like this. "When I Graham. Our prayers go out to him for his was a child,! spoke and thought and reasoned speedy recovery and full health. Christmastime I received from one of my as a child does, but when I became a man, children a gift that almost drove me to dis­ my thoughts grew far beyond those of my Mr. President and Mrs. President, Mr. Vice traction. It was a book of graphic designs President and Mrs. Vice President, Senator childhood, and now I have put away childish Bennett, honored guests. ladies and gentle­ generated by a computer technique that con­ things. In the same way we can see and un­ tain a hidden pattern. How many of you have derstand only a little about God now, as if men, let us pray. ever seen such designs? Those of you who we were peering at His reflection in a poor Oh Lord, You have always called forth have not, what I'm about to say won't mean leaders in the world and we look to You to mirror. But some day we are going to see lift up among us those who will lead in right­ much to you, but ask your chiuldren. They Him in His completeness, face to face. Right will tell you about these designs. eous ways. Your servant Moses saw an op­ now, all that I know is hazy and blurred, but pressed people and, though he first fled from You're supposed to hold them very close to then I will see everything clearly, just as your face and focus your eyes on a distant clearly as God sees into my heart today. the path, led his people from oppression to point beyond the page. Then after a little freedom, from slavery into nationhood. Your time has passed, slowly take them away There are three things that remain: faith, servant David heard the taunting cry of an hope, and love, and the greatest of these is evil-spirited giant whose tyranny threatened from your eyes, and if you do it just right, a love." design will spring into view in three dimen­ Now from the King James version, II Tim­ to crush the struggling forces for good. sions. othy, chapter 4, verses 6 through 8. Paul is Against such seemingly impossible strength I don't think I was doing it just right, and writing to his spiritual son Timothy. "I am but armed with your spirit, he brought jus­ it took a number of tries before I finally re­ already being poured out as a drink offering tice. solved the technique. My children, by con­ and the time of my departure is at hand. I Your servant, Your son. the Lord Jesus trast, would flip through the pages, yep, have fought the good fight, I have finished Christ, armed with only the truth of His there's that one, yep, there's that one. I the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there teaching, showed His followers the light would still be on the first one, trying to is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. which has been the salvation of and the bring it into view. which the Lord, the righteous judge, will model for self-sacrificing and humble leader­ I think prayer is a little bit like that expe­ give to me on that day, and not to me only ship for countless generations. rience. We try to focus on a more distant re­ but to all who have loved His appearing." Lord, we seek Your face. Your world needs ality that has a deeper meaning, but it's dif­ Amen, amen. [Applause.] leaders who see oppression and lead us away ficult to be still and be patient and avoid the Representative GEREN. On behalf of the from it, who can cut tyrants down to size distraction of the business in our lives. House prayer breakfast we have a presen­ and place their taunts behind us, who will Men see on the surface. We're taught God tation to make to Sonny. Sonny is truly the offer not only their wisdom and their words sees on the inside. Jesus taught the kingdom heart and soul of the House prayer breakfast. but indeed, themselves in the service of peo­ of God is within. In Ecclesiastes we find the Sonny, I don't know what we're going to do ple everywhere. passage, " I applied mine heart to know and without you. [Presents a Bible and reads the Clothe those who gather under the mantle to search and to seek out wisdom and the inscription] of leadership in the world today with a prop­ reason of things.'' "Sonny Montgomery, our wonderful friend er scorn for tyranny. a priestly reverence for In a world awash in information and busy­ and mentor for so many years. You help us the lives of those for whom they speak, and ness, there is always so much more we can with the things that count most in life. We the tender touch of the shepherd lifting up know: the reason a child is suffering ten are forever in your debt. Presented to Sonny those who need him most. blocks from this hotel, the dreams of a na­ Montgomery on the occasion of the 1996 Na­ Strengthen their eyes, make wise their tion an ocean away, the condition of our tional Prayer Breakfast by the House of Rep­ minds, and fill their house with the resolve planet as it circles the sun. We seek wisdom resentatives breakfast group." to seek and find an act upon the truth as wherever it may be. Sonny. thank you very much. [Applause.] they are privileged to know it in the service Ecclesiastes also reminds us that, "wisdom Senator BENNETT. After the program was of the world You have created, and of the strengthened the wise more than ten mighty printed, I received the following letter, ad­ people whom You love. men." With wisdom we may glimpse the fu­ dressed to the National Prayer Breakfast. "I Then shall the nations all rejoice in the re­ ture and shape its contours. We can fulfull deeply regret that my doctors. in spite of ality of Your promise to heal this land and responsibilities to neighbors and honor obli­ great improvement and the promise that I to grant peace on earth, good will to all. Fa­ gations to our children. With wisdom we can will be totally recovered within the next ther, we thank You for your grace and guid­ protect our earth and preserve its treasures. month, have urged me not to attend the ance and for Your many blessings. Make So we ask God to give us the wisdom and meeting today. This will be one of the few plain Your way and straighten our path, that courage to act on that which we have times I have ever missed the National Prayer our service and stewardship-that our stew­ learned and give us too the strength to move Breakfast since its inception, and I am going ardship of Your earth and our service of Your forward. Give us the grace to be still, to lift to greatly miss it." people may be pleasing in Your sight. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19551 Bless the leaders here assembled, Your hind the Iron Curtain. All across the globe in America today are primarily problems of clergy, our President and Vice President, the the lights of religion, freedom, and indi­ the heart. The soul of our nation is the sum leadership and membership of the Congress, vidual right were going out, and the specter of our individual characters. Yes, we must the administration, the military, the inter­ of nuclear destruction loomed over our plan­ balance the budget. And there are a lot of national community all here assembled. May et. other things we need to q_o at the federal our prayers this day create an atmosphere I wonder this morning how those who at­ level. But unless we change our hearts, we for good all over your world, and the leaders tended that first National Prayer Breakfast will still have a deficit of the soul. The of our time do honor to you. 43 years ago would have reacted if God had human inclination to seek political solutions These things in Jesus' name we pray, given them a window to see the world of the for problems of the heart is nothing new. It's Amen. 1980s and the 1990s. They would have seen natural. Senator BENNETT. When the time came to truly amazing things. Catholic nuns kneel­ Two thousand years ago another society make the decision as to whom we would call ing to pray in the path of 50-ton tanks, the found itself in deeper trouble than our own upon for the principal address at this prayer power of their faith bringing down the Phil­ today. An oppressive empire strangled lib­ breakfast, we considered a number of names, ippine dictatorship. The Iron Curtain being erties. Violence and corruption were perva­ and debated them and got excited about this smashed, not by tanks of war but by the sive. Many of the people of the day hoped for one and that one, and then, well, maybe, and hands of those who built it and those who the triumphant coming of a political savior, back and forth. were oppressed by it. The Cold War ending a long expected king to establish a new, We would pray and then get back and talk not in a nuclear inferno but in a blaze of can­ righteous government. Instead, God sent his again. Then in the midst of all of this con­ dles in the churches of Eastern Europe, in son, a baby born in a stable. versation the name of Sam Nunn was men­ the singing of hymns and the opening of Jesus grew up to become a peasant car­ tioned, at which point we knew we didn't long-closed synagogues. penter in a backwater town called Nazareth. have to pray about it any more. He did, but I believe that God gave Joseph Stalin the He condemned sin, but he made it clear he we didn't. We knew we had the right fellow. answer to his question: How many divisions loved the sinner. He befriended beggars and It took a few weeks for him to decide that does the Pope have? They would have also prostitutes and even tax collectors, while that was the case. seen a black man in South Africa emerge condemning the hypocrisy of those in power. When I called the President to run the from prison after 26 years and become Presi­ He treated every individual with love and name by him-as a courtesy we always do dent of his nation, personifying forgiveness dignity and taught that we should do the that, to make sure that we get somebody and reconciliation; the first hesitant but hopeful steps toward peace between Jews and same. He died like a common criminal on a that the President would feel comfortable cross and gave us the opportunity for re­ with-! caught the President on a perhaps Arabs in the Middle East and between Catho­ lics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. demption and the hope of eternal life. He bad day. I'm not sure he has too many of the also put the role of government in proper other kind, but while the President is always They would see that in 1996, we are blessed to live in a world where more people enjoy reli­ perspective when he said, "Render unto Cae­ courteous, I could tell from the edge in his sar that which is Caesar's and unto God that voice a little bit that there had been a lot of gious freedom than at any other -time in his­ tory. Can we doubt this morning that a lov­ which is God's." people who had been having that day. He Shortly after I announced that I would not said after the pleasantries, "You called me," ing God has watched over us and guided us through this dangerous and challenging pe­ seek reelection last fall, a reporter asked kind of a little bit defensive, like, what prob­ me, "You've been in this Congress for 24 lem are we going to have now? riod? During the early days of the Russian Par­ years. What do you consider your greatest I said, "Mr. President, I'm calling to get accomplishment?" I paused for a moment, your reaction to the possibility that we'll liament, known as the Duma, I joined sev­ eral other Senators in attending a meeting and then I replied, "Keeping my family to­ have Sam Nunn as the speaker for the Na­ gether and helping my wife Colleen raise two tional Prayer Breakfast." I could tell from with a number of newly elected members of that body. The second day, a few of us were wonderful children, Michelle and Brian." the response in the President's voice that I [Applause.] had made his day; immediately he relaxed invited to a very small prayer breakfast with a group of Duma members who were just Well, upon hearing that, the reporter and said, "I think that's wonderful. I think scoffed, He said, "Don't give me that soft, that's remarkable." forming a fellowship. As in the larger meet­ So do all of the rest of us who know and ing the day before, the breakfast discussion sound bite stuff. What laws did you get love Sam Nunn. This is one of the out­ started with a degree of coldness and ten­ passed?" When he said that, I had several standing public servants in America, and it sion. One of the Russians, in obvious sadness thoughts, only a couple of them I can share is going to be our great privilege to hear and a little embarrassment, remarked that with you this morning. [General laughter.] from him now. [Applause.] Russia was in great economic distress and Four years ago, my daughter Michelle and Senator NUNN. Thank you very much, Bob. that the United States was the only remain­ a few of her friends started an organization President and Mrs. Clinton, Vice President ing super power. It was clear that this was a in Atlanta called Hands On Atlanta, making and Mrs. Gore, fellow sinners-have I left very sensitive point for them. It had been it exciting and efficient and fun for young anyone out? [Laughter.] abundantly clear also the day before. Sen­ people to volunteer their time to help those I say to my good friend Alan Simpson, ator Dirk Kempthorne and I then pointed out in need. Now, about five years later, 10,000 Billy Graham called me also, Alan, and he that in a real sense there was only one real volunteers each month render about 20,000 said as he did in his message, he was praying Super Power in the world, our Heavenly Fa­ hours of personal one-on-one service. Now for us all but he felt particularly compelled ther who watches over us all. The tension what laws have I passed that would have this to pray for Alan Simpson and for me. Alan, immediately eased, and the spirit of fellow­ impact? I don't know what he meant by that, but you ship was built. And we prayed together to I also thought about the difference be­ and I appreciate it. that Super Power, the God who loves us all. tween being a Senator and being a father. A few years ago during the Brezhnev era, Our world is a strange and tragic place. It's When we in the Senate make a mistake, we Dr. Billy Graham returned from a highly very ironic in many ways. The Cold War is have checks and balances, 99 other Senate publicized trip to Moscow, and he was con­ over, but in a tragic sense, the world has now colleagues, plus the House of Representa­ fronted when he returned by one of his crit­ been made safe for ethnic, tribal and reli­ tives, plus the President, plus a final review ics with these words, " Dr. Graham, you have gious warfare and vengeance and savagery. by the Supreme Court. But when we as par­ set the church back 50 years." Billy Graham Such tragedy has come to the people of So­ ents make a mistake, where are the checks lowered his head and replied, "I am deeply malia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and and where are the balances? ashamed. I've been trying very hard to set Haiti and· others. Congress can pass laws cracking down on the church back 2,000 years." [Laughter, ap­ At home, the pillar of our national those who refuse to support their children, plause.] strength, the American family, is crumbling. but we cannot force husbands to honor their Today we represent different political par­ Television and movies saturate our children wives, wives to love their husbands and both ties, different religions, different nations, with sex and violence. We have watered down parents to nurture their children. Congress but as your invitation states, we gather as our moral standards to the point where can pass laws on civil rights and equal brothers and sisters in the spirit of Jesus, many of our youth are confused, discour­ rights, but we cannot force people of dif­ who lived 2,000 years ago and who lives in our aged, and in deep trouble. We are reaping our ferent races to love each other as brothers. hearts and minds even today. The first pray­ harvest of parental neglect, divorce, child Congress can promote fairness and efficiency er breakfast was held in 1953, in a world of abuse, teen pregnancy, school drop-outs, ille­ in our tax code, but we cannot force the rich great danger. President Eisenhower was gal drugs and streets full of violence. It's as to have compassion for the poor. We can join newly inaugurated and had just returned if our house, having survived the great with our Nato allies to separate the warring from Korea where our young soldiers were earthquake we called the Cold War, is now factions in Bosnia, as we 're doing, and give fighting desperately. being eaten away by termites. them a breathing space as we're doing; but World communism was on the move. East­ Where should we turn this morning and in we cannot force Muslims, Croats and Serbs ern Europe and the Baltics were locked be- the days ahead? I believe that our problems to live together as brothers in peace. - . -- - .~-.---~-~. ~ ---.-

19552 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 I recently heard a story on the radio. It parents, and as communities, will come to­ Thank you Sam, You have left us all in happened in Bosnia, but I think it has mean­ gether and find a way to provide love and your debt. ing for all of us. A reporter was covering that spiritual care to every mother and to every Those who know me know that I am the tragic conflict in the middle of Sarajevo; and child, born or unborn. Government at every son of a Senator. My father served for 24 he saw a young, little girl shot by a sniper. level must play a role. But I do not believe years, and I ran his last twb campaigns. The back of her head had literally been torn it will be the decisive role. When the time came for me to run for the away by the bullet. The reporter threw down What then are our duties as leaders, not Senate, I thought I understood what that his pad and pencil and stopped being a re­ just in the world of politics and government, was all about. I'd been all over the state. I'd porter for a few minutes. He rushed to the but in every field represented here this spoken in every little town. I had shaken all man who was holding the child. He helped morning and through our land? Like basket­ the hands. And I'd done all of the things con­ them both into his car. As the reporter ball stars Charles Barkley and Dennis Rod­ nected with managing a senatorial cam­ stepped on the accelerator, racing to the hos­ man, we are role models whether we like it paign. Well, one of the great discoveries that pital, the man holding the bleeding child or not. I believe that the example we set, came to me when I became a candidate is said, " Hurry, my friend. My child is still particularly for our young people, may be that there is no experience that can prepare breathing." A moment later, "Hurry, my the most important responsibility of public you for what happens when you are the can­ friend. My child is still warm." Finally, service. We must demonstrate with our daily didate. It's entirely different. The pressures ' Hurry. Oh my God, my child is getting lives that it is possible to be involved in poli­ are different. The circumstances are dif­ cold." tics and still retain intellectual honesty and ferent. The hurts, perhaps, are deeper when When they got to the hospital, the little moral and ethical behavior. We are all sin­ it's your name on the ballot than when girl had died. As the two men were in the ners, so we will slip. And, yes, we will fall. you're campaigning for somebody else. laboratory, washing the blood of their hands But I have felt God's sustaining hand I have participated in a number of presi­ and their clothes, the man turned to the re­ through every phase of my life, growing up dential campaigns. I think I know a little bit porter and said, "This is a terrible task for in Perry, Georgia, raising a family, my rela­ about what it's like to manage a presidential me. I must go tell her father that his child tionship with my wife, Colleen, in Senate campaign. But from my own experience, I is dead. He will be heartbroken." The re­ floor debates, in committee meetings, vis­ know that there can be only one person in porter looked up in amazement. He looked iting our troops in war, or being a part of the this room who understands what it's like to up at the grieving man and said, "I thought mission for peace. be the President of the United States. The In the years ahead, when I think back on pressures, the challenges, the difficulties, she was your child." The man looked back my public service, I am certain that the the rest of us can only guess. and said, " No, but aren't they all our chil­ most cherished memories will be those mo­ And so, I share with you my memory of dren?'' ments spent with my colleagues in the Sen­ President Clinton at his first National Pray­ Aren't they all our children? Yes, they are ate Prayer Breakfast and in my meetings er Breakfast, when I was sitting there as the all our children. They are also God's children with leaders from around the world in the brand new Senator, wondering what this was as well, as He entrusts us with their care. In spirit of Jesus. all about. He said something that I have Sarajevo and Somalia, in New York City, in I've also been blessed by many friends in hung onto ever since, and I think has great Los Angeles and my home town of Perry, the Senate and a small fellowship with a value for all of us. He referred to his oath of Georgia, and right here in Washington, DC, group of Senate brothers, like the late office, and then said when the oath was com­ they are all our children. Dewey Bartlett, Republican of Oklahoma; pleted, he felt like saying, "So, help me, In the book of Micah, the prophet asked, Lawton Chiles, Democrat of Florida, Pete God." "Shall I give my firstborn for my trans­ Domenici, Republican of New Mexico; Harold That is a legitimate reading of that par­ gressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of Hughes, Democrat of Iowa; and Mark Hat­ ticular phrase, that only the President can my soul?" The cruelest aspects of our wars field, Republican of Oregon. No one can ac­ fully understand. It's a great pleasure and and our sins is what they do to our children. cuse that group of being of like minds, politi­ honor for me now to pronounce the appro­ Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to cally. But these brothers have listened to my priate words of introduction: Ladies and gen­ come unto me for of such is the kingdom of problems, they've shared in my joys, they've tlemen, the President of the United States. God." Too often today we shorten that com­ held me accountable, and they've upheld me [Applause.] mandment to: Suffer, little children. Mrs. in their prayers. Fellowship in the spirit of President CLINTON . Thank you very much. Clinton, thank you for the great emphasis Jesus does amazing things. It puts political Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you have put on children and the spotlight and philosophical differences, even profound you. Thank you very much. Thank you. you have shined on our challenges. We are differences, in a totally different perspective. Thank you very much, Senator Bennett, grateful. [Applause.] I believe that 2,000 years ago Jesus was Vice President and Mrs. Gore, Mr. Speaker, And so the world is . watching America speaking of each of us when He delivered His Senator Nunn and the Members of Congress today. People around the world are not just Sermon on the Mount. And my prayer this who are here, the Members of the Supreme watching our President or our Congress or morning for our leaders, and indeed for our Court, the Joint Chiefs, the other public offi­ our economy or even our military deploy­ whole nation, is the spirit of His words then. cials, to our g·uests from around the world, ment. They are watching out cities and our May we who would be leaders always be and my fellow Americans. towns and our families to see how much we Let me begin by saying that most of what aware that we must first be servants. May I would like to have said on my best day was value our children and whether we care we who compete in the arena of government enm~gh to s_top America's moral and cultural said better today by Sam Nunn. [Applause.] and politics remember that we are com­ All during his speech, I kept saying to my­ erosion. manded to love our enemies and pray for Do we in America in 1996, love our neigh­ self, I'm more glad today that I prayed for those who persecute us. And I can't find any him not to leave the Congress than I was the bors as ourselves, as explained by Bob Ben­ exception for the news media or for our oppo­ nett as our theme for the morning and by day I prayed for it, but I also know, with a nents. May we who seek to be admired by heart and a mind and a spirit like that, there Tom Lantos and his personal example? Now, others remember that when we practice our I don't have the answer to these questions is a great, powerful service still awaiting piety before men in order to be seen by them, Senator Nunn in whatever he should decide this morning, and I don't pretend to. These we will have no reward in Heaven. May we to do. problems can only be solved in the hearts who have large egos and great ambition re­ I thank Sam Nunn and Alan Simpson and and minds of our people and one child at a call that the kingdom of Heaven is promised my neighbor, Sonny Montgomery, and all time. I do have a few , however, observations. to those who are humble and who are poor in those who are here retiring from the United The Cold War provided us with the clarity spirit. May we who depend on publicity as States Congress this year for the service of purpose and the sense of unity as a people. our daily bread recall that when we do a se­ that they have rendered to their constitu­ Our survival as a nation was at stake. We cret kindness to others, and when we don't ents and to the American people. [Applause.] came together, often in fear. The challenges try to tell everyone, then our Father, who Hillary and I join all of you in praying for that confront us today are different, far dif­ knows all of our secrets, will reward us. May Billy Graham and for his wonderful wife, ferent; but the stakes are the same. I pray the citizens who we serve as stewards of gov­ Ruth, and for their family. that our children, all of our children, will be ernment be sensitive to the fact that while I'm still g·lad to be here even though I the bridge that brings us together as a na­ we need their critiques, we also desperately don't think I need to say much now. I know tion, not in fear, but in love. need their prayers. May we never forget that one thing. We 've got a lot to pray about here Each year millions of our children are the final judgment of our tenure here on in Washington. We've got a lot of conflicts, abused, abandoned, and aborted. Millions earth will not be decided by majority votes we've got an abundance of cynicism, we have more receive little care, little discipline, and and that an election is not required to bring to worry about a loss of trust in public insti­ almost no love. While we continue to debate us home. tutions all across the country. I disagree our deeply held belief as to which of these God bless each of you. [Applause.] with Pete Geren. I think it was Harry Tru­ sins should also be violations of our criminal Senator BENNETT. We did all right, didn' t man who said, " If you want a friend in Wash­ code, I pray that we as parents, as extended we? [Applause.] ington, you need to buy a dog." I think it September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19553 was Benjamin Franklin that said, " Our en­ tend the bonds of family beyond our border. charity, and the greatest of these is char­ emies are our friends when they show us our When Hillary and I were served breakfast ity." We need a charitable outlook in our faults." Well, as someone who has had more here today, the gentleman who was serving feelings and our dealings toward those with of his faults shown, real and imagined, than us leaned over and he said, "Mr. President, I whom we disagree because we do not know, anyone else-[laughter]-I think we all have am so g-rateful for what the United States as we are known by God. a lot of friends here in Washington. [Laugh­ did in Haiti. I came here 30 years ago from So let us pray that our families will be ter and applause.] Haiti, but it is still my country and now it's stronger .. Let us pray that the impact of our I was thinking last night about what we free." families and these values will help us as really want out of this Prayer Breakfast, and When I met the foreign dignitaries as I was leaders to make our communities, our nation I was up late reading, and I came across going through the line, there standing before and our work in the world stronger. Let us something that King David said in the 4th me was the mayor of Tuzla. For every Amer­ pray for a stronger sense of humility in our Psalm. You know, David knew something ican in uniform, he is now our mayor and we about leadership and courage and human are a part of his family efforts to bring peace own efforts and a much stronger sense of failing. He said in his psalm to God, ''Thou and freedom to all the people of Bosnia. charity toward the efforts of others. Let us hast enlarged me when I was in distress." Galatians say, "Let everyone bear his own know always that the spirit of God is among So I pray that when we leave here today, burden," and then just a couple of verses us when we permit it to be. by the words of Senator Nunn and the read­ later says, "Bear one another's burden." When Hillary and I went to Ireland a few ings of the Scripture, the remarks of others, Would God through St. Paul have given us weeks ago and saw the yearning for peace we shall all be enlarged in spirit, not only for such contradictory advice? No, I don't think there in the eyes of the Catholics and the our public work, but for our private trials. I so. I think being personally responsible and Protestants, we had the honor to meet the look out here and I see friends of mine in reaching out to others are the two sides of Irish Nobel-Prize winning poet, Seamus both parties whom I know today have trials humanity's coin, and we cannot live full Heaney, and I had the honor of quoting one in their own families and challenges of the lives-we cannot be enlarged-unless we do of his wonderful lines in hoping that I really heart they must face. And we leave here in both. was there at a time when, to use his words, the prayer that we will be enlarged. So I ask all of you, beyond praying for our "hope and history rhyme." Sam Nunn talked about the family and families, to pray for us here in Washington This can be such a time, I am convinced, what government cannot do. I ask that when to make the right decisions about how we only - only-if we are charitable, if we are we leave here, we say a prayer for our fami­ should enlarge and strengthen the family of family and if we act according to the spirit lies, to lift up those who are working hard to our communities, our nation and our ties to stay together and overcome the problems the world. of God. This is the day that the Lord has they face, to lift up those who are helping Finally, I ask you to pray for us to have a made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you. [Applause.] others to make and to build families. It is a more charitable attitude toward one an­ rewarding thing to see the divorce rate lev­ other, leaders and citizens alike. I was Senator BENNETT. Thank you, Mr. Presi­ eling off and the teen pregnancy rate going aghast and deeply saddened yesterday when I dent, We are honored by your words as well down, and the first indications that America read in one of the newspapers all of us read as your presence and your wisdom, and we may be coming back together around the around here, probably one we shouldn't some will try to live within the spirit of your values that made this a great nation. But we days, that a citizen of a state of this country counsel. need to support those efforts. had described one of his representatives in Let me be sure I get this correct because There may not be much we can do here as Congress as a heathen, a representative who this may be the person with the most creden­ lawmakers. Hillary said in her book that, is a genuine, true national hero. But I must tials of any of us in the room. Dr. Dorothy "* * * till death do us part" has often be­ say that the citizen would get a lot of ammu­ Height is the president of the National Coun­ come, " till the going gets tough." It may be nition for that just by watching the fights cil of Negro Women. Some study history, that it ought to be a little harder to get a di­ here. others debate it, but few represent it with vorce where children are involved. But what­ What I want to say to all of you is that the the dignity and grace and magnificence of ever we do with the law, we know that ulti­ disagreements we have had here in this last this living legend. She has been a close mately this is an affair of the heart, an affair year have been very important and not just friend of both Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin of the heart that has enormous economic and political and not just partisan. They have Luther King, Jr. And she is unique in her political and social implications for Amer­ been part of the debate America must have ability to work with the poor and the op­ ica, but most importantly, has moral impli­ as we move into a new era. But we need to pressed while moving with grace and dignity cations because families are ordained by God conduct them with a great sense of humility. among the leaders of our time. as a way of giving children and their parents We need to show the right attitude toward the chance to live up to the fullest of their those with whom we disagree, even when we DOROTHY HEIGHT. Let us all join hands and God-given capacities. And when we save feel wronged. lift our hearts in prayer. them and strengthen them, we overcome the I received a letter a few days ago from a God of our weary years, God of our silent notion that self-gratification is more impor­ very devout Jew who is a good friend of the tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on tant than our obligations to others. We over­ Vice President's and mine, and he was talk­ the way, Thou who has by Thy might led us come the notion that is so prevalent in our ing about injustice. He said, " In the matter into the light, keep us forever in the path, culture that life is just a series of responses of injustice, as awful as it is, it is always, al­ we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, to impulses, and instead is a whole pattern ways better to endure it than to inflict it." our God, where we met Thee, lest our hearts, with a fabric that should be pleasing to our We have to reach across these divisions. In drunk with the wine of the world, we forget God. these 50 hours of budget discussions the Thee. Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we I applaud what Senator Nunn said about Speaker and I had with the Vice President forever stand true to our God, true to our na­ our children, for with them it is more true and Senator Dole and Senator Daschle and tive land. than in any other area of our life that it is Mr. Gephardt and Mr. Armey, in some ways in giving that we receive. I wish all of you could have seen it because Lord God, we thank You, for as we have I ask that we pray for those who are trying they were remarkably free of cant and poli­ gathered this morning in the spirit of Jesus to make strong our communities and our na­ tics. And I learned a lot; I owe them a lot. Christ, our hearts have been touched, our tion and our nation's connection to people of Believe it or not, we're not supposed to talk souls invigorated, our lives challenged, our like minds and real needs around the world, about what happened, but there were two dif­ minds renewed, and our vision made clearer for that, too, is a part of family life. We ferent occasions where I found myself in the of Your great love for us all. Teach us to would be a better country if our commu­ minority, but in agreement with Mr. practice every day that same love with one nities and our country acted more like the Armey-on two issues. And I thought to my­ another across every line that for too long best families, where we all played our part, self, I can't let this get out, he'll lose his has separated and divided us. We need each including the government, where we all did leadership position. [Laughter.] other. Help us to know that we are of many for ourselves and tried to help each other. Our friend Sonny Montgomery read that nations, languages, tribes, cultures, but one Humanity's impulse is to reach outward to wonderful passage from Carin thians in his race, the human race: which You alone have the poor and homeless in need; to the striv­ first reading. I would ask you to remember, created. ing who seek a hand up, not a handout; to all of you, how that passage is worded in the Make us to see that if one of us is hungry, the stricken from here to the Middle East to King James Bible. " Now we see through a hurting, impoverished, malnourished, or the Haiti to Bosnia; to the earth, which needs glass darkly. Now I know in part." Every one victim of war and violence, then as one peo­ our help in preserving the temple God gave of us is subject to error in judgment as a part ple, that is where we all are. For as Martin us. of the human condition, and that is why the Luther King, Jr., once reminded us, "Injus­ Sometimes I think we forget in America last chapter of that magnificent verse says, tice anywhere is a threat to justice every­ how privileged we are to be looked to to ex- " Now abideth these three- faith, hope and where." 19554 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 Instill in us this day, oh Lord, an even DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ greater commitment to love You, to love HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, poses: every neighbor as we love ourselves, and to AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, I rise beat our plowshares into pruning hooks as AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS today in support of the amendment offered by we study war no more. ACT, 1998 the chairman of the Education and the Work­ And for this day and for this experience force Committee, BILL GOODLING, which will and for this challenge, we give You all the SPEECH OF prevent the Department of Education from glory, the honor and the praise, and shall we HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD spending funds on its national testing pro­ all say Amen. posal. OF CALIFORNIA ALL. Amen. I can think of no other administration in re­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cent years that has demonstrated a stronger Wednesday, September 17, 1997 commitment to and advocacy for public edu­ cation in this country than the Clinton adminis­ The House in Committee of the Whole tration. The leadership of President Clinton TRIBUTE TO JACK M. STACK, M.D. House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) making ap­ and Secretary of Education Richard Riley has propriations for the Departments of Labor, yielded positive results in the expansion and HON. DEBBIE STABENOW Health and Human Services, and Education, improvement of Federal education programs. and related agencies, for the fiscal year end­ This is why I come to the House with some OF MICHIGAN ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ reluctance today to respectfully disagree with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES poses: an initiative proposed by our administration to Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Chair­ establish national tests at the fourth and Thursday, September 18, 1997 man, I rise to join my colleagues, Mr. BURTON eighth grade levels in reading and math. The debate on national testing is not new. of Indiana and Ms. DEGETTE, in celebrating Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, throughout It has been around for decades. Presidential the democracy that makes this Nation so his personal and professional life, Dr. Jack M. administrations have come and gone, advo­ unique. I join my colleagues in their efforts to Stack has made significant contributions to cates and opponents of national testing have strengthen the invaluable education that is promote the health and well-being of the peo­ changed, but the issues and concerns remain provided by the We the People Program. ple of Michigan. the same. I have taken a strong stand against It is so critical that we raise our children to national testing in the past and will do so Dr. Stack is board certified by both the understand the pillars upon which this Nation American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology again today. was founded and still stands today. Our chil­ The implementation of national tests does and the American Board of Family Practice. A dren need to know the history and principles little to improve the education system of our great deal of his practice in both specialities of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. They country, and indeed may actually harm the has been dedicated to caring for women, chil­ need to understand how the American political very children we seek to help. It is based on dren, and families. But in addition to providing traditions and institutions at the Federal, State, an idea that improvement of our education valuable primary health care for more than 30 and local levels were created and function system is dependent upon knowing where the years in Michigan's rural communities, Dr. both in the past and present. Our children problems are and who is doing poorly. Well , if Stack has taken a leadership role on national need to learn about the crucial steps our fore­ this is the case, then we are already there, be­ and international committees dedicated to im­ fathers and mothers took to make this great cause we already know which schools are proving the lives of women and children. democracy. And with this knowledge, our chil­ doing poorly and we know which children are dren will feel compelled to act with the civic As a member of the Michigan State Medical having difficulty. responsibility it takes to make this an even Our teachers make this assessment on a Society, Dr. Stack has served on the Com­ stronger, greater Nation. daily basis, and school districts and States al­ mittee on Child Abuse Prevention, Committee Through simulated congressional hearings ready have a myriad of tests to determine on Health Insurance for the Uninsured, and and a national competition of such hearings whether students are meeting high academic Committee on Governmental Legislative Af­ for secondary school students, this Nation's standards. We don't need the Federal Govern­ fairs. He has served as chairperson of Gov­ children learn how this country ever became ment to tell teachers, parents and school ad­ ernor Milliken's first statewide Health Con­ such an envied democracy by so many other ministrators who is achieving and who isn't. sumer's Conference and was keynote speaker countries. We must ensure that every school We do need the Federal Government to at the Governor's Child Abuse Prevention is provided with the opportunity to educate help school districts to provide the resources Conference. Among his many other notable students on the history of our political system to assure that children who have difficulties achievements, Dr. Stack has also served on and the need for active civic participation. I have the help they need. The Federal Govern­ the board of directors for the Michigan Asso­ encourage my colleagues to join me in cele­ ment can assist in eliminating the financial in­ ciation for Infant Mental Health, is the past brating and enriching the democracy that de­ equities that continue to exist among school treasurer for the International Michigan Mental fines America by voting for the Burton­ districts and in providing resources to improve Health Advisory Council, and is the past vice DeGette amendment. teacher training, math and science education, president for the Mental Health Association in to rebuild and renovate our crumbling edu­ Michigan. cation infrastructure, to expand early childhood DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, education, and to assure that students have In addition to his many leadership roles, Dr. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, up-to-date text books, lab equipment, and Stack has made significant contributions to the AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED computer technology. study of pregnancy loss and its impact on AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS We have long held that issues of curriculum women and families. He has published more ACT, 1998 and tests should be the responsibility of each than two dozen articles relating to women's school district and State. In implementing tests health and has shown great activism in sup­ SPEECH OF and the corresponding curriculum school dis­ porting the many causes of the family. HON. PATSY T. MINK tricts can provide appropriate oversight, co­ ordination and safeguards. I fear that the Dr. Stack exemplifies the values and ethics OF HAWAII temptation to use a national test established we need within our medical profession. He is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by the Federal Government, without appro­ a committed doctor and has demonstrated Tuesday, September 16, 1997 priate safeguards could be misused for high­ outstanding leadership within the Michigan stakes purposes beyond their criterion, to The House in Committee of the Whole community. Throughout his career Dr. Stack track children because of low test scores. In has shown great courage and his work and House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) making ap­ its inception the proposed national test for all dedication has had a profound impact on propriations for the Departments of Labor, children would not test limited English pro­ many people. I am proud to recognize his con­ Health and Human Services, and Education, ficient children and other special needs stu­ tributions and work. and related agencies, for the fiscal year end- dents. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19555 The diversity of our country requires that we has served his State, his nation, and his com­ Founded in the fall of 1987, St. Stephen's have locally driven education systems which munity with a passion and dedication to fair­ began as an interdenominational church are flexible enough to meet the needs of our ness and justice for all Americans. whose doctrine focuses on spirituality rooted diverse population. Lawrence Cooke went from being a country in African-American religious tradition, with an The guidance the Federal Government has lawyer in his beloved Sullivan County to the emphasis on community outreach and vol­ provided up to the present is adequate and very pinnacle of the legal profession by be­ unteerlsm. In 1990, they became affiliated with fulfilling. As the States identify the needs of coming the chief judge of the New York Court the United Church of Christ, a progressive de­ their local schools the Federal Government of Appeals. He is and remains one of those nomination that embraces and celebrates mul­ needs to respond fully and quickly. most respected jurists of this century. While tiracial, cultural, and ethnic background. he scaled the very loftiest of positions as a Guided by Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy, the judge, he is also known for retaining his com­ congregation lives by . the proverb, "Where CONGRATULATIONS TO THE mon touch, his ability to relate to and con­ There Is No Vision, the People Perish." This FRESNO BEE verse with ordinary people about their con­ is evident in their passion to make a real dif­ cerns. This is all too rare a gift. ference in the community. From their spiritual HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH Mr. Speaker, on September 21 , 1997, and community leadership to their involvement OF CALIFORNIA Judge Cooke will be honored by the people of in many local charitable projects, the St. Ste­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sullivan County by the naming of the Law­ phen's Community Church is an important rence H. Cooke Sullivan County Courthouse in local institution dedicated to the Lansing com­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 Monticello. I hope that my colleagues will join munity. Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise me in celebrating and applauding the life and We are proud to celebrate the 1Oth anniver­ today to honor the Fresno Bee for receiving work of this distinguished jurist, Lawrence H. sary of the St. Stephen's Community Church the first-place General Excellence award from Cooke. and congratulate their 300 member congrega­ the Newspaper Publishers Association. The tion. We thank them for their activism and we Fresno Bee has been instrumental in providing thank them for their vision. news and information to the Central San Joa­ NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK quin Valley. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES A SPECIAL TRIBUTE The California Newspaper Publishers Asso­ WEEK ciation awarded the Fresno Bee with its high­ HON. JOHN L. MICA est honor on July 19, 1997. This General Ex­ HON. JAMFS E. CLYBURN cellence award was presented to newspapers OF FLORIDA OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with a circulation of 75,000 to 200,000 recipi­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ents. The Bee's coverage of a September Thursday , Sept ember 18, 1997 Presidential visit and a series on troubled mu­ Thursday, Sep tember 18, 1997 Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take nicipal bonds contributed to the winning of this Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this opportunity to recognize James W. highest honor. recognition of September 21-27 as National Almand, A. Russell Bobo, John S. Chaperon, The Fresno Bee was also awarded first Historically Black Colleges and Universities Rick DeGraff, Robert C. Fobes, Frederick W. place awards in several individual categories Week. There are presently 104 historically Leonhardt, William Pinto, Jerome Schechter, by the association. Specifically, writer Jim black institutions of higher learning throughout William Crampton, and James D. Turk. It is Wasserman's story on child organ transplants the United States. These cornerstones of Afri­ my honor to pay tribute to these gentlemen on won first place for a feature story. Photog­ can-American education have played an inte­ the occasion of their visit with me in our Na­ rapher Hector Amezcua's essay compli­ gral role in the lives of African-Americans and tion's Capital today. It has been my privilege menting Wasserman's story also took top hon­ in American history. to know each of these individuals for the past ors for photography. Finally, Severiano Galvan Historically black colleges and universities three decades. We all had the good fortune of was recognized for his illustration and graphic have set a precedent for providing quality in­ attending the University of Florida together art. struction and valuable, lifelong experiences to and being part of Delta Chi Fraternity. The Fresno Bee has a daily circulation of students who are often underprivileged and Though we have been separated by dis­ more than 150,000 and a Sunday circulation under-represented. These students are taught tance and circumstance over the past years, of 190,000. The Bee is the paper of record to serve as successful, productive citizens and we have always been together both in mem­ throughout the Fresno metropolitan area, trained to compete in our global economy and ory, spirit, and fraternal bond. which includes all of Fresno County as well as work force. Though oftentimes faced with ad­ As a Member of Congress, I am pleased the communities of Visalia, Hanford, Madera, versity, historically black colleges and institu­ today to welcome Jim, Russ, Bill, John, Rick, and Mariposa. As· part of McClatchy News­ tions provide students with the opportunity to Bob, Fred, Jerry, Bill, and Don. These gentle­ papers, the Fresno Bee has diverse informa­ broaden their horizons and to reach their full­ men, who I am pleased to call my friends, are tion resources that both educate and inform est potential. each outstanding family men and most valu­ the people of Fresno. So, Mr. Speaker, please join me in con­ able contributors to their respective commu­ Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay gratulating and celebrating a legacy and tradi­ nities. tribute to the Fresno Bee. This publication ex­ tion of the excellence, determination, strength, I welcome each of them to the U.S. Con­ emplifies leadership in reporting news and in­ and perseverance of historically black colleges gress and the House of Representatives. It formation. I extend to the Bee my appreciation and universities during September 21-27. had been my great honor in life to know each for a job well done. of these gentlemen as my friend and fraternal brother. COMMEMORATING THE lOTH ANNI­ HONORING LAWRENCE H. COOKE, A VERSARY OF ST. STE PHEN'S MAN OF JUSTICE COMMUNITY CHURCH, UNITED BILL TO AMEND THE IMMIGRA­ CHURCH OF CHRIST, LANSING, TION AND NATIONALITY ACT RE­ MI LATING TO TRE ATMENT OF CER­ HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY TAIN RECREATIONAL BOATERS OF NEW YORK ENTE RING F ROM CANADA IN T HE HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT IVES HON. DEBBIE STABENOW Thursday, September 18, 1997 OF MICHIGAN HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTAT IVES Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to OF NEW YORK ask my colleagues from New York and around Thursday, September 18, 1997 IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES the country to join me in honoring the former Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Thursday, September 18, 1997 chief judge of the State of New York, Law­ to acknowledge the 1Oth anniversary of St. Mr. LAFALCE. Mr. Speaker, today I am in­ rence H. Cooke. Judge Cooke is a man who Stephen's Community Church. troducing a bill that will simplify procedures for 19556 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 recreational boaters entering the United States by such fees is negligible-only $33,816 in all cians and 3,031 nurses. USUHS CHE gen­ from Canada. The purpose of the bill is to of fiscal year 1996. In my judgment, after con­ erated cost-avoidance for DOD by eliminating make it easier for boat owners and their sultation with western New York border busi­ extensive travel expenses and time away from guests to cross between Canada and the nesses, the amount of business lost in the the hospitals and clinics. ·In 1996, the Military United States for recreation and tourism pur­ U.S. border areas far transcends that meager Training Network, part of CHE, developed and poses. Specifically, my bill would authorize. the amount. implemented policy guidance and ensured Attorney General to permit United States citi­ This bill wilL allow the 1-68 Program to compliance with curriculum and administrative zens traveling as passengers in small pleas­ achieve its intended purpose of affording standards for resuscitative and trauma medi­ ure craft to enter the United States from Can­ pleasure boaters a convenient means of enter­ cine training programs for 242,663 DOD per­ ada without obtaining a landing permit and ing the United States while preserving the in­ sonnel. would eliminate the fee for those permits tegrity of our borders. It is my hope that the Those who say that the university is too ex­ known as 1-68. Attorney General will implement these provi­ pensive are wrong. The cost-effectiveness of The 1-68 Program was established in 1963 sions by amending Immigration and Natu­ USUHS should be judged based on all of the to facilitate convenience for boaters coming ralization Service Regulations governing the 1- products and services it provides to the Na­ from Canada to the United States. It allows 68 Program. tion. The General Accounting Office report of United States citizens, lawful permanent resi­ September 1995 substantiated that USUHS dents of the United States, and Canadian na­ costs are comparable to scholarship costs tionals to enter by boat along the northern bor­ CONGRATULATING USUHS ON ITS based on expected years of service and all der of the United States without reporting to a 25TH ANNIVERSARY Federal costs. And, this conclusion was designated port of entry, so long as they have reached by GAO without considering all of the obtained an 1-68 permit. It applies only to HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA other products and services provided by those traveling in boats of less than 5 net OF MARYLAND USUHS. tons. Under this program, Canadian nationals IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The facts demonstrate that USUHS has may enter the United States for a period of not Thursday, September 18, 1997 more than met its mandated mission. There is more than 72 hours and must remain in areas no doubt that the university is providing a adjacent to the immediate shore. Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, last year this corps of career-oriented, dedicated, military For 32 years, the 1-68 permit was issued House overwhelmingly endorsed and recog­ medical officers who will lead the military annually to eligible boaters without any fee. In nized the important role of the Uniformed health care system into the 21st century. 1995, however, the Immigration and Natu­ Services University of the Health Sciences in In conclusion, I want to recognize and con­ ralization Service began requiring a tee of $16 maintaining the health and readiness of our gratulate the superb faculty and staff of for individuals, or $32 for a family. The INS Nation's Armed Forces. Today I am proud to USUHS for a job well done. Happy Anniver­ advises me that, although the 1-68 was issued congratulate this fine institution, located in my sary to our Nation's Uniformed Services Uni­ gratis prior to 1995, they believe that a user congressional district in Bethesda, MD, on its versity of the Health Sciences. fee statute that has been in effect since 1952 25th anniversary. requires the imposition of a fee absent con­ Public Law 92-426 established USUHS in gressional direction to the contrary. 1972 to ensure continuity and leadership for DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HEALTH The INS regulations implementing the 1-68 uniformed medicine. USUHS has graduated AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND Permit Program impose a costly and unneces­ 2,470 military medical officers; 2,276 of them EDUCATION AND RELATED sary burden for many recreational boaters. continue in active duty today, constituting 17 AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS The regulations require each guest of a boat percent of Department of Defense's physician ACT, 1998 owner, who is not a member of his or her fam­ force. ily, to travel to an immigration office during USUHS has met every goal and mission en­ SPEECH OF business hours to complete the 1-68 applica­ visioned by the founders of the remarkable in­ HON. PATSY T. MINK tion and pay the required fee. This require­ stitution, the West Point of military medicine. OF HAWATI ment is virtually impossible to implement. The overall USUHS retention rate is an incred­ As a consequence, United States busi­ ible 93 percent. Of those who have completed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nesses along the Great Lakes' borders, such their original obligation, 85 percent continue Tuesday, September 16, 1997 as Youngstown, NY, have seen a great reduc­ on active duty in service to their Nation. The high level of performance and The House in Committee of the Whole tion in revenue due to the decline in tourism House on the State of the Union had under caused by this regulation. Prior to imposition deployability of USUHS graduates was vali­ consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) making ap­ of the fee in 1995, 10,002 1-68 permits were dated during congressional hearings in 1994. propriations for the Departments of Labor, issued, compared to only 1,091 permits issued The three Surgeons General and USUHS Health and Human Services, and Education, in 1996 after imposition of the fee. In other graduates who served in Operations Desert and related agencies, for the fiscal year end­ words, the permits in 1995 were about 1, 000 Shield and Desert Storm testified that USUHS ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ percent, or 10 times greater than in 1996. physicians were immediately deployable to poses: My bill would address these problems in two combat areas and aptly utilized combat, field Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, the ways. First, it would permit the Attorney Gen­ sanitation, unconventional warfare, and pre­ Hoekstra amendment, HA 356, bars the use of eral to exempt U.S. citizen passengers from ventive medicine training. Federal funds to pay for an election officer to obtaining an 1-68 permit or submitting to in­ In addition, USUHS provides products and continue overseeing the election of any officer spection at a port or entry. Boat owners and services to DOD that should be recognized or trustee of the International Brotherhood of operators, who are likely to make repeated and factored in to the cost-effectiveness of the Teamsters. trips across the border, would still be required University: one, the newly accredited Graduate The Government has already spent about to obtain an 1-68 permit at the beginning of School of Nursing provides family nurse practi­ $17 million to oversee the Teamsters' 1996 the boating season. The permit holder would tioners and registered nurse anesthetists for election because the Bush administration's be responsible for ensuring that all pas­ the Federal Nursing Chiefs; two, the Office of 1989 consent decree obligated the Govern­ sengers on his or her vessel are U.S. citizens Graduate Medical Education provides con­ ment to do so. The consent decree, signed by or have a valid 1-68 permit. sultation on internship, residency, and fellow­ the Government in 1989 said: Second, my bill would permit the Attorney ship training programs for DOD and is the ad­ "The union defendants consent to the Elec­ General to issue 1-68 permits without impos­ ministrative office for the National Capital Mili­ tion officer, at Government expense, to super­ ing a fee, as they had been for the first 32 tary Medical Education Consortium; three, the vise the 1996 IBT elections." years of the program's existence. These fees Graduate Education Programs have granted The election officer concluded on August act as a deterrent to boaters in obtaining the over 444 .graduate degrees; and four, in 1996, 21 , 1997 that the 1996 election had to be run P.ermit, particularly in light of the fact that Can­ the Office of Continuing Education for Health again because the election protests filed with ada does not require such a tee for entry. Professionals [CHE] provided 107 accredited the officer uncovered campaign misconduct Moreover, the amount of revenue generated programs with an attendance of 3,500 physi- that, she concluded, "could have persuaded at September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19557 least a small percent" of the voters and "af­ in their organization that has earned them the bonds as a Government-sponsored enterprise, fected the outcome." Homenetmen Member of the Year Award, Ath­ Sallie Mae has an advantage that private in­ Given these facts, Mr. HOEKSTRA'S amend­ lete of the Year Award, and Scout of the Year vestment bankers cannot match. The tie-in re­ ment, if enacted, bars funding necessary to Award. quirement to qualify for this sweetheart ar­ supervise the court ordered re-run of the 1996 The Armenian General Athletic Union rangement, which no private competitor can election. serves the sporting needs of Fresno's Arme­ match, is simply unfair. The election officer has explained why she nian community with competitive tournaments The legislation I introduced today would pro­ thinks we need to proceed with this re-run that emphasize fraternity and shared accom­ hibit Sallie Mae from conditioning the waiver of election: plishment. Fresno's chapter has nine competi­ redemption premiums related to pre-1997 [t]he election of International officers is the tive teams that participate in events statewide, bonds on the use of its subsidiary, so that all clearest expression of the control of the mem­ as well as a Boy Scout Troop. broker-dealer firms can have the same oppor­ bers over their Union; it is also the key to in­ This year's recipient of the Homenetmen tunity to compete for the business of handling suring that organized crime, employers, or any Member of the Year was Varoujan Balotian. refinancing of Sallie Mae securities. other outsiders do not use the Union for their Balotian is one of the founding members of own purposes. To avoid a rerun because of the Fresno chapter and is also one of the first the disruption it brings could allow this union members of the central executive committee. to lose its most valuable resource: the sup­ Balotian's guidance and dedication has TRIBUTE TO JIM AND CAROL port, participation, and confidence of its mem­ shaped the Armenian General Athletic Union BAUM bership. Such a result cannot be allowed. into the fine organization that it is today. How­ A study of the recent history of the T earn­ ever, Balotian's success is not limited to the stars shows we have come a long way in our union, as he is a long-time manager at one of HON. JERRY WELLER effort to rid this union of mob influence. Fresno's finest mens stores. OF ILLINOIS In 1986, former Chief Circuit Judge Irving R. Athlete of the Year was awarded to 18-year­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT IVES Kaufman, the chair of President Reagan's old Tamar Kataroyan. This award is presented Commission on Organized Crime, concluded to only one athlete from a random selection Thursday , September 18, 1997 that the mob's influence of the Teamsters was between the 16 chapters in the western re­ both intrusive and pervasive and insisted that gion. Kataroyan has been involved in all as­ Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to President Reagan prosecute the Teamsters pects of the organization including the coach­ honor the hard work and dedication of Jim and and use of civil RICO statute to take over the ing of youth and participation in tournaments. Carol Baum, the owners and operators of union. Kataroyan's excellence in basketball has taken Baum's, Inc. in Morris, IL. The Baum's have In 1989, the Bush administration entered her all the way to the 5th Annual World Olym­ been named the 1997 Illinois Retail Merchants into a consent decree, the one I've mentioned pics in New York and has also secured her a of the Year. already, that permitted the Federal district full basketball scholarship at UC Irvine. Baum's Department Store has been an insti­ court to take over the union, to appoint a mon­ Mana Handian was recognized as Scout of tution in my hometown of Morris since 187 4. itor, and to appoint an election officer. This the Year. He is a scout for the Union's own Jim and Carol have been running the business consent decree also changed the Teamsters' Troop No. 12. He has accomplished a great since the 1960's. Jim serves as the president constitution, providing for the unprecedented deal for himself and the Armenian General and CEO, while Carol serves as the chief direct election of the Teamsters' top officers Athletic Union. He was born in Lebanon and buyer and merchandise manager. by the rank and file members. currently attends Fresno City College. His fine Both Baum's are extremely active in the By 1989, we had learned some hard les­ leadership over the organization's Boy Scouts, Morris community. Many people often wonder sons when we had not been vigilant in the su­ Explorers, and Cub Scouts has earned him how they have time to operate such a suc­ pervision of union elections. The Permanent this high honor. cessful business. Jim, a veteran, serves on Subcommittee on Investigations was highly Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I the board of the Grundy County National critical of one union election, after 20 months congratulate these three individuals. I com­ Bank, and is active in the chamber, many of of a government trusteeship, that resulted in mend Varoujan Balotian, Tamar Kataroyan, the local community development organiza­ the mob-dominated union officers being re­ and Mana Handian on their accomplishments tions, the Morris Hospital, and our schools. placed by a slate allegedly .tied to these same in the Armenian General Athletic Union and Carol is active in the Presbyterian Church of officers. Thus, the scrutiny of the Teamsters' ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Morris, the Daughters of the American Revolu­ election was intense. them. tion, and the Morris Women's Club. The Bush administration's consent decree I have had the pleasure of working with Jim split the anticipated burden of the first two on many local issues and projects important to elections, requiring that the Teamsters pay the BILL REGARDING SALLIE MAE BOND REFINANCING the area. Jim has been recognized, and de­ $21 million necessary to run the first election servedly so, for his strong commitment and in 1991 , and that the Government pay the cost success in revitalizing the Morris riverfront of the second election. HON. DAVID E. SKAGGS area. Therefore, I believe we are legally obligated OF COLORADO The Baum's have been generous in sharing by the consent decree, agreed to by the Bush IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their wealth of experience as retailers on both administration. This House cannot support the Thursday, September 18, 1997 a national level and the local level. Jim has Hoekstra amendment without being in con­ served as a guest speaker and seminar pre­ tempt of a court order. Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, today I have in­ troduced legislation to correct an unfair prac­ senter on many occasions throughout the tice that is occurring as a result of the privat­ country. Many of my colleagues may have run CONGRATULATIONS TO VAROUJAN ization of Sallie Mae. into Jim Baum within the halls of Congress BALOTIAN, TAMAR KATAROYAN, While Sallie Mae was a Government-spon­ during one of Jim's trips to Washington to AND MANO HANDIAN sored enterprise, it purchased tax-exempt mu­ lobby on behalf of his fellow retailers. Locally, nicipal bonds issued by public colleges and Jim runs the local morning coffee hour in our HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH private universities. Now that Sallie Mae is hometown of Morris. This is where the who's who talks about what is really happening. OF CALIFORNIA being privatized, it has adopted a policy of al­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lowing its clients to waive the redemption pre­ It is truly fitting that this outstanding couple miums for those bonds, but only if the clients is being honored by their peers as the Retail Thursday, September 18, 1997 use Sallie Mae's private subsidiary as an in­ Merchants of the Year. They are both true Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise vestment banker for the transaction. I would leaders who have given back more to their today to congratulate three outstanding indi­ have no objection to this busi_ness practice if community than could ever have been ex­ viduals from the Armenian General Athletic the bonds in question were acquired after pri­ pected. I wish both Jim and Carol Baum con­ Union. These individuals exemplify leadership vatization. However, having acquired the tinued success in all their endeavors. 19558 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 CONGRATULATIONS TO DOROTHY I too, would like to extend my gratification to cial operations. He was assigned to his (DOT) SLAMIN HILL the Travis' for their many years of giving to present job as the Chief of the Special Oper­ this organization as well as to the sporting ations Division in August 1993. HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II way of life which we treasure in the great Colonel Kelly is a master navigator with OF MASSACHUSE'ITS State of Colorado. over 4,000 hours total flight time of which 380 IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES hours were in combat. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Le­ Thursday , September 18, 1997 CONGRATULATIONS TO COL. gion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. RONALD T . KELLY, USAF the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak Speaker, one of the pleasures of serving in leaf cluster, the Air Medal with six oak leaf this great body is the opportunity to recognize HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY clusters, and the Air Force Commendation the exceptional individuals of our Nation. I rise OF NEW YORK Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He has also today to pay tribute to such a person, Ms. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been awarded the Senior Missileman Badge. Dorothy (Dot) Slamin Hill, for her many con­ He is married to the former Pamela Stark of Thursday, September 18, 1997 tributions to the City of Waltham, MA. This Sacramento, CA. They have a daughter Erin evening there will be a dinner honoring Dot for Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speak­ who is a freshman at James Madison Univer­ her 50 years as leader of the American Legion er, I rise to recognize the dedication, public sity and a son Sean who is a freshman at Post 156 Marching Band, as well as her out­ service, and patriotism of Col. Ronald T. Kelly, Oakton High. standing public service to her neighbors. U.S. Air Force, on the occasion of his retire­ Our Nation, the Department of Defense, the I would like to add my congratulations to ment after a career of faithful service to our U.S. Air Force, and his family can truly be Dot on this special occasion and want to take Nation. Col. Ron Kelly's strong commitment to proud of the colonel's many accomplishments. this time to briefly touch on her many achieve­ excellence will leave a lasting impact on the He is a true gentleman of extraordinary talent ments. In 1933, Dot became the first woman vitality and capability of our Air Force war and integrity. While his honorable service will to win the American Legion National Drum fighters. This commitment and the manner in be genuinely missed in the Department of De­ Major Competition. Over the years, she has which he fulfilled it commands admiration and fense, it gives me great pleasure to recognize led the American Legion Post 156 Marching respect from his military and civilian col­ Col. Ronald T. Kelly before my colleagues and Band in many prestigious events, such as the leagues alike. wish him all of our best in his future endeav­ Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland Colonel Kelly, a 1970 graduate of the U.S. ors. in 1984, and the Moscow May Day Parade in Air Force Academy is serving his last assign­ 1990. She has served as Commander of the ment in the Air Force as Chief of the Air Force American Legion Post 156 for 5 terms and is Special Operations Division, Directorate of Op­ THE CHARITABLE GIVING RELIEF the permanent Massachusetts representative erations and Training, Deputy Chief of Staff ACT to the American Legion National Convention. Air and Space Operations, in the Pentagon. In addition to her many accomplishments After he completed undergraduate navigator HON. PHILIP M. CRANE with the American Legion, Dot has compiled a training as a distinguished graduate in 1971, OF ILLINOIS very distinguished record of community activ­ he flew as a C-130 squadron navigator at IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ism. She has taken a great interest in the Forbes AFB, KS, in the 48th Tactical Airlift youth of her community, serving on the Wal­ Squadron. In 1972 he was selected to up­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 tham School Committee and on the board of grade. to an MC-130 combat Talon navigator Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker .. today I am intro­ directors of the YMCA. Dot was also the first and served in the 1st Special Operations ducing legislation, along with my Ways and woman member of her local Kiwanis Club, and Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan until December Means colleagues, Mr. COYNE, Mr. HERGER has dedicated her time to many civic activities, 1973. From 1974 to 1976 he was an instructor and Mrs. THURMAN, entitled the "Charitable including Waltham Community Access Tele­ navigator at Mather AFB, CA, flying the T- 29 Giving Relief Act." This legislation will provide vision, and the Waltham Senior High Scholar­ and T-43 aircraft. a deduction for charitable contributions for ship Committee. He attended the School of Engineering at those who do not itemize deductions on their Mr. Speaker, I ask that you, and the other the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright tax returns. Members, join with me in honoring Dot for her Patterson AFB, OH, and received a master's Specifically, the bill will allow nonitemizers, many years of devotion to her community and of science degree in astronautical engineering whose cumulative annual charitable contribu­ acknowledge her exemplary service as a role in 1977. He followed with a directed duty as­ tions exceed $500, to deduct 50 percent of model and civic leader. signment to Sunnyvale AFS, CA where he be­ any charitable contributions made over that came the Deputy Mission Director for Low Alti­ amount. Under current law, while nonitemizers CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM AND tude Satellite Programs at the Air Force Sat­ receive the standard deduction, the only tax­ CHARLOTTE TRAVIS ellite Control Facility. payers who can specifically deduct the value He returned to flying duties in special oper­ of their charitable contributions are those tax­ ations in 1981 and became operations officer payers who itemize deductions. The most re­ HON. SCOTT MciNNIS for the 8th Special Operations Squadron at cent figures find that nonitemized returns num­ OF COLORADO Hurlburt Field, FL, flying the MC-130E. ber 84 million compared to 34 million itemized IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENT ATIVES From 1985 to' 1986 he attended the Indus­ returns. Nonitemizers, by any measure, are Thursday, September 18, 1997 trial College of the Armed Forces at Fort middle-and lower-middle-class taxpayers, who, Mr. MciNNIS. Mr. Speaker, on September McNair and was subsequently assigned to the despite the fact that they do not receive a de­ 23 of this month, Tim and Charlotte Travis of Pentagon in 1986. duction for such contributions, give generously Brighton, CO, will receive the Colorado Sports He served as the special operations pro­ to charitable causes. It is my understanding Couple of the Year award from the downtown grammer on the Air Staff and was the primary that on average nonitemizers give roughly Denver chapter of Ducks Unlimited. This is the implementer for major force program 11 for $500 in charitable contributions, again, without very same chapter that Tim founded nearly 20 the Air Force. In November 1987 he was se­ the benefit of tax deductions. years ago when he first became affiliated with lected to be the first military assistant to the As we look to next year and the consider­ the organization. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Op­ ation of additional tax relief legislation, I be­ In recent years, the Travis' have increased erations and Low-Intensity Conflict. While in lieve there is no group of taxpayers more de­ the amount of money they have been able to this office, he worked as the Assistant for Re­ serving of tax relief than those who give of donate to Ducks Unlimited and the Denver sources and Assistant for Logistics. what little they have to help other worthy en­ chapter has expressed their gratification by In 1991 he returned to Hulburt Field , FL, as deavors and charitable causes. While those extending them this honor. The Denver chap­ the Director of Acquisition Management for who itemize are directly rewarded for their ef­ ter will also ·be creating a wetlands project in Headquarters Air Force Special Operations forts, those that do not itemize are not re­ eastern Colorado which will be dedicated in Command where he supervised the acquisi­ warded. The legislation I am introducing today the Travis' name. tion of Air Force resources in support of spe- will ensure that those who make considerable September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19559 contributions to the nonprofit community are study of adolescent youth demonstrates that vania. This modern campus includes an edu­ rewarded, at least to some extent, by the Tax this is lacking in the home. In addition to fam­ cational conference center, general academics Code. ily, poverty, sexism, and economic disenfran­ building and two technical arts buildings with For those who might suggest that non­ chisement are critical factors shaping the abil­ state of the art labs and classrooms. The cam­ itemizers are rewarded by virtue of the fact ity of teenagers to make decisions and yet, pus also includes medical and dental arts fa­ that the standard deduction for nonitemizers is teenagers have little influence on any of these cilities and the newest addition, the advanced intended to incorporate some degree of chari­ areas. What adolescents need, and are pro­ technology center. table contributions, I would respond by point­ vided by the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Pro­ Mr. Speaker, Luzerne County Community ing to the figures mentioned earlier. Indeed, gram, are the knowledge and confidence to College has come a long way since its humble the standard deduction is, in effect, designed make the best decisions despite, and in light beginnings in downtown Wilkes-Barre 30 to take into account the average cumulative of, these factors. ' years ago. I am extremely proud to join with basket of those expenditures, including chari­ The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program is the community in commending the board of table contributions, that might otherwise be designed to implement and evaluate a range trustees, management, and staff of the college considered as individually itemized deductions. of interventions that promote healthy sexual in providing educational opportunity to thou­ However, since my legislation is designed to development and reduce teen pregnancies sands of area residents. I would also like to provide a partial deduction-50 percent-for and sexually transmitted diseases. The pro­ recognize the Luzerne county commissioners those nonitemizers who contribute more than gram also focuses on decreasing the inci­ who have continued to play an active role in the average amount to charity, such a concern dence of pregnancies to teenagers by increas­ supporting this important educational institu­ would certainly appear to be something less ing the proportion of teens who delay the initi­ tion. than compelling. ation of sexual activity, and who effectively Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring the his­ Finally, I would note that while in my view, use contraception. tory of this fine institution to the attention of donations to charity are primarily motivated by We all know that teenage childbearing robs my colleagues and send my sincere best altruistic concerns, those that give can be sen­ not only the young parents of a better future, wishes for continued success. sitive to tax considerations. Independent Sec­ but the baby as well. That is why we must tor, the largest national association for non­ work together to ensure that the Teenage profits, strongly believes this legislation will en­ Pregnancy Prevention Program can continue TRIBUTE TO JACOB GEORGE courage additional giving to the charitable­ its work to buck the current trend of increasing HUDSON nonprofit sector. My colleagues, whether you teen pregnancy. And that is why we must believe that we need to reward those that pass the Pelosi amendment. HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. give, or believe that this type proposal will en­ OF TENNESSEE courage more giving, this bill deserves your LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES consid~ration and support. Americans are the COLLEGE 30TH ANNIVERSARY Thursday, September 18, 1997 most generous people in the world, and I hope to reward and continue this tradition with to­ Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, this coming day's introduction of the Charitable Giving Re­ HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI Sunday, September 21, will be the 80th birth­ lief Act. OF PENNSYLVANIA day of a truly outstanding American, my con­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stituent, Jacob George Hudson. Thursday, September 18, 1997 Mr. Hudson is affectionately known by all of DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today his friends and neighbors as "Shag." He has HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, to pay tribute to Luzerne County Community been one of the leaders in Loudon County and AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED College, which is celebrating the 30th anniver­ throughout the State of Tennessee for many AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS sary of its founding this month. I am pleased years. ACT, 1998 and proud to have been asked to participate Shag Hudson served for 28 years on the in this significant celebration. Loudon County Commission, from 1954 to SPEECH OF In 1965, the Luzerne County Board of Com­ 1982. During this time, he performed mar­ HON. JUANITA MlllENDER-McDONALD missioners took a very bold step. They adopt­ riages for over 3,000 couples. He was also well known as a fighter for low OF CALIFORNIA ed a resolution to sponsor a 2 year college taxes and as one who tried to make sure that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES which would be affordable to all Luzerne County residents. A study was needed and the citizens got their moneys' worth for their Wednesday, September 17, 1997 the board called upon the County Board of tax dollars. Mr. Hudson has proudly operated a farm in The House in Committee of the Whole School Directors to initiate planning of the House on the State of the Union had under project. In less than a year, an application was the Greenback community for the past 65 consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) making ap­ made to the Pennsylvania State Board of Edu­ years, raising beef cattle and working as a propriations for the Departments of Labor, cation for permission to establish and operate self-employed cattle broker. Health and Human Services, and Education, a community college. The State board granted He served with great distinction for 5 years and related agencies, for the fiscal year end­ permission in September 1966. as a member of the State Committee of Agri­ ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ Two months later, Luzerne County Commu­ cultural Stabilization Conservation Service poses: nity College was officially in operation. A from 1987 to 1992. Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Chair­ board of trustees was formed and a president He began serving the Merchants and Farm­ man, we must stop this trend of escalating was appointed to lead the college. On October ers Bank in 1973 and presently serves as a numbers of young girls becoming pregnant 2, 1967 the college opened its doors for the director of Union Planter Bank. and raising children when they have hardly es­ first time in small quarters located next to the He has been a member of Greenback Ma­ caped childhood themselves. It is imperative Hotel Sterling in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The sonic Lodge for 49 years, and he is a master that we as leaders address the Nation's prob­ college's first class of 195 students graduated mason. lem of teenage pregnancy with the most prac­ in May 1969. He has been a member of the Loudon tical and effective strategies, the most impor­ Mr. Speaker, the foresight of the County County Farm Bureau since 1944, and he has tant of which is education. Commissioners; Ed Wideman, William G. been a member and director of the Loudon An accurate and informative education on Goss and James B. Post, 30 years ago has County Livestock Association since 1970. pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases made it possible for more than 13,000 young He also serves as a director of Tellico Area is not being provided to those who are the people to begin a college career or earn a 2 Services System, and he has been church most vulnerable and are in the most need of year degree for professional advancement. treasurer, elder, and deacon at First Pres­ this information. Parents, legal guardians, and Over 200 area businesses employ Luzerne byterian Church of Greenback. other adults influencing children should em­ County Community College alumni. Shag Hudson's greatest pride and joy is not phasize healthy and responsible sexual devel­ In 1974, the college moved to its present in his community service, however, as great opment and decisionmaking, yet study after impressive campus in Nanticoke, Pennsyl- as that has been. Rather, it is in his family. He 19560 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 has been married to his wife, Willie Dixon, for Post 2135 is the first VFW post in the Nation tend my heartfelt thanks to Joseph Peterson over 56 years. They are the proud parents of to win this award for 3 consecutive years. for his brave and heroic action. Mr. Speaker, two children , a daughter, Brenda Powell and Some of the many and varied youth activi­ it takes a true champion to accept the chal­ son , Ronald Hudson. His son-in-law is John ties undertaken by VFW posts nationwide are lenge which Joseph did in rescuing Marie. Powell and daughter-in-law, Judy Hudson. well known to many of us, and include Youth Please join me in commending his heroism. He is even prouder of his grandchildren, Essays, Voice of Democracy, and Patriotic Art Scott and Eric Powell and Kelly, Kent, and programs. Leigh Hudson. The winning program must meet several cri­ IN HONOR OF JOSE PH T ALERICO I wanted to inform my colleagues and other teria. These include participation in a variety of readers of the RECORD about the life and ca­ youth activities offered within the local commu­ HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH reer of Shag Hudson. This country would be nity, and documenting any communitywide OF OHIO a far better place if we had more citizens like youth activity with news clippings, photo­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Jacob George Hudson, and on behalf of a graphs, testimonial letters. This collection Thursday, September 18, 1997 greatful nation, I want to wish him a very serves to outline the scope of a post's partici­ happy 80th birthday, and best wishes for pation in the six major National Youth Pro­ Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to many more. gram categories. These categories are sports/ honor the memory of Mr. Joseph Talerico, for athletics, scouting/organizations, contests/spe­ his many years of distinguished service to the cial events, educational/instructions, recogni­ community of Parma. CAMPAIGN FINANCE RE F ORM tion and projects. Born in Italy, Mr. Talerico immigrated to With nearly 10,000 VFW posts nationwide, Cleveland at the age of 2. After attending HON. RON KIND it's only a special post with a special member­ Cleveland's John Adams High School, Mr. OF WISCONSIN ship that can win the coveted award for 3 con­ Talerico joined the Army and proudly served secutive years. Peoria Post 2135 has that kind IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES America during World War II. In 1946, Mr. of membership. I can think of no finer embodi­ Talerico moved to Parma. He owned and op­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 ment of the essence of the veteran's voluntary erated a string of grocery stores there and in Mr. KIND of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, we spirit than that of Mr. Vincent Rigo, who was nearby Broadview Heights. In addition to his only have a few weeks left before we adjourn in Utah to accept the award on behalf of the business endeavors, Mr. Talerico distin­ this year. Now is the time to allow a vote on 326 members of Post 2135. He's been de­ guished himself as a civic activist, receiving campaign finance reform legislation. scribed as a "renaissance man" for the num­ Parma's Outstanding Citizen award in 1955. Today we are participating in a civil, bipar­ ber of post service positions that he has held. He served as a member of Parma's Charter tisan discussion of reforming the House Ethics Certainly, without him , and the many others Board and as Parma's recreation director. Mr. Committee. It is refreshing to see respected like him in Post 2135, and in veterans organi­ Talerico also belonged to such civic organiia­ Members of both parties engage in a dialog zations throughout the country, our Nation tions as the Parma Exchange Club, the about how to improve the ethics process and would be that much poorer. Broadview Heights Rotary Club, and the Brian ultimately restore some respect and dignity to I salute Peoria VFW Post 2135 for their Club. this great institution. I believe the same thing achievements, and wish them the best as they Mr. Talerico also played an instrumental role can happen with campaign finance reform . If aim for a fourth consecutive award in 1998. in the lives of Parma's youth. He actively sup­ the Members of this House put aside partisan ported Parma youth athletics, ensuring the rhetoric we can fix the current system with A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH D. construction of Mottl Field. He founded and honest, bipartisan reforms that puts no party PETERSON served as president of the Parma Amateur at a disadvantage and restores some faith in Athletrc Federation, and, earlier this year, the this institution. Parma Amateur Athletic Federation inducted However, we cannot reach a compromise if HON. DAVE CAMP Mr. Talerico into its hall of fame. we don't consider the bills in committee or on OF MICHIGAN Joseph Talerico leaves behind a wife , three the floor. Those of us waging this war are re­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES children, eight grandchildren, a brother, and duced to 1-minute speeches in the morning, Thursday, September 18, 1997 two sisters. His contributions to the community parliamentary antics during the day, and floor Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay of Parma will be difficult to replace. Mr. speeches at night when the rest of this body tribute to a tremendous hero from Michigan's Talerico will be greatly missed. has gone home. It is unfair and embarrassing Fourth Congressional District. This hero is a that we have to play these games to be heard high school student from Merrill, Ml who has in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker served as a role model for many other stu­ 1996-97 VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY please allow this issue to come to the floor dents. This outstanding young man is in line to SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM and be given the kind of open, honest debate be valedictorian of his graduating class and that this institution deserves. has maintained a 4.1 grade point average on HON. JAY W. JOHNSON a 4.0 scale while participating on the school's OF WISCONSIN basketball and track teams. While these are IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING P E ORIA, AZ, VFW striking accomplishments, they pale in com­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 POST 2135 FOR OUTSTANDING parison to another. On the evening of August SERVICE 3, 1997, Joseph D. Peterson accomplished an Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I extraordinary feat by rescuing the life of a rise today to bring to your attention an award­ HON. BOB STUMP mother of three on a desolate road . winning broadcast script written by a con­ OF ARIZONA Joseph was driving down a winding road in stituent of mine on a subject which is impor­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES northern Michigan when the car in front of him tant to all of us-the significance of democ­ went out of control and spun off the road into racy in America. Thursday, September 18, 1997 a thicket of trees. With selfless disregard for Jessica V. Van Eperen of Appleton, WI , has Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ex­ his personal safety, he swiftly pulled the driv­ received a very high honor from the Veterans press my congratulations to Peoria VFW Post er, Marie S. Craig, from the car just moments of Foreign Wars. She has been awarded with 2135, in my home State of Arizona, for being before it burst into flames. Joseph then drove a VFW 1997 Voice of Democracy Scholarship recognized again for their outstanding youth Marie to safety and stayed with her until emer­ for her script which will help her to finance her activities program. gency crews transported her to the hospital. education. She is the daughter of Mr. Leonel Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce to my Because of Joseph's valiant actions, Marie Van Eperen and Ms. Catherine Coffey and colleagues that Post 2135 was recognized last suffered only a broken leg and a gash on her plans a career in elementary education. She month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Na­ head, rather than a possible fatal injury. was sponsored by VFW Post 2778 and its la­ tional Convention in Salt Lake City, as the On behalf of Ms. Craig, her family, and the dies auxiliary in Appleton, WI. I believe that winner of the VFW Youth Activities Award . people of the Fourth District I would like to ex- Jessica is an exceptional example of the fine September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19561 students in northeast Wisconsin and I am con­ COMPUTER SECURITY Taken in light of global market competition, fident that she has a bright future ahead of ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1997 this criteria will strike the delicate balance be­ her. tween national security requirements and busi­ I would like to submit Jessica's award win­ SPEECH OF ness needs for the information age, a balance ning script for inclusion in the CONGRESSIONAL HON. CURT WELDON that should be paramount in our discussions about national security as we enter the next RECORD at this point. OF PENNSYLVANIA century. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEMOCRACY-ABOVE AND BEYOND As we continue our efforts to develop policy (By Jessica Van Eperen) Tuesday, September 16, 1997 in this frontier age, I would encourage my col­ Ever since I was a small child, I've at­ Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, leagues to examine these issues closely, to tended the fireworks celebration on the I rise today to offer my support for H.R. 1903, weigh the need for competitiveness against fourth of July. On that day, in 1776, fifty-six the Computer Security Enhancement Act of the responsibility to defend our Nation from in­ men signed the Declaration of Independence, 1997. As the information revolution continues formation terrorists. The issues here are as a document that would launch the United to rage, the United States and specifically this complex as the underlying technology, and our States into the pages of every history book in the world. Yet, that wasn't on my mind as Congress, must begin to make wise and in­ willingness to take rhetoric and spin at face a child. I simply knew that the fireworks lit formed policy for this fast-paced new era. value without seriously researching the issue up the summer sky like a million glowing Sadly, we are somewhat behind business and will ultimately lead to a dangerous imbalance. fire flies. They arched above the trees, above industry in our ability to comprehend the abili­ The Science Committee has set a wise course the clouds, and it seemed to me, above the ties and ramifications of information tech­ for this policy, and I would encourage others very stars themselves. nology. Worse still, we are behind the crimi­ to follow and support this measure. As I've grown older, I've come to realize nals and rogue operatives who would use the Again, I would like to thank Chairman SEN­ democracy is like those brilliant fireworks. technology of the information age against us. SENBRENNER, Chairwoman MORELLA, and the It changes colors, shapes, even sound, but The United States, more than any other never changes in brilliance. Two-hundred Science Committee for their efforts and I country in the world, is extremely susceptible and twenty years after the Declaration of would yield back the balance of my time. Independence was signed, our democracy is to this new, frightening breed of terrorism and still brilliant in the night sky while dicta­ crime. In March of this year, I chaired a hear­ torships, monarchies, and anarchy's have fiz­ ing on information warfare, the first such hear­ zled and died. ing ever held in Congress. What I learned at FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF IN­ I've known democracy to be red: red with the hearing was positively alarming. One wit­ CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF the blood of young men who gave their lives ness testified that with $1 billion and 20 peo­ GONZALES, CA so she might live. I think of my great-uncle ple, he could shut down the Nation. Another who gave his life in World War II, and even witness said that he could accomplish the of two relatives who are as distant as their same task for $100 million. While the United HON. SAM FARR sketchy photograph hanging on the wall. These two men fought and died in the civil States has done a good job to date in devel­ OF CALIFORNIA war shortly after immigrating from the oping secure information technology systems, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Netherlands. I've known democracy to be a its implementation of those systems has been proud and stubborn blue as it fought the desperately lacking. As a result we are left un­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 evils of communism during the cold war. prepared for an information assault that could Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise Long after communism is dead, democracy cripple the Nation. today to recognize the city of Gonzales, CA, will still be shining brightly in the horizon. For this very reason, the Subcommittee on on the 50th anniversary of its incorporation. I've even know democracy to be gold, the Military Research and Development included brilliant gold of freedom of religion, freedom The residents of Gonzales have long been ac­ of speech, and freedom of the press. The Bill an increase in funding for information warfare tive in the development of the community and of Rights has risen high above the fear that defense and associated programs. Protecting the Nation. has tried to control the world for centuries. our defense backbone is simply not enough, In 1874, Mariano and Alfredo Gonzales laid however, and we must begin to implement se­ Men in heavy boots carrying heavy guns out a town of 50 blocks surrounding a recently have never been able to blind people to the cure system strategies for our private sector erected railroad depot on property deeded by glow of democracy's promise and freedom. companies and civilian agencies to thwart the Mexico to their father. From this early date, Democracy has been loud as a cannon, de­ threat of information terrorism. I would like to Gonzales established itself as a friendly town fending those who could not defend them­ applaud the Science Committee and Chairman selves, and quiet as a whisper, comforting where a stranger could easily be persuaded to SENSENBRENNER for their efforts to this end. stay a few extra days and enjoy the smalltown the people who fled to her shores to escape Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1903 takes wise and injustice in foreign lands. Democracy has charm. spread and shrunk, but never disappeared. measured steps in an effort to develop sound and lasting policy for the information age. As Within 20 years, the population of Gonzales What was lost during the forties to Hitler, had reached 500 residents of diverse ethnic the fifties to communism, and the eighties to we legislate for this era, we must be primarily backgrounds and heritage. A number of Swiss terrorism. has been gained back a thousand concerned with the safety and security of our fold by the millions of people who still de­ Nation, both civilian and defense, both private immigrants established a soon to-be-thriving mand their voices be heard. sector and public sector. While I think that we dairy industry. Soon thereafter, a local resident Democracy started as a small sparkler, all agree that Federal policy regarding the ex­ discovered the process for producing con­ similar to the one as I held in my hand when port of our best technology needs to be devel­ densed milk. Following this historic discovery, I was a child, but grew to become the most oped in light of the public availability of com­ the Alpine Condesary opened in Gonzales and glorious fireworks display the world has ever parable technology outside of the United began producing the world's first condensed seen. Democracy is not propelled by gun milk. powder as fireworks are, but by freedom, States, I believe that we are also resolute in Over the years, agriculture replaced dairy as elections, and the belief that all men are our pledge to defend our Nation in this frontier equal. This is the most powerful fuel in the age. Certainly we should not provide the the region's most important industry and world. Democracy has the ability to rise means of our own destruction as some have Gonzales, located in the Salinas Valley, be­ above and beyond the wildest imagination of been so wont to do. came known as one of the most fertile regions men like Washington, Jefferson and Adams. H.R. 1903 will allow us to measure the qual­ in the country. Governments powered merely by force and ity of foreign encryption technology, a central I am honored to have the privilege of intro­ oppression may glow with a blaring heat for portion of any secure system . That measure­ ducing a resolution to recognize the historical a short time, but will inevitably die out and fall to the ground soundlessly to be forgot­ ment with evaluations from the Department of contributions of the residents of Gonzales, QA. ten. Democracy alone will shoot over the Defense will allow us to determine which do- . Since its establishment, Gonzales has main­ tree tops, becoming more beautiful with mestic products can be exported without pos­ tained the smalltown charm that people the every passing year. ing an additional threat to national security. world over envy. 19562 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 SCHOOL VOUCHER STUDY FINDS percentage points on reading tests, relative [From the Wall Street Journal, Sept. 18, SATISFACTION to the national norms. However, language 1997] scores declined 5 percentage points overall, CLEVELAND SHATTERS MYTHS ABOUT SCHOOL HON. NEWf GINGRICH and 19 points among first graders. CHOICE The Cleveland schools have been troubled (By Jay P. Greene, William G. Howell and OF GEORGIA for years; in 1995, the system was put under Paul E. Peterson) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state control when it ran out of money half­ way through the year. Rick Ellis, a spokes­ As delays in repairs keep the doors to Thursday, September 18, 1997 man for the Cleveland schools, said that be­ Washington D.C. 's public schools closed, cause the school system was now operated by Congress is debating whether to approve the Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, the attached District of Columbia Student Opportunity article from the New York Times and op-ed the state, and the state also runs the vouch­ er program, the Cleveland schools had taken Scholarship Act, which could help restruc­ from the Wall Street Journal clearly dem­ ture this dreary, patronage-ridden system onstrate tl:le effectiveness of and parental sat­ no position on the program, which has been expanded to cover 3,000 students this year. and give at least a couple of thousand poor isfaction with Cleveland's school voucher pro­ But Cleveland's voucher program- like the students a chance to attend the private gram. Even more importantly, the survey men­ nation's only other large-scale voucher pro­ school of their choice. Tr ue to his teacher­ tioned in each of these pieces points out that gram, in Milwaukee- remains under the union allies. President Clinton remains ada­ low-income parents are as concerned about cloud of a continuing court challenge. In mantly opposed to giving poor children the same chance at a private education that his the quality of their children's schools as any May, an Ohio appeals court ruled that be­ cause the vouchers could be used at religious daughter, Chelsea, had. other income group. Schools should be an op­ In deciding whether to challenge the presi­ portunity magnet, not an underachieving trap. schools, the program was an unconstitu­ dent, Congress would do well to consider The evidence is in: Vouchers are one way to tional mingling of church and state. The what's been happening in Cleveland, site of State Supreme Court, however, ruled that the first-state-funded program to give low­ enhance parental choice and should be en­ the program could continue this year, pend­ couraged. income students a choice of both religious ing its review. With the Milwaukee voucher and secular schools. Of more than 6,200 appli­ I submit both the New York Times and Wall program pending in State Supreme Court, it Street Journal pieces into the CONGRESSIONAL cants, pupils entering grades K-3 last year, is likely that one or both of the cases will ul­ nearly 2,000 received scholarships to attend RECORD. timately wend their way to the United one of 55 schools. The scholarships cover up [From the New York Times, Sept. 18, 1997] States Supreme Court. to 90% of a school's tuition, to a maximum Despite the legal uncertainties, vouchers SCHOOL VOUCHER STUDY FINDS SATISFACTION of $2,250, little more than a third the per­ remain a powerful political issue across the pupil cost of Cleveland public schools. (By Tamar Lewin) country: This past summer we surveyed more than In the first independent evaluation of In New Jersey in April, the Education 2,000 parents, both scholarship recipients and Cleveland's groundbreaking school voucher Commission barred Lincoln Park, a suburban those who applied but did not participate in program, a Harvard University study has school board, from using tax money for the program. We found that parents to schol­ found that the program was very popular vouchers. arship recipients new to choice schools were with parents and raised the scores of those In Vermont last year, the education office much more satisfied with every aspect of students tested at the end of the first year. took away education funds of the Chittenden their school than parents of children still in "We found that parents who have a choice Town School District when it tried to in­ public school. Sixty-three percent of choice of school are much happier, and these pri­ clude parochial schools in a voucher program parents report being "very satisfied" with vate schools seem to be able to create an for high schools. the "academic quality" of their school, as educational environment that parents see as In New York City and several other cities, compared with less than 30% of public school safer, more focused on academics and giving small programs, privately financed by phi­ parents. Nearly 60 % were "very satisfied" more individual attention to the child," said lanthropists, provide scholarships allowing with school safety, as compared with just Paul E. Peterson, director of the Education some public school students to attend paro­ over a quarter of those in public school. With Policy and Governance at Harvard's John F. chial schools. respect to school discipline, 55% of new Kennedy School of Government, which In Washington, House and Senate Repub­ choice parents, but only 23 % of public-school issued the report. " This happens despite the licans have proposed a Cleveland-style pro­ parents, were very satisfied. fact that these are very low-income stu­ gram for the District of Columbia schools. The differences in satisfaction rates were dents." The evaluation of the Cleveland program is equally large when parents were asked about The Cleveland experiment has been closely based on a survey of 2,020 parents who ap­ the school's individual attention to their watched as school vouchers emerge as a po­ plied for vouchers, including 1,014 parents of child, parental involvement, class size and tent political issue across the country. voucher recipients, and 1,006 parents who ap­ school facilities. The most extreme dif­ The report found that two-thirds of the plied but did not used the vouchers. ferences in satisfaction pertained to teach­ parents whose children received vouchers to Those who applied, but ultimately re­ ing moral values: 71 % of choice parents were attend a private or parochial school were mained in public school, cited transpor­ " very satisfied," but only 25% of those in "very satisfied" with the academic quality tation, financial considerations and admis­ public schools were. of the school, compared to fewer than 30 per­ sion to a desired public school or failure to Our other findings provide powerful an­ cent of the parents of students who applied be admitted to the desired private school. swers to many of the arguments raised by for vouchers but remained in public schools. The average income of families using voucher opponents: In addition, the parents using vouchers vouchers was lower than those whose chil­ Parents, especially poor parents, are not were also more than twice as likely to be dren remained in public schools, but the two competent to evaluate their child's edu­ happy with the school's discipline, class size, groups did not differ significantly with re­ cational experience. But test scores from two condition and teaching of moral values than spect to ethnicity, family size, religion, or of the newly established choice schools jus­ those remaining in public school. mother's education or employment. But tify parental enthusiasm. Choice students During the last school year, the Ohio De­ those staying in public schools were more attending these schools, approximately 25% partment of Education gave 1,996 Cleveland likely to be in special education classes or of the total coming from public schools, students from low-income families vouchers classes for the gifted. gained, on average, five percentile points in covering up to 90 percent of private or paro­ The vast majority of participants, 85 per­ reading and 15 points in mathematics during chial school tuition, to a maximum of $2,250. cent, said their main reason for applying to the course of the school year. The amount is slightly more than a third of the voucher program was to improve edu­ Choice schools don't retain their students. what the public school system spends annu­ cation for their children. Other commonly In fact, even though low-income, inner-city ally per pupil. cited reasons were greater safety, location, families are a highly mobile population, only Most students used the vouchers at Catho­ religion and friends. 7% of all scholarship recipients reported that lic schools. But about a quarter of those who " I like to emphasize that parents said they did not attend the same school for the received vouchers-mostly those who could what was really important to them was aca­ entire year. Among recipients new to choice not find another suitable placement-at­ demic quality of school," said Professor Pe­ schools the percentage was 10%. The com­ tended two new independent schools set up terson, whose co-authors were Jay P. Greene parable percentages for central-city public by advocates of the voucher program, known of the University of Texas and William G. schools is twice as large. as Hope schools. Howell of Stanford University. "A lot of peo­ Private schools expel students who cannot The study found that those students, test­ ple say low-income families don't care about keep up. But only 0.4% of the parents of ed at the beginning and end of the school quality, that they choose schools based on scholarship students new to school choice re­ year, made significant academic strides, other factors, but that's not what the par­ port this as a reason they changed schools gaining 15 percentage points in math and 5 ents say." this fall. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19563 Poor famllies pick their children's schools The fact that these parks cannot charge an until all of her sons and daughters are re­ on the basis of sports, friends, religion or lo­ entrance fee hampers their ability to collect turned to her soil. We anxiously await news of cation, not academic quality. Yet 85% of funds for park improvements. Therefore, I them and hope for their safe return with open scholarship recipients from public schools hearts and open doors. listed "academic quality" as a "very impor­ think it is only fair that all other fees collected tant reason" for their application to the pro­ in these parks remain there to help protect Families from my district have not gone un­ gram. Second in importance was the "great­ and improve them. scathed by this tragedy. They suffer the pains er safety" to be found at a choice school, a One such park, the Great Smoky Moun­ of loss, and experience the anguish of uncer­ reason given by 79% of the recipients. "Loca­ tains, is the most visited park in the United tainty. William Charles Shinn from Woodland tion" was ranked third. "Religion" was States. However, since it cannot charge an and Jerry M. Shriver from Sacramento are still ranked fourth, said to be very important by entrance fee, it does not get to keep as much unaccounted for. The status of the Hill family's 37%. Friends were said to be very important money as other parks do for improvements to father remains a mystery. We join in their fam­ by less than 20%. Private schools engage in "creaming," ad­ campgrounds, trails, buildings, and other facili­ ilies' anxiety of not knowing. mitting only the best, easiest-to-educate stu­ ties there. Today, my community also celebrates for dents. But most applicants found schools I believe that we need to do everything we the men and women who have returned. Sol­ willing to accept them, even though a law­ can to help our Nation's parks. Currently, the diers like Michael O'Conner who was flying a suit filed by the American Federation of National Park System has a maintenance and UH-1 helicopter in February 1968, when he Teachers prevented the program from oper­ construction backlog estimated to be between was shot down north of Hue. His three other ating until two weeks before school started. 4 and 6 billion dollars. The bill I have intro­ crew members were killed. After evading cap­ When those who were offered but did not ac­ ture for nearly 2 days, he was captured and cept a scholarship were asked why, inability duced is a step toward addressing this prob­ to secure admission to their desired private lem. held in captivity for 5 years. school was only the fourth most frequently Mr. Speaker, this is a very modest proposal Therefore, it is with this mix of sadness, joy, given reason, mentioned by just 21% of the in terms of the Federal budget. However, this and apprehension, that our Nation's Capitol, parents remaining in public schools. Trans­ money will go a long way in helping us pre­ the White House, the Department of State, portation problems, financial considerations serve these parks for enjoyment of future gen­ Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the Selective and admission to a desired public school erations. I urge my colleagues to support the System Headquarters, the Vietnam Veterans were all mentioned more frequently. (Cleve­ National Park Fee Equity Act. Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial land has magnet schools that may have and national cemeteries across the Nation will opened their doors to some scholarship appli­ cants.) raise the flag of the National League of Fami­ The data from Cleveland have some limita­ POW-MIA COMMEMORATION DAY lies of American Prisoners of War and Missing tions, because the program was not set up as in Southeast Asia. May this black and white a randomized experiment. Yet the compari­ HON. VIC FAZIO banner serve as a somber reminder of all sons between scholarship recipients new to OF CALIFORNIA those lost; a rejoicing reminder of those re­ choice schools and those remaining in public turned; and, a flicker of hope for the men and schools are meaningful. That's because, with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES women whom we await their homecoming. respect to most of their demographic charac­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 teristics-such as mother's education, moth­ Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, our Na­ er's employment, and family size-the fami­ IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH AN- lies of scholarship recipients did not differ tion will commemorate the thousands of Amer­ from those remaining in public schools. In ican men and women who were lost in action NIVERSARY OF ST. LUKE fact, the voucher recipients actually had or who experienced the brutality of being a CHURCH lower incomes than the group to which they prisoner of war. For every war that America were compared. has engaged in since its formation 221 years HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Cleveland's success at school choice should OF OHIO not remain an exception to public schools' ago, these men and women fought to protect IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES monopoly on education. If members of Con­ America's democratic principles and to ensure gress care at all about the education of poor that future generations could enjoy these free­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 children living in the inner-city, they should doms. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to approve the voucher legislation for Wash­ Our country joins the American families announce the 75th anniversary of St. Luke ington now before them. around the world whose sons and daughters, Church in Lakewood, OH. In 1922, Bishop Jo­ fathers, mothers, and spouses were lost in ac­ seph Schrembs established the parish of St. tion or suffered brutality as a prisoner of war NATIONAL PARK FEE EQUITY ACT Luke, the Evangelist. in mourning and bittersweet celebration. We Lacking suitable facilities in which to hold grieve for the soldiers whose lives were lost. mass, a large tent was erected on the grounds HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR. Our only consolation is that their families fi­ of a nearby convent where Sunday masses OF TENNESSEE nally find a level of peace by knowing the fate were held. The parishioners continued to have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of their loved ones. America can join them in services under the tent for 2112 months. Even Thursday , September 18, 1997 putting closure to the restless years of uncer­ though they had numerous weather problems, Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, today I intro­ tainty regarding the destiny of these men and especially during the bitter cold winter, the de­ duced the National Park Fee Equity Act. This women. Together we can find comfort in each termination of Fr. Nolan, the parishioners, and legislation will allow those national parks other and begin to heal our painful wounds. a group of Charity nuns was all that was which cannot charge an entrance fee to keep Today, Americans around the world also needed to build the tent back up whenever it all other fees which are collected for activities join in rejoicing for those courageous men and fell. within that park. women who have returned to us alive and are On August 24, 1922, a contract was signed There are units of the park system which reunited with their families. We welcome them to build a frame church. Fr. Nolan's prayers cannot collect fees because when these parks warmly. Although there are no words that can for a permanent church structure were an­ were created deed restricts were placed on adequately express our deepest and sincerest swered. In 1928, it became not only a place the land donated to the Federal Government. gratitude, please know that your sacrifices and for worship but also a place for education Last Congress, this body recognized the those of your families were not in vain. To when a school was built around the church. need to keep more of the money in the parks these soldiers, we thank you. Your years of By 1950, it was apparent that larger facilities rather than sending it back to Washington. physical torture, hunger, psychological abuse, were needed to accommodate the growing St. This was accomplished when we created the and forced labor will never be forgotten. Amer­ Luke community. A new church was con­ Fee Demonstration Program. ica will never allow it to be forgotten. structed in 13 months with much of the mate­ This program allows parks to keep 80 per­ America continues to wait apprehensively rials coming from Ireland, Germany, France, cent of the user fees, above what was taken for the soldiers whose fate is still unknown. and Italy. The church was again remodeled in in during 1994, in the park where they are col­ We pray together that soon we will learn more 1984. An addition was constructed on one lected. Unfortunately, there are some parks on the status of these men and women. side of the church enlarging the priests' sac­ which cannot charge entrance fees. Please be assured that America will not rest risty. Improvements were made in the school 19564 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 as well , where a library and media center first time ever, there were more than 1 million remains a viable last resort for those who were added. filings. This year, that figure is expected to rise have tried to pay their debts but were driven The Church of St. Luke, the Evangelist has to 1.4 million filings, more than one bankruptcy by circumstances to ask for judicial interven­ come a long way from its humble beginnings in every 100 American households. This rate tion into their personal finances. If we do not in a tent in a field. St. Luke has grown to be of increase is occurring not in the midst of a reform the system and stem the explosion in a place for education, worship, and community recession, but during what are by all accounts bankruptcy filings caused by bankruptcies of involvement over the past 75 years, and I wish good economic times. From 1986 to 1996, convenience, the cost of credit will inevitably the congregation continued success in the fu­ real per capita annual disposable income grew increase while its availability will begin to de­ ture. by over 13 percent but personal bankruptcies crease. Such a tightening of credit will espe­ more than doubled. cially impact the working poor. In addition, Bankruptcy will cost our Nation $40 billion in these reforms will protect those responsible HONORING THE ANNIVERSARY OF 1997 alone. That translates into over $400 per borrowers who meet their financial obligations THE DRAFTING OF . THE CON­ household in higher costs for goods, services, but end up paying for those who abuse our . STITUTION and credit. That $400 could buy every Amer­ bankruptcy laws. ican family of four: 5 weeks of groceries, 20 Congress has a special responsibility to ad­ HON. BART GORDON tanks of unleaded gasoline, 10 pairs of shoes dress this issue and to ensure that our bank­ OF TENNESSEE for the average grade-school child or more ruptcy laws operate fairly, efficiently and free than 1 year's worth of disposable diapers. IN THE HOUSE OF R EP RESENTATIVES of abuse. The Responsible Borrower Protec­ Our Nation's bankruptcy laws play an impor­ tion Bankruptcy Act makes an important first Thursday, September 18, 1997 tant and necessary role in our society but we step in fulfilling that responsibility and I urge Mr. GORDON . Mr. Speaker, I rise today to must ensure that our bankruptcy system does all my colleagues to support these reforms. call special attention to the Constitution of the not unintentionally encourage those who can take responsibility for their financial obligations T HE R ESPONSIBLE BORROWER P ROTECTION United States of America. This treasured doc­ B ANKRUPTCY A CT ument serves as the guardian of our liberties not to do so. Such an abuse of our bankruptcy SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS and is a product of reflection and choice-em­ laws is fundamentally unfair to those who play Title !-Consumer Bankruptcy Issues bodying the principles of limited government in by the rules and take responsibility for their a Republic dedicated to rule by law, and not personal obligations. It has been estimated § 101. Needs Based Bankruptcy by men. that 15 responsible borrowers are needed to This section of the Bill requires those who have a current monthly total income of 75 Abraham Lincoln once called the Constitu­ cover the cost of a single bankruptcy. The Responsible Borrower Protection Bank­ percent of the national median family in­ tion, "The only safeguard of our liberties come for a family of equal size or, in the case * * *." I strongly concur. Therefore, it is im­ ruptcy Act fundamentally reforms the existing bankruptcy system into a needs-based sys­ of a household of one person, 75 percent of portant to recognize that September 17, 1997, the national median household incom e for marks the 21 Oth anniversary of the drafting of tem . Only those who truly cannot repay their one earner plus a monthly net income great­ this historic landmark by the 1787 Constitu­ debts will be able to use the complete bank­ er than $50 and the ability to pay at least tional Convention. ruptcy in chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. 20% of their unsecured, non-priority debts Those who can repay their debts will have to It is fitting and proper to accord official rec­ over five years to enter into a repayment use chapter 13 and work out a payment plan. plan under Chapter 13. ognition to this magnificent document and its Those who make less than 75 percent of the memorable anniversary-as well as to the pa­ § 102. Adequate I ncome Shall be Committed to a national median family income for a family of Plan That Pays Unsecured Creditors triotic celebrations which will commemorate equal size will be presumed unable to repay this grand occasion. Public law guarantees the This section amends the Code t o substitute their debts and may file complete bankruptcy. for "disposable income" a new concept, issuing of a proclamation each year by the But those who make more than 75 percent of "monthly net income", which is determined President of this great country designating the national median family income for a family based on expendit ure levels now set by the September 17 through 23 as Constitution of equal size and, under a formula, are deter­ Internal Revenue Service and used exten­ Week. mined to be able to pay $50 per month toward sively throughout the country to ma ke simi­ In observance of this important national oc­ lar determinat ions. Provision is also m ade in debt reduction of at least 20 percent of their casion, I ask my fellow citizens to reaffirm the a new section 111 for the adjustment of unsecured, non-priority debt over 5 years may monthly net income in extraordinary cases, ideals put forth by the Framers of the Con­ only file in chapter 13 and repay their debt stitution over 200 years ago. Only through for example when the debtor experiences loss over time. of income or when the debtor has unusual ex- vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed This needs-based reform is intended to ad­ penses. to us through the Constitution, can we offer fu­ dress a flaw in the bankruptcy system that en­ § 103. Notice of Alternatives ture generations the same great inheritance of courages people to file for bankruptcy and Require each consumer debtor to receive a freedom we currently possess. walk away from debts, regardless of whether notice containing a brief description of they are able to repay any portion of what Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy they owe. Bankruptcy was never meant to be Code and a brief description of available THE RESPONSIBLE BORROWER independent non-profit debt counseling serv­ PROTECTION BANKRUPTCY ACT used as a financial planning tool or for mere convenience but it no longer carries with it the ices. The notice would also contain the social stigma it did 20 years ago and these nam e, address and telephone number of each HON. BILL McCOLLUM such service that registers with the clerk in bankruptcies of convenience are driving the that dist rict. This pr ovision assures that OF FLORIDA enormous increase in bankruptcies. Bank­ debtors receive information about debt coun­ IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES ruptcy is becoming a first stop rather than a seling services. Thursday, September 18, 1997 last resort. § 104 . Fraudulent Debts Are Nondischargeable in The Responsible Borrower Protection Bank­ Chapter 13 Cases Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I am ruptcy Act also makes reforms to reduce re­ introducing the Responsible Borrower Protec­ The Bill am ends Code section 1328(a)(2) so peat filings and to prevent the gaming of the as not to discharge debts fraudulent ly in­ tion Bankruptcy Act. I am pleased to be joined bankruptcy system , such as running up credit curred. by my colleague, Mr. BoucHER. Attached to bills right before filing for bankruptcy or filing § 105. Giving Secured Creditors Fair Treatment my statement is a detailed section by section and dismissing a bankruptcy case as a stalling in Chapter 13 explanation of the legislation. tactic. In addition, there are provisions to im­ The Bill amends section 1325(a)(5)(B)(I) to It has become clear that reform of the exist­ prove the efficient administration of bankruptcy provide that the holder of an allowed secured ing bankruptcy system is sorely needed as our cases, to increase oversight and to provide claim shall retain th e lien securing the Nation witnesses an unsustainable epidemic debtors with information about alternatives to claim until the debtor receives a discharge. of personal bankruptcies. Bankruptcies have bankruptcy, such as credit counseling serv­ § 106. Debts I ncurred to Pay Nondischargeable increased over 400 percent since 1980. It is ices. D ebts estimated that consumer bankruptcies will rise By ensuring that our bankruptcy laws are The Bill am ends current section 523(a)(14) by over 20 percent in 1997. Last year, for the not abused, we also ensure that bankruptcy to make nondischargeable any new debt that September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19565 is incurred to pay a prior debt that otherwise § 114. Timely Filing and Confirmation of Plans debtor's principal residence will not dis­ would be nondischargeable. in Chapter 13 qualify that mortgage from protection under §107. Credit Extensions on the Eve of The Bill amends section 1321 to require section 1322(b)(2). It also makes clear that if Bankruptcy Presumed Nondischargeable that the debtor file a plan within 90 days of the debtor resided in the house during the The Bill would amend Code section the petition date. The Bill would also amend six man ths previous to filing and still owns 523(a)(2)(C) to create a presumption that con­ Code section 1324 to require that the con­ it, or if the residence ts a mobile home, con­ sumer debts incurred within 90 days of bank­ firmation hearing be held within 45 days of dominium or cooperative apartment, tech­ ruptcy are non-dischargeable. the filing of the plan. Either of these time nically treated as personalty in a number of § 108. Stopping Abusive Conversions from periods could be extended by court order. states, the protection of section 1322(2)(b) ap­ Chapter 13 §115. Definition of Substantial Abuse plies. The section also provides that the stay This section provides that when a debtor The Bill would clarify Code section 707(b) under section 362 will not be violated if a converts from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7, the to permit any party in interest to move to prepetition foreclosure proceeding is post­ cram down is not retained except for the lim­ dismiss the bankruptcy case, and it further poned during the pendency of a Chapter 13 ited purpose of redemption under section 722. defines " substantial abuse" to include a situ­ proceeding so long as any prepetition default § 109. Discouraging Bad Faith Repeat Filings ation in which it becomes apparent during remains uncured by actual payment in full The section provides that the automatic the case that the debtor is not eligible for according to the plan. stay will terminate in a consumer bank­ Chapter 7 under the needs based bankruptcy provisions or where the totality of cir­ § 121. Extend Period Between Bankruptcy ruptcy case on the 30th day after the filing Discharges if, in the previous year, the same debtor filed cumstances demonstrate substantial abuse. § 116. Giving Debtors the Ability To Keep Lease The Bill would expand the amount of time a bankruptcy case that was dismissed. The that must pass before a debtor may receive Bill provides an exception to this provision Personal Property by Assumption in the event the subsequent filing is made in The Bill would add new Code section 365(p) another discharge. The time period would ex­ to give debtors the ability to keep leased pand to ten for Chapter 7 individual cases good faith. It gives four situations in which and five years for Chapter 13 cases. there is a presumption that the subsequent personal property by assuming the lease. filing was not made in good faith: (1) if there This clarifies that if a Chapter 7 trustee re­ Title IT-Improved Bankruptcy was more than one previous case in the past ject a lease of personal property, the lessor Admin is tration year; (2) if the previous case was dismissed may notify the debtor that he or she has the § 201. Improved Bankruptcy Statistics for the debtor's failure to comply with re­ option of assuming the lease. If the debtor The Bill would create a new 28 U.S.C. § 159 quirements under the Bankruptcy Code or then notifies the lessor that the debtor that would require the clerks of the various with orders of the court; (3) if there has been wants to assume, the debtor's lease remains bankruptcy courts to compile statistics on no substantial change in the debtor's finan­ enforceable according to its terms. It also bankruptcy cases involving individual debt­ cial affairs; or (4) as to the application of the clarifies that in a Chapter 11 or 13 case, if the ors, and report these statistics annually to stay to a specific creditor, if that creditor lease is not assumed in the plan, the lease is Congress. obtained relief from the stay in the previous rejected as of the date of the confirmation of § 202. Audit Procedures case or applied for such relief (and that ap­ the plan. The section also makes clear that This section amends title 28 to delegate to plication is still pending). once a lease is rejected, it and the leased the Attorney General the responsibility for § 110. Restraining Abusive Purchases on Secured property are no longer property of the es­ establishing random audits of individual Credit tate, and no longer subject to stay. bankruptcy cases under title 11. The Bill would amend Code section 506 by §117. Chapter 13 Plans To Have a Five Year § 203. Docket of Individuals Who File Under adding a new subsection 506(e). The provision Duration Title 11 requires that the value of personal property The Bill would amend Code sections 1322(d) This section amends title 28 to delegate to collateral be at least equal to the out­ and 1329(c) to allow confirmation of plans the Administrative Office of the Courts the standing balance of the purchase price, in­ with a life span of five years if the debtor's responsibility for creating and maintaining a cluding interest and charges, where the prop­ current monthly income is 75 percent of the central docket of those who have filed for erty was purchased within 180 days of the pe­ national median family income for a family bankruptcy relief. tition. of equal size or 75 percent of the national median household income for one earner or § 204. Adequate Preparation Time for Creditors § 111. Fair Valuation of Collateral Before the First Meeting of Creditors in Indi­ The Bill would add a new sentence to the more on the date of confirmation. In such cases, it would also permit the court to ap­ vidual Cases end of Code section 506(a). This amendment This section amends the Bankruptcy Code would set the value of personal property se­ prove a plan longer than five years up to a maximum of seven years. Otherwise, the to specify that in an individual voluntary curing an individual debtor's personal prop­ case, the first meeting of creditors be con­ erty as the replacement value of the prop­ debtor would be restricted to the three year and five year periods of present law. vened between sixty (60) and ninety (90) days erty on the petition date (without deduc­ following the order for relief. tions for marketing or sales costs). § 118. Apply the Co-Debtor Stay Only When It Protects the Debtor § 205. Creditor Representation at First M eeting § 112. Debtor Retention of Personal Property of Credits · Security The Bill would amend section 1301 so that the co-debtor stay would continue to be This section amends Code section 341(c) to The Bill would add a new subsection to provide that non-attorney representatives Code section 521 to provide that a Chapter 7 available when the debtor who borrowed the money sought Chapter 13 relief, but if a can attend and participate in the first meet­ individual debtor may not retain possession ing of creditors. of personal property securing an allowed guarantor or other co-debtor who did not re­ claim for the purchase price unless the debt­ ceive the consideration for the creditor's § 206. Giving Creditors Fair Notice in Chapter 7 or either (a) reaffirms the debt or (b) re­ claim filed for relief, the debtor who bor­ and Chapter 13 Cases deems the property within sixty (60) days of rowed the money would not be protected by This section provides that the debtor in­ the order for relief. If the debtor takes nei­ a stay unless he or she also filed a bank­ clude in any notice to the creditor, the credi­ ther action within the sixty (60) day period, ruptcy protection. Also the stay would ter­ tor's account number if it is reasonably then the property no longer would be consid­ minate as to the debtor's interest in personal available, and to send any notices to an ad­ ered property of the estate for purposes of property if the debtor surrendered or aban­ dress which the creditor has previously spec­ the automatic stay. doned that property. ified. §113. Bankruptcy Exemption Study Commission § 119. Definition of Household Goods § 207. Prompt Relief From Stay in Individual The Bill creates an eight member Bank­ The Bill would add a new subparagraph to Cases ruptcy Exemption Study Commission with Code section 522([)(1) to define the phrase This section amends Code section 362(e) to members appointed by the President, the "household goods" as it now appears in sec­ provide that unless the court finally decides Majority Leader of the Senate and the tion 522([) of the Code. The Bill defines the relief from stay request, the parties Speaker of the House to study whether the " household goods" by using the definition agree to take a longer time, or the court or­ Code's use of exemptions should be revised. already used in similar context by the Fed­ ders additional time, the stay shall auto­ The Commission is directed to study and re­ eral Trade Commission in the Trade Regula­ matically terminate sixty days after a re­ port on exemption issues under the code and tions Rule on Credit Practices, 16 CFR quest for relief from it is made. on any proposals to revise the Code it may § 444.1(I). § 208. Relief From Stay When the Debtor Does recommend. The Commission may hold hear­ § 120. Protection of Holders of Claims Secured by Not Complete intended Surrender of Consumer ings, and is required to report to Congress, Debtor's Principal Residence Debt Collateral the Chief Justice and the President within This section clarifies that the inclusion of This section amends section 362 to provide one year of enactment of the Bill. incidental property in a mortgage on the that if individual debtors do not file a timely 19566 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 statement of intention with respect to prop­ a COLA. If such an amendment is ruled out of 1994 presented Mark with its Man of the Year erty securing the creditor's claim or to act order, Members should support a motion to Award. There are children around the world in accordance with that statement of inten­ appeal the ruling of the Chair. If our amend­ who literally owe their lives to Mark and Diane tion, a secured creditor may seek relief from ment prevails, and I sincerely hope it does, my Kroeker. the stay. legislation will not be necessary. However, I I ask my colleagues to join me today in sa­ § 209. Filing of Proofs of Claim believe we must make every effort to overturn luting Mark and Diane Kroeker, proud and lov­ In Chapter 11 cases, if a creditor is listed in yesterday's action and for that reason, I am in­ ing parents of Kent, Kirk, and Katrina. Mark the schedules, no proof of claim need to be filed unless it is listed as disputed, contin­ troducing this bill today. and Diane's dedication to their community and gent or unliquidated. This provision extends As Members of Congress, I strongly believe their love for the children of the world inspires this Chapter 11 provision to cases under that we should not talk about cutting important us all. Chapters 7 and 13. programs like Medicare and Social Security § 210. Debtor to Provide Tax Returns and Other and then turn around and give ourselves a Information pay raise. During the appropriations process, SALUTE TO THE 50TH ANNIVER­ This section amends Code section 521 to re­ we have forced many worthy programs to SARY OF THE AIR NATIONAL quire that the debtor provide financial infor­ tighten their belts "for the good of the country" GUARD mation about income and expenses, such as so we can meet our goal of a balanced budget copies of its tax returns for the three most by the year 2002. Why, then, not tighten our HON. ELTON GALLEGLY recent tax years, its current pay stubs, and own belts? OF CALIFORNIA other proof of income. Also, a conformed As I have said on many other occasions, it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES copy of the petition, schedules and state­ is irresponsible for us to increase our own pay ment of financial affairs and any cor­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 responding amendments as well as of any at a time when we have not met our obligation Chapter 13 plan must be provided upon re­ to the American people to balance the Federal Mr. GALLEGLY . Mr. Speaker, I would like to quest. budget. We cannot continue to tell our con­ pay a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of § 211. Dismissal for Failure to File Schedules stituents to tighten their belts while we loosen the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard, Timely or Provide Required Information our own. We must first make Medicare sol­ especially the 146th Airlift Wing based in my The Bill would amend Code section 707 to vent. We must first fully fund our veterans' California congressional district. require the dismissal of the bankruptcy case benefits. We must first ensure that every stu­ The 146th is California's largest Air National for failure to file schedules within 45 days dent has an opportunity for a college edu­ Guard unit and has been recognized by both after filing the petition. cation. We must first rebuild our crumbling in­ the Air Force Association and the National § 212. Adequate Protection of Lessors and frastructure. We must first eliminate the estate Guard Association of the United States as the Purchase Money Secured Creditors tax. We must first take care of the people. best flying unit in the Air National Guard. This section adds a new section 1307 to the I hope the leadership will see to it that this These prestigious awards have not come eas­ Code to provide that adequate protection legislation receives a fair hearing and is ily. During World War II, as part of the 115th payments be made during the "gap" that oc­ brought to the floor with all due speed. Observation Squadron, the wing fought in var­ curs between the time the debtor files a ious combat theaters around the world, dis­ Chapter 13 case and the stay goes into effect playing courage in battles in the Pacific, Eu­ and the time the debtor resumes making TRIBUTE TO MARK AND DIANE payments under the plan. rope and China-Burma-India theaters. KROEKER The 146th distinguished itself during the § 213. Adequate Time to Prepare for Hearing on Confirmation of the Plan HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN 1950's in the Korean war, and in the 1960's The Bill amends Code section 1324 to re­ Southeast Asia conflict flying a variety of com­ OF CALIFORNIA bat air support missions. Since 1970, the quire that a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cannot be held less than twenty days after wing's C-130 aircraft have traveled to all cor­ the first meeting of creditors if there is an Thursday, September 18, 1997 ners of the world, airlifting troops, passengers, objection. Mr. BERMAN . Mr. Speaker, I am honored to and cargo during training missions, exercise pay tribute to Mark and Diane Kroeker, who deployments, and real-world military oper­ this year are being saluted by Bridge Focus, ations. REVOKE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR a social service agency in the San Fernando In 1992, the wing received its third Air Force MEMBERS OF CONGRESS Valley. The Kroekers are receiving an award Outstanding Unit Award. The 146th was for being exemplary parents and for a long tra­ praised for extraordinary service to the Nation, HON. MAX SANDUN dition of helping their community. I cannot State, and local communities during hostilities OF TEXAS think of two people who better fit this descrip­ in . Panama and in the Persian Gulf, and in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion than Mark and Diane. peacetime humanitarian airlifts and aerial fire I have had a warm personal and profes­ fighting. Thursday, September 18, 1997 sional relationship with Mark for many years, Mr. Speaker, while the mission and accom­ Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to particularly during the time he served as com­ plishments of the 146th Airlift Wing are truly introduce legislation to revoke the COLA for mander of the San Fernando Valley Bureau of commendable, their true strength lies in the Members of Congress should it become law. the Los Angeles Police Department. men and women who comprise the wing. I am The manner in which the COLA was approved Like many others, I have tremendous re­ pleased to pay tribute to them today and con­ by this body yesterday is appalling. Americans spect and admiration for Mark's work. The gratulate them on 50 years of service to our deserve to know if their Representative is vot­ LAPD could have not picked a more ideal rep­ Nation, State, and community. ing to increase his or her pay. It should not be resentative in the valley. Mark was constantly hidden in the parliamentary process. We must looking for ways to improve relations between be honest enough with ourselves and with the the Department and community. He spent A NEW MARITIME STRATEGY American people to support openly or oppose hundreds of hours meeting with local leaders. openly this increase. My legislation will require It was a sad day for all of us when Mark was HON. RANDY "DUKE" CUNNINGHAM us to make an honest, forthright statement transferred to another bureau. OF CALIFORNIA about our pay. Mark's reputation for compassion and con­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I hope events of the next few days will cern extends beyond the workplace. He is render my legislation unnecessary. I hope that widely known as the founder and chairman of Thursday, September 18, 1997 once Members have had an opportunity to dis­ the board of the World Children's Transplant Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, in my role cuss with their constituents yesterday's at­ Fund. He rarely misses an opportunity to tell as an administrative cochairman of the bipar­ tempt to sneak in a pay raise they will join the people of the organization and its wonderful tisan national security caucus, I served as the efforts of Congresswoman LINDA SMITH, my­ work. cohost of a recent maritime policy briefing. self, and others and support an amendment to Mark and Diane are active supporters of the The group my colleagues and I assembled prevent Members of Congress from receiving World Children's Transplant Fund, which in discussed a wide range of critical issues which September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19567 have a significant impact on our national secu­ even revitalization. We are now talking about ilies, day care, and hospital visits. As part of rity and the future of our maritime industry. the very survival of the American maritime in­ the anniversary celebration, the Sisters of St. This dinner briefing was an outstanding suc­ dustry. As horrible and as catastrophic as it Joseph awarded a grant to fund a new service cess because of the insights and observations may sound, if we do not develop and adopt a project in the community, "Seeds of Literacy." we received from several of my fellow cochair­ new strategy, the U.S. fleet may not be in ex­ This project, coordinated with three other par­ men in the national security caucus. The istence a year from now." ishes in the Cleveland area, will reach out to group included Chairman FLOYD SPENCE of I am very pleased to report that the efforts needy adults to increase their literacy skills the National Security Committee, IKE SKELTON, to develop, adopt, and implement a com­ and sense of self worth, hopefully resulting in the ranking Democrat on the Military Procure­ prehensive and bipartisan national maritime new job opportunities for them so they will be ment Subcommittee and STENY HOYER, the strategy is receiving critical leadership from able to support themselves and their children. chairman of the Democratic Steering Com­ the nonprofit National Security Caucus Foun­ The congregation has also spent this anni­ mittee. We were also joined by TILLIE FOWLER , dation. I know all of the caucus cochairmen versary year focusing on the vision that has the vice chairman of the Coast Guard and are very grateful for the tremendous yeoman carried them through the past 125 years, and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. labor of the NSCF maritime team. This group which will inspire them in the future. Just as Our guests of honor were Secretary of the includes Adm. Thomas Moorer USN (Ret.) , many bridges span the Cuyahoga River in Navy John Dalton and Gen. Charles Krulak, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Cleveland, connecting the east side of the city the commander of the Marine Corps. We were Staff, Rear Adm. Robert Spiro, the former to the west, CSJ is always looking for ways to also joined by several key executives form the Under Secretary of the Army, and Gregg Hil­ build new bridges connecting themselves to maritime industry and senior officials of lead­ ton, the NSCF's Executive Director. their traditional spirituality, connecting their ac­ ing trade associations and maritime organiza­ They have been working in cooperation with complishments of the past to their vision of the tions. the Navy and the Maritime Administration on future, and connecting the Congregation of St. The topics we reviewed included the Mari­ several strategy conferences, and they have Joseph to the Cleveland community. time Security Program [MSP], the Jones Act, assembled an impressive list of retired flag of­ My fellow colleagues, please join me in hon­ the charter and build program, cargo pref­ ficers who are emphasizing the arguments I oring the devoted Sisters of the Congregation erence, and acquisition reform. All of our par­ have outlined above. The NSC Foundation's of St. Joseph. ticipants were in agreement that the dis­ effort to develop a new strategy is essential to appearance of U.S. shipping companies would our national security and I will be providing have a serious impact on America's national further information to my colleagues about this TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS TOUCHETTE security. program in the weeks ahead. During Operation Desert Storm, American Finally, I want to express my appreciation to HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO shipping companies transported 95 percent of several individuals who had a key role in orga­ OF ILLINOIS the sustainment cargo. It is definitely not clear nizing last night's policy discussion. They also IN T HE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES how the Defense Department would replace provided us excellent advice and a wide vari­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 crucial sealift capacity if, suddenly, no Amer­ ety of background information. The group ican container ship companies were available. which is responsible for the success of last Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, 60 days ago Certainly, the cost of replacing this commercial night's event includes Jim Henry, the president today on July 18, 1997, the people of the St. capacity with new government-owned sealift of the Transportation Institute, Jim Patti, the Louis metropolitan area and the people of vessels would be astronomical. president of MIRAID, Gloria Tosi, the execu­ southwestern Illinois lost a great leader and I The number of private U.S. shipyards has tive director of the American Maritime Con­ lost a good friend . Francis Touchette passed dropped by more than 50 percent over the gress and Gordon Spencer, the legislative di­ away on July 18, 1997, at the age of 84 after past 15 years. The U.S.-flag fleet is very pro­ rector for the American Maritime Officers. a long illness. . ductive today, but unfortunately, its capability During this period, I have had time to reflect to compete on the international stage has de­ on his legacy of service and on our friendship. clined. The American fleet of self-propelled IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVER­ Francis Touchette was both a dedicated public vessels has decreased steadily in size since SARY OF THE CONGREGATION servant and a humanitarian. 1950 to a current low of approximately 300 OF ST. JOSEPH Francis started his career when he was vessels. elected to the office of Democratic precinct The available work force has also declined HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH committeeman when Franklin Roosevelt was significantly and the modernization of the U.S. OF OHIO elected President of the United States. In ad­ seaports is well behind their foreign competi­ IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES dition to serving as a Democratic precinct tors. These factors are raising concerns committeeman for many years, Francis was among my colleagues in the national security Thursday, September 18, 1997 elected Centreville Township supervisor and caucus about handicaps on our Nation's econ­ Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to was elected to serve as a member of the omy and our capability to promote trade and honor the Congregation of St. Joseph [CSJ] in county board from Centreville Township. On our national security interests. Cleveland, OH as they celebrate their 125th two separate occasions during his career on The participants were in agreement that the anniversary of serving the Cleveland commu·­ the county board, his colleagues saw fit to U.S. policies and programs are in sharp con­ nity through their faith , service, and vision. elect Francis to serve as their chairman. trast with those of many leading maritime na­ For the Sisters of St. Joseph, this anniver­ In addition to being one of the leading tions. These other nations have acted to pre­ sary year has been one of reflection on their Democrats in southwestern and southern Illi­ serve a commercial presence in shipping. faith and a renewal of their spirituality. The nois, Francis was one of the leaders in pro­ They offer supportive tax and financing pack­ sisters recently spent a weekend exploring the viding health care and other services to the ages. And they invest heavily in the mod­ core principles and values of their faith and underprivileged and the poor throughout the ernization of their shipyards and seaports. All endeavored to find God and love in everyday region. of these inequities discourage private invest­ life. Francis was the founder of Centreville town­ ment in key components of U.S. maritime in­ This year has also been a time to con­ ship Hospital-later renamed Touchette Re­ dustries. I believe it is in the best interests of template the areas of service in which CSJ is gional Hospital in Centreville, IL. As Centre­ all Americans to harness the leadership of involved. Throughout their history, the sisters ville Township supervisor, he recognized that government with the strength of the market­ have reached out to others in the Cleveland the underprivileged and the poor were not re­ place to level the international playing field so community. The Sisters of St. Joseph have ceiving adequate health care services and that U.S. industries can compete globally. been involved in educating the youth of the therefore called upon the people of the town­ The challenges we face were eloquently community's parishes and in helping many ship to construct a hospital for people in the stated last year during the MSP debate by other service organizations such as the West Greater Centreville area. He was a charter chairman HERB BATEMAN of the Merchant Ma­ Side Catholic Center and Women's Shelter, member of the East Side Health District and rine Panel when he said, "We are beyond the Providence House-(a crisis nursery for chil­ founded the Southern Illinois Health Care point of talking about viability, resurgence of dren), transitional housing for women and tam- Foundation. 19568 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 Very few people have touched and im­ far cry from the military's first airborne activi­ In his sleep at night. proved the lives of so many as Francis ties-the Army's use of balloons for reconnais­ The boy fulfilled his dream Touchette. His service to the people of the St. sance during the Civil War and Spanish Amer­ High above the barren ground. And woke up a tired God Louis region and of southwestern Illinois will ican War, and the use of its first ai.rcraft " When he broke the speed of sound" live on-and his friendship that he extended to against Pancho Villa in Mexico in 1916. Today boys and girls me and many others will never be forgotten. From these humble roots, military aviation Share that same dream. My colleagues, I ask you to join me in pay­ grew and matured from being a part of the One day to take the oath ing tribute to a great friend and a great leader. Signal Corps in 1914, to becoming the Army Join the Air Force team. Bureau of Aircraft Production and the Air Serv­ A half century has come and gone ice in 1918, to the Army Air Forces and the Since Truman took the pen. WORKLINK Army Air Corps in the 1920's. Signed aboard his "Sacred Cow" As military aviators distinguished them­ Our Air Force to begin. selves in World War I and World War II, sup­ For those who served our country HON. JAMES M. TALENT In peace and war time, OF MISSOURI port for a full-fledged, independent Air Force For those who gave their lives IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grew. More and more people came to realize So freedom bells could chime. that the Air Corps was more than just a part For those who serve the Seal Thursday, September 18, 1997 of the Army: It was a highly specialized branch Eagle, thunderbolt, stars and cloud Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of the military which should stand on equal And wreath of six folds recognize the city of St. Peters for the suc­ footing with the Army and the Navy. Make our country proud. cessful implementation of Worklink, the first Finally, in 1947, the National Security Act, The symbol of the Eagle telecommunication center in the State of Mis­ which created an independent U.S. Air Force, Facing the future without sorrow, The United States, Air Force souri and the entire Midwest. Opening in July was passed by Congress and signed into law Yesterday, today, tomorrow. 1996, Worklink was designed as a commu­ by President Harry S Truman. Fifty years later, nity-based telecommunications center we celebrate the contributions the Air Force equipped to provide individuals, businesses, has made over the past five decades, and we and organizations with a wide array of ad­ look forward to the many more contributions JOSEPHINE HINMAN'S GARDEN vanced telecommunications and related serv­ which the Air Force will make in the decades ices. Worklink promotes telecommuting as an and centuries to come. HON. RON PACKARD efficient way of doing business and helping I know Air Force veterans and members at OF CALIFORNIA employees better balance their time between installations around the world will mark this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES work and family. 50th anniversary with great pride and honor. Thursday, September 18, 1997 Worklink offers an alternative to many com­ At Arnold Engineering and Development Cen­ panies and employees to maintain and en­ ter [AEDC] on Arnold Air Force Base in my Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog­ courage performance and productivity; assists congressional district, a celebration was re­ nize an outstanding citizen in my community. companies in cutting expenses by consoli­ cently held in observance of this milestone, Josephine Hinman, of Fallbrook, CA devotes dating office and parking space; improves em­ and I'm sure similar events have been held at her life to attacking hunger. Josephine grows ployee moral by accommodating work and many other bases. and then donates some 12,000 bags of fruit family needs; and helps the community by re­ Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to and vegetables a year to feed the poor, all ducing traffic congestion and improving air once again thank the U.S. Air Force for all it from her own garden. For 64 years, Josephine quality. has done for our great country, and I would Hinman has selflessly given both her time and Currently, two-thirds of the available space like to insert into the RECORD a poem written energy so that others may benefit. at Worklink is equipped with offices and by Tennessee's poet laureate Margaret Britton Growing up during the Depression, Jose­ workstations with the advanced technology Vaughn, in honor of this wonderful anniver­ phine learned early on how hard it can be to and interconnectivity to handle most advanced sary. This poem was read publicly for the first keep food on the table in tough times. Helping office telecommunications functions. The facil­ time by Maggie Vaughn at the AEDC 50th an­ her family maintain a large garden, they grew ity houses many business types, including en­ niversary commemoration. enough to get by and help others in the neigh­ gineering, financial, computer consulting, com­ AIR FORCE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY borhood. Today, Josephine is still taking care puter programming, sales/marketing, Nineteen forty-seven, fifty years ago of her garden, and still taking good care of the healthcare, publishing, distance learning, and The vision would not rest less fortunate in her community. charitable professionals. Until the Air Force was born, Mr. Speaker, our Nation is beginning to re­ By stepping out onto the cutting edge of And the Bird left its nest. discover the power of local solutions. For far telecommuting, the city of St. Peters is offering A Bird with metal wings too long, the Washington bureaucrats have in­ those in their community a tremendous oppor­ A cockpit for an eye sisted that the only way to help those in need Pilots gave it heart and soul tunity. I am sure Worklink will serve as a is to create another Government program and With grace of a butterfly. bankroll it with endless taxpayer dollars. Peo­ model for other communities, and I commend America's fields grow barracks Mayor Tom Brown and Helen Robert, And long, gray runways. ple like Josephine Hinman are showing Wash­ Worklink manager, for their vision and hard Seas of blue uniforms ington that no matter how much taxpayer work. Blended with the amber waves. money you throw at a problem, little is ever Above the patterned clouds accomplished without the warmth and com­ We watched fliers in formations, passion of caring citizens. 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AIR FORCE Vapor trails left behind Josephine Hinman's story is truly inspiring. Sent a message to all nations. Her selfless work should encourage each and The large Bear of the U.S.S.R. every one of us to reflect on how we may bet­ HON. VAN HILLEARY Shoot with disbelief, OF TENNESSEE The Eagle soared above its head ter serve others. Most of us learned very IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bringing West Berlin relief. young in life that we share a responsibility to Red Communism was no match help our neighbors and care for our commu­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 For men and women in blue, nity. As I visit with and learn about those who Mr. HILLEARY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as MIGs could not compete do remarkable works throughout my district, I an Air Force veteran and a major in the Air Where the Sabre flew. continue to be convinced that volunteering is Force Reserve to commemorate the 50th an­ From Korea to Vietnam much more than a responsibility. Having the niversary of the U.S. Air Force. To Desert Storm of Iraq, time, talents, and ability to brighten the lives of The Air Force was there When we look at today's Air Force, with all And brought the banner back. others is actually one of life's greatest privi­ its cutting-edge technological advances and Yesterday a playful boy leges. The joy with which Josephine Hinman global superiority, it's amazing to think how far Spread his arms in flight, continues to keep her garden open to all is we have come in this century. It's certainly a Dreamed one day he'd fly solid proof of that. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19569 IN HONOR OF JIM BREMER is committed to helping his neighbors and his tude. He truly had a genuine concern for all community. As a veteran of the Korean war, a people which earned him numerous friends HON. TIM ROEMER deputy sheriff, and an electrician on the job, and lasting affection. Richie Ashburn will cer­ OF INDIANA Jim has exhibited the best American values of tainly be missed. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dedication, responsibility, and caring for oth­ This Member would like to commend to his ers. I consider myself fortunate to be associ­ colleagues the following editorials from the Thursday, September 18, 1997 ated with him. Norfolk Daily News and the Philadelphia In­ Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great I hope Americans in the future will not stray quirer. The editorials highlight Richie pleasure that I rise today in recognition of Mr. too far from Jim Bremer's example. If I did not Ashburn's impressive accomplishments in Ne­ Jim Bremer of Wanatah, IN. Not only am I ex­ know that he is a one-of-a-kind, I would say braska and Philadelphia. tremely proud to call him a good friend, but I we need many more of him. [From the Norfolk Daily News, Sept. 10, 1997] am even prouder to call him a friend of his community and the entire State of Indiana. LOSS MOURNED I first met Jim when I ran for Congress back RICHIE ASHBURN: A BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF RICHIE ASHBURN WILL BE in 1990. During the course of my campaign, SUPERSTAR WITH STRONG NE­ REMEMBERED BY MANY IN AREA people throughout his home county told me of BRASKA ROOTS Just short of a half-century ago, Richie Ashburn was named "rookie of the year" by his reputation for honesty, hard work, and the Sporting News. He had compiled a .333 common sense. Although he was-and re­ HON. DOUG BEREUTER batting average in his first major league mains-a member of the opposite political OF NEBRASKA year; had stolen 32 bases to lead in that cat­ party, his neighbors strongly encouraged me IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES egory even though he missed a month of the to seek his advice and support. It was soon season. He was chosen as a starter in center after that I first sat with Jim Bremer in his fa­ Thursday, September 18, 1997 • field for the National League allstar team in mous garage, discussing the national issues Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, the Nation that year, 1948. of the day and gazing out at the beautiful ar­ recently lost a true treasure with the passing His reaction to the award was this: "I only of Richie Ashburn on September 9. Ashburn hope I will merit the honor by better playing rangement of flowers that surround his entire next year." His career with the Philadelphia home. was a Hall of Fame baseball superstar and re­ Phillies and finally with the Chicago Cubs During the course of our meeting, I was nowned broadcaster, but he never forgot his and New York Mets, was marked by that de­ elated when Jim pledged to support me in the Nebraska roots. In addition to his annual visits termination and for continued high-level 1990 election. While the town of Wanatah is back home, Ashburn made frequent ref­ performance. A lifetime record of achieve­ small, the people there are conscientious, erences to his hometown of Tilden and the ment in baseball led to belated recognition hard working, driven by the right values, and valuable lessons he learned while growing up as a Hall of Fame member in 1995. very active politically. I knew that folks in in Nebraska. Northeast Nebraskans followed this Tilden Wanatah respected Jim and paid close atten­ Richie Ashburn began his extraordinary ath­ native's career closely, from his days with the Antelopes in the early 1940s, a Legion tion to his opinions, and I thought his endorse­ letic career in Nebraska where he starred in baseball team sponsored by the post in ment would mean a lot to my campaign. baseball, basketball, and track. Ashburn com­ Neligh, to his stellar performance as a bas­ However, after Jim said he would support bined a natural athletic ability with determina­ ketball player in the off-season for Norfolk me, he solemnly proclaimed, "As soon as you tion and a strong work ethic. In the process, Junior College. get elected, I bet we'll never see you again in he set an enduring standard for athletes in He had the strong support of parents, Mr. Wanatah." This was probably the only time I northeast Nebraska and served as an inspira­ and Mrs. Neil Ashburn, who made a home for was able to prove him wrong. Not only do I tion for athletes across the State. Indeed this Richie and four of his young teammates in continue to stop by and sit in Jim's garage, Member used a Richie Asburn Louisville Slug­ their first years in Philadelphia. His mother still lives in Tilden. but every year I attend the Labor Day picnic ger when he played baseball for the Utica Le­ His talent was not limited to playing base­ he hosts in his backyard. And I do not exag­ gion team and for Utica and Seward in the ball, but also included column-writing for a gerate when I claim that the renowned event Blue Valley League and the Cornhusker Philadelphia newspaper and a long career as is equal to any picnic in the world. Jim roasts League. an announcer for the Phillies. Now his career a hog, smokes three turkeys in metal garbage As a major league baseball player, Ashburn is closed with his sudden, unexpected death cans, and serves vine ripened tomatoes fresh amassed an impressive record which eventu­ Sept. 9 at the age of 70. from his Olympic-size garden. If you manage ally earned him enshrinement in the Hall of He has an extended family to mourn his not to gorge yourself on this bounty, there Fame. Outstanding from the beginning of his loss. It consists of supportive relatives, of course, whom he came back to Nebraska to then awaits an amazing assortment of Hoosier career, Ashburn received Rookie-of-the-Year see regularly. But it also numbers thousands desserts-courtesy of Wanatah's best kitchens honors in 1948. Year after year, he excelled at of aging baseball fans who still remember and family recipes. the plate and in the field. He retired with an vividly his exploits on the field and are After the meal, attentions invariably turn to amazing .308 batting average and had more proud of his performance off of it. politics and discussions of our Nation's future. hits than any other player in the 1950's. Jim allows elected leaders like myself to ad­ Ashburn was a defensive standout in center­ [From the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sept. 10, dress the scores of people in attendance, and field and led the league in putouts by an out­ 1997] there are few listeners who are shy about re­ fielder nine times, tying a major league record. THE WHIZ KID sponding with their own views, comments, and Ashburn was also a threat on the basepaths ON THE FIELD AND IN THE BROADCAST BOOTH, criticisms. In this age of big budget cam­ where he had 234 career stolen bases. RICHIE ASHBURN WAS PHILADELPHIA TO THE paigns, spin doctors, and television attack ads, Following his outstanding 15 years in the CORE Jim reminds all of us that small-town, grass­ majors, Ashburn considered running for Con­ Try to name a Philadelphian more beloved roots democracy is alive and well in America. gress, but settled instead on a career in than D. Richard Ashburn. I am deeply grateful for Jim Bremer's work broadcasting. As a broadcaster for the Phila­ Can't be done, can it? Over half a century, Mr. Ashburn, the Phil­ to emphasize the importance of personal rela­ delphia Phillies, Ashburn displayed remarkable lies' Hall of Fame outfielder and longtime tionships between citizens and their govern­ wit, knowledge, and love of the game. He was broadcaster who died suddenly yesterday, be­ ment. However, despite the vitality of our a familiar and comfortable voice for Phillies came woven deep into the fabric of a tough grassroots, the success of Jim's efforts rests fans for 35 years. but loyal town. The threads running through entirely on the strength of his character and Ashburn's impressive statistics in the major his career were bedrock decency, consist­ the personal respect he has earned from oth­ leagues demonstrate his greatness as a play­ ency, dry wit and, of course, dashing athletic ers. His unshakable-and sometimes biting­ er, but they obviously don't reveal the remark­ skill. honesty is without question and beyond re­ able qualities he displayed as a person. When Mr. Ashburn had a heart attack in a New York hotel after broadcasting a ball proach. In addition, he possesses that special Ashburn was a humble man with a marvelous game between two teams for which he Hoosier brand of common sense that appeals sense of humor. He also maintained the val­ played, the Phils and Mets, Philadelphians to independents and people of both major par­ ues he learned from his family in Nebraska­ lost someone who helped define their sense of ties. But above all, Jim is a hard worker who honesty, loyalty, decency, and a caring atti- their town. 19570 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 He was, in the city's high accolade, a ''reg­ which will serve to benefit all the citizens of partment of Agriculture, the University of Cali­ ular guy." a man who knew how to win and Solano regardless of age. fornia, Kern County and the cotton industry how to struggle, how to laugh and how to We should also make note of the positive are cooperating to keep the research center in grieve, whom the rest of the nation never effects that can occur when our citizens join operation so that this unique facility will con­ quite appreciated the way it should. As a player, the Nebraskan everyone called with their elected leaders, be they local, re­ tinue to produce cutting-edge technology for Whitey was one of his generation's best, but gional or national, and with shared visions, ac­ the California cotton farmer of the 21st cen­ often overlooked on the national stage. He complish that which we all strive for: A com ­ tury. was an artist of the single in a game where munity spirit that thrives and makes us proud . The Shafter Cotton Research Center is a home-run hitters hog the spotlight. A Phila­ In closing, I would like to commend the dis­ landmark in California to the creative energies delphian in an era when New York 's Golden tinguished members of the Tribute to Seniors Age of Sport featured three legends playing of generations of farmers and scientists be­ Committee. The committee is comprised of the cause of the way everyone has rolled up their his position: Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle following individuals, all of whom have dedi­ and Duke Snider. 100 percent cotton sleeves to work together. He didn't fret about that. He just kept cated their time and energy to the success of We recognize that cooperation's key role in doing with meticulous class all the little this special event: Chairman Charles Conti, the center's histori.c and future importance. things- fielding his position, bunting run­ Diana Barney, Kristen Delaplane, Lynn ners along-that make winning possible. Kessler, Dorothy Locke, and Jim Tooke. Fitting it was that he saved the National Congratulations to everyone who is working League pennant for the fabled 1950 Whiz Kids to make this day a caring and sharing celebra­ T HE GREATER MIAMI COMMITTEE with a defensive play in the season's last tion. game. FOR UNICEF AWARDS LIS SETTE Fitting it was also that baseball finally AND WILL Y CHIRINO FOR T HEIR came to its senses and put him into its Hall SHAF TER COT TON RESEARCH STA­ EXTENSIVE L ABOR WITH DES­ of Fame in 1995--though sadly too late for T ITUT E CHILDREN him to savor the moment with his dead fa­ TION: A CALIFORNIA F ARMING ther, twin sister and daughter. At his induc­ LANDMARK tion, he shared the podium graciously with a HON. ILEANA ROS.LEHTINEN more talented but less lovable Phillie, Mike HON. ~UUAM M. THOMAS Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt himself, scanning the OF CALIFORNIA OF FLORIDA sea of red caps and the record 200 chartered buses invading Cooperstown that day, ob­ IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES served that 'twas Whit ey who'd lured most of Thursday, September 18, 1997 them . Thursday, September 18 , 1997 In the broadcast booth, as on the field, Mr. Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, the Shafter Cot­ Ashburn's work featured a Philadelphia­ ton Research Center, in Shafter, CA, is cele­ Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it gives friendly mix: loyalty, warmth, honesty and brating 75 years of research for California cot­ me great pleasure to pay tribute to one of Mi­ understated humor that refused to take him­ ton production and this month becomes a ami's most outstanding organizations. The self or anyone else too seriously. State registered landmark. The designation Greater Miami Committee for UNICEF has He was never the sm oothest caller of a recognizes the important research contribu­ saved the lives of scores of children in the game, but he knew how to share a micro­ tions this center has made to the California south Florida area and throughout the world. phone, how to sum up excellence or disaster cotton industry. We also recognize the historic Providing emergency assistance by equipping in one sage phrase, and how to put friendli­ poor and starving children with primary and ness into the " Welcome to Minnie from relationship between California cotton growers, Royersford, celebrating her 90th today at the the University of California, Kern County and necessary healthcare by furnishing them with Vet" messages it was his daily lot t o read. the U.S. Department of Agriculture that has basic education are among the many ways in A great ballplayer speak s t o that piece in­ made the Shafter Cotton Research Center so which this organization has come to the res­ side people that yearns for heroes. A baseball successful. cue of these underprivileged children; the chil­ broadcaster, more than any other sport s an­ This center got its start in 1922 and has dren of our world. nouncer, becomes a piece of a city's daily been in the forefront of efforts to buck com­ The Greater Miami Committee for UNICEF conversation, a reliable bard whose word pic­ mon wisdom ever since. At that time, many tures fuel backyard debates and spice long has always advocated and devoted itself to commutes. people in the cotton industry thought California fighting for the adequate protection of children Philadelphia was graced to have Richie was too far from the mills in the eastern and their inalienable rights. The members are Ashburn in those two roles over five decades. United States for California to ever become a always eager to award opportunities to des­ Whitey, you'll be missed. cotton powerhouse. The work done in co­ titute children, with whatever means nec­ operation between Federal, State and local essary, to help them to develop and reach government and private industry that led to the their full potential in life. RECOGNIT ION OF SOLANO COUN­ ACALA cotton variety developed here proved TY'S FIRST ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO the skeptics wrong. Since then , work on the This year, this commendable organization SENIORS COMMUNITY CELEBRA­ 120-acre center grounds has produced inno­ has chosen to present its award to La TION vations in labor-saving mechanization, pest Fundacion Willy Chirino. Willy and Lissette control and other farm practices. Chirino, the founders and extensive laborers HON. VIC FAZIO The California industry made possible by of this organization, have unselfishly and lov­ the Shafter Cotton Research Center contrib­ ingly opened their hearts and their arms to the OF CALIFORNIA afflicted children facing hardships. As a result, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES utes over $1 billion to the California farm economy and $340 million to Kern County. this couple has eased heavy burdens of these Thursday, September 18, i 997 California cotton's quality is so well known poor children and has embraced them with the Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise around the world that 80 percent of the cotton gifts of love and hope; gifts which these chil­ today to recognize the first annual tribute to grown here goes into export markets. dren had never previously experienced. seniors community celebration in Solano The Shafter Cotton Research Center con­ These notable organizations will continue to County, CA, which will take place on Sep­ tinues to lead in cotton industry research . To­ reach their hands out to these unfortunate tember 24, 1997. day's research is looking into ways to reduce children, lift them up and light their paths for This all-day event will include speakers, tillage in cotton production, potentially valuable a much better and brighter road ahead. I am workshops, and entertainment, as well as edu­ to farmers faced with clean air requirements to confident that my colleagues will join me today cational offerings. It will also incorporate the reduce airborne dust. The center is also doing in con.gratulating and celebrating the excep­ annual health fair. It will be the first event of work on sophisticated means of monitoring tional work and effort that both The Greater its kind to address fully the issues and interest crop health, means which could allow farmers Miami Committee for UNICEF and La of seniors throughout Solano County. Seniors to reduce applications of pesticides and other Fundacion Willy Chirino have done for the im­ and members of the Vacaville community chemicals. It is still a cooperative venture. poverished children of south Florida and have come together to create this event, Under an agreement struck in 1991 , the De- throughout the world. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19571 IN HONOR OF THE RETIRED AND mony this coming Wednesday, September 24, The expansion and success of ave, 1 am SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 1997. The recognition of their peers and their sure my colleagues in the House will agree, is OF ESSEX COUNTY community is certainly warranted. However, I simply amazing. Through close interaction be­ ask that you and all Members of the House tween the management and the work force, HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON join me at this time in paying our own tribute ave has established itself as a nationally re­ OF NEW YORK to this proven, outstanding program. It defines spected company. I ask my colleagues to join IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES those uniquely American qualities of pride, pa­ me today in applauding ave for its past ac­ Thursday, Sept ember 18, 1997 triotism, and voluntarism that make this coun­ complishments, while wishing the company try great. May it continue on throughout all of and its employees continued success in the Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I've always our lifetimes and beyond. Congratulations to years to come. considered it a great privilege of this job to all their volunteers for a job well done. learn about and recognize the tremendous achievements and service of various civic pro­ TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR. grams that define our communities and what it WELDON RECOGNIZES ANOTHER EPHRAIN KAHN means to be an American. Well, Mr. Speaker, MILESTONE FOR QVC let me tell you about one such program in HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS Essex County in the beautiful Adirondack HON. CURT WELDON OF CALrFORNIA mountains of my congressional district which OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE S does so much for their communities and for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the older, retired residents of their towns. Thursday , September 18, 1997 Thursday , September 18, 1997 I'm talking about the Retired and Senior Vol­ Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, unteer Program of Essex County which is with sadness and a powerful sense of loss, to celebrating its 23d year of service. The RSVP rise today to draw the attention of my col­ leagues to a major company in southeastern pay tribute to Dr. Ephrain Kahn , a man who program, as it's called for short, is a national was well respected by many in our bay area Pennsylvania as it approaches an important program which has a dual purpose that makes community. Dr. Kahn's unwavering belief in milestone in its history-QVC, Inc. it so unique. First, it offers a way for retired justice, peace, and equality for all enabled him persons, age 55 and over, to stay active and In the 1890's, the Sears Roebuck & Co. produced our Nation's first mail order catalog, to become an innovative leader during the contribute to the welfare of their community changing political climate from the 1960's to and neighbors. Mr. Speaker, we all know how revolutionizing the lives of millions of Ameri­ cans by allowing them to shop from home the present. Although common place now, his important it is to remain active after we leave ideas of school integration, the dangers of the working world. There is nothing more trag­ through mail. Nearly 100 years later, ave has established itself as a pioneer in the home pesticides, and the need for protecting our en­ ic than to see capable, enthusiastic people be­ vironment were considered radical and caused come virtual shut-ins just because they no shopping industry, providing consumers with him to clash with several agencies during the longer get to the workplace. All too often in the luxury of shopping from the comfort of governorship of Ronald Reagan. However, Dr. this day and age, we get caught up in the rat their own living room. Kahn did not allow social pressure to block race and become consumed by our job orca­ Thanks to QVC, customers nationwide have him from what he believed to be true and just. reer. Well, this program makes sure that the luxury of shopping at home for items that Ephrain once said, in response to negative doesn't happen to those who upon retirement range from fashion and jewelry to home fur­ publicity, "I have the hide of an armadillo may have the time to devote to helping others nishings and electronics. Not only can individ· when I know I am right." He was a strong ad­ who really can't help themselves. And in areas uals make purchases while watching products like Essex County, that is so important. You demonstrated live on television, but now con­ vocate for universal health care and was con­ know, this program really dates back to the sumers can make purchases through ave's sistently active in national organizations con­ days of the pioneer spirit when Americans and interactive shopping over the Internet. cerned with issues of nuclear arms control, neighbors looked out for one another and for Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segal , ave civil rights , and environmental hazards. His the betterment of their community. quickly established a national name for itself, dedication inspired everyone with whom he Now one might ask how much this program racking up $112 million in revenue in its first came in contact. really accomplishes. Listen to this, Mr. Speak­ full fiscal year of sales, a new American busi­ Dr. Kahn received his medical degree from er. Over the 23 years that RSVP has been ac­ ness history record. In just 7 years, ave be­ New York University College of Medicine in tive in Essex County, it has grown from 95 came the No. 1 U.S. electronic retailer. 1940 in time to serve with the 77th Infantry Di­ volunteers who provided 6,000 volunteer On Wednesday, September 24, ave will vision in the Pacific during World War II. He hours of service, to 530 volunteers performing reach yet another milestone, as it celebrates returned to complete his residency in 1948 at a whopping 75,817 hours of service. Imagine the grand opening gala of its new state-of-the­ Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, and with his that. Imagine what can be done with that art broadcast facility, Studio Park. Located in family moved to northern California. In addition many hours committed by capable, experi­ West Chester, PA, Studio Park will usher in to his work as a physician, his interest in pub­ enced adults who volunteer because they real­ the next century for ave, allowing it to con­ lic health led him to obtain a master's degree ly want to help out. There's no limit really. tinue to both expand and improve the quality in public health from the University of Cali­ And that's another great part. These volun­ service that it provides the American public. fornia, Berkeley, after which he served as an teers commit time when they can and they And ave is indeed expanding. In fact, environmental epidemiologist in the California have proven to be reliable, dependable public ave's customers continue to grow by over Department of Health. He was named by Gov. servants. In other words, these giving men 100,000 individuals per month. And where Ronald Reagan to head a task force inves­ and women have seized the opportunity to ave shipped more than 51 million products to tigating mercury levels among fish and fowl in help solve various community problems by customers throughout the country in 1996, the the delta and the Sacramento and San Joa­ capitalizing on their wealth of lifetime experi­ company expects that number to increase to quin Rivers. It was in that capacity that he ig­ ences and wisdom. That's the true spirit of 63 million by the end of this year. That's two nited a controversy within the agencies regu­ public service and giving. packages of every second of every day for an lating California waterways. Mr. Speaker, I have one word that describes entire year. Ephrain Kahn was greatly valued as a giant all the blessed volunteers who have orches­ And ave's expansion has had a profound of compassion by al~ who knew him. He will trated and participated in this program impact upon the region's local economy. First be missed by his patients, his family, his throughout its 23 year history, heroes. I have established in West Chester, PA, ave has re­ friends, and by all of us who had the oppor­ always judged people based on what they re­ mained true to its founder's roots. As the stu­ tunity to work with him and to know him. He turn to their community and by that measure, dio expanded from 20 people when it first leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Barbara all who have given of their time during their opened in 1986, to 197 employees 11 weeks Kahn ; his two daughters, Kathleen and Geor­ well-deserved retirement are not only heroes, later, to roughly 7,000 employees 11 years gia; his son, Michael, and two grandsons, but great Americans. later, it has been the residents of the Dela­ David and Ethan. Dr. Kahn lived 81 years and Mr. Speaker, the Essex County RSVP will ware Valley who have felt the benefits of in­ in those years he spent most of it attempting hold their annual volunteer recognition cere- creased employment. to make this world in which we live a healthier, 19572 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS S eptember 18, 1997 safer, and more humane place. We will all POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY tendering to you the thanks of the Republic miss him profoundly. they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Fa­ HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN ther may assuage the anguish of your be­ OF NEW YORK reavement, and leave you only the cherished IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn REGARDING SCHOOL OF VISUAL pride that must be yours to have laid so costly ARTS Thursday, September 18, 1997 a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to May it be of some solace to the families and HON. JERROLD NADLER remind my colleagues of the importance of loved ones of our missing and POW's that National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which there are many of us in the Congress com­ OF NEW YORK falls on September 19, 1997. I urge my col ­ mitted to a full and final accounting of our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leagues to participate in recognizing America's missing and will continue to seek such a reso­ Thursday , September 18, 1997 heroes, those who are presumed missing in lution. action. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Our Nation has fought six major conflicts in recognize the 50th anniversary of the School its history. In those wars, over 500,000 Ameri­ DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, of Visual Arts, located in my district in New cans have been taken prisoner of war. Those HEALTH AND HUMAN SE RVICES, York City. The School of Visual Arts was es­ service men and women experienced numer­ AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED tablished in 1947 by Silas Rhodes and has ous hardships and treatment which could often AGENCIES AP PROPRIATIONS since grown to be the largest independent col­ be described only as barbaric during the ACT, 1998 lege of the arts in the country. The school has course of captivity. Those Americans impris­ SPEECH OF a student population drawn from 44 States oned by the Japanese during World War II and 53 countries, and a faculty comprised of faced the worst possible conditions in captivity HON. LANE EVANS full -time working professionals. and were firsthand witnesses to the utter de­ OF ILLINOIS Mr. Rhodes, who has continued as director, pravity of their fellow men. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES founded the school on the idea of combining I have been a strong advocate of an ac­ Wednesday , September 17, 1997 access to the professional world of art with su­ counting of our POW/MIA's since I first came perior art education. He has accomplished this Th e House in Committee of the Whole to the Congress in 1973. I proudly supported House on the State of the Union had under by bringing working artists into the classroom. the creation of the Select Committee on Miss­ As instructors, these professional artists offer consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) m aking ap­ ing Persons in Southeast Asia, the National propriat ions for t h e Departm ents of Labor, the students a solid foundation in craft as well POW/MIA Recognition Days, and POW/MIA Health and Human Services, and Education, as exposure to current art world expression. legislation because I believe the families of and related agencies, for the fiscal year end­ Working toward this goal, the school also has those who are missing in action deserve no ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ four art galleries, including one in the heart of less. Hopefully 1996 will be the last year that poses: SoHo, a visual arts museum, a radio station, such an occasion will be necessary. My hope Mr. EVANS. Mr. Chairman, the House of and it offers students in the film and video de­ is that by this time next year, our Government Representatives passed the fiscal year 1998 partment more hands-on experience than any will have obtained a full accounting of those Labor-HHS Appropriations Act. Included in the other comparable degree program. Addition­ brave American's whose fates, at this time, bill is a provision that deserves the support of ally, with the rapid advancement in computer are still unknown. every Member of Congress who wants to as­ technology and influence on the working Permit me to focus special recognition on sist our Persian Gulf war veterans. world , the School of Visual Arts has impres­ those POW/MIA's from Korea and Vietnam. The provision, authored by Representative sively kept up to pace. The school became the Despite the administration's best assurances BERNARD SANDERS , would provide $7 million first college to offer both a bachelor degree to the contrary, many of us remain uncon­ over 5 years to the Department of Health and and a master of fin~ arts degree in computer vinced that the Governments of North Korea Human Services to use both the expertise of art and maintains a 1-to-1 student to computer and Vietnam have been fully cooperating with the National Institute of Environmental Health ratio. the United States on this issue. Regrettably, Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control The School of Visual Arts offers both under­ by normalizing relations with Vietnam , I be­ and Prevention to study the possible connec­ graduate and graduate degrees in the tradi­ lieve that we have withdrawn our leverage tion between chemical and biological expo­ tional fine arts, but has expanded the study of over the Vietnamese Government on this sures and the mysterious ailments being suf­ art to include advertising, graphic design, ani­ issue. fered by our gulf war veterans. Representative mation, art education, computer art, film and In recent years, we have learned from testi­ SANDERS deserves much credit for his efforts video, illustration and cartooning, interior de­ mony presented to congressional committees to ensure that we thoroughly investigate what sign, photography, and art therapy. In addition that Soviet and Czech military doctors per­ is making our veterans sick. to the full-time students, there are currently formed ghastly medical experiments on United This provision comes at a time when more more than 4,000 members of the community States POW's in North Korea during the Ko­ and more people are becoming convinced that taking advantage of the continuing education rean war. These experiments were used to chemical weapons may have played a sub­ classes that are offered. The art education de­ test the psychological endurance of American stantial role in the illnesses that are afflicting partment also provides art classes to public Gl's, as well as their resistance to chemical , Persian Gulf veterans. Just recently, the Presi­ school children from all five boroughs of New biological, and radioactive agents. Moreover, dential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Vet­ York City. The school also participates in nu­ Soviet and Czech intelligence agents helped erans' Illnesses agreed to revise its final report merous volunteer art projects, serving commu­ organize shipments of POW's to the U.S.S.R. to reflect that chemical weapons may have nities who otherwise have very little access to during the Vietnam war, and that 200 were played some role in veterans' ailments. In ad­ the arts. sent between 1961 and 1968. · dition, the final report will now say that re­ In celebration of the School of Visual Arts It is my hope that this information will lead search on the effect of chemical weapons ex­ 50th anniversary, the school will present Art to a further clarification regarding the safe re­ posure has been minimal and that it may take Awareness Week, designed to inform the pub­ turn of any living POW's who may still be in years of research to clarify the causes of lic about the importance of art in society and captivity in Korea or elsewhere. these problems. about the different variations of art. In the Americans should bear in mind the love of I believe that we cannot leave any stone coming months the school will host 45 events country that America's veterans have dem­ unturned in trying to find answers. As DOD throughout the city and has published a book onstrated as well as their personal sacrifices, continues to revise upward the number of vet­ entitled "School of Visual Arts Gold: Fifty convictions, and dedication to freedom that erans who may have been exposed to chem­ Years of Creative Graphic Design." I would they have courageously exhibited. ical weapons, it's obvious that we cannot allow like to congratulate the school on 50 years of In a portion of President Abraham Lincoln's our Government to do a minimal job of inves­ excellence in art education. .I am proud to letter to a mother who lost five sons on the tigating what is becoming a compelling possi­ have this fine institution in my district. battlefield, he stated: "I cannot refrain from bility. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19573 The provision could not have come at a bet­ nal cosponsor of H.R. 2459, legislation intro­ sition he took over after his father Emilio Sr. ter time. For too long, our Government has re­ duced by my colleague, LANE EVANS, to stop retired 5 years ago. fused to fully investigate the possibility that the further deployment of antipersonnel land­ Mr. Pelaez left Cuba for Spain in 1961 , low-level chemical weapons exposure or expo­ mines by the United States. We in Congress where he worked as a salesman for the Swift sure to multiple chemical substances may must step forward, where our President has Premium Co. Although he later founded his pose serious health consequences. We now not, and do the right thing. own frozen foods distribution company, he de­ have a chance to reverse this and ensure that cided in 1970 to join his brothers in the United every possible avenue is investigated in trying States with the hope that America would offer to help our sick Persian Gulf war veterans. IN HONOR OF ANTONIO PELAEZ: even greater opportunities for an entrepreneur. Again, I applaud Representative SANDERS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MAT­ Mr. Pelaez has been distinguished as the only for his work. I hope it finally signifies that we RIMONY AND 25 YEARS OF A Hispanic member of Pennsylvania's Candy have turned the corner in our efforts to get to FAMILY BUSINESS Hall of Fame. He has also received numerous the bottom of this tragedy. awards from confectionery companies all over HON. ROBERT MENENDFZ the world, and domestic banking and financial OF NEW JERSEY institutions. WE MUST BAN LANDMINES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is a great pleasure to honor and recognize Thursday, September 18, 1997 Mr. Antonio Pelaez on the occasion· of these HON. SAM FARR two anniversaries. I ask that my colleagues Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today OF CALIFORNIA join me in recognizing the outstanding commit­ to pay tribute to an outstanding gentleman, IN THE HOUSE OF. REPRESENTATIVES ment and dedication made by Mr. Antonio Mr. Antonio Pelaez of the American Cuban Pelaez and his company ANPESIL. Thursday, September 18, 1997 Community. On September 20, 1997, Mr. Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise Pelaez will be celebrating two very important today to express my deep disappointment with milestones in his life. The first joyous event is President Clinton's decision not to join the Antonio and Olga Pelaez's 50th wedding anni­ TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND international landmine treaty being negotiated versary. The second is the 25th anniversary of GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPRO­ · in Oslo. his company, ANPESIL Distributors, Inc. PRIATIONS ACT, 1998 Antipersonnel landmines pose a deadly, in­ Fifty years ago Antonio and Olga Pelaez discriminate threat to the lives of millions of joined their love for each other in holy matri­ SPEECH OF people around the world. Each year, over mony. Over the years, their love and strength 20,000 people are killed or disabled by land­ has been handed down to their children, Anto­ HON. JIM KOLBE mines left over from past conflicts. In many nio Jr., Luis, and Olga. OF ARIZONA former war-torn countries, the damage is all A quarter of a century ago, this exceptional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES too visible: thousands of men, women, and family, led by Mr. Pelaez and his son Antonio children with missing limbs, crippled by hidden Jr., founded ANPESIL, one of the largest Wednesday, September 17, 1997 landmines. candy distributors in New Jersey. In the The House in Committee of the Whole Banning the production and deployment of Cuban community, family owned businesses House on the State of the Union had under antipersonnel landmines is a reasonable, com­ are common, but in the United States few consideration the bill (H.R. 2378) making ap­ monsense and necessary solution. Yet the de­ have grown to be as successful as ANPESIL. propriations for the Treasury Department, cision to not sign the treaty means the United Achieving the American Dream can be attrib­ the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office States has rejected that solution, and will in­ uted to Mr. Pelaez's hard work and vision, as of the President, and certain independent stead continue to produce, sell, and deploy well as the strength of his family. Mr. Pelaez agencies, for the fiscal year ending Sep­ antipersonnel landmines. and his family along with his nephew Emilio tember 30, 1998, and for other purposes: Action must be taken to stop this insidious Jr. have worked hard toward this achievement. Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, the chart below and deadly weapon. I am proud to be an origi- Emilio Jr. is now the company treasurer, a po- reflects final House action on H.R. 2378. 19574 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL (H.R. 2378)

FY 1987 FY 1988 8111 compared with Bill com~ with ENICted e.tlmate 8111 ENICted Eltmate TITlE I - DEPARTMENT OF TliE TREASURY Departmental Offic:ee ••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••• 112,048,000 118,314,000 113,410,000 +1,382,000 -2,904,000 15,000,000 -15,000,000 Countertenort.rn fund ·••·•••••••·•••••··•••·•··•····•···•·••••••·•···••·•·•·•·•··•••····· ...... ····································· Supplemental funding (P.L 10&-18) ...... 1,950,000 ...... -1,950,000 ...... Automation En~ .••.•••• ••.•.•••••••••••••••••••.•.•••.•.•.••••••.•...... •.•..••• 27,100,000 29,388,000 25,888,000 -1,111,000 -3,400,000 omce or 'lnapeetor General ...•..•...••...... •.•....•..••••.....•.••.••• 29,no,ooo 31,333,000 29,927,000 +157,000 -1,408,000 omce or Prote.~ona~ Re.pona~blllty ...... 1,500,000 1,825,000 1,500,000 ································· -125,000 Treasury Buildings and Annex Repair and Reltoration .••••••...... ••..••• 28,213,000 12,484,000 8,484,000 -21,729,000 -6,000,000 Financial Crimes EnfOR:ement Network ...... 22,387,000 23,008,000 22,835,000 +448,000 -171,000 Department ol the Treuury Foffeiture Fund Olmltation on availability ol depoelta) ...... 10,000,000 9,500,000 ...... -10,000,000 -9,500,000 VIolent Crime Reduction Programs: Bureau ol Alcohol, Tobllcco and Firearms ...... 38,595,000 42,378,000 21,528,000 -15,087,000 -20,850,000 Departmental orne...... 18,300,000 ································· ...... -18,300,000 ...... Financial Crimes Enfon:etnent Network ...... 1,000,000 3,000,000 1,000,000 ...... -2,000,000 United sa.tee Secrwt Setvlce...... 20,000,000 20,884,000 18,837,000 -3,183,000 -3,827,000 ONOCP- HIOTA ...... 13,105,000 ...... 5,000,000 -8,105,000 +5,000,000 Gang Reelltance Educ:allon and Training: Grant...... 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 ...... F~ Law Enfon:ement Training Center...... 24,058,000 1,000,000 +1,000,000 -23,058,000 United Stat" Cultotna Service ...... ,...... 20,100,000 43.~.000 +43,835,000 + 23,535,000

Total, VIolent Crime Reduction Programs ...... 97,000,000 118,200,000 97,000,000 ...... -21,200,000 Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: Salaries and ExpenMS ...... 56,185,000 85,883,000 84,883,000 +8,478,000 -1,000,000 Acquisition, Construction, lmPf0';18fMnt, & Related Expen'" ... .. 21,5&4,000 11,111,000 32,548,000 +10,964,000 +21,437,000

Total, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center...... n,1ea,ooo 78,n4,ooo 97,211,000 + 19,442,000 +20,437,000 Interagency Law Enforcement: Interagency crime and drug enforcement 1 I ...... 73,794,000 73,794,000 + 73,794,000 ...... Financial Management SeNice ...... 198,518,000 202,580,000 198,875,000 +3,157,000 -2,885,000 RelmburM Federal RneMt Bank Qndeflnite) ...... 122,000,000 ································· ...... -122,000,000 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms: Salaries and expen...... 460,394,000 498,954,000 + 18,255,000 -18,305,000 Laboratory facilities ...... 6,978,000 55,022,000 +48,044,000

Total, Bureau ol Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ...... 487,372,000 551,978,000 533,871,000 + 68,299,000 -18,305,000

United Stat" CUitotna Service: Salaries and Expen...... 1,549,585,000 1,!588,828,000 1,528,078,000 -23,507,000 -40,748,000 Customs facilities, c:onatructlon, lmPf0';18fMnta ...... 5,512,000 -5,512,000 Operation and Maintenance, AJr & Marine Interdiction Programs 83,383,000 92,758,000 97,258,000 + 13,895,000 + 4,500,000 Customs Services a1 Small AJrports (to be derived from f... collected) ...... 2,408,000 2,408,000 2,408,000 Harbor Maintenance Fee Collection ...... 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000

Total, United Stat" Cultotna SeNice ...... 1,838,354,000 1 ,870,502,000 1,828,742,000 -9,812,000 -41 ,780,000 Bureau ol the Public Debt ...... 185,335,000 189,428,000 169,428,000 +4,091,000

Internal Revenue SeNice: Processing, Asslltanc:e, and Management ...... 1 '790,288,000 2,943,174,000 2,915,100,000 + 1,124,812,000 -28,074,000 Tax Law Enforcement ...... 4,104,211,000 3,153,722,000 3,108,300,000 -995,911,000 -45,422,000 Reac:lsslon ...... ································· ...... -14,500,000 -14,500,000 -14,500,000 Information Systems ...... 1,323,075,000 1,272,487,000 1,292,500,000 -30,575,000 +20,013,000 Rescission ...... -174,447,000 ...... +174,447,000 ......

Information technology Investments ...... ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• uoo 500,000,000 328,000,000 + 328,000,000 -174,000,000

Net tocal, Internal Revenue Service ...... 7,043,127,000 7,869,383,000 7,827,400,000 + 584,273,000 -241,983,000

United Stat" Secret Service: Salaries and Expen...... 531,288,000 575,971 ,000 555,738,000 + 24,448,000 -20,235,000 Reac:laion ...... -7,800,000 ...... +7,800,000 ····································· Acquisition, Construction, lmprCMtment, & Related Expenses .... . 37,385,000 9,178,000 5,n5,ooo ·31 ,!590,000 -3,401,000

Total, United Stat" Secret Service...... 561,053,000 585,147,000 561,511,000 +458,000 -23,838,000

Net total, title I, Department ol the Treasury ...... 10,494,498,000 11,863,413,000 11 '188,575,000 +694,079,000 -474,838,000

TITlE II - POSTAL SERVICE Payments to the Postal Service

Payment to the Postal Service Fund ...... 85,080,000 88,274,000 88,274,000 +1,194,000 Supplemental funding (P.L 10&-18) ...... 5,383,000 -5,383,000 Payment to the Pa.tal Service Fund for Nonfunded Uabllities...... 35,538,000 34,850,000 34,850,000 -886,000

Total, title II, Poltal SeNice ...... 125,999,000 121,124,000 121,124,000 -4,875,000

1/ Funded In CJSJ bill In FY 1987. September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19575

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL (H.R. 2378)-continued FY 1987 FY 1998 Bill compared with Bill compared with Enacted Estimate Bill Enacted Estimate TITLE HI • EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

Compensation ol the Pre.ldent and the White HouM Office: Compensation ol the~ •..••.•••.••.•••••.••••••..••.•...••.•.•.•.....••...•• 2e0,000 2e0,000 2e0,000 ...... Salarte. and ExpenM8 ...... 40,193,000 51,198,000 51,198,000 + 11 ,006,000 ····································· Executlw ~Ill the White Houae:

Operating expe,...... 7,827,000 8,045,000 8,045,000 +218,000 ••••••OOOaOIOIIIIIOIIIIIIIIIOIIIIIIII White Hou• Repair and Re.torllllon ...... ································· 200,000 200,000 +200,000 ...... Special AMI8tance to the President and the Official Aesldenc:e ol the Vice PrM!dent: Salaries and Expen...... 3,280,000 3,378,000 3,378,000 +98,000 ...... Operllflng expenMS...... 324,000 334,000 334,000 +10,000 ......

Council ol Economic Adv!Mrs ...... 3,439,000 3,542,000 3,542,000 +103,000 IIIIIIIIIIIOaooooooooooooooooo••oooo.O

Office ol Polley Development ...... 3,867,000 3,983,000 3,983,000 +118,000 oaooo•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Nllflonal Security Council ...... 8,848,000 8,848,000 8,848,000 ...... Office ol Admlnilltndlon ...... 26,100,000 28,883,000 28,883,000 +2,783,000 ...... Office ol ~and Budget ...... M,573,000 57,240,000 57,240,000 +1,887,000 ····································· Office ol Nllflonal Drug Control Polley ...... 35,838,000 36,018,000 43,518,000 +7,878,000 + 7,500,000 Unanticipated Needs ...... 1,000,000 ································· ...... -1,000,000 Federal Drug Control Programs: High Intensity Drug Trdlcldng Area Program ...... 127,102,000 140,207,000 148,207,000 +19,10!5,000 +8,000,000 Special fotfelture fund ...... 112,900,000 175,000,000 2015,000,000 +92,100,000 +30,000,000

Total, title Ill, Executlw Office ol the Prnident and Funds Appropriated to the~ ...... 423,341,000 515,925,000 558,425,000 + 135,064,000 +42,500,000

TITlE rl/- INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Committee for Purchue from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled ...... 1,800,000 1,940,000 1,940,000 +140,000 ...... Federal Election Commiaalon ...... 28,185,000 34,218,000 34,550,000 +8,385,000 +334,000 Federal Labor Relations Authority ...... 21,588,000 22,039,000 21,803,000 +215,000 -236,000

General SeMces Adminilltndlon: Federal Buildings Fund: Appropriation ...... 400,544,000 &4,000,000 ...... -400,544,000 -84,000,000 Umltllflons on availability ol revenue: Conatructlon & .cquilltlon ol facilities ...... (857,711,000) (-857,711,000) Environmental cleanup actMtles ...... (20,000,000) (·20,000,000) eon.olldated Federal L.aw Enforcement Bldg ...... (81 ,000,000) (-81,000,000) Repai,. and alterations ...... (839,000,000) (434,000,000) (300,000,000) (-338,000,000) (·134,000,000) ln8tallment .cqulsltlon payments ...... (173,075,000) (142,542,000) (142,542,000) (-30,533,000) Operations and rental or~ ...... (3,807' 129,000) ( +3,807, 129,000) (+3,807, 129,000) Rental ol apace ...... (2,343,795,000) (2,275,340,000) (-2,343, 795,000) (-2,275,340,000) Building Operations ...... (1,M2,851,000) (1 ,331 '789,000) (·1,552,851 ,000) (-1,331,789,000) Repayment of Debt ...... (88,312,000) (1 0!5, 720,000) (10!5,720,000) (+17,408,000) Previously appropriated actNtt-...... (880,!543,000) (880,!543,000) (+880,!543,000)

Total, Federal Buildings Fund ...... 400,544,000 &4,000,000 -400,544,000 -84,000,000

(Umltationa) ...... (5,5515,544,000) (4,969,934,000) (4.~,934.000) (-719,810,000) (·134,000,000)

Polley and Opendiona ...... 110,173,000 104,487,000 107,487,000 -2,888,000 +3,000,000 Office ollnapectOf" General ...... 33,863,000 33,870,000 33,870,000 +7,000 Allowances and Office Staff fOf" Former Preslclents ...... 2,180,000 2,250,000 2,208,000 +28,000 -42,000 Expen..., presidential tranaltion ...... 5,800,000 -5,800,000 Aelc:llalon (P.L 105-18) ...... -5,800,000 +5,800,000

Total, General SeNk:el Administration ...... 546,780,000 224,807,000 143,585,000 -403,195,000 -81,042,000

John F. Kennedy Aaaullnation Record Review Board ...... 2,150,000 1,800,000 1,800,000 -550,000 Merit System. Protection Board: Salaries and Expen...... 23,923,000 24,450,000 25,290,000 +1,367,000 +840,000 (Umltation on adminilltndlw expen... ) ...... (2,430,000) (2,430,000) (2,430,000) Morris K. Udall ~eholarlhip and excellence in national environ· mental policy foundllfion ...... ································· 2,000,000 2,000,000 +2,000,000 Nllflonal Archlwl and Records Administration: Operllfing expen...... 198,983,000 208,479,000 202,354,000 +5,391,000 -4,125,000 Reduction of debt ...... -4,012,000 -4,012,000 -4,012,000 Archlwl Facilities and Presidential Ubrarlet: Repai,. and Re.torlllion ...... 18,229,000 8,850,000 10,850,000 -5,579,000 +4,000,000 Nllflonal Hi8torleal Publlellfions and Recorda Commi•ion: Grants program ...... 5,000,000 4,000,000 5,500,000 +500,000 +1,500,000

Total, Nllflonal Archlwl and Recorda Administration ...... 214,180,000 213,117,000 214,492,000 +312,000 +1,375,000 Office of Ga.lemment Ethics ...... 8,078,000 8,285,000 8,078,000 -187,000 19576 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL (H.R. 2378)-contlnued

FY 1997 FY 1998 Bill compared with em with Enacted Estimate Bill Enacted em..r.:.e: Olllce of Penonnel MaMgement: 8alarlea WKI ExpenMS ...•••••••••....••••••••...•....•••••.••••.••••••.•.••....•.•••.••• 87,286,000 85,350,000 85,350,000 -1,936,000 ...... (Umilllllon on admln'-tl'llllve e)(penMS) ...... (94, 738,000} (81 ,238,000) (81 ,238,000) (-3,SOO,OOO) ····································· Olllce of ln.pec:tor General •.••••••••...•.••••.•.••..••....•..•••.•..•..••.••.••••.••••. 980,000 980,000 980,000 ································· ...... (Umltldlon on admlnllittliltv. e)(perwe.) .•.•..••••••••••••.••.•...••••••••.•• · (8,845,000} (8,845,000) (8,845,000) ...... GoYemment Payment for Annuitants, Employeel Health Benefits <4,0!58,000,000 <4,338,000,000 <4,338,000,000 + 279,000,000 ...... GoYemment Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance.•. 33,000,000 32,000,000 32,000,000 ·1,000,000 ...... Payment to CMI SeMce Rellntment WKI Disability Fund ...... 7,989,000,000 8,338,000,000 8,338,000,000 +3<47,000,000 ...... Total, Ol'rk:e of Penonnel Management ...... 12,169,2<46,000 12,792,310,000 12,792,310,000 +823,064,000 ····································· Olllce of Special CounMI ...... 8,118,000 8,<450,000 8,118,000 ...... -334,000 United Statea Tax Court ...... 33,781,000 3<4,293,000 33,921,000 +1<40,000 -372,000

Total, title IV, Independent Agencies ...... 13,057,787,000 13,387,287,000 13,287,885,000 + 229,878,000 -79,822,000 (Umbllon on admln'-ll'llltv. e)(penMI) ...... (5,881,355,000) (S,072,2<45,000) (<4,938,2<45,000) (-723,11 0,000) (-13<4,000,000)

Net gi'WKI total ...... 2<4,1 01,823,000 25,887,748,000 25,155,789,000 + 1,05<4,188,000 -511,980,000 Appfopriat~ ...... (2<4,278,337 ,000) (25,88717 48,000) (25,170,289,000) ( + 893,952,000) (-487 ,<480,000) ReK~ ...... (·182,()47,000) ...... (-1<4,SOO,OOO) ( + 187,547,000) (-14,SOO,OOO) Emergency funding (P.L 1o&-18) ...... (7 ,333,000) ································· ...... (-7,333,000) ...... (Umltatlona) ...... (5,881,355,000) (5,072,2<45,000) (<4,938,2<45,000} (-723,110,000) (-13<4,000,000}

Scorekeeplng adjustments: Bureau of The Public Debt (Permanent) ...... 129,000,000 1<44,000,000 14<4,000,000 + 15,000,000 Ethics Refonn Ad Adjustment ...... -8,()09,000 +8,000,000 Gold and plllllnum bullion ...... -12,000,000 + 12,000,000 Section 409 ...... 1,000,000 -1,000,000 Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corp. (Sec. 638) ...... 26,100,000 3<4,000,000 -26,100,000 -3<4,000,000 Emergency funding for anti-terrorism ...... -275,328,000 + 275,328,000 Trust fund budget authority ...... 105,700,000 102,311,000 102,311,000 -3,389,000 US Mint reYOMng fund ...... 30,000,000· 30,000,000 + 30,000,000 Sallie Mae ...... 1,000,000 1,000,000 +1,000,000 Federal buildings fund ...... -50,000,000 -50,000,000 -50,000,000

Total, ac:orelleeplng adjustments...... -31,528,000 311,311,000 227,311,000 +258;839,000 -8<1,000,000

Total mandatory WK1 diKretlonaty...... 2<4,070,095,000 25,979,080,000 25,383,100,000 + 1,313,005,000 ·595,960,000 Mandatory ...... , ...... 12,2<45, 786,000 12,885,100,000 12,885,100,000 +839,314,000 Discretionary: Crime trust fund ...... 97,000,000 118,200,000 97,000,000 -21,200,000 General purpoMS ...... 11,727,309,000 12,975,780,000 12,<401,000,000 + 673,691,000 ·574, 780,000

Total, Dlacretlonaly ...... 11,82<4,309,000 13,093,980,000 12,498,000,000 +673,691,000 -595,980,000 September 18, 1997 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 19577 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OVER consideration the bill (H.R. 2264) mak ing ap­ this process beyond the design and adminis­ THE DEATH OF INTERNATIONAL propriations for the Departments of Labor, tration of these tests would require further AID WORKERS IN BOSNIA Health and Human Services, and Education, congressional action, and as we all know, that and relat ed agencies, for the fiscal year end­ is simply not going to happen. ing September 30, 1998, and for other pur­ At the present time, there is no current edu­ HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER poses: OF ILLINOIS cation test that every pupil in every grade Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today IN THE HOUSE OF REP RESENTATIVES takes nationwide. One or more tests are ad­ in reluctant support of Representative GooD­ ministered to virtually every pupil in many Thursday , September 18, 1997 LING's amendment to prohibit the use of funds grades in almost all States, but these tests Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to in the bill to develop and administer a national vary from State to State. Some States develop express my deep sadness over the loss of 12 testing program in reading and mathematics. I their own tests, others are members of multi­ aid workers in Bosnia-including 5 American believe that Congress and the President have State consortia that develop assessments, and citizens who were working to rebuild civil soci­ still not committed themselves to a serious others administer tests developed by commer­ ety in that troubled country-in a helicopter discussion of education policy or spending in cial publishers. The National Assessment of crash earlier this week. this country. Unfortunately this standard con­ Education Progress [NAEP] is the closest ex­ These individuals represent the best of tinues today as the parties on both sides of isting initiative to a national testing program. America, and they have sacrificed their lives in this issue have sought to hide behind this na­ However, the NAEP only determines mathe­ an effort to bring our ideals to a country which tional testing initiative by labeling it as either a matics and reading proficiency in samples of has been torn apart by hatred and intolerance. remedy for many of the problems this country school children. All of these individuals, and the others who is having with elementary and secondary edu­ The present education testing system pre­ have lost their lives trying to bring lasting cation or some nefarious effort on the part of vents policymakers in many States from com­ peace to Bosnia and other countries, are he­ the Federal Government to become more in­ paring their education statistics with other roes and we should mourn their deaths as we volved in education curriculum. States. If an effective education program is im­ would mourn the loss of our men and women The national testing program included in this plemented in one State and then copied in an­ in uniform. Every day in the world's trouble legislation deserves neither of these classifica­ other, for example, the two State governments spots, there are countless people from many tions. If implemented and carefully monitored, may not be able to compare the success of nations who dedicate their lives to improving it has a number of provisions that will be of their efforts because of difficulties in corre­ the future for others. They make tremendous lating the research statistics or even a lack of sacrifices, often leaving their families and great assistance to both State and Federal policymakers as well as parents interested in well-documented results. homes behind to work in a hostile, dangerous More importantly, the current system pre­ environment to help strangers who do not al­ their child's education. However, I oppose the national testing initiative included in this bill vents a parent from being able to compare ways fully appreciate the benefit they are re­ their children's academic achievement with ceiving. because it does not ensure that this Govern­ ment will take any steps to address the dis­ other students on a local, State, or national Gerd Wagner, one of the most respected level. A parent whose child makes average and accomplished diplomats in Bosnia, was parity in mathematics and reading proficiency that we all know this testing will demonstrate. grades may be satisfied with their child's aca­ among those who perished in this tragic acci­ demic progress. Unfortunately, these parents dent. Mr. Wagner had been playing a key role The local areas where there are concentrated numbers of students that are dropping out of will not be aware that their child may have fall­ in bringing together Muslims and Croats in en behind the rest of their classmates until central Bosnia. In addition, several members high school , failing, and scoring low on the sporadic tests administered now desperately they take their SAT's at the age of 18. of a team that was working to rebuild Bosnia's This proposal will provide every parent of need direct injections of funding from the Fed­ civil police force died in the crash. This project every child in a State or LEA that chooses to is one of the most important elements of se­ eral Government. We can all argue about participate with comparisons of their child's re· curing peace in Bosnia. My wife, Kathryn, what types of restrictions or demands should suits to other students at their school, in the knew some of these individuals personally, be tied to these funds at a later date. In the State, and in the Nation. If every family re­ and had a chance to see what they were ac­ meantime, we should implement a national ceives that envelope in the mail, I believe complishing during a visit to Bosnia last testing program that incluqes a national for­ there will be a lot of parents who choose to month. We have been deeply affected by this mula for focused education spending, and we get more involved in their child's education, tragedy, and it has served to remind us both­ should do it as quickly as possible. which after all is what the majority of my col­ as it should all Members of this House-that Let me discuss some reasons why I believe leagues will agree is the most effective edu­ our foreign assistance program is not just an this national testing initiative could produce a cation policy there can be. abstraction. It is real people doing important number of benefits for parents and State gov­ 1 am concerned that a national test may be work, often without recognition or thanks. ernments interested in improving elementary constructed in a manner that is biased against I know that it is too late to thank those who and secondary education. However, I will first traditionally undereducated populations, such died in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, address the concerns of the many parents that as African-Americans and Hispanics. If Fed­ but I do want to take this opportunity to com­ educate their children at home who have con­ eral funding was tied to the improvement of mend all of those caring and committed peo­ tacted my office to express their opinions on test scores in areas that score poorly, this bias ple who put their lives on the line every day this amendment. I respect your decision to to secure peace and democracy in places like could lead to underserved sanctions in regions home-school your children very much. How­ that have high numbers of minorities. As a re­ Bosnia. Your work is a living memorial to ever, the vast majority of children in the United those 12 people who died on a mountain in sult, if a national testing program is imple­ States are educated at public schools, and it mented in the future, we will have to pay care­ central Bosnia. May your work continue to is essential that elected officials and education serve their memory well. ful attention to the design of the tests and re­ planners on the Federal and local level have main skeptical of any effort to create a Federal the resources needed to develop effective enforcement procedure. However, national DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, public policy. National testing will fulfill that testing's benefits for these populations far out­ HE ALT H AND HUMAN SERVICES, need without unduly intruding on your right to weigh these risks. By motivating parents to AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED practice home-schooling. pay more attention to their child's academic APPROP RIAT IONS ACT, 1998 This national testing program would allow development and providing policymakers the States or local education agencies [LEA's] to empirical evidence needed to design effective SPEECH OF voluntarily administer specific tests to every education policies targeted at minorities, this HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON fourth grade pupil in reading and eighth grade initiative will produce the first real effort to ad­ pupil in math. I do not believe enough empha­ OF MISSISSIPPI dress the failure of current education policies sis can be placed on the fact that this program IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in these areas. would be voluntary, and participation in these In the end, we are not interested in creating Tuesday, September 16, 1997 tests would not affect a State or LEA's eligi­ a uniform national education curriculum; we The House in Committee of the Whole bility for assistance under Federal aid pro­ are only demanding a uniform national edu­ House on the State of the Union had under grams. Any effort to extend the Federal role in cation outcome-a system where every child 19578 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 18, 1997 has the same opportunity to succeed through math proficiency. If a well-planned, voluntary the design of a national testing program. How­ an advanced public education system. In my national testing program could be coupled with ever, above all, we must cease this piecemeal home State of Mississippi, sampled children a funding distribution system directed at those education policymaking and begin a legitimate already score well below the national average areas most in need, then I would be happy to debate on the whole education policy. on the NAEP's fourth grade reading test and support such an initiative. I hope that this Con- are ranked in the bottom fifth in eighth grade gress and the administration will reconsider