E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 104 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 141 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995 No. 189 House of Representatives

The House met at 10 a.m. and was PALLONE] come forward and lead the story of a prolonged growth in our called to order by the Speaker pro tem- House in the Pledge of Allegiance. economy versus a spurt that might not pore [Mr. ALLARD]. Mr. PALLONE led the Pledge of Alle- last. This is important to get this econ- f giance as follows: omy going. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the We will keep that commitment to DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER United States of America, and to the Repub- balance the budget, Mr. Speaker. We PRO TEMPORE lic for which it stands, one nation under God, will keep that commitment. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. f fore the House the following commu- f PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT nication from the Speaker: MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, DC, (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given November 29, 1995. A message in writing from the Presi- permission to address the House for 1 I hereby designate the Honorable WAYNE dent of the United States was commu- minute and to revise and extend his re- ALLARD to act as Speaker pro tempore on nicated to the House by Mr. Edwin marks.) this day. Thomas, one of his secretaries. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, right NEWT GINGRICH, f now the budget negotiations have Speaker of the House of Representatives. begun, and I was very pleased to see f WHAT DOES A BALANCED BUDGET MEAN TO THE AVERAGE CITIZEN? that President Clinton over the last PRAYER few weeks specifically identified the (Mr. HORN asked and was given per- environment and protection of the en- The Chaplain, Rev. James David mission to address the House for 1 vironment as one of the key issues or Ford, D.D., offered the following pray- minute and to revise and extend his re- one of the key priorities that must be er: marks.) maintained and strengthened during Gracious God, from whom we have Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, during the these budget negotiations. come and to whom we shall return, we next 2 weeks we will make the most se- Today, Mr. Speaker, we have an op- pray for fortitude in our personal lives rious attempt at balancing the budget portunity to vote on the appropriations that our actions will blend with our that we have had in the last three dec- conference report that contains the words and our words will harmonize ades. An average citizen probably says, budget for the EPA. Unfortunately, in- with our prayers. May we express in ‘‘What is in it for me? So what if you consistent with the President’s prior- our lives an authenticity of spirit that balance the budget? I am doing OK in ities and concern for the environment, resists the pressures that come from a many ways.’’ Here is what is in it. It is this Republican leadership measure complicated world and conflicting loy- not just balancing the budget, it is would actually reduce funding for the alties. Remind us each day, O God, to doing fair and compassionate spending EPA, the Environmental Protection follow the road that leads to justice for levels to meet the basic needs of this Agency, by 21 percent over last year. every person and to hear anew Your country as we have in saving Medicare. And specifically for enforcement, the words of reconciliation and peace. What is in it for the average citizen amount of money that is appropriated Amen. was well said by Mr. Greenspan, Chair- is even less; and for the Superfund Pro- f man of the Federal Reserve Board, in gram, very important to my State and testimony before a committee of the THE JOURNAL many parts of the country, the funding Senate yesterday. What he said several is reduced by 19 percent. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The months ago was in essence; if we can The President has already said that Chair has examined the Journal of the balance the budget, interest rates in he intends to veto the EPA appropria- last day’s proceedings and announces America will be reduced 2 percent for tions bill, and well he should. to the House his approval thereof. the average mortgage on a house, for f Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- the average consumer loan, for the av- nal stands approved. erage automobile loan. THE REPUBLICANS WILL BALANCE f To summarize, here is what he said THE BUDGET yesterday on the subject. It is some- (Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky asked and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE thing we should realize, that if we con- was given permission to address the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the tinue this commitment that we have to House for 1 minute and to revise and gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. balance the budget, we will have the extend his remarks.)

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

H 13733 H 13734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, last er, the last 11 months here in the House his remarks.) week the Republican leadership here in have been an object lesson on keeping Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I have Congress sent a letter to the President promises. At least on this side of the a great deal of personal affection for asking for specifics on exactly how the aisle. Last year, Republicans promised the gentleman who preceded me here in Clinton administration would balance the American people that if we were the well, but the simple fact is when the budget in 7 years as they agreed to given a majority here in the House, we you talk about genuine cuts, about the do on November 19. would put all our energies into bal- only real cut we have seen is my good This is what the administration sent ancing the budget—something that friend, the gentleman from Illinois, back—a set of talking points. No spe- Democrats failed to do even though shaving off his trademark mustache. cifics, no numbers. they had the Presidency, and control of The fact is, for all the venom and vit- In his talking points, the President Congress. riol about incredible cuts and draco- had the unmitigated gall to ask that Republicans made a commitment in nian measures taking place, that sim- Congress provide a legislative plan. the Contract With America and we ply is not the case. Rather, we are Well excuse me, but it seems we have kept that commitment. We passed a slowing the rate of growth of Govern- already passed the Balanced Budget balanced budget. Even our opposition ment. To my friend who says, Mr. Act of 1995. In that we spell out exactly and liberal news media know that we Speaker, that we are affecting seniors how we will balance the budget in 7 are doing the right thing for America’s and students and families, I say he is years, including numbers, amounts, economy and America’s children. right; we are affecting them in a posi- and specifics. Mr. Speaker, over 3 years ago, Bill tive way. We are making sure that the Mr. Speaker, it is understandable Clinton said he would present a bal- American people hang onto more of that the Clinton administration would anced budget. He never did. The Amer- ican people deserve more than self-pro- their hard-earned money. Indeed the have a problem with specifics. It al- moting politicians who promise, but tax cut, the $500 per child tax credit, ready had huge problem keeping prom- never deliver. And that is why they goes to help 80 percent of families in ises. The President totally lacks any voted for a Republican majority. We this country. plan to balance the budget with honest are doing what we said we would do, Certainly there is a problem with numbers. Without a plan, really, all and we will balance the budget. facts and rhetoric. The fact is we are they can do is provide talking points, f helping working Americans by this and, of course, more hot air. very simple premise: They work hard f REPUBLICANS ARE SINGING THE for the money they earn, they ought to INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH SAME OLD SONGS ON THE BUDGET keep more of it and send less of it to EQUITY ACT (Mr. GUTTIEREZ asked and was the Federal Government here in Wash- ´ given permission to address the House ington, DC. (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was for 1 minute and to revise and extend f given permission to address the House his remarks.) for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, we THE CONSTITUTION CALLS FOR her remarks.) keep hearing the same old songs in this THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, House. FROM STATE, BUT NOT OF GOD today I will introduce the Health Eq- It wasn’t long ago that many of my FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE uity Act legislation that will address Republican colleagues were singing the (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was the problem of environmental discrimi- gospel of Voodoo Economics—that tax given permission to address the House nation. cuts for the rich and more money for for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. Speaker, there is a growing rec- defense that would magically add up to his remarks.) ognition that people in poor and work- lower deficits. Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, ing class communities, and particu- The result? Brittney Settle, a Tennessee ninth larly people of color, are forced to live A budget deficit that more than grader, wrote a paper about Jesus and work in areas contaminated by op- quadrupled during the 12 years Ronald Christ. The teacher flunked her. The portunistic polluters that target these Reagan and George Bush ran our Na- teacher said Jesus Christ is not an ap- communities. Whether it is in the form tion. propriate topic for a public school. of incinerators, industrial production But now, many of my colleagues who Appropriate? Other students are al- facilities, pesticides, or radiation—ex- stood in this Chamber and voted for 12 lowed to write about devil worship, re- posure to such contamination rep- years to burden working Americans incarnation, the whole gamut; witch- resents a death sentence for black and with 300 billion dollars’ worth of defi- craft. The Supreme Court, by the way, Latino Americans throughout this cits and now singing loudly in the says Jesus Christ is not an appropriate country. choir of fiscal responsibility again. topic. They sided with the school. My legislation, which applies title VI They have a plan for getting our defi- Mr. Speaker, is there any wonder our of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the Fed- cit under control. schools are so screwed up when the eral environmental regulatory process, But it is the same old song, with a only time you can hear God’s name is will allow minority communities to new twist. Tax cuts for the wealthy, more when it is taken in vain? Wake up, halt potentially dangerous action, be- money for defense and devastating cuts Congress. The Constitution may sepa- fore harm comes to them. Our society in education, Medicare, and the pro- rate church and State, but the Con- has slowly taken steps to end the bur- grams that most American rely on stitution never intended to separate den of discrimination in areas ranging every day. God and the American people. In God from employment to housing. This will I think it is time to change our tune we trust. It would not be all over our give communities of color a chance to to supporting a responsible budget that buildings and all over our currency. fight against this form of discrimina- puts our children, our students, our Something is wrong in our public tion. families, and our seniors first. schools when the only time you can I would encourage my colleagues to My Republican friends might not hear God’s name legally is when it is cosponsor this legislation and help end know the words, but that would be a taken in vain. Let us take a look at one of the most neglected forms of dis- song that more working Americans some issues here, Congress. crimination in America. could sing along to. f f f THE PRESIDENT NEEDS A PLAN BALANCING THE FEDERAL AMERICANS WORK HARD FOR TO BALANCE THE BUDGET BUDGET AND HOPE THEIR MONEY AND OUGHT TO (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was (Mrs. KELLY asked and was given BE ABLE TO KEEP MORE OF IT given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was for 1 minute and to revise and extend minute and to revise and extend her re- given permission to address the House his remarks.) marks.) November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13735 Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, this Con- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, in low-income Americans by increasing gress is dedicated to restoring tradi- a cynical ploy to distort reality for po- their taxes. tional values in our society. Common litical gain, the minority party contin- I hope we will give serious consider- sense tells us this means living within ues to decry the so-called student loan ation to a bipartisan effort to balance our means. This means a balanced Fed- cuts in our budget. It is time to start the budget. The time has come to get eral budget. telling the American people the truth. our fiscal house in order while main- These past few weeks we’ve finally My Republican colleagues understand taining the values and priorities most reached one of the ultimate questions the importance of helping low-income important to the American people. separating conservatives and liberals: students pay for college. That is why f Do we want to continue sacrificing our we protect student aid in our budget. childrens’ chances at achieving the Contrary to the battle cry of the mi- UNITED STATES BOSNIA POLICY American Dream? Or do we want to do nority, there are no student loan cuts (Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska asked the principled thing and balance our in the Balanced Budget Act of 1995. In and was given permission to address Federal budget? fact, total student loan volume will the House for 1 minute.) The President doesn’t think our chil- grow from $24 billion this year to $36 Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. dren deserve a chance at this oppor- billion in 2002. And more loans will be Speaker, the House will soon debate a tunity. My colleagues and I believe available next year than ever before. resolution of support for the Presi- that this is wrong. We are willing to do Student loans are preserved. No stu- dent’s decision to deploy up to 20,000 whatever it takes to give them their dent will be cut off. And no student United States troops into Bosnia. chance. will be required to pay more for his or The President has placed himself and To hear my Democrat colleagues her loan. Congress into a lead box. If we decide talk, one would suspect that they op- Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t take a Har- to support the President, we’ll be sup- pose job creation, lower interest rates, vard professor to figure out what’s porting a costly policy that won’t be and a brighter future for all. going on. Democrats are trying to re- finished in a year—Bosnia, after all, To hear them talk, a balanced Fed- gain power by scaring the American isn’t another Haiti. If Congress rejects eral budget is little more than a myth, people with imaginary spending cuts. the President’s decision, our European a mirage, a Xanadu. This is downright dishonest. allies, and others around the world, To hear them talk, saving money for f will come to doubt the United States future generations is a bad thing, but b 1015 resolve and commitment. The next we can do it. time there is a Persian Gulf crisis, they Mr. Speaker, this is a nationwide PRIORITIES FOR A BALANCED may not answer our call for coopera- drama with the President and Demo- BUDGET tion. crats using our children as the stakes. And so, no matter where we turn, we This is wrong. I believe our Nation de- (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address find our lead box sinking deeper and serves better. America is about hope deeper into the Bosnian bog. This de- and the potential for prosperity, and the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) bate won’t provide the right answers, America’s leadership should lead us in nor will it provide an acceptable alter- this direction. Let us balance the budg- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was not planning to follow native, since the decision has already et and help restore this hope. been made. f the other speaker, and I appreciate the changes that my Republican colleagues But, I must strongly object to the AMERICANS WANT STRONG have made in the education funding, President’s decision. I encourage my ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION because they have come a long way. He colleagues to join me in opposing that (Mr. OLVER asked and was given is right. There have been some funding decision. permission to address the House for 1 cuts restored, but the House Repub- f minute and to revise and extend his re- licans do not deserve the credit. The TRICKLE-DOWN ECONOMICS HAS marks.) Senate Democrats and Republicans de- FAILED Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, the public serve the credit for insisting that is finally becoming aware of what the House Republicans not decimate edu- (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given antienvironmental extremists in this cation funding. permission to address the House for 1 Congress are doing. Under the Repub- We have an opportunity over the minute and to revise and extend his re- lican leadership, clean water, clean air, next few weeks to work bipartisanly on marks.) and public health are being sold to the a balanced budget bill. We have a re- Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I find highest campaign contributor. While sponsibility to make sure the values wearisome this continual Republican we are struggling to cut the budget, and the priorities of the American peo- litany that claims only Republicans Republicans want to subsidize logging ple are maintained and that we balance want to balance the budget and some- in the Nation’s last rain forest. They the budget while protecting education, how Democrats are opposed to it. want to continue the 1872 mining law and Medicare, the environment, and I have served here 17 years. In my that gives away millions to private veterans. early years here Ronald Reagan was companies, and to allow oil drilling on Our priorities should be, No. 1, to President, and by count, no President, Alaska’s true wilderness.’ protect Medicare and Medicaid. We with the exception of Franklin Roo- The American people want strong en- must maintain the high quality of sevelt, ever got more of his economic vironmental protection. Instead, the health care we currently enjoy. No. 2, policy agreed to by the Congress than Republicans are jeopardizing the rivers protect students and children. We must did Ronald Reagan. Mr. Speaker, you we fish, the beaches we swim in, and maintain current levels of education remember it. It was called trickle- the very air we breathe for the benefit funding so that students, including down economics. What happened to the of special interests. There truly is a those from Aldine High School in my deficit? It tripled. It tripled under contract with the American environ- congressional district who are here Reaganomics. ment. That contract is becoming a bill today from the Close-up program get Under President Clinton, the deficit of sale. the education they need to succeed in has come down every year of his Presi- f the 21st century. It is our obligation to dency, and this is the first time that make sure that those students have the has happened since Harry Truman was DEMOCRATS, START TELLING THE opportunity to obtain a student loan or President. If the Republican balanced TRUTH Pell grants. They are the future of our budget attempt passed and was put (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was country and have a responsibility to into effect, it would not decrease the given permission to address the House make sure they are prepared. Finally, deficit in its first 3 years of operation for 1 minute and to revise and extend we need to protect tax fairness in the as much as Clinton’s economics has re- his remarks.) tax system. We do not need to punish duced the deficit in the last 3 years. H 13736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 LINE IN THE SAND ON SPENDING nothing to be achieved for America, pages of general talking points this (Mr. LINDER asked and was given but much to be lost. We will lose lives summer, 10 of which were charts and permission to address the House for 1 and a year later if we leave—which is graphs. And last week, his Chief of minute and to revise and extend his re- questionable—full scale ethnic war will Staff, Leon Panetta, sent us a 2-page marks.) resume as during the previous 600 list of general principles that con- Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, the magic years. Thus nothing will be accom- tained no numbers or specifics whatso- number is $730 billion. In this morn- plished but a year-long experiment of ever. The American people have heard ing’s congressional article, it said $730 the President to gain macho creden- enough talk about general goals—they billion is what the President wants to tials and leadership demonstration. want action now. They want the Presi- spend in excess of what the Congress Bosnia is the latest in Bill Clinton’s dent to put his plan on paper. Mr. Speaker, it is time to do what is has passed. We both want balanced foreign misadventures. There was So- right for our children’s future. Let us budgets, but they want to use different malia and there was Haiti. And what sit down, work together, no more rhet- numbers to get there. was gained in those places. In Haiti under the not-so-democratic Aristide, oric—no more excuses. Both the Repub- We are preparing to spend $2.6 tril- lican majority and the President have lion more in the next 7 years than we the so-called peace is unraveling. And America cannot afford in dollars promised to balance the budget. Let us spent in the last 7 years, a total of $12.1 keep our promise and let us do it now. trillion. It seems to me that we can or lives, what NATO and the Europeans f fight on priorities within that number, have been unwilling to do. It is Eu- but we should put the line in the sand: rope’s turn to look out for its back- REPUBLICAN PLAN OFFERS TAX $12.1 trillion and no more. yard. RELIEF TO AMERICAN FAMILIES If the assumptions that the President With the onset of winter in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mr. LARGENT asked and was given wants to use are correct and we do permission to address the House for 1 wind up with $730 billion more in reve- and over a million land mines in place, we do not need American lives sac- minute and to revise and extend his re- nues or less in spending, we can apply marks.) rificed before Christmas for some arti- that to our children’s debt. However, Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, I appear ficial creation called Bosnia. In the we should draw the line in the sand: here today as a Member of Congress, $12.1 trillion and not a dollar more. Congress, let us assert our authority but more importantly, I speak as the and not fund the latest unwise, tragic f father of four children. I know first- foreign misadventure of an aspiring hand what it costs to raise a family in BREAK THE TIES WITH SPECIAL leader named Bill Clinton. No money middle America and I am glad that the INTERESTS to send United States ground troops to Balanced Budget Act includes tax re- Bosnia, period. (Ms. DELAURO asked and was given lief for families. permission to address the House for 1 f Tax relief for families should not be minute and to revise and extend her re- SAY NO TO GOP DOPE looked at as a cost to Government. In- marks.) stead, we should consider it as a way to (Ms. MCKINNEY asked and was given keep money in the hands of those to Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, 11 permission to address the House for 1 months ago, a new Republican major- whom it belongs in the first place: minute and to revise and extend her re- America’s working families. ity promised to drive special interest marks.) lobbyists from the halls of Congress. Cutting taxes is also fiscally respon- Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, both sible. America’s families deserve tax What they did not tell us was that the Democrats and Republicans agree that lobbyists would be out of the halls and relief and Federal spending should be the American worker is in need of re- reined in and controlled. Reducing the into their offices. lief. Stagnating wages, longer hours, In fact, instead of ending the cozy re- growth of Federal spending is the way corporate downsizing, and NAFTA have to get to balance, not by taking more lationship between the corporate spe- all taken their toll on what was once cial interests and lawmakers, Speaker money from families. the world’s highest living standard. The bipartisan agreement to balance GINGRICH has elevated it to an art By contrast, the stock market is form. An article in Monday’s Washing- the budget in 7 years using honest breaking new records, corporate profits numbers is a step in the right direc- ton Post revealed how the Republican are going through the roof, and cor- leadership has boasted of twisting arms tion. The Government’s constant defi- porate executives are making 30 times cit spending must be stopped. I also to raise campaign contributions and re- more than their lowest paid employees. writing legislation for the highest bid- strongly support tax relief which al- Yet the Republican solution to these lows American families to keep more der. inequities is to cut taxes for wealthy The Republican Campaign Commit- of their own money. corporations, reduce worker safety, Our Democrat friends claim that tee even keeps this book on what they and increase funding for star wars and they want to balance the budget too. call friendly and unfriendly PAC’s. The B–2 bombers. They say that deficit reduction is their unfriendly PAC’s are those that con- This trickle-down strategy, Mr. goal and we agree. tribute to Democrats. Simply put, Speaker, is the crack cocaine of bad Let us work together to reach a bal- those groups are told to give more to economic policy. I urge my colleagues anced budget with tax cuts and no new Republicans or else. to just say no to GOP dope. spending. It is time to break the ties with spe- f f cial interests. This is the people’s House. Let us return it to the people AMERICANS NEED BUDGET PLAN PRESIDENT SHOULD SIGN today by passing a clean lobby reform FROM THE PRESIDENT DEFENSE APPROPRIATION BILL bill. (Mr. GUTKNECHT asked and was (Mr. MONTGOMERY asked and was f given permission to address the House given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend for 1 minute and to revise and extend NO GROUND TROOPS IN BOSNIA his remarks.) his remarks.) (Mr. FUNDERBURK asked and was Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, it Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I given permission to address the House has been over a week since President have learned that the President of the for 1 minute and to revise and extend Clinton committed in writing to an United States has taken the defense his remarks.) honest balanced budget in 7 years. The appropriations bill to Europe with him Mr. FUNDERBURK. Mr. Speaker, our Republican majority has a specific and he will decide whether he will sign side needs a leader or leaders with the plan—we have passed it in both the the bill or not sign the bill. I certainly courage to say clearly that we should House and the Senate—now where is hope he will sign it. If he does not sign not send ground troops into Bosnia. It the President’s plan. it, I hope he will not veto the defense is not in America’s vital national secu- But, the President has not submitted appropriation bill. I think it is a rea- rity interests. And there is absolutely a specific plan. Sure, he sent us 22 sonable approach. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13737 We have military forces all around ders of the former Yugoslavia, our mament Agency with the Nuclear Pro- the world today. We need as much country’s economic and military secu- liferation Assessment Statement con- money as possible to keep these forces rity would be critically threatened. cerning the agreement. The joint in the different places. The President is Americans know that our own secu- memorandum submitted to me by the talking now about Bosnia. So certainly rity requires a secure peace in Europe. Secretary of State and the Secretary of I hope the President of the United When necessary, they support deploy- Energy, which includes a summary of States would sign this legislation and ment of our troops as peacekeepers— the provisions of the agreement and the money needed to take care of our but not as targets. They want more in- other attachments, including the views troops. formation about the military plan, of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, About the only thing that we need in troop security, the mission’s goals, and is also enclosed. this country, to be sure, is that we the plan for withdrawal. So do I. The proposed new agreement with have a strong military defense. If we f EURATOM has been negotiated in ac- cordance with the Atomic Energy Act have a good defense, we can just about b do everything in this great country. 1030 of 1954, as amended by the Nuclear f PERMISSION FOR SUNDRY COM- Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 (NNPA) MITTEES AND THEIR SUB- and as otherwise amended. It replaces BALANCED BUDGET WILL COMMITTEES TO SIT TODAY two existing agreements for peaceful RECHARGE OUR ECONOMY DURING THE 5-MINUTE RULE nuclear cooperation with EURATOM, including the 1960 agreement that has (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, I ask served as our primary legal framework given permission to address the House unanimous consent that the following for cooperation in recent years and for 1 minute and to revise and extend committees and their subcommittees that will expire by its terms on Decem- his remarks.) be permitted to sit today while the ber 31 of this year. The proposed new Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, House is meeting in the Committee of agreement will provide an updated, our Nation needs a balanced budget, the Whole House under the 5-minute comprehensive framework for peaceful not because it’s a good accounting de- rule: nuclear cooperation between the Unit- vice, but because it will help every Committee on Commerce; Committee ed States and EURATOM, will facili- American. on Government Reform and Oversight; A balanced budget will recharge the tate such cooperation, and will estab- Committee on Resources; and Perma- economy. It will cause interest rates to lish strengthened nonproliferation con- nent Select Committee on Intelligence. drop. And reduced interests rates mean ditions and controls including all those It is my understanding that the mi- lower mortgage payments, lower car required by the NNPA. The new agree- nority has been consulted and that payments, lower student loan pay- ment provides for the transfer of non- there is no objection to these requests. ments. nuclear material, nuclear material, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. AL- As part of the Republican plan to bal- and equipment for both nuclear re- LARD). Is there objection to the request ance the budget in 7 years, there are search and nuclear power purposes. It of the gentleman from Oklahoma? income tax cuts for families. And there does not provide for transfers under the There was no objection. is a capital gains tax cut for job agreement of any sensitive nuclear growth. This will generate more invest- f technology (SNT). ments, more business expansion, and PROPOSED AGREEMENT FOR CO- The proposed agreement has an ini- more jobs. OPERATION IN PEACEFUL USES tial term of 30 years, and will continue Before he was elected, President OF NUCLEAR ENERGY BETWEEN in force indefinitely thereafter in in- Clinton said he could balance the budg- UNITED STATES AND EUROPEAN crements of 5 years each until termi- et in 5 years. After the election he said ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY— nated in accordance with its provi- it wasn’t necessary. Now he says that MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT sions. In the event of termination, key he wants to balance the budget in 7 OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. nonproliferation conditions and con- years but he still has not presented a NO. 104–138) trols, including guarantees of safe- guards, peaceful use and adequate plan. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- physical protection, and the U.S. right The Republicans do have a plan. fore the House the following message to approve retransfers to third parties, Let’s balance the budget, cut taxes, from the President of the United will remain effective with respect to and create jobs now. States; which was read and, together transferred nonnuclear material, nu- f with the accompanying papers, without clear material, and equipment, as well objection, referred to the Committee AMERICANS WANT MORE INFOR- as nuclear material produced through on International Relations and ordered MATION ON BOSNIAN TROOP DE- their use. Procedures are also estab- to be printed: PLOYMENT lished for determining the survival of (Mr. BISHOP asked and was given To the Congress of the United States: additional controls. permission to address the House for 1 I am pleased to transmit to the Con- The member states of EURATOM and minute and to revise and extend his re- gress, pursuant to sections 123 b. and the European Union itself have impec- marks.) 123 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, cable nuclear nonproliferation creden- Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I have as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b), (d)), the tials. All EURATOM member states are profound reservations about the par- text of a proposed Agreement for Co- party to the Treaty on the Non-Pro- ticipation of Untied States forces in a operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nu- liferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Bosnian peacekeeping mission. So do clear Energy Between the United EURATOM and all its nonnuclear the people I represent. Of the many States of America and the European weapon state member states have an calls I have received on this matter Atomic Energy Community agreement with the International over the past several days, not one has (EURATOM) with accompanying Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the favored U.S. involvement. agreed minute, annexes, and other at- application of full-scope IAEA safe- At the same time, I also recognize tachments. (The confidential list of guards within the respective territories the dangers that are inherent in a pol- EURATOM storage facilities covered of the nonnuclear weapon states. The icy of noninvolvement. by the Agreement is being transmitted two EURATOM nuclear weapon states, If the United States abandons directly to the Senate Foreign Rela- France and the United Kingdom, like NATO’s peace efforts in Bosnia, we tions Committee and the House Inter- the United States, have voluntary safe- could weaken and even destroy an alli- national Relations Committee.) I am guards agreements with the IAEA. In ance that has helped deter multi- also pleased to transmit my written addition, EURATOM itself applies its national conflicts for half a century. approval, authorization and determina- own stringent safeguards at all peace- The current peace initiative would tion concerning the agreement, and the ful facilities within the territories of surely collapse. And if this ghastly memorandum of the Director of the all member states. The United States slaughter ever spreads beyond the bor- United States Arms Control and Disar- and EURATOM are of one mind in their H 13738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 unswerving commitment to achieving to achieving our nonproliferation, on the State of the Union for the fur- global nuclear nonproliferation goals. I trade and other significant foreign pol- ther consideration of the bill (H.R. call the attention of the Congress to icy goals. 2564) to provide for the disclosure of the joint U.S.-EURATOM ‘‘Declaration In particular, I am convinced that lobbying activities to influence the on Non-Proliferation Policy’’ appended this agreement will strengthen the Federal Government, and for other pur- to the text of the agreement I am international nuclear nonproliferation poses, with Mr. KOLBE in the chair. transmitting herewith. regime, support of which is a fun- The Clerk read the title of the bill. The proposed new agreement pro- damental objective of U.S. national se- The CHAIRMAN. When the Commit- vides for very stringent controls over curity and foreign policy, by setting a tee of the Whole rose on Tuesday, No- certain fuel cycle activities, including high standard for rigorous non- vember 28, 1995, the amendment offered enrichment, reprocessing, and alter- proliferation conditions and controls. by the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. ation in form or content and storage of It will substantially upgrade U.S. WELLER] had been disposed of and the plutonium and other sensitive nuclear controls over nuclear items subject to bill was open for amendment at any materials. The United States and the current U.S.-EURATOM agreement point. EURATOM have accepted these con- as well as over future cooperation. Are there further amendments to the trols on a reciprocal basis, not as a I believe that the new agreement will bill? sign of either Party’s distrust of the also demonstrate the U.S. intention to Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I other, and not for the purpose of inter- be a reliable nuclear trading partner, move to strike the last word. fering with each other’s fuel cycle and thus help ensure continuation and, (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was I hope, growth of U.S. civil nuclear ex- choices, which are for each Party to de- given permission to revise and extend ports to EURATOM member states. his remarks.) termine for itself, but rather as a re- I have considered the views and rec- Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I flection of their common conviction ommendations of the interested agen- think the votes yesterday on this bill that the provisions in question rep- cies in reviewing the proposed agree- resent an important norm for peaceful ment and have determined that its per- are very explicit. The committee has nuclear commerce. formance will promote, and will not the steam and the power to turn back In view of the strong commitment of constitute an unreasonable risk to, the amendments. EURATOM and its member states to common defense and security. Accord- Lobby disclosure, the field that I the international nonproliferation re- ingly, I have approved the agreement have been interested in for 5 years, our gime, the comprehensive nonprolifera- and authorized its execution and urge foreign interests, individuals from our tion commitments they have made, the that the Congress give it favorable con- Government and individuals who rep- advanced technological character of sideration. resent the interests of foreign entities, the EURATOM civil nuclear program, Because this agreement meets all ap- the law has been so vague and so weak the long history of extensive trans- plicable requirements of the Atomic that two out of every three agents rep- atlantic cooperation in the peaceful Energy Act of 1954, as amended, for resenting foreign interests do not even uses of nuclear energy without any agreements for peaceful nuclear co- bother to register. risk of proliferation, and the fact that operation, I am transmitting it to the Now, this bill addresses that to some all member states are close allies or Congress without exempting it from degree, but there are still fines and close friends of the United States, the any requirement contained in section penalties that are so huge it is like proposed new agreement provides to 123 a. of that Act. This transmission shooting a flea with a bazooka. As a re- EURATOM (and on a reciprocal basis, shall constitute a submittal for pur- sult, the Department of Justice does to the United States) advance, long- poses of both sections 123 b. and 123 d. not enforce it. We have many foreign term approval for specified enrich- of the Atomic Energy Act. The Admin- interests lobbying the Congress of the ment, retransfers, reprocessing, alter- istration is prepared to begin imme- United States. That basically goes un- ation in form or content, and storage diately the consultations with the Sen- checked, and when you try and change of specified nuclear material, and for ate Foreign Relations and House Inter- it, there is always a good reason why it retransfers of nonnuclear material and national Relations Committees as pro- should not be now. equipment. The approval for reprocess- vided in section 123 b. Upon completion I am not impugning the work of the ing and alteration in form or content of the 30-day continuous session period fine chairman here, nor his intentions, may be suspended if either activity provided for in section 123 b., the 60- but I would like to say this. Here is, in ceases to meet the criteria set out in day continuous session period provided essence, what we are doing here in the U.S. law, including criteria relating to for in section 123 d. shall commence. Congress. To make a bill as good as it safeguards and physical protection. WILLIAM J. CLINTON. could be, maybe even make a bill In providing advance, long-term ap- THE WHITE HOUSE, November 29, 1995. great, that bill has no shot. If you want proval for certain nuclear fuel cycle ac- f to pass it, send a mediocre bill to the tivities, the proposed agreement has REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO other body who all of a sudden is the features similar to those in several ADDRESS HOUSE FOR 5 MINUTES big decisionmaker on what our legisla- other agreements for cooperation that tion should be. the United States has entered into sub- Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I ask Let me inform Congress that the first sequent to enactment of the NNPA. unanimous consent to speak out of Senate was appointed by State legisla- These include bilateral U.S. agree- order for 5 minutes and to revise and tures to protect the interests of the ments with Japan, Finland, Norway extend my remarks. States. The House of Representatives, and Sweden. (The U.S. agreements with The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the House of Commons, was to protect Finland and Sweden will be automati- Chair will not entertain that request at the people of the country. I think it is this point. cally terminated upon entry into force unbelievable to me that we would have of the new U.S.-EURATOM agreement, f these foreign agents running around, as Finland and Sweden joined the Eu- LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ACT OF not even registering, and we have ropean Union on January 1, 1995.) 1995 taken token steps to clamp down on Among the documents I am transmit- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- that. I think it is time to change that. ting herewith to the Congress is an ant to House Resolution 269 and rule In essence, I am taking a little bit of analysis by the Secretary of Energy of XXIII, the Chair declares the House in time away from the gentleman from the advance, long-term approvals con- the Committee of the Whole House on Massachusetts [Mr. FRANK] to be here, tained in the proposed U.S. agreement the State of the Union for the further and I am hoping somebody else is here with EURATOM. The analysis con- consideration of the bill, H.R. 2564. to offer an amendment. I am not going cludes that the approvals meet all re- to offer my amendment first unless b quirements of the Atomic Energy Act. 1032 there is nobody else and this commit- I believe that the proposed agree- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE tee rises. ment for cooperation with EURATOM Accordingly the House resolved itself If it is going to be defeated, then so will make an important contribution into the Committee of the Whole House be it, but here is what the Traficant November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13739 amendment says: You will have to reg- ‘‘(3) any person who engages in political (B) by inserting before the period at the ister. If you do not register, you will be activities for purposes of furthering commer- end the following: ‘‘, and (iv) such activities subject to fines, anywhere from $2,000 cial, industrial, or financial operations with do not involve the representation of the in- to $1 million. You could be prosecuted. a foreign principal. terests of the foreign principal before any For purposes of clause (1), a foreign principal agency or official of the Government of the You could be subpoenaed in. To reg- United States other than providing informa- ister and to extend, you will do so Jan- shall be considered to control a person in major part if the foreign principal holds tion in response to requests by such agency uary 31 and July 31. You will have more than 50 percent equitable ownership in or official or as a necessary part of a formal known dates to do it. And we will know such person or, subject to rebuttal evidence, judicial or administrative proceeding, in- who you are. The American taxpayer if the foreign principal holds at least 20 per- cluding the initiation of such a proceeding.’’. should know who represents foreign in- cent but not more than 50 percent equitable (c) SUPPLEMENTAL REGISTRATION.—Section terests. ownership in such person.’’. 2(b) of that Act (22 U.S.C. 612(b)) is amend- ed— Technically in the past, when this (B) FURTHER DEFINITION.—Section 1(d) of that Act (22 U.S.C. 611(d)) is amended to read (1) in the first sentence by striking ‘‘, with- law was written, it dealt with Nazi in thirty days’’ and all that follows through Germany. We were interested in spies. as follows: ‘‘(d) The term ‘representative of a foreign ‘‘preceding six months’ period’’ and inserting Well, now we have foreign agents principal’ does not include— ‘‘on January 31 and July 31 of each year file whose interest is trade. Commercial in- ‘‘(1) any news or press service or associa- with the Attorney General a supplement terests. I would submit that that is a tion organized under the laws of the United thereto under oath, on a form prescribed by greater problem in this country today States or of any State or other place subject the Attorney General, which shall set forth than anything else we deal with, with a to the jurisdiction of the United States, or regarding the six-month periods ending the previous December 31, and June 30, respec- trade deficit of $170 billion. any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or other publication for which there is on file tively, or, if a lesser period, the period since Who represents China, folks? Who the initial filing,’’; and represents Japan? Who represents the with the United States Postal Service infor- mation in compliance with section 3685 of (2) by inserting after the first sentence the European interests? Who represents title 39, United States Code, published in the following new sentence: ‘‘Any registrant any foreign interest that has an inter- United States, solely by virtue of any bona using an accounting system with a fiscal est in the legislation today or an inter- fide news or journalistic activities, including year which is different from the calendar est in the legislation dealing with the solicitation or acceptance of advertise- year may petition the Attorney General to Bosnia or dealing with appropriation ments, subscriptions, or other compensation permit the filing of supplemental statements therefor, so long as it is at least 80 percent at the close of the first and seventh month of matters of defense? That is what the each such fiscal year in lieu of the dates issue is about. beneficially owned by, and its officers and di- rectors, if any, are citizens of the United specified by the preceding sentence.’’. I am hoping that the Members of (d) REMOVAL OF EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN States, and such news or press service or as- COUNTRIES.—Section 3(f) of that Act (22 Congress will take a look at this. I sociation, newspaper magazine, periodical, U.S.C. 613(f)) is repealed. think the committee has brought or other publication, is not owned, directed, (e) LIMITING EXEMPTION FOR LEGAL REP- enough Democrats together to carry supervised, controlled, subsidized, or fi- RESENTATION.—Section 3(g) of that Act (22 the load, that in fact they will accept nanced, and none of its policies are deter- U.S.C. 613(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘or any mined by any foreign principal defined in no amendments because if there are agency of the Government of the United subsection (b) of this section, or by any rep- amendments, the Senate just is not States’’ and all that follows through ‘‘infor- resentative of a foreign principal required to going to accept it. mal’’ and inserting ‘‘or before the Patent and register under this Act; or Well, as one Member of Congress, let Trademark Office, including any written ‘‘(2) any incorporated, nonprofit member- me say this to the Senate. Quite frank- submission to that Office’’. ship organization organized under the laws (f) NOTIFICATION OF RELIANCE ON EXEMP- ly, Scarlett, I think the Congress of the United States or of any State or other should draft only the best legislation TIONS.—Section 3 of that Act (22 U.S.C. 613) is place subject to the jurisdiction of the Unit- amended by adding at the end the following: and that is the legislation to be signed ed States that is registered under section 308 ‘‘Any person who does not register under into law. of the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act section 2(a) on account of any provision of With that, it is good to see the vener- and has obtained tax-exempt status under subsections (a) through (g) of this section able chairman here. I do not question section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code shall so notify the Attorney General in such the intentions of former Chairman of 1986 and whose activities are directly su- form and manner as the Attorney General pervised, directed, controlled, financed, or prescribes.’’. FRANK and Chairman CANADY. I think subsidized in whole by citizens of the United you have done a fine job. I hope the (g) CIVIL PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT States.’’. PROVISIONS.—Section 8 of that Act (22 U.S.C. Members realize that there are foreign (2) POLITICAL PROMOTIONAL OR INFORMA- 618) is amended by adding at the end the fol- interests that lobby the Government, TIONAL MATERIALS.—Section 1(j) of that Act lowing: and we are dealing with lobby disclo- (22 U.S.C. 611(j)) is amended— ‘‘(i)(1) Any person who is determined, after sure, and we are not doing the best job (A) in the matter preceding clause (1), by notice and opportunity for an administrative we can with foreign interests. striking ‘‘propaganda’’ and inserting ‘‘pro- hearing— Maybe the Members might just de- motional or informational materials’’; and ‘‘(A) to have failed to file when such filing (B) in clause (1), by striking ‘‘prevail upon, cide to do something about it. is required a registration statement under indoctrinate, convert, induce, or in any section 2(a) or a supplement thereto under The CHAIRMAN. Are there further other way’’ and inserting ‘‘in any way’’. section 2(b), amendments to the bill? (3) POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.—Section 1(o) of ‘‘(B) to have omitted a material fact re- AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. TRAFICANT that Act (22 U.S.C. 611(o)) is amended— quired to be stated therein, or Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I (A) by striking ‘‘prevail upon, indoctri- ‘‘(C) to have made a false statement with offer an amendment. nate, convert, induce, persuade, or in any respect to such a material fact, The Clerk read as follows: other way’’ and inserting ‘‘in any way’’; and shall be required to pay for each violation (B) by striking ‘‘or changing the domestic committed a civil penalty of not less than Amendment offered by Mr. TRAFICANT: or foreign’’ and inserting ‘‘enforcing, or $2,000 and not more than $1,000,000. In deter- Page 37, line 11, strike ‘‘AMENDMENT’’ changing the domestic or foreign laws, regu- mining the amount of the penalty, the At- and insert ‘‘AMENDMENTS’’, in line 13 in- lations, or’’. torney General shall give due consideration sert ‘‘(a) REPORTS.—’’ before ‘‘Strike’’ and (4) POLITICAL CONSULTANT.—Section 1(p) of to the nature and duration of the violation. insert after line 21 the following: that Act (22 U.S.C. 611(p)) is amended— ‘‘(2)(A) Whenever the Attorney General has (b) DEFINITIONS.— (A) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘any person’’; reason to believe that any person may be in (1) AGENT OF A FOREIGN PRINCIPAL.— and possession, custody, or control of any docu- (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 1(c) of the For- (B) by inserting before the semicolon at mentary material relevant to an investiga- eign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as the end the following: ‘‘, or (2) who distrib- tion regarding any violation of paragraph (1) amended (22 U.S.C. 611(c)), is amended— utes political promotional or informational of this subsection or of section 5, the Attor- (i) by striking ‘‘agent of a foreign prin- materials to an officer or employee of the ney General may, before bringing any civil cipal’’ each place it appears and inserting United States Government, in his or her ca- or criminal proceeding thereon, issue in ‘‘representative of a foreign principal’’; pacity as such officer or employee’’. writing, and cause to be served upon such (ii) in paragraph (1)(iv), by striking ‘‘and’’ (5) SERVING PREDOMINANTLY A FOREIGN IN- person, a civil investigative demand requir- after the semicolon at the end; TEREST.—Section 1(q) of that Act (22 U.S.C. ing such person to produce such material for (iii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period 611(q)) is amended— examination. at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause ‘‘(B) Civil investigative demands issued (iv) by adding at the end the following: (ii) of the proviso; and under this paragraph shall be subject to the H 13740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 applicable provisions of section 1968 of title ber opposed each will be recognized for longer be exempt. In addition, rep- 18, United States Code.’’. 15 minutes. resentatives of foreign interests will (h) CHANGE IN SHORT TITLE OF THE ACT.— Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- now be required to notify the Attorney Section 14 of that Act (22 U.S.C. 611 note) is man, I rise in opposition to the amend- amended by striking ‘‘Foreign Agents Reg- General. Moreover, any person relying istration Act of 1938, as amended’’ and in- ment and claim the 15 minutes in oppo- on an exemption under the act must serting ‘‘Foreign Interests Representation sition. I yield 71⁄2 minutes of that time notify the Justice Department of their Act’’. to the gentleman from Massachusetts intention to do so. (i) REFERENCES TO AGENT OF A FOREIGN [Mr. FRANK] and ask unanimous con- The amendment also establishes a PRINCIPAL.—The Foreign Agents Registra- sent that he may be permitted to yield test to determine what constitutes for- tion Act of 1938, as amended is amended— blocks of time to other Members. eign control. Entities that are more (1) by striking ‘‘agent of a foreign prin- The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection cipal’’ each place it appears and inserting than 50 percent foreign owned would be ‘‘representative of a foreign principal’’; to the request of the gentleman from presumed to be foreign controlled, and (2) by striking ‘‘agents of foreign prin- Florida? be required to register. Entities with a cipals’’ each place it appears and inserting There was no objection. 20 to 50 percent foreign ownership ‘‘representatives of foreign principals’’; The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman would also be considered foreign con- (3) by striking ‘‘agent of such principal’’ from Florida [Mr. CANADY] and the gen- trolled. each place it appears and inserting ‘‘rep- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. But the timeliness of foreign agent resentative of such principal’’; and FRANK] each will be recognized for 71⁄2 (4) by striking ‘‘such agent’’ each place it registration now becomes an issue. Of minutes. the 28 registration statements reviewed appears and inserting ‘‘such representative’’. The Chair recognizes the gentleman (j) REFERENCES TO POLITICAL PROPA- in the GAO report, 70 percent had not from Ohio [Mr. TRAFICANT]. GANDA.— even registered on time, for those who (1) The paragraph preceding section 1 of Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I had registered. yield myself such time as I may the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, Now one out of four is registering, as amended is amended by striking ‘‘propa- consume. and 70 percent of the one out of four is ganda’’ and inserting ‘‘political’’. As I discussed, every year foreign in- (2) The Foreign Interests Representation terests spend hundreds of millions of registering late. No one is really look- Act (other than the paragraph amended by dollars to influence our Government. ing into them. We are talking about paragraph (1) of this subsection) is amended They employ topnotch representatives. lobbying. We are worried about every- by striking ‘‘propaganda’’ each place it ap- Many times they are former staff mem- body lobbying Congress. I am talking pears and inserting ‘‘promotional or infor- about foreign interests that lobby the mational materials’’. bers of key committees, counsel to Ways and Means. Sometimes they are Congress of the United States. I could (k) REFERENCES TO THE ACT.— hear the talk. I have great respect for (1) Section 207(f)(2) of title 18, United Members who chaired the most power- States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘For- ful committees in the Congress. the gentleman from Texas [Mr. BRY- eign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as That evidently is a way of life, and ANT] and the gentleman from Massa- amended,’’ and inserting ‘‘Foreign Interests the bill attempted to deal with that by chusetts [Mr. FRANK]. ‘‘Yes, it’s right, Representation Act’’. banning for a lifetime U.S. Trade Rep- TRAFICANT, you’re right, but not now.’’ (2) Section 219 of title 18, United States resentatives and Deputy Trade Rep- Beam me up here. Code, is amended— The penalties that are under law (A) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘agent of resentatives. We felt that did not go far a foreign principal required to register under enough. right now are so great the Justice De- the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, But the bottom line is there are sev- partment shies away. The Traficant as amended,’’ and inserting ‘‘representative eral General Accounting Office reports, amendment puts reasonable penalties of a foreign principal required to register and they basically say that only one on. From a $2,000 civil fine up to $1 mil- under the Foreign Interests Representation out of every three, maybe only one out lion with repeated abuse or significant Act’’; and of every four agents who represent for- facts. (B) in subsection (b)— eign interests take the time to reg- The Justice Department would be (i) by striking ‘‘agent of a foreign prin- cipal’’ and inserting ‘‘representative of a for- ister. The Traficant amendment deals given the authority to subpoena indi- eign principal’’; with the registration of these agents viduals for testimony and their (ii) by striking ‘‘such agent’’ and inserting dealing with foreign interests, and, in records. The bottom line here is, even ‘‘such representative’’; and fact, penalties to stop such abuse. though I am preaching to the wind, we (iii) by striking ‘‘Foreign Agents Registra- Since that 1990 report was released are now worried about Bosnia, with a tion Act of 1938, as amended’’ and inserting by the General Accounting Office, the $40 billion trade deficit with China. ‘‘Foreign Interests Representation Act’’. GAO wrote, neither the Justice Depart- Who represents China? We do not (3) Section 5210(4) of the Competitiveness ment nor Congress has adequately rec- Policy Council Act (15 U.S.C. 4809(4)) is know. I guarantee you that. A $70-plus amended— tified this breach of security. billion trade deficit with Japan. Whom (A) by striking ‘‘agent of a foreign prin- I submitted a bill dealing with the all of those are, we do not know. We cipal’’ and inserting ‘‘representative of a for- issue. The bottom line is with the end have gone from a $2 billion surplus eign principal’’; and of the cold war, our whole dynamic on with Mexico to a $20 billion deficit pro- (B) by striking ‘‘subsection (d) of the first foreign interest lobbying has switched jected this year. Who represents the section of the Foreign Agents Registration from sinister underground spy net- Government of Mexico? Who represents Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611)’’ and inserting works to trade and global competition. interests in Mexico? ‘‘section 1(d) of the Foreign Interests Rep- Many individuals and law firms who resentation Act (22 U.S.C. 611(d)),’’. (4) Section 34(a) of the Trading With the represent interests in these areas are b 1045 Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 34(a)) is amended exempt from registration under the by striking ‘‘Act of June 8, 1934 (ch. 327, 52 act. Mr. Chairman, Canada, $16 billion Stat. 631), as amended’’ and inserting ‘‘For- Now the bill deals with that, but not surplus. Who represents all those inter- eign Interests Representation Act’’. enough. The Traficant amendment ests? Here we are with North American Mr. TRAFICANT (during the read- would make them come in and submit free trade, Congress; we have a $36 bil- ing). Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous in writing the reasons why they should lion deficit in our own hemisphere. We consent that the amendment be consid- qualify for an exemption. have chased our workers out of the ered as read and printed in the RECORD. In addition to that, the bill basically, country, chased our factories out, and The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection and the focus, is changed from foreign we do not even require the people who to the request of the gentleman from agent representation act to foreign in- represent those interests to register. Ohio? terest representation act, and that is The Senate, the Senate said, ‘‘If you There was no objection. where it should be. add this on, it is gone, boy.’’ Let me The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Any person who engages in political tell you what, any Senate that would ant to the order of the House of Thurs- activities for the purpose of furthering reject this commonsense amendment is day, November 16, 1995, the gentleman commercial, industrial or financial op- a Senate that the American people can from Ohio [Mr. TRAFICANT] and a Mem- erations of a foreign interest would no do without. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13741 I do not know how much time I have that will ensure that the public has ac- law and watch a major bipartisan ac- left, Mr. Chairman, but I want to re- cess to information concerning lobby- complishment improve this process. tain some of my time to hear these il- ing activities here in Washington. I Any amendment offered today, no mat- lustrious rebuttals. think it is time we do that. ter how good it is, standing alone, is Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance There is bipartisan consensus that going to endanger this process. of my time. that is what we should do. There is bi- For that reason I ask Members to Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- partisan support for this bill that vote ‘‘no’’ and then to cosponsor the man, I yield myself such time as I may passed the Senate 98 to zero. Canady-Frank bill that will come after consume. I do not claim that this is a perfect it. I appreciate the interest of the gen- bill. But I do know that if history re- I want to say the gentleman from tleman from Ohio on this issue. I have peats itself, we will not get anything Florida [Mr. CANADY] has played this offered to work with the gentleman done on this issue, and I think the straight from the beginning. He played from Ohio on his concerns. American people want something done it straight last year when we were in I believe that the bill that is before and they are tired of excuses. They are the majority, and I was chairman of the House addresses the concerns that tired of delay. They are tired of games the Committee of jurisdiction, and he the gentleman has in a very sub- that are played, and it is time that we has played it straight this year as sub- stantive way. I believe that the bill ended that. committee chairman. I accept his com- takes a big step forward in improving So I would urge opposition to the mitment to do just what he said; that the information that will be available amendment, the well-intended amend- is, to have hearings and move this bill concerning foreign agents as well as ment, offered by the gentleman from out of here that contains many of the persons representing foreign business Ohio. things we would like to see done. interests. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance For the time being, please vote ‘‘no’’ As I have said before on the floor, I of my time. on the amendment today so we can believe that this whole issue of the rep- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. pass the bill. resentation of foreign interests is Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. something that we need to look into tleman from Texas [Mr. BRYANT], a Chairman, I yield myself such time as with greater detail. I am committed to major sponsor of this legislation on our I may consume. doing that in a comprehensive way side. Let me say the gentleman from Ohio early next year in the Subcommittee (Mr. BRYANT of Texas asked and has brought this to our attention be- on the Constitution. was given permission to revise and ex- fore. I agree with most of his amend- I am concerned that, in some ways, tend his remarks.) ment. the gentleman’s amendment would ac- Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Chair- This is a complex issue, and as the tually weaken what we have in the bill. man, I would like to say first to the gentleman from Florida pointed out, I think that that is a point that needs gentleman from Ohio [Mr. TRAFICANT] there is one point the gentleman from to be made and understood by the that what you are asking for in this Ohio acknowledges, and I appreciate it, Members. amendment is, in my opinion, the right that the legislation here would But I want to work with the gen- thing, as were several of the amend- strengthen regulation of foreign tleman from Ohio. I would urge the ments asked for last night, and I think agents. He makes the point that we can gentleman from Ohio to withdraw his I can speak with more credibility per- strengthen it further. We agree with amendment so that we can move for- haps than many of the Members of the him. ward with this important legislation, House about this because of the fact But there are two points that are rel- put this legislation on the President’s that over the last years I have intro- evant. First, and I think what hap- desk, and break the 40-year gridlock. I duced and on occasion passed legisla- pened was he quite sensibly drafted his understand what the gentleman has tion to require disclosure of foreign amendment to the existing law. This said, and I respect his perspective on ownership, sponsored and voted for leg- bill, as it came to us, changed the ex- this. Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, will islation to force disclosure of the lob- isting law. So, while his amendment the gentleman yield? bying connections between our former does, in fact, strengthen the regulation Mr. CANADY of Florida. I yield to Cabinet members and their clients of foreign interests in most instances, the gentleman from Ohio. after they leave and to prohibit them there is one instance, because of the Mr. TRAFICANT. Would the gen- from being able to lobby for or advise kind of problem that happens with tleman articulate where the Traficant foreign nationals or foreign companies. drafting, where he drafted to the origi- amendment weakens his bill? I agree with you. nal law and then the bill about came in Mr. CANADY of Florida. I will, Mr. It is not the amendment that you after that, and there is one provision Chairman. For instance, H.R. 2564, the have here today that is the problem. It here, domestic subsidiaries of foreign bill before the House now, eliminates is the fact that any amendment in this interests, which now have an exemp- the domestic subsidiary exemption setting is a problem. tion in the law, and the bill, as pre- which is currently in the law for for- As you know, the gentleman from sented, would abolish that exemption. eign corporations. Your amendment Massachusetts [Mr. FRANK] and the Domestic subsidiaries would have no would restore that exemption. Now, I gentleman from Florida [Mr. CANADY] exemption. What they have now is a think that is a weakening of the bill. are going to introduce legislation too generous exemption. Mr. TRAFICANT. Notification would which I intend to cosponsor that will The gentleman from Ohio under- allow it. We have to know the reasons, take these amendments and put them standably tightens up the exemption. sir. Let us be honest about that. Right into law. We will get to vote on this What he could not have known when he now that exemption goes without no- again. was drafting his bill was this legisla- tice. The Senate has not said that if you tion would do away with the exemption Mr. CANADY of Florida. Reclaiming put the Traficant amendment on we altogether. So, through no fault of any- my time, I urge the Members of the will kill this bill or if you put the one’s, in fact, in this one case his bill House to focus on the issue here. We Istook amendment on we will kill this weakens the scheme. In general, it debated this at great length yesterday bill; they have not said they are going strengthens it. His amendment, in gen- or earlier and at some length yester- to kill the bill at all. eral, strengthens it. In this one in- day. The point here is that we have a What we know, though, is if this bill stance, it weakens it because it modi- bill dealing with lobby disclosure re- goes to conference, as opposed to being fies an exemption we abolished alto- form. This is an issue that has been passed and going to the President, it is gether. tied up in the House and the Senate for going to be tied up and killed as it has I would note I mentioned yesterday more than 40 years. We have seen 40 been every time it has been attempted we have, and I am holding a bill here years of gridlock. for 40 years. that includes as cosponsors myself, the We have a historic opportunity today Here we have a historic opportunity gentleman from Texas [Mr. BRYANT], I to send a bill to the President to sign to pass this bill and see it signed into hope the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. H 13742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

TRAFICANT], the gentleman from Con- communication that is made on behalf there and modify it. That is the dif- necticut [Mr. SHAYS] on the other side, of a government of a foreign country or ference. and others. Not the chairman of the foreign political party and disclosed. I Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance subcommittee, because he quite under- have heard all of this talk about how it of my time. standably wants to preserve his ability is so much stronger. Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I to look at the whole thing. But he Let us talk about what your bill does yield myself 1 minute. promised us yesterday—and I have not do here, folks. Your bill does not Mr. Chairman, under my amendment, worked with him for years and he is a empower the opportunity of the Jus- and listen to the language, ‘‘Any per- man who has kept every promise he tice Department to subpoena foreign son who engages in political activities has ever made to other Members—there agents to appear, testify, or produce for the purpose of furthering the com- would be a hearing and markup of leg- records at administrative hearings con- mercial or financial operations of a for- islation that would focus specifically cerning their violation of registration. eign interest would no longer be ex- on tightening foreign agents’ registra- Your bill does not impose administra- empt. In addition, representatives of tion. tive fines for minor violations against foreign interests will now be required Here is our problem. As my friend those who, after being directly in- to notify the Attorney General’’ if they from Texas said, it is not anyone in the formed of their obligation to report, would even seek any technicality to Senate has said if you change it we will still fail to do so. So, as a result, the have such an exemption. kill the bill. It is worse than that. If we General Accounting Office says this is The only thing that I do is, I ban it had such a public threat, then the gen- meaningless. The Department of Jus- too, but I make sure that at least those tleman would be correct, the gen- tice is not going to go after these gnats have an intention of trying to get tleman from Ohio, and political pres- with an MX missile. around the registration have to show sure could be brought against them. Now, if there is some delineation and their hand here. I think that that But as the gentleman from Ohio under- clarification of exemption, I would sub- speaks well of it. If there could be any stands as well as anyone here, this bill mit I would have to see in writing more clarifying language, I would be has a lot of enemies who do not want to where the strength of your language is glad to accept it. admit they are its enemies. If we were that much stronger. But, given that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance dealing with someone who stood up and given that, when is it that there are of my time. said, amend it and I will kill it, we minor matters that deal in these issues Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. could deal with that. that cannot be rectified in the con- Chairman, I yield myself such time as This bill is not likely to be shot head ference with the U.S. Senate? Have we I may consume. on. It is likely to be nibbled at from all started to become subservient to the The gentleman had just said, first of sides. It will disappear. There will be House of Lords or what? all, he abolishes the exemption; but, quicksand here. There will be a bend in Let me say, I do not have that much second, he makes you tell the Attorney the road. We have a crowded legislative time. You guys are going to defeat the General if you are going to get it. That calendar. amendment. I want to say this to you: is like saying, ‘‘I didn’t take the bicy- It took a lot of energy to get this bill We have allowed foreign interests to cle, and it was fixed when I gave it up even today. If it has to go to con- run around this country lobbying our back to you, but it was broken when I ference with everything else going on, Government, and if not this bill today, took it.’’ with Bosnia, with the budget, with all then, damn it, when? That is what this The fact is that the gentleman, inad- the other major items, there is a bill is about. You are telling me you vertently perhaps, restores an exemp- strong likelihood of it being held up. are going to bring another bill back. It tion that this bill repeals, and saying The problem is not if you go to con- is going to go to the other body. They that the Attorney General has to tell ference and someone stands up and are going to like it then, and the Presi- us does not change the facts. That is says, ‘‘I hate this bill,’’ but people who dent is going to sign it. why this would benefit from being able want to kill it say, ‘‘I like this bill bet- What I am hearing today is: If it is to be worked on, as we will do in Janu- ter than you do. I want to do it this great legislation, it has no shot; if it is ary or February. way. I want to do it that way.’’ We mediocre, send it over, boys. Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- have no way to resolve it. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman So we believe, and we appreciate the Chairman, I yield myself the remainder from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. gentleman acknowledging this, we of my time. Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Chairman, I have a bill that improves the scheme of I am disappointed in my friend. We thank the gentleman for yielding time regulation of foreign interests. We are trying to work this out. You want to me. agree it does not go far enough. Our to posture and wave your arms, fine. Mr. Chairman, we are so close. We hope is that we would get this bill You asked me where is your bill are about this close from passing real passed, which we can do. If we get by weaker. We, in our bill here, page 26, lobby reform legislation, the length of this amendment without it being line 13, letter D, striking subsection the pen that the President of the Unit- adopted, this bill goes to the Presi- (q), subsection (q) of the law is an ex- ed States can use to sign this into law. dent’s desk, in my opinion, and we then emption granted to domestic subsidi- We have done it in a very contentious immediately thereafter begin to tight- aries of foreign agents. We abolish that Congress, on a bipartisan basis, with en it. We tighten it in ways where I exemption. Your bill merely amends it. people who said ‘‘Yes, let us have a gift think we have a consensus. Yes, your bill tightens this in some ban, and a strong gift ban,’’ and who The only change we would want to ways. But here is the specific case, now, after almost 50 years, five dec- make in the gentleman’s bill, I want to page 26, line 13. ades, are this close, the length of a pen, make, would be one I think he would Second, we are not being subservient to signing this into law and to make it agree with, we would want to continue to the Senate. We are recognizing what the law of the land that we are reform- to wipe out that exemption rather than you yourself understand. There are en- ing this Congress and regulating the to restore it. emies of this bill who, if it goes back lobby. With that, I hope the gentleman from into the parliamentary thicket, will Yes, I am very concerned about the Ohio would understand we say this in a make it less likely it emerges. lack of registration of foreign agents. cooperative spirit and want to get this There are some that are not registered. b 1100 bill to the President’s desk. But for every one of them, there are Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance That is why we want to get this thing dozens or hundreds of people that are of my time. done, and then move beyond that. But domestic agents that are not registered Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I I will say at this point, there is a very under our laws today. I am concerned yield myself 2 minutes. specific area, page 26, line 13, where we about the loss of jobs to other coun- Under the bill, section 8, lobbying strike an exemption for domestic sub- tries, but I am also concerned about contact, under exceptions, B, the term sidiaries of foreign interests, a pretty the loss of the public interest from this ‘‘lobbying contact’’ does not include a significant one, and you leave it in Capitol building. Let us do what is November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13743 right today: Defeat these amendments, want it to come back to them so in Mr. Chairman, there is some real place this on the President’s desk, sign conference they can take out the parts technical language in here that people it into law this year, and then move on they do not want. Others want to send can run with. Everybody says no, that to reform our campaign finance laws, the President a bill that he will veto, does not apply, the other section ap- on a bipartisan basis also. to embarrass the President. plies. A court of law is a funny place. Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, we have the oppor- The only thing I would like to say is yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from tunity to have for the first time since this: that the Traficant amendment western Pennsylvania [Mr. ENGLISH], 1946 meaningful lobby disclosure pass gives reasonable fines for reasonable replacing the big shoes of Tom Ridge, this Congress and be signed by the offenses. It provides a date certain and he has done a fine job. President. When they passed meaning- when individual agents representing Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. ful lobby disclosure in 1946 it was gut- foreign agents must register, and they Chairman, I thank the gentleman for ted by the Supreme Court in 1954. We have no more than a 30-day grace pe- yielding me the time, and for his hand- have a meaningless law right now on riod, January 30–July 30. some comments. the books. It is the reason that only The point I am making is, I listen to Mr. Chairman, the gentleman’s 6,000 people register as lobbyists, when these arguments but here is what trou- amendment, I think, provides fun- it is estimated that 60,000 to 80,000 peo- bles me. We all agree that this is damental reform of the registration of ple actually lobby Congress and lobby strengthening. If there is one question foreign agents. I think it is timely and the executive branch. We have an op- on the exemption language which, necessary, given that this aspect of the portunity to have these individuals quite frankly, I believe the intent of law has not been modified for many lobby, and to disclose that they lobby, my legislation prohibits any exemp- decades and is demanding of reform. It to disclose who pays them, to learn tions for commercial trade issues and, is an obscenity right now that most how much they are paid and to learn in fact, further makes notice that any- representatives of foreign interests do what they do. body who misreads that section must not register. They are not in the public The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. TRAFI- notify the Attorney General that they domain. The public is not protected CANT] has a good concept. I believe that think they may have an exemption, from them and is not provided with the will pass. I believe that we can bring make sure there is a process, before information that they need about the out a bill on its own, combined with a they could even consider having an ex- level of foreign interest representation. few others that have come forward in emption. My bill specifically in fact de- Mr. Chairman, let me say, there is no the course of this debate, but I urge my nies any exemption. I will read it: controversy here. The managers of this colleagues to recognize we are so close. ‘‘Any person who engages in political bill have conceded, despite some tech- We have the opportunity to defeat this activities for the purpose of furthering nical arguments, that generally this amendment, maybe defeat one more, commercial or financial operations of amendment would strengthen this bill. and then send it to the President and foreign interests would no longer be ex- That clearly is not in question here. I have it become law. empt.’’ think the managers of this bill have I would just conclude by congratulat- Yes, the trouble that we have is most made one real argument against this ing the gentleman from Florida [Mr. people do not know the law. There is amendment, that somehow it impedes CANADY] and congratulating the gen- no notification, which the Traficant the progress of the legislation. How- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. bill provides. There is no reasonable- ever, I would repeat my earlier argu- FRANK], and to tell them that it is re- ness in the fines. As a result, there is ment on previous amendments, like the freshing to participate, and to the gen- no enforcement. There are no subpoena English-Traficant amendment that was tleman from Texas [Mr. BRYANT] and powers. It is like saying we are going defeated last night by a very narrow others, to participate in a bipartisan to enforce the law, but we cannot sub- margin, that we need to do our busi- effort to get true lobby disclosure. poena your records. ness. Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I I have been here for a number of It has been conceded here that this yield myself such time as I may years and, quite frankly, I am abso- bill, this underlying bill, should be consume. lutely sickened by foreign interests stronger. I would submit that we will Mr. Chairman, No. 1, I do not want who rip us off. Let me say this: We feed public cynicism if we do not go any of my comments taken to in any might be concerned about the Senate’s forward and produce, here and now, the way cast any shadow of competency blind trust today, but I am concerned strongest possible bill, and have the and/or address to duty on behalf of the about foreign interests’ blindsiding of discipline to follow through and get a gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. the American economy. I think that is conference passed by both houses. I do FRANK], one of the most intelligent a hell of a lot more. not think we can jump start this by Members of this body, who has shep- However, I am going to do this. I am simply passing the Senate version herded a lot of these bills in the past, asking the chairman, because I have a which, as has been conceded, does not and the gentleman from Florida [Mr. commitment by the gentleman from go far enough in some particulars. CANADY], his effort, the gentleman Massachusetts [Mr. FRANK], will he in- Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- from Connecticut [Mr. SHAYS], both of clude the Traficant language with that man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- them extremely well qualified and do one minor clarification, in another tleman from Connecticut [Mr. SHAYS]. an excellent job. They have worked piece of legislation, and does that have Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I thank with the gentleman from Massachu- a shot to come out of this Congress? the gentleman for yielding time to me. setts [Mr. FRANK] and we probably Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- Mr. Chairman, this has been one of have the best brain trust involved in man, will the gentleman yield? the few issues that has been bipartisan the bill. When you talk about the gen- Mr. TRAFICANT. I yield to the gen- in the extraordinary leadership of the tleman from Texas [Mr. BRYANT], we tleman from Florida. gentleman from Florida [Mr. CANADY] talk about one of our more solid Mem- Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Chair- and the gentleman from Massachusetts bers who understands the Constitution man, as I have told the gentleman be- [Mr. FRANK], Republican and Democrat and can interpret law. fore, I want to work with the gen- coming together for the first time in 49 Saying that, Mr. Chairman, I agree tleman on this issue. We are going to years to pass meaningful lobby disclo- with everything the gentleman said. I consider the specific language that he sure. have some concerns with loopholes in has proposed here today, any changes The Senate wants the bill of the gen- your language. In section 3 under defi- he wants to make on it, any other sug- tleman from Ohio [Mr. TRAFICANT] to nitions, the definition of lobbying con- gestions he has on this general subject. pass. They want this bill to be sent tact calls for, in subsection B, under I want to move forward with as strong back to the Senate. Some do not like subsection 8, the term ‘‘lobbying con- a piece of legislation on this subject on the Simpson amendment in it; some do tact’’ does not include a communica- this legislation as we possibly can. not like for the first time the fact that tion that is made on behalf of a govern- Mr. TRAFICANT. I would ask the Senators will have to disclose their ment of a foreign country or a foreign gentleman, Mr. Chairman, is that a blind trusts, the full amount. They political entity. yes? H 13744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 Mr. CANADY of Florida. Yes. my colleagues to choose this path by passing Justifiable concerns were raised that if the Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. real lobbying reform. I urge my colleagues to Senate-version of this legislation were amend- Chairman, will the gentleman yield? support H.R. 2564. ed, the bill would become mired in a House- Mr. TRAFICANT. I yield to the gen- Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in Senate conference, and the possibility of en- tleman from Massachusetts. support of H.R. 2564, the Lobbying Disclosure acting any significant lobbying reform legisla- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Act of 1995. This historic legislation imposes tion would be substantially reduced. Therefore, Chairman, I can guarantee to the gen- new disclosure requirements for lobbyists who although I find merit in many of the amend- tleman, knowing the way this place contact legislative and executive branch offi- ments which are being offered during floor functions, that we will have a new bill cials and their staffs. consideration of H.R. 2564, I am voting come out, his language will be in it in Lobbying reform legislation is long overdue. against all changes to the underlying bill to some form, and if he does not like that In fact, Congress has failed to agree to com- avoid sending the legislation into a protracted form, we will have a vote on the floor prehensive legislation on this issue for 49 House-Senate conference. This scenario on his language, because we need a years. I have served in this body for almost 3 would result in delay and disagreement be- vote on this and other issues, and I can years and I am relieved to finally have the op- tween the two Chambers, which has in fact guarantee he can have a vote on this portunity to vote for genuine lobbying reform. undermined previous attempts at lobbying re- floor and I will be supporting it. Today, when the House adopts a rule to form. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, will the ban lobbyists from giving, and Members from Mr. Chairman, improvements in our out- gentleman yield? receiving, unnecessary gifts, such as meals dated lobbying registration and disclosure re- Mr. TRAFICANT. I yield to the gen- and vacations, it will be amending the 1946 quirements are long overdue. By promptly tleman from Connecticut. Federal Regulation and Lobbying Act. passing H.R. 2564 without amendment, we Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would The 1946 act is seen as having broad defi- can send this important measure to the Presi- like to point out, there are a number of ciencies: among other weaknesses, it does dent's desk for signature into law. I am hope- others of us who would like to speak in not cover executive branch lobbying, grass- ful that the House will consider separate legis- favor of such effort. roots lobbying, or the lobbying of congres- lation relating to the issues raised through the Mr. TRAFICANT. With that, Mr. sional staff. These deficiencies have dimin- amendment process in the coming months. Chairman, I think we have at least ished the public's trust in Congress and its ac- Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to ap- made our case. The blind trusts of the tions. prove this legislation in the same form as Senate are important, but there is the This issue should concern all Americans, passed by the Senate. H.R. 2564 is an impor- blindsiding of our economy by individ- because it indicates where the sympathies of tant reform bill which is worthy of strong bipar- uals trying to operate and get around their own Representatives lie, with them and tisan support. it. I agree, the gentleman’s intentions their neighbors or with special interest groups The CHAIRMAN. Are there further are honorable. based in Washington. amendments to the bill? Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- Polls clearly show that citizens continue to If not, under the rule, the Committee sent that my amendment, which in believe that special interests control the out- rises. text and in substance will be included come of legislative debate. It is time for the Accordingly the Committee rose; and in further legislation, from what I have House of Representatives and all of its Mem- the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. ALLARD) heard, now be withdrawn and there be bers to answer to the public's demand for lob- having assumed the chair, Mr. KOLBE, no labor of a vote. bying reform. Chairman of the Committee of the The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 re- Whole House on the State of the Union, to the request of the gentleman from forms the way special interest groups and lob- reported that that Committee, having Ohio? byists unduly influence legislation on Capitol had under consideration the bill (H.R. There was no objection. Hill. The legislation holds lobbyists responsible 2564) to provide for the disclosure of Mr. REED. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that and if they break the law, they will be pun- lobbying activities to influence the today, the House of Representatives is consid- ished with tens of thousands of dollars in Federal Government, and for other pur- ering H.R. 2564, legislation that will make fines. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. poses, pursuant to House Resolution long-overdue lobbying reforms. By approving 2564. 269, he reported the bill back to the this measure, the House will make real Mr. FAWELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in sup- House. changes in the lobbying process, and take an port of H.R. 2564, the Lobbying Disclosure Act The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under important step toward restoring the American of 1995. Unfortunately, current lobbying disclo- the rule, the previous question is or- people's faith in their government. sure requirements are riddled with loopholes, dered. Too often in the past, Congress has failed which may lead public officials to enact poli- The question is on the engrossment to effectively address the problems plaguing cies that benefit special interests, rather than and third reading of the bill. the lobbying process. Last year, for example, the public good. Building on Republican efforts The bill was ordered to be engrossed the House worked in a bipartisan manner to to end business as usual in Washington, H.R. and read a third time, and was read the approve meaningful lobbying reform legisla- 2564 would impose strict registration and dis- third time. tion, only to see the maneuvers of a few Re- closure requirements for lobbyists who contact The SPEAKER pro tempore. The publicans in the Senate block its enactment. legislative and executive branch officials or question is on the passage of the bill. Throughout this year, Democrats have their staffs. The bill would impose civil pen- The question was taken; and the called upon the Republican majority to move alties on lobbyists who fail to file or who report Speaker pro tempore announced that forward with similarly meaningful lobbying re- false information, prohibit former U.S. trade of- the ayes appeared to have it. form legislation. By bringing H.R. 2564 to the ficials from representing foreign entities, and Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speak- floor, the Republicans have at last heard and expand financial disclosure requirements for er, I object to the vote on the ground answered this call. This bill would require pro- Members of Congress. that a quorum is not present and make fessional lobbyists to identify their clients and In order to ensure that individuals who peti- the point of order that a quorum is not disclose how much they are paid for their ef- tion their congressional and Government rep- present. forts. It would also guarantee the American resentatives are not unfairly burdened with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- people full access to this information. disclosure laws, H.R. 2564 defines a lobbyist dently a quorum is not present. Earlier this month, the Judiciary Committee, as any individual who is employed or retained The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- of which I am a member, recognized the im- for compensation for services that include sent Members. portance of real lobbying reform and unani- more than one lobbying contact, other than an The vote was taken by electronic de- mously approved H.R. 2564. This impressive, individual whose lobbying activities constitute vice, and there were—yeas 421, nays 0, bipartisan support offers great promise for to- less than 20 percent of the time engaged in not voting 11, as follows: day's debate on the measure. the services provided by such individual to [Roll No. 828] Two weeks ago, the House demonstrated that client over a 6-month period. its commitment to reform by approving tough, There is strong bipartisan support for this YEAS—421 new gift rules. Today, the House can take an- legislation. In fact, the Senate passed an iden- Abercrombie Andrews Bachus Ackerman Archer Baesler other step on the path toward needed reform tical version of this legislationÐS. 1060Ðon Allard Armey Baker (CA) and restored public faith in Government. I urge July 25, 1995, by a vote of 98 to 0. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13745 Baker (LA) Ehlers Kim Pombo Sensenbrenner Tiahrt ernment, and for other purposes, and Baldacci Ehrlich King Pomeroy Serrano Torkildsen ask for its immediate consideration in Ballenger Emerson Kingston Porter Shadegg Torres Barcia Engel Kleczka Portman Shaw Torricelli the House. Barr English Klink Poshard Shays Traficant The Clerk read the title of the Senate Barrett (NE) Ensign Klug Pryce Shuster Upton bill. Barrett (WI) Eshoo Knollenberg Quillen Sisisky Velazquez The text of the Senate bill is as fol- Bartlett Evans Kolbe Quinn Skaggs Vento Barton Everett LaFalce Radanovich Skeen Visclosky lows: Bass Ewing LaHood Rahall Skelton Volkmer Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Bateman Farr Lantos Ramstad Slaughter Vucanovich resentatives of the United States of America in Becerra Fawell Largent Rangel Smith (MI) Waldholtz Congress assembled, Beilenson Fazio Latham Reed Smith (NJ) Walker SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Bentsen Fields (LA) LaTourette Regula Smith (TX) Walsh This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Lobbying Bereuter Fields (TX) Laughlin Richardson Smith (WA) Wamp Disclosure Act of 1995’’. Berman Filner Lazio Rivers Solomon Ward Roberts Souder Watt (NC) SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Bevill Flanagan Leach The Congress finds that— Bilbray Foglietta Levin Roemer Spence Watts (OK) Bilirakis Foley Lewis (CA) Rogers Spratt Waxman (1) responsible representative Government Bishop Forbes Lewis (GA) Rohrabacher Stark Weldon (FL) requires public awareness of the efforts of Bliley Ford Lewis (KY) Ros-Lehtinen Stearns Weldon (PA) paid lobbyists to influence the public deci- Blute Fowler Lightfoot Rose Stenholm Weller sionmaking process in both the legislative Boehlert Fox Lincoln Roukema Stockman White and executive branches of the Federal Gov- Boehner Frank (MA) Linder Roybal-Allard Stokes Whitfield ernment; Royce Studds Wicker Bonilla Franks (CT) Lipinski (2) existing lobbying disclosure statutes Bonior Franks (NJ) Livingston Rush Stump Williams Sabo Stupak Wilson have been ineffective because of unclear Bono Frelinghuysen LoBiondo statutory language, weak administrative and Borski Frisa Lofgren Salmon Talent Wise Boucher Frost Longley Sanders Tanner Wolf enforcement provisions, and an absence of Brewster Funderburk Lowey Sanford Tate Woolsey clear guidance as to who is required to reg- Browder Furse Lucas Sawyer Tauzin Wyden ister and what they are required to disclose; Saxton Taylor (MS) Wynn Brown (CA) Gallegly Luther and Scarborough Taylor (NC) Yates Brown (FL) Ganske Maloney (3) the effective public disclosure of the Schaefer Tejeda Young (AK) Brown (OH) Gejdenson Manton Schiff Thomas Young (FL) identity and extent of the efforts of paid lob- Brownback Gekas Manzullo Schroeder Thompson Zeliff byists to influence Federal officials in the Bryant (TN) Gephardt Markey Schumer Thornberry Zimmer conduct of Government actions will increase Bryant (TX) Geren Martinez Scott Thornton public confidence in the integrity of Govern- Bunn Gibbons Martini Seastrand Thurman Bunning Gilchrest Mascara ment. Burr Gillmor Matsui NOT VOTING—11 SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. Burton Gilman McCarthy As used in this Act: Cox Flake Towns Buyer Gonzalez McCollum (1) AGENCY.—The term ‘‘agency’’ has the Crane Hefner Tucker Callahan Goodlatte McCrery de la Garza Riggs Waters meaning given that term in section 551(1) of Calvert Goodling McDade Fattah Roth title 5, United States Code. Camp Gordon McDermott (2) CLIENT.—The term ‘‘client’’ means any Canady Goss McHale b 1134 person or entity that employs or retains an- Cardin Graham McHugh other person for financial or other compensa- Castle Green McInnis Mrs. LINCOLN and Mr. OWENS tion to conduct lobbying activities on behalf Chabot Greenwood McIntosh changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Chambliss Gunderson McKeon of that person or entity. A person or entity Chapman Gutierrez McKinney ‘‘yea.’’ whose employees act as lobbyists on its own Chenoweth Gutknecht McNulty So the bill was passed. behalf is both a client and an employer of Christensen Hall (OH) Meehan The result of the vote was announced such employees. In the case of a coalition or Chrysler Hall (TX) Meek association that employs or retains other Clay Hamilton Menendez as above recorded. Clayton Hancock Metcalf A motion to reconsider was laid on persons to conduct lobbying activities, the Clement Hansen Meyers the table. client is the coalition or association and not Clinger Harman Mfume its individual members. Clyburn Hastert Mica f (3) COVERED EXECUTIVE BRANCH OFFICIAL.— Coble Hastings (FL) Miller (CA) The term ‘‘covered executive branch offi- Coburn Hastings (WA) Miller (FL) PERSONAL EXPLANATION cial’’ means— Coleman Hayes Minge (A) the President; Collins (GA) Hayworth Mink Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Collins (IL) Hefley Moakley call No. 828, I was necessarily detained due (B) the Vice President; Collins (MI) Heineman Molinari to official business. Had I been present, I (C) any officer or employee, or any other Combest Herger Mollohan would have voted ``yea.'' individual functioning in the capacity of Condit Hilleary Montgomery such an officer or employee, in the Executive Conyers Hilliard Moorhead f Office of the President; Cooley Hinchey Moran (D) any officer or employee serving in a po- Costello Hobson Morella PERSONAL EXPLANATION sition in level I, II, III, IV, or V of the Execu- Coyne Hoekstra Murtha Cramer Hoke Myers Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. tive Schedule, as designated by statute or Crapo Holden Myrick 828, I was unavoidably detained on other leg- Executive order; Cremeans Horn Nadler islative business and was not able to cast my (E) any member of the uniformed services Cubin Hostettler Neal whose pay grade is at or above O–7 under sec- Cunningham Houghton Nethercutt vote within the allotted time. Had I been tion 201 of title 37, United States Code; and Danner Hoyer Neumann present, I would have voted ``yea.'' (F) any officer or employee serving in a po- Davis Hunter Ney f sition of a confidential, policy-determining, Deal Hutchinson Norwood DeFazio Hyde Nussle policy-making, or policy-advocating char- DeLauro Inglis Oberstar GENERAL LEAVE acter described in section 7511(b)(2) of title 5, DeLay Istook Obey Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speak- United States Code. Dellums Jackson-Lee Olver er, I ask unanimous consent that all (4) COVERED LEGISLATIVE BRANCH OFFI- Deutsch Jacobs Ortiz CIAL.—The term ‘‘covered legislative branch Diaz-Balart Jefferson Orton Members may have 5 legislative days official’’ means— Dickey Johnson (CT) Owens to revise and extend their remarks on (A) a Member of Congress; Dicks Johnson (SD) Oxley H.R. 2564, the bill just passed. Dingell Johnson, E. B. Packard (B) an elected officer of either House of Dixon Johnson, Sam Pallone The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. AL- Congress; Doggett Johnston Parker LARD). Is there objection to the request (C) any employee of, or any other individ- Dooley Jones Pastor of the gentleman from Florida? ual functioning in the capacity of an em- Doolittle Kanjorski Paxon ployee of— Dornan Kaptur Payne (NJ) There was no objection. Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speak- (i) a Member of Congress; Doyle Kasich Payne (VA) (ii) a committee of either House of Con- Dreier Kelly Pelosi er, pursuant to House Resolution 269, I gress; Duncan Kennedy (MA) Peterson (FL) call up the Senate bill (S. 1060) to pro- Dunn Kennedy (RI) Peterson (MN) (iii) the leadership staff of the House of Durbin Kennelly Petri vide for the disclosure of lobbying ac- Representatives or the leadership staff of the Edwards Kildee Pickett tivities to influence the Federal Gov- Senate; H 13746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

(iv) a joint committee of Congress; and (ix) required by subpoena, civil investiga- (10) LOBBYIST.—The term ‘‘lobbyist’’ means (v) a working group or caucus organized to tive demand, or otherwise compelled by stat- any individual who is employed or retained provide legislative services or other assist- ute, regulation, or other action of the Con- by a client for financial or other compensa- ance to Members of Congress; and gress or an agency; tion for services that include more than one (D) any other legislative branch employee (x) made in response to a notice in the Fed- lobbying contact, other than an individual serving in a position described under section eral Register, Commerce Business Daily, or whose lobbying activities constitute less 109(13) of the Ethics in Government Act of other similar publication soliciting commu- than 20 percent of the time engaged in the 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.). nications from the public and directed to the services provided by such individual to that (5) EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘‘employee’’ agency official specifically designated in the client over a six month period. means any individual who is an officer, em- notice to receive such communications; (11) MEDIA ORGANIZATION.—The term ployee, partner, director, or proprietor of a (xi) not possible to report without disclos- ‘‘media organization’’ means a person or en- person or entity, but does not include— ing information, the unauthorized disclosure tity engaged in disseminating information to (A) independent contractors; or of which is prohibited by law; the general public through a newspaper, (B) volunteers who receive no financial or (xii) made to an official in an agency with magazine, other publication, radio, tele- other compensation from the person or en- regard to— vision, cable television, or other medium of tity for their services. (I) a judicial proceeding or a criminal or mass communication. civil law enforcement inquiry, investigation, (6) FOREIGN ENTITY.—The term ‘‘foreign en- (12) MEMBER OF CONGRESS.—The term tity’’ means a foreign principal (as defined in or proceeding; or ‘‘Member of Congress’’ means a Senator or a (II) a filing or proceeding that the Govern- section 1(b) of the Foreign Agents Registra- Representative in, or Delegate or Resident ment is specifically required by statute or tion Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611(b)). Commissioner to, the Congress. regulation to maintain or conduct on a con- (7) LOBBYING ACTIVITIES.—The term ‘‘lobby- (13) ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘organiza- fidential basis, ing activities’’ means lobbying contacts and tion’’ means a person or entity other than an efforts in support of such contacts, including if that agency is charged with responsibility individual. preparation and planning activities, research for such proceeding, inquiry, investigation, (14) PERSON OR ENTITY.—The term ‘‘person and other background work that is intended, or filing; or entity’’ means any individual, corpora- at the time it is performed, for use in con- (xiii) made in compliance with written tion, company, foundation, association, tacts, and coordination with the lobbying ac- agency procedures regarding an adjudication labor organization, firm, partnership, soci- tivities of others. conducted by the agency under section 554 of ety, joint stock company, group of organiza- (8) LOBBYING CONTACT.— title 5, United States Code, or substantially tions, or State or local government. (A) DEFINITION.—The term ‘‘lobbying con- similar provisions; (15) PUBLIC OFFICIAL.—The term ‘‘public of- tact’’ means any oral or written communica- (xiv) a written comment filed in the course ficial’’ means any elected official, appointed tion (including an electronic communica- of a public proceeding or any other commu- official, or employee of— tion) to a covered executive branch official nication that is made on the record in a pub- (A) a Federal, State, or local unit of gov- or a covered legislative branch official that lic proceeding; ernment in the United States other than— is made on behalf of a client with regard to— (xv) a petition for agency action made in (i) a college or university; (i) the formulation, modification, or adop- writing and required to be a matter of public (ii) a government-sponsored enterprise (as record pursuant to established agency proce- tion of Federal legislation (including legisla- defined in section 3(8) of the Congressional dures; tive proposals); Budget and Impoundment Control Act of (xvi) made on behalf of an individual with (ii) the formulation, modification, or adop- 1974); regard to that individual’s benefits, employ- tion of a Federal rule, regulation, Executive (iii) a public utility that provides gas, elec- ment, or other personal matters involving order, or any other program, policy, or posi- tricity, water, or communications; only that individual, except that this clause tion of the United States Government; (iv) a guaranty agency (as defined in sec- does not apply to any communication with— (iii) the administration or execution of a tion 435(j) of the Higher Education Act of (I) a covered executive branch official, or Federal program or policy (including the ne- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(j))), including any affili- (II) a covered legislative branch official gotiation, award, or administration of a Fed- ate of such an agency; or (other than the individual’s elected Members (v) an agency of any State functioning as a eral contract, grant, loan, permit, or li- of Congress or employees who work under cense); or student loan secondary market pursuant to such Members’ direct supervision), section 435(d)(1)(F) of the Higher Education (iv) the nomination or confirmation of a with respect to the formulation, modifica- person for a position subject to confirmation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(d)(1)(F)); tion, or adoption of private legislation for (B) a Government corporation (as defined by the Senate. the relief of that individual; (B) EXCEPTIONS.—The term ‘‘lobbying con- in section 9101 of title 31, United States (xvii) a disclosure by an individual that is Code); tact’’ does not include a communication that protected under the amendments made by is— (C) an organization of State or local elect- the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, ed or appointed officials other than officials (i) made by a public official acting in the under the Inspector General Act of 1978, or public official’s official capacity; of an entity described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), under another provision of law; (iv), or (v) of subparagraph (A); (ii) made by a representative of a media or- (xviii) made by— (D) an Indian tribe (as defined in section ganization if the purpose of the communica- (I) a church, its integrated auxiliary, or a 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and tion is gathering and disseminating news and convention or association of churches that is Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)); information to the public; exempt from filing a Federal income tax re- (E) a national or State political party or (iii) made in a speech, article, publication turn under paragraph 2(A)(i) of section any organizational unit thereof; or or other material that is distributed and 6033(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (F) a national, regional, or local unit of made available to the public, or through or any foreign government. radio, television, cable television, or other (II) a religious order that is exempt from (16) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each medium of mass communication; filing a Federal income tax return under of the several States, the District of Colum- (iv) made on behalf of a government of a paragraph (2)(A)(iii) of such section 6033(a); foreign country or a foreign political party and bia, and any commonwealth, territory, or and disclosed under the Foreign Agents Reg- (xix) between— possession of the United States. istration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.); (I) officials of a self-regulatory organiza- SEC. 4. REGISTRATION OF LOBBYISTS. (v) a request for a meeting, a request for tion (as defined in section 3(a)(26) of the Se- (a) REGISTRATION.— the status of an action, or any other similar curities Exchange Act) that is registered (1) GENERAL RULE.—No later than 45 days administrative request, if the request does with or established by the Securities and Ex- after a lobbyist first makes a lobbying con- not include an attempt to influence a cov- change Commission as required by that Act tact or is employed or retained to make a ered executive branch official or a covered or a similar organization that is designated lobbying contact, whichever is earlier, such legislative branch official; by or registered with the Commodities Fu- lobbyist (or, as provided under paragraph (2), (vi) made in the course of participation in ture Trading Commission as provided under the organization employing such lobbyist), an advisory committee subject to the Fed- the Commodity Exchange Act; and shall register with the Secretary of the Sen- eral Advisory Committee Act; (II) the Securities and Exchange Commis- ate and the Clerk of the House of Represent- (vii) testimony given before a committee, sion or the Commodities Future Trading atives. subcommittee, or task force of the Congress, Commission, respectively; (2) EMPLOYER FILING.—Any organization or submitted for inclusion in the public relating to the regulatory responsibilities of that has 1 or more employees who are lobby- record of a hearing conducted by such com- such organization under that Act. ists shall file a single registration under this mittee, subcommittee, or task force; (9) LOBBYING FIRM.—The term ‘‘lobbying section on behalf of such employees for each (viii) information provided in writing in re- firm’’ means a person or entity that has 1 or client on whose behalf the employees act as sponse to an oral or written request by a cov- more employees who are lobbyists on behalf lobbyists. ered executive branch official or a covered of a client other than that person or entity. (3) EXEMPTION.— legislative branch official for specific infor- The term also includes a self-employed indi- (A) GENERAL RULE.—Notwithstanding para- mation; vidual who is a lobbyist. graphs (1) and (2), a person or entity whose— November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13747 (i) total income for matters related to lob- under this section shall be filed for each such SEC. 6. DISCLOSURE AND ENFORCEMENT. bying activities on behalf of a particular cli- client. The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk ent (in the case of a lobbying firm) does not (2) MULTIPLE CONTACTS.—A registrant who of the House of Representatives shall— exceed and is not expected to exceed $5,000; makes more than 1 lobbying contact for the (1) provide guidance and assistance on the or same client shall file a single registration registration and reporting requirements of (ii) total expenses in connection with lob- covering all such lobbying contacts. this Act and develop common standards, bying activities (in the case of an organiza- (d) TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION.—A reg- rules, and procedures for compliance with tion whose employees engage in lobbying ac- istrant who after registration— this Act; tivities on its own behalf) do not exceed or (1) is no longer employed or retained by a (2) review, and, where necessary, verify and are not expected to exceed $20,000, client to conduct lobbying activities, and inquire to ensure the accuracy, complete- (as estimated under section 5) in the semi- (2) does not anticipate any additional lob- ness, and timeliness of registration and re- annual period described in section 5(a) dur- bying activities for such client, ports; ing which the registration would be made is may so notify the Secretary of the Senate (3) develop filing, coding, and cross-index- not required to register under subsection (a) and the Clerk of the House of Representa- ing systems to carry out the purpose of this with respect to such client. tives and terminate its registration. Act, including— (B) ADJUSTMENT.—The dollar amounts in SEC. 5. REPORTS BY REGISTERED LOBBYISTS. (A) a publicly available list of all reg- subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted— (a) SEMIANNUAL REPORT.—No later than 45 istered lobbyists, lobbying firms, and their (i) on January 1, 1997, to reflect changes in days after the end of the semiannual period clients; and the Consumer Price Index (as determined by beginning on the first day of each January (B) computerized systems designed to min- the Secretary of Labor) since the date of en- and the first day of July of each year in imize the burden of filing and maximize pub- actment of this Act; and which a registrant is registered under sec- lic access to materials filed under this Act; (ii) on January 1 of each fourth year occur- tion 4, each registrant shall file a report (4) make available for public inspection ring after January 1, 1997, to reflect changes with the Secretary of the Senate and the and copying at reasonable times the reg- in the Consumer Price Index (as determined Clerk of the House of Representatives on its istrations and reports filed under this Act; by the Secretary of Labor) during the pre- lobbying activities during such semiannual (5) retain registrations for a period of at ceding 4-year period, period. A separate report shall be filed for least 6 years after they are terminated and reports for a period of at least 6 years after rounded to the nearest $500. each client of the registrant. they are filed; (b) CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION.—Each reg- (b) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—Each semi- istration under this section shall contain— annual report filed under subsection (a) shall (6) compile and summarize, with respect to (1) the name, address, business telephone contain— each semiannual period, the information number, and principal place of business of (1) the name of the registrant, the name of contained in registrations and reports filed the registrant, and a general description of the client, and any changes or updates to the with respect to such period in a clear and its business or activities; information provided in the initial registra- complete manner; (2) the name, address, and principal place tion; (7) notify any lobbyist or lobbying firm in of business of the registrant’s client, and a (2) for each general issue area in which the writing that may be in noncompliance with general description of its business or activi- registrant engaged in lobbying activities on this Act; and ties (if different from paragraph (1)); behalf of the client during the semiannual (8) notify the United States Attorney for (3) the name, address, and principal place filing period— the District of Columbia that a lobbyist or of business of any organization, other than (A) a list of the specific issues upon which lobbying firm may be in noncompliance with the client, that— a lobbyist employed by the registrant en- this Act, if the registrant has been notified (A) contributes more than $10,000 toward gaged in lobbying activities, including, to in writing and has failed to provide an appro- the lobbying activities of the registrant in a the maximum extent practicable, a list of priate response within 60 days after notice semiannual period described in section 5(a); bill numbers and references to specific exec- was given under paragraph (6). and utive branch actions; SEC. 7. PENALTIES. (B) in whole or in major part plans, super- (B) a statement of the Houses of Congress Whoever knowingly fails to— vises, or controls such lobbying activities. and the Federal agencies contacted by lobby- (1) remedy a defective filing within 60 days (4) the name, address, principal place of ists employed by the registrant on behalf of after notice of such a defect by the Secretary business, amount of any contribution of the client; of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of more than $10,000 to the lobbying activities (C) a list of the employees of the registrant Representatives; or of the registrant, and approximate percent- who acted as lobbyists on behalf of the cli- (2) comply with any other provision of this age of equitable ownership in the client (if ent; and Act; shall, upon proof of such knowing viola- any) of any foreign entity that— (D) a description of the interest, if any, of tion by a preponderance of the evidence, be (A) holds at least 20 percent equitable own- any foreign entity identified under section subject to a civil fine of not more than ership in the client or any organization iden- 4(b)(4) in the specific issues listed under sub- $50,000, depending on the extent and gravity tified under paragraph (3); paragraph (A). of the violation. (B) directly or indirectly, in whole or in (3) in the case of a lobbying firm, a good SEC. 8. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. major part, plans, supervises, controls, di- faith estimate of the total amount of all in- (a) CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.—Nothing in rects, finances, or subsidizes the activities of come from the client (including any pay- this Act shall be construed to prohibit or the client or any organization identified ments to the registrant by any other person interfere with— under paragraph (3); or for lobbying activities on behalf of the cli- (1) the right to petition the government for (C) is an affiliate of the client or any orga- ent) during the semiannual period, other the redress of grievances; nization identified under paragraph (3) and than income for matters that are unrelated (2) the right to express a personal opinion; has a direct interest in the outcome of the to lobbying activities; and or lobbying activity; (4) in the case of a registrant engaged in (3) the right of association, (5) a statement of— lobbying activities on its own behalf, a good protected by the first amendment to the (A) the general issue areas in which the faith estimate of the total expenses that the Constitution. registrant expects to engage in lobbying ac- registrant and its employees incurred in con- (b) PROHIBITION OF ACTIVITIES.—Nothing in tivities on behalf of the client; and nection with lobbying activities during the this Act shall be construed to prohibit, or to (B) to the extent practicable, specific is- semiannual filing period. authorize any court to prohibit, lobbying ac- sues that have (as of the date of the registra- (c) ESTIMATES OF INCOME OR EXPENSES.— tivities or lobbying contacts by any person tion) already been addressed or are likely to For purposes of this section, estimates of in- or entity, regardless of whether such person be addressed in lobbying activities; and come or expenses shall be made as follows: or entity is in compliance with the require- (6) the name of each employee of the reg- (1) Estimates of amounts in excess of ments of this Act. istrant who has acted or whom the reg- $10,000 shall be rounded to the nearest (c) AUDIT AND INVESTIGATIONS.—Nothing in istrant expects to act as a lobbyist on behalf $20,000. this Act shall be construed to grant general of the client and, if any such employee has (2) In the event income or expenses do not audit or investigative authority to the Sec- served as a covered executive branch official exceed $10,000, the registrant shall include a retary of the Senate or the Clerk of the or a covered legislative branch official in the statement that income or expenses totaled House of Representatives. 2 years before the date on which such em- less than $10,000 for the reporting period. SEC. 9. AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGN AGENTS ployee first acted (after the date of enact- (3) A registrant that reports lobbying ex- REGISTRATION ACT. ment of this Act) as a lobbyist on behalf of penditures pursuant to section 6033(b)(8) of The Foreign Agents Registration Act of the client, the position in which such em- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may sat- 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.) is amended— ployee served. isfy the requirement to report income or ex- (1) in section 1— (c) GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION.— penses by filing with the Secretary of the (A) by striking subsection (j); (1) MULTIPLE CLIENTS.—In the case of a reg- Senate and the Clerk of the House of Rep- (B) in subsection (o) by striking ‘‘the dis- istrant making lobbying contacts on behalf resentatives a copy of the form filed in ac- semination of political propaganda and any of more than 1 client, a separate registration cordance with section 6033(b)(8). other activity which the person engaging H 13748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 therein believes will, or which he intends to, (2) in paragraph (3) by striking all that fol- legislative branch official or a covered exec- prevail upon, indoctrinate, convert, induce, lows ‘‘loan shall contain’’ and inserting ‘‘the utive branch official shall— persuade, or in any other way influence’’ and name of any registrant under the Lobbying (1) if the client on whose behalf the lobby- inserting ‘‘any activity that the person en- Disclosure Act of 1995 who has made lobby- ing contact was made is a foreign entity, gaging in believes will, or that the person in- ing contacts on behalf of the person in con- identify such client, state that the client is tends to, in any way influence’’; nection with that loan insurance or guaran- considered a foreign entity under this Act, (C) in subsection (p) by striking the semi- tee.’’; and and state whether the person making the colon and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (6) and redesig- lobbying contact is registered on behalf of (D) by striking subsection (q); nating paragraph (7) as paragraph (6). that client under section 4; and (2) in section 3(g) (22 U.S.C. 613(g)), by (b) REMOVAL OF OBSOLETE REPORTING RE- (2) identify any other foreign entity identi- striking ‘‘established agency proceedings, QUIREMENT.—Section 1352 of title 31, United fied pursuant to section 4(b)(4) that has a di- whether formal or informal.’’ and inserting States Code, is further amended— rect interest in the outcome of the lobbying ‘‘judicial proceedings, criminal or civil law (1) by striking subsection (d); and activity. enforcement inquiries, investigations, or (2) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), (c) IDENTIFICATION AS COVERED OFFICIAL.— proceedings, or agency proceedings required and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), re- Upon request by a person or entity making a by statute or regulation to be conducted on spectively. lobbying contact, the individual who is con- the record.’’; SEC. 11. REPEAL OF CERTAIN LOBBYING PROVI- tacted or the office employing that individ- (3) in section 3 (22 U.S.C. 613) by adding at SIONS. ual shall indicate whether or not the individ- the end the following: (a) REPEAL OF THE FEDERAL REGULATION OF ual is a covered legislative branch official or ‘‘(h) Any agent of a person described in sec- LOBBYING ACT.—The Federal Regulation of a covered executive branch official. tion 1(b)(2) or an entity described in section Lobbying Act (2 U.S.C. 261 et seq.) is re- pealed. SEC. 15. ESTIMATES BASED ON TAX REPORTING 1(b)(3) if the agent is required to register and SYSTEM. does register under the Lobbying Disclosure (b) REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO Act of 1995 in connection with the agent’s HOUSING LOBBYIST ACTIVITIES.— (a) ENTITIES COVERED BY SECTION 6033(b) OF representation of such person or entity.’’; (1) Section 13 of the Department of Hous- THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.—A reg- (4) in section 4(a) (22 U.S.C. 614(a))— ing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. istrant that is required to report and does re- (A) by striking ‘‘political propaganda’’ and 3537b) is repealed. port lobbying expenditures pursuant to sec- inserting ‘‘informational materials’’; and (2) Section 536(d) of the Housing Act of 1949 tion 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code (B) by striking ‘‘and a statement, duly (42 U.S.C. 1490p(d)) is repealed. of 1986 may— (1) make a good faith estimate (by cat- signed by or on behalf of such an agent, set- SEC. 12. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ting forth full information as to the places, STATUTES. egory of dollar value) of applicable amounts times, and extent of such transmittal’’; (a) AMENDMENT TO COMPETITIVENESS POL- that would be required to be disclosed under (5) in section 4(b) (22 U.S.C. 614(b))— ICY COUNCIL ACT.—Section 5206(e) of the such section for the appropriate semiannual (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by Competitiveness Policy Council Act (15 period to meet the requirements of sections striking ‘‘political propaganda’’ and insert- U.S.C. 4804(e)) is amended by inserting ‘‘or a 4(a)(3), 5(a)(2), and 5(b)(4); and ing ‘‘informational materials’’; and lobbyist for a foreign entity (as the terms (2) in lieu of using the definition of ‘‘lobby- (B) by striking ‘‘(i) in the form of prints, ‘lobbyist’ and ‘foreign entity’ are defined ing activities’’ in section 3(8) of this Act, or’’ and all that follows through the end of under section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure consider as lobbying activities only those ac- the subsection and inserting ‘‘without plac- Act of 1995)’’ after ‘‘an agent for a foreign tivities that are influencing legislation as ing in such informational materials a con- principal’’. defined in section 4911(d) of the Internal Rev- spicuous statement that the materials are (b) AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 18, UNITED enue Code of 1986. distributed by the agent on behalf of the for- STATES CODE.—Section 219(a) of title 18, (b) ENTITIES COVERED BY SECTION 162(e) OF eign principal, and that additional informa- United States Code, is amended— THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.—A reg- tion is on file with the Department of Jus- (1) by inserting ‘‘or a lobbyist required to istrant that is subject to section 162(e) of the tice, Washington, District of Columbia. The register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may— Attorney General may by rule define what of 1995 in connection with the representation (1) make a good faith estimate (by cat- constitutes a conspicuous statement for the of a foreign entity, as defined in section 3(7) egory of dollar value) of applicable amounts purposes of this subsection.’’; of that Act’’ after ‘‘an agent of a foreign that would not be deductible pursuant to (6) in section 4(c) (22 U.S.C. 614(c)), by principal required to register under the For- such section for the appropriate semiannual striking ‘‘political propaganda’’ and insert- eign Agents Registration Act of 1938’’; and period to meet the requirements of sections ing ‘‘informational materials’’; (2) by striking out ‘‘, as amended,’’. 4(a)(3), 5(a)(2), and 5(b)(4); and (7) in section 6 (22 U.S.C. 616)— (c) AMENDMENT TO FOREIGN SERVICE ACT OF (2) in lieu of using the definition of ‘‘lobby- (A) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘and all 1980.—Section 602(c) of the Foreign Service ing activities’’ in section 3(8) of this Act, statements concerning the distribution of Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4002(c)) is amended by consider as lobbying activities only those ac- political propaganda’’; inserting ‘‘or a lobbyist for a foreign entity tivities, the costs of which are not deductible (B) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘, and one (as defined in section 3(7) of the Lobbying pursuant to section 162(e) of the Internal copy of every item of political propaganda’’; Disclosure Act of 1995)’’ after ‘‘an agent of a Revenue Code of 1986. and foreign principal (as defined by section 1(b) (c) DISCLOSURE OF ESTIMATE.—Any reg- (C) in subsection (c) by striking ‘‘copies of of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of istrant that elects to make estimates re- political propaganda,’’; 1938)’’. quired by this Act under the procedures au- (8) in section 8 (22 U.S.C. 618)— SEC. 13. SEVERABILITY. thorized by subsection (a) or (b) for reporting (A) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ‘‘or in If any provision of this Act, or the applica- or threshold purposes shall— any statement under section 4(a) hereof con- tion thereof, is held invalid, the validity of (1) inform the Secretary of the Senate and cerning the distribution of political propa- the remainder of this Act and the applica- the Clerk of the House of Representatives ganda’’; and tion of such provision to other persons and that the registrant has elected to make its (B) by striking subsection (d); and circumstances shall not be affected thereby. estimates under such procedures; and (9) in section 11 (22 U.S.C. 621) by striking SEC. 14. IDENTIFICATION OF CLIENTS AND COV- (2) make all such estimates, in a given cal- ‘‘, including the nature, sources, and content ERED OFFICIALS. endar year, under such procedures. of political propaganda disseminated or dis- (a) ORAL LOBBYING CONTACTS.—Any person (d) STUDY.—Not later than March 31, 1997, tributed’’. or entity that makes an oral lobbying con- the Comptroller General of the United States SEC. 10. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYRD AMEND- tact with a covered legislative branch offi- shall review reporting by registrants under MENT. cial or a covered executive branch official subsections (a) and (b) and report to the Con- (a) REVISED CERTIFICATION REQUIRE- shall, on the request of the official at the gress— MENTS.—Section 1352(b) of title 31, United time of the lobbying contact— (1) the differences between the definition of States Code, is amended— (1) state whether the person or entity is ‘‘lobbying activities’’ in section 3(8) and the (1) in paragraph (2) by striking subpara- registered under this Act and identify the definitions of ‘‘lobbying expenditures’’, ‘‘in- graphs (A), (B), and (C) and inserting the fol- client on whose behalf the lobbying contact fluencing legislation’’, and related terms in lowing: is made; and sections 162(e) and 4911 of the Internal Reve- ‘‘(A) the name of any registrant under the (2) state whether such client is a foreign nue Code of 1986, as each are implemented by Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 who has entity and identify any foreign entity re- regulations; made lobbying contacts on behalf of the per- quired to be disclosed under section 4(b)(4) (2) the impact that any such differences son with respect to that Federal contract, that has a direct interest in the outcome of may have on filing and reporting under this grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; and the lobbying activity. Act pursuant to this subsection; and ‘‘(B) a certification that the person making (b) WRITTEN LOBBYING CONTACTS.—Any per- (3) any changes to this Act or to the appro- the declaration has not made, and will not son or entity registered under this Act that priate sections of the Internal Revenue Code make, any payment prohibited by subsection makes a written lobbying contact (including of 1986 that the Comptroller General may (a).’’; an electronic communication) with a covered recommend to harmonize the definitions. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13749 SEC. 16. REPEAL OF THE RAMSPECK ACT. ‘‘(I) greater than $25,000,000 but not more by this Act shall take effect on January 1, (a) REPEAL.—Subsection (c) of section 3304 than $50,000,000; and 1996. of title 5, United States Code, is repealed. ‘‘(J) greater than $50,000,000.’’. (b) The repeals and amendments made (b) REDESIGNATION.—Subsection (d) of sec- (c) EXCEPTION.—Section 102(e)(1) of the under sections 13, 14, 15, and 16 shall take ef- tion 3304 of title 5, United States Code, is re- Ethics in Government Act of 1978 is amended fect as provided under subsection (a), except designated as subsection (c). by adding after subparagraph (E) the follow- that such repeals and amendments— (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The repeal and ing: (1) shall not affect any proceeding or suit amendment made by this section shall take ‘‘(F) For purposes of this section, cat- commenced before the effective date under effect 2 years after the date of the enactment egories with amounts or values greater than subsection (a), and in all such proceedings or of this Act. $1,000,000 set forth in sections 102(a)(1)(B) and suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals SEC. 17. EXCEPTED SERVICE AND OTHER EXPERI- 102(d)(1) shall apply to the income, assets, or taken, and judgments rendered in the same ENCE CONSIDERATIONS FOR COM- liabilities of spouses and dependent children manner and with the same effect as if this PETITIVE SERVICE APPOINTMENTS. only if the income, assets, or liabilities are Act had not been enacted; and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3304 of title 5, held jointly with the reporting individual. (2) shall not affect the requirements of United States Code (as amended by section 2 All other income, assets, or liabilities of the Federal agencies to compile, publish, and re- of this Act) is further amended by adding at spouse or dependent children required to be tain information filed or received before the the end thereof the following new subsection: reported under this section in an amount or effective date of such repeals and amend- ‘‘(d) The Office of Personnel Management value greater than $1,000,000 shall be cat- ments. shall promulgate regulations on the manner egorized only as an amount or value greater The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and extent that experience of an individual than $1,000,000.’’. ant to House Resolution 269, the pre- in a position other than the competitive SEC. 21. BAN ON TRADE REPRESENTATIVE REP- service, such as the excepted service (as de- RESENTING OR ADVISING FOREIGN vious question is ordered. The question fined under section 2103) in the legislative or ENTITIES. is on the third reading of the Senate judicial branch, or in any private or non- (a) REPRESENTING AFTER SERVICE.—Section bill. profit enterprise, may be considered in mak- 207(f)(2) of title 18, United States Code, is The Senate bill was ordered to be ing appointments to a position in the com- amended by— read a third time, was read the third petitive service (as defined under section (1) inserting ‘‘or Deputy United States time, and passed, and a motion to re- 2102). In promulgating such regulations OPM Trade Representative’’ after ‘‘is the United States Trade Representative’’; and consider was laid on the table. shall not grant any preference based on the A similar House bill (H.R. 2564) was fact of service in the legislative or judicial (2) striking ‘‘within 3 years’’ and inserting branch. The regulations shall be consistent ‘‘at any time’’. laid on the table. with the principles of equitable competition (b) LIMITATION ON APPOINTMENT AS UNITED f STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE AND DEPUTY and merit based appointments.’’. MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE.— made by this section shall take effect 2 years Section 141(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 IN ENROLLMENT OF S. 1060, LOB- after the date of the enactment of this Act, U.S.C. 2171(b)) is amended by adding at the BYING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1995 except the Office of Personnel Management end the following new paragraph: Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speak- shall— ‘‘(3) LIMITATION ON APPOINTMENTS.—A per- son who has directly represented, aided, or er, I offer a concurrent resolution (H. (1) conduct a study on excepted service Con. Res. 116) directing the Secretary considerations for competitive service ap- advised a foreign entity (as defined by sec- pointments relating to such amendment; and tion 207(f)(3) of title 18, United States Code) of the Senate to make technical cor- (2) take all necessary actions for the regu- in any trade negotiation, or trade dispute, rections in the enrollment of S. 1060, lations described under such amendment to with the United States may not be appointed and ask unanimous consent for its im- take effect as final regulations on the effec- as United States Trade Representative or as mediate consideration in the House. tive date of this section. a Deputy United States Trade Representa- The Clerk read the title of the con- tive.’’. SEC. 18. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. current resolution. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments An organization described in section made by this section shall apply with respect The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to an individual appointed as United States objection to the request of the gen- which engages in lobbying activities shall Trade Representative or as a Deputy United tleman from Florida? not be eligible for the receipt of Federal States Trade Representative on or after the Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. funds constituting an award, grant, contract, date of enactment of this Act. loan, or any other form. Speaker, reserving the right to object, SEC. 22. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST I yield to the gentleman from Florida SEC. 19. AMENDMENT TO THE FOREIGN AGENTS IN QUALIFIED BLIND TRUST. REGISTRATION ACT (P.L. 75–583). to explain the purpose of his unani- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102(a) of the Eth- Strike section 11 of the Foreign Agents ics in Government Act of 1978 is amended by mous-consent request. Registration Act of 1938, as amended, and in- adding at the end thereof the following: Mr. CANADY of Florida. I thank the sert in lieu thereof the following: ‘‘(8) The category of the total cash value of gentleman for yielding. ‘‘SECTION 11. REPORTS TO THE CONGRESS.— any interest of the reporting individual in a Mr. Speaker, the concurrent resolu- The Attorney General shall every six months qualified blind trust, unless the trust instru- tion directs the enrolling clerk to cor- report to the Congress concerning adminis- ment was executed prior to July 24, 1995 and rect solely technical errors in the Sen- tration of this Act, including registrations precludes the beneficiary from receiving in- filed pursuant to the Act, and the nature, ate bill, especially with respect to formation on the total cash value of any in- some erroneous cross references. It sources and content of political propaganda terest in the qualified blind trust.’’. disseminated and distributed.’’. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section makes no substantive changes in the SEC. 20. DISCLOSURE OF THE VALUE OF ASSETS 102(d)(1) of the Ethics in Government Act of bill. The concurrent resolution is nec- UNDER THE ETHICS IN GOVERN- 1978 is amended by striking ‘‘and (5) and in- essary so that the bill that will be sent MENT ACT OF 1978. serting ‘‘(5), and (8)’’. to the President will be technically (a) INCOME.—Section 102(a)(1)(B) of the (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— correct. Ethics in Government Act of 1978 is amend- (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. ed— paragraph (2), the amendment made by this Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of (1) in clause (vii) by striking ‘‘or’’; and section shall apply with respect to reports (2) by striking clause (viii) and inserting filed under title I of the Ethics in Govern- objection. the following: ment Act of 1978 for calendar year 1996 and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ‘‘(viii) greater than $1,000,000 but not more thereafter. objection to the request of the gen- than $5,000,000, or SEC. 23. SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT LOBBYING tleman from Florida? ‘‘(ix) greater than $5,000,000.’’. EXPENSES SHOULD REMAIN NON- There was no objection. (b) ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.—Section DEDUCTIBLE. The Clerk read the concurrent reso- 102(d)(1) of the Ethics in Government Act of (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate finds that ordi- lution, as follows: 1978 is amended— nary Americans generally are not allowed to (1) in subparagraph (F) by striking ‘‘and’’; deduct the costs of communicating with H. CON. RES. 116 and their elected representatives. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the (2) by striking subparagraph (G) and in- (b) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense Senate concurring), That in the enrollment of serting the following: of the Senate that lobbying expenses should the bill S. 1060, to provide for the disclosure ‘‘(G) greater than $1,000,000 but not more not be tax deductible. of lobbying activities to influence the Fed- than $5,000,000; SEC. 24. EFFECTIVE DATES. eral Government, and for other purposes, the ‘‘(H) greater than $5,000,000 but not more (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Secretary of the Senate shall make the fol- than $25,000,000; section, this Act and the amendments made lowing corrections: H 13750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 (1) In section 6(8), strike ‘‘6’’ and insert yond that, Mr. Speaker, I want my col- b 1145 ‘‘7’’. leagues to know that this work would (2) In section 9(7), insert ‘‘and’’ after the We have now completed a bottom-up not have been able to be done success- review of all of our agencies. This is all semicolon, in section 9(8), strike ‘‘; and’’ and fully without the assistance of very insert a period, and strike paragraph (9) of part of a process of justifying each pro- section 9. fine staff, headed by my chief of staff gram’s existence and examining how (3) In section 12(c), strike ‘‘7’’ and insert within the committee, Mr. Frank Cush- taxpayer dollars are being used. I in- ‘‘6’’. ing, and his colleagues. tend to continue this approach next (4) In section 15(a)(2), strike ‘‘8’’ and insert I would also like to mention, Mr. year so that every program within ‘‘7’’. Speaker, that within my personal staff every agency under our jurisdiction re- (5) In section 15(b)(1), strike ‘‘, 5(a)(2),’’ and a great deal of assistance was provided in section 15(b)(2), strike ‘‘8’’ and insert ‘‘7’’. ceives the kind of necessary scrutiny for me, I would like to extend my ap- to find appropriate savings. (6) In section 24(b), strike ‘‘13, 14, 15, and preciation particularly today to David 16’’ and insert ‘‘9, 10, 11, and 12’’. The subcommittee began working on LesStrang, Jeff Shockey, and one of this bill on January 24 when we held The concurrent resolution was agreed my key staff people who will be leaving to. the first of over 20 separate hearings. us shortly, Mr. Doc Syers. When our bill passed the House in late A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. Speaker, it is with a combination the table. July we showed a reduction from the of pleasure and pain that I bring this 1995 enacted level of $9.7 billion, while f bill to the floor today, and I would sug- the Senate showed a reduction of $8.4 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2099, gest first that the pleasure is there be- billion in budget authority. DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS cause I am very proud of the fact that As I noted, the conferees essentially AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND this subcommittee has led the way in split the difference for a net reduction URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND putting Uncle Sam on a diet. This bill of over $9 billion. INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPRO- represents $10.1 billion as a down pay- However, during the process we were PRIATIONS ACT, 1996 ment toward balancing the budget by also able to take advantage of an addi- 2002. tional 1 year’s legislative savings, a Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to I must say, Mr. Speaker, up until House Resolution 280, I call up the con- provision at HUD, thus giving us an ad- now we have been talking about mov- ditional $1 billion, with which to better ference report on the bill (H.R. 2099) ing toward balancing the budget. This, making appropriations for the Depart- fund housing programs. however, is where the rubber meets the Let me at this time take a moment ments of Veterans Affairs and Housing road. It is one thing to talk. It is an- to share some of the positive actions and Urban Development, and for sun- other thing to make the very, very recently taken by the House-Senate dry independent agencies, boards, com- tough decisions. conference meeting. We provided an in- missions, corporations, and offices for Let me suggest that the pain that I crease of $400 million over the 1995 the fiscal year ending September 30, mentioned earlier involves that very level for VA medical care and were able 1996, and for other purposes. fact. Unfortunately, the spirit of bipar- to do away with the so-called incom- The Clerk read the title of the bill. tisanship among the committee mem- petent veterans’ legislative savings The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. EM- bers that has long been a hallmark of provision that was of concern to many. ERSON). Pursuant to rule XXVIII, the the Committee on Appropriations has We provided some $24.4 billion for HUD conference report is considered as hav- suffered as a result of our taking a dif- programs. While this is a reduction ing been read. ferent turn in the road regarding this from the budget request, it actually (For conference report and state- country’s spending habits. Even as we represents a program level of $1 billion ment, see proceedings of the House of continue to travel on that road to bal- over the earlier House-passed bill. November 17, 1995, at page H13249). ance the budget, I pledge to do all that Most importantly, this increase The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- I can, Mr. Speaker, to bring this sub- would achieve for 1996 without ad- tleman from California [Mr. LEWIS] and committee back to that bipartisan versely impacting our outlay problems the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. STOKES] spirit that we have lost this year. in 1997 and beyond. each will be recognized for 30 minutes. This conference report reflects a will- In the bill we terminated four Fed- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ingness to make the very tough deci- eral agencies for savings of $705 mil- from California [Mr. LEWIS]. sions and to meet the spending targets lion, including the Office of Consumer GENERAL LEAVE necessary to balance the budget in 7 Affairs, the Chemical Safety and Haz- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- years. As I have suggested, out of 13 ap- ards Investigation Board, Community er, I ask unanimous consent that all propriations subcommittees, the VA– Development Financial Institutions, Members may have 5 legislative days HUD bill makes the single largest con- and the Corporation for National Com- in which to revise and extend their re- tribution toward balancing the budget. munity Service. marks on the conference report on H.R. It does not wait until year 5 or year 7 We fully funded the space station and 2099 as well as the Senate amendments or year 10. We are making the tough space shuttle programs, even though reported in disagreement, and that I decisions today. No longer will we tol- NASA took its fair share of downsizing may include charts, tables and other erate paying lip service to the goal of like every other department and agen- extraneous materials. deficit reduction. cy under this subcommittee’s jurisdic- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there This conference report of $61.3 billion tion. objection to the request of the gen- in new discretionary spending rep- We provided over $1.1 billion to con- tleman from California? resents a reduction in budget authority tinue the Superfund Program at EPA There was no objection. of 13.1 percent, and it is about $9.25 bil- and over $2.3 billion for wastewater, Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- lion below the administration’s re- drinking water, and various categorical er, I yield myself such time as I may quested spending level for fiscal year grants to the States so they can ade- consume. 1996. quately meet Federal environmental Mr. Speaker, we have before us H.R. To say the least, the decisions that mandates. 2099, which is a very, very complex bill led to these reductions were certainly We also created a performance part- dealing with diverse agencies such as not easy ones to make. The work of the nership program between the EPA and veterans, housing, EPA, NASA, and a Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Inde- the States so that these funds can be variety of other independent agencies pendent Agencies has changed dramati- used where the States believe they are and commissions. cally from last year. No longer do we most needed. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to simply compare the agency account on Finally, we have not included any of start my comments by expressing my the basis of what they received last the EPA legislative provisions as deep appreciation for my colleagues year, then add on a certain amount for passed by the House and only four within the subcommittee who have inflation and maybe tack on some passed by the Senate. Of those, three worked so hard to bring this package more there to establish a new base were included in last year’s bill signed together in a successful fashion. Be- level. by the President. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13751 Mr. Speaker, please allow me to di- set the foundation for the years ahead. The challenge facing the subcommit- gress for just a moment with respect to One specific area of special note in this tee in the coming years will be dif- the HUD programs. As I mentioned, we regard is the renewal of section 8 sub- ficult, but we have made great progress were able to do a little more this year sidy contracts. Over the next 2 years, this year, and I look forward to work- than we first thought. However, each the cost of renewing section 8 expiring ing with my colleagues to find reason- successive year will get more and more difficult with respect to HUD outlays contracts will increase from $4.35 bil- able solutions to complex issues like as payment for some of the budget au- lion in 1996 to $14.4 billion by 1998. This this section 8 issue. thority approved in past years finally will occur despite the fact that we have Mr. Speaker, I am including in the comes due. passed legislation which actually low- RECORD a table illustrating the afore- The choices we make this year will ers HUD spending levels from past mentioned section 8 problem. go beyond fiscal year 1996. Indeed, they years. SECTION 8—RENEWAL OF EXPIRING CONTRACTS [Dollars in thousands]

1996 Budget 1997 Budget 1998 Budget Units authority Units authority Units authority

Certificates ...... 241,206 $2,993,597 213,590 $2,709,631 579,193 $7,517,923 Vouchers ...... 58,798 729,739 100,389 1,273,548 242,256 3,095,473 LMSA ...... 120,587 475,354 126,591 1,637,370 227,794 2,835,182 Property disposition ...... 4,464 35,194 12,738 103,439 17,351 156,649 Moderate rehabilitation ...... 8,016 99,486 18,232 231,294 30,409 394,709 New construction/substantial rehabilitation ...... 1,957 17,492 15,667 144,233 45,208 436,083 Total ...... 435,028 4,350,862 487,207 6,099,515 1,142,211 14,436,019

Note.—Totals may not add due to rounding. Budget authority in 1997 and 1998 reflects LMSA contract renewals with one-year terms calculated from assumptions contained in HUD’s 1996 estimates.

Mr. LEWIS of California. I would like meeting many other critical needs. needs, many of which are under the to make an additional observation with This is a good, tough, fair bill, and it subcommittee’s jurisdiction. I believe, regard to HUD. My experience in work- deserves the bipartisan support of this however, that there is considerable op- ing with HUD Secretary Henry body. I strongly urge adoption of the portunity to try to meet these basic Cisneros and NASA Administrator Dan conference report and urge your sup- and pressing priorities upon which mil- Golden illustrate how valuable partner- port. lions of Americans depend—even in ships can be when faced with tough Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of this budget climate. spending decisions. Both have reached my time. When this bill first came before the out and been helpful in outlining their Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield House in July, I argued then against specific priorities. myself such time as I may consume. drastic funding cuts and harmful legis- I had hoped such a partnership would Mr. Speaker, there is no one in this lative provisions in housing, the envi- be possible in working with President House for whom I have greater respect ronmental, and veterans programs. I Clinton’s chief of staff Leon Panetta to or higher regard than the chairman of think my colleagues on this side of the fashion a bill President Clinton would our subcommittee, JERRY LEWIS of aisle can take tremendous credit for support. To date it appears we are far California. He brings before the House having heightened awareness about from any final agreement. a tough bill and I am aware of the long these negative actions to the extent It is important to note to my col- hours and how much personal time and that the conference report before us leagues for the record that the admin- sacrifice he has committed to this ef- has made some important positive istration fully expects to veto this bill. fort. I also want to recognize all of the steps to correcting some of these con- At a meeting almost 2 weeks ago, Mr. subcommittee staff for their tireless cerns. Unfortunately, not enough has Panetta informed Chairman BOND, Sen- work on this bill, along with my own been done and therefore I must still op- ator MIKULSKI, the gentleman from staff persons. pose this measure. Ohio, Mr. STOKES, and me that this bill I regret having to rise in opposition In fact, the President agrees with my would be vetoed regardless of what we to the conference report on H.R. 2099, position and has already indicated that did to address the President’s prior- the Fiscal Year 1996 Appropriations he will veto this bill if it is presented ities. If this is correct, then the true Act for the Departments of Veterans to him in its present form. In his state- losers will be the millions of Ameri- Affairs, Housing and Urban Develop- ment on H.R. 2099, the President stated cans who counted on the many pro- ment, and Independent Agencies. My and I quote: grams that would be continued and opposition to this legislation is predi- The bill provides insufficient funds to sup- properly funded under this agreement. cated upon the fact that the lives of port the important activities covered by this I might mention, Mr. Speaker, at millions of Americans will be dev- bill. It would threaten public health and the this point that for those of you among astated if this measure is passed in its environment, and programs that are helping communities help themselves, close the door my colleagues who care about veter- current form. on college from thousands of young people, ans’ medical care programs, who care Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed dur- and leave veterans seeking medical care with about housing programs, who are con- ing this Congress, a new leadership fewer treatment options. This bill does not cerned about EPA, it should be noted with an ambitious plan to implement reflect the values that Americans hold dear. that the only money those programs its Contract With America. While my Let me take a moment to explain to will receive in the coming year will be Republican colleagues laud their dis- you why this bill is so unacceptable to as a result of this conference report cipline in terms of advancing the con- the President and those of us who care successfully being signed into law. To tract, I worry that they have shown a about the people dependent upon the do otherwise will leave them with a blindspot to the high cost in human programs in this bill. base of funding considerably less than suffering and damage to this country’s For veterans programs, this bill is available in this bill. precious resources that this legislation still almost $1 billion below the Presi- So I would suggest my colleagues on will extract. This is certainly the case dent’s request. You know how mis- both sides of the aisle make note of with the conference report on H.R. 2099. guided this bill must be when programs that. This is your chance to provide Having previously served as chair- serving those brave men and women funding that is needed for veterans’ man of the VA–HUD Subcommittee, I who sacrificed and protected our na- programs and housing and the like. am acutely aware of the complexities tional interest are not adequately Mr. Speaker, this conference report of the subcommittee’s bill. I am also funded. Further, there are unprece- strikes a careful balance in caring for aware of the problems with the Federal dented retaliatory limitations placed our veterans, housing people in need, deficit and the call for Government re- on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs protecting the environment, ensuring form which have heightened the prob- because he spoke out strongly against America’s future role in space, and lems of providing funding for essential the cuts in these programs for these H 13752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 veterans. According to the majority And let us be clear here. These cuts ing our obligations to our Nation’s vet- they are sending him a message. The go far beyond what is necessary to bal- erans, providing affordable and decent message clearly is that they don’t tol- ance the budget. That is the smoke housing for all Americans, protecting erate free speech. screen. If the Republicans really fa- the environment, and rewarding com- Housing programs, which already suf- vored protecting the environment, they munity service. I urge my colleagues to fered under the $6.3 billion cut to HUD would find a way to ensure that EPA vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. in the 1995 rescissions bill earlier this receives adequate funding even under a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of year, face another $4 billion in reduc- balanced budget plan. Instead they my time. tions in fiscal year 1996. This con- have targeted a huge, disproportionate, Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- stitutes a wholesale assault on those arbitrary reduction, that belies any er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman individuals and critical programs that claim that Republicans are interested from Washington [Mr. METCALF] for provide safety net and human service in protecting the environment. purposes of a colloquy. programs through Federal housing. Furthermore, contained within the Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, I won- Hardest hit are those programs that details of the big cut are other attacks der if my friend, the gentleman from provide affordable and decent housing to the environment. California, the chairman of the Sub- committee on VA, HUD and Independ- for the elderly and poor, like section 8 At a time when Americans contin- ent Agencies, might help clarify the in- incremental rental assistance and pub- ually indicate their support for in- tent of the conferees with regard to the lic housing. creased environmental enforcement, language contained in the Senate re- Now, my colleagues on the other side this measure targets EPA’s environ- port accompanying the fiscal year 1996 will claim that these actions are fair; mental enforcement activities for VA, HUD and independent agencies ap- that HUD is mismanaged and an un- extra cuts. Last year, EPA inves- propriations bill. wieldy bureaucracy that has gotten out tigated over 500 cases of criminal mis- conduct, including cases involving loss Mr. LEWIS of California. If the gen- of control. Well, I don’t think that our tleman will yield, I will be happy to do elderly, our families with children, and of life, tainted food, and falsified lab- oratory data. so. our poor would agree that these cuts Mr. METCALF. As the gentleman are fair. I am certain that threatening Last year EPA brought over 2,200 ad- ministrative and civil cases resulting knows, the Senate report addressed a them with homelessness and hopeless- particular site on the national prior- ness is not a price worth paying to sat- in reductions in hundreds of thousands of pounds of pollutants and over $740 ities list, the Tulalip landfill in isfy the Republican Contract With Marysville, WA. The Senate language America. million in remediation efforts to clean up damage caused by violations of the requires EPA to complete the com- But my Republican colleagues did prehensive baseline risk assessment at environmental laws. What number of not stop here. Added to these reduc- the site and to then conduct an alter- civil and administrative actions can we tions are nearly 20 pages of extensive native dispute resolution procedure in legislative changes—legislation that expect this fiscal year? Right now the Center for Disease order to achieve a remedial act plan clearly falls within the jurisdiction of Control has told vulnerable Ameri- based on sound science all parties agree the authorizing committee. Like many cans—the elderly, cancer and AIDS pa- on. other provisions the majority party Mr. Speaker, that direction to the tients and others—to boil tap water has adopted this year, this legislation agency represents the views of the ma- due to the danger from microorganisms showed up in the chairman’s mark of jority of those Members from the in much of the Nation’s drinking the bill. While certain provisions have Washington State delegation. The site water. The Republicans respond by cut- been deleted, just as many others have involves over 300 large and small busi- ting safe drinking water funds in half been added and are now in the con- nesses in my home State. It is critical from the President’s request. Not ference report before us. These damag- to all of them that EPA follow this di- money for regulations, mind you, but rection at the site. ing changes come at at time when af- money that would be used by local fordable housing is at a record short Ms. DUNN of Washington. Mr. Speak- communities to build and improve er, will the gentleman yield? supply. their water purification equipment. Mr. Speaker, as if there are not Mr. METCALF. I yield to the gentle- The Republicans also cut hazardous woman from Washington. enough problems, not enough reasons site cleanups by 25 percent and sewage for the President to veto this piece of Ms. DUNN of Washington. I thank treatment funds by 30 percent. With the gentleman and rise in strong sup- legislation, there remains the these actions, the bill undermines the undisguised attack on the environment port of the request of the gentleman capacity of EPA and States to clean up from Washington [Mr. METCALF] that that this bill represents. As all of us re- toxic sites and keep raw sewage out of the EPA be required to complete a member, this bill as passed by the our streams, lakes, and oceans. comprehensive baseline risk assess- House included an assortment of And let us not forget about the rid- ment at the Tulalip landfill in Wash- antienvironment riders that the Re- ers. While most have been eliminated ington State. publican leadership insisted the bill from the bill language itself, the con- Many of us from Washington State carry. To no one’s surprise, Members ference report still bluntly pressures represent constituents who have been from both sides of the aisle joined in EPA into making exceptions and ex- severely impacted by EPA’s handling saying that these extreme legislative emptions for natural gas processors, oil of this site. The Senate report lan- changes should have no place in this refineries, pulp and paper facilities, guage was very clear in its direction bill. And so most, but not all, have and cement kilns that burn hazardous the agency, and the chairman’s support been removed. waste. The special interests will not be of this directive is appreciated. Does this make this bill an environ- disappointed by this bill. Mr. METCALF. I thank the gentle- mentally sound measure? Does this One rider, that is still in, cuts EPA woman. mean that the majority leadership’s as- out of wetlands permitting so that the Mr. LEWIS of California. If the gen- sault against the environment is over? permitting can proceed without the en- tleman will yield further, let me, by Does this mean that my friends from vironmental experts allowed a voice. way of responding to both of my col- across the aisle who fought so hard The conference on H.R. 2099 also ter- leagues from Washington, say that I with me on my various motions to minates the Corporation for National want to assure you both that the pres- strip the rider may now vote—with a and Community Service [Americorps], ence of that particular language in the clear conscience—for this bill? The an- the Community Development Finan- final conference report in no way di- swer is a resounding no. cial Institutions Program, the Council minishes the intent of the conferees This bill makes a huge, unpredented on Environmental Quality, and the Of- that the Senate language serves as the cut in EPA’s operating budget. This fice of Consumer Affairs. These pro- clear and final direction to the EPA at cut of more than 20 percent is intended grams and agencies are of highest pri- the Tulalip site during the fiscal year. to and will devastate the Agency’s abil- ority to the administration. My recollection is that both Wash- ity to protect public health and the en- I do not think that this is a close ington State members of the Commit- vironment. vote for anyone who believes in meet- tee on Appropriations, one from each November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13753 side of the aisle, have strongly sup- Housing programs face $4 billion in re- draconian HUD–VA appropriations con- ported this language, and it is cer- ductions. These cuts are on top of more ference report for fiscal year 1996. This tainly my intention to see that the than $6 billion cut in last summer’s re- will victimize people who are helpless— agency conducts a comprehensive base- scission bill. Wrongheaded provisions they have neither money nor power, line risk assessment and responds to are also included to undercut enforce- which are commodities that seem to your request. So I appreciate my col- ment of fair housing and antiredlining get attention these days. H.R. 2099 league raising the question. requirements. slashes one fifth of the budget for the Mr. METCALF. I thank the gen- I urge my colleagues to reject it. Department of Housing and Urban De- tleman. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- velopment. It starves all efforts to ex- er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman b 1200 pand, preserve, and rehabilitate all from Michigan [Mr. KNOLLENBERG] for kinds of public, assisted, and affordable Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am purposes of a colloquy. housing. And through the legislation pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was that is included in this appropriations tleman from Michigan [Mr. DINGELL], given permission to revise and extend report, housing policy has shifted and the distinguished ranking minority his remarks.) changed course dramatically. member of the Committee on Com- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I But bad as it is, this conference re- merce. thank the gentleman for yielding time port is much better than the bill that to me. (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given left the House in July. Mr. Speaker, I seek the time just to permission to revise and extend his re- Let me tell my colleagues what will engage our chairman, the gentleman marks.) happen if this conference report be- from California [Mr. LEWIS], in a col- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, this is comes law. If we pass this bill, we vir- loquy. I would like to reserve a serious an outrageous bill. I rise in strong op- tually ensure that affordable housing reservation that I have with respect to position to the conference report on will continue to decrease and deterio- the statement of the manager’s lan- H.R. 2099. I urge my colleagues to re- rate; we will lose our $90 billion invest- guage regarding amendment No. 58. ject it. ment in public housing; and hundreds Section 223(D) of the administrative I hope all Americans know what is in of thousands more families will become provisions was intended to address this bill, because it reveals the real es- or remain homeless. HUD’s pattern of regulation regarding sence of the Republican vision for this Public housing residents in the more property insurance. My problem is sim- country. than 3,400 local housing authorities ply this: The language does not pre- In a budget where sacrifices had to be throughout the Nation are at risk of cisely reflect the compromise that was made to protect tax breaks for the seeing their everyday maintenance re- reached with the gentleman from Ohio wealthy and Republican pet projects, quests go unanswered for lack of oper- [Mr. STOKES] and others. I want to ad- something had to give. Here is what ating funds, which are set at only $2.8 gave. dress that. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- billion, some $400 million below this One group that is being forced to give year’s HUD funding request. is our Nation’s veterans, their widows, er, will the gentleman yield? Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I yield to the Inevitably, housing that is good will and their children. This bill reduces fall into ruin, and the eyesores of dete- funds for VA construction and im- gentleman from California. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- riorated and dilapidated housing in provement projects by 62 percent. It er, I would say to the gentleman from many of our urban centers will remain cuts $400 million from the Administra- Michigan [Mr. KNOLLENBERG], his con- vacant and crumbling, further destroy- tion’s requests for veterans’ health cern is appropriately addressed. I share ing neighborhoods. care. his reservation. The House bill, which Because nearly one-third of the moderniza- What does this mean? By the year contained a spending limitation in the tion funds and 50 percent of the urban revital- 2000, cuts mandated by this Republican bill language, was rather clear. Unfor- ization grants for severely distressed public budget plan will require 41 veterans’ tunately, I think the final manager’s housing projects will be lost if this conference hospitals to close their doors. More language goes beyond what the gen- report passes. than 1 million veterans will be denied tleman attempted to develop, and he is Under this bill there will be no new public health care. The Republican plan will the author of the provision. It was housing funded and no incremental or new force the elimination of about 60,000 carefully worked out with the staff on section 8 certificates available for the first time health care positions and the cancella- the other side. in 20 years. There will be only certificates for tion of 40 construction projects for the Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I appreciate replacement housingÐeven though there are VA. the gentleman’s comments. Can I get more than 5.6 million families today who pay More shockingly—and one of the the chairman’s assurance that the of- more than 50 percent of their incomes for rent, really spiteful things that I have seen fending language will be removed if or who live in substandard housing. The num- done by the Republicans in this Con- this bill is vetoed and if negotiations ber of families who need help grows each gress, and that is an extraordinary on H.R. 2099 are resumed for any other year by more than ten times the number that event—because Secretary Jesse Brown reason? would be assisted under this bill. During this dares to speak his mind about this bill Mr. LEWIS of California. If the gen- fiscal year 88,400 units of affordable housing and Republican budget priorities, the tleman will continue to yield, I can as- were financed through the various Federal majority has added to the conference sume the gentleman, Mr. Speaker, that housing programs butÐnext year there will be report provisions aimed at stripping if we have another opportunity to go fewer than 15,000 units. huge sums and personnel out of his of- back at this language by way of a sepa- The conference report leaves two of the fice. As a matter of fact, they totally rate bill, or a bill to follow one that is core programs untouchedÐHOME and CDBG. eliminated his travel budget. The ques- vetoed, the gentleman’s voice will be That's good; however, don't be surprised tion then is how will he travel about very clearly heard. when the mayors and the Governors are here the country to look at VA facilities, Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the begging for more money. Why? Because, the VA projects, and to talk to the veter- gentleman. deep, deep cuts in public housing and section ans? So much for free speech and so Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am 8, and the increases in the cost of that hous- much for the veterans in this legisla- pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- ing inevitably will mean trouble for our cities tion. tleman from Texas [Mr. GONZALEZ], the and StatesÐmore deteriorated housing and Mr. Speaker, this bill is going to also distinguished ranking member of the more homelessnessÐmore people with no- cut 20 percent off of EPA’s budget. It is Committee on Banking and Financial where safe and sound to live. going to see to it that cleanup of Services. What this conference report does, make no Superfund sites and the dirty waters of (Mr. GONZALEZ asked and was given mistake, is place the burden on cities and this Nation will be set back enor- permission to revise and extend his re- States, while the Federal Government takes a mously. So much for the environment. marks.) walk and abrogates its responsibilities. This is also the worst attack on hous- Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I I have watched these programs work for ing since the Hoover administration. strongly oppose this mean-spirited and poor and working families, for the elderly and H 13754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 for the disabled throughout my public career. AmeriCorps Program and the Health Nation’s veterans, protects and pre- One of my jobs in my home city of San Anto- and Human Services Office of serves our environment, helps house nio before I came to Congress was with the Consumer Affairs. the needy and disabled, and moves sci- San Antonio Housing Authority. Public housing When faced with the tough chal- entific research and discovery forward. worked; and despite the problems in some lenges of a decreasing budget, the sub- As Chairman LEWIS has said it has places, public housing in most areas is safe, committee made effective decisions. been a difficult task balancing these decent, and sound. But this bill by the Repub- This is a conference report in which we needs against the critical need to bal- lican majority will devastate the lives of thou- can all be proud and I urge my col- ance our Federal budget. I believe that sands of families currently residing in public leagues to vote in favor of this essen- it has been done responsibly. and assisted housing and those who wait, tial legislation. A yea vote is a vote in In total, this report provides $80.6 bil- sometimes for years, for such housing. favor of our veterans and our commit- lion for these important programs. The Republicans talk about their historic ment to our Nation’s future. That number is $9.6 billion less than balanced budget bill. They talk about their will- Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 last year and $894 million more than ingness to make hard decisions about discre- minute to the distinguished gentle- the House-passed bill. This action tionary spending to control spending. Despite woman from New York [Mrs. LOWEY]. shows that we have truly compromised what our colleagues on the majority contend, (Mrs. LOWEY asked and was given in order to produce a sound piece of these are not hard decisions, they are merely permission to revise and extend her re- legislation. heartless attacks on those too poor and too in- marks.) Specifically, Mr. Speaker, I am Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in consequential to count on the scales of politi- pleased that we were able to increase very strong opposition to the con- cal calculations. The insistence and desire to the Superfund program by $163 million ference report. Although admittedly an provide foolhardy tax breaks for the wealthy at for a total of $1.16 billion. In addition, improvement from the draconian ver- the expense of America's poor and working this agreement removes the December sion originally passed by this body a families drives this bill just as it drives the 31 ‘‘drop dead’’ date for the Superfund few months ago, this bill still is a glar- whole budget process. That is the thrust of program. By removing this provision, ing indication of wrong-headed prior- this massive and mean assault on our most we will be allowing this important pro- ities. vulnerable citizens. gram to operate while the authoriza- In addition to slashing funding for I urg a ``no'' vote on this conference report, tion committee acts on reforming the housing and veterans programs, this which merely victimizes further the victims of Superfund law. appropriations bill severely curtails poverty. Representing a State with more Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- the Government’s historic role in en- Superfund sites than any other, I want er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentle- suring the most basic guarantees of to thank Chairman LEWIS for these ac- clean air and clean water. It cuts the woman from Nevada [Mrs. VUCANO- tions and for realizing the importance Environmental Protection Agency by VICH], a member of the committee. of keeping work at all current Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I 21 percent, including a 19-percent cut Superfund sites moving forward. This thank the gentleman from California in the program that cleans up hazard- funding increase brings the total num- for yielding time to me. ous waste sites. It also cuts hundreds of ber very close to what the program re- Mr. Speaker, the conference report of millions of dollars from wastewater ceived last year. H.R. 2099 shows a real commitment to treatment grants that provide critical This conference agreement also re- our future and our citizens. While it assistance to local communities in moves the controversial 17 EPA riders takes a major step toward eliminating keeping drinking water safe and beach- that were included in the House-passed our Nation’s deficit, it does so while es swimmable. In the area I represent, bill. I am particularly happy that the providing medical care to our veterans, these funds are critical to helping to clean water riders were removed. As I housing for the poor, and preserving clean up Long Island Sound. have always said, these riders should the challenges to be explored in space. This legislation is premised on the not have been included in this bill. We One might call it a balancing act—but false assumption that a strong econ- should give the authorization commit- it is a skill that Chairman LEWIS and omy and a clean environment are natu- tees a chance to fine-tune the Clean his excellent staff have refined. I com- ral enemies. The authors of this bill Water Act, instead of prematurely mend the them on their fine work. I try to polarize the debate as a choice halting many of the programs that would also like to give thanks and a between jobs and environmental stew- have been working under this Act. wish of good luck to Doc Syers of the ardship. While I do not agree with all the re- Well, my colleagues, do not be fooled. chairman’s staff, who will be leaving ductions in this conference agreement, A strong environment and a strong the Hill to boldly go where no man has I do believe that it is time to stop economy go hand in hand. gone before. Doc has been a great throwing good money after bad and My constituents and I know from our experi- friend over the years and we will miss start focusing our limited resources to- ence with Long Island Sound that pollution- him. ward programs that work. Returning to the matter at hand, our based prosperity is shortsighted and costs Three such programs are at HUD, section veterans represent one of our Nation’s moreÐfinancially and otherwiseÐin the end. 202, Senior Housing, and 811, Disabled Hous- There is no denying that these environ- finest resources. This conference report ing, and HOPWA, Housing Opportunity for mental rollbacks will cripple the EPA's ability appropriates $37.7 billion for the De- People With AIDS. These programs have a to protect the quality of our air and water. partment of Veterans Affairs, of which Let us not turn back the clock on environ- proven track record and have worked. While $16.5 billion is included for medical mental protection. Defeat the conference re- the House-passed bill consolidated these care. After listening to the concerns of port. three programs under one account, the con- many veterans groups, the subcommit- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- ference agreement keeps these accounts sep- tee determined the controversial in- er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman arate allowing each of them to run independ- competent veterans language should be from New Jersey [Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN]. ent of one another. This is something I sup- deleted. Our commitment to our veter- (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN asked and ported and worked in conference to achieve. I ans is unwavering and I believe this was given permission to revise and ex- would have liked to provide more funding, bill is proof of this fact. tend his remarks.) however, the committee agreed to freeze all The conference report also provides Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, these accounts at the current level. $19.3 billion for housing programs to I thank the gentleman for yielding As regards scientific research and develop- help our poor, our homeless, and to time to me. ment, I am pleased that this agreement recog- give homebuyers a chance to reach the Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank nizes that our Nation's future depends on American dream of owning their own Chairman LEWIS, Congressman STOKES, properly educating all Americans so that we home. and the subcommittee staff for all of can continue to be number one in developing In this time of fiscal restraint, the their hard work in producing this com- and producing various technologies. New Jer- conference report takes strong action promise agreement. sey is already the home to the brightest and in eliminating programs which are in- This conference report contains fund- best in both the public and private sector. This effective or duplicative, such as the ing for many vital programs for our report dedicates itself to renewing our Nation's November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13755 commitment to science by providing new re- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- creates and bloats the human deficit, sources, both fiscal and physical. er, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague, the environmental deficit, but claims This report also funds the Department of the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. to balance the budget is out of balance; Veterans Affairs. Nearly half of our allocation KNOLLENBERG], a member of the com- out of balance with the common sense supports these activities and the committee in- mittee. and values of the people we represent. creased medical care above the current year (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was Mr. Speaker, the shortest distance by $337 million. This should be adequate given permission to revise and extend between legislation and law is to get funding to keep all our veterans who rely on his remarks.) the President to sign this. I suggest we the VA for medical care fully supported. Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I defeat this conference report, send it I would also like to comment on the behav- thank the gentleman for yielding time back to conference committee, and get ior of VA Secretary Brown who has politicized to me. on with the job of making compromises this budget process. Under the guise of so- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and reflecting the values of the people called ``free speech'' he has needlessly of the bill, and I commend the gen- that we represent that stand for a alarmed veterans throughout the Nation. As a tleman from California [Mr. LEWIS] and sound environmental policy, sound veteran myself, I am insulted by his actions. the staff for all their hard work. With- policies and fairness to the poor and Mr. Speaker, we have drafted a sound out the chairman and, obviously, the the programs that are important to agreement and I urge my colleagues to sup- staff, we would not be here today. them. I suggest we send this back to port this conference report. Mr. Speaker, the VA–HUD bill has conference and a ‘‘no’’ vote on this Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 never been an attractive piece of legis- measure. minute to the gentleman from Massa- lation. Never. It contains funding for a Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in chusetts [Mr. MARKEY]. opposition to the conference agreement Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, before wide variety of programs that rep- resent different and often conflicting on H.R. 2099, the VA, HUD, and Inde- the Thanksgiving holiday, we came to pendent Agencies appropriations bill. an agreement on a framework to work priorities. What we have before us is the product of this task, and it is a This conference agreement has positive toward a balanced budget. Within this modifications from the radical bill framework, we agreed to a set of prior- good one. The bill does not simply spread the pain throughout all of the passed by the majority party of the ities to guide our actions. We agreed to House earlier this year, but it remains preserve Medicare, strengthen our edu- programs in its jurisdiction, it makes the tough choices which are necessary, wholly out of step with people, prior- cational system, and protect the envi- ities and shared sacrifice which should ronment for our children and our fu- but it also preserves funding for those characterize reductions in spending ture. programs which work well. necessary to achieve a sound fiscal re- Well, today we have the opportunity There are some who will complain to stand up for one of the priorities we that the spending cuts in our bill are sult. On the whole, the agreement cuts outlined over a week ago. It is time to just simply too deep. housing programs by 21 percent, guts stop this Congress from rolling back b 1215 homeless programs by almost 30 per- existing environmental protections. In Mr. Speaker, let me make one point. cent, reduces Environmental Protec- the VA–HUD appropriations bill before We spend over $5 billion for environ- tion Agency spending by 21 percent, us now, most of the infamous regu- mental protection and over $20 billion eliminates a number of community latory riders have disappeared, but the for affordable housing in this bill. Just programs, and subsumes many into EPA has still been put on a starvation a few days ago, as my colleagues know, diet. larger block grants thereby diluting This bill radically cuts the EPA’s during the Government shutdown only the funds and in the end, atrophying budget, from the $7.2 billion appro- 4 percent of EPA’s 18,000 employees the programs. These cuts are rep- priated last year, down to only $5.7 bil- were considered essential and, I repeat, resented as being necessary for deficit lion, a reduction of $1.5 billion, or 21 only 1 percent of HUD’s employees reduction, but what is proposed in this percent. The EPA enforcement budget were considered essential. So it seems measure is a fundamental retreat from is specifically targeted for an even to me that it would be much easier to proper Federal responsibilities and sup- larger 25 percent cut. Make no mis- say that perhaps these cuts are not port. The conference agreement cuts take, Mr. Speaker, taking the environ- deep enough; they should be deeper. housing on the ground by $4 billion mental cops off the beat by slashing Mr. Speaker, I am sure that every from the administration request, but their budget is just another way to gut Member of this body, given the chance, manages once again to provide over strong environmental laws. would draft a different VA–HUD bill. I $2.1 billion for the latest version of the The GOP cuts slash $270 million from would like to make a few changes my- questionable space station. This VA, the Superfund program. The EPA Ad- self. But to use an often-heard quote, HUD and Independent Agencies con- ministrator, Carol Browner, has testi- we cannot allow the perfect to be the ference agreement continues to bal- fied that this will delay cleanups of enemy of the good. ance the budget on the backs of those toxic waste sites at hundreds of com- Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill, and least able to support cuts: the poor, the munities around our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support it. homeless and our seniors. Our congres- And at the same time this Congress Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 sional priority should be to help those is cutting the budget for environ- minute to the gentleman from Min- unable to help themselves but this mental protection, we just sent the De- nesota [Mr. VENTO]. measure reneges. fense Department $7 billion the Penta- (Mr. VENTO asked and was given As I mentioned, the conference agree- gon did not even ask for. permission to revise and extend his re- ment cuts homeless funds, both at HUD Mr. Speaker, this all comes down to marks.) and the Federal Emergency Manage- a question of priorities. Should we be Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ment Agency. The statement of man- giving tax cuts to the wealthy and buy- strong opposition to this bill. What is agers indicates that the funds should ing more B–1 bombers, which we do not wrong with this bill is what is wrong be used as localities see fit under the need? Or, should we be insuring that with the priorities. There is no consid- rubric of options available under the our children have clean air and clean eration or deliberation, much less pub- McKinney Act programs. I cannot water and that toxic waste sites in our lic awareness, of votes on these topics. agree that any one HUD homeless as- communities get cleaned up? Wholesale policy changes are made sistance program should receive any We cannot say one day that we be- without consideration, Mr. Speaker, all priority over another such program as lieve the preservation of our environ- of this, of course, under the mantra of the statement of managers suggests. If ment is a national priority, and then 10 a balanced budget. demand were any indicator, the sup- days later turn around and agree to The impact of the GOP spending cuts portive housing program would be the radical cuts in environmental enforce- priorities for the poor, the environ- likely model program, not the shelter ment and cleanup programs. It is ment, the homeless, the veterans. It is plus care program emphasized in this wrong, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my col- not fair, and it is not right. The fact is agreement. The record should further leagues to vote against this proposal. that it is bad policy. A Congress that reflect the reality that in shifting H 13756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 these reduced funds—a shell and pea Mr. HEINEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will through funding cuts what they failed game—in no way alters the loss and ad- the distinguished gentleman from Cali- to do through an open debate on envi- verse impact on the homeless. In fact, fornia [Mr. LEWIS], the chairman of the ronmental policy. it only compounds and complicates the Subcommittee on VA–HUD and Inde- Time and again this year, and the use of the programs. pendent Agencies of the Committee on last several years, Democrats and Re- I am also concerned about the great Appropriations engage me in a brief publicans have come together in a spir- number of authorizations rewriting colloquy? it of bipartisanship to protect the envi- policy in this appropriations con- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- ronment. This conference report will ference agreement. The Banking Com- er, If the gentleman will yield I would cut enforcement of environmental mittee today continues to cede its au- be happy to. laws, cut funding for safe drinking thority and role to the Budget and Ap- Mr. HEINEMAN. Mr. Speaker, let me water, cut funding for wastewater propriations Committees and in the first say that I very much appreciate treatment, and cut hazardous waste process jeopardizes the integrity of im- the support of my good friend, Chair- cleanup. portant housing and community devel- man LEWIS, over the past several Slashing EPA’s budget by more than opment programs. months regarding plans to construct a 20 percent, will cripple the EPA’s abil- Frankly, the committee process in new consolidated facility for the EPA ity to ensure that our water is safe to this Congress is in a shambles. The new and the Research Triangle Part in drink, our food is safe to eat, and our Republican majority has adopted an North Carolina. air is safe to breathe. authoritarian posture. Through the As the chairman knows, the EPA is I urge my colleagues to vote against budget and appropriation scheme the currently scattered in 11 separate this conference report. GOP leadership has dictated without buildings which are privately owned Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 consideration, much less public aware- and in bad shape. The chairman made minute to the gentleman from Penn- ness and votes on the topics, wholesale this freshman Member aware that pre- sylvania [Mr. BORSKI]. policy changes under the guise of fiscal vious Congresses have not dealt with (Mr. BORSKI asked and was given crisis and the mantra of balancing the this problem. permission to revise and extend his re- budget. They—the majority Gingrich After studying the matter and after marks.) Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, this con- Republicans—rationalize and gloss over touring these existing facilities, I ference report will roll back 25 years of the fundamental impact of the GOP learned that recent studies show that environmental protection and it should spending priorities that cut programs renovating the existing buildings and be defeated. for the poor, the environment, the signing new leases would cost $400 mil- homeless, and the veterans in this This bill slashes the funding for the lion. For only $232 million, a brandnew, Clean Water Act. It slashes the funding measure for example. This isn’t fair consolidated facility can be built, mak- and it isn’t right. We can and should for Superfund. It slashes the funding ing this the most realistic, cost-effec- for EPA to even conduct an effective balance the budget but how we do it is tive plan available to further the im- the key to our role as policy makers. A management and enforcement pro- portant mission of the EPA. gram. Congress that creates and bloats the I know that the gentleman from Cali- human deficit and the environmental EPA, will be barred from any role fornia [Mr. LEWIS] has pledged his sup- deficit but claims to balance the budg- whatsoever in decisions on develop- port to find the additional funds nec- ment of our Nation’s most valuable et is out of balance with the common essary in the next fiscal year to make sense and values of the American peo- wetlands. this new facility a reality, and I want It is absolutely incredible that we ple we represent. to thank the gentleman for that sup- What it all comes down to is that de- can give the Pentagon $7 billion more port. spite the changes in this HUD-VA ap- than the President of the United States Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- propriations legislation from the wanted but, unbelievably, we can’t find er, reclaiming my time, let me express House-passed version and at least two the money for the Environmental Pro- my appreciation to the gentleman from round trips to the House and Senate tection Agency to enforce the laws North Carolina [Mr. HEINEMAN] for conference table, the priorities and the that protect our water and our air. funding levels guarantee that we will bringing to our attention in such an ef- Mr. Speaker, in the Philadelphia re- see more people denied housing oppor- fective manner the importance of this gion, there have been and will be can- tunities in public and assisted housing, research facility, and the committee cellations of numerous Superfund in- fewer people receiving homeless assist- does very much want to be of assist- spections, leaving potentially dan- ance in order to get back on their feet, ance. gerous toxic waste undiscovered at veterans excluded from needed service, As I indicated in the earlier colloquy, sites that threaten the community. and more chances for polluters to dese- the Research Triangle Park facility is The conference report means no new crate our precious air and water. All one of the three major infrastructure Superfund priority cleanups, whether this by virtue of this deficient appro- projects requested for the EPA. Fund- or not there is a toxic threat to drink- priations measure. ing was not available for the current ing water. Mr. Speaker, I do not oppose every fiscal year, but I have pledged my sup- Mr. Speaker, the American public aspect of this measure. However, be- port to the gentleman to do my very does not want less environmental pro- cause the cuts and sacrifices are not best to find funds necessary for the tection. They want more protection of balanced, I must strongly oppose this project in the next fiscal year. their water and their air. conference agreement. I urge my col- It is my understanding that the Com- This bill does not give them that pro- leagues to heed the President’s con- mittee on Transportation and Infra- tection. It should be defeated and sent cerns with regards to this measure and structure is currently updating the au- back to conference. vote against this report. By defeating thorization for this project, and I look Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the conference report today and ad- forward to addressing this in the years minute to the gentleman from Massa- dressing the serious deficiencies in a ahead. chusetts [Mr. KENNEDY]. House/Senate conference report we can Mr. HEINEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. attain the shortest distance from legis- thank the gentleman from California. Speaker, there are a lot of reasons to lation to law. We do not have to experi- Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 vote against this bill, but the truth of ence a certain veto that will force us to minute to the distinguished gentle- the matter is, whether we are con- start all over again. woman from Connecticut [Ms. cerned about the fouling of our air and Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- DELAURO]. our water and our streams or whether er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in or not we are concerned about the cuts from North Carolina [Mr. HEINEMAN] opposition to this conference report. in the veterans’ health care budget, for the purpose of a coloquy. Once again, we are witnessing an all what is the most egregious in this (Mr. HEINEMAN asked and was given out assault on the quality of our Na- budget is what we have done to the permission to revise and extend his re- tion’s water, air and land. The Repub- housing of our Nation’s poor and our marks.) lican Party is trying to accomplish Nation’s senior citizens. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13757 We see cuts in this budget that will back to conference to improve in par- Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I decimate our housing programs. We see ticular the funding for the EPA. thank the gentleman from Ohio for politicians constantly marching before Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 yielding to me at this time. public housing projects and condemn- minute to the gentleman from Ver- Mr. Speaker, this is a more-than bill. ing them for the condition that they mont [Mr. SANDERS]. This is more than what we had before, are in, and yet what this housing budg- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, two- but what is that? I certainly applaud et does is gut the very provisions that and-a-half weeks ago we celebrated the assurance that has been given to are necessary to improve those housing Veterans Day, and we told the veterans the space program, but where are we in projects. At the same time, we turn of America how much we respect them research and development dollars, far around and cut the homeless budget of and how grateful we are for the sac- less than needed. Then when we begin our country by 40 percent. So what we rifices that they have made for this Na- to look at the Department of Housing are going to do is we are going to gut tion. Well, two-and-a-half weeks have and Urban Development we see that our public housing, we are going to come and gone and how quickly we this bill cuts 17 percent, the Environ- come in and hurt our assisted housing have forgotten. mental Protection Agency is almost projects, and once our senior citizens This bill cuts $43 million from the VA gutted with cuts of 21 percent, and our and our poor are not able to live in programs, a larger cut than the House Federal Emergency Management Agen- those projects, we then are going to version, but that is just the beginning. cy is cut 17 percent. What will occur if turn them to the streets where we then The Republicans’ 7-year budget, which disasters occur in our States. gut the homeless budget of this coun- begins with a funding bill we are dis- Then we look at the Community De- try. It is a crying shame, and we ought cussing today, cuts entitlements for velopment Bank initiatives which were to do better than this. veterans by $6.7 billion over 7 years. designed to revitalize economically dis- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Under the Republican budget, many tressed areas that program is being ab- er, I yield myself such time as I may veterans would pay more for their pre- solutely eliminated. The housing as- consume. scription drugs. In some cases, the cost sistance under section 8 which helps Mr. Speaker, I just might mention, in that veterans pay for prescription house poor Americans is being cut. responding to the gentleman’s com- drugs would double, and the cuts do not Homeownership grants, wherein we in ments, that, indeed, the assisted hous- stop there. this Congress have stood on the House ing, for example, in this country has The Republican budget demands floor and said we want Americans to increased in terms of budget by 50 per- that, in addition to the $6.7 billion vet- own homes, is being cut by 48 percent. cent in the last 4 years. All one has to erans’ cuts, all discretionary spending, b 1230 do is look across the country at including veterans’ programs, be re- Public housing modernization pro- boarded-up buildings in housing duced by 20 percent over the 7-year grams are being but by 32 percent. projects everywhere to know that it is combined period. Then the one-for-one replacement pro- time for us to rethink where we have Let us defeat this bad bill. It is un- gram to restore public housing is being been in terms of those programs. Clear- fair to our veterans. cut. Also when we talk about negotia- ly, this side is very concerned about Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 tions in my city regarding a final solu- those future programs in terms of their minute to the distinguished gentle- tion to APV, located in the 18th Con- effectiveness, and it is time for us to woman from New York [Ms. gressional District in Houston, intru- take some new direction. VELA´ ZQUEZ]. ´ sions to prevent us from considering I said in my opening remarks the (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was historic preservation issues and the re- Secretary Cisneros has publicly said on given permission to revise and extend peal of the Frost-Leland amendment many occasions it is time to rethink her remarks.) ´ which does not take into account the where we are going on housing. Money Mr. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise need for a local master plan for public is one way to do it; but, indeed, it is in strong opposition to this draconian housing being completed, are not help- important to make sure that the House conference report. This conference re- ful. This is not a good bill. This is an recognizes that it has a positive role to port is nothing more than a cruel at- intrusive bill in some areas and it play in terms of the change as well. tack on our children, the elderly and takes away the money from the people Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the poor. These cuts are not about ar- who need it most. More-than is simply my time. bitrary numbers of the elimination of not good enough. Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 port barrel projects. They are about Mr. Speaker, I include my complete minute to the gentleman from New human beings. Behind every dollar of statement on the conference report for Jersey [Mr. PALLONE]. this reduction, there is human tragedy. the RECORD, as follows: Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. Speaker, by gutting the MCKIN- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to the bill primarily be- NEY program, hundreds of thousands of opinion regarding the conference report on the cause of the impact on the environ- Americans will be forced to live in the VA±HUD appropriations bill. I applaud the ment. No other agency faces the type streets. As we begin the coming winter conferees for appropriating $13.8 billion for of cuts in this House that the EPA does months, the action taken on the floor NASA. This funding is more than the amount in this conference report. today will constitute a death sentence contained in the House bill. The Space Agen- It has already been mentioned that for many. cy will receive full funding for the space sta- EPA funding is cut by approximately These cuts mean less security serv- tion. Funding for other programs such as 20 percent, with enforcement being the ices and the elimination of critical so- human space flight, mission support and hardest hit in terms of cuts, almost 25 cial services. For the 500,000 public science, aeronautics and technology is slightly percent. We all read in the New York housing residents in the New York City below current level. Times last week that the EPA has had area, this reduction translates into de- While there are still challenges that remain to cut back on inspections and enforce- teriorating buildings, greater insecu- with respect to the space program, I believe ment already. This will only make it rity and fewer opportunities for eco- that NASA will continue to provide leadership worse. nomic advancement. This is shameful. to the rest of the world. In addition, more than half of the It is not enough that Republicans have The Department of Veterans' Affairs also re- original 17 antienvironmental riders slashed education, cut Medicare, and ceives funding that is only slightly below the have been included either directly or eliminated job training programs. Now current level, with the major spending reduc- through report language in this con- they are planning to throw poor people tions relating to the construction of VA facili- ference report. Since agencies often out on the street. Enough is enough. ties. Our veterans have made numerous sac- have to follow the dictates of the ap- Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 rifices on behalf of our country and we must propriators, this shift to report lan- minute to the distinguished gentle- ensure that the needs of veterans remain a guage in my opinion does not mean woman from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE]. top priority. that the damage to the environment (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was Some of the provisions of the bill, however, will be any less. So I ask once again given permission to revise and extend trouble me, particularly funding for the Depart- that we oppose this bill and that it go her remarks.) ment of Housing and Urban Development and H 13758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill The provisions of the bill that relate to the police the polluters that they will not reduces spending for the Department of Hous- Environmental Protection Agency greatly con- have the resources to get the job done. ing and Urban Development by 17 percent cern me since the bill reduces overall funding This is the same group that tried to tie and for the Environmental Protection Agency for the Superfund Program by 13 percent. up and bind and shackle with 17 dif- by 21 percent. The Federal Emergency Man- There are several communities in my congres- ferent binders the right to protect agement Agency's funding has been cut by 17 sional district that have experienced problems against the environment, and even percent. with toxic waste areas such as Pleasantville some elements of their own party re- Furthermore, the conference report elimi- and Kennedy Heights. This is not the time to belled against it and said it would not nates funding for the AmeriCorps Program, reduce funding for the Superfund Program. stand. So now they have come back which is providing numerous opportunities for I am concerned about the reduction in fund- and they have tried every way they can young people to contribute to their commu- ing for State loan funds relating to upgrading to cut the power of our law enforce- nities. The Community Development Bank ini- facilities to provide safe drinking water and in- ment officers to protect and preserve tiative is also eliminated. The Community De- frastructure repair such as possibly Houston's our environment. It needs to be re- velopment Banking Program was designed to own wastewater project. And spending cuts for jected. revitalize economically distressed areas by programs that enforce other environmental Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 providing grants, loans, and technical assist- and public health standards. minute to the gentleman from Califor- ance to financial institutions and community The VA±HUD appropriations bill is a com- nia [Mr. FARR]. development organizations in such areas. prehensive bill and a controversial bill. As we Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the With respect to housing, the conference re- debate the various provisions contained in this gentleman for yielding me the time. port eliminates funding for section 8 rental as- bill, I hope that my colleagues will carefully Mr. President, you should veto this sistance contracts and hope homeownership consider the policy assumptions that were in- bill. It kills a program that evokes the grants. Low-income assisted housing pro- volved in drafting the bill and the potential im- spirit of a national service program, grams are cut by 48 percent, public housing pact of such policies on millions of Americans. the AmeriCorps. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- modernization programs by 32 percent, sec- There are many other bad aspects of er, I yield 1 minute to my very effec- tion 202 elderly housing by 39 percent, section this bill but eliminating AmericCorps tive colleague from Florida [Mr. 811 disabled housing by 40 percent and is penny-foolish. It is a program that WELDON]. benefits the very heart of our commu- homeless programs by 27 percent. Mr. WELDON of Florida. I thank the I do not believe that it is necessary to make nities. kind gentleman for yielding me the these drastic cuts in spending. We have now In my district in California, we have time. AmeriCorps workers involved in the learned that the economic projections provided Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong Boys and Girls Clubs, in Big Brothers by the Congressional Budget Office on the support of this conference bill and urge and Sisters, in the Food Bank of Mon- level of the budget deficit need to be revised. all my colleagues on both sides of the terey. Other housing reforms include the suspen- aisle to vote in favor of this. sion of the one-for-one replacement rule, I was particularly pleased that the We have 20 AmeriCorps volunteers in- which requires local public housing authorities conference was able to fully fund the volved in the Senior Companion Pro- to replace each public housing unit it demol- shuttle and the space station at near gram. I happened to swear in as a ishes with a replacement unit. Affordable the request level of the President, and former Peace Corps volunteer new housing should be a major priority for our I am particularly pleased that the con- AmeriCorps workers. The pledge of of- country. ference restored $100 million that the fice is something this Congress ought In connection with the issue of public hous- Senate had cut from the shuttle pro- to learn. The pledge of office to be ing, I am concerned that the conference report gram. AmeriCorps is to get the job done. The contains language that states: It allows NASA’s vital field research job that they are doing is essential to That historic preservation is an admirable centers to remain open so that they make our communities get back on goal, but that it is not good policy to require can continue to perform the important their feet both socially and economi- the preservation of buildings unsuitable for research work, and I am particularly cally. modern family life at the expense of low-in- I suggest that to eliminate that pro- come families in need of affordable housing. pleased that there is $25 million for a VA medical clinic in my district. The gram is not a very wise thing to do. Mr. I believe that it is necessary that we clarify veterans in my district have been wait- President, if this House cannot reject the issue of the importance of historic preser- ing 12 years for a medical facility. This the bill, then veto it. vation to the cultural heritage of our country. will allow these veterans to begin to Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Historic preservation guidelines contained in receive good quality medical care that minute to the gentleman from New current law and regulations have not delayed they have long deserved and they have York [Mr. ENGEL]. the process of rehabilitating facilities such as long been waiting for. Mr. ENGEL. I thank the gentleman Allen Parkway Village in Houston. Let me also I would again urge all my colleagues for yielding me the time. add that many officials in my hometown of to put aside their partisan differences Mr. Speaker, this bill is an awful bill Houston also recognize the role of historic and vote in favor of this bill. It is a and I hope it is defeated. Let us look at preservation in providing affordable housing to good bill. It is good for veterans. It is what it does. It cuts housing programs the citizens of Houston. good for NASA. I would encourage its by 21 percent. It cuts environmental I also believe it was unnecessary to include support. protection by 21 percent, the Superfund language in the conference report, at this time, Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 by 19 percent, homeless programs by 27 that repealed the Frost-Leland provision, minute to the gentleman from Texas percent. which prohibited Federal funds from being [Mr. DOGGETT] The Republicans give our veterans an used to demolish Allen Parkway Village in Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the gen- amendment against burning the Amer- Houston. This repeal is untimely because all tleman for yielding me the time. ican flag, but what do they do to veter- interested parties in the effort to rehabilitate Mr. Speaker, this bill should be prop- ans’ needs? They cut construction or and build new housing at the Allen Parkway erly entitled the Unilateral Disar- improvement at VA facilities by 62 per- Village facility met yesterday to reach an mament Act of 1995 because what it is cent and slash all kinds of other help agreement to move the process forward and all about is unilaterally disarming our to our veterans. It is nothing but a to create a master plan. I recognize, however, capability to provide for clean air and sham and a shell game that is being that it is important that municipalities have the clean water. It just returns to the old perpetrated on our veterans. The ability to make the best use of taxpayers funds Gingrich-ite philosophy of the environ- AmeriCorps Program, the community by being able to seek reimbursement from the ment, ‘‘Polluters know best.’’ development bank initiative and doz- Federal Government when some of the struc- Well, we do not think they know ens of housing programs are elimi- tures within a housing facility must be demol- best, and we think it is essential that nated. All of the original 17 EPA riders ished. At the appropriate time with the estab- this Nation have the capability to pro- which the House instructed to drop lishment of an inclusive master plan to restore vide for clean air and clean water. were removed from the bill. housing for needy and working families such a This is a bill for unilateral disar- We are talking about America’s fu- repeal should be implemented. mament. It says to those who would ture here. What we are doing is we are November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13759 slashing all these good programs to pay House floor, and that is good. But as legislation established appropriate for a tax cut for the rich. It is really a the previous colloquy indicated, many funding levels for programs and poli- disgrace. of those riders have found their way cies and did not create new programs Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- back into the statement of managers. without the direction of authorizing er, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman While those riders in the statement committees. from New York [Mr. BOEHLERT] for pur- of managers do not have the force of I remain convinced that the original poses of a colloquy. law, they certainly do place a consider- House funding levels for housing pro- Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I able burden on the agency, in that they grams supporting vulnerable popu- thank the gentleman for yielding me require the agency to try to take into lations should be maintained. Section the time. account the opinion of the committee 202, which provides housing support for I appreciate the work the chairman when they drafted that statement on elderly families, and section 811, which has done to ensure that the bill and the the part of the managers. When we are assists disabled families, are programs managers’ language reflect the House dealing with an agency such as EPA, we should strongly support. We need to concerns about environmental riders. which has tended to follow guidance do better. As the chairman knows, I am still a bit provided in statements of the manager Section 202 represents hope for many uncomfortable with the managers’ lan- in years past unless they are forbidden of our seniors seeking a decent home. guage. I just want to ask the gen- to do so by law, I think that what it These are our parents and grand- tleman to make clear that report lan- really does is put the Congress on parents, people whose lives were spent guage does not have the force of law. record in support of a good many anti- contributing to their community and So am I correct in saying that the environmental positions which I do not who deserve our support now. managers’ language is not binding and believe the Congress wants to do, given Section 811 allows families trying to raise children with disabilities or dis- should not be interpreted by the courts its vote on those riders just a few abled adults looking for supportive as having the force of law? weeks ago. Mr. LEWIS. If the gentleman will Let me also note with respect to vet- housing to get the assistance they need yield, bill language has the force of erans that despite the fact that this and the support they deserve. Again, law, managers’ language does not, es- bill had about $1.5 billion more to work this is the type of program this House must protect. pecially when recognizing the way the with in reality than the bill had when Mr. Speaker, there are improvements agency the gentleman is concerned it left the House, that despite that in the conference agreement. The au- about relates to the Congress. fact, veterans’ medical care is funded thorization committees are aware of Mr. BOEHLERT. I thank the gen- $213 million below the amount origi- the problems the appropriators face. In tleman for his response. nally contained in the House bill. I Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 fact, we donated over a billion dollars think that is wrong. from a change to the FHA assignment minutes to the gentleman from Wis- Let me state that again. Despite the program inserted by the House Bank- consin [Mr. OBEY], the distinguished fact that the committee and $1.5 billion ing Committee to assist the Appropria- ranking member of the full Committee more to work with than the House bill, tions committees in their work. We re- on Appropriations. veterans got $213 million less than they Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, when I first alized the difficult pressures on the Ap- would have gotten in the House bill for propriations Committee, and therefore came to Congress and later joined the veterans’ medical care. we allowed them to claim a portion of Committee on Appropriations as a very I congratulate the committee for the savings from our reconciliation young Member of Congress, in fact the dropping its plan to reduce benefits for package to benefit housing programs, youngest Member of Congress at that what are known as incompetent veter- to ensure that low-income families time, I was asked why I had tried so ans. That was also mentioned by one of would not face higher rents, so that hard to get on the Committee on Ap- our friends on the Republicans side of public housing authorities would not propriations rather than some of the the aisle earlier. I congratulate the face new reductions in their operating other committees around here. I said committee. As Members know, we of- subsidies without giving time for new at that time that the reason I did that fered an amendment on this side of the reforms and deregulations to take ef- is because I thought that, more than aisle to try to require that that provi- fect. anything else that Congress does, our sion be eliminated. It was not accepted Obviously, we must include some pro- budgets define what it is that we value. on the floor. I am happy it was accept- visions to alleviate difficult budget I think this bill tells a very sad story ed now. pressures. These provisions are good about what this Congress apparently But nonetheless, I do not think that policy choices as well. Removing dis- values because, as the previous speaker we can justify cutting veterans’ medi- incentives that prevent low-income on our side of the aisle indicated, this cal benefits by $213 million. My motion tenants from going to work is a great bill makes huge reductions in housing, to recommit will eliminate that reduc- step forward for this Congress and I ap- it makes huge reductions in our ability tion and would restore that $213 mil- plaud Chairman LEWIS for working to enforce environmental cleanup leg- lion. I would urge that Members vote with me to correct this for fiscal year islation. In that sense I think it will ‘‘yes’’ on the motion to recommit and 1996. But I would stress that the real leave this country much poorer, both then ‘‘no’’ on the bill. work of drafting policy reforms is not in terms of the housing stock available Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- to be found here in an Appropriations to low-income people in this society er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman bill, rather it is the subject of the hard and most especially poorer in terms of from New York [Mr. LAZIO]. work of the Subcommittee on Housing the quality of the air, the quality of (Mr. LAZIO of New York asked and and Community Opportunity is cur- the water, and the quality of the living was given permission to revise and ex- rently engaged in. environment that our kids and our tend his remarks.) I intend to work with my very distin- grandkids will be living. Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speak- guished colleague and chairman of the This bill is going to be vetoed and it er, I rise today in support of this con- Appropriations Committee, Mr. LIVING- should be vetoed because it is, I think, ference report with some resesuations. STON, as well as with my friend, Mr. an abdication of our responsibilities to We need to pass this bill to move the LEWIS, to ensure that the House posi- be stewards of the environment and to process forward. Although I have the tion on these areas that remain in con- be stewards of the entire ecosystem. greatest respect for the chairman of flict are maintained when the bill I also think it abdicates in many the Appropriations Subcommittee, comes back to this House. ways the responsibilities that we have Chairman LEWIS, and I agree with him I would ask my colleagues who vote to our veterans. It cuts $900 million more often than not, I hoped the result to support this legislation today to from the VA request. of the House-Senate conference on H.R. withhold their support of any future It eliminates, it is true it eliminates 2099 would be better. bill unless changes are made to shift 17 anti-environment riders which were As chairman of the Subcommittee on priorities back to deserving low-in- earlier attached to this bill and then Housing and Community Opportunity, come families and to eliminate unnec- later stripped out by a motion on the I have worked hard to make sure this essary legislative provisions. H 13760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 b 1245 the coming fiscal year to those pro- Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this con- Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I yield grams will be voted for up or down on ference report. myself the balance of my time. this vote. So if you are for supporting Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, this is Mr. Speaker, first, I want to strongly veterans, then you should be voting a bad bill camouflaged by the military uniforms support the motion to recommit which ‘‘aye’’ on this measure. of our former service men and women. Not has been offered by the gentleman from Having said that, Mr. Speaker, the only will this bill hurt veterans, the environ- Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. most important challenge that we have ment, and tenants in low-income housing, but I think it is important that we re- during this Congress, the people have it eliminates funding for AmeriCorps, the na- commit this bill, and, therefore, I urge said very clearly that we must move tional service program. my Members and our colleagues to sup- toward balancing the budget. The In my district, there are tens of thousands of port it President has signed on. The House has veterans and military retirees who rely on Mr. Speaker, it is unusual for a bill committed by way of its budget actions medical assistance and quality medical facili- to be so bad that none of the Demo- we will move toward balancing our ties. Unfortunately, the cuts in this bill will cratic conferees on the House side budget at least in a 7-year period. threaten the quality care they depend on. For would sign the conference report. It is Beyond the rhetoric of balancing the example, it cuts nearly $400 million in medical a bill which the President has told the budget, this is a time to begin voting. care from the administration's request and conferees is so bad that he will veto it This bill, of all appropriations bills, eliminates educational help for those who in its current form. makes the single largest reduction in a agree to work at VA facilities. The conference agreement eliminates pattern of ever-increasing Federal Many veterans and military retirees are will- funding for the President’s AmeriCorps spending. Because of that, I suggest my ing to make a sacrifice in the effort to end the service program, the community devel- colleagues take a hard look at saving deficit, but we should not target them un- opment bank initiative, the FDIC af- $9.2 billion below the President’s re- fairlyÐand, unfortunately, this bill does just fordable housing program. It also quest. that. eliminates several other housing pro- This bill is an important bill because This bill will also hurt the environment by grams. it does make a difference if you believe cutting the EPA's funding by over $1.5 billion I can understand why the chairman in balancing the budget. from this year's budget. In my coastal district, of the Subcommittee on Housing and Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise in less money will be given to help local commu- Community Opportunity has just said opposition to Conference Report 104±353 for nities keep the Monterey Bay clean and to the House that he is voting for it the VA±HUD and independent agencies ap- healthy. This bill will also hurt the public by with some very severe reservations in propriations bill for fiscal year 1996. preventing EPA from expanding its list of the light of the cuts in these programs. I According to a November 9, 1995, article in toxic chemical releases that companies must can understand why he made that the Honolulu Star Bulletin: make public. Finally, this bill hurts our young statement. The Honolulu median price among existing people. It also cuts the office of consumer af- houses and apartments changing hands, As we approach a new millennium, we need fairs. $350,000, was one-third higher than the next- to renew the spirit of our Founding Fathers. A There are provisions in the bill which highest city, San Francisco, where the me- program that evokes that spirit is the national will act to raise rents for families liv- dian was $263,300, according to a report today service program, AmeriCorps. It is a volunteer by the National Association of Realtors. ing in public housing, in section 8 hous- program that worksÐit should not be arbitrar- ing. H.R. 2099, appropriates a mere $19.3 billion ily cut. It is an investment in our futureÐac- In a letter received from the Admin- for the Department of Housing and Urban De- cording to IBM for every dollar AmeriCorps in- istration, the President expresses con- velopment. This is less than either the House vests, the community will realize a return of cern about the $162 million reduction or Senate-passed versions of the bill. It is a $1.60 to $2.60 or more in direct benefits. in funds that were requested to go di- $5.3 billion reduction from the fiscal year 1995 AmeriCorps workers are involved in every as- rectly to the States and needy cities appropriation and it is $6.2 billion, or 24.3 per- pect of our communities, teaching in schools, for clean water and drinking water cent, less than the administration budget re- feeding the homeless, and counseling troubled needs. He cites the more than 50 per- quest. youth. cent cut for the Council for Environ- H.R. 2099 would permit the Secretary to In my district in California, we have mental Quality. He also cites the fail- manage and dispose of multifamily properties AmeriCorps workers involved with the Boys ure of the bill to provide funding for owned by HUD and multifamily mortgages and Girls Club, Big Brothers and Sisters, and economic development initiatives. held by HUD without regard to any other pro- the Food Bank of Monterey. We have 20 Finally, in his letter or communica- vision of law. Provisions established to protect AmeriCorps members involved in the Senior tion to us, the President says, and I the needy will be ignored. Companion Program which has low-income quote, ‘‘Clearly this bill does not re- Assistance for homeless programs would be seniors assisting other seniors, allowing them flect the values that Americans hold cut by $297,000, dropping funding in this area to lead independent lives. dear.’’ He urges the Congress to send from $1.1 billion in fiscal year 1995 to $823 Several weeks ago I had the privilege of him an appropriations bill for these million in fiscal year 1996. swearing in two AmeriCorps volunteers in Hol- important priorities that truly serve Finally, opportunities for tenant-sponsored lister. They will be working on developing a the American people. organizations, nonprofit organizations, and new youth center and administering the city's This bill, in its present form, does others, to purchase the buildings they reside housing rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, not adequately serve the American in, would be eliminated. H.R. 2099 sunsets this bill terminates funding for AmeriCorps. people. The President is going to veto preservation programs after October 1, 1996. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I know it. The Emergency Low Income Preservation Act the benefits of volunteer service. No one can I urge my colleagues to defeat this of 1987 and the Low Income Housing Preser- quantify the benefits an AmeriCorps worker conference report. vation and Resident Homeownership Act of gives to his or her community. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 1990 would be eliminated by this time next the communities of Hollister and Monterey will of my time. year. These programs help tenant-sponsored notice the loss of this valuable volunteer serv- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- organizations, nonprofit organizations, and ice benefit. er, I yield myself the balance of my many others acquire buildings for their low-in- This is yet again another example of Repub- time. come residents. lican budget-cutting that is penny-wise and Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, this These cuts are not slowing growth, but de- pound-foolish. is a very, very important vote. liberate and undeniable reductions in program Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposi- I would mention one more time to funding. tion to the conference report on HUD±VA. the House that any funding that is In addition to all of these cuts in the VA± This bill contains some of our Nation's most made available to very important pro- HUD appropriations bill, the budget reconcili- important priorities, and I was pleased that the grams—such as those serving veterans, ation bill contains further reductions and will conference agreement protects space re- those serving housing, those programs eliminate the low-income housing tax credit search. Nevertheless, the overall cuts which that involve the EPA, a variety of which encourages investment in housing for were sustained by the EPA and Superfund are other agencies—any funds that go in low-income families. unacceptable. Preserving our environment is November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13761 too important to be traded off for other prior- the 26 percent cut in housing programs, the 8 percent of our Nation's childrenÐour fu- ities. Therefore, I oppose this bill. 27 percent cut in homeless programs, and the tureÐlive in these households. I commend the conferees for providing fund- 21 percent cut in the programs of the Environ- In this Nation, we already have at least 4.7 ing to NASA to continue important work on mental Protection Agency [EPA]. million fewer affordable rental units than we space science and move the space station for- I would like to thank the chairman of the need, and more than 1.5 million households ward. I especially want to thank the conferees committee and the conferees for continuing to are on waiting lists for public or assisted hous- for providing $1.26 billion for mission to Planet fund the Housing Opportunities for People with ing. This number will increase dramatically Earth. The research this sponsors will greatly AIDS [HOPWA] program as a separate pro- and quickly if this bill becomes law. Under the enhance weather forecasting, and allow us to gram. The $171 million provide for HOPWA, funding levels contained in this bill, no addi- protect lives and property by giving better ad- the same level as the post-rescission funding tional families will receive Federal housing as- vance warning before severe weather such as in fiscal year 1995, will help communities sistance, and for those families who have hurricanes. I am pleased that today, this bill across the Nation as they develop local solu- been on waiting lists, sometimes for years, reaffirms the importance of the work that is tions to problems confronting people with HIV/ their hopes for decent housing grow even dim- done at the Goddard Space Center. AIDS. Because new communities qualify for mer. Nevertheless, the funding cuts for EPA in HOPWA funds this year, the level of funding These cuts would be bad enough if they this bill are an unacceptable attack on our en- to communities already receiving HOPWA were being done on their own. They are not. vironment. grants will be reduced. This problem could Coupled with the dismantling of the Federal Funding for Superfund cleanup has been have been resolved by providing a higher level safety net and draconian cuts in Federal pro- cut by 19 percent. This leaves no flexibility to of funding. However, I am pleased that grams contained in other legislation passed by take care of sites which will be identified as HOPWA is being maintained as a separate CongressÐincluding cuts in welfare, food problems in the upcoming year. The Fifth Dis- program and will, therefore, not have to com- stamps, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medic- trict of Maryland has five areas which are cur- pete with housing for the disabled and the el- aid, education and job trainingÐthe cuts in rently being considered for Sueprfund cleanup derly. housing and homelessness programs in this assistance. All five contain pollution which I would also like to commend the conferees bill add up to disaster. These cuts create in- threatens the health and well-being of Fifth for their efforts to address the continuing surmountable odds for America's struggling District residents. It is unfair to limit clean up threat to the affordable housing stock posed working lower income families and increased progress to currently identified sites. This bill by prepayment. This conference report pro- demand for local community assistance, with will exclude many dangerous areas from get- vides $624 million for a modified preservation/ no hope of Federal assistance. The needs do ting clean up help prepayment program. Although I am con- not go away because Congress has taken the I am also concerned about the impact of cerned that the funds are insufficient to meet money away. In many cases, the needs will EPA cuts on our ongoing efforts to clean up the needs, I am pleased that the conferees grow. This bill is cruel and cold-hearted. It the Chesapeake Bay. Under this conference recognized that there is a serious problem and does not reflect American values. report, EPA funding would be cut more than are interested in developing a solution to it. I also oppose the provisions in this con- one-fifth. This means that available funding Despite these provisions, I oppose this bill ference report which would cut the funding will be directed to dealing with crises. Long- because it reneges on our Federal commit- levels for the Environmental Protection Agency term restoration efforts will bear the brunt of ment to help this Nation's families. Strong by 21 percent. the cuts. For example, we recently discovered families make our communities strong and These provisions not only severely limit the that as much as 30 percent of the nitrogen strong communities make our Nation strong. agency's ability to protect our lands, air, and pollution in the bay is due to airborne, not wa- For families to be strong, they must have ac- water; but they also continue the full-scale as- terborne, contamination. The cuts in this bill cess to the basicsÐemployment, education, sault on the environment that began on the will force the EPA to stop much of this type of healthcare, and housing. This bill dramatically first day of the 104th Congress. research. Likewise, our ongoing programs to decreases the ability of local communities to Poll after poll has indicated that the Amer- reintroduce rockfish and other species to the provide access to decent, safe, and affordable ican people favor strong environmental laws. bay may also be put on hold. housing for America's families. We should not be willing to sacrifice the health I am pleased that the Chesapeake Bay pro- The costs to our society of homelessness and safety of our children. For the families, gram has been funded under this bill. How- are significant and they are long-term. At the children, and citizens of America, I urge my ever, as any fisherman will tell you, our efforts simplest level, the costs are financial. It costs colleagues to oppose this conference report. to restore the bay and its oyster population more to return homeless people to the main- Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to are dependent upon the quality of the water stream of society than it costs to prevent them raise some strong concerns I have with lan- that flows into the bay. The ultimate success from becoming homeless in the first place. guage contained in the conference report on of our efforts to restore the economic and en- But, the costs to society of homelessness go H.R. 2099 concerning the ongoing efforts in vironmental vitality of the bay depend on far beyond financial ones. the Department of Housing and Urban Devel- cleaning up the Patuxent, Anacostia, and Po- Children growing up homeless in the streets opment to move toward Federal regulation of tomac Rivers. These are precisely the sorts of today will carry the scars of their childhood ex- so-called redlining within the property insur- long-term projects which are most likely to be periences and the memories of society's indif- ance industry, an area of regulation tradition- delayed as scarce funding turns to short-term ference to them into their adulthood. We are ally left to the States. emergency responses and crisis management. being willfully blind if we refuse to see that so- The VA/HUD bill approved by the House These cuts show the folly of attempting to ciety's indifference today will cost us tomor- earlier this year contained language requested cut taxes while balancing the budget. I believe row. by me, Representative KNOLLENBERG, and a we must balance the Federal budget, for the The conference report to H.R. 2099, like so number of other Members from throughout the sake of our children and grandchildren. But I many of the pieces of the agenda of this Re- country which would have reestablished the do not believe that spending $245 billion to publican-controlled Congress, targets its hard- States' right to regulate the insurance industry give tax breaks to our wealthiest Americans is est hits at the most vulnerable. In the case of and address rules dealing with any redlining a wise use of taxpayer funds. These cuts are housing, those hit the hardest are the poorest problems in their respective States, and pro- not to balance the budgetÐthey are paying for residents in public and assisted housing and hibited HUD from spending fiscal year 1996 the tax cut. How will our grandchildren judge poor working families, too many of whom live dollars on promulgating redlining regulations us if we fail to preserve our Nation's environ- on the streets. The median income of house- and funding projects by activist groups. I com- mental and economic viability? Will giving a holds receiving Federal housing assistance is mend and thank Chairman LEWIS for working tax cut be an adequate defense? I believe not, $8,000. These households simply have no ad- to include this language in the House bill. and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ditional resources with which to pay for in- HUD has no statutory authority to be in- against this bill. creases in housing costs. volved in this area, and under the McCarran/ Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Currently, more than 5.6 million very-low-in- Ferguson Act regulation of insurance is prop- opposition to the conference report on H.R. come households in this country pay half or erly handled by the States. The States are ex- 2099, the fiscal year 1996 VA±HUD appropria- more of their incomes for rent or live in sub- ercising that authority to address redlining tions bill. While the measure before us is standard housing. Between 1989 and 1993, problems where they exist, and there is abso- slightly better than the one passed by the this group grew by 600,000 householdsÐa lutely no reason for HUD to get involved. House, it has a long way to go before it is ac- growth rate which will be dwarfed by the one The House of Representatives clearly en- ceptable. I am particularly concerned about ahead of us if this bill becomes law. More than dorsed this view when it voted 266 to 157 H 13762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 against an amendment to strike this section operations. Provisions in this report hamstring selenium into local waterways, with potentially from the bill. The Senate bill did not contain the ability of the Environmental Protection serious results on waterfowl and other marsh similar language when it went to conference. Agency to enforce the laws that keep our wildlife. Shell, like Unocal and Exxon, failed to I am deeply distressed that the conference water clean, our air safe, and our communities meet a 1993 deadline to reduce selenium dis- committee not only deleted this section, but free from toxic dangers. charges. Some also charge the refineries with replaced it with report language which takes a This conference report bars EPA from pro- the release of dioxins that have been linked position directly opposite of the House-ap- tecting wetlands, limits EPA's authority to list with cancer and other serious health prob- proved language prohibiting redlining regula- new hazardous waste sites, and bars the issu- lems. tion. In particular, the language calls for con- ance of new standards to protect the public Earlier this year, a pipeline leak at the Dow gressional committees to take action ``so that from drinking water contaminated by radon. Chemical plant in Pittsburg, CA, released dis- a clear statutory basis of regulation can be As a representative of a heavily industrial solved chlorine hydrochloric acid and carbon provided, and effective antidiscrimination regu- district where constituents have often been tetrachloride, affecting nearby residents. The lation of insurance activities enforced'' with re- subjected to health hazards both on the job examples go on an on: Unocal of Rodeo spect to redlining. This is a position with which and in the community, this legislation contains dumped 200 tons of toxic chemicals onto sur- I vehemently disagree and which is diamet- unacceptable waivers from basic laws in- rounding communities over a 16-day period. rically opposed to the position taken earlier by tended to protect the public from serious Although plant managers were aware of the the House. threats to health and safety. Instructions bur- leak and workers informed their supervisors, I have every confidence that if this bill is ve- ied in the legislative history of this conference the leak was permitted to continue for 16 days toed by the President, as is expected, this report direct EPA to: Exempt the oil and gas before the damaged unit was finally shut matter will be addressed again by the Appro- industry from requirements to develop acci- down, leaving hundreds of people with long- priations Committees. I thank Chairman LEWIS dent prevention plans; excuse the oil and gas standing illnesses. for his support and look forward to working industry from reducing toxic air pollution from There are a lot of people in this House who with him in the future to include the previously refineries; and infringe on the public's right to obviously do not believe our communities, our adopted language to prohibit HUD for regulat- know by limiting the kinds of information about constituents, or our employees need or de- ing property insurers in any future version of air and water pollution that industries must re- serve the protection of their Government from this legislation. port for the Toxic Release Inventory. the contamination and poisonings associated Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise The Seventh District of CaliforniaÐlike with industrial actions. I do not know if they in strong opposition to the VA±HUD appropria- much of the San Francisco Bay areaÐhas are misinformed, naive, or swayed by the spe- tions conference report. had a long and unhappy history with industries cial interests who are behind the weakening of This bill makes dangerous and unnecessary that have leaked, spilled, spewed, emitted, the EPA and behind this legislation. But the cuts in programs protecting the health and discharged, and released up to 40,000 tons of effect is the same. welfare of our Nation. hazardous materials, with serious results on Laws written to protect our citizens and our It decimates important environmental protec- our community. Indeed, our region has been communities are being trampled by special in- tion programs by cutting EPA funding by 21 affected by dozens of releases of hazardous terest money and influence and, quite literally, percentÐthe largest targeted cut for any sin- chemicals and other substances into our people are going to die as a result of this ca- gle Federal agency. water, our air, and our lands. pitulation to corporate interests. The San Joaquin River, which discharges I recognize everyone in this House can It also slashes public housing programs by into the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, point to some example of another of bureau- 21 percent and homeless programs by 27 per- dumps the following loads every year into that cratic overstepping, and we need good faith cent, at a time when public housing needs are estuary: arsenic, 12 metric tons; chromium, 66 efforts to minimize that kind of obstructionism rising, not falling. tons; lead, 51 to 55 tons; and nickel, 51 tons. and redtape. But protecting our constituents The impact of these cuts will be felt in urban In 1993, the General Chemical Co. of Rich- from the well-documented cases of industrial and rural areas throughout the Nation. For ex- mond, CA, released a huge amount of oleum contamination and poisoning by undercutting ample, in Los Angeles County alone, reduc- into the air, forcing 24,000 people to seek the EPA is irresponsible and condemnable. tions in the incremental section 8 housing pro- medical attention. General Chemical was We should vote against this legislation and gram will deny rental assistance to 40,000 in- charged with numerous violations of civil and stand up for the men and women who work in dividuals and families currently on the county's criminal law, including failure to maintain our factories, live in our communities, and look waiting list. equipment, failing to provide adequate em- to their Government to provide them with a I urge my colleagues to reject the flawed ployees training, failure to provide employees funding priorities reflected in this bill by defeat- basic amount of protection and security. with protective equipment, and negligently I urge the House to reject the conference ing the conference report. emitting an air contaminant. report. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, my The General Chemical crisis illustrates the Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, last month I had colleagues on the other side of the aisle are accuracy of the principle: prevention pays. the honor to host in my district one of the fin- playing an increasingly dangerous game with General Chemical was required to pay $1.18 est public servants who has ever served the public health and the environment. million in fines to the Government agencies combat veterans of this NationÐthe Honor- Every poll shows that Americans oppose the and recently agreed to a $180 million settle- able Jesse Brown. weakening of environmental standards. In fact, ment with thousands of its victims. For a small Secretary Brown did not just talk to the vet- an ABC/Washington Post poll showed that 70 amount of that money, General Chemical erans at the VFW hall in Davison, MIÐhe took percent of respondents felt that the Federal could have had in place the safety policies the time to carefully listen to the concerns of Government has not done enough to protect and technology that would have prevented the each veteran who attended the town hall the environment. If you ask questions about release, and the subsequent damage and meeting. He talked individually to literally doz- the protection of communities and employees costs, in the first place. ens of the veterans that day. from hazardous industries and substances, the There are those who believe that industry But now some Members of Congress want public support is even higher. will act to minimize risks to its employees, the to muzzle Secretary Brown because he has And yet the Republican leaders of this Con- community, and the environment without the become a real advocate for the veterans and gress, beginning with the blatant efforts to re- compulsion of safety regulations. They are their needs. peal much of the Clean Water Act as part of sadly naive. Time and again, in my community In yet another attempt to stifle opposition to the Contract With America, have unleashed an and around this country and indeed the world, their agenda, these Members of Congress unprecedented assault on the safety of Ameri- we have learned the lesson that removing want to severely cut funding for the veterans ca's communities. That assault has been pro- safety regulations invariably leads to short Secretary's office as a means of sending moted, drafted, and financed by the very in- cuts and practices that endanger thousands of Jesse Brown a message. dustries and special interests that are benefit- lives. Those who seek, in this legislation, to These cuts in the Secretary's personal office ing from the Republican revolution. pare back the important work of the Environ- are in addition to the harsh cuts already con- This conference report is a startling example mental Protection Agency, or elsewhere attack tained in the appropriations bill. of this capitulation by the Republican Con- the Occupational Safety and Health Adminis- Mr. Speaker, such behavior should be be- gress to the special interests who have long tration or the Mine Safety and Health Adminis- neath the dignity of this House. challenged the authority of public entities to tration, would do well to consider this record. I urge Members to join me in opposition to regulate the safety of the workplaces, the The Shell refinery in Martinez, CA, like other this attack on the Secretary of Veterans' Af- safety of their products, and the safety of their local refineries, discharged large amounts of fairsÐand oppose this appropriations bill. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13763 Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, I support pas- committee of conference with instructions Torkildsen Wamp Williams sage of the VA±HUD conference report to to the managers on the part of the House to Torres Ward Wilson insist on the House position on Senate Torricelli Waters Wise H.R. 2099. I want to thank Chairman Lewis Traficant Watt (NC) Woolsey amendment numbered 4. and the conferees for their diligence on this Velazquez Watts (OK) Wyden bill, and their willingness to work with me and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Vento Waxman Wynn Visclosky Whitfield Yates members of the Oklahoma delegation, to in- objection, the previous question is or- corporate report language compelling the EPA dered on the motion to recommit. NAYS—208 to properly notify corporations or persons as a There was no objection. Allard Frisa Myrick potentially responsible party [PRP] for facilities The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Archer Gallegly Nethercutt on the Superfund's national priorities list. Armey Ganske Neumann question is on the motion to recommit. Bachus Gekas Ney I know that the House Commerce and The question was taken; and the Baker (CA) Geren Norwood Transportation and Infrastructure Committees Speaker pro tempore announced that Baker (LA) Gilchrest Nussle are currently in the process of reauthorizing the noes appeared to have it. Ballenger Gillmor Oxley and reforming the Superfund Program which is Barr Goss Packard Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I object to Barrett (NE) Graham Parker in critical need of improvement. However, for the vote on the ground that a quorum Bartlett Greenwood Paxon some unfortunate parties, Superfund reform is not present and make the point of Barton Gunderson Petri Bass Gutknecht Pombo may be a case of too littleÐtoo late. order that a quorum is not present. Presently, there are policies which the EPA Bateman Hancock Porter The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Beilenson Hansen Portman should be implementing that would save a dently a quorum is not present. Bereuter Hastert Pryce great deal of time, money, and legal maneu- Bilbray Hastings (WA) Quillen vering in the context of reform and good gov- The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Bilirakis Hayworth Quinn ernment. Superfund's overreaching, illogical, sent Members. Bliley Heineman Radanovich The vote was taken by electronic de- Blute Herger Ramstad and unfair liability snarls have deflected the Boehlert Hobson Regula program from its intended function: to protect vice, and there were—yeas 216, nays Boehner Hoekstra Riggs human health and the environment in a realis- 208, not voting 8, as follows: Bonilla Hoke Roberts [Roll No. 829] Bono Horn Rogers tic cost-effective manner. Despite the expendi- Brownback Hostettler Rohrabacher ture of at least $25 billion in Federal and pri- YEAS—216 Bryant (TN) Houghton Ros-Lehtinen Bunn Hunter Roukema vate funds over the past 15 years, cleanup Abercrombie Fox Meehan Bunning Hutchinson Royce construction has been completed at only 291 Ackerman Frank (MA) Meek Burton Hyde Salmon Andrews Franks (CT) Menendez out of nearly 1,300 sitesÐa whopping 12 per- Buyer Inglis Sanford Baesler Frost Mfume Callahan Istook Saxton cent success rate. Baldacci Funderburk Miller (CA) Calvert Johnson (CT) Schaefer I wholeheartedly concur with the conference Barcia Furse Minge Camp Johnson, Sam Schiff report language which states, Barrett (WI) Gejdenson Mink Canady Kasich Sensenbrenner Becerra Gephardt Moakley Potentially responsible parties [PRP’s] Chabot Kelly Shadegg Bentsen Gibbons Mollohan have a reasonable expectation to be notified Chambliss Kim Shaw Berman Gilman Montgomery by the EPA in a timely manner and within a Chenoweth King Shays Bevill Gonzalez Moran Christensen Kingston Shuster time frame that permits participation in Bishop Goodlatte Murtha Chrysler Klug Skeen remedy selection and execution. In particu- Bonior Goodling Nadler Clinger Knollenberg Smith (MI) lar, it is inequitable and unconscionable for Borski Gordon Neal Collins (GA) Kolbe Smith (NJ) the agency to identify a PRP without the Boucher Green Oberstar Combest LaHood Smith (TX) Brewster Gutierrez Obey means to effectively participate in remedy Cooley Largent Smith (WA) Browder Hall (OH) Olver selection and execution and then, after the Cox Latham Solomon Brown (CA) Hall (TX) Ortiz remedy has been substantially completed, to Crane LaTourette Souder Brown (FL) Hamilton Orton Crapo Laughlin Spence attempt to identify other parties to pay for Brown (OH) Harman Owens Cremeans Lazio Stump remedial activity. Bryant (TX) Hastings (FL) Pallone Cubin Leach Talent Burr Hayes Pastor Additionally, the report language makes Cunningham Lewis (CA) Tate Cardin Hefley Payne (NJ) DeLay Lewis (KY) Tauzin clear that the EPA should review all of its ac- Castle Hilleary Payne (VA) Diaz-Balart Lightfoot Taylor (NC) tivities to determine the extent to which such Chapman Hilliard Pelosi Dickey Linder Thomas Clay Hinchey Peterson (FL) situations have occurred and, in conjunction Doolittle Livingston Thornberry Clayton Holden Peterson (MN) with the Department of Justice, make every ef- Dornan Longley Tiahrt Clement Hoyer Pickett Dreier Lucas Upton fort to remedy such actions in a Clyburn Jackson-Lee Pomeroy Duncan Martini Vucanovich nonconfrontational, nonlitigious manner. Coble Jacobs Poshard Dunn McCollum Waldholtz Coburn Jefferson Rahall I strongly encourage EPA Administrator Ehlers McCrery Walker Coleman Johnson (SD) Rangel Browner to abide by the spirit of this language Ehrlich McDade Walsh Collins (IL) Johnson, E. B. Reed Emerson McHugh Weldon (FL) and not take any premature actions which Collins (MI) Johnston Richardson English McInnis Weldon (PA) may lead to innocent corporations or persons Condit Jones Rivers Everett McIntosh Weller Conyers Kanjorski Roemer expending unnecessary legal costs for a prob- Ewing McKeon White Costello Kaptur Rose Fawell Metcalf Wicker lem they did not have any association with Coyne Kennedy (MA) Roybal-Allard Fields (TX) Meyers Wolf and/or did not create. Cramer Kennedy (RI) Rush Flanagan Mica Young (AK) Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Danner Kennelly Sabo Foley Miller (FL) Young (FL) Davis Kildee Sanders er, I yield back the balance of my time. Forbes Molinari Zeliff de la Garza Kleczka Sawyer The Speaker pro tempore. (Mr. EMER- Fowler Moorhead Zimmer Deal Klink Scarborough Franks (NJ) Morella SON). Without objection, the previous DeFazio LaFalce Schroeder Frelinghuysen Myers question is ordered on the conference DeLauro Lantos Schumer report. Dellums Levin Scott NOT VOTING—8 There was no objection. Deutsch Lewis (GA) Serrano Dicks Lincoln Sisisky Fattah Roth Tucker MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. OBEY Dingell Lipinski Skaggs Flake Seastrand Volkmer Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a mo- Dixon LoBiondo Skelton Hefner Towns tion to recommit. Doggett Lofgren Slaughter Dooley Lowey Spratt The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Doyle Luther Stark b 1311 gentleman opposed to the conference Durbin Maloney Stearns Messrs. LINDER, SALMON, FOLEY, report? Edwards Manton Stenholm Mr. OBEY. That is safe to say, Mr. Engel Manzullo Stockman LEWIS of Kentucky, RIGGS, and Speaker. Ensign Markey Stokes BILBRAY changed their vote from Eshoo Martinez Studds ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Evans Mascara Stupak Clerk will report the motion to recom- Farr Matsui Tanner Mrs. KENNELLY, Messrs. ROEMER, mit. Fazio McCarthy Taylor (MS) BARCIA, FUNDERBURK, HAYES, Fields (LA) McDermott Tejeda GOODLATTE, FOX of Pennsylvania, The Clerk read as follows: Filner McHale Thompson Mr. OBEY moves to recommit the con- Foglietta McKinney Thornton MURTHA, MANZULLO, GOODLING, ference report on the bill H.R. 2099 to the Ford McNulty Thurman HILLEARY, and STOCKMAN, and Ms. H 13764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

ROYBAL-ALLARD changed their vote Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- enforcement ability by about 25 per- from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ tleman from Michigan will continue to cent. Since we are already into fiscal So the motion to recommit was yield, we intend to bring up that piece year 1996 and we are operating on a agreed to. of legislation sometime next week. continuing resolution which signifi- The result of the vote was announced Mr. DINGELL. Next week, not to- cantly cuts back the amount of money as above recorded. morrow or Thursday, Friday? available to the EPA, already inspec- A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. DELAY. Sometime next week. the table. Mr. DINGELL. Would it come up tions and other enforcement actions f Monday or Tuesday of next week? have been reduced at the Environ- Mr. DELAY. We have not set the mental Protection Agency. This 25-per- PERSONAL EXPLANATION schedule for next week, but it would be cent cut in enforcement will simply Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall sometime next week. magnify that problem. No. 829, I was unavoidably detained. Had I Mr. DINGELL. I thank the gen- What it means essentially is that, al- been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' tleman. though we have good environmental f f laws on the books, they cannot be en- PERSONAL EXPLANATION SPECIAL ORDERS forced. Polluters will go free, and there Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under will not be the ability for the EPA to was unavoidably detained in my district, but the Speaker’s announced policy of May go in and even know exactly what is had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' 12, 1995, and under a previous order of going on, whether someone, for exam- on both rollcall votes 822 and 823. the House, the following Members will ple, is violating their discharge permit f be recognized for 5 minutes each. into waters. PERSONAL EXPLANATION f In addition to the problem with en- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, today be- forcement, this House has several previous order of the House, the gen- cause of inclement weather and airport times, at least on two occasions now, tleman from Indiana [Mr. BURTON] is delays, I was delayed on two votes. voted to take out riders that were in recognized for 5 minutes. For H.R. 2564, I would have voted the EPA appropriations bill which I ‘‘yes’’; and for H.R. 2099 I would have [Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed characterize as anti-environment, be- voted ‘‘yes.’’ the House. His remarks will appear cause they prohibit the agency from hereafter in the Extensions of Re- f actually enforcing certain actions pur- marks.] b 1315 f suant to the current law. Yet, we know that of the 17 House riders that were in LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the EPA appropriations bill, two of previous order of the House, the gentle- (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given them remain in the conference report, permission to address the House for 1 woman from Colorado [Mrs. SCHROE- DER] is recognized for 5 minutes. and at least half of them have been minute.) placed into what we call report lan- Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I would [Mrs. SCHROEDER addressed the ask my friend, the gentleman from House. Her remarks will appear here- guage. They are not actually in the Texas [Mr. ARMEY], to explain the after in the Extensions of Remarks.] law, but they are placed in the con- schedule this afternoon and for tomor- f ference report, and normally Federal agencies have some sort of requirement row. If we are going on Amtrak tomor- RECOMMITTING THE VA–HUD AP- to try to go along with what the re- row, I would ask the gentleman, why PROPRIATIONS CONFERENCE RE- port, what the conference report lan- can we not do it today? It is 1 o’clock PORT WILL ALLOW FOR THE in the afternoon and we have a good GREATER PROTECTION OF THE guage says. part of the day left. ENVIRONMENT Specifically, there are two provi- Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, will the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a sions, two of the riders that are still in gentleman yield? the bill and I hope will be taken out Mr. BONIOR. I yield to the gen- previous order of the House, the gen- when this bill goes back to conference. tleman from Texas. tleman from New Jersey [Mr. PALLONE] Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, this last is recognized for 5 minutes. One of the two would essentially say vote is the last vote of the day. The Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I was that the EPA has no ability to enforce Committee on Rules will be meeting at very pleased to see that the VA–HUD wetlands protection. Right now the 2:30 or later this afternoon to write a appropriations conference report, EPA has the authority under certain rule on the Amtrak legislation that we which, of course, includes funding for circumstances to permit the filing in of intend to bring up tomorrow. We do the Environmental Protection Agency, wetlands where the agency feels there not anticipate any vote on Friday or was recommitted to conference today, has been substantial or will be substan- Monday. primarily because of two provisions re- tial detriment to the environment. Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, if I can re- lated to the Environmental Protection That has been taken out; that rider is claim my time, I ask unanimous con- Agency. One is that the amount of still in the bill, but that prohibits the sent that we bring the Amtrak bill up money that is appropriated to the EPA agency from providing any kind of wet- is probably one of the lowest amounts today. There would not be any objec- lands protection. tion on this side of the aisle. We would for any agency, and specifically with be happy to take it up today. We do not regard to enforcement, there is a 25- The other rider that still is in the need a rule, unless the gentleman plans percent cut in terms of the EPA’s en- bill is one that would prohibit the des- to close the rule. We do not need a rule. forcement. ignation of new Superfund sites. Again, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. EM- Already we know that the EPA has if we are supposed to use a scientific ERSON). The Chair is unable to recog- cut back significantly on inspections basis, which we traditionally have, for nize the gentleman for that unani- and on enforcement because of the deciding whether or not a hazardous mous-consent request. level of funding that they have re- waste site would be put on the national Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, will the ceived pursuant to the continuing reso- priority list for Superfund status, then gentleman yield? lution. In other words, as we proceed in there is no reason why an appropria- Mr. BONIOR. I yield to the gen- trying to put together an appropria- tions bill, or a conference report in this tleman from Michigan. tions bill for the EPA, less money can case, should specifically say that no Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I would be spent on a monthly basis since Octo- new Superfund site can be designated. ask the gentleman to yield for the pur- ber 1, because we have not had an ap- poses of inquiring of my good friend, propriations bill signed into law. In addition, through, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas, the distin- Mr. Speaker, the point I was trying there are at least another eight or nine guished whip on the majority side, are to make is that this conference report, riders that are put into what we call we going to bring up the securities re- which fortunately was sent back to report language. These are essentially form legislation? conference today, cuts back on EPA’s loopholes that are created to provide November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13765 special treatment; for example, utili- Some of the questions that are aris- of spending it on troops, putting them ties and other industries seeking to ing out of this tragic mistake that we in harm’s way and accepting some level prevent the EPA from expanding its are about to make are, No. 1, the Presi- of casualties? disclosure program under the Commu- dent says there will be casualties. There are many more questions. One nity Right To Know Act, refineries fac- There are risks involved. I think this is the question of leadership. Will ing compliance with air toxic emission Member of Congress and others would America not be a leader if we back standards, cement kilns that burn haz- like to know what is the acceptable away from this? There are many ways ardous waste, air permitting programs level of casualties in Bosnia. Is it 1,300 to lead, through NATO and through for the State of Virginia, troops per day? Is it the loss of 250 other ways. We can lead through air bioengineering plants, State audit young men and women each day we are power, through intelligence, through shields for polluters, natural gas proc- over there? Is that acceptable? strategy, through logistical support. essors. In each case there is conference I can tell you what is acceptable in We have many ways that we can lead. language requesting the EPA to create Kansas, in the Fourth District of Kan- But to send troops into harm’s way loopholes or other special treatment in sas. It is zero. No casualties. But that without the support of the American these various categories. is not what we have heard. There will public, without the support of the Essentially, Mr. Speaker, I believe be casualties, but we do not know how America people, the Congress, the an- very strongly that since agencies are many. swer is no, Mr. President. supposed to follow the dictates of the b 1330 f appropriators, this shift to report lan- guage, taking the riders out of the Another thing is that we were told BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL statute but putting in the report lan- that it is going to be 20,000 troops, but LIMITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR guage, really means that a lot of the now we are finding out that it may be AMERICANS damage will still be done to the envi- 30,000, maybe 35,000. There will be some The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ronment. I hope that the conferees, held in float. There will be some sta- previous order of the House, the gentle- when this bill goes back to committee, tioned nearby. According to the War woman from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] will make some additional changes so College, it takes seven troops to sup- is recognized for 5 minutes. we have more money for environmental port one combat troop. So if it is 20,000, Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, we protection. that means it is 140,000 with support are in the midst, during these next cou- f personnel. If it is 30,000, it goes up to ple of days, of making a recommitment 210,000. Pretty soon, we are talking to the American people that we are THE OCCUPATION OF BOSNIA about a quarter of a million people, and now serious about a budget reconcili- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a they are in there for the alleged dura- ation process that takes away the stri- previous order of the House, the gen- tion, which is supposed to be 12 dency and the gross imbalance that the tleman from Kansas [Mr. TIAHRT] is months. present bill has offered. recognized for 5 minutes. Will there be a rotation? If there is a I voted against the Budget Reconcili- Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I want to rotation, where will the training take ation Act that has been proposed by spend some time this afternoon and place? Does that mean that there is the majority in this House. This is not talk to us about the occupation of now a half a million troops involved? If to say that the consequences of not Bosnia. The President has already de- so, what would happen if North Korea balancing a budget is not of great con- cided that we are going to be sending should cross the border and what would cern. troops into Bosnia, approximately the happen if Saddam Hussein again I have been to my district. I have dis- number of 20,000, under the alleged crosses another border? What would cussed the issue with a myriad of con- peacekeeping mission. However, I happen if a conflict occurs in Yugo- stituents: working Americans, also in- think as we see the events of Bosnia slavia or some other place like Macedo- dividuals who are looking to become unfold, we are starting to realize that nia? independent, transitioning themselves there are many questions unanswered, This country is not funded in the De- maybe from public housing, from being in that the direction of those questions partment of Defense to handle a two- recipients of welfare. But as they look and the partial answers that we are re- scenario conflict. Regardless of what to become independent and as working ceiving is saying that this is not a the leadership in the administration families are looking to become strong- peacekeeping effort, and that this is a has said, it is simply not there. Mem- er, the Budget Reconciliation Act says peacemaking effort which will prob- bers of the Pentagon know that. to them that we will not join you in ably result in an occupation unless we If this is an occupation, which it ap- partnership. take some drastic changes of direction pears to be leaning towards, 20,000 is This bill drastically cuts housing op- now. not enough. Probably 200,000 is more portunities for affordable housing. This Mr. Speaker, this is a big concern, I like what it will take, just ground bill drastically cuts opportunities for think, to every American. If it is not troops. What is the mission here? poor working families to receive an on their thoughts today, it should be. Another question is, what is the geo- earned income tax credit. What we may It will be tomorrow. I think it is a graphical area that we will be required be saying sounds like a continuous re- well-known fact now in the media and to defend? Is it near the hottest area? cording sound, droning on and on. But in Congress that the President is going Near the Serbs? Mr. Speaker, we have what it actually does is impacts the to send troops to Bosnia. He has the already had air strikes on the Serbs. lives of working and living Americans. constitutional authority to send those There are some 40,000 to 60,000 rogue It jeopardizes the fragile relationship troops. He has thought this out. It has Serbs who do not agree with the peace of survival, whether they survive today been planned in the Pentagon. There agreement, and we will be near there. or whether they do not survive tomor- will be troops before the end of the Our troops are planned to land at row. year in Bosnia. Tuzla, which is just about a mile from We find that when we cast aspersions It is very frustrating for a Member of the Serb current locations. A mortar and criticisms on those who receive Congress, because we are unable to round can travel a mile. welfare, this Budget Reconciliation stop this action. We have repeatedly Other questions are, is the duration Act, along with the proposed welfare voted to stop from sending troops to of 12 months enough? We have had a reform plan, cuts child care, cuts job Bosnia, yet every effort on the part of century’s old conflict and we think we training, and disregards the oppor- the Congress has been met with dis- can solve it in 12 months? What fire- tunity for encouraging businesses and dain, with the turning from our advice, power will we have there? What is the others to employ now present welfare and the President has not yet come to funding level? It started out at $1 bil- recipients by providing a tax incentive us with the arguments, with the right lion. It is now up to $3 billion. Would it to hire such persons. We find in the ideas, with the right plan in order to not be more economical in terms of Budget Reconciliation Act that the job gain not only the support of Congress, human lives to offer to rebuild the en- program that helped youth be em- but the support of the American public. tire country with this $3 billion instead ployed during the summer the last H 13766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 number of years is simply nothing but Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I want Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, a baby sitting job or a baby sitting ac- to address the House today on the will the gentleman yield? I thank the tivity. How egregiously wrong that budget and on the process of balancing gentleman for his thoughts. perspective is. the budget. Mr. Speaker, I will be very quick on In my district, in the city of Hous- I have listened to a number of our this point. If we have analyzed the ton, we will lose some 6,000 summer colleagues on the other side of the aisle $26,000 on AmeriCorps, we have not yet jobs. Across this Nation, we will lose today and in the weeks past on the juxtaposed or compared that against millions of dollars that have helped budget, and I really think that maybe the investment or resources that they young people be directed away from ac- an honest step would be for them to provide to the community which bal- tivities that would cause criminal re- say that we do not want to balance the ances off, because they are giving labor sults to more constructive activities budget, just get it over with. Because for free, in essence, and the summer that have exposed them to career ac- what we are hearing is, well, not here jobs exposes children to opportunity. tivities. and not there, and do not do this, and Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, re- There have been accusations, for ex- do not do that. claiming my time, that is important, ample, that the monies have been mis- Federal jobs programs, for example. but out of 163 job training programs I used. I am not sure of the extensive- Mr. Speaker, as you know, we have 163 would challenge the gentlewoman from ness of any hearings that have sug- different Federal jobs training pro- Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] to say, let us gested that cities that have been, and grams. Is it possible that some of those cut these. We are in agreement that quasi-public agencies that have been in could be trimmed back, some could be maybe we need 100 job training pro- partnership with the business commu- consolidated, and perhaps, oh, do not grams, or maybe we need 2, or maybe nities throughout this Nation have not say it too loudly around Washington, we need 50. Where I think the Demo- effectively utilized youth summer pro- but maybe some could be eliminated? crat Party is being somewhat disingen- gram monies. Is that not what the American people uous is you all are saying, let us cut We have been able to hire 6,000 actually want? the budget and let us balance it, but youths in my community. All of them Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, not here, not now, not in my area. have managed to be exposed to unique will the gentleman yield? These are good programs. I would say experiences. Whether it was with Mr. KINGSTON. I would be happy to to my colleague that, in each case, NASA and the space station, whether it yield to the gentlewoman from Texas. many of them are good programs, yet was with city government, or whether Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I we are still in debt. So why do we not it was with one of our major energy thank the gentleman for his perspec- try to take the good ones that are good companies in the community, they tive. and consolidate them together and re- duce it and, most importantly, cut out have learned independence, self-suffi- The gentleman from Georgia men- the Washington bureaucrats who are ciency, self-esteem. tioned several job training programs. I In fact, Mr. Speaker, I had a young would only raise an inquiry for what I the middle people who are sucking up person who worked in my office when I hear my colleagues on the other side of so much of the money that should go? I want to make one more point. Mr. was a local elected official who did real the aisle trying to do and what I would Speaker, it is already November, al- work, by the way, this young intern, hope that we could do together, and most December. We keep hearing, bal- who, when she got the offer to be an in- that is to turn this country around to ance the budget, but not here, not now. a level of self-sufficiency. Part of that tern under the summer jobs program, We want to work in a bipartisan fash- comes from our youth. If I can just sep- called with excitement but yet sadness ion. To my knowledge, the only serious arate out your comments to focus on and said, I cannot accept, because I do plan that has come from you all has the summer jobs program that have not have the proper clothes and I would been on the Blue Tick Hounds or the been effective in our communities, be- be embarrassed to show up. I said to Hound Dog Democrats or whatever you cause, in fact, they have been a part- that young person, if you have to wear call them, and I know that the gen- nership between the public and the pri- a paper bag, come to this office to tleman from Mississippi has been a vate sector. know what you can do, how you can be part of that. That is a great counter- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, re- challenged and what the opportunities punch to the debate, and I applaud it. claiming my time, one of the things are for you in the future. But it is still a minority group within that is very important to remember is The Budget Reconciliation Act must the Democrat Party. give to the American people hope. It that the AmeriCorps Program, which We do not have a serious Democrat must give to them a direction. It must the gentlewoman has been discussing, proposal to balance the budget yet. So give to them focus. What we have now for example, is $26,000 per child. Well, I as long as my colleagues on the other is an ill-spirited and misdirected oppor- would say to my colleague, we can side of the aisle are going to say, not tunity. produce a heck of a lot of great oppor- here, not now; I would say, get in the So I would ask, as the process contin- tunities for kids at that rate. arena with us. I mean, it is difficult to ues, that we begin to look at where The problem, as the gentlewoman balance the budget. If it was not, we this country wants to go in the 21st knows, is that if we want to do some- would have had one in the last 25 years. century. Do we want to turn back the thing for kids, we have to reduce the Let me yield to the gentleman from clock on environment with respect to deficit. We cannot pass them our bank- Mississippi. If we can get more time, I clear water, clean air, and would you rupt legacy, the $200 billion debt that will continue this debate, because the believe, food safety inspections? How we have year after year, the $4.9 tril- lady from Texas has been a very posi- outrageous when we have come so far lion that is eating away at these tive person in this debate process. that now we would deny citizens the things. Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I adequacy of food safety inspections. Now, the gentlewoman and I know think there is more that we can do, the We have a responsibility, Mr. Speak- that when we were kids, an old trick gentleman from Georgia, and I appre- er, to fairly strike a chord of reason in used to be to go to the corner drugstore ciate it. I think we have tried to meet the Budget Reconciliation Act process. and charge a Coca Cola or an ice cream on different issues. I wish that the I will participate. I ask my colleagues to your dad’s account down there. Well, budget now before us was not so stri- to participate. at the end of the month your father dent. f would find out, well, you charged some- I thank the gentleman for yielding. thing to me, and I am going to make f BALANCED BUDGET REQUIRES you pay that back. ELIMINATING AND TRIMMING Well, now what is happening is we REQUEST TO EXTEND SPECIAL PROGRAMS parents are going down and we are ORDER TIME The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a charging things for our kids to pay, but Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. previous order of the House, the gen- these are 4- and 5- and 6-year-old chil- Speaker, I have a unanimous-consent tleman from Georgia [Mr. KINGSTON] is dren who for years and years are going request. I would like to extend the gen- recognized for 5 minutes. to be paying. tleman’s time by 3 minutes so that he November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13767 could yield to me so that I could have tleman knows that, and I know that, I Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] are saying, the opportunity to answer the question think the people of America ought to let us use the same ruler when we de- that he asked of me. know that. bate this so that balance really is bal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Reclaiming my ance. No deficit really means no defi- Chair is unable to recognize that unan- time, Mr. Speaker, following up on Mr. cit. imous-consent request. The gentleman TAYLOR’s comment, as you know, yes- So I would say to you in the spirit of is limited to 5 minutes. terday I started what I said would be a let us get to the bottom of it, I am Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. series of discussions as to what con- with you 100 percent on what your as- Speaker, how many additional people stitutes a balanced budget in the con- sertion is. I appreciate the gentleman are there on the list, sir? text of the Speaker’s admonition to us yielding. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Approxi- that we use honest numbers. Mr. ABERCROMBIE. To enter into a mately 15. I invited the Speaker to come down dialog with you on this, then, is it your PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY and discuss that if he wants. He is not position that the budget as put forward Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I have here today. I do not know whether he by the majority at the present time is a parliamentary inquiry. will be here tomorrow. I am going to be not going to balance the budget if at The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- here right through the 15th. He may be the end of 2002 we have almost $1 tril- tleman will state it. in negotiations right now, I do not lion owing to the Social Security trust Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, in know, about this so-called balanced fund? keeping with going back and forth be- budget. But every time we see on tele- Mr. KINGSTON. If we are making by tween Democrat and Republican, is it vision or hear on radio or read in the a ruler that is the same ruler that we not true that a Democrat can ask for newspaper the Speaker talking about a measure all plans on and that is the unanimous consent for 5 minutes to balanced budget in 7 years and using case, then we need to look at it. speak out of order and then the gen- honest numbers, I submit to you and I Mr. ABERCROMBIE. If you could be tleman from Mississippi can get 5 min- submit to him and would be very happy so kind, would you try and answer my utes if no one objects? to have a discourse with him that this question. Is it the Republican budget The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- is illusionary. This is entirely illusory position that in the year 2002 when you tleman is correct. in nature. These numbers do not reflect have ostensibly balanced the budget that you will owe the Social Security f an honest balanced budget. As the gentleman from Mississippi trust fund $636 billion plus interest, ap- b 1345 [Mr. TAYLOR] indicated, every single proximately $1 trillion will be owing to A BALANCED BUDGET? budget proposed from the years 1996 the trust fund? through 2002 has a massive deficit at- Mr. KINGSTON. Let me say this. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. tached to it in the Republican plan. Last night was the first night that I GANSKE). Under a previous order of the Every single one of those budgets is listened to what you are saying and it House, the gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. going into the Social Security trust raised something that I want to go ABERCROMBIE] is recognized for 5 min- fund. It is stated right in the budget back and do my homework on. But I utes. documents of the Republican proposals, can assure you that I would be happy Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, and I do not object at any time to to answer that question afterwards and parliamentary inquiry before we go on. someone coming forward with the idea continue a dialog in an honest manner. I understand what is at stake here. of saying let us get to a balanced budg- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Reclaiming my But is the ruling of the Chair about et as I indicated yesterday. time, Mr. Speaker, do I have time? continuing because, if we start this In time to come, I will come on this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Ten sec- process, that means those who have floor and propose the kind of alter- onds. signed up will have to wait a longer natives that some of us are putting to- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. I very much ap- time? Is that the reason for proceeding gether and are willing to get behind preciate the honesty of the gentleman this way? that which will achieve that in an hon- from Georgia. I will indicate to him The SPEAKER pro tempore. The est way. This is dishonest in the sense and to the rest of the House that if Chair cannot recognize Members for that you are putting forward, or we are they go back and do their homework as extensions of 5-minute special orders. having put forward to us by the major- he suggests, they will find that in the Mr. ABERCROMBIE. I understand. I ity the idea that somehow they have year 2002 we will owe almost $1 trillion thank the Chair. exclusive claim to a balanced budget. to the Social Security trust fund, and I have the time, Mr. Speaker, is that I will indicate that this year alone, in the time to come, Mr. Speaker, over correct? and I may be off $1 or $2 billion, a cou- the next couple of weeks I am sure we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ple of billion dollars depending on what can explore this issue at greater depth. tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. the final figures come out to be, but I thank the Speaker very much and the Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I the proposal is that they take $63 bil- gentleman from Georgia. yield to the gentleman from Mis- lion from a so-called surplus in the So- f sissippi [Mr. TAYLOR]. cial Security system. BOSNIA Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. I thank Mr. KINGSTON. Will the gentleman the gentleman from Hawaii for his yield? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a courtesy. Mr. ABERCROMBIE. I will yield previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. Speaker, I would just like to briefly because I have got a long way tleman from Florida [Mr. point out to my friend from Georgia, to go and you folks are on the floor SCARBOROUGH] is recognized for 5 min- and I do consider him my friend, that every single day with this line and you utes. what the coalition and what I hope have hundreds of people saying the BALANCING THE BUDGET every Member of this body is asking for same things, and we are just a couple Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, is honesty in budgeting. of us here right now. But I will yield just to follow up briefly, I was going to I did some checking yesterday from for the moment. be talking on Bosnia but to follow up the Congressional Budget Office, and Mr. KINGSTON. I would say this to briefly on what the gentleman said be- even the Republican budget for 1996 my friend from Hawaii whom I know to fore, anybody that comes up with a would run up a $296 billion annual oper- be a learned and honest gentleman. plan that does more to balance the ating deficit; $118 billion of that would This is an 18-inch ruler, and what is un- budget than what the Republican plan be taken from trust funds. believable to me that over here 18 has done this year is fine with me. But I have continually heard that bill inches may be different, if we were I am hearing conflicting signals. being referred to on the floor of the talking money on the other side of the The first thing I am hearing is that House of Representatives as the Bal- aisle, and I agree with what you and the Republican budget does not go far anced Budget Act of 1995. Sir, that is the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. enough to balance the budget. And not a balanced budget. I think the gen- TAYLOR] and the gentlewoman from then we turn around the next day and H 13768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 hear how savagely the Republican In fact, the Pentagon put forward a about far more than numbers. It really, budget cuts everything. The fact of the doctrine that would prevent us from in essence, is about the values and the matter is that is a falsehood. getting involved in future conflicts priorities of the American people. Student aid goes up 49 percent under that would lead into Vietnam-style Democrats are concerned about the the Republican plan, goes from $24 bil- quagmires. It was called the Wein- level of cuts that this budget makes in lion to $36 billion. But now we are berger doctrine. It came out in the mid Medicare, in education, and in environ- hearing a new line. Now the line is that 1980’s, and it seemed to make a lot of mental protection. We believe that the the Republican budget does not go far sense. The first requirement was that cuts that are currently there, the cuts enough. If the gentleman from Hawaii before the President sent one young in this budget, go too far and too fast would like to get into the debate and American to die in a war across the and will hurt too many people. figure out a way to balance the budget sea, he clearly stated a vital American We are also very concerned about the plus handle it, $1 trillion dollars, 7 interest that was at stake. tax package that is contained in this years from now, if you say we are $1 I have sat on the Committee on Na- budget. Because of that tax package, trillion short, I welcome him. Again I tional Security for the past few we think that it is wrong to impose want to talk about Bosnia. But I will months. I have heard testimony from higher taxes on those who can least af- just say this with a footnote. the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of ford it while lowering the taxes on Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Will the gen- State, General Shalikashvili, and they those who can in fact most afford it. tleman kindly yield a moment. have failed to come forward, and not That seems to have the priorities of Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Let me just fin- them personally. They are representa- this Nation out of whack. We are not alone in thinking that the ish this. Any plan you come up with if tives of the administration. The admin- budget has its priorities upside down. If it goes even further than the Repub- istration has failed to set forth a clear, you take a look at what the American lican plan in making the savings that vital American interest that is worth people are talking about, and there are we are doing is going to have to add the spilling of blood of young American recent surveys that have discussed this about $750 billion to what your Presi- men and women to end a civil war that issue, the surveys indicate that 60 per- dent and your party is willing to do. has been going on for 500 or 600 years, cent of the public today would like to I yield to the gentleman before going to end a civil war that is much more see the President veto this budget as it into Bosnia. complex than even the conflict we got Mr. ABERCROMBIE. That is very currently stands. involved with with Somalia. I think that there are a number of us kind because I will focus on Bosnia. I Remember the need to go to Somalia realize what you are saying. Obviously here who concur that that is what the because it was the right thing to do? President should do if Republicans if this moves forward we have to find We had to stop the hunger, we had to more money to deal it. That is one of refuse to lessen the blow on our sen- stop the clans from fighting each iors, our students, and on our environ- the problems with Bosnia. other. My point is that there are alter- ment. The fact of the matter is, we went to Congress should not force its prior- natives. I will not take the gentleman’s Somalia, we spent $3 billion, it cost us ities on the American people. It is time time tonight. It includes capital budg- over 20 American lives, and today the to start to listen to them, to com- eting, and I do not consider it Repub- warlords continue to fight each other. promise on a balanced budget that pro- lican or Democrat in that context. I We did not make a difference in Soma- tects the priorities of the American am considering it in the context of lia, and Somalia is nothing compared people. No one disagrees about getting America, the way the rest of American with what we go to when we start talk- our fiscal house in order, about achiev- Government and business and families ing about sending troops to Bosnia. It ing a balanced budget. There is a right run their budgeting. makes absolutely no sense. way to do it and a wrong way to do it. We separate capital budgeting from The President spoke a few nights ago What we want to try to do is to pro- operating expenses and I think we can and tried to define a vital interest, but tect those principles and those prior- get to a balanced budget. We do not unfortunately his vital interest had to ities that the American public has have to put a timetable right now but do with securing a Bosnian peace trea- asked us, in fact, to protect. That I would be happy to discuss with the ty. The fact of the matter is that right means protecting educational oppor- gentleman and my good friend from now that Serbs in Sarajevo said they tunity, environmental protections, and Georgia ways that we can deal with will fight to the death. I have got to it means protecting Medicare. honest numbers. I appreciate the gen- tell my colleagues, until we clearly de- As it currently stands, the Repub- tleman yielding. fine a vital American interest that is lican budget, and this number has not Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I worth the death of Americans, I re- budged in all these months, cuts $270 appreciate the comments of the gen- spectfully have to reject the Presi- billion from Medicare to help to fi- tleman from Hawaii. Certainly it has dent’s reasoning to send young Ameri- nance a tax cut for the wealthiest nothing to do with the Republican or cans to Bosnia to die. Americans. Over 50 percent of the tax Democratic Party. It has to do with f cuts go to the richest 1 or 2 percent of being honest with budget figures. Obvi- the people in this country. ously the Republicans in the early The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a 1980’s engaged in rosy scenarios just as previous order of the House, the gentle- b 1400 Democrats have in the past. woman from California [Ms. PELOSI] is The cuts go too far too fast and will But moving on to Bosnia, I know the recognized for 5 minutes. devastate a health care system that is gentleman from Hawaii certainly has Ms. PELOSI addressed the House. serving 37 million seniors. some opinions on this which I look for- Her remarks will appear hereafter in It is not only the seniors who are ward to hearing, also, I have just got to the Extensions of Remarks.] going to be hurt, and it is not just tell you. I hear so many people calling f Democrats who are warning about the my offices, and I have answered a lot of impact of the deep and the dangerous the calls myself, and I have talked to BALANCED BUDGET DEBATE Medicare cuts. The most recent issue of other Members across the country. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Money magazine, there is an article. It The fact of the matter is, and I do previous order of the House, the gentle- tells families, actually, in the article, not care what a CNN poll says, the woman from Connecticut [Ms. to hold on to their wallets because overwhelming number of Americans DELAURO] is recognized for 5 minutes. health care costs are going to go up if today do not want United States men Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, Mem- this budget passes. In fact, because of and women to put their lives on the bers on both sides of the aisle feel very the cuts in Medicare payments to hos- line for a 500- or 600-year-old civil war passionately about their positions in pitals under this plan, administrators in Bosnia. The fact of the matter is the budget debate, and we should feel say that they will have to raise health that we as a country appear to have passionately about this issue because care costs for the rest of the population learned a lot from the mistakes we in fact what we are debating is the fu- in order to have to make up the dif- made in Vietnam. ture of our country. The debate is ference. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13769 According to a recent article in the tain present situation. They call that a of the seventh year the budget shows New York Times, the Medicare cuts mean-spirited cut, deep cut, all kinds student loan, $36.4 billion, 48-percent will shift more than $11 billion in costs of rhetoric. increase. The student gets 48-percent onto small businesses and American Now, even though maintaining this increase in student loans. workers. That is because if people wind relationship, because hospital costs Is there a cut? I think we should stop up having additional people wind up have gone up anyway, everybody has to this rhetoric. with not having insurance, once more, pay a little more. Senior citizens have f as our current situation indicates to to pay a few bucks more a month, and The SPEAKER pro temproe. Under a us, that those people who are without their younger generation has to pay a previous order of the House, the gen- few dollars more to subsidize. insurance, if they do get health care, tleman from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] and they will, that those costs do not Let us take a look at the next chart. is recognized for 5 minutes. just fall into an abyss, into a vacuum. Starting $46.10 a month, eventually at Those costs get picked up by all those the end of 7 years it is going to go up [Mr. SCHUMER addressed the House. who, in fact, are currently paying to $87 a month. Mr. Clinton’s plan is $83 His remarks will appear hereafter in health care costs. We will just add to at the end of seventh year. Strangely the Extensions of Remarks.] the number of those who are uninsured, enough, next year, did it to less pay- f and those additional costs will have to ment, I do not know why, perhaps elec- SIESTA FOR CONGRESS be borne by those who are currently tion year, then go up. Eventually we picking up health care costs today. are talking about $87 versus $83. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a That is a burden on individuals, and American people knows this. That is previous order of the House, the gen- it is a burden on our businesses today what is the difference in the Part B tleman from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT] is and our workers that they simply can- premium than what the Republicans recognized for 5 minutes. not afford. propose and what Mr. Clinton proposes. Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, today The GOP Medicare proposal is fun- It is about the same. we gain new insight into what this new damentally flawed by controlling Let us take a look at the next one. I Gingrich-ite majority meant when they spending, but, by not controlling costs, mean, hearing this rhetoric that we are said they would give us a new Con- it ensures seniors will be forced to pay trying to put all of this poor working gress, and we can see it right here on more out of pocket while health care family out in the cold, they are talking the floor today. They have brought an costs continue to rise. That would about earned income tax credit. Many entirely new institution to this Con- mean a giant step backward for Ameri- people do not know what is earned in- gress, not new to other countries of the ca’s seniors. That is not the way to bal- come tax credit. What it is, if you world. It is known as a siesta. ance the budget. That is not the Amer- make money, you have a family, but You see, at a little after 1 o’clock ican way. not enough to support family, then today, when most Americans were out f Government pays you money. Look at working hard trying to make ends what happens. This time, about this meet, the Gingrich-ite leadership de- CLAIMS VERSUS TRUTH year, the Congress passed a law so you clared a siesta in the Congress. They The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. do not have to have children. Anybody said at 1 o’clock, after they had paid to GANSKE). Under a previous order of the can be eligible to receive the Govern- bring back Members of Congress from House, the gentleman from California ment paychecks without having any all of the 50 States to pass a bill this [Mr. KIM] is recognized for 5 minutes. children. That was different than origi- morning that could have been approved Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, the last few nal intent. Guess what happened here? last night with ease, to suffer a major months the congressional Democrats Zoom, thousand percent increase. defeat today on a piece of legislation have tried to scare the American peo- What we are trying to do is slow that would take money away from vet- ple, using all kinds of scare tactics and down a little bit. The blue line here, erans’ care, they said at 1 o’clock, ‘‘We disinformation with twisted rhetoric. slow down by eliminating waste and do not have any more business today. I would like to point out to you a fraud, and also we are trying to go We do not want to work any more.’’ typical example of how wrong it is. back to the original intent that if you And unlike some of our friends in other First one Medicare, my golly, I just do not have any kids, if you do not countries in the world who might take heard the story that this is gutting have any children, you are not going to a 2- or-3-hour siesta around noontime, Medicare cuts, and the dangerous Medi- receive any EITC paychecks anymore this new Gingrich-ite majority pro- care cuts, et cetera. Let us take a look from Government. That is all we are poses to extend its siesta until mid- because I would like to have the Amer- trying to do. night and well into tomorrow. ican people make their own judgment. Where is the cut? Where is the mean- It is as if they did not hear the mes- It seems like the argument is Medi- spirited cut here? sage of the American people that I care part B. Part B is to pay for a doc- Let us take a look at the next exam- heard over the Thanksgiving break, a tor’s bills, et cetera, long-term care. ple. Next one is a lunch program, tak- message that said, ‘‘Stop your antics. The way it is right now, senior citizens ing food away from the mouths of chil- Get to work.’’ The message that said, pay about one-third, $46.10. They cost dren. What a grotesque twist of rhet- ‘‘We do not appreciate Speaker GING- Government three times more than oric. Actually, we are spending more RICH wasting somewhere between $500 that. money, to be exact, 37 percent more, million and $800 million, so zealous So what happens right now, one-third from $4.5 billion in 1995 to $6.17 billion with his extremist agenda that he is paid by the senior citizens, two- in the year 2002. Is that the cut? 37-per- would pay Federal workers not to even thirds paid by the other taxpayers, cent increase is a cut? work for a week, at the expense of the younger generation. The other ones All we are trying to do is, there are American taxpayer.’’ subsidize senior citizens by this ratio. so many programs right now, we are But instead of coming back to work Take a look at this. Starting next trying to consolidate into one program, and actually working through these ap- year, our friends want to do this one- also eliminate the middle man—in this propriations bills, they declare a si- quarter paid by the senior citizens, case, Federal bureaucracy—so the local esta. three-quarters by the other taxpayers. school district can get more money, in And is there work left to be done? We said ‘‘no’’ because in good time per- a sense, the children can get more Well, indeed, if they had not been haps, maybe, but we do not have any money for their school lunch program. sleeping on the job or something, we money. We would like to keep it one- Tell me where the cut is. would never have had a Government third, two-thirds relationship, continu- Finally, now they are trying to scare shutdown in the first place. You see, ing the next 7 years so we can balance students. My God, they say we are cut- they had a responsibility to pass some the budget. ting student loans and other edu- 13 appropriations bills by September 30. Where is the cut? This is what they cational aid. Did they do it? No. They passed 2 of call a cut. They would like to spend Let us take a look at this. Starting 13, a failing grade where I come from this much. We said ‘‘no.’’ Let us main- from 1995, continue going up at the end down in Texas. Have they done it H 13770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 today? Have they even gotten half of to sacrifice. They said this morning gist, made the comment that from his these bills passed? Well, now, as we that those veterans had to sacrifice to perspective, the President might just begin to approach Christmas, having the extent of $213 million out of their as well drive a hard line that would re- completed Thanksgiving, they have yet health care. sult in a continuing resolution or even to send to the President’s desk almost But what sacrifice do they demand of a Government shutdown until Novem- half of the appropriations bills. the most wealthy of our citizens? They ber of 1996, almost over a year from Let me review what pends here as said, ‘‘Could you, please, pretty please, today. these Republicans enjoy their siesta take a tax break at the same time we I have got to say there is no more im- today: cut the rest of America?’’ portant issue in this body than our That is wrong, and so is this siesta. The Commerce, Justice, State, and once and for all coming to grips with Judiciary appropriations bills have not f many of the petty, partisan differences been presented to this House for ac- BALANCING THE BUDGET IN 7 that stand in the way of our doing the tion. YEARS work that the people elected us to do, The District of Columbia appropria- which is to find a way to honestly get tions bill, it says in the latest report The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gen- the Government spending under con- that conference was continued on No- tleman from Maine [Mr. LONGLEY] is trol so that we can move in the direc- vember 17, and it is still continued. We recognized for 5 minutes. tion of a balanced Federal budget. do not have the bill out here to act on. Mr. LONGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I did Again, I respect the points that are The Committee on Foreign Oper- not rise to defend this Congress. But I being made by the gentleman from Ha- ations, the latest report says the con- can vouch personally for the fact that waii [Mr. ABERCROMBIE], and I would ference deadlocked on November 15. the overwhelming majority of Members suggest that they are very much fac- That means that the Senate Repub- of this body are working quite hard, tors that need to be considered in how licans and the House Republicans can- thank you. we go about doing it. But the bottom not agree on the same bill. So it is not I did want to speak and address some line is that we need to work toward out here for us to act on. of the remarks that were made by the balancing the budget, and that means The Interior bill, that is the one we gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABER- making tough decisions relative to cut- defeated just before the Thanksgiving CROMBIE] because I think he has raised ting spending. break because of that giveaway that a very important point relative to the Yesterday, again, the chief of Staff of the Gingrich-ite majority wanted to role and interaction of the Social Secu- the White House made the comment give to the mining companies to take rity trust funds with the deficit. I do that the White House was not going to public property and use it for private not have the precise numbers, and I am be willing to agree to any 7-year plan gain. sure I am going to be looking forward to balance the budget unless we ob- The Labor, Health and Human Serv- to the Members’ discussion over the tained the support of 100 Members of ices, and Education bills, they failed to next several days and weeks. But I the Democratic side of this House. begin floor debate over in the Senate at would be interested to know the extent While as laudable a goal as that is, I the end of September. It has not even to which the Social Security trust think what it is suggesting to me is passed the U.S. Senate. funds actually comprise a significant Then the Veterans’ Affairs, Housing percentage of our $5 trillion national that, frankly, we may be wasting our and Urban Development legislation debt. efforts, Republicans and Democrats, at- which was taken up and defeated I would suggest that there are clear tempting to work with the White today, recommitted for the second implications to that which relate to House, and perhaps it is the respon- time, the second time that this House how, in fact, we are dealing with bal- sibility of this party, this body, to has recommitted that bill, the first ancing the budget and whether, in fact, come to grips together as Republicans time because our Republican col- we are using the type of honest num- and Democrats, to finally get the leagues wanted to bind and destroy law bers we have come to expect. heavy lifting done on the budget, be- enforcement against pollution with I have confess that, having spent the cause I interpret the Chief of Staff’s some 17 binders, and so it was rejected. Thanksgiving weekend, frankly, with comments yesterday as a suggestion They came back kind of with their two of the most important people in that the White House, frankly, is not tails between their legs, saying, ‘‘We my life, my two children, I have got really serious about working together really did not mean to do so much maybe a little bit of a different per- to get to a balanced Federal budget. damage to the environment as we did.’’ spective of what we have been doing When we cannot even agree on the Today this House said ‘‘yes,’’ but you over the past several months, particu- number of people who are participating are doing damage to the veterans that larly as it relates to the deficit. Again, in the negotiations, I would suggest secured this country. You are taking I think we all agree there is no issue that this is a major embarrassment on $213 million out of their health care that is more important than balancing everybody involved in the process. As I that ought not to be taken out of that this country’s budget once and for all. said, I think the public expects an I for one was very pleased to see that health care, and this House soundly re- awful lot more than they are receiving. the President agreed just about 2 jected and recommitted that bill. When we have a government that over weeks ago to the concept that we are We have got half the business and the next 7 years is going to spend in ex- going to work together, Republicans well over half of the appropriations of cess of $12 trillion, some $3 trillion and Democrats, to come up with a 7- the Government of the United States more in the next 7 years than we spent year plan to finally once and for all that have not been signed into law, and in the last 7 years, and that is using balance the Federal budget. these folks take a siesta for the rest of the numbers from the Republicans But I have to confess that I think the budget, then I think that we need to the day. public expects an awful lot more of the They say they want a balanced budg- take serious stock of where we are and Members of this body on both sides of how seriously we are committed to et. Well, they do not have much bal- the aisle with respect to how we work ance to the way they are getting that making the tough decisions that need toward that objective, and specifically to be made. budget. The problem is they do not I was very distressed to know that have any balance in the budget that barely was the ink dry on the agree- I was pleased this morning to be part they propose. ment when the President’s chief of of a group from my side of the aisle of I believe in a budget that is balanced. staff made the comment that, well, he Republican Members who are going to I come from the pay-as-you-go ap- was not sure we were really going to be trying to work with Democratic proach of Texas. I want those figures to balance the budget in 7 years, that it Members, with the Coalition, to try to balance so that we do not leave our might take 8 years or longer. find a common ground that we need to grandchildren with debt upon debt. finally get the type of accommodation, But how about a little balance for b 1415 the type of agreement, that will allow the people that are affected by that Then over the weekend, Mr. Carvel, us to make the serious decisions we budget? Oh, yes, they say we have got the President’s chief political strate- need to make. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13771 With respect to the comments of the If all of us believe in equality—and is still the greatest asset of Haiti. The gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABER- we do—why should there by any dis- wisdom of Jean-Bertrand Aristide is CROMBIE], and I think it is an impor- tinction in tax relief between those still necessary for this country to have tant issue that we need to address, the making $100,000 dollars a year or more a new birth. Recent statements by fact that some percentage of our $5 and those making $28,000 dollars a year President Aristide and recent behavior trillion deficit actually consists of or less? by President Aristide are clearly un- funds loaned by workers who were pay- Doesn’t fairness require that we treat derstandable in the light of certain re- ing into the Social Security trust fund, our seniors, our children, and the poor cent developments. again we have some serious issues. We with the same concern and respect as It is important for us to remember need to address it. But first of all, we we treat the able-bodied and the well- that the liberation of Haiti still rep- need to work together to finally get to-do? resents one of the moral and humani- Government spending under control. And, what does justice require? tarian mountain tops of United States f Is it just to insist upon a rigid set of foreign policy. This Nation took a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. numbers and a rigid time frame that giant step forward and we did the right thing. Americans set new standards for GANSKE). Under a previous order of the have been subjectively selected? House, the gentleman from Georgia Is it justice to increase spending by the hemisphere, and we set new stand- ards for international law and order. [Mr. LEWIS] is recognized for 5 minutes. $245 billion on a tax cut, while reducing spending on medicare by $270 billion or Criminals will not be allowed to seize [Mr. LEWIS of Georgia addressed the on Medicaid by $175 billion or while re- control of a nation, take over its legiti- House. His remarks will appear here- ducing spending on education and the mate government, oppress its people, after in the Extensions of Remarks.] environment? and terrorize its people. Criminals f Can we not agree that justice re- aided by the United States and an BUDGET RECONCILIATION quires that if we must spend a dollar to army set up by the United States will help some, we should not take a dollar not be allowed to do this in one of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and hurt others? countries in this hemisphere. We clear- previous order of the House, the gentle- And, family—one of our most impor- ly established that policy. woman from North Carolina [Mrs. tant values. The policy has already succeeded. I CLAYTON] is recognized for 5 minutes. Family is more than a strong father congratulate the Clinton administra- Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, our and a sturdy mother. tion. But, still, so much more can be budget should reflect our values. Family is a healthy grandfather and done to facilitate democracy, peace, We now have a chance to achieve grandmother. and progress in Haiti. So much more that important goal. Before Thanks- Family is fit children who can count can be done without any great costs, giving, we voted to return all govern- on and look forward to educational and additional costs. ment employees to work—ending the economic opportunities. The most basic needs of Haiti right false distinction between those referred Family, in the larger sense, is a com- now are judges, jails, and electricity. to as essential and those as non- munity of friends and neighbors who We have the capacity, the United essential. have jobs at liveable wages, who have States and the United Nations forces In addition, the President and leader- safe and sanitary housing, and who can which are still in Haiti have the capac- ship from the majority in Congress breathe free and drink safe water. ity, to deliver those three items, those reached an agreement, in principal, to Not one Member in this Chamber will three basics: judges, jails, and elec- balance the budget, to use reliable rev- deny those values. tricity. enue projections, and to protect vital And, the budget we enact, before De- Haiti needs jails because there are social programs. cember 15, should reflect each of those many wrongdoers from the previous re- As part of that agreement and our values. gime who are moving about with impu- action, in the House and in the Senate, If it does, we would have reached our nity. They have no fear of the govern- we are aiming at December 15th to de- goal. ment whatsoever. There are many that liver on those commitments. The If it does not, we have surrendered have been seized and many that have American people expect us to reach our values. been judged and put in prison who just that target. Another Government shut- And, so, I challenge the Speaker, the walked away because they do not have down will not be tolerated. majority leader, others with authority decent jails or stockades. One thing the How can we reach that target, what in the majority, the leaders on this U.S. Army or military force can do is are the obstacles to reaching that tar- side of the aisle and all Members of build some jails and stockades, but we get, and what are the values of Amer- this and the other body—hold fast to have refused to do that. If would not ica? We can reach that target by put- your values—put people first—advance cost very much. ting principal and people above politics a budget bill, but do not retreat from Haiti needs an improved criminal and party. We can reach that target by equality, do not shrink from fairness, justice system. The judges were run discovering our similarities and over- do not withdraw from justice, and do out of Haiti. They are spread out looking our differences. not wince from family. among the world; 1 million Haitians Now the obstacles, admittedly, are are in France, the United States and f many. Canada. They will come home if a clear But this Nation and this Congress The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a system is set up with the backing of have faced obstacles before. And we previous order of the House, the gentle- the United Nations and United States. have overcome those obstacles by hold- woman from New York [Mrs. LOWEY] is We can give them judges and jails. ing to our values. recognized for 5 minutes. And Haiti needs electricity. That is We believe in equality. We believe in Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, the basic necessity for industry in fairness. We believe in justice. And, we f Haiti. We promised to do that when we believe in family. Those are values held went in there. We have not delivered on by every Member of this Chamber. HAITIAN POLICY SUCCESSFUL, that capacity. And, since those are our similarities, BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE Understand if we have these basics in there is really no reason for our dif- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a place, you would have an atmosphere ferences to prevent us from enacting a previous order of the House, the gen- and environment established which long-term, balanced budget bill by De- tleman from New York [Mr. OWENS] is would create trust between the Haitian cember 15. recognized for 5 minutes. people and the United Nations that are If all of us believe in equality, fair- Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, there have trying to help the people. Instead of ness, justice, and family—and we do— been several explosive developments in those few basics being met, what we why should achieving a balanced budg- Haiti in the last few weeks. The wis- have is the kind of situation where the et in 7, 8, 9 or 10 years be an obstacle? dom of President Aristide, no matter United States is withholding docu- It should not. what course these developments take, ments that it seized from the Haitian H 13772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 military criminals, documents which trict is a living, breathing city that de- I have a D.C. Fiscal Protection Act, show who committed the murders of livers vital frontline services. A Fed- in addition to the CR for December 15, 3,000 people, documents which show eral agency is a creature of the Federal that would mean that whenever we get who armed the groups that drove our Government that delivers services that to the end of a fiscal year, the District forces away from the pier in Haiti local communities find important but could spend its own money until an ap- when we first went to Haiti peacefully. not vital to their day-to-day survival. propriation cleared the Congress. Our All those documents show who the per- Please, let us delink these two entities. appropriation is stuck up here on pro- petrators are, who financed the coup. I have yesterday introduced an inde- visions added undemocratically by Yet our army, which seized those pendent CR for the District of Colum- Members unaccountable to the voters documents, is refusing to share them bia, so that if on December 15 another of the District of Columbia. We may with the Haitian Government. It is a shutdown should occur, the District not be able to get it out for weeks and kind of racism. I know of no other situ- would be free from it. I have spoken to weeks. ation where a country has gone in to the Speaker, who appeared to be sym- Do not hold the District hostage. I liberate and help another country, pathetic to my concerns; the chair of represent a lot of innocent bystanders. seized documents which would lead to the subcommittee, the gentleman from Whatever you think of the Mayor or the prosecution of those people who are Virginia, Mr. TOM DAVIS, has cospon- the city council or the delegate, re- guilty of committing serious crimes in sored this special CR for the District of member these high taxpaying citizens the country, and claimed those docu- Columbia. who deserve a whole lot better. The ments as their own. The Haitian people The shutdown of the District of Co- last time the District got lost in the are suspicious. Jean-Bertrand Aristide lumbia was particularly galling and shuffle, even though the District was is suspicious. The cousin of Jean- unnecessary, because 85 percent of the right here ‘‘in your face.’’ This time, Bertrand Aristide, who is a member of money in our appropriation was raised you will not be able to miss us, because parliament, was recently assassinated in the District of Columbia from Dis- I will be here every day on the count- in broad daylight. trict taxpayers. It should not be up down until December 15. When you add up these kinds of situ- here in the first place. But if it happens f ations, our Government refusing to to be up here and caught in a shut- HONESTY IN DISCUSSING A share documents which would pros- down, the very least that the Congress BALANCED BUDGET ecute the wrongdoers, and then a resur- can do, in all decency, is to say, ‘‘Here, gence of violence so strong and so bold District of Columbia, you are entitled The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a as to shoot down the cousin of the to spend your own money to keep your previous order of the House, the gen- President, who is a member of par- own city open.’’ That is all I am ask- tleman from Mississippi [Mr. TAYLOR] liament, then you can see what great ing. As to the Federal payment, some is recognized for 5 minutes. suspicion sets in, where the Haitian of it would remain, of course, locked up Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. Government under Aristide is wonder- here, and yet we need that cash very Speaker, a few minutes ago, the gen- ing what is happening now. much. Bear in mind that the Federal tleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABERCROMBIE] The CIA in the past has not seemed payment is a PILOT, a payment in lieu extended me the courtesy of giving me to be operating hand in hand with the of taxes, thank you, no gift from the one of his minutes. I would like to re- White House. The White House and the Federal Government, but a payment turn that courtesy. people there would say one thing, and owed us. Nevertheless, that would be f treated in the normal way. the CIA would do another. The organi- THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST zation called FRAP, which created so Remember the city which I rep- resent. It is second per capita in taxes FUND AND BALANCING THE much havoc in Haiti just before the re- BUDGET turn of Aristide, it was financed by the paid to the Federal Government, yet it CIA it turned out. is the only jurisdiction that flies the Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I These kind of contradictions and American flag that does not have full thank the gentleman from Mississippi strange happenings lead to a bewilder- home rule and full self-government. for yielding to me. ing array of activities that raise sus- All of you, make up and read the Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from picion and eliminate what trust did morning papers. You know about the Mississippi [Mr. TAYLOR] raised the exist. We can return that trust by pro- condition of the District of Columbia. issue of whether there is, in fact, a Bal- viding judges, jails, and electricity, You know it now has a control board anced Budget Act before us. I had spo- and giving back to the Haitian Govern- just to borrow, and that it is virtually ken about the fact that, and I say ‘‘the ment any documents which rightfully insolvent. Surely the Congress does not fact’’ that the budget proposed by the belong to that government. mean to do more damage to the capital majority, by the Republican majority, city of the United States. What is that by Speaker GINGRICH, is going to take f damage? Imagine, the District of Co- $636 billion from the Social Security b 1430 lumbia of course, has to pay employees trust fund in order to so-call balance even though they do not work, because the budget. I want to quote at this INTRODUCTION OF THE WASHING- they are forced onto administrative point, so it is not just coming from me, TON, DC, FISCAL PROTECTION leave. There is that lost productivity, but from Senator HOLLINGS in the ACT some of it completely irrecoverable. other body: The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. These 3- or 4-week CR’s do not allow You will expend another $636 billion of the GANSKE). Under a previous order of the a complicated city to operate, because Social Security trust fund. We said we were House, the gentlewoman from the Dis- a city cannot overobligate. If you are raising the Social Security taxes to make trict of Columbia [Ms. NORTON] is rec- obligating on a basis of one-fourteenth, certain there was trust in the trust fund ognized for 5 minutes. because you have a 14-day CR, and yet through the year 2050. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, this is you have unfunded mandates like Med- That is why the FICA taxes, your So- day 17 of the countdown to December icaid or AFDC, you are put in an un- cial Security tax, was raised pre- 15. I am here every morning to try to tenable position. And of course, if the viously, to make sure the trust fund see to it that if you shut down Federal District were overobligated, as we have was solvent. Now we are taking it. agencies on that date, you do not shut seen, the Congress would be the very Again, quoting Senator HOLLINGS: down an entire city, the District of Co- first to object and to criticize. When you put together the borrowing from lumbia. The District of Columbia has taken the trust funds that must be replenished, you This, of course, was one of the all- its hits and it knows it deserves its get the real deficit, the gross Federal deficit, time unintended consequences of the licks for what it has not done to keep and the gross interest costs. last shutdown. If we shut Federal agen- its city in good shape. The very least Finally, again from Senator HOL- cies, the District of Columbia auto- the Congress, which has been profuse in LINGS: matically shuts down. Mr. Speaker, its criticism, should do is to make sure Wait a minute. When you take the reve- these are apples and oranges. The Dis- it does no further harm to the District. nues in, the outlays out, and you look at November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13773 that figure, that is too high for me to run on der posts in Macedonia, had the privi- home, what is your estimate that the in the next election, so we will take an lege with having lunch with some fel- Federal Government spends per person amount of money out of the right pocket, low Mississippians, a young man from to run the Federal Government, on put it into the left pocket, we will take $636 Tupelo in particular, and from four- Federal Government programs? How billion from Social Security in this budget that we have under consideration, and put it star officers to sergeant majors. Every much do you think we spend per person in the general fund to make it appear we are one of them privately told me we to operate the Federal government? balancing the budget. You will have to pay should not get involved there. That is Let me tell you what it was for the last back Social Security with interest and at not our fight. 7 years. Over a 7-year period, we spent the end of the 7-year budget period, you will These people have been fighting each $145,962 on a family of four. We spent owe. At the end of the 7-year period, we will other for 700 years. The only peace $9.5 trillion over the last 7 years to run all have to pay back supposedly over $1 tril- they have known recently was the 45 or the Federal Fovernment. lion into the Social Security trust fund, and so years when Tito was in charge there, We have come up with a new budget no one has any idea, not any Senator or using the iron fist of communism, and that balances, that has been certified House Member, who is going to introduce the to balance. Guess how much we spend increase in taxes to refund the Social Secu- he got the Bosnians to quit killing rity trust fund. Muslims and the Muslims to quit kill- as Republicans, the mean old Repub- licans who want to devastate every- Mr. Speaker, I wish the Speaker ing Serbs and the Croatians to quit thing? Guess how much money we have would come here and answer that ques- killing the others. As soon as the iron spent? Twelve trillion dollars. Where tion. fist of communism was gone, they went Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Reclaim- back to killing each other. does that $12 trillion come from? It ing my time, Mr. Speaker, it came as Mr. Speaker, I want to close by say- comes from you, the taxpayer; it comes quite a surprise to me yesterday in re- ing that they told me that the smart from you, the senior citizen. It is hard searching the Republican budget plan weapons that worked so well in Desert to make the money, it is far too easy that was much touted on the floor of Storm will not work in the cold, wet to spend the money up here, but over this House as being the balanced budg- fog of Bosnia. We are going to send the next 7 years we are going to take et plan of 1995, said repeatedly, that those kids on the ground, a bunch of $12 trillion of your money and run this the annual operating deficit for this them are going to die, and nothing Federal Government. I ask one simple thing of my col- Nation will actually increase by $33 bil- good will come of it. leagues: Let that be enough. Twelve lion in fiscal year 1996 over this year. I f trillion dollars is enough to spend in think people need to know that. The COMMON SENSE AND THE BUDGET Washington, DC. We can argue about budget deficit will increase from $263 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a how to spend it, we can rearrange the billion on an annual operating basis to previous order of the House, the gen- $12 trillion pie, we can move money $296 billion on an annual operating tleman from South Carolina [Mr. GRA- around, but for the sake of future gen- basis. HAM] is recognized for 5 minutes. erations, for the sake of fiscal sanity, Part of this, Mr. Speaker, will come Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I think a please do not spend more than $12 tril- from the trust funds that the gen- good way to start is to echo what the lion of hard-earned taxpayer money. tleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABERCROMBIE] gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. TAY- Do you know what that equates to, just mentioned: The $118 billion that LOR] just said. I agree with his analysis for a family of four over a 7-year pe- people paid into things like the Social of Bosnia, and I hope that we can bring riod? It is $184,373 that will be spent by Security trust fund will be used to dis- some common sense to bear on that your Federal Government on a family guise the true nature of this debt. issue. of four. It is hard to make that much The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KA- Let us talk about the budget and see money and it is far too easy to spend SICH] is for a balanced budget. I am for if we can get some common sense and it. If you do not like the tax cuts, fine. a balanced budget. Let us be honest a level of agreement on what we are If you think we have spent too much with the American people. Let us not trying to do up here in Congress. A lot money on defense, fine. If you think we tell them we can spend more in spend- of people have said they want to bal- have not spent enough money on Medi- ing, we can receive less in taxes, that ance the budget. I hope they are sin- care, fine. Just agree with me and evey we are already $5 trillion in debt, pay- cere. My gut instinct is that some other American who knows the facts. ing $1 million in interest payments mean it and some do not. The best way Rearrange the $12 trillion pie, and do every 2 minutes, 2 minutes, and some- to judge whether a person means what not go into our pockets any deeper. We how all of this is magically going to they say is to look at what they do. do not have much of a picket left as it work without pain. When I was a prosecutor in the Air is. This is not a shoestring budget. The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KA- Force and a defense attorney, I had Twelve trillion dollars is unimagina- SICH] is my friend, but let us be honest this as my guide. I never quite believed ble. They tell me that if you spend $1 with this. Let us be honest with the everything my client told me as a de- million a day from the time of Christ American people. This morning you fense attorney, and when the accused to the present, you would not have told me you were willing to borrow $75 said he did not do it, I did not stop the spent $1 trillion. billion so you could give people a min- investigation there. I looked behind Mr. Speaker, I ask the people who are uscule tax break. They have to pay what people say, and you judge their listening here, Members of Congress, to that back. That is not a gift. That is actions by their deeds. agree on one simple fact: That we can just loan sharking. You are taking So when somebody comes up here and run an efficient nation on $12 trillion, money from them, you are giving them tells you they want to balance the we can satisfy legitimate needs on $12 a little bit back, and they are going to budget, the first question you need to trillion, and that any politician who have to pay back a whole heck of a lot ask them is are they willing to spend wants to spend more than $12 trillion more of the time they pay the interest. within the revenues generated, because has a problem. They do not need to be Let us be honest with the American if you want to spend more than you up here. people. take in, you are not going to balance f The second thing I want to mention, the budget. Does anybody have any Mr. Speaker, is I have had a number of idea how much the Federal Govern- THE IMPACT OF THE CUTS IN calls from home. I want to assure the ment has grown since 1969? I do not EDUCATION people of south Mississippi that I was have that answer right now, but I have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under one of the first members of this body to been told it has been several hundred the Speaker’s announced policy of May be against putting American troops on percent. I am trying to find out how 12, 1995, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. the ground when President Bush asked much the Federal Government has GENE GREEN, is recognized for 60 min- me to do it, and I will remain opposed grown since we last balanced our Fed- utes as the designee of the minority to that when President Clinton asks eral budget. I think the number is leader. me to do it. going to be shocking. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. I traveled to that part of the world a We have some folks visiting here Speaker, I would like to thank my col- few weeks ago, traveled up to the bor- today, and those that are listening at league, the gentleman from South H 13774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 Carolina, when he talks about $12 tril- the rescission bill this year. Currently, programs by $20.6 million, or by 18 per- lion. That is what, for the next hours, Franklin receives about $200,000 in Fed- cent. the members of the Committee on Eco- eral title I funding. If the House-passed Mr. Speaker, I could go on and on. I nomic and Educational Opportunities Labor-HHS appropriations bill becomes intend to as we proceed during this will talk about. I wish we had $12 tril- law, Franklin will lose 17 percent or hour, but I would like to yield time to lion to spend on education, but we do $34,000 of those funds. the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. not. That is why our committee mem- Harris County in the State of Texas REED], my colleague. bers are joining today in this special receives $81.1 million in title I funds Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I thank the order to highlight the spending cuts now. Under the House-passed bill origi- gentleman for yielding. that will happen. nally, Labor-HHS, Harris County would I have come to the floor today to join Mr. Speaker, I do not know about $12 lose $13.8 million, and under the Presi- my colleagues in addressing the serious trillion over the next whatever number dent’s budget proposal, Harris County issues of the Republican budget and the of years it is, but I know the impact will receive $8 million more. So what draconian cuts to education. The the education cuts are having on my we are seeing is a loss, if we add those American public understands the im- own district from the rescission bill, together of the cuts, plus the potential portance of education. They under- and the potential for the budget that of $21 million, $21.9 million in loss of stand now more than ever that we have we will ultimately end up passing, and Federal funding. to prepare the best educated young the lost opportunity we will have, not We are having great success in our people for the challenges ahead. They just for the students who are there this district. I have visited almost every el- want overwhelmingly to invest more year or next year, but for the next gen- ementary school in my district. I still resources, both Federal resources, local eration that we hope will be the ones have a few left that I go into, and I resources, in good, solid education for who are taking our place here on this read, like a lot of Members of Congress their youngsters and for the whole do, and I see the success every day. I floor and taking our place all over the community. have an inner-city district that people country in the medical schools and in Unfortunately, this budget takes ex- say, oh, how can you have education the professions. actly the opposite track. It disinvests success there? We have it every day, b in good, solid, well-established, innova- 1445 and it is because of the dedicated tive education programs. In the name of deficit reduction, the teachers and parents and administra- Last Congress, we tried to move for- Congress is cutting the Federal money tors and people involved in the commu- ward with an agenda of education re- available for education programs, and I nity. form and support that would truly rep- believe we need to balance our budget. Mr. Speaker, do not take that suc- resent a sound investment in the fu- However, I do not believe that we must cess away in the name of tax cuts, and ture of this country, particularly at a balance it on the backs of those chil- that is what I am pleading. I think time when the old industrial age is dren. today the members of the committee yielding to the new information age. The purpose of the deficit reduction will join in that. Years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, Other educational programs hit hard- is to make America stronger, and we it would not be unreasonable for a est are the basic math and reading pro- agree with that on a philosophical young person to think that with a high grams, efforts to promote safe and basis. How can we make America school education he or she could leave drug-free schools, and resources for stronger if we are not willing to invest that high school, find an adequate job, State and local officials to implement in education? Education is talking make a living to support a family, and, higher standards in educational tech- about the strength of America, again, in fact, spend a whole career with those nology. Cuts in these vital programs not for this year, Mr. Speaker, but for skills learned in high school. Today, will cause irreparable harm to students the next 5 and 10 years, and even after in our local community and as well every American understands that this that. We should not stand by while the around the country. is not the case, that today, in order to Republican majority destroys the edu- We will be spending $4.5 billion less be an effective worker in almost every cational system that we have all in 1996, almost a 20 percent of the total level of endeavor, you have to have worked hard to achieve. Federal aid cut in 1996 than we did in postsecondary skills, either college or Mr. Speaker, I know in Houston we 1995. At the same time, local and State- some technical training. The thrust have made a solid investment in edu- wide and Nationwide enrollment trends and the consequence of this Republican cation and have a lot of individual stu- are up. Again, using my own district as budget is that those opportunities for dents who are being successful, part of an example, our enrollment is up in the higher education will be diminished. it because of the Federal funding that Houston Independent School District We also understand, and the Amer- goes to the schools in our own district. and in the Aldine School District and ican people understand, that we have A good example is Franklin Elemen- the Galena Park School District. We to have a solid basis in order to start tary School in my district, which was are not seeing declining enrollment. our young people off on a solid path to recognized by the U.S. Department of Yet we are saying, okay, you have educational achievement. That is why Education for its educational improve- more students, but we are giving you last year we spent a great deal of time ment. less money. on a bipartisan basis in developing the The students at Franklin made exem- The Republican budget eliminates Goals 2000 program. Goals 2000 is an at- plary progress in the Texas Assessment also the Goals 2000 funding, severely tempt, I think a very worthy attempt, of Academic Skills last year. In 1994, undermining State and local efforts to to act as a catalyst from the Federal only 35 percent to 59 percent of the stu- reform elementary and secondary edu- level for school reform at the local dent body passed the TAAS test as we cation. In the State of Texas alone, we level, to provide the kind of resources, call it, Texas Assessment for Academic would lose $29.2 million in the Goals the directions and the standards that Skills. In 1995, due to innovative teach- 2000, and we have already completed would be very necessary to move our er methods and a significant Federal our planning and begun implementa- elementary and secondary education investment in Franklin and the free- tion of comprehensive reforms, as pro- system forward. dom that we had last year under title I, vided by Goals 2000. We also in the last Congress under- that school was classified as a recog- The Republican budget cuts Federal stood that in too many schools the nized school where 75 percent of those support for drug-free schools and com- education process is sacrificed to a cli- children, at least up to 80 percent, are munity programs to the tune of $266 mate of violence and intimidation, a passing their TAAS testing. So we have million, or about 60 percent, sharply climate that is too often indicated by a three-quarter success rate in an reducing drug abuse and violence pre- pervasive drug use, and, as a result, we inner-city school that is eligible and vention activities serving students in passed a Safe and Drug-Free Schools receives both bilingual funding from 97 percent of our Nation’s schools. In Act. the State, but also title I. Texas, we would lose $18.9 million. These legislative measures at the ele- The students at Franklin are espe- The House would cut funds to States mentary and secondary level were im- cially hurt by the cuts in title I from ready to implement school-to-work portant steps forward, but sadly, too, November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13775 because of this budget, those initia- schools who are participating directly being affected mightily, basically al- tives will not receive the resources as schools in the program. This is most zeroed out, if not entirely. It that are necessary to carry on that im- going to set back reform which is nec- would deny 450,000 young people in portant work. essary and which every American citi- Rhode Island the chance to serve. At the level of higher education, un- zen recognizes is necessary. It will set This program is so useful, too, be- derstanding, as the American people it back perhaps fatally. cause it embodies in my view the ethic understand, the need for advanced In terms of student loans, the budget that we should all have as Americans: skills, we sought to strengthen those cuts would raise the cost of a college serving our country, and by that serv- existing programs, like the Pell grant education by more than $2,000 for over ing getting a chance to go to school and the Stafford loan program to make 36,000 college students and more than and educate yourself so that you can be access to higher education something $9,400 for over 5,000 graduate students better prepared as a citizen, as a work- that would be available and affordable in Rhode Island. er, as an American. Sadly, again this for all of our citizens. It makes sense, Pell grants. Changes in the Pell program is being jeopardized by this particularly as we move from this in- grant program will reduce support to budget. students in Rhode Island by nearly $2 dustrial age to the new information b 1500 age which demands higher skills for ev- million. An estimated 1,600 students in eryone in our society. 1996 alone will be denied Pell grants as Mr. Speaker, when we look at this Again, sadly, the thrust of this Re- a result of this cut. budget and we look at the reality of publican budget is to undercut signifi- Title I program, another program the world, something is sadly wrong. cantly the resources that will be avail- very important to elementary and sec- At a time when we have to invest in able for higher education. This budget ondary education that provides com- education, at a time when our eco- would cut student loan programs by pensatory education for low-income nomic future is at stake and education more than $5 billion going forward for American. Under this budget, the funds will be the key to our success as an those young people that want to go on would be cut by a total of about $3.5 economy, as a society, as a world to higher education, postsecondary million, and this has a real impact, not power, and as a source of opportunity education. only again in the lives of these stu- for all of our citizens, we are turning This is going to be a tremendous bur- dents but in the tax rolls in local com- our back on funding education. den on their lives and the lives of their munities. Because as the city of Provi- This is a sad mistake which I hope we families, because one of the persistent dence and the city of Central Falls and can rectify in the days ahead. complaints, one of the persistent con- the city of Pawtucket copes with these Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I thank cerns that I hear from my constituents cuts, they have to turn, once again, to my colleague from Rhode Island with in Rhode Island, those working people their very, very strained tax rolls to whom I enjoy serving on our commit- which we all claim to represent, those make up the difference, if they can tee. working families, is that they have one make it up at all. Mr. Speaker, I will just sum up what or two youngsters in college and the So this is not just a problem for the he said and what the concern a lot of cost of college is outrageous, and with- beneficiaries of the program. It is a us have is that balancing the budget out adequate Federal assistance, they problem for the fiscal health of our requires tough choices, but we should cannot send their children to the cities and towns in Rhode Island. not let the majority balance the budget schools they want. I mentioned before the Safe and on education. In some cases, they cannot send them Drug-Free Schools Act which so impor- The proposed budget cuts make only to school at all or, in other cases, they tant last Congress, which directed re- a tiny part in the size of the deficit. have to make the very difficult choice sources to a problem that is gnawing at Yet they have a tremendous devastat- of which child will be favored with a the heart not only of our educational ing impact on the future of America’s college education and which will be system but of our society as a whole. children. told, well, you have to fend for yourself That, too, is going to lose funds. These I yield to the gentlewoman from in the job market without that edu- budget cuts result in about a $1 million California [Ms. WOOLSEY]. We serve to- cation. That is a very, very cruel loss in these funds, which are helping gether on the Committee on Economic choice which I thought that we had ba- to keep programs going, to show young and Educational Opportunities and we sically prevented in the last 30 years by people that drugs are not anything but actually sit together and have gotten providing a strong Federal commit- the path to destruction and that we to know each other over the last 3 ment to higher education. But, sadly, have to choose another path. years serving on that committee. we seem to be going back to a point in I would also mention one other pro- Ms. WOOLSEY. I compliment the time when those cruel choices were all gram which touches upon the issue of gentleman from Texas, Mr. GENE too common. education and opportunities so impor- GREEN, and the members of the Com- All of this impacts mightily in the tantly, and that is the national service mittee on Economic and Educational localities, the districts and the States program. Americorps in Rhode Island Opportunities for organizing this spe- that we represent. In my State alone, is a shining example of a program that cial order tonight. in Rhode Island, we estimate that next is inspired perhaps by legislation but Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe year we will lose about $14 million in embraced by the business community that it was just last year when I con- resources for education, and that over and the local community as a whole. vinced this body to approve a landmark the next several years, the next 7 years The director of Americorps in our resolution, which put us on our way to of this budget, we will lose more than State, Larry Fish, is the chairman of making our schools the best in the $90 million. one of our largest financial institu- world. Where will these cuts go to? First, I tions. We are very lucky to have every Yes, it is true. mentioned the Goals 2000 program. category of Americorps activity funded Last year, the House approved my This is really the only money for re- in Rhode Island. resolution which called on Congress to form and restructuring of our edu- We have a City-Year program, which increase our investment in education cational system that is available in my young people are spending a year help- by 1 percent a year, until the education home State. It has been eagerly em- ing out all through the community. We budget accounts for 10 percent of the braced by the commissioner of elemen- have programs that are helping budget in 2002. tary and secondary education in my through the Children’s Crusade to men- At the time, I said that the resolu- State, by all of the districts. tor young people in schools to help tion would send a clear message to There is an active process, an excit- them get through school and get on those who decide how our Federal dol- ing process of change that is being into college. A wonderful program, but, lars are spent. The appropriators re- sponsored by this program; and, sadly, once again, even though this is sup- ceived the message that this Congress we will lose about $1.4 million roughly ported strongly with corporate con- was serious about improving education. all of the money that has been commit- tributions and corporate leadership in Well, guess what, folks? Times have ted. This will affect as many as 71 Rhode Island, this program, too, is changed. We have got a new majority H 13776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 in Congress. And, instead of going for- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. cation means to me and why I feel that ward, we are going backward. Fast. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time this is a very, very dangerous decision. The new majority in the House bla- to the gentlewoman from Hawaii [Mrs. If all States were equal in their abil- tantly ignored the pledge we made last MINK]. ity to educate and to provide quality year to improve our children’s edu- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. education to their children and adults cation, and has passed some of the GANSKE). The gentlewoman is recog- that need training and education, then most antieducation legislation this Na- nized for 39 minutes. perhaps our concerns can be mitigated tion has ever seen. Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I somewhat by the idea that the States Just take a look at the education appreciate very much the time being have the capacity and the will to per- budget for 1996 which the House has ap- yielded to me and I appreciate the form in accordance to the national ex- proved. ranking member of our Committee on pectations. But we all know that our This terrible bill cuts: Head Start, Economic and Educational Opportuni- States are very widely differing in chapter one, safe and drug-free schools, ties taking the time to schedule this their ability to fulfill this function. school-to-work, and vocational and special order. One cannot, as a Nation, exercise the adult education. Mr. Speaker, the discussions that the luxury of happenstance in terms of the In all, it cuts education by 13 percent House and the Senate have been having States’ abilities to perform. Therefore, in 1 year alone; 13 percent. recently with regard to the reconcili- the presence of the Federal Govern- But that is nothing compared to ation budget is a 7-year plan to bring ment in this important field of edu- what they want to do to our education the Government eventually to a bal- cation seems to me the most important system over the next 7 years. anced budget, or a zero deficit in 7 The new majority’s 7-year budget responsibility that we have to our years. In discussing the budget rec- country and to our future. plan would deny Head Start to 180,000 onciliation proposal, which is a 7-year children by 2002. So when we see this reconciliation, 7- plan, there are so many larger issues, year balanced budget plan calling for It eliminates Goals 2000, which helps such as the $270 billion reduction in schools meet higher national standards cuts amounting to $45 billion over the Medicare, $162 billion cuts in Medicaid, next 7 years, it troubles me deeply that and increases parental involvement. and other programs of that enormity. It kills AmeriCorps, which has pro- we are sacrificing the future capacity In the course of the debate in the of our children and our adults who are vided thousands of Americans with col- budget reconciliation measure last lege tuition assistance in exchange for being trained under these programs to week, we did not hear much about the meet the challenges of the future. I community service. impacts on education, and so I appre- And, it cuts in half, the President’s think that this is a mistaken notion of ciate the time that is being allotted program aimed at helping schools bring reversion to State responsibilities. this evening to discuss the impacts on technology into the classroom. Even within a State, one can recog- education, because in my estimation it Under their budget, my State of Cali- nize that there are differences in ca- is probably the most far-reaching and fornia alone will lose, among other pacities of local communities to as- devastating of all the cuts that we are things, $1 billion for the School Lunch sume their responsibilities, and we making. Program, and over 181,000 Californians hear States having to come up with I know that the majority feels very will be denied participation in the cost- ways in which they can balance out strongly about reallocating the func- effective direct Student Loan Program. their support for education by giving tions of Government, to the idea spe- My friends, that is the wrong direc- certain localities additional funds with cifically of returning many of the func- tion, and that is not the way we are which to function, because the basis for tions that have been assumed by the supposed to be taking care of our chil- funding education is the local real Federal Government, many of the pri- dren and their education. property tax, and we know that the orities that have been expressed by the You see, I believe, as do my col- values of property differ even within Federal Government over the last 20 or leagues here today, that our Nation’s one State. Of course, they differ widely 30 years, and trying to reassemble greatest responsibility is to provide a all across the country. them and make them State priorities, quality education for everybody in this If we are going to put the future of country. under the assumption that the States know best how to govern their con- our country in terms of our ability to We believe this because education is compete with the rest of the world on absolutely central to solving the prob- stituents and are more directly respon- sible one to the other. this notion of equity distributed by lems facing our Nation. real property taxes, that seems to me When we strengthen education, we While that is an excellent political philosophy, it seems wholly inappropri- wildly off the mark. Therefore, the idea prepare our children and workers for of the Federal interest in supporting jobs that pay a livable wage; we get ate in the field of education because education, after all, is really tooling educational opportunities in our 50 people off welfare and prevent people States is so important. from having to go on welfare in the one generation to the next generation To see programs like title I, for in- first place; we actually prevent crime for leadership, for the ability to as- stance, being cut back, even this 1 and violence in our communities; and, sume responsibility, to maintain our year, fiscal year 1996, we are apt to lose we increase respect for our health, re- quality of life, our ability to compete almost $2 billion if we follow the rate spect for our environment, and respect in the world market, and to discover of reductions between the House and for each other. those things that make our economy That is why, for the life of me, I can- and our business and so forth much the Senate versions. These bills are not understand why the new majority more competitive. still in conference and the final figures is cutting and gutting our education So in the educational system rests have not been reconciled. system. the future of this country, not just in- We have a moment in our legislative You see, we can balance the budget, dividually, for the sake of the child or discussions to rise to the occasion, and but it does not have to be on the backs the family or their prosperity, but to call attention to the House and the of our children and their education. truly the whole nature of our society Senate and to the conference commit- It is time to stop this assault of edu- and the success of our country lies in tees about this dangerous course that cation. our ability to educate our children we are embarked upon. It is time to pass a budget that in- well. We know that in recent years, Title I, as we know, is a program that vests in education, and reduces the def- compared to other countries, we have allocates funds to our local school dis- icit by cutting wasteful military and been falling by the wayside. tricts that have high concentrations of Government spending; closing tax loop- I look at such things as national se- poor people, youngsters that are educa- holes; and ending corporate welfare. curity as being, indeed, important. But tionally disadvantaged through eco- It is time to make our Nation’s No. 1 what is more important than the na- nomic circumstances or because of special interest our children, and not tional domestic security of our citizens other disadvantages that may surround the fat cats and lobbyists in Washing- through adequate education? That is them in their environment and in their ton. what the forfeiture of funding in edu- community. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13777 Why is it important that the Federal The next one is also equally disturb- important and which programs are Government support these commu- ing, the safe and drug-free schools. The more important than others, I do not nities with large concentrations of dis- letters that I receive, the critique that think that there should be any ques- advantaged children? Well, because if has come to my attention from all over tion that we should be increasing fund- we do not, then we will have large the country because I am a member of ing for our children’s future or our Na- blocks of our children in various places this committee, suggest that this pro- tion’s future for education. throughout the country ill-educated gram is working very, very well. For a If this appropriations bill is enacted, and ill-equipped to perform in this small amount of money that the the education cut would be the largest highly technological society. If they schools receive, they have been able to setback to education in United States are ill-equipped to compete and they do a monumental job of trying to in- history. Education would be cut under are not properly prepared, they will still in our young people the dangers of the Republican plan by 17 percent, constantly be a cost factor not only for drug addiction and drug use and how while defense spending is increased by 5 the local communities but also for the simple it is to develop an attitude and percent, and yet we are still giving the Federal Government, so it is important a philosophy of simply rejecting this $270-billion tax break for the rich. that we target this money in these spe- intervention in your life. So to see this I do not see where the priorities are cial communities. program cut back so drastically, the straight when we are cutting edu- So one would have thought, of all the fiscal year 1995 allocation was $466 mil- cation. Now, this House, 1996 Labor, programs in education, that this would lion. The House allocated only a $200- HHS, Education bill, in my opinion, be the last place that there would be million figure, and in the budget reso- many, many of these appropriations any significant cuts. Yet we see nearly lution which came up and which we ap- bills are horrendous, and to me this is a billion, probably a $2 billion reduc- proved, it zeroed it out, and I think the most horrendous of all the bills. We tion in just 1 year of that program. that that is a serious mistake. are cutting education funding by $4 bil- For my State, just by State, we only So as we look at this whole thing, we lion. The budget reconciliation pack- have two Members in the House of Rep- see any number of areas which are age cuts student aid by $5 billion over resentatives, so that illustrates com- truly regrettable. Vocational edu- 7 years. My State of New York will lose paratively the size of my State. Even cation, as my colleague from California $319 million next year and $2.5 billion my State is going to suffer somewhere mentioned, an area which is so vital in over the next 7 years. Major cuts in education are certainly between a $1.7 million loss as in the this dynamically changing techno- unwise, and unwise as an economic pol- Senate version and a $3 million loss if logical environment, we need to have icy as well, and this legislation, it followed the House version. vocational programs that constantly That is a very big cut for my State to amongst all the terrible things it does, train and retrain our workers and have to endure in a very, very impor- as my colleague from Hawaii points adapt them to changing circumstances; tant program which has been success- out, this legislation eliminates $1 bil- the vocational education ought to be ful. One only has to look at the reports lion from Medicaid funds from more retained at its high level of Federal that have been written. The criticisms than 1 million children with disabil- are not from the funding, the criti- participation. ities. New York City will lose $85 mil- When we look at education, what do cisms are because it has not been ade- lion of that money, and the legislation people usually say? The teacher is the quately targeted. The maximum bang denies Head Start to 180,000 children in central focus of the success of the for the buck has not been achieved be- the year 2002 as compared to 1995. school or the child or the programs, cause the requirements of the Federal Just last year we were fully funding and so we rest our case upon the qual- Government have not been as stringent Head Start, and in a bipartisan ap- as they should have been. ity of teachers, the quality of our edu- proach we were all patting each other cational system, the ways in which our on the back to say Head Start is really b 1515 teachers are better equipped to handle a program that works. Everyone But nowhere in these reports and cri- their classes, and yet here again we agreed, and here we are cutting it. tiques is there a suggestion that the find that the programs have been cut My colleague from Hawaii mentioned Federal Government funding ought not back very drastically. we eliminate Goals 2000, the Eisen- to go. It still is considered a very, very The President, in the fiscal year 1996 hower professional development pro- important program. budget, asked for $735 million for the gram, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Addressing the whole subject of qual- Eisenhower professional development Program. What could be more impor- ity education and meeting the expecta- program. The House only allocated $500 tant than a program to ensure that we tions of the Nation in terms of what million. So that is a terrible cut, one have safe and drug-free schools? Cer- education ought to mean to our soci- that I know will be felt throughout the tainly those of us in urban areas know ety, it was important that the Gov- system. that we have a problem in our schools, ernors convene some years ago a task There is a lot more to be said about and we should be trying to eradicate force on trying to find ways in which the impacts of these cuts, but I notice the drug problem, not cutting back the States could direct their resources that my colleague from New York is funds to try to eradicate it. and come up with a higher quality of here, and I would invite him to make The legislation cuts bilingual edu- education. So they set this Goals 2000 his comments at this point, and I yield cation, vocational education, $9.5 mil- concept. It was brought to the Con- to the gentleman from New York [Mr. lion in New York State in vocational gress by President Bush, and now im- ENGEL]. education, and title I. Title I, in my plemented by President Clinton, and Mr. ENGEL. I thank my colleague district, is very, very important be- yet we find that this is one of the pro- and friend, the gentlewoman from Ha- cause there are a lot of children with grams that the House has chosen to waii. low income and the schools rely on zero out, and that is a shame because You know, I certainly agree with ev- title I funding. one looks to the Federal Government, erything that she said, and what is We have a 17 percent cut of $1.1 bil- it seems to me, for leadership. And really just so shocking about this is lion in 1996 in title I funding. Title I here we are taking up the recommenda- that only a year ago it would have been funding was put there so that schools tions of the Governors’ conference and unthinkable to have these kinds of dra- that were in poorer areas could get the doing precisely what the Governors conian cuts to education. enrichment, the children in those conference has suggested, putting the If you asked the American people schools could get the enrichment they Governors themselves really on the how can we best fulfill the future deserve. What we are doing is we say governing board of this group called promise of America, they certainly we do not really give a darn about the Goals 2000, and yet the House of Rep- would say that we need to invest in our poor and we are just going to cut those resentatives majority party has seen children’s future, that we need to in- funds. fit to zero out this function. It seems vest in education, that we need to in- I think in the long run I could go on to me this is an absolutely appropriate vest in programs for the future, and and on about the things, the terrible area for the Federal Government to be while we may have some disagreements things that this bill does, but it is just involved in. in Congress over which programs are basically, I think, the wrong approach. H 13778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

There is fat in the Federal budget. GENE GREEN] and I have mentioned, we It is what is being done now to the edu- We need to downsize the Federal Gov- are not going to be able to provide the cational support by the Federal Gov- ernment. We need to cut out fat. We kinds of services that we set as a prior- ernment in all of these important need to put programs that work ahead ity in the last Congress on a bipartisan areas. and fund programs that work, and we basis. b 1530 need to change programs that do not Mr. HOKE. You are absolutely right, work. But we do not need cuts to edu- I say to the gentleman from New York I am glad my colleague has raised cation. We do not need the orientation [Mr. ENGEL]. this point, because it gave me the op- of mortgaging the future of our coun- Mr. ENGEL. Let me just answer you. portunity to clearly point out that we try by saying that we are not going to When we are going to deny Head Start are talking about cuts in current fund- continue to expand. to 180,000 children in the year 2002, to ing. Mr. HOKE. Mr. Chairman, will the me, anyway you play with numbers, I am very happy to yield to my col- gentlewoman yield? that is a cut. If we are going to say league from Texas, SHEILA JACKSON- Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. I yield to the that children who have disabilities are LEE. gentleman from Ohio. not going to be able to get the funding, Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I just won- that is a cut. If we are going to elimi- appreciate the gentlewoman from Ha- der how you define the word ‘‘cut.’’ nate or sharply curtail the Safe and waii yielding, and I particularly appre- How would you define the word ‘‘cut’’? Drug-Free Schools Program, that is a ciate the pointed focus of her presen- Mr. ENGEL. Let me just say to my cut, and we can point to several more tation relating to education. I was in a colleague, we have had this discussion instances whereby it is a hard cut, and meeting and then at my office, and I not only in this bill but in Medicaid even if it is not a cut, it is a cut in the heard the discussion ongoing, and am and Medicare, and you can play with services that we will be able to provide sorry that the gentleman has offered to numbers, you can say, well, we are for our children because of inflation not continue to wait on some time to really giving it a small increase or we and because of what we have learned have this discussion, because you were are cutting back on what we were and where we know we have to provide clearly responding to what I think has going to have. To me, the bottom line the funds. There is no denying that. been misrepresentations about the di- is this, because we can all play with There will be a cut in education serv- rection that our Republican colleagues numbers and can all show statistics, ices to millions of American children, are taking us, and also their arguments the bottom line is what kind of pro- and I personally cannot see that at a there have not been cuts. grams do we have now in 1995–1996, if I time when we are increasing defense I met with a group of educators in just might answer your question, and spending, giving a huge tax break to the North Forest Independent School what are we going to have under this the rich. I cannot see us sacrificing District, which is a school district that bill in the year 2002? education funding for our children. has brought itself out of both near Mr. HOKE. You are using specific Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Reclaiming my bankruptcy, but as well out of the dol- language, I say to the gentleman from time at this point, I still have others to drums of poor test scores in and around New York [Mr. ENGEL]. You are using yield to. But let me say that on all of the city of Houston. Clearly the pro- the word ‘‘cut.’’ If you are going to use the items that I mentioned, there is a grams that have been drastically cut the word ‘‘cut,’’ it seems to me it is cut in funding for fiscal year 1996 based are the very programs that these edu- very confusing to the public. When a upon fiscal year 1995. cators have utilized to assist their chil- family says they are going to cut their I am not talking about reductions in dren in excelling. We already know we spending for the next year, they are anticipated funding. But I want to can tell our children that they can suc- spending $2,000 a month now, next year make sure that everyone understands ceed, but these have been bridges that they are going to spend $1,850 a month, that in fiscal year 1995, title I was have helped them. that is a cut. Is it not true in every sin- funded at $6.7 billion. The House-passed The Goals 2000 programs are particu- gle one of these education appropria- bill provides for only $5.5 billion. If larly unique when it relates to inner tions we are talking about, the spend- that is not a cut, I cannot understand city and rural school children, where ing goes up from 1996 to 1995? what a cut is. they do not have the necessary re- Mr. ENGEL. No. That is not true. Goals 2000, we had $361 million. The sources. It is well documented that Mr. HOKE. I will grant you it might House-passed bill has zero funding. Head Start provides that extra step, if not be true in absolutely every case. That is obviously a cut. you will, for many of our children who Certainly, overall the appropriations Safe and drug-free schools in fiscal do not have the privileges of preschool bill for education is substantially more year 1995 was funded at $466 million. education that is paid for by the pri- in 1996 than it is in 1995 and substan- The House-passed bill was funded at vate sector because of the economic de- tially more in 1997 than in 1996, more in $200 million. That is a cut, no matter velopment level of their parents. 1998 than in 1997. It goes up every sin- how you look at it. The schools also have had a margin gle year. Bilingual education, we were funded of victory with the Safe and Drug-Free If you want to say we are reducing in fiscal year 1995 at $157 million. The Schools Program. I do not know why the rate of increase, if you want to say House-passed bill for fiscal year 1996 anyone would call that a waste of that we are not spending as much as provides only a $53 million. That is a money. And the $4 billion cuts overall CBO has said we would be spending a cut. clearly tell our educators as well as our year ago, you are absolutely right. But Vocational education in fiscal year children that the successes that they to suggest we are cutting spending and 1995 was $1.1 billion. The House-passed have had are not valuable. spending less this year in this edu- bill provides $903 million. That is a cut. The Budget Reconciliation Act that cation appropriation than we were last The Eisenhower professional develop- cuts these proposals is misdirected. Vo- year is absolutely wrong. ment was funded at $598 million for fis- cational education, the school-to-work Mr. ENGEL. Let me just answer the cal year 1995. In fiscal year 1996 the programs that have been so successful gentleman again. Let me say the bot- House provided $500 million. for some of our youngsters who are not tom line is that we know how much So all of the programs that have been directly interested and or prepared for funding we need to keep American edu- mentioned here in the special orders, a liberal arts college education. cation looking forward, to increasing there are clear cuts in the appropria- I heard earlier the Democrats were the funding for education that we know tion bills that have cleared this House. being accused of supporting a myriad our children are going to need so that Obviously, they are still pending in the of job training programs; we do not this Nation is going to have a future, Senate. know which ones we want. I might tell and what I see here when I look at this The point of this special order is to my colleague, the gentleman who was bill, I look at the Republican plan, is call attention to these cuts, over $4 bil- on the floor previously, that we have that in each and every aspect that the lion in total as against fiscal year 1995 already consolidated job programs. We gentlewoman from Hawaii [Mrs. MINK] spending, and it is not the idea of what have already done an inventory of the and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. more is coming in the future, 7 years. effective ones and the noneffective November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13779 ones, and we can be assured that we considered in the conference discus- loses this kind of program money, if it have programs that have proven to be sions with the administration. In her loses this kind of assistance that gen- successful. words, this is catastrophic for our erates additional assistance at the The gentlewoman has been a stalwart State. Our State, which has the obliga- State level and at the local level to spokesperson for real welfare reform. tion to educate a very diverse school provide for extra reading help and How do you reform welfare if you do population that is beset with the whole mathematics tutoring, computer not give that dependent mother or fa- series of problems that confront many equipment, special training for teach- ther an opportunity for job training of our large States, are simply not ers, all of which every independent re- and for work? going to be able to do that job in an port in assessing the American edu- So when we begin to talk about cut- adequate fashion. When I say in an ade- cation system and the California edu- ting, I am wondering whether my Re- quate fashion, I am simply talking cation system, done by the California publican colleagues understand the about people having the ability to per- Roundtable, done by our business com- word ‘‘investment,’’ because when you form at grade level in the basics of edu- munity, to look at this educational invest in job taining, education, then cation, in reading and writing and system, none of them have suggested you prepare yourselves for the dimin- mathematics and critical thinking that resources to that system should ishing of welfare rolls, you prepare skills. be reduced. They have all suggested yourself for people to be tuned into the The growing evidence is that a grow- that resources going to that system work force of the 21st century, you pre- ing number of students across our should be reorganized and should be pare yourself for work. State and across this country are sim- used more efficiently. But the monies Mr. Speaker, I would compliment the ply not becoming proficient in those that you gain from the efficient use of gentlewoman, and I would thank her very basic skills, those skills which are that reorganization should be plowed for allowing me to bring this to a point necessary if these students are going to back into that system so that we can of acknowledging the drastic and dev- be able to take their place in the Amer- better educate a larger number of the astating impact that this will have in ican economy and if they are going to children. my local community. be able to adapt to the changing econ- Those are not the conclusions that I I close simply by saying part of the omy once they have their place in the have reached. Those are not the con- cuts that have come about in the edu- job market. clusions that the California Teachers cation cuts and the job training cuts We see evidence of this now in the Association has reached or the school comes I think as one of the most tell- State college system. In the State of principals have reached. Those are the ing and also the most destructive cuts, California, some 60 percent of the en- conclusions of independent blue ribbon because of the negative discussion trants in the State college system are commissions, dominated in many in- around it, and that was summer youth in need of remedial education. The stances by the business community, jobs that many of us have seen work, frightening part is this is from I be- who have looked at these systems, because they are partnerships between lieve the top 30 percent of the students have looked at these institutions and the public and private sector. who graduate from high school in our said we have a major problem simply in I was on the floor earlier talking State. So now we find ourselves spend- the sufficiency of the resources avail- about that, because it hurts so much to ing money on some of the highest paid able to these institutions. tell a youngster it is only a baby-sit- professors to deal with remedial edu- So when we see budgets that are ting job, you were not learning any- cation problems that should have been passed by the House of Representatives thing from being exposed at an energy dealt with quite properly at the 4th that are talking about a 17-percent re- company or in a local government of- and 5th and 6th grade of education. But duction over 7 years in these budgets, fice or in the parks department or as our superintendent of public instruc- we are talking about a trickle down of somewhere else where you have seen tion tells us, the likelihood of that now a critical problem for local education. that work counts and work is impor- happening with these budget cuts is Interestingly enough, we find that tant. placed in jeopardy. people in my home community of Mar- I think and hope that in this budget That is not to suggest that this is a tinez and many other communities reconciliation process, even as short as problem of money alone, because it is that I represent in my congressional it is, that we give life to the idea that not. But it is also to strongly suggest, district, they are voting to try to raise we can balance the budget in a better as she does in her communications to what resources they can in the commu- way, less mean spirited, but we can in- the members of our delegation, that nity to improve school facilities, to try vest in our people so that we will not the corrective actions necessary in to provide technological improvements have this occurrence as we move into terms of school reform, in terms of ac- to the education system. But at the the 21st century. countability, in terms of teacher pro- same time they are making this effort, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I ficiency, in terms of reducing the ad- that they are voting with their pocket- thank the gentlewoman from Texas for ministrative bureaucracy, are all book, what they see is a reduction in her contribution. It is very important placed in jeopardy by these budget resources from the Federal Govern- that we have this kind of focus on the cuts. They make all of the tasks of our ment. It is not only unwise, but I think significance of the cuts in education. educational system in California far it flies in the face of what parents have I am pleased to yield the balance of more difficult. said they want for their children. I my time to the distinguished gen- This does not even begin to speak to think we have an obligation to take tleman from California [Mr. MILLER]. the problem of the capital assets of our these programs that have been highly Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. elementary and secondary education successful and make sure that they in Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for systems in the State of California, fact are delivered to the students of yielding and for her taking this time where we now find our children, the our State and of our Nation. on this important matter. children that we keep claiming are so Mr. Speaker, I want to thank again Mr. Speaker, I join this debate to important to the future of this coun- the gentlewoman for taking this time, point out some impacts that are now try, that we believe are the most im- and I just want to say that I think su- starting to be felt in the State of Cali- portant asset of the future of this perintendent Delaine Easton makes a fornia, and that is with our super- country, we are now sending them to very forceful case to the Members of intendent of public instruction. schools that are dilapidated, that are the delegation to give very, very strict Delaine Easton has written to our dele- run down, that are not capable of being scrutiny to the cuts that have been gation explaining her very deep con- properly wired for new technologies, made in the education budget and to cern with the cuts in the education for computer access for these students, understanding the impacts as they budget, both those which are in the where students are constantly con- drift down to the local district level in Health and Human Services appropria- fronted with water coming through the the State of California. tions bill and the budget cuts. ceiling. We have a huge obligation and re- California stands to lose some $260 That is a whole other issue. But as sponsibility to our students to make million under the budget now being the State struggles with that, if it them world class graduates, and to be H 13780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 proficient at a world class level in the Under legislation crafted by the new House of our classrooms have even a single basics of education and in critical majority, California would lose $392 million in phone jack for fiber optics or comput- thinking. All of the evidence suggests fiscal year 1996, and stands to lose a total of ers or software or the programs we we will not meet that responsibility $2.59 billion over 7 years. need to put in there. and obligation to our students with the In fiscal year 1996, there would be $42.4 What my colleagues on the other side educational budget and the trendlines million less for Pell grants for college, $42.1 of the aisle are really talking about is that are put in place by the budget million less for local school reform, $122.3 mil- power. Washington-based power in edu- adopted by the House and the Senate. lion less for services for disadvantaged chil- cation. When they say we are cutting I would hope that the President dren, $26.4 million less for safe and drug-free Goals 2000, the Federal power of Goals would reject it. Should we eventually schools, $18.4 million less for vocational edu- 2000 has been cut to zero. Absolutely get to the Health and Human Services cation, and $5 million less for teacher training. correct. But we send the money, block appropriations bill, I would hope that Come on now, who's taking care of whom. grant it to the States, and the Gov- Members of Congress would vote The new majority is taking care of the rich ernors have told us that they can run against that, I would hope that the and ignoring the children of today. those programs more efficiently than President would veto it, and I would If they're worrying about the children of to- letting the Government talk about it hope that we sustain his veto so we can morrow then they would take care of the chil- with their rules and regulations. negotiate decent levels of education dren of today. We only control about 7 percent of funding for our children and for our f the funding for our schools in this Na- families who have such high aspira- tion out of the Federal Government. GENERAL LEAVE tions and hopes and desires for their Seven percent. But with that 7 percent children’s education and for their abil- Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I comes over 50 percent of the regula- ity to provide for their economic ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tions and 75 percent of the paperwork wherewithal in the American economic bers may have 5 legislative days within to the States. We are eliminating that, system. which to revise and extend their re- Mr. Speaker, and we are giving that I thank the gentlewoman for yield- marks on the special order just pre- power to the State. ing. sented. If the State wants to run a Goals 2000 Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there without all the bureaucrats in Wash- thank the gentleman for his contribu- objection to the request of the gen- tion in this debate. I concur with the ington, without having to file all the tleman from Hawaii? reports, without having to go through gentleman absolutely that if the con- There was no objection. ference bill in this area comes back all the paperwork, they can do it, and f anywhere near what I have just de- they have the funds to do it and it is scribed, the only thing that is left for b 1545 much more efficient. To say we cut us to do is to defeat that bill and hope Goals 2000 is not a fact. It is there. It THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED is at the State level. that the Congress concurs with our BUDGET opinion. If not, if it should pass, I cer- Second, let us look at the perspective tainly hope that the President will The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. of California. We have less than 12 per- veto it, and the House will surely sus- GANSKE). Under the Speaker’s an- cent of our classrooms across the Na- tain that veto. nounced policy of May 12, 1995, the gen- tion, as I mentioned, that have a single This is an area of critical impor- tleman from Ohio [Mr. HOKE] is recog- phone jack. Seven percent of edu- tance. I cannot emphasize our feelings nized for 60 minutes as the designee of cation, again, comes out of the Federal about this in any stronger terms. I be- the majority leader. Government. We get less than 25 cents lieve fervently that we represent the Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, we are going on the dollar back down into the class- majority of people in this country that to talk this afternoon about the budg- room because of all the bureaucracy. are committed to the Federal partici- et, about some of the things we have What we are doing is eliminating that pation in education. If we could have a just heard regarding that, about what bureaucracy and absolutely on the Fed- referendum, I am sure that our point of the importance is of a balanced budget, eral level we are cutting it and taking view would be more than supported. I and I want to recognize a great fighter that power out of Washington and the hope that point of view will be recog- pilot, former, a great American, great Democrats’ ability to spend money so nized by the Members who are con- Member of the Committee on Eco- that they can get reelected, so that ferees on the conference committee, nomic and Educational Opportunities, they can have the power, and we are and that we will have an opportunity and a Californian as well, because I giving it back to the States. to restore this funding. know that he has some important Mr. Speaker, I think there would be a Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to things to say about education, and edu- legitimate complaint if the Repub- protest the proposed cuts in education. cation particularly in California. licans were taking that power and I have listened to Member after Member Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman shifting it over to themselves, but they come to the well and say time after time that from California [Mr. CUNNINGHAM]. are not. They are shifting it back to we must protect the future of the children of Mr. CUNNINGHAM. I thank the gen- the people where Government is closer tomorrow and their children. tleman, Mr. Speaker. I serve on the to the people and more effective. But In reality, Members on the other side of the Committee on Economic and Edu- we hear time and time again from the aisle are jeopardizing our children's future. cational Opportunities. other side of the aisle that the States How can you guarantee the future if you Mr. DORNAN. Mr. Speaker, there is do not know how to manage their own don't take care of the children of today? problems, only the liberals here in the The new majority is cutting education so it no such thing as a former fighter pilot. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. And I still am Congress know best for what is good can give tax breaks to the rich and spend flying fighters, so there is no such for the individual States. We will hear more on defense. If the Members on the other side of the aisle thing as a former fighter pilot. it over and over again, but we feel dif- were really serious about balancing the budget Mr. Speaker, I want to comment on ferently, Mr. Speaker. to ensure the prosperity of future generations, some of the things my colleagues on I look at the State of California, and they would do it responsibly. the other side of the aisle have said. I look at how they have destroyed edu- They would not slash the programs that agree with one thing they said, there cation. One example. The liberals voted help the young, the old, the poor, and the mid- are some very, very good schools out to cut defense $177 billion. California is dle class. there. I have some of the finest schools one of the leaders in defense. We have If they truly wanted to help our kids suc- in Torrey Pines and San Dieguito, all lost a million jobs with base closures ceed, they would make an investment in edu- up and down in my particular area. and defense cuts. Ninety-three percent cation, not eliminate the support that schools They would compete with any school in of education is paid for out of the tax depend upon. the Nation. But across the board our dollars of the State. That is a million In fiscal year 1995, California received $2.5 schools are not. people. Say that half of them got jobs, billion from the Federal Government for edu- We pour billions of dollars into that probably not as good as they were in cation. but, Mr. Speaker, less than 12 percent the defense industry, but take that out November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13781 of the budget in Sacramento. How ommendation is that if education is the CBO or OMB, by people who are many jobs have we lost? our friend’s top priority, running for hired at a staff level to make these Let us take just one governmental State Senate might be a thought, be- things, but not certainly by Members regulation, meant with good intentions cause education is the priority of the of Congress. Projections that were not but ruled by extremists. The Endan- State. made, and amounts that are projected gered Species Act, and how it applies The State, the folks at home, the off of baselines that do not exist except to education. How many jobs have we parents, the teachers at home should in somebody’s imagination or in some- lost to the gnatcatcher in California? run education, yet we send 10 percent body’s mental calculations. Construction jobs. How many jobs to of the money from the Federal Govern- The fact is that, and I want to get the spotted owl, where we could not ment to our States and we insist on into this later, because I want to really even go in and cut timber that the bee- making all the rules. Well, we are, in- explore this in detail, because it seems tles had destroyed, that are totally deed, trying to cut back our costs. We to me it is impossible, Mr. Speaker, for dead trees, just to keep the industry are trying to balance our budget. If us to have the kind of debate that the surviving? How many jobs in California students want to be unhappy, I think American people deserve, that they have we lost in the tuna industry be- they should be very unhappy that we should have so that they can genuinely cause of the porpoise? How many jobs only reduced the cost in education by ferret out, make decisions for them- have we lost in the Central Valley $4 billion. Our committee started out selves about what is going on here, Water Project, that the gentleman trying to reduce it by $10 billion over 7 what is being increased, what is not from California [Mr. MILLER] sup- years. We ended up, after the Senate, being increased, what is being cut, if ported, with the farmers, or the salmon only reducing it $4 billion. This had anything, because there are some with the farmers? And over and over nothing to do with the students or things being cut, although one would again they have cut jobs. harming the students or harming edu- never know it from the kind of rhetoric Now, let us take illegal immigration, cation, this was simply a mechanism. we hear on the floor. But as long as we Mr. Speaker. We spend $1.2 million a Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, if I could re- abuse language the way that language day on the school meals programs for claim my time for a minute, because is abused all the time on this floor, it illegals, because there is 800,000 K we have been talking about—and I is going to be very difficult for the through 12 illegals in the California thank the gentleman from California American people to get the informa- State system, Mr. Speaker. Let us take for his comments very much. DUKE, tion that they need in order to make half of that so they cannot dispute the thank you. decisions about their representives and numbers. That is $1.2 million a day at Excuse me, Mr. CUNNINGHAM. I was who they ought to have representing $1.90 a meal. And let us not even take admonished by the Speaker once that them. the three meals, let us just take two we should not be using first names. But Mr. Speaker, I think that at the bot- meals, 185-percent below the meals pro- we had all this talk about edu- tom of all of this, more so than any- gram. That is $1.2 million a day out of cation—— thing else, more so than anything else education. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. You can call me in this Congress, I believe that we need It takes $4,750 to educate a child K DUKE and I will call you MARTIN. to define our terms so that we are all through 12 per year, Mr. Speaker. That Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, we have had speaking the same English language, so is $2 billion a year out of the education all this talk about education, and it that we are all on the same page and system, but yet we cannot get help seems to me that there are an awful lot we are not going to be arguing about from the other side of the aisle on im- of people in this Congress who could how we define words. I will get into migration reform. use an education about the use of the that more in detail. I look at the other things that cost word cut. The fact is that there really I want to yield a couple of minutes to us. We have 18,000 illegals in our prison is an opportunity to debate the prior- the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. system. When they talk about cuts, we ities that are important to this coun- WELLER], who has asked me for some are cutting the Federal bureaucracy, try in this Congress and that there time, and I see the gentleman has a bag Mr. Speaker. We are sending that may be a whole bunch of different with him. money and the extra money down to views regarding that, but we should Mr. WELLER. I do have a plastic bag, the States. The rest of the education agree on the ability to use language which I will point to in just a few sec- funding that was taken out of the Fed- and that certainly requires a little bit onds. eral Government, do my colleagues of education. Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank know what we put it in, in the commit- I have here from the Webster my friend from Ohio, Mr. HOKE, for tee, some of it against my wishes? We Merriam dictionary the definition of bringing this issue to the attention of put it in NIH for medical research, the word ‘‘cut.’’ The first one is to re- the House. I think it is extremely im- which we also feel is a national level duce in amount. That is the most wise- portant when we talk about some of interest. ly used definition of the word ‘‘cut.’’ It the changes that need to be made here I thank my good friend for letting me means to be less, to reduce in amount, in Washington. I am one of the fresh- have 5 minutes here but I wanted to set to be less in the next year than it was men, one of the new guys, and I heard the record straight. in the current year. time and time again from the voters of Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, if the In fact, let me ask my colleagues a my district, which is the south suburbs gentleman will yield for just a second. question, if I may. Are we cutting, and part of the city of Chicago and a Mr. HOKE. Sure, go right ahead. using this definition of the word cut? lot of farm towns, about how we need Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Are we cutting the amount of money to change how Washington works and the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. HOKE] that is being allocated to education in how we need to send representatives to and the gentleman from California [Mr. this budget? the Congress who are going to vote for CUNNINGHAM]. I wanted to join with the Mr. NORWOOD. No, we are increas- change. gentleman for just a minute, because I, ing the spending. If the gentleman will I have with me something I carry, too, serve on the Committee on Eco- yield, we are increasing the spending in just like my other colleagues do, and nomic and Educational Opportunities. education considerably. that is our voting card. This piece of Mr. Speaker, it is rather amazing What they are talking about is this plastic that has a little computer chip that Mr. CUNNINGHAM and I serve on imaginary made-up number that is in it, –I believe. We walk into the the Committee on Economic and Edu- placed out there 7 years from now that House chamber when it is time to cast cational Opportunities, and then we nobody knows what is. We are in fact, a vote, slide it in that box and push a have the gentleman from California, going to balance our budget by spend- red or green button if we are going to Mr. MILLER, and the gentlewoman from ing less than they project, but we are vote yes or no. The most important Hawaii, Mrs. MINK, on the other side of increasing the spending from 1995 con- and significant thing about this card is the aisle, and we go to the same meet- siderably. that for the last 26 years Members of ings and we do not seem to hear the Mr. HOKE. Less than was predicted the House of Representatives have used same things at all. Basically, my rec- by whom? By Federal bureaucrats at this card just like a credit care. In fact, H 13782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 I labeled this voting card the world’s to say, ‘‘Mr. President, where’s the Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- most expensive credit card, because for beef? Where’s the beef? Where’s your er, I want to congratulate the gen- the last 26 years, in fact, since Neil specific plan?’’ tleman from Ohio [Mr. HOKE] who is Armstrong walked on the Moon, Mem- It is time to stop governing with the chairman of our Theme Team here, bers of Congress have used this card, opinion polls and press releases. We for bringing to the attention of the their voting card, to run up a $4.9 tril- need to actually see specific plans. If body some very important facts. lion national debt. we think about it, what are the real The earned income tax credit, our Now, Mr. Speaker, when we think benefits for my State if we balance the Democrat colleagues have been saying about our own families and our own budget? Our balanced budget plan will that we are going to cut that. The fact households, we all know the pain that increase student loans, the volume of is, and the American people need to everyone feels if someone in the family student loans, by 50 percent. Medicaid know this, we are increasing it by al- uses a credit card and runs up a huge funding, which is health care for the most $6 billion over the 7-year period. debt. It is tough to pay that off. Today poor, will go up 55 percent over the The school lunch program, which we have a $4.9 trillion national debt. next 7 years. School lunch funding will they said we are going to cut, in fact is That is four times our operating budg- increase more than the President asked going to be increased by almost $2 bil- et for the Federal Government. for. Medicare spending for the average lion over the 7-year period. Student This bag that the gentleman alluded Illinoisan will go from $4,800 to $7,100 loans are going to be increased by $12 to that I brought with me has $19,000 in per senior citizen in Illinois over the billion, not a cut like they have said. play money in it. The reason that next 7 years, even while we are bal- Medicaid is going to go up by almost $19,000 is so significant is because every ancing the budget. $40 billion over the 7 years, which is person’s share of the national debt Those are real benefits, if we think contrary to what the Democrat leader- today is $19,000. So every man, woman how much money we spend shows com- ship has been telling us. Medicare is and child in the State of Illinois, my passion. But also there are some real going up by over $110 billion over the 7- year period and they have been trying home State, the land of Lincoln, if we benefits to working families and that is to scare the American seniors to death were to pay off the national debt today by eliminating the deficit, the dividend by saying that we are going to have would have to write a check for $19,000. is a reduction in interest rates. The Medicare cuts. The interest alone on that debt is $430 Federal Reserve, the Chairman of the I appreciate the gentleman for point- Federal Reserve has said if we balance a month for a family of four. That is ing this out. The American people need the budget and are no longer borrowing more than the average car payment. to know we are increasing all of these money to finance deficit spending, in- Well, Mr. Speaker, I think it is time things; we are just slowing the rate of terest rates will go down. For the aver- that we worked to address the fiscal growth, and that is going to be good for age family of four, they will save $2,800 problems of our Nation. For 26 years the country. this country has operated on deficit a year on a home mortgage. On a car Mr. HOKE. Reclaiming my time, I spending, running up a huge, huge na- loan, they would save over a thousand want to take 5 or so minutes, and then tional debt. Now it is time to balance dollars a year in interest costs for I see that my good friend from Kansas the budget, and there is a lot of bene- lower interest rates. And for students is here. But I have to say, and I thank fits for my State, as well as Ohio, and going to college, at the end of that four the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. BUR- Kansas, and Georgia, and this great years, an undergraduate student would TON] for bringing these things to the country we all live in. We have made a save about $1,900 on their student loan. attention of the Speaker, because for little progress in the last couple of Mr. Speaker, those are real savings. me it is so exasperating that we hear weeks. In fact, even Bill Clinton says USA Today highlighted the fact that the abusive language day after day now he wants to balance the budget. overwhelmingly almost every Amer- after day after day on the floor. I can The President’s agreed with the Con- ican would directly benefit from lower only believe that this is an attempt to gress that we can do it and do it in a interest rates. We have a commitment obscure the real issues, to confuse the responsible way over a period of 7 from the President to balance the American people, and to make it im- years. budget over 7 years. We know the bene- possible to really define what the dif- Now, we are still waiting to hear fits of doing that. We in the Congress ferences are in the debate. from the President regarding his spe- have put a plan on the table for the The reality is there are differences in cific plan on how he would do it and last several weeks which offers specific the debate. We really do want to zero what the fine print is. In fact, we are proposals which will balance the budg- out Goals 2000. We want to zero it out also still waiting for the Democratic et over 7 years. I think it is time for because we do not think that the Fed- leadership to see their plan to balance the President to show leadership. eral Government ought to be involved the budget over 7 years. That is why I am so disappointed he and we have a real problem with the is going to leave the country for 6 days. b 1600 kinds of mandates that are being Before he leaves, I think he should placed on local school systems. But it Conservative Democrats and the show us his plan on the table which does not have to do with money in the moderate Democrats, like Republicans, balances budget and shows us how he is sense that it is being portrayed on the believe that we can balance the budget going to do it over 7 years, and then we other side. over 7 years. They have offered a plan can work out the differences and come Mr. Speaker, I put together here, just and I give them credit for that. up with a bipartisan plan. for the edification of the Speaker, a The Republican plan, our plan, does a Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman graph that shows, and maybe we can lot of good things. We balance the from Ohio [Mr. HOKE] for the time and see this on television, it shows the budget over 7 years and reform welfare commend the gentleman for his leader- total Federal spending from 1995 to the by emphasizing work and family and ship in making sure that the American year 2002. We can see we have $1.53 tril- responsibility. We save our Medicare people know that the bottom line is we lion in 1995. This is according to the system from bankruptcy. In fact, we are going to provide a better economic Republican budget plan that we have are increasing funding for Medicare by future for our children, free of debt. We passed in the House that we have 50 percent over the next 7 years and we have to balance the budget. passed in the Senate and that we have are also providing tax relief to working Mr. HOKE. Reclaiming my time, I passed in conference. This is the plan families. thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. that is now, but for the President’s sig- The President says he does not like WELLER] for his comments and for nature, and remember the President our plan that saves Medicare and pro- bringing these things to our attention. has promised that he is going to sign vide tax relief for working families, but Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- into law before December 31, 1995, he is has failed to show leadership, I believe, er, will the gentleman yield? going to sign into law a budget that by offering his alternative. Mr. HOKE. I will yield to the gen- will be in balance by the year 2002. But In the early 1980’s there was a fast tleman from Indiana for a moment, and this is what we have done. food ad where that one gal said, then I am going to open up a free-for- We have passed this with every de- ‘‘Where’s the beef?’’ I think it is time all debate. gree of detail that is necessary. We are November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13783 going from $1.53 trillion in 1995 to $1.875 be making the tough decisions about eral bureaucracy in Washington, DC. trillion in the year 2002. Obviously, not how those resources get allocated. The We believe that we should let the com- a cut if the definition of ‘‘cut’’ is to re- fact is that there is more reality to the munities continue to have say so in duce in amount. Not a cut. debate that goes on in the city councils helping students. It goes up from $1.5 trillion to $1.875 around this country, and more reality Mr. HOKE. The gentleman is com- trillion, a tremendous increase. I want to the debate that goes on in the State pletely correct. What the President to go over some of the specific areas, legislatures around this country, be- passed, or what was passed in this just as the gentleman from Indiana did. cause that is where when one person House in 1993, called for a tremendous We increased spending in education; we wins, another person loses. When one increase in direct student loans, which increase spending on school lunches; interest group gets funding, another in- essentially means that the Government we increase spending on student loans; terest group does not, because it is a got into the banking business. we increase spending on Medicaid and zero-sum game. Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Let the Depart- Medicare. We do not have a zero-sum game at ment of Education, one of the most in- We have genuine differences of opin- the Federal level of Government. We efficient bureaucracies in the Federal ion about how we ought to do that and just keep spending and spending and Government, totally monopolize it and what we ought to be doing. But it spending. It is one of the reasons that, take it out of the hands of the commu- seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that when as I say, I get so exasperated and so, nity. Because we want to empower the the American people listen to this and frankly, disgusted with the rhetoric communities, and because we want to they constantly hear this scare tactic that we hear in the body when we are increase funding for education for and abusive language that would have told that we are cutting programs that these loans 50 percent over 7 years, them believe that we are cutting when are absolutely not being cut. they are saying that we are cutting. we are, in fact, increasing spending, There are certain programs that are Now, I must admit, I did not go to that it makes it difficult, if not impos- being cut completely. The Goals 2000 in Oxford and I did not go to Yale, but the sible to make the kinds of considered, the House budget was cut out com- schools that I went to, and we did not thoughtful decisions about what their pletely; not in the conference report, it learn this new math stuff, but if we go representatives are saying, what their is not cut out. But in the House budget from $24 billion to $36 billion in student representatives believe, in order to it was. Why? Because it is an honest loans, at least in the schools I went to really know about what the future of difference regarding policy decisions in the Southeast, that was called a our country ought to be and who they that we ought to be making in the U.S. spending increase. I do not know what ought to have representing them. I House, in the Congress. We should be Rhodes scholar’s math is like, but in think that this is right at the bottom, doing these things. It is clear. But we my neck of the woods and outside of right at the foundation of the problem should not be abusing language and the Beltway, going from $24 billion to that we face in this Congress. talking about phenomenal increases in $36 billion is a spending increase. Let me talk a little bit about some of spending, in the case of Medicare, for If I could cite some quotes, because the benefits that will come from this, example, we are going from $178 billion we were just talking about Medicare, I and then the reason I wanted to have in 1995 to $289 billion in 2002. From do not think any of us could say it any the opportunity speak on my own for $4,800 per beneficiary this year to $6,700 better than what the Washington Post just a few minutes was that it seems to per beneficiary in 2002. Yet, we are said. And I see the quotes there, but let me that there is one benefit that is hearing from the other side, and we me give a couple of other Washington really rarely talked about in the Con- will hear from the President himself, Post quotes before you get into that. gress. I hope that we will have an op- that this is a cut. This came from last week by Matthew portunity to talk about some of the Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Will the gen- Miller, who used to work in the Clinton economic benefits of the balanced tleman yield on the education point? administration. budget, because it will increase job cre- What we hear time and time again is The Washington Post article, and he ation, economic development. It in- that we are cutting education and that was talking about the GOP’s proposal cludes more disposal income, real dis- we are cutting student loans, and we for Medicare, and he wrote: posal income, consumable income; are doing all of these horrible things. Though many of the President’s advisors more cars being build; construction, et The fact of the matter is that we have think the GOP premium proposal is sensible cetera, et cetera. But there is some- an honest difference of opinion on goals and believe it differs little from the Presi- dent’s own plan, the President fired sound thing we will get with a balanced budg- 2000, and whether we want a bureaucrat bites from the Oval Office yesterday taking et that we do not have today that is in Washington, DC, to decide how to the low road in ways that only Washington critically important to our future, and educate our children or not. But on pundits could recast as standing tall. that is the ability to define as a Nation student loans, there is an honest dif- For that reason, so the President what we believe Government ought to ference of opinion on how we handle could gain in the polls, the President be doing; what we believe the role of student loans. We are not cutting stu- sent home 880,000 workers saying that Government should be; what the pa- dent loans. Our student loans increase he opposed the Republican plan and he rameters of its extent in our society 50 percent. was going to shut down the Federal and in our lives are. Mr. HOKE. From $24 billion to $36 Government because of it. The way that we will do that, on an billion in 2002. economic basis, is by what we are will- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. But we do have b 1615 ing to pay for on a pay-as-you-go basis. a difference of opinion on how we get The secret is out. The President’s It is a fundamental concept. It is the money to those students to go to plan is just like the Republican plan. crystally clear and critically impor- college. Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I hope the tant. That is that we not spend more The President of the United States, secret is out. The one thing that I get than we are willing to tax ourselves swimming against the tide of history concerned about is that we hear so for. and swimming against the tide of popu- much of this rhetoric and demagoguery The problem that we have now is lar support, believes that what we and medigoguery, as the Post has said, that we do not really know as a soci- should do is take all the money for stu- and mediscare and scare tactics about ety, as a people, as an American cul- dent loan, round it all up, and bring it all these things. And we just heard it ture, what it is that our Government, to Washington, DC, in what he calls his from the other side that we are cut- what the limits of our Government Direct Student Loan Program plan, ting, cutting, cutting. I just hope and should be, because we, right now, are and give Washington, DC bureaucracies pray that the American public is not willing, and have for 25 years, spent a total monopoly. So, every time a stu- being fooled by this rhetoric. more than we have raised in revenue. dent, whether that student be in Ohio My friends at home tell me that peo- So, the point is that when we get to or in Florida, or in Kansas or anywhere ple are buying into this notion that, in this balanced budget where we are say- across this country, any time they fact, we are slashing Government, that ing we are not going to spend more want student loan money, they have to senior citizens are actually being ma- than we take in, then we are going to go crawling and kowtowing to a Fed- nipulated and exploited and being H 13784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 frightened. And I have two parents a level of integrity at the Post. The it is being bottom under, where the that are Medicare beneficiaries them- Post is clearly liberal. They love gov- senior citizen, the beneficiary himself selves, that that is really what we are ernment in a way that conservatives or herself, actually has power and con- about here. never will, but there is a level of integ- trol. I get concerned that maybe we have rity at the Post that I frankly respect, In fact, if you are like me, the most sunk to such a low level of power hun- particularly on the editorial page. important aspect of our plan is the griness that we are willing to sell out They have recognized that the dema- ability for a senior to participate in a any group, claiming and scare them goguery of the President and of the medical savings account, the medisave into believing that they are somehow Democrat leadership in Congress is plan, which is an integral part of the going to suffer, that the sky is going to really shameful and should end. They Medicare reform. It is one of the Medi- fall and particularly those that are the have been very clear about this. They care Plus things. most vulnerable, of course, the senior are as exasperated as I am, as the gen- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. And the pro- citizens, to this kind of tactic. It does tleman is, and as others in this House vider service networks where physi- concern me. The truth is that we ought regarding the confusion and the obfus- cians can actually get together with to be talking about the very legitimate cation and obscuring of these issues. their patients and make the decision, and real differences between the world I think I know what the gentleman is what type of plan do we want to put views, and they are real and they are going to read. forward for the senior citizen? What is deep. They deserve to be heard and Mr. SCARBOROUGH. If I could, let the best option for them. Let us cut thought about and not obscured for the me say that the Post has been, I think, out the insurance companies. Let us American people but, in fact, made extremely responsible this entire year, cut the Federal Government. clear. even though they are more liberal Mr. HOKE. Attacked by insurance I believe that the clearer that they than—— companies, by the way. are made, the more that people will be Mr. HOKE. Even though they are the Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Just you, the attracted to them, and they will say, paper we love to hate. senior citizen, and I, the physician, will yes, I do believe in the values of lim- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Let me read sit down and decide what is best for ited government. Yes, I do believe in this, the most important editorial, I you. And if insurance companies and if the values of family and faith and hard think, of the year: the Federal Government does not like work and education and personal re- Bill Clinton and the congressional Demo- it, too bad. We have been empowered sponsibility. And, yes, the government crats were handed an unusual chance this by this plan. should not be the institution that we year to deal constructively with the effect of Mr. HOKE. I see that my friend from Medicare on the deficit, and they blew it. Kansas has been waiting patiently to look to in our society first. It should be The chance came in the form of the congres- the institution that we look to last as sional Republican plan to balance the budget dive in and has some things that he a genuine safety net for those who over 7 years. Some other aspects of that plan wants to add to this debate. truly cannot provide for themselves. deserved to be resisted, but the Republican Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I am in But it should not be the first resort. It proposal to get at the deficit partly by con- agreement with what you are saying on should be the last resort. fronting the cost of Medicare deserved sup- Medicare. These are real, these are deep dif- port. The Democrats, led by the President, Mr. HOKE. What are you in disagree- ferences between the parties. But they chose instead to present themselves as Medi- ment with us about? get obscured with this language. care’s great protectors. They have shame- Mr. TIAHRT. What I would like to do lessly used the issue, demagogued on it, be- is move on to the 7-year commitment Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, if cause they think that is where the votes are the gentleman will continue to yield, and the way to derail the Republican propos- that the President has signed. one thing that he left out, when he is als generally. The President was still doing Mr. HOKE. Could I read this? This is talking about personal responsibility it this week; a Republican proposal to in- the commitment to a 7-year balanced and family and faith, all these other crease Medicare premiums was one of the budget that the President signed into things that we stand for, one thing he reasons he alleged for the veto to shut down law just last week and this was in the left out was freedom. That is what is so the government, and never mind that he continuing resolution. Here is what it great about the Medicare Program. himself, in his own budget, would coun- says. It says: The President and the tenance a similar increase. Once again, our program, at about the We have said it before; it gets more seri- Congress shall enact legislation in the same price as the President’s program, ous. If the Democrats play the Medicare card first session. When does the first ses- allows senior citizens to make the deci- and win, they will have set back for years, sion of this Congress end? sions with their physicians and their for the worst of political reasons, the very Mr. TIAHRT. We are currently in the own doctors on what their plan should cause of rational government in behalf of first session of the Congress. be instead of having a 1964 Blue Cross/ which they profess to be behaving. Mr. HOKE. And it will end on the last Blue Shield plan codified into law and Who could say it better than that? day of December 1995. run by bureaucrats. It has been shame- Again, if I could just say personally be- Mr. TIAHRT. And then we will start less how they have done it. fore wrapping up, I was extremely frus- the second session of the 104th Con- If I could just briefly quote the Wash- trated with the press coverage of this gress. So that gives us just a short ington Post from November 16 on Medi- entire Government shutdown because I amount of time to implement legisla- care, I think this is one of the most im- thought that many were trivializing it. tion that gets us on the path to a bal- portant editorials of this political sea- I said I wish one major publication anced budget by fiscal year 2002. son. would step forward and tell the truth. Mr. HOKE. Continuing the rest of Mr. HOKE. The Washington Post, The Washington Post had the this, it says that we shall enact, the they are generally on the Republican medigoguery editorial a month or two President and the Congress shall enact side; right? There are two newspapers back and did it then. They stepped for- legislation in the first session of the in Washington? The Times and the ward this time, cut through it all. Be- 104th Congress to achieve a balanced Post? cause of the influence the Post has, I budget not later than the fiscal year Mr. SCARBOROUGH. The Washing- believe this message is going to start 2002 as estimated by the Congressional ton Times obviously is a conservative sinking in. Budget Office. This is law, signed into newspaper. The Washington Post has We are not cutting Medicare. We are law by the President, passed by the long been the nemesis of, considered to saving Medicare. We are not restricting Senate, passed by the House. be a nemesis of the Republican Party senior citizens access or rights. We are Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, the rea- and of conservative plans. But I will empowering senior citizens. We are em- son I wanted to move on to that is be- tell you by reading the Washington powering medical providers to do what cause I heard a startling statement Post the past few most months, it is is best for senior citizens and not do that came from the White House press obvious that they are even turned off what is best for bureaucrats. secretary just yesterday. by the President’s demagoguery. Mr. HOKE. And, Mr. Speaker, we are It was in response to a question that Mr. HOKE. When one reads these edi- changing the nature of the program it- a reporter asked that said, asked torials, what is obvious is that there is self so that, instead of being top down, whether or not the White House would November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13785 prefer to put off this larger budget de- There are big differences between the are trying to do here with this signed bate and instead operate on continuing President and the Congress. I suspect that agreement between the President and resolution into next year so that we those are the kinds of issues that will have Congress, but he says if there is, and I could carry out this kind of thing dur- to be settled in November 1996, but in the quote again, consequently if there is a meantime, we can avert the crisis and then ing the Presidential campaign. have our debate next year during a national shattering of expectation that leads to The response from the White House election campaign, when we should, as Amer- the conclusion that there is indeed an press secretary was, ‘‘There are big dif- icans, have that kind of debate. We can avert incapability on the part of the Govern- ferences between the President and the shutdown and get on with orderly busi- ment to ultimately redress the corro- Congress, and I suspect that those ness. sive forces of debt, I think the reaction kinds of issues will have to be settled He is talking about using continuing could quite—could be quite negative, in November of 1996.’’ resolutions, not entering into a bal- and I am fearful that were it to happen And he went on to say some other anced budget. That is why, as Mr. there would be a sharp increase in things about averting a shutdown, but WELLER said earlier, that is why the long-term interest rates. He is talking I think there is a real move to avoid a question that we raise is, What exactly about an increase in interest rates. written, signed contract with the is your budget. There are now, what is American public that this commitment Now we know, I know, from the econ- today, today is the 29th? omy in Wichita, KS, in my home dis- indicates. If you read it again, it says, b the President and Congress shall enact 1630 trict, that when interest rates dropped, legislation in the first session of the Mr. Speaker, we have got about 30 housing starts increased dramatically. 104th Congress to achieve a balanced days left before this session of this We saw expansions in both ends of budget not later than fiscal year 2002 104th Congress, this first session, ends. Wichita, a real strong economy. So as estimated by the Congressional Mr. TIAHRT. If the gentleman will here is the Chairman of the Federal Re- Budget Office. yield, I think this Congress is heading serve saying that, if we can balance the This is very important because it is a toward a second shutdown this year, budget, which the President has signed signed document. The President has and if it does occur, it will reflect that to and agreed with this Congress, if we signed this. Words mean something. I we are unable to come to an agreement can do this in fact and not have the think one thing that we have discerned that has been signed by the President. violation of a written agreement, then here with the American public, we saw It will be that he has violated his sig- he sees a drop of 2 percentage points in it with the Contract With America, nature to balance the budget in this, the interest rates, and the corollary, that words mean something, that we achieve a balanced budget, not later quote oppositely, if it does not occur, if are trying to convey to people that we than fiscal year 2002 by enacting legis- for some reason we are incapable, then are very serious about this. The Presi- lation this session, the first session of we see an increase in interest rates. dent has agreed to it. This was some- the 104th Congress. I do not think that Mr. HOKE. Let me reclaim my time thing that was confirmed in 1994 during anyone in America is going to accept a for a minute. I also see it is 4:30, and I the election. We ran on the Contract violation of this signed contract be- know we are late for a meeting that I With America. It was a signed docu- cause you know we have seen some tre- am supposed to be at, chairing as a ment that we would do things which mendous gains in our economy, and I matter of fact, and I am going to give have been accomplished by this Con- want to just quickly go over what the balance of my time to the gen- gress. every person knows in their heart, tleman from Indiana [Mr. BURTON]. But Then this year we are talking about what most businessmen practice daily, let me just read a couple of factual something that has been signed, but but it is that you must have a balanced things from a report that was just re- yet the White House is already hedging budget, and I just want to quote some- leased by the Heritage Foundation on on this signature. They are hedging on one that goes beyond myself, who came what a balanced Federal budget with this agreement, wanting to move it off out of the aerospace industry, someone tax cuts would mean to the economy. to the Presidential campaign where who is involved in the financial mar- The gross domestic product will grow they can use 20-second sound bites in- kets, and it is Alan Greenspan, who is by $10.8 billion more than under cur- stead of open and honest debate about the Federal Reserve Chairman, and I rent law. In the year 2002 we will have what is really important to the Amer- want to quote his testimony to the an additional $32 billion in real dispos- ican public. Senate Banking Committee which was able income over the period, an addi- Mr. HOKE. I could not agree with you November 27, just 2 days ago. tional $66 billion in consumption ex- more. I want to follow up on this with He said that I have no idea what the penditures, and an additional $88.2 bil- the statement from Mr. McCurry. actual proportion of the 2-percentage- Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman point decline in long-term interest lion in real nonresidential fixed invest- from Kansas is absolutely right. I rates is that is attributed to the expec- ments, a decrease of four-tents of 1 per- think that what we are saying here is tation of a balanced budget, but it is a cent in the conventional mortgage not withstanding the fact that the significant part. He says that he be- rate, the additional construction of President of the United States, pursu- lieves interest rates will drop 2 percent 104,000 new family homes than would ant to very, very long, arduous, dif- if we can balance the budget, 2 percent, have been built otherwise, the addi- ficult, tough, detailed, grueling nego- and what that means to the average tional sales of 600,000 automobiles, and tiations between his chief of staff, Mr. household, American household, is a decrease of seven-tenths of 1 percent Panetta, the Speaker of the House, the somewhere around $2,300–$2,400 per year in the growth rate of the CPI. majority leader of the Senate, the less money, a lower interest rate on Mr. Speaker, the other thing that President himself and the minority their mortgage, lower interest rates on this study points out, and I think it leader of the House, the minority lead- their credit cards, lower interest rates points it out very clearly, and it is im- er of the Senate and the chairs of the on their student loans, on their car portant to point it out to the American Budget Committees, they worked out loans, any time-borrowed money. It people because they will hear the lit- this language, they worked and worked also means more jobs because compa- any over and over, as though it is some and worked. They fought hard over nies will have more, but he went on to kind of Sanskrit mantra, that these every single word, and these were the say subsequently, if there is a shatter- are tax cuts for the rich, in order to words that they came up with that we ing of expectations. pay for tax cuts for the rich. Well, you shall enact legislation in the first ses- Now I want to diverge here a minute. tell me when 89 percent of all of the sion of this Congress to achieve a bal- There is so much involved in expecta- $500-per-child tax credit go to middle- anced budget not later than fiscal year tions in the financial markets with class families earning below $75,000, 2002 as estimated by the Congressional just the anticipation of a balanced family households under $75,000, 89 per- Budget Office. budget. We saw the market rates soar cent, you tell me are those tax cuts for And not a week later, before the over 5,000, we saw bond, a strong bond the rich? Only 4 percent of those tax President’s signature is barely dry, his market, strong financial markets, be- cuts on the child credit go to families press secretary is saying: cause of the anticipation of what we earning above $100,000. H 13786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 The other thing that I would point Bosnia, which is 180 degrees from the make no mistake about it, there will out is that, as the gentleman from In- truth. I am absolutely and unequivo- be many. All those land mines, all of diana will recall, we did in fact raise cally opposed to sending our troops to these age-old hatreds, putting our taxes on the quote so-called rich in the Bosnia, and I want to tell you, Mr. troops in between warring factions, summer of 1993. We changed the mar- Speaker, and the people who may be hoping that things will work out even ginal tax rate with a 10-percent surtax paying attention to this special order though some people who were supposed on the rich, people making a million exactly why. to be included in the negotiations have dollars or more with a 10-percent sur- I met today with the Prime Minister not yet agreed to them. As a matter of tax, so it went from 36 to 39.6 percent. of the Bosnian Moslem Republic, Mr. fact, the Bosnian Serb leaders are still Now let me ask a rhetorical question. Silajdzic, and we had a nice long talk trying to renegotiate part of the agree- If we wanted to cut taxes on the rich, with other members of the Committee ment that deals with Sarajevo and the if that is really what Republicans were on International Relations talking property around that. all about, then would it not make sense about whether or not there were perils So, Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned that we would repeal that 10-percent involved for our troops in Bosnia. I also about sending our troops. I oppose surtax? Would that not be the first had an intelligence briefing along with sending our troops. Every time I get thing that we would do? I would think members of our committee, some of more information from the intelligence that somebody that wants to cut taxes which I cannot go into here tonight be- community or from the leaders of that on the rich, it would be. Did we do cause it was a closed briefing, and it part of the world, the former Yugo- that? Is that in this plan? Is there any was an intelligence briefing, and it is slavia, I become more concerned about repeal of that 10 percent, notwithstand- not for public consumption. But the the safety of our troops and am more ing the fact that it was a stupid thing bottom line is, things that I can say convinced that this will not be a solu- to do in the first place? We should not that need to be reported to my col- tion to these age-old hatreds. have raised that tax. We should not leagues and to the American people, is The solution is to embargo products have done it because it actually—it there are 6 million land mines over that are going into the warring fac- works perversely. It does not increase there, and a number of our troops are tions, to force them to the conference revenues. It actually discourages work- going to be blown apart, or lose their table, to make them sit down and work ing, but nonetheless did we do that? arms and legs by stepping on these out an agreement without outside No, we did not do that. We clearly did mines. They cannot be detected by forces being involved because, if they not do that, and we are not going to do metal detectors, many of them, be- really reach an agreement and they that. It is a middle-class tax cut. What cause they are made out of plastic, really want peace, they are going to it does is it puts more money in the they are very cheap, and they blow off work it out and have troops there of hands, in the pockets, in the wallets the feet, and some of them jump up and their own to be a barrier between the and the purses of the men and women will blow of legs and even kill people, warring factions. To put our troops, who earn it for their families, and it is but they are designed to maim. Six and the British troops, and the British for families. million of them. They only know where troops, and other troops in between all Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield the there are about 100,000 to 1 million of these warring factions is a recipe for balance of my time to the gentleman them. That means that at least 5 mil- disaster, and I think the President is from Indiana [Mr. BURTON]. lion of them are not known where they making a very, very major mistake. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- are, so that is a real peril to our troops. I see my colleague from California er, I want to thank the gentleman from Our troops are going to be on a cor- here who shares my views. He is going Ohio [Mr. HOKE] for this special order. ridor that runs many, many, many to be taking, I believe, the next hour to I think it has been very enlightening, miles, probably from around Sarajevo talk about this issue. But I wanted to and I know many Americans watching up to Tuzla, and we are going to have make very, very clear to AP and to the it had a lot of their questions an- troops in a 21⁄2 mile wide corridor, and people across this country who may swered. they will be subject to terrorist at- have been misled by that AP story that Mr. Speaker, how much time do I tacks, a terrorist, a Bosnian Serb, a I am unalterably opposed to sending have remaining? Moslem from Iran, a number of people our troops, I think it is a tragic mis- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. who are disenchanted with the peace take, I think the President is leading TAYLOR of North Carolina). The gen- accord, maybe some people who live us down the road to a real possible dis- tleman is recognized for 8 minutes. around Sarajevo who fear they are aster, and I think that the American Mr. BURTON of Indiana. That should going to lose their homes when the people ought to know there is a better be sufficient, Mr. Speaker. Bosnian Moslems return. These people way to skin this cat than putting You know one of the problems you may perpetrate a terrorist attack on American young men and women at have when you are in public life is our troops. They could put a truckload risk. sometimes you are misquoted, and yes- of dynamite, just like they did in Bei- f terday I was on CBS’ morning show rut back in the early eighties, and along with Senator MCCAIN, and I was drive it through a barrier and blow up REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- on CNN ‘‘Talkback Live,’’ and last a lot of our young men and women. ING FOR CONSIDERATION OF night I was quoted on NBC News, Tom They are being put in harm’s way with H.R. 1788, THE AMTRAK REFORM Brokaw’s news report, talking about no end in sight. AND PRIVATIZATION ACT OF 1995 my opposition, unequivocal opposition, The President said they will be Mr. LINDER, from the Committee on to sending our troops to Bosnia. But brought home in 1 year, but in 1 year Rules, submitted a privileged report one of the reporters from the AP wire will we resolve this problem? After (Rept. No. 104–370) on the resolution (H. service took one line out of my state- having talked to the leaders of these Res. 284) providing for the consider- ment on CBS news which said, you various countries and these various ation of the bill (H.R. 1788) to reform know, ‘‘He’s hell-bent’’; I was referring sects over there, I am convinced that the statutes relating to Amtrak, to au- to the President, ‘‘He’s hell-bent to there is not going to be a solution to thorize appropriations for Amtrak, and send our troops there, and, if he does this. These hatreds go back hundreds of for other purposes, which was referred that, we must support them,’’ is what I years, and these people do not like to the House Calendar and ordered to meant to say, but we were running out each other at all, and it is my feeling be printed. of time, and I said ‘‘him.’’ And so they that in 1 year we will still be mired f put that on the AP wire, and it went down in this quagmire. The only dif- all over the country, and in every ference is we are probably going to COMMUNICATION FROM CHAIRMAN major newspaper in the country I was have an awful lot of our young men and OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANS- quoted as saying, ‘‘He’s hell-bent to do women maimed or killed unneces- PORTATION AND INFRASTRUC- this, and, if he does, we must support sarily. TURE him.’’ Mr. Speaker, it made it look like I do not think anybody knows for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I was in favor of sending our troops to sure how many are going to be lost, but TAYLOR of North Carolina) laid before November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13787 the House the following communica- which I will do in a minute, he is ask- anybody very much. I think our troops tion from the chairman of the Commit- ing them to downplay the threat to our are really at risk. It is a mistake to get tee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Americans. into this quagmire. ture, which was read and, without ob- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. If the gen- Mr. DORNAN. DAN, stay with me just jection, referred to the Committee on tleman will continue to yield, the fact a minute here, because I have been to Appropriations: of the matter is we know there are Central America with you several COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Mos- times, we have both been to Haiti and AND INFRASTRUCTURE, lem terrorists from Iran who are in the been very concerned about what is hap- Washington, DC, November 16, 1995. Bosnia area right now. We do not know pening there. We both have taken a Hon. NEWT GINGRICH, how many. We have no idea. The fact of personal interest in the calls that are Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, the matter is that some of those people coming into our offices from families Washington, DC. were involved in such tragedies here in of men who are in active duty in Ger- DEAR NEWT: Pursuant to the provisions of many and who resented Clinton refer- the Public Buildings Act of 1959, I am trans- America as the World Trade Center mitting herewith the resolutions approved bombing. They do not like our policies, ring to them as volunteers. today by the Committee on Transportation they do not like America very much. One mother said to one of my staff- and Infrastructure. When you put troops, American ers, Sincerely, troops strung out between, say, Sara- My son is not a French legionnaire or a BUD SHUSTER, Chairman. jevo and Tuzla, that long corridor 21⁄2 mercenary, he did not join the military to There was no objection. miles wide, you are leaving them open fight under any flag, he joined and took an for an attack anyplace among that oath to defend the Constitution of the Unit- f ed States against all enemies, foreign and line. That means that you are probably domestic. WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE IN going to have, anyplace along that cor- And he did take a follow-on order BOSNIA ridor for Sarajevo to Tuzla that there that we do not take as Congressmen The Speaker pro tempore. Under the could be a bomber, there could be a NEWT would like this probably at this Speaker’s announced policy of May 12, mortar attack, there could be any kind point, that we will obey all lawful or- 1995, the gentleman from California of attack on our troops and they will ders of our commander. But it is com- [Mr. DORNAN] is recognized for 60 min- not know when it is coming. I remember when President Clinton ing down to the word ‘‘lawful.’’ utes. Because you suffered through had a number of us in the White House Mr. DORNAN. I did not realize your Mogadishu and spoke so forcefully and when we were in Mogadishu, in Soma- time was wrapping up, Mr. BURTON. I eloquently on the floor, I want to share lia. The President came up with a new just wanted to, in a colloquy with you, something with you. When I was in my policy. He said he was going to billet underscore what you said about the thirties I produced my own TV show. our troops on the tarmac at the airport targeting of Americans by people from We had, the year I started, just gotten there in Mogadishu. He said they would outside Bosnia. The MOIS, the secret state-of-the-art close-up lenses where be safe. They would be there as a secu- police of Iran, have people in all the we could go in on an ant on the set and rity measure, but they would not be in- areas in Bosnia and around there. They fill someone’s television screen at volved in any combat or other oper- are the security for shipping arms to home with that ant. Here we are, 27 ations. This was after we started na- the Moslem Bosnians through Zagreb years later, since I first started in De- tion building, we quit the food han- with the complicity, the tolerance of cember of 1967 28 years later, and we dling over there. the Croatian Government, all the way cannot call for a close-up with these up to President Franjo Tudjman. They Two days later the Aideed forces, the terrorist tribal leader over there, good Americans down in the control have targeted Americans for over a room a couple of floors below us, and it year. lobbed mortars into the exact spot where our soldiers were going to be is too bad. I think the day is going to Mr. BURTON of Indiana. And they come, just like some day we will have are having Americans killed, you billeted. That was not anything like Bosnia, yet if we had had troops in that color in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. might add. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I would like area where the President said they Mr. DORNAN. Yes. for them to see this map. Now here is what adds a dimension to were going to be, and they found out Mr. DORNAN. If they can see this this today. Someone who has told me about it, there would have been many Posavina corridor that we are supposed who I trust—now this makes it hearsay of them killed. Think about that when to widen by the Dayton-Wright Patter- and puts it in the category of rumor for you talk about a corridor between Sa- son treaty, widen and enforce—— our friends in the dominant media cul- rajevo and Tuzla, 21⁄2 miles wide with Mr. BURTON of Indiana. If the Amer- ture. The liberals will go wild here, but 25,000 American troops in there. They icans could see the corridor we are sup- a meeting took place at the White could pick any spot along there, any posed to try to defend—— House, all the key players from De- time day or night, attack our troops Mr. DORNAN. Hold that steady and fense and from the State Department and kill hundreds, maybe thousands of maybe the camera here in the south- and security agencies, and Clinton them. This is a recipe for disaster. east corner of the House could come in, himself expressed concern and asked I appreciate the gentleman for yield- point with your finger—— many questions about the mujaheddin ing to me. The President should recon- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. It is going from Iran, the bad mujaheddin, just sider, and he should come clean with to run all the way this way. like we had good and bad in Afghani- the American people. If he said what Mr. DORNAN. Take it from there at stan—the Hamas, some of the groups you alleged he said to Leon Panetta, the top. The little pink strip there, be- you have named, and the secret police, you know, we do not let the Congress tween the part of Serb-held Bosnia that the terrorist secret police of Iran. He get into this thing, then he should be is against Milosevic’s Bosnia-Serbia asked about them targeting Ameri- taken to task. I do not know if he said proper and Montenegro, and this huge cans. He has known about this for a it or not. glob in the northern part of what is year. The American people need to know Bosnia, this little, tiny Posavina cor- the risks. There are going to be young ridor, 21⁄2 miles, is supposed to be ex- b 1645 women lose their legs, their arms, their panded to five. The President is purported to have eyes from these land mines, but even a Keep in mind the Israelis were prop- said, looking at Leon Panetta, my greater risk is the possibility of a ter- erly always exercised about the dis- classmate from 1976, ‘‘Do not let the rorist attack from possibly Bosnian tance from the furthest west point of Congress get fired up on this. Down- Serbs who are going to be upset about the West Bank, Judea, from Natanya, play this when you talk to the Con- losing their homes and the problems by the sea, was 18 miles. They say that gressmen and the Senators.’’ around Sarajevo, or possibly Moslem is an artillery-lobbed shell. This is 21⁄2. In other words, instead of telling the terrorist from Iran. There are a num- Our men—— American people the danger that we ber of people who do not like what is Mr. BURTON of Indiana. You have are in, and, to quote his own words going on over there. They do not like been in the military you might tell our H 13788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 colleagues how far a mortar will go, transcriptions. Durant told me the last Mr. BURTON of Indiana. He was the how far they can stay back from that thing Gordon or Shughart said to him dictator and tribal terrorist over there 21⁄2-mile-wide corridor to hit American was ‘‘Good luck, pal. I hope you make that was responsible for that. troops if they wanted to lob something it.’’ Went around the front of the heli- Mr. DORNAN. Another Fidel Castro, in there. copter, heard him take a couple of another General Jopp, another Mr. DORNAN. The mortars that hit shots, heard him grunt with pain. Aristide, the same mold, all of them. the marketplace in Tuzla when I was in Hopefully they died with the rifle shots He said Clinton told him, ‘‘I did not Zagreb the 28th of August, and threw as the crowd overwhelmed the heli- know about that operation.’’ bodies every which way, killed 60 or 70 copter and captured Durant. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. If the gen- people and maimed 150; when I look at Durant told me another man was tleman will yield, that is a ludicrous that ‘‘maimed,’’ I always think ‘‘Who lying on the ground, and I will not give statement for anybody to make, be- is blind? Who has no legs there? Who his name because of his parents, and he cause the administration had their lost all their fingers there?’’ We always was taken alive with Durant. They Ambassador over there, negotiating put the death toll in bigger caps than beat him to death. Then they began to with Aideed during a lot of this stuff the maimed. That is lives changed for- so abuse their bodies that now that it that was going on. They knew entirely, ever. A person will never earn the same is 2 years and 2 months later, a former from intelligence sources, what was income. Those mortars could be 5 or 10 Congressman said to me tonight, ‘‘Con- going on. It is absolutely unbelievable miles from the corridor and lob these gressman, these men are owned by that they would make a statement like shells into the corridor. America. Why don’t you tell the coun- that. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. The point is try what happened to them?’’ Let me just add one more thing. they could get within a half a mile and I will not, but I will go further than Mr. DORNAN. It is Clinton making be more accurately targeted in. That is I have ever gone before. These five the statement to the father of a dead, the problem. men, including the two that won the murdered, Medal of Honor winner. Mr. DORNAN. I wish almost, like in Medal of Honor and including Randy Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I just can- every television show, we had a mon- Shughart’s picture you have there, not believe that is the case. The Presi- itor buried in the table here so we they did not just mutilate their bodies dent said in his speech—— could see. I don’t know how close they and drag them through the streets and Mr. DORNAN. He meant the oper- can come in on this picture, but I am stick rifles and poles into every bodily ation, taking Aideed down to Addis going to walk over there and give it to orifice, including their mouths, and Abbaba. you so you can look at this handsome have women and children dance upon Mr. BURTON of Indiana. The Presi- young American soldier’s face, First them in the streets for Canadian dent said, ‘‘I take full responsibility for Sergeant Randall Shughart. I visited Broadcasting, the guy won a Pulitzer whatever might happen over there.’’ his grave 2 weeks ago in Carlisle, PA. Prize for his video and film coverage, The fact of the matter is he should His parents sent me this picture be- Paul something, they cut their arms take full responsibility for what hap- off the bodies. We never got those cause they did not like the standard pened in Mogadishu to those men who limbs back. They dumped their burned Army picture. They said, ‘‘This is more got killed. They did not send proper remains on the steps of the United Na- what Randy looked like when he was equipment there, they did not send M– tion every 2 days until we had gotten helping us on the farm.’’ I am sure that 1 A–1 tanks, they did not send Bradley back—— armored vehicles. He knew they should as close as they can get, it is just a Mr. BURTON of Indiana. If I may in- have sent those over there. The men color picture of a handsome young fel- terrupt, that was never reported to the low with a closely cropped beard and a American people? trapped there, they did not get to them cowboy hat, in his barn. Take a look at Mr. DORNAN. Never. Look at in that little town for 40 or 50 minutes this while I tell you this story. Randy’s handsome face, and he was because they could not get through the Randy Shughart, together with Gary born in Lincoln, NE. I showed this to crowds. Gordon, begged the headquarters at our Medal of Honor winner, the Sen- Mr. DORNAN. Eleven and one-half Mogadishu International Airport to let ator from Nebraska, BOB KERREY, and hours before they relieved the Rangers. them go down and disembark from he started at him intently, and I said, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. The fact of their helicopter, because they could see ‘‘This guy is from Lincoln.’’ And he the matter is we lost some of those movement in the cockpit of Michael said, ‘‘Are you sure?’’ and I said yes, I men because we did not get there quick Durant’s crashed Blackhawk heli- thought he was buried there. And then enough. copter. Three times they were told no. the Army told me where, so I went to Mr. DORNAN. Four or five died dur- They were, in a sense, because they his grave, because the week before ing the night. knew the odds, begging to die for their when I was at a presidential forum in Mr. BURTON of Indiana. The fact of friends. St. John the Evangelist 15:13, Bangor, ME, and I had asked where the the matter is we are going to lose more ‘‘Greater love no man has than he died other Lincoln was, in Lincoln, ME, young men and women, many more for his friends.’’ where Gary Gordon is from. ‘‘Two times, 40 or 50 more times in Bosnia. I They saved Durant. Durant hugging Young Men from Lincoln’’ is the story think the President is making a ter- me, and both of us crying, told me that I would like to write. rible mistake. he owes his life to Randy Shughart and They said, ‘‘50 minutes north of Mr. SCARBBOROUGH. Will the gen- Gary Gordon. All four men had spine here,’’ and I took my son and drove up tleman yield? injuries when that helicopter made a this first week of November to Gary Mr. DORNAN. I yield to the gen- hard landing. The helicopter that he Gordon’s grave. I said to Mark, ‘‘I want tleman from Florida. disembarked took a direct hit of a to see Randy Shughart’s grave.’’ His Mr. SCARBOROUGH. I thank the rocket-propelled grenade and blew out dad, that man there, his father is the gentleman from California for yielding, one of the door posts and tore the leg one who refused to shake Clinton’s and thank him for all of his service on right off one of the door gunners. hand in the East Ballroom of the White the Committee on National Security, I talked to the young Corporal Hall House, and BOB KERREY, Senator, told where we have worked together. I cer- who jumped in and took over the door me he was at this ceremony and re- tainly appreciate the comments you gun, and they flew back to Newport members it vividly. I said, ‘‘How is it have made about the horrible treat- and crashed the helicopter, totaling it BOB, the press never reported that ment that American soldiers have to out. So that day we lost Wolcott’s heli- story, that it only came out on talk go through, and humanizing this proc- copter, Cliff Wolcott, killing him and radio?’’ ess. his pilot, and then we lost this one, Mr. Shughart, a basic American Let me tell you something that real- Durant’s, and then we lost that one to farmer type, retired in Carlisle near his ly has disturbed me during this debate. a total accident after they were out of son’s grave. He told me that he said to There have been three falsehoods. The it. Clinton, ‘‘Why did you fly Aideed down first is that we should blindly fall in They held off for about 30 minutes. I to Addis Abbaba days after this people line behind our Commander in Chief, have asked the Army for their last killed and multilated my son’s body?’’ regardless of what he suggests. We November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13789 should send out troops, whether we The fact of the matter is, there is no died, and it set up Stalin and Lenin and know if there is a vital American inter- vital American interest. The Secretary communism where 100 million more est, a time line, or all of the things we of Defense admitted as much, and it died, including China. need to make this successful. was in Time magazine, that there is Mr. BURTON of Indiana. And your I remember back in the mid-1990’s, not a vital American interest. But dad was there. before I was in Congress, and you were what is disturbing to me is, now we are Mr. DORNAN. I do not have but one here, maybe you can expand on this in seeing people saying, well, maybe, studio photograph of my father from a minute or two, just to remind Ameri- since we are beyond the cold war, World War I. cans that there can be a loyal opposi- maybe we do not need a vital American A gentleman called me from North tion. I remember when we were trying interest. Carolina last fall and said, ‘‘I bought to remove Communists, when Ronald I hear that we have a volunteer for 100 bucks in a garage sale a bunch Reagan was trying to remove Com- army. You notice that is what they are of postcards from World War I.’’ He munists from Central America, there saying. It is a volunteer army, they asked my staff, ‘‘Does the Congressman were actually Members of this body signed up for this, so we can send them have a father who was a lieutenant in that wrote Communist leader Ortega in off. It does not matter whether there is World War I?’’ Yes. I called him back. Nicaragua and apologized for our sup- a vital American interest, and we Send me the photograph. port of the freedom fighters. These spend all of this money on the mili- He sends it, and it is a photograph of same people tell us that we cannot tary, so let us use our military. That is my dad with about 15 French children even debate this openly, so America obscene. and another young captain. My dad had can decide whether they want young Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- suffered poison gas, mustard gas twice, American men and women killed in er, it is. shrapnel in his face under his eye, Bosnia? Mr. SCARBOROUGH. That is why I three-wound chevrons turned into Pur- Let us make no mistake of it, we thank the gentleman from California ple Hearts in a ceremony that I wit- have sat through the briefings on the and the gentleman from Indiana for nessed in the Seventh Armory in New Committee on National Security. Ev- talking about the harsh realities of York. erybody that comes in says, ‘‘Young war. If my dad were still alive, he went to Americans will die if they go to Bosnia Does it mean that Americans are his reward in 1975 at 83 years of age, he and get involved in a civil war that has gun-shy and that we do not believe would be saying to me, in the last 4 been raging for over 500 years.’’ What that any American troops should ever years of the bloodiest century in all of have we kept asking? We have kept be sent into harm’s way? No. But is it history, ‘‘We are going back to the saying, ‘‘What is the vital American in- asking too much to say, let there be a hills around Sarajevo where this kill- terest?’’ vital American interest so when the ing started?’’ b 1700 President of the United States picks up Now I want to show you both some- They have set up straw men and tried the phone and calls a parent and says, thing. I am going to read the text while to knock them down, saying that if we your son was just blown apart in DAN looks at this and then he gives it did not get involved that somehow our Bosnia, but he did it for a good reason. to you. I have been on the French Em- credibility in NATO would be greatly He did it because, and that is where bassy for months to get photographs of diminished. That is a joke. The fact of they start to fade out. Because, maybe the two French pilots in a double seat the matter is, we are NATO. We have the NATO people will feel better be- Mirage 2000 that were shot down while protected NATO countries for a genera- cause we have sacrificed, had human I am at Aviano greeting our pilots back tion from the threat of communism, sacrifices in Bosnia. on August 30. and we will continue. I do not want to trivialize this point, They said, ‘‘Uh-oh, we have lost an Mr. DORNAN. A generation and a but it is so central to this argument, airplane.’’ My heart starts pounding. Is half. we have to define what a vital Amer- this guy going to be as lucky as young Mr. SCARBOROUGH. A generation ican interest is. Captain Scott O’Grady? Is he coming and a half. We are NATO. So that is a We have head the Secretary of De- down on our side of the line like a Brit- straw man. fense, we have heard the Secretary of ish Harrier pilot 2 years earlier? Is he Then they talk about it expanding State, we have heard General going to come down into Serb hands? and starting World War III. I heard the Shalikashvili, we have heard a lot of Then they come in. I was talking to Vice President make that statement. good military men and women come my wife on the phone. You cannot talk That is blatantly false. It will not ex- before our Committee on National Se- on the phone, but it is a French air- pand. The testimony that we have curity, and all have failed to state that plane. We take a two-seater. Then we heard in the Committee on National vital American interest. I do not fault hear there were good shoots. I am sup- Security clearly shows that that will them; I fault the Commander in Chief. posed to greet the squadron com- not happen. Mr. DORNAN. Let my good colleague mander. He bends around in the air, I yield to the gentleman from Indi- from Florida pause for a moment while goes back to the tanker and goes back ana. I show the gentleman from Indiana to cover him. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just [Mr. BURTON] and the gentleman from On the evening news here you saw say that I remember when the other Florida [Mr. SCARBOROUGH] another their two good parachutes come down. side, when we were in Vietnam, and photograph, and a series of photo- That was August 30. Fifty-two days they were talking about the domino graphs starting on the cover of Paris later, an indicted war criminal indicted theory, they pooh-poohed that. Of Match magazine that you are not going at The Hague in the Netherlands by an course, now the same people who are to forget. I guarantee you that you will international war crimes tribunal, doing that are saying, oh, my gosh, be bringing this up at town hall meet- Radovan Karadvic, says, ‘‘Oh, the two this may be a world war. The fact of ings. French pilots were kidnapped from the the matter is, this war is not going to First of all, I hand to Mr. BURTON a hospital. What were they doing in a spread unless everybody decides that picture from a war that has great per- hospital 52 days after? They had good they want to let it spread. sonal significance for me that started parachutes.’’ Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Is it not ironic in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am about to show you their pictures that the very same people during the on June 28, 1914, when a Bosnian Serb the day of capture. Vietnam war that were protesting in murdered Archduke Ferdinand and his The French embassy calls me about the streets and on campuses across this wife, Carlotta, the heir to the throne of Frederique Chiffot, C-H-I-F-F-O-T. I country were saying, we cannot be the the Austro-Hungarian empire, and misspelled it when I said it on the floor world’s policeman. These are the same changed Europe for this whole century last. The other one is Souvignet, Jose, people, 30 years later, who are saying, and began the bloodiest war in its J-O-S-E. Let me spell his name, S-O-U- let us sacrifice young Americans be- time, 11 million killed, the flower of V-I-G-N-E-T. These two pilots are in cause it will make us feel good about European youth, and it set us up for captivity here. One of them looks like ourselves. World War II where 55 to 60 million he has a sprained ankle, no cuts on H 13790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 their faces. The French Foreign Min- Mr. Speaker, this administration has He says, we are going to end the suf- ister thinks that they have been mur- a history of blunders in foreign policy fering. How much money are we pour- dered, beaten to death. decisions. Haiti, we are now finding ing into that area with airlift and sea- When Karadzic says they were kid- out, is costing us hundreds of millions lift? You men should walk through the napped he says, maybe by Moslems; of dollars, and all hell is breaking loose hospital at Zagreb at the airport. You Moslems would not do that, not with down there. There are a lot of political should look at the U.N. facilities and the support we are giving them; and he killings that have been instigated in the U.N. personnel there who are all said, or by some band of a rogue brig- part by Aristide’s own rhetoric. He is overpaid, and every nickel they get is ands for a hostage reward. There has now saying he may not leave power, tax-free, all the bureaucrats. been no asking for money. and he is using almost $2 million of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just Look at these pictures. Look at this American taxpayers’ money to lobby say, he said he is going to end the suf- man’s face. The lieutenant, probably Congress for more money. fering and we are going to be there 1 the back-seater; well, not necessarily, We have Mogadishu and Somalia and year. In 1 year we are going to be in maybe the captain was the back-seat the tragedies that occurred there, and and out, we are going to end the suffer- radar intercept officer. Turn the page. now we are going to do the same thing ing, and this is a civil war, civil strife Look at how, like our pilots first cap- or worse in Bosnia? It makes no sense. that has been going on, as you said, for tured in Vietnam, he is making this This administration needs to get a 500 years or more. I am telling you, you mean grimace into the camera like, I foreign policy compass. They need to are not going to change these people’s am resisting and I am okay. They are get some direction in their foreign pol- attitudes, take away their homes and mature men. They are in their mid 30’s, icy, get some experts up there that give them to somebody else, solve all you can tell. know what they are doing and know of these problems in a year and make Why at Dayton, at Wright Patterson, what they are getting us into. this country whole. It is just not going did not somebody say to Milosevic, by Mr. DORNAN. But where was Clinton to happen. the way, all of this is predicated upon this morning? Speaking to the British Mr. SCARBOROUGH. To expand on the return of these two French allied Parliament, instead of over here coun- that briefly, getting back to the testi- pilots who are our friends and com- seling with us and figuring out how we mony we heard from the Committee on rades in arms? The whole deal is off, can contribute to this. National Security, and I am sure you and here we are on day 82, 30 days after Now, let me bounce off of both of you were there. When a retired U.N. general they announced they were kidnapped my notes from Clinton’s remarks on from Canada talked to us about the from a hospital that they should not Monday night. folly that you were just talking about, have been in, and that could be two First of all, he did take you on with about us believing that we can send in Americans in a heartbeat. that first question of yours and me. Be- one division in 1 year and bring peace Mr. BURTON of Indiana. BOB, it is cause I put 50 questions to him in the to Bosnia for the 21st century, he said probably going to be more than two. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD just yesterday that he was responsible for surveying We are going to have 25,000 there, plus and put in the Cap Weinberger-Bob the crimes against humanity, being a monitor for what the Serbs did. support troops, in that 21⁄2-mile-wide Dornan principles, the 10 things that One morning he was on the roadside corridor, and they will be able to at- you must satisfy before you put men, and had to go out and look at a slaugh- tack at any point along that corridor, and now, thanks to Les Aspin, women, ter. The Serbs had slaughtered Moslem at any time, day or night, with mor- in harm’s way. children, they had slaughtered women, tars, land mines, or they can use a ter- He said, this is Central Europe. It is had slaughtered elderly people. As he rorist attack with a truck bomb. I am vital to our national interests. So he was looking at, surveying the scene, a telling you, you are probably going to used the word. He said so. Serb came up to him and he said, well, see, and I hope I am wrong, but you are This House, by a vote of 243 to 171 it serves them right. And the U.N. gen- probably going to see a lot more Amer- says no, and it shows you that if there eral turned and said, it serves them icans than two or three. is ever a constitutional power that right for what? And the Serb re- Mr. DORNAN. Look at the faces of does not involve the purse, the Presi- sponded, it serves them right for what the Serb fighters there. How old do you dent can send people anywhere in this they did to us in 1473. think they are? world. Wilson asked for a declaration of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. In 1473. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. They are Mr. SCARBOROUGH. And then the war. So did Roosevelt. But Harry Tru- probably in their 20’s and 30’s. general was silent for a moment, and man got into Korea and did not know Mr. DORNAN. And some in their 40’s. he looked at the committee. A smile how to get out and it cost him his Pres- Are they tough-looking, warrior-class went across his face, and he said, and idency. people? you Americans believe that you can LBJ, thanks to Kennedy, got into Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Oh, of send in one division for 1 year and Vietnam, did not know how to extract course. make a difference? You are kidding Mr. DORNAN. Have you ever seen himself, threw his hands up on March yourselves. You had better stay out. tougher looking guys in your life? 31, 1968, and said, I am out of here. I That comes from a man who had been Mr. SCARBOROUGH. I saw a 60-year- will serve out and try and conduct the there a lot longer than anybody in the old gentleman in Sarajevo, a Serb, with war. He did not do anything except administration and who understands it an assault rifle on the evening news keep a bombing pause on for all of 1968 a lot better than anybody serving in saying, I will kill anybody that comes that he made even more severe to try this administration. in here to protect my family. We are and throw the election to Humphrey getting involved in a three-way civil and destroyed his Presidency. b 1715 war that we cannot begin to fathom, Listen to what Clinton says. They, Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just the emotions and the hatred. It is just that is you, Mr. SCARBOROUGH, Mr. say one thing, there is an old state- like Mogadishu that you talked about BURTON, and me, and a majority of this ment, ‘‘Those that don’t profit from before. House and Senate, they argue America history are destined to make the same We are going even beyond the origi- can now step back. As young people mistakes over and over and over nal U.N. charter where we were only would say, excuse me. Step back? We again.’’ This administration in its for- supposed to get involved when the sov- have almost 500 men in Macedonia. We eign policy decisions has not looked at ereign state was attacked. Why are we have air power, sea power. We lost that history. They do not have the under- putting Americans in the middle of a French airplane and lucked out with pinning, the background necessary to three-way civil war with what you our American air crew. We threw 90 be making these decisions. Yet they talked about, war-hardened criminals, percent of the strikes that cost those are going right ahead, hell-bent for for the most part, that will kill Ameri- two Frenchmen 82 days of freedom. leather, making these decisions, put- cans as soon as look at them? Please, God, that they are still alive ting our young people in harm’s way. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just and being moved from village to vil- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. The irony is, I say something here. lage. know this is sort of the electrified November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13791 third realm, we do not want to get into South China Sea meant sharks, pi- it now. It is our responsibility. Because it because he is our President, our rates, and the death of 750,000 people, once those young men and women get Commander in Chief. I will just talk 68,000 who worked with us executed. in Bosnia, at that point I shut my about the administration generally. And always the one order, the one mouth, I follow the Commander in The irony is that the people that are order from Ho Chi Minh that they pur- Chief. I will not do what Members of sitting in this administration now are sued even after he died in September this Congress did in the 1960’s and play the same people 20 years ago, 30 years 1969 was kill Americans. politics with the lives of American ago protesting the Vietnam war. Not Are they thinking that when Hai- troops. only have they not learned from Euro- tians that we talked about on the So now is the time that we have to pean history, they have not learned the docks were jumping up and down and voice our opposition to this, because lessons of Vietnam that they taught saying, ‘‘We’re going to give you Soma- once the President makes that move, the country: that unless the American lia,’’ at the end of October, referring to and I can only speak for myself, at that people are solidly behind a military ac- the man who was killed on the 6th, point I believe we as a country fall in tion, and unless there is an immediate Matt Rearson, they had a dud land at line behind the Commander in Chief if vital interest, we do not get involved in the feet, 5 feet away from a two-star he chooses to do that. But until that other people’s civil wars. General Garrison. He told me about it time comes, I think we need to point I thought that is what the Vietnam himself. The 18 Rangers and helicopter out that this is the most misguided for- protests were about. I thought that is pilots and Delta commandos like eign policy decision not only that this what the President and many others in Randy Shugart and Gary Gordon, they administration has made but any ad- good conscience protested about during are yelling about this on the docks of ministration in this country has made the Vietnam war, that this was not our Haiti, 10, 12 days later, and turned since Vietnam. We have to do all we war, that there was not a direct Amer- around the Norton Sound. can to draw the line in the sand and ican interest, that America had to Do you not think that these people in tell the President, do not send young leave that civil war to Vietnam. Sarajevo who have constant TV, CNN, Americans. If they wanted to protest that 25, 30 probably watch some of our C–SPAN I already have men and women from years ago, I am not going to second- debates, are not aware that the key to my district over there. I have NAS guess them or challenge them. That get Clinton to bug out is Clinton’s next Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Ho- was their right. But why are these words? ‘‘We must expect casualties,’’ bart Field. I have got a lot of other same people 30 yeas ago who were tell- he said. bases. ing us that we cannot be policemen of Of all people, who is he to say that? These are not just the military. It is the world and get involved in other Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just not abstract terms. We are talking people’s conflicts, why are these same say on the front page of the New York about men and women and the children people, now that they are in charge 30 Times this week they quoted a gen- of people I know, and also my own years later, asking us to do the same tleman from Sarajevo who lives, one of peers who have children that go to exact thing? the 60,000 Bosnian Serbs that live school with my 7-year-old boy in Pen- Mr. DORNAN. Try just 26 years ago, around Sarajevo, and he said, ‘‘What sacola, FL, talking about how their fa- this very week. Clinton himself, ditch- you’re going to see is what you saw in ther is going to be going to Bosnia. We ing class at Oxford, left for Oslo, Somalia when you saw that American are talking about killing real people. Stockholm, Helsinki, Leningrad, 21⁄2 dragged through the streets dead.’’ Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Human days in Moscow, in Prague, on a tour to Another lady who lives in one of beings. Real people. The gentleman has help secure victory for Hanoi. It had those suburbs said, ‘‘I’ll kill myself and said it very well. I do not think any- nothing to do with peace or ending the my kids before I’ll let them take over body could have said it better. war in some sort of neutrality respect- my home and my property here.’’ And The fact of the matter is that I think ing the DMZ at the 17th parallel. It was those people are going to be coming everybody in this Chamber, once our to secure a victory for Hanoi. back. I am telling you, when people say troops are on the ground, are going to Here is an article in the current In- that they will even kill themselves and say, ‘‘Hey, we didn’t want them there. sight magazine, the one that has NEWT their kids, what do you think they are They shouldn’t be there, but they’re on the cover. It says, ‘‘McNamara met going to do to somebody else who tries there and we’re going to support our the enemy and it turned out to be to take their property? American young men and women who him.’’ On Bosnia, ‘‘There is a chilling Mr. SCARBOROUGH. If the gen- are over there to do a job.’’ McNamara-like rhetoric’’ coming from tleman will yield, once again drawing But the fact of the matter is, I will administration people. ‘‘Perry’s asser- comparisons between Bosnia and Viet- be supporting our troops, but I cer- tion,’’ Secretary of defense Perry, ‘‘is nam, I remember after the war was tainly will not be supporting this the same guff that McNamara tossed over listening to the words of the gen- President and this policy that he has off during Vietnam.’’ erals for North Vietnam. They said adopted because I think it is going to It says, ‘‘Only industrial strength ar- ‘‘We knew we could not win the war in get a lot of them killed. rogance can account for Robert the jungles of Vietnam, but we knew Mr. SCARBOROUGH. What frightens Strange McNamara’s visit to Hanoi on we would win this war on the streets me is this: The fact of the matter is Veterans Day. The former defense sec- and the college campuses of America.’’ that this has been a very emotional de- retary at least is unchanging in the Mr. DORNAN. In the Halls of the cision by this administration and it lack of sensibility that characterized Congress. has been a decision based, I believe, on his Pentagon tenure during the Viet- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. ‘‘That is why emotion. nam War.’’ we kept fighting.’’ The same thing is Because I watch TV. I talked about This is the man, McNamara, that going to happen now. That is why the my 7-year-old boy. I saw on ABC News said that we cannot use college men in Weinberger doctrine, which the gentle- several months back a young 7-year-old the Vietnam struggle; they are our fu- men from California [Mr. DORNAN] also Muslim boy was blown off his bicycle, ture. Clinton told his draft board, ‘‘I’m worked on, that is why one of the key and the boy was screaming and crying, too educated to go.’’ components was support from the and it looked just like my son. He said, Now we have, just as you pointed out, American people. We have to have a ‘‘Please don’t cut off my leg. Don’t cut JOE, the very same people making sure campaign that Americans support. It is off my leg.’’ And the ABC reporter said Clinton does not make any reference to the President’s responsibility to step ‘‘Well, the 7-year-old boy’s leg was not Vietnam in his speeches about suffer- forward and explain what the vital cut off but he did die 3 hours later.’’ ing, I am looking at my notes again American interest is. That hit me, and I said I know what from Monday night, he says 250,000 peo- Let me just say this. I will tell you the President has to be saying at ple have been killed. In Cambodia it this. A lot of people will say, ‘‘Well, times. We have got to do something. was 2 million, 8 times that. why are you all talking about Bosnia We have got to stop the killing. That is He says 2 million are on the road. in such strident terms,’’ and I will tell what my immediate response is, and They are alive. Because the road in the you, this is my feeling. We have to do that is what a lot of Americans think. H 13792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

But then you step back and you ‘‘As one soldier, Borislav Herak, SAM BROWNBACK 2 minutes, MARK SAN- think through this process, and you are would later confess, he visited Sonja’s FORD of South Carolina 2 minutes, and not run totally by emotion, and you several times a week, raping many of JACK METCALF 4 minutes, and that say, ‘‘Wait a second, it won’t be young the 70 females present and killing two ought to do it. Then on to CYNTHIA. Bosnians that we are going to be seeing of them’’ because he felt like it. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio killed and TV 2 months from now, 3 Then I go down to Haiti and I see [Mr. CHABOT]. months from now, if we go over there. white U.N. vehicles, this wonderful b 1730 It is going to be young Americans.’’ dream that grew out of the League of We better make sure that it is a Nations in my father’s war, see white Mr. CHABOT. I thank the gentleman cause worth dying for, to make sure we U.N. vehicles lined up at the houses of for yielding. I thank the gentleman for do not repeat the same mistakes we prostitution in Haiti, and wondered using the French pronunciation of my made in Somalia, where we made an why the United Nations is so name, which I do not hear very often. emotional decision to go over there. disrespected. Well, here is what we are Thank you very much. Then Americans were slaughtered, doing, and these figures come from the I have been listening to the argu- drug through the streets. Americans U.N. peacekeeping ops office up in New ments and points made by my col- then made an emotional decision to York. leagues here. I think they made some bring them back. Let us not make that At this time, when Clinton says we very good, some very persuasive argu- mistake again. Let us not base it on are going to pull back, we have 2,267 ments. emotion. Let us base it on sound for- people in Haiti. I would just like to reiterate some of eign policy. I did not know we had 30 in the west- the things they have made and make Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just ern Sahara. The gentleman from Indi- some new ones myself. say one thing about Somalia. When ana [Mr. BURTON] is the African expert. First, I think it is important for us President Bush sent our troops over I did not know that. The part of Africa to always remember that these people there initially, it was to feed the hun- that Morocco has taken over. In Mac- in that very, very dangerous area of gry masses, and those people welcomed edonia we have 494. When I was there it the world have been fighting with each us with open arms and treated our was 530. other for centuries now, for hundreds troops very well. It was not until Presi- We already have 3 in Bosnia, an ad- of years. They have been battling each dent Clinton made the decision to get vance team is arriving as we speak in other, and, unfortunately, our Presi- into nation-building, which is what he Tuzla, where that rocket hit on August dent is now talking about and pushing is leading us into in Bosnia, that we 28 when I was up in Zagreb, could not forward with a plan which will put started losing troops and ended up hav- believe the imagery on the news that young Americans, both men and ing to pull out of there and leaving night. We have 361 already in Croatia. women, on the ground in Bosnia right that dictator Aideed back in power. I do not know if that includes all the in the middle of that bloody mess. I am Mr. SCARBOROUGH. This is what is hospital people. very concerned that, rather than fight- so frightening. I have heard testimony We have four in ex-Soviet Georgia. ing and shooting at each other, in the again before the Committee on Na- What kind of a Christmas are they very near future they are going to be tional Security and I actually had going to have? We have 15 still on the shooting at Americans, and I hope and somebody with a straight face tell me, Iraqi-Kuwaiti border, and 11 in Jerusa- I pray that I am wrong. But I am very from the administration, that we need- lem. Grand total, 3,185. concerned that many, many Americans ed to go into Bosnia to, quote, reknit And not spending Christmas with are going to come back to the shores of the fabric of the Bosnian society, close their families will be 17,000 support this country in body bags. quote. troops all around Bosnia that are there There are many other dangers be- That, my friend, is extremely fright- now, air power, sea power, airlift, sea sides the snipers and rogue Serbs or ening. It is extremely naive, and it is lift, hospitals, intelligence, more than rogue folks on either side lobbing mor- going to be young Americans’ blood they know how to use, and Clinton has tars, mortar shells, artillery shells into that will be spilled because of that the gall to say we are pulling back and our U.S. troops. There are 6 million naive view of geopolitical realities. mines in Bosnia. Many of those mines, Mr. DORNAN. Mr. Speaker, some of not helping, and we are going to close nobody has a clue as to where they are the members of the dynamic freshman out this century with American kids at. People can be out on a routine pa- class of the gentleman from Florida dead in the tinderbox of the Balkans? trol just walking down the street and [Mr. SCARBOROUGH] have joined us. Let me share some time, and thank I want to put one set of figures into you for staying, DAN. I really appre- could very easily set off a mine, could be mangled and mutilated or killed, the RECORD and make one comment, ciate it. My wife is calling me all day because Clinton at least heeded the long, why are you discussing all these and I am very concerned we are going warnings of this Congress not to put mundane things, when for the first to lost a lot of people to those very le- our men and women under the United time in American history a leader is thal instruments. That is the 6 million Nations. I would ask people to please saying not ‘‘They will be home by estimated mines there are throughout save their Reader’s Digest. I will put Christmas’’ but saying ‘‘I think we can the Bosnian area. this in the RECORD following our re- have them all in place by Christmas.’’ In addition, I think we really have to marks, Dale Van Atta’s article com- The opposite of MacArthur, of Truman. recognize that, whereas the Serbs have missioned by Reader’s Digest on ‘‘The I have never heard of such a thing in certainly been the most aggressive and Folly of U.N. Peacekeeping.’’ It begins my life. have performed the most atrocious acts thusly. Here is the way I want to allocate and have killed the most innocent peo- ‘‘Sonja’s Kon-Tiki Cafe is a notorious some time. Mr. Speaker, how much ple, that none of the parties really Serbian watering hole 6 miles north of time do I have left on my hour? have clean hands in this incident. The Sarajevo. While Serb soldiers per- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Moslems, the Bosnian Moslems, and petrated atrocities in all the Bosnian TAYLOR of North Carolina). The gen- the Croats have also allegedly commit- villages, local residents reported that tleman has 13 minutes. ted a number of atrocities themselves. U.N. peacekeepers,’’ and it hurts me to Mr. DORNAN. Then let me share All three parties have done some very read these names, ‘‘from France, this, and let me cut it just a bit, then awful things in the past couple of years Ukraine, Canada, and New Zealand reg- STEVE CHABOT of Ohio, I will give you in that very, very dangerous part of the ularly visited Sonja’s, drinking and 4 minutes, STEVE, because CYNTHIA world. Certainly, the Serbs have been eating with these very same soldiers’’ MCKINNEY missed her opportunity, and the worst. committing the atrocities ‘‘and sharing I want all of her people in Georgia In addition, the President is talking their women.’’ waiting for her special order to know about our troops will be out in an esti- However, the women of Sonja’s Kon- she is still here and going to talk about mated 1-year period of time. Again, go Tiki Club were actually prisoners of the problem of gerrymandering in back to the point that these people the Serbs. These are Muslim and Cro- Georgia. But, STEVE, I will give you 4 have been fighting for hundreds of atian women. minutes, MARK NEUMANN 4 minutes, years now. How anyone can predict November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13793 that our troops will have solved the all over this country, ‘‘Don’t do it. operational plan, what are the objec- problems over there, kept the peace Don’t put United States troops on the tives, how will these troops accomplish and then pulled out in a year’s period ground in Bosnia.’’ the objectives, and what is the exit of time, I think that there is no way in The President apparently is deter- strategy. Thus far, and he said he the world that is going to happen. If mined to move ahead with this ven- would present that, and I assume that our troops are pulled out, it is very ture. I think he is making a terrible that is still coming. I am not being likely that in a very short period of mistake. I wish he would listen to Con- critical at all. We just do not have it time the atrocities will start again, the gress, and I wish he would listen to the yet. We certainly need it before we can fighting will start, and we are going to American people and, please, prevent make the judgment as to whether or have the same type of chaos and death this tragedy from happening. We do not not troops should be sent. that we have over there now. So the 1- need to lose American lives in Bosnia. Also we do not have the money to en- year period of time, I think, is a period I beg the President to reconsider this gage this operation. That is another of time that has been grabbed out of effort that he seems to be determined very critical factor. We fight and work the air, and some would argue that it to make. I think it is a very tragic very hard to cut $2 million here or $12 has to do with the fact that there is an event. I hope I am wrong. I hope and million there from the budget. The es- election a year down the road. Who pray that my concerns are unfounded timate of the cost of this is $2.1 billion knows why the President picked 1 year. and things will go well. at the present time. Judging from all But I do not think there is any way But I am very, very concerned that I previous estimates that I have seen, we are going to be able to go over there am right, and if that happens, we are you should multiply it at least by 2, so and then suddenly peace is going to going to have many, many Americans we are talking about, I believe, close to break out in that very dangerous part who lose their lives in that very dan- a $4 billion cost. Remember, this is of the world after we have been there gerous part of the world. money that we do not have. This is for a 1-year period of time. Mr. DORNAN. I thank the gentleman money that will have to be borrowed if This is in Europe’s backyard. It is for his excellent remarks. I yield to the we move into Bosnia. very, very difficult for anybody to gentleman from Washington [Mr. The idea of balancing the budget is make the argument that this is in the METCALF]. absolutely critical, and there are cir- vital interests of the United States. We Mr. METCALF. I thank the gen- cumstances certainly where we would have an interest to the extent that I tleman for yielding. go ahead and even if we had to borrow think we think it was a good idea for I just want to start out by saying the money, but only if we are certain the President to get the parties to- this is under no circumstances a par- of what is going to happen, what is the gether. I think it is appropriate for us tisan issue. It makes no difference vital U.S. interest that is involved, to play a role in getting people to talk whatsoever and would not ever make a what is the plan to actually achieve about peace. I think we can play a role difference to me whether the President the kind of peace we are looking for in supporting the Europeans through was Republican or Democrat on this and set up the conditions by which we our air power, which we are able to kind of an issue. can exit. Those are the points that I see, and project without great loss of life to I listened really carefully to Presi- we will try to have an open mind and American citizens. But I do not think dent Clinton’s’ speech, and I re-read watch what the President comes up that a legitimate argument can be the speech word for word just so I was certain what he said. The vital United with for these things. made that it is necessary for U.S. As of now, from what I have seen, my States interests the President laid out troops to be at risk on the ground, and vote would be an absolute ‘‘no.’’ I cer- in his speech were broad, universal in- it does not take very long for anybody tainly hope and will do everything I terests and would apply to any trouble to pick out a couple of examples of the can to see that we do get a vote on this type of things which could very well spot in the world. This is not satisfac- in the House of Representatives. happen in the very near future in that tory. I think the Senate should also vote very dangerous part of the world. I have said since I ran for Congress on whether or not to authorize troops, Look what happened in Lebanon. You that I would support committing ground troops in Bosnia. know, it was something as unsophisti- American troops only if vital, specific Mr. DORNAN. I say to the gentleman cated as a truck filled with explosives U.S. interests were involved, and the from Washington [Mr. METCALF], I to blow up a building and kill over 200 interests that he gave were not. want to recommend a book to you on United States Marines in Beirut, Leb- Militarily, U.S. troops are not need- Mogadishu. On the cover is the picture anon. In Somalia we went in with the ed. Our own Chairman of the Joint of Durand’s helicopter crew, the ones best of intentions to feed people, and Chiefs of Staff stated that Europe can that were killed, Ray Frank, three full then mission creep set in. The goal got handle the military aspect themselves. combat tours in Vietnam, big, hand- expanded. We were trying to build de- European powers have direct interest some, blond David Cleveland, William, mocracies over there. We got in the in Bosnia, and they should step up to his mother called him David, the men middle of the warlords. Our helicopters the plate on this. Britain and France called him William, like his father. He got shot down. American lives were have done so and will be part of the op- was one of the door gunners, and lost, and the bodies of young Ameri- eration as it is planned. Tommy Fields, another door gunner. It cans were dragged through the streets You know, it is interesting, Germany is just called ‘‘Mogadishu.’’ It tells a of Mogadishu. had not pledged troops until today. I story of a tragedy in the Clinton ad- What we are trying to do here is to guess Germany remembers World War ministration that he just put behind prevent the President from making a II, when they occupied that area for him. very, very tragic mistake. He certainly several years during World War II. Let me ask you something, I say to has not convinced me that this is in They understand the problems there of the gentleman from Washington [Mr. the vital interests of the United States an occupying nation, and it just seems METCALF], there is a report from my to put United States troops on the to me that maybe their reason for not district office today. The calls dropped ground in Bosnia. From the calls that joining until today is that they under- to 100 for the first time. It is usually I am receiving in my office every day, stood better than we do some of the 200. Not a single person calling my dis- he certainly has not convinced the peo- problems that are involved. trict office, oh, they will call now, de- ple of Cincinnati, the people that I rep- The President promised that the tractors and stuff. We are going to ig- resent, that this is the right action. troops in Haiti would be home in a nore their calls, and I have every right The calls are overwhelmingly coming year. Remember? It has now been 16 to be as tough as I want on this be- in that we should not put United months, and the troops are still there. cause I am the one who went to States troops on the ground in Bosnia. Why should we believe that Bosnia is Mogadishu less than 10 days after the I have talked to many, many of my different? last man was killed there, to photo- colleagues here on both sides of the One of the things that the President graph this whole area. They are saying aisle, both Democrats and Republicans, did say was he said he would provide a 100 calls a day in my office without one and the calls are coming in from people clear mission statement, a specific saying ‘‘Go; we should go.’’ H 13794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 How are they in your office from the BOSNIA Serb troops across a bridge in northeastern great Pacific Northwest? In June 1991, Croatia declared its independ- Croatia, as required by U.N. Security Coun- Mr. METCALF. Our calls are running ence from Yugoslavia and was recognized by cil resolutions. Perelyakin ordered the Bel- more than 30 to 1 against sending the U.N. The Serbian-dominated Yugoslav gians to stand aside. Reluctantly they did so, army invaded Croatia, ostensibly to protect permitting one of the largest movements of troops to Bosnia, and there comes a Serbian troops and equipment into the re- time certainly that you should listen its Serbian minority. After the Serbs agreed to a cease-fire, the U.N. sent in a 14,000-mem- gion since the 1991 cease-fire. to the American people. ber U.N. Protection Force (UNPROFOR) to According to internal U.N. reports, the Mr. DORNAN. I yield to the gen- build a new nation. (The mission has since U.N. spent eight months quietly trying to pressure Moscow to pull Perelyakin back, tleman from South Carolina [Mr. SAN- mushroomed to more than 40,000 personnel, but the Russians refused. The U.N. finally FORD]. becoming the most extensive and expensive dismissed him last April. Mr. SANFORD. I do not know how peacekeeping operation ever.) much more actually can be added be- After neighboring Bosnia declared its inde- CAMBODIA tween my colleague, the gentleman pendence in March 1992, the Serbs launched a In 1991, the United States, China and the savage campaign of ‘‘ethnic cleansing’’ Soviet Union helped broker a peace treaty from Florida [Mr. SCARBOROUGH], my among three Cambodian guerrilla factions colleague, the gentleman from Califor- against the Muslims and Croats who made up 61 percent of the country’s population. Rap- and the Vietnamese-installed Cambodian nia [Mr. DORNAN], and the gentleman idly the Serbs gained control of two-thirds of government, ending 21 years of civil war. To from Indiana [Mr. BURTON], go down Bosnia, which they still hold. ease the transition to Cambodia’s first demo- the list, and therefore I mean you have Bosnian Serbs swept into Muslim and cratic government, the U.N. created the U.N. touched on this idea of 200 American Croat villages and engaged in Europe’s worst Transitional Authority in Cambodia men, best-case scenario, dying. You atrocities since the Nazi Holocaust. Serbian (UNTAC). In less than two years, about 20,000 have touched on the idea of spending thugs raped at least 20,000 women and girls. U.N. peacekeepers and other personnel were In barbed-wire camps, men, women and chil- dispatched at a cost of $1.9 billion. $1.5 billion. You have touched on the Some of the Cambodian ‘‘peacekeepers’’ idea we do not have a clearly defined dren were tortured and starved to death. Girls as young as six were raped repeatedly proved to be unwelcome guests—especially a exit strategy. You touched on the idea while parents and siblings were forced to Bulgarian battalion dubbed the ‘‘Vulgarians.’’ In northwest Cambodia, three of 37,000 American boys being directly watch. In one case, three Muslim girls were Bulgarian soldiers were killed for ‘‘med- involved. chained to a fence, raped by Serb soldiers for dling’’ with local girls. One Bulgarian was Mr. DORNAN. I have run out of time. three days, then drenched with gasoline and treated for 17 different cases of VD. The We did not give you gentlemen enough set on fire. troops’ frequent carousing once sparked a While this was happening, the UNPROFOR heads-up over here. mortar-rifle battle with Cambodian soldiers troops stood by and did nothing to help. Des- The documents referred to are as fol- at a brothel. lows: ignated military ‘‘observers’’ counted artil- The Bulgarians were not the sole mis- lery shells—and the dead. [From the Reader’s Digest, October 1995] creants in Cambodia, as internal U.N. audits Meanwhile, evidence began to accumulate later showed. Requests from Phnom Penh in- THE FOLLY OF U.N. PEACEKEEPING that there was a serious corruption problem. cluded 6500 flak jackets—and 300,000 (By Dale Van Atta) Accounting procedures were so loose that condoms. In the year after the U.N. peace- Sonja’s Kon-Tiki cafe is a notorious Ser- the U.S. overpaid $1.8 million on a $21.8 mil- keepers arrived, the number of prostitutes in bian watering hole six miles north of Sara- lion fuel contract. Kenyan peacekeepers Phnom Penh more than tripled. jevo. While Serb soldiers perpetrated atroc- stole 25,000 gallons of fuel worth $100,000 and U.N. mission chief Yasushi Akashi waved ities in nearby Bosnian villages, local resi- sold it to the Serbs. off Cambodian complaints with a remark dents reported that U.N. peacekeepers from Corruption charges were routinely dis- that ‘‘18-year-old hot-blooded soldiers’’ had France, Ukraine, Canada and New Zealand missed as unimportant by U.N. officials. the right to enjoy themselves, drink a few regularly visited Sonja’s, drinking and eat- Sylvana Foa, then spokesperson for the U.N. beers and chase ‘‘young beautiful beings.’’ He ing with these very same soldiers—and shar- Human Rights Commission in Geneva, said it did post an order: ‘‘Please do not park your ing their women. was no surprise that ‘‘out of 14,000 pimply 18- U.N. vans near the nightclubs’’ (i.e., whore- The women of Sonja’s, however, were actu- year-olds, a bunch of them should get up to houses). At least 150 U.N. peacekeepers con- ally prisoners of the Serb soldiers. As one hanky-panky’’ like black-market dealings tracted AIDS in Cambodia; 5000 of the troops soldier, Borislav Herak, would later confess, and going to brothels. came down with VD. he visited Sonja’s several times a week, rap- When reports persisted, the U.N. finally in- Meanwhile, more than 1000 generators were ing some of the 70 females present and kill- vestigated. In November 1993 a special com- ordered, at least 330 of which, worth nearly ing two of them. mission confirmed that some terrible but $3.2 million, were never used for the mission. U.N. soldiers patronized Sonja’s even after ‘‘limited’’ misdeeds had occurred. Four Ken- When U.N. personnel started spending the a Sarajevo newspaper reported where the yan and 19 Ukrainian solders were dismissed $234.5 million budgeted for ‘‘premises and ac- women were coming from. Asked about this, from the U.N. force. commodation,’’ rental costs became so in- a U.N. spokesman excused the incident by The commission found no wrong-doing at flated that natives could barely afford to live saying no one was assigned to read the news- Sonja’s Kon-Tiki, but its report, locked up at in their own country. Some $80 million was paper. U.N. headquarters and never publicly re- spent buying vehicles, including hundreds of The U.N. soldiers who frequented Sonja’s leased, is woefully incomplete. The Sonja’s surplus motorcycles and minibuses. When 100 also neglected to check out the neighbor- Kon-Tiki incidents were not fully inves- 12-seater minibuses were needed, 850 were hood. Less than 200 feet away, a concentra- tigated, for example, because the Serbs purchased—an ‘‘administrative error,’’ tion camp held Bosnian Muslims in inhuman didn’t allow U.N. investigators to visit the UNTAC explained, that cost $8.3 million. conditions. Of 800 inmates processed, 250 dis- site, and the soldiers’ daily logbooks had Despite the excesses, the U.N. points with appeared and are presumed dead. been destroyed. pride to the free election that UNTAC spon- Tragically, Sonja’s Kon-Tiki illustrates Meanwhile, Russian troop commanders sored in May 1993. Ninety percent of Cam- much of what has plagued U.N. peacekeeping have collaborated with the Serb aggressors. bodia’s 4.7 million eligible voters defied operations: incompetent commanders, undis- According to U.N. personnel at the scene, death threats from guerrilla groups and went ciplined soldiers, alliances with aggressors, Russian battalion commander Col. Viktor to the polls. failure to prevent atrocities and at times Loginov and senior officer Col. Aleksandr Unfortunately, the election results have even contributing to the horror. And the Khromchenkov frequented lavish feasts been subverted by the continued rule of the level of waste, fraud and abuse is overwhelm- hosted by a Serbian warlord known as Cambodian People’s Party—the Vietnamese- ing. ‘‘Arkan,’’ widely regarded as one of the installed Communist government, which lost Until recently, the U.N. rarely intervened worst perpetrators of atrocities. It was also at the ballot box. In addition, the Khmer in conflicts. When it did, as in Cyprus during common knowledge that Russian officers di- Rouge—the guerrilla group that butchered the 1960s and ’70s, it had its share of success. rected U.N. tankers to unload gas at Arkan’s more than a million countrymen in the But as the Cold War ended, the U.N. became barracks. During one cease-fire, when Ser- 1970s—have refused to disarm and demobi- the world’s policeman, dedicated to nation bian mate´riel was locked in a U.N. storage lize. So it was predictable that they would building as well as peacekeeping. By the end area, a Russian apparently gave the keys to repeatedly break the ceasefire and keep up of 1991, the U.N. was conducting 11 peace- the Serbs, who removed 51 tanks. their killing. The U.N. has spent nearly $2 keeping operations at an annual cost of $480 Eventually, Khromchenkov was repatri- billion, but there is no peace in Cambodia. million. In three years, the numbers rose to ated. Loginov, after finishing his tour of SOMALIA 18 operations and $3.3 billion—with U.S. tax- duty, joined Arkan’s Serbian forces. When civil war broke out in this African payers paying 31.7 percent of the bill. Problems remained, however, under the nation, the resulting anarchy threatened 4.5 Have the results justified the steep cost? leadership of another Russian commander, million Somalis—over half the population— Consider the U.N.’s top four peacekeeping Maj. Gen. Aleksandr Perelyakin. Belgian with severe malnutrition and related dis- missions: troops had been blocking the movement of eases. U.N. Secretary General Boutros November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13795 Boutros Ghali, the first African (and Arab) and other supplies into millions of dollars on when they came down, and so it was impos- to hold the position, argued eloquently for a the black market. sible for the Frenchmen to escape. As soon U.N. peacekeeping mission to ensure safe de- Earlier this year the U.N. began to pull out as they hit ground they were captured and livery of food and emergency supplies. The of the camps. On April 22 at the Kibeho camp stripped of their warning, location, and sur- U.N. Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) was in Rwanda, the Tutsi-led military opened vival equipment. Since these unique photos deployed to Mogadishu, the capital, in Sep- fire on Hutu crowds. Some 2000 Hutus were were taken, probably very shortly after their tember 1992. It was quickly pinned down at massacred. capture (in the foreground, a militiaman is the airport by Somali militiamen and was Where was the U.N.? Overwhelmed by the still holding their helmets), they have prob- unable to complete its mission. presence of nearly 2000 Tutsi soldiers, the 200 ably been moved from their place of cap- A U.S. task force deployed in December se- U.N. peacekeepers did nothing. A U.N. tivity, making it very difficult to exfiltrate cured the Mogadishu area, getting supplies spokesman told Reader’s Digest, meekly, them. to the hungry and ill. After the Americans that the U.N. was on the scene after the According to rare Serbian information, it left, the U.N. took over in May 1993 with slaughter for cleanup and body burial. was thought that only Lieutenant Jose UNOSOM II. The $2-million-a-day operation With peacekeeping operations now costing Souvignet had a leg wound. But here, Cap- turned the former U.S. embassy complex over $3 billion a year, reform is long overdue. tain Frederique Chiffot, grimacing at the into an 80-acre walled city boasting air-con- Financial accountability can be established camera, also seems to be supported by mem- ditioned housing and a golf course. When only by limiting control by the Secretariat, bers of the militia. U.N. officials ventured out of the compound, which routinely withholds information about Three attempts already: NATO is doing ev- their ‘‘taxis’’ were helicopters that cost peacekeeping operations until the last erything possible to free them. $500,000 a week. minute—too late for the U.N.’s budgetary From September 5th to the 8th, three The published commercial rate for committee to exercise oversight. times over, NATO commandos have flown off Mogadishu-U.S. phone calls was $4.91 a In December 1993, for example, when the in search of the two Frenchmen. These very minute, but the ‘‘special U.N. discount rate’’ budget committee was given one day to ap- complicated missions make use of airplanes was $8.41. Unauthorized personal calls to- prove a $600-million budget that would ex- and helicopters which have taken off from taled more than $2 million, but the U.N. sim- tend peacekeeping efforts into 1994, U.S. rep- different bases, from Italian territory or the ply picked up the tab and never asked the resentative Michael Michalski lodged an offi- aircraft carrier ‘‘Theodore Roosevelt.’’ On callers to pay. cial protest: ‘‘If U.S. government employees board this ship, the Admiral Smith’s general Meanwhile, the peacekeeping effort dis- approved a budget for a similar amount with staff is coordinating, second by second, the integrated, particularly as warlord Moham- as little information as has been provided to delicate precision engineering of this war- med Aidid harassed UNOSOM II troops. As the committee, they would likely be thrown riors’ ballet. The first attempt was com- the civil war continued, Somalis starved. in jail.’’ pletely American, but the weather was not But U.N. peacekeepers—on a food budget of More fundamentally, the U.N. needs to re- on our side. The second and third attempts $56 million a year—dined on fruit from South examine its whole peacekeeping approach, were French and American. Only the latter America, beef from Australia from frozen for the experiment in nation building has enabled the commandos to set down on a fish from New Zealand and the Netherlands. been bloody and full of failure. Lofty ideas to meadow near Pale. In vain. They had to Thousands of yards of barbed wire arrived bring peace everywhere in the world have withdraw under fire from the Serbs before with no barbs; hundreds of light fixtures to run aground on reality: member states with having found the prisoners. When they were illuminate the streets abutting the competing interests in warring territories, taken back up in the helicopter, two had compound had no sockets for light bulbs. the impossibility of lightly armed troops been wounded. What procurement didn’t waste, pilferage keeping at bay belligerent enemies, and the In the control room of the ‘‘Theodore Roo- often took care of. Peacekeeping vehicles folly of moving into places without setting sevelt’’ operations are being followed in real disappeared with regularity, and Egyptian achievable goals. time. It was in an identical Mirage 2000 that U.N. troops were suspected of large scale ‘‘It has been a fundamental error to put the two pilots were brought down. Photos of black-marketing of minibuses. U.N. peacekeepers in place where there is no the debris from the crash were widely dis- These losses, however, were eclipsed in a peace to keep,’’ says Sen. Sam Nunn (D., seminated in the press by the Serbs. single night by an enterprising thief who Ga.), ranking minority member of the Sen- f broke into a U.N. office in Mogadishu and ate Armed Services Committee. ‘‘We’ve seen b made off with $3.9 million in cash. The office very vividly that the U.N. is not equipped, 1745 door was easy pickings: its lock could be jim- organized or financed to intervene and fight CHINA’S TOP DISSIDENT CHARGED mied with a credit card. The money, stored wars.’’ 20 MONTHS AFTER DISAPPEAR- in the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet, had ANCE been easily visible to dozens of U.N. employ- [From the Paris Match, Oct. 5, 1995] ees. OUR PILOTS ARE PRISONERS OF THE SERBS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a While the case has not been solved, one ad- (Translated by David Skelly) previous order of the House, the gentle- ministrator was dismissed and two others woman from California [Ms. PELOSI] is Two tiny points in an incandescent sky. were disciplined. Last summer, UNOSOM II These images have been holding us in cruel recognized for 5 minutes. itself was shut down, leaving Somalia to the suspense for nearly a month. The two points Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to same clan warfare that existed when U.N. are two French officers, a captain pilot and call attention to the House of Rep- troops were first deployed two years before. a lieutenant navigator, shot down on August resentatives and indeed further atten- RWANDA 30 in their Mirage 2000-K2, almost directly tion of our country to a recent event Since achieving independence in 1962, above Pale, the capital of the Bosnian Serbs, that happened in China. Last week, the Rwanda has erupted in violence between the during the first NATO raid. Three Chinese Government formally charged majority Hutu tribe and minority Tutsis. exfiltration missions according to the CSAR Wei Jingsheng with trying to over- The U.N. had a peacekeeping mission in that (combat, search and rescue procedure), which throw the Government of China. This nation, but it fled as the Hutus launched a had succeeded in rescuing Captain O’Grady, new bloodbath in April 1994. failed. The Serbs have confirmed that they is a source of very serious concern to Only 270 U.N. troops stayed behind, not are holding two men alive, but no one, not all of us who care about human rights enough to prevent the butchery of at least 14 even the Red Cross envoys has actually seen in China. local Red Cross workers left exposed by the them. These photos reached us from Pale. As you may recall, Mr. Speaker, Wei peacekeepers’ swift flight. The U.N. Security Here are the faces of the two prisoners whom Jingsheng is China’s foremost democ- Council dawdled as the dead piled up, and a France has been anxiously waiting to see. racy advocate. He has been called the daily horror of shooting, stabbings and ma- The first scenes of their captivity. Sakharov of China. Many years ago, chete hackings. The Hutus were finally driv- Peasants turned the lieutenant over to the over 15 or 16 years ago, he was arrested en out by a Tutsi rebel army in late summer ‘special forces commandos’. 1994. Being helped to walk by two Serbs from by the Chinese Government for his pro- Seven U.N. agencies and more than 100 their special forces, Lieutenant Jose Democracy Wall activities. international relief agencies rushed back. Souvignet seems to be suffering from a leg Early on he spoke out for democracy, With a budget of some $200 million, the U.N. wound. Peasants turned the two airmen over the need for democracy in China. He tried unsuccessfully to provide security over to the ‘‘specijali,’’ who have been hiding had been a soldier and an electrician Hutu refugee camps in Rwanda and aid to them from the whole world ever since. and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. camps in neighboring Zaire. The captain, Frederique Chiffot, snarls at He served most of that sentence, and The relief effort was soon corrupted when his guards. about 6 months ago, the Chinese re- the U.N. let the very murderers who’d mas- Contrary to what happened with the Amer- sacred a half million people take over the ican pilot, ours were brought down in broad leased him when they were trying to camps. Rather than seeking their arrest and daylight, above a mountain in an area with put on a good face in order to attract prosecution, the U.N. made deals with the a high density of Serbian soldiers. Militia- the Olympics to China. You may recall Hutu thugs, who parlayed U.N. food, drugs men in the city of Pale were able to be there that campaign. H 13796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 Six months later, he was quickly not raise the issue of Wei’s charges, it the opportunity to join in paying trib- rearrested after speaking openly for de- could be read as tacit consent by the ute to our colleague, PAT SCHROEDER. mocracy and human rights, granting United States of whatever fate China It cannot be said better than you have interviews to foreign reporters, meet- has chosen for Wei Jingsheng. done commending Representative ing, indeed, with our own Secretary of The public intervention of the Clin- SCHROEDER for her leadership. It is a State, Assistant Secretary of State for ton administration is most important sad day for us in the House of Rep- Human Rights, John Shattuck, and in establishing United States policy re- resentatives on the day that she an- writing essays for overseas publica- garding the treatment of Wei nounced she would not be seeking re- tions, including the New York Times. Jingsheng, clearly and unequivocally. election. He was taken into custody on April 1, The need for public and strong state- Whether they know it or not, women 1994, and has not been seen or heard ment at the highest levels, I repeat, of across America, and, as you say, indeed from since. His family has not been al- the Clinton administration is critical men too, owe PAT SCHROEDER a great lowed to see him, and requests from given China’s foreign ministry state- debt of gratitude. Through her leader- foreign governments and international ment last week that the United States ship on issues relating to families and rights groups for information on his stop its confrontation with China at children, she has changed the public case have gone unanswered. the U.N. Commission at Human Rights policy in that regard. It is our most After repeated inquires by his family, in Geneva. Such a statement, coupled important issue in fact that we deal the Public Security Bureau acknowl- with Wei’s charge, is a challenge to the with here, the issue of children. edged in April that Wei was under a United States we must answer. But on this day in this House of Rep- form of house arrest. Since then the Mr. Speaker, I am very hopeful that resentatives, when on the one hand we Chinese officials have merely referred the Clinton administration will indeed are talking about the possibility of to him as a criminal and have said speak out. They were very, very strong sending our young people to keep the that, without elaborating, he was in sending a message to the Chinese peace in Bosnia, and at the same time under investigation. Now the Chinese about Harry Wu. I commend them for we are talking about human rights Government has acted. They have offi- their actions. That was responsible for throughout the world and talking cially charged him with a capital of- Harry Wu’s release. I hope they will do about family and children, there is a fense, trying to overthrow the Govern- the same thing in the case of Wei person who served us here with great ment. Jingsheng and look forward to working leadership, an articulate spokesperson This is, of course, ridiculous. How- with them and the Members of this for children, for human rights, for ever, the charge is of such seriousness body to free Wei Jingsheng. peace, and, at the same time, a strong, and the nature of the Chinese judicial f strong voice on the Committee on Na- system of such concern that I call this tional Security, now called I think the to our attention. Trials in China are INJUSTICE IN REDISTRICTING Committee on National Security. So usually swift, in secret, and behind The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under her expertise and her voice was heard closed doors. The verdict is usually the Speaker’s announced policy of May across the spectrum of issues in our predetermined and severe. Attempting 12, 1995, the gentlewoman from Georgia budget priorities. She has led us well. I to overthrow the Government, as Wei [Ms. MCKINNEY] is recognized for 60 hope she will continue to outside of Jingsheng is mistakenly charged with, minutes as the designee of the minor- Congress. I know she has plenty of is considered a political crime which ity leader. wonderful options open to her, but, can be punished by death. Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I feel nonetheless, as happy as we are for her Many of our colleagues in this body compelled to at least make a state- on her decision, it is a sad day. and in the Senate, indeed par- ment about what we have heard over I speak for myself and my constitu- liamentarians throughout the world, the last hour. I would just like to say ents when I say that her presence in nominated Wei Jingsheng earlier this that George Bush proclaimed a New this Congress for this country will be year for the Nobel prize. We were proud World Order, but Bill Clinton is mak- sorely missed. to do so. ing one. Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I do I am calling this to the attention of Bosnia is not about war, it is about want to say one thing. I would like for the House of Representatives because I peace. In the ethnically diverse com- Congresswoman SCHROEDER to come to hope that we will have a resolution out munity of Dayton, OH, three warring this floor and tell the story, because I of this body condemning the charges ethnic groups came together, sat down know she can tell it much better than against Wei Jingsheng and calling for at a table, and made peace. I really do I would ever be able to tell it, but she his immediate and unconditional re- not understand how people can advo- came to this Congress at a time when lease and demanding that if indeed he cate pouring billions of dollars into a you just did not have women serving does go to trial, that foreign media and defense establishment to make war, on the Committee on National Secu- diplomatic observers be allowed to at- and at the same time they can deny rity and women serving in this Con- tend. sick kids Medicaid, they can raise gress. She tells the story of how the I mentioned that Wei Jingsheng had taxes on the working poor, but they are chairman had she and the gentleman met with Assistant Secretary of State not willing to make peace. I do not un- from California, RON DELLUMS, share a John Shattuck in April, and since then derstand that. single chair. Those are the kinds of sto- he has been, as I say, detained, and now Also, I would just like to say a few ries that this leader had to endure in charged. This is very serious for the words about an announcement that I order to make sure that I could get a United States, because our Govern- heard about today, about the retire- full seat in the U.S. Congress. Her ment has said that we will not use cer- ment of one of our leaders, the gentle- story is a wonderful story that needs to tain methods to improve human rights woman from Colorado [Mrs. SCHROE- be told, and her leadership has bene- in China, we would not use economic DER]. I would just like to say that she fited us all. sanctions, but we would do other is a trailblazer, a role model for all of Ms. BROWN of Florida. If the gentle- things, and right now this administra- us, and a real leader. Her leadership in woman will yield, I would just like to tion has not spoken out strongly the 105th Congress is sorely going to be associate myself with those remarks enough against the charging of Wei. missed. But because of her leadership I about our leader. She has certainly I recently wrote to the Vice Presi- do not know how many Congresses be- been a role model for the women in dent, Vice President Gore, asking him fore, she has made a way for me and Congress. Her leadership not only will for a strong statement from the Clin- other women who now serve in Con- be missed, but it is going to make our ton administration. Only strong public gress, and her outspokenness on issues work extremely hard, because she has expressions of concern and interest at affecting families and children and been just a Trojan for women’s issues, our highest levels will be read by the women and men alike, really, has been for children’s issues, and more national Chinese leadership as a true indicator really a beacon I guess, for all of us. security issues. So this is truly a sad of American policy regarding Wei and Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- day for all of us. other democracy advocates. If we do tlewoman would yield, I thank her for Ms. MCKINNEY. It certainly is. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13797 Mr. Speaker, changing our focus a still could be constitutional, and we years, I am sorry, 120 years, that an Af- little bit, I would like to ask a ques- will go to a hearing or a trial early rican-American came to this Congress tion, and the question is, what happens next year to determine based on Shaw to represent Florida, even though Flor- to a jogger, someone who strategizes, versus Reno and the case of Georiga. ida’s population, as far as minorities is maps out a fitness routine, and the re- Ms. McKINNEY. I have a question to concerned, is over 40 percent. Good-old- gime that is mapped out is done so that ask the gentlewoman, before she gets boy politics has controlled how the dis- a target heart rate can be reached; and, into her remarks, and it is my under- tricts have been drawn throughout unbeknownst, to our jogger, without standing that her district, the district Florida. any knowledge at all of our jogger, the that she represents, is 50 percent black I do not know about any other place, wrong target heart rate has been given. and 50 percent white. but I can tell my colleagues about the Then the folks who gave the wrong Ms. BROWN of Florida. Yes. history of Florida, and I know the gen- heart rate allow the jogger to go out Ms. McKINNEY. How can race be the tlewoman from Georgia wants to yield predominant factor in a 50–50 district? and jog. What happens? The jogger to Mrs. MEEK. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Well, it is not could die. Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I The issue that I am about to talk quite 50–50. It is 50.1 or 2. Ms. McKINNEY. 50.1. So that makes want to thank my colleagues and com- about is a real issue of life and death, pliment and commend them for having political life and political death. In my it race-predominant. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Well, the fact called this special order to talk to the opinion, we have a few southerners who is my district is one of the most inte- country about some of the things that have conspired to orchestrate the polit- grated districts in Florida, if not in the have happened in reapportionment. ical death of blacks, Latinos, and country. women. I have a transcript of a Florida I am reminded of a saying that the Ms. McKINNEY. If not in the coun- more things change, the more they re- hearing that just took place. try. Ms. BROWN of Florida. It was a re- main the same. The gentlewoman from Ms. BROWN of Florida. If not in the Georgia [Ms. MCKINNEY] has been on sponse to a pretrial hearing on Mon- country. So race was a factor, but just day, October 19. the forefront of this, and so has the one of many factors. gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. BROWN] Ms. MCKINNEY. It reads, ‘‘At the In fact, I am very proud of the Third but I want to say to them that it is time the Degrande court drew the dis- Congressional District of Florida. tricting lines for the State of Florida, just amazing and also ironic that after Many of the people I represent were all of these years we are still fighting it engaged in a good faith effort to disenfranchised before my election. If adopt a politically neutral redistrict- for the same thing that many had to we go back and just look at the way fight for years ago. ing plan that would enhance the voting the voter participates in these dis- I need to say to my two colleagues opportunities for African-American tricts, for example when we come out that their efforts will be rewarded, as and Hispanic voters. The Degrande of an area and we are getting 80 per- well as all the rest of us. We must raise court closely followed the dictates of cent of the vote, black and white, what the consciousness level of the country the Voting Rights Act and traditional does that tell my colleagues? That tells as to what is happening in the reappor- redistricting principles throughout this me that there is balance in my district. tionment and apportionment fight. As process. This court must now reexam- I have one of the most Democratic dis- everyone knows, every 10 years the ine the redistricting lines drawn by tricts in the State of Florida. census is taken, and then comes the re- plan 308 and decide whether the con- Ms. McKINNEY. But the gentle- appointment process. tours of District 3 are unconstitutional woman’s district was challenged. in light of Shaw versus Reno and Mil- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Challenged, I am reminded of the struggle that I ler.’’ that is correct, and we are headed to have undertaken in this for 10 or more What this means is that in Florida court. years, and I am reminded of what the the legislature did not draw the cur- Ms. McKINNEY. I am sure that this poet, Robert Frost, once wrote about; rent congressional lines, the court did is costing the taxpayers of Florida an these woods are lovely, dark and deep, it, and when the court drew the lines, inordinate amount of money. and I am tempted to sleep; but I have the court was operating in good faith, Ms. BROWN of Florida. And time, promises to keep, promises to keep, trying to do things that were beneficial and also the frustration on the people and miles to go before I sleep. to all of the people of the State of Flor- of the Third Congressional District. That is what has happened to my col- ida. Now, because of what happened in Often my constituents come to me and leagues here. They know this has been North Carolina and what happened in say what are they trying to do to our a fight from the very beginning. I can Georgia, all of that is subject to district? Why is it that the voters from recall when I went to the Florida legis- change. the Third Congressional District and lature in 1979. There were only two Joining us is the gentlewoman from other districts in Florida have to wres- blacks in the Florida legislature, and Florida [Mrs. MEEK]. But let me give tle with the question of whether or not they were certainly not treated, Ms. you just a brief history. we are going to have our district? MCKINNEY, the way we are treated First of all, the Florida legislature Ms. McKINNEY. Well, Mr. Speaker, today. They were treated as blacks, could not pass a plan, so the courts had we have been joined by the gentle- and they pretty much were isolated to intervene so that we could have woman from Florida [Mrs. MEEK] who from the other people there. elections in Florida. Now, there are served illustriously in the Florida leg- When I went, in 1979, I was able to many reasons why the Florida legisla- islature and probably knows more—— participate in the reapportionment of ture could not pass a plan, but basi- Ms. BROWN of Florida. If I may ask the Florida legislature, and because of cally it was politics, politics, and more the gentlewoman to yield just for a that we were able to bring on Ms. moment to let me say one thing about politics. BROWN and all of my other colleagues the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. b 1800 who came after me. MEEK]. Everyone that was in charge of redis- Ms. McKINNEY. Certainly. Ms. MCKINNEY. If the gentlewoman tricting was running for Congress. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mrs. MEEK would allow me to reclaim my time for It is hard to take the politics out of served in the Florida House, but when a moment. The tool that the gentle- politics. she was elected some 13 years ago to woman used was the Voting Rights Ms. BROWN of Florida. You cannot the Florida Senate, it was the first Act. take the politics out of politics. time in over 100 years that we elected Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Yes, I did, and However, the courts drew the plan for a black to the Florida Senate, and she it was under attack even then. The Florida, and, basically, we are now at was the first black female ever elected most amazing thing is that we were the stage where there was a ruling last to the Senate. So we do not have a long able to bring Ms. BROWN and five other Monday in that the courts ruled, with history in Florida of inclusion. people there in the House but we were a dissent, that the Third Congressional And, in fact, before our election in unable to get a congressional seat. We District was racial gerrymandering but 1992, it was the first time in over 100 had the numbers then. There were H 13798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 enough African-American inhabitants I really feel very emotional about SCHROEDER, who has indicated that she in the population of Florida, but my this situation, and to see now that my is not planning to run again after serv- colleagues would be surprised to know young sisters have picked up this bat- ing out this term, and I want to join that every congressperson from this tle and they are running hard and win- with them first in paying a special body, from Florida, had either a paid ning it, it just gives me such pleasure tribute to her and join in expressing consultant or someone there to be sure to see when the gentlewoman from the sentiments that others have ex- that their influence could be felt in the Georgia and the gentlewoman from pressed, that she will be missed very reapportionment process. Florida stand up and talk about this. much by those of us who have admired Ms. MCKINNEY. So, actually, what We did not have the technology her and followed her lead on many is- the gentlewoman is saying is that the available that my colleagues have now. sues. Members of Congress and the legisla- I had to draw my maps with a piece of Second, I want to say that tomorrow, tors were picking their voters before crayon to try to quickly show, because in Durham, NC, there is an opening of the voters had a chance to pick their we were not allowed on the computers a traveling exhibition which is called representatives. at that time, and the computers were ‘‘The long road up the hill. African- Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Absolutely. just coming in, and they had these Americans in Congress.’’ I was on the My colleagues would be surprised at maps already drawn. But I think with phone before I came over here talking how they utilized the black populace, the two of my colleagues, their maps to a newspaper reporter in Raleigh- in that they really fought hard to get and their legal representation, they Durham about that exhibit, and I the African-Americans, particularly have it all. pulled out the press release that had the Democrats, because what they been issued about that exhibit. It cata- Ms. MCKINNEY. We have everything wanted to do was to be sure they had except the Supreme Court. logs the history of African-Americans enough African-Americans in their dis- Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Everything in the Congress of the United States, trict, in their congressional district, to but the Supreme Court, that is right. and I thought it might be helpful to be sure that they came back to Con- And what Mrs. Bethune would say, take a minute or two, if the gentle- gress. Because, naturally, it was sort of when she saw the kind of fight that the woman would allow me, to put this in a historical context. traditional and fully accepted during gentlewoman from Georgia and the that time that if an individual were Ms. MCKINNEY. I certainly will. gentlewoman from Florida have put up, Mr. WATT of North Carolina. The black, they were Democrat and they she would say what hath God wrought. would vote for a white Congressman gentlewoman says this hurricane start- So God has wrought that these two sis- ed in North Carolina in 1993 or 1992. It who represented their district. ters here would keep up this fight, I want to give my colleagues another really started in the South more than which we have had all these years, and example of what happened, and I am 100 years ago. to stand here tonight and to see how surprised that they are looking at the b the two of my colleagues are pushing 1815 gentlewoman from Florida’s district forward to be sure that we do not get And I think we really need to keep and talking about gerrymandering, be- that in perspective. So, if I could, let cause hers certainly is not nearly as misrepresented again, and that the people that we represent will have rep- me talk a little bit about the historical gerrrymandered as the district that context that we are dealing with. sent me to the Florida Senate. When I resentation in Congress and in the statehouses and all over this country. Between 1870 and 1897, after the 13th, came from the house, I was on the re- 14th, and 15th amendments had freed apportionment committee and I could I have been in several legal fights for reapportionment, and even though I the slaves and granted them citizen- see what was happening to us in the ship and the right to vote, Southern Florida house. I lived in Liberty City. am a little beyond the age that these young women are, I expect to continue States actually elected 22 black men to My representative in the Florida Sen- Congress. And this is not a sexist ate lived across Biscayne Bay, a body to do so. But it is good to be here in the Congress and to know that, Ms. MCKIN- thing. It just happened that all of them of water, all the way over on Miami were men at that time. Some had been Beach. He represented 103,000 African- NEY, there are people in this country who know that the gentlewoman from slaves; other had been born free. All of Americans. Yes, he was our representa- them, ironically, during that period tive in the senate. Georgia and the gentlewoman from Florida and the rest of us have served from 1870 to 1897, were members of the It shows my colleagues that this ger- Republican Party, which was the party notably here in the Congress, and it rymandering, that I am a living exam- at that time that most black people as- was not because of the color of our skin ple of what happens. So I insisted that sociated themselves with. that seat be removed from over on that but the content of our character. In 1870, a black minister was tapped side and we be given the representation Ms. MCKINNEY. Oh, you are wonder- to fill Confederate President Jefferson that we so direly deserved and needed, ful. Davis’ unexpired Senate term. Hiram and that is how I got to the Florida We also know that this cold wind Revels of Mississippi became the first Senate, by doing what the gentle- that has blown across the South did American of African descent to serve in woman from Georgia and the gentle- not start in Georgia and it did not stop the Senate. That same year, Joseph woman from Florida are doing now, in Florida. Actually, I think it prob- Rainey was sworn into office in the fighting for the representation that I ably started in North Carolina. And we House of Representatives; Jefferson knew that we needed to have. have the subject of the North Carolina Long of Georgia was sworn into the Ms. MCKINNEY. Congresswoman, redistricting fight on the floor with us. House 1 month later. Rainey went on there is an article here that I have And we also know that it swept to serve five terms, often speaking in from the Florida Times Union of No- through Texas, and we have the gentle- favor of civil rights legislation, outlaw- vember 24 where a noted political sci- woman from Dallas with us; and we ing racial discrimination in juries, entist from the University of Georgia hope that Alabama will be spared, but schools, public accommodations and is quoted as saying if a white Congress- we have the gentleman from Alabama transportation. man has a 10-percent or 20-percent mi- with us, and I will yield to the gen- Many of the early African-American nority constituency, they might not tleman from North Carolina. Congressmen introduced bills calling have a person who votes 100 percent of Mr. WATT of North Carolina. I thank for education and land ownership for the time with the black agenda but the gentlewoman for yielding, and I blacks and removal of what was called they will get those votes from him thank and applaud the gentlewoman cotton taxes. Most of those bills died in some of the time. So, apparently, rep- from Georgia and the gentlewoman committee because their sponsors often resentation some of the time is Ok. from Florida for organizing this special lacked the support of their white col- Mrs. MEEK of Florida. It was OK be- order this evening so that we can high- leagues. That might sound familiar to cause what they were doing was using light the issue of voting and the issue some of us in this day and time. us as mayonnaise on the sandwich to of democracy in this country, really. During the chaotic Reconstruction be sure that they got a chance to come I came in when my colleagues were years, defeated white politicians dis- back to Congress instead of utilizing us all paying tribute to our colleague, the puted the elections of blacks to Con- and using us to represent us. gentlewoman from Colorado, PAT gress 21 times. So, this is not a new November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13799 phenomenon that we are dealing with. 1879 from Gainesville, FL. I represent bloc voting as a fact of political life, but choos- Congressmen whose elections were Gainesville, FL, which is in the Third es to ignore the reality of its impact. Thus, in challenged often were not sworn in Congressional District. Josiah Wells’ the Georgia case, the Court said that the de- until a House committee had reviewed election was challenged and he lost his liberate creation of majority minority districts the evidence and found in their favor. seat after only 2 months in office. How- may increase the very patterns of racial bloc Several black lawmakers were not ever, by that time he had already been voting that majority minority districts are said seated for many months. Some were reelected to a new term. But listen, be- to counteract. In fact, the developing evidence not sworn in until a short time before lieve it or not, his next victorious elec- that the opposite may be true, that creation of the end of their terms. Two duly elect- tion was challenged after the ballots majority minority districts may be reducing, not ed Congressmen who were elected, were burned in the courthouse fire, increasing, bloc voting. black Congresspeople, never, ever got ending the first congressional career of Consider, for example, the majority minority to serve. Florida’s first black Representative. It congressional district in Mississippi created in Finally, a story that I can relate to, took Florida 120 years to elect another the 1980's. The district was barely majority by the time we got to the late 1800’s, African-American. black and in 1986, Congressman Mike Espy there was only one black African- Mr. Speaker, I submit the following was elected. In his first election, Espy gen- American left in the Congress of the for the RECORD. erated only 21 percent of the white vote. In United States. He was a gentleman Next week, the Supreme Court will hear ar- Espy's reelection bid in 1988 and 1990, nearly from North Carolina. His name was guments in yet another round of reapportion- half of the white voters in the district voted for George H. White, and he was the last ment cases; it has an opportunity to end the him. Other members of the Congressional former slave to serve in Congress. He mischief started in 1993 when it announced its Black Caucus have reported similar increases took the oath of office in March 1897, decision in Shaw versus Reno. In the Shaw in white support after their initial reelection. and after an election in 1898, in which case, the Court ruled that white voters can We attribute this increase in crossover voting the evidence indicated that even in state a claim under the equal protection in two circumstances: First, our decision to precincts where there were only 200 or clause of the 14th amendment if they allege represent all our voters regardless of race; 300 people registered, in some cases 700 that a district is so irregular or bizarrely and second, a reduction in white fear and or 800 people voted and he was voted shaped that it could only be understood as a harmful stereotyping that may have predated out of office. He took to the floor of the racial gerrymander. Last term, in reviewing a our initial election. Shaw-type attack on the congressional redis- House of Representatives in 1901 and The creation of minority opportunity districts tricting plan in Georgia, the Court went a step made a historic speech in which he pro- comprised of a majority black voting age pop- further. It ruled that where race is the predomi- fessed to be speaking on behalf of the ulation does not entrench racial bloc voting. nate factor in redistricting that has resulted in outraged, heartbroken, bruised and Although, there is a need to study the evi- the substantial disregard of traditional redis- bleeding, but God-fearing people. He dence that is available on this point, what evi- tricting principles, then a district is presumed went on to predict that some day, some dence there is suggests that the creation of to be unconstitutional. day, black representatives would rise majority-minority districts promotes a political When Shaw was first handed down, a num- up and come again to this House of system in which race does not matter as much ber of civil rights groups and political observ- Representatives. That was in 1901. as it did before. His prophesy did not become a re- ers felt that the decision would have minimal ality that we would have another black impact. But the Shaw decision has taken on a Along with a number of African-Americans, Representative in Congress until 28 life of its own. Cases attacking congressional I was elected to Congress in 1992 in a district years later. Mr. Speaker, 28 years later. districts as alleged racial gerrymanders are that was one of the most integrated in my Ms. MCKINNEY. But how many years pending in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, State. My district is roughly 50 percent black from North Carolina did it take? Louisiana, State legislatures and local govern- and 50 percent white in voting population. Mr. WATT of North Carolina. That ments. Does that sound segregated or gerry- was the next point I wanted to make. Of course, it troubles me a great deal that mandered? All of my constituents are impor- It was not until the gentlewoman from the end result of all these cases may return us tant to me, whether they are black or white. North Carolina EVA CLAYTON, my col- to the pre-voting rights days when the Halls of That would be true whether my district was 50 league, and I were elected in 1992, 91 Congress were reserved for white males. In percent black or 99 percent black. My district years later, that an African-American those days, congressional districts drawn to is one of the most Democratic districts in the was elected to Congress from the State protect white incumbents, no matter how bi- State of Florida. Many of my voters had been of North Carolina. zarre or irregular they looked, and regardless disenfranchised. So, the point I am making, and I will of the all-white racial composition, the districts Redistricting since the 1990 census has yield back to you all to carry this on, were viewed as politics. Eliminating districts marked tremendous gains for women and mi- is this is not a new phenomenon. We where minority voters comprise a bare major- norities. 1992, the year I was elected to Con- have been fighting this battle since ity of the voters will return us to the days of gress, was very historic for Florida. For the years and years and years ago, and we segregation when Congress resembled an all- first time in over 120 years, an African-Amer- fought it in the face of literacy tests, white club. ican was elected to Congress from Florida. At where people were required to read and As troubling as all this is, I am equally con- the same time I was elected to represent the interpret documents before they were cerned that the Supreme Court has refused to Third Congressional District, my colleague's allowed to vote; grandfather clauses, look at facts. The Court has consistently over- Representative CARRIE MEEK and Representa- which prohibited people from voting looked that in each of the States where the tive ALCEE HASTINGS, were also elected to rep- unless their grandfathers had voted, challenged majority minority districts were resent Florida in Congress. Sixteen new Afri- keeping freed slaves from casting bal- drawn, racially polarized voting patterns ex- can-American Members, most from the South, lots; poll taxes which kept poor people, isted. What this means is that before the ma- were seated in the House of Representatives blacks and whites alike, from voting; jority minority districts were drawn, a factual and one African-American Senator, CAROL lynchings, which were flourishing basis existed that minority voters were politi- MOSELY-BRAUN was seated, expanding the throughout the South, and now in that cally cohesive, that is, they supported minority number of Congressional Black Caucus Mem- historical context, the Supreme Court candidates, and whites usually voted as a bloc bers to 40, the largest ever. There are now 57 would ask us to be color-blind as a Na- to defeat the minority voters' preferred can- women, 19 Hispanics, 8 Asians, and 1 Amer- tion and go back to a situation where didate. This is important because not only is ican-Indian. This is the highest number of mi- we are absent minority representation the creation of majority minority districts nec- norities to ever serve in the history of the U.S. in Congress. essary to overcome the effects of the white Congress. Despite these gains, less than 2 Ms. BROWN of Florida. Will the gen- bloc vote, but the Supreme Court itself has percent of the elected officials in this country tleman yield just for 1 minute? consistently recognized in decisions spanning are black. We still need the Voting Rights Act, I have my horror story that I want to the last 20 years that such racial bloc voting we still have a long way to go. I, and others, put in. Florida’s horror story. At the has been the principal cause of minority vote would not have the privilege of serving in time Josiah Wells was the first Member dilution. Washington if it were not for the courage and of Congress from Florida. He was elect- What is especially troubling about this is sacrifice of those great leaders who led the ed to the House of Representatives in that the Court seems to have accepted racial way before us. H 13800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 Let me tell you a little bit about a great lead- Mr. WATT of North Carolina. If the North Carolina shed some light on er, Josiah Wells, who was Florida's first Mem- gentlewoman would yield just for 1 what the Supreme Court will be re- ber of Congress. Josiah Wells was first elect- more minute, because I am going to viewing as far as Shaw versus Reno? ed to the House of Representatives in 1879, have to leave and I do want to put this Mr. WATT of North Carolina. I think from Gainesville, FL, which is in the Third in a slightly different context also, in there is a real substantial question Congressional District. Josiah Wells' election addition to the historical context, be- about what they will be reviewing. was challenged and he lost his seat after only cause the Supreme Court has suggested They set up a series of criteria in the 2 months in office. However, by that time, he that all of the sudden we should wave a original Shaw versus Reno decision. had already been reelected to a new term. Be- magic wand and will that the Nation Many of those criteria were not upon lieve it or not, his next victorious election was and its voters be color-blind and this even mentioned when the Supreme challenged after ballots were burned in a problem will be solved. Court decided the Georgia case. They courthouse fire. And thus ended the congres- Often, in talking about this and get- seemed to change the criteria. sional career of Florida's first Black represent- ting people to understand how ridicu- So, the North Carolina case has been ative. lous that notion is, I make reference to tried under criteria that we do not Once Reconstruction began, 21 black Con- what has recently transpired in South know whether are applicable criteria gressmen were elected from the South be- Africa where they had a very small any more or not. I am hoping that they tween 1870 to 1901. However, after 1901, white minority controlling that coun- will evaluate the case on the criteria when Jim Crow tightened his grip, no black try for years and years and years. Then that they set up in the North Carolina person was elected to Congress from the they had a miraculous historic transi- case. But even if they do not, if they South for over 70 years. It is more timely than tion to a real Democratic government. evaluate it on the criteria that they ever, to study what happed to black represen- The question I ask is, ‘‘Do you think set in the Georgia case, that race can- tation during Reconstruction. This period may that the United States of America not be the predominant factor, I still seem like ancient history, but what happened would have been satisfied if the black am confident that even on that stand- then seems to be happening all over again. majority in South Africa had come for- ard, the districts can and should be The court would do well to consider these ward with a proposed democracy that upheld both in North Carolina and in facts, rather than assuming the worst about said we are going to be color-blind; we Texas. the body politic and African-American Mem- are not going to take race into account b 1830 bers of Congress. Integrated districts like mine at all; we are not going to assure the Ms. MCKINNEY. The gentleman, with are good for minority voters because they pro- white minority in South Africa rep- respect to his South Africa comments, vide for electoral opportunities where none resentation in this new Democratic raises an interesting question that I previously existed. They are also for democ- government?’’ Do you think that the am glad you answered. racy in the sense that they help to break down United States of America would have We have with us a gentleman from racial isolation and polarization. stood still for that kind of thinking? Alabama, who is a strong fighter, al- When a minority group like African-Ameri- My answer, obviously, is no, because ways has been a strong fighter, and cans, who were denied a representative in the it would have been ridiculous to think now he comes to the floor of this House Florida delegation for 120 years before my that all of those years of history could to make sure that what happens in this election in 1992, are able to elect their can- have just been wiped out and we could whole redistricting arena is not some- didate to Congress, it makes our Government have created a color-blind society, a thing that catches people off guard. We more legitimate because it is more inclusive color-blind democracy in South Africa. want to make sure that folks are not and less prone to bias. I cannot understand It could not happen. asleep while this quiet counterrevolu- why the Supreme Court would want it any If the white minority in South Africa tion takes place. other way, yet their decisions up to now are was going to have any chance of having Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I was leading us precisely down that path. Because a fair shot at representation and hav- very interested in the historical analy- I have faith in the system and in the rule of ing its views reflected in that democ- sis that both Members gave dealing law, I remain hopeful that the Court see these racy, the only way it was going to hap- with the State of Florida as well as truths to be self-evident. pen was to set up a system that al- North Carolina. We also have a history Mr. WATT of North Carolina. The lowed them to have representation. in Alabama. I am the first African point is that there were funny things Yet, if we take that scenario and we American to represent African Ameri- going on in that time, and there are reverse the roles, our Supreme Court cans or anyone else in the State of Ala- funny things going on now; all designed essentially is suggesting that exactly bama in 117 years. to assure that the minority community what we would have rejected in South I, too, come, being the fourth from does not have representation in this Africa is what we should be doing in the State, the fourth African Amer- body. our democracy here in the United ican. But let me tell you about the sec- White I do not want to dwell on the States. ond and the third. They never served. historical context, I do think it is im- It is outrageous. It makes no sense in They were elected, but they never portant to get it into a historical con- terms of fairness. It makes no sense in served, because their elections were a text so that people understand that terms of the political and historical re- challenged, and that is a tragedy. But this is not something that we come to alities of the situation. it is all reflective of what our country complain about just because it is hap- So, I applaud the gentlewoman from has undergone during our short his- pening in 1990. This has been going on Texas, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON and tory. for well over a hundred years, and for the gentlewoman from Georgia, Ms. Unfortunately, there are those in the us, it has been going on in this country MCKINNEY and the gentlewoman from majority that believe in democracy but ever since we came to these shores. Florida, Ms. BROWN. I applaud all of do not believe in diversity. They will Ms. MCKINNEY. I think the gentle- these gentlewomen for doing this this use such terms as equality, such terms man’s point about the historical con- evening, and bringing this issue back as colorblind society to justify why text in which this whole drama that is into focus. Especially, since on Tues- there are not nor should not be Afri- not being played out must be viewed is day of this coming week, the Supreme can-Americans in Congress or in the very important. To reiterate, 21 times Court is, again, hearing oral arguments State houses or in city halls anywhere blacks had their elections challenged, in the North Carolina case and in the in this country. blacks in Congress had their elections Texas case. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of challenged. Right now, we are looking Our Nation and our people need to be Texas. Mr. Speaker, what is color- at challenges that have been filed or focused on this issue and why it is im- blind? Does that mean we are invisible? are planning to be filed in Virginia, portant to have every segment of our Mr. HILLIARD. I would think in the North Carolina, South Carolina legisla- society represented if we are to have an context that it is used by those who are tive districts, Georgia, Florida, Louisi- effective democracy in this country. against diversity, against African- ana, Texas, Mississippi, New York, and Ms. BROWN of Florida. Will the gen- Americans participating in the demo- Illinois. You are absolutely right, that tleman yield just for one moment be- cratic process in this country, it means this is not anything new. fore he leaves? Can the gentleman from invisible, yes. November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13801 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of this is our country, and we are going to in Texas were to preserve the incum- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- fight for this country, that this is the bents? tleman. greatest country in the world. But they Ms. MCKINNEY. The gentlewoman Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, that do not understand that, when you fol- from Texas, from Dallas, as well as the means that you do not participate. low the rules, get education and train- gentlewoman from Houston have both The point I was making is a very ing, that the opportunities are dif- endured constitutional challenges to simple point. Throughout history, ferent for you. their districts where the lower court those persons who have been in the ma- Mr. HILLIARD. And limited. found that their districts were uncon- jority always seek ways and vehicles to Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of stitutional. protect their majority status in every Texas. I believe strongly that I have Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of respect, if you look at any country. represented the district that I was Texas. The second time around. Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, pro- elected in as well or better than any Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, the tecting majority status, there is noth- previous elected official. I have an- district in Dallas was found unconsti- ing wrong with that. Our presence in swered mail. I have never referred to tutional, and the district in Houston, this body does not threaten the major- my constituents as ‘‘you people.’’ I more than ably represented by Con- ity status. have been responsive. I have not just gresswoman SHEILA JACKSON-LEE, was Mr. HILLIARD. Well, it does not sent form letters. I have researched the also found unconstitutional. threaten it from the standpoint, from issues. And I try very hard to come be- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, your standpoint. That is because I am fore them to listen. I have learned a lot I forgot to say that 20 years ago Bar- sure you believe in diversification. You by listening. bara Jordan represented this district, and that is really frightening because believe in participation by everyone. Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, my But protection of the majority status colleague has given representation all we are talking about regression here. to those persons that I have come in of the time whereas before it was rep- This is the district that was held by contact with and, as I say, I am from resentation some of the time. Barbara Jordan, one of the first fe- the South, means that everything has Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of males elected to Congress. Ms. MCKINNEY. Barbara Jordan’s to be the way of the majority, which Texas. Yes, the representation from my historic district has now been found means they do not appreciate diver- area and for me meant seeing my elect- unconstitutional. sity. And they are not interested in ed official once every couple of years at Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I districts if the districts produce Afri- some of the churches or buying a tick- thank the gentlewoman from Georgia can-American Representatives, or any et or a table to a church or the NAACP because we have spent many hours dis- minority Representatives. banquet. That was my representation. cussing our families and our sons. How Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have Ms. BROWN of Florida. You mean important it is for us to give encour- a 10-year-old son. My son accompanies your representation was not showing agement to young people, as my col- me on the floor of this House. Now, if up once a year at the festival? league from Texas has already men- my presence here threatens the major- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of tioned. I listened passionately, as oth- ity status, how do I explain that to my Texas. I can guarantee you, they ers were speaking passionately. I might son when he clearly looks around and showed up every other year and at the remind us, as this comes somewhat to says: ‘‘Well, mama, there ain’t enough churches. a close, of the words that the gen- of you. There ain’t very many women Ms. BROWN of Florida. I think rep- tleman from North Carolina [Mr. resentation, one of the things that the in this body. There ain’t very many Af- WATT] offered about the last African- rican-Americans in this body.’’ So research will have shown is that, when American preceding this era who what is threatened by my presence in African-Americans are elected, they served here in the House and who had this body? represent all of the people. When we to leave not of his own accord in 1901. Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, it is the fight for school lunch programs, I want I think it is important because, as the same type of threat that is pervasive every last one of our kids to eat all American people are watching, they throughout our society. Even if we over the country, really. are looking at two gentlewomen from look at affirmative action policies, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Florida, and the gentleman from Ala- which is very much akin to this issue Texas. When I look out for corporate bama, and the gentleman from North and to this argument. Set-asides, 5 per- opportunities, for research and devel- Carolina, and all of us look alike. And cent. It is a threat because it is not 100 opment, rarely are those large busi- they might wonder what is this issue. percent. They want 100 percent. So nesses owned by people that look like It is an issue of democracy. It is an they are against affirmative action. me. But I believe strongly that, when issue that would be as attractive and They are against set-asides. And we are we have a strong business community should be to our Hispanic brothers and only talking about 5 out of 100 percent. and lots of research to look out for the sisters, our white brothers and sisters, But that is 5 percent that is too much, future, that it is good for all of us. But our Asian brothers and sisters, because because they cannot have it also. That all of us then must have some oppor- it is a question of disenfranchising peo- is the type of threat that is in our soci- tunity in it. ple. And on December 5, 1995, we will ety. It has been here. We will fight the wars. We will help again be in the U.S. Supreme Court Ms. MCKINNEY. So those who have to do things. But when we are treated challenging some of the districts in 96 percent are not satisfied unless there as invisibles or unwanteds, then it does Texas and North Carolina. is 100 percent? not encourage my children or my Might I say something that I take Mr. HILLIARD. Absolutely. Unfortu- grandchildren to go to college, to go to great offense at, in fact I am appalled, nately, this is also the philosophy of training, to be well equipped, because and I might simply give just a very the highest court in our land and the they see parents are having a struggle small, small summary of that case. The Supreme Court. And it does not allow after they have done it. They do not petitioners in the Richards versus Vera for diversity in anything. know whether there will be an oppor- case, the Texas case in particular, I am going to yield, because my col- tunity. came to sue that whole redistricting league from Texas has been here pa- There is no understanding in my plan. They sued the whole State of tiently, and she has some things to say. community why the district that I rep- Texas. They said the whole plan was Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of resent is being attacked. Because, you wrong. But when it came down to a Texas. Let me express my appreciation see, it is less than 50 percent African- final solution, the only districts that for the sponorship of this hour. I will American, and we have districts in they held unconstitutional were the not dwell on the history of Texas be- Texas that are 88 and 90 percent Anglo, 29th, Hispanic district, the 30th in Dal- cause we all know it. But I want to but they are constitutional. I do not las, and, of course, the 18th, all of dwell on the present. understand that. Are they unconstitu- which were very much diverse, mine We have encouraged our children and tional because it happens to be a few being under 50 percent African-Amer- our grandchildren that this democracy more that the incumbents allowed me ican. But the court said that these dis- is worth dying for. We have said that to put in a district, because our efforts tricts were like racial apartheid. H 13802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995 I take great issue to describe demo- to grab something that does not belong the Voting Rights Act allowed us that cratically drawn districts that allow to us or grab something for our per- are now under attack because they people to select a person of their choos- sonal selves. What will happen is your have been so successful. ing as an ugly term compared to South constituents, those who you represent Ms. BROWN of Florida. In closing, Africa of racial Apartheid. To the at this point, will be denied the oppor- next week, when the Supreme Court American people, that is not true. It is tunity to select someone of their will hear the arguments in another re- something that you should not accept. choosing, and that person can be of any apportionment case, let me say that I It is simply the adding of diversity. array of individuals, but they have the have faith in the system, and I do be- Ms. MCKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I opportunity now, more than they have lieve that the Supreme Court can clear would like to point out what the gen- ever had before in history, to do so, but up what they have started in 1993 in tlewoman has referred to. The entire this body is also a republic. Shaw versus Reno and acknowledge map of Texas was challenged, and they Some people always hear the word what really drives districts. It is not picked over this district. Talking about ‘‘Republican’’ because it is in the ma- race; it is politics. It is politics, my the lower court, the three judge panel jority right now. A republic means that colleagues. It is politics. found this district here, which is 91 you have a representative body and Ms. MCKINNEY. I would just like to percent white, constitutional. They did that we are all not alike. Before the say in conclusion thank you to all of not find anything wrong with that dis- Voter Rights Act of 1965 they were all the Members of this body who have trict. They had to leap all the way to alike, and in fact until women got the come to me personally and, I am sure, Barbara Jordan’s district and say: Now, right to vote, they were all alike, and have come to each of the other Mem- no, we do not want people like Barbara it is since these laws have created op- bers who are on this floor right now to Jordan in Congress, so her district is portunities we have seen women com- express their concern about what is unconstitutional; but this district ing to the U.S. Congress, and we have happening in redistricting, and how right here withstands constitutional seen minorities, and particularly Afri- valuable our participation is and how scrutiny. can-Americans, Hispanics, and we have valuable the notion of diversity is to Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Until the Voting Asians coming into this body; that is a having policies produced that are Rights Act was in place, the Hon. Bar- republic. That is what we are saying to meaningful to the broad spectrum of bara Jordan would not have been in the the American people. the American electorate. U.S. Congress to represent all of the Why would the Constitution be se- f people and all Americans. lected to undermine the rights of citi- MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT Ms. MCKINNEY. The gentlewoman is zens to select someone of their choos- absolutely right. ing? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a I would like to conclude by saying Ms. MCKINNEY. The Supreme Court previous order of the House, the gen- that I know that there are people who has taken the bold step of declaring the tleman from Alabama [Mr. HILLIARD] is understand this issue, who are not district that I represent unconstitu- recognized for 5 minutes. asleep during the counterrevolution tional. I do not lose. The people of Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, this and who truly appreciate that there is America lose. And if each one of us is Friday marks the 40th anniversary of something wrong when a district like taken out of this body, what kind of re- the Montgomery bus boycott and the the Sixth District of Texas can be public, what kind of democracy, can creation of the Montgomery Improve- found constitutional, and the districts America claim? ment Association. This Friday marks that we all represent can be found un- Is it that the Congressman from Ala- the start of an American journey. In constitutional or can be challenged as bama wants to say some concluding my home State of Alabama, 40 years to whether or not they are constitu- words? ago, African-Americans said they were tional. Mr. HILLIARD. I just want to add sick and tired of being mistreated and b 1845 that it is important that we preserve humiliated; sick and tired of being American democracy, and in order to kicked by the brutal feet of oppression; I received a letter dated November 9 preserve democracy we must make sure and sick and tired of being denied ac- from Richard Hamilton from that all persons in this country are cess to full American citizenship. Fleetwood, PA, and he says, ‘‘I’m a represented, that all persons partici- This was the most significant boy- white northern conservative Repub- pate, and there is no other way of cott of the civil rights movement. On lican. You have gained my respect doing it. December 1, 1955, when Mrs. Rosa through this speech. I wish there was Thus through district representation Parks decided not to stand up and some way I could help you with your it is what our forefathers would have move to the rear of the bus, this was problem. To lose someone like yourself fought for if we had had districts at the day when African-Americans stood through this redistricting is a tragedy that time, but because of the fact up to injustice and moved to the fore- for your district.’’ things were so small, there were so few front of the struggle to outlaw dis- This comes from the pen of a con- Americans, there was not a need for it. crimination, segregation and the no- servative, a staunch pro-gun, pro-life, But things have changed. Our Con- tion of separate but equal. small-government, low-taxes conserv- stitution has changed, and it has For 13 months, African-Americans in ative: changed because it wanted to make Montgomery refused to ride the buses. Government needs people like yourself. sure that protections that were not They refused to accept an unjust sys- Your voting record, I’m sure, would be di- granted before to those persons who tem that demoralized and humiliated rectly opposite to my views. No matter. This were absent are now granted. them. is a democracy. Even though I may not agree with some of your views, I respect them. So we need to, along without our The strength and spirit of these cou- Having heard you, I would be compelled to forefathers, make sure that everything rageous citizens captured the con- vote for you. You are qualified in every is constitutional and everyone has an sciousness of the entire world. sense. I would be honored to have you rep- opportunity to participate. A lawsuit was subsequently filed resent me in Congress. Sounds crazy; doesn’t Ms. MCKINNEY. I have a piece of leg- challenging the constitutionality of it? islation which has been introduced, bus segregation. The United States Su- Mr. Speaker, it does not sound crazy House Resolution 2545, which proposes preme Court found that the Montgom- at all. Mr. Hamilton gets it. a solution to this problem. It gets us to ery AL statutes regarding the segrega- Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, if color blindness, it gets us to republican tion of passenger seating was in viola- the gentlewoman will yield for just a representative democracy, it gets us to tion of the Constitution of the United moment, we say the word ‘‘democ- the kind of participation that we all States. On December 21, 1956, 13 months racy.’’ And I applaud her for that letter want and value in this country. after the boycott began, African-Amer- because that is a commonsense Amer- In the next special order we will talk icans boarded Montgomery City Line ican, and that is why I think this about some solutions to this problem buses free to sit where they pleased. evening is important, so that individ- that do not rely on single-Member dis- Mr. Speaker, I have introduced a res- uals understand that we are not trying tricts which have been the tool that olution recognizing the Montgomery November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13803 bus boycott as the beginning of the (The following Members (at the re- 1725. A letter from the Chief of Staff, The American civil rights movement. It is quest of Mr. PALLONE) and to include White House, transmitting certification that proper and appropriate for the House of extraneous matter:) no person or persons with direct or indirect responsibility for administering the Execu- Representatives to commemorate this Mr. ACKERMAN. tive Office of the President’s Drug Free historical event and pay tribute to the Mr. HAMILTON in three instances. Workplace Plan are themselves subject to a courageous women and men who placed Mr. KLECZKA. program of individual random drug testing, themselves in harm’s way in the pur- (The following Members (at the re- pursuant to section 624 of Public Law 104–52; suit of justice, fairness, and equal quest of Mrs. FOWLER) and to include jointly, to the Committee on Appropriations treatment under the laws. extraneous matter:) and Government Reform and Oversight. I urge my colleagues to support and Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. f cosponsor the resolution. Mr. SCARBOROUGH. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON f (The following Members (at the re- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS quest of Mr. HILLIARD) and to include LEAVE OF ABSENCE Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of extraneous matter:) By unanimous consent, leave of ab- committees were delivered to the Clerk Mr. SOLOMON. sence was granted to: for printing and reference to the proper Mr. FLANAGAN. Mr. HEFNER (at the request of Mr. calendar, as follows: Mr. BORSKI. GEPHARDT), for today, on account of Mr. QUILLEN: Committee on Rules. House Mr. REED. medical reasons. Resolution 284. Resolution providing for con- Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. COSTELLO (at the request of Mr. sideration of the bill (H.R. 1788) to reform INK GEPHARDT), for today after 8 p.m. and Mrs. M of Hawaii. the statutes relating to Amtrak, to author- Thursday, November 30, 1995, on ac- Mr. RANGEL. ize appropriations for Amtrak, and for other Mr. DIXON. purposes (Rept. 104–370). Referred to the count of official business. House Calendar. f Mr. CONDIT. Mrs. MORELLA. f SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED Mr. MORAN. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. COX of California. By unanimous consent, permission to Under clause 5 of rule X and clause 4 Mrs. MEEK of Florida. address the House, following the legis- of rule XXII, public bills and resolu- Mr. BARCIA. lative program and any special orders tions were introduced and severally re- heretofore entered, was granted to: f ferred as follows: (The following Members (at the re- By Mr. BUNNING of Kentucky (for quest of Mr. PALLONE) to revise and ex- ADJOURNMENT himself, Mr. HASTERT, Mr. ARCHER, tend his remarks and include extra- Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I move Mr. JACOBS, Mr. SAM JOHNSON, Mr. neous material:) that the House do now adjourn. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. PORTMAN, Ms. JACKSON-LEE, for 5 minutes, The motion was agreed to; accord- Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. today. ingly (at 6 o’clock and 55 minutes CHRISTENSEN, Mr. LAUGHLIN, Mr. Mr. ABERCROMBIE, for 5 minutes, p.m.), the House adjourned until to- CRANE, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. SHAW, Mrs. today. morrow, Thursday, November 30, 1995, JOHNSON of Connecticut, Mr. HOUGH- Ms. DELAURO, for 5 minutes, today. at 10 a.m. TON, Mr. HERGER, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. Mrs. SCHROEDER, for 5 minutes, HANCOCK, Mr. CAMP, Mr. RAMSTAD, today. f Mr. ZIMMER, Mr. NUSSLE, Ms. DUNN of Washington, Mr. ENSIGN, Mr. MCCOL- Mr. PALLONE, for 5 minutes, today. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Mr. MILLER of California, for 5 min- LUM, Mr. MCINTOSH, Mr. KNOLLEN- ETC. utes, today. BERG, Mr. GOSS, Mrs. SMITH of Wash- Mr. DURBIN, for 5 minutes, today. Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, execu- ington, Mr. MCDADE, Mr. EMERSON, Ms. PELOSI, for 5 minutes, today. tive communications were taken from Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. BUNN of Or- Mr. SCHUMER, for 5 minutes, today. the Speaker’s table and referred as fol- egon, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. KOLBE, Mr. BALLENGER, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. SOLO- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, for 5 minutes, lows: today. MON, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. 1720. A letter from the Under Secretary of LATOURETTE, Mr. METCALF, Mr. CAL- Mrs. LOWEY, for 5 minutes, today. Defense, transmitting a report of a violation VERT, Mr. FUNDERBURK, Mr. LEWIS of Mr. DOGGETT, for 5 minutes, today. of the Anti-Deficiency Act which occurred Kentucky, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mrs. CLAYTON, for 5 minutes, today. when food was provided to all participants of Mr. GUNDERSON, Mr. BLUTE, Mr. (The following Members (at the re- Task Force 130, U.S. Army South [USARSO] MYERS of Indiana, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. quest of Mrs. FOWLER) to revise and ex- and charge against Developing Countries HEINEMAN, Mr. COBLE, Mr. FOLEY, Mr. tend his remarks and include extra- Combined Exercise Program [DCCEP] funds, BARTLETT of Maryland, Mrs. FOWLER, neous material:) pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); to the Commit- Mr. HANSEN, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. Mr. KIM, for 5 minutes, today. tee on Appropriations. BOEHNER, Mr. FIELDS of Texas, Mr. Mr. HORN, for 5 minutes, today. 1721. A letter from the Under Secretary of STEARNS, Mr. BEREUTER, Mr. BARTON Mr. SCARBOROUGH, for 5 minutes, Defense, transmitting a report of a violation of Texas, Mr. BLILEY, Mr. HAYWORTH, today. of the Anti-Deficiency Act totaling $45,488 in Mr. COOLEY, Mr. BASS, Mrs. KELLY, Mr. TIAHRT, for 5 minutes, today and the fiscal year 1989 Operation and Mainte- Mr. LARGENT, Mr. INGLIS of South on November 30. nance, Air Force appropriation, which oc- Carolina, Mr. EWING, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. curred in the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing at Mr. KINGSTON, for 5 minutes, today. SCHAEFER, Mr. TORKILDSEN, Mr. MIL- (The following Member (at his own Clark Air Base in the Republic of the Phil- LER of Florida, Mr. FOX, Mr. BOEH- ippines, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); to the request) to revise and extend his re- LERT, Mr. CLINGER, Mr. GREENWOOD, Committee on Appropriations. Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. STUMP, Mr. marks and include extraneous mate- 1722. A letter from the Under Secretary of JONES, Mr. FRISA, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. rial:) Defense, transmitting a report of four relat- NORWOOD, Mr. TALENT, Mr. WELDON Mr. OWENS, for 5 minutes, today. ed violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, pur- of Pennsylvania, Mr. EHRLICH, Mr. (The following Members (at their own suant to 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); to the Committee ROYCE, Mr. SALMON, Mrs. VUCANO- request) to revise and extend their re- on Appropriations. VICH, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. marks and include extraneous mate- 1723. A letter from the Chairman, Council DORNAN, Mr. HOSTETTLER, Mr. BUYER, rial:) of the District of Columbia, transmitting a Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. UPTON, Mrs. NORTON, for 5 minutes, today. copy of D.C. Act 11–150, ‘‘Budget Support and Mr. CLEMENT): Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi, for 5 min- Temporary Act of 1995,’’ pursuant to D.C. H.R. 2684. A bill to amend title II of the So- utes, today. Code, section 1–233(c)(1); to the Committee cial Security Act to provide for increases in on Government Reform and Oversight. the amounts of allowable earnings under the f 1724. A letter from the Chairman, Federal Social Security earnings limit for individ- EXTENSION OF REMARKS Election Commission, transmitting a correc- uals who have attained retirement age, and tion to the proposed regulations governing for other purposes; to the Committee on By unanimous consent, permission to communications disclaimer requirements (11 Ways and Means. revise and extend remarks was granted C.F.R. sections 110.11), pursuant to 2 U.S.C. By Mr. THOMAS (for himself and Mr. to: 438(d); to the Committee on House Oversight. BILIRAKIS): H 13804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 29, 1995

H.R. 2685. A bill to repeal the Medicare and wan of the Republic of China; to the Com- H.R. 2671: Mr. CRAMER, Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. Medicaid coverage data bank; to the Com- mittee on International Relations. MCKINNEY, Mrs. KENNELLY, Ms. MCCARTHY, mittee on Ways and Means, and in addition 179. Also, memorial of the Legislature of Ms. FURSE, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. DOYLE, Ms. to the Committee on Commerce, for a period the State of Alaska, relative to requesting WOOLSEY, and Mr. COBURN. to be subsequently determined by the Speak- the Congress to amend the Alaska National H. Con. Res. 50: Mr. BATEMAN. er, in each case for consideration of such pro- Interest Lands Conservation Act to clarify f visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the that the term ‘‘public lands’’ means only committee concerned. Federal land and water and that any exten- PETITIONS, ETC. By Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts (for sion of Federal jurisdiction onto adjacent Under clause 1 of rule XXII, petitions himself, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. BRYANT of land and water is expressly prohibited; to the and papers were laid on the Clerk’s Texas, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. SAWYER, Committee on Resources. desk and referred as follows: Mr. BROWN of Ohio, and Ms. KAPTUR): f H.R. 2686. A bill to provide for additional 48. The SPEAKER presented a petition of the city council of the city of Compton, CA, lobbying reform measures; to the Committee ADDITIONAL SPONSORS on the Judiciary. relative to urging the President and the Con- gress of the United States to abandon strict By Mr. MCCOLLUM (for himself, Mr. Under clause 4 of rule XXII, sponsors partisanship and conduct serious negotia- SCHUMER, Mr. COBLE, Mr. HEINEMAN, were added to public bills and resolu- tions on the Federal budget; to the Commit- Mr. BRYANT of Tennessee, and Ms. tions as follows: tee on the Budget. LOFGREN): H.R. 26: Mr. TORRICELLI. f H.R. 2687. A bill to amend the anti-car H.R. 104: Ms. DANNER. theft provisions of title 49, United States H.R. 497: Mr. TATE, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. AMENDMENTS Code to increase the utility of motor vehicle FRAZER, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. TIAHRT, Ms. WOOL- Under clause 6 of rule XXIII, pro- title information to State and Federal law SEY, and Mr. METCALF. enforcement officials and for other purposes; H.R. 528: Mr. SAXTON, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. posed amendments were submitted as to the Committee on the Judiciary. MYERS of Indiana, Mr. DOOLEY, Mr. TANNER, follows: By Mrs. MORELLA (for herself, Mr. Mr. WISE, and Mr. VENTO. H.R. 1788 FRAZER, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia and H.R. 572: Mr. TORRICELLI. OFFERED BY: MR. CLEMENT Mr. LIPINSKI): H.R. 580: Mr. KINGSTON. H.R. 2688. A bill to amend chapter 87 of AMENDMENT NO. 2: Page 36, after line 21, in- H.R. 852: Mr. PORTER. sert the following new section: title 5, United States Code, to provide that H.R. 972: Mr. BAESLER. SEC. 617. RAILROAD LOAN GUARANTEES. the reduction in additional optional life in- H.R. 1073: Mrs. LINCOLN and Mr. GONZALEZ. surance for Federal retirees shall not apply (a) DECLARATION OF POLICY.—Section 101(a) H.R. 1074: Mrs. LINCOLN and Mr. GONZALEZ. of the Railroad Revitalization and Regu- if the beneficiary is permanently disabled; to H.R. 1152: Mr. COLEMAN. the Committee on Government Reform and latory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 801(a)(4)) H.R. 1202: Mr. LEACH, Mr. FILNER, Mr. ACK- is amended to read as follows: Oversight. ERMAN, Mr. OLVER, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. By Mr. POSHARD: ‘‘(4) continuation of service on, or preser- WYDEN, and Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. vation of, light density lines that are nec- H.R. 2689. A bill to designate the U.S. H.R. 1305: Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. Courthouse located at 301 West Main Street essary to continued employment and com- FALEOMAVAEGA, and Ms. MCKINNEY. munity well-being throughout the United in Benton, IL, as the ‘‘James L. Foreman H.R. 1448: Mr. MCCOLLUM. United States Courthouse’’; to the Commit- States;’’. H.R. 1496: Mr. FILNER and Mr. DURBIN. (b) MAXIMUM RATE OF INTEREST.—Section tee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H.R. 1656: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. SCOTT, Mr. 511(f) of the Railroad Revitalization and Reg- By Mr. STEARNS: YATES, Ms. KAPTUR, Mrs. MEEK of Florida, ulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 831(f)) H.R. 2690. A bill to establish limitation Mr. LIPINSKI, and Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. is amended by striking ‘‘shall not exceed an with respect to the disclosure and use of ge- H.R. 1701: Mr. VENTO. annual percentage rate which the Secretary netic information, and for other purposes; to H.R. 1733: Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. CAMP, and determines to be reasonable, taking into the Committee on Commerce, and in addi- Mr. EHLERS. consideration the prevailing interest rates tion to the Committees on Government Re- H.R. 1818: Mr. MCCOLLUM. for similar obligations in the private mar- form and Oversight, and Economic and Edu- H.R. 1834: Mr. LIGHTFOOT, Mr. OXLEY, and ket.’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘shall not cational Opportunities, for a period to be Mr. SPENCE. exceed the annual percentage rate charged subsequently determined by the Speaker, in H.R. 1876: Mr. COSTELLO. equivalent to the cost of money to the each case for consideration of such provi- H.R. 1883: Mr. KINGSTON. United States.’’. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 1893: Mr. DELLUMS. (c) MINIMUM REPAYMENT PERIOD AND PRE- committee concerned. H.R. 1968: Mrs. MORELLA. PAYMENT PENALTIES.—Section 511(g)(2) of the By Ms. VELAZQUEZ: H.R. 1985: Mr. MARTINI, Mr. MCCOLLUM, and Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Re- H.R. 2691. A bill to amend the Public Mr. FOX. form Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 831(g)(2)) is Health Service Act to prohibit discrimina- H.R. 2009: Mr. CALVERT. amended to read as follows: tion regarding exposure to hazardous sub- H.R. 2144: Mr. BARCIA of Michigan. ‘‘(2) payment of the obligation is required stances; to the Committee on Commerce. H.R. 2205: Mr. POMEROY. by its terms to be made not less than 15 By Mr. CANADY: H.R. 2240: Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. years nor more than 25 years from the date H. Con. Res. 116. Concurrent resolution di- H.R. 2264: Mr. BORSKI. of its execution, with no penalty imposed for recting the Secretary of the Senate to make H.R. 2265: Mr. CLYBURN. prepayment after 5 years;’’. technical corrections in the enrollment of S. H.R. 2531: Mr. SAM JOHNSON, Mr. HORN, Mr. (d) DETERMINATION OF REPAYABILITY.—Sec- 1060; considered and agreed to. CRAPO, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. DORNAN, and Mr. tion 511(g)(5) of the Railroad Revitalization By Mr. HILLIARD: FOLEY. and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. H. Res. 285. Resolution to recognize and H.R. 2551: Mrs. MEEK of Florida, Mr. JA- 831(g)(5) is amended to read as follows: celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mont- COBS, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. DELLUMS, Mr. GON- ‘‘(5) either the loan can reasonably be re- gomery bus boycott; to the Committee on ZALEZ, Mr. SCOTT, Mr. MCDERMOTT, and Mr. paid by the applicant or the loan is Government Reform and Oversight. BERMAN. collaterallized at no more than the current By Ms. WOOLSEY (for herself, Mrs. H.R. 2557: Mr. WELLER, Mr. JOHNSON of value of assets being financed under this sec- LOWEY, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. LIPINSKI, South Dakota, Mr. MINGE, Mrs. MEYERS of tion to provide protection to the United Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. MILLER of Califor- Kansas, Mr. NETHERCUTT, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. States;’’. nia, Ms. NORTON, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. ROB- H.R. 1788 VENTO, and Mr. WYDEN): ERTS, and Mr. TIAHRT. OFFERED BY: MR. NADLER H. Res. 286. Resolution to limit the access H.R. 2566: Mr. DAVIS. of lobbyists to the Hall of the House; to the AMENDMENT NO. 3: Page 11, after line 11, in- H.R. 2602: Mr. MICA, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. sert the following new section: Committee on Rules. RIGGS, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mr. SEC. 209. TRACKAGE RIGHTS FOR FREIGHT f FALEOMAVAEGA, and Mr. NEY. TRANSPORTATION. H.R. 2622: Mr. DURBIN. Section 24904 of title 49, United States MEMORIALS H.R. 2664: Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. Code, is amended— Under clause 4 of rule XXII, memori- BURTON of Indiana, Mr. KIM, Mr. EHRLICH, (1) in subsection (a)— Mr. GILCHREST, Mr. YATES, Mr. BROWN of als were presented and referred as fol- (A) by striking ‘‘rail freight or’’ in para- California, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. BARR, Mr. graph (6); lows: LATOURETTE, Mr. STOCKMAN, Mr. QUILLEN, (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- 178. By the SPEAKER: Memorial of the Mr. TORKILDSEN, Mr. FRAZER, Mr. SKELTON, graph (7); House of Representatives of the State of Mr. COX, Mr. PARKER, Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. EV- (C) by striking the period at the end of Michigan, relative to establishing a sister- ERETT, Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska, and Mr. paragraph (8) and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘; state relationship with the Province of Tai- CHRISTENSEN. and’’; and November 29, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 13805 (D) by adding at the end the following new way and facilities acquired under the Re- stricting the ability of Amtrak to enter into paragraph: gional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 (45 such an agreement.’’; and ‘‘(9) consistent with safety and with prior- U.S.C. 701 et seq.) and the Railroad Revital- ity for intercity and commuter rail pas- ization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (2) in subsection (c)(1) and (3), by inserting senger transportation, make agreements for (45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), notwithstanding any ‘‘or (9)’’ after ‘‘subsection (a)(6)’’. rail freight transportation over rights-of- provision of law or contractual provision re-