February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1937 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

INTRODUCTION OF THE PRIVATE Mr. Speaker, we have scarcely had time to aluminum hard hat of the man who was in CONTRACTING CLARIFICATION understand the impact of the existing private charge of the design and construction of this ACT OF 1998 contracting provisions on the Medicare pro­ plant and partially responsible for its oper­ ation during the first four years-my father, gram. The Congressional Budget Office has Edward H. "Ted" Robinson. His most trusted HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN already stated that private contracting holds a and valued co-worker at that time, Arnold OF MARYLAND "serious potential for overbilling." Congress re­ Graham, still lives in Victoria, remembering IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cently created a commission to examine ways their efforts. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 to ensure the long-term financial stability of Ted Robinson went on to lead teams of en­ Medicare. To vastly expand the scope of this gineers who designed and built similar Union Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce provision on the basis of inaccurate claims Carbide plants in Puerto Rico, Scotland, Bel­ the Medicare Private Contracting Clarification about its effect on doctors is a grave mistake, gium, Brazil, Japan, and India. He is buried in an alpine glacier near the top of Mont Act of 1998. This legislation clarifies a provi­ especially during this crucial period in the his­ sion of the Balanced Budget Act which, for the Blanc on the border between France and tory of the program. Italy, which contains the remains of the Air first time, allows doctors to privately contract If we must pass legislation on the private with Medicare beneficiaries for services nor­ India Boeing 707 that crashed there on Janu­ contracting issue, let us focus our attention on ary 24, 1966. The cause of this crash is not mally covered by Medicare. My bill will make clarifying current law to assure seniors that known for certain. It is believed to have been clear that nothing in this provision prevents their Medicare coverage will be there for them the work of assassins that killed the Indian Medicare beneficiaries from privately paying when they need it. BBA allows doctors to pri­ physicist Bhaba, who was then head of the for services not covered by Medicare. This vately contract with Medicare beneficiaries, nuclear energy program of India and was has always been true for our seniors, and it also on the airplane. while preserving the balance billing limits, remains true under current law. The original plant at Seadrift produced Prior to passage of the Balanced Budget fraud and abuse controls, and patient protec­ primarily polyethylene. It now produces ad­ Act (BBA), federal law did not address the tions of the Medicare program. I would hope ditional products. This plant is a part of the issue of private contracting between Medicare our priority in Congress would be to preserve vast infrastructure of chemical plants, built beneficiaries and their doctors. The Kyl our commitment to our senior citizens and by the generation of Americans now in their 80s and the generations before them, that amendment to BBA explicitly allows doctors to their health care. Let's keep the Medicare pro­ gram in tact. supplies the chemicals upon which our tech­ reject Medicare and privately contract with nological civilization depends. Along with their patients for Medicare-covered services. the dams, bridges, foundries, mines, wells, For patients entering into private contracts, ACCESS TO ENERGY mills, factories, railroads, research labora­ this means that they will be unable to use ei­ tories, computers, and other technological ther their Medicare or Medigap coverage for installations that have been built by the their care. HON. RON PAUL past several generations of Americans, these However, BBA includes assurances that pri­ OF TEXAS plants form the technological superstructure vate contracting will not destroy the balance IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES upon which our science, technology, and eco­ billing limits and other patient protections of nomic freedom depend. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 The capital required to build these things the Medicare program. Most importantly, BBA Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, recently, a national was supplied by the savings of tens of mil­ bars physicians who choose to privately con­ lions of people, who set aside part of the tract from the Medicare program for two years. newsletter focusing on science, technology and energy policy highlighted the small town money they had earned and invested it in the This means that patients will know in advance free market in hopes of making a profit. It whether or not their Part B insurance is valid of Seadrift, Texas located in my District. was also built by the profits retained by the for a doctor's care. It means that Medicare pa­ While focusing on Seadrift this newsletter corporations themselves. Capital alone did tients can expect consistent and timely care article {Access to Energy) went on to make not, however, build the industries- people from a physician, regardless of the patient's important points regarding the contributions did. These people were led by unusual indi­ ability to pay out-of-pocket for a Medicare ben­ which science and technology have made to viduals whose love of science and technology freedom and industry and to the quality of life dominated their personal lives and drove efit under a private contract. In sum, seniors them and those around them to ever greater can rest assured that their Medicare coverage of people everywhere. Moreover, the article outlines how certain accomplishments. will be there for them when they need it. Archibald MacLeish told me many years Unfortunately, false claims are being made radicals would shut off technological benefits ago that the thing that impressed him most about BBA's private contracting provisions. in the name of protecting earth at the expense about human beings was their amazing abil­ Proponents of private contracting are seeking of the humans who live on this planet. I com­ ity to love-and he was not thinking of the to remove the two year exclusion period in mend this article to every Member and insert shallow phenomenon that dominates the BBA. In an effort to vastly expand doctors' it in the record as an extension hereof. lyrics in the cacophony of "pusic" (word in­ ability to engage in private contracting, they vented by a musician friend) which pollutes [From Access to Energy, February 1998) most of America's radio stations. claim that doctors will need private contracts SEADRIFT Each person has an enormous capacity to for all services, even those not covered by Near the Gulf of Mexico, on the road be­ love-in many different ways. In some indi­ Medicare. This is simply not true. Nothing in tween Houston and Corpus Christi, is the viduals, a part of this love is intensely di­ the Balanced Budget Act affects the ability of town of Victoria, Texas-one of the oldest rected toward science and technology. My fa­ seniors to privately pay doctors for services settlements in the western United States. ther, for example, was simply head-over­ that Medicare does not cover. Thirty-five miles southeast of Victoria, ris­ heels in love with chemical plants (and with Despite this fact, some groups continue to ing out of the mists that roll in from the my mother, but that is another story). He wage misinformation campaigns. My bill will Gulf near the town of Seadrift, is one of lived and breathed their design and construc­ put an end to this false rhetoric by clarifying America's great petrochemical plants, built tion. When not in use for food, our kitchen that no private contract is required for a serv­ by Union Carbide in 1954 and later expanded table was covered with blueprints. He had no several times. hobbies or avocations-the building of chem­ ice that Medicare does not cover. It will elimi­ I feel that I know this plant well, since I ical plants was his vocation and all of his nate the confusion surrounding this much-de­ have a large framed aerial photograph of it avocations combined. And, as a result of this bated issue, to assure seniors that their con­ on the wall beside me along with a matching all-consuming love, he built superb plants. tract with Medicare, a public contract, will con­ framed artist's drawing of the plant before it I have seen this sort of love in a few other tinue to be honored. was built. Under the artist's drawing is the individuals. Mrs. Merrifield, the wife of R.

e This "bullet" symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. 1938 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 Bruce Merrifield, who was the first man to ern California desert. It was created by acci­ candid revelations of this leader in the electric synthesize an enzyme, described her hus­ dent of man, and over the years it has be­ power industry. band's love affair with each of the 20 natu­ come an attractive, if unlikely, home and rest­ rally occurring amino acids-a love that en­ Contrary to what you've heard from sup­ abled him to link them together in ways ing area for migratory birds and many species porters of retail wheeling, this issue isn't never before accomplished. of fish. about rate cuts-because there's no guar­ Linus Pauling, regardless of the low state Now, nearly one hundred years after the antee on rates. In fact, they could go up for of his personal and professional ethics, was permanent Salton Sea was created, it is a pol­ many Ohioans. And, in any event, from a completely in love with the structures of luted mess, always increasingly salty, often global competitiveness standpoint, we al­ molecules. The incredible joy Linus felt as ready have electric rates that are lower than smelly and noxious, and most useful as a those of most industrialized countries in the he pursued three-dimensional, semi-quan­ sump for agricultural and municipal waste­ titative explanations for the structures of world. molecules and, later, for the structures of water, almost none of it treated. The birds and It's not about efficiency-we already have atomic nuclei was the greatest of all the sci­ fish that once thrived here are now threatened the most efficient and reliable system in the entists I have known. He was supremely every day with death and disease as the tons world. In fact, many of our energy-efficiency happy when calculating or describing the of salts and toxic contaminants that are con­ programs, especially for low income cus­ properties of chemical bonds. stantly dumped into the Salton Sea become tomers, could be lost under the new system. And it's not about fairness- because only a Scientists work largely alone or with a few more and more concentrated and deadly over other people. Those who build industries few, privileged customers and suppliers may work with large numbers of people. These time. Economic development of the area has profit from retail wheeling. And, it's likely prime builders, driven by their love for their been frustrated because of conditions in and to lead to many differences in prices, which work, are usually not the most well-liked, around the Salton Sea. today we 'd call discrimination. but they are often the most respected. It is Congressman Sonny Bono worked very Let's not be naive: This issue is all about their job to make our industrial world hard to bring national attention to the plight of money- and lots of it. There's a lot of money work-regardless of the personal foibles of the Salton Sea, and he will always and rightly Qn the table-not only for those who believe those whom they must direct in doing this be remembered for that effort. I agree that that retail wheeling will allow them to nego­ tiate more favored prices, but also for the work. Their personal love for their work is Congress should act quickly at the Salton the driving force that motivates them. speculators in futures, options, hedges and All of us are beneficiaries of science and Sea. We need to stabilize salinity and con­ derivatives. Wall Street and others are driv­ technology. We live lives that are much taminant levels to protect the dwindling fishery ing this issue not for the sake of free mar­ longer and are filled with seemingly endless resources and to reduce the threats to migra­ kets, but to gain access to profits. pleasures, experiences, and freedoms that tory birds, and we need to devise long-term After all, this change involves one of the would not be available without technology. solutions as well . . nation's largest, and most capital-intensive, Even the "warmers" who gathered in Kyoto I do not, however, believe that Congress industries-as well as thousands of people, to bemoan and attack the world's hydro­ should act in haste to authorize and construct just like members of Local 245, who work hard every day to deliver high-quality serv­ carbon technology dropped in by way of air­ an expensive project at the Salton Sea before planes belching demon carbon dioxide. ice to customers. Now, virtually all of our technology is we know what we are doing. The legislation Make no mistake about this point: For under serious attack. From our lumber introduced today is well-intentioned, but I be­ supporters of retail wheeling, it's all about mills, farms, and ranches to our dams, power lieve it could force Congress to make deci­ them getting more . .. and quite frankly, us plants, and factories, all are under assault. sions and spend taxpayer dollars before the getting less. And when I say us, I don't just Our enemies belong to a peculiar form of scientists and engineers have supplied us with mean utility employees. I'm also talking pagan religion. Petr Beckmann called it the the information we need to make good deci­ about senior citizens, small business owners, customers on low incomes, working fami­ "green religion." This is not a new religion. sions. I am particularly concerned that we pre­ The animal, plant, and earth worship ascend­ lies-including those headed by single par­ ant today (partially at the expense of ani­ serve the integrity of the National Environment ents ... in other words, the vast majority of mals, plants, and the earth, which are, on Policy Act, and that we do not hastily commit people who probably won't have suppliers balance, actually harmed by this mania) is to "solutions" at the Salton Sea that may limit competing for their business. fundamentally the same as that which arose our options for addressing other water and re­ Other key issues are reliability and con­ periodically among the ancients, as chron­ source management problems in Southern venience. Under the existing system, utili­ icled, for example, in the Old Testament. California and elsewhere in the Lower Colo­ ties are obligated to serve all customers-the This religion is now preached in our rado River Basin. The problems at the Salton unprofitable as well as the profitable. By ef­ schools, our press, and our political institu­ fectively eliminating the basic obligation, tions. It is, primarily, a religion of death. Sea are closely tied to many controversial the reserve margins generated by today's Technology, in the view of these zealots, has water quality and water management issues in power plants-as well as the thousands of committed a terrible sin. It has made pos­ southern California and elsewhere in the utility jobs associated with those margins­ sible the lives of billions of human beings­ Lower Colorado River Basin, and our solutions simply wouldn't exist. Why? Because under human beings whom they believe to be alive for the Salton Sea should properly be made in retail wheeling, generation that is held in re­ at the expense of worshiped plants and ani­ that broader context. serve to assure reliability would no longer be mals. (The fact that technology enhances the I sincerely appreciate the efforts that have mandated. No one would build expensive new lives of plants and animals is suppressed by been made by the Congressional Salton Sea power plants or maintain reserves or any the professional enviro religious agitators.) other inventories simply to assure reliable It is the moral obligation of every Amer­ Task Force and by the Salton Sea Authority, and adequate supply. ican-each living and benefiting from free­ and I look forward to consideration of this bill Rather than a service, electricity would dom and technology; each obligated to pass in the Resources Committee. become a market-drive commodity in which these blessings on to future generations; and price and profit are the only concerns. each entrusted with a vote in the fate of the Reliability is a serious issue in any deregu­ great American experiment- to stop this ON ELECTRIC DEREGULATION lated industry. But considering the essential mania. role electricity plays in every home and Seadrift and the tens of thousands of like business, unreliable electric service is a accomplishments must not be destroyed-at HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH much bigger problem than a busy signal or a least not without a terrible fight. OF OHIO canceled flight. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This is a complicated issue, because the Wednesday, February 25, 1998 electric business is far different from other SONNY BONO MEMORIAL SALTON industries that have been deregulated. At SEA RECLAMATION ACT Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to the same time, supporters of retail wheeling bring to the attention of my colleagues working are trying to mask the real impact of trans­ HON. GEORGE MILLER on and thinking about electric deregulation forming electric service into just another ("retail wheeling") the remarks of Anthony J. product for which there's no substitute- and, m~ CALIFORNIA Alexander, Executive Vice-President & Gen­ no other product or service just like it. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Remember, choice goes both ways-cus­ eral Counsel of Ohio Edison Company, which Wednesday, February 25, 1998 tomers can choose their suppliers, and sup­ he delivered to members of Local 245, Inter­ pliers can choose their customers. If law­ Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers makers decide that our industry must be de­ Salton Sea is a unique resource in the South- (IBEW). There is much to be learned from the regulated, then they should take the time to February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1939 do it right the first time-because the stakes grow even faster without inflation, with ben­ undiscussed, agenda. First, I am most con­ are too high to do otherwise. efits for wages, profits, and unemployment. cerned about the widening gap between rich SAVINGS and poor. We must do more to increase the Private savings, which are important to in­ skills of our workers and create more good­ THE ECONOMY vestment that increases productivity, are at paying jobs. Second, I worry about the long­ historic lows. Americans are currently sav­ term prospects for a balanced budget, par­ ings about half of what they need to sustain ticularly in the absence of serious reform to HON. LEE H. HAMILTON their current living standards and that could Medicare, Social Security, and other entitle­ OF INDIANA soon become everybody's problem. ment programs. Without such reform, the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES deficit will likely explode again when the TRADE baby boomers start to retire. Third, I think Wednesday, February 25, 1998 The U.S. trade deficit for goods and serv­ that we are not investing enough in our na­ ices reached $114 billion in 1997, the worst tion's children and their future. We need to Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to showing in nine years. Most attribute the insert my Washington Report for Wednesday, make sure that every child has a minimum widening deficit to a strong dollar and a good start, health care, nutrition and edu­ February 25, 1998 into the CONGRESSIONAL healthy U.S. economy, which absorbs more cational opportunities. RECORD. imports. Experts predict that the economic STATE OF THE ECONOMY crisis in Asia will increase our trade deficit this year. Last year the nation's economy gave its best performance in a generation. The econ­ Income inequality HONORING DR. EV A EVANS omy grew strongly and created jobs while in­ Between 1974 and 1994 families in the upper DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH flation declined. The gross domestic product 5% of income distribution enjoyed an aver­ grew 3.8%. Employment rose by 3.2 million. age annual gain in income of 1.2% while all The unemployment rate dropped below 5% others saw their incomes stagnate or shrink. HON. DEBBIE STABENOW for the first time in 24 years and inflation It appears that the lion's share of gains from OF MICHIGAN productivity is going to those with more averaged only 1. 7%, its lowest rate in dec­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ades. education and skills. We must continue to This remarkable economic performance oc­ push for high and rising living standards for Wednesday, February 25, 1998 curred while the federal budget deficit, all our people and ensure that the benefits of a higher standard of living are widely shared. Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, each year, which reached $290 billion in 1992, declined to during the month of February, our nation only $22 billion in 1997. The deficit is ex­ ECONOMIC OUTLOOK comes together to celebrate the history arid pected to approach zero this fiscal year. By Most of the experts think that the Amer­ most measures the economy is exceptionally ican economy will continue to expand culture of the African American community. healthy. In the past, such strong growth, through 1998 although the pace of growth During Black History Month, it is my honor coming at a time when the nation's unem­ will be slower than in 1997 due to the Asian to acknowledge an outstanding American, Dr. ployment rate was falling below 5%, would financial turmoil and the prospect of tighter Eva Evans, and her leadership. have caused inflation to worsen, but in 1997 labor markets. If the current expansion con­ Beginning as a child in the Detroit Public the opposite occurred. tinues through this year, it will have lasted Schools, Dr. Evans has always shown a com­ The prospects for continued growth with more than 7 years, the longest period of non­ low unemployment and low inflation remain mitment to education. After receiving her stop economic growth since the 1960s. That Ph.D. in Administration and Higher Education very good for this year. Economists find the record will be surpassed if the current expan­ U.S. economy free of many of the symptoms sion extends into January 2000. at Michigan State University, Dr. Evans joined that often presage an economic downturn, Economists point to a number of factors the Lansing public school system, where she such as an increase in inflation or a large ac­ that could derail the good times. Some worked her way from an elementary school cumulation of inventories or evidence of fi­ worry about higher inflation as job markets teacher to Lansing's highly respected Deputy nancial imbalance. continue to tighten. Others fret about the Superintendent for Instruction. REASONS FOR SUCCESS threat of sharply declining prices, particu­ Along with her professional commitment to There are many reasons for the strong larly if Asian countries try to grow out of Lansing, Dr. Evans is deeply involved in the their financial difficulties by flooding our economy. Deficit reduction has reduced gov­ community. With a roster of community serv­ ernment spending relative to overall growth, markets with cheap imports rather than boosting internal consumption. The danger ice activities too long to list, she has served and strong U.S. exports have also provided a virtually every avenue on both the state and boost. Most of the credit for the economy's is that declining prices might trigger lower performance has to go to American workers incomes, leaving many Americans without local level, from Chairperson of the Capital and companies. They have met challenges of enough money to pay off their debts. Still Area United Way Board of Directors, to Board a competitive global economy and rapidly other economists play out different sce­ of Directors of the Mid-Michigan America Red changing technology. narios: a consumer debt crisis; a sharp de­ Cross, to Corporate Board of Directors of the The role of the government has not been to cline in stock prices or a punishing trade def­ United Negro College Fund. icit; higher unemployment; and shrinking stimulate the economy, but rather to try to Currently, Dr. Evans is International Presi­ provide individuals and businesses with the corporate profits, with the attendant cost­ cutting and layoffs. dent of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, serving tools they need to flourish through their own our nation's oldest Black Sorority, and con­ efforts. Sound economic policies have pro­ Economists are fond of pointing out that moted private investment, and the govern­ every expansion contains the seeds of its own tinuing a tradition that has initiated more than ment has tried to encourage the formation of demise: Investors get too enthusiastic and 180,000 college educated African-American skills through training and education and to pay too much for stocks or real estate. Busi­ women since its founding in 1908. empower marginalized members of our soci­ nesses flush with profits and new orders in­ Black history month is a special time of year ety to join the work force. vest too much in new plants or build up too much inventory. Banks take on riskier to recognize contribution and achievement, but FUTURE CHALLENGES loans. Over-confident consumers take on too also to recognize the importance of history. Of course challenges remain, particularly much debt. Prices and interest rates rise, Dr. Evans's work has made a real difference in the areas of productivity, savings, trade, shortages develop. And there is always the within the many communities of Michigan and and income inequality. possibility of some large unforeseen event, literally, around the world. Her achievements · PRODUCTIVITY such as the oil shocks of the 1970s, that have become a part of our history and her Productivity, the measure of economic causes a big change in the price or supply of service to her state and country is unparal­ output per worker, is the key to rising living key commodities. In short, things happen leled. standards. Productivity growth, which has during expansions that make them end, but of course, nobody can predict when. Though Dr. Evans has already been pre­ averaged a bit more than 1% in the 1990s, ls sented with many awards, such as the Diana UNFINISHED AGENDA less than half of the pace of the '50s and '60s. Award for Outstanding Leadership in Edu­ The situation, however, may be improving. Americans can take pride in our economic The most recent data show productivity record of the last decade. We have the cation, and NAACP's Educator of the Year growing about 2% for the past two years, strongest, most successful economy in the Award, I am proud to include Dr. Evans' great twice the rate of the past two decades; man­ world, and have become the model for other accomplishments in the 1998 CONGRESSIONAL ufacturing productivity is even higher. If countries. Nonetheless, I worry about our RECORD during this important month. Dr. sustained, that will allow the economy to country's unfinished, and largely Evans is a role model for us all. 1940 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 A SUCCESS STORY: ROBERT To illuminate the impact of this innova­ Trust and belief in the " veterans helping SNIFFEN AND THE SAN DIEGO tive program, one just needs to look at the veterans" all volunteer aspect of all Vet Cen­ VETERANS SERVICES CENTER following statistics: ter programs are also vital components of The San Diego Department of Veterans Af­ this One-Of-A-Kind-advocacy outreach ef­ fairs Regional Office serves Imperial, River­ fort. HON. BOB FILNER side, and San Diego Counties in regards to If there is another volunteer, local non­ OF CALIFORNIA processing VA claims entitlement applica­ profit effort as wildly successful as the VFW/ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions. This region provides 12,831 disabled SDVS Claims Service we have yet to hear veterans with monthly compensation and about it. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 pension benefit checks. We are so very proud of these contribu­ Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I Of that number, 315 North County vets and tions of "new disposible" income to our vets rise today to recognize the work of Robert their families now receive such entitlements which has vastly enhanced the quality of life Sniffen, Chairman of the Board of the San as a direct of the Veterans Service Center of for them and their families. Such efforts North County's VFW/SDVS Claims. Since benefit our vets, our local businesses, and Diego Veterans Services Center in Escondido, February 21 , 1996 through November 30, 1997, the community at large. California. Mr. Sniffen was recently awarded this singular outreach program has inter­ These glaring, indisputable, " bottom line" the KGTV Channel 1O Leadership Award for viewed and counseled 1817 veterans, spouses, numbers touted by the VFW/SDVS Claims his volunteer service which has made a signifi­ widows and survivors to determine potential Service has been faithfully assembled by the cant impact on the San Diego County commu­ eligibility for benefit entitlements. These Number Two man responsible for all VFW nity. outstanding results were achieved in just 179 Claims Offices throughout the State of Cali­ In his acceptance remarks, Sniffen said: working days. As a result of the VFW/SDVS fornia, Art Rodrigues, LL.B.J .D., the Deputy I am deeply humbled and greatly honored project, 567 vets have filed their VA claims Director of the California VFW Service De­ and 315 vets and their families have already partment. Mr. Rodrigues has single handedly to receive this significant award. I do so in been granted back pay and monthly entitle­ the name of the scores of volunteers and produced each claim award and has kept hundreds of our supporters. I accept this ment awards now topping $3 million. such numbers during his 22 years of service award in the name of the San Diego Veterans That $3 million improved the quality of at the San Diego Mission Valley VA Re­ Services Center Board of Directors, as well life for vets families, homeless vets, sur­ gional office as the VFW's National Service as our Advisory Board Members, that have viving children of deceased vets, the totally Officer. made the success of the Veterans Service and permanently disabled vets, and those The Veterans of Foreign Wars on the local, vets with partial disabilities that impact state, and national level have recognized the Center a reality. Our whole purpose for exist­ their lifetime earnings capabilities. ence is to be here in any way possible for VFW/SDVS Claims Service as a unique and Veterans and their families in a dozen or effective project worthy of replication. The this most noble and worthy cause, on behalf more Northern San Diego County Cities are of all veterans of all eras throughout. San VFW recognizes that this effective new Diego County. now enjoying "new found" disposable income method of dispensing claims SeI'.vices, be­ that is rightfully due. cause of cutbacks of VA personnel and budg­ One way in which the Veterans Service When one considers the round trip distance et constraints, will result in less services at Center is there for veterans is demonstrated in of a 50 mile plus trip to VA facilities from VA regional offices. Outreach, one-stop-cen­ the following statement by Mr. Sniffen. His Escondido, it simply makes common sense ter efforts will eventually replace central statement describes the collaboration of the that certain subsets of our veterans are pre­ government services across the nation. All Service Center with the San Diego Veterans cluded from taking this " Magical mystery" g·overnment services, will, in coming dec­ of Foreign Wars (VFW) in order to provide the tour to VA facilities. ades, eminate from one-stop, outreach com­ This would include an assortment of every munity centers. This was made clear by the VFW-SDVS Claims Service for veterans. I disability for a large number of "graying" 1997 VFW National Commander In Chief, would like to submit Mr. Sniffen's statement senior vets suffering from cataracts to hip James Neirs in his visitation to the Vets into the RECORD. replacements, as well as younger vets, dis­ Center in early 1997 when he labeled the In February 1996 The San Diego Veterans abled as a result of their military experi­ VFW/SDVS partnerships as a " Model For of Foreign Wars Service Office joined forces ence. Others simply are age-affected with The Nation." with the local non profit veterans group, San fe ar of such a long trip. Following are a few The VFW/SDVS partnership continues Diego Veterans Services, to create the VFW/ other factors that prevent many veterans unabated! While Art Rodrigues has retired as SDVS Claims Service. from filing their VA claims at any place else, a VFW Department Service Officer, he re­ Then Department Service Officer Art other than the Vets Center: mains on the job in his capacity as the Dep­ Rodrig·ues LLB- J.D. had long believed that Homeless vets without bus fare, and a 2 or uty Director of the California VFW Service VA Claims outreach to veterans in the North 3 hour journey by bus if bus fare is provided. Department. As a volunteer three days a part of San Diego County was a concept long The on-going distrust of government week, Art continues to do wonderful work on over due. Current demographics indicated among some veterans. These Vets find it behalf of the VFW and on behalf of the vet­ that some 150,000 of the county's 371 ,000 vet­ emotionally harming having to deal with the erans he serves. erans resided in the numerous cities north of government. This skepticism is only some­ "There is no question that the VFW/SDVS San Diego. Because of military downsizing, times justifiable but is real to the veteran. Claims Service is a smashing success. In my many discharges from Camp Pendleton, the Veterans who must be convinced they are twenty two years as a DSO for the VFW I Marine Corps largest base, have now settled not "unworthy" of government assistance or have not seen anything that compares to in North County. large numbers of vets who feel that " their this efforts record of success. It is my hope The experimental partnership forged by buddies" deserve it and need it more than that my counterpart s in all veterans organi­ Art Rodrigues and Robert Sniffen, Chairman they do. zation throughout California and the nation of San Diego Veterans Services, is now a Unemployed Veterans and underemployed will take a close look at our collaborative major unprecedented success beyond any­ vets who are busy with 2-3 menial jobs and outreach project and seek the replicate such one's wildest expectations! For the imme­ cannot afford the necessary cost of gas if an effort in their area". stated Rodrigues. diate past quarter (Oct , Nov, and Dec. 1997), they have a car. The team of Rodrigues and Sniffen, rep­ 73 veterans received VA claims awards total­ Widows of deceased veterans who for simi­ resenting the good works of the VFW and ing $646,979. This quarterly monetary awards lar reasons cannot navigate their way to the SDVS, are not done yet with their outreach total was achieved in only 30 working days. regional VA office. master plan. The 1997 VFW National Conven­ Also during this quarter, 274 vets were coun­ Those veterans who come to the center for tion allocated a one year $5,000.00 grant to seled and interviewed with another 80 " new" other " needs" . These vets had no intention the state VFW which is intended for in­ claims filed. to file or were unaware of their rights to file creased outreach efforts in North San Diego The SDVS, Veterans Service Center of for entitlement benefits. All new Center Cli­ County. North County, the home of the VFW/SDVS ents are automatically funneled into " VFW/ " It has always been our intention to open Claims Service, has become a magnet for SDVS Claims Service" office. another VFW/SDVS claims office in Ocean­ those wishing to file or refile VA Claims Vets who are referred to the VFW/SDVS side, California to handle the ever-increasing without a major journey to VA Regional fa­ Claims Service by '·Wildfire" word of mouth numbers of military discharges from Camp cilities. from fellow vets whose claims were success­ Pendleton, many of whom chose to remain in Now as the word of success of this one-of­ fully resolved. the beautiful North County's cities where a-kind, claims project spreads, some 10-12 Vets who might have filed ages ago, were they have put down roots" according to veterans a day are interviewed and counseled initially turned down and/or abandoned their Rodrigues and Sniffen. as to their potential VA claims benefits and claim in the appeal process, out of frustra­ While awaiting action from the VFW State rights. tion, moving, or a variety of other reasons. level, one thing is certain, Veterans in the February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1941 Northern environs of San Diego County are a de facto national identification number, nating information and, increasingly, a way receiving more VA entitlement awards than which would provide the federal government to conduct business. ever imagined or would ever have received if the ability to track all citizens from cradle to Congress is struggling to define what role government should play in the Internet. The not for the existence of this unique and one grave. The drafters of the Constitution would of the most, if not the most successful, out­ Internet is a wide-open forum with few rules reach projects in the nation. be horrified if they knew that the federal gov­ and regulations. It is not owned by anyone, Indeed, the VFW/SDVS Claims Service is A ernment would have the ability to set up a uni­ and it is not confined by geographical bor­ Model for the Nation. versal identifier and every newborn baby had ders. This very openness is the great to be assigned a number by the federal gov­ strength of the Internet, fac111tating the free ernment. I therefore urge my colleagues to exchange of information and ideas around INTRODUCING THE PRIVACY protect America's freedom by cosponsoring the world. It is also a source of concern. For PROTECTION ACT the Privacy Protection Act of 1998. example, some of the most profitable web sites on the Internet are devoted to gambling and pornography. Some in Congress have HON. RON PAUL urged aggressive regulation of the Internet, OF TEXAS IN HONOR OF ROCKY RIVER while others have urged minimal govern­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BASKETBALL COURTS ment involvement. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH The Internet has had a dramatic effect on Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to intro­ OF OHIO how the average citizen interacts with the duce the Privacy Protection Act of 1998, which IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES federal government. First, individuals now forbids the use of the Social Security number have greater access to information about for any purpose not directly related to the ad­ Wednesday, February 25, 1998 government. Federal agencies have web sites ministration of the Social Security system. The Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to which usually describe key programs and ini­ Social Security number was created solely for recognize Mike Mclaren and the players at tiatives and help citizens get answers to use in administering the Social Security sys­ the Rocky River courts in Rocky River, Ohio. commonly asked questions, such as how to tem . However, today the Social Security num­ apply for a job or how to get benefits. Sec­ Chris Ballard, the author of Hoops Nation, ond, the Internet has made it easier for citi­ ber is used as an identifier for numerous fed­ recently toured the country looking for the best zens to communicate with their elected rep­ eral programs. Unless the use of the Social basketball courts and pickup games around. I resentatives. About 4000 people have con­ Security number is restricted, it will soon be­ am pleased to announce that Ballard features tacted my web site in the last year, and come a national identification number by the Rocky River Courts in Rocky River, Ohio many constituents now send e-mail messages which the federal government can easily keep among America's top five basketball courts. to my office. Third, the Internet provides a track of all vital information regarding Amer­ NBA greats Danny Ferry and John Amaechi wide-range of fora for citizens to debate and ican citizens. must agree since they play there regularly. discuss political issues, from 3-mails and Anyone who doubts that we are well on the chat rooms to ideologically-oriented web The following is Ballard's description of the sites. way to using the Social Security number as an Rocky River Courts: The Internet has also revolutionized media universal identifier need only consult 1996's Take well-organized yuppie ball out of the coverage of Washington. When I first came welfare reform bill, which forces business to health clubs, dump it on a court in a wealthy to Congress in the mid-1960s, most Ameri­ report the Social Security number of every suburb of Cleveland, and you've got Rocky cans got their news on current events from new employee to the federal government so it River, a magnet for Ohio's most talented gym the morning paper and the evening news. may be recorded in a national data base. rats. Mike Mclaren, a local hoops junkie, has Today, media coverage is almost non-stop, Another example of the abuse of the Social been organizing the games for 20 years, set­ and the Internet has contributed to this Security number is a provision in tax law re­ trend. For example, the Monica Lewinsky ting up teams and court rotations and keeping story first broke on a web site, and several quiring a spouse paying alimony furnish the the slug tests to a minimum. Until City Hall news outlets have provided round-the-clock IRS with the Social Security number of the runs the players out of town, as it's been reporting on the scandal from their web spouse receiving alimony. threatening to do for years, McLaren's legions sites. Some would say the Internet is feeding There are not isolated incidents; in fact, will be playing in fair and foul weather. the public's appetite for information. Others since the creation of the Social Security num­ would argue that it has lowered media stand­ ber in 1934 there have been almost 40 con­ ards, opening the floodgates to unrestrained gressionally-authorized uses of the Social Se­ CONGRESS AND THE INTERNET speculation. curity number as an identification number for AREAS OF POSSIBLE REGULATION non-Social Security programs! Abuse of the HON. LEE H. HAMILTON Congress will focus its legislative efforts Social Security system also occurs at the state on the Internet in four basic areas. First, it OF INDIANA level. Mr. Speaker, in many states. One can­ will consider various consumer protection not get a driver's license, apply for a job, or IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bills, including measures to restrict junk e­ even receive a birth certificate for one's child, Wednesday, February 25, 1998 mail, protect the privacy of personal infor­ mation in government databases, and, most without presenting their Social Security num­ Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to importantly, limit pornography and gam­ ber to a government official, and just X weeks insert my Washington Report for Wednesday, bling on the Internet. Congress passed legis­ ago 21 O of my colleagues voted to allow February 18, 1998 into the CONGRESSIONAL lation in 1996 making it a crime to know­ States to require citizens to show their Social RECORD. ingly send or display indecent material over Security number in order to vote. Since the the Internet, but the Supreme Court invali­ Social Security number is part of a federal CONGRESS AND THE INTERNET dated the law on free speech gTounds. Sup­ program created by Congress, it is Congress' The Internet is transforming American so­ porters say restrictions are necessary to responsibility to ensure it is not used to violate ciety. It is having a profound effect on our limit access by minors to such materials. Op­ government institutions and our economy ponents respond that parents, not the gov­ the privacy of America's citizens. and how we communicate with each other ernment, should control what their children Perhaps the most disturbing abuses of the and with the rest of the world. About 40 mil­ see, that most Internet providers, such as Social Security number is the Congressionally­ lion people used the Internet in 1996, and America Online and Prodigy, already give authorized rule forcing parents to get a Social that number is expected to rise to about 200 parents and schools the tools to screen out Security number for their newborn children in million by 1999. offensive materials, and that regulating por­ order to claim them as a dependent. Mr. The Internet is a global network of com­ nography will be difficult because U.S. laws Speaker, forcing parents to register their new­ puters linked by phone and cable lines. It don't reach web sites established overseas. born children with the state is more like some­ began in 1969 as a Defense Department initia­ We want to protect children from inappro­ tive to link a handful of universities, re­ priate material, but we also want to protect thing out of the nightmare of George Orwell search laboratories and military bases, and the exploding commercial potential of the than the dreams of a free Republic that in­ has now become ubiquitous. Individuals can Internet. spired the nation's founders. access the Internet from personal computers Second, Congress will debate measures re­ Unless the abuses of the Social Security at home or at work, at schools or in the li­ lating to taxation of Internet commerce. One number is stopped, Americans will soon have brary. The Internet is a means of dissemi- recent study estimated that the value of 1942 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 goods and services traded over the Internet ony with a gun should plan on spending the sion of National Annual TRIO Day. I am proud will grow from $8 billion in 1997 to $327 bil­ next few decades behind bars-no exceptions. to work on behalf of TRIO not only for Chi­ lion in 2002. Those figures do not include con­ I am elated that the Leadership has adopted cago State University students, but all dis­ sumers who are increasingly shopping on the the basis of my bill and incorporated it into this advantaged students in our nation so they Internet as they become more comfortable with the technology and more aware of the legislation before us today. By adding stiffer might fulfill their goals for higher education protections against credit card fraud. Many penalties for crimes committed with guns, we'll and lifelong learning. state and local governments, concerned be able to keep those who prey upon our soci­ about the shift of commerce to the Internet, ety behind bars where they belong. want to impose taxes on Internet trans­ Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this very im­ REPRESENTATIVE MEEK HONORS actions. The challenge is determining which portant piece of legislation, as it will make our RED MUMFORD, WESTSIDE jurisdiction should levy the taxes, or wheth­ homes and neighborhoods safer places to live. PROPERTY OWNERS' COMMUNITY er state and local governments should be al­ ACTIVIST lowed to tax Internet commerce at all. Third, Congress will consider bills involv­ SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO CHICAGO HON. CARRIE P. MEEK ing the export of encryption, which is data STATE UNIVERSITY ON NA- OF FLORIDA scrambling technology used to prevent unau­ TIONAL TRIO DAY 1998 thorized access to electronic data on the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Internet. Encryption, for example, may be HON. BOBBY L. RUSH Wednesday, February 25, 1998 used to secure credit card purchases over the Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Internet, or to restrict access to certain gov­ OF ILLINOIS Thursday, February 19, 1998, the North Miami ernment web sites. The encryption issue is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Westside Property Owners' Association recog­ very contentious. Bills have been introduced Wednesday, February 25, 1998 to ease restrictions on the export of nized the contributions made to the community encryption products so that U.S. manufac­ Mr. RUSH . Mr. Speaker, Saturday, February by Mr. Red Mumford, a resident of my district. turers are on a level playing field with their 28, 1998, Chicago State University, a premier I rise today to add my praises and bring to the overseas competitors. The White House, how­ institution of higher learning in the First Con­ attention of my colleagues the outstanding ex­ ever, has opposed relaxing export controls gressional District, will be celebrating its an­ amples of his community activism. because of concerns that widespread use of nual TRIO Day. Congress established TRIO With his signature crown of auburn hair, sophisticated encryption will hamper law en­ as a federally funded educational program in Red , as his friends know him, has lived in the forcement and intelligence gathering. City of North Miami for 29 years. Most re­ Fourth, Congress is reviewing the issue of 1965 to serve disadvantaged first generation trademark protection. Currently, the gov­ college students. This day recognizes the cently, he has served as president of the ernment has contracted with a private enti­ needs of disadvantaged youth and adults as­ Westside Property Owners' Association, tack­ ty to· assign web site names. Problems arise piring to improve their lives. TRIO Day also re­ ling neighborhood problems like the Pepper when entrepreneurs grab an address that is minds us of the federal investment that we Park Rock Pit and the noise caused by area clearly identified with a well-known brand must continue to make to ensure that these in­ adult entertainment clubs. His eagle eye has name or even with a governmental entity. dividuals fulfill their potential and develop as kept watch over the city council and he has Some argue the federal government should productive members of our communities and led the charge on countless issues of impor­ plan an enhanced role in resolving trade­ tance. mark disputes, while others favor referring of our country. TRIO programs have proven effective in Personally, Red has enjoyed continued sup­ such disputes to an international organiza­ port from his wife, Joyce, who is a community tion because the Internet transcends na­ helping low-income students to succeed in tional boundaries. higher education. The activities that TRIO pro­ activist of her own merit. They are never far apart, even when Red is playing his saxo­ CONCLUSION motes create real opportunities and address phone with his own jazz band. The federal government has a legitimate the "invisible" barriers of class, race, and cul­ ture. TRIO helps students to overcome those What speaks loudest about the man, how­ role to play in Internet governance, particu­ ever, are those actions which go largely unno­ larly where interstate commerce, trade and academic and social barriers that may pose law enforcement are involved. I do believe, difficulties for them in a formal educational set­ ticed by the general public. Though his chil­ however, that Congress should proceed with ting. dren have grown, Red continues to act as a caution as it debates measures to regulate TRIO programs truly work. Funding for positive role model for the kids in his neigh­ the Internet. I favor a minimum of regula­ TRIO supports a range of pro-active interven­ borhood. He set up a trampoline in his yard tion, but there are some things, like child tions to assist students. These include Upward and a basketball net in his driveway. He even molesters who get information from the Bound, Student Support Services, Talent allows the kids to swim in the family pool. In Internet, that simply cannot be ignored. The a world where neighbors continually grow Internet is a powerful, global technology Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate more distant, Red goes out of his way to pro­ which is changing our society in ways we vide constructive activities for those children don't fully understand, and raising complex Achievement program. TRIO helps students in legal and policy issues we have rarely, if the following areas: choosing a college; tutor­ fortunate to live in his area. Never once has ever, confronted. My sense is that Members ing; personal and financial counseling; career he asked for anything in return. I am proud to have a man of the stature of of Congress should probably spend more time counseling; workplace and college visits; as­ Red Mumford living in my congressional dis­ trying to learn about the complex and tech­ sistance in obtaining financial aid ; and aca­ trict. His years of hard work have not gone un­ nical issues surrounding the Internet before demic assistance in high school or assistance trying to regulate it. noticed by his friends and family. I wish him to re-enter high school and college. Congress can see the positive outcomes continued success in all his endeavors. from TRIO programs. An estimated two million INCREASED MANDATORY MINIMUM students have graduated college with TRIO TRIBUTE TO CAPT. JOHN HOGAN SENTENCES FOR CRIMINALS support. Additionally, TRIO has helped to re­ POSSESSING FIREARMS ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE duce defaults in the federal student loan pro­ POSITION OF CHIEF COUNSEL OF gram by helping low-income Americans to un­ SPEECH OF THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COM­ derstand their financial aid obligations and to MITTEE HON. JON CHRISTENSEN avoid institutions that may promise more than OF NEBRASKA they can deliver. HON. ROBERT SMITH I salute Chicago State University's tireless IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF OREGON efforts to open its doors to TRIO-eligible stu­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 24, 1998 dents. Their ongoing partnership with local Mr. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise schools, businesses, and other community Wednesday, February 25, 1998 today in strong support of H.R. 424. based organizations ensures that TRIO funds Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise to In the 104th Congress, I introduced the will impact students of diverse backgrounds. pay tribute to a man whose love for his coun­ Hard Time for Gun Crimes Act of 1996, which Mr. Speaker, I ask that this body join me in try and its farmers stands as a far greater tes­ made it clear that anyone who commits a fel- saluting Chicago State University on the occa- tament to his character than mere words ever February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1943 could. John Hogan, Captain, United States [From the Christian Science Monitor, Feb. Fourth, we should ratify an Anti-Personnel Naval Reserve, retired from the position of 23, 1998] Landmine Protocol. Landmines have pro­ Chief Counsel to the House Committee on Ag­ LET 1998 BE THE YEAR OF ARMS CONTROL duced carnage from Angola to Bosnia, from riculture on January 31, 1998. His retirement (By Joseph R. Biden, Jr.) Afghanistan to Cambodia. The Ottawa Con­ vention banning these mines is controver­ marks a great loss to this Committee, which An increasingly chaotic world demands US sial. As an alternative, the Senate can and will surely miss his unrivaled knowledge of leadership across a wide front. From NATO should approve the amended landmine pro­ America's agricultural laws and policies. enlargement to Bosnia to Iraq to the Asian tocol to the Convention on Conventional Captain Hogan came to Washington D.C. in economic crisis to the United Nations, the Weapons, which would limit their use, re­ 1969 when he joined the staff of the House US carries a heavy load. quire safety features, establish an obligation But those aren't the only problems we Committee on the District of Columbia. His to clean up minefields, and extend the law to face. Arms control has become the forgotten civil wars, as well as international ones. boss was the Ranking Republican, Congress­ stepchild in foreign policy. We face grave man Archer Nelson, from John's home state of The protocol, which is supported by many threats to the safety and well-being of the powers that would not sign the Ottawa Con­ Minnesota. Alas, farming ran in John's blood, American people. To meet them, the presi­ vention, could save innocent lives while we so in 1975 he moved to the House Committee dent and Congress should give higher pri­ work to make a worldwide ban feasible for on Agriculture where he served as Associate ority to critical arms control initiatives this all countries. year. Counsel. In 1979 he was promoted to Minority INCLUDE LIGHT WEAPONS Counsel and then, with the Republican major­ First, we should implement the Chemical Weapons Convention. Last April, the US Fifth, we should seek to control light ity in 1995, John became Chief Counsel to the ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention weapons. We limit weapons of mass destruc­ Committee. In this position he has ably served outlawing poison gas. Russia, China, India, tion, but there are few if any restraints on both myself and my immediate predecessor, Iran, and many others also joined. China and the most pervasive weapons. From border now Senator PAT ROBERTS, as well as three India admitted for the first time to having wars to civil wars to drug wars, the weapons different Republican Ranking Members. chemical weapons and related facilities, of choice are the military assault rifle, the Mr. Speaker, this Irish-American son of the which must be destroyed under the treaty. grenade, and the mortar. American tourists, But the US is now in violation of the trea­ students, missionaries, and business people soil still owns the same farm in Janesville, have already fallen victim to these weapons. Minnesota that was homesteaded by his fam­ ty because Congress has failed to enact legis­ lation needed to bring us into compliance. It is in our national interest to control ily many years ago. Yet, while dreams of dairy The national security consequences are seri­ them. The US supports voluntary bans on cows and topsoil may have danced in his ous. Until we come into compliance, for ex­ arms sales to the warring parties in Afghani­ head, he was so committed to his job that for ample, the US cannot effectively demand stan and should explore the potential for almost everyday of his long career he was the that Iran declare and destroy all its chem­ other embargoes. The most effective short­ first one into and the last one out of the office. ical weapons facilities-which potentially term approach may be embargoes on ammu­ Because of this, it was often remarked by his threaten US forces in Saudi Arabia and the nition. But this will work only if other light­ arms producers join in. As a first step, Con­ co-workers that John never left, but in fact evi­ Persian Gulf. Second, we should ratify the Comprehen­ gress should urge US discussions with our dence that he did from time to time leave his sive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. CTBT will in­ European allies on a joint policy. desk can be found in the impressive list of hibit nuclear powers from developing new Arms buy-back programs can also work, if academic achievements he has compiled. classes of nuclear weapons and make it ex­ we help protect people who turn in their Captain Hogan owns a Bachelor's degree tremely difficult for non-nuclear countries arms and offer them a decent livelihood. The from the University of Minnesota, an LLB from to develop sophisticated nuclear weapons at US assisted a successful buy-back program George Washington University, an LLM from all. Limiting other countries' nuclear efforts in Mali, and Congress should fund more such efforts. Georgetown, and an MBA from American Uni­ will enhance our deterrent posture, which re­ mains vital to world security. It is no acci­ This ambitious wish-list will not be com­ versity. pleted in a single year. But these issues af­ John put this knowledge to work, and Amer­ dent that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and his four immediate predecessors fect the safety and lives of our citizens, and ica's farm laws reflect his tremendous under­ have all endorsed ratification of this treaty. we should start addressing them. standing of what it takes to keep America the BACKING NONPROLIFERATION breadbasket of the world. America's farm communities could not have The non-nuclear states consider CTBT an HONORING THE CENTRAL FAIRFAX act of good faith by .the nuclear powers, in asked for a better friend or more dedicated return for their agreeing to permanent nu­ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLIC servant than Captain Hogan. His long and dis­ clear nonproliferation. If we were to reject SAFETY AWARD WINNERS tinguished career is a remarkable testament to CTBT and resume testing, as treaty oppo­ a remarkable man. Mr. Speaker, I know that nents have urged, the nuclear nonprolifera­ HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS this whole body rises with me to say to John tion regime could well collapse. OF VIRGINIA Third, we should ratify the START and Hogan, Captain, you have left this Committee IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES better than you found it; you have given of ABM Treaty "strategic package." After the yourself, so that others might have more to re­ Russian Duma ratifies START II, President Wednesday, February 25, 1998 Clinton will submit to the Senate a package Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise ceive; you have set an example that others of modifications to the START treaties and may try to emulate, though equal it they never the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. today to pay tribute to the Central Fairfax can. For all you have done, this body and your These needed modifications will pave the Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Award country thanks you. Have a happy retirement. way for further control of strategic missiles Winners. The Public Safety Awards honor the and nuclear warheads under START III and City of Fairfax's finest Police Officers and Fire safeguard our ABM research programs. & Rescue personnel who have gone above 1998: THE YEAR OF ARMS CONTROL Some Republicans would kill the ABM and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. treaty outright. That, in turn, would kill the On Thursday, February 26, 1998, the Central START process: Russia will not give up its Fairfax Chamber of Commerce will present the HON. LEE H. HAMILTON dangerous multiple-warhead missiles if the OF INDIANA US moves to build nationwide missile de­ Annual Public Safety Awards to these brave IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fenses. Scuttling START would be costly and public servants at the Fairfax City Holiday Inn. harmful to US national security and would 1997 Officer of the Year: Detective Albert L. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 undermine continued adherence to the Nu­ Leightley, Ill. On October 1O, 1997, Detective Mr. HAMIL TON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to clear Non-Proliferation Treaty by non-nu­ Leightley successfully apprehended two credit bring to my colleagues' attention a recent op­ clear states. card fraud suspects. From his interview with ed by Senator JOSEPH A. BIDEN, Jr., entitled Rejection of the ABM treaty succession these suspects and from further investigations, Let 1998 Be the Year of Arms Control. The agreement would also alienate Ukraine and Detective Leightley was led to other accom­ Kazakhstan. These two nations view the excellent article appeared in the Christian ABM agreement as validating their sov­ plices. By the time Detective Leightley closed Science Monitor on February 23, 1998. ereignty vis-a-vis Russia. If we reject the this case, he had eight criminal arrests and I ask that this article be printed in the CON­ treaty, they might seek nuclear weapons for had assisted the surrounding jurisdictions in GRESSIONAL RECORD. protection, thus increasing the risk of a nu­ closing numerous criminal cases of their own. The article follows: clear war in Europe. Detective Leightley is known for solving the 1944 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 "impossible" larceny cases, often given few emergency room with the best possible Powers Act" which gives congressional ap­ facts, leads or physical evidence. He has an chances for survival. proval for the President to use the military outstanding record of closing forty-nine per­ Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my sin­ freely within a certain time frame. But cent of his cases with a sixty-four percent ar­ cere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to that's not at all the same thing. The Con­ rest rate for 1997. those distinguished public servants who are stitution nowhere gives the Congress the right to shirk their role as declarers of war. 1997 Dispatcher of the Year: Betty I. Pow­ truly deserving of the title "hero." Their profes­ Still others try to argue that the United ers. On September 21 , 1997, Dispatcher Pow­ sionalism and initiatives have earned them the Nations security council now serves that ers was working alone in communications well deserved Public Safety Awards from the role. Again though, the Constitution says when two serious incidents occurred almost si­ Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. It is nothing about giving them this role. Neither multaneously. She remained calr11 under pres­ because of these outstanding public servants does it say that a sufficient number of hand­ sure as she dispatched police and fire depart­ and their peers that Fairfax City continues to shakes with Madelaine Albright shall be a ment support to a felony traffic stop and to a be one of the finest cities in the world. substitute for Congressional action. hostile fight situation. This is just one of many And still some go on insisting that these conflicts aren't wars. With the U.S.S. Nimitz examples of the professionalism and dedica­ in the Suez Canal, with 3,000 ground troops tion to duty routinely displayed by Dispatcher RECOMMENDING AN ARTICLE BY R.C. SPROUL, JR. being sent to join the 1,500 already in Ku­ Powers. wait, with Stealth bombers lined up and 1997 Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year: Fire ready to go, this is nonsense. When soldiers Medic Bruce Suslowitz. During the seven HON. RON PAUL shoot at each other, whether they're in a years Fire Medic Suslowitz has been with the OF 'l'EXAS foxhole, or in a room full of computers, or Fairfax City Fire Department, he has consist­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 35,000 feet in the air, that's war. ently performed outstanding service to those The only explanation I can think of is that Wednesday, February 25, 1998 no one really knows what the Constitution in need. He has gained the trust and faith of Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rec­ says. And while I'm not surprised that gov­ his patients with his compassionate, caring ommend t<;> my colleagues the following article ernment school products would be ignorant and professional manner. He has not only by a young writer, R.C. Sproul, Jr., the son of (how can they know the Constitution when been an invaluable asset to the community but the remarkable theologian and author. While they can't read it?), what frightens me is to the Fire & Rescue Department as well. He this article is indeed instructive and important that each and every soldier, from the buck has participated on numerous department private loading the cargo planes, to the lieu­ in regards to the recent situation with Iraq, I tenants fresh out of ROTC, to the Com­ committees, created several public service believe that the author does a fine job ad­ programs, and has served as a mentor to mander-in-Chief, all of them have taken a dressing the much broader topic of following solemn oath to uphold and protect the Con­ Paramedic interns. the Constitution in all matters, including those stitution. 1997 Lifesaving Award: Officer Eduardo J. of inciting war and promoting peace. His arti­ These United States are no longer oper­ Azcarate. In the early morning hours of Sep­ cle was written for CovSyn, which is a publica­ ating under the Constitution. We , like those tember 21, 1997, Officer Azcarate was dis­ tion of the Kuyper Institute, in Oak Ridge, Ten­ great nations which have come and gone be­ patched to George Mason University to pro­ nessee. fore us, have sunk to the level of empire. vide assistance in ending a large fight. When Our founding fathers formed our govern­ And you, friend, are no free man or woman, but just another subject. Remember that as he arrived on the scene, he rushed to the aid ment to ensure that no single person could of a stabbing victim. While his fellow officers you wave that flag in honor of the bombing have complete power or authority over any as­ heroes. controlled the crowd, Officer Azcarate per­ pect of government; to give anyone that kind formed rescue breathing on the victim until of power is to invite tyranny. Fire & Rescue units arrived. Officer Azcarate I urge my colleagues to read and consider helped saved the victim's life by stepping into 1998 1 CONGRESSIONAL OBSERVANCE Mr. Sproul's article. We all took an oath to up­ OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH a hostile situation and without hesitation, per­ hold the Constitution: an oath which we must forming emergency medical intervention. take seriously if we are to promote liberty, · SPEECH OF 1997 Lifesaving Award: Battalion Chief Ken­ peace and civil society. neth Hahn. On July 17, 1997, Battalion Chief HON. GLENN POSHARD Hahn responded to the home of a man who BOMBING THE CONSTITUTION By R.C. Sproul, Jr. OF ILLINOIS was having chest pains, but did not want fire IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES department aid. The man insisted on waiting When was the last time the United States went to war? That's not exactly an easy for his friend to take him to the hospital. Bat­ Wednesday, February 11 , 1998 question to answer. If, however, the Con­ talion Chief Hahn was concerned for the stitution is in fact the law of the land, the Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I am honored man's well-being and insisted on staying with answer is December 8, 1941. You see, the Con­ to join my colleagues today in a celebration of the man until his friend got there. Ten minutes stitution says that only the Congress has the Black History Month. We have come together later, the man went into cardiac arrest. Bat­ power to declare war on another nation. today to remember the struggle of African­ talion Chief Hahn quickly called for help, and That would seem to mean that without such Americans, to commemorate their accomplish­ initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation until a declaration, there is no war. Some kept ments and to honor their contributions. While more fire department assistance arrived. Bat­ this pretense the first time the United it is my sincere hope that my fellow citizens do States went to war after World War II. Some talion Chief Hahn then addressed the con­ this every day of the year, it is nonetheless called the Korean War a " police action." cerns of the man's family and friends. Bat­ Vietnam, though there was again no declara­ appropriate that we set aside the month of talion Chief Hahn's conscientious actions were tion of war, was known as a war. February to pay special attention to both the vital in saving this man's life. Since Vietnam U.S. soldiers have shot at history and future of African-Americans in this 1997 Lifesaving Award: Captain John soldiers from other countries, and been shot country. Ahrens and Fire Medic William Schwarz. On at, in Libya, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, the As a former history teacher and a longtime September 29, 1997, Medic 33 was dis­ former Yugoslavia, and Iraq. And it appears scholar of American history, I am very familiar patched for an obstetrical emergency. When we're going to non-war again in Iraq some­ with and deeply grateful for the countless con­ time soon. Where, to quote Mr. Dole, is the Captain Ahrens and Fire Medic Schwarz ar­ outrage? How is it that the Constitution can tributions that African-Americans have made rived, they found a woman lying on her back be so brazenly ignored? to American identity, culture, science, lit­ with a 2 month premature infant on her chest. Some argue that in an age of interconti­ erature, arts and so much more. I am contin­ Captain Ahrens and Fire Medic Schwarz nental ballistic missiles, that the require­ ually fascinated by the depth and intricacy of worked feverishly to resuscitate the little boy. ment for a Congressional declaration is out­ the American experience throughout history, They were continually challenged to improvise dated. In none of the above "non-wars" how­ and I recognize the critical role that the Afri­ and reassess all treatment efforts due to the ever, have such missiles constituted a threat can-American community has played in its de­ extremely small size of their patient. Due to to American safety. And even if such were the case, why not chang·e the Constitution to velopment. their professional, capable, and highly com­ reflect the current situation? I represent the great state of Illinois, and in petent performance under difficult cir­ Others suggest that we have no need for particular a congressional district rich in his­ cumstances, the infant was delivered to the this old rule since we now have the "War tory. Illinois is fittingly known as the Land of February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1945 Lincoln, a state which boasts the childhood County. She does this without expecting rec­ IN HONOR OF THE CITY OF ELIZA­ home of Abraham Lincoln, the site of his first ognition or reward for her efforts. BETH RECEIVING THE 1998 COM­ law practice, the venue for the Lincoln-Doug­ For these reasons, when I was asked to MUNITY EMPOWERMENT AW ARD lass debates, and the State Capitol in Spring­ nominate a candidate for the Blue Cross/Blue FOR THE NATION'S TOP URBAN field, where Mr. Lincoln spent a portion of his Shield Ageless Heroes Award, Selma's name ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM venerable political career. I am enormously was the first to come to mind. I know her col­ proud to have served in that same legislative leagues and her friends in Lenawee County HON. ROBERT MENENDFZ body, working always in the shadow of the would agree that she is worthy of this honor. OF NEW JERSEY memory of the man who had the courage to Mr. Speaker, Selma Larson, through her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES declare that under a system of slavery, our vigor, hard work, and dedication, serves as a Wednesday, February 25, 1998 nation could never be truly free. role model to us all. She proves every day Near Shawneetown, Illinois, there is a that in America a person with commitment and Mr. MENENDE?. Mr. Speaker, I would like unique historical landmark known as the Old drive can have a lasting impact on issues af­ to congratulate the city of Elizabeth, New Jer­ Slave House, which was built in 1834. During fecting all of us. sey for receiving the 1998 Community Em­ the pre-Civil War era, the Old Slave House powerment Award from the National Associa­ served as a holding place for escaped slaves tion of State Development Agencies (NASDA) who had been captured and were awaiting re­ PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF CON­ for developing the nation's most successful turn to their owners. The Slave House is the GRESSMAN TOM A. COBURN, M.D. Urban Enterprise Zone. only known remaining structure to have been ON ROLL CALL VOTE NUMBER The city's UEZ program, which is adminis­ used by kidnappers operating a sort of "re­ 557 tered by the Elizabeth Development Company, verse" Underground Railroad and is consid­ beat out more than 3,000 eligible zone pro­ ered a key site by researchers and historians HON. TOM A. COBURN gram participants from 40 states for the honor. The award will be presented February 26th at seeking to preserve relics of this critical time OF OKLAHOMA the annual NASDA Awards Luncheon in in American history. I am committed to ensur­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing that the Old Slave House and other sites Washington, D.C. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 receive the recognition and protection nec­ In five years Elizabeth's UEZ program has generated over $30 million in revenue. In addi­ essary for their preservation, so that future Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, in conducting generations may benefit from the important my end of the year of review this past month tion, the program has helped jump start over lessons they have to teach. I discovered that without explanation, my vote $500 million in economic development and Mr. Speaker, let me close by urging my col­ was not recorded on Roll Call vote number provide more than 6,000 jobs for the region. In leagues and all Americans to embrace the op­ 557, passage of H.R. 1270, Amendments to the future, the program expects to add 5,000 portunities provided by the celebration of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. I was more jobs with the development of the New Black History Month. This is a chance to edu­ in fact present for this vote and did in fact vote Jersey Gardens MetroMall. Elizabeth's UEZ program is a model for how cate a new generation about the experiences Yea. targeted sales and business tax cuts coupled and contributions of African-Americans. This is with effective community programs can serve an opportunity to pay tribute to the prominent to spur growth in our urban areas. This nation­ African-Americans who have given so much to EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION ally renowned program has attracted such visi­ this country throughout its history. And per­ FUNDING tors as Boston Mayor Tom Menino and has haps most importantly, this month should brought innovative approaches to nurturing re­ serve as a somber reminder of a grim history HON. RON PACKARD lationships between private and public sector of hundreds of years of slavery. Let us never OF CALIFORNIA agencies. forget what came before and let us never IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I would like to take this opportunity to thank cease our efforts to rid this great nation of the Wednesday, February 25, 1998 everyone who has helped make this program racial discrimination that has for so long been so successful. I would especially like to con­ used to justify it. Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, as a "donor state," Californians pay more in federal taxes gratulate Elizabeth Mayor Christopher at the gas pump than they receive back in fed­ Bollwage; Executive Director of the Elizabeth TRIBUTE TO SELMA LARSON eral funds for highway construction, bridge, Development Company, Ed Kolling; Deputy and road maintenance. When Congress re-au­ Executive Director of the EDC, Bill O'Dea; HON. NICK SMITH thorizes transportation funding legislation this Planning Director, George Devanney; UEZ year, I will support equity in transportation Coordinator, Don Devanney; Senior Project OF MICHIGAN Coordinator, Don Goncalves and Community IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES funding for California. Taxpayers in my state expect their hard­ Relations Coordinator, Dave Strochak. Wednesday, February 25, 1998 earned tax dollars to be used for improve­ Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise ments in their communities and across Cali­ TRIBUTE TO FAMILY today to say a few words about one of my fornia. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. CONNECTIONS ADOPTIONS constituents, whose tireless efforts on behalf The truth is, some of the money is always of senior citizens deserves respect and rec­ used in some other town, in some other state. ognition. Mr. Speaker, we should stop asking California HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH Selma Larson is a columnist for the Adrian taxpayers to pay for highway and infrastruc­ OF CALIFORNIA Daily Telegram in Adrian, Michigan. Her focus ture improvements they will likely never see. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for a number of years has been on issues im­ California communities are struggling to Wednesday, February 25, 1998 pacting senior citizens. Along with her column, maintain their infrastructure. Many commu­ Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise she hosts forums to give voice to the concerns nities, including those I represent, are finding today to pay tribute to Family Connections of seniors. it virtually impossible to keep up with growing Adoptions for over 15 years of devoted service Selma doesn't expect you to agree with her populations and business development. This is to the community. Family Connections Adop­ on every issue. And, as it should be, she does not only unfair, it is becoming unsafe. tions helps families adopt children with special not hesitate to take public servants to task Congress must support more equitable needs from all over the globe. when she holds a different view. But her com­ funding formulas for states that traditionally Family Connections Adoptions began in mitment to improving the quality of life of our pay much more than they receive for their tax February, 1983. In 15 years the agency has senior citizens is unquestionable. I always dollars, especially California. Mr. Speaker, we placed over 1400 children, about half of which take note of her opinions and value her in­ must enact a fairer transportation funding for­ have been from California. The rest have been sights very much. In a very unique and impor­ mula this year. I urge my California colleagues from developing countries-India, Korea, Thai­ tant way, Selma Larson ably cqnveys to me to unanimously support a funding formula that land, South America, Vietnam, Romania, Ethi­ the views of like-minded seniors in Lenawee is fair for California taxpayers. opia, China, Russia and others. The agency 1946 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 began by serving families in three counties of the Telecommunications Act and that ex­ INCREASED MANDATORY MINIMUM with an office in Modesto, California. The serv­ cept for a few exceptions in limited areas of SENTENCES FOR CRIMINALS ice area has expanded gradually and now the country, the phone industry has largely POSSESSING FIREARMS covers the whole state of California. There are pulled back from entering the cable business. branch offices in Sacramento, Fresno, and Moreover, the cold reality is that for the over­ SPEECH OF Oceanside. whelming majority of consumers, an alter­ The children range in age from infancy to fif­ native wireline competitor is not going to show HON. DIANA DeGETIE teen years. The children are of every race and up in their neighborhood anytime soon to pro­ ethnic background. All of the children have vide price competition to the incumbent cable OF COLORADO been "waiting children,'' which means that company. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES they have some special needs. These special The effect of lifting consumer price controls needs can consist of medical challenges Tuesday, February 24, 1998 13 months from now in the absence of robust which include blindness, deafness, missing competition would be to permit cable monopo­ Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to limbs, cerebral palsy, heart problems, cleft lip lies to charge what they want for everything oppose H.R. 424. I strongly support effective and palate, hydrocephalus, failure to thrive, crime control and crime prevention measures. severe asthma, fetal alcohol syndrome, and but the broadcast-tier basic service without an effective marketplace check on their ability to I am also a steadfast proponent of smart gun drug addiction. Some of the children· at Family control laws and tough sentences for gun-re­ Connections have been free of medical chal­ raise rates excessively. This means that for the vast majority of cable consumers, the ex­ lated violence. However, this misguided at­ lenges but their age, large sibling group, or tempt imposes penalties for possessing a minority race kept them waiting for an adop­ panded tier of service that typically includes CNN, ESPN, TNT, DISCOVERY, MTV, and weapon that are far more severe than are the tive family. sentences for many violent crimes, like man­ The families who adopt through Family Con­ other popular cable programming services will be offered without any price limits in place. slaughter. It is outrageous that the penalties nections vary in age, income, education, race, imposed by this legislation for a first time of­ and family size. Couples who have been mar­ Without a legislative change to extend con­ fender for drug possession who has a gun at ried two years and · singles are welcome to sumer price protections for cable consumers the time of the crime is ten years while a rap­ apply. For some, the adoption is a first child past March 31, 1999, consumers will be hit ist receives only six years. We need to get for the family. For others, the new addition with a cable rate El Nino. Congress must act tough on crime, but we also must be smart in joins a family with other children. The common in time to adjust the law to take note of the our crime control strategies. Mandatory sen­ factor all families share is their desire to nur­ fact that cable competition has not developed tencing does not allow judicial flexibility to ad­ ture a child. sufficiently to warrant lifting consumer price dress each crime individually, imposing tough Many of the agency staff are adoptive par­ controls. The recent cable competition report sentences when necessary and second ents themselves and they relate to adopting from the FCC in January underscores this chances when warranted. families with warmth and understanding. Fam­ fact. The new Chairman of the FCC, William The severity of sentences should reflect the ily Connections has a commitment to children Kennard, noted when releasing the report that seriousness of the crime committed. The sen­ who wait for permanent, loving homes and to policymakers "should no longer have high tencing policy included in this legislation which the families who long to open their hearts and hopes that a vigorous and widespread com­ punishes criminals based not on their crime homes to the waiting children. petitive environment will magically emerge in but on whether or not they possess a gun and Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay the next several months." · the type of gun they possess simply does not tribute to Family Connections for their con­ Our legislation would simply repeal this sun­ make sense. tribution to child adoption. It is the care and set date from our communications statutes. devotion displayed by Family Connections that Cable operators would then be deregulated warrant this recognition. I ask my colleagues through two underlying provisions that are al­ to join me in wishing Family Connections ready available under the law. JAVITS-WAGNER-O'DAY BLIND many more years of success. The first test for deregulating an incumbent WORKER OF THE YEAR cable operator in a franchise area that is con­ INTRODUCTION OF THE CABLE tained in the Communications Act of 1934 HON. JOHN E. PETERSON CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF would be met if emerging competitors served 1998 more than 15 percent of the households in a OF PENNSYLVANIA particular franchise area (see Section IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY 623](1)(1}(B)). Second, if a local phone com­ Wednesday, February 25, 1998 OF MASSACHUSETTS pany offers a competing cable service directly to subscribers in a franchise area then the in­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today cumbent operator is immediately deregulated, Wednesday, February 25, 1998 to recognize Joyce A. Gnoffo of Williamsport, without waiting for the phone company to gar­ Pennsylvania, who has been selected as Blind Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to intro­ ner 15 percent of the market (see Section Worker of the Year as a participant in the Jav­ duce the Cable Consumer Protection Act of 623(1)(1 )(D)). its-Wagner-O'Day program. 1998. As I said during deliberations on the Act in Ms. Gnoffo was nominated for this honor by I am pleased to be offering this legislation 1995, when Mr. SHAYS and I offered a cable today with my good friend, the gentleman from her co-workers at North Central Sight Serv­ consumer protection amendment, and which I ices, Inc., which provides a variety of com­ Connecticut, Mr. SHAYS. The purpose of our continue to believe today, sound public policy legislative proposal is quite straightforward. puter media to the U.S. Department of De­ should compel us to repeal consumer price fense and pressure sensitive labels to General We believe that Congress must act to con­ protections only when effective competition tinue consumer price controls past March 31, Service Administration. Ms. Gnoffo was se­ provides an affordable alternative choice for lected for this honor as a result of her on-the­ 1999, when they are scheduled to end pursu­ consumers, making regulatory protections un­ ant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. job performance at North Central Sight Serv­ necessary. ices, Inc. The Telecommunications Act mandates that after March 31, 1999, consumer price controls Until that time, the question boils down to I know I am joined by many in congratu­ for cable programming services end, a policy this-do you want your monopolies regulated lating Ms. Gnoffo in this wonderful achieve­ premised on the .assumption that subsequent or unregulated? ment, and I wish her the very best of luck as to enactment of the Act the telephone industry In my view, such protections should not be she competes nationally for the Peter J. Salm­ would mount a large scale assault of cable lifted on an arbitrary deadline set on the basis on Award. markets across the country. It is clear that of politics instead of economics. I urge my col­ Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity competition to the cable industry has not ma­ leagues to support this effort on behalf of mil­ to recognize and to congratulate Joyce A. terialized in any significant way after passage lions of cable consumers across the country. Gnoffo. February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1947 JCAHO ACCREDITATION PROCESS These inflated grades are confusing and ganizations to hold public meetings. One-third A SHAM; MILLIONS OF LIVES AT misleading. Although each facility is rated on of governing board members would be mem­ RISK AT "ACCREDITED" HOS­ individual standards, the highest score of 1 on bers of the public. PITALS a scale of 1 to 5 only indicates 91 % compli­ Second, the Medicare and Medicaid Pro­ ance; a score of 2 indicates only 76% compli­ vider Review Act of 1997 (H.R. 2543) would HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK ance. levy user fees on hospitals and other health OF CALIFORNIA The results of such a skewed system are care providers to underwrite the costs of inde­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that public health authorities are left to do the pendent federal compliance and audits. I am Wednesday, February 25, 1998 hard work of sanctioning and shutting down happy to report that President Clinton included facilities that are appalling deficiencies. the heart of this bill in the budget package he Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, a recent inves­ In 1994, New York City's Union Hospital recently sent to Congress. tigation of New York City hospitals has uncov­ was reviewed by JCAHO and given a score of ered startling evidence of substandard care at For too long, we've given JCAHO and the 92. Three years later, in March 1997, the hos­ Health care industry the benefit of the doubt. hospitals with high accreditation scores from pital's score rose to a near-perfect 97. But Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Self-policing simply isn't working. The New later that year, the New York Department of York City report is all the evidence we need to Care Organizations (JCAHO). In a scathing re­ Health concluded that hospital staff had failed port, the Public Advocate for the City of New show that patients suffer-sometimes fatally­ to properly treat high-risk emergency room pa­ from substandard care provided by JCAHO­ York presents strong evidence that hospitals tients, including two rape survivors, and was circumvent JCAHO's annual announced sur­ accredited hospitals. Let's put patients' needs using outdated and expired drugs. Nurses first, back where they belong. vey visits-simply by hiring extra staff to make pointed to understaffing and a lack of experi­ operations look smoother than they really are. enced staff in the pediatric, post-partum, and In too many cases, the report finds that maternity departments and the emergency JCAHO's high test scores mask a darker re­ room. By October, public health authorities A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO HARRY ality-that some accredited hospitals may be moved to partially shut the hospital, which has THOMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF endangering the health of patients because since filed for bankruptcy. HIS RETIREMENT they don't meet basic standards of care. The New York City report demonstrates In Brooklyn, New York, Interfaith Medical widespread quality of care problems in 15 ac­ Center received a JCAHO score of 89 in 1995 HON. PAULE. GILLMOR credited City hospitals. For example, it finds: that was raised to 94 a year later. Strange, because a 1997 Wall Street Journal article on OF OHIO Inadequate supervision that can mean patients IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES are left in pain; substantial delays in treatment Interfaith painted a picture of a badly deterio­ of emergency room patients; outdated and rated facility, with heating and plumbing sys­ Wednesday, February 25, 1998 tems in bad disrepair and non-functioning ele­ broken equipment; overcrowded, understaffed Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vators. Hospital staff, the story found, had to clinics; unsanitary conditions throughout the pay special tribute to a truly outstanding indi­ stave off invasions of rats, mice, and flies. hospital; incomplete and poorly documented vidual from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, Even the hospital's president, Corbett Price, patient charts. Mr. Harry Thompson. On Saturday, February was quoted as saying, "This hospital is being Clearly, when such conditions are present, 28, 1998, Mr. Thompson will be retiring from held together by rubber bands and Band­ JCAHO should respond with sanctions, not the Ottawa County Board of Elections. Aids." high praise. Yet only last year, JCAHO flunked Mr. Speaker, Harry Thompson has dedi­ fewer than 1% of hospitals. The organization JCAHO's problems are not confined to New York. In Las Vegas, poor care at Columbia/ cated much of his life to serving his country, says that it fails so few because it prefers to his community, and his party. Mr. Thompson work with hospitals to "correct" any violations HCA's JCAHO-accredited Sunrise Hospital generated numerous newspaper articles and has served as a member of the Board of Elec­ that are detected. But if its accreditation stand­ tions for ten years, the past eight as the Chair­ ards are low to begin with, then can con­ television pieces in October 1996, ultimately man. During his tenure on the board of elec­ sumers and plans really rely on JCAHO re­ causing JCAHO to place the facility on proba­ tions, Mr. Thompson was a strong public serv­ ports? This is a critical question for Medicare tion a year later. ant, an impartial judge of electoral issues, and beneficiaries, since JCAHO-accredited hos­ Just recently, JCAHO placed Columbia's a valued colleague to those with whom he pitals are "deemed" to have met Medicare's North Houston Medical Center on preliminary worked. "Conditions of Participation," a key proxy for non-accreditation status-but only because an quality of care. employee called a hotline number to report Like his unwavering service to the Board of The weaknesses of JCAHO's current sys­ that problems had been overlooked-including Elections, Mr. Thompson dedicated a great tem are made plain in the New York report. a high level of incomplete patient records. deal of time to the Ottawa County Republican Simply put, there are no surprise inspections, After returning to North Houston in December, Party. Mr. Thompson served as the county and little apparent follow-up of pro-forma walk­ JCAHO downgraded the hospital's status. GOP Chairman for many years, retiring just throughs. "Simply investigative steps, such as In other cases, where serious problems this past year. Mr. Thompson diligently worked unannounced visits, confidential employee have been brought to light by state inspection to encourage and support increased participa­ interviews, and document audits" could make teams, JCAHO has proved reluctant to down­ tion in our political process. His support of a vast difference in what JCAHO actually grade a hospital's accreditation status. grassroots political exercises has certainly found. · Given this spotty record, I am outraged by helped to strengthen the free form of govern­ To make matters worse, under the Joint media reports that the Joint Commission is ment we enjoy. Commission's arbitrary scoring system, hos­ considering softening its already loophole-rid­ Mr. Thompson has placed an enormous em­ pitals with serious quality of care problems are den review process. According to a leading phasis on service to government, to politics, often awarded high accreditation scores. In ef­ trade publication, Modern Healthcare, JCAHO and to the community. We have often heard fect, JCAHO surveyors are encouraged to may move to allow hospitals that self-report a that America works because of the unselfish rank hospitals highly on each standard, even "sentinel event" within five days of its occur­ contributions of its citizens. I know that Ottawa if the hospital is unable to meet that standard! rence will be put on accreditation watch. The County is a better place because of the count­ This practice makes a mockery of the review definition of "a sentinel event" is one that less hours given by Harry Thompson. His pub­ process. could lead to the death or serious injury of a lic service and commitment to Ottawa County In fact, almost all (98 percent) of the institu­ patient. will be sorely missed. tions surveyed in the New York City study re­ The misguided scoring and lax oversight Mr. Speaker, in addition to the flag being ceived scores of 80 or better on a 100 point documented in the New York report suggests flown over the Capitol on Mr. Thompson's be­ scale, and none had a score below 701 Mr. that another system of oversight is needed. I half, I would urge my colleagues to rise and Speaker, I am astounded that, of the 18,000 am cosponsoring two bills that would overhaul join me in paying special tribute to Mr. Harry institutions surveyed each year, none are the current voluntary review process. The Ac­ Thompson, a true American, a dedicated pub­ judged to fail outright. Nearly all of them met creditation Accountability Act of 1997 (H.R. lic servant, and a good friend. We wish him JCAHO standards. 800) would require all Medicare-accrediting or- well in his retirement and in the years ahead. 1948 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS · February 25, 1998 A SPECIAL SALUTE TO JUDGE Watkins had asked for Thomas. JOSE V. TOLEDO UNITED STATES WILLIAM K. THOMAS As for civil lawsuits. Thomas also shep­ POST OFFICE AND COURTHOUSE herded a settlement of lawsuits brought by , students injured when Ohio National Guards­ HON. LOUIS STOKE.S men fired on a crowd of demonstrators at HON. CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO OF OHIO Kent State University. With the jury delib­ OF PUERTO RICO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erating, Thomas met with the lawyers in his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 25, 1998 chambers and pounded out a carefully word­ Wednesday, February 25, 1998 ed agreement in 1979 in which the state of Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to Ohio agreed to pay the plaintiffs $675,000. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, in salute an outstanding member of the judicial Thomas said it would be difficult to pick recognition of the outstanding seNice of the system, United States District Judge William out any of his cases as being bigger or more late Judge Jose Victor Toledo, today I intro­ K. Thomas. Judge Thomas recently retired difficult than any of the others. He said he duce a bill to designate the United States Post after nearly 32 years on the federal bench. I had never been one to look back. Office and Courthouse in Old San Juan, Puer­ take special pride in recognizing him at this What he has enjoyed the most, the judge to Rico as the "Jose V. Toledo United States time. said, is the view of life he had from the Post Office and Courthouse." President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 ap­ bench. Judge Jose Toledo seNed on the bench of pointed Judge Thomas to the U.S. District "I think the contact with individuals that the United States District Court, District of comes to a trial judge is a great reward," Court in Cleveland. In an article which ap­ Puerto Rico, from December 1, 1970 to Feb­ peared on January 30, 1988, the Plain Dealer Thomas said. " You have a chance to see the ebb and flow of humanity." ruary 1980, when he died in office at the age newspaper paid tribute to Judge Thomas, of 49. He rose to the position of Chief Judge highlighting his distinguished career. The arti­ Thomas said his judicial temperament was formed in part by the experience of being of the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico and cle is entitled, "A Fair Piece of Work," and dressed down in front of a client by a federal served with great distinction in that capacity recognizes an individual who earned a reputa­ judge when he was a lawyer. "I vowed that I until the moment of his untimely death. tion as a thorough, hard-working and dedi­ would never do that if I became a judge," "Pepe" Toledo, as he was known to many, cated judge. His reputation for fairness earned Thomas said. was regarded by those who knew him prior to him the respect of his colleagues and peers. Thomas became a judge in 1950 when his and after his appointment to the Federal Mr. Speaker, during my career as a prac­ friend, then-Gov. Frank Lausche, appointed bench as a man of paramount integrity and a him to the bench in Geauga County. He was ticing attorney, I tried cases in Judge Thomas' loyal public servant. Judge Toledo was born court. In my opinion, he is one of the finest credited with closing the Pettibone Club, a gambling· club in Chardon. August 14, 1931 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He trial judges in the nation. He is also a gen­ received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the tleman whom I respect and greatly admire. He later moved to Chagrin Falls and was appointed to the Cuyahoga County Common University of Florida in 1952 and .a Juris Doc­ For this reason, I want to share the Plain Pleas bench by Lausche in 1953. He was the tor from the University of Puerto Rico Law Dealer article with my colleagues and others judge who released Sam Sheppard on $50,000 School in 1955. Prior to his appointment to the around the nation. I extend my personal con­ bond in 1954 after Sheppard was arrested and Federal bench, Judge Toledo seNed as an gratulations to Judge Thomas and wish him charged with murdering his wife, Marilyn. Assistant United States Attorney, as a partner the very best in his retirement years. Thomas served on the Common Pleas of several law firms in Puerto Rico, and as a A FAIR PIECE OF WORK bench until 1966 when President Lyndon lawyer in local government in Puerto Rico. He (By Mark Rollenhagen) Johnson appointed him to the U.S. District Court in Cleveland. served in the United States Army as a Mem­ When William K. Thomas was sworn in as He earned a reputation as a hard-working, ber of the Judge Advocate Corps. a federal judge, one of the speakers at his Judge Toledo was also a distinguished lead­ swearing-in ceremony invoked the words of a thorough judge who worked through most federal holidays. He was careful and delib­ er of the Exchange Clubs of Puerto Rico, former law partner who had long ago said through which he proudly seNed his commu­ Thomas could never be a good lawyer. erate in what he said, preferring to issue his "The trouble with Bill Thomas is he wants decisions in writing and avoiding rash deci­ nity in Puerto Rico. He demonstrated his value to be fair to both sides," the partner had sions from the bench. to the organization through his involvement said. His approach to the courtroom was simple, and commitment both at the local and national Thomas, who retires today after nearly 32 he said: " Keep your head. Don't sound off levels. years on the federal court bench in Cleve­ until you've really had an oppottunity to As expressed by the Chief Judge of the land, flashed a contented smile earlier this think things through." U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico, the Honor­ week when he recalled those words. Retired U.S. District Judge Thomas D. able Carmen Consuelo Cerezo, on behalf of At 86 years old, he leaves what he some­ Lambros-who was appointed by Johnson in times refers to as " the judging business" 1967-said he first met Thomas when they the judges of the Federal court of Puerto Rico, with a reputation as a meticulous, hard­ were both Common Pleas judges and Thomas "Judge Jose V. Toledo earned the respect of working jurist who treated lawyers, crimi­ was serving as president of a statewide asso­ the public, the bar, and the bench for his pa­ nals and parties to civil lawsuits with re­ ciation of judges. tience, impartiality, fairness and decorum in spect and fairness. Lambros said Thomas worked hard at im­ the adjudication of the controversies brought " He's one of the best I've ever tried a case proving both the court operations and deal­ before him. Judge Toledo set high standards in front of, " said James R. Willis, a veteran ing with the flood of civil rights law that for himself, yet he had a refreshing humility criminal defense lawyer who represented was made in 1960s and 1970s. Cleveland Mafia boss James T. Licavoli when and capacity to understand the problems of " We had to deal with some very important others. His hallmarks were learning in wisdom, Licavoli was convicted in 1982 of racket­ constitutional issues which touched the lives eering. " He was patient, he listened to what tempered by a tremendous feeling for people." of millions of people," Lambros said. " It was The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Old you were saying and the ruled decisively. truly one of the highlights of my judicial ca­ That's the whole package." reer to have had the opportunity to serve San Juan, built in 1914, stands above the The Licavoli case, in which the mob figure with Bill Thomas." foundations of the ancient-city wall that has and others were convicted of conspiring to Thomas has been a senior judge since 1981, guarded the harbor-entrance to the city for kill mobster Daniel J. Greene, was perhaps more than 300 years. Built only 15 years after the highest profile criminal case of Thomas' handling a small docket of cases and occa­ career. Greene, killed by a bomb in 1977, was sionally handling trials to help out other Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, it is listed in competition for control of organized crime judges. on the National Register of Historic Places of in the Cleveland area. He said he was not certain what he would the U.S. Department of Interior National Park But Thomas also presided over a trial in do in complete retirement. His wife, Doro­ SeNice. The site represents the eclecticism of which porn king Reuben Sturman and sev­ thy, passed away in 1992. He remains close to American Architecture of the late XIX and eral associates were found not guilty of ob­ his four children and plans to do some writ­ early XX centuries, as it integrates American­ ing-"nothing fancy, just a few notes for my scenity charges, and he helped negotiate an Spanish-Revival, Sullivanesque and Beaux end to a police standoff in 1975 with bank children," he said. robber Eddie Watkins, who was holding hos­ "I've learned over the years to never look Arts Neoclassical Revival styles. The tages at a bank in Cleveland. backwards and be thinking in terms of I'm "Correo," as it has been known to generations Watkins was sentenced to prison in 1967 by missing what I was doing," he said. "I just of Puerto Ricans, is an imposing and beautiful Thomas, but escaped. try to find new things to do." structure which has stood magnificently within February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1949 the old city walls, and within the hearts of what job accomplishments people can claim, lies at the center of both the dark times and Puerto Ricans as a symbol of the greatness of it is important to remember that what is a the light." (Helen M. Luke in Kaleidoscope)l times past and of the importance of the U.S. true test of a person is not so much what Dave certainly found and gave his unique that person has done, but how that person Postal Service in Puerto Rico. It is fitting that gift of himself to all of us. has done it, or who that person really is. A while back, Dave called me to talk about this structure, so dear to us, should carry the Dave was quite a person. He was an indi­ various matters, and in the course of that name of Judge Jose V. Toledo. vidual of immeasurable human decency, pro­ conversation he thanked me for my friend­ The judges of the United States District found inner strength, deep intellectual curi­ ship. He commented that I had always been Court, District of Puerto Rico, who voted osity and commitment to thoroughness, im­ a friend, even when he felt he was not deserv­ unanimously to recommend the naming of the pressive personal and professional integrity, ing or when others seemed to have forsaken Federal courthouse in Old San Juan, Puerto and an unforgettable uniqueness. him, and he thanked me for that. Rico in honor of Jose V. Toledo, referred to All of us can relay our own experiences I have thought about that call a lot re­ the late Judge Toledo as a "learned jurist, out­ with Dave's decency. There was the call to cently, and I want to say to you, Dave, that congratulate you on something or the offer you had it all wrong. standing citizen, and excellent human being." of support when you needed it, or the way he We are the ones who should say thank you I am immensely proud to honor his memory completed almost every contact with "sorry to you-for your decency, for your inner with this bill to designate the U.S. Post Office to disturb you" or "thanks so much for your strength, for your intellectual curiosity, for and Courthouse in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico time." Recently, my 12-year-old daughter your integrity, and above all for being you. as the "Jose V. Toledo United States Post Of­ was with me at the office, and we ran into You have shown us the way. You have fice and Courthouse." Dave and had a conversation. When I told shown us the right way. We are all eternally her that my friend Dave had died, she said: grateful. "I remember Dave. He was that man we met IN MEMORY OF DAVID M. at your office who seemed so nice." Dave, seen clearly through the unjaded eyes of a CAWTHORNE, JR., TRANSPOR- SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS TATION JOURNALIST 12-year-old, was a person who always remem­ bered mutual respect and common courtesy. Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, And then there was his inner strength. No agreed to by the Senate on February 4, HON. BUD SHUSTER matter what personal or professional chal­ 1977, calls for establishment of a sys­ OF PENNSYLVANIA lenge he faced, he kept on going. He seemed tem for a computerized schedule of all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to understand that life in its fullest is one challenge after another to tackle, one obsta­ meetings and hearings of Senate com­ Wednesday, February 25, 1998 cle after another to overcome. And perhaps mittees, subcommittees, joint commit­ Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to ac­ because of that awareness, he never stopped tees, and committees of conference. knowledge with great sadness, the passing of trying, and he never lost his spirit, his good This title requires all such committees humor, and his compassion for others. Wish to notify the Office of the Senate Daily a widely known and respected transportation that we all could struggle with such grace. journalist, Mr. David M. Cawthorne, Jr. His un-. Digest-designated by the Rules Com­ And then there was his intellectual curi­ mittee- of the time, place, and purpose timely passing at the age of 49 in January of osity and thoroughness. I have worked in the this year has left a great gap in the Wash­ transportation arena for almost 20 years and of the meetings, when scheduled, and ington transportation community. Dave spent had the fortune of dealing with Dave as a any cancellations or changes in the more than two decades covering regulatory transportation reporter throughout that meetings as they occur. issues at the Department of Transportation time. I always admired Dave's commitment As an additional procedure along and the old Interstate Commerce Commission, to a full understanding of all sides of the with the computerization of this infor­ issues and dedication to accuracy and en­ mation, the Office of the Senate Daily as well as its successor, the Surface Trans­ lightenment. He cared about the subject portation Board. It is probably safe to say that Digest will prepare this information for matter, and he wanted his reporting to be printing in the Extensions of Remarks there is not a transportation lawyer, executive, constructive and to make a positive dif­ or Washington representative who had not en­ ference. I always had great confidence in section of- the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD countered Dave during his distinguished ca­ Dave's work. on Monday and Wednesday of each reer. Many of the people he first met as Con­ And then there was his personal and pro­ week. gressional staff or agency personnel have now fessional integrity. In a town where integ­ Meetings scheduled for Thursday, risen to highly responsible executive positions rity sometimes seems to be an afterthought, February 26, 1998, may be found in the if a thought at all, Dave always thought Daily Digest of today's RECORD. in government and in the private sector. One about that first. Speaking as someone who small measure of this was the large number of has spent a great deal of time watching her MEETINGS SCHEDULED his friends in the transportation community back, and the backs of others, I can say that who recently attended his funeral in Wa~h­ I never had that problem with Dave. In fact, FEBRUARY27 Dave was one of those rare people who tried ington. Rather than attempt to encapsulate 9:30 a.m. Dave's career myself, I think that his personal to protect other people's backs. There was never a worry that he would use information Rules and Administration legacy was better captured by the Chairperson To hold hearings on S. 1578, to make of the Surface Transportation Board, Linda to harm others for his own interest. There was never a worry that he would compromise available on the In ternet, for purposes Morgan-herself a former Congressional staff­ your wishes to suit his own. Dave taught us of access and retrieval by the public, er-in her memorial address at Dave's funeral. that so much more can be accomplished with certain information available through As a tribute to Mr. Cawthorne and the highest mutual trust. the Congressional Research Service of journalistic standards he always stood for, I And then finally there was his unforget­ web site, and to hold oversight hear­ ings on the budget requests for the op­ ask that her remarks be reprinted here. table uniqueness. There was the way he opened up a telephone conversation-I will erations of the Government Printing IN REMEMBRANCE OF DAVID M. CAWTHORNE, not try to do that injustice by attempting to Office, the National Gallery of Art, and JR. imitate it. Or there was the funny tidbit that the Congressional Research Service. COMMENTS BY LINDA J. MORGAN, CHAIRMAN, he always passed on. Or there was the in­ SR-301 SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD, JANUARY sightful analysis of what was really going 21, 1998 on. Or there was the kind word when you MARCH3 Today we are gathered to celebrate our as­ needed it. 9:30 a.m. sociation with Dave, and in particular the Let me now share a reading that I think Appropriations many ways in which he inspired us and the puts Dave's uniqueness in the proper per- Military Construction Subcommittee many gifts that he gave us. I am truly hon­ spective. · To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ ored to be able to share some of my thoughts "Give Your Unique Gift. Each of us, as we timates for fiscal year 1999 for Army about a very special friend and colleague. journey through life, has the opportunity to and Defense programs. I have thought a great deal about Dave find and to give his or her unique gift. SD- 124 over the last couple of days, as I know all of Whether this gift is quiet or small in the you have. In thinking about Dave, I am re­ eyes of the world does not matter at all-not 1 "100 Ways to Keep Your Soul Alive," Living minded that, in a town where there ls so at all; it is through the finding and the giv­ Deeply and Fully Every Day, edited by Frederic and much focus on what titles people have or ing that we may come to know the joy that Mary Ann Brussat, 1994. 1950 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 Appropriations 12:15 p.m. for the Department of Defense and the Energy and Water Development Sub­ Foreign Relations future years defense program, focusing committee Business meeting, to consider the Proto­ on recruiting and retention policies. To hold hearing·s on proposed budg·et es­ cols to the North Atlantic Treaty of SR-222 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ 1949 on the accession of Poland, Hun­ Armed Services partment of Energy, focusing on de­ gary, and the Czech Republic, and to Acquisition and Technology Subcommittee fense programs. mark up S. Res. 174, to state the sense To hold hearings on proposed legislation SD-116 of the Senate that Thailand is a key authorizing funds for fiscal year 1999 partner and friend of the United Commerce, Science, and Transportation for the Department of Defense and the To resume hearings to examine the States, has committed itself to exe­ cuting its responsibilities under its ar­ future years defense program, focusing scope and depth of the proposed rangements with the International on policies of the industrial and tech­ settlement between State Attor­ Monetary Fund, and that the United nology base supporting national de­ neys General and tobacco compa­ States should be prepared to ensure fense. nies to mandate a total reforma­ continue close bilateral relations, and SR-232A tion and restructuring of how to­ H.R. 1116, to provide for the conveyance Judiciary bacco products are manufactured, of the reversionary interest of the U.S. Antitrust, Business Rights, and Competi­ marketed, and distributed in in certain lands to the Clint Inde­ tion Subcommittee America. pendent School District and the Fabens To hold hearings on the implementation Independent School District. of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, SR-253 SD- 419 Energy and Natural Resources focusing on section 271. 2:30 p.m. SD-226 To hold hearings on the President's pro­ Armed Services posed budget request for fiscal year SeaPower Subcommittee MARCH5 1999 for the Forest Service, Department To hold open and closed hearings on pro­ of Agriculture. posed legislation authorizing funds for 9:00 a.m. SD-366 fiscal year 1999 for the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Labor and Human Resources Defense and the future years defense To hold hearings to examine the global Public Health and Safety Subcommittee program, focusing on the seapower warming agreement recently reached To hold hearings to examine the United threat-based requirement. in Kyoto, Japan and its effect on the States' response to infectious diseases. SR-222 agricultural economy. S~30 SR-332 Veterans' Affairs MARCH4 9:30 a.m. To hold joint hearings with the House 9:30 a.m. Appropriations Committee on Veterans' Affairs to re­ Labor and Human Resources VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Sub­ view the legislative recommendations Business meeting, to mark up S. 1648, to committee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. provide for reductions in youth smok­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 345 Cannon Building ing, for advancements in tobacco-re­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Cor­ 10:00 a.m. lated research, and the development of poration for National and Community Appropriations safer tobacco products, and to consider Service, and the Federal Emergency Agriculture, Rural Development, and Re­ pending nominations. Management Agency. lated Agencies Subcommittee SD-430 SD-138 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Indian Affairs timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Appropriations Business meeting, to mark up those pro­ Labor, Health and Human Services, and Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing visions which fall within the commit­ Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Education Subcommittee tee's jurisdiction as contained in the To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Service, and the Alternative Agricul­ President's proposed budget for fiscal tural Research and Commercialization timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ year 1999 with a view towards making partment of Education. Center, all of the Department of Agri­ its recommendations to the Committee SD-562 culture. on the Budget; to be followed by a SD-138 hearing on S. 1280, to provide technical Appropriations Appropriations corrections to the Native American Treasury, Postal Service, and General Gov­ Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ Housing Assistance and Self-Deter­ ernment Subcommittee ary Subcommittee mination Act of 1996. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SR-485 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the In­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Fed­ 10:00 a.m. ternal Revenue Service, Treasury De­ eral Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Appropriations partment. Enforcement Administration, and the Defense Subcommittee SD-192 Immigration and Naturalization Serv­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Commerce, Science, and Transportation ice, all of the Department of Justice. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ To resume hearings to examine the scope S-146, Capitol partment of Defense, focusing on Air and depth of the proposed settlement Armed Services Force programs. between State Attorneys General and To hold hearings on proposed legislation SD- 192 tobacco companies to mandate a total authorizing funds for fiscal year 1999 Appropriations reformation and restructuring of how for the Department of Defense and the Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ tobacco products are manufactured, future years defense program, focusing ary Subcommittee marketed, and distributed in America. on the military strategies and oper­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SR-253 ational requirements of the unified timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ Energy and Natural Resources commands. partment of Commerce. To hold hearings on the President's pro­ SD-106 S- 146, Capitol posed budget request for fiscal year Judiciary Energy and Natural Resources To hold hearings to examine market To hold hearings on the President's pro­ 1999 for the Department of the Interior. power and structural change in the posed budget request for fiscal year SD-366 software industry. 1999 for the Department of Energy. 10:00 a.m. SH-216 SD-366 Appropriations 10:30 a.m. Judiciary Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ Appropriations To hold hearings to review the national ary Subcommittee Foreign Operations Subcommittee drug control strategy. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed legislation SD-226 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Na­ making supplemental appropriations 2:00 p.m. tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad­ for the International Monetary Fund Armed Services ministration, Department of Com­ for the fisca·l year ending September 30, Personnel Subcommittee merce, and the Small Business Admin­ 1998. To hold hearings on proposed legislation istration. SD-192 authorizing funds for fiscal year 1999 S- 146, Capitol February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1951 Appropriations Armed Services eral and tobacco companies to mandate Transportation Subcommittee SeaPower Subcommittee a total reformation and restructuring To hold hearings to examine barriers to To hold hearings on proposed legislation of how tobacco products are manufac­ airline competition. authorizing funds for fiscal year 1999 tured, marketed, and distributed in SD-124 for the Department of Defense and the America, and to consider other pending Labor and Human Resources future years defense program, focusing calendar business. Children and Families Subcommittee on littoral warfare missions in the 21st SR-253 To hold hearings to examine after school century. 10:00 a.m. child care options. SR-222 SD-430 2:00 p.m. Appropriations 2:00 p.m. Appropriations Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ Commerce, Science, and Transportation Energy and Water Development Sub­ ary Subcommittee Science, Technology, and Space Sub­ committee To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ committee To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Su­ To hold hearings to examine the com­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ preme Court, and the Judiciary. mercialization of space. partment of Energy, focusing on re­ S-146, Capitol SR-253 search and efficiency programs. Judiciary SD-116 MARCH 17 Immigration Subcommittee 9:00 a.m. Business meeting, to consider pending MARCHll Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry calendar business. 9:30 a.m. To resume hearings on proposed legisla­ SD-226. Indian Affairs tion authorizing funds for child nutri­ To hold oversight hearings on sovereign MARCH9 tion programs, focusing on the Women, immunity, focusing on contracts in­ Infants, and Children (WIC) program. 1:00 p.m. volving Indian tribes and alleged dif­ SR--332 Governmental Affairs ficulties in collecting state retail 9:30 a.m. Oversight of Government Management, Re­ taxes. Appropriations structuring and the District of Colum­ SH-216 bia Subcommittee 10:00 a.m. Energy and Water Development Sub­ To hold hearings to examine the current Appropriations committee operation of the District of Columbia Defense Subcommittee To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ public school system. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ SD--342 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ partment of Energy's enivronmental Special on Aging partment of Defense, focusing on Navy management program. To hold hearings to examine how retire­ and Marine Corps programs. SD-116 ment of the baby boomer generation SD-192 10:00 a.m. will impact the demand for long-term Appropriations care, the ability of public budgets to MARCH12 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Re­ provide those services, and the pro­ 9:00 a.m. lated Agencies Subcommittee jected retirement income of baby Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ boomers. To hold hearings on proposed legislation timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Food SD-562 authorizing funds for child nutrition Safety and Inspection Service, Animal 2:00 p.m. programs. and Plant Health Inspection Service, Judiciary SR--332 Agriculture Marketing Service, and the Youth Violence Subcommittee 9:30 a.m. Grain Inspection, Packers and Stock­ To hold hearings to examine the pro­ Appropriations posed effectiveness of the provisions of yards Administration, all of the De­ VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Sub­ partment of Agriculture. S. 10, to reduce violent juvenile crime, committee promote accountability by juvenile SD-138 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Appropriations criminals, and punish and deter violent timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ gang crime (pending on Senate cal­ partment of Housing and Urban Devel­ Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ endar). opment, and the Community Develop­ ary Subcommittee SD-226 ment Financial Institute. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SD-138 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the MARCH 10 Appropriations United Nations. 9:00 a.m. Legislative Branch Subcommittee S-146, Capitol Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Labor and Human Resources To hold hearings to examine the current timates for fiscal year 1999 for the To hold hearings to examine retirement Federal crop insurance program and Joint Committee on Printing, the security issues. proposals to improve the system. Joint Economic Committee, the Joint SD-430 SR--332 Committee on Taxation, the Sergeant 10:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. at Arms, the Library of Congress and Appropriations Appropriations the Congressional Research Service, Foreign Operations Subcommittee Military Construction Subcommittee and the Office of Compliance. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ S-128, Capitol timates for fiscal year 1999 for foreign timates for fiscal year 1999 for military Appropriations assistance programs, focusing on inter­ construction programs, focusing on Air Treasury, Postal Service, and General Gov­ national narcotics. Force and Navy projects. ernment Subcommittee SD-124 SD-124 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 10:00 a.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the MARCH 18 Appropriations Treasury Department. Agriculture, Rural Development, and Re­ SD-192 9:30 a.m. lated Agencies Subcommittee Armed Services Appropriations To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Acquisition and Technology Subcommittee Labor, Health and Human Services, and timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Food To hold hearings on proposed legislation Education Subcommittee and Nutrition Service, Department of authorizing funds for fiscal year 1999 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Agriculture. for the Department of Defense and the timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ SD- 138 future years defense program, focusing partment of Labor. Appropriations on science and technology programs. SD-138 Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ SR-222 Labor and Human Resources ary Subcommittee Commerce, Science, and Transportation Business meeting, to consider pending To hold hearings to examine proposals to Business meeting, to mark up proposed calendar business. prevent child exploitation. legislation relating to the proposed set­ SD-430 SD-192 tlement between State Attorneys Gen- 1952 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 25, 1998 Veterans' Affairs Appropriations partment of Justice's counterterrorism To hold joint hearings with the House Transportation Subcommittee programs. Committee on Veterans' Affairs to re­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SD- 192 view the legislative recommendations timates for fiscal year 1999 for AM­ Labor and Human Resources of the Disabled American Veterans. TRAK, focusing on the future of AM­ To hold hearings to examine issues relat­ 345 Cannon Building TRAK. ing to charter schools. Indian Affairs SD-192 SD-430 To hold oversight hearings on the imple­ Labor and Human Resources 10:30 a.m. mentation of the Indian Arts and To hold hearings to examine health care Appropriations Crafts Act (P.L. 101-644). quality issues. Foreign Operations Subcommittee SR-485 SD-430 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for foreign Appropriations Appropriations assistance programs, focusing on the Defense Subcommittee Foreign Operations Subcommittee Caspian energy program. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SD-124 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for foreign partment of Defense, focusing on Na­ assistance programs, focusing on infec­ APRIL 1 tional Guard programs. tious diseases. SD-192 SD-124 9:30 a.m. Indian Affairs MARCH 19 MARCH 25 To hold oversight hearings on barriers to credit and lending in Indian country. 9:30 a .m. 9:30 a.m. SR-485 Appropriations Veterans' Affairs 10:00 a .m . VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Sub­ To hold joint hearings with the House Appropriations committee Committee on Veterans' Affairs to re­ Defense Subcommittee To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ view the legislative recommendations To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ of AMVETS, the American Ex-Pris­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for Depart­ oners of War, the Vietnam Veterans of partment of Veterans Affairs, and ment of Defense medical programs. cemeterial expenses for the Army. America, and the Retired Officers Asso­ ciation. SD-192 SD-138 2:00 p.m. Appropriations 345 Cannon Building Judiciary Legislative Branch Subcommittee Indian Affairs Antitrust, Business Rights, and Competi­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings to examine Indian gam­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Ar­ ing issues. tion Subcommittee chitect of the Capitol, the General Ac­ SH-216 To hold hearings to examine competition counting Office, and the Government 10:00 a.m. and concentration in the cable/video Printing Office. Appropriations markets. S- 128, Capitol Defense Subcommittee SD-226 10:00 a.m. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Appropriations timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ APRIL 2 Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ partment of Defense, focusing on Army 9:30 a .m. ary Subcommittee programs. Appropriations To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ SD-192 Labor, Health and Human Services, and timates for the Federal Communica­ Education Subcommittee tions Commission, and the Securities MARCH 26 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ and Exchange Commission. 9:30 a.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Na­ S- 146, Capitol Appropriations tional Institutes of Health, Depart­ Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and ment of Health and Human Services. Transportation Subcommittee Education Subcommittee SD-138 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 10:00 a.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ Appropriations partment of Transportation. partment of Health and Human Serv- Transportation Subcommittee SD- 124 ices. To hold hearings to examine airline 2:00 p.m. SD-138 ticketing practices. Judiciary Appropriations SD-124 Antitrust, Business Rights, and Competi­ Treasury, Postal Service, and General Gov­ tion Subcommittee ernment Subcommittee APRIL 21 To hold hearings to examine inter­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 10:30 a.m. national aviation agreements and anti­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Of­ Appropriations trust immunity implications. fice of National Drug Control Policy. Foreign Operations Subcommittee SD-226 SD-192 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Labor and Human Resources MARCH 24 Children and Families Subcommittee timates for fiscal year 1999 for foreign assistance, focusing on crime pro- 9:30 a.m. To hold hearings on the Head Start edu­ cation program. grams. Appropriations Room to be announced Energy and Water Development Sub­ SD-430 committee APRIL 22 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ MARCH31 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Corp 10:00 a .m . 9:30 a.m. of Engineers, and the Bureau of Rec­ Appropriations Indian Affairs lamation, Department of the Interior. Agriculture, Rural Development, and Re­ To hold oversight hearings on Title V SD- 116 lated Agencies Subcommittee amendments to the Indian Self-Deter­ 10:00 a.m. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ mination and Education Assistance Appropriations timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Act of 1975. Agriculture, Rural Development, and Re­ Commodity Futures Trading Commis­ SR-485 lated Agencies Subcommittee sion and the Food and Drug Adminis­ 10:00 a.m. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ tration. Appropriations timates for fiscal year 1999 for the SD-138 Defense Subcommittee Farm Service Agency, Foreign Agricul­ Appropriations To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ tural Service, and the Risk Manage­ Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judici­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ ment Agency, all of the Department of ary Subcommittee partment of Defense, focusing on the Agriculture. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Ballistic Missile Defense program. SD-138 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De- SD-192 February 25, 1998 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1953 APRIL 23 APRIL 30 tional Science Foundation, and the Of­ 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. fice of Science and Technology. Appropriations Appropriations SD- 138 Energy and Water Development Sub­ VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies Sub­ committee committee MAYll To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 2:00 p.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Na­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Appropriations tional Aeronautics and Space Adminis­ Envrionmental Protection Agency, and Defense Subcommittee the Council on Environmental Quality. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ tration. SD-138 SD- 138 timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ MAY5 partment of Defense. APRIL 28 SD-192 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Appropriations Appropriations Foreign Operations Subcommittee MAY13 Foreign Operations Subcommittee To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 10:00 a.m. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for foreign Appropriations timates for foreign assistance pro­ assistance programs. Defense Subcommittee grams, focusing on Bosnia. Room to be announced To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ Room to be announced timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ MAY6 partment of Defense. APRIL 29 10:00 a.m: SD- 192 9:30 a.m. Appropriations Indian Affairs Defense Subcommittee OCTOBER6 To resume hearings to examine Indian To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 9:30 a.m. gaming issues. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ Veterans' Affairs Room to be announced partment of Defense, focusing on the To hold joint hearings with the House U.S. Pacific Command. 10:00 a.m. SD- 192 Committee on Veterans' Affairs on the Appropriations legislative recommendations of the Defense Subcommittee MAY7 American Legion. To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ 345 Cannon Buildin 9:30 a.m. timates for fiscal year 1999 for the De­ Appropriations partment of Defense, focusing on Bos­ Energy and Water Development Sub­ nian assistance. committee SD-192 To hold hearings on proposed budget es­ timates for fiscal year 1999 for the Na-