July 15, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1301 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

TRIBUTE TO ROMANIAN PRESI- mania takes a leadership role in the Partner- eral prominent publications have identified DENT ship for Peace collaboration. He helped lead health care as the defining issue of the 1990s. the in giving U.S. President Bill I agree. In meeting after meeting in southern Clinton in 1997 his biggest reception any- Indiana I have noticed how persistently the HON. MIKE PARKER where up to that time. And the same Roma- question of health care comes forward in dis- OF MISSISSIPPI nians have indicated the highest level of sup- cussions. It is the issue that bubbles and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES port for NATO and partnership with America seethes beneath the surface at all times sim- of any of the peoples of Eastern Europe; Wednesday, July 15, 1998 Met with regional and other world leaders ply because it is the most personal and real to demonstrate his determination to make issue that touches the hopes and fears of Mr. PARKER. Mr. Speaker, for the RECORD every American. I would like to submit a statement of tribute by a peaceful island of stability in the volatile region. His outreach to the Hungar- POPULAR VIEWS ON HEALTH CARE my former House colleague David Funderburk ian minority and to neighboring Hungary as to Romania's President who is visiting Wash- well as to neighboring have been I find Hoosiers overwhelmingly want ev- ington this week. models of cooperation in the region; eryone to have access to health care services Helped guide Romania through its most A TRIBUTE TO ROMANIAN PRESIDENT EMIL but they split on how to pay for that access. difficult economic crisis in the post-com- CONSTANTINESCU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS Hoosiers are usually skeptical of government munist period by calmly accentuating the VISIT TO WASHINGTON IN JULY 1998 action but I do not find them objecting to a positive, and focusing on the big picture of prominent role for government to play in (By David Funderburk) Romania’s goals of Western partnership and health care. They do not want a comprehen- Emil Constantinescu has been described as peace. His leadership has helped produce po- sive plan like the one President Clinton pro- Romania’s ‘‘Vaclav Havel.’’ There are many litical stability and project optimism in the reasons why Constantinescu should be face of a not-always-supportive coalition posed in 1994, but they do want to see the classed together with Vaclav Havel the government. government assuring access to affordable Czech dissident hero of the communist era. There is no doubt that Romania has some health care, vigorously policing the provid- Admittedly as a friend of Constantinescu I distance to travel before it’s on a par with ers of health care such as insurance compa- am not a completely unbiased observer. And the West in terms of economic reform and nies, demanding more generous coverage after spending two years living in Romania even political stability. More needs to be from employers, and ensuring that their ex- during the 1970’s and four years during the done to make the investment climate attrac- isting benefits are not cut back. Futhermore, 1980’s in Ceausescu’s time, I never thought I tive to U.S. companies and to complete the they do not want to see any interference would see a democratic President of Roma- implementation of the economic reforms. with the doctor-patient relationship. nia. For a few years following the end of the But change has been coming—gradually, steadily, inexorably. And most remarkably When it comes to the issue of managed Ceausescus I looked with skepticism on some care, most people recognize that managed of the transitional figures of the country. Romania has come a very long way since Ceausescu. Romania was left in about the care plans have helped to hold down costs Also I wondered how many of those new and provide preventive health care. But they voices who seemed to be jumping on the worst possible position to reform with a Sta- also worry that managed care can sometimes democratic reform and free market band- linist command economy, central planning interfere with the doctor-patient relation- wagon were for real. Emil Constantinescu and virtually no private sector. The steady hand of Constantinescu’s lead- ship and impede access to medical treat- has proven that he is for real. ership has helped guide Romania as it goes Emil Constantinescu is the first truly ment. They want government to hold man- through the toughest transition in Eastern democratic after 42 aged care plans accountable. The general Europe, without bloodshed, revolt or diver- view seems to be that Hoosiers will support years of harsh communism and 7 years of sion from the NATO-integration course. stagnation following the demise of Nicolae tougher government oversight of managed Constantinescu is a visionary leader who fo- care plans but they do not want the govern- and Elena Ceausescu. cuses on the big picture of Romania’s place Constantinescu is enlightened, well edu- ment to come in and take over health care. in the world, and strives to help fulfill the cated, pro-American, and a man of integrity dreams of ordinary Romanians to be given MIXED SUCCESS with a historical sense of purpose for his peo- recognition, acceptance and respect by the ple and their future. West particularly by the U.S. Since we have In light of widespread support for changes The leading interwar political party—the the benefit of such a leader in , we in the health care system, I am struck by the National Peasant & Christian Democrats— should move quickly during this visit to as- number of Hoosiers who say to me that they emerged from the ashes of communism under sist Constantinescu and Romania. are quite satisfied with their own health the leadership of , a giant Washington—from the White House to Cap- care. Their personal experiences have largely figure who had been imprisoned under itol Hill to the business community and been positive. They recognize the successes Ceausescu. Coposu, who was a national sym- media—has a special moment in history to of the American health care system. Vac- bol of integrity and sacrifice for freedom, do the right thing by this new Romania. cination rates are up, premature births are designated as the party’s standard-bearer in Let’s show our appreciation to President down, more women are getting mammo- both 1992 and 1996 the little known Geology Emil Constantinescu and Romania and show grams, and the move to managed care has professor and Rector of the University of Bu- our recognition for their historic longings, charest, Dr. Emil Constantinescu. During saved billions of dollars in health care spend- their geopolitical and strategical value to ing. They and their families are probably as the transition period in Romania under peace, and political stability in the region. Iliescu, Constantinescu gained political ex- Let’s take advantage of this special oppor- healthy today as they ever were and for the perience in his role as a leader of the opposi- tunity and welcome the new democratic most part they have affordable health cov- tion. President Emil Constantinescu—‘‘Romania’s erage. Romania’s ‘‘Havel’’ Emil Constantinescu Havel’’—to Congress, the White House and Nonetheless, underlying these successes is has in fact accomplished the following: America. It’s something we will not regret. the fear that the system will not continue to Led Romania to its first real democratic f work for them and be there in times of crisis. election victory in 1996 and peaceful transi- Hoosiers really worry about how they would tion with a platform incorporating the core HEALTH CARE REFORM handle a major illness, and they tell me values of Western civilization. And again and again of acquaintances who were Constantinescu initiated the coalition HON. LEE H. HAMILTON simply wiped out financially by a major Democratic Convention program called the OF INDIANA medical problem. Many feel overwhelmed by ‘‘Contract with Romania.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Presided as a populist President living a the red tape and bureaucracy in today’s spartan existence and working long hours in Wednesday, July 15, 1998 health care system. They are uncomfortable the midst of hardship for many workers in that power has shifted in the health care sys- Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tem from the physicians to the insurance the country. He receives only a token salary insert my Washington Report for Wednesday, and drives a small inconspicuous car without companies and managed care plan adminis- July 15, 1998 into the CONGRESSIONAL the motorcade fanfare of his predecessors; trators. RECORD. Led an activist campaign to permanently CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK tie Romania to the West, NATO and the U.S. MANAGED CARE REFORM (whose support Romania needs for its NATO The most important political issue today, President Clinton made health care a cen- aspirations). He has helped ensure that ro- and for the past decade, is health care. Sev- tral theme of his first term in office when he

∑ 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. E1302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 15, 1998 put forward his sweeping health care pro- TRIBUTE TO LISA MENDOSA The Rotary had its beginnings in February posal which featured universal coverage and 1905, when Chicago attorney Paul P. Harris a mandate on employers to provide health called three businessmen friends to a meeting. insurance for their employees. But his plan HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH OF CALIFORNIA He proposed a club that would kindle fellow- was decisively rejected and led, in large part, ship among members of the business commu- to the change of control in Congress in 1994. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nity and by the end of the year, the club had The Clinton health care proposal was re- Wednesday, July 15, 1998 jected because people felt it was too massive, 30 members. The name Rotary was adopted too complex, and its consequences too uncer- Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise because meetings were rotated among the tain. The bill was about 1300 pages in length. today to pay tribute to Lisa Mendosa. Lisa members' place of business. Rotary Clubs Mendosa, an accomplished woman of the were formed in San Francisco, Seattle, Wash- Although the rejection of Clinton’s pro- `90s, has added the title of Community Rela- ington, Los Angeles and New York in the next posal made both the Congress and the Presi- dent wary of comprehensive health care re- tions Coordinator of Borders Books to her few years. By 1921, the organization was rep- form, the issue did not die. Today, members credit. Having worked in numerous fields, Lisa resented on every continent and the name Ro- of Congress are keenly aware of the intensity Mendosa is in many respects, considered a tary International was adopted in 1922. Today, of their constituents feelings on health care. renaissance woman. there are more than 24,000 Rotary Clubs with The public is demanding better care for less Lisa Mendosa has had an impressive ca- a membership of 1.1 million in 167 countries. money. They do not like the high cost of reer, yet still has much of her life ahead of At the international level, Rotary is involved health care or the restrictions on its avail- her. In 1987, she was named one of Ameri- in many humanitarian projects, including edu- ability. They know the shortcomings in to- ca's top 100 women in Communications/His- cational grants for overseas study, a $200 mil- day’s system: too many Americans, espe- panic USA. In the same year she also won an lion program to eradicate polio worldwide, cially children, do not have adequate health award in the Associated Press television-radio youth and group exchanges between nations care coverage; long-term care for older per- competition. In 1989, she was named one of to foster international understanding, hunger sons is unaffordable to most Americans; and America's top 100 junior college graduates. In and health programs in developing countries, many feel that managed care plans focus 1995, Lisa Mendosa received an Emmy Award and financial aid to disaster relief programs. more on holding costs down than providing for her coverage of the Leer Jet crash in Fres- At the local level, the Park Ridge Rotary is quality care. no. involved in a wide variety of community serv- INCREMENTAL REFORM Lisa Mendosa has also published a number ice programs. The Rotary distributes annual of books on animals and children. She has a holiday food baskets to the handicapped, On health care, as on many issues, Ameri- cans are more comfortable with incremental great love for animals and has raised two sponsors a holiday party for the handicapped, steps and skeptical of massive changes in dogs from the age of eight weeks and studied sponsors the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards one swoop. For the next few years, my guess their development for more than 8 years. Lisa and an exchange student program. It supports is that the Congress will proceed with im- Mendosa spent 17 years working in TV news the Tri-Boro Ambulance, Meals on Wheels, provements in health care on a step-by-step researching, writing, producing and presenting the Park Ridge High School and Pascack Val- basis. That’s what it tried to do two years thousands of news stories. At Channel 24, ley High School Interact Clubs, the Park Ridge ago with the Kennedy-Kassenbaum legisla- Lisa went from management to producer. After and Montvale Eagle Scout Awards, the Park tion which mandated portability in most in- winning her Emmy, Lisa was offered a position Ridge Public Library and many other organiza- surance plans, enabling workers to change by Channel 30, which she took. Currently, she tions, events and programs. jobs and not be dropped for preexisting con- is a Community Relations Coordinator for Bor- The Park Ridge Rotary Club has helped ditions, and last year when it expanded cov- ders Books. Today, she works harder than make Park RidgeÐalong with Montvale and erage for children. ever to establish a close community relation- Woodcliff LakeÐa better place to live, work In the Congress, both parties are proposing ship with the Borders Book's staff. and raise a family for 70 years. I join with my plans to patch up managed care with such Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay colleagues in the House of Representatives to measures as expanding a patient’s ability to tribute to Lisa Mendosa. Already being an ac- wish the Club and its members many more choose a doctor and to receive emergency complished woman of the `90's and consid- years of continued success. care and to appeal plan decisions to a neu- ered a renaissance woman, Lisa Mendosa f tral third party. continues to be dedicated to her work. Her It is quite possible that the Congress will dedication and exemplary efforts should serve PROMPT COMPENSATION ACT OF approve this year a sensible, but modest, as an inspiration to all. I ask my colleagues to 1998 health care reform package which I would join me in wishing Lisa Mendosa continued expect to support. The elements of the pack- success for the future. HON. DUNCAN HUNTER age would likely include new opportunities f OF CALIFORNIA for patients to appeal to a neutral third IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES party when their health plans deny them CONGRATULATING THE PARK care, give more information to help them se- RIDGE ROTARY CLUB Wednesday, July 15, 1998 lect doctors and health plans, provide women Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the right to see a gynecologist, guarantee discuss an issue that is extremely important, emergency room access without prior ap- HON. MARGE ROUKEMA proval from managed care plans, protect per- OF NEW JERSEY private property rights. All of us have heard sonal medical information, and allow doctors IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from constituents in our districts who are frus- trated with the process by which the govern- to discuss with their patients a full range of Wednesday, July 15, 1998 medical options. ment provides compensation to landowners for Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- the private property it acquires. As you know, CONCLUSION gratulate the Park Ridge (New Jersey) Rotary the federal government obtains private prop- We are in the midst of major changes in Club on its 70th anniversary. This group of erty for all types of reasons, from community health care coverage. A decade ago, the ma- business men and women is a cornerstone of and infrastructure development to environ- jority of Americans received health care public service in our community. Their dedica- mental concerns. Unfortunately, it is common through traditional fee-for-service plans. tion and hard work have helped groups rang- for this process to take several years, during Today most Americans receive their health ing from the Boy Scouts to the handicapped. which, the property owner is discouraged from care through managed care, usually through They help keep alive the old-fashioned value conducting any type of development or im- HMOs. Lower costs and a wider array of ben- of neighbor helping neighborÐthe type of provement activity upon their land. It is for this efits, including prescription drug benefits, value that makes a community a community. reason that I will soon be introducing The are often seen as advantages of managed care The Park Ridge Rotary Club was chartered Prompt Compensation Act of 1998. plans. As the reform debate goes forward it November 19, 1928, and held its first meeting Currently, the federal government has two is important to build on the success of what is developing into a more efficient health December 14, 1928, at the Masonic Hall in alternatives available in acquiring private prop- care system, while improving both the qual- Park Ridge. Of the 25 charter members erty. The first is termed as a ``straight con- ity of care and patient satisfaction with present at that meeting, oneÐCharlie GreyÐ demnation'' procedure where a landowner re- their health care services. My guess is that is still active at age 96. There are 63 members ceives notification that a federal agency has health care reform will be on the agenda of in today's club, which serves the Tri-Boro area requested the Justice Department to file a the Congress for many years to come. of Park Ridge, Montvale and Woodcliff Lake. complaint in condemnation in an attempt to