September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24129 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-Friday, September 8, 1995

The House met at 9 a.m. and was and by direction of the Committee on of $19.3 billion over the next 20 years to called to order by the Speaker pro tem­ National Security, I call up the joint result from the 1995 base closure rec­ pore [Mr. KOLBE]. resolution (H.J. Res. 102) disapproving ommendations. the recommendations of the Defense Personally, I am concerned about on­ Base Closure and Realignment Com­ going force structure reductions as DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO mission, and ask unanimous consent well as the closing of a number of in­ TEMPORE for its immediate consideration in the stallations already in the works under The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be­ House. BRAC. At least some of these bases are fore the House the following commu­ The Clerk read the title of the joint unique national assets that we will nication from the Speaker: resolution. never reconstitute even if needed in the WASHINGTON, DC, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there future. September 8, 1995. objection to the request of the gen­ A number of Members, including my­ I hereby designate the Honorable JIM tleman from South Carolina? self, have been skeptical when it comes KOLBE to act as Speaker pro tempore on this There was no objection. to the rosy projections that have been day. The text of House Joint Resolution made in previous base closure rounds NEWT GINGRICH, 102 is as follows: concerning the savings that will accrue Speaker of the House of Representatives. H.J. RES. 102 to the military services. To date, sav­ Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep­ ings have fallen well short of expecta­ PRAYER · resentatives of the United States of America in tions while the up-front costs of clo­ Congress assembled, That Congress dis­ sures have soared beyond initial esti­ The Chaplain, Rev. James David approves the recommendations of the De­ mates and remain underfunded. Reluc­ Ford, D.D., offered the following pray­ fense Base Closure and Realignment Com­ tantly, however, I realize that with the er: mission as submitted by the President on growing pressures on defense resources 0 gracious God, from whom we have July 13, 1995. we simply cannot afford to keep all the received our very lives and in whom is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu­ installations and facilities open that I our hope and confidence, we express ant to section 2908 of the Defense Base believe our military may one day need our thanksgiving for this new day and Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, again. the opportunities that are before us. the gentleman from South Carolina Speaking from experience, I under­ We place before You our needs, those [Mr. SPENCE] and the gentleman from stand the pain and dislocation that a attitudes and feelings and hopes that Texas [Mr. TEJEDA] will each be recog­ base closure or major realignment can are dear to us, asking that You would nized for 1 hour. inflict on a community, even a region. bless us so we choose the better way, The Chair recognizes the gentleman In the past, even if I was not support­ confirm us in all truth, and forgive us from South Carolina [Mr. SPENCE]. ive of the closing of bases, I was at in the depths of our hearts. May what Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield least satisfied that the Commission we say and do and think this day be to myself such time as I may consume. and the closure process had essentially Your glory and honor. In Your name, Mr. Speaker, today, the House will worked as intended-that politics had we pray. Amen. consider whether to disapprove the rec­ not been the determining factor in the ommendations of the independent De­ development of the administration's or fense Base Closure and Realignment the Commission's numerous rec­ THE JOURNAL Commission to close 28 major military ommendations. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The installations and realign the mission at In this sense, I was especially con­ Chair has examined the Journal of the another 77 bases. I rise in opposition to cerned about the administration's han­ last day's proceedings and announces House Joint Resolution 102, which dling of the Commission's rec­ to the House his approval thereof. would disapprove the Commission's ommendations. There is no question Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour­ recommendations, and I urge my col­ that Presidential politics were para­ nal stands approved. leagues to oppose it as well. mount in the White House's very public We are currently in the fourth round and tortured consideration of the Com­ of base closures since 1989, and the mission's recommendations. The ve­ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE third and final round under the Com­ neer of a national security justification The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the mission's present charter. We all recog­ for rejection of the list was dropped as gentleman from California [Mr. nize that base closures are a reality in politics quickly took center stage. For­ CUNNINGHAM] come forward and lead the post-cold-war world, particularly in tunately, common sense prevailed over the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. view of the reductions in force struc­ politics and the administration ulti­ Mr. CUNNINGHAM led the Pledge of ture that have taken place over the mately backed down and allowed the Allegiance as follows: past 6 years. process to proceed. For the sake of the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the The Department of Defense is count­ process, I am nonetheless relieved that United States of America, and to the Repub­ ing on the savings resulting from base the President finally opted to allow lic for which it stands, one nation under God, closure and realignment to fund cur­ substance and process to prevail over indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. rently underfunded modernization and politics in his decision to submit the infrastructure improvements late this Commission's recommendations to the decade and into the next century. Ac­ Congress. DISAPPROVING THE REC- cording to the Commission, implemen­ However, I remain concerned about OMMENDATIONS OF THE DE­ tation of their recommendations would recent comments made by senior ad­ FENSE BASE CLOSURE AND RE­ result in one-time costs of approxi­ ministration officials implying that ALIGNMENT COMMISSION mately $3.6 billion. However, the Com­ the White House will find a way to as­ Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker,. pursuant mission expects $1.6 billion in annual sist a select few installations in politi­ to section 2908 of Public Law 101-510 savings and net present value savings cally sensitive States by "privatizing

D This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., D 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. 24130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 in place." Some have gone so far as to tisan issue. Base closures and economic primal scream. I understand that I am guarantee employment to workers at' losses cut across party lines. I stand probably engaging in a fruitless pro­ installations scheduled to be closed-a here before the House because my con­ test, and I have seen others whose guarantee that everyone knows will be stituents and my district, in fact this bases have closed do so in prior discus­ nearly impossible to honor. Nation, does not deserve the closure of sions of resolutions to, in effect, re­ While I am sympathetic to the desire Kelly Air Force Base. I do not believe verse the decisions of the BRAC proc­ to preserve defense skills and jobs, it is that closure of Kelly Air Force Base is ess of the Commission. But I think I clear that the Commission was seri­ in the best interest of our national se­ have justification in using this last op­ ously concerned about the cost of curity. If there is a way to keep Kelly portunity to express my measure of maintaining excess capacity at several open, we will fight that fight, and this protest, because in fact nowhere in the types of installations, particularly Air is what this resolution of disapproval is United States has the BRAC had such a Force depots. Privatization of work­ all about. devastating impact as it has had in the loads at these particular installations I expect nothing less from my col­ Sacramento area. was only one of several options rec­ leagues across the Nation who also lose In all four rounds of the BRAC, the ommended by the Commission. Con­ bases and jobs in this process. And we Sacramento area has shouldered well trary to the assertions of some, Con­ will hear from them. In contrast, I ex­ over a quarter of all the jobs lost in gress ultimately will retain the author­ pect those whose districts stand to California due to BRAC. In fact, the ity to determine how and if privatiza­ gain from these recommendations to Sacramento area standing alone has tion in place makes sense. voice their strong support for the Base absorbed more base closure losses in Mr. Speaker, the National Security Closure Commission's recommenda­ terms of direct and indirect jobs than Committee considered the rec­ tions. any other State in the Nation. In fact, ommendations of the Commission very I have no illusions about the final the same could be said of the Sac­ carefully. While some Members ex­ outcome of this matter. It is the bot­ ramento as well as San Francisco Bay pressed concern with individual rec­ tom of the ninth and we are behind by area individually. ommendations contained in the Com­ a lot of runs. But this does not mean Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of mission's report, the committee de­ we give up and walk off the field. There my time. cided to support the Commission's find­ are important issues which need to be Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ings. The committee voted 43 to 10 to addressed, and I look forward to a live­ myself such time as I may consume. report House Joint Resolution 102 ad­ ly discussion during the next 2 hours. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of House Joint Resolution 102 and I urge versely. In the committee's judgment, my time. my colleagues to vote against it. this resolution should be defeated. I Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ I supported the establishment of the urge a "no" vote to my colleagues. er, I appreciate the gentleman from current base closure process in 1990. I Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Texas sharing his time with me, and I believed then, and I continue to be­ my time. yield myself such time as I may lieve, that the disposal of unneeded Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask consume. military infrastructure and overhead unanimous consent to divide my 1 hour Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi­ would save scarce resources. I think we of debate so the gentleman from Cali­ tion to the BRAC Commission's 1995 have come a long way in that regard. fornia [Mr. FAZIO] is able to control 20 base closure list and in support of this Frankly we have closed bases minutes of that time and I will control resolution. I do so for the first time. through this process that I never 40 minutes. While this is the fourth round of base thought would ever be closed-and we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there closure, it is the first time that I have have closed some that we may ulti­ objection to the request of the gen­ risen in opposition, despite the fact mately wish we had not. Personally, I tleman from Texas? that it is the third of four rounds that was opposed to the closure in previous There was no objection. have impacted the community, Sac­ rounds of facilities such as Lowry Air The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ ramento, CA, that I represent along Force Base and Pueblo Army Depot in tleman from Texas [Mr. TEJEDA] will with several of my colleagues who will Colorado. I fought to keep them from be recognized for 40 minutes, and the appear later today. closing, but when faced with the deci­ gentleman from California [Mr. FAZIO] I want to join with the comments sion to accept or reject the entire list will be recognized for 20 minutes. that my friend, Mr. TEJEDA, of San An­ produced by the Commission, I con­ The Chair recognizes the gentleman tonio has made with reference to my cluded that the Commission had acted from Texas [Mr. TEJEDA]. particular opposition to the decision to appropriately, and that in an era of de­ Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield close two of the five Air Logistics Cen­ clining defense dollars the national in­ myself such time as I may consume. ters under the Materiel Command terest had been served. This year I feel Mr. Speaker, this resolution rep­ based in Dayton, OH. I strongly sup­ the same way, even though Fitzsimons resents the end of a long and painful ported the position that the Air Force Army Medical Center is on the list. process for many communities and and DOD took to downsize in place. I I want to briefly say a word about their citizens. While these commu­ think that was the right decision, both the ultimate reuse for facilities such as nities are now turning their attention in terms of keeping capacity available Fitzsimons. One of our goals through­ toward reuse efforts and planning for for any international emergency that out this process has been to get instal­ the future, we have this final oppor­ would have required surge capability. lations slated for closure as quickly as tunity to overturn the Base Closure I regret the decision, which was very possible into reuse by the local com­ Commission's recommendations. hard fought within the Commission, to munity. I have been impressed with the In my opinion, the base Closure Com­ close the two facilities that now will speed and dedication with which the mission made a mistake in voting to undergo privatization. As my friend city of Aurora has approached redevel­ close two of the Air Force's air logis­ from San Antonio said, we will hear a opment. Working with the University tics centers. These depots are located good deal from people who expected to of Colorado, an impressive reuse plan is in San Antonio, TX and Sacramento, gain a great deal from the closure of already taking shape for Fitzsimons. I CA. My colleagues from San Antonio our two bases, who are troubled by the want to encourage the Department of and Sacramento will speak to this deci­ report of the DOD Commission on Defense, particularly the Department sion in a few minutes, so I will not add Roles and Missions which has advo­ of the Army, to do what it can to fa­ to that specific debate yet. cated strongly the privatization of our cilitate a rapid transition of the facil­ It should come as no surprise, then, heretofore public Air Force Logistics ity and related property to the local re­ that the San Antonio and Sacramento Centers. development authority so that the peo­ delegations introduced resolutions of I know what I am engaging in here ple of Aurora and Colorado can benefit disapproval. This issue is not a par- .today is probably under the rubric of a from reuse as soon as possible . September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24131 Mr. Speaker, since the first round of tee will continue its commitment to this. As you know, the Air Force, the base closures in 1988, over 100 major oversight of BRAC implementation Pentagon, and the President did not U.S.-based facilities have closed, and even after the formal Commission want to close McClellan Air Force plant replacement value has been re­ process ends this year. Base. He wanted to basically keep the duced by 21 percent. The Commission's The Secretary of Defense estimates five logistic depots open and downsize 1995 recommendations will raise the that $40 billion will be saved as a result all five of them for the purpose of fu­ number of major U.S.-based installa­ of action taken in all four phases of ture possible national international tions closed to about 130, and plant re­ base closure. He may be right. I hope crises. placement value will have been reduced he is; but even if savings fall short of Those are the five probably most im­ by another 6 percent or so. expectations, there is no question that portant depots in the country. When Although not covered by BRAC, we must complete the process we began these five depots are compared to the unneeded overseas infrastructure has 7 years ago. I urge my colleagues to Army or the Navy, we always come out also been reduced substantially. During support the judgment of the National ahead, because we have become techno­ the BRAC period, the services have Security Committee and vote "no" on logically the most proficient. Obvi­ closed or reduced operations at over 950 the resolution of disapproval. ously, we have one of the best work bases overseas-a plant replacement Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of forces in the entire Federal Govern­ value reduction of 43 percent. my time. ment and, as a result of that, I believe Despite all the rhetoric from some Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ the long-range plans of this adminis­ quarters, including from some in the er, I yield such time as he may tration, but particularly of the people administration who periodically sug­ consume to the gentleman from Sac­ that are running on a long-term basis gest that we have not done enough, I ramento, CA [Mr. MATSUI], who has the Pentagon, have felt if we ever went believe this process has resulted in a worked so long and hard to build into interservicing, these bases should significant downsizing of our military McClellan Air Force Base into the be the ones to preserve. infrastructure. In my judgment, the modern entity it is today. As my colleagues know, the Presi­ military services need to adjust to the D 0920 dent attempted to save these bases for sharp base and installation reductions that future possibility. Unfortunately, they will have to absorb. Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would the Commission, in its own wisdom, de­ As the chairman of the Subcommit­ like to thank the gentleman from Cali­ cided to close two bases, one in Texas tee on Military Installations and Fa­ fornia [Mr. FAZIO], but first of all, I and the McClellan Air Force Base in cilities, I have been approached about would like to take a moment to first of California. This was against the stren­ the possibility of authorizing another all thank both the gentleman from uous objection of the administration, round of base closures in 6 years of so. California [Mr. DOOLITTLE] and the the Pentagon, and the Air Force. Indeed, that was one of the rec­ gentleman from California [Mr. POMBO] I have to say that the reason I am ommendations of the Defense Base Clo­ for the hard work they did in trying to going to vote in favor of this resolu­ sure and Realignment Commission. pursue our efforts to save McClellan tion, and against the recommendations There may be a need in the future to Air Force Base. We had a very strong of this Commission, is because origi­ resurrect this process, but I believe bipartisan effort in northern California nally this process was to be nonpoliti­ that authorizing another round now and without their help, I do not believe cal. It was to be an objective process. would be a mistake. we could have gotten as far as we did. We have had two prior closings and we The services need time to adjust to a Mr. Speaker, I would like to spend a had two bases in my district that post-BRAC environment. Some units few moments to talk about my col­ closed as a result of those two prior have moved as many as three times league, the gentleman from California Commissions. Mr. Speaker, I voted to throughout the final phases of BRAC. [Mr. FAZIO], who is adjacent to me in close those bases, even though there Once force structure and installations Sacramento County. The gentleman was a total of 10,000 employees, because infrastructure have stabilized, and from California [Mr. FAZIO] and I have I thought the process was fair and ob­ once we have a clear understanding of worked over the years to get $400 mil­ jective. the actual costs and savings balance lion of construction programs for But I have to tell my colleagues that from BRAC, Congress will be in a bet­ McClellan in the last decade and a half. this process was the most outrageous ter position to assess whether any fur­ This is because the Air Force has sug­ process around. Those Commissioners, ther rounds of base closure are nec­ gested that we should do this to main­ not all of them, but many of them, had essary. While I have great respect for tain McClellan as a viable, strong base their own agenda. One who was a high­ the Commissioners, particularly Chair­ of the five maintenance depots. ranking Army official, for example, not man Alan Dixon, I would not support Mr. Speaker, the gentleman, over the only during his discussions showed sig­ authorization of a future round at this last 8 or 9 months in particular, did a nificant bias, but he was actually out­ time. tremendous job in doing whatever he wardly favoring Army depots saying all There is no doubt that there are could to save McClellan Air Force his experience with the Army led him problems in the BRAC process. It is Base. I think the final recommenda­ to believe that we should save these clear that the upfront costs of base clo­ tion, that is the privatization of this bases. That is not the way this process sures and realignments have been sub­ base, would not have occurred without was supposed to work. stantially more than anyone expected. his able assistance and his ability to In fact the irony of all of this is when It is also true that revenues from dis­ put together this package in a coali­ Sacramento Army Depot in my district posal have not been realized, and real­ tion. closed, we were able to get the last ized savings have fallen far short of So, Mr. Speaker, I say to the gen­ Commission to allow certain functions original estimates. This does not mean tleman from California, on behalf of to be bid out and McClellan was one of that the process has not worked or that my constituents in the Fifth Congres­ the bidders, along with Tobyhanna and it has collapsed. It is an indication of sional District, I want to thank him some other Army bases. Believe it or just how difficult the implementation very much for his help, because I think not, McClellan Air Force· Base was the of BRAC, with its huge upfront costs we will be able to maintain a level of one that actually prevailed over the and hidden environmental cleanup employment at that base now that will A.rmy bases to get an Army contract. costs, has proven to be in practice. not create economic disruption. So I Now that contract is going to be going Mr. Speaker, the first hearing the just want to pay my respects for the to an Army base, even though they Subcommittee on Military Installa­ gentleman's efforts over the last 8 were less efficient. tions and Facilities held in this session months to a year. So, Mr. Speaker, I am going to be concerned the BRAC process. I want to Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ac­ voting for this resolution because I felt assure the House that the subcommit- knowledge the President's activities in that the process was unfair. 24132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 Mr. Speaker, in conclusion I would dollars, and what they want to do is I find that kind of blatant disregard like to make one further observation. delay this process. And right now, DOD for the law offensive and contemptuous To the employees of Sacramento Coun­ is having to eat the overhead, because of the law and of Congress. I want to be ty who over the years have just done a we have not funded BRAC. very clear, I do not consider the Presi­ tremendous job, I want to thank them Mr. Speaker, if families are from El dent's letter, directing privatization for their efforts on behalf of the na­ Toro and they have to move, or inplace, to be part of the BRAC rec­ tional defense of this country. We are Miramar and having to move to Fallon, ommendations we will approve here going to do everything we can to make Nevada, NTC, all over the State of today. sure this privatization plan that the California, those families are being dis­ I also want to point out that any President and the gentleman from rupted and they are losing their jobs, plan to do so would clearly violate at California [Mr. FAZIO] put together will defense jobs with the military and as­ least five sections of title 10, United work. sociated jobs. We lost a million jobs in States Code. The President simply can­ And I want to make an admonition. I the State of California. not ignore current law to solve his own am going to be one of the strongest But as Paul Harvey said, the rest of political problems. Our country has proponents of privatization of depots in the story is look at who caused it. And found, several times in our history, the future. And if, in fact, we are able they say that the President wants to that no one is above the law. to pursue this and make progress in save those bases. Absolutely, he caused It appears the President has once this area, it is my opinion that those it. again come up with a lose-lose-lose bases that were protected for political Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, will the compromise by worrying about politi­ reasons, not for substantive reasons, gentleman yield? cal repercussions instead of leading the and some were protected for sub­ Mr. CUNNINGHAM. I yield to the Nation. stantive reasons, but those that were gentleman from California. This plan to privatize inefficient ex­ protected for political reasons will find Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, as I said cess capacity and guarantee jobs is bad that they are the most in jeopardy as in my comments, I supported the last for the Department of Defense because we go into the 21st century. two closings, including bases in my dis­ it does not address the fundamental ex­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 trict. No one is suggesting the cess capacity questions in the depot minutes to the gentleman from Califor­ downsizing should not occur. It is the system and will only result in higher nia [Mr. CUNNINGHAM]. process that is extremely important in maintenance costs and substantially Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I this particular effort. lower savings. am amazed, especially at my California Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr: Speaker, I It is bad for the country because it colleagues. When they vote for a $177 disagree. undermines the integrity of a process billion cut in defense, and California is Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 designed to be free from this kind of the leader in the defense industry and minutes to the gentleman from Utah political tampering. most of our bases are in California, [Mr. HANSEN]. And it is bad for many of the workers what did they expect? What did they Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise at McClellan and Kelly who will now expect? today in strong opposition to House lose the option to follow their Federal They vote for a Clinton tax package Joint Resolution 102 and in support of job to another DOD depot. and $177 billion cut, after Colin Powell, · the recommendations of the BRAC This recommendation ignores the Dick Cheney, and then-candidate Clin­ Commission. BRAC Commission findings that "the ton said that anything above a $50 bil­ I know BRAC is painful. The First closure of McClellan AFB, and the San lion cut would put us into a hollow District of Utah has lost a base in each Antonio Air Logistics Center, permits force. And then I hear that the Presi­ round of BRAC and will lose Defense significantly improved utilization of dent wanted to save California bases. Depot Ogden if this list is accepted. the remaining depots and reduces DOD Yes, California is important in a 1996 While I may not agree with every deci­ operating costs." The closure was election. Sure, he would like to save sion, I believe the BRAC process is fair deemed a necessity given the signifi­ them. and must remain independent. That is cant amount of excess depot capacity But I think we need to look at why why I will vote against this resolution. and limited defense resources. we are closing those bases in the first Now, after the game has been fairly I have already joined with other place. Who called for an additional played, the President wants to go back Members of Congress to raise these ob­ and change the rules. Under Public base closure round? The very same peo­ jections to the Pentagon. It is obvious ple now that are saying that the Presi­ Law 101-510, the President had two that all bases, would prefer a second dent wants to save those bases. Give choices: Either send the list back to chance to save the majority of the jobs me a break. the Commission with recommended through privatization in place. Support Mr. Speaker, in committee they used changes or accept the list in total. The of this option for political expediency the analogy of a fisherman and they President instead decided to play out­ at McClellan, will endanger the entire said take the analogy of a catfish that side the law, and forward the list to BRAC process and the $19 billion in has now been cut and we are going to Congress with two substantial changes. savings it represents. skin him alive, gut him, and eat him. The President's unprecedented direc­ I urge all my colleagues to vote Well, do not expect us to sit there and tion to the Pen tagon to privatize in place the majority of jobs at the against this resolution and to join me take it. If my colleagues voted for the in holding the President, and Depart­ defense cuts and they are from Califor­ McClellan and Kelly Air Logistics Cen­ ters is nothing more than an attempt ment of Defense, accountable for com­ nia, they are not the fish; they are the pliance with the law of the land. in the role of a fisherman. They caused to circumvent the independent BRAC Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ the problem. process for the political expediency of er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman I take a look at what we have gone satisfying northern California. The administration has continued to from California [Mr. HORN]. through and why many of us are fight­ Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, the closure ing against the continued assaults on play fast and lose with the law. On a recent visit to McClellan, White House process is an attempt to be objective. DOD spending. I look at the increase in By and large it has been objective. It is nondefense spending by 261 percent by Chief of Staff, Leon Panetta, issued the following threat: not a generally partisan process. How­ Members and, yes, even some of the ever, it is an in tense process within the If there is any action in Congress or by any Members on our own committee in this other depots to try to inhibit the privatiza­ services and between the services House. tion effort, the President has made it clear where there are very high partisan ri­ I take a look at the extension of So­ that we will consider that a breach of proc­ valries. malia, which cost us billions of dollars, ess and he will order that McClellan be kept In the case of the Navy, it is a matter and Haiti, which has cost us billions of open. of the air wing versus the surface fleet September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24133 versus the underseas fleet. What hap­ and the preestablished final selection cri­ bers of any military service attended a site pened in the case of the closure of the teria. Based on the criteria established in visit and regional hearing for the express Long Beach Naval Shipyard, the only Public Law 101-510, if overcapacity consider­ purpose of advocating that a particular in­ ations argue for the closure of a naval ship­ stallation remain open. shipyard that has ever returned, con­ yard, the data clearly favor keeping the I am confident that the Commission will sistently, money to the Treasury; the Long Beach Naval Shipyard open. In addi­ do all it can to assure that any decisions most efficient one, if you listen to the tion, closing the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard made regarding the closure of either the former commander of the Portsmouth has a much greater effect on reducing excess Portsmouth or the Long Beach Naval Ship­ Naval Shipyard, Captain Bowman, capacity. Based on the data presented by yard will be fair and impartial-and made when he was on the 1993 Base Closure Commission staff at the Commission "add" outside of the political arena- in accordance Commission. He said that everyone in hearing on May 10, 1995, public naval ship­ with the procedures established in Public the Navy knows that Long Beach has yard nuclear excess capacity is currently 37 Law 101-510. The injection of politics at the percent; conventional non nuclear excess ca­ highest level is, I believe, unfortunate and been 4 years ahead of every single yard, pacity is 16 percent. has made more difficult the already consid­ both in efficiency and effectiveness. Closing conventional shipyards such as erable challenge of convincing affected com­ Mr. Speaker, I would like to put in SRF Guam and the Long Beach Naval Ship­ munities that political considerations are the RECORD at this point various mate­ yard does not change the Navy's excess ca­ not a factor in the BRAC decision making rial to back up that and other state­ pacity at nuclear shipyards. That remains process. Your efforts to assure the integrity ments. untouched at its current level of 37 percent. of the process are appreciated. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, However, this closure would result in a Thank you for considering these very im­ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, shortage of non nuclear shipyard capacity of portant issues. Washington, DC, June 13, 1995. minus 17 percent. The irony is that with the Sincerely, Hon. ALAN J . DIXON, exception of a few aircraft carriers and sub­ STEPHEN HORN, The Base Closure and Realignment Commission, marines, the Navy's future ships will be con­ U.S. Representative. 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1425, Arling­ ventionally powered. In brief, the future of ton, VA. the Navy seems to be non nuclear. Closing ATTACHMENT A DEAR CHAIRMAN DIXON: I am writing to ad­ SRF Guam and the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ SEC. 2903 (D)(2)(B) AND (C) OF PUBLIC LAW 101-510 dress several issues which are crucial to the yard would reduce nuclear excess capacity to " (B)" Subject to subparagraph (C), in mak­ deliberations the 1995 Defense Base Closure 14 percent, and reduce non-nuclear excess ca­ ing " its recommendations, the Commission and Realignment Commission will soon be pacity to 7 percent (See Attachment C, the may make changes in any of the rec­ undertaking concerning the potential clo­ bar charts prepared by Commission staff). ommendations made by the Secretary if the sure of naval shipyards. As you are aware, Thus, in terms of attaining the objective of Commission determines that the Secretary The Defense Base Closure and Realignment reducing excess capacity, if one of these deviated substantially from the force-struc­ Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-510) and subse­ shipyards has to be closed, the numbers show ture plan and final criteria referred to in quent changes made by the Congress (Public that the Commission should close the Ports­ subsection (c)(l) in making recommenda­ Law 102-311 and Public Law 102-484) were de­ mouth Naval Shipyard. tions. signed to provide a fair and impartial process On another related but relevant issue, it is "(C) In the case of a change described in for the timely closure and realignment of do­ my understanding that a primary consider­ subparagraph (D) in the recommendations mestic military installations. Under the pro­ ation in the decision not to close McClellan made by the Secretary. the Commission may visions of this legislation, specific criteria Air Force Base in 1993 was the cost of envi­ make the change only if the Commission- were established under which the Depart­ ronmental clean-up. Moreover, the presen­ "(i) makes the determination required by ment of Defense recommends a military in­ tation made by community representatives subparagraph (B); stallation for closure. The law specifically at the Wednesday, May 24, 1995 regional "(ii) determines that the change is consist­ states that these recommendations must be hearing heavily emphasized the high cost of ent with the force-structure plan and final based on the future force structure plan and environmental restoration in the case to criteria referred to in subsection (c)(l); preestablished final selection criteria. keep McClellan Air Force Base open. "(iii) publishes a notice of the proposed Public Law 101- 510 specifically states that As you are aware, legislation and the De­ change in the Federal Register not less than the Defense Base Closure and Realignment partment of Defense guidelines preclude con­ 30 days before transmitting its recommenda­ Commission can make changes in the rec­ sideration of the costs of environmental tions to the president pursuant to paragraph ommendations made by the Department of clean-up in the installation closure decision (2); and Defense only if the Commission determines making process. However, if the potential " (iv) conducts public hearings on the pro­ that the Secretary deviated substantially environmental clean-up costs are used as a posed change.'' from the future force-structure plan and justification not to close anyone particular final selection criteria. (See Attachment A, installation, these criteria should be applied Sec. 2903(d)(2)(B) and (C) of Public Law 101- equally to all other installations being con­ ATTACHMENT B 501.) sidered for closure. LONG BEACH NAVAL SlflPYARD It has been proven conclusively that in rec­ I would like to make one final comment. It Examples of Where the Navy/Department ommending Long Beach Naval Shipyard for appears that many of the actions in defense of Defense Substantially Deviated from the closure, the Department of Defense substan­ of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard may have Future Force Structure Plan and the tially deviated from the future force struc­ been driven by the upcoming New Hampshire Preestablished Final Selection Criteria: ture plan and the preestablished final selec­ Presidential Primary, as opposed to the 1. The Navy predetermined the fate of the tion criteria. A summary of the evidence and cr4iterai established by Public Law 101- 510. Long Beach Naval Shipyard (Long Beach rationale for this conclusion is presented in A month before the base closure rec­ NSY). Attachment B. ommendations were made by the Secretary Shifting critical workload away. If the Commission concludes that the De­ of Defense, President Clinton publicly stated Ignored a $100 million offer by the Port of partment of Defense substantially deviated that he did not believe the Portsmouth Long Beach to consolidate facilities from the from the criteria established in Public Law Naval Shipyard would be on the list of in­ Naval Station for Shipyard convenience. 101- 510 then, under this law, this consider­ stallations recommended by the Navy and Why? ation, and this consideration alone, is suffi­ the Department of Defense for closure. More Studied feasibility of bringing a floating cient grounds to change the Secretary of De­ recently, the President spoke over four New drydock from Hawaii to San Diego (The Ma­ fense's recommendation. Hampshire radio stations as follows: " I sup­ chinist). Representatives of the City of Long Beach port the Secretary of Defense's recommenda­ Never included the Long Beach NSY in the and I have had several meetings with Com­ tions and I believe that they will be upheld." Regional Maintenance Center concept, but mission staff where we have presented the The Navy sent its most senior officials to did include the Puget Sound and Pearl Har­ argµments which prove that there has been the Portsmouth site visit and regional hear­ bor Naval Shipyards. substantial deviation. It is my belief that ing. Included were Assistant Secretary of the Has postponed the transfer of surplus Commission staff is generally in agreement Navy for Installations and Environment Naval Station property from BRAC 91 to with our position. However, there seems to Robert B. Pirie, Jr.; Chief of Naval Oper­ BRAC 95. Is there a connection? be a concern that since so much overcapac­ ations Jeremy M. Boorda; Director of Naval 2. The Navy states future uncertainties of ity exists, some closures will have to occur. Reactors Admiral Bruce DeMars; and the the force structure prevent the closure of the In this regard, the technical case to keep Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Com­ Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open ap­ mand, Vice Admiral George Sterner. This is NSY). pears to rest heavily on nuclear issues, rath­ unprecedented. Never in the history of the Public Law 101-510 clearly st ates that the er than on the future force structure plan base closure process have such senior mem- force structure plan for fiscal years 1995 24134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 through 2001 be the basis for making rec­ main open due to substantial deviation in than the Navy's claim of an immediate re­ ommendations for base closures and realign­ the final selection criteria. turn on investment. The workman's com­ ments. 6. The Base Structure Analysis Team pensation included in the Long Beach NSY The Navy argues, that the uncertainty of (BSAT) developed data call scenarios, mili­ costs, which must be paid whether the Long the future submarine force (including future tary value criteria and their evaluation cri­ Beach NSY closes or not, will wipe out the proposed new construction) including beyond teria in a manner that was prejudicial and $450 million savings. 2001 is a valid and essential consideration. caused the Long Beach NSY to obtain lower 10. The data call scenarios and military This is clearly outside the future force scores. value criteria established by the BSAT in­ structure plan parameters established by This accounts for the Long Beach NSY cluded many factors intended to address nu­ Public Law 101-510. having a military value of 48.7 in 1993 and clear issues. Yet, the Navy now argues that 3. Using the new force structure as the rea­ 38.04 in 1995. the nuclear issues alone are sufficient son not to need Drydock #1. The Department of Defense did not estab­ grounds to keep the Portsmouth NSY open In BRAC 1992 and BRAC 1993, the Navy lish new final selection criteria between 1993 stated that Drydock #1 was essential for con­ and close the Long Beach NSY. The Navy and 1995. Thus, based on the final selection now contends; ventional aircraft carrier (CV) and nuclear criteria, the relative rankings of the mili­ aircraft carrier (CVN) emergent docking on tary value of shipyards should not have No nuclear shipyard should be closed. the west coast. changed. All non-nuclear work can be done in nu­ Additionally, in BRAC 1991 and BRAC 1993 Thus, there was a substantial deviation clear shipyards, but nuclear work can only the Navy stated unequivocally that it could from the established final selection criteria. be done in nuclear shipyards. not fulfill its pacific Fleet mission require­ 7. The Navy used different and possibly However, nuclear issues always seem to be ments without Drydock #1. non-existent selection criteria in its consid­ unclear. The facts are that the only compo­ There are still twelve aircraft carriers in eration of private shipyards on the east nents on any nuclear ship that are " nuclear" the Fleet with six homeported in the Pacific coast and the west coast. are the reactor compartment, the cooling area. The Navy has stated on the record that re­ systems, and the propulsion systems. Nu­ The percentage of large deck ships in the gardless of whether technical capabilities or clear certification is required to work on new force structure is increasing. capacity exist, the private sector on the east Drydock #1 is one of two drydocks on the these, and only these components. coast can not and should not absorb trans­ It is estimated that 85% of a nuclear ship entire west coast capable of docking EVERY ferred workload from east coast public ship­ SHIP IN THE NA VY including CVNs and work package is conventional work and can yards. Ironically, both Newport News and be done in non-nuclear shipyards. submarines. Once this asset is lost, its lost Electric Boat have the capability and capac­ forever. The Long Beach NSY with its nuclear cer­ 4. The Navy used different economic data ity to handle any transferred workload from tified drydock could work on any nuclear the Portsmouth NSY. and thresholds in its analysis of installations The Navy contends that it is acceptable for ship with the assistance of tiger teams from considered for closure. a nuclear shipyard. The Office of the Secretary of Defense the majority of the Long Beach NSY's trans­ ferred workload to be absorbed by the west Is the BRAC Commission prepared to: guidance in the BRAC process stipulates Balance the true cost of keeping this stra­ that economic impact is to be assessed at the coast private shipyards. However, the small private shipyards on the west coast do not tegic waterfront ship repair facility against economic area level (metropolitan statistical the unknown future needs of our Navy and area or county). have the capability to handle large deck The Navy evaluated the potential impact ships. our national defense. of closing the Long Beach NSY based on this The 1995 BRAC process does not list the Lose the capability and the strategic loca­ criteria. quantitation of private sector capabilities as tion of the Long Beach NSY's Drydock #1. Four California installations were removed a part of the final selection criteria. Once closed, Drydock #1 will be lost forever. by the Navy due to cumulative total direct 8. The Navy badly underestimated the cost Close the one public shipyard that com­ and indirect job change, even though mili­ of closure ($74.53 million). plied with Department of Defense guidance tary value considerations presented them as The Navy's cost of closure budget submit­ to install more efficient management, right­ viable candidates for closure. ted to Naval Sea Systems Command sized, and has returned money to the tax­ Long Beach's cumulative total direct and (NA VSEA) is $433 million. Some sources have payer six years in a row. Long Beach NSY is indirect job change is higher than three of indicated that NAVSEA considers this esti­ the only public shipyard operating in the these installations. mate too low. [See attached letter from black. What kind of a message does this send Thus, the Navy applied economic impact Commander, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, to other federal facilities that are attempt­ criteria differently between the Long Beach dated May 17, 1995.] ing to become more efficient to ensure their NSY and the other four Navy installations. Over $500 million of additional workman's long-term survival. Again, the Navy/Department of Defense sub­ compensation costs over a 20 year period were not included. stantially deviated from the final selection DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, criteria. Thus, the cost of closure is understated by 5. The Navy recommended the closure of $858 million. If the costs of homeporting LONG BEACH NAVAL SHIPYARD, CVNs at North Island as opposed to the Long Long Beach, CA, May 17, 1995. the Long Beach NSY and not the Ports­ From: Commander, Long Beach Naval Ship­ mouth NSY. Beach NSY are properly calculated and in­ The military value of the Long Beach NSY cluded, Long Beach NSY closure costs may yard. was higher than the Portsmouth NSY. exceed $1 billion. To: Commander, Naval Sea Systems Com­ The BRAC 1995 final selection criteria are 9. The Navy calculates a 20 year Return on mand (SEA 97E). weighted heavily toward military value. Investment of at least $1.948 billion. The Subject: FY96 Budget Submission. The Navy contends that nuclear issues sig­ Navy says this is due to workload shifting to Enclosure: (1) Overview Data for the FY96 nificantly outweigh the established selection other shipyards. Independent estimates, DBOF Budget. (2) Long Beach Naval criteria, therefore the Portsmouth NSY based on the workload planning for the Long Shipyard Base Closure Budget. should not be closed. Beach NSY for fiscal years 1996 through 2001, 1. Enclosures (1) and (2) are submitted as This is a substantial deviation from the show that performing this work at other lo­ the Overview Data for the FY96 DBOF Budg­ final selection criteria. cations will cost about $450 million less than et and the Long Beach Naval Shipyard Base Therefore, if the Portsmouth NSY remains at the Long Beach NSY. The result is a Closure Budget. open, the Long Beach NSY should also re- break even point of about 40 years rather J .A. PICKERING. EXHIBIT BCIV-02-BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE (1995) COMMISSION-FINANCIAL SUMMARY [In thousands of dollars]

Fiscal year 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total Activity: Long Beach Naval Complex UIC: Funded One-time implementation costs: Military construction ...... Family housing ...... Construction ...... Operations ...... Environmental ...... Studies ...... September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24135 EXHIBIT BCIV-02-BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE (1995) COMMISSION-FINANCIAL SUMMARY-Continued [In thousands of dollars)

Fiscal year

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Compliance Restoration ...... Operation and maintenance ...... 60,550 Military personnel-PCS .... HAP . Other . Total ...... 13,980 60,550 74,530

Unfunded One-time implementation costs: Military construction . 3,100 9,300 12,400 Family housing ...... Construction ...... Operations Environmental ..... ···15:597 17,455 33,052 Studies ...... Compliance Restoration ...... Operation and maintenance •·· 73:460 135,499 20.739 15,695 15,729 """ 15)65 ·21s:ss7 Military personnel-PCS HAP ...... """36:3ii3 36,363 Other ...... Total ...... 92,157 198,617 20,739 15,695 15,729 15.765 358,702

Total Requirement One-time implementation costs: Military construction . 3.100 9,300 12.400 Family housing Construction Operations Environmental ···15:597 17 ,455 33.o52 Studies Compliance Restoration ...... Operation and maintenance ...... """ ii7:44ii 196,049 15,695 15,729 """ 15:765 351 ,417 Military personnel-PCS Other .. 36,363 36,363 Total .. 106,137 259,167 20,739 15,695 15,729 15.765 433,232

[Memorandum from U.S. Representative through 2001 be the basis for making rec­ shipyard closures. Only one of these options Stephen Horn, June 20, 1995) ommendations for base closures and realign­ concluded that the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS AND THE 1995 ROUND ments. yard should remain open. Yet, when the De­ OF MILITARY BASE CLOSURES The Navy argues that the uncertainty of partment of Defense made its final rec­ The Defense Base Closure and Realignment the future submarine force (including future ommendations, the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ proposed new construction) including beyond yard was not among the military installa­ Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-510) and subse­ 2001 is a valid and essential consideration. tions that it recommended for closure. quent changes made by the Congress (Public This is outside the force structure param­ In late January, President Clinton told a Law 102-311 and Public Law 102-484) were de­ eters established by Public law 101- 510. Manchester, New Hampshire radio station signed to provide a fair and impartial process 2. The Navy recommended that the Ports­ audience that he did not believe the Ports­ for the timely closure and realignment of do­ mouth Naval Shipyard remain open and that mouth Naval Shipyard would be on the list mestic military installations. One of the pri­ another shipyard with a higher military of military installations the Navy and De­ mary objectives of this legislation was to value be closed. The BRAC 1995 final selec­ partment of Defense would be recommending move the closure of military installations tion criteria is weighted heavily toward for closure. This was about a month before outside of the political arena, and to base in­ military value. Thus, there is a substantial the Department of Defense recommendations stallation closure actions on the future force deviation from the established selection cri­ were released. These kinds of statements by structure plan and preestablished final selec­ teria. the President certainly must have had some tion criteria. 3. The Navy attempted to develop their effect on Navy and Department of Defense Most of the actions which have been taken data call scenarios and military value cri­ officials who were in the process of making by the Department of Defense and past De­ teria in a manner that was prejudicial and the final decisions on which installations to fense Base Closure and Realignment Com­ would result in the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ recommend for closure. missions appear to have fulfilled these objec­ yard obtaining a higher score. After the Department of Defense made tives. However, the actions taken by the Many factors were included which ad­ their final base closure recommendations, Navy, the Department of Defense, the Presi­ dressed nuclear issues. the Defense Base Closure and Realignment dent, and certain Republican Presidential The weighing of military value compo­ Commission technical staff conducted an ex­ candidates in regard to attempting to pre­ nents was changed to favor the Portsmouth tensive analysis of whether the recommenda­ vent the closure of one military installation Naval Shipyard. tion not to close the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ in New Hampshire appear to violate the spir­ The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was still yard conformed to the legislated future force it and intent of the law and are unprece­ ranked the second lowest in military value. structure plan and final selection criteria re­ dented. It appears that the actions being The Navy now contends that nuclear issues quirements. The technical staff then made taken to save the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ alone are sufficient grounds to keep the the recommendation to add the Portsmouth yard are driven by the 1996 New Hampshire Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open, regardless Naval Shipyard to those military installa­ Presidential Primary as opposed to the cri­ of the fact that they were adequately consid­ tions being considered for closure. On May teria established in Public Law 101-510. ered in the calculation of military value. 10, 1995, the Commission voted six to two to In regard to the Navy's actions in develop­ This is a substantial deviation from the es­ add the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the ing the data base which resulted in the De­ tablished final selection criteria. list of bases being considered for closure. It partment of Defense not recommending the There is also evidence that the Department is interesting that the two members of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for closure, a of Defense took certain actions in an at­ Commission who voted against adding the few examples are relevant. tempt to assure that the Portsmouth Naval Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the list were 1. The Navy deviated from the future force Shipyard would remain open. The Depart­ appointed to the Commission by Senator structure plan parameters established in ment of Defense established a Joint Cross­ Robert Dole, a 1996 Republican Presidential Public Law 101-510 in an attempt to prevent Service Group to review base closure rec­ candidate. closure of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. ommendations in regard to inter-servicing. Adding the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for Public Law 101- 510 clearly states that the The Joint Cross Services Group analyzed and consideration caused President Clinton to Force Structure Plan for fiscal years 1995 reviewed six primary scenarios for naval conduct interviews with four New Hampshire 24136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 radio stations stating he did not believe that in part due to an early challenge from within 46 States in base closure. In 1991, we the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will be shut their own parties has not been lost on Presi­ had the naval station and the hospital down by the Commission and that he stands dent Clinton and his advisors. The fact that close. In 1995, the shipyard. behind the Pentagon's original list of base should the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard closures. "I support the Secretary of De­ close, New Hampshire voters might take As I said, this is not partisan and fense's recommendations, and I believe that their frustration out on Republican can­ does not affect seniority here. My col­ they will be upheld." didates who they thought could and should leagues will remember the gentleman Although such behavior, while not appro­ have been able to save it, has not been lost from California [Mr. DELLUMS], the dis­ priate, is expected of politicians, one might on Governor Wilson or Senator Dole. tinguished farmer chairman of the not expect that the White House would ask This all makes good sense if you are a Committee on Armed Services, Mare the Navy and Department of Defense to go Presidential candidate, but how about: Island and Alameda were closed. The outside the guidelines established by Public Good government? gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Law 101-510 to attempt to unduly influence Circumventing the spirit and intent of leg­ and intimidate the Defense Base Closure and islation that was expressly passed to insure SPENCE], the distinguished chairman of Realignment Commission. There was so a fair and impartial base closure process? the Committee on National Security, much political heat that all eight Commis­ Should the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard be ranking Republican then, Charleston sioners decided that they had better attend held to the same standards as other military was closed. the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard site visit installations which will be closed? My predecessor, Glenn Anderson, two and regional hearing. In the entire history of What about the families and workers who decades in Congress, a committee the base closure and realignment process, all lose their jobs due to base closures because chairman; the naval station and naval of the Commissioners have never attended a their State does not have the first presi­ hospital were closed. site visit and regional hearing for one par­ dential primary? What bothers me though is that par­ ticular installation. The real message in the 1994 elections was Perhaps one of the reasons all eight Com­ not a shift from the Democratic to the Re­ tisan politics got into it with reference missioners decided to attend was because publican party. What the American Public to New Hampshire, and yet the Presi­ they knew the Navy was sending its "Big was trying to tell its elected officials is that dent made an impassioned speech that Guns" to shepherd these events. Conducting it is tired of a government which does not morning, and later in the day he sim­ the site visit were Assistant Secretary of the work, and makes decisions based on political ply signed the recommendations of the Navy for Installations and Environment considerations instead of the merits of the defense bureaucrats and politicians and Robert B. Pirrie, Chief of Naval Operations situation. The situation created by the in­ sent them to Congress. Jeremy M. Boorda, and the Director of Naval tense political effort to keep the Portsmouth And, finally, there was the former Reactors Admiral Bruce DeMars. This is un­ Naval Shipyard open and the upcoming 1996 precedented. Never in the entire history of New Hampshire Presidential Primary is ex­ Senator from Illinois, Mr. Alan Dixon, the base closure process, have such senior actly what the American Public voted who was the President's choice for members of a military service attended an against in 1994. Hopefully, the Defense Base chairman of the Defense Base Closure installation site visit. In addition, Vice Ad­ Closure and Realignment •commission will and Realignment Commission. Never miral George Sterner, Commander of the make its ultimate decision based on the mer­ have I seen such an arbitrary chair­ Naval Sea Systems Command, testified in its rather than politics. man. He remains unmatched in my support of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Mr. HORN. The politics of the serv­ mind as I compare him to some of the at the regional hearing. Again, this has ices seem to be overriding. This year well-known autocratic chairs that ex­ never happened in conjunction with any po­ Admiral Boorda walked in to a meeting isted in the House and the Senate over tential base closure and is unprecedented. and said, "Let's save all the nuclear No supportable analytical data was pre­ the last half century. sented by the Navy or Portsmouth Naval shipyards." There is only one non­ Before the Commission's own staff Shipyard advocates at the regional hearing. nuclear shipyard and that is the one presentation on the Long Beach Naval Instead, the Navy simply said over and over that is the most efficient: Long Beach. Shipyard was completed, Chairman a.gain that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard So that was Death Knell I for Long Dixon arbitrarily shut if off, refused to was absolutely essential for the Navy to con­ Beach Naval Shipyard. delay the vote until after lunch, and tinue its mission, and regardless of the lower Mr. Speaker, it was the wrong way to generally harangued his colleagues. military value ranking and discrepancies in go about it. Admiral Boorda looked me That was Dea th Knell III. the data base, the Navy's judgement should in the eye a month before the decision be upheld by the Commission. At one point And so a great naval shipyard-the in the hearing Senator William Cohen lec­ was made and said, "Gee, I was sort of youngest, born in 1943; the most mod­ tured the Commission and implied that the out of the loop. I didn't have anything ern; the most efficient and effective of Commissioners did not have the technical to do with it." I thought that was a lit­ any shipyard will be no more. No expertise to question subjective judgements tle strange for the Chief of Naval Oper- longer will 70 percent of the surface made by the Navy. One can only wonder if . ations, but so be it. ships in the Pacific Fleet be within 100 all of these high level Federal officials were But then we had the President in miles of this great facility. Those ves­ ordered to the site visit and the regional Connecticut asked about Portsmouth. sels will have to travel 1,600 to 2,600 hearing in an attempt to intimidate the De­ There is something that goes on in New fense Base Closure and Realignment Com­ miles to secure comparable service. No mission. Hampshire every 4 years that I guess longer will a great work force of 3,000 At this point, one might ask: guided this answer. He was not alone. dedicated men and women, a 60-percent Why was the Navy and Department of De­ He had Republican candidates say just minority and women work force be fense willing to deviate substantially from what he said. "Aw, shucks, I sure hope available to serve well the Navy and the future force structure plan and the that they keep Portsmouth open," was the Nation. This is indeed a sad day in preestablished final selection criteria and the attitude. That was a month before the military history of our country. recommend that the Portsmouth Naval Ship­ the decision was made in the Navy. Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 yard remain open? That was Death Knell II. Why did the Commissioners appointed by minutes to the gentleman from Mis­ Senator Robert Dole vote against adding the Mr. Speaker, naval political ap­ souri [Mr. SKELTON]. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the list of pointees are not stupid. When the boss Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in military installations the Commission is says keep one open, it meant the death opposition to the resolution, in favor of considering for closure? knell of the other one who had been the Base Closure Commission rec­ What is so important about the Ports­ ahead of Portsmouth, and even though ommendations. mouth Naval Shipyard? they juggled the numbers and tried to Mr. Speaker, this is not an easy proc­ The importance of the Portsmouth Naval make it the other way, was still one­ ess. It is often painful. But, Mr. Speak­ Shipyard is that the vast majority of its per­ tenth of a point ahead of Portsmouth er, it is a very necessary process for us sonnel live in New Hampshire, the State that has the first 1996 presidential primary. Presi­ on what really counts and that is the to go through. · dent Clinton, Governor Wilson, and Senator military value. We like to point out that we have a Dole all want a strong showing. The fact We can argue all the disasters to un­ wonderful military, and the military that three incumbent presidents, Johnson employment, and indeed they are. Long did its job during the cold war. It was Carter, and Bush, all lost their presidencies Beach as a city has suffered more than necessary during that era to have an September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24137 extremely large and strong multibased, same work force teams at the plant by the American Bar Association multipost military within our country. produce military and commercial prod­ throughout the country where all they We won the cold war, and to those ucts for both aviation and ground use. do is shift the politics from the more who are losing installations in their All but 2 of 11 manufacturing cells are open forum of the Governor, and so area, they nevertheless should take dual-use, as is the vast majority of ma­ forth, and move it back behind closed pride in the fact that they did their chines. Recreating this capability else­ doors where intense logrolling and poli­ job. The men and women, civilian, where will be expensive and time con­ ticking is going on. We should have had military, at those particular posts, in­ suming. cross-servicing. That would have saved stallations, did an excellent job in pro­ I also believe the Army has substan­ McClellan Air Force Base. It is a mod­ tecting freedom through the years. tially underestimated the cost of clos­ ern base capable of doing the job. But, But this process is one that I have ing the plant. no, despite the fact that every major watched. I had the opportunity to tes­ This year, the Army itself recognized panel has recommended cross-servic­ tify in front of the Base Closure Com­ that our Nation's tank engine indus­ ing, we do not have it. It is not part of mission. I found them to be fair. I trial base would benefit from continued our defense policy. It is a tragedy, Mr. found them to listen. I found them to operation of the Stratford plant as a Speaker. read and understand the facts. They dual-use manufacturing facility. In We should pass this resolution. We also visited the various installations February, the Army announced that it should go back to the drawing boards. throughout the country. would invest $47 .5 million to downsize We should get cross-servicing in as part Mr. Speaker, I hope that this body the facility, enhance engine durability, of this, and if we are going to have pol­ will give a strong vote of support for and initiate a Service Life Extension itics in the process, then let us get it the Base Closure Commission, voting Program. The employees of the plant, out in the open. against this resolution, because this is the union members, and the manage­ Mr. Speaker, I must add I am dis­ the only process available to save ment joined together to make this plan appointed in the President. The Presi­ money so that we will have those dol­ work- they are cutting costs, improv­ dent told the gentleman from Califor­ lars to modernize our military; to take ing productivity, and diversifying the nia [Mr. FAZIO] and me of his keen care of the needs, the family needs, the product line into the commercial mar­ awareness of how California has had 15 family housing; to make sure we do not ketplace. percent of the military personnel cut our military too small. Mr. Speak­ This dual-use approach would main­ around the country and suffered 85 per­ er, these Base Closure Commission sav­ tain the vital military value of the cent of the personnel reductions, and ings will help us do that. Stratford Army Engine Plant, while re­ yet when the time came, when the one Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 ducing costs to the Army by expanding person that could have intervened to minutes to the gentlewoman from Con­ commercial use of the plant. This make a difference here could have exer­ necticut [Ms. DELAURO]. would be the best option for national cised that, he did not. Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in security and the best option for the With the privatization we have got, strong support of the resolution to re­ taxpayer. even that is slipping. I intend to fight ject the recommendations of the Base It is hard to understand why the for that. I urge approval of this resolu­ Closure and Realignment Commission. Stratford Army Engine Plant was rec­ tion. I support the base closure and re­ ommended for closure when a promis­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 alignment process and believe it has ing plan for downsizing and dual-use minutes to the gentleman from Penn­ led to the orderly downsizing of our manufacturing was already in place. I was disappointed by the Base Closure sylvania [Mr. WELDON]. Nation's defense infrastructure, given Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. the end of the cold war. The Depart­ and Realignment Commission's . rec­ ommendation to close the Stratford Speaker, I rise today to oppose the res­ ment of Defense and the Commission site and joined the plant's workers and olution and to ask our colleagues to have made a tremendous effort to care­ management, and the community in support the recommendations of the fully examine every base during this making our case to the Commission. I BRAC Commission. and prior base closure rounds. still believe maintaining military and I cannot help but note the irony of Nonetheless, I continue to believe the commercial production at Stratford today's debate. Where are our col­ Commission made a shortsighted deci­ would serve our country best. sion when it voted to close the Strat­ leagues who yesterday were on the ford, CT, Army Engine Plant. I believe I urge my colleagues to support the House floor saying that we have not that the Army has substantially under­ resolution of disapproval. cut defense; where are they today? Are stated the military value of the Strat­ D 0940 they hiding in their offices? We heard ford plant, and it has substantially un­ Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ all of these Members stand up and say derestimated the cost of closing the fa­ er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman we are not doing enough to cut defense. cility and reconstituting its capabili­ from California [Mr. DOOLITTLE]. He is We need to the defense budget more ties elsewhere. from an adjoining district to mine who and more. Where are they today as we The Stratford Army Engine Plant is has fought staunchly for McClellan Air are about to decide to close a number the only place in the country where we Force Base. build the AGT1500 tank engines and Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I have of additional installations that will af­ critical spare parts that will be used in in the past supported the BRAC Com­ fect ultimately over 1 million Amer­ the Abrams tank for the next 30 years. mission process, viewing it as a reason­ ican people in both the services, the In my view, it is a tremendous risk to able way to effect the necessary uniforms, and the industrial segment national security to close this plant downsizing of excess capacity. of our community and society who sup­ and lose its unique capabilities. With As the gentleman from California ports the military? no new tank engine in development, we [Mr. FAZIO] mentioned, I have been Why are these cuts occurring? They need the Stratford plant to extend the very involved with him, the gentleman are occurring because we have been on life of the engines now in use; to build from California [Mr. MATSUI], the gen­ a dramatic downsizing of the military, critical spares; to provide field exper­ tleman from California [Mr. POMBO], tise to resolve problems that arise in the gentleman from California [Mr. unlike any other period in the history battlefield situations; and to quickly HERGER], and others from our region in of this country, down to 3 percent of build new engines should that be re­ fighting for McClellan Air Force Base. our GNP, and 16 cents of every Federal quired by a military emergency. I can tell you that the gentleman from dollar, when you compare it to John I also remain skeptical about the fea­ Utah [Mr. HANSEN] was right last year Kennedy's tenure where we were spend­ sibility of the Army's plan to reconsti­ or the year before when he proposed ing 9 percent of our GNP and 55 cents tute the dual-use technology that the cutting off the process after the first of every Federal dollar on the military. Stratford plant has used to produce top three rounds. I am sorry that we have We have made dramatic cuts. You are quality engines for tanks, helicopters, gone to the fourth round. The fourth hovercraft, and commercial jets. round has disappointed me. seeing the results of those cuts par­ The Army has proposed moving the The idea that we somehow remove tially today. helicopter work to Corpus Christi, TX politics from the BRAC process, in my I think the BRAC Commission did a and the tank work to Anniston, AL. opinion, did not turn out to be the commendable job. I am not happy with But this is much simpler said than case. In fact, it reminds me of the everything they did. I have been trying done. The same equipment and the method for selecting judges advocated for 8 years to close a facility in my old 24138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 hometown. I testified three times be­ that are going to be laid off at the end future mobilization needs. The Com­ fore the commission, "Close this Army of this month? Where is your letter of mission's recommendation will mean facility down. We don't want it. The concern for them? Where is your letter the loss of an important part of this ir­ town doesn't want it. The county of concern for all of those other bases, replaceable asset. doesn't want it." Again, it is not on the or are we just pandering to one State I believe that we must reject the rec­ list for closure. So I do not like that, because of the electoral votes there? ommendations made by the Commis­ and I will be happy to be back again Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely out­ sion. From the errors I have seen made next year either legislatively or before raged at, again, the lowness of the in just the case of the Savanna Army the BRAC Commission to close it depths that this President would take depot activity, I am concerned that again. in this process. He has demeaned the other mistakes may have been made I can tell you this Commission ac­ Commission. He has demeaned the that will force us to make poor choices cepted a higher percentage of Pentagon process. But somehow that does not concerning our Nation's defense infra­ recommendations than any other com­ surprise me. structure and unnecessarily eliminate mission, and despite what President Vote "no." the jobs of thousands of civilian em­ Clinton said, this Commission came up Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ployees who have served our Nation with more savings than what the ad­ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois proudly. I hope my colleagues will join ministration had. [Mr. EVANS]. me in opposing these recommenda­ But what really outrages me, what Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my tions. really outrages me as a member of the colleagues to support the resolution of Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Committee on National Security and disapproval. I must do this because I minutes to the gentleman from Guam as someone who is going to, at the end am deeply disturbed by the base clo­ [Mr. UNDERWOOD]. of this month, see the last of 13,000 sure process. In the rush to close in­ Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I workers leave the Philadelphia Navy stallations there has been a failure to thank the gentleman for yielding me Yard, the Philadelphia Navy Base, and analyze all of the facts carefully. This this time. before that, the Philadelphia naval is obvious from the recommendation hospital, is to see this President play made by the Commission concerning Mr. Speaker, as I have pointed out on partisan politics with the lives of peo­ the Savanna Army depot activity. several occasions previously, no com­ ple in the military. It is an absolutely In the case of Savanna, the Commis­ munity is more negatively affected on disgusting outrage. Again, this Presi­ sion ignored a number of important a per capi ta basis by the BRAC 1955 de­ dent wants to have it both ways. He factors. For example, closing the in­ cisions than Guam. We are losing a does not have the backbone or the guts stallation would result in the loss of ship repair facility and a fleet indus­ to stand up and disapprove the list and important and hard to replicate capa­ trial supply center, the only such fa­ send it back for a reconsideration of bilities, increase costs above the Army cilities on U.S. soil on the other side of McClellan or Kelly. What does he do? estimate to close the base and move its the international dateline, and poten­ He signs it and then sends a letter functions, and reduce ammo storage tially some 10 percent of our total down saying, "I really don't want to capability below critical military work force on Guam will be affected. sign it." needs. My community, small and loyal, will Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely out­ For instance, the Commission failed be suffering. But my point here in rageous. But that is what this Presi­ to consider that Savanna is one of the standing in support of House Joint Res­ dent did. most efficient facilities in the Army. olution 102 is not just to bemoan the I would like to, at this point in time, During Desert Storm, Savanna had the effects of the BRAC process on a small ask the chairman of the Subcommittee highest outloading rate of any depot. It island 9,000 miles away, with no elec­ on Military Installations and Facili­ is also one of the few with adequate toral votes to give and no vote to cast ties, is it your distinguished interpre­ rail service to shipping centers. These on this floor. My purpose is to draw at­ tation that that letter has absolutely national assets would be hard to re­ tention to the disjunctures in the no legal standing whatsoever in this place in a nationwide mobilization. BRAC process, to point out that the process? In addition, the estimate of the cost forward positioning of U.S. forces in Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, will the of closing Savanna and relocating the Asia is benefiting foreign countries gentleman yield? U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center over U.S. communities. Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I and School [USADACS] is too low. On the very day the BRAC process yield to the gentleman from Colorado. DOD stated that it would cost $38 mil­ was announced, riggers at the ship re­ Mr. HEFLEY. I say to the gentleman lion to close the installation and relo­ pair facility on Guam were offered po­ from Pennsylvania [Mr. WELDON] I ab­ cate functions. However, the Savanna sitions at the Yokosuka ship repair fa­ solutely agree with him. Army depot realignment task force es­ cility in Japan, and to point out that It has no legal standing as far as we timates that the cost of closing the fa­ America's war fighting capacity in can determine. Our committee did con­ cility and moving the school is much Asia is overly dependent upon the sta­ sider this, and let me just quote from higher-as much as $88 million. This tioning of forces in foreign countries the committee report just a moment: includes new construction that will when U.S. soil is available, and to In our judgment, the letter of the Presi­ have to take place at McAlester to point out that the BRAC process ig­ dent of July 13, 1995, communicating his ap­ complete the move. nored the sound advice of people in uni­ proval of the recommendations of the De­ form and favored the bean counters, fense Base Closure and Realignment Com­ Even more important, the decision to mittee, has no standing beyond certification. close ammunition storage facilities the so-called men in suits in the Penta­ Public Law 101-510 does not provide for any failed to take into account storage gon. such communication to contain assumptions needs. The Army's 1993 Wholesale Am­ For the record, I would like to point about the implementation of the rec­ munition Stockpile Program study in­ out that even as BRAC put forth a dis­ ommendations of the Commission. dicated that even with 11 depots, as agreeable decision, Guam is deter­ Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I much as 6 million square feet of out­ mined to make the best of it and to thank the chairman for that comment. side storage will be needed to match survive. In this, I have asked the De­ I would add it is the feeling of this our Nation's future ammunition stock­ partment of Defense and the adminis­ committee that that letter has no pile. This could indicate that the am­ tration to give Guam the same consid­ standing whatsoever. It is a political munition study is flawed. Because of eration that other communities are ap­ document. this decision, we may not have enough parently receiving. In short, we are But I would say to the President, space to meet future storage needs. asking for the best arrangements pos­ Where is your letter for the 13,000 Our ammunition depots are a na­ sible, a kind of most-favored-base clos­ Philadelphia, PA, tri-State workers tional asset that will be needed to meet ing treatment. September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24139 I recognize that the resolution may to a very risky new private manage­ "Every segment of our population and not pass, and I do not intend to con­ ment scheme. every individual has the right to expect found the laws which govern the BRAC To top it off, his plan would violate from our Government a fair deal." process and which have served the current law if carried to fruition. Mr. Speaker, the BRAC process was a country generally well. But consider I urge a no vote on this resolution, fair deal for every individual in this casting a symbolic vote to send a mes­ but more important, I hope my col­ country. Before the BRAC process, sage regarding the 1995 process. leagues will oppose the administra­ bases did not close, downsizing was Support the Tejeda resolution. tion's attempts to subvert the BRAC simply a theory, and the American tax­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 process for political gain. payer was charged with unnecessary minutes to the gentlewoman from Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ bills for the maintenance of excess ca­ Florida [Mrs. FOWLER]. er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman pacity in our Army, Navy, Marine Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in from California [Mr. POMBO], a gen­ Corps, and Air Force. opposition to the resolution now pend­ tleman who has worked very closely The BRAC process closes unneeded ing before us. with us since his arrival in Congress to military installations. Military facili­ Last year I joined with those who save McClellan Air Force Base. ties across the land compete on a level supported postponing the 1995 base clo­ Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I thank playing field. Some win, some lose, but sure round. But the amendment to the gentleman for yielding me this the fight is fair and without the politi­ postpone it was opposed by the Defense time. · cal influence of the Congress or the Department, which argued that it Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support President. The victors should be hon­ needed these savings for systems mod­ of this resolution, and in strong opposi­ ored and now is the time to stand up ernization and other recapitalization tion to the 1995 defense base closure and do what is right for this country efforts, and this effort was soundly de­ recommendations forwarded to Con­ and her people. This BRAC has left feated. gress by the President. some in the executive branch with a Thus, the 1995 base closure delibera­ I oppose this list for reasons both message they could not politically tions proceeded. Ultimately, the Base broad and specific. Specifically, the in­ swallow. They are now attempting to Closure Commission recommended the clusion of McClellan AFB on this list is corrupt a fair process that estimates a closure or realignment of 132 installa­ wholly unacceptable. The Sacramento savings of more than $19 billion. Well, tions, including 123 of the Secretary of area of California has already suffered this Congressman and many who sit on Defense's 146 recommendations. The through two previous rounds of base both sides of the aisle simply will not projected savings total $19.3 billion closures resulting in the total loss of tolerate that and will fight to make over 20 years. over 28,000 jobs. The closure of McClel­ certain the BRAC process remains as I do not agree with every one of these lan will add another 13,000 direct, and apolitical as was originally intended. decisions, and I sympathize deeply with many more indirect, jobs to that fig­ BRAC is a proven process and to dis­ those of my colleagues who lost facili­ ure. mantle that process by disapproving ties in the 1995 BRAC process. North­ This BRAC list calls for the closure the list would, in the words of Chair­ east Florida will lose thousands of of McClellan and Kelly Air Force man Alan Dixon, "destroy the BRAC military billets as a result of the 1993 Bases. This represents the costliest, process forever and fail to save an esti­ base closure round, so I am quite famil­ most disruptive way to eliminate ex­ mated 19 billion dollars." That is sim­ iar with that pain. cess capacity in the Air Force depot But the Commission, the Pentagon, ply not an acceptable course of action. system-and will have the worst im­ Disagreements between how the and the GAO did a huge amount of pact on military mission support capa­ work to reach their conclusions in this BRAC list will be implemented will bilities. lead to heated discussions throughout round. They worked in good faith. The More broadly, however, I am con­ national security calculations were this Congress. I am especially upset cerned that we are cutting muscle, and about the President's decision to pri­ made. The savings are now budgeted. It not just fat, with this round of clo­ makes no sense to dismiss this enor­ vatize-in-place at McClellan and Kelly sures. After extensive visits and con­ Air Force Bases. The President's deci­ mous effort now. We should vote down sultations, I am convinced that there this resolution. sion to accept the BRAC list with a pri­ are serious questions of national secu­ vatize-in-place option is a play that Having said that, I must register my rity arising from this BRAC list. grave concern about the manner in wasn't in the play book or within the Once we close a military facility, we rules of the game. He has taken an apo­ which the President responded to the will never get it back. Therefore, it is Commission's recommendations. It is litical process and turned it into a common sense that we must be cau­ zero-sum-game. If this Congress allows my strong view that he has sought to tious and discerning about each and interject politics into this process by the Department of Defense to pri­ every facility we close. vatize-in-place, we will never achieve calling for the privatization in place of At issue here is, first and foremost, two major Air Force logistics facilities the savings that were clearly identified an issue of America's military pre­ by the BRAC's recommendation, nor that the Commission ordered closed. paredness, and of our ability to influ­ In doing so, he has articulated a plan will the BRAC process retain the credi­ ence and shape global affairs into the bility it has worked so hard to achieve. that undermines the entire purpose be­ next century. I have not yet seen a se­ hind base closure law, which is to re­ rious, detailed, and integrated plan for But that fight is for another day. duce the Pentagon's excess capacity. our future security requirements that Today, we face the question of reject­ By privatizing in place, the administra­ analyzes base closures in light of the ing the BRAC list. This question has tion not only fails to eliminate this ex­ needs of our 21st century military. I be­ but one answer-"No." cess capacity, but it exacerbates the lieve that such a plan must be pro­ Today, we must do what it takes to current excess capacity problems at duced and debated prior to closing deliver on our promise for a fair deal to those facilities that the Commission scores of military bases, and most espe­ those we represent. To do this there is deemed, after a careful review of objec­ cially before consideration is given to only one reasonable action; accept the tive criteria, to be our most efficient. closing McClellan Air Force Base. BRAC recommendation by voting down Instead of performing America's es­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the resolution to disapprove rec­ sential military maintenance functions minutes to the gentleman from Okla­ ommendations of the Defense Base Clo­ at those facilities the Commission pre­ homa [Mr. WAT'I'S]. sure and Realignment Commission. served, the administration would per­ I ask you to do the right thing and form them at the facilities deemed D 1000 cast your vote against the resolution least deserving. It would then further Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak­ to disapprove the BRAC recommenda­ subject these mission critical functions er, President Harry Truman once said, tion. 24140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 41/z I do not want to seem to be calling to us in a crisis. The Pentagon's rec­ minutes to the gentleman from New sour grapes over this decision. I want ommendation that Bayonne be closed Jersey [Mr. MENENDEZ]. to establish a record because in the is based on the untested premise that Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge next few weeks legislation, which is commercial ports on the east and gulf my colleagues to reject the BRAC equally ill conceived, and proves my coasts will be both willing and able to Commission's recommendation because case today. This legislation greatly forego their profitable contracts to ac­ they violated not only the spirit of the threatens the military and economic commodate time sensitive military law, but the letter of the law that em­ security of the United States. The cargo. The exact opposite of this powers them to close bases in the first Ocean Shipping Reform Act, when com­ premise was experienced with the ports place, and, as an example of that I am bined with the closure of the dedicated of Houston and Portland during the deeply disturbed by the conduct of the military ocean terminals at both Ba­ Gulf war. Indeed, the director of port BRAC Commission with respect to the yonne and Oakland, poses the most se­ operations of the Port of New York and Military Ocean Terminal, Bayonne, NJ, rious threat to our Nation's ability to New Jersey, Lillian Liburdi, an ac­ specifically with regard to the rec­ mobilize in this century. knowledged expert on military cargo ommendation to eliminate dedicated There are compelling military value management, testified that no com­ military ocean terminals. Never before reasons to reject MOTBY's closure. mercial port on the east or gulf coast has the Commission decided, on its own MOTBY is a unique strategic asset. No could substitute for MOTBY. DoD has initiative, to virtually eliminate an en­ other port on the east or gulf coasts, acknowledged this by contracting with tire military mission. Ironically, the commercial or military, can duplicate MARAD and Louisiana State Univer­ Commission found precisely what I had its combination of advantages in the sity to study this very issue of com­ alleged-that the Secretary had sub­ support of power projection from the mercial port availability should Ba­ stantially deviated from the selection continental United States without the yonne be closed-a study that should criteria in its recommendation to close disruption of commercial port activi­ have preceded any closure rec­ MOTBY which is grounds for removal ties. This was amply demonstrated dur­ ommendation. from the list. However, the Commis­ ing the Gulf war and our recent oper­ Past BRACs have wrestled with the sion far exceeded its statutory charter ations in Somalia and Haiti. depot issue and this BRAC has 14 boxes by expanding the scope of realignments Having investigated and documented of studies on depots. It is extremely and eliminated the en tire military this matter fully, it was shocking to reckless to leap ahead with the unstud­ ocean terminal mission. see the assortment of half truths and ied and untested assumptions that Let me outline the numerous legal mischaracterizations that was paraded commercial ports can replace dedicated and factual errors that the BRAC failed before the Commission as analysis, military ports in all war fighting sce­ to take into account in their sloppy, without an opportunity for rebuttal. narios. It threatens the soldier waiting haphazard proceedings. For example, the staff alleged that for resupply on the beach and it threat­ First, a fatally flawed recommenda­ tion from the Secretary to close the MOTBY was only used to mobilize the ens the economy whose ports may be Army portion of MOTBY without re­ 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division subjected to commandeering at short gard for the cross service assessment of when, in fact, dozens of uni ts shipped notice. The role of MOTBY is essential. the Navy Military Sealift Command, through MOTBY as well as outsized If it is closed, we will be farced to leaving this agency stranded, required cargo such as M1A2 tanks from as far recreate it, at enormous cost, every removal of the base from the list. as Fort Hood, TX. time we mobilize even the smallest Second, this legal error was further Bayonne sits astride the huge, highly forces. tainted by a legally invalid attempt to developed, multimodal transportation Finally, I have taken this time to go rescue the first recommendation by network of the American Northeast into great detail in rebutting the Com­ closing and not enclaving MSC. This is Corridor. Once cargo arrives at Ba­ mission's finding point by point be­ an unlawful expansion of the scope of yonne, it can be placed directly into cause of my great policy concern about realignment because the BRAC failed vast· covered warehouses or uncov­ maritime commerce. In its ignorance to add the MSC enclave at the legal ered-and fully secure-staging areas. the Commission found, "six ports capa­ deadline for the consideration of addi­ All types of cargo, from heavy, out­ ble of deploying an infantry division tional bases. sized weapons like the M1A2 tank and within 1 day's rail movement of Ba­ Third, the BRAC, Navy and DoD have the Patriot antimissile system, to the yonne." As I warned the Commission in violated the letter and intent of the full range of munitions available to our their regional hearing, legislation de­ BRAC statute by increasing the scope fighting forces can be loaded by Ba­ regulating of the maritime industry, in of activities to be realigned away from yonne's specially trained union force the form of the Ocean Shipping Reform Bayonne 1 week away from the Com­ using state of the art, dedicated rail Act, has already been reported out of mission's final round of hearings. This lines using every type of roll-on/roll-off the Committee on Transportation. left the community with no time to re­ vessel in the MSC inventory. Bayonne Maritime deregulation will have pow­ spond to the proposed revisions. has the best steaming times to Europe, erful shakeouts for ports, much as air­ Fourth, the BRAC on its own motion a full day's advantage over any other line deregulation had for airports. realigned activities away from MOTBY U.S. port, military or civilian. Our former colleague, Helen Bentley, to a so-called Base X. This is a viola­ Nowhere in the staff presentation who had vast experience in the mari­ tion of its own selection criteria 2, re­ was there any reflection of the short­ time industry, has warned that deregu­ garding the availability and condition comings of commercial ports. For ex­ lation will create megaports like air­ of land and facilities at potential re­ ample, since most ports are container­ line hubs. Mrs. Bentley warned that de­ ceiving locations. The Commission has ized, there are no commercial ports regulation could reduce the number of failed to follow its own rules. By ran­ which can lift the 70 tons of the M1A2 ports serving the Nation to as few as domly assigning missions to mythical Abrams. If forced to rely on roll-on/ four. Most small seaports will vanish. bases, the cost and manpower implica­ roll-off ships in the MSC inventory, the There is precedence. Just as Halifax tions of criteria 4 become infinite. number of useable commercial ports has decimated Great Lakes ports, the Fifth, although the BRAC has lim­ plummets and even the tiny, remaining passage of N AFT A and maritime de­ ited judicial review of its actions, it is Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point, regulation could spell extinction for clear that this is a major abuse of dis­ NC, an ammunition depot, quickly be­ gulf coast ports from competition via cretion in two areas. The BRAC's ac­ comes unusable. Veracruz. Ninety-five percent of Amer­ tions are ultra vires and wildly beyond Finally as operations in the Persian ican export commerce moves by ship. If the bounds of its enabling statute and Gulf, Somalia and Haiti have proven maritime deregulation occurs, there the Commission has completely failed beyond doubt, MOTBY's unique heavy will be a vast reduction in port capac­ to follow its own regulations. sealift capabilities are always available ity. There will be even less willingness September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24141 by the new megaports to disrupt com­ ated to eliminate: excess capacity and Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today mercial traffic by accepting military infrastructure. to support the resolution of dis­ cargo on a short term basis. The mili­ Now, Mr. Speaker, the Pentagon has approval. tary cargo charges will be at an enor­ come to inform Congress that under di­ I do so because I am concerned about mous premium. Even the sloppy staff rection of this administration and the the manner in which the BRAC Com­ work done by the Commission showed President, another plan is in the works mission carried out its mission. I sup­ port operators becoming increasingly for the two air force depots to be port downsizing the military and cut­ unwilling to guarantee priority to mili­ closed. ting the budget. But I believe it needs tary cargo required by port planning Mr. Speaker, it seems the President to be done in a manner that is logical, orders. In some cases they desire 12-14 has concluded that the loss of over fair, and honest, with the emphasis, days to clear staging and berthing 10,000 jobs in each of the very electoral­ Mr. Speaker, on honest. areas. vote-rich States of California and In my district, the BRAC rec­ Unfortunately, port legal counsel on Texas demands special attention. In ommended that Fort Hunter Liggett be the BRAC staff failed to appreciate order to save those jobs, and presum­ realigned. The Army told BRAC pub­ that the military cannot compel com­ ably those votes, the President has in­ licly and on the record, that it would mercial operators to give priority to structed the Secretary of Defense to only cost $6. 7 million to move the mis­ military deployments during contin­ devise a plan to privatize in place, in sion of Fort Hunter Liggett to Fort gency situations. Under the third and effect maintaining all depot jobs in Bliss, TX. fourth amendments of the Constitu­ San Antonio and Sacramento. The truth is, Mr. Speaker, that inter­ tion, there is no authority to disrupt What the President is saying here, nal Army documents which I have ob­ commercial ports in the absence of a Mr. Speaker, is that the BRAC process tained show a different story. Internal declared emergency. By that time it is political, that an otherwise objective Army documents show that it will, in may be long after the need to mobilize process is necessary until it affects his fact, cost three times that amount to and use ports. The Kuwaiti invasion chances of reelection. The deliberate move the Fort Hunter Liggett mission. was in August 1990. Congress author­ end-run this President is making The Army told BRAC publicly and on ized the use of force months later. Port around the process should offend each the record, that savings of $12.7 million planning orders and port allocation or­ and every Member of this Congress would be realized from the realignment ders are no guarantee port access on a that has worked within the limits of of Fort Hunter Liggett. But internal timely basis. The only reason these or­ the process and every Member that has Army documents state, "There are no accepted the four rounds of BRAC rec­ savings to be realized in this action." ders have worked at all in the past is ommendations. You know, it is not the delicate balance struck in the I am not whining about having a base very often that this Congress agrees on realigned in my district. As everyone Shipping Act of 1984 between military a politics-free solution to the problems and necessity and good commercial knows, my district is the site of the we face, but in this case the process largest base closure so far, that of Fort practice, which tolerated excess capac­ must be preserved and defended. ity in our ports. Mr. Speaker, this President's deci­ Ord. And I know from experience that Today, I urge you to reject the BRAC sion to privatize in place the work per­ as traumatic an experience as base clo­ recommendations. The Commission has formed at Sacramento and San An to­ sure can be, there is a way to turn clo­ far exceeded its authority into roles nio air logistics centers nullifies the sure into successful economic redevel­ and missions. Moreover, they have seri­ very difficult decisions made by the opment. President Clinton was at Fort ously jeopardized the military readi­ BRAC. The BRAC took its charge very Ord just this past weekend to celebrate ness of the Nation. It will cost more seriously: to assess and repair a mili­ Fort Ord's transformation into a major than huge sums of money, it will cost tary scheme that maintained excess educational center. So, I do not nec­ soldiers' lives. depot capacity and infrastructure that essarily oppose base closure or realign­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 was out of proportion with the force ment. What I oppose is the deliberate minutes to the gentleman from Geor­ structure demanded in this post-cold manipulation of the numbers by the gia [Mr. CHAMBLISS]. war world. Army and the BRAC to make their Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I be­ The commissioners accomplished case. lieve that the Members of the House their task, and by privatizing in place, The BRAC method above all must be recognize the importance of supporting the Pentagon will be overriding the fair and honest. I do not believe this and preserving the integrity of the commissioners' decision and embracing round of closures met those criteria BRAC process. In it, Congress has cre­ our status quo of excess capacity. and that is why I support this resolu­ ated the most politically neutral Let me make one point perfectly tion. means possible of reducing our mili­ clear, to my colleagues, but more im­ Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 tary's excessive infrastructure. Al­ portant to the President and this ad­ minutes to the gentleman from Okla­ though we may not agree with individ­ ministration. The President's accept­ homa [Mr. LUCAS]. ual decisions, we must support the ance of this Commission's rec­ Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I know process. ommendations is just that: "accept­ what an emotional issue this is, for I With respect to the process, however, ance." The Commission has not rec­ have been very involved in the BRAC I would like to address a situation that ommended privatization in place, or process. I, too, had base on the closure has arisen from the recommendations any other concoction designed to save list, Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK. of this most recent Commission. Spe­ political hides, regardless of how des­ And many of my constituents work for cifically, I refer to the President's perate the President is to amend the Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma plans for the future of our air logistics recommendations. City. I was fortunate, my bases are not depot structure. The President's acceptance is uncon­ slated for closure, but I remember the As my colleagues are aware, the ditional, and our rejection here today stress I felt when commissioners vis­ Commission determined the Air Force of the resolution before us will signal ited the base and when I was waiting maintains excess capacity in its air de­ our support for this very difficult proc­ for the final closure list. pots. As a result, commissioners voted ess. None of us want to lose something so to close two depots based on the objec­ I ask my colleagues to reject the valuable as a base in our district. tive base closure criteria. joint resolution before you. The BRAC That is why the lOlst Congress cre­ As with all individual base closure process has been many things, but it ated BRAC. They knew that base clo­ decisions before, the two depots slated has not been political. sures would best be handled by an unbi­ for closure would be phased out over a Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21/2 ased, nonpartisan group. They knew 5-year period. This would solve the two minutes to the gentleman from Califor­ that when politics are involved, base primary problems the BRAC was cre- nia [Mr. FARR]. worthiness and cost-effectiveness fall 9~59 0-97 Vol. 141(Pt.17) 21 24142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 by the wayside, as was demonstrated close bases over objections of people and even participated in the distortion by the President earlier this year. It who want them to stay open. So I of numbers and the overriding of all of would be nearly impossible for Con­ think it is about as fair a process as we our military experts who said this is a gress and the President to decide objec­ are going to get. It is a fair process. major mistake. tively which bases to close. But sometimes mistakes are made. Mr. Speaker, I feel somewhat like a Sure the BRAC process has flaws, but Mr. Speaker, I am here today to call friend of mine, Claude Harris, a former it has worked well thus far. I do not attention to one of these mistakes and member of this body, who told me one think any of us can argue that this to ask that a future Congress come time about a catfish, and the fisherman process was not fair and open. We each back and take a look at what happened that caught that catfish was about to had ample opportunity to participate in this decision. I know Fort McClellan clean him and he said now, hold still, and to validate the information used. in Alabama is going to close, which is Mr. Catfish. This is not going to hurt Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my in my district. We are not going to cry you too much. All I am going to do is colleagues to finish this process and over spilled milk. Fort McClellan is the skin you and gut you. Mr. Speaker, · vote "no" on the resolution of dis­ home of the Army Chemical School that is what is happening here. approval. and the only place in the world where We are going to protest. I urge sup­ D 1015 we can train with live agent chemical port of this resolution, but I do not weapons on the place. Experts all over think this resolution will pass, and in Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the country and internationally have some cases, such as this, the men and minutes to the gentleman from Texas testified that not only is it a mistake women who fight in our military are [Mr. ORTIZ]. in these times to close Fort McClellan, going to be the ones who suffer. Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as the rank­ but it will disrupt our capability for up Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 ing minority member and long time to a decade. Everybody agrees on the minutes to the gentleman from Texas participant on the Military Installa­ increasing threat, not only in the [Mr. GONZALEZ]. tions Subcommittee, I have always world from our military enemies, but Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise been skeptical of the current base clo­ also from terrorists here domestically. in support of the resolution to dis­ sure process. This is the only place where we can approve the recommendations of the I am concerned that the process has prepare for this. Defense Base Closure and Realignment not yielded the expected savings and I Now, I know they say they can move Commission. believe that Congress should at a mini­ it somewhere else, but just this move In the first place, I believe the proc­ mum have the opportunity to amend experts testify will disrupt the capabil­ ess involved is simply a sham and eva­ the list. ity for up to 10 years. Our men and sion of the constitutional responsibil­ I believe that the members of the women are required to be able to sur­ ity of the Congress. The Commission Base Closure Commission worked in vive a fight in a chemical environment. concept is simply a way of delegating good faith and appreciate the enormity This will disrupt that. to others not only our responsibility to of their task. Mr. Speaker, I just want to cite one determine what military forces to es­ Additionally, I support the vast ma­ example. Back in June, the Army testi­ tablish and· maintain, but our fun­ jority of the recommendations of the fied to the Base Closure Commission damental legislative responsibility as Commission. that the one-time closing cost of Fort well. No matter how politically easy However, I believe that for national McClellan was $231 million. The next and attractive the Commission concept security reasons the Congress should month, according to a BRAC 1995 infor­ is, we cannot escape the reality that overturn the closure recommendations mation briefing, these are the Army's when we embraced this idea, we effec­ as submitted by the President. own documents, the closing costs had tively said, Congress does not want to We have reduced our Nation's defense increased 70 percent, to $393 million. I exercise its constitutional mandate too much and too fast. wish the BRAC Commission had had with respect to establishing and regu­ I believe that the closure of the Kelly the real numbers. lating the military forces of the United Air Logistics Center at San Antonio, This BRAC document has closing State&--we don't even want to legislate TX, will result in a severe degradation costs, net closing costs; that is, minus when it comes down to issues of reduc­ of readiness that cannot be overlooked. savings, that testified before the Com­ ing military establishments. Therefore The costs, both financially and mili­ mission in June, $110 million. Now they the process itself is one that is inimical tarily, will be enormous. say the closing costs are $377 million. to the vitality, the relevance, and the Therefore, I will support the resolu­ That is a 243 percent increase. Savings plain duty of the Congress. But that is tion of my colleague from Texas, Con­ over 20 years, they said in June it was an argument for a different occasion; gressman TEJEDA. $287 million, and now they say they are the fact is, the Commission concept Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 not available. The answer to it, in our was established and in place; it will be minutes to the gentleman from Ala­ newspaper which got this document, for a future Congress to decide whether bama [Mr. BROWDER]. says the answer from the Army is we or not to embrace the idea again. Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Speaker, I appre­ are not going to talk specific figures. It This resolution ought to be approved, ciate the gentleman yielding time to is too early. because the work of the Commission is me. No, Mr. Speaker, it is too late. They flawed, certainly with regard to the lo­ Mr. Speaker, I think it is important tortured the numbers and closed this gistics support system of the Air for us to note what is happening today. base. It will hurt our military men and Force. A lot of us think that this process has women in the future. At some point, In the past, commissions did not de­ gone awry, and we are speaking up Mr. Speaker, in the future something is viate very much from the plans and about it. That does not mean that we going to happen with chemical weap­ recommendations of the Secretary of are not trying to save money. We are ons, an incident akin to the Beirut bar­ Defense, but in this case the Commis­ honestly trying to challenge decisions racks bombing of the past, at which sion made wholesale revisions. This is that impact negatively, not only on time there were investigations about a dangerous precedent; it is not a Com­ our districts but on the national de­ why that was allowed to happen. Mr. mission that must shoulder respon­ fense. Speaker, at some time in the future, sibility in the event of war; it is the Let me say something strange, we are probably going to have a chemi­ Congress and the President. It is not a though, for someone who is opposed to cal weapons incident, a tragedy akin to Commission that plans forces to meet one of the base closure decisions. I that. When we do, I hope this Congress contingencies, it is the President and think that the base closure process will come back and investigate and the Secretary of Defense. It is not a that we have is about as fair a process will hold people accountable for why Commission that votes the funds, it is as we are going to get. It is designed to they not only witnessed, but accepted, the Congress. But this Commission September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24143 went far afield, and made changes that practical matter. But I do not believe job I think you could give civilians, fundamentally affect the ability of this we should accept a half-measure that and that is one reason I wanted to get country to adequately support its air on its face accepts the recommenda­ up here this morning to commend forces. The fact is, if this resolution tion, but at the same time rejects its these commissioners for taking on a fails and the Commission recommenda­ premise, which is where we stand job like this. There are no compliments tions take effect, the Air Force will today. I would rather reject the Com­ to it. It was a heartache to them. They have almost no reserve capacity for the mission report outright, and I urge did not like what they had to do, but maintenance of aircraft engines, and that the House do so by supporting this they served our country well. I think very little reserve capacity to main­ resolution. Let us say frankly that we they did a very thorough and fair job, tain its aircraft. The Commission is, in want reserve capacity; let us say hon­ and I hope the House will reject the effect, placing all the support needs of estly that we want flexibility and motion for disapproval and accept the the Air Force in a single basket, for emergency response ability; and let us recommendations of this Commission. each major item. If any one of those reject a report and recommendation Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 places suffers an accident, there can that flies in the face of sound policy minutes to the gentleman from Texas easily be grave effects on the ability of and even good sense. Vote for the reso­ [Mr. BONILLA]. the Air Force to perform its basic mis­ lution. Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise sion. Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. speaker, I yield 4 today in support of a strong national I am not speaking of a far-fetched no­ minutes to the gentleman from Mis­ defense, a vigilant America, and a se­ tion. sissippi [Mr. MONTGOMERY]. cure, peaceful future. I support this Under the Commission plan, every Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I resolution, of which I am an original single military aircraft engine would ask my colleagues to oppose House sponsor, to disapprove the misguided be overhauled at a single place. Just a Joint Resolution 102, a motion of dis­ recommendations of the Base Closure few years ago, that very building suf­ approval, and ask my colleagues to and Realignment Commission. Closing fered a disastrous fire that shut it vote no. vital military facilities, like Kelly Air down for over a year. Luckily for the Mr. Speaker, I am a little hesitant Force Base, leaves America weaker. Air Force, the workload at Tinker Air about getting up here this morning, be­ Ask my colleagues to put aside paro­ Force Base could be diverted to the en­ cause I was fortunate that I had two chial interests and vote for a strong gine facility at Kelly Air Force Base, bases on the Base Closure Commission Armed Forces. Reject the BRAC pro­ and readiness did not suffer. list and those bases came off. But I posals. But the Commission recommended want to point out to my colleagues, I Ronald Reagan clearly understood that the logistics functions at Kelly be have also in the past had units that the necessity of a policy of peace shut down-leaving the Air Force not were put on the Base Closure Commis­ through strength. That policy brought only no reserve capacity to repair en­ sion that did not come off. us triumph in the cold war. In contrast, gines, and very little for aircraft in the Mr. Speaker, it should be pointed out policies of unilateral disarmament in event of any conflict lasting more than that the members of the 1995 Base Clo­ the past only served to embolden ag­ a few days; but depriving it of any abil­ sure Commission represented a broad gressors and set the stage for World ity to shift workload in the event a section of this country. The chairman War II. I am afraid these BRAC rec­ major facility is shut down by accident was Alan Dixon, a former Member from ommendations reflect a pattern of dis­ or some catastrophic misfortune. Illinois, and, incidentally, he voted to armament which threatens our future The Air Force recommendation, sup­ close my bases. Then you had Mr. Al security. ported by the Secretary of Defense, was Cornella of South Dakota, a private Our military leaders and the Com­ to keep five Air Force logistics centers, businessman, and Ms. Rebecca Cox, mander-in-Chief have recognized the but to reduce each of them in size, in who served on the Commission before serious negative implications of the effect, mothballing capacity that could private enterprise forced out our Air BRAC recommendations for our mili­ rapidly be brought into action in the Force Gen. J.B. Davis, very qualified, tary security. However, President Clin­ event of need. This would have saved Mr. Lee Kling, a banker from St. Louis, ton failed to reject these dangerous money and provided a considerable MO, private enterprise. You had Adm. proposals. I urge my colleagues to re­ margin of safety as well. But the Com­ Ben Montoya, who is very capable and ject these proposals and please vote for mission rejected the idea of maintain­ who had been in the Navy. a strong defense and for this resolu­ ing such a margin of safety, even tion. though the Air Force plan would have D 1030 I would be remiss if I failed to note saved almost as much money as the And then you had Maj. Gen. Joe that the BRAC did get some things Commission plan. Robles who served as a base com­ right. This BRAC recognized the im­ Not only did the Commission reject mander and knew a lot about base clo­ portance and quality of Laughlin Air the idea of maintaining reserve capac­ sure. And then you had Miss Wendi Force Base. Its facilities remain second ity while saving money, it compounded Steele who served on the staff here in to none and the BRAC Commissioners this double error by electing to shut Washington on the Senate side. So, Mr. had no choice but to recognize that down Kelly Air Force Base, which is Speaker, these were qualified people. I fact. Brooks Air Force Base's excel­ the cheapest and most reliable of the guess I spent more time at the Base lence was recognized as well. However, Air Logistics Centers. The work that is Closure Commission meetings and I the recommendation to close Kelly re­ done at Kelly is of the highest quality, was impressed. mains irresponsible and dangerous. unsurpassed by any; and its cost per Now, the staff worked hard. They I also want to take a moment to hour is the lowest in the service. How were highly qualified. Some had been comment on the human dimension of can it make sense to close down the on the board in previous base closure this recommendation. The BRAC pro­ lowest cost, highest quality producer? rounds. They knew the bases and the posal will have a devastating impact on But this is what happened. process. These men and women, as far affected communities costing tens of The President clearly does not want as I know, this Commission spent more thousands of jobs and hurting tens of to lose the capacity that is available at time on the job flying around the coun­ thousands of families. Closing Kelly Kelly Air Force Base, so he has opted try. They went thousands and thou­ Air Force Base in San . Antonio will to try privatizing the major facilities sands of miles looking at the different slam the door on thousands of hard there, so as to keep them in being, and bases. So the process was open from working patriotic Americans. It will keeping at least some of the trained start to finish. You could talk to the ignore their sacrifices. I know that the personnel in place. In other words, the commissioners, you could talk to staff. spirit and the dedication of the Kelly Commission's basic premise is so Mr. Speaker, they made themselves worker cannot be crushed and that ul­ flawed that it has been rejected, as a available to all of us. It is the toughest timately San Antonio will overcome 24144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 this setback. But our military will Kelly's proud tradition is confirmed The SPEAKER pro tempore. (Mr. clearly be weakened and the lives of not only by the Air Force's rec­ KOLBE). The gentleman from Texas Kelly's workers will be disrupted and ommendation that Kelly stay open but [Mr. TEJEDA] has 3 minutes remaining, their financial security jeopardized. also by the decision of the Commission and the gentleman from California [Mr. Please vote for this resolution and let and the administration to recommend FAZIO] has 4 minutes remaining. Kelly's workers know we are in their that "Privatization in place" be imple­ Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 corner. mented at Kelly. I am encouraged and minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali­ If you support the visions of Ronald hopeful that this plan will secure our fornia [Ms. WATERS]. Reagan's peace through strength, if Nation's defense. Our community's Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in you support our U.S. Air Force, if you leaders, the city of San Antonio, and strong support of this resolution of dis­ support the plan of preserving freedom the Kelly community will join together approval. The 1995 Base Realignment and liberty going into the next cen­ to work with the Federal Government and Closure Commission recommenda­ tury, please vote for this resolution. to ensure that this transition is as tions have missed the mark. This Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 smooth as possible. year's report uses that I believe to be minutes to my friend, the gentleman I know that our community will faulty methodology, underestimated from Texas [Mr. SMITH]. show the hard work, patriotism, and costs, and optimistic savings assump­ Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I commitment that it has always shown tions. As I have stated previously in thank my colleague and friend and in its work for our Nation's military. I writing to President Clinton, in light neighbor from San Antonio for yielding am optimistic that you will continue of the problems associated with this re­ me time. port, we should declare a moratorium On June 16, 1995, 35,000 San Antonians to see San Antonio's pride as future generations of workers demonstrate on all base closures, pending a reexam­ lined the streets of our hometown to their excellence, as another C-5 rolls ination of the true savings associated demonstrate "Kelly Pride." The pur­ with closing the specified bases. pose of this huge demonstration in out of the hanger, and as we support the missions of our Nation's armed Obviously, my primary frame of ref­ "Military City" was to inform the Base erence for this issue is in the State of Realignment and Closure Commission services in future crises. "Kelly Pride" why Kelly Air Force Base should not be will sustain our community through California. California has already lost closed. It wasn't only the people of San this transition, just as thoroughly as it 22 bases-more than any other State. If Antonio who recognized the impor­ has sustained our Nation's Air Force the current closings go into effect, the tance of Kelly to defending the freedom for so many years. cumulative loss for California would that Americans cherish. Military lead­ Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 total 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in eco­ ers understood the importance of Kelly minutes to the gentleman from Ari­ nomic activity. Closing the Long Beach and recommended that BRAC not close zona [Mr. p ASTOR]. Naval Shipyard, in Long Beach, CA, as Kelly. Because the BRAC Commission Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, the His­ this report would do, is unnecessary, ignored this view and decided to close panic Caucus has been a very active militarily risky, and it would exacer­ Kelly anyway, I support the Tejada res­ participant throughout the BRAC proc­ bate the deteriorating industrial base olution and will vote to disapprove the ess. Our concern has been the closure of our region of the country. BRAC Commission list. of Kelly Air Force Base in San Anto­ Without question, these rec- Our military leaders recommended nio. ommendations are bad for California, that Kelly stay open for good reason. We have worked in a bipartisan man­ but they are bad for the military as The pride of San Antonio has made ner with out colleagues from San Anto­ well. Many of the savings envisioned Kelly into one of the Nation's premier nio in order to ensure that the eco­ from this report are illusory. There is Air Force bases, an essential player in nomic viability of San Antonio contin­ no guarantee we can save money and the free world's fight against n2.zism, ues. As you heard this morning, and no real assurances that jobs lost can be fascism, communism, and in the re­ studies have shown, on the merits replaced. Previous attempts to con­ cently successful campaign in the Per­ Kelly Air Force Base deserves to con­ tract for lost jobs have been less than sian Gulf. tinue its mission. It has been very ef­ successful. In conclusion, let's start You can see the pride of San Antonio fective. It has been efficient and plays this process over and do it right. Let's in the work of the generations of San a vital role in the defense of this coun­ support this resolution, and disapprove Antonians who have made Kelly Air try. So on the merits alone, Kelly Air the Base Closing Commission report. Logistics Center synonymous with Force Base deserves to continue its Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 high quality, top efficiency, and un­ mission. minutes to the gentleman from Penn­ matched productivity. One of the concerns that we have as sylvania [Mr. GEKAS]. You can see the pride of San Antonio the Hispanic Caucus is that Kelly Air Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, the result as another C-5 or C-5A rolls out of one Force Base has been a long-time em­ of this year's round of BRAC decisions of the enormous hangers where it has ployer of the Hispanic community in adversely affected my own district in been expertly serviced and prepared to San Antonio. To date, over 60 percent Indiantown Gap, heretofore a vital part do its part in our Nation's defense. of the civilian employment base in of our national defense structure, You can see the pride of San Antonio Kelly is of Mexican-American descent. which has been modified downward, as its military and civilian commu­ Kelly Air Force Base has had a long downsized, as it were, by the decision. nities rallied together to support air­ history in the Hispanic community. It You would think then that I would lifts in Operation Desert Storm and all has provided employment and in turn stand here and support with all my recent major conflicts and humani­ has provided opportunities for Hispanic heart and vigor the resolution that is tarian missions. families to better themselves. at hand, but I take the opposite view. The Air Force recognized the indis­ If Kelly Air Force Base is closed ac­ I supported the initial concept of pensable contributions of Kelly and cording to the BRAC recommendation, BRAC and its initial coming in to being that is why they recommended that it will have a devastating effect in the and voted for it. It is unseemly now of this depot remain open. Because BRAC Hispanic community of San Antonio, me to say that, because it has affected rejected the recommendations of our high unemployment, lack of oppor­ perhaps adversely my own back yard, military experts, I will vote for the mo­ tunity for families · to better them­ that the concept is wrong, that the de­ tion to disapprove the recommenda­ selves. cisionmaking was flawed, that the con­ tions of the Base Closure and Realign­ Mr. Speaker, Kelly Air Force Base cept is inappropriate. I believe very ment Commission out of protest deserves to stay open, continue its mis­ strongly that the people in my district against the loss of resources and serv­ sion on the merits, but it also needs to who were affected by this latest deci­ ices that the Kelly community contrib­ continue in order to ensure the well­ sion of the BRAC are going to be able utes to our Nation's defense. being of San Antonians in Texas. to rally to the cause of softening the September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24145 blow and of finding alternative ways of draining our readiness funds to pay for recommended closure of two Air Force logis­ continuing the enterprises in which base closure, something that is sup­ tics centers, or ALCs. Although Kelly AFB is they were involved in support of some posed to save the taxpayers money. not in my district, I do represent many of the of the activities of the Indiantown Gap Sacramento will survive. We will pull outstanding and dedicated workers there and facility. it together and we will come back, de­ I recognize that the work they do is second to In short, they will be resilient spite these heavy hits, but I do believe none in the Department of Defense. enough to understand that we cannot that my opposition and my support for In fact, Kelly has the best quality record, have a nationwide concept of this resolution is firmly based on the with the lowest defect rate and fewest cus­ downsizing our bases across the Nation hit on American military readiness, so tomer complaints, of all ALCs. Kelly has the and across the world except for our I would urge my colleagues to join us best educated work force, and nowhere else own. Therefore, I will vote against this in perhaps what is a protest vote, but in the Nation will you find employees who are resolution. still a symbolic and important symbol as involved in their community than in San An­ D 1045 of our opposition. tonio. Mr. Speaker, I yield my remaining 1 In March, the Air Force and the Department Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ minute to the gentleman from Texas of Defense proposed to the Base Closure er, I yield myself 3 minutes. [Mr. TEJEDA]. Commission that the five existing ALCs Mr. Speaker, I just want to simply Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. S:peaker, I yield downsize in place rather than close one of the sum up by saying a few things here. I myself the balance of my time. depots. To reach this commonsense proposal, think the gentleman from California Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Air Force focussed on being financially re­ [Mr. DOOLITTLE] said it correctly when very much the gentleman from Colo­ sponsible, reducing excess capacity, and sat­ he said BRAC was a political entity. It rado [Mr. HEFLEY], our chairman on isfying its current and projected needs. simply takes the politics out of Con­ the Subcommittee on Military Instal­ In testimony before the Base Closure Com­ gress and perhaps out of the Pentagon, lations and Facilities of the Committee mission, Secretary of the Air Force Widnall and puts it in the hands of a number of on National Security, and the gen­ stated that the cost to close one Air Force decent and perhaps well-intentioned tleman from South Carolina [Mr. depot would nearly equal the entire Air Force people, but people who do bring biases. SPENCE], our full committee chairman, budget for the next 6 years for all of its 1995 We have seen this debate go on, as oth­ for their cooperation and understand­ closures and realignments. So what does the ers have in the past, and those who ing on this issue. Commission do? It votes to close not only two dodge the BRAC bullet are here to Mr. Speaker, Kelly has the best qual­ depots, but it votes to close the most cost-ef­ praise the Commission, and those who ity record with the lowest defect rate fective and productive depot at Kelly AFB. were impacted by it are here to deride and the fewest customer complaints of The original Air Force recommendation of them. all ALCs. Kelly has the best educated downsizing would have eliminated more than The bottom line is, for California, as Air Force, and nowhere else in the Na­ one depot equivalent worth of excess capacity 'we have heard from many Members, we tion will we find employees who are as without losing the many unique facilities and have had an overwhelming impact. involved in their community than in capabilities at any of the depots. In voting to Fourteen percent of all DOD personnel San Antonio. close two, the Commission disregarded the in our State, from 60 direct to 85 indi­ Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Base value and cost-effectiveness of these unique rect percentage of all jobs lost through Closure Commission has cut right facilities, particularly with respect to the C-5 at the 4 BRAC rounds in one State. There through the fat and into the bone and Kelly AFB. is no question, if we had moved across muscle of our Air Force. Keep in mind There is only one depot in the Defense De­ services and forced the military enti­ that California was essential to the partment which can support the C-5. Kelly ties to compete with each other, we success of Operation Just Cause and has the only hangar in the DOD which can could have done a much better job of Operations Desert Shield and Desert hold six C-5s, and it is the only depot able to saving the taxpayers money and pre­ Storm. During Desert Shield and test and repair the C-5 engine. With 23 years serving the best of our infrastructure, Desert Storm, 17 million pounds of mu­ of C-5 management and maintenance experi­ but privatization is also important. We nitions and 64 percent of items for air­ ence, Kelly is the heart of DOD strategic airlift. have heard people come to the floor lift support were shipped through During Commission hearings, Air Force today and deride privatization. Wheth­ Kelly. The Air Force recommendation Chief of Staff Gen. Ron Fogleman stated: er it is the Defense Science Board or to the Commission on Depots was the It is clear that we have excess capacity. It the Joint Chiefs or the Commission on product of a thorough, year-long study is equally clear, in my view, that our ap­ Roles and Missions, all of them are conducted by professional military an­ proach reduces that capacity in the manner pushing us in the direction of privat­ alysts. The Base Closure Commission's that best serves the total operational mis­ ization. The President pushes for it, recommendation on the ALCs followed sion of the Air Force. I believe it is the only the BRAC itself in its report allows it, only 6 weeks of study, during which responsible approach to this issue. and I call my colleagues to read the time they were also attempting to The day before the Commission's vote on letter from the President to the Com­ focus on hundreds of other Air Force, the ALCs, Secretary Widnall and General mission, from the Commission to the Army, and Navy installations. Fogleman wrote to Commission Chairman President, all of the legal authority in Mr. Speaker, this is the final oppor­ Alan Dixon. I will not read the letter, but I think the view of all the various general tunity to right the wrongs made by the it is significant and include it in the RECORD at counsel and all the agencies makes Commission. I urge my colleagues to this point of the debate. clear that privatization can take place support this resolution of disapproval. The material referred to is as follows: at McClellan and Kelly Air Force Base, Mr. Speaker, I fully recognize that the post­ SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, despite the critics, who would like to Washington, DC, June 21, 1995. cold-war drawdown of military infrastructure Hon. ALAN J. DIXON, take our workload and would like to has lagged behind the personnel reductions. Chairman, Defense Base Closure and Realign­ take our jobs to their own bases. Nobody said that there would be easy choices ment Commission, 1700 N. Moore Street, Let me be very clear. We will be dip­ in this round of base closures. Suite 1425, Arlington, VA ping into readiness to pay for this fool­ I feel strongly, however, that the Base Clo­ DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Air Force ap­ ish reduction in our capability. We will sure Commission overstepped its bounds and proach to the depots is prudent because it not be able to make the numbers work placed our military readiness at risk in the saves money for the taxpayers and protects out. This BRAC round is predicated on event of a national crisis. Never before in pre­ military readiness. It is also the product of phony bean counting, and in my view, exhaustive analysis by military profes­ vious base closure rounds has a Commission sionals and senior leadership who have been we will pay for it, not only with turbu­ deviated so substantially from the Defense working the proposal for over a year. lence in our military repair area, par­ Department's recommendations. Our depot proposal is simple. Building on ticularly for aircraft in the Air Force It should come as no surprise that my ob­ the personnel reductions that have already arsenal, but we will also pay for it by jection to this base closure list rests with the been taken from the Air Logistic Centers 24146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 and depots during the last five years (over ough year-long study conducted by profes­ us now move on to solidifying what we 26,000 people), the pending air Force proposal sional military analysts. The Base Closure have with our defense structure across would reduce and realign the depots by an Commission's recommendations on the ALC's this country, and make sure that we additional 1,987 jobs (with a net present followed only 6 weeks of study, during which have a strong defense with what we value of $975 million). While there would be have left. some disruption, the business of the Air time they were also attempting to focus on Force-flying combat and transport aircraft, hundreds of other Air Force, Army and Navy Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I am compelled to and maintaining our command and control installations. vote in support of the resolution disapproving and space network-would continue This is the final opportunity to right the the recommendations of the Defense Base unimpeded. This total air Force depot reduc­ wrongs made by the Commission. I urge my Closure and Realignment Commission tion of 28,000 jobs is almost two and a half colleagues to support this resolution of dis­ [BRAG]. I approve of the BRAG process, but times the total depot reduction achieved by approval. in my district the Army has taken action under all other DoD components in all four BRAC Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield BRAG 95 that simply does not make sense, rounds combined. myself the remainder of my time. and I cannot support it. On the other hand, the staff generated The Army, in its closure submittal to the BRAC proposal described to us will cost the Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the BRAG, has proposed moving the 400 military Air Force hundreds of millions of additional gentleman from Texas [Mr. TEJEDA] dollars (in excess of $1 billion in environ­ and the gentleman from California, and civilian personnel and equipment of the mental and military construction costs) dur­ [Mr. FAZIO] for the way in which they Army's Information Systems Software Devel­ ing the next five years; disrupt military have conducted themselves during this opment Center [ISSC] from leased space in readiness because of the total restructuring debate. I have tremendous empathy for Fairfax County to Government space on Fort of the Air Force logistics and depot system; the fight they are engaged in over Meade, MD. It is ostensibly an in-area move preclude the Air Force from carrying there. Heck, I have the same problem. and personnel will be transferred to the new through on vital readiness and moderniza­ I do not want to see Fitzsimmons facility at Fort Meade without layoffs. With the tion programs; and have a devastating im­ pressure on the services to move out of pact on as many as 25,000 DoD employees in Army Medical Center closed, either. I leased space, it looks like a good move. But, Texas and California who would lose their think it is a mistake to do that. jobs or have to relocate to other Air Force I have a little less empathy with the this is a bad decision for the Army and the installations at great personal and public ex­ parade of people who have come up Government, and though I have urged the pense. here who voted yesterday for an across­ Army and the BRAG to reconsider this deci­ Most importantly, the essential business of the-board cut in the Defense budget sion, today we still find this facility slated for the Air Force- operations, logistics, and who are now crying because a base in transfer in this BRAG recommendation. budget dollars that are critical to future their area is being affected. That seems The Army ISSC has been in Fairfax County modernization-would be greatly disrupted. for over 20 years. When the Army looked to Since the end of the cold war, the Air Force a little disingenuous to me. This is not an easy process. I think move ISSC from outdated leased facilities in has reduced its budget by more than $20 bil­ Fairfax, VA, it asked the General Services Ad­ lion and reduced personnel by over 200,000 sometimes this process does make people. Some further reductions and savings wrong decisions. I think some of these ministration [GSA] to rent space for ISSC in are necessary; however, they must be taken decisions we will regret down the line northern Virginia. The Army even specified the in a way that permits the Air Force to con­ when we have national emergencies. I boundaries of an area in which they wanted to rent-a location close to its Fort Belvoir and tinue to carry out its essential mission. The know this is agonizing for communi ties Department of Defense proposal does that; Pentagon customers and close to where most across this country, and it is not easy the Commission staff alternative does not. of its employees had settled over the past 20 for the various branches of the services Sincerely, years. This was the Crown Ridge building lo­ who are going through this, and having RONALD R. FOGLEMAN, cated at the junction of 1-66 and the Fairfax General, USAF Chief of Staff. to recommend closing things that we County Parkway in my district. SHIELA E. WIDNALL, would really rather not, in many cases, GSA, at the request of the Army, signed a Secretary of the Air Force. because they do not think it makes lease with Crown Ridge Associates for 6 Mr. Speaker, in essence, they warned that good sense. I am very disappointed that years. That lease started a little over a year the staff-generated BRAG proposal to close the President of the United States in­ ago and runs through May 28, 2000. A total of ALC's would severely disrupt military readi­ jected Presidential politics into this $7 .2 million was spent by Crown Ridge, GSA, ness and the essential operations of the Air process. I think that is very dis­ and the Army to upgrade the building to meet Force. appointing. the unique requirements of Army ISSC. Crown As I sat in the hearing room during the This is not a perfect process, but it is spent $1.3 million, GSA $2.9 million, and DOD Commission's deliberations on the ALC's, I the only process we have to get at this. spent $3.0 million to get this building ready. was stunned by the blatant agenda being ad­ We had not closed a base in this coun­ And in fact, they are still in the process of up­ vanced by the Commission's staff-to portray try since the 1970's until this process grading and moving into the space. started. Congress did not have the abil­ Kelly AFB in the worst possible light and pro­ After spending all this money, the Army pro­ ity to close bases. There are some bases vide for the closure of two ALC's. posed in this BRAG to move ISSC to Fort Commissioner J.B. Davis, a retired Air that we do need to close. I reject the Meade, MD. The Army believes that it will Force general, acknowledged during the Com­ idea that to vote against this resolu­ save $8 million over 20 years. Under the Army mission's vote that the staff seemed to be fo­ tion is to vote against a strong na­ lease with GSA, it can move out of the space cused on the excess capacity figures. He con­ tional defense. is this administration It without penalty if appropriate notice is given. curred with General Fogleman that some over­ that is driving the depth at which we Unfortunately for GSA and the American capacity helps. It is that overcapacity, surge have to cut back on defense in this taxpayer, GSA is still obligated for the 6-year capacity, that services need in times of a cri­ country. It is the most anti-Defense ad­ term of the lease. If the Army moves out, GSA sis. He stated: "Closing depots * * • can se­ ministration, I think, in the last 50 is stuck with an empty building. Not only that, verely disrupt that service and the Air Force's years, and that is what is driving the but this will not be an easy space for the GSA wartime capability." deep cu ts that we have to make. to find government customers for. Tradition­ Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Base Closure With these deep cuts, we have to use ally, GSA would look for locations in some Commission has cut right through the fat and every single Defense dollar we have the proximity to mass transit-the subway, trains, into the bone and muscle of our Air Force. most effective way possible, so yes, we and bus lines. This location is well beyond the Keep in mind that Kelly was essential to the are having to give up some facilities subway and there are no easy connections to success of operation just cause and Oper­ that I wish we were not giving up. How­ mass transit. To quote GSA regarding Army ations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During ever, this is the process we have set up. plans to move out of this building, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 17 million pounds This is the end of this round of base . . . the building was leased specifically of munitions and 64 percent of items for airlift closure. for the Army, and was altered to suit their support were shipped through Kelly. I would encourage my colleagues to specific needs. Other federal agencies have The Air Force recommendation to the Com­ vote against this resolution, support not expressed interest in the location, and mission on Depots was the product of a thor- the Base Closure Commission, and let the building might be difficult to market. September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24147 In addition, the Army is going to have to at the plant and TACOM, are at least 25 times Even more importantly, the decision to close convert or build facilities at Fort Meade. The higher than the Army's original calculations. ammunition storage facilities failed to take into Cobra model figures used by the Army indi­ It is being increasingly suggested that the account storage needs. The Army's 1993 cate that it will have to spend roughly $5 mil­ Army desires to transfer the tank plant's work Wholesale Ammunition Stockpile Program lion to renovate space at Fort Meade and from the private sector to the Government-run study indicated that even with 11 depots, as moves ISSC. So, at a minimum, the Govern­ Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. This would be much as 6 million square feet of outside stor­ ment spends $11 million in renovation and contrary to OMB circular No. A-76, which age will be needed to match our Nation's fu­ moving costs and ISSC has to go through two states that it is the official policy of the United ture ammunition stockpile. This could indicate moves in 3 years. But, the Government also States that "the Government should not com­ that the ammunition study is flawed. Because will be stuck with a $3 million per year lease pete with its citizens." It also would be con­ of this decision, we may not have enough for a building which may sit empty for 3 trary to the recent recommendations of the space to meet future storage needs. years-another $9 million. Commission on Roles and Missions of the Our ammunition depots are a national asset This is not how Congress intended the Armed Forces. These jobs should remain in that will be needed to meet future mobilization BRAG process to work-the objective is to re­ the private sector and in Michigan. needs. The Commission's recommendation duce costs for the Government, not just the So why am I opposing the resolution to dis­ will mean the loss of an important part of this military services. Clearly, the Army should approve the base closure list? I do so for the irreplaceable asset. have made this move before it asked GSA to simple reason that the Nation cannot afford to Regarding the Commission's recommenda­ sign a 6-year lease. Now, however, the lease spend billions of dollars every year for tion on the O'Hare Air Reserve Station, I am has been signed, and the Government is on unneeded defense installations around the deeply disappointed that the Commission the hook even if the Army moves out. I under­ country. At the end of the day, the independ­ chose a course of action that will eliminate an stand the pressure on the Army to move out ent base closure process is the only means entire unit within the State and also move the of leased space, but this is a bad deal for the we have to close unneeded military facilities. remaining KC135 unit to Scott AFB. The latter The base closure process is painful. The Government and the American taxpayer. recommendation was made without an analy­ For this reason, I cannot support the BRAG process sometimes results in the wrong mili­ sis of the costs to the Government or how tary facilities being closed, as the closure of recommendations. long it will take the units to return to oper­ Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant demonstrates. ational status. to House Joint Resolution 102, to disapprove The one virtue of the base closure process is The closure of the station and its C-130 unit the recommendations of the Defense Base that it is unbiased and immune from politics. would be a blow to Illinois and a sad chapter At the end of the day, it's about as fair a proc­ Closure and Realignment Commission. in one of our Nation's finest military units. The It is with great reluctance that I oppose the ess as we're going to get. 928th Airlift Wing has one of the most distin­ I did everything I could to save the tank resolution of disapproval. I do so despite the guished records of any Reserve unit in the plant; however, I largely agree with the bal­ fact that the Commission accepted a flawed country. A highlight of this is the 46 years and ance of the Base Closure Commission's rec­ over 166,000 hours of flying without an acci­ Army recommendation to close the Detroit Ar­ ommendations to close or realign 103 other dent, the longest stretch of accident-free flying senal Tank Plant in my district. bases and military facilities. Closing these In my judgment, the Army mishandled this by any civilian or military organization in the bases is expected to save more than $19 bil­ country. We should preserve this record and matter. All other issues aside, the most fun­ lion over 20 years. I will therefore oppose the keep the unit in one of the communities in Illi­ damental shortcoming of the Army's rec­ resolution of disapproval. ommendation is the lack of a credible estimate Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I support the res­ nois willing to host it. Unfortunately, the Com­ of the cost of closing the tank plant. olution of disapproval. I must do this because mission's recommendation will eliminate this The Army's original claim was that closing I am deeply disturbed by the base closure effective and efficient fighting asset. the tank plant would result in a one-time cost process. In the rush to close installations there I am also disappointed that the Commission of only $1.4 million. When I asked the Army has been a failure to analyze all of the facts decided to change last year's recommendation how it arrived at this figure, the Army told me carefully. This is obvious in the recommenda­ concerning moving the 126th Air Refueling the estimate was based on a standard formula tions made by the Commission concerning the Wing. Instead of allowing the process to fully that sets building closing costs at $1.25 per Savanna Army Depot Activity and the O'Hare progress, the Commission arbitrarily chose to square foot. Reserve Station. relocate the unit to Scott Air Force Base. This A buck and a quarter per square foot isn't In the case of the Savanna Army Depot Ac­ move was done without any analysis of how going to do the job. Unlike most Army installa­ tivity, the Commission ignored a number of im­ long it would take the unit to reach full oper­ tions, the Detroit Tank Plant is an industrial fa­ portant factors. For example, closing the in­ ational capability due to recruiting and reten­ cility that has been manufacturing tanks for stallation would result in the loss of important tion concerns. Without this analysis, this rec­ nearly 50 years. I sincerely doubt $1.4 million and hard-to-replicate capabilities, increase ommendation is shortsighted and did not in­ will be enough to close the facility and move costs above the Army estimate to close the clude a thoughtful consideration of other po­ the work to other locations. base and move its functions, and reduce tential sites in the State of Illinois. I therefore During her site visit to the tank plant last ammo storage capability below critical military cannot support this recommendation. April, Commissioner Steele heard a broad needs. I believe that we should reject the rec­ range of testimony from myself and others that For instance, the Commission failed to con­ ommendations of the Commission. From the raised serious problems with the Army's origi­ sider that Savanna is one of the most efficient errors I have seen made in just these two ex­ nal closing cost estimate. After hearing the facilities in the Army. During Desert Storm, amples, I am concerned that other mistakes evidence, Commissioner Steele asked the Savanna had the highest outloading rate of may have been made that will force us to Army to prepare a revised cost estimate by any depot. It is also one of the few with ade­ make poor choices concerning our Nation's mid-May. quate rail service to shipping centers. These defense infrastructure and unnecessarily elimi­ The Army never presented a revised cost national assets would be hard to replace in a nate the jobs of thousands of civilian employ­ estimate. The Army's Tank Automotive and nationwide mobilization. ees who have served our Nation proudly. I Armaments Command [TACOM] in Warren, In addition, the estimate of the cost of clos­ hope my colleagues will join me in opposing Ml, requested and received detailed closing ing Savanna and relocating the U.S. Army De­ these recommendations. cost data from the contractor at the plant. fense Ammunition Center and School Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise Using this data, TACOM prepared a revised [USADACS] is too low. DOD stated that it today in strong opposition to the BRAG Com­ closing cost estimate. At the 11th hour, I was would cost $38 million to close the installation mission's 1995 base closure list and in sup­ informed that the Army rejected the new cost and relocate functions. However, the Savanna port of House Joint Resolution 2. study and decided to stick with its original esti­ Army Depot Realignment Task Force esti­ Nowhere in the United States has BRAG mate of $1.4 million. mates that the cost of closing the facility and had such a devastating impact as it has had While the Army was unwilling to accept new moving the school is much higher-as much in the Sacramento area. In all four rounds of cost data from the people who actually run the as $88 million. This includes new construction BRAG the Sacramento area has shouldered plant, my office received reports that the true that will have to take place at McAlester to well over a quarter of all jobs lost in California closing costs, as calculated by the contractor complete the move. due to BRAG. 24148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 BRAG made a terrible decision to close these two bases is deeply troubling. Changing The question was taken; and the McClellan AFB which I represent. Sacramento assumptions and parameters based on anec­ Speaker pro tempore announced that has been hit far more than any other commu­ dotal information and running COBRA analy­ the noes appeared to have it. nity in this country. Nowhere in the United ses using nonbudget quality data and with no Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I object States has a community been hit three sepa­ input from military officials are causes for to the vote on the grounds that a rate times. Sacramento has already given its great concern. quorum is not present and I make the fair share to base downsizing. A review of the military's BRAG budgets point of order that a quorum is not I voted for the creation of an independent demonstrates that previous cost assessments present. base closure commission because it would be of prior rounds were understated. In fact, ear­ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi­ insulated from the politics of individual Mem­ lier this year, the Navy reprogrammed more dently a quorum is not present. bers of Congress and their districts so that than $700 million from operations and mainte­ The Sergeant of Arms will notify ab­ BRAG could make fairminded decisions as to nance accounts to cover cost overruns in its sent Members. which bases ought to be closed based on the base closure account. We should not risk the The vote was taken by electronic de­ basis of national need. readiness of our troops on a cost and savings vice, and there were-yeas 75, nays 343, However, I must say with great regret and evaluation which did not receive the same not voting 16, as follows: dismay that this BRAG Commission was ex­ level of budget scrutiny as Secretary Perry's [Roll No. 647] ceedingly political, made its decision in a vac­ original recommendations. YEAS-75 uum, and in my mind deliberately inflicted In a letter dated June 21, 1995, Secretary of undue pain on the people of Sacramento. the Air Force Sheila Widnall and Air Force Ackerman Gejdenson Miller (CA) BRAG made its decision based not on the Andrews Gephardt Mineta Chief of Staff Ron Fogleman wrote to the Bentsen Gilchrest Murtha facts, but rather the politics of base closures, BRAG Commission that "the staff generated Bevill Gonzalez Myers that up until now have been void from the BRAG proposal described to us Bonilla Goodling Ortiz Borski Green Pastor process. will * * * preclude the Air Force from carrying I believe that BRAG grossly distorted the Browder Hamilton Payne (NJ) through on vital readiness and modernization process and abdicated its responsibility as an Brown (CA) Hastings (FL) Pelosi programs." Bryant (TX) Herger Pombo independent commission. Secretary Widnall and General Fogleman Chapman Hilliard Roybal-Allard This decision was based on data and analy­ Clay Holden Royce further stated that "the essential business of sis generated by the Commission staff that Coleman Horn Scarborough the Air Force • * * would be greatly dis­ Combest Hoyer Schroeder was not certified. Further, there was no oppor­ rupted." Costello Jackson-Lee Seastrand tunity-even when specifically requested-for Davis Kennelly Shuster the Air Force or DOD to review the staff analy­ CROSS-SERVICING de la Garza Kim Smith (TX) sis and determine the operational impacts of There is widespread agreement, including DeLauro Lantos Talent the recently published Commission of Roles Dixon Lewis (CA) Tejeda the recommendations. The impacted commu­ Doolittle Lofgren Torres nities were not provided with an opportunity to and Missions Report, that cross-servicing and Eshoo Manzullo Torricelli respond to this analysis either. privatization are the smartest, cheapest, and Evans Martinez Towns I believe that this approach seriously under­ least disruptive methods of downsizing large Farr Matsui Waters industrial facilities. Every major study in this Fazio McColl um Williams mines what was designed to be an open and Ford Menendez Woolsey fair process and contradicts the spirit of the area, from the Defense Science Board to the Fox Mica Wynn BRAG statute. Joint Chiefs of Staff, agree that cross-servicing I would like to discuss three areas where I and privatization are the right way to downsize NAYS-343 feel that the BRAG Commission substantially depot maintenance. Abercrombie Castle Emerson Allard Chabot Engel deviated from the intent of the BRAG statute The fact that neither the Defense Depart­ Archer Chambliss English as well as its total disregard for the Depart­ ment nor the Commission were successful in Armey Chenoweth Ensign ment of Defense's recommendations. In my instituting cross-servicing in a comprehensive Bachus Christensen Everett manner to remove redundancies among the Baesler Chrysler Ewing mind and the minds of many of my colleagues Baker (CA) Clayton Fattah on both sides of the aisle that have been ad­ services is a major disappointment. Baker (LA) Clement Fawell versely affected by this decision, the BRAG In my view, the Commission's recommenda­ Baldacci Clinger Fields (LA) Commission clearly subverted and deviated tions are not an appropriate or acceptable Ballenger Clyburn Fields (TX) Barcia Coble Filner from the BRAG statute and past BRAG Com­ substitute for eliminating capacity in defense Barr Coburn Flake missions. industrial facilities the right way through cross­ Barrett (NE) Collins (GA) Flanagan ECONOMIC IMPACT servicing. Barrett (WI) Collins (IL) Foglietta . This BRAG list comes up short. The enor­ Bartlett Collins (Ml) Foley The Sacramento region has suffered two Barton Condit Forbes previous base closures-Mather AFB (1988) mous costs, loss of capabilities, and overall Bass Conyers Fowler and the Sacramento Army Depot (1991). impact on readiness are too great a risk. Bateman Cooley Frank (MA) These closures resulted in the loss of 11,516 There is a right way and a wrong way to Beilenson Cox Franks (CT) downsize depots. This is definitely the wrong Bereuter Coyne Franks (NJ) direct jobs and 28,090 total. Berman Cramer Frelinghuysen The closure of McClellan will result in a loss way. Bilbray Crane Frisa of. 13,000 direct jobs and over 31,000 total I understand probably better than most that Bilirakis Crapo Frost jobs. we as a Congress have the responsibility to Bishop Cremeans Funderburk The total combined effect of all three clo­ Bliley Cubin Furse close bases down that are unneeded in the Blute Cunningham Gallegly sures results in over 59,000 total jobs lost wake of the end of the Soviet Union and the Boehlert Danner Ganske which represents 7.8 percent of the region's cold war. Boehner Deal Gekas total employment. These three closures make But BRAC's decision risks readiness, will Boni or DeFazio Geren Bono DeLay Gibbons Sacramento the hardest hit community in the not eliminate excess capacity, and asks the Boucher Dellums Gillmor entire country for all four BRAG rounds. people of Sacramento to shoulder a far higher Brewster Deutsch Gilman MILITARY READINESS proportion of pain than does the rest of the Brown (FL) Diaz-Balart Goodlatte Brown (OH) Dickey Gordon The recommendations to close McClellan country. Brownback Dicks Goss and Kelly are simply unacceptable. Of all the The BRAG Commission has gone too far Bryant (TN) Doggett Graham options for eliminating excess capacity in the this time, I ask my colleagues to support this Bunn Dooley Greenwood Air Force depot system, the Commission's ap­ resolution and reject the Commission's ill-ad­ Bunning Dornan Gunderson Burr Doyle Gutierrez proach will cause the most turbulence, will vised recommendations. Burton Dreier Gutknecht cost the most money, and will have the most The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Buyer Duncan Hall(OH) negative impact on mission support capabili­ has expired. Pursuant to section 2908 of Callahan Dunn Hall(TX) ties. the Defense Base Closure and Realign­ Calvert Durbin Hancock Camp Edwards Hansen The substitution of judgment by the BRAG ment Act of 1990, the question is on Canady Ehlers Harman staff on the cost and savings associated with passage of the joint resolution. Cardin Ehrlich Hastert September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24149 Hastings (WA) Mclnnis Schaefer REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ Hayes Mcintosh Schiff Hayworth McKeon Schumer AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 1617 tleman is yie1ding all 30 minutes to the Hefley McNulty Scott Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. gentleman from Maryland. The gen­ Hefner Meehan . Sensenbrenner Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that tleman from Maryland is recognized Heineman Meek Serrano for 30 minutes in opposition to the mo­ Hilleary Metcalf Shad egg my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor Hinchey Meyers Shaw of H.R. 1617. tion. Hobson Mfume Shays The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Hoekstra Miller (FL) Skaggs DREIER). Is there objection to the re­ OBEY] is recognized for 30 minutes. Hoke Minge Skeen Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ Hostettler Mink Skelton quest of the gentleman from Texas? Houghton Molinari Slaughter There was no objection. self such time as I may consume. Hunter Mollohan Smith (Ml) Mr. Speaker, what is before us is the Hutchinson Montgomery Smith (NJ) question of going to conference on the Hyde Moorhead Smith (WA) Inglis Myrick Solomon APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON Treasury-Postal appropriation bill. The Is took Nadler Souder H.R. 2020, TREASURY, POSTAL motion that I have just made is a mo­ Jacobs Neal Spence SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOV­ tion which would accept the Senate Johnson (CT) Nethercutt Spratt Johnson (SD) Neumann Stark ERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, amendment numbered 130, which in es­ Johnson, E.B. Ney Stearns 1996 sence indicates that the congressional Johnson, Sam Norwood Stockman Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask pay will be frozen for yet another year Johnston Nussle Studds with no COLA, although that COLA Jones Oberstar Stump unanimous consent to take from the Kanjorski Obey Stupak Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2020) will be provided for other Federal em­ Kaptur Olver Tanner ployees. Kasi ch Orton Tate making appropriations for the Treas­ ury Department, the United States Mr. Speaker, as Members of the Kelly Owens Tauzin House know, this House established a Kennedy (MA) Oxley Taylor (MS) Postal Service, the Executive Office of Kennedy (RI) Packard Taylor (NC) the President, and certain independent new procedure. As Members will re­ Kil dee Pallone Thomas agencies, for the fiscal year ending member in, I believe, 1991, the Congress King Parker Thompson took a step forward, at least I think Kingston Payne (VA) Thornberry September 30, 1996, and for other pt!r­ Kleczka Peterson (FL) Thornton poses, with Senate amendments there­ many thoughtful Members will recog­ Klink Peterson (MN) Thurman to, disagree to the amendments and nize it was a step forward, when we de­ K;lug Petri Tiahrt cided that outside income for Members Knollenberg Pickett Torkildsen agree to the conference asked by the of Congress was going to be limited and Kolbe Pomeroy Traficant Senate. LaFalce Porter Upton The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there that instead we would have only one LaHood Portman Velazquez paymaster, that being the general pub­ Largent Po shard Vento objection to the request of the gen­ lic, rather than supplementing our pay Latham Pryce Visclosky tleman from Iowa? LaTourette Quillen Volkmer There was no objection. through various activities, including Laughlin Quinn Vucanovich giving speeches and earning outside in­ Lazio Radanovich Walker MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES OFFERED BY come in a manner which many people Leach Rahall Walsh MR. OBEY were concerned created the appearance Levin Ramstad Wamp Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a mo­ Lewis (GA) Rangel Ward of a conflict of interest. Lewis (KY) Reed Watt (NC) tion to instruct conferees. The Congress took a lot of heat for Lightfoot Regula Watts (OK) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that action at the time, but I think it Lincoln Richardson Waxman Clerk will report the motion. was the right action because I think it Linder Riggs Weldon (FL) The Clerk read as follows: Lipinski Rivers Weldon (PA) substantially improved the financial Livingston Roberts Weller Mr. OBEY moves that the managers on the practices around here. It was supported LoBiondo Roemer White part of the House at the conference on the on both sides of the aisle on a biparti­ Longley Rogers Whitfield disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Lowey Rohrabacher Wicker bill, H.R. 2020, be instructed to agree to the san basis. Lucas Ros-Lehtinen Wilson amendment of the Senate numbered 130. We established a new process under Luther Rose Wise that legislation which guaranteed that Manton Roth Wolf The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ Markey Roukema Wyden tleman from Iowa [Mr. LIGHTFOOT] will Members of Congress would never get a Martini Rush Yates be recognized for 30 minutes, and the pay increase larger than that provided Mascara Sabo Young (AK) for other Federal employees. And, in McCarthy Salmon Young (FL) gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] fact, the way it was set up, we got that McCrery Sanders Zeliff will be recognized for 30 minutes. McDermott Sanford Zimmer adjustment one year later, so that we McHale Sawyer PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY could not be accused of setting the McHugh Saxton Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I have a trend for increased pay, but rather we parliamentary inquiry. NOT VOTING-16 were following what would happen in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ other sectors of the economy. Becerra Moakley Stenholm tleman will state it. Dingell Moran Stokes Mr. Speaker, under that we received Jefferson Morella Tucker Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, am I cor­ two small cost of living adjustments: A Maloney Paxon Waldholtz rect that under the rules, a Member in 3.5 increase in 1992 and a 3.2 increase in McDade Reynolds opposition has the right to half the McKinney Sisisky 1993. Since that time we have taken ac­ time? tion each year to freeze our own pay. The SPEAKER pro tempore. One­ So that means that for calendar year D 1122 third of the time could be allotted to a 1994, and 1995, the Congress voluntarily Messrs. OWENS, McINTOSH, Member in opposition. decided not to accept a congressional FIELDS of Louisiana, KENNEDY of Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, is it my pay raise, even though other Federal Massachusetts, and Mrs. CHENOWETH understanding that the gentleman is employees did receive a pay raise. changed their vote from ''yea'' to yielding to me the time? The Senate has now taken an action "nay." Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I on this bill which indicates their belief would be happy to yield my 30 minutes Messrs. TORRICELLI, ROYCE, and that we should do that for another to the gentleman from Maryland. year. · GILCHREST changed their vote from The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the "nay" to "yea." gentleman opposed to the motion? D 1130 So the joint resolution was rejected. Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I am I think that probably the vast major­ The result of the vote was announced not in favor of the motion, but I would ity of Members on both sides of the as above recorded. yield my 30 minutes to the gentleman. aisle will share the view that under the 24150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 circumstances that we face with other So I join the gentleman, and I sus­ the 435 districts of this great Nation agencies of Government being cut, with pect that the vast majority of the that serve in this body, if you want ev­ many other programs being cut, when Members of this House will join him. eryone to be a millionaire, well then we are in the process of establishing The Senate has already gone on record just keep on freezing the pay because a budget guidelines that we will live with as supporting this effort, and so this ef­ person of modest means will not be for either the next 5 or 7 years on our fort is merely to conform with what able to serve here after some length of way to what people would like to think the Senate has already done. time. He will not be able to raise his would be a balanced budget, I think But let me say that I also have some family. He will not be able to send his that under the circumstances, it would grave concern that pay, unfortunately, children to college or educate his kids be highly unrealistic to expect that the becomes an aspect, an ingredient to a or meet obligations to his family. She Congress this year would receive even a degree of short-term politics. I, frank­ will not be able to raise her family. He cost-of-living adjustment. ly, do not know any Members over the or she will not be running for Congress So I am simply offering this motion years that I have served in the Con­ because he or she at some point will because I think that it is generally ac­ gress that have been defeated over the not be able to afford to be here. I do cepted in the House that, under these pay raise issue. But I suspect, if any not think that is what we want. circumstances, it would be appropriate have, they are very few in number. I think the great thing about this to accept the Senate position. The American people, I think, intu­ country is that we have not had to de­ In doing so, I would make the follow­ itively understand that public officials pend solely on the affluent class, if you ing observation, however: I believe it is have to make a living, and if they do will, to serve as our public figures. essential to the ability of this House not want a body of 100 percent of mil­ I think the great thing about this in­ over the long term to attract quality lionaires in the House of Representa­ stitution, particularly the House of candidates, and I think it is essential tives or in the Senate, then, obviously, Representatives, and I do distinguish it to see to it that in the long term we do they have to pay them a salary. from the Senate, because 82 percent of not have renewed pressures for provid­ One can argue how much that salary them are millionaires, I am not trying ing other ways for Members to receive should be. But a few years ago, as the to condemn anybody who has been income by, in effect, cashing in on gentleman pointed out, we had an smart enough or affluent enough or their own notoriety, for want of a bet­ honoraria process whereby Members of wise enough to invest their money and ter word, or by cashing in on their title the Congress would supplement their has made great fortune for himself or as a Member of Congress to increase own income by going out and getting inherited great fortune. I think that is their pay. In order to prevent those ac­ speaking fees. I think that the press great. That is the American system. tions from happening, it is going to be did a pretty good job, and Members in All of those that are of affluent means necessary at some time for Members of this body and the Members of the other that serve in this body serve valiantly Congress to receive pay adjustments body stood up and talked about how and serve their constituents, but our identical to those provided to other that process had gone astray. That sit­ constituents should also have the op­ workers in the Federal Government. uation had done much to begin to cor­ portunity to elect people who are not I do not believe that people can ex­ rupt the institution. People were not affluent, who are not people who abso- pect that forever there will be no ad­ working for their pay. They were going 1u tely can pay their way to be here. justments in congressional pay. But I out and cutting deals. They were walk­ That is why I think that is a mistake think it is common good sense to rec­ to freeze our pay year after year after ognize that, under these cir­ ing into breakfasts and walking out cumstances, Members of Congress are with thousand dollar checks. Frankly, year. I think there is great merit in the whole system smelled. giving the Federal employees a cost-of­ not and should not be providing them­ So the gentleman who is presenting selves with an increase in pay when we living adjustment periodically. There are in the process of establishing a this initiative, and several others and I is great merit in giving retired Federal multiyear effort to reduce the deficit were eager to get rid of honoraria. employees, retired military personnel a and cut expenditures. Honoraria is now history. It is gone for cost-of-living adjustment periodically, So, for the third year in a row, the ef­ Members of Congress, and I think that and, yes, I think that there is great fect of this motion would be to deny is good. merit in providing judges and Members ourselves a pay raise. I think that that In an effort to compensate for what of Congress and heads of departments is the rational thing to do under these was a significant loss of income for of the executive branch and other circumstances, and I would urge sup­ many Members of the House and in the ranking leaders a periodic adjustment port for the motion. other body, there was a fairly signifi­ in their cost of living as well. Not to do Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, will cant pay increase. But really it was not so risks changing this system, risks the gentleman yield? an increase, because it was offsetting changing this country, and not nec­ Mr. OBEY. I yield to the gentleman income that was lost. essarily for the better, because it will from Louisiana. That being said, that was several not only go to those folks who are of Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I years ago, and since then Members independent means, it could go to thank the gentleman for yielding. have gotten some nominal COLA's, those folks who might other wise seek It is with some degree of reluctance along with the rest of the Federal em­ to find outside income through less­ that I rise in a bipartisan display of ployees and military retirees and oth­ than-appropriate channels. I would not support. It is with some degree of re- ers, but not as often as the Federal em­ want to see that happen either. 1uctance that I rise in an effort to dis­ ployees and the military retirees. In So I think that the gentleman's mo­ play bipartisan support for the gentle­ the last 2 or 3 years this body and the tion is well taken at this time. It is man's amendment. other body have joined together and with some degree of reluctance that I I agree with the gentleman's conclu­ frozen our pay. We have not had any support it, but I do urge that all of the sions. This Congress has made great COLA's, even though Federal employ­ Members of this body support it. Let us strides in making deep cuts in the Fed­ ees and military retirees have gotten send this issue on to the conference eral budget. To date, the appropria­ their COLA's, and that is OK. We are and get it over with and address this tions process has yielded net savings in doing it again this year. issue next year and the years there­ fiscal year 1995 and 1996 ·of approxi­ I dare say, for one reason or another after. mately $44 billion, and it would be it is quite possible we may do that Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ highly untenable for the Congress to again next year. But I would like to self such time as I may consume. say, "Well, we are going to cut the rest offer a cautionary note to my col­ Mr. Speaker, for all of the reasons ar­ of the Federal budget, but we are going leagues in this body and tell you that ticulated by the distinguished gen­ to go ahead and allow our own pay to unless you want a situation where all tleman from Louisiana, the chairman escalate." of the Members of the various districts, of the Committee on Appropriations, I September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24151 rise in opposition to this motion. I ees got a raise, so that if the other em­ leagues, but, I think, the country on think he is absolutely correct, and the ployees of the Federal Government did the very, very difficult conundrum we reasons that he articulated were the not get a raise, Members of Congress often find ourselves in on this pay reasons that undergirded the efforts of would not get a cost-of-living adjust­ issue. There is no question that the this House of Representatives to, in a ment. We did that again to ensure that gentleman's comments are pertinent fair and open manner, adopt legislation we were not treated differently. and to the point and that, if we are not which would lead to a reasonable incre­ We talked a lot about treating our­ careful, we will repeat the very bitter mental adjustment in the pay of Mem­ selves the same, covering ourselves by and unhappy history that we have seen bers. the same laws that we expect others to occur on this floor where periodically, It is obviously a very politically dif­ abide by, and that was the reason that perhaps once a decade, we go through ficult situation. No Member likes to we tied ourselves to other Federal em­ this catharsis of debate and public re­ vote on their raise, and, in fact, what ployees. We are ultimately paid by the action over the question of pay for we talk about here is not a raise in the Federal Government, the Federal tax­ Members of Congress. classic sense. It is a cost-of-living ad­ payer. We are Federal employees, and I also want to associate myself with justment; that is to say, a mechanism if they did not get an adjustment, we the remarks of the gentleman from was established to keep Members even felt we should not. Louisiana [Mr. LIVINGSTON] who, along with the cost-of-living adjustment. In this instance, they will get an ad­ with the gentleman from Wisconsin The gentleman from Louisiana point­ justment, and the motion offered by [Mr. OBEY] and a number of other ed out that we do that for others, so­ the gentleman from Wisconsin will pro­ Members, served so stalwartly on the cial security recipients, Federal retir­ vide that we will not have an adjust­ commission that we formed in 1989 that ees, and active Federal employees, ment, and that will be the third year, brought the bipartisan leadership of some 2 million, as well as for members and I do not think there is anybody on both the caucus and the conference to­ of the military. We do that so that this floor that believes that next year gether to resolve this issue, and we their standard of living will not dete­ the Members of Congress are going to hope once and for all. Obviously that is riorate as inflation occurs. That is the have the ability or will to look their not the case. Lynn Martin, who co­ issue here, not a pay raise in the clas­ constituents in the eye and say, "We chaired that effort along with me at sic sense. are going to take one-fourth or one­ that time, I think would agree that we That resolution of a very thorny half or three-fourths of or a whole of tried to put in place a very conserv­ issue was arrived at through bipartisan that adjustment which we have not ative and automatic process, but in work and agreement. The current taken." fact, unless we have total bipartisan speaker, Speaker GINGRICH, was a part consensus in this insti tu ti on from one of that, Speaker Foley and the current 0 1145 generation, one class, to the next, it is minority leader, the gentleman from So, we will go 4 years in a row, and very unlikely that we will have the Missouri [Mr. GEPHARDT] was part of the difficulty that will then occur will courage even to allow the automatic that, the distinguished ranking mem­ be in 1997 there will be an effort, I pre­ mechanism which guarantees that we ber of the Committee on Appropria­ dict, to do a larger number, a catchup, make our cost-of-living adjustment tions, the gentleman from Wisconsin if you will, and the American public less by five-tenths of 1 percent than [Mr. OBEY] was part of that, and my will then again say, "Those guys don't anything that the private sector made. good friend from California [Mr. FAZIO] get it. Why are they giving themselves It guarantees that we always get some­ was a leader in that effort, the current such a big pay raise?" And there will thing that is very modest behind infla­ chairman of the Committee on Appro­ be no discussion about January 1993, or tion, behind what is happening in the priations was a part of that, the gen­ January 1994, or January 1995, or Janu­ private sector. tleman from California [Mr. LEWIS], ary 1996, or January 1997. That will be The comments of the gentleman from who was then chairman of the Repub­ forgotten. Maryland [Mr. HOYER] are, therefore, lican Conference, was a part of that, in So, I rise to oppose this motion, not on point, and I regret that we are at trying to deal with a very difficult because I do not understand the con­ the point we are today, but reality, as issue, obviously, with our constituents cerns of my chairman, the concerns of the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. so that they knew and we knew and our my ranking member. I think I am a OBEY] has said, has crashed in. We are families knew what is the deal, how do reasonably perceptive Member of this at a point, and I would hope that all we adjust congressional pay in a ra­ body in terms of the political realities the Members would understand that re­ tional, reasonable way. of this body, and so I understand what gardless of how we may feel differently The failure to have done that over the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. on this issue, we ought to accommo­ the years led to anomalies that out­ LIVINGSTON] has said the realities are, date the situation, the politics of the raged the American public and gave and, having said that, I regret that we moment, and we ought to do what we great fodder for talk show hosts. find ourselves in a position of suggest­ can to lower our voices and to allow What was that? As the gentleman has ing this alternative. this process to go, as I think we all pointed out, for 3 or 4 or 5 years we Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he know it must, toward the decision that would go with zero, and then because may consume to the gentleman from I am sure we will make with great-a Members were falling substantially be­ California [Mr. FAZIO], who has forever majority here in just a moment-to lay hind, the quadrennial pay commission been a Member of this body who has this issue aside for this Congress. But, would recommend a high figure, and we taken a lot of flak, a lot of heat. He has as the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. would take a portion of it, in one in­ had the courage to stand up for his 434 LIVINGSTON] has said and the gen­ stance, for instance, a raise of $10,000, colleagues, but, much more impor­ tleman from Maryland [Mr. HOYER] has or approximately that figure. That is a tantly, for this institution, and for said, to continue to do this is to create very high figure when one hears about that I not only have great affection for an atmosphere of crisis that will do far it being a raise and does not divide it the gentleman, but great respect. more damage to this institution out in by the 4 or 5 previous years that zero Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ the future than we can at all mitigate was the adjustment. er, I want to thank the gentleman from by the minor act we will be making As a result, the public was outraged Maryland [Mr. HOYER] for yielding this here in just a moment. at our giving ourselves from this per­ time to me and, far more importantly, Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues, spective such large pay raises. This, for his very kind and generous re­ "Mr. HOYER, Mr. LIVINGSTON, Mr. OBEY, again, was an effort to avoid that con­ marks, and I want to congratulate him with this kind of leadership where our sequence and to provide for an annual for having had the courage, as he al­ Speaker and minority leader are mechanism that would go into effect ways does, to try to educate not only brought together, ultimately we can only in the event that Federal employ- his constituents, not only his col- accomplish our purpose and, I think, 24152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 educate the American people as to the circumstances this is the best course of Johnson. Sam Mollohan Seastrand Johnston Montgomery Sensenbrenner importance of it." We are not there at action. I think Members understand Jones Moorhead Shadegg the moment, and so, while I know the that. Kanjorski Myers Shaw gentleman from Maryland [Mr. HOYER] Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Kaptur Myrick Shays speaks with great sincerity, I do hope Kasich Neal Shuster back the balance of my time. Kelly Nethercutt Skaggs that his opposition, which I believe is Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I, too, yield Kennedy (MA) Neumann Skeen largely symbolic here today, will not back the balance of my time. Kennedy (RI) Ney Skelton succeed. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kennelly Norwood Slaughter Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ Kil dee Nuss le Smith (Ml) DREIER). Without objection, the pre­ Kim Oberstar Smith (NJ) self such time as I may consume. vious questions is ordered. Kingston Obey Smith (TX) Mr. Speaker, I do not see my opposi­ There was no objection. Kleczka Olver Smith (WA) Klink Ortiz Solomon tion as largely symbolic. I perceive it The SPEAKER pro tempore. The as very real, and those that talk to me Klug Orton Souder question is on the motion to instruct Knollenberg Owens Spence about it know that it is not symbolism offered by the gentleman from Wiscon­ Kolbe Oxley Spratt that I am seeking. sin [Mr. OBEY]. LaFalce Packard Stearns Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of LaHood Pallone Stenholm my time. The question was taken; and the Lantos Parker Stockman Speaker pro tempore announced that Largent Pastor Studds Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ Latham Payne (NJ) Stump self such time as I may consume. the ayes appeared to have it. LaTourette Payne (VA) Stupak Mr. Speaker, I have just one addi­ Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I de­ Laughlin Pelosi Talent mand the yeas and nays. Lazio Peterson (FL) Tanner tional observation. Leach Peterson (MN) Tate I recognize fully what the gentleman The yeas and nays were ordered. Levin Petri Tauzin from Louisiana said, and I understand The vote was taken by electronic de­ Lewis (GA) Pickett Taylor (MS) vice, and there were-yeas 387, nays 31, Lewis (KY) Pombo Taylor (NC) the position of the gentleman from Lightfoot Pomeroy Tejeda Maryland. I do not think it is reason­ not voting 16, as follows: Lincoln Porter Thompson able to expect that the only people in [Roll No. 648] Linder Portman Thornberry America who never get a pay adjust­ Lipinski Poshard Thornton YEAS-387 Livingston Pryce Thurman ment would be Members of Congress. Abercrombie Clyburn Fox LoBiondo Quillen Tiahrt I make no apology for the efforts of Ackerman Coble Frank (MA) Lofgren Quinn Torkildsen the past that have been engaged in on Allard Coburn Franks (CT) Longley Radanovich Torres a bipartisan basis in this House, in full Andrews Coleman Franks (NJ) Lowey Rahall Torricelli Archer Collins (GA) Frelinghuysen Lucas Ramstad Traficant view of the public, not in a midnight Armey Collins (IL) Frisa Luther Reed Upton vote, as did occur in the other body, Bachus Combest Frost Manton Regula Vento but in full view of the public, in the Baesler Condit Funderburk Manzullo Richardson Visclosky Baker (CA) Cooley Furse Markey Riggs Vucanovich afternoon, an up-or-down vote after a Baker (LA) Costello Gallegly Martini Rivers Walker long discussion. I make no apology for Baldacci Cox Ganske Mascara Roberts Walsh the fact that we decided that we would Ballenger Coyne Gejdenson Matsui Roemer Wamp make the public our only paymaster, Barcia Cramer Gekas McCarthy Rogers Ward Barr Crane Gephardt McColl um Rohrabacher Waters because I believe this place is a much Barrett (NE) Crapo Geren McCrery Ros-Lehtinen Watts (OK) cleaner place for having done that. And Barrett (WI) Cremeans Gibbons McHale Rose Weldon (FL) I have no argument with the sugges­ Bartlett Cu bin Gilchrest McHugh Roth Weldon (PA) Barton Cunningham Gillmor Mclnnis Roukema Weller tion that Members of Congress should Bass Danner Gilman Mcintosh Roybal-Allard White be treated the same as other Federal Bateman Davis Goodlatte McKean Royce Whitfield employees with respect to cost-of-liv­ Beilenson de la Garza Goodling McNulty Rush Wicker ing increases. That is probably as good Bentsen Deal Gordon Meehan Sabo Williams Bereuter DeFazio Goss Meek Salmon Wilson a guide as any. Bevill DeLauro Graham Menendez Sanders Wise Unfortunately we are stuck with the Bilbray Dell urns Green Metcalf Sanford Wolf job, under the Constitution, of deter­ Bilirakis Deutsch Greenwood Meyers Sawyer Woolsey Bishop Diaz-Bal art Gunderson Mica Saxton Wyden mining our own pay. I wish we did not Bliley Dickey Gutierrez Miller (CA) Scarborough Wynn have that job because it is a no-win sit­ Blute Dicks Gutknecht Miller (FL) Schaefer Yates uation, and so I think, if we are to set Boehner Dixon Hall (OH) Mineta Schiff Young (AK) a guideline, what happens to other Fed­ Bonilla Doggett Hall(TX) Minge Schroeder Young (FL) Boni or Dooley Hamilton Mink Schumer Zeliff eral employees is probably as good a Bono Doolittle Hancock Molinari Scott Zimmer guideline as we can find for what ought Borski Dornan Hansen to happen to us in terms of pay. I Boucher Doyle Harman NAYS-31 would gladly have somebody else set Browder Dreier Hastert Berman Gonzalez Nadler Brown (CA) Duncan Hastings (WA) Boehlert Hastings (FL) Rangel that pay, but under the circumstances Brown (FL) Dunn Hayworth Brewster Houghton Serrano I think that it is appropriate this year, Brown (OH) Durbin Hefley Clay Hoyer Stark given what is happening with the budg­ Brownback Edwards Hefner Clayton King Thomas Bryant (TN) Ehlers Heineman Collins (Ml) Lewis (CA) Towns et, for the Congress to freeze its own Bryant (TX) Ehrlich Herger Conyers Martinez Velazquez pay. Bunn Emerson Hilleary De Lay McDermott Watt (NC) I would note that that is unquestion­ Bunning English Hilliard Engel Mfume Waxman ably a lot easier for Members of the Burr Ensign Hinchey Fattah Moran Burton Eshoo Hobson Flake Murtha other body to do because, as the gen­ Buyer Evans Hoekstra tleman from Louisiana [Mr. LIVING­ Callahan Everett Hoke NOT VOTING-16 STON] indicated, newspaper stories indi­ Calvert Ewing Holden Becerra McKinney Stokes cate that there are possibly up to 80 Camp Farr Horn Dingell Moakley Tucker Canady Fawell Hostettler Hayes Morella Volkmer percent of the Senate that are million­ Cardin Fazio Hunter Jefferson Paxon Waldholtz aires. I regret that condition; I think Castle Fields (LA) Hutchinson Maloney Reynolds Chabot Fields (TX) Hyde McDade Sisisky we would be better off if we had a more Chambliss Filner Inglis even spread among income groups in Chapman Flanagan Is took the other body. But we do not, and I Chenoweth Foglietta Jackson-Lee 0 1215 recognize it is much easier for them to Christensen Foley Jacobs Messrs. TOWNS, STARK, FLAKE, Chrysler Forbes Johnson (CT) do this than it is for those on this side Clement Ford Johnson (SD) and MFUME changed their vote from of the Capitol, but I think under the Clinger Fowler Johnson, E. B. "yea" to "nay." September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24153 Mr. ORTIZ, Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there gentleman from Ohio [Mr. REGULA] will and Mrs. MEEK of Florida changed objection to the request of the gen­ be recognized for 30 minutes. their vote from "nay" to "yea." tleman from Ohio? The Chair recognizes the gentleman So the motion was agreed to. Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, re­ from Illinois [Mr. YATES]. The result of the vote was announced serving the right, I will not object, but Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ as above recorded. I did want to take the opportunity to self such time as I may consume. A motion to reconsider was laid on address the distinguished chairman of This is a straightforward motion in­ the table. the Interior Appropriations Sub­ structing the House conferees to retain committee. As the chairman knows, the moratorium on the hard rock min­ the Committee on Resources has ap­ ing claims. During House consideration PERSONAL EXPLANATION proved H.R. 1332, which would elimi­ of the bill, the gentleman from Wiscon­ Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Speaker, I was in a nate the Office of Territorial and Inter­ sin [Mr. KLUG] and the gentleman from meeting on the Senate side of the Cap­ national Affairs [OTIAJ and terminate West Virginia [Mr. RAHALL] offered an itol during rollcall vote No. 648 on the its programs. This action will save tax­ amendment to insert the existing mor­ motion to instruct conferees on H.R. payers $16 million in fiscal year 1996 atorium language that has operated 2020. Had I been present, I would have and $117 million over the next 7 years. this year. The amendment was adopted voted "yes." This authorization bill, which I intro­ by a bipartisan vote of 271 to 153. duced, received widespread bipartisan My motion tells the conferees to stay 0 1215 support and is currently awaiting floor with the current moratorium language. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. consideration. It requires them to abide by the rule of COMBEST). Without objection, the Chair Mr. Speaker, when the floor consid­ the significant majority of the House appoints the following conferees: ered H.R. 1977, the Interior appropria­ to stop the corporate welfare that has Messrs. LIGHTFOOT, WOLF, ISTOOK, tions bill, I offered an amendment to resulted in companies receiving min­ KINGSTON, FORBES, LIVINGSTON, HOYER, delete the funding for the OTIA and its eral rights worth hundreds of millions VISCLOSKY, COLEMAN, and OBEY. programs in accordance with our com­ of dollars for as little as $2.50 an acre. There was no objection. mittee's work. The chairman gra­ The latest example of that, Mr. ciously accepted my amendment. Un­ Speaker, was a few days ago when Sec­ fortunately, the other body has gone in retary Babbitt was required to sign an GENERAL LEAVE just the opposite direction in their ap­ application for a patent by a foreign Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask propriations bill by preserving in some company which is estimated to be able unanimous consent that all Members ways and enhancing this unnecessary to mine 1 billion dollars' worth of min­ may have 5 legislative days to revise office in other ways. It is my hope that erals in return for a payment of $275. It and extend their remarks and that I the Chair and other House conferees is time to stop this raid on the Federal may include tabular and extraneous will stick firm to the House position in Treasury that has gone on for more material. trying to eliminate this piece of bu­ than 100 years. It is time for the legis­ The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. reaucracy. lative committees to make substantive BARRETT of Nebraska). Is there objec­ At the very least I would ask that, changes to the 1872 Mining Act. tion to the request of the gentleman since both authorization committees Mr. Speaker, my motion is a vote for from Iowa? have such opposite views of the future fiscal responsibility, and I urge my col­ There was no objection. need of the OTIA, that the chairman leagues to support the motion to in­ not accept any legislative language struct. from the Senate involving the OTIA or Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER its programs and that they subject any my time. AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 359 appropriation for the OTIA, its pro­ Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I yield grams or former territories, to an au­ such time as she may consume to the Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan­ thorization. gentlewoman from Nevada [Mrs. imous consent that my name be re­ Mr. Speaker, this issue should be re­ VUCANOVICH]. moved as a cosponsor of H.R. 359. When solved by the authorization commit­ Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I I first signed on as a cosponsor, I tees, and I would appreciate the chair­ rise in opposition to the motion to in­ thought it might be a good way to ad­ man's consideration. struct House conferees to accept the dress some patent department defi­ Mr. Speaker, continuing my reserva­ mining patent moratorium, and I urge ciencies, but since then I have changed tion of objection, I yield to the gen­ my colleagues to vote "no." my opinion and I respectfully ask to be tleman from Ohio [Mr. REGULA]. The House adopted a 1-year morato­ withdrawn as a sponsor of H.R. 359. Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I thank rium on issuing mining patents. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the gentleman, and we certainly will. Senate, however, took another tack. objection to the request of the gen­ Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I Senate provisions would require fair tleman from Pennsylvania? withdraw my reservation of objection. market value of the surface value of There was no objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there patented lands. The Senate also adopt­ objection to the request of the gen­ ed a reverter clause so that, if land pat­ tleman from Ohio? ented for mining is ever used for any APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON other purposes, it reverts back to Fed­ H.R. 1977, DEPARTMENT OF THE There was no objection. MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES OFFERED BY eral control. INTERIOR AND RELATED AGEN­ The Senate provisions raise revenue CIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996 MR.YATES Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I offer a while the house provisions do nothing Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I ask motion to instruct. but preserve the status quo. Com­ unanimous consent to take from the The Clerk read as follows: prehensive mining law reform propos­ Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1977) Mr. YATES moves that the managers on als are pending in both the House and making appropriations for the Depart­ the part of the House at the conference on the Senate. These proposals include ment of the Interior and related agen­ the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on royalties, which will lead to additional cies for the fiscal year ending Septem­ the bill, R.R. 1977, be instructed to disagree increases in revenue to the Treasury. ber 30, 1996, and for other purposes, to the amendment of the Senate numbered However, past experience has shown with Senate amendments thereto, dis­ 158. that a patent moratorium will stifle agree to the Senate amendments and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ any progress toward comprehensive agree to the conference asked by the tleman from Illinois [Mr. YATES] will mining law reform and preserving the Senate. be recognized for 30 minutes, and the status quo which both sides of this 24154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 issue agree is not acceptable. The only increase in PILT funding as prescribed by Oregon, LIVINGSTON, YATES, DICKS, BE­ responsible position is to oppose the Congress and the President. Without the inclu­ VILL, SKAGGS, and OBEY. motion to instruct, thus bringing in sion of an increase in PILT funding to reflect There was no objection. revenue and clearing the way for com­ the promise Congress made to many of our prehensive mining law reform. counties across this Nation, I am afraid I will I urge my colleagues to vote against be unable to support the cont erence report. GENERAL LEAVE the motion to instruct. Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ of this motion. I joined in voting for the patent unanimous consent that all Members self 1 minute. moratorium when the Interior appropriations may have 5 legislative days to revise I had neglected in my opening re­ bill was on the House floor, and I intend to and extend their remarks and that I marks to point out that the most im­ press for retaining the moratorium when we may include tabular and extraneous portant and significant leader in sup­ meet in conference with the other body. material. port of the patent moratorium in this The time has long since come for reforming The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there House has been the chairman of this the obsolete mining law of 1872. Just this objection to the request of the gen­ appropriations subcommittee the gen­ week, we had another reminder of how out­ tleman from Ohio? tleman from Ohio [Mr. REGULA]. His dated that law is when Secretary Babbitt was There was no objection. speeches on this subject have been illu­ forced to give a foreign mining company own­ minating and have been very persua­ ership of 110 acres of Federal lands contain­ sive, and I know that he will be very, ing an estimated billion dollars' worth of min­ APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON very persuasive in support of the House erals-for which the company paid just $275. H.R. 2002, DEPARTMENT OF position at such time as we meet on Let me repeat: under the mining law of TRANSPORTATION AND RELATED the conference. 1872, the Federal Government was forced to AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sell lands with a billion dollars worth of min­ ACT, 1996 strong opposition to H.R. 1977, the 1996 Inte­ erals for the grand total of $275, with no provi­ Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ rior appropriations bill. Last year I supported sion for the taxpayers-the owners of the Fed­ mous consent to take from the Speak­ important legislation, signed into law by Presi­ eral lands-to get any royalties, of the kind er's table the bill (H.R. 2002) making dent Clinton, increasing payment in lieu of that are routinely paid in connection when appropriations for the Department of taxes [PIL T] by more than 100 percent over 5 these kinds of minerals are developed on Transportation and related agencies years to counties which have Federal land other lands. for the fiscal year ending September 30, holdings in their jurisdiction. However, the So, the current situation is bad. But it would 1996, and for other purposes, with Sen­ 1996 House Interior appropriations bill does be even worse except for the fact that the In­ ate amendments thereto, disagree to not appropriate the funds necessary to imple­ terior appropriation bill for the current fiscal the Senate amendments and agree to ment the phased-in increase to PIL T pay­ year included a partial patent moratorium­ the conference asked by the Senate. ments passed by Congress. that is, a partial moratorium on land sales The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The purpose of last year's PIL T legislation under the 1872 Act. The effect of that morato­ objection to the request of the gen­ was to give additional help to counties who rium is to reduce the number of such unfair, tleman from Virginia? suffer lost tax revenue from the presence of budget-busting sales, and so to protect the There was no objection. Federal lands. The PILT program provides fi­ taxpayers while Congress works to reform the MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES OFFERED BY nancial stability and opportunities for our coun­ mining law. MR. COLEMAN ties which would otherwise be left without suf­ In the last Congress, in addition to the par­ Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a ficient tax revenue. However, for many years tial moratorium, both the House and the Sen­ motion to instruct. these payments were not allowed to grow with ate passed bills to replace this obsolete min­ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The inflation. In recognizing the importance and ing law with a modern statute. Unfortunately, Clerk will report the motion. success of the PILT program, Congress made however, the conferees were unable to reach The Clerk read as follows: a commitment to allow for a substantial in­ agreement on a final version. So, the reform Mr. COLEMAN moves that in resolving the crease in these payments, an increase many job remains unfinished. differences between the House and Senate, counties were expecting and relying upon to We need to keep working on this. And we the managers on the part of the House at the provide the basic services which they deliver. need to renew the moratorium, to continue conferees on the disagreeing votes of the two Several counties in the 19th Congressional protecting the taxpayers in the meantime. Houses on the bill, H.R. 2002, be instructed to District, which I am proud to represent, rely That's why the House was right to adopt the provide funding for the Federal-Aid High­ greatly on the PIL T program. Johnson, Hardin, Klug-Rahall amendment-the amendment to ways Program at a level which is as close as and Pope counties are all home to the Shaw­ renew the moratorium-when the 1996 Interior possible to the level in the House-passed bill. nee National Forest, and without an increase · appropriations bill was on the floor. And that's The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen­ in PIL T assistance, I am afraid they will be why we should adopt this motion to instruct, in tleman from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN] and forced to face some very difficult times. It is the interests of protecting the taxpayers and the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. unfair that these counties should have to suf­ advancing the process of reform. WOLF] will each be recognized for 30 fer financially simply because they are home Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I have no minutes. to one of our national forests. I believe this is further requests for time, and I yield The Chair recognizes the gentleman a case when Government has a responsibility back the balance of my time. from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN]. to provide necessary and fair compensation to Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield counties with federally owned lands. back the balance of my time. myself such time as I may consume. I have long supported efforts to balance the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The My motion to instruct conferees is Federal budget, and I recognize the fact that question is on the motion to instruct very straightforward. It simply in­ balancing the budget will require some tough offered by the gentleman from Illinois structs the House conferees to agree to choices. However, I do not agree we should [Mr. YATES]. provide funding for the Federal aid back away from providing much needed finan­ The motion to instruct was agreed highways program at a level that is as cial assistance to our counties and commu­ to. close as possible to the $18 billion pro­ nities in order to pay for a package of tax cuts, A motion to reconsider was laid on vided in the House-passed bill. many of which affect only upper-income indi­ the table. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance viduals and corporations. The truth is, Con­ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without of my time. gress can balance the budget, but not on the objection, the Chair appoints the fol­ Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I yield my­ backs of those who sincerely need the help of lowing conferees: Messrs. REGULA, self such time as I may consume. Government. MCDADE, KOLBE, SKEEN' and Mrs. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support In closing, I urge the bill's conferees to in­ VUCANOVICH, and Messrs. TAYLOR of of the motions offered by the gen­ clude the necessary funding to implement the North Carolina, NETHERCUTT, BUNN of tleman from Texas. As the gentleman September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24155 already pointed out, the House bill pro­ Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentleman lowing conferees: Messrs. WOLF, vides $18 billion for the Federal air from Texas. DELAY, REGULA, ROGERS, LIGHTFOOT, highway program, an increase of $840 Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, my motion to PACKARD, CALLAHAN, DICKEY, LIVING­ million over the previous fiscal year. instruct conferees on H.R. 2002, the fiscal STON, SABO, DURBIN, COLEMAN, FOGLI­ Under this, most States get more than year 1996 Department of Transportation Ap­ ETTA, and OBEY. they did in the past. propriations Act is very straightforward. My There was no objection. motion would simply instruct the House con­ 1230 D ferees to agree to provide funding for the Fed­ The Senate alternatively has elected eral-Aid Highway Program at a level that is as LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM to reduce highway spending to $17 bil­ close as possible to the $18 billion provided in (Mr. FAZIO of California, asked and lion, $1 billion below the House level the House-passed bill. was given permission to address the and $160 million below last year's level. Mr. Speaker, one of the most significant House for 1 minute and to revise and The Federal-Aid Highway Program areas of difference in the House and Senate extend his remarks.) consists of several programs designed transportation appropriations bill is the funding Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ to aid in the construction, rehabilita­ level recommended for the Federal Highway er, I am happy to yield to the gen­ tion, traffic management, and safety of Program. The House bill provides an obliga­ tleman from Texas [Mr. ARMEY], the our Nation's highways. tion limitation for this purpose that is $1 billion majority leader, for the purpose of in­ These programs also assist in the im­ more than the $17 billion level recommended quiring about the schedule. provement of other modes of transpor­ by the Senate. In addition to providing a fund­ Mr. ARMEY. I thank the gentleman tation, so it is my hope that the com­ ing level for the Federal Highway Program that for yielding, Mr. Speaker. mittee conference can agree to provide is less than the 1995 level, the Senate has Mr. Speaker, let me preface my re­ the funding for the Federal-Aid High­ also included $39.5 million in earmarked high­ marks on the schedule for next week way Program at a level which is as way demonstration projects that benefit only a by informing all the Members that we close as possible to the level of the few, selected areas. have had our final vote for today and House-passed bill, realizing the com­ Mr. Speaker, in Texas and in most other for this week. There will be no more peting needs of the Coast Guard and States, there is a huge backlog of roads, high­ votes today. others. ways and bridges that are in desperate need Mr. Speaker, the House will not be in Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion of repair and rehabilitation. In 1993, the Fed­ session on Monday, September 11. offered by the gentleman from Texas. As the eral Highway Administration estimated that the On Tuesday, the House will meet at gentleman has already pointed out, the House annual cost to maintain and improve highway 10:30 a.m. for morning hour and 12 noon bill provides $18 billion for the Federal-Aid conditions was $59 billion. The House bill for legislative business to take up H.R. Highway Program, an increase of $840 million squarely recognizes these needs and address­ 2150, the Small Business Credit Effi­ over the previous fiscal year. es them by providing the highest ever funding ciency Act, which will be considered The Senate, alternatively, has elected to re­ level for the Federal Highway Program, and by under suspension of the rules. However, duce highway spending to $17 billion, $1 bil­ providing these funds in a manner such that we will not have any recorded votes lion below the House level, and $160 million every State will benefit. until 3 p.m. below last year's level. As with the other appropriations bills, the For Tuesday afternoon and the bal­ The Federal-Aid Highway Program consists House made some very difficult choices in al­ ance of the week, we plan to consider of several programs designed to aid in the locating fiscal year 1996 funding for transpor­ the following bills, all of which will be construction, rehabilitation, traffic manage­ tation programs that in total is $1 billion less subject to rules: H.R. 1594, the Pension ment, and safety of our Nation's highways. than 1995 appropriations. However, in making Protection Act of 1995; H.R. 1655, the These programs also assist in the improve­ those choices, the House determined that in­ fiscal year 1996 Intelligence reauthor­ ment of other modes of transportation. Infra­ vesting in our Nation's infrastructure should be ization bill; H.R. 1162, the Deficit Re­ structure spending on highways is critical to of the utmost importance, even in austere duction Lockbox Act; and H.R. 1670, the efficient movement of goods and people in budgetary times. Such an investment will en­ the Federal Acquisition Reform Act of the United States and has direct effects on the hance highway safety, ease congestion, cre­ 1995. Members should also be advised national economy and interstate commerce. In ate jobs, and increase our Nation's productiv­ that conference reports may be fact, every billion dollars spent on the highway ity. For these reasons, I believe that we brought to the floor at any time. system results in improvements in pavements should insist on making highway infrastructure On Wednesday and Thursday, the and bridge conditions and reduced congestion. spending a priority for the conferees on this House will meet at 10 a.m. for legisla­ For example, $1 billion could fund 2,500 lane bill. I urge the adoption of this motion. tive business. miles of pavement improvements, 375 lane GENERAL LEAVE Tuesday it will be our hope to ad­ miles of increased capacity, and 190 bridge Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani­ journ around 7 or 8 p.m. On Wednesday improvements. Highway spending also means mous consent that all Members may we may work a little later, and it is jobs: For a billion dollars, as many as 50,000 have 5 legislative days in which to re­ our hope to have Members on their way jobs can be supported. vise and extend their remarks, and home to their families by 6 p.m. on It is my hope that the conference committee that I may include tabular and extra­ Thursday. can agree to provide funding for the Federal­ neous material, on this legislation. The House will meet in pro forma Aid Highway Program at a level which is as The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. session on Friday, September 15. There close as possible to the level in the House­ BARRETT of Nebraska). Is there objec­ will be no recorded votes. passed bill, recognizing the competing de­ tion to the request of the gentleman Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ mands of the Coast Guard, the Federal Avia­ from Virginia? er, if I could further inquire of the ma­ tion Administration, and other safety programs There was no objection. jority leader, let me open by saying of the Department of Transportation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without that I appreciate the fact that we seem I support the gentleman's motion and urge objection, the previous question is or­ to have returned to a more normal that the motion be agreed to. dered on the motion to instruct. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gen­ There was no objection. schedule here, and I think this will be tleman yield? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The conducive to families having an oppor­ Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentleman question is on the motion to instruct tunity to have at least a late supper, if from Wisconsin. conferees offered by the gentleman not a regular dinner together. I am Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN]. sure we are all relieved because of the the fact that the gentleman is accept­ The motion was agreed to. difference that this makes with the ing this motion. I think it is the right A motion to reconsider was laid on last couple of weeks that we had prior thing to do. the table. to our August recess. Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without I would like to ask, however, when gentleman yield? objection, the Chair appoints the fol- we would be bringing to the floor the 24156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 legislation on gifts and lobbying re­ Mr. ARMEY. If the gentleman will DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR form. We were chastised roundly ear­ again yield, I think once we get into WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON lier in the week because we attempted the period of time where we have some WEDNESDAY NEXT to use the legislative branch appropria­ very important recesses necessary for Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask tion bill to bring that before the body. the Jewish holidays, that as we try to unanimous consent that the business I know there are hearings in the Com­ work our way around that, we might in order under the Calendar Wednesday mittee on the Judiciary. I am wonder­ anticipate it would be perhaps the rule be dispensed with on Wednesday ing, because of the importance of hav­ week before or the week following next. ing time to appreciate and understand those Jewish holidays recess. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the changes it will require of Members Mr. FAZIO of California. There is no objection to the request of the gen­ and their offices, whether or not we are intent to change our current schedule tleman from Texas? going to be able to see that law enacted that has been announced and dissemi­ There was no objection. in time to implement the rules and the nated to Members on either Jewish statute by January 1. holidays or the Columbus Day break? Does the majority have any ability Mr. ARMEY. I really appreciate the SPECIAL ORDERS at this time to give us an indication as gentleman asking. Everybody should The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under to when we will bring that to the floor have a printed schedule in the form of the Speaker's announced policy of May and when it might be effective? calendars, and those dates for when the 12, 1995, and under a previous order of Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, if the gen­ week begins and where it ends, and the House, the following Members are tleman will continue to yield, I thank what days are off because of the holi­ recognized for 5 minutes each. the gentleman for his inquiry. I do ap­ days, those are firm. There would be no preciate the inquiry. As the gentleman changes in there except possibly, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a noted, hearings were held this week. should things go well on floor action, previous order of the House, the gentle­ We are looking at that. We are talking we might every now and then be able woman from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] among ourselves and with the commit­ to have a pleasant surprise and get out is recognized for 5 minutes. tee, looking for an opportunity to a little earlier or maybe have an extra Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, on bring that up. I am sorry we have noth­ day to spend in our districts, but there Wednesday the House considered the fiscal ing definitive to report at this time. would be no days in addition to those year 1996 legislative appropriations bill and I Mr. FAZIO of California. I would ask the gentleman, is it possible it may be that are already in the schedule for the do agree that the House has to take a serious added to our list of "must pass" legis­ Members. look at its own fiscal affairs. However, I would Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ like to comment on a matter that relates to the lation so it would be considered by the er, I appreciate the gentleman's reas­ end of this calendar year in order to be daily operation of the House and does not effective in January? surance. I am sure the Members appre­ make financial sense. Mr. ARMEY. Of course, as the gen­ ciate that. We would look forward to Last week, the House folding room and all tleman knows, all things are possible. I only pleasant surprises, and no un­ of its related operations were closed. This de­ just simply cannot attach any prob­ happy eventualities that might set us cision was made under the guise of streamlin­ ability or likelihood to it at this time back. ing and reform. However, it is nothing more until I have further discussion with Mr. ARMEY. If the gentleman will than a mean-spirited, poorly conceived, and other relevant people. yield further, I am sure the gentleman fiscally irresponsible action. It is truly reform Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ realizes, or maybe does not realize he for the sake of reform. er, could the majority leader indicate misspoke earlier, but Mr. Speaker, just I applaud the House Oversight Committee in to us when we will be able to begin the for the record, I want to encourage the its efforts to change the way that the House process of analysis and numbers gentleman to appreciate the fact that does business. I was elected to Congress to crunching on the Medicare provisions we do not intend to see any package in help to restore the public's faith in this institu­ that will be a central part of reconcili­ which there will be Medicare cuts. tion. However, by trying to save money in ation? Perhaps the gentleman could Mr. FAZIO of California. I was won­ closing the folding room, the committee has update us on when reconciliation is ex­ dering if the gentleman might not have created a bookkeeping nightmare and as pected to come to the floor, and when caught that. Reductions in the rate of Members search for new vendors to serve the we will be able to begin the process of increase, is that the jargon? printing and mailing needs of their constitu­ understanding the full impact of those Mr. ARMEY. I would like to think of ents, the total franking and overall costs to the cuts in the Medicare Program that are it as a generous increase. taxpayer will probably increase. obviously going to be very contentious Mr. FAZIO of California. For those Our constituents need and deserve to be and need a great deal of attention be­ who note the aging of America and the well informed about the issues that affect fore we should be in a position to vote increasing population of the aged and them. Bulk mailings and newsletters are an on them. the often double digit increases in the essential part of our jobs and voters expect to Mr. ARMEY. If the gentleman will cost of health care, perhaps this is a have a clear line of communications to their continue to yield, again I thank the much more important debate than sim­ representatives in Washington. Certainly, a re­ gentleman for asking. It is a little dif­ ply a semantic one. We can hold that sponsible use of these mailing privileges is ex­ ficult to tell right now. We hope to for the eventual introduction of the pected; nevertheless, by closing the folding complete our work. We have had a lot Medicare increase reductions. room another barrier has been created be­ of people working very diligently on Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank tween Washington and the rest of the country. Medicare, and of course all the other the gentleman. Why were other remedies related to the work that is being done on reconcili­ House operation of a folding room not consid­ ation. We should begin to start seeing ered further? An outside company could have some of the fruits of the labor maybe ADJOURNMENT TO TUESDAY, been brought in to run the day-to-day oper­ as early as the end of next week, but I SEPTEMBER 12, 1995 ations of the folding room. As it now stands. would say it would probably be some­ Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask congressional staffs now have to scramble to where closer to the end of September unanimous consent that when the find new vendors and much of their productiv­ before we could really have defining House adjourns today, it adjourn to ity is wasted as they endeavor to fold, stuff, work out here for us to examine. meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Septem­ and seal hundreds of pieces of normal cor­ Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak­ ber 12, for morning hour debate. respondence that they churn out on a daily er, could the gentleman tell us when The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there basis. And the job is not done well. I know of we anticipate reconciliation being objection to the request of the gen­ a recent bulk mailing that was improperly han­ brought to the floor? Has that been tleman from Texas? dled by an outside vendor and because of this agreed to finally? There was no objection. precious time and money was lost. September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24157 Without the folding room, the House is a the awareness that has come to light posed by Bill Clinton's assault on to­ more confused and inefficient operation. Is this through the efforts of the gentleman bacco. what the American people voted for in the last from New York [Mr. ACKERMAN], we If tobacco companies are forced to re­ election? will be proposing, with the new Ryan move their sponsorship of racing the And, there is a very important moral issue at White authorization, an opportunity very existence of NASCAR, NHRA, and play. Over 100 people lost their jobs when the for children to have a future. formula one is in doubt. NASCAR alone folding room was abruptly shut down. Many of D 1245 is a $2-billion industry. An advertising these people were loyal employees of the ban will put thousands of Americans House with over 20 years of faithful service. I There is no place today where we out of work. believe that the treatment of the folding room have and can make an impact on the Richard Petty the king of racing staff was wrong. I am very distrusted that HIV epidemic in this country like that noted: "That all race fans can rally many are starting to believe that the House is associated with women of reproductive around this bill and I want to help stop the last plantation. If the labor laws of America age. Today, the fastest growing seg­ Big Brother from attacking law abid­ are to be applied to Congress, then the em­ ment in this epidemic is women in the ing, family oriented, hard working citi­ ployees of the House should be treated with at reproductive age category. It is grow­ zens who enjoy racing." Mr. Speaker, least minimum levels of respect and decency. ing 8 times faster in this group than in this is not about tobacco alone. It is I want Congress to be efficient and mindful any other group in our country. about whether we will stand up and of the taxpayers' money. However, by closing We also have the. opportunity to fight another blatant power grab by the folding room, the total money spent by the truly impact newborn babies, because the Federal Government. We must House will most likely increase, constituent now we have a treatment that pre­ draw the line against bureaucratic service will be slowed, and the House will ap­ vents, two-thirds of the time, infection meddling with this wholesome, all­ pear to be even more out of touch. The Over­ in the baby from a woman who might American sport. H.R. 2265, is the first sight Committee's action are well intentioned, be carrying the HIV virus. step in our fight to win back Govern­ but poorly implemented. The House may find The opportunity that will be coming ment for our people. Please join the ef­ that it needs to look at this issue again. before us will be shadowed in many de­ fort and help save racing. bates, a debate on confidentiality, a de­ bate on the rights of women not to be REAUTHORIZATION OF THE RYAN THE BALANCED-BUDGET MYTH WHITE CARE ACT tested, but the ultimate debate that will come about as we reauthorize The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Ryan White will be the debate of how the Speaker's announced policy of May previous order of the House, the gen­ we have handled this epidemic in our 12, 1995, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. tleman from Oklahoma [Mr. COBURN] is country. In 1981, the first case was di­ GONZALEZ] is recognized for 60 minutes recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is fast agnosed, and today we have 2.5 million as the designee of the minority leader. approaching the time in this country people in our country with this virus. Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want when we will reauthorize a very impor­ We should ask if we are proud of the to preliminarily begin with some gen­ tant health care act known as the job that this country has done in fac­ eral remarks and then as I go into my Ryan White Care Act. This act does ing this disease, in the way that our allotted time, I will be more specific in tremendous amounts of good in terms Government agencies have handled the the issue that I feel is in urgent need to of offering health care for those af­ epidemic and their approach to it. be discussed. flicted with this dreadful disease. But, most importantly, where we The reason I wanted to have some We owe a tremendous debt of grati­ have an opportunity to make a dif­ preliminary remarks by way of expla­ tude to the gentleman from New York ference, to prevent infection in new­ nation is that this period set aside that [Mr. ACKERMAN] for his efforts to raise born children, we should not shrink we designate as special orders is a very the awareness of this body, as well as back from that. We should stand up interesting one with a very interesting this country, as to the former testing and make the difference, the difference history in which I am very proud of the practices of the CDC, and we also owe that not only will save several thou­ role I played in developing it into an a debt of gratitude to him for making sand babies' lives each year but also, in accepted and formal part of the proce­ us aware of the failed policies of the this time of scarce resources, will add a dures. ethicists that have advised the CDC, quarter of a billion dollars in saved In the beginning of my career here in for over this past year we have been heal th care costs just from testing the House, which of course spans quite blindly testing mothers and children mothers during their first trimester of a number of years going back to 1961, it for this disease, without their knowl­ pregnancy. was not the custom to practice what edge, and when finding positive cases It is my hope and my wish that we we call today special orders. It was we have refused to identify those posi­ will step aside from the politically cor­ looked upon as a quite radical if not an tive cases and offer treatment for both rect positions of our country and look unaccustomed practice, and the proce­ newborn children and their mothers, at the real harm that this infection has dure was very, very formal, very stand­ this all at the advice of a group of caused, not to make callous judgments ardized, and allowed for no real partici­ ethicists that told our CDC that this on those who have unfortunately ac­ pation even during the general consid­ was an appropriate practice. quired this disease but all work to­ eration of the full House for any but The other disturbing thing about gether to make a new and improved ef­ the very few selected leaders who exer­ that is that the CDC thought it was an fort at making a difference, saving cised total power at that time. appropriate practice, that newborn lives and controlling this epidemic. Well, of course, that is a long time children infected with a deadly virus ago. Those of us who have managed to and knowledge of that by our own Cen­ span these years have noticed, with ters for Disease Control should not INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 2265, some gratification, the changes since have the opportunity for the best MOTOR SPORTS PROTECTION ACT that rather straitjacketed and quite treatment that we have available, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a sterile period of time. Of course, in the also their mothers should not have the previous order of the House, the gen­ interim the country has literally been knowledge or opportunity that they in tleman from North Carolina [Mr. shaken to root and marrow with some fact could be treated, their quality of FUNDERBURK] is recognized for 5 min­ very, very substantial issues and devel­ life could be prolonged, and complica­ utes. opments that have engulfed it, not be­ tions arising from this disease could be Mr. FUNDERBURK. Mr. Speaker, on cause there were issues born spontane­ prevented. Wednesday I introduced H.R. 2265, the ously from within our country, but as That, however, has not been the full Motor Sports Protection Act to meet the work shrunk and the United States story of what has happened. Because of the threat to professional auto racing after the war became an inescapable 24158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 even though quite reluctant leader of gan which is being broadcast from the Mr. Speaker, it is not success, but it the world, has had to accept those is­ rooftops and the airwaves through our is certainly a big march down the road sues and those matters that were very country, in Washington, from various toward that. Now, the truth about seldom confronted in the House in any groups around the country, and last what the deficit is going to be in 7 kind of a general debate. weekend from most of the speakers at years, that is in the year 2002, is that There have been quite radical and in­ Ross Perot's meeting at the Dallas nobody, under any plan, knows with novative changes since then. I am re­ Convention Center we were hearing the any precision what that deficit might calling a period of time in which any same refrain, quote, balance the budg­ be. By the year 2002, the total income but the leadership, very select leader­ et, balance the budget, balance the of everyone in the country will grow ship, participated in the general proce­ budget. from its present level of about $7 tril­ dures. There was no such thing as an Of course, many swear their dedica­ lion to somewhere around $8.4 trillion, individual Member, not part of that tion to this goal or this slogan or this, if it grows at about 2.7 percent per very select and small group, initiating I do not know what else to call it, but year, as it is projected. or even addressing the full House. a myth of balancing the budget. It is Nobody, no economist, no statistical So by dint of the force of cir­ said by them that once the budget is expert, and no Republican budgeteer cumstances and the great historical oc­ balanced, we will all be saved from the spewing a constant barrage of projec­ currences that hit the country and be­ dire consequences that having the defi­ tions and balanced budget slogans cause of the worldwide changes, that, cit in the Government budget imposes could possibly tell you with any cer­ of course, changed the whole aspect on us. tainty whether the budget deficit will and it has been reflected in the inter­ I have been one of those that from be plus or minus 2 percent of the Na­ nal proceedings in our House. I believe the beginning of my career have noted tion's income in the year 2002. Given that I have witnessed about every sin­ this balance-the-budget outcry and the unknown course of the economy, gle major occurrence, or as I call it, have followed it all through these 35- which is now struggling through a pe­ great landslides in developmental his­ plus years in the House. riod of slow growth, no one could even tory of this country, both social, eco­ predict with any certainty what total nomic, and political. D 1300 income will be 7 years from now. In the first place, I consider myself Now, our friends in the other party, Now, many so-called experts didn't and want to acknowledge the privilege the Republican Party, say that their even know last year how slow income that I have been given by virtue of our miracle cure on this goal of balancing would grow this year. Certainly, the institutional system in our country, the budget will take only 7 years. How­ Federal Reserve did not know when one born of freedom, one born of equal ever, those of ~s who were around dur­ they doubled short-term interest rates access to all citizens depending on the ing the Republican administrations of again and again in only 13 months, and citizen's own exertions and energy and the 1980's and early 1990's find their I protesting every inch of the way, and whatever innovative changes he was plan to be like an arsonist; someone protesting since my coming to the Con­ motivated to bring about. When I first who sets the fire to a building, and gress at this type of an action, because came to the House, it was not that way then brags about how quickly he can that is the heart of the matter. at all. It was very formal, very staid, come around with the firearm and put Any power in any country that con­ very rigid. it out. trols interest rates controls the life of I do not recall sessions of the House Before the first budget request of that country. That is what I have said being held more than at the most 2 or these Republican administrations, at all along and repeat it now. 3 days a week, and of a duration of not the beginning of 1981, and recall I have And now, they have begun to retreat more than 2 hours on each occasion. been through all of this, the total Gov­ with lower interest rates after they But, of course, this was before the have seen the consequences of this fool­ great watershed developments that en­ ernment debt, mind you, minus debt held by the Government itself, was $769 ish policy. In the race of the balanced gulfed us as well as the rest of the budgeteers, there are now attempts in world. We must remember that I am billion. That is a lot of money, but it is nothing like the $2.8 trillion debt they the Congress to forget about the people talking about a period of time that who have no well-heeled lobbyist work­ antedated t.ile Berlin Wall crisis, which left behind in 1992. ing the halls of the Nation's Capitol in today who recalls such other at that Mind you, an 11-year period, and their behalf. time Earth-shaking crises, and then, of from that amount, $769 billion to $2.8 Many of us are familiar with the in­ course, the internal and the vast sea trillion is quite a bit of a difference creasing problem of poverty in our changes in our domestic, economic, and and a accumulation of what I said then country, even though it is not much social structural composition. and continue to say is unacceptable discussed and even though it can con­ Now today, though, I want to take debt. veniently be out of sight of the general advantage of this opportunity, which is During these Republican administra­ middle-class public. a great opportunity. I am proud of the tions, these are Republican administra­ We know the people who will be hurt contribution I have made to providing tions, mind you, even though it was the the most. There are numerous statis­ this hour which we call here and des­ Democrats that were constantly pil­ tics showing the Nation's distribution ignate special orders, but which is real­ loried as the spenders and wastrels by of income is continually getting worse. ly born out of one of the original legis­ these same . Republicans, but it was This week an international study, the lative practices mounting back to the during these Republican administra­ nonprofit Luxembourg Income Study, very first Congress, and that was the tions, I repeat, that the deficit of the financed by the U.S. National Science privilege, because that is what it is, it Federal Government, that is the Foundation, made some international is a privilege under our system of legis­ amount, the Federal Government comparisons that point to this critical lative procedures based on hard and spends over and above its revenues, problem in the United States. fast rules, of a multiple body in which grew to large proportion of the coun­ The researchers found that the gap it is quite understood and it makes try's total income. between the rich and the poor families common sense to understand that if In 1983, the deficit was over 5 percent with children in the United States is you have a multiple body such as this, of the Nation's total income, and it the largest among the 18 industrial 435 Members, you have to have some was over 4 percent in 1984, 1985, and countries that they studied and rated. order of selectivity in the recognition 1986. Now, in 1995, the deficit has come The largest. Our country with the larg­ of the Members. Otherwise, it would be down. After 3 years of a Democratic ad­ est gap between the rich and poor fami­ confusion, worse, confounded, and ministration, the deficit is slightly lies with children in the world in the compounded. over 2 percent of the Nation's income. industrial world. But today I am here to set the record This is at least some substantial One of the authors of the study; Tim­ straight about a very misleading slo- progress. othy M. Smeeding, said that while the September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24159 gap between rich and poor is generally below the child poverty rate in 1974 and have saved a dozen or more lives of our wider in the United States than in has remained that. However, that could best trained Army special forces and other developed countries, U.S. social change if Medicare is seriously under­ Delta Force, Rangers and 160th Avia­ programs for the poor are less gener­ funded as the Republicans are now pro­ tion Regiment, special armed squad­ ous. In an interview this week, posing in order to give a tax break-net rons. Smeeding is reported to have said, and tax break-to the wealthy. Then I traveled with Congressman I quote, "Some people say we're such a It is an embarrassment to rational GREG LAUGHLIN, the highest ranking rich country that even our poor kids reasoning, and a con game with ter­ active reservist in the House or the are better off. It isn't true." rible consequences, to use the balanced Senate, of Galveston, TX, and we went So what is the Congress now doing in budget slogan to justify gutting our al­ to Slovenia. A fascinating, brand-new the face of this national tragedy? On ready lean program designed to help country in the world. It never had na­ the table there are proposals to turn the less fortunate. We should not, and tion status, let alone a seat in the back welfare legislation to the States will not balance the budget of America United Nations since the dissolution of and eliminate Federal standards and on the backs of the poor. the Communist country of the former supervision. For example, there is pro­ The CHAIRMAN. Under the Speak­ Yugoslavia. posed Jegislation to abolish the aid for er's announced policy of May 12, 1995, D 1315 dependent children, this real spinal the gentleman from California [Mr. column of all aid programs, and replace DORNAN] is recognized for 60 minutes as Then we went down to Croatia, met it with a temporary family assistance the designee of the majority leader. with Secretary General Boutros block grant to States. Under that pro­ Boutros-Ghali's special representative gram, there would be no Federal guar­ to all of the problems in former Yugo­ antees, which will mean much lower REPORT OF F ACTFINDING TRIP slavia, Mr., that is his formal title, Mr. assistance to most of our Nation's citi­ Mr. DORNAN. Mr. Speaker, we have Sasushi Akashi, met with him at the zens who happen to be poor. had a fast 3 days. Started late on U.N. headquarters, the blue helmet This means more deprivation for poor Wednesday, finishing early today. Pres­ home plate in Zagreb, then went down children. This is no gimmick; this is sure is building up here for a major along the Dalmatian coast, drove slow­ the truth. The history of welfare pay­ budgetary struggle between the two ly through all of the destruction ments since 1970 shows that this type major, only major parties in the wreaked upon one of the world's most of proposed legislation is misguided. world's only superpower, on all of these beautiful coastlines, looks for all the For example the State aid for fami­ budgetary issues. world like the California coastline be­ lies with dependent children payments We have come back from a long, what tween Santa Barbara and Monterey­ have been jointly funded by the Na­ we sometimes euphemistically call a just torn apart. The international air­ tional and the State governments, but district work period. We are supposed port in Zadar utterly destroyed except they are set at the State level. AFDC, to cram in a vacation and work hard. for the runways, all of the inter­ as this program is known, began in For some of us, it is hard work. national terminal buildings, hollow 1937, and benefits increased for three I took one of the more difficult and shells of aluminum, like a nuclear ex­ decades. In 1940, the average States' fast-moving factfinding trips of my ca­ plosion went off, the tower, all the win­ benefit paid to a family was $287 in 1993 reer, now that I am one of only two dows shot out with AK-47's by the re­ dollars. In 1970, it reached its top double chairmen out of all 435 Members treating Bosnian soldiers. They almost amount of $608, and then began to drop, of this Chamber. I chair a Subcommit­ cut Croatia in half at that point, reaching $349 in 1993, again measured in tee on Intelligence, the Subcommittee Zadar. 1993 dollars. That is almost the same on Technical and Tactical Intelligence, Then we went down to Macedonia, level as in 1940, and this is a shame. and I chair the Subcommittee on Mili­ met with all of our American tripwire Since 1970, these welfare benefits cor­ tary Personnel, which becomes the forces out in the front outposts along rected for inflation, have declined be­ most important of all 5 military sub­ the border, flew on white helicopters, cause States have been fearful they committees under the Committee on UH-60 Blackhawks that, of course, would attract poor people if their bene­ National Security, what used to be called themselves the Whitehawks, fits were high. This was the so-called called Armed Services, and is still with the United Nations stenciled on undesirable magnet effect. called Armed Services in the House of the sides, went out to these American Mr. Speaker, it is a travesty to com­ Lords or the other Chamber, the Sen­ outposts, studied this poor city of mit to a policy to further deprive the ate. Skopje, which had been destroyed by Nation's poor and destitute at a time On this trip, in discussing the issues an earthquake in 1963. It has never when the problems of poverty are be­ with new young enlisted men, senior really made it back to a stable, func­ coming worse. In 1993, 39.3 million of sergeants, petty officers, and the offi­ tioning city, still great pockets of pov­ our citizens, that is 15.1 percent of the cer corps at all levels, up to and includ­ erty from that horrible earthquake in population, were considered poor under ing four-star admirals, at Naples, at 1963. the official measure based on family the major air base that is in command Then we flew over to Albania, one of income during the year. of all the bombing missions going on as the most godforsaken but still phys­ This is an increase of 1.3 million peo­ we speak over poor torn ripped Bosnia­ ically beautiful countries in the world, ple from 1992. In 1993 over one-fifth, 22 Herzegovina. And at Brendezy, down at and met with the president there, Sali percent, of all children were poor and the coast at the very heel of the Italian Berisha, Mr. Berisha; he is a European there is a good chance that new pov­ peninsula. renowned heart surgeon. His wife is a erty figures will not show any improve­ That is where we have our Navy renowned doctor of pediatrics, a child ment. The Government poverty-income Seals, where we have what was a major doctor. What a lucky country to go cutoff for a family of four was $14,763. listening post base. In all the world, from the depths of communism with a The Federal Government has a duty to there are only five listening to every­ paranoidal maniac, Enver Hoxna, one provide assistance for those citizens. It thing, San Vito Air Station, using the of the last psychotic, paranoid Com­ does not benefit anyone in this coun­ international airport at Brendezy munist dictators in the world, who lit­ try, rich or poor, to let conditions of where we keep our AC-130 Hercules spe­ erally took this beautiful country of poverty continue without help from cial mission Spectre gun ships. Albania, a brand new country created the Federal Government. I met with all the crews there. It is after World War I, not a traditional na­ One example of a beneficial effect of still classified whether or not they are tion on the face of the Earth, and just Government programs is the poverty going in at night over Bosnia. These drove it into the ground, more than a rate for older people, at one time high­ were the aircraft that if we had them half-century of locked-up paranoia and er than that of children, which dipped in Somalia over Mogadishu, we would total Communist psychotic oppression, 24160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 and now they have a wonderful presi­ such men and women?" How are we so the bar of justice, Hitler's war crimi­ dent who said to me and to the gen­ lucky as to have them serve us? nals. The sad thing about this break, Mr. tleman from Texas [Mr. LAUGHLIN], al­ So we passed through all of those an­ though he wants to be in the United Speaker, is that we went through some of the greatest anniversaries with the niversaries without a word on this Nations and would like to be accepted House floor, because we were out. Then into NATO, he does not care what hap­ House adjourned. The 50th anniversary pens in the world if he just has the of the end of the greatest crusade for came V-J Day. I decided I would spend friendship of the United States, just freedom against tyranny in all of re­ V-J Day at our airbases encircling tor­ one on one, unilateral friendship, and corded history during our break, the tured Bosnia rather than be in Hawaii, he thinks Albania will make it into the 50th anniversary endings. We had ad­ where I planned to be and was invited 21st century. journed by the time Sunday came up to go with a World War II veteran, a That is the identical message we got for the 50th anniversary of the bombing young-looking gentleman from Ari­ north of there in another one of the at Hiroshima; 3 days later Nagasaki, zona, Mr. STUMP. I wanted to be on eight parts of Yugoslavia that have August 9. that trip, but I was so offended by the spun off in Solvenia, same message: On August 15 in the Pacific, on the photo opportunities of the White House "U.S. friendship is what we want." other side of the dateline, August 14 at the Normandy beaches to the exclu­ In Albania, we looked at what was here, the end of shooting in the Second sion of some of our heroes when they supposed to be a top-secret program World War; not really so; Japanese im­ should have been the focus, that I did and is now written about in all news­ perial warload staff beheaded prisoners, not want to subject myself to that, and papers, the Predator, unmanned aerial shot them, killed all the prisoners at I would have been pained to hear Mr. vehicle [UAVJ program. The pilots at Unit 371 in Pingfan, outside of Mukden, Clinton call the U.S.S. Missouri, the that base, both Albanian and our U.S. Manchuria. They called these god­ battleship upon which the Japanese Forces there, took us in a cave that the forsaken human beings "logs," to de­ surrender terms were unconditionally Chinese carved out of a mountain, a personalize them. They had shot them, signed on September 2, 1945, I would cave as long as several football fields, amputated all four of their limbs, one have been pained to hear Mr. Clinton and there I looked at 24 or 25 MiG air­ at a time, let them recover from each call it a carrier, an aircraft carrier. I craft from the vintage of when I flew amputation, training over a thousand would have been pained to hear him almost 40 years ago. There were MiG-- doctors to go out to all the tentacles of refer to the front of the ship, the bow, 19, "Farmer" was our NATO codeword, the imperial octopus that was so abus­ as the bow, as in a bow in your hair, jets that they still fly, that were Rus­ ing the whole eastern perimeter, west­ and I guess he would call the stern the ern perimeter of the Pacific around sia's response to my F-100 Supersabre, back side of the ship. If that had been and older jets from Korea, MiG Alley, Asia. They had boiled them to death to Vice President Dan Quayle making early 1950's, MiG--15's and MiG--17's, the see what it was like. They had frozen them to death. They had tied them to verbal mistakes like that, you would kind of airplane my colleague, the gen­ all know about it. It would be head­ tleman from California [Mr. trees and hit them with bombs and shrapnel and grenades. They had put lines. But people are probably listening CUNNINGHAM], shot down in North Viet­ to C-SPAN today, 1,300,000 who think I nam. At least of his five victories, flamethrowers on them. They had in­ fected them with anthrax, all forms of am making that up. No, Mr. Clinton three are MiG--17's, all of this in this actually said those things, aircraft car­ giant tunnel. And the landscape of the biological warfare, and none of these people that I know of were brought to rier Missouri, bow of it, as in bow and country is scarred, marred with 700,000 justice. arrow, the bow of the ship. He got away to 1 million concrete bunkers, pill­ That is why everybody is so grateful with it. I preferred to be out with the boxes, machine gun posts, some of to the current Prime Minister of troops in the field rather than at those them as big as the entire rostrum of Japan, that he offered an apology that wonderful closing ceremonies. this House, others as big as from here we cannot get out of their congress, to the other lectern, a million of them, But now a word here on the floor, Mr. their "diet," but there were men killed Speaker. Here is what has been painful maybe, making the whole landscape after August 15 over there, and August look ugly, a:nd there is no money to re­ to me over the last 4 years: Except for 14 here. Many prisoners died. the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. move them or drag them out to the sea My friend, Jack Singlaub, was and make a breakwater for a small MONTGOMERY], two-star general, re­ parachuted in with a small OSS team tired in the Army, of the Montgomery boat harbor on this beautiful Dalma­ to the Chinese island of Hainan, under tian coast of the Adriatic. GI bill fame, and the aforementioned Japanese warlord control. Notice I say gentleman from Arizona [Mr. STUMP], On that trip, at every stop I would "warlord," to distinguish ourselves take off my chairman's hat from intel~ Navy retiree, except for one 1-hour spe­ from the free democracy of Japan cial order that they did on Iwo Jima, ligence and put on my chairman's hat today, and it was mostly, it was all from military personnel and ask our Australian and New Zealand prisoners, there has not been a single memorial men and women at all levels of com­ no Americans there. He loaded them on on the floor of the U.S. House of Rep­ mand what it will take to keep them in trains from this prison camp on the resentatives or the United States Sen­ the military, to keep that expensive western side of Hainan island and took ate for any single 50-year anniversary training that they were given to melt them over to the biggest port on the of anything that happened all during down the evil empire of the Soviet eastern side, and five or six Australian World War II, not Pearl Harbor, not the Union and stand guard over freedom and New Zealand prisoners died on that fall of Bataan, or the Bataan death and be part of the world's only super­ train, but at least they died as free march, not Corregidor, not the come­ power, and everywhere they talked men. That was a very rough 2-week pe­ back at Guadalcanal, not the landings about family, and quality of life; they riod. All of the prisoners were under in Tarawa, not the Dieppe raid along spoke of what it would take them to death orders. If the United States inva­ the coast of Hitler's fortress Europe, earn a proper living with groceries, sion forces of Operation Olympic had not Al Alamein, not the battles at To­ their compensation. set foot on the Japanese home islands, bruk, not the Kasserine Pass, not the So, all around that hot area of the all prisoners were to be executed. Many landings at Sicily in July 9, 1943; we world, I saw again that America is so were beheaded and beaten to death in have heard here in July 1993, not lucky, as Ronald Reagan used to quote the streets of Japanese cities if they Salerno, not Anzio, not Operation James Michener's great fictitious, but were unfortunate enough to bail out Overlord on D-Day, not Operation more fact than fiction, novel from the over their target. Many of them mirac­ Dragon down on the southern coast of Korean war, "The Bridges of Toko-Ri," ulously survived. France, nothing about Okinawa, which "Where do we get such men," and now War crimes trials in Japan, but far came after Iwo Jima or the Gilbert Is­ we can say women, ''Where do we get less than those that were brought to lands or Marshall Islands or the Battle September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24161 of the Coral Sea or the Battle of Mid­ morning, a turnaround of about 15 free from being struck with a nuclear way or the Battle of the Solomon Is­ hours before it hit the streets, and I weapon or, as we now find out from the lands or the Santa Cruz Islands, noth­ would like to read it, Mr. Speaker. defecting son-in-law of dictator, mad­ ing for 4 years in the Senate or the It says, "Military Needs Buildup." It dog killer Saddam Hussein; we now House floor pausing for a series of 1- is what every one of these young, not­ find out that, yes, they were driving to minute speeches or 1-minute special or­ so-young, people all around the Medi­ completion of a nuclear weapon and ders. I am not saying this to pat myself terranean told me. were playing around with the most on the back; except for about 10 of my "ROBERT K. DORNAN, opposing view: deadly biological, and chemical, and 1-hour special orders, nothing, nothing The military budget has been hit year nerve gas weapons since World War II on this House floor. after year. Security demands that we and would have used them, and may I remember an Oklahoma Congress­ spend more." have used them; the jury is out on man shut this place down. I remember Now I have not read the USA Today that. So we need this Navy upper-tier it because he lost his primary a few house editorial that says we must gut Aegis system antimissile defense. months later. I wondered if there was a defense even more, but here is my re­ "Does the Pentagon need these ex­ connection. I think his name was Con­ sponse on September 8: pensive new programs? Ask the Air gressman Risenhoover. He shut this "After 11 straight years of defense Force pilots who will not have to at­ place down. We filled it with potted spending cuts, Republicans are provid­ tack highly defended enemy targets in palms, and on Flag Day, June 14 in ing the national security leadership vulnerable, unsteal thy aircraft because some late year in the late 1970's, I for­ not found in the current administra­ they will have the B-2. Ask the Ma­ get the year, we had the great western tion. rines and Army troops who will not singers, June Carter and Johnny Cash, "Indeed, President Clinton's draco­ have to worry about Scud ballistic mis­ standing up there. We sang patriotic nian defense budget would produce an­ sile atta.cks because of the Navy's new other Carter-era "hollow force" report­ ballistic missile defense." hymns, and we did Flag Day, and there All of this, of course, predicated upon was nothing special. It was not the 50th edly underfunded by as much as $150 billion. Congress, therefore, is not the conference between the House and anniversary of Flag Day, or silver anni­ the Senate, the conference process that versary. It was just Flag Day, any June squandering money when it votes to in­ crease the Pentagon's budget by $7 bil­ we are entering, that we entered this 14. The whole place shut down, palms, afternoon. My R&D Subcommittee is potted plants all over at every en­ lion more than requested. Instead, it is restoring national security funding to meeting as I speak. I decided that let­ trance. ting America know what we are doing I have never seen the like of it, pot­ necessary levels. "How soon we forget what is required was more important than participating ted plants all around the front here. We in that meeting because I am not the do not do that for a State of the Union to quickly and decisively win on the modern battlefield. chairman of that subcommittee; the with the Commander in Chief standing gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. up there. We did not do that for Doug­ "Today's military modernization is tomorrow's combat readiness. Systems WELDON) is. las MacArthur or Winston Churchill My close in today's USA Today: the two times he stood up there. such as the F-117 'Nighthawk' stealth "These and other Republican initia­ fighter and the Patriot missile were 0 1330 tives in areas such as personnel and not developed overnight. They were the training will not just maintain, but I thought, "Wow, we are going to do culmination of years of research and will enhance, the combat capability this, I guess, all during World War II. development. These revolutionary sys­ that has so quickly deteriorated under Am I lucky to be here." tems drastically reduced our casual­ Clinton's leadership. And, when George Bush got elected, ties" killed in acting and wounded in "Those of us who visit," as I did in because I went with President Bush to action) "in Desert Storm." more than the Balkans over this break our troops, Pearl Harbor's 50th anniversary, and any other conflict in history given the "and listen to our front-line troops are we stood there on that memorial across level of lethality, and violence, and giving them what they need," what the midships of the U.S.S. Arizona, still speed, and maneuverability. they deserve, "including equipment a ship of the line, with the flag run up ''Today we can improve upon these that will drastically reduce loss of" at reveille every morning. I thought, systems with new weapons that will precious, "life." "This is going to be great, go through further reduce the risk to American "The Reagan revolution of the 1980's all these 50-year anniversaries with a troops. laid the foundation for" the victory in, 58 combat mission Navy attack carrier "The B-2 'Spirit' Stealth bomber," I "Desert Storm. The Republican revolu­ pilot in the White House." helped to name that, so of course I tion" that started on November 8, "of And instead we ended up with some­ want to get the name in, "carries eight 1994 is laying the foundation for any fu­ one who had avoided the draft three times the payload of the F-117, with ture victories, if that is our fate, and times, has insulted the military over, greater range and crew survivability." the survival of U.S. combat troops well and over, and over with photo opportu­ Keep in mind, listening audience, Mr. into the 21st century." nities, using them to try to up his rat­ Speaker, and my colleagues who may Now, Mr. Speaker, I had in tended to ings, and thank God it fails every time, be packing up their bags in their of­ spend the better part of this hour spe­ and here we are, past September 2, 1995, fices to head back to their districts, cial order on defense on some of the 50 years gone by. No memorials. that the B-2 survived in this Chamber votes that we won this week. We won Today I have an editorial, a counter­ by 3 votes, 213 to 210, to defeat an them all on the conservative side with editorial, in the USA Today. They al­ amendment, mostly by people who the help of many conservative mem­ ways put in the left-right views. have never served in the military, to bers of the former majority party, the They called my office at 2 o'clock kill and shut down the world's only oldest political party in America, the yesterday, said, "Give us something bomber production line, the B-2 "Spir­ Democrats, but last night I kept a quick. Senator WARNER is not respond­ it." promise that I made to a Navy Seal at ing fast enough, the No. 2 man on "New missile defense programs, such Brandezy, Italy. I do not want to iden­ Armed Services Committee in the as the upgraded Navy Aegis (A-e-g-i-s) tify him by rank, but let us put it this other body." They said, "Give us some­ system, provide greater range, accu­ way. All the Seal's in the Mediterra­ thing on why the military should be racy, and coverage than Patriot mis­ nean depend on this fine young officer built up." siles." and Annapolis graduate from decades We pumped out something quickly. I We call that upper-tier Navy defense. ago. sent a corrected copy on a fax to USA Put two ships off Israel, two ships off He said to me, "Congressman DOR­ Today at 3:30, and I said, "Well, this Korea, just two ships, and the footprint NAN, I appreciate you being in the Pres­ will be in next week," and it is in this from both those ships can keep Israel idential race, although it appears you 24162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 don't have much chance of victory, as it last night, and I agree with this newspapers, all of them liberal: L.A. I appreciate Mr. Keyes, Alan Keyes, of naval officer, assigned at a forward Times, New York Times, Washington Maryland, because you discuss the base in Italy, a kind of a man who will Post. They own this, so it is under moral issues which I believe are the go in and put his life on the line if an­ Katharine and Donald Graham. critical issues of our time." other Captain Scott O'Grady gets shot Here is what Newsweek says about Now keep in mind this is a senior down along the coast. The Navy this issue. Brace yourself for culture naval officer trained to the peak of SEAL's will have the job to go in and shock if you are still shockable. physical and mental performance for rescue them under fire, and I agree They show here Theresa, and his country. He said, "Congressman, I with this naval officer. This is the Ronelle, all these couples, Stephen and believe as a naval officer that the mili­ most corrupt article, let alone a cover Linda. Of course, she's 47 and he's 30. tary culture is the last stable part of story, that I have ever read in an They all have multiple partners, they American lif~ from which we can begin American magazine in my life-News- all switch-hit, they are all AC/DC, they the rebuilding of our Nation's moral week. · are dual-gaited. I remember all the fiber, from which we can begin to de­ The Washington bureau chief, and we cute words in New York, and, after all, fend the moral and cultural ethos that are having our problems right now over I grew up in Manhattan and then west is collapsing around us.'' another issue that personally involves to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, so I Now I would like to think there is a my honor, and I will do a 1-hour special know all the flippant dialog. pocket of us on both sides of the aisle order or a personal privilege in the 0 1345 in the House and the Senate that also middle of the day-no, I would not do Here is a woman, 48, with a young believe that we are in an advanced that in September, budget month-to Hispanic guy, it looks like he is about state of moral decline in our country. defend my honor from an attack by a 17, 18, 19; he is in his early 20's. Freud He said to me, this naval officer, reporter who has only been-who was said we are all bisexual. He thought "Did you see the cover story of News­ not even hired when this issue came that exclusive heterosexuality was a week in July on bissexuality?" out, who attacked my honor and said I problem. In the copy it says that he I said, "No, captain, I did not." crashed four aircraft in the Air Force. thought homosexuality was a problem, He said, "Well, I canceled my sub­ I have not crashed one. Ejected twice and he never got around to that, be­ scription with a long letter to the New from totally out-of-control aircraft, cause he died and met God before he York publisher and senior editors say­ but he doubled that to four and said I had a chance to get into that. ing that this was the most vile and cor­ crashed them and said I was a black But the article goes on, and by its rupt article I've ever seen in my life." ace, one kind of black ace. The only commentary, approving of this fifth And I said, "Well, every week in my black aces I know were an F-14 squad­ gender. Bella Abzug stands up in office I get 10 magazines and about 10 ron called the "Black Aces" in the Beijing, China, in the middle of the newspapers," and I said, "I try to read unheralded until the HBO special in world's most oppressive human rights, as much as any human being in the the last few weeks, the 99th fighter communistic dictatorship and men­ House or Senate. With all due immod­ squadron, and then the 332nd Fighter tions homophobia and gets a standing esty, I've never seen anybody that Group, the Tuskegee airmen, our ovation from all of the assembled femi­ reads more." young fighter pilots in the Italian the­ nists of the world. if Ms. Hillary was in And I said, "I did not see this par­ atre of African-American heritage who the room, she would have given her a ticular Newsweek. I can go weeks with­ are finally getting their recognition 52 standing ovation. out even catching a cover story in years after they entered combat. That So here in the picture of this blue­ Time, or Newsweek, or U.S. News and is the only "Black Aces" I know about. eyed, red-headed guy, Tim, 24, with World Report, or all the other maga­ But I am having my problems with Ellen, 30 years of age. She has done it zines that we get. Then there is all the Evan Thomas, who I think is one of the all, it is always older women and great conservative publications, the better talking heads. He will be on tel­ younger guys in these bisexual things. moderate ones like New Republic I try evision tomorrow, on a program called Listen to this. "The bisexual blip of to stay up with, and Crisis, and First "Inside U.S.A.," a handsome young the 1970's was an offshoot of the sexual Things, and cutting edge of Catholic man, and we are having out problems re vol u ti on." and Protestant, conservative, maga­ on this, but I have not talked to him Of course, Newsweek's position is the zines, and of course Bill Buckley, my about this issue, and I will. I am going sexual revolution was just grand. Tell old pal, with National Review-awful to fly up to New York. I am going to go that to 200,000 people dead of AIDS, an­ lot to read. We have tremendous re­ see Donald and Katharine Graham. She other million infected in this country, sponsibility here to stay informed on is chairman emeritus and has discussed and 10 to 20 million affected all around what our Speaker GINGRICH calls the this issue. the world. Make love, casual sex like "information highway" to be an alert, I almost wonder if I can read this in alley cats, not war. So they refer to the informed man or woman in this place. the Chamber, but listen to this. I wish sexual revolution in an approving way. It is an overwhelming job if you're try­ you folks were not leaving up there be­ "The bisexual blip was an offshoot of ing to inform yourself of all aspects of cause-well, get the CONGRESSIONAL that revolution. It was straight with a the popular culture and try to cover RECORD tomorrow and read this. twist. By contrast, the current bisex­ the economic front, the foreign affairs Here is the article on bisexuality. It ual movement rises from the gay and front, the human rights front, the de­ is under "Lifestyle," of course. feminists movements." Notice it did fense front, all the social issues at "Bisexuality is the wild card of our not say lesbian wing of the feminist home, gang warfare, the O.J. Simpson erotic life. Now it is coming out in the movement, just the feminist move­ trial, not as a gawking "Lookie Lou," open, in pop culture, in cyberspace, and ment. "For a generation that came of but as someone aware that this trial, on campus. But can you really have it age during the gay rights movement, as the Menendez trial has done, can put both ways?" They asked rhetorically, same-sex relationships or experiments our whole jury system in jeopardy." question mark, by John Leland. The no longer carry the stigma they once And I promised this Navy SEAL that answer is Newsweek thinks you can be­ did." Stigma. What would that mean? I would get the Newsweek article out cause in this article, one of America's Would that mean sin? Right and wrong, of my huge piles of reading material in great magazines-when I was a little evil, banal sin, mortal sin? my office and take a look at it. I have kid coming out of St. Patrick's, I used Newsweek magazine, with this arti­ only been home since the first of Sep­ to look at their beautiful headquarters cle, Mr. Speaker, and anybody listen­ tember. I got it out last night and read building right there on Fifth Avenue ing, make no mistake about it, News­ it. Here it is, Mr. Speaker. It is the across from Tiffany somewhere. News­ week magazine, with this July 17 cover Newsweek issue of July 17, so it hit the week, which is owned by the Washing­ story, is a direct frontal attack on ev­ newsstands on Monday, July 10. I read ton Post, one of America's three major erything that I was ever taught by my September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24163 parents, by every teacher I had in Fort Wagner, and they gave their lives studies are now part of the national grade school, high school, and college. in the fight for freedom to keep this curriculum. A popular T-shirt spotted It is a direct frontal assault on Mother country. As it says here, tolerance, lib­ recently in a Connecticut high school Theresa, on Pope John Paul II, on Billy erty and union on the other side, those puts it this way: Do not assume I am Graham, or every Protestant, Catholic, who went before us. straight." That is a high school kid. and Jewish theologian in this Nation. "The bisexuals, lesbians who went "As one 17 year old bi says," we do It is a frontal assault on Moses, right before us, we owe it to them." She is not know if it is a boy or girl, 17-year­ before my eyes, on the Jewish rabbi going to make a great psychologist. old, someone over 18 rapes a 17-year-old and great lawgiver Mimones over here; Still in school at age 24. She says, "be­ young lady on a date, that is a statu­ it is a frontal assault on the justice cause of them," Rebecca continues, "I tory rape. This is a minor child that code of almost all of the 23 men whose was able to come out as a bisexual and Newsweek is writing about. "A 17-year­ medallions you see up in this Chamber: not hate myself." Here is this word old minor bi says 'It is not us versus The Pope, Pope Innocent, Pope Greg­ feminism again, not the lesbian branch them anymore. There is just more and ory, St. Louis, Pope Alphonse. It is an of feminism. Feminism has also made more of us.'" Tim Haring, but there is assault upon every moral code in this romantic attachments between two an umlaut-I did not know Newsweek's country, but it says, there is no more women-either provisional or lasting­ typewriters had umlauts over the 0-21, stigma to promiscuity and groping more acceptable, even privileged. a sophomore-why is he a sophomore around like alley cats, and any drug-in­ Do you know that I had to be a Con­ at 21? He should be a senior or junior­ fested party you can go to, and it gets gressman approaching my sixties be­ at City College in San Francisco, de­ worse. No longer a stigma. fore a young graduate of Holyoke told scribes himself as "typical of bisexual Get this next line. I hope you are me that the majority of women at that youth. We just refuse to label ourselves watching, Evan Thomas. If my office is college would say they were lesbians? as any of the five food groups." That is listening, Mr. Speaker, I hope they call That she had to form on campus a het­ male heterosexual, female hetero­ Newsweek because he is in his office erosexual club to defend themselves. sexual, male homosexual, female ho­ this afternoon, and ask Evan Thomas They were not just defending virginity, mosexual, and the bi's. "We do not to please turn on the television and lis­ they were defending normal hetero­ want to be any part of the five. We ten to this. This is not in quotes, this sexuality. And she said, of course, most revel in the fuzziness, in the blurred is Newsweek writing, this is John Le­ of the women are 4-year lesbians, or images. Working class, Roman Catho­ land writing, with the help, and I am more accurately a 3-year, 9-month les­ lic," and, oh, does the New York Times going to mention him right now, of bian. Peer pressure, sexual lesbian ex­ and the networks as CBS did in their Steve Rhodes, contributing in Chicago, perimentation, and then as, some radi­ CBS reports last night, do they love to Peter Katelin Miami, Claudia Kalb and cal lesbians have said, dripping bile attack Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor Marc Peyser in New York, Nadine Jo­ from their lips, they have said, and and the Roman Catholic Church, if seph in San Francisco, and Martha then the sisters betray us, not in this they get a Catholic or practicing Bap­ Brant in Washington, in the Washing­ order necessarily, and go out and get tist family or an orthodox Jewish fam­ ton office and bureau reports. themselves a dog, a stati.on wagon, ily, oh, to get somebody from a tradi­ Get this next line, after there is no children and a husband. tional Jewish or Roman Catholic to stigma: "More and more of u&-at work Is that what Newsweek means by pro­ switch over and talk about how they * * *" Is this Newsweek people at visional lesbians? Just while they were are a recovering Catholic or a recover­ work?-at school, in our families, and in college, at a school of higher learn­ ing Jewish person, because of all that in our entertainment&-"move com­ ing, one of the privileged of the world, terrible confirmation and Holy Com­ fortably between gay and straight to get advanced education beyond high munion and bar mitzvah and bat mitz­ worlds." school? vah, oh, they love to get one of this. "Most of us in our work move com­ Then it says, after privileged, "as And get this, Tom's father is a re­ fortably between gay and straight president of the National Organization tired New York narcotics cop. A narco worlds and in our schools?" Then they for Women, Patricia Ireland sets a guy taking away another one of their go to a quote: "Those of us who are quiet example". She is a big mouth, so flesh privileges, to get high and then younger," says Rebecca Kaplan, 24, a what does quiet mean? "She has both a grope out boy for all the warm flesh. psychology major at Massachusetts In­ husband and a female companion." "Haring had his first sexual fantasies stitute of Technology-what are your What kind of a wimp is her husband about the Bionic Woman, and then in SAT scores to get in to MIT? She says, down there in Miami that he lets her his teens he admitted to himself in a "those of us who are younger owe a keep a lesbian roommate up there in series of difficult steps that he was also great deal to gays, lesbians and Washington, DC. where she does the attracted to men. He came out to a few bisexuals who came before us." work of NOW, preparing to send Bella friends in school, and at his graduation Who came before us? That is a line Abzug to rant on in Beijing, China when his name was called, Timothy for George Washington in his inaugural about homophobia? Incredible. And · Horing, six rows in the auditorium mis­ speech, April 30, 1789. We owe this to there were some people at NOW that chievously," no, not mischievously, Benjamin Franklin and to George voted against the Nation's most fa­ "yelled out 'The bisexual; Tim Horing, Mason up here, we owe it to them, mous lesbian becoming head of NOW. the bisexual.' A surprise to his par­ Thomas Payne and those who came be­ Now, this in Newsweek, and this is in ents." fore us, those who died at Lexington quotes, "Namely every college or uni­ No, a gut-ripping heart seizure for his and Concord, those who suffered during versity in the country and some high New York retired narcotics cop and his the six and a half years of the Revolu­ schools now have gay and lesbian stu­ Roman Catholic mother. tionary War. Any African-American dent centers; sex with one's own gen­ "For the most part, he has been in can say, we owe this to those who died der, for anyone who is curious," that is monogamous relationships." You like in the conflict, to the terrorist John you, Mr. Speaker, that is everybody in that, "for the most part?" "Usually Brown and his sons, we owe it to every­ the gallery, that is these two staffers with men.'' body who came before us, our freedom. sitting here, that is our pages, that is Oh, I see. I always said for my entire What was the greatest scene in the me, "for anyone who is curious, section life that bisexuality was basically a wonderful movie, "Glory," when Mor­ with one's own gender is now a visible cover story for homosexuality. That gan Freeman says to the young rebel and protected part of campus culture." when they captured the adjective Denzel Washington, he says, white boys And protected by Newsweek, ladies "gay" to say that they were happier have anted up and died for our freedom; and gentlemen. Queer studies. I than your average pair, more cheerful, now it is our time to ante up, and he thought queer was a politically incor­ more mirthful, that then, if they said rallies the 4th regiment to go against rect word. "Queer studies and gender they were bisexual, they could say 24164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 "Well, I date the whole base. I can date household. His partner may be a man man in Beverly Hills, just out of high anybody on Capitol Hill. I am a switch­ or woman, he says. I don't feel forced school, and I heard these rumors, be­ hitter. I am AC-DC, I am bi. I can go to choose. I don't have to make any cause my uncle is the Tin Man in the for anything. You are missing out on tough choices. Wizard of Oz, Jack Haley, I grew up in half the world." But we find out he ba­ Then it shows this very pathetic that community. I knew who dodged sically dates men. human being with his baby. He has the draft. I knew the heroes who went As we go all the way through this, gone through every orgy situation off to combat, like James Stewart and most of it is male homosexuality, not available to the humankind. And when Tyrone Power. We know who all the bisexuality. Though he is now dating people ask him what his little baby is, ones that were rumored to be homo­ two gay men and a bisexual woman. I man or woman, he says ask the baby. sexuals. I knew about Rock Hudson 10 see. He is spreading himself around. He has a little boy or girl and he says, years before it came out in the press. Two homosexual men and one half-ho­ ask the baby. Smart aleck. Pray for I had a small bit part in a movie mosexual woman. What would that him. He is 42 and he has three or four "Gathering of Eagles," and he minced give him in the rating of chess pieces? people on the hook. It goes on and on across the set and the director said cut. What would that make him, 87.75 ho­ as it gets worse. And Rock turned around and said was I mosexual? Softening tensions. Softening ten­ mincing too much? And the director He says, young Tom, "I never wanted sions. This is Newsweek. That is a said, just do it again, Rock. I witnessed a white picket fence, but I do want paragraph title. For many bisexuals, it that, and everybody talks behind the someone I can settle down with and has not been easy. When I came out in scenes. Just as in fashion design, in ice raise my Benetton kids." Benetton. Is '88, says Melissa Merry, 31, energetic skating, in supernumeraries, on Broad­ that the Benetton Colors out of Italy Chicagoan who calls herself Mel: I was way stage, in ballet, and now in some that put Ronald Reagan in major news told by people from local lesbian sup­ parts of government there is a larger magazines with cancer, sarcoma, AIDS port groups not to come out as a bisex­ percentage than the 1 percent of homo­ sores all over his face? Is this Benetton ual or I would be asked to leave. sexuals out there across America. And They did not want the fence strad­ when I worked on the sets of Holly­ that pushes homosexual money into dling. Well, when I got to some of these every corner of America and every­ paragraphs about high schools, the wood trying to feed my five children where else their clothing is marketed? first thing that flashed in my mind, as and dreaming about running for Con­ I notice that the Justice Department an Irish-American, was William B. gress someday, I had long philosophical today under Janet Reno is investigat­ Yeats poem read when Hitler started discussions with a lot of young homo­ ing Calvin Klein jeans to see if they World War II. And he died that year, sexual men in their 20's, and they used underaged children in their soft Yeats. It is called "The Second Com­ would tell me about Rock and all the core pornography, latest wave of dis­ ing", about the beast being born, the stars that they just were dying to get gusting ads, and Klein, unless he gets Antichrist and slouching off to Beth­ with some night; wanted them, and taken to court, is laughing all the way lehem to be born. Those are the last then to see them up there 50 feet high to the bank again, because negative lines, but it begins turning and turning up on the silver screen and know that soft- or hard-core pornography sells in in the widening gyre, as in gyrations, you had sexually been with them. What modern America. falcons, circle. Turning and turning in a trip. They just had an adult bookstore the widening gyre, the falcon no longer And how did I rationalize Cary Grant convention in the Sheraton Universal hears the falconer. Things fall apart. when I was in high school? I remember Hotel in Los Angeles, and I am reading The center cannot hold. Everywhere working out a rationale that when God in one of my Los Angeles Times clip­ the blood din tide is loosed. Every­ gives you a lot of talent and you make pings that the business, in spite of the where the ceremony of innocence is a lot of money in your 20's or 30'&­ January 17 earthquake 2 years ago, has drowned. what did Robin Williams say after he rebounded and doubled. You do not see The ceremony of innocence is came off cocaine and watched his porno theaters in your markets any­ drowned by Newsweek. The best lack friend John Belushi die? He said co­ more, because it is in all the hotels for all conviction and the worst are full of caine is God's way of telling you you traveling businessmen to demean passionate intensity. There is an inten­ are making too much money. somebody else's sister, wife, somebody sity to this article and it is evil and it It was the same way in Hollywood. else's daughter, who did not have the is the worst. Always has been. Or in any profession love of a father, and it is in all the When I saw in here they are claiming where money flows fast into the hands video stores, including Blockbuster. James Dean, the actor who died at age of the young. Look at all our rock The ripping apart of these young gals 24 after only three movies, when I see stars. Look at Kurt Cobain blowing his from these transitional neighborhoods they are claiming Marlene Dietrich as brains out. Look at Jerry Garcia. Look who never new the loving touch, the a bisexual lesbian, and Cary Grant, my at Marilyn Monroe. Look at Elvis. moral touch, of a father, to hug them favorite actor as a young man because Look at Jimi Hendrix. Look at Jim and kiss them and guide them through of everybody's favorite movie quote­ Morrison. Look at Janis Joplin. Wheth­ school. unquote "Gunga Din," when I saw that, er it is booze or heroin or drugs, and They are out there as the young I went to the end to see how many orgies for all of them. whores of our society being used by the women participated in-what is the au­ I watched Elvis Presley using his porno industry. And no matter how thor's name again, with John Leland in staff to pimp for him. I thought what a many commit suicide like Karen Ap­ this disgusting, vile piece-and while I tragedy for this polite young man from plegate from a beautiful little town in was back at the tail end of the article Tupelo, MS. I am trying to sell him a Wisconsin.-! have spoken to her moth­ reading all the violence-by the way, if script called the lOlst American, about er. No matter how many kill them­ this were in Time we would not know Vietnam, because he had served honor­ selves. Six playmates have killed who contributed to this. I could not ably in the Army, and I am watching themselves over the years. When I call any of these people and say have his staff hit on young pretty extra girls asked Hugh Hefner that once to his you lost your moral compass totally at for him. They rented a big mansion up face, he turned red and did not want to this magazine? Does Donald Graham in Beverly Hills below the head of the discuss it and said it was a lie. I knew read this, this cover story of this cor­ owner of the L.A. Rams, who is now them each by name, starting with ruption, this drowning of innocence? dead, and you could hear the orgies Marilyn Monroe, his first playmate. And as I was reading, I decided I would going on all night long. look before I finished the story at the He died naked, on drugs at 42 years of D 1400 last line. age, and now you can get a postage But this guy says he wants to raise Now, let me tell you a story about stamp and lick Elvis and stick him on his Benetton kids in a swinging orgy myself personally. When I was a young your letter and say there went the September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24165 most talented man in rock singing in I could not understand why he took it is really about the simple, mysteri­ our lifetime dead at 42. And in that such exception to saying that God is ous pull between warm human bodies suite of stamps you can get Marilyn not going to judge a promiscuous ho­ when the lights go out." Monroe. Do we forget how old she was mosexual any more harshly than he My teenage rationale for Cary Grant. in August of 1962 when she died? 36 will judge a promiscuous heterosexual. We are in advanced moral decay, Mr. years old. 36 years old! At my age, that It is all lust. It is all the ceremony of Speaker, and I am going to stay in the is a kid. We are celebrating these two innocence being drowned as we do this Presidential race as long as I can, be­ deaths with their most glamorous pic­ to our children. cause there is not anyone in the race ture. So there it is, when I am a teenager like Congressman ROBERT K. DORNAN Remember the debate in the Post Of­ rationalizing Cary Grant and arguing at age 62. fice department: Do we want the fat, on a radio show in a California Senate older drug besotted Elvis or the young­ race in 1982. Here is my point for tell­ er Elvis in his prime? We picked the ing those two little tangential tales. BALANCING THE BUDGET younger one. And he was a polite My eyes jump above all the bylines of The SPEAKER pro tempo re (Mr. Fox young man. What a tragedy! these people, Steve and Peter and Clau­ of Pennsylvania). Under the Speaker's So I watched all these people cor­ dia and Mark and Nadine and Martha, announced policy of May 12, 1995, the rupting themselves, and I watched oth­ and here is the last line of this disgust­ gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. ers, like Jimmy Stewart and my Uncle ing, vile, decadent piece from the Gra­ SHAYS] is recognized for 60 minutes as Jack and others. I remember Danny ham empire of the Washington Post the designee of the majority leader. Thomas telling me I have never told a Newsweek magazine and other small Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I appre­ dirty joke in my life, Bob. Do not ever newspapers. ciate the opportunity to address this forget that. My uncle told me, never It says in the last paragraph, in San Chamber in a special order, and to say stoop to dirty humor on the stage. It is Francisco recently Tim Horing-re­ that I am interested in talking on a too easy to get laughs. Today I watch member him, Roman Catholic, parents very different issue than the previous all these comedians. It is a category retired New York narco cop father-he speaker, and to say for those who are with the medical word for male organ. was telling his friends about how he in staff and want to know what time That is all they do, are jokes on genita­ changed his approach to picking up we are going to end, I do not intend to lia. boys. How old was Horing? 21. Hey, use the full hour. Twenty minutes is It is sickening what is going on in Newsweek, did you slip here in your in­ my goal. Hollywood. But what was my rationale vestigative reporting? Telling his Mr. Speaker, I have been in public for Cary Grant? Here it was, I remem­ friends how he had changed his ap­ life for 20 years. I have served 13 years ber it vividly, I was in my teens. I said proach to pick up boys? Is he a 21-year­ in the statehouse and now 8 years in when you have too much money, and old chicken hawk hitting on runaway Congress, but I was in the statehouse you can have any beautiful woman in young men on the street who also, in and I looked at Congress, an institu­ the world, and you start going to wild most cases, until recently, when peer tion that I revered as someone who in Hollywood parties and drinking too pressure overwhelms even good atten­ high school and college was an Amer­ much-we did not know about drugs tive Jewish Christian mothers and fa­ ican history major, and wondered why much in those day&-and you start thers. In the old days, last year, last Congress would not do its most basic drinking too much, and you are at an decade, it was young boys who never responsibility, and that is to get its orgy, whatever moves, I guess. It is all knew a father's masculine touch, a own financial house in order. I knew we a mortal sin. It is all promiscuity. It is mother's hug, a mom or dad taking had to do that at the State level, but I all flesh. Flesh is flesh, so you experi­ them to a baseball game or fishing. It saw Congress continually deficit spend ment with everything. was young men who ran away from in­ and wondered why it was happening. So I do not think Cary Grant was a attentive alcoholic families that ended I realized it was not the fault nec­ homosexual or a bisexual. He just got up on the street of once glamorous Hol­ essarily of one party or the White carried away at those orgies. That was lywood Boulevard to be preyed upon, P­ House versus Congress or the Congress my rationale so I could like Sergeant R-E-Y-E-D upon, to be taken off for versus the White House. Republicans Mcchesney of Gunga Din with porno films and turned into midnight did not want to control military spend­ McLaglen and with Sergeant cowboy male street whores all along ing, and Democrats did not want to Ballentine Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Selma Boulevard behind beautiful Jes­ control the growth of what we call en­ Years later, in a debate running for uit Blessed Sacrament Church in Hol­ titlements, Medicare, Medicaid, food the Senate seat that Pete Wilson even­ lywood. stamps, other programs. By law, you tually won, I am debating one of the I drove down that street when I did were entitled to the benefit, entitle­ candidates back in the pack, because I Michael Reagan's show a month ago, ments never being voted on by Con­ am still back in the pack in the Presi­ and there they are, still huddling in gress on automatic pilot. dential race, he was a State senator, he the driveways with less business be­ So Republicans did not give on de­ was raised as a German-American cause now most of them are infected fense. Democrats did not give on enti­ Roman Catholic, he was a colonel in with AIDS. So Tim Horing-I have to tlements, and then they got together the Marine Reserve, and I pointed out check if he was 21. Yes, he is 21. He each year to vote on budgets with large to him in a radio debate in 1982 at a says the boys that I pick up now-he deficits, Republicans and Democrats station in Pasadena, KRLA-how is has changed his approach. "I used to together, the White House and Con­ that for a memory-I said, you know say are you queer? Then I switched to, gress. something my State Senate friend, do you like boys? Now his favorite line During these 8 years I have served in reaching out and grabbing any kind of is, do you like me?'' Congress, I have noticed and felt a real flesh, whether heterosexual or homo­ As he sees it, "I have gone from the privilege of being part of a small group sexual, lust is lust. It is one of the political to the historical attraction to really championed by JOHN KASICH, our seven deadly sins. It is all a mortal sin the very personal. All that matters is if Budget Committee chairman, who 8 whether normal or abnormal. they like me." This is the new bisexual years ago introduced budgets to get He went ballistic. Would not accept moment, Newsweek says. This is their our financial house in order and only 30 that. Then I found out he had a scandal close in a nutshell. Members at that time supported it. brewing. He had two college students And I close with this line, Mr. Speak­ But each year I notice something where he taught as a professor, a ma­ er. "Hard fought, hard thought, and very distinct. Each year I notice that rine officer, who were pregnant with distinctively individual. It is a thorny more and more Members were troubled children out of wedlock. He bragged, narrative, fraught with questions of by the fact that we were increasing our quite properly, at least he was pro-life. identity and belonging. And in the end, national debt to such a point. It went 24166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 up in the last 20 years from $800 billion dollars. We are not cutting Medicare the budget, domestic discretionary to now $4.9 trillion. and Medicaid, we are increasing it. It is spending, all what we call, in the pink, D 1415 only in Washington, when we increase discretionary spending, and what we spending but do not spend as much as vote on in the Committee on Appro­ Each year I would notice 30 would some people say we should spend, we priations every year, I just vote on the vote for it, then 50, then 70, and during call it a cut. pink, it is a third of the budget. the last Congress, we had a hard core of One of the ironic things that I found Then I am making decisions on what 160 who were concerned about getting when I became a Member of Congress 8 we spend on defense, what we spend to our financial house in order. In fact, at years ago was that if Congress spent run the executive branch and the ad­ one point, there was a bipartisan ef­ $100 million for a program, in the next ministration in its entirety, all the fort, unique in this Chamber, com­ year to run the same level of service it branches. I vote on what we spend for prised of Democrats and Republicans, has to spend $105 million. If we spend the judicial branch and what we spend called the Penny-Kasich proposal, $103 million, even though we were for the legislative branch. In the execu­ which sought to make over $100 billion spending $3 million more, Congress, the tive branch, I am voting on all the of cuts in Government spending. White House, and the press would call grants that I have to make decisions I went to the White House to encour­ it a $2 million cut in spending, whereas on, but it is only, basically, one-third age them to support this proposal, and most people I know back in my district of the budget I vote on. if they could not support it, to at least would say, "My gosh, you spend $100 The blue I do not vote on. It just hap­ not oppose it. They opposed it. It was million this year, next year you are pens. It is on automatic pilot. We refer defeated by only four votes, Repub­ going to spend 103, so that sounds like to what is in blue and what is in yel­ licans and Democrats uni ting to get a $3 million increase." low. Two-thirds of the budget is man­ our financial house in order. We needed In our original spending we are at datory spending, and we have not 218 votes, and we had about 213. $1.5 trillion. Under our proposal in the touched it in years. We now as Republicans have an op­ seventh year we are going to be spend­ When people say how come those of portunity to lead Congress, and it is ing $1.8 trillion. We are going to be you who remember Gramm-Rudman, the first time in 40 years. We have, spending more dollars in the seventh you were going to control deficits and under our watch, the opportunity to year than we spend now. We are going eliminate them and not keep adding to get this country back in balance. We to change, though, the spending line, the national debt. The reason Gramm­ have three basic goals. One of our goals which is in red, so it automatically, in Rudman failed is that it only focused is, first, to get our financial house in in on the pink, it only focused on do­ 7 years, will intersect revenues, which mestic discretionary spending and de­ order and balance our Federal budget. is in blue. Our second is to preserve, protect, That green line is our conference fense spending, foreign aid. It ignored and strengthen our trust funds, par­ all the entitlements. agreement. We are tilting down the Now what we are looking to do is to ticularly Medicare, which we will see spending level of Government, still al­ shortly is going bankrupt in 7 years. It focus in on other programs, Medicare lowing it to increase, but knowing that and Medicaid in particular Medicare is starting next year to go bankrupt. it will intersect revenue and therefore The Medicare trust fund is the trust and Medicaid are 17 percent of our have a balanced budget in 7 years. budget. These areas here, 17 percent of fund that working people pay into, 1.45 The challenge for us when we balance percent is their share; if they are self­ our budget, just two programs, are our budget, and in this pie chart it il­ equal to all domestic spending. We are employed then they pay double that, lustrates it quite well, the purple col­ 2.9 percent, into a trust fund that pays not looking to slow the growth. We are ors are what we call entitlements: So­ looking to not have Medicare and Med­ for the hospital costs of Medicare. cial Security, which we are not going icaid grow at 10 percent a year. For a Our third effort is to transform our to change at all; Medicare, Medicaid, few years it actually grew at 20 percent social and corporate welfare state into other entitlements. If you fit the law, a year. an opportunity society,· where the most you get the benefit of the program. As these programs become larger and disadvantaged in ou.r communities can What you see in yellow is interest on larger, and they are mandatory, they have a better future. the national debt. Because of Congress' are entitlements, what is in the pink, Mr. Speaker, as a moderate Repub­ and the White House's failure to con­ what I vote on every year, becomes lican I am very comfortable using an trol spending, having annual deficits, smaller and smaller. opportunity society, because that is at the end of each year the annual defi­ The budget is just simply getting out what we need and that is what we are cits are then brought over to the na­ of control. We want to improve and seeking to have. When we try to get tional debt, the national debt keeps in­ protect and strengthen Medicare and our financial house in order, this first creasing. Medicaid. We think, and we believe chart basically shows that overall, we These added deficits added to our na­ with all our heart and soul, we can are going to spend more money. Wllen tional debt that have meant we spend have a better Medicare and Medicaid we talk about cuts, we are going to cut $235 billion this year in interest on the Program at an increased cost, but not some programs. Foreign aid is going to national debt, 15 percent of our budget, have a 10-percent increase each year. be cut. We are going to spend less next is interest on the national debt. We What is our budget doing? Our budget year than we spend today. There are cannot spend it on programs for chil­ is having an annual decrease in domes­ certain programs in what we call dis­ dren, we cannot spend it on programs tic discretionary spending of 1.6 per­ cretionary spending that are going to for the middle class, we cannot spend it cent a year. We are having an annual be cut. We are going to spend less in on programs for the elderly. We are decrease in foreign aid of 4.5 percent a those programs than next year. We are having to spend $235 billion on interest year. Defense spending is not going up, going to eliminate some programs. We on the national debt. and it is not going down. Some people are going to consolidate some depart­ Interestingly enough, now, we pay would say, "How can you have such a ments. more in interest on the national debt large program and not cut it at all, There are some programs that are than we have as a deficit. If we did not just keep it constant?" I would like it going to stay even. Defense spending have to pay so much interest on the reduced, but there is one serious issue under our proposal stays even. I would national debt, we would not have defi­ that we are faced with. The Congres­ like it to be a reduction, but it is a cits. What I vote on as a Member of sional Budget Office says that the de­ hard freeze for the next 7 years. In real Congress is about a third of the budget. fense budget in the next 7 years is over dollars it is a cut. In absolute dollars it I vote on defense spending, which is $100 billion oversubscribed. We have is the same. about 17 percent; foreign aid and the weapons system that if we funded all In some programs, like Medicare and State Department, about 1.4 percent of the weapons system that we have au­ Medicaid, we are going to spend more the budget; and I vote on 16 percent of thorized, we would have $100 billion September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24167 over what we are going to be allowed to fund. Remember, what comes into the The President had at first said that spend. The Government Accounting Of­ fund is what you pay, that 1.4 or 1.5 we should not, quote-unquote, cut Med­ fice, the GAO, says we are $150 billion percent -every week or every 2 weeks or icare and Medicaid. He described the oversubscribed. We are going to have every month out of your paycheck. efforts of Congress to slow the growth cuts in defense spending just to stay at That goes into a fund and it should be of Medicare and Medicaid as a cut. But a constant no increase in spending. building up, but we have 136 billion this then a few months ago he came in with Finally, we have interest on the na­ year, it is going to go down $1 billion, what he called his 10-year budget. tional debt, which under our plan is and by the year 2002, 7 years from I want to say without any hesitation going to grow at 2.7 percent a year. today, that blue line goes to zero. that I am very grateful, and I mean That is the interest payments that we There will be no money in the trust this sincerely, that the President has have to pay. By the way, when we pay fund. Then the only way we fund Medi­ weighed in and said, yes, we need to interest, we are not reducing the na­ care would be as the money comes in to balance the budget, we said 7 years, he tional debt, we are just carrying the the fund, it immediately gets taken said 10 years. But there are some of us cost. If it was your home mortgage, out. The Medicare part A trust fund is who believe it should be 5 years, not 7, you are setting some aside on interest going bankrupt. some of us stretched out into 7, but the in the national debt and you are paying We have four ways to save this fund. President said we should balance the off some of the principal. We are not We can affect the beneficiaries, those budget in 10 years. paying off the principal, we are just that get the service, we can affect the He also said that we should slow the paying off the interest and trying to providers, those who give the service, growth of Medicare and Medicaid. So stay harmless. Other entitlements are we can decide to raise taxes on those he has weighed in on admitting and ac­ going to grow at 4.1 percent a year, who are working today. However, we knowledgi.ng that we need to slow the Medicaid, and going to grow at 4.9 per­ must realize that if you are self-em­ growth of these two programs, and he cent a year, basically 5 percent each ployed, 15 percent of your paycheck­ said we are going to spend more but we year. before-you pay your income tax is cannot spend as much as we were origi­ We are not cutting Medicaid. Medic­ going into Social Security and Medi­ nally intending. aid is heal th care for the poor, it is care. We have intention whatsoever in What was interesting, though, was nursing care for the elderly. It is going increasing that tax. We are not going when the Congressional Budget Office to go up at basically 5 percent a year. to increase the tax. looked at the President's 10-year plan, Medicare, health care for the elderly, is We have one other choice. We can they said it does not get balanced in 10 going to grow at 6.3 percent a year. change and transform the system and, years. They said he is more optimistic You have heard that Republicans in­ in the process, benefit beneficiaries and on revenue than he should be, he is tend to cut Medicare and Medicaid. It benefit providers. We are looking to more optimistic that we can control is not true. What we intend to do is transform the system. We are looking other costs than he should be, and they slow their growth. In the process, we to protect it. We are looking to pre­ said his budget never gets in balance in are looking to change these programs. serve it. We are looking to strengthen those 10 years. Basically, Social Security is going to it. We are looking to allow Medicare One of the reasons why I am here grow at 5.3 percent a year. We have not patients to have the same kind of today is the President constantly is re­ looked at Social Security. We are not health care that everybody else has. ferring to his 10-year budget and that going to touch Social Security. We are What their children and their chil­ he has weighed in on the balanced going to focus in on these other parts dren's children have, we want for sen­ budget. The Congressional Budget Of­ of the budget. What are we looking to iors. If they want to stay in traditional fice says it is not balanced. do with Medicaid? We intend to have fee-for-service, the traditional Medi­ How does he say it is balanced? Be­ Medicaid go from $89 billion in this care program, what they have now, cause the Office of Management and year, to the year 2002 when it is going they will be able to do that, but we are Budget with their numbers, done out of to go up to $124 billion. That is a sig­ going to try to encourage more Ameri­ the White House, have said that it is a nificant increase in the seventh year. cans in Medicare to get into the pri­ balanced budget. They are using dif­ It continually goes up, but what we vate sector, where they can have a va­ ferent economic projections. have done is we have reduced the rate riety of new services, and we believe at When the President was at that dais of increase. We are not cutting Medi­ less cost. Medicare part A is going there when he spoke to us, he said that care, we are increasing Medicare spend­ bankrupt. We are looking to preserve, it was important for us to sing out of ing quite significantly. In fact, Medic­ protect, and strengthen that program. the same hymnal, he said it was impor­ aid spending in the next 7 years, we are Are we going to spend less on Medi­ tant for us to use the same referee, the going to spend $773 billion. In the last care? We are going to slow its growth. same umpire, and he said it should be 7 years we spent $444 billion. We are We are going to spend more on Medi­ the Congressional Budget Office. We going to spend $329 billion more in the care. We are going to have it go from have dealt with the conservative pro­ next 7 years than we spent in the last $178 billion to $274 billion in the sev­ jections of the Congressional Budget 7. Only in Washington, when you spend enth year. We are looking to spend 50 Office, in part because that is our obli­ $329 billion more, do they call it a cut. percent more, over 50 percent more on gation, in part because the President I know nowhere else in the country, Medicare than we spend today in the said that is who it should be. When we when you spend more money do people seventh year. It is going to go up that look at what the Congressional Budget call it a cut. We are going to spend $329 much. Office has said about what is under cur­ billion more. rent law, current law is what passed With Medicare part A, which is D 1430 last year and the year before, if you re­ health care for the elderly, money that In fact, in the last 7 years, we spent member, there were tax increases 2 goes to hospital costs, what we know $926 billion on Medicare and we are years ago, there was a lot of dishar­ from the trustees report, five of the looking to spend $1.6 trillion, $1,601 bil­ mony, there was the thought that tax members were appointed by President lion more, in the next 7 years. That increases would slow the deficits, the Clinton, three of them are Cabinet offi­ represents $675 billion of new money. Congressional Budget Office has cials, and one is head of Social Secu­ Only in Washington when you spend weighed in and said under current law, rity, all appointed by the President, $675 billion of new money do they call the national debt is $175 billion today, and they issued a report earlier this it a cut. We are not cutting Medicare. the deficit, excuse me, will be $175 bil­ year. They said conservatively that We are going to spend $675 billion lion. Remember, deficits are the an­ Medicare will start to have more more, a total of $1.6 trillion, in the nual difference between revenue and money going out of the fund, Medicare next 7 years. It goes up from the sum of spending, and they say it will be $175 part A trust fund, than comes into the $178 billion to the sum of $274 billion. billion. They say the next year under 24168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September 8, 1995 current law it will go to 210, to 230, to sailors and soldiers and the sailors and I think another issue that clearly is 232, to 265, to 296, to 310, to 340, to 372, soldiers looked back at the old world one in which we will hold to strongly, to 408, to 454. That was the President's longingly, Cortez did something quite we need a tax cut. When we talk about tax plan of 2 years ago. It does not dramatic, he burned his ships. He said a tax cut, understand that $145 billion begin to head us in a balanced budget. there is no retreat. in the next 7 years of loss in revenue. It is the top line, it is in black, it is We have no retreat. We did box our­ In a spending of over $11 trillion in the current law, it goes in this direction. selves in. We have committed to bal­ next 7 years, we are going to spend That is the whole debate. We have got ancing this budget. We are not looking over $11 trillion in the next 7 years and to get that line which is headed up to back at the old world. We are looking we are saying let us just reduce taxes head down so it gets to zero and does at the new world. We are looking to get by $245 billion. Half of that tax cut is not keep going up. our financial house in order, we are going to be a $500 tax credit to families The President's budget of February, looking to balance the budget, we are under $200,000 for every child. If you which is hard to see, it is just below looking to save our trust funds, par­ have 3 children, you will get $1,500 back the current law, and it is only a 5-year ticularly Medicare which is in the most from the Federal Government. Now projection, they say that the Presi­ trouble, and we are looking to trans­ some people might think of that as a dent's February budget, which the form this social corporate welfare state gift. I do not. President asked us to act on, would into an opportunity society where the Mr. Speaker, I notice I am going over have a deficit of basically $177 billion, poor have a future, and we have boxed 20 minutes. I apologize. I am getting to 211, then it goes to 232, 231, 256, 276. ourselves in eagerly so. There is no re­ my end here. Some people think of it The President's budget of February treat. There is no going back to the old as a gift. I do not think of it as a gift. keeps going up. What do they say world. We are in the new world and we I think of it as trying to direct money about the President's 10-year budget? are out to conquer the new world and. where it is nost needed, for families. That is in red. When CBO scored the to transform our society. The worst I come from a family of 4 boys. I hap­ President's budget, they said it goes that could happen is we would fail. pen to be close to 50. In fact, my big­ from 175 to 196, 212, 199, goes down, What is the alternative, to go back to gest shock was I got an invitation to then it goes up, 213, 220, 211, 210, 207, the old world? join AARP a few months ago. I do not 209, 209. It never gets below $200 billion When the Congressional Budget Of­ know if you know what that is like, to a year. That is the President's 10-year fice and OMB's numbers are put to­ get an invitation to be a member of budget. That is the budget that he says gether, you can learn some very inter­ AARP when you are still in your 40's. balance in 10 years. esting information. Thr red line that But my family, my dad and mom, were He can say it because the Office of goes parallel horizontal is the Presi­ able to deduct in today's dollars per Management and Budget have given dent's budget scored by the Congres­ child from their income tax over $7 ,000 him numbers that allow him to say it. sional Budget Office. The red line with per child. The laws in the 1950's and But when the Congressional Budget Of­ black dots is the President's budget early 1960's allowed you to deduct per fice scores it, the organization he said scored by the Office of Management child over $7 ,000 per child. Today you should judge our budget and his budg­ and Budget, the President's own office. are only allowed to deduct $2,450, I be­ et, when we look at that budget, it They say he balances his budget in 10 lieve, per child. So that meant in to­ never is in balance. It is in a constant years. day's dollars if you were a family of 4, deficit of over $200 billion. Now, when we look at the congres­ you could deduct $28,000 from your in­ When the Congressional Budget Of­ sional budget, scoring our budget, they come, you would subtract it, and if you fice scores what we intend to do, and say we balance, this green line here, made $50,000, then you had only $22,000 what we intend to do is have cuts in they say we balance the budget in 7 that was taxable. That is if we had the discretionary spending, cuts in foreign years. If we use the Congress's numbers same system now that we had when my aid, eliminating some programs, con­ using the Office of Management and family was raising their 4 boys. We solidating other programs, eliminating Budget, in other words, have the Office were far more family friendly then. some departments and agencies, reduc­ of Management and Budget score our People say, well, we need to be more ing others, having a freeze on defense budget using the same projections, family friendly. We need to help fami­ spending, allowing Medicare to go up, then they say we balance the budget in lies. What is the best way to do it? To allowing Medicaid to go up, they say 6 years. have a government program where the that our budget goes from $175 billion My greatest fear, or one of my great­ government takes off a certain amount to 170 to 152 to 116, to 100, to 81, to 33, est fears is that we will have a budget of money before it directs it to a child? to minus 6 in the 7th year. Obviously disagreement and people call it a train Or to allow families to decide how to we are estimating. We could be off, we wreck, I do not call it a train wreck, a spend money on their family? What we could reduce the deficit a little sooner, train wreck implies tremendous de­ want to do with half the tax cut is to it could go out a little more. so every struction and it is pretty irresponsible give $500 per child. If you have 5 chil­ year we are going to have to look at it to have a train wreck. dren, you can figure out pretty clearly and be firm that we get to a balanced What we have is a disagreement be­ what you are going to be able to get budget in the next 7 years. tween the White House and the Presi­ from that. The other is we want a cap­ Some people said that when Congress dent. The President says he wants us to ital gains exemption. voted for a balanced budget amend­ balance the budget in 10 years but it is What do I think is going to basically ment and said they would vote to bal­ never balanced according to the Con­ happen in this budget disagreement? ance the budget that we, Congress, gressional Budget Office. We want to Republicans are going to hold firm to 7 boxed ourselves in. We did box our­ balance it in 7 years. The President has years, Republicans are going to hold selves in. We felt that if we were in opinions about our spending cuts and firm to a tax cut. The President should support of a balanced budget in 7 years, our changes to the growth in spending. weigh in and say I do not like where a balanced budget amendment, which We have opportunity to have dialog on you are making your spending cu ts and is the easiest thing to vote for, all you that issue. tell us how he would do it differently have to do is vote for saying we will There are things that Republicans and we can come to some agreement, balance it, we said that the important are going to, and this majority in Con­ he may say we are having too large a thing is that we vote to balance the gress is going to hold firm on and there tax cut, but ultimately I think the budget, and so we boxed ourselves in. are other issues that I think should be issue should be can we make the tax We were much like Cortez when he open to debate. One thing that is firm cut apply to families that are not as left the old world for the new world and in my judgment is that we need to bal­ high income. was to conquer the new world. He land­ ance the budget in 7 years. My good­ For instance, the President has advo­ ed in this new world and he came with ness, we should balance it in 5 years. cated having the child tax credit apply September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24169 to families with $75,000 income or less. some of our spending reductions and (The f0llowing Members (at the re­ That is an area that it seems to me make suggestions that we can com­ quest of Mr. LUTHER) to revise and ex­ makes sense for there to be com­ promise on. There is no reason for us to tend their remarks and include extra­ promise. Have the tax cuts, just have it have ultimately a disagreement. neous material:) apply to families that make less in­ But I do know this. As a Member of Mrs. SCHROEDER, for 5 minutes, come, so we get away from any argu­ this majority party, when our debt today. ment that he may have that it is going ceiling, the amount that we are al­ Mr. OWENS, for 5 minutes, today. to weal thy people. lowed to borrow based on our national Ms. JACKSON-LEE, for 5 minutes, What is going to happen with Medic­ debt, being at $4.9 trillion, when the today. aid and Medicare? We are going to President comes in and says, "I need (The following Members (at the re­ spend in Medicaid in the 7th year $124 you to raise the debt ceiling, because quest of Mr. POMBO) to revise and ex­ billion. He has suggested spending $150 we have to increase the national debt tend their remarks and include extra­ billion. There is not much difference above $5 trillion," myself, NICK SMITH, neous material:) between us. But what the President and a whole host of other Members on Mr. MCINTOSH, for 5 minutes, today. does is he says he is saving $54 billion this side of the aisle intend to not raise Mr. COBURN, for 5 minutes, today. from Medicaid and Republicans are the debt ceiling. We will not allow this saving $182 billion. The problem is his House to increase the debt unless the $54 billion is scored by OMB and he is White House weighs in on a 7-year EXTENSION OF REMARKS using our $182 billion scored by CBO. If budget. Is that a train wreck? Is that By unanimous consent, permission to we are going to be fair, if we use the revise and extend remarks was granted number that we are reducing the gridlock? In one sense it is gridlock. We have never had gridlock on the to: growth in Medicaid by $54 billion, that (The following Members (at the re­ is his number, then our number has to budget. When I started out, Repub­ licans and Democrats agreed. Demo­ quest of Mr. LUTHER) and to include ex­ be $114 billion. We are not that far traneous matter:) apart. If we use our number of $182 bil­ crats did not want to control the growth of entitlements and Repub­ Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. lion of slowing the growth of Medicaid, Mr. JACOBS. then CBO says his number is $122 bil­ licans didn't want to control the growth of defense spending. So they Ms. DELAURO in three instances. lion. We are simply not that far apart. Mr. ACKERMAN in three instances. We have the ability to work out our both agreed to pass budgets with large deficits. Mr. FARR. differences. These budgets with large deficits (The following Members (at the re­ Finally, with Medicare, the President have been agreed to by both Repub­ quest of Mr. POMBO) and to include ex­ says he wan ts to slow the growth, he licans and Democrats, but you have traneous matter:) wants to spend $260 billion in Medicare this majority Congress agreeing that Mr. WALSH. in the 7th year and we want to spend Mr. CRANE. $244 billion. There is a difference. The we are going to get our financial house in order. It is an unprecedented thing Mr. RIGGS. program if we made no change would to have Congress say it wants to spend Mr. KIM in three instances. be over $300 billion on the 7th year. He less. Usually Congress wants to spend (The following Members (at the re­ uses the number of $127 billion, OMB more. quest of Mr. SHAYS) and to include ex­ says he is reducing the number $127 bil­ We do not intend to waste this oppor­ traneous matter:) lion, then he says Republicans in the tunity that we have. We have been in Mr. EHRLICH in two instances. majority want to reduce it $270 billion. the minority for 40 years. We are in the Ms. DELAURO. In fact, if we use OMB to OMB, if he majority. It is under our watch, and we Mr. VISCLOSKY. uses $127 billion scored by OMB, then look forward to getting our financial Mr. DEUTSCH. our number is $205 billion. We are sim­ house in order. Mr. MENENDEZ. ply not that far apart. If we say we are We will have gridlock until the White Mr. ORTON. slowing the growth $270 billion using House recognizes that we are deter­ Mrs. MALONEY. CBO, his number is not $127 billion, mined not to increase the debt ceiling, Mr. UNDERWOOD. that is scored by OMB, we have to use we are determined to balance the budg­ CBO's number. They say he is slowing et in 7 years, we are determined to the growth of Medicare by $192 billion. have what we consider a very fair tax ADJOURNMENT D 1445 credit. But that gridlock will end when Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I move We are simply not that far apart. On the President agrees to a 7-year budget that the House do now adjourn. a per beneficiary basis, we are spending using real numbers, not numbers The motion was agreed to; accord­ $4,800 per beneficiary today to Medi­ cooked by OMB, and then the debate ingly (at 2 o'clock and 48 minutes care, and in our 7th year we would will be in my judgment how we spend p.m.), under its previous order, the spend $6,734 per beneficiary. Not only those dollars and how we effect the tax House adjourned until Tuesday, Sep­ did we have a 50-percent growth in cut. tember 12, 1995, at 10:30 a .m. Medicare, but a 40-percent growth per Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank beneficiary. The President wants to you for the opportunity to address the spend $7,128 per beneficiary. We are House. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, simply not that far apart. ETC. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, and LEAVE OF ABSENCE Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, execu­ thank you for this time, I know you By unanimous consent, leave of ab­ tive communications were taken from have other things to do and I appre­ sence was granted to: the Speaker's table and referred as fol­ ciate it. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, we Mr. VOLKMER (at the request of Mr. lows: are going to get our financial house in GEPHARDT), for after 11:30 a.m. today, 1395. A letter from the Director, Office of order. We are going to balance our Fed­ on account of illness of spouse. Management and Budget, transmitting noti­ eral budget and we are going to do it i:iJ. fication of the President's intent to exempt 7 years and we are going to have a tax all military personnel accounts from seques­ SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED ter for fiscal year 1996, pursuant to Public cut. Law 101- 508, section 1310l(c)(4) (104 Stat. I am hopeful that the President will By unanimous consent, permission to 1388-589); to the Committee on Appropria­ weigh in and make that tax cut more address the House, following the legis­ tions. responsive to low-income people. I am lative program and any special orders 1396. A letter from the Assistant Secretary hoping he will weigh in and look at heretofore entered, was granted to: of Defense, transmitting notification that 24170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE September B, 1995 the Department of Defense will terminate its Commerce, transmitting a report related to Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: Committee on Re­ leasehold interests in the former emergency the economic conditions of the U.S. Gulf of sources. H.R. 1743. A bill to amend the Water operating facility at the Greenbrier Hotel, Mexico and South Atlantic shrimp fishery; Resources Research Act of 1984 to extend the White Sulphur Springs, WV; to the Commit­ to the Committee on Resources. authorizations of appropriations through fis­ tee on National Security. 1409. A letter from the General Counsel, cal year 2000, and for other purposes; with an 1397. A letter from the Director of Defense Department of the Treasury, transmitting a amendment (Rept. 104-242). Referred to the Research and Engineering, Department of draft of proposed legislation to authorize the Committee of the Whole House on the State Defense, transmitting a report entitled, Secretary of the Treasury to establish a of the Union. " Fiscal Year 1996 Department of Defense flexible procedure for facilitating timely Master Plan for Science, Mathematics, and payment on claims on account of Govern­ Engineering Education," Public Law 101-190, ment checks; to the Committee on the Judi­ PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS section 829(a); to the Committee on National ciary. Under clause 5 of rule X and clause 4 Security. 1410. A letter from the Administrator, Gen­ 1398. A letter from the Secretary of the eral Services Administration, transmitting of rule XXII, public bills and resolu­ Treasury, transmitting the Department's informational copies of various lease tions were introduced and severally re­ fourth monthly report to Congress, as re­ prospectuses, pursuant to 40 U .S.C. 606(a); to f erred as follows: quired by section 404 of the Mexican Debt the Committee on Transportation and Infra­ By Mr. SHAW (for himself, Mr. FORD, Disclosure Act of 1995, pursuant to Public structure. Mr. CAMP , Mr. McCRERY, Mrs. KEN­ Law 104-6, section 404(a) (109 Stat. 90); to the 1411. A letter from the Commissioner, Gen­ NELLY, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. Committee on Banking and Financial Serv­ eral Services Administration, transmitting a ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. LEVIN, ices. report on Federal building consolidations; to Mr. NUSSLE, Ms. DUNN of Washington, 1399. A letter from the Acting Director, Of­ the Committee on Transportation and Infra­ Mr. RANGEL, Mr. ENSIGN, and Mr. fice of Thrift Supervision, transmitting the structure. STARK): 1994 annual report on enforcement actions 1412. A letter from the Director, Office of H.R. 2288. A bill to amend part D of title IV and initiatives, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1833; to Personnel Management, transmitting the of the Social Security Act to extend for 2 the Committee on Banking and Financial 1993 and 1994 combined annual report on Vet­ years the deadline by which States are re­ Services. erans' Employment in the Federal Govern­ quired to have in effect an automated data 1400. A letter from the Secretary of Edu­ ment, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 4214(e)(l); to the processing and information retrieval system cation, transmitting Final Regulations-Ad­ Committee on Veterans' Affairs. for use in the administration of State plans ministration of Grants to Institutions of 1413. A letter from the Secretary of Agri­ for child and spousal support; to the Com­ Higher Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit culture, transmitting notification of the in­ mittee on Ways and Means. Organizations; Direct Grant Programs; tention of the Departments of the Army and By Mr. BUYER (for himself, Ms. WA­ State-administered Programs; and General Agriculture to interchange jurisdiction of TERS, Mr. STUMP, Mr. MONTGOMERY, Provisions Act-Enforcement, pursuant to 20 civil works and national forest lands at Lake Mr. BARR, Mr. COOLEY, Mr. HUTCHIN­ U.S.C. 1232(d)(l); to the Committee on Eco­ Ouachita in the State of Arkansas, pursuant SON, Mr. SCHAEFER, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. nomic and Educational Opportunities. to 16 U.S.C. 505a; jointly, to the Committees MASCARA, and Mr. EVANS): 1401. A letter from the Secretary of En­ on Agriculture and Transportation and In­ H.R. 2289. A bill to amend title 38, United ergy, transmitting the quarterly report on frastructure. States Code, to extend permanently certain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for the sec­ 1414. A letter from the Secretary of Trans­ housing programs, to improve the veterans ond quarter of 1995, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. portation and Administrator of the Environ­ employment and training system, and to 6245(a); to the Committee on Commerce. mental Protection Agency, transmitting a make clarifying and technical amendments 1402. A letter from the Fiscal Assistant joint report entitled " Administrative Assist­ to further clarify the employment and reem­ Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting no­ ance to the States: Compliance with Nitro­ ployment rights and responsibilities of mem­ tification that no exceptions to the prohibi­ gen Oxides Requirements of the Transpor­ bers of the uniformed services, as well as tion against favored treatment of a govern­ tation Conformity Rule"; jointly, to the those of the employer community, and for ment securities broker or dealer were grant­ Committees on Appropriations and Com­ other purposes; to the Committee on Veter­ ed by the Secretary for the calendar year merce. ans' Affairs. 1994, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3121 note; to the 1415. A letter from the Administrator, En­ By Mr. FOX: Committee on Commerce. vironmental Protection Agency, transmit­ H.R. 2290. A bill to amend the medical de­ 1403. A letter from the Director, Office of ting a report on the Agency's implementa­ vice provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, tion of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land and Cosmetic Act; to the Committee on Federal Communications Commission, trans­ Withdrawal Act, pursuant t.o Public Law 102- Commerce. mitting a report on the progress on reinvent­ 579, section 23(a)(2) (106 Stat. 479); jointly, to · By Mr. GEKAS (for himself and Mr. ing the FCC; to the Committee on Com­ the Committees on Commerce and National REED): merce. Security. H.R. 2291. A bill to extend the Administra­ 1404. A letter from the Secretary of En­ 1416. A letter from the Director, Defense tive Conference of the United States, and for ergy, transmitting a report on the status of Security Assistance Agency, transmitting other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju­ coal-fuel mixtures; to the Committee on the quarterly reports in accordance with sec­ diciary. Commerce. tion 36(a) and 26(b) of the Arms Export Con­ By Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: 1405. A letter from the Secretary of Health trol Act, the March 24, 1979, report by the H.R. 2292. A bill to preserve and protect the and Human Services, transmitting a copy of Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Sev­ Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, and a report entitled, " Alcohol and Other Drug enth report by the Committee on Govern­ for other purposes; to the Committee on Re­ Abuse Prevention: The National Structured ment Operations for the third quarter of fis­ sources. Evaluation," pursuant to Public Law 100-690, cal year 1995, April 1, 1995 through June 30, By Mr. LAF ALCE: section 3522(a); to the Committee on Com­ 1995, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2776(a); jointly, to H.R. 2293. A bill to establish audit author­ merce. the Committees on International Relations ity in the Comptroller of the State of New 1406. A letter from the Director, Office of and Government Reform and Oversight. York over the Niagara Falls Bridge Commis­ Management and Budget, transmitting 1417. A letter from the Administrator, sion; to the Committee on Transportation OMB's estimate of the amount of discre­ Agency for International Development, and Infrastructure. tionary new budget authority and outlays transmitting the annual report to Congress By Mr. MOORHEAD (for himself, Mr. for the current year (if any) and the budget on activities under the Denton Amendment HYDE, Mr. CONYERS, and Mrs. year provided by H.R. 1944, pursuant to Pub­ Program for fiscal year 1995, pursuant to 10 SCHROEDER): lic Law 101-508, section 13101(a) (104 Stat. U.S.C. 402; jointly, to the Committees on H.R. 2294. A bill to amend the Federal 1388-578); to the Committee on Government International Relations and National Secu­ Judgeship Act of 1990 to allow affected judi­ Reform and Oversight. rity. cial districts to receive the full benefit of 1407. A letter from the Assistant Secretary temporary judgeship positions as provided in for Indian Affairs, Department of the Inte­ that act; to the Committee on the Judiciary. rior, transmitting a proposed plan related to REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON By Mr. SMITH of Michigan: the use and distribution of the Mission Indi­ PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 2295. A bill to extend the discre­ an's judgement funds in Docket 8{}-A, before tionary spending limits set forth in title VI the U.S. Court of Federal Claims; to the Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Committee on Resources. committees were delivered to the Clerk to extend the Balanced Budget and Emer­ 1408. A letter from the Under Secretary for for printing and reference to the proper gency Deficit Control Act of 1985 until fiscal Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of calendar, as follows: year 2002; to the Committee on the Budget. September 8, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 24171 MEMORIALS YATES, Mr. FRISA, Mr. INGLIS of South Caro­ benefit plan (within the meaning of para­ lina, Mr. VENTO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. graph (3) of section 3 of the Employee Retire­ Under clause 4 of rule XXII, STUPAK, Mr. SPRATT, Mrs. JOHNSON of Con­ ment Income Security Act of 1974) in domes­ 158. The SPEAKER presented a memorial necticut, and Mrs. LOWEY. tic investments, as distinguished from for­ of the General Assembly of the State of Ne­ H.R. 1930: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. eign investments. vada, relative to small landfills with envi­ SHAYS, Mr. STEARNS, and Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 1655 ronmental r egulations; to the Committee on H.R. 1933: Ms. VELAZQUEZ , Mr. FRAZER, and Commerce. Mr. FROST. OFFERED BY: MR. BERMAN H.R. 1975: Mr. HA YES. AMENDMENT No. 1: Page 6, strike the clos­ H.R . 2009: Mr. STUDDS, Ms. MCKINNEY, Mr. ing quotation marks and period. PRIVATE BILLS AND SERRANO, and Mr. DELLUMS. Page 6, after line 6 insert the following: RESOLUTIONS H.R. 2013: Ms. MOLINARI. H.R. 2137: Mr. LUTHER, Mr. LOBIONDO , and ' 'SUNSET Under clause 1 of rule XXII, Mr. BEREUTER. " SEC. 903. This title shall cease to be effec­ Mr. STUPAK introduced a bill (H.R. 2296) H.R. 2219: Mr. BACHUS and Mr. Fox. tive on the date which is three years after for the relief of Robert and Verda Shatusky; H.J. Res. 100: Mr. BERMAN and Mr. DREIER. the date of the enactment of this title." which was referred to the Committee on the H.J. Res. 106: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. Page 6, after line 9, strike the closing Judiciary. KLUG, Mr. KOLBE, and Mr. SCHIFF. quotation marks and period on the line re­ H. Con. Res. 42: Mr. SHAYS, Mr. KENNEDY of lating to section 902 and insert after such Rhode Island, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. DAVIS, Mr. line the following: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS REED, Mr. SCARBOROUGH, and Mr. KING. H. Res. 30: Mr. MCCOLLUM, Mr. KENNEDY of " Sec. 903. Sunset.". Under clause 4 of rule XXII, sponsors Rhode Island, Mr. GORDON, Mr. PETERSON of H.R. 1655 were added to public bills and resolu­ Minnesota, Mr. DORNAN, Mr. WYNN, Mr. OFFERED BY: MR. TRAFICANT tions as follows: HEFLEY, Mr. HEFNER, and Mr. DE LA GARZA. H.R. 72: Mr. WELDON of Florida. AMENDMENT No. 2: Page 10, after line 17, in­ H.R. 359: Mr. ZIMMER. sert the following: H.R. 394: Mr. FRAZER, Mr. NORWOOD, Mr. DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM SEC. 308. COMPLIANCE WITH BUY AMERICAN HOKE, Mr. RIGGS, and Mr. MCDADE. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ACT. H.R. 426: Mr. STENHOLM . Under clause 4 of rule XXII, sponsors No funds appropriated pursuant to this Act H.R. 752: Mr. FOGLIETTA, Miss COLLINS of were deleted from public bills and reso­ may be expended by an entity unless the en­ Michigan, Mr. FORBES, Mr. SKELTON, and Mr. tity agrees that in expending the assistance BILBRAY. lutions as follows: the entity will comply with sections 2 H.R. 820: Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi, Mr. H.R. 359: Mr. GEKAS. through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1933 ( 41 MANZULLO , Mr. FORD, Mr. MASCARA , and Mr. U.S.C. 10a- 10c, popularly known as the " Buy MOORHEAD. American Act"). PETITIONS, ETC. H.R. 1114: Mr. JONES, Mr. BUNNING of Ken­ SEC. 309. SENSE OF CONGRESS; REQUIREMENT tucky, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. PETERSON of Florida, Under clause 1 of rule XXII, petitions REGARDING NOTICE. Mr. SHADEGG ,. Mrs. WALDHOLTZ, Mr. FRAZER, and papers were laid on the Clerk's (a) PURCHASE OF AMERICAN-MADE EQUIP­ Mr. GUTKNECHT, Mr. BARCIA of Michigan, Mr. desk and referred as follows: MENT AND PRODUCTS.-In the case of any MOORHEAD, Mr. GANSKE, Mr. GALLEGLY, and 38. By the SPEAKER: Petition of the equipment or products that may be author­ Mr. CRAMER. ized to be purchased with financial assist­ H.R. 1204: Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. DELLUMS, and Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, LA, rel­ ative to Federal support programs for sugar; ance provided under this Act, it is the sense Ms. DELAURO. of the Congress that entities receiving such H.R. 1385: Mr. OBERSTAR. to the Committee on Agriculture. 39. Also, petition of the Southern Gov­ assistance should, in expending the assist­ H.R. 1446: Mr. RAHALL. ance, purchase only Ameri.can-made equip­ H.R. 1488: Mr. BUNNING of Kentucky, Mr. ernors' Association, relative to regulation E of the electronic benefit transfer [EBTJ sys­ ment and products. SCARBOROUGH, Mr. NORWOOD, Mr. HASTINGS (b) NOTICE TO RECIPIENTS OF ASSISTANCE.­ of Washington, Mr. KOLBE, and Mr. ALLARD. tem; to the Committee on Banking and Fi­ In providing financial assistance under this H .R. 1506: Mr. BARR. nancial Services. Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pro­ H.R. 1552: Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. 40. Also, petition of H.E. Voorn of Arnhem, vide to each recipient of the assistance a no­ NETHERCUTT, Mr. DAVIS, Mr. JOHNSTON of relative to the death penalty; to the Com­ tice describing the statement made in sub­ Florida, Mr. COLEMAN, and Mr. NEAL of Mas­ mittee on the Judiciary. section (a) by the Congress. sachusetts. SEC. 310. PROHIBITION OF CONTRACTS. H.R. 1661: Mr. HOLDEN, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. AMENDMENTS MASCARA, Mr. CALLAHAN, Mr. HEFNER, Mr. If it has been finally determined by a court KING, Mr. ENSIGN, and Mr. BURTON of Indi­ Under clause 6 of rule XXIII, pro­ or Federal agency that any person inten­ ana. posed amendments were submitted as tionally affixed a fraudulent label bearing a H.R. 1753: Mr. RANGEL, Mr. BEVILL, Mr. EN­ follows: " Made in America" inscription, or any in­ SIGN, and Mr. DAVIS. H.R. 1594 scription with the same meaning, to any H.R. 1791: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. TRAFI­ product sold in or shipped to the United CANT, Mr. CANADY, Mrs. MEEK of Florida, Mr. OFFERED BY: MR. GENE GREEN OF TEXAS States that was not made in the United NEY, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. HALL AMENDMENT No. 1: Insert after section 4 States, such person shall be ineligible to re­ of Texas, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. HOKE, and Mr. the following new section (redesignating sec­ ceive any contract or subcontract made with GANSKE . tion 5 as section 6): funds provided pursuant to this Act, pursu­ H.R. 1885: Ms. DANNER. SEC. 5. PROTECTION OF DOMESTIC INVEST­ ant to the debarment, suspension, and ineli­ H.R. 1893: Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania, MENTS. gibility procedures described in sections 9.400 Mr. FATTAH, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. PARKER, Mr. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as through 9.409 of title 48, Code of Federal Reg­ SOLOMON, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. prohibiting the investment by an employee ulations.