March 10, 1982 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 3879 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IN to develop a consensus on a bipartisan pack­ on a package of long-term reforms for the THE 97TH CONGRESS age of reforms. Mark-up of H.R. 3207, a Social Security System. long-term reform package introduced by The Presidential task force must report by Subcommittee Chairman J . J. Pickle, began December 31, 1982, the same day as inter­ in early May, after a long series of hearings fund borrowing ends. Since the trust funds HON. WILLIS D. GRADISON, JR. and pre-mark-up sessions. will be largely depleted by then, there OF OHIO On May 12, President Reagan introduced should be strong pressure to produce a bill IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his own set of 13 proposals to restore long­ by the end of 1982, or shortly thereafter. A Wednesday, March 10, 1982 term solvency to the system. Some of the "lame duck" session of Congress, which components of the Administration plan would minimize the political obstacles to e Mr. GRADISON. Mr. Speaker, I were drawn from representative Pickle's reform, is a strong possibility. would like to submit for the RECORD bill, but others were significantly different. As a member of the Social Security Sub­ an article I wrote that will appear in The Administration selected some changes committee, I have been involved closely in the April issue of the National Asso­ in order to reduce certain "welfare ele­ the long legislative battle to reform Social ciation of Manufacturer's Enterprise ments" deemed inappropriate for an insur­ Security. I have tentatively prepared a com­ magazine. ance system. The Subcommittee's proposals, prehensive 8-point plan for saving the on the other hand, were philosophically less system that I believe is just and consistent SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IN THE 97TH strong, but politically more attractive. with the previous bipartisan movement for CONGRESS At the same time as he presented his pro­ reform. One of the cornerstones of the Reagan posals for long-term reform, the President There are several changes in the system Administration's economic program has also asked the Subcommittee to include cer­ which should have broad support. The first been the drive to increase the efficiency of tain reforms in the Omnibus Budget Recon­ in this category of noncontroversial reforms the government. Almost all programs have ciliation Act. Work on the Reconciliation is the separation of the trust funds from the undergone extensive reevaluation in an at­ Bill interrupted the Subcommittee's efforts general budget, thereby making them an tempt to assure that resources are allocated to achieve long-term reform, but did result off-budget item. Separation would keep ben­ in the most effective way possible. in the passage of certain benefit changes efit cuts from being interpreted as a way to Social Security reform has become one of that were a compromise between the Ad­ help balance the budget, would help depoli­ the top priorities for the 97th Congress be­ ministration's position and that of the Sub­ ticize the issue of reform, and would be a cause the system is quickly approaching committee. Phase I ended with the passage step away from using general revenues. bankruptcy. Not surprisingly, the overall of the Reconciliation Bill. Moreover, it would eliminate biases in the form of the system which most Congress­ Phase II began when the Social Security overall budget process because surpluses in men support is also the most efficient form. the Social Security trust funds could no In particular, it is more efficient to main­ Subcommittee mark-up on H.R. 3207 re­ tain the Social Security System in its origi­ sumed in June. By the end of July, the longer mask budget deficits. I have intro­ nal and present form as a wage-based insur­ House Subcommittee had completed much duced a bill, H.R. 4773, to make this separa­ ance system that contains certain income of a long term reform bill. However, after tion. It has the strong support of a biparti­ the August recess, the House leadership san coalition ranging from Barber Conable transfer elements rather than to change to to Claude Pepper. a welfare type system that is financed with suddenly decided not to allow a bill to come general revenues. By a wage-based system, I out of committee. Most likely this was polit­ The second component of my plan, the mean that the amount of benefit payments ical response to the Reagan victories on the disability reforms contained in the Pickle is related to the amount of taxes paid into tax and budget bills. Social Security seemed bill, should also be included in this list of the system; in a welfare system benefits a promising issue to be exploited by Con­ noncontroversial reforms. These have al­ gressional Democrats. Yet, while House ready been approved in subcommittee mark­ don't depend on the amount of a recipient's up and involve slight savings. tax contribution. Speaker Tip O'Neill stated publicly in Sep­ Because Social Security benefits do tember that benefit cuts were not necessary Third, we also need to reform the adminis­ depend on the amount of taxes paid into because the system's financial needs could tration of benefit payments to avoid pay­ the system, incentives to work are much be met solely through interfund borrowing, ments to deceased persons, such as those higher than in a welfare type system. The Congressmen from both parties generally amounting to approximately $100 million higher incentives lead to a stronger econo­ acknowledged that the crisis was more that were disclosed last September. I have my and in turn to higher government reve­ severe. also introduced a separate bill to accomplish nues. On September 24, the President stepped this, H.R. 5188, but this death fraud reform Therefore, because of its wage-based back from his earlier position by suggesting should be included in any comprehensive nature, Social Security not only establishes specifically the reinstatement of the mini­ package. a national insurance system but also mum benefit and the establishment of a Fourth in my package is the coverage of achieves certain income redistribution ob­ Presidential task force to study the options Members of Congress and new federal em­ jectives in a highly efficient way. Financing for reform. At that point, the House had al­ ployees under Social Security. Exclusion of Social Security with general revenues would ready passed a bill, H.R. 4331, that restored these groups whil.e the rest of society must entail a significant movement towards a wel­ the minimum benefit. The Senate, in re­ participate cannc•t be justified. fare type system. Its independent nature sponse to the President's speech, passed a Fifth, the benefit replacement rate, the would be greatly weakened; its efficiencies somewhat different version of that bill, and relationship of income from Social Security would be lost. included in it a provision for borrowing to pre-retirement earnings, should be re­ The last major Social Security reform, the among the trust funds. After some haggling duced from the 42 percent current level to amendments of 1977, kept the basic system between the two Houses, a final compromise its 39 percent historical level. This would intact by raising taxes dramatically and bill was produced that allows interfund bor­ correct a technical error in the 1972 legisla­ slowing benefit increases. But as the 97th rowing for 12 months and reinstates the tion that allowed the replacement rate to Congress began, significant legislative minimum benefit for present beneficiaries. rise. action was once again necessary to avert These steps by the 97th Congress and the Sixth, starting in 1990, the retirement age bankruptcy of the system. Given the large President brought the second phase of should gradually be raised to age 66. This past increase in taxes, and the future in­ Social Security reform to an end. should close the long term financial gap the creases already scheduled under the 1977 While the first phase began with a biparti­ system faces. Without such a change, the bill, further tax increases seemed an unwise san spirit, it ended with party confronta­ system cannot be maintained intact. way to save the system. This left only bene­ tion. The second phase involved hardening Seventh, interfund borrowing should be fit cuts. of positions on both sides, as each sought to allowed, but only as part of a comprehen­ The first phase of movement toward that gain politically, or at least to minimize sive, long-term plan. legislative objective in the 97th Congress losses. Finally we have come to a third While these seven provisions would pro­ began in the spring of 1981, as the House phase where, I hope, we can put aside parti­ vide sufficient short and long term financ­ Subcommittee on Social Security attempted san differences and come to an agreement ing in a not-too-troubled economy, it is im-

e This "bullet" symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by the Member on the floor.

89--059 0-85-38 (Pt. 3) 3880 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 10, 1982 portant to provide the means of financing if body, in plain contravention of the real benefits that flow from a public very adverse economic conditions come to charter and the principles upon which works project. It is significant that we pass. As my eighth point, I propose the es­ the United Nations was founded. never use the term "pork barrel" for tablishment of a trigger system for the I believe that the U.S. response to projects in our own districts. COLA. When the combined trust fund re­ serves fall below a preset dangerously low such a move by the General Assembly Earlier this year, I had an opportu­ level the COLA would be reduced from 100 must be set forth clearly, in advance nity to visit old friends in Corinth, percent of the change in the CPI to some of any overt move against Israel, so Miss., and while I was there I took the specified lower percentage of the change in that member nations fully understand occasion to make both an aerial and a the CPI. Note this triggered COLA change the implications of their contemplated ground inspection of the nearby sec­ would never lower benefits, but only would illegal act. In light of the imminence tion of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Wa­ keep them temporarily from rising as quick­ and severity of the threat against terway project. Quite frankly, I had ly. Once in place, the trigger may never be Israel and the integrity of the U.N. not been sympathetic to this project used, but it provides important security for Charter, generalized warnings are not the system. in the past, primarily because of the I believe that adoption of a bill containing a sufficient deterrent. We must not high cost. However, I am frank to say these eight points would solve the problems shrink from stating forcefully and that I am greatly impressed by the of the system. There are, of course, other with specificity what action the Con­ progress that has been made toward acceptable plans, but I feel that this one gress would pursue should the General completion, and the potential for eco­ provides a compromise framework that Assembly make such a mockery of its nomic growth that it presents to the could gain wide support. original ideals. people in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Both Houses are well aware of the ap­ Accordingly, my legislation provides proaching crisis. It is my hope that Con­ Alabama, as well as Kentucky and gress can now put aside the political differ­ that if the General Assembly illegally Florida. ences which stopped meaningful Social Se­ acts to suspend, expel, or in any other Futhermore, it would be madness to curity reform from being passed last year. manner abridge the rights and privi­ halt funding at this point, when con­ Then, and only then, can all the American leges of membership of any democrat­ struction is so far advanced toward people be assured of a healthy Social Secu­ ic nation, the Government of the completion. I am therefore delighted rity System.e United States should suspend its par­ to share this view with my colleagues ticipation in the General Assembly and to urge that at the appropriate U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE U.N. and withhold its assessed contribution time we provide the necessary funds to AND THE ANTI-ISRAEL CAM­ to the United Nations until such time complete it. I fully concur with the PAIGN as the illegal act is rectified. statement in the March 1981 progress The full text reads as follows: report that, HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT To slow or halt construction of the Ten­ HON. JACK F. KEMP OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE CHARTER OF THE nessee-Tombigbee Waterway would be an UNITED NATIONS OF NEW YORK unconscionable breach of faith to all its po­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whereas the United Nations Charter tential beneficiaries. clearly establishes the universality of the Wednesday, March 10, 1982 United Nations membership; and Thank you, Mr. Speaker.e e Mr. KEMP. Mr. Speaker, today I am Whereas the Charter further stipulates that United Nations members may be ex­ POOR POLICY AND EROSION introducing a resolution in support of pelled or suspended by the General Assem­ the integrity of the United Nations, bly only "upon the recommendation of the BANKRUPT FARMING cosponsored by my colleagues JONA­ Security Council"; and THAN BINGHAM, BILL BROOMFIELD, BEN Whereas a move by the General Assembly ROSENTHAL, CLA y SHAW, and CHARLIE that would illegally deny any democratic HON. ED JONES WILSON. state its credentials in the Assembly would OF TENNESSEE For too many years, the podium of be a direct violation of these provisions of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the United Nations has been employed the Charter: Therefore be it by a large number of member nations Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep­ Wednesday, March 10, 1982 resentatives of the United States in Congress • Mr. JONES of Tennessee. Mr. to hurl invectives against democratic, assembled, That if any democratic state is il­ pro-Western states while the oppres­ legally expelled, suspended, denied its cre­ Speaker, I rise today to bring to my sion of the people in aggression-torn dentials, or in any other manner denied its colleagues' attention yet another indi­ countries such as Afghanistan, Poland, rights and privileges in the General Assem­ cation that there is growing awareness and Vietnam is ignored. bly of the United Nations, the United States throughout the country of the dan­ No nation has been a more frequent will: gers of soil erosion. I include in the victim of this shameful double stand­ <1) suspend its participation in the Gener­ RECORD, a recent story by Mr. Neil ard than Israel. From the infamous al Assembly and Sampson, vice president of the Nation­ <2> withhold its assessed contributions to resolution equating Zionism with the United Nations until this illegal action al Association of Conservation Dis­ racism, to the February 5, 1982, pro­ is rectified; and tricts, which recently appeared in the nouncement that Israel "is not a Resolved further, That the Department of New Farm magazine. peace-loving member state and that it State is directed to communicate these con­ Mr. Sampson relates the impact of has not carried out its obligations cerns to the members of the General Assem­ the budget cuts proposed by the Presi­ under the Charter," the members of bly of the United Nations.e dent in Federal soil conservation pro­ the General Assembly have strained grams and their ultimate impact on the fabric of honor and respectability THE TENNESSEE-TOMBIGBEE our never-ending effort to stem the that once was associated with that in­ WATERWAY SHOULD BE COM­ loss of this most important of our nat­ stitution. PLETED ural resources. The United States may have contrib­ As we talk about the financial prob­ uted in part to this continuing degra­ lems facing agriculture, the controver­ dation of the charter by failing to pro­ HON. G. WILLIAM WHITEHURST sies surrounding the management of test vigorously enough-or to act with OF VIRGINIA federally owned natural resources, and sufficient resolution-in the face of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES other environmental issues, it is equal­ such hypocrisy. ly important to recognize the role that Now there is reason to fear that an Wednesday, March 10, 1982 the Federal Government must play in effort may be underway to suspend Is­ e Mr. WHITEHURST. Mr. Speaker, arresting the tremendous loss of our rael's participation in the General As­ so often those of us who do not live in productive soils. Mr. Sampson very viv­ sembly, or to expel Israel from that the affected area are ignorant of the idly explains the issues involved and I March 10, 1982 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 3881 hope that my colleagues will read and levels. In 1983, the budget scenario gets First, an estimated $200 million has think about his remarks. even grimmer, with rumors abounding in been debited from the social security The article follows: Washington that the internal budget work­ sheets used by staffers at the Office of Man­ fund for these old and uncashed POOR POLICY AND EROSION BANKRUPT agement and Budget show all federal re­ checks. That is money that is no FARMING source conservation programs, in all depart­ longer earning interest for the fund, proposal is being circulated by financing that currently characterizes agri­ they are really a drop in the bucket of Agriculture Secretary John Block, an culture. The time is now, before either eco­ a $140 billion-a-year-plus system. But avowed supporter of more effective conser­ nomic or environmental conditions reach a that does not mean we should ignore vation programs. The 1981 Farm Bill con­ critical stage that precludes rational think­ tains several new conservation sections. ing and debate. The RCA proposal and the them. First, every little bit helps. But one thing is still lacking: a broadly Farm Bill only start that process. Now it is Second, when there is a clear and obvi­ conceived policy outlining national food, ag­ up to the people to insist that Congress get ous botchup-as we have with checks riculture and resource goals and objectives. on with it.e left to float in oblivion-the Govern­ The frustration of trying to design either ment has a responsibility to take cor­ farm or conservation policy without any rective action. vision of what is needed brings to mind the PROPOSES GIVING FEDERAL Alice in Wonderland admonition that if you CHECKS LIFE OF ONLY 6 Federal checks had a restricted life­ don't know where you are heading, it mat­ MONTHS time until 1957. As the Treasury en­ ters little which direction you take or the tered the early days of computeriza­ pace at which you proceed. tion, it found the old system of sorting In his RCA proposal, Block told the checks by issuing agency to be a prob­ Senate that USDA had found "a potential HON. LES ASPIN OF WISCONSIN lem while outdated checks presented for tremendous pressure on America's soil for cashing could not be handled by and water resources . . . soil erosion that is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES primitive equipment. The Treasury reducing upstream flood damages." "These Wednesday, March 10, 1982 effects alone," he noted, "could bring a sig­ asked for the change in the statutes in nificant increase in the cost of producing • Mr. ASPIN. Mr. Speaker, on 1957, consolidating all Federal ac­ and buying food and fiber." Calling the re­ Monday I introduced legislation to counts into one massive system and source problems "serious," Block urged Con­ help the financially troubled social se­ eliminating the expiry time on nego­ gress to help, "Identify the most pressing curity system, by giving Federal tiability. and urgent problems and take the most ef­ checks a lifespan of 6 months. That change solved the problems fective action we can devise to address Right now, a Government check is them." faced by a primitive computer system. Meanwhile, back in the real world at negotiable for ever and ever. Hundreds But it has caused others. Computer USDA, agency managers are facing Reagan­ of millions of dollars are tied up in technology has advanced a great deal ordered 1982 budget cuts that would, if al­ checks issued more than a year ago in the last quarter century. It is time lowed by Congress, result in a 25 percent to and that may never be cashed. we eliminated the problems caused by 30 percent reduction under 1981 program This causes two difficulties. the 1957 changes.e 3882 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 10, 1982 NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION given serious consideration. We might interest reached $19 billion in 1981, an im­ INDUSTRY WEEK broaden his access to credit, expand storage mense sum equal to net farm income that facilities for his crops, increase his opportu­ year. nities for work off the farm, help him im­ It is my view that the federal budget defi­ prove his marketing techniques, and expand cit is a primary cause of high interest rates. HON. JOE SKEEN his direct contact with consumers. However, The deficit undermines investors' confi­ OF NEW MEXICO the two most important steps to assist him dence in the economy and forces the federal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES are more difficult: We must boost agricul­ government to borrow an excessive amount, Wednesday, March 10, 1982 tural exports and bring interest rates down. thus crowding others out of credit markets Over the past decade, exports have and driving interest rates up. As long as the e Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Speaker, the Na­ become the mainstay of our farm economy. federal government must borrow heavily to tional Society of Professional Engi­ Two of every five acres harvested in the finance the deficit, interest rates will stay neers

this proposal is to shift some of the burden Number of tor. The Leader city director, including of reinsurance costs to the states, we would notes phone numbers had been given Free to its Adjusted gross income disbursed on Percent favor a mechanism that would pass on the or after Oct. of total subscribers. highest portion of these costs to the agen­ 1, 1981 In 1976, celebrating our Nation's Bi·Cen­ cies that most benefit from reinsurance. tennial, he co-authored a Garfield Heights Our default rate here in Ohio is less than 2 0 to $15,000 ...... 21 ,612 92 Historical Book $15,001 to $20,000 ...... 462 2 Augie, as he was known to all his ac­ percent, which means that we have made $20,001 to $25,000 .... . 463 2 very little demand on the federal reinsur­ $25,001 to $30,000 ...... 477 2. quaintances, was a Charter member of the ance mechanism. A flat percentage assess­ $30,001 to $35,000 ...... 201 .9 Garfield Heights Kiwanis Club Club 0951) $35,001 to $40,000 ...... 104 .6 and the Garfield Height Rotary Club when ment on loan volume would put Ohio and $40,001 to $45,000 ...... 51 .I other diligent states in the position of subsi­ $45,001 to $50,000 ...... 16 .I it was founded in 1955. He served as Presi­ dizing the losses of other less successful $50,001 up ...... 30 .I dent of the Rotary Club in 1966-67 ... As­ 23,416 100 sisted in organization the Pullman Co. states, and Ohio students, who have a histo­ credit Union-was its treasurer for three ry of paying their loans back, would have to years. help pay the bills for students in other We won't be in a position to provide ade­ He served as chairman of the Audrey states who may not have as good a record. quate statistics on program reductions until Durda fund-to raise money to pay for hos­ Of all the proposed changes, I think that this time next year, after we've been pital and doctor expenses-close to $10,000. this one shows the least common sense. through a complete cycle of academic year An explosion injured her while she was Limit special allowance interest benefit applications. Any substantial cuts before baking in the kitchen. We were able to pay, payments to in-school and deferment peri­ that time run the risk of doing permanent and settle the bill in full, for 30¢ on the ods plus a two-year period following gradua­ damage to our educational system and push­ dollar. tion or withdrawal from school . 1951 as a laborer with Sid Culbertson, a pipe that it was left up to me how far I could and Texaco Inc.-in 1973 had combined rev­ maintenance company in Houston. Finally, go." enues of $50 billion. By 1977 that had tri­ George V. Smith was in the oil industry. So he went to work for a pipeline testing pled. Little did it matter that he-as did all black company for 46 cents an hour less. His boss But oil per se is useless unless it can be men-received less for his labor than whites said he could work as many hours as he raised, refined, and distributed to its users. who performed the same job. He had been wanted. Basic to all these tasks is a simple longitudi­ given a chance and it was his task, he felt, That meant a lot to Smith, who was put­ nal cavity, pipe. The word itself is an echoic to take advantage of it. ting his wife through college and had a one originating from the chirping and child. He worked between 60 and 90 hours a "peeping" of birds. But when the pipe is The pipe and supply industry, like many week. filled with oil the peeping is about dollars. others, have relegated certain jobs to blacks. In his new job, Smith came up with an in­ Oil pipe and supply is a billion-dollar indus­ If the job is dirty, hot, grimy, low-paying, no novation that eventually helped him launch try. Oil gushing from the silver of steel matter the industry, blacks are there. And his business. He thought of it while working yields so much money it is termed "black Smith was in such a spot in pipe testing. with a crew that tested pipeline strength gold"-an inherent contradiction. Before oil companies put their pipes in with water. The plug that sealed the pipe So too, it would seem, is the participation the ground to bring up oil, or stretch them weighed 250 pounds and took four men to of blacks in the oil industry, especially as overland to deliver oil, the pipes must be handle. entrepreneurs. The soaring profits from tested and evaluated to see if they can stand Smith told his boss he saw no reason to black gold are destined for, and gobbled up the pressure to which they will be put. A use such a heavy plug. At his suggestion, by, white companies. But not always. Enter contractor can't risk ruining a multimillion­ the company developed a device that 51-year-old George V. Smith, pipe dreamer. dollar oil strike because $200,000 worth of weighed about 25 pounds and sped the test­ · Smith is the president of, in fact the pipe fell apart. This testing is generally con­ ing process fivefold. owner of, three companies: Smith Pipe Test­ ducted by a hydrostatic process in Houston and Bakersfield, job. It was done outside, where mud, oil, He said one 10-year-old boy he met on a California. There are sales offices in Bakers­ water, and splintered pipe sometimes even plane claimed to remember that Smith had field, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans. He made it hazardous. After the pipes are spoken at his school several months before. has six buildings in Houston and 40 compa­ tested they may have to be straightened, "Tell me something that I said," Smith ny cars. Last year Smith's companies cleaned, threaded, or refurbished. Brawn is challenged him. grossed $6 million. And for the first six needed, of course, to move around the pipes. "He said, 'You told me that I could be months of this year they have already more For such a messy and strenuous job black anything I wanted to. My color didn't have than doubled their income to $14 million. men are often called upon. nothing to do with it, as long as I was will­ Overall, Smith expects his companies to But Smith thought this a challenge. ing to work hard and didn't expect some­ gross $20 million by December. Smith, how­ Taking his text from Konstantin Stanis­ body to do something for me that I could do ever, eschews profit for the sake of profit. lavski, the famous Russian actor who de­ for myself. creed that there were no small parts only ·"You told me that it was left up to me "My goal is not only to make money," he says, "but to build a company that employs small actors, Smith sought to make pipe whether I would be a success or a failure, testing an art. and that in order to do that, I had to always 500 people and grosses about $100 million a year. Seventy percent of the people I hire "Whatever you do," he says, "I believe have integrity, and I had to be able to imag­ you ought to do your best. You may not be ine what I wanted to be and have the ambi­ will be black. We need to quit talking about 'making' somebody hire us and hire our­ able to do it better than someone else but tion. You told me that I could do it.' you can damn sure try." "Well, I'd made an impression on him. selves.'' And you know, he made an impression on Could this be just another pipe dream? His effort at pipe testing raised the state me, too. 'Cause he let me know, you know, Smith, a talkative man who speaks through of the art to new levels. First, he questioned that my speeches were not ·in vain." folk sayings and aphorisms that resonate the use of heavy iron blocks to close the with the tones of a shouting Baptist preach­ pipes. Then he began capping them with [From Black Enterprise, September 19801 er, offers a quick denial. lighter material rather than stuffing them "They're not pipe dreams but the reality with iron. As a result, pipes could be tested GEORGE SMITH'S $6 MILLION DOLLAR PAYOFF of using pipe to make millions. I don't know faster and with greater efficiency. Smith ON A PIPEDREAM a reason in the world that I can't do what I was an innovator in the industry. Before about millions of dollars, one would think Smith didn't expect either. In 1973, when Egyptian armies attacked he was to the manner born. Not so. His talent was not lost on those in posi­ Israel and oil shipments to the Western George Smith came to Houston early in tions of power in the pipe testing industry world were restricted by Egypt's Arab 1951, poor and seeking a place to build a and when Sid Culbertson folded, Smith was neighbors, the US stumbled into what was dream. He saw then that oil would make quickly hired by Atlas Pipe, a new company. termed an "energy crisis." Houston one of America's great cities, and Smith stayed at Atlas 18 years making its March 10, 1982 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 3895 pipe testing division one of the best in the cause they're poor, I'd say, I started out and keep it going. He wants to give his business. poor as a church mouse: if they say there's family more than money. He wants to leave But as Smith's reputation swelled so, too, prejudice around, I'd tell them that I've a heritage, show that a black family, graced did the racism he encountered. First of all, known racism." with love and support for each member, can there was still the matter of unequal pay. With his personal savings he paid four reap profits far beyond money. The three Second, Smith and his crew were not al­ employees, four members of his former companies that George Smith has built lowed to operate the machinery that was crew. Of them Smith says, "they came with stand as the visible-and profitable-mani­ used in their work. If the machines broke me when I had nothing. They've stuck it f estations to his efforts. They are the testa­ down, Smith says, he and his crew had to out through some pretty rough times. I was ment to a dream fulfilled.e take them off the customer's premises to touched when they offered to join me. repair them. Third, and perhaps the most They're not only damn good workers, chilling to the soul, Smith was obliged to they're damn good men. So long as I have a BILL GREEN INTRODUCES train young whites to be his boss. company, they have a job." NATIONAL THEATER WEEK "It was bad back then," Smith exclaims. Slowly, and perceptibly, Smith Pipe Test­ "Even now, I can't get business because I'm ing Service grew. The testing equipment in­ black. But then it was rough. One time we creased from one hydrostatic unit to five. were doing a job that would take us about Still, George Smith felt that he wasn't HON. BILL GREEN doing all that could be done in testing. In seven weeks to finish. It was in a small far 1975 he founded Continental Inspection OF NEW YORK north Texas town. There were no living or IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eating accommodations for blacks, so we Company, enabling him to provide electron­ ic testing. With his two companies, Smith Wednesday, March 10, 1982 had to eat cold cuts three times a day, and provides the full range of testing, from hy­ during mid-January freezing weather we drostatic testing to electronic inspection. e Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, today I stayed in a shack with no heat. The owner Still, all was not well, at least as far as of the town's laundromat let us eat in his es­ am introducing a resolution to desig­ Smith was concerned. Pipe testing remained nate the week beginning June 7, 1982, tablishment until some white women a job whites could relegate-although reluc­ threatened to stop patronizing the busi­ tantly-to blacks. And if his dream of a $100 as National Theater Week. ness." million company was to come true, Smith The theater is one of our Nation's The "back then" Smith refers to was in would have to broaden his base and sell pipe finest cultural and educational re­ the 1960s, another time but hardly another as well as test it. sources. It also generates significant century. Taking that leap from testing to selling is Smith's talent couldn't be denied and economic benefits, by providing jobs, like moving from the sideshow to the main tourism, and other assets. It is entirely eventually he was made a field supervisor. arena. None of the major pipe manufactur­ This, his employer felt, was a smart move. It ers-US Steel Corp., Youngstown Sheet & appropriate that we focus attention on kept Smith out of the office. Yet, he was Tube-had ever used blacks as distributors. the institutions, organizations, and in­ given a promotion, albeit as his employer George Smith vowed to change all that. In dividuals that bring theater to Ameri­ told enraged white workers, at "nigger 1976 he became a full-line distributor for cans throughout our country by desig­ wages." Youngstown Sheet; a year later US Steel nating a week in their honor. This Finally, after 18 years at the company, was added. But getting the distributorship is week will make us realize that our the­ Smith had had enough. He quit. It wasn't one thing, selling the pipe is another. ater is perhaps the best in the world, racism, or low wages that pushed him into "When I first started selling pipe, some action. It was boredom. purchasing officers actually laughed at me. and will also pay tribute to the thou­ "I had learned everything there was to But I kept going back to them. I've criss­ sands of individuals in professional know about pipe," Smith says none too crossed this country time and time again. theater companies, high schools, col­ modestly. "There was nothing else I could Everybody in the industry knows me 'cause leges and universities, and community do out in the field. So I asked to come into I keep going back to them. I went to one theaters that work to bring the stage the office. I knew they wouldn't allow me to company seventeen times before they alive for audiences across the land. be a salesman. But I could head quality con­ bought pipe from me, and then they only The American theater is not only a trol. My boss said no to that because he felt bought $1,200 worth of pipe. That didn't no white man would work under me. Noth­ pay my expe.nses. I went back an eighteenth cultural resource, but also an educa­ ing happened and I left. There was no room time. Before the day was over, I had a tional resource. The theater provides for me to grow." $250,000 order." access to great literary works, and a The growth at his next company was spec­ Smith now has nine salesmen helping him means to nurture talent and self-ex­ tacular-at least in terms of the times. He to sell pipe. One, Douglass, is black. pression. To put it simply, the thea­ was given a position as salesman and was in "He was the only black in sales with the ex­ ter-whether a large Broadway thea­ charge of purchasing all the company's oil­ perience I needed," Smith says. "The two of ter in Manhattan, or the stage of a field materials. Few customers would see us may be the only black salespersons in the him but that didn't keep Smith from con­ pipe and supply industry. Calvin used to small town-enriches us personally tinuing to call on them. Eventually, he was work for Youngstown but now he heads my and improves the quality of life in our made a vice president of the company. Bakersfield office. I'm lucky to have gotten communities. It would seem that the story would end such a fine person as young Calvin. He's A nation's greatness is measured in here, another tale of , or in good." her cultural achievements. The Ameri­ this case rags to recognition. But it doesn't. Smith would like to have more young can stage truly graces our country, For in the back of George Smith's mind was blacks like Calvin Douglass, but confides and we should recognize its contribu­ the gnawing belief that he should go into that he can't find youths willing to start at business for himself. "If I could do it for the bottom and undergo the training he re­ tions by designating a week hailing its others," he says, "I could do it for myself, quires. "I don't know what it is," he says. strength and vitality. Eleven State for my family." "They all want to start at the top." arts councils, 48 theatrical organiza­ He discussed it with his wife, Evie, a Starting at the top certainly is not the tions, and almost 100 theaters from 35 woman Smith says has been his anchor for way Smith's two sons and daughter will States across the country have en­ over 31 years and who with her teacher's enter the family company. All members of dorsed the idea. I hope a majority of salary would support the new venture. the Smith family work for the company but my colleagues will join us in celebrat­ In 1974 he started his first company, in various capacities with increasing respon­ ing American theater by cosponsoring Smith Pipe Testing and Service. Smith bor­ sibility. rowed no money from banks to begin his "One day this will be theirs," Smith says, this bill. My colleagues may be inter­ company and shunned the Small Business "but they must know the business. Before ested to know that a similar measure Administration. my sons can come inside [the office] they has already been introduced in the "If I made it," Smith proclaims, "it would must work out in the fields, in testing. Not Senate by Senator ExoN. Mr. Speaker, be because I did it, not me and the bank, not as some summer job either. They got to stay I submit my bill to be printed at this me and the government. I wanted to be able out there two or three years. By that time point in the RECORD. to tell black youth that they can stand with they'll know the testing business and will the best in this country. If they say they come inside." One might add, to start at the H.J. REs.-- can't do something because they're unedu­ bottom all over again. Whereas many Americans have devoted cated, I'd say look at me, I finished the By doing this Smith feels that his family much time and energy to advancing the third grade; if they say they can't do it be- will know the business, will appreciate it, cause of theater: 3896 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 10, 1982 Whereas the theaters of America have pi­ Bridge collapses and accidents are even Helens eruption), says the American Asso­ oneered the way for many performers and more serious today than when PARADE ciation of State Highway and Transporta­ have given them their start in vaudeville spotlighted the nationwide problem three tion Officials. Its executive director, Francis and stage; years ago <"Our Bridges Are Falling." Jan. B. Francois, says that many cities-includ­ Whereas theater is brought to Americans 7, 1979). A combination of inadequate in­ ing Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, New through high schools, colleges, and commu­ spection and enforcement, budget-trimming York, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Roch­ nity theater groups as well as through pro­ and neglect on the part of Congress and ester, N.Y., Detroit and Boston-face serious fessional acting companies; state and local governments continues to ag­ bridge problems. Whereas citizens of America have been gravate this longstanding . the theaters of America: Now, therefore, be U.S. And only the dramatic bridge accidents Donald S. Knight, executive director of it make headlines: The Road Information Program . a Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep­ On New York's 99-year-old Brooklyn highway research organization in Washing­ resentatives of the United States of America Bridge last June 28, two steel cables-among ton, D.C., warns: "From 1982 on, more and in Congress assembled, That the week be­ the dozens badly needing replacement-sud­ more of our aging, deteriorating bridges will ginning June 7, 1982, shall be proclaimed denly snapped and whipped down. One have to be closed unless we act now." "National Theater Week" throughout the killed a young man who was strolling across Bridges wear out with age. The average country, and all citizens are urged to sup­ the damaged wooden walkway. The bridge is useful life of a bridge is 50 years, and three port this effort with assistance to theaters scheduled .to be rehabilitated, and some of out of four in the U.S. are more than 45 throughout the country.e the work has begun, using city funds. years old. Some 25,000 still in use were built On the Sunshine Skyway in Tampa, Fla., before 1900. Those predating the automo­ on the stormy morning of May 9, 1980, a bile age and weakened by weather and ero­ OUR UNSAFE BRIDGES 609-foot freighter rammed into a support sion were designed to serve lighter, slower pier of the bridge, which had suffered three traffic. Design and construction materials other vessel collisions since 1977. Swiftly, were not standardized until 1935. HON.HENRYJ.NOWAK more than half of the concrete roadway's Constant usage likewise deteriorates center section crumbled. Eight vehicles bridges, especially with today's heavy axle OF NEW YORK plunged 150 feet into Tampa Bay. Five, in­ loads and high-speed traffic. The salt IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cluding a Greyhound bus, sped over the poured on bridge decks and adjoining roads Wednesday, March 10, 1982 fallen bridge after its collapse, witnesses tes­ to melt ice and snow eats through steel tified. Thirty-five persons died. The official beams and breaks even reinforced concrete, e Mr. NOWAK. Mr. Speaker, one of National Transportation Safety Board as does the acid in pigeon droppings. Okla­ the most serious problems confronting report estimated the damage at $30 million homa is now testing on 23 bridges a new de­ our national transportation network is and blamed the tragedy in part on a "lack of icing chemical spray that has been used in the deteriorated condition of our ve­ a structural pier protection system" and Germany for 10 years. hicular bridges. It has been estimated "lack of a motorist warning system . . ." Partly because some bridge designers have In a foggy rain, an overcrowded school emphasized esthetics more than safety, two­ that of 524,966 bridges in this country, van slid off an old, one-lane wooden bridge thirds of bridge guardrails in the U.S. fail to 2 in 5 require major repair or replace­ near Hermanville, Miss., last Dec. 17. The meet recommended safety standards, ment. The Federal Highway Adminis­ van plunged into a creek 9112 feet below and charges the National Transportation Safety tration estimates currently it will cost burst into flames. Four youngsters and one Board. "About 1300 persons die each year in in excess of $40 billion to meet exist­ adult died, and four persons were hospital­ crashes involving bridge barrier systems." ing needs. ized. James B. King, the board's former chair­ Just recently the New York State School buses, in fact, no longer carry man, told a Senate subcommittee on trans­ Department of Transportation report­ pupils over many such bridges. Children portation in April 1980. often must walk across them first and wait "If guardrails are included, the figure is ed the 234 bridges in a 4-county area on the other side to reboard the empty closer to 2000," adds the board's safety spe­ that includes my hometown in Buffa­ buses. cialist, Lynne Smith. lo, N.Y., are "structurally deficient." Of the nation's 524,966 bridges, two in five For example, on Feb. 18, 1981, a bus In recent years, the Congress has require major repair or replacement, the veered across 1-95 near Triangle, Va., begun a sustained effort to meet these Department of Transportation's Federal jumped a guardrail, struck a bridge parapet bridge needs through an expanded re­ Highway Administration . Dept. P., Suite 401, create traffic jams, impeding travel for am­ This is the first time that Uncle Sam has 1899 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. bulances, fire trucks and other emergency appropriated money for local bridges. Al­ vehicles. Disgruntled residents have even though the federal matching share was OUR 18 WORST BRIDGES? been known to sue authorities over the in­ raised to 80 percent, many states and local These 18 major bridges of a bridge closure. governments have been reluctant or unable costs) urgently need replacement or reha­ But in Louisiana, Illinois and elsewhere, of­ to pay the other 20 percent. And President bilitation, according to state requests. As of ficials have ordered unsafe bridges torn Reagan's recent recommendation that the mid-January, they were still without gov­ down. federal bridge program be turned back to ernment financing, officials of the Federal Even people who don't use bridges are af­ the states could, if approved by Congress. Highway Administration informed Parade. fected. When delivery trucks are required to lead to even tighter pinches in state make long detours around closed or weight­ budgets. State, bridge, and total cost restricted spans, the extra gasoline and em­ In addition, the Secretary of Transporta­ Millions ployee time costs are generally passed on to tion has $200 million available annually in Arizona, Little Colorado River the consumer. "The prices of local goods "discretionary funds" for bridge replace­ Bridge...... $9. 7 and services have been boosted as much as ment or rehabilitation. Through Dec. 31, California, Russian River Bridge at 25 percent by bridge closings and weight 1980, 45 bridge projects were selected for Preston...... 24.l postings." says TRIP's Donald Knight. federal financing, including 27 recommend­ Colorado, 20th Street Viaduct...... 25.1 U.S. Steel estimates that the 5-ton weight ed by Congress. Connecticut, Charter Oak Bridge...... 183.6 Many deteriorated bridges are not federal­ District of Columbia, Whitehurst limit of the weak Thompson Run Bridge in ly financed, the government says, because Duquesne, Pa.. near one of its plants, com­ Freeway...... 58.6 they lack a "legislative history"-that is, Georgia, U.S. 17-SR 25/Savannah...... 51.4 pels the company's 350 trucks to detour 18 they were never specifically named in earli­ miles daily one way, boosting its operating er Congressional appropriations. Illinois, U.S. 67/Mississippi River...... 80.0 costs by $1.2 million annually in extra fuel By contrast, two months ago. Congress ap­ Iowa and Illinois, U.S. 34/Mississippi and labor expenses. propriated $60 million-the full agency-rec­ River...... 30.0 Inadequate or irregular inspections and ommended amount-to repair the Woodrow Kansas, West Kansas Avenue Bridge 31.9 enforcement are probably the greatest Wilson Bridge in Washington. D.C., which is Maryland, U.S. 50 over Choptank at causes of sudden bridge failure, even though the only bridge owned by Uncle Sam on the Cambridge...... 51.0 checkups have increased somewhat in interstate highway system. Many lawmakers New York, Brooklyn Bridge...... 105.0 recent years. Inspection can now be far drive across it to and from the Capitol. North Dakota, Four Bear Bridge...... 23.9 more scientific than in the old days when The General Accounting Office, the gov­ South Carolina, Cooper River and local politicians merely walked on the ice ernment's fiscal watchdog, recently issued a Town Creek Br...... 155.4 during the winter freeze to gaze at a critical report titled "Better Targeting of Texas, State Hwy. 87/Neches River bridge's understructure. Today. there are Federal Funds Needed To Eliminate Unsafe

89-059 0-85-39 (Pt. 3) 3912 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 10, 1982 dent was granted great flexibility in from using the special authorities to I think programs of this type can do the use of the special authority in provide military assistance for El Sal­ much to educate our young people and 1979, 97 percent of the funds have vador during the remainder of fiscal lead us to a more comprehensive un­ gone to El Salvador. This excessive ex­ year 1982 and during fiscal year 1983. derstanding of other cultures and ercise of 506(a) for El Salvador must This is the best way to insure that the international relations in general. be halted immediately. President President does not interpret the In order to promote this type of pro­ Reagan should be using the regular grants of discretionary authority in an gram and in hopes of it being duplicat­ authorizations process for controver­ overly broad manner. If the President ed by my fell ow colleagues in Con­ sial military assistance to El Salvador. believes that military assistance is nec­ gress, I offer the following article Section 506 authorizes the President essary for El Salvador, he can come to from the Austin American-Statesman to order the drawdown of defense arti­ the Congress, explain why-and how of October 18, 1981: cles from the Department of Defense the Government of El Salvador ex­ [From the Austin American-Statesman, Oct. to provide emergency military assist­ pects to earn the support of its people. 18, 1981) ance to foreign countries and interna­ This request can then be debated in TEENS LEARN ON VISIT TO ISRAEL tional organizations, providing he the normal legislative process. The finds that there is an unforeseen possibility of war and U.S. involve­ that could really turn the ed from the need to replace the air­ tions. world around." Leland couldn't have said better what he'd craft lost by the Salvadoran military The returning interns have ex­ hoped the program would do. in the January 27 attack by guerrillas pressed a variety of positive experi­ "In 1977 I went to Israel with a tour on the Ilopango Airbase. However, by ences. Some say their career goals group, and the thing that most impressed looking at the items which the United have changed. Some say their entire me was the kibbutzim," Leland said. "We States provided, it is obvious that the philosophy of life has changed. Others saw several different ones and stopped over­ United States has done much more enjoyed the kibbutz so much that they night at two of them. I was thoroughly im­ than merely respond to the Ilopango have made plans to go back. pressed with the whole lifestyle. It was com­ attack. Congress must insure that the I would like to congratulate all 20 of pletely democratic, based on sharing and President does not use major grants of community, rewarding people for their con­ the interns for serving as outstanding tributions, giving them certain rights be­ discretionary authority merely to representatives of the Houston com­ cause of their contributions." bypass Congress and congressional munity. The 1980 interns included: Leland considered living on a kibbutz for a procedures on controversial issues, as Sonja Baker, Kelle Carter, Richard summer. However, the chance to run for he appears to have done in the case of Cheung, Kevin Cole, Anthony Collins, Barbara Jordan's seat in Congress came El Salvador. If the furnishing of emer­ John Garcia, Tanja Greene, Selandras along, and Leland thought instead of setting gency military assistance to El Salva­ Jackson, Paul McCall, and Joanne up a program for black teens in his district. dor is truly important to the national Rogers. The 1981 interns included: He met with Jewish and black friends. The interest in fiscal year 1982 and fiscal result was the Mickey Leland Kibbutz In­ David Babineaux, John Brown, Kim­ ternship Program. year 1983, the President can come to berly Higgs, Christine Kim, Anthony For two summers, the program has sent Congress for authority. McBride, Yolanda Osborne, Patricia Houston high school students to Israel be­ I urge my colleagues to join me in Perry, Rhonda Radliff, Willie Rios, tween their junior and senior years. Ar­ the effort to prohibit the President and Ismael Trevino. rangements in Israel are made by Rabbi March 10, 1982 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 3913 Robert Samuels, brother of a Houston man high school students from more than weapons. It is extremely wasteful and involved in the program. 50 schools across the country arrived dangerous. It is mutually beneficial A committee raises the $15,000 the pro­ in the Capitol. They were here as par­ for both the United States and the gram costs each year. ("We're still in the ticipants in Convention II, which has Soviet Union to stop this buildup right hole," Leland says.) From the 80 to 100 ap­ been called "the most exciting and re­ in its tracks. plications sent them by counselors and prin­ warding adventure a high school stu­ cipals of the 15 high schools in Leland's dis­ The nuclear arms race is an econom­ trict, the committee picks 20 students who dent can participate in." I am proud to ic and military catch 22-the more we are interviewed by Leland. say that Carlos Serrano, one of my expend to become secure, the more He makes the final selection based, he constituents, and a student at Alfred they spend to make us insecure-to says, "on leadership, ability to communicate E. Smith High School in the Bronx, overcome this insecurity we expend and what I would call the quality of their was a delegate to this year's program. more and this results in more insecu­ individualism," which translates to their Convention II is a nonprofit organi­ rity. It is a situation which has placed ability to fend for themselves and as part of zation that was begun 7 years ago with a group for six weeks. our two nations in extreme jeopardy Sue Smith, Leland's Houston staffer who the intent of changing the prevalent of mutual destruction and drains us coordinates the program, says the program idea that studying Government is a both of vast amounts of valuable re­ is designed for culturally and economically dull and dry affair. With the Constitu­ sources. tion as a base, Convention II presents deprived students, but those guidelines At one time, we had a decided advan­ aren't rigidly followed. students with a forum in which they "It was first designed for black kids. But, can debate and resolve constitutional tage. Nuclear weapons were an eco­ especially for us, it was very hard to be se­ questions, present amendments, form nomic as well as strategic windfall at lective along those lines, so we just put all committees and caucuses, and learn the end of World War II. We got more the applications together," she said. The first-hand how our system works. As bang for the buck and these weapons first summer, the group included seven were much cheaper than training and blacks, one Chinese, one Mexican American Boris Feinman, chairman and founder and one Anglo. The mix was similar this of Convention II puts it, participation maintaining divisions of men. Now our summer. in this program results in "young advantage is gone and we cannot get it Leland is high on the program, but he's people acquiring the habit pattern of back. The total dedication of all of our not nearly as excited as the teens. "The kids involvement and participation in the Nation's resources to stockpiling more come back totally different people," he says. political process: locally, nationally, nuclear weapons would not change the Christine Kim, 18, is a senior at Houston's fact that the Soviet Union could de­ High School for the Performing and Visual and internationally." Arts. Before the trip, she had planned to Convention II regards the Constitu­ stroy the fabric of our society even study journalism. tion as a living document. Feinman after we had obliterated theirs. Our But, she says, "it really made me snap ... notes that constitutional issues perme­ whole Nation has been coming inevita­ to how much power the media has. It made ate domestic discussions. Pick up a bly to this realization over the past me angry that I have been manipulated all newspaper any day and you will find decade. these years into thinking things about No matter how much we detest to­ Israel that I no longer believe any more. It that the issues involving the Constitu­ made me really think about what I'm get­ tion dominate the national domestic talitarianism with its repression, ting into in journalism." news: balanced budgets, equal rights, denial of liberties and economic mis­ Now she's thinking about studying reli­ separation of church and State, abor­ eries, we must conclude that a nuclear gion or philosophy in college and wants to tion, authority of the President to con­ war can do nothing to correct these go to a school that will give her a chance to duct foreign affairs, campaign spend­ evils-in fact, a nuclear war would re­ get back to Israel in an exchange program. Kimberly Higgs, 17. from the Houston ing, the right to strike; all of these are lease untold new evils as mankind High School for Health Professions, still basically constitutional issues. would at best, revert back to a tribal plans to be a doctor. But after seeing Israel Accordingly, we direct the attention existence if not total extinction. and being part of a kibbutz, "I now feel I of our future leaders-the high school So we are offering this resolution­ want to take out some time in my life and students-to the Constitution. We not to change our resolve for a strong do things for people," she said. invite them to set up an organization defense-not to back away from our In Haifa the students spent 10 days with of young people, run by young people, Israeli families. They studied Hebrew and belief that repression is the enemy of the politics and lifestyles of the Middle East to set the tone, select their issues, and freedom-not to give the Nation over in courses set up by Samuels. The group run their discussions. It is an advice to the idea of peace at any price­ took a three-day tour of northern Isreal, and consent situation. Elected and rather, we are offering the superpow­ spent a week in Jerusalem, then headed for nonelected people offer advice, but the ers a chance to seize upon the oppor­ a week's camping trip in the Siani desert delegates to Convention II-the young tunity to stop a never-ending, danger­ and a three-week stay in the kibbutz. people-determine the consent. Educa­ ous, expensive dedication of resources Texas may be famous for its hospitality, tion for citizenship involvement is but the three teens interviewed said their to an unfruitful, meaningless exercise state can't compete with the welcome given what Convention II is all about. in one-upmanship. by the Israelis. Ismael especially remembers Programs such as this one are an im­ The time is right for this proposal. nights spent talking to new Israeli friends portant learning experience for our students, and can be a deciding factor We believe that it will not interfere and the closeness he felt with his adopted with any of the ongoing or planned ef­ Israeli family. when it comes time for them to choose As for coming back home, as Kimberly a career. Let us wish this year's dele­ forts of the administration in the area said, "You went over there, and became a gates and all future delegates contin­ of nuclear arms limitation and reduc­ new person, and you want to be that person tion. In fact, if there is a favorable re­ back here, too. But it's virtually impossible ued success.• sponse, this could just be the action . . . In Israel you never go shopping that will enhance the chances for This society is just too different."• CONFERENCE ON NUCLEAR meaningful talks further down the "FREEZE" road. CONVENTION II Therefore, I hope that the rest of Congress together with the over 100 HON. SILVIO 0. CONTE Members of the House and the Senate, HON. ROBERT GARCIA OF MASSACHUSETTS as well as the administration and the OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rest of the Nation, will get behind this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, March 10, 1982 resolution to let the rest of the world Wednesday, March 10, 1982 e Mr. CONTE. Mr. Speaker, there is know how serious we are about resolv­ e Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, from no advantage to be gained by continu­ ing the threat of nuclear annihila­ February 10 through 14, 1982, 150 ing this spiraling buildup of nuclear tion.• 3914: EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 10, 1982 EDUCATION: A RECOMMITMENT read and add? Is it necessary to pay At a recent news conference the over $600 million to help teach 17 mil­ President observed that "in this time lion teenagers electronic circuitry and of great unemployment there were 24 HON. LEON E. PANETTA welding? Can we justify appropriating full pages of classified ads of employ­ OF CALIFORNIA over $800 million every year to in­ ers looking for employees. What we IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES struct the three R's to 4 million handi­ need is to make more people qualified capped children nationwide? To to go and apply for those jobs, and we Wednesday, March 10, 1982 answer these questions we have to are doing everything we can in that e Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, "soap look at the facts. Since the scale of regard." and education," noted Mark Twain, such ambitious Federal programs can Yet, even though the President ap­ "are not as sudden as a massacre, but make any cost/benefit analysis of pears to acknowledge that most unem­ they are more deadly in the long run." them practically incomprehensible in ployment is structural and has pledged Francis Bacon, with no mention of hy­ human terms, I would like to discuss to attack the problem, he has-as the giene, observed: "Knowledge is a three hypothetical but not atypical New York Times declared in a recent power." Both Twain's wit and Bacon's children. editorial-"emasculated" Federal job brevity serve to remind us today that Nancy is in the fourth grade. Her training programs, large and small, de­ quality education with equal opportu­ family's income falls in the bottom spite the fact that over 1 million nity for all is the very foundation of people have joined the unemployment the strength of our democracy and the third of the American income scale. health of our economy. There is Since her skills are below the average lines since November 1980 and a ma­ simply nothing more important than for children her age, Nancy receives jority of Americans, according to a an educated and productive citizenry. special remedial assistance from a recent Newsweek poll, feel that job I am greatly concerned over the teacher whose salary is paid funds training funds should be increased. President's proposal to reduce Federal from title I of the Elementary and Similarly, a Gallop study revealed that education support by 41 percent over Secondary Education Act. Conceived the American public, recognizing the the next 3 years. In fact, a policy pur­ 16 years ago to help close the educa­ need to upgrade the skills of our work­ suing massive reductions in education­ tional gap for children living in poor force, desires more vocational educa­ al and research resources is completely districts, title I is now such a basic tion programs in their schools. While inconsistent with the kind of solutions part of the American school system the Nation is facing a massive skilled­ we need to meet our present problems. that most people take it for granted. labor shortage and vocational educa­ When America enjoyed a postwar Before Nancy, over 90 million disad­ tion is already experiencing difficulty productivity boom, our expanding vantaged children from over 87 per­ in meeting these demands, the Presi­ economy allowed Government to seek cent of the Nation's 16,000 school dis­ dent has proposed that vocational and and define need rather than forcing it tricts have benefited from title I pro­ adult education programs take a 32.4- to set priorities. We as a nation are grams. Living in California, Nancy is percent reduction from the level of currently on the threshold of making one of 85 percent of those children services provided last year. important decisions that will have known to be eligible and in need of While State and local funds support long-term economic, political, and title I services to be actually enrolled the daily vocational operations, the social effects. We face the dilemma of in a title I program. If the President is Federal support-minimal but essen­ matching limited resources to expand­ successful in reducing title I funding tial-keeps vocational education on ing needs. Economists look at the ef­ by nearly $1 billion-a one-third the cutting edge of the new technolo­ fects of every policy in three ways: single-year cut, Nancy's school district gy. If we whittle away at the Federal The short run, the long run, and the and the State of California would face vocational role, we all lose. For exam­ very long run. However, when a stu­ the devils choice of reducing services ple: David is a high school senior en­ dent once asked economist John May­ by over $100 per child or providing aid rolled in an advanced electrical engi­ nard Keynes why he consistently ig­ to only 65 percent of those known to neering class funded through voca­ nored the third case, Keynes replied: be needy. tional resources. A recent Ohio State "In the very long run we are all dead." The annual cost to the Government University study found that David can Well, the very long run is upon us and for improving the mind of one disad­ expect to make 12 percent more in his some of us are still here. It is time for vantaged child such as Nancy is about lifetime than those students denied creative solutions to current problems. $500. If Nancy is allowed to remain in vocational education training. Thus, Most of all, it is time to set priorities. a strong title I program, recent Feder­ David replaces every tax dollar invest­ Education, I believe, must be a priori­ al studies predict that she will have ed in him 2 years after his graduation. ty. Any social policy that ignores this significantly higher test scores than In succeeding years the Government simple fact, by pursuing quick-fix edu­ those children who are not-but collects dividends on its original in­ cation cuts-in an attempt to bolster should be-enrolled in a title I pro­ vestment, the economy benefits from the economy-is both shortsighted gram. When as a result of a better increased worker productivity, and and counterproductive. The Presi­ education Nancy graduates from high David enjoys a higher standard of dent's 1983 education budget has a school to become a productive, taxpay­ living, providing greater opportunity third strike against it: The proposed ing citizen, the difference to the Gov­ for his children. cuts are inarguably inequitable and ernment is an average net gain of Declaring that every child has the threaten our commitment to equal $200,000 over her life time. Thus, title right to a "free and appropriate educa­ educational opportunity. I funds, helping Nancy to climb that tion," Congress passed Public Law 94- Even as I speak the Federal Govern­ educational ladder, served both to in­ 142, the Education for All Handi­ ment is paying less than 10 cents of crease the tax base of society at large capped Children Act, 6 years ago to every education dollar spent in this and develop the potential of a single end past handicapped education policy country. Since most Federal money individual. If instead Nancy were cut of exclusion, segregation, and ware­ supplements State and local funding, from title I programing, the chances house programing. The President's it may not seem to be a major call of are greatly increased that she would proposal to cut handicapped education alarm that the President has proposed slide through the broken rungs, that resources by 31 percent for the 1982-83 to chop 41 percent of the branches off the Government would end up deliver­ school year would force the State of the Federal educational tree over 3 ing transfer payments to support California to weigh paying $55 less per years. It is not unfair to ask basic Nancy and her children, and that child against dropping 6,000 students questions: Should we spend over $3 bil­ Nancy would never snap the vicious from the program entirely. What is lion to help 5 million poor children cycle of proverty and illiteracy. gained when one handicapped child is March 10, 1982 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 3915 denied equal educational opportunity? made. Nationwide the loss of over 2.4 Corporation support could not even Once again it is illuminating to study a million awards would force hundreds begin to make up the difference in lost single case. Recently, the mother of a of thousands of students to either financial aid resources. As Dr. Edward severely handicapped child testified drop out of school or change their aca­ E. Davis, Jr., the president of the before a House committee. We can call demic plans. Exxon Research and Engineering In­ him Alex: Alex's specialness has cost Ironically, such drastic cuts to Fed­ stitute noted, "even if the industrial the taxpayers about $44,000 thus far. eral financial aid programs would ac­ support for university research is tri­ Because of the help he receives now, tually cost the taxpayers more money. pled, it would not equal the proposed he will not later need SSI, special It costs about $8,000 per year to edu­ cut to these funds in just 1 year." Mi­ housing, food stamps, medicaid, or cate a single undergraduate-at either chael I. Sovern, president of Columbia other assistance. He will probably pay a private or public school. Suppose University, recently issued this $80,000 worth of taxes if he works 40