October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10819 can build the bridges of learning for ISSUES YET TO BE SOLVED IN penny of the surplus until the Social our students to cross over this bridge THE DO-NOTHING CONGRESS Security Trust Fund is strengthened to the 21st Century like we are building The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under through the 21st Century. infrastructures, roads, and bridges in the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- But the Republicans did not want to our towns and in our cities. uary 7, 1997, the gentleman from New deal with that. They did not want to Yes, the President’s initiative is one Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) is recognized for deal with Social Security. They did not that we embrace, members and com- 60 minutes as the designee of the mi- care about Social Security. They just missioners on the National Commis- nority leader. wanted to get some quick tax breaks, sion on Teaching and America’s Fu- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would again primarily for the wealthy. ture, a think tank that speaks to edu- like to spend the hour this evening The second thing I wanted to men- cation, because we want to make sure with some of my Democratic col- tion tonight, and I know that most of that our children do have the quality leagues basically reiterating what we my colleagues are going to talk about, of qualified teachers, reduce class sizes have been saying the last few days or the Democrats education initiative, where there will be more individualized the last few weeks; and that is that, be- the school modernization program, the training, after-school programs where cause of the Republican leadership’s in- proposal to add 100,000 teachers to they can further this training and also attention, if you will, to the budget bring class size down. enhance their knowledge, and, yes, and to the needs of the American peo- These are really the two issues that school construction. ple, and because of their unwillingness we insist must be addressed before this Children must have an environment to reach out and deal with some of the Congress adjourns. But what I wanted that is conducive to learning. Our chil- most pressing issues that the public is to point out very briefly is that, not dren deserve no less, and our Nation really crying out for this Congress to only did the Republican leadership not has no recourse if we are to prepare our address, we are now faced here with an- address these important education ini- future leaders for this global work- other day and another continuing reso- tiatives, but they spent a tremendous place. lution because there is no budget be- amount of time this last year trying to cause the Republican leadership has take away money from public schools f not passed a budget and is basically and give it to private schools in the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. trying to get out of town, have this form of vouchers. HILL). Under a previous order of the Congress adjourn, without addressing I consider this one of the most ex- House, the gentleman from Minnesota some of the major concerns that we as treme parts of the GOP agenda, this (Mr. MINGE) is recognized for 5 min- Democrats feel should have been ad- anti-public education agenda they have utes. dressed and still could be addressed if been pursuing over the last 2 years. (Mr. MINGE addressed the House. His the Republican leadership would only Even the conservative Washington remarks will appear hereafter in the take them up. I just mention a few like Times acknowledges, and I just want to Extensions of Remarks.) HMO reform, education initiatives, the quote, ‘‘that the ground breaking school voucher provision is the first f need to address concerns about Social Security. step in a larger Republican effort to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a I just wanted to point out that, due shift Federal aid away from public previous order of the House, the gen- to excessive partisanship, we have seen schools while making it easier for par- tleman from Connecticut (Mr. SHAYS) the Republican leadership waste time ents to send their children to private is recognized for 5 minutes. on a very extremist agenda in this Con- schools. School vouchers use scarce (Mr. SHAYS addressed the House. His gress and not deal with the issues that taxpayer dollars to subsidize attend- remarks will appear hereafter in the really should be dealt with. ance of private and religious schools Extensions of Remarks.) I just wanted to mention two tonight rather than improving the public f before I introduce and yield time to schools.’’ I am going to use a quote from one of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a some of my colleagues. One is this raid my colleagues, a Republican, the gen- previous order of the House, the gentle- on the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for tax breaks, if you will, pri- tlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. ROU- woman from New York (Mrs. MCCAR- marily for the wealthy, and the second KEMA) because some of the Republicans THY) is recognized for 5 minutes. on the other side share the Democratic (Mrs. McCARTHY addressed the is school vouchers. What we saw just a few weeks ago view on this, although the leadership House. Her remarks will appear here- was really the most alarming of the ex- was clearly against us. after in the Extensions of Remarks.) tremist proposals passed by the Repub- The gentlewoman from New Jersey f lican Congress, and that was H.R. 4579, (Mrs. ROUKEMA) said, and I quote, ‘‘ul- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the GOP tax break bill. This raided the timately these school vouchers will re- previous order of the House, the gen- Social Security Trust Fund to pay for sult in gutting the public school sys- tleman from New Jersey (Mr. an $80 billion election year tax break. tem. Because vouchers will be sending PASCRELL) is recognized for 5 minutes. The House Republicans passed their more and more of our scarce financial (Mr. PASCRELL addressed the tax, their tax cut bill on September 26 resources out of the public system and House. His remarks will appear here- by a vote of 229 to 195, and they said into the private system.’’ after in the Extensions of Remarks.) they were using the surplus for tax Mr. Speaker, this is just the begin- cuts. ning of what the far right wants to do f But what the Republicans failed to to destroy public education. They The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a point out was that, without the Social wanted to eliminate the Department of previous order of the House, the gentle- Security Trust Fund, there was no sur- Education, and they want to take woman from Oregon (Ms. FURSE) is rec- plus. Indeed, 98 percent of the surplus money from the public schools and give ognized for 5 minutes. from fiscal year 1999 through fiscal it to the private schools. (Ms. FURSE addressed the House. year 2008 comes from the surplus in the Just an example of a couple of ex- Her remarks will appear hereafter in Social Security Trust Fund. pressions that have been made by some the Extensions of Remarks.) That is virtually all the surplus re- of the far right proponents, if you will, flects, anticipated buildup in the So- who are advocates of this. This is a f cial Security Trust Fund to pay future quote from Pat Robertson, founder of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Social Security benefits. To spend this the Christian coalition. He says, ‘‘the previous order of the House, the gen- Social Security surplus on tax cuts is public education movement has always tleman from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) is rec- to endanger the future benefits of So- been an antiChristian movement.’’ Can ognized for 5 minutes. cial Security recipients, our senior you imagine suggesting that somehow (Mr. BROWN addressed the House. citizens and future senior citizens. public schools are antiChristian? His remarks will appear hereafter in Democrats have proposed saving So- Another quote from Jerry Falwell, the Extensions of Remarks.) cial Security first, preserving every founder of the Moral Majority, and I H10820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 quote, ‘‘I hope to live to see the day away? We learned immediately that The reality is that the general public when we will not have any public smaller classes mean training more wants us to protect their environment. schools. The churches will have taken educators, means hiring more teachers, They like clean air, they like clean them over again, and Christians will be and building more classrooms. water, and they like the parks and for- running them. What a happy day that So we have a mandate in California, ests we all treasure. The American peo- will be.’’ for grades K through three, 18 is the ple will not tolerate these constant at- Now I do not mean to take away largest class that a school can have; tacks. They not only care about them- from people who want to send they’re and they do not have any classrooms selves, they care about their children children to religious schools. I think it and the teachers are not certified. and their children’s children and all is great. I have no problem with it So that is why President Clinton has the children in the future. whatsoever. But do not make the pub- asked the Congress to pass legislation Between the Republican attacks on lic school system somehow the devil, if which will allow schools across Amer- education and our environment, per- you will, in something that should be ica to hire and train 100,000 new quali- haps a do-nothing Congress is best be- destroyed. That is what I am fearful is fied teachers. That’s why President cause it might be the best we could happening here. Clinton has asked the Congress to pass hope for. Unfortunately, when this So I wanted to point out tonight that legislation to help communities with Congress decided to do something, they it is not just a question of the fact that their unsafe schools, renovate their old decided to do something in the wrong the Republican leadership will not take schools, and build new schools. direction. up our education initiatives but that What answers do my Republican col- We can only hope the Republicans see they have an entirely different agenda. leagues give to the President? Their the light, the light of important issues They basically want to destroy the answer is education block grants and such as education for our children, our public school system. I do not think vouchers for private schools. But we all number one priority, and environment there is anything less than that they know that block grants and vouchers for ourselves, our future and our chil- have in mind. That is not true of all of do not make the grade. Block grants dren’s future. my colleagues on the other side, but I and vouchers do not repair crumbling Hopefully on election day, the Amer- think true of those who are in charge. schools or get more teachers into the ican people will show the majority Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- classroom. party the way. It is really a good thing that this woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY), Mr. PALLONE. I just want to thank Congress is not on a pass-fail grading who has been so supportive of this ef- the gentlewoman again for bringing up method because, so far, my Republican fort with regard to the Democrats edu- the environmental issue and basically colleagues and this do-nothing Con- cation initiatives. saying that what we have been doing in Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I would gress would fail. the last 2 years is essentially playing But there is still time. We have a lit- like to thank my colleague, the gen- defense here. There has not been any tle bit of time with this week to do tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) effort on the Republican side to do any- some extracurricular work in the om- for holding this special order and shar- thing progressive with regard to the nibus appropriations bill to make ing it with us tonight. environment. We have simply had to classes smaller, to make schools safer, I would like to talk about two issues defend and prevent them from making and to make our children our number under this, what I am kind of coining things worse with these terrible envi- one priority around this country. as the ‘‘do-nothingness Congress.’’ It About the environment. We are also ronmental riders. There has never been just keeps coming up and coming up to waiting to see whether the Republicans a suggestion of reauthorizing the Clean me. One the environment, and two edu- are going to hold our precious environ- Water Act or the Clean Air Act or the cation. ment hostage during these last days of Endangered Species Act in a way that I would like to start with education, this do-nothing Congress. They added would be more protective of the earth because I keep hearing the other side of many harmful riders to the interior ap- or the environment. the aisle talking and talking about all The same is true with respect to edu- propriations bill that President Clinton they have accomplished in education in cation. Now we are insisting that there would have vetoed, so we did not even this Congress, and it makes me think be some progress on education initia- vote on it. that some of them, some of our Repub- Now they are working in the back tives like modernizing our schools, but lican colleagues need to go back to rooms, and I am scared to death that we basically have been playing defense school themselves, because these edu- they are going to add these riders to against this effort to tear down public cation initiatives passed this year, the the omnibus appropriations bill. This education with vouchers and other ef- education bills passed in this Congress will make the appropriations bill forts to slash funding for education. I simply do not add up to meet the real unpassable, adding to the do-nothing- want to thank the gentlewoman for needs of our kids and our schools. ness of this Congress. bringing that up. Our children, 25 percent of our popu- I joined many of my colleagues writ- Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, will lation, 100 percent of our future, and ing to the President, asking him to op- the gentleman yield? the Republican agenda does not make pose such assaults on public health, Mr. PALLONE. I yield to the gen- the grade when you consider how im- public lands, and our public treasury; tleman from North Carolina, who real- portant our children’s education and and I am hopeful that the majority ly is an expert on education issues. their future and their education is to party will do what is right. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I not only their future but our future. Some of these riders range from leav- thank the gentleman from New Jersey So those of us who have done our ing our beautiful lands unprotected to (Mr. PALLONE) for organizing this hour homework know that overcrowded leaving our children exposed to toxic and I am proud to have an opportunity classrooms are one of the biggest ob- chemicals. Everyone, Republican and to spend a few minutes with my demo- stacles to improving education for Democrat alike, should agree that cratic colleagues talking about this these important children. We have read these important policy issues should whole issue of education. the studies that confirm that what par- not be solved through back-door meth- It is interesting to me. Education ents and teachers all over the country ods on appropriations bills. really should not be a partisan issue, already know, and that is that smaller but unfortunately in this Congress it class sizes result in a better education b 2100 is. Children show up at the public experience and better education re- Sometimes the Republicans actually schools. They do not come as Demo- sults. do the environment a favor by doing crats or Republicans. When they start, In fact, even my very Republican nothing at all, and that was evident they only know what they get, not Governor in California, Governor Wil- last week when the omnibus parks bill, what they need, and that is unfortu- son, has made my home State step up which contained many harmful envi- nate. Many times children, depending to smaller class sizes and made that a ronmental measures, was soundly de- on the income of their parents or what priority in California. But do my col- feated, with Democrats and Repub- part of town they may come from, that leagues know what we learned right licans alike. is what they may wind up with in October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10821 terms of their opportunity for edu- military. If we are going to compete in that money. They ought to go to the cation, which in turn dictates to the the world economy, our next challenge classroom where the children are. quality of life they may have later, and is to make sure our children, all of our I was a superintendent and there are certainly dictates the quality of life children, no matter what their eco- some mighty good people out there and their family will have because edu- nomic or ethnic background is, that I trust them. I was in business for 19 cation really is the one thing that lev- they get an opportunity to get an edu- years, too. I had my books audited els the playing field, and I mean public cation. every year by a CPA. I trusted my peo- education because depending on the As we put those teachers out there, ple, but I did not trust them that State, in this country roughly 90 per- we need to make sure they have a qual- much. I do not think this Congress is cent of the children are in public ity place to go to school, and that is going to trust dollars to be thrown out. schools. In some States, in my home why we need to build buildings. We ought to require that it be in the State, it is almost 95 percent and it I have been into probably more classroom where children are, because I varies from State to State. school rooms than any other person in believe it is that important to reduce That is why we need to do everything the 8 years I was superintendent of the class sizes. we can to support the public institu- schools of North Carolina, and we have I do not need to stand here this tion that has really made a difference spent a lot of money. We spent $1.8 bil- evening and share with my colleagues in this country of providing an eco- lion in a bond issue we passed at the and the American people that it is im- nomic opportunity for so many people State level 2 years ago, and who knows portant to reduce class sizes. Teachers to move into the middle class in Amer- how much the locals have spent, but we know it is. Parents know that it is. The ica. That has been public education. are still behind. We have children in PTAs across this country support it. Let me ask a question: How did we trailers, and yet there are places in It is amazing to me, I never cease to get here? How did we get to the condi- this country where we have children in be amazed when I come on this floor, tion we are in? Because most of the classrooms that a person would abso- when people have all the answers about people who want to take the public lutely not operate a business. They all the issues and yet we have profes- school money in this Congress and turn would not operate a business because sionals in our classrooms that have it into vouchers and give it to private the buildings are in that kind of a con- gone, and I assume our colleges are schools, to those that already have it, dition. doing a good job, most of them, train- came through the public schools in this How do you say to a child that edu- ing teachers, they know what children country. So they had an opportunity to cation is important when they ride by need and yet we are going to tell them step up to the plate and enjoy that a prison on the way to school that is what they need. They do know. They great smorgasbord we call public edu- nicer than the building they are going know that their children need a good, cation in America that many around into to get an education? Children are warm, comfortable place to learn. They the world would love to have the oppor- not dumb. They are pretty bright. need a smaller class size. tunity to get, who come to our shores They can figure things out. They know It is not necessary to be a college- on a daily basis and walk into the what is important in their community. educated person to understand if there doors of our public schools. Many of That is why it is important that we are 29 students in a classroom or 16, them cannot speak the English lan- pass, before this Congress goes home, which class is going to get more atten- guage, and we need to do a better job of and we ought to stay no matter how tion from the teacher. The President is making sure they have that oppor- long it takes, to put some money out right. We need smaller class sizes. If it tunity. there to supplement, only to supple- is done in kindergarten through the There are many in this Congress, of ment, what locals are doing; to build third grade, the data is there. It is ab- the majority party now, in this Con- the buildings that need to be built; to solutely irrefutable, that if it is put gress, who would like to take away repair the buildings that are decaying. there it can be seen. It has been done in that opportunity. We have classrooms that the windows Tennessee. We are doing some of it in It amazes me the challenge that we are out. We have got classrooms that North Carolina; not enough. We are face in trying to improve the quality of are cold in winter when they ought to trying to get it in all the kindergarten education and the fights we have had be heated. We have got classrooms that through the third grades, but I can say this year to gain every inch of ground are in deplorable conditions across this this evening if a child cannot read by we have gotten. country and it varies from community the time that child is in the third The President has asked for funds for to community. grade, they are in deep trouble. It is teachers. We just passed a higher edu- For someone to stand on this House more likely the child will be a dropout. cation bill that provides for training of floor and say to the children of Amer- That child most likely will drop out of our teachers, the change that needs to ica, that is not the role of the Federal school. If they do not drop out of be made. Many of us, and I was fortu- Government, I can remember when it school, they struggle and they strug- nate enough to be a part of the legisla- was not the role of the Federal Govern- gle. They will become a discipline prob- tion that incorporated character edu- ment, if I read my history, to build lem and there are all kinds of problems cation, really to put back in the train- roads. I remember when it was not the in the schools. ing of our teachers, which is an impor- role of the Federal Government to put Others want to say it is a school tant component. money in water and sewer because we problem. It is not the school’s problem. I mention that only to say in the six- did not have water and sewer. There It is our problem. Those children are ties when the Sputnik went up, and we were so few people in this country, all our children. Whether they are our had challenges in this country in math, they had a house out behind the house biological children or not, they are in science, et cetera, we poured the dol- they went to, but we have changed in children of America, and they have a lars in at the higher education level to America. In America, we have water right to a good education. We have the train engineers. We trained doctors. We and sewer. We have treatment plants. resources. We ought to be doing it. put the dollars in and paid for it be- There are places where we do not have There are a lot of things we do that are cause that was part of our national de- enough because we need to put more to important, but nothing is more impor- fense. We saw that as a mission, some- clean up our water, but we have tant than the dollars that this Con- thing we should do. changed as a country. gress ought to put in, before we go Today that is still true in our public Education is among the highest pri- home this week, to make sure we have schools. That is the foundation that we orities we have in America today and, a decent classroom, where we can, for build on, and yet there are those that yes, we have a role in it. We can argue children to go to, and that they have a would say to us, in the Republican about how we are going to get it there. reduced class size where teachers can Party, that is not a responsibility of I happen to believe that if we are do the job they have been hired to do. Congress. going to put 100,000 teachers out there, We talk about we want academic Why, of course it is a responsibility. they ought to go to the schools and we standards, and I happen to believe it is Our first challenge is to defend our bor- ought not to let a bunch of people de- important to have it. We are going to ders, and our national defense, and our cide what they are going to do with get it if we reduce those class sizes and H10822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 allow teachers to do the job they were the gentleman talked about the need far enough to the next station to buy hired to do. for the funds for school modernization. them a new battery. Last year, I served as co-chair of the I think we need to point out, as the That is all we are talking about with Caucus on Education. We laid out a gentleman said, we are really only these funds, to renovate and get those whole package of things that we talking about a small amount of dol- schools running. Then when you get thought were important for education lars here. the vehicle running, people say it looks that would strengthen our schools all Essentially what this does, from the pretty good, I am going to loan you across this country, first class public way I understand it, is it gives Federal enough money to buy you a new bat- schools with academic excellence, and tax credits to pay the interest on the tery. That is what we really are talk- we get there by doing these and many bonds. And the problem you have in a ing about with the bonds to renovate other things. We talk about getting lot of the public schools, including in and build some new buildings. parents involved. Parents get involved my own district these days, is that Mr. PALLONE. I thank the gen- when they are proud of the schools they cannot afford to put out these tleman, and I want to yield to the gen- their children go to. bonds to build additions or renovate tlewoman from Connecticut who has It is easy to have pride in a building the schools because the costs of the in- taken the leadership on this. that is nice. It is easy to have pride in terest rate is too high. Ms. DELAURO. I want to thank my a building where the teacher knows the If you could give us an example, if colleagues for their really eloquent children and when the principal is en- you would briefly, about how that comments. A lot of us are here tonight, gaged and when computers are in- would help in North Carolina. I am not going to speak very long, be- volved, and that will happen. Public Mr. ETHERIDGE. If the gentleman cause there are lots of people whose tax dollars will improve public edu- will yield, you are absolutely correct, voices ought to be heard. It is a critical cation if the dollars go to the schools because what it would amount to is a issue. It is a values issue. It is who we and do not wind up in vouchers for pri- school system, let us say, well, I will are and what we define as a priority for this Nation. vate schools. use my own state, North Carolina, let I have often said education is the I said, when I was state superintend- us say when it is approved by Congress, great equalizer in this country, and it ent, I would fight for the right, I still assuming it is approved this week, let has allowed for so many of us, what- say that as a Member of Congress, for us say North Carolina is allocated, as ever our gender or religious affiliation an example, $200 million for the state, any person who wants to send their or party affiliation or socioeconomic whatever that number is. That is an child to a parochial or private school. status the ability to use our God-given easy figure to work with. That is their right. But I will fight just talents in order to try to succeed. And as hard to make sure they do not take Then the state would in turn allocate that to the local systems based on it is a mystery to me that here we are one penny of tax money to be used for at 9:20 at night, and for almost the last whatever need formula they use. Then that because we do not have enough two years, or at least a year, have been they would in turn sell those bonds at money in our public schools. trying to focus in on education, some the local level to build the schools or The last time I checked the public very simple proposals that the Presi- renovate as they needed, and the Fed- schools in my State, the PTAs were dent laid out last January, and that we eral Government would pick up the in- having bake sales to make sure they want to try to have our children have terest, and the people who buy it, of have enough money for the schools. We some opportunity for some attention in course, would check that off on their do not need to be taking the hard schools, to reduce the class size, not taxes, would be one way to do it. earned tax dollars from the citizens of just because of numbers. That is not But however it works out, it would my State or this country, in America, what the issue is. and not putting them back where they mean that the local unit of govern- You take the class size and you re- are well spent, in our public schools. ment, and that is the important thing, duce that number in grades one There are more things I could say you are passing down, we are allowing through three from sometimes 22, 24, about it because I believe very strongly at the Federal level building that part- 26, up to 32, 36 students in a classroom our public schools are the foundation, nership that I think is so important. today, down to 18, and you allow that really it is the foundation, that our de- We are not taking away any of the teacher to have some individual time mocracy is built upon. Jefferson said if authority at the local level. We are be- with each and every child. So that I we expect to remain a free and demo- coming a partner. We are not the sen- know that my youngster is going to get cratic society, we must be a well edu- ior partner in this situation, we are the the benefit of some individualized at- cated society, and I still believe that. junior partner, and doing it on a one tention. Mr. PALLONE. I just wanted to ask time basis. That also helps the teacher to deal the gentleman one thing, though, be- For those who want to talk like we with a better environment for learning, cause he is so knowledgeable on the are the big brother, in this case we are better discipline opportunities, when subject. First, let me say that it is the little-bitty brother, because they you have got a smaller number of chil- amazing to me, and I am glad the gen- are doing about 90 percent of the work dren, all with the express purpose of tleman brought up this whole ideology at the local level, and the truth is of looking at increasing our standards, that somehow the Federal Government the Federal funds flowing to the local making both teachers and students is not supposed to get involved in pub- level, in my state it is about 7 percent, more accountable, and, in essence, lic education, I do not know how our and I think it varies from state to more of an opportunity to learn. colleagues on the other side, the Re- state, but it is somewhere around 9 per- That is one of the proposals we are publican leadership on the other side, cent maximum of Federal dollars flow- here talking about and struggling for, can say on the one hand that they do ing to the local level. quite frankly: Increase the numbers of not want to fund public education but Education has always, will be, and teachers, 100,000 teachers. We have had then say it is okay philosophically to continue to be a local issue, and so are a wonderfully successful increase in pay through vouchers for private edu- facilities. But all we are talking about the number of cops on the beat, com- cation. is helping those who have the greatest munity policing, because we had a need at a time when they are really b COPS Program with a partnership be- 2115 struggling. They are trying to put as tween the Federal Government and To me, it is even more extreme, if many dollars as they can into curricu- local government to increase the num- you will, to say on the one hand that lum offerings and in teachers, and all ber of policemen on the beat in our you do not think we should get in- we are doing is supplementing two country. volved with the public sphere, but it is pieces, the facility for a little while, to This is a very similar type program. okay to get in the private sphere with give them a jump start. Let us increase the number of teachers. public dollars. Ideologically that It is like having a car alongside the Better education, more safety, these makes no sense to me. road and the battery is weak, but the are the kinds of values that the people I also wanted to mention, and maybe engine will run. So we are going to give that we represent have asked us to en- you could just develop this a little bit, them a jump start until they can get gage in. October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10823 Modernizing our schools, not because I am afraid and sad to say that not able to make those relationships be- our kids ought to go to school in pal- all, but particularly the leadership on tween the neighborhood and the school aces and these grandiose buildings, but the other side of the aisle, does not be- to be able to bring that into the school. in fact in some places with falling roofs lieve that government has any role to I know I have colleagues here that and paint and exposed wiring and a play in providing those opportunities have been waiting here to speak this whole variety of poor infrastructure in for our kids, and that is a sad day. My evening, but I did want to mention our public facilities, it is to clean up hope is that we will turn that around that it is I think noteworthy that our that problem. in the next few days of this Congress. democratic colleague, JIM MALONEY, But probably more importantly than I thank the gentleman and I thank has been working very, very hard on the bricks and the mortar is the oppor- my colleagues for the opportunity to this issue. And, if I might also indicate tunity. I have got lots of old buildings share this with them tonight. that as we look to the closing days, I in my district in Connecticut. We are Mr. PALLONE. I just wanted to cannot think of a more important mes- an old industrial city. We cannot wire thank the gentlewoman, and before I sage to send to children in terms of our these facilities up to the Internet. We yield to the next member, I was glad belief in them and their future, but to cannot give our kids the kinds of ade- that you brought up the point about provide them with safe, clean, modern quate ability and technology that al- the COPS grant, because this is very schools, with teachers that are pre- lows for them to be able to compete much, this hiring of the additional pared, with math and science labs that and to succeed. That is what mod- 100,000 teachers, is very much modeled are of high quality, with technology, ernization is about. on the COPS grant. computers that they can access the So, I mean, these are three kinds of We had someone, I think it was the Internet in a safe way. We have the op- areas that it seems to me are very Republican whip or one of the Repub- portunity in the remaining days of this basic. And here we are over the last lican leaders the other night, was sug- session to provide our children with a year fighting for these issues, with the gesting that somehow the COPS grant very important message about our be- President leading the way, and we are program had not been successful. And I lief in them and the importance of at the last hour of this Congress, when cannot think of any program that has their future. we have been unable to even get a hear- been more successful. b 2130 ing on any of these critically impor- I know in my hometown, we have had tant issues. And our hope is that we the opportunity to hire a lot of addi- Mr. PALLONE. I know that the gen- can in the next remaining days of this tional policemen. The crime rate has tlewoman has been a leader in pointing Congress, or even the remaining hours, gone way down. These are community out the need to upgrade, if you will, we have got time. We have got time. police officers. They have to be out on schools so that they have computers We can do it. The majority, the Repub- the street. and high-tech equipment and that type lican majority in this body, if they They also suggested that somehow of thing. Just give us a little informa- wanted to, in a heartbeat, in a heart- there was a lot of strings attached by tion on how important that is and how beat, could decide that that is where the Federal Government. It has not this modernization program could be our goals are, that is where our prior- been that way at all. Basically the only used for that, because I think most ities are. requirement is that there be some local people just think we are talking about These are what our values are about. match to pay for the police officers, bricks and mortar. It is not just that. I have just one more comment to and that the police officers, you know, Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, we are make, because I think there is a very have certain benefits and that they definitely talking about really two big difference, a very, very big dif- serve in the community policing capac- phases. One, you have to have buildings ference, in the philosophy that we ity. In other words, they cannot stay in that are modern enough to be able to bring to this body. the headquarters. They have to be out be wired. We have schools around the No one here, that is here tonight, to on the street, I think maybe in police country where we could not begin to talk about this issue, believes that gov- cars or on the sidewalk, but out there wire them for the Internet because the ernment should do everything for peo- with the community. walls are falling down. They do not ple. That is not what this is about, be- And it has been fantastic, the num- have the ability to be connected. cause there are those on the other side ber of people that have been hired But if they do, and in my district, of the aisle that say our colleagues around the country and the impact on through volunteer efforts, because we want to just throw money at this prob- the crime rate. It has gone down sig- have not been able to get the support lem. nificantly. And all the Federal Govern- from the government to partner with That is not it at all, especially when ment really does is to provide the fund- us, we have been moving ahead with the Federal Government contribution ing, and the communities are clamor- private sector partnerships through to education from kindergarten to 12 ing for this. So the notion that some- Net Days, wiring schools with the pri- years is 7 percent. It is rather minimal, how that was not successful and we vate sector, and so on. We want the when we think about it. should not model it on the COPS grant, Federal Government to be a partner in But the fact is that I happen to be- that is absurd. That is a perfect model. that, as well, so we can reach out to lieve, and I know my colleagues here I yield to the gentlewoman from those schools who have not been able tonight who are speaking on this issue Michigan. to be successful in wiring schools. believe, that in fact it is government’s Ms. STABENOW. I thank the gen- The point of all of that is to make obligation, their obligation, to help tleman. I am very pleased to be with sure that our classrooms look like the people by crafting those tools that are my colleagues tonight. I wanted to at workplace. Right now my daughter necessary for people to meet the chal- this point indicate that when talking just graduated from high school last lenges in their lives. about the COPS Program, if I might year. Her classroom in Lansing, Michi- That is what these programs are just put a plug in for our colleague gan, is an excellent school, but a school about, helping them to meet the chal- from Connecticut, JIM MALONEY, who that is an urban older school, an older lenges of educating their kids, making has been working very hard to expand building. Her classroom looks much sure that their kids have the oppor- the COPS Program to include school like it did when I was in school, and I tunity to succeed for the future. That resource officers, which is another part will not say how long ago, rather than is basic to every parent in this Nation. of our education program, working on looking like the workplace that she As my parents wanted to leave me with safety in the schools, and I have been will enter. We know that we want our the opportunities to succeed, each and very pleased to work with Congress- children to be coming into a classroom every one of us views it as our respon- man MALONEY, who has been successful that is preparing them for what they sibility to help our kids have a better in placing additional dollars into the will face in the workplace, the kinds of future, and we happen to believe that budget to expand the wonderful COPS equipment, the kinds of technology. in fact government has a role in help- Program to allow those same officers I want very much for my children to ing to that end; not to do everything, that are trained in mediation, preven- be able to access the Library of Con- but to help in the process. tion, working with young people, being gress, or to be able to learn a foreign H10824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 language, and speak to children in an- States. Yet, we find that almost every I yield to the gentleman from New other part of the world in that lan- State type of crime is being federal- York (Mr. OWENS). guage. How much more exciting that ized, until our Federal prisons are Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I know the is. There are safe ways to provide ac- bursting at the seams. gentleman is running out of time. I cess to the Internet for children that When we first saw this Contract With will enter into the RECORD an article allow them to open up history, to study America, they were saying that the that appeared in the New York Daily art by going to the Louvre through the Federal Government ought to get out News on Sunday, October 11, about a Internet; wonderful opportunities to of everything: ought to get out of school that is in my district, PS 91. open up the world of knowledge. health care, ought to get out of Medi- The article referred to is as follows: That is what we have the ability to care, ought to get out of social secu- [Daily News, Sun. Oct. 11, 1998] rity. Of course, education was not even do right now. We need to make sure OBSTACLE COURSE there, because public education they that not only children who can afford (By Nancie L. Katz) to have that technology at home have truly believe we should not be involved in, just provide incentives for the pri- Public School 91 has been falling down the world open to them, but that every around the 1,100 students and 50 teachers child in every neighborhood school has vate sector to work its will. who learn and work there. that, as well. I tell the Members this, as we look Students every day have had to navigate a So we have been working, as Demo- and see that this great Nation of ours treacherous path around jagged holes, falling crats, to provide that structure, to has 1.5 million people locked up in plaster, contaminated water, exposed pipes, make sure that that technology is jails, more than any other per capita of wires and brick, and dust and soot. Blocking part of the playground are boiler there, that teachers are prepared, that any Nation in history, and certainly today, and then we evaluate and get trucks—rented since September 1997 for they have the professional develop- about $10,000 a month to heat the school ment tools, that the computers are the profile of that prisoner, and see that he or she never really got an edu- after coal-fired furnaces were deemed too there, that the knowledge is there, and dangerous to keep operating. that it is safe. We know that there are cation, never had a firm foundation, Children at recess in the asphalt play yard also issues of predators on the Inter- never had the options for a decent job skirt a drain that has collected a small pool net, and we have also been addressing or a dream or to assimilate into soci- of dirty water that everyone suspects is ety, and we take a look at the average that as well to make sure that that is backed-up sewage. drug addict or those kids that are get- Pieces of plaster drop from the ceilings, safe. ting pregnant, they are not the ones drafts seep through exposed brick walls that But in the end, we know our children are children’s only barrier from the out- will walk into the workplace where who have had the dreams and hopes that they would have an opportunity in doors, and vermin scamper in through holes every single job they will face will in- in the walls. this great Nation to become a part of volve a computer. We do them a dis- Students bring bottles of water to school the middle class system. service if we do not give them the abil- because the drinking fountains were shut This number continues to grow, and after gushing brown liquid. ity and the sense of comfortableness of the prisons continue to be built, and al- working with that equipment and Dust and soot cover the top two floors, and ways at the expense of our educational nobody knows if there is lead or other con- working with that technology in our institutions. If we go into any State taminants mixed into it. school buildings so they are truly pre- budget, we would see the relationship Bubbling floor tiles in the hall go pared. between the decrease in the money for unbuffed—custodians and officials are afraid Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want education and the increase in the they’ll stir up asbestos insulation under- to thank the gentlewoman. I think it is neath. money for incarceration. It just seems A fire alarm doesn’t work. very important that we point out that to me that whether we are Republican this modernization money can be used In a city of aged and crumbling school or Democrat, that we should not have buildings, to walk through PS 91 is to walk for that type of purpose. to say that we have to stay here until the halls of shame. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman we get more teachers, that we have to ‘‘It is abominable for children to be sub- from New York (Mr. RANGEL). stay here until we modernize our class- jected to this . . . in the richest country in Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, let me rooms. It seems to me that we would the world,’’ said Principal Solomon Long, first congratulate all of the Members say it is a part of the American dream. whose calls for help have gone unanswered for taking out this special time to talk for eight years. ‘‘It is just unimaginable. I It does not have any label on it. We are have appealed gain and again. So has the about the need for education. all winners when people get a better I was in my office, and just to listen principal before me. But all there has been is chance to be more effective, more pro- to what the gentleman was saying, we patchwork.’’ ductive, pay more taxes, and have Until Thursday night, no one was paying would think this was a developing America to maintain its leadership in attention to the horrendous conditions at country where the poor were just beg- the world. the Wingate elementary school. But after ging for education and opportunity and If we have to stay here, how proud I the Daily News launched an investigation access to job training. We never would am to be part of a party where we know into how the building was allowed to deterio- think that this was the world leader in how important it is to get elected, but rate, it was temporarily closed, children trade, or one on which all of the indus- were shipped to nearby schools and the we say that our kids are more impor- building was flooded with workmen. trialized countries are depending. We tant, because that is what we are here would never think that we were the After surface patching, the school is ex- for. We are here not only to do for pected to reopen Tuesday. Chancellor Rudy farthest out there in technology. today, but we are here to provide a leg- Crew now has promised that funds will be We would think that what we are acy. forthcoming for more extensive repairs. talking about would be a part of our Whether we win or lose in November, The instant response follows years of national security, a part of what was if they say, why were you in Washing- worry by Long about the safety of the ‘‘ba- necessary for the health of our great ton so long, when you should have been bies’’ who attend PS91. Nation to continue to provide the back home campaigning, say, we were Help was supposed to be on the way over international leadership that we do, the summer. Long and District 17 Super- doing it for the kids. They deserve bet- intendent Evelyn Castro said officials prom- and improve the quality of life for our ter than they get. I am proud to be a ised in May that repairs would be made. citizens. Member of this House where people do So Long canceled the summer literacy pro- Yet I was thinking, if we were talk- not have to be in the majority in order gram and a federal feeding program for low- ing about increasing the Federal pen- to be heard. The gentleman is doing income children. Teachers cleared walls and alties for any crime, or the death pen- great work. windows and carefully packed away books alty, or building more prisons, we Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want and other materials. would not have to be here late at night, to thank the gentleman for that The workers never arrived. Staff and chil- because we would know that these speech. There he is so much on point. I dren reported back to the same crumbling institution in September. things somehow our Republican friends do not think we can add anything. I Yet amid all this, learning at PS 91 has believe is part of government, that it is thank the gentleman for coming and gone on. a role that we should play, even though joining us. It really makes the point Led by Long, the school is a work in most crimes are delegated to the about the need for public education. progress. Only 45% of the kindergarten October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10825 through fifth-graders are reading at grade This year, she said, she was too disheart- In April, parents reported white dust and level or above. ened to try to cover the exposed brick, pipes demanded an environmental inspection. As- But that’s 11 percentage points higher than and wires that dominate half her classroom bestos was found. two years ago. Children wear uniforms, and walls. Workers stripped the walls of plaster and hallways, classrooms and the cafeteria are The classrooms’ coast closet is unusable sprayed encapsulant, and tests showed the orderly. because the window in it is missing, and she building was safe, authority spokesman Fred Long says the school has plenty of new is afraid leaks will ruin the children’s coats. Winters said. He said the SCA had no funding books and computers, dedicated staff and in- Her class phoneline dangles unattached. to do further work ‘‘because it is pointless to volved parents. The window frames are so rotted she can- replace plaster or Sheetrock’’ if the outer ‘‘It’s the facility,’’ he said. not hang shades. Her 30 students must keep bricks and roof still leak. The building opened in 1903. Three years shifting around the room to avoid the glar- SCA and board officials met May 5 with en- later, a fourth floor was added, and another ing sun. raged parents, who told of children’s health L-shaped addition came in the 1920s. ‘‘The kids look at this and they wonder problems, including stomachaches, head- In 1971, an annex was added for the lower about their safety . . . about whether adults aches, nausea and itching from dust. grades. It was meant to last 10 years, but is are concerned for them,’’ she said. ‘‘I try to Parents, teacher Jeffrey Garrison and still in use. tell my students that students in the Third Long said Bernie Orlan, the board’s director It’s the main building—mostly the third World and in slavery worked no matter what of environmental health and safety, told and fourth floors—that is most damaged. the conditions.’’ them repairs would be done during the sum- Since March, the board has spent more than Belanda Hobbs’ fourth-graders said they mer. $100,000 to wrap the school with protective didn’t mind the holes in the walls. That’s be- The only work performed at PS 91 was sidewalk bridging—in case bricks tumble cause Hobbs hides one 6-inch hole behind a done Aug. 26, when the board tested for as- down. brightly colored sign. ‘‘Classroom Library.’’ bestos and lead, Crowe said. No asbestos was But there has been nothing to protect the Bookshelves covered other holes and pro- found, but lead was. Workers repainted kin- children inside. tected small feet from a yard-long, dust- dergarten room 103, she said. Every morning, the smallest children line filled gutter where the floor had crumbled Crowe said the ‘‘external modernization’’— up in a room outside the auditorium. Last away from the wall. the cost calculated at $3.5 million—would go winter, the upper part of a wall collapsed. Her portable bulletin board, listing ‘‘Key ahead, although no money was set aside for Children still walk by it everyday—past a Words,’’ camouflaged a jagged hole that it. Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew was inves- folded cafeteria table and a rope offering could easily fit a child’s head. None of the disguises keep out the mice tigating the entire situation, she said. flimsy protection. ‘‘How many more pieces are going to come and other vermin. Mr. Speaker, this article is about a ‘‘I thought of putting a carpet [over the tumbling down on our kids?’’ asked Dwayne school in New York City with horren- gutter] but the mice would eat it up,’’ Hobbs Carrion, a parent activist with the first- said. dous conditions, but it is not atypical. grader. ‘‘It is ridiculous that the people who Yards of exposed brick sprayed with asbes- Washington, D.C. had to have its whole sit in these offices cannot find the time or tos encapsulant dripped down Audrey But- system close down in the fall of 1997 be- resources to address this issue.’’ ler’s classroom walls. The wrapping around cause it had these kinds of horrible No children have been injured seriously, al- an aging pipe was slit, possibly exposing as- conditions in their schools, so other though dozens said small debris has fallen on bestos. them. urban centers have similar problems. I ‘‘I had a rash all last year,’’ she said. ‘‘My am certain that many rural areas have ‘‘One of the plasters fell on my head last daughter begs me not to go to work.’’ year,’’ volunteered Shadae Bowen, 10, hold- Lorraine Williams wipes soot every day similar problems. It is not atypical to ing a piece of Sheetrock about the size of from her fifthgraders’ desks, caused by the have a situation like this. two marbles to demonstrate her point. ‘‘It oil-fired boiler trucks parked beneath her As we come to the close of the 105th hurt. I cried. I had to go to the doctor to see windows. Four students have asthma. session of Congress, I am pleased that if I was okay.’’ Children in Jeffrey Garrison’s fourth-grade at least we have forced the entire Con- Fifteen classrooms have holes in ceilings class showed a reporter rashes on their necks gress, the majority party as well as our and walls, exposing brick, wires, dust and they said were irritated from dust. gravel. In Norman Kravetz’ third-grade class ‘‘I feel scared because something bad might party, to focus on education. The pub- last year, students used umbrellas as protec- happen,’’ said Crystal Myrie, 9. ‘‘Somebody lic opinion polls show this is number tion from rain and falling plaster, teachers could die in there. The ceiling is falling one with people. At least we are in said. down. I’m afraid I’ll get cancer when I grow sync with the people. The people say Toilets in the kindergarten classrooms up.’’ this is the number one priority. The can’t be used because they leak through into Parents charge the board has discrimi- majority party has had to recognize it. the cafeteria. nated against the minority school because it The kinds of conditions that are indi- A fire alarm in one building section doesn’t lacks political clout. They are terrified for cated here at PS 91 are the kinds of work, so staffers cannot hear drills. their children. Students complain of breathing problems, ‘‘We send our kids to PS 91, and the Board conditions we do not want to see exist headaches, itchy rashes, stomachaches. of Education will not give us any results in any school. It has a coal-burning Teachers speak of allergies. until one leaves an angel,’’ Carrion said. furnace that was built in 1903. The And last spring there was an asbestos walls are crumbling. In one class, four scare. City environmental specialists and [Daily News, Sun. Oct. 11, 1998] children have asthma. The custodians board and School Construction Authority of- CHILDREN CAUGHT IN A TANGLE OF RED TAPE are afraid to clean the floors because of ficials did emergency cleanup work after (By Nancie L. Katz) asbestos underneath the tiles. Every teachers complained of suspicious powder Principal Solomon Long said he had been drifting down from rain-damaged paint. imaginable danger is there. It is not a reporting the decrepit conditions at Public school that we want to send children to Long said he accepted board assurances— School 91 for years. given at a heated meeting with parents— In June 1997 and June 1998, he submitted in America. that the building was safe. capital budget improvement plans, he said, I hope that this article should be in ‘‘The parents were ready to shut the place to the school custodial service, TEMCO. Be- the RECORD as part of what we are say- down,’’ Long said. ‘‘They asked me at the fore that, he said, he filed regular reports ing in these closing days of the 105th meeting. ‘What do you think?’ I can’t let with the staff custodian. Congress. these people down. They trust me with their Under Board of Education guidelines, Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want babies. If anything is ever found here, the custodians perform moderate repairs, but to thank the gentleman. He is here al- first thing parents will say is their great major needs are reported to the Division of most every night relaying a message, leader led us right to ruin.’’ School Facilities. Adriane Riddick, the parents association Chief Executive Patricia Zedalis decides and it is often on education. I want to president and mother of a fifth-grader, said whether to do the work inhouse or assign it thank the gentleman from New York the board’s failure to shut upper-floor class- to the School Construction Authority or the (Mr. OWENS). rooms ‘‘means they don’t care about the kids city’s Design and Construction Department. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman who are up there.’’ Last week, Long invited In March—after 17-year-old Zhen Zhao was from Illinois (Mr. BLAGOJEVICH). an independent inspector hired by The News killed by a falling brick from a Brooklyn Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I into the building. The board then refused the school—Zedalis and board officials visited thank the gentleman for yielding to inspector and a reporter entry—turning PS 91. She then authorized the SCA to de- me. Let me piggyback on what has down the offer to allow The News to pay for velop a design plan, board spokeswoman been said about education. I happen to asbestos and lead tests. Karen Crowe said. Fourth-grade teacher Sharon Rose-Pooser But Zedalis had to wait until funds were be a product of the public education said teachers struggle to overcome the crum- released from the city’s budget for fiscal system. I am very lucky to be, of bling conditions. year ’99, which began July 1. course, a Member of Congress. H10826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 I want to repeat exactly what has revealed his felony record, and he is our future that we care about. Ev- been said about schools, but it is clear would have been prevented from buying eryone here tonight is expressing the that a lot of local initiatives across the a gun. concern for children and for kids and country in terms of school reform are Mr. Speaker, criminals are increas- for the future of this country, and the working: smaller class sizes, connect- ingly buying guns from gun shows be- equal opportunity that we so cherish. ing classrooms to the Internet, of cause, unlike retail gun stores or sport- I just want to thank everyone again course, which has so much to do with ing goods stores, there are no require- for being here this evening. rebuilding crumbling school buildings; ments to provide identification, no re- b 2145 other issues that relate; even grade in- quirements to perform background Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with flation. In my own experience, I can checks, and no requirements to impose deep regret that I ask our colleagues to tell the Members that the D I got in al- waiting periods. In all too many cases, join in wishing a fond farewell to a Mr. Speaker, criminals can buy any gebra was a classic example of grade good friend, an outstanding Member of inflation. number of guns with no questions Congress, our colleague, BILL PAXON There are a lot of things that are asked. from the 27th District of New York on being tried at the local level, and what This Congress could have extended his retirement from office at the end of is lacking to complete the job is the the same safeguards and recordkeeping this session. help from the Federal level in provid- requirements to gun shows that we al- First elected in 1988, BILL PAXON has ing those necessary resources. If we ready require of everyone else, but this certainly left his mark, not only on can, here in Congress, on the eve of our Congress treated this issue like so this body but upon all of us for whom adjournment, do something about get- many other issues, and this Congress he has been an outstanding friend. Con- on this issue did nothing. ting the necessary Federal dollars to gressman PAXON is departing this year rebuild our schools, I think this session Mr. Speaker, 40,000 Americans die after his fifth term, but his legacy will will not be as much of a do-nothing every year of gun violence in the be with us for many years to come. Congress as it might otherwise turn United States. Our Nation’s children BILL PAXON attended Akron Central out to be. are 12 times more likely to die as a re- Elementary and Junior High Schools, This Congress will soon adjourn, as sult of gun violence than are children Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and we know. We are at the 11th hour. Ab- in any other industrialized Nation. It is Canisius College, from which he grad- sent a change of direction, we will not probably too late now, on the eve of uated in 1977. Friends and family mem- do anything about national priorities our adjournment, to address this issue, bers say he had an interest in politics like rebuilding our Nation’s crumbling but I hope that in the next Congress, and public service from the an early schools, or reforming our health care whether it is the Democrats or the Re- age. But he wasted no time in seeking system, or seizing the historic oppor- publicans who control this process, we office upon his return home from col- tunity that we have, which is the first can focus our efforts on matters like lege. At the age of 23, BILL PAXON was time since 1969 having a Federal sur- these that affect people in our neigh- elected the youngest county legislator plus that we can use to help stabilize borhoods and in our communities. in the history of Erie County, New social security. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want York. In addition to those major issues, to thank the gentleman. I know that He easily won an open State Assem- there are other neglected national pri- one of the biggest concerns with regard bly seat in 1982, and was a logical orities that I think this Congress has to guns now is guns in the schools, so choice to succeed Congressman Jack failed to work on, important initiatives it relates back to our concern about Kemp, when Jack Kemp left this body that relate to our fight against guns keeping the schools safe, as well. in 1988. and crime. That will not see action this There are many things that the Re- On the Committee on Commerce, year. publican leadership has failed to ad- BILL PAXON earned a reputation for his I know that the Committee on the dress. I think the gentleman brings up interest in the concerns of his district, Judiciary has been busy lately, very one of them. The main thing that I in western New York, and of American busy, but I would like to raise an issue think we are trying to say tonight, and industry. On the Subcommittee on En- that has yet to be addressed by that maybe I can conclude with this, is that ergy and Power and the Subcommittee committee or by this Congress. That is even though there are only a few days, on Finance and Hazardous Materials, the issue of the growing black market, perhaps, left in this Congress, there is BILL PAXON has been a champion on be- where criminals are purchasing fire- enough time to provide funding for the half of the health and well-being of all arms with impunity. That is at gun school modernization, and also for the of us. shows. 100,000 teachers to reduce class size. BILL PAXON made his greatest impact There are approximately 5,200 gun The effect of that is to basically cre- as chairman of the National Repub- shows held every year across the ate schools that are better, more dis- lican Congressional Committee from United States. Literally hundreds of ciplined, with a safer environment, a 1993 to 1996. In that capacity, BILL thousands of weapons change hands at smarter environment. We are just say- PAXON worked hard to recruit out- these events. While most gun show par- ing, as Democrats, that we do not want standing candidates for our party ticipants are law-abiding citizens, en- to go home until this is addressed. throughout the Nation and to steer thusiasts, and collectors, law enforce- No one can tell us that there is not them towards adequate funding. ment agencies are seeing an alarming the opportunity, because as the gentle- BILL will always be remembered for number of cases where violent crimes woman from Connecticut (Ms. bringing romance to this chamber, hav- have been committed with guns that DELAURO) said, the Republican leader- ing proposed to our colleague, Rep- were initially obtained by criminals at ship could pass this legislation and get resentative Susan Molinari of Staten gun shows. this budget and appropriation bill Island on the very floor of this cham- For example, according to a recent signed into law with the money for the ber. And while we miss Susan greatly, study by the Illinois State police, 25 school modernization program, with we fondly remember her good contribu- percent of illegally trafficked firearms the funds for the 100,000 extra teachers. tions to the Congress. they seized were originally purchased They cannot tell us that there is not Now that BILL and Susan have cho- at gun shows. time left to do that. sen to pursue careers in the private Let me give an illustration. Last If that is all we accomplish in the sector, we wish them and their children May in Florida ex-convict Hank Earl next few days, we will have accom- the best of luck in all of their future Carr used a weapon he bought at a gun plished a great deal. Even though we endeavors and remind them that our show to kill 4 people in a shooting have had this 2 years of a do-nothing hearts will always be with them. spree that ultimately left two police failed Congress, at least we have some- To BILL, we bid a fond farewell and I officers and a State trooper dead. If thing that we can go back to our con- thank you for bringing idealism to this that same Hank Earl Carr tried to buy stituents and say, look, we accom- body, and a special thanks for making that same weapon at a gun store, a plished this. As the gentleman from this chamber a better place in which to criminal background check would have New York (Mr. RANGEL) said, it really work for the good of our Nation. October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10827

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to BILL PAXON proved all the doubters leader of our National Congressional our distinguished majority whip, the wrong by using his energy to help Re- Campaign Committee and spearhead an gentleman from Texas (Mr. DELAY). publicans win that majority. effort to change the management of Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Now BILL PAXON has decided to leave Congress for the first time in two gen- gentleman for yielding. I really appre- the House and pursue other opportuni- erations. ciate the Dean of the New York delega- ties. Spending as much time as I have But that was BILL PAXON’s fate at tion for taking out this special order with BILL, I think I know his true mo- the time, and certainly now in retro- for what is truly a trend setter and a tivation. It is to spend more time with spect we know how much that means person who has really turned this place his wife and our former colleague, to our country. It certainly meant a into a dynamic institution. I appre- Susan Molinari, and their fantastically lot to each of us to participate with ciate the New York delegation. beautiful Susan Ruby Paxon. We call him in that venture. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay trib- her ‘‘Suby,’’ and who could blame him. I have been in politics only 12 years; ute to a man who I think is one of the BILL, let me just say we will miss 10 here and 2 downtown working with most energetic, the most enthusiastic, your optimism and your spirit and Ronald Reagan in the White House. and the most effective Members Con- your vision of the House of Representa- That makes me a piker compared to gress, my good friend BILL PAXON of tives. As a matter of fact, we already BILL PAXON, because he has been an the great State of New York. And for a miss them. We wish you the best of elected official for more than a genera- gentleman from Texas to say that luck in the future in your future en- tion, representing Erie County in the takes a lot to bring a New Yorker and deavors. But let me just say that those legislature as its youngest member at a Texan together and to become as people that are about to meet BILL age 23. He then went on to the New close friends as we are. PAXON in the private sector, there is, York State Assembly where he was BILL, as we all know, is retiring from when you develop a relationship with elected in 1982, 6 years before we were Congress at the end of this year, and he BILL PAXON, when you develop a friend- seated together in Congress. is going to pursue some private sector ship with BILL PAXON, you will have on So by the time BILL PAXON started opportunities. We wish him the best. your side one of the most loyal individ- out in the United States House of Rep- BILL’s departure, quite frankly, is a uals I have ever run into. One of the resentatives 10 years ago, he was al- great loss to this institution. But it is closest friends that I have ever had. A ready an accomplished legislator and also a great gain for his family and for person that will stand by you through an accomplished legislative leader. the private sector, because BILL PAXON the worst of times as well as the best of It is not surprising, therefore, that he did more to reform this Congress than times. A man of incredible honor and was tapped to run the National Repub- any other person in this House. integrity and character. A man that lican Congressional Committee, al- He was the principal architect of the young people should look up to as a though infusing the NRCC with new strategy to change control of this role model, as most of us have. management at that point might have House, which had been in one party’s We are going to miss you so much in been viewed as much as a desperation hands for over 40 years. Once we were this chamber, BILL. And we hope that pass as a sure thing at the time, be- able to gain a majority, we were able you will continue to give us the coun- cause it was $4.5 million in debt. Fortu- to reform this Congress in so many sig- sel and the friendship we need, no mat- nately, we had strong leadership at the nificant ways. We were able to balance ter where you go. I greatly appreciate helm at the Republican National Com- the budget for the first time in a gen- your friendship and will cherish it for- mittee where Haley Barbour was in eration. We cut the size of government. ever. charge, and Haley and BILL PAXON We made Members of Congress even Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman working together were an amazing follow the laws of the land. from New York (Mr. GILMAN) for yield- team to behold. We reformed welfare. We cut taxes ing to me. In particular, I think because of for the first time in 16 years and we re- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank BILL’s energy and his dynamism, Haley formed this Congress in ways that have the gentleman for his eloquent re- was taken in and became a big sup- improved its popularity with the peo- marks and we certainly join with him porter of what was going on there. I ple to its highest ratings in history. in wishing BILL PAXON good luck in the served on BILL’s Executive Committee And this all happened because of the days ahead. and watched as he pared down what hard work of BILL PAXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to had, over many, many years become a As we all know, BILL was first elect- the gentleman from California (Mr. rather large staff that we could not af- ed to Congress in 1988. And having ac- COX) the distinguished chairman of our ford, into a real lean organization that complished all of this, one would think Republican Policy Committee. went out and got the job done for our that he had been here forever. But we Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I candidates across the country and for all know him as our own personal po- thank the gentleman from New York the American people. litical junkie, because at the age of 23, (Mr. GILMAN) for yielding to me. The result, of course, was not only he started his political career. Mr. I am particularly pleased that Con- the first Republican Majority in the Speaker, 23 years old is when he start- gressman PAXON is here with us to- U.S. House of Representatives in 40 ed in the Erie County legislature. He night in the chamber. It is something years, and the first back-to-back ma- later went to the New York State As- of a tradition as Members retire and we jorities in 68 years, but the first bal- sembly before starting his distin- have an opportunity allowed them on anced budget since 1969. It is just an guished career in the U.S. House. the floor of the House, that they are extraordinary thing to think one can But BILL PAXON is a visionary. He forced to sit here and listen to us talk take an organization as big as the Fed- sees America as a Nation of oppor- about them. But it is especially nice eral Government, not just the NRCC tunity, a Nation with boundless opti- for those of us paying tribute to be able but the Federal Government, and turn mism and a can-do spirit. And it was to look you in the eye tonight and tell it around from hundreds of billions in this can-do spirit that BILL PAXON took you from the heart how sincerely we projected deficits to surpluses now as over to the National Republican Con- are going to miss you here and how far as the eye can see. But that has gressional Committee with the express much we have appreciated the oppor- been the consequence of BILL PAXON’s goal of achieving the first Republican tunity over the last many years to leadership in the United States Con- Majority in the House in 40 years. work shoulder to shoulder with you. gress. Nobody, other than probably NEWT It was 10 years ago that BILL PAXON Probably the most important mo- GINGRICH, thought it could be done. No- and I, and 16 others, were elected as ment for BILL PAXON in the House of body thought that PAXON was serious part of the same freshman class. And 10 Representatives was not the passage of in his efforts. And he took an NRCC years goes by rather quickly. We did the Telecommunications Act, which he that was pretty much broke, heavily in not know at the time when we set out shepherded through the Committee on debt, demoralized, and pulled it to- to exercise in our own way what degree Commerce where we served together; gether, showing his administrative of influence we might over the Con- not the passage of the first tax cuts in skills as well as his political skills. gress that one of us would become the 16 years, which he like his predecessor H10828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 in Congress, Jack Kemp, so strongly Clinton is fond of saying, cross this still means something. That goes to championed; but, almost certainly, it bridge to the 21st century with sur- the root I think of what BILL is all was when he proposed on the House pluses now in hand, with tax relief now about. Floor here to Susan Molinari, another a real prospect because we do have the You look at BILL, you see a sense of one of our classmates, and naturally government’s fiscal house increasingly someone who is principled and someone she was as impressed with him as the in order, with jobs increasing, with the who really loves life. But more impor- rest of us. Unlike the rest of us, how- United States as a rock of economic tantly, I think it has been said already, ever, she joined with him in a very spe- stability in a world that is having a lot and it will be said many times tonight, cial partnership which a year later re- of economic troubles, we can say that that he loves his wife, Susan Molinari. sulted in an extraordinary marriage some of this is historically inevitable, Susan and I are friends, and I could not and an extraordinary union between that America is just so strong that think of a better person that she can two people that are as close to us in these things are bound to happen, but share her life with than BILL PAXON. congressional family as anyone can those of us who work in government And each of them together truly adore possibly be. and in the legislature and the execu- and love their daughter Susan Ruby, But seeing them married together tive branch know that it ultimately who is so affectionately called just makes us all thrilled every time boils down to a few people. It matters ‘‘Suby.’’. Susan Ruby will have another daugh- we think about it. And as has been what each of us does when we get up in ter, another sister to play along with, mentioned earlier, we are now coming the morning. It matters whether we and I can understand, as someone who to know your daughter, Suby, Susan succeed instead of fail. It matters if we is a father of two boys, how much BILL Ruby, almost as well as our own kids can motivate our colleagues and our desires to spend more time with his because we get a chance to see her countrymen to join in an effort to wife and his daughter, and soon to be around the House of Representatives. make America a better place. And I two. I think of that time in San Diego know that even though, BILL, you are We have a mutual friend in his fa- when you were out in California, when retiring, that you are only retiring ther-in-law, Guy Molinari, his mother- all of us were out in California on the from this particular aspect of your in-law, Marguerite, who are back on Republican side, for the National Con- very public commitment to public Staten Island right now. Guy served in vention, the Republican National Con- service. And whatever you do in the fu- the House before Susan. And in a way, vention, and your wife was the keynote ture and whatever your remarkable if it was not for Guy leaving this House speaker to the country at that Na- family does in the future, I know that to run for local office, the chances are tional Convention. America is going to benefit from it. that you would never have met Susan. b 2200 We have all personally benefited So in a way Guy running for borough from knowing you, and I am very, very president allowed you to marry the And all the attention was focused on proud to have served with you and even her, she thought. But the cameras love of your life. more proud to know that we will be I am sure they are all going to see moved to you feeding Susan Ruby with friends in the years ahead. this or hear of this one day and really a bottle and, as a dad myself, I know Thank you very much for brighten- come to learn and come to know how exactly what that is like. We have a ing our lives and bettering the country much BILL PAXON has made a dif- new one at home, just a month old, and as you have done. We look forward to ference in this country. Not too long 5-year-old and a 4-year-old. I am sure hearing even more and better things ago, I have only been in this House a as our kids grow up they will get to from you in the years ahead. year as you know, BILL. I probably know each other, I hope as well as our Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank would not be here if it was not for you. moms and dads know each other. the gentleman for his eloquent re- You helped a great deal in my cam- BILL PAXON is unlike anyone in this marks. paign for Congress to replace Susan Chamber, unlike anyone in the Con- I yield to the gentleman from Staten here. And indeed the people of Brook- gress that I know for one simple rea- Island, New York (Mr. FOSSELLA), an- lyn and Staten Island have given me a son. Despite all of the responsibility other member of our New York delega- great honor and privilege to serve that he has taken, despite all of the en- tion. them. But I would not be here if it was ergy and effort that he has put into it, Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I not for you. despite the superhuman effort and re- thank the distinguished gentleman I think there are a lot of Members of sults that he has achieved, he is always from New York for yielding to me. this body who would not be here given equanimous. It is hard to find an exam- I am proud to join my colleagues, Mr. the chance to serve this great country. ple of BILL PAXON being anything other COX and Mr. DELAY and Mr. GILMAN, in A few years ago there were people who than upbeat and telling us that we can saying a fond farewell to BILL PAXON, were giving up hope in this country. do it. We can get the job done. And although as CHRIS COX just stated, I do The ship of government was clearly think back over a decade, that is just not think BILL is going far. heading in the wrong direction. The no- extraordinary. Those of us who know BILL, both on tion that government had all the solu- There is not a day that goes by here a professional level, can appreciate his tions, that taxes were too low and gov- when there are not 6 good reasons to be energy, his optimism, his ability to al- ernment needed to impose more taxes down in the mouth because somebody ways get things done, but more impor- and the welfare state, well, let us make said something that they should not tant to get them done right. But there it bigger and our military, well, that have said, a reporter printed something are those of us who are fortunate can wait, we have other priorities. It is that she or he ought not to have, that enough to know him on a personal easy to sit back and do nothing. we lost a close vote somewhere, that level. And in business, like any other But what separates the truly success- somebody was speaking behind our business across the country, if you can ful, the people who really love this backs. That is what politics unfortu- somehow appreciate someone as a pro- country and want to improve this nately entails every day. fessional and appreciate someone as an country and speak to the next genera- Yet every day, as Ronald Reagan individual on a personal level, you have tion, we hear a lot of rhetoric about used to say, when he told the story gotten to know the best of that person. those who really care about the next about the boy who was told to clean up And I do not think there is a Member generation, but it was BILL PAXON, all the manure in the stable, and the in this House that cannot look to BILL along with the Speaker, not the Speak- boy says, there must be a pony in here PAXON and see a man of honor, a man er at all, but NEWT GINGRICH and all somewhere, there is always something of integrity and a man of character. the members of the Republican Party good if you are willing to find it. In a business, particularly politics who said, ideas matter, ideas matter. BILL PAXON has found day in and day here, where a handshake does not often This country should not be lost. The out all of the good that we can find in mean a lot, but I think in the rest of American people have given too much ourselves and all of the good that Con- America a handshake still means a lot, to give this country down to that no- gress can produce, and the result truly it is nice to know that we have a guy tion that government has all the prob- is extraordinary. I think as we, as Bill in BILL PAXON where the handshake lems. October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10829 But he went out and he recruited tip of the rhetorical cap to cupid but country. He was willing to summon candidates, and he worked his tail off also in the way this institution oper- and marshal the resources. day in and day out, year after year to ates. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, we remem- bring a Republican majority to this I can recall the visit to Arizona, two ber him for his contribution to history, House. People thought it was impos- visits in fact, but the second one stands not only in helping to make our major- sible, probably a few weeks before the out in my mind of our colleague and ity, but in helping us preserve it. Yet, election people thought it was impos- his bride, and it was at a time when our as my newest colleague from New York sible. But he proved them wrong. And youngest was still in the playpen and State noted, despite those considerable he went out there with his idea that would be in our campaign head- achievements that will be recognized this country is the greatest in the his- quarters. I can remember introducing by historians and political scientists tory of the world. And frankly, as far them to so many folks who walked the and those who share our allegiance as I am concerned, there is nobody like precincts, so many folks who made the both to the country and to the party BILL PAXON. Most of all, I am proud phone calls, so many folks who, Mr. we represent, there is a very real per- that he is my friend. Speaker, we cannot help but describe sonal quality and unique spirit and And I can only wish him the very, as a miracle, people of both political bearing that we will miss in this Cham- very best. I know we are all lucky in parties find these incredible folks who ber, but that we will always champion our own little way to have known him are willing to give of themselves and no matter his future endeavors in the for this brief period of time, but we are their time to volunteer in campaigns. public arena or in private business. also lucky to know that we will con- And so it was that day. So, Mr. Speaker, it is in that spirit tinue to endure a friendship that will I can remember pulling out the play- tonight that we come to honor BILL last hopefully forever. pen saying that my colleagues from PAXON, our friend from New York, who Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank New York would soon need it. But be- succeeded Jack Kemp in this people’s the gentleman from New York (Mr. fore they added Susan Ruby to their House and who will, for years to come, FOSSELLA) for his eloquent remarks household, they added a class of 73 new cast a long shadow and offer a standard and for his insight on the family of Members to this institution. And in so that will be difficult to meet, much BILL PAXON. I thank him for mention- doing changed the balance of power less exceed. ing your father-in-law Guy Molinari, within this the people’s House in a very Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank who has helped to rear this great fam- healthy way, I would submit, Mr. the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. ily and to be supportive of BILL and as Speaker, in a historic way, in a way in HAYWORTH) for his very eloquent re- the years go by and of course to raise which many now are just coming to ap- marks in support of this special order. Susan who we sorely miss. preciate. I would like to note that the gen- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman tleman from New York (Mr. SOLOMON), b 2015 from Arizona (Mr. HAYWORTH). the distinguished chairman of our Mr. HAYWORTH. I thank my good Mr. Speaker, I sit and wonder when I Committee on Rules, wanted to be friend from New York State and, Mr. think about those who have gone be- present tonight, but regretted that, Speaker, I rise to remember and to cel- fore in this American parade, those due to illness, he had to return home at ebrate the contributions of my other who have made history. an early hour and is submitting re- colleague from New York State. Mr. Speaker, I think there is a very marks for the RECORD. Mr. Speaker, Mr. FOSSELLA spoke of human equation at work where prepa- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to it a second ago, the realization of what ration meets circumstance to make the gentleman from New York, Mr. transpires here in the people’s House history. So it has been for our col- PAXON. before we are accorded the great honor league, the gentleman from New York Mr. PAXON. Mr. Speaker, I am very of the doors opening and our hand (Mr. PAXON), rising to the challenge at deeply appreciative of my colleagues, being raised in taking the oath of office a time when our political party was my dear friend and our senior Member to join the 434 others as Members of out of power, both in this institution, of our delegation, the gentleman from this people’s House. And I can recall as has been well documented and re- New York (Mr. GILMAN), my very good following the 1992 elections, when ferred to seemingly an infinite number friend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. many of our philosophy despaired a of times. DELAY), the majority whip, and the great deal, there was a ray of hope, not At the other end of Pennsylvania Av- gentleman from New York (Mr. only as that adversity engendered de- enue, he stepped forward in the midst FOSSELLA) and the gentleman from Ar- termination, but also because here in of that adversity because he was well- izona (Mr. HAYWORTH) and the gen- this Federal capital there was one who trained by his dear late father who in- tleman from California (Mr. COX), my was willing to step forward, to take on stilled in him a commitment to public classmate from the class of 1988. considerable political challenges, to service. I was hoping I was going to get shoulder considerable challenges of ro- But also, Mr. Speaker, to the machi- through this week without the requiem mance. And I can recall reading the nation so vital to public service, and I mass here. I have served in three legis- press accounts, Mr. Speaker, when our use that term machination not in a lative bodies, and I have avoided in the good friend, Mr. PAXON, was courting pejorative sense, but just in simply the other two having to go through this. Susan and made history proposing to list of logistics and how we get from And I really do, this is not false humil- her on this floor. point A to point B and how we put to ity in any way, shape, or form. Now, according to the press accounts, work those miraculous individuals who I love being a legislator because we Mr. Speaker, a Member from the other become volunteers in our campaigns are part of a team and it is fun and it side of the aisle congratulated the cou- and how we are able through that is exciting and we get to know a lot of ple and uttered what I believe will be framework to influence public opinion folks and we get to work with a lot of proven to be a very forlorn wish be- and win friends and gain public office folks, but we move right on. cause he hoped that their progeny as he did at a comparatively tender When we move right on, someone else would all be little Democrats. And I do age, as it should be noted. comes in right behind us. There is not believe that our friend has yet to The years have been none the worse seamless transition in these bodies. We school Ruby in all the intricacies of for wear to our friend who chooses to are gone and forgotten very quickly. civics, given her tender age, but some- leave the people’s House at still a rel- So I appreciate the fact that my col- how I doubt even through those years atively youthful age; and yet, Mr. leagues are doing this. But also I tried of rebellion that will strike inevitably Speaker, he will always be remembered to avoid this because I really do believe in adolescence that she will embrace in this institution among Members of that we need to look to the next person another partisan philosophy. both parties as our majority maker. coming in; certainly celebrate the good But I mention that because, Mr. Because while others engendered the times we have had and the enjoyable Speaker, we rise in celebration of our vision, perhaps, he put his shoulder to times and things we have been able to friend who made history here in so the wheel. He encouraged candidates. do, but to look down the road to the many different ways, not only with the He was willing to travel across this next folks. H10830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 1998 That is what I have enjoyed about thanks. I have dreamed of being here are going to do great things to make this body a lot, is the next group and for as long as I can remember. In the these things happen. I do leave with a the next group coming in to regenerate 1960s, 1968, when I was a freshman at great sense of pride in our accomplish- the institution. St. Joseph Collegiate Institute in Buf- ments and a great sense of hope in the I want to thank my colleagues for falo, New York, a freshman in high future. doing this. I want to particularly say, school, it was not a time where most I would also be remiss if I did not say if I could take a minute or two, what a kids had Nixon posters in their locker a few thank yous. In addition to my great honor it is to serve in this great- or read the National Review. friends who are doing this wonderful est legislative body in the history of I did. I was a little odd, no, I was a special order and who have been so the world. I do not think there is any lot odd at take time. Out of 130 guys in kind to me over the past few weeks and question that the people’s House of our Catholic boys high school, 128 reg- months, I want to say thank you to the Representatives of the United States of istered to vote that year. About 120 wonderful staffs that have served the America is more than just the legisla- registered Democrat, and it was myself 27th District of New York for my 10 tive body for this country. It is the leg- and another guy, I think. years in Congress, headed by Maria islative body of the world. I believed then in the principles that Cina, Michael Hook, and David I know that my colleagues that are were so beautifully espoused during his Marventano, my chiefs of staff. sitting here would agree with me. Walk tenure by Ronald Reagan, the greatest These are folks who work tirelessly out into the adjoining areas, the Statu- hero I have ever had in terms of politi- for those folks back in Western New ary Hall and the Rotunda of this Cap- cal life. The beauty of this country, our York and the Finger Lakes. I also want itol. Every single day, people from all standing as a beacon of hope, freedom to thank those people. In 1977, there over the world are walking around and and democracy, opportunity, and lib- was a 22-, at first when I was running, looking at this as literally a citadel. erty in the world. That is what I think and then 23-year-old kid who was cam- It is a holy place in so many ways in this is all about. paigning, and they had the misfortune terms of the ideas and the traditions We stand in this Chamber, and some- I guess in some cases to vote for me, that we have been able to take to the times to the viewing audience around and some did not vote for me and never world. To have a chance to occupy a the country and around the world, it have, but they have been friends in seat out of 435 in this body for a short looks like we are very contentious. spite of that, folks from the county period of time is an honor the likes of Most of the times, it is a battle of days, the State legislative days, and which I could never, ever wish for. ideas. It has nothing to do with person- now the hundred cities and towns I rep- I can tell you that I dreamed about it alities. That is what our Founding Fa- resent in the Congress. as a young kid. The gentleman from thers wanted. I believe that that is It is the most beautiful part of Amer- Arizona (Mr. HAYWORTH) referred to my what is important to the future of this ica. I have had the chance to be in dad. My dad Leon Paxon was a public country. every, almost all, I think 48 of the 50 official long before I was born, served Back when I was in my teens, that is States, and about 300 some congres- as a local town supervisor, and that is what I watched and followed in the sional districts. I have never, and with a judge in our county. Congress of the United States, because all pride, I know we have pride in our My mother and my father met just as I do believe that, if we stand up and districts, I just think that Western my wife and I met. My mother was a talk fairly and freely, openly and hon- New York and Finger Lakes is about clerk to the board of supervisors in estly about different views and dif- the most beautiful spot in the world. Erie County, where she met my dad. ferent ideas, we can make an impact. The friends that I had back at home My wife and I met in this legislative In our case, it took us a long time, will always be friends. Those are peo- Chamber. from the days of Barry Goldwater in ple, as I have said, some who have I am going to keep my daughter the 1960s, to reach that moment when never voted for me, who come to my away from the kids of the gentleman Ronald Reagan won and then this town meetings and browbeat me every from New York (Mr. FOSSELLA), or else whole revolution came full circle in month, and yet we have a wonderful re- we are going to continue this tradition 1994, when the gentleman from Arizona lationship all these years. forever. It has got to stop. Somebody (Mr. HAYWORTH), the gentleman from I also want to thank my family and has to get an honest job in this oper- Virginia (Mr. DAVIS) and so many oth- my friends who have indulged me all ation. ers of our colleagues were elected in these years that I have been in public But I am very proud of the fact, at a that important year. office, particularly my mom back in time when many people call into ques- My friends and my colleagues, this is Western New York, my in-laws, Mar- tion public service, the fact that I am not anything disparaging on our col- guerite and Guy Molinari and all of my a third generation public servant. My leagues across the aisle, Democrats, various friends and relatives down grandmother Ruby Paxon, who my many of whom I consider to be dear through the years. daughter is partly named after, a real friends. This was about, in 1994, trying I have been a pain when it comes to focus of my life on my dear grand- a new set of ideas in this country. I am politics in government because I be- mother, who passed away at 107 a cou- proud of the work that our Republican lieve so strongly in this cause. I hope ple years ago. She, after the women majority has done and that this Con- they will forgive me for the many gained the right to vote, became the gress has done many times across the times I crossed the line, but I did it out first woman to run for public office in aisle in moving those ideas that many of the sense that this is an important Erie County, New York, as a Democrat, of us fought for for decades and decades responsibility. I really do believe that I am embarrassed to say. She switched now into the center of the American and mean that. parties down the road. But I am very political arena. I also thank very much the Speaker proud of her. She ran at a very difficult We have so much more to do. There of this House. NEWT GINGRICH, as the time, back in the 1920s, then served as are so many more important tasks be- gentleman from Texas (Mr. DELAY) librarian, a public servant. fore of this country that I look forward said earlier, believed in us before we My mother and dad, of course. As the to watching the Congress doing in believed in us. He saw opportunities to gentleman from New York (Mr. years to come. I look forward to doing take the feelings of the American peo- FOSSELLA) pointed out, on my wife’s something I have never done. Twenty- ple and to translate it into political ac- side, her grandfather was an elected of- one years that I have been in office, I tivism in winning this majority. ficial, her father. Now to be able to fol- have never been able to call up elected I had the chance to be campaign low along is, I think, very important officials and tell them what I think chair, and it was and will always stand for me. It also says that we do believe they should do. Starting in January, I as the most unique and important po- in public service. We have been very intend to do that. But I intend to do it litical moment nonfamily moment in honored and blessed by it in our fami- with a smile on my face, because I be- my life to be the chairman of the cam- lies. lieve that this Congress is in the hands paign. That is the vocal and also the I just want to make one other gen- of men and women who care so deeply figure head of the organization. It was eral comment and a couple words of about the future of this country and NEWT GINGRICH whose vision it was October 13, 1998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10831 that we can win this majority. Every Chamber, I will remember that mo- to revise and extend their remarks and single day when we did not believe, he ment. I will remember it even more be- include extraneous material: kept pushing us to make the changes cause she said, yes. I cannot believe she Mr. SKAGGS, for 5 minutes, today. that we needed in ourselves to make did. Ms. DELAURO, for 5 minutes, today. this come about and make this happen. I waited until later in life to start a Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. There are many, many others. I will family. We have that beautiful daugh- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- not go through them all today. Many ter of ours, Susan Ruby, who is just the utes, today. have been alluded too, Jack Kemp and most magnificent little girl in the Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Barber Conable, my predecessors in world. I have the most beautiful wife Mr. BECERRA, for 5 minutes, today. Western New York, dear friends, great one would ever want or could ever ask Ms. CARSON, for 5 minutes, today. leaders. Tom Reynolds who is my first for, the most perfect spouse, and we are Mr. HINCHEY, for 5 minutes, today. Mrs. CLAYTON, for 5 minutes, today. campaign chair who followed me to the going to have another child in Feb- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. assembly and seeking my seat in Con- ruary. Mr. MCGOVERN, for 5 minutes, today. gress today. The gentleman from Vir- It is time to put family first for us, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, for 5 minutes, ginia (Mr. BLILEY) who has been chair- and the way we lead our lives it would today. man of the Committee on Congress not work staying in this body. It would Mr. ROEMER, for 5 minutes, today. which I have had the honor to serve not be fair. My wife left last year. I am Ms. SANCHEZ, for 5 minutes, today. these past 6 years, and just a remark- going to follow her out. We are going Mr. DOGGETT, for 5 minutes, today. able gentleman in every sense of the to enjoy being in the private sector. Ms. WATERS, for 5 minutes, today. word. Most importantly, we are going to Mr. MINGE, for 5 minutes, today. b 2230 enjoy the time we can spend as our lit- Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, for 5 tle kids grow up. These are precious minutes, today. I would just leave with this thought. moments and ones that I do not wish to Mr. PASCRELL, for 5 minutes, today. People wonder, why do you leave? Why miss. Ms. STABENOW, for 5 minutes, today. does anybody leave? Members say this I, again, just want to say to all of my Ms. FURSE, for 5 minutes, today. all the time. This is the greatest insti- friends and colleagues, thank you for Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, for 5 tution. It is the greatest fraternity. It indulging me here, to have this chance minutes, today. is exciting. There are great challenges to speak. I have not often spoken. f every day and there is a great future When I was in the county and state leg- The following Members (at the re- for this country that we can help islature, I could not shut up on the quest of Mr. SHAYS) to revise and ex- shape. floor. Here I have tried to stay away. tend their remarks and include extra- I am leaving basically for four rea- My focus has been elsewhere in this neous material: sons. First, I think what I have said body. Mr. REGULA, for 5 minutes, today. today, I am absolutely confident we are I want to say thank you to my col- Mr. MILLER of Florida, for 5 minutes, on the right track; that this body and leagues for taking this time out, for today. this country are moving in sync for a giving me the chance to say a few Mr. RIGGS, for 5 minutes, today. change in the right direction. I leave words because I was not going to Mr. MORAN of Kansas, for 5 minutes, confident knowing the next century is speak. I would just wish you Godspeed today. going to be another great American as you continue your duties on behalf Mr. TIAHRT, for 5 minutes each day, century because of what the American of this greatest country in the history on today and October 14. people want to happen translate into of the world. Mr. GOSS, for 5 minutes each day, on action by this Congress. Mr. GILMAN. BILL, we wish you suc- today and October 14. I leave, frankly, because I believe in cess and happiness and to all the Mr. WELLER, for 5 minutes each day, term limits. When I was elected, I did Paxons, including little Ruby, who we on today and October 14. not. I have come to believe in them. I watched grow up in the last few years, Mr. PAUL, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, for 5 think there is a time to move on. It is we wish you good health and happiness minutes, today. better to leave close to or at the top of in the years ahead. Mr. PITTS, for 5 minutes, today. your game then to sort of waste your- f self out here. In my case, I felt that Mr. BASS, for 5 minutes, today. this has been the top of my game; that GENERAL LEAVE Mr. PAXON, for 5 minutes, today. Mr. FOSSELLA, for 5 minutes, today. period in the leadership, that period Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. BARTON of Texas, for 5 minutes, that I had a chance to help work on unanimous consent that all Members those campaigns, and now I wish to today. may have 5 legislative days within Mr. SMITH of Michigan, for 5 minutes, step aside before I have overstayed my which to revise and extend their re- on October 14. stay in my mind. marks on this special order on behalf of Mr. DAVIS of Virginia, for 5 minutes, The third reason, of course, is we the gentleman from New York (Mr. on October 14. love to talk about being in the private PAXON). Mr. EHLERS, for 5 minutes, on Octo- sector, particularly as Republicans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ber 14. However, many of us do not want to go objection to the request of the gen- Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado, for 5 out into the private sector, and I have tleman from New York? minutes, today. not for 21 years. It is time to do that, There was no objection. Mr. SHAYS, for 5 minutes each day, to live under the laws we passed. f on today and October 14. Last, but first and most importantly, LEAVE OF ABSENCE Mr. THUNE, for 5 minutes, today. I leave with something that overarches Mr. KINGSTON, for 5 minutes, today. everything, that sense of family. It was By unanimous consent, leave of ab- The following Members (at their own noted that just over here in the corner sence was granted to: request) to revise and extend their re- where some of our Florida Members sit Mr. SCARBOROUGH (at the request marks and include extraneous mate- is where one afternoon I called my dear of Mr. ARMEY) for today, on account of rial: friend at the time, a woman who, we personal reasons. Mr. KINGSTON, for 5 minutes, today. had been dating for a number of years, f Mr. NEUMANN, for 5 minutes, today. Susan Molinari, the love of my life, and Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, for 5 min- SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED I said I have to talk to you about some- utes, today. thing. A defense bill was on the floor. I By unanimous consent, permission to f said, ‘‘Come here I have to talk to address the House, following the legis- you.’’ lative program and any special orders EXTENSION OF REMARKS We got in the corner and we started heretofore entered, was granted to: By unanimous consent, permission to talking, and I proposed to her. Every The following Members (at the re- revise and extend remarks was granted time I turn on C-SPAN and watch this quest of Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts) to: