E264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 1, 2001 and I might take immediately that could help science, we cannot continue to ignore them. In SOCIAL SECURITY GUARANTEE our veterans. The legislation that I am intro- my judgment, we cannot afford to wait several ACT ducing today is part of the answer. This bill, years before deciding to provide ftinds when which I am pleased is cosponsored by my these projects confront the VA system, the HON. WALTER B. JONES friend and the Ranking Member of the Com- veterans, and us today. OF NORTH CAROLINA mittee, Lane Evans of Illinois, Mr. JERRY I strongly urge my colleagues to support this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MORAN of Kansas, our new Chairman of the Thursday, March 1, 2001 Health Subcommittee, as well as the Sub- bill and help enact it as a high priority early this year. committee’s Ranking Member, Mr. BOB FILNER Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, of Califomia, as well as other members of the I rise today to introduce legislation to protect Veteran’s Affairs Committee, sets up a tem- f the Social Security benefits of our senior citi- porary, 2-year program of delegated authoriza- zens. With the prospect of Social Security re- IN HONOR OF JOHN JUSTIN, JR. tions of smaller construction projects (each form looming in the not so distant future, it is limited to a cost of less than $25 million) that important that we assure seniors that their would update, improve and restore VA health benefits will not be cut to expedite Social Se- care facilities in a defined number of sites HON. KAY GRANGER curity reform. Seniors have worked too hard each of these years. The Secretary would be OF TEXAS for a secure retirement, to see it jeopardized given this power to approve individual facility by a short-sighted effort to ensure future So- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES projects, generally based on recommendations cial Security solvency. Under current law, Americans have no prop- of an independent capital investments board Thursday, March 1, 2001 and on criteria detailed in our bill that place a erty right to their Social Security benefits. premium on projects to protect patient safety Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Many Americans have paid Social Security and privacy, improve seismic protection, pro- honor and remember the life of a great Texan, taxes over their working lifetimes and are vide barrier-free accommodation, and improve John Justin, Jr. Mr. Justin passed away Mon- planning for retirement with the expectation VA patient care facilities in several specialized day at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. He was that they will receive these Social Security areas of concern, such as privacy needs for 84 years old. Mr. Justin was a boot maker and benefits. However, at any time, Congress women veterans, in order to meet the contem- civic leader who was a tireless promoter of could eliminate or reduce these benefits in the name of Social Security reform. porary standard of care for our veterans. Fort Worth’s western heritage. Our thoughts The Social Security Guarantee Act would The bill would require the Secretary, at the and prayers go out to his wife, Jane, his end of the process, to report his actions to the eliminate concerns over benefit reduction by daughter Mary, son David, and to all of his seeking to give seniors a property right to their VA Committee and to the Appropriations Com- family at this difficult time in their lives. mittee as well. The bill also would mandate a retirement benefits. Specifically, it would re- review of this delegated-project approach by Mr. Justin was born in Nocona, Texas on quire the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to the General Accounting Office, to ensure this January 17th, 1917 to John and Ruby Justin. each recipient of Social Security retirement is an effective mechanism to advance some He attended high school in Fort Worth but left benefits a certificate that includes a written VA medical construction during the pendency as a teenager to come to Washington, DC, guarantee of a fixed monthly benefit, plus a of CARES. where he took a job as a messenger and guaranteed annual cost-of-living increase. By Mr. Speaker, our bill would authorize appro- graduated from night high school. He attended doing so, we hope to eliminate the use of sen- priations of $250 million in fiscal year 2002, Oklahoma A&M and then returned to Texas to ior scare tactics that have doomed Social Se- and $300 million in fiscal year 2003, to accom- attend Texas Christian University. Mr. Justin curity reform prospects in the past. plish these projects under the authority pro- served as a member of the TCU board of I believe this is an important first step to- vided. Thus, I believe we can make the case trustees since 1979, and was a longstanding ward meaningful Social Security reform. We for this interim approach and gain support for booster. The athletic center at the university is as members of Congress have a duty to our moving a specific list of relatively small but named in his honor. seniors to ensure their retirement security will not be jeopardized. At the same time, we can- critical projects forward with independent re- He started the Justin Barton Belt Company view. I believe we soon can be doing some- not lose sight of the overall goal of reforming with a partner and produced fashionable belts. thing urgently needed for veterans, in the best the Social Security program so that today’s The company continued to thrive during Mr. traditions of our continuing commitment to workers will have the retirement that they de- Justin’s service in the Merchant Marines dur- them. Then we can await the development serve as well. ing World War 11. In 1950, he took the reigns and conclusion of the CARES process, more Please join me in supporting this legislation comfortable in the knowledge that at least for of the family business. Mr. Justin was the third as the beginning of meaningful discourse on many VA hospitals, their emergency mainte- generation to run Justin Industries, the family Social Security reform. nance needs for small-scale construction boot business that he expanded to include f Acme Brick. John Justin, Jr. oversaw the intro- projects will not go unnoticed, unauthorized— HONORING ARCHBISHOP EDWARD duction of several popular boot styles, and, and unfunded. M. EGAN It should be noted that nothing in this bill under his direction, Justin Industries was regu- prevents the Committee or the Congress from larly the boot market leader. Its motto, ‘‘The HON. FELIX GRUCCI still considering the merits of large-scale, VA Standard of the West’’ says it all. OF NEW YORK major medical facility construction project au- Mr. Justin was very active in the community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thorizations in these two fiscal years, should He was a member of the Fort Worth City Thursday, March 1, 2001 we decide to take such decisions, now or in Council from 1959 to 1961 and was mayor the future. By its nature, the bill is intended as from 1961 to 1963. He was longtime chairman Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great a stopgap measure to give the VA Secretary of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. In pleasure that I rise today to congratulate the limited authority to keep its health care system the 1980s he led the drive to build the eques- Most Reverend Edward M. Egan, Archbishop viable while the CARES process proceeds. trian center at the Will Rogers complex that is of New York upon his elevation to the dignity Mr. Speaker, I believe, and I hope that my now named in his honor. John Justin, Jr’s of Cardinal. The Most Reverend Edward Egan is only colleagues will agree with me, that this is a most lasting contribution to Fort Worth will worthy bill. On very short notice, when VA was the seventh Archbishop of New York to be undoubtably be his drive to promote the city’s informally advised about the prospect of this named a Cardinal in the last one hundred and western heritage. There is no question that he kind of bill being introduced and considered by twenty five years. He was born on April 2, will be deeply missed within the Texas civic this House, 25 projects that would be appro- 1932, in Oak Park, Illinois. Having earned his community. priate under its terms were immediately identi- Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Saint Mary of fied. I am certain that there are many more, in Again, my heart goes out to Mr. Justin’s the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, he all sectors of the VA health care system, that family and to all those who are grieving his was sent to Rome to complete his seminary the Secretary will have an opportunity to con- passing. He gave unselfishly to the city he studies at Pontifical North American College in sider and approve under this authority. Many loved so much. John Justin, Jr. was a Texas Vatican City. In 1958, he received a Licentiate VA facilities need funds right now for small icon and his contributions to our community in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Grego- projects on an emergency basis. In good con- will never be forgotten. rian University.

VerDate 112000 04:39 Mar 02, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01MR8.029 pfrm03 PsN: E01PT1 March 1, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E265 After ordination in Rome, he returned to the where her father was elected the town’s first Corps and the concept of public service my United States where he was assigned to the mayor. She married William ‘‘Billie’’ Gill in entire life—into my own community and into staff of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago and 1945, and the couple settled in Davie where my career in the United States Congress. the following year was named Secretary and they established their family business, Gill Re- Mr. Speaker I ask that the Members of Con- Master of Ceremonies to Cardinal Albert alty. gress honor the men and women of the Peace Meyer. He was also named Assistant Chan- Charming and attractive, Mrs. Gill was cho- Corps on the occasion of its 40th anniversary cellor. sen as a Davie Orange Blossom Queen in the and continue to promote the spirit of service From 1960 to 1965, Cardinal Archbishop early 1940’s. Devoted to the joy which local and volunteerism that they embody. Egan was Assistant Vice Rector of the North pageantry brought to her community, Mrs. Gill American College in Rome. continued to help with the Orange Blossom f In 1972 he was appointed an auditor of the festivities throughout her life by organizing Or- Sacred Roman Rota, which is the ordinary ange Blossom bake sales and events for chil- PERSONAL EXPLANATION court of appeals for canonical cases appealed dren. In recognition of Mrs. Gill’s contribution to the Vatican, particularly regarding the valid- to the town of Davie, the Davie Chamber of ity of marriage. He served as a judge of the Commerce dedicated the 64th Orange Blos- HON. DENNIS MOORE Tribunal of the Rota from 1973 to 1985. som Festival Parade held February 24, 2001 OF KANSAS He was named Auxiliary Bishop of New to Mrs. Gill. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES York on April 4, 1985, and served as Vicar of Mrs. Gill was also a devoted member of the Education for the New York archdiocese. He Davie United Methodist Church where she Thursday, March 1, 2001 was appointed Bishop of Bridgeport on No- taught Sunday School and played the piano Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, vember 8, 1988. Since coming to the Diocese during church services. Always a generous 2001, 1 was unavoidably detained away from of Bridgeport, Bishop Egan has overseen the caretaker of her community, she visited the the House floor; as a result I missed two re- regionalization of diocesan elementary sick and prepared many meals for church corded votes. schools, established active Hispanic and Hai- community dinners. Had I been present, I would have voted aye tian Apostolates, founded the Saint John Fish- In a collaborative effort with her husband on rollcall #17, passage of H.R. 256, legisla- er Seminary Residence for young men consid- and other Davie citizens, Mrs. Gill donated tion that would extend Chapter 12 federal ering the priesthood, reorganized diocesan four acres for the creation of the Sheridan bankruptcy protection for farmers retroactive to healthcare facilities, and initiated the inner-city House for Girls in Southwest Ranches. The July 1, 2000, and through June 1, 2001. 1 Foundation for Charity and Education. Sheridan House is a group home for girls and also would have voted aye on rollcall #18, a It’s most fitting that Cardinal Egan is the young women whose parents are unable to bill that would designate a U.S. courthouse in successor of the late John Cardinal O’Connor. care for them. Mrs. Gill’s generous contribu- Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Edwin N. New York’s new Cardinal is well aware of the tion and care for those young women is testa- Cahn Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.’’ legacy left by his predecessor and he is well ment to her kind spirit and love for her com- prepared to continue and strengthen that leg- munity. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Helen Stirling f acy. He too is dedicated to the dignity of all Gill has left a lasting legacy for the people of peoples and to caring for those who are most Davie, Florida. She will be fondly remembered TRIBUTE TO THE ALABAMA scorned or ignored by society. Cardinal Egan and dearly missed. GRAND CHAPTER, ORDER OF has the wonderful ability to nurture and de- f THE EASTERN STAR velop a sense of social justice among his fel- low Catholics. As was the case with Cardinal CELEBRATING PEACE CORPS 40TH O’Connor, he understands and deeply re- ANNIVERSARY HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. spects the values inherent in a multi-cultural OF ALABAMA and multi-religious community. He has a deep HON. MIKE HONDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and abiding respect for and dedication to edu- OF CALIFORNIA Thursday, March 1, 2001 cation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES As he assumes his leadership role in the Thursday, March 1, 2001 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, today I recog- great Archdiocese of New York, it is right for nize the Alabama Grand Chapter of the Order Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in us to wish him success in making this great of the Eastern Star on their One Hundredth recognition of the dedication and commitment community a more human, more caring and Birthday. I congratulate them for one hundred of Peace Corps volunteers for the past four more believing community of Brothers and extraordinary years of charity and human out- decades. Since its inception on March 1, 1961 Sisters. reach. I also send my best wishes to the the Peace Corps has become a powerful sym- Colleagues, please join me and all the group for their birthday celebration to be held bol of America’s commitment to encouraging members of the Archdiocese of New York in this Saturday, March 3, 2001 at the York Rite progress and developing opportunity across congratulating the Most Reverend Edward M. Temple in Birmingham. Egan upon his elevation to the dignity of Car- the world. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Internationally, the Alabama Grand Chapter dinal. of the Order of the Eastern Star is the largest f Executive Order signed by president John F. Kennedy that established the Peace Corps. fraternal organization in the world that both IN COMMEMORATION OF HELEN Over 162,000 Americans, including seven cur- men and women can belong. The Order was STIRLING GILL rent members of Congress, have served as established in Alabama in 1901 in Mont- Peace Corps volunteers. They have made sig- gomery. Thousands of members in the 200 HON. PETER DEUTSCH nificant and lasting contributions in agriculture, chapters support countless numbers of char- health care, science, human rights, and the ities and humanitarian projects such as cancer OF FLORIDA research and scholarships that enhance and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES environment, serving in over 134 nations worldwide. At the same time, they have been enrich the lives of all of our citizens. Thursday, March 1, 2001 enriched by their experience and strengthened Each member has devoted themselves to Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the ties of friendship between the people of their community, their state and their nation the lifetime achievements of one of Davie, the United States and the citizens of other na- providing not only financial assistance but per- Florida’s most active and charitable volun- tions. sonal time when their community needs them. teers. Helen Stirling Gill, daughter of Davie’s The Peace Corps also serves as a model This is a special day for the Chapter and for first mayor Frank Stirling, died Saturday, Feb- for countless other programs and continues to everyone who has benefited from their many, ruary 17, 2001, at the age of 78. Mrs. Gill was foster a spirit of cooperation and volunteerism many programs. On behalf of the United an active philanthropist for several decades, worldwide. Its volunteers come from all races States House of Representatives and the peo- giving countless hours of service to her com- and all walks of life and embody the core val- ple of the 5th district of Alabama, I share my munity. She will be dearly missed by the city’s ues that we as Americans treasure. congratulations with the Alabama Grand residents. I served in the Peace Corps from 1965 to Chapter for one hundred outstanding years of Born on July 10, 1922, in Gainesville, Mrs. 1967 in El Salvador. Like many returning vol- service and I wish them several hundred Gill moved to Davie with her family in 1924, unteers, I have carried the ideals of the Peace more.

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