February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2415 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS INSURANCE CRISIS sports. It's part of the lawsuit crisis. Our BIGBY. Well when I tried to open the door, cities are in a bind. Money needed for fire it would not open. fighters, police, and other services is being BRADLEY. According to the sworn testimo­ HON. AL SWIFT used to pay the price of the lawsuit crisis. ny of an eyewitness that is exactly what OF WASHINGTON New York City says lawsuits may soon cost happened. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as much as the Fire Department. BIGBY. He said that "the last thing he saw BRADLEY. Well, what about it? For open­ Tuesday, February 23, 1988 Mr. Bigby doing was pulling at the door, ers, leading experts on manpower shortages struggling to get out." That was just before Mr. SWIFT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to in medicine tell us lawsuits are causing no the car impact, and hit the phone booth. share with my colleagues a transcript from a shortages of obstetrical services now, nor BRADLEY. You're aware of what President recent "60 Minutes" program that took a criti­ will they in the foreseeable future. About Reagan has said about ... about your case? cal look into some of the anecdotal evidence high school sports, for the last seven years BIGBY. They're saying that my case is out­ we've found just six successful lawsuits used by the insurance industry to make their rageous. But he doesn't tell them that the against schools sports programs. In other phone booth had been struck previously. He case for Federal preemption of State tort words, less than once a year one school doesn't tell them I was stuck in the phone laws. I have no doubt that there are cases­ sports program, one out of 20,000 through­ booth. He doesn't tell them I had to stand perhaps numerous cases-of juries and the out America, pays out on a lawsuit. And there and just get run over, like an animal. court system overcompensating accident vic­ what about those threatened city services? He don't say all that. tims, or hitting manufacturers with unfair ver­ A New York City official did once say that BRADLEY. The Bigby case never reached a dicts. And if you ask the trial lawyers they will lawsuits may soon cost as much as the city's jury. Rather than face a jury trial, the tele­ Fire Department. But he doesn't say it any­ phone company agreed to pay Bigby a sub­ be just as happy to serve up equally anecdot­ more. It was his office admitted, an over­ al evidence to help make their case. stantial sum of money. statement. Last year, for every dollar the In Oregon, there's the case of the Ford But that gets to what I feel is a central prob­ city spent to settle legal claims, it spent Pinto that hit a horse which had bolted lem in this whole product liability debate. We more than four dollars for fire proteci:;ion. through a farmer's fence. Steven Green and in Congress are being asked to make some This magazine ad is also part of the insur­ his wife were in the car. very tough choices on Federal preemptions of ance industry campaign. It says "Clergymen Mr. GREEN. I opened the driver's door, and State law without the information we need if are being sued because of their advise." I noticed my wife. I called out, "Carrie, are Well, it's hardly a crisis. It's happened we are to track whether or not we made the you okay?" And I noticed the whole roof twice, and not one penny has been paid be­ structure on the . . . the side of me was right decisions. I find it disturbing that we have cause a pastor gave a parishioner a bum so little hard data available to us when we are down. I couldn't even see her head. steer. But what about the stories of plain­ BRADLEY. Green tried to pull his wife out expected to craft a Federal products liability tiffs who have gotten huge awards? Charles from under the crushed roof. bill that will have such serious implications for Bigby was in a phone booth hit by an alleg­ Mr. GREEN. And that's when I noticed all the courts, manufacturers, and our constitu­ edly drunk driver. the face injury she had to her head and ents. All of the time you saw that car corning skull. toward you? BRADLEY. So the roof had just come in on At the upcoming Energy and Commerce BIGBY. I saw it coming toward me, yes sir. Committee markup, I expect to introduce an top of her. The angle that she hit the phone booth Mr. GREEN. Collapsed. amendment that will authorize the Department forced the glass inward, and it just chewed of Commerce to collect and analyze data that my leg off right there at the spot. BRADLEY. Her skull was caught. BRADLEY. Glass cut your leg off. Mr. GREEN. Her skull was wide open sir. is already publicly available on product liability BRADLEY. Green sued Ford claiming a insurance. It's important to be able to monitor BIGBY. Cut it right off. BRADLEY. Bigby sued the driver and the stronger roof would have saved his wife's how well we have succeeded in legislating life. His lawyer has a testing lab do this sim­ product liability reforms if we are to help phone company. When the California Su­ preme Court said he was entitled to a jury ulation of the horse, Pinto collision. Based ensure that our constituents don't go through trial, President Reagan had one of his favor­ on it, two former Ford engineers testified another liability insurance crisis after our as­ ite lawsuit stories. "the roof was unreasonably dangerous." A surances that we fixed the problem. President REAGAN. That's right. According former employee also testified "Ford had a The following transcript is very relevant to to Chief Justice Rosebird of the California practice of concealing unfavorable test re­ Supreme Court, a jury could find that the sults by repeating tests until one car finally the debate: passed." The jury decided to award Green INSURANCE CRISIS? companies responsible for the design, loca­ tion, installation, and maintenance of the one and a half million dollars. That seems BRADLEY. The insurance industry says telephone booth were liable. I suppose all ridiculous to Assistant Attorney General we're in the midst of a giant lawsuit crisis this might be amusing if such absurd results Richard Willard who often cites the Green ... and on the face of it, they have a pretty only took place occasionally. Yet today, case in the Reagan Administration's effort good case. We've all heard of crazy lawsuits they have become all but commonplace. to limit jury awards. and outrageous jury awards. For instance, BRADLEY. Cruz Renoso is a former Califor­ WILLARD. It seems to me, it's a matter of about the man in Oregon who won a million nia Supreme Court Justice, one of the six common sense, unlikely that you could ever and a half dollars from Ford after the Pinto justices, six out of seven who said Bigby was design a car that would be so strong that he was driving collided with . . . a horse! entitled to jury trial. you could get involved in a head on highway And the psychic in Philadelphia who won a Justice RENoso. What the President has crash with a horse, and not run a serious million dollar jury verdict after claiming a done is to take a case and dramatize it by risk of injury. cat scan robbed her of her psychic powers. leaving out a great many of the facts that BRADLEY. Even Forbes Magazine chimed The insurance industry thinks that's ridic­ are involved, and therefore putting it in a in. "How do you horse proof the roof of a ulous and wants states to put limits on jury context that appears to be silly. Important compact car?" But Judge Williams Riggs awards. Recently, they made a series of in this matter, not mentioned by the Presi­ who heard the Green case said there was commercials that say the lawsuit crisis is dent, was that there had been a previous ac­ nothing ridiculous about the jury's verdict. even worse than you might imagine. cident at precisely the same side with pre­ Judge RIGGS. Out here in the west horse MAN : One out of cisely the same . . . the same booth. and automobile collisions are not terribly nine obstetricians surveyed have stopped de­ BRADLEY. The possibility the booth may unusual. They might be in mid Manhattan. livering babies. Some mothers have had to have been placed at an unsafe location But in Oregon, there's really a surprising find new doctors. Others have had to travel wasn't the only thing the President failed to number of livestock/automobile collisions. elsewhere to give birth. It's part of the law­ mention. BRADLEY. Why do you think they would suit crisis. Today's schools are thinking What happened when you tried to open have chosen this case as an example that about cancelling football and other major the door? the jury system had gone haywire?

e This "bullet" symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. 2416 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 Judge RrnGs. Well, it's kind of a sexy had nothing to do with their verdict. They man is lzhak Kofman, and his protest was issue, a horse flying through the air hitting say they were persuaded by the plaintiff's held in front of the Soviet consulate because the car. I mean, that does sound like a little contention that the wood in the ladder was his brother, Samoil, and his father, Haim, have bit of an unusual case. If this case had been defective, and that's why he was injured. a simple roll over where the Ford had rolled Could we find any cases where the jury repeatedly been denied permission to emi­ over, and exactly the same thing occurred, went haywire? Well, there is the case of grate from the Soviet Union. Sadly, lzhak and the roof crushed, killed the passenger, with Judith Haymes, psychic Judith Haymes. his sister, Bella Murashova, never saw their exactly the same degree of force placed on HAYMES. Some people are born with the mother during the last years of her life. Ester the roof that occurred when the horse hit talent to sing or dance, and I had the talent Kofman passed away 2 years ago after having the roof, you probably would never have to see aura. tried for 8 years to join her son and daughter heard of this case. This case would have BRADLEY. So sitting here now, you can see in the United States. been long forgotten. a general aura around me. The Kofmans' requests were initially refused BRADLEY. Then there's the case of Joe HAYMES. Yes, I can see a general aura Cota, who suffered extensive burns when around you. because of Samoil's exposure to unspecified his motorcycle was in a collision and burst BRADLEY. When Mrs. Haymes went to a secrets over 15 years ago. After 1O years of into flames. A jury found the cycle had a Philadelphia hospital for a CAT Scan, she using this. reason to deny the Kofmans' right defective gas tank, and awarded Cota three was injected with a dye, even though previ­ to emigrate, Soviet emigration officials and a half million dollars. That verdict led ously she had had an allergic reaction. She dropped this objection. However, these same an Arizona business coalition seeking to claims the dye caused chronic headaches. officials have since been running the Kofmans limit jury awards to make this commercial. HAYMES. If you've ever eaten an ice cream through a maze of bureaucratic delaying tac­ MAN

19-059 0-89-31 (Pt. 2) 2426 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 any existing X-ray source. Like the collider, human spirit and to renew our commitment to Black History Month celebrations in the 10th the APS would require a circular tunnel for the goals of a fairer and more just society. Congressional District. accelerating an energy beam, but the tunnel Blacks have been at the forefront of our na­ [The article follows:] would have a circumference of about 3,500 tional struggle for freedom from the very be­ feet. [From the East Orange Record, Feb. 4, The entire APS apparatus will be con­ ginning. One of the first Americans to give his 1988] structed on the existing Argonne campus so life for freedom was a black man. Crispus At­ tucks died at the hands of British troops in the CULTURAL EVENTS WILL HIGHLIGHT BLACK that it doesn't require any land already oc­ HISTORY MONTH cupied by neighbors. This should avoid any Boston Massacre in 1770. He spilled his blood local concerns or opposition such as those for liberty-despite the fact that it would be (By Michael A. Wattkis) that have arisen recently from neighbors of almost another 100 years before slavery was Local community groups and centers, uni­ the proposed collider who are concerned abolished. versities and museums early this week about having a tunnel for high energy The freedom cry sounded by Crispus At­ kicked off February as Black History Month beams several hundred feet beneath their tucks was loudly echoed in the words and in honor of America's black culture with an homes. educational and entertaining array of lec­ Several work stations providing high deeds of Frederick Douglass, Dred Scott and tures, seminars, dance, music and theatre. energy beams of X-ray light would be avail­ Harriet Tubman as they courageously sought Private and state universities will high­ able to researchers from universities and to to end the stain of slavery. When abolition did light the month-long celebration with a private companies interested in focusing the not bring true equality, the mantle of justice focus on the past and present contribution beams on materials for research. It is likely, was carried forward by such pioneers as of black America, the civil rights movement say boosters of the APS, that some compa­ James Weldon Johnson and W.E.B. DuBois. and early black American history. nies may establish offices in Du Page as a In our lifetime, black Americans such as Cultural groups, art centers and museums result. Mary Bethune, A. Philip Randolph, Bayard will showcase Afro-American culture with David Moncton, a scientist on loan to Ar­ Rustin and most notably-Dr. Martin Luther dance, music and poetry. gonne from Exxon Corp., extolled the po­ "We have a true potpourri of Black cul­ tential for cooperation between industry King, Jr.-led America toward, what Dr. King tural activities, ranging from poetry to and the lab. called, the "sunlit path of racial justice." They music, to fine photography," said Celeste "The Advanced Photon Source is already aroused the conscience of America and in­ Bateman, supervisor of the Newark Division opening new avenues of cooperation be­ spired us to achieve our true greatness as a of Cultural Affairs. tween industry and publicly funded re­ nation. The milestones along this path, which I The celebration of black culture was initi­ searchers," he said. was proud to help erect, were the Civil Rights ated about 1915 by noted black scholar and "For example, we are investigating new Acts, the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing editor of the Negro History Journal, Carter ways for entrepreneurial small businesses to Act, nutrition and education programs, legal G . Woodson. provide medium-sized industrial laboratories services, to name but a few. What these The celebration began as a week-long with access to synchrotron X-ray sources event around the birthday of the "Great for research. We are also looking at ways for Black Americans brought about was a social Emancipator" Abraham Lincoln and gradu­ consortia fo small- and medium-sized busi­ revolution in our country as their struggle ally grew to its month-long length. nesses to cooperate on research while pre­ became everyone's struggle and their New Jersey Network, Channel 50, serving proprietary rights to specific re­ achievements became America's achieve­ throughout the month will present a com­ search findings." ments. pelling series of programs that explores the To produce its ultra-strong X-ray beams, What we learned from this enduring legacy contributions, achievements, struggles and the APS will use posi trons ~ which are posi­ was that the human spirit cannot be impris­ triumphs of black America. The program­ tively charged electrons, accelerated to high ming includes a series of specials, documen­ energies in the ring. oned by any man-made barrier. Against the taries and films. The APS should help advance knowledge obstacles of slavery, injustice and discrimina­ A special encore presentation of the about how reactions take place in chemical tion, Black Americans fought for equality with award-winning, six part documentary, "Eyes reactions that produce petroleum products, courage and dignity. Marches, demonstra­ on the Prize" opens the special program­ make semiconductors, form enzymes and tions, sit-ins, countless hardships and impris­ ming schedule. On Feb. 9, 10 p.m., two epi­ manufacture plastics. onment were part of the long battle and the sodes will be aired and the others Feb. 16, Using the light beams of the APS, scien­ deep wounds suffered by blacks. Many 23, and March 1. tists hope to make moving pictures of how risked-and sometimes gave up-their lives in The documentary, narrated by Julian fast chemical and biological reactions take this noble cause. Yet in triumph and in trage­ Bond, chronicles the "events, struggles and place. undaunted spirit" of the civil rights move­ Powerful magnets will cause the positron dy, the fight for equality continued. ment in America between 1954 and 1965. beams to vibrate or wiggle as they race Black History Month also reminds us that Contemporary interviews are mixed with around the ring and t h is causes emission of the struggle is not over. The preservation of actual film footage depicting this turbulent the X-rays. civil rights is threatened, poverty and hunger period. It also depicts the emergence of the reflect economic inequality and racially moti­ civil rights leaders such as the Rev. Dr. vated violence is increasing. We must remain Martin Luther King Jr. and the "awakening BLACK HISTORY MONTH vigilant in protecting the accomplishments of of black America as a political force." Other programs on NJN include "Cissy the past by reaffirming our commitment to true Houston: Sweet Inspiration," Feb. 10, 10 HON. PETER W. RODINO, JR. equality today. Our responsibility for preserv­ p.m. This feature chronicles Houston, OF NEW JERSEY ing liberty remains as strong as ever. mother of popular pop artist Whitney Hous­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For all of these reasons, Black History ton of East Orange, early singing career as a Month is a special occasion to acknowledge member of a gospel quartet to her days with Wednesday, February 17, 1988 and honor the countless contributions of nieces Dionne and Dee Warwick up to her Mr. RODINO. Mr. Speaker, the celebration Black Americans. At the same time, we formation of her singing group Sweet Inspi­ of Black History Month in February is a time cannot separate black history from the history ration. On Feb. 25, 8 p.m., the station will also to acknowledge the notable achievements of of our country. The struggle of Black Ameri­ present "In Rememberance of Martin," an Black Americans and to recognize the contri­ cans serves as an inspiration and a reminder; hour-long tribute to the late civil rights butions that blacks in every field have made their courage is a cherished tribute to the leader and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. to enrich the fabric of American life. By paying human spirit and the profound changes in our Rarely seen footage of King is combined special tribute to black Americans, we ensure Nation wrought by blacks continues to benefit with excerpts from the January 1986 cere­ that the full scope of American history is pre­ us all. mony that marked the first national to sented today and passed on to future genera­ Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans are join­ honor his birthday. tions tomorrow. ing in thousands of cities and towns across NJN's "State of the Arts" program will the United States to celebrate Black History dedicate all of its programs throughout the But Black History Month is much more than month to the cultural heritage of blacks. a celebration of the past. It also provides a Month. I am particularly proud of the many ac­ On Feb. 20, WABC-TV's News Anchor unique opportunity for all Americans to reflect tivities in my own congressional district. With Roz Abrahams will be the special guest at upon the long struggle for freedom in our your permission, I would like to include in my the Fifth Annual Black History Month Nation, to appreciate the indomitability of the remarks the following highlight of the special Breakfast at Scott's Manor, Orange. The 10 February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2427 a.m. breakfast is being sponsored by the Na­ visits the U.S. Senate, House of Representa­ In April, the bicentennial committee will tional Council of Negro Women of the Or­ tives or the White House. In fact. anyone who sponsor a display of art works by local stu­ anges and Maplewood. has had occasion to walk through a metal de­ dent artists. The works will be displayed in the In East Orange, The Bookstore & Compa­ ny will sponsor a poetry reading, entitled tector has reason to fear the idea of undetec­ Jefferson Valley Mall and in businesses "Rhymes and Reasons" on Feb. 6 from 5 table plastic guns. throughout the area. p.m. to 8 p.m. You see, Mr. Speaker. undetectable plastic Moving into the summer. the bicentennial Featured poets are Layding Kaliba, Jalee­ guns are designed to evade metal detectors. committee has plans to involve the residents lah, Linda A. H. Walker, Sandra West and Just let your mind wander for a moment. Try of Yorktown in outdoor activities. In May, the Guy Whitlock. The Bookstore is located at to imagine the havoc wreaked by putting such first of a series of nature walks on Turkey 263 Central Avenue, near Munn Avenue. a weapon in the hands of the terrorists, crimi­ Mountain will be held. A Memorial Day parade Additionally, Clifford Scott High School has a month long series of events planned nals, malcontents and other sociopaths who is scheduled, followed closely by a bicenten­ honoring the achievement and history of hold human life so cheap. nial ball on June 5. The ball will be held at the Afro-Americans. Put yourself, for a moment. in the shoes of Jefferson Valley Mall and civic organizations "The Jimmy Heath Quartet" will inaugu­ our law enforcement officers when undetecta­ in Yorktown are all involved in sponsoring the rate the Newark Museum's series. "Black in ble handguns are added to the criminal arse­ event. the Arts," Feb. 7, 3 p.m. at the Second Pres­ nal-an arsenal that now includes Uzi subma­ The Yorktown Bicentennial Olympics and byterian Church at the corner of Washing­ chine guns, Saturday night specials. and cop International Festival will be held on July 2. ton and James Street. downtown Newark. killer bullets. The Yorktown Parks and Recreation Depart­ A composer and conducter. more than 50 of his works have been recorded by numer­ Mr. Speaker, right now this new generation ment will hold olympics for children in the ous jazz artists. Television reporter Gill of undetectable plastic firearms is not widely morning. In the afternoon, ethnic social clubs Noble. host of WABC-TV's "Like It Is," will available. But the technology exists to make from the area will bring dance, drama, food, talk to Health about his career and music. this nighmare a reality. We have the opportu­ and music from their native countries to the The discussion will be interspersed with mu­ nity now to prevent these weapons from international festival for all to enjoy. The sical compositions and examples. Admission coming into this country, onto our airplanes, middle and later part of July will bring more is free. into our office buildings and court houses. music to Yorktown with evening concerts in The museum will host a free Children's Live Theatre, Feb. 6, 1:30 p.m. in Program This bill has been carefully drafted. It out­ Downing Park. Hall. Edmund Feliz and Hilary Bader will laws handguns which cannot be detected by a The autumn of Yorktown's bicentennial year perform "Africa! Folk Tales," a potpourri of FAA approved walk-through metal detector will include a grange fair and a street fair. On stories. dance, mime and music. when the gun's grip, stock and magazine have Sundays in October, under the auspices of the At Rutgers University on Feb. 19, a panel been removed or if the handgun cannot be Yorktown Pastors Association, area churches of scholars-Basil Davidson, Robert Farris detected by the FDA approved x-ray system will reenact the first service held in their re­ Thompson and Sterling Stuckey-will dis­ to inspect carry-on baggage. The bill allows spective churches. cuss the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the the Secretary of the Treasury to update the A history of the town of Yorktown will be Paul Robeson Student Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for the public standards on metal detectors to keep up with published this year. The book is being written and $3 for students. improvements in technology. by town historian and bicentennial committee Seton Hall University began its celebra­ This bill is not an assault on the second member Doris Auser. tion with a candle light vigil in honor of Dr. amendment. Rather, it is a carefully crafted, In closing, I am extremely proud of the spirit King earlier this week and will continue a proactive, preventive measure. Even oppo­ that exists in the town of Yorktown. All those menu filled with events. nents of gun control legislation like Senators on the bicentennial committee and all others This afternoon at 7 p.m. in the Student McCLURE and HATCH recognize the problem who give of their time and energy can take Lounge, the Rev. David Lee will lecture on posed by undetectible plastic guns. That is pride in their efforts. The town of Yorktown is "Aids in the Black Community." Then on Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m. in the Main Lounge, Rock­ why they have introduced the prohibition of an example of communities everywhere. away Review, a travelling senior citizen Undetectible Firearms Act in the Senate. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 3974 deserves our speedy con­ group, will present "On the Road Again." BLACK HISTORY MONTH Admission is $6. sideration and passage. Then from Feb. 8-26, the Pallotine Insti­ tute for Lay Leadership and Apostlic Re­ HON. NICHOLAS MAVROULES search, in conjunction with the Archives of BICENTENNIAL OF YORKTOWN OF MASSACHUSETTS Seton Hall and the Archdiocese of Newark, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES will present an exhibit entitled "A State­ HON. HAMILTON FISH, JR. ment of Need: Black Catholic Evangeliza­ Wednesday, February 17, 1988 tion." OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. MAVROULES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to acknowl­ UNDETECTABLE PLASTIC GUNS Tuesday, February 23, 1988 edge the achievements of a citizen from Lynn, Mr. FISH. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occa­ MA, Mr. Vincent F. Jarvis. He has contributed HON. JOHN MILLER sion to speak to this Chamber about a com­ to the betterment of our community through OF WASHINGTON munity in my home district, the proud and exu­ his significant active public service. His recog­ berant town of Yorktown, Westchester nition is particularly relevant during our cele­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County, NY, which is celebrating its bicenten­ bration of Black History Month and our com­ Tuesday, February 23, 1988 nial in 1988. mendation of individual black Americans. Mr. MILLER of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on For 2 years, a bicentennial committee, com­ Mr. Jarvis has been a committed civic February 18, I joined my colleague Congress­ prised of 10 members of the town, has been leader in the city of Lynn. Through participa­ man ROBERT MRAZEK in introducing H.R. preparing a variety of celebration and special tion in a variety of community activities, Mr. 3974, a bill to prohibit the manufacture, impor­ observances. To start things off, on Saturday, Jarvis has represented his neighbors extreme­ tation. sale, possession, transfer, receipt, ship­ March 5, theatrical skits will be performed by ly well. He was the first black member on a ment or delivery of not readily detectable fire­ fifth-grade students from the Yorktown school number of respected organizations such as arms. If enacted, this bill would stop a new district and eighth graders from Lakeland the Kiwanis Club and the board of directors of generation of undetectable plastic guns from school district. The school bands will entertain the Girls' Club. He was also the director of the coming into this country. at a reception following the performances. Salvation Army in Lynn. Plastic guns. Just a short while ago that On March 6, the town of Yorktown museum In my opinion, we can leave no better was a term used to describe a harmless chil­ will open the first exhibit on the history of legacy to our children than a quality educa­ dren's toy. Today, these undetectable plastic Yorktown, entitled, "Yorktown Patchwork." tional system. That is why I commend to my guns should strike fear in the heart of anyone The museum plans to continue with different colleagues' attention what I consider to be Mr. who travels by airplane. These weapons exhibits throughout the coming year, each rep­ Jarvis' most outstanding contribution in public would be feared by anyone who works in or resenting a different phase of the town's past. life-his service as a Lynn School Commis- 2428 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 sion member. After 13 years of dedicated ing with the Utah State Legislature and the culean effort, at great expense in terms of service on the school committee, Mr. Jarvis Department of the Interior, then Governor time and resources. The approach I have recently retired from his position. Without a Matheson unveiled "project bold." This plan chosen is designed to circumvent this costly, doubt, his commitment to the improvement of would have transformed Utah's nearly 5,000 time consuming and contentious process. It the Lynn school system is a great legacy. parcels of scattered State school lands into legislatively establishes a new, Utah specific In addition to Mr. Jarvis' numerous commu­ 4 7 larger blocks. The primary objective of that process for executing the exchange, notwith­ nity positions, he also played semiprofessional innovative proposal was to improve land man­ standing the provisions of existing law. It football and baseball. Although he did not agement patterns through consolidation and simply recognizes the fact that, while it was a continue with his athletic career, Mr. Jarvis exchange and was to be accompanied by pro­ necessary and useful development in public had many successful years in the sports field. visions intended to specifically address a wide land management law, the Federal Land Plan­ During the celebration of Black History variety of valid concerns expressed by land ning and Management Act of 1976 may not Month, I am honored to recognize Mr. Jarvis users, holders of existing rights on affected always be workable for large exchanges, like for his dedicated public service and the lasting lands and other parties. the one required in Utah. It furthermore pro­ contributions he has made to the community The economic impact on Utah is inestima­ tects both State and Federal governments of Lynn, MA. ble, but obviously offers very significant new from economic harm resulting from the ex­ opportunities for economic development and change through a provision for splitting the growth. The legislation I am introducing today revenues generated from exchanged lands. UTAH STATE-FEDERAL LAND retains provisions found in project bold to pro­ EXCHANGE ACT OF 1988 This bill justifies going outside the established tect all valid and existing rights, including both procedure by facilitating an exchange which is an umbrella protection of rights provision and beneficial to both the State of Utah and the additional sections which provide more specif­ HON. WAYNE OWENS United States, and by protecting the economic ic protection for certain rights and land uses. OF UTAH interests of both entities. Both State and Federal Governments would IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Second, this bill sets up a different and be protected as to potential revenues derived more workable process by which the State Tuesday, February 23, 1988 from conveyed lands through a revenue split­ government and the Department of the Interi­ Mr. OWENS of Utah. Mr. Speaker, today I ting provision. am introducing the Utah State-Federal Land Legislation to enact project bold was intro­ or can develop a plan to carry out a workable Exchange Act of 1988. The purpose of this bill duced in the 98th Congress by my colleague exchange and consolidation. Rather than is to solve some of the serious land manage­ from Utah, Representative JAMES HANSEN. enact the terms of the exchange into law, the ment problems that the State of Utah has The bill was not reintroduced in the 99th Con­ Goveirnor of Utah would have, upon passage faced since its statehood because of the gress. Upon taking office in 1985, Gov. of the bill, 2 years to submit a plan to the Sec­ method by which its land grant was executed. Norman Bangerter's, Utah's present Gover­ retary of the Interior. The Secretary will have 1 It is similar in some respects to legislation rec­ nor, indicated his desire to review the land ex­ year to review the plan, and can reject or ommended by former Utah Gov. Scott Mathe­ change proposal and to explore alternatives modify the plan only if it does not meet the son which was given the sobriquet "project before Federal legislation was reintroduced. carefully drawn criteria set forth in the bill. If bold," but differs in several significant ways. He ultimately made known his preference for the Governor and the Secretary cannot ulti­ When Utah entered the Union in 1896, the a series of smaller scale, administrative ex­ mately agree, the original plan will be submit­ State received four 1-square mile sections out changes initially involving only those State ted to the Congress for consideration, and of every 36 square mile township for purposes lands located in the national parks and military must be adopted or modified within 1 year, or of support for the public schools. While this installations. The Governor's proposal would will be deemed adopted. process probably made sense in the 1800's, it exchange, out of these Federal reservations, Third, the bill sets out a formula by which has resulted, in 1988, in a land manager's about 157,000 of Utah's 2.5 million acres of the State can develop its plan. The formula nightmare-a checker board of State and inholdings. allows the State to acquire 1.5 acres for every Federal lands with mixed uses and manage­ At the outset, it should be understood that acre of land it exchanges out of a national ment. Currently the State of Utah owns small any land exchange of the magnitude consid­ park or monument, and 1.2 acres for every parcels of lands in military installations, Indian ered under this bill, or the Governor's propos­ acre exchanged out of the national forest, a reservations, in the National Forest System, al, is going to lead to some tough decisions, military or Indian reservation, or the jurisdic­ the National Park System, and wilderness and undoubtedly some controversy. I con­ tion of the Bureau of Land Management. This areas and wilderness study areas many of gratulate Governor Bangerter's attempts to ad­ formula was developed to accomplish two them without legal rights of access. This vance his proposal and move ahead to re­ ends. First, to compensate the State of Utah offers, of course, real challenges to the land solve Utah's scattered lands problem. His pro­ for the nearly 100 years that it has been managers on both the State and Federal posal is not without merit, and I endorsed it. unable to fully utilize its lands, and for the re­ levels as they try to implement policies that But I believe that the State is much better sulting loss in revenue that should have gone will accommodate competing uses on contigu­ served by a statewide exchange, and so I am to Utah's struggling schools. Second, to rec­ ous parcels of land. introducing this legislation. For the present ognize the greater value and public interest More often than not, these attempts have time, both proposals can be pursued simulta­ that the U.S. Government has in removing the resulted in the Federal Government being the neously. State in holdings from the National Park de facto manager of Utah's land. For almost The legislation I am introducing today has System to assure their satisfactory manage­ 100 years, we have been unable to effectively several important goals. First, it differs from ment and protection. manage our own land the way we choose. Be­ the Bangerter approach by avoiding the ardu­ Fourth, a last important component of the sides causing an administrative burden that ous and expensive task of determining fair plan will be an amendment of the State Ena­ has wasted untold resources of both the Fed­ market value of State inholdings proposed for bling Act. When the State of Utah submitted eral and State governments, it has for dec­ exchange. Under the provisions of the Federal its State constitution for congressional approv­ ades deprived the Utah State public schools Land Planning and Management Act, land ex­ al before entering the Union, it contained a of a significant source of revenue. The people changes executed by the Department of the clause that indicated that the State school of my State are currently struggling to main­ Interior must be made on the basis of a value lands must be managed for their greatest eco­ tain their school system and trying to provide for value exchange. This would require, for nomic return for the support of the schools. an adequate education for their children. Rev­ Utah, a painstaking inventory of each of the As the State may acquire environmentally enue from the school trust lands would be a 2.5 million acres of the State school lands to sensitive lands through this exchange, and welcome relief. determine their value. It would include the since these newly acquired lands will be con­ This problem, which has plagued Utah virtu­ need to determine the values of many differ­ sidered State school lands, it is necessary to ally from its entrance into the Union, was ent kinds of resources found in those millions amend the Enabling Act to allow the State to most recently addressed in 1980. After an ex­ of acres, including appraisals of mineral manage such lands for their unique scenic tensive series of public meetings, hearings values, for which data is currently incomplete and recreational resources, and not solely for and solicitations for comment, and after work- in many instances. This would require a Her- their economic values. February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2429 This is a complex issue which will require a throughout the Nation. The program is active whether or not the bank should be bailed great deal of time and effort. This bill is intro­ in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, out. The question confronting the bank is duced now for purposes of getting the issues Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. whether or not it should continue to func­ One key aspect of this program is that it pro­ tion as a bank in the sense that it has its on the table, permitting the many interested own capital base as opposed to an agency people and groups to study it and recommend vides for specialized services for hard-to­ that requires an annual appropriation from changes to make it work. Hearings are to be reach elderly individuals and aged minorities. Congress. scheduled in May or June, and it is my hope More than 30,000 shut-ins and approximately Ex-Im Bank has incurred losses through that we can pass it in the House this year, to 43,000 residents at nursing homes and other much of this decade. But it must be pointed be able to conclude it next year in the 101 st special sites were assisted during the past tax out that the bank traditionally brought Congress. season. money into the Treasury. Unfortunately, in Many issues, not resolved in my proposal, Tax-Aide is AARP's largest volunteer pro­ the early 1980s, Ex-Im Bank had to borrow from the Federal Financing Bank at high will have to be addressed in our hearings, in­ gram. It has sustained an exemplary record interest rates but had to lend at lower rates cluding: whether Utah should retain its State during its first 20 years, and I wish to com­ agreed upon by members of the Organiza­ land within wilderness study areas until Con­ mend all those connected with the program. I tion for Economic Cooperation and Develop­ gress acts on BLM wilderness; what mecha­ reaffirm my strong and continued support for ment. The high interest rates, coupled with nism the State would use to accept provisions this extraordinarily effective program. the growing less-developed countries debt of this act; a procedure for administrative and crisis, which diminished export markets, led to the bank's weakened financial condition. judicial review for parties affected by the ex­ WE STILL NEED THE EXPORT­ change; use restrictions, if any, on the Federal The editorial correctly implies that the IMPORT BANK manner in which Congress budgets Ex-Im share of conveyed lands' future revenues re­ Bank's programs does not show the subsidy turned to the State; and further refinement of costs involved in the programs. One option public land user protection; and appropriate HON. WALTER E. FAUNTROY among several Congress will be considering forums for the Utah public's participation in OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA is to show the subsidy costs of Ex-Im Bank formulating the Governor's proposal. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES programs on the budget. The editorial also I believe that this legislative exchange pro­ Tuesday, February 23, 1988 implies that Ex-Im Bank interferes with the posal constitutes a viable option to resolving proper workings of trade and credit mar­ Mr. FAUNTROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Utah's scattered State land situation and will kets. Not so. More and more private banks in the U.S. are shying away from financing provide, when enacted, very real economic to call to my colleagues' attention a letter to the editor which appeared in the February 1, U.S. exports as compared with other bank­ growth and job opportunities, at strategic loca­ ing services because of high overhead. Ex­ tions throughout the State. I look forward to 1988, edition of the Wall Street Journal. The letter written by my good friend ROBERT Im Bank is not interfering but compensat­ working with the Governor and with the other ing for the lack of response from the private members of the Utah congressional delega­ GARCIA, chairman of the International Trade sector. Subcommittee of the Banking Committee, ac­ tion in making progress this year for Utah on Finally, the editorial claims that Congress this vital issue. curately describes the dynamic role Ex-Im and the administration are "fixated" with plays in facilitating the export of U.S. goods boosting exports. It's about time. Our and services. nation is facing an unsustainable trade im­ AARP'S TAX-AIDE PROGRAM: 20 Mr. GARCIA effectively rebuts the contention balance that is threatening not only our YEARS OF SERVICE of the Journal's editorial board that Ex-Im out­ economy but the world economy as well. lived its usefulness to the U.S. export commu­ Boosting exports is one way to correct that imbalance. Given the lack of assistance for HON. EDWARD R. ROYBAL nity. To the contrary, he points out Ex-Im is exporters in the private sector, Ex-Im Bank, OF CALIFORNIA demonstrating its flexibility in bringing more more than ever, has an important role to and more U.S. businesses, large and small, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES play in ensuring a healthy economy. into exporting. I commend my good friend for Representative ROBERT GARCIA. Tuesday, February 23, 1988 his efforts and encourage my colleagues to WASHINGTON. Mr. ROYBAL. Mr. Speaker, the American give thoughtful consideration to his views. Association of Retired Persons' Tax-Aide Pro­ The letter follows: gram has received numerous honors, awards, [From the Wall Street Journal, Feb. 1, LOCAL STUDENTS HONOR AMER­ and commendations during its 20 years of ex­ 1988] ICAN HOSTAGES IN LEBANON istence. In 1986 the program received a Presi­ Ex-IM BANK'S CHANGING ROLE dential citation for outstanding contributions in Your Dec. 23 editorial "'Bank' fare" pre­ HON. GEORGEJ.HOCHBRUECKNER volunteer service. This coveted award is limit­ sents an unfair picture of the U.S. Export­ OF NEW YORK ed to approximately 30 organizations each Import Bank. Its mission is to assist U.S. ex­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES year. Recenty, the AARP Tax-Aide Program porters big and small. In the past the ex­ received the Internal Revenue Service Com­ porters that needed assistance from Ex-Im Tuesday, February 23, 1988 Bank have been larger corporations that Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise missioner's Award for outstanding and signifi­ wanted to carry out long-term projects. But cant service in the public interest. as small- and medium-sized businesses today to honor the efforts of the students of As chairman of both the House Appropria­ became more involved in exporting with Smithtown High School East and Smithtown tions Subcommittee on Treasury-Postal Serv­ smaller, short-term projects, Ex-Im Bank High School West in Smithtown, NY. These ice and the House Select Committee on also changed to meet the changing de­ students have given me letters for the Ameri­ Aging, I have been keenly impressed by the mands. can hostages being held in Lebanon. Their ac­ Tax-Aide Program. I commend Mr. Ira Fun­ In fact, in May 1987, in response to a con­ tions demonstrate the fact that we must never ston, a retired DepartrTlent of Labor attorney gressional mandate, Ex-Im Bank instituted forget these hostages. some of the most far-reaching changes in its who was instrumental in developing the con­ history in order to reach out to small- and Until last week, the hostage situation in cept of a volunteer Tax-Aide Program, utilizing Medium-sized exporters. Ex-Im Bank's Lebanon had nearly faded from the public older Americans to help other elderly persons Chairman John Bohn and Vice Chairman eye. The letters and cards these students in preparing their tax returns. Bill Ryan have made concerted efforts to have sent is an effort to help bring this situa­ Tax-Aide has grown rapidly during the past implement the new programs. While we still tion back to the public's attention. two decades and especially in recent years. need to see the effectiveness of these ef­ I am heartened by their efforts. Since the More than 25,000 volunteers serve as coun­ forts, it is apparent that the bank is trying end of the congressional hearings into the selors, coordinators, and instructors to assure to help all U.S. exporters, regardless of size. Iran/Contra affair the plight of these brave You state that Ex-Im Bank will be re­ that this free service is provided effectively questing a bailout of $2 billion to $3 billion Americans has, unfortunately, not been given and efficiently. During the past tax season, from Congress. Congress will be looking into the attention it deserves. Tax-Aide counselors helped an estimated 1.2 the bank's financial condition, including the The actions of these school children should million persons with their tax returns at more options available for recapitalization. Re­ remind us that we can never forget to think than 8,000 conveniently located tax sites capitalization, however, is not a question of and pray for the safe return of the hostages. 2430 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 The hostages are a diverse group of brave George Shultz and his campaign for a more [From Newsweek, Feb. 15, 19881 Americans who, knowing the risks involved, open Soviet policy toward emigration. DANCING WITH DICTATORS His recent talks with Soviet Foreign Minister decided to go to the Middle East to help rep­ THE TRICK IS KNOWING WHEN TO CHANGE resent the United States and educate people Eduard Shevardnadze have been very encour­ PARTNERS in that part of the world. They are Terry An­ aging. While Secretary Shultz was in the derson, Thomas Sutherland, Frank Reed, Soviet Union preparing for the upcoming Joseph Cicippio, Edward Tracy, Jesse Turner, Summit, Mr. Shevardnadze assured him that The United States always seems to find Robert Polhill, Alann Steen, and William Hig­ itself caught in the sordid embrace of the Soviets would no longer enforce an impor­ people like Manuel Antonio Noriega. Per­ gins. tant emigration restriction. The restriction, haps that's because American presidents Last Thursday I delivered these cards to which allows only those Soviets with proof of tend to see the world principally in terms of Secretary of State George Shultz. I asked immediate family living abroad to leave the the East-West rivalry; even liberal adminis­ Secretary Shultz to help us send these cards country, has become a major obstacle for trations like to show toughness, making an­ to Lebanon. It is my sincere hope that whoev­ scores of Soviet Jews attempting to emigrate. ticommunism more important than demo­ er is holding our citizens will allow them to Although this is a very important conces­ cratic ideals when selecting some of their see that we have not forgotten about them. sion, it is only a start. They must go farther friends. The strongmen often benefit more I applaud the thoughtfulness that these stu­ and drop it altogether from Soviet law. Keep­ from the relationship than America does. In dents have demonstrated. With growing public his book, "Waltzing With a Dictator," Ray­ ing this restriction in the law books provides mond Bonner writes that Philippine Presi­ pressure and careful diplomacy, we will im­ the Soviets with the option to use it in the dent Ferdinand Marcos used " his knowl­ prove the chances of bringing these Ameri­ future, depending on only their momentary edge, ingenuity and cunning to extract far cans home safely and quickly. It is my great whims. more from Uncle Sam than he ever gave." honor to be able to aid these young people in This visit was a good step in our effort to Still, dictators have their uses. While he was their efforts. press for improved human rights in the Soviet making his own fortune, Noriega provided Union. We should thank Secretary Shultz and helpful services to the CIA and the Drug urge him to build on this success. Enforcement Administration, and Panama ELECTIONS IN CYPRUS: A NEW furnished the Pentagon with its biggest OPPORTUNITY FOR RESOLV­ base in Latin America. No wonder Washing­ ING THE TRAGEDY OF THAT ton turned a blind eye to his criminal activi­ AID TO THE CONTRAS ISLAND ties for as long as it decently could-or per­ haps a little longer. Sentiment aside, the United States can't HON. WM. S. BROOMFIELD HON. MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ always afford to break off with dictators OF MICHIGAN OF CALIFORNIA just because they are unsavory. Usually it is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their lack of scruples that makes them suc­ cessful, and hence valuable to their foreign Tuesday, February 23, 1988 Tuesday, February 23, 1988 patrons. Rulers find it "much safer to be Mr. BROOMFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I congratu­ feared then loved," Machiavelli wrote, Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, later this noting that even Hannibal owed his lofty late George Vassiliou the newly-elected Presi­ week Congress will revisit the issue of provid­ dent of Cyprus. I encourage him to do every­ reputation mainly to " his inhuman cruelty." ing further aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. But a line must be drawn somewhere-if not thing he can to bring peace to that island. Before making this decision, I urge my col­ by morality, then by pragmatism. If Amer­ With the recent warming in Greek-Turkish re­ leagues to reexamine the events which ica has to dance with dictators, it must also lations, now is the time to take a brave step caused the United States to find itself in the know when to change partners. R ecent ex­ along the road to peace. position it now faces in Central America and perience suggests a few key moments at Yesterday, George Vassiliou, a Greek Cypri­ elsewhere. which dictators ought to be ditched: ot businessman, was elected as the President For many years, the foreign affairs bureau­ WHEN THEY STOP MOVING TOW ARD DEMOCRACY of the Republic of Cyprus. I am encouraged crats in our Government have latched on to In a 1979 essay, Jeane Kirkpatrick argued by reports that he is strongly committed to re­ the "Realist," power-politics notion that its OK that "traditional authoritarian govern­ opening unity talks with the Turkish minority to support non-Communist authoritarian re­ ments" are preferable to communist-style on that island. Under his leadership, I trust gimes because-in the words of Jeane Kirk­ regimes because they are "less repressive" that the United Nations will be able to launch and "more susceptible of liberalization." patrick-they are less repressive and more a new initiative on that divided island. Noriega's predecessor, Gen. Omar Torrijos, susceptible of liberalization. In order to con­ Since the 1974 invasion, 30,000 Turkish lived up to that definition. When he con­ tain the growth of communism, past Presi­ troops have occupied the northern half of cluded the treaty that will transfer owner­ dents have used this type of thinking to ration­ Cypus. Over 2,000 Greek Cypriots are missing ship of the Panama Canal to his country by alize U.S. support of right wing tyrants. the end of this century, Torrijos committed and over 200,000 Greek Cypriots have been Unfortunately, this policy has done more to himself to democratization. Although he displaced from their homes. 65,000 Turkish encourage the growth of communism than to maintained military rule, he fostered a plu­ settlers have been brought to northern contain it. While support of such dictators as ralistic environment in which a political op­ Cyprus. Continuing tensions between Greece position was able to function. Noriega Batista, Somoza, Marcos, and Duvalier may and Turkey can only further weaken NATO's welched on Torrijos's promise. If he remains vital southern flank. The window of opportuni­ have protected U.S. interests on a short-term in power, the government that takes over ty is open. It will not stay open forever. Now is basis, the long-term impact of this policy has the canal will be not only undemocratic but only served to encourage either the growth of the time for progress. dangerously unstable. communism or the stagnation of political de­ I wish President Vassiliou good luck in his WHEN THEY LOSE CONTROL OVER KEY SEGMENTS efforts to bring peace to that troubled land. velopment. OF SOCIETY Further aid to the Contras will only take us The shah of Iran was doomed when the down a path that has spelled disaster in the mullahs and the merchants broke with him. SHULTZ SUPPORTS SOVIET past. Why must we support a highly question­ Although the United States had manipulat­ HUMAN RIGHTS able grouping of brutal ex-Somoza national ed Ira,nian politics before, there was nothing guardsmen and disaffected Sandinistas when it could have done to restore his authority the security risk we face in Nicaragua can be in those quarters. South Korean President HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER Chun Doo Hwan was forced to accept mod­ OF ILLINOIS reduced through the implementation of the Arias peace plan? erate reform when the middle class decided IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that his heavy-handed regime was bad for To further understand the ramifications of Tuesday, February 23, 1988 business. In some cases the United States supporting right wing tyranny, I urge my col­ can transfer its support elsewhere, even to Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, as cochair of leagues to read and reflect upon the following another nondemocratic regime, but it must the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, I article by Russell Watson, that appeared in make its move early enough for a new pro­ would like to commend Secretary of State the February 15, 1988, edition of Newsweek: Western government to take hold. February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2431 WHEN THEY START TO LOSE A WAR macy Program several years ago, the paint­ going concern and commitment to action, and The biggest factor in Marcos' loss of U.S. ings show that if the leaders of China and the it is their collective voice that cries, "Let my government support was the growing im­ United States sometimes have their differ­ people go!" pression that his army might eventually be ences, the children communicate most effec­ defeated by a communist insurgency. Now tively. his far more admirable successor, Corazon The exhibit's paintings by the children in Aquino, faces the same problem at the head ABUSE OF SAME DAY RULE of a government that is still less than per­ China were brought to the United States fectly democratic. Aquino's official Ameri­ nearly a decade ago by the Pribusses, and can support is likely to waver only if the they have been on display in the Smithsonian HON. TRENT LOTT Philippine Army seems to be in danger of Institution. The paintings by children in the OF MISSISSIPPI losing. Chinatown schools were done expressly for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WHEN THEY DO SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE this exhibit, which the Meridien is sponsoring ECONOMY in observance of the Chinese New Year. The Tuesday, February 23, 1988 The looting that has occurred in countries best painting will earn a trip to China for the Mr. LOTT. Mr. Speaker, on February 4, like Haiti and the Philippines may make it artist and a parent. 1988, I inserted a special order in the CON­

impossible for even a ruthless dictator to Mr. Speaker, this exhibit gives new life liter­ GRESSIONAL RECORD, beginning at page 991 t hang on. In the Philippines, cronyism and ally to the Chinese proverb that a picture is entitled, "Abuse of the Same Day Rule." That rampant corruption transformed a $2 billion foreign debt into a $26 billion debt, a burden worth a thousand words, and that children special order concerned the instance on Octo­ so crushing that even a competent, demo­ who paint perhaps have more to say than ber 29, 1987, in which 2 legislative days were cratically minded successor may not be able adults who bicker. I commend the Meridien, created to avoid a two-thirds vote on consider­ to cope. the Pribusses and San Francisco school offi­ ing a second reconciliation rule that was filed WHEN THEY ARE CAUGHT VIOLATING U.S. LAWS cials for reminding us that the ingredients for just moments before it was called up. Dictators are rarely so careless. But inves­ peace are not only in the attache cases of The conclusion of that special order and an tigators are still looking into the question of diplomats, but sometimes in a child's paint­ accompanying memorandum was that the whether Marcos broke any American laws brush. double-day ploy violated the original intent of during his sleazy tenure. And Noriega, the House rule in question which was to re­ almost uniquely, has actually been indicted. quire a two-thirds vote to consider an order of WELCOME TO THE STUDENT It is unlikely that he will ever stand trial, business resolution on the same calendar day COALITION FOR SOVIET JEWRY and Americans may find it a bit unfair that it was reported, not just the same legislative his case has to be tried in the press. Of course, if Noriega wants a fair trial and the day. While there have been some recent re­ presumption of innocence, he can always HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN sponses to parliamentary inquiries to justify submit himself to the verdict of an Ameri­ OF NEW YORK this tactic, they do not comport with the origi­ can court. Noriega's critics, including some IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nal intent of the rule. I have therefore urged in Congress, charge that his criminal activi­ Tuesday, February 23, 1988 the Speaker to reconsider those precedents ty has been well known for years and that and restore the original intent of the rule by an indictment could have been obtained Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to not resorting to this tactic in the future. long ago. Whether or not that is so, any ad­ announce to my colleagues that the Student At this point in the RECORD, Mr. Speaker, I ministration that delays breaking up with a Coalition for Soviet Jewry will be making its crooked strongman runs the risk of being include the exchange of correspondence be­ annual visit to Washington tomorrow and tween myself and the Speaker on this matter. splattered with some of the mud. Thursday for the purpose of expressing indi­ Cutting America's ties to a strongman will The materials follow: not necessarily improve conditions in his vidual student concern over the continued CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, country. After a long spell of dictatorship, plight of Soviet Jews refused their basic HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, some countries-Haiti is a current exam­ human rights. Over 800 college students from Washi ngton, DC, February 3, 1988. ple-are such basket cases, economically and across the country will be visiting their Sena­ The SPEAKER, politically, that it may be impossible to tors and Representatives in an effort to enlist The Speaker's Rooms, U.S. House of Repre­ create a decent successor regime over the support for individuals and families who are sentatives, Washington, DC. short term. Other nations seem to be ripe refused permission to either reunify with family DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I am enclosing a spe­ cial order which I intend to insert in tomor­ for a democratic takeover, as Argentina was members abroad or repatriate to their ancient a few years ago. Panama may be such a row's RECORD on the subject of House Rule homeland of Israel. country, if drug money has not soaked in XI, clause 4(b), the rule which prohibits the too deeply. Perhaps the next, best candidate As one of the four honorary House cochair­ consideration of reports from the Rules for a transition to democracy is Chile, which men for this year's event, I look forward to Committee on the same day reported except has a relatively strong economy and a 150- meeting with my own constituents on this very by a two-thirds vote. year democratic tradition, a habit that has important matter. Indeed, 8, 155 Soviet Jews Appended to my special order is an analy­ not been crushed by 14 years of Augusto were granted emigration permission, for which sis and legislative history of the rule pre­ Pinochet's military rule. The U.S. role in we are all grateful. Yet thousands more still pared by my Rules subcommittee counsel. The memorandum concludes that consider­ that transition will consist largely of decid­ languish in refusal. Glasnost notwithstanding, ing when the right moment has come to ing a rule on a second legislative day of the back someone else. peaceful demonstrations are often interrupted same calendar day as reported, without a by Soviet authorities, while artificial obstacles two-thirds consideration vote, violates the to emigration, such as family permission or fi­ original intent of the rule which was to give PAINTBRUSH DIPLOMACY'S nancial obligation, remain in its stead. Secre­ Members a full day's advance notice of the CHINESE CONNECTION tary of State George Shultz, currently in legislative program. Moscow to discuss potential plans for yet an­ I am aware of the 1985 statement of the other summit meeting, has committed himself Speaker which would seem to condone this HON. TOM LANTOS practice. The Manual's footnote on that in­ OF CALIFORNIA to raising the issue of human rights high on stance indicates that a consideration vote is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our agenda. The students affiliated with the not required when two legislative days are Student Coalition for Soviet Jewry send a convened on the same calendar day. But, Tuesday, February 23, 1988 clear signal to the Soviets as well as our own the incident cited actually involved two leg­ Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to com­ administration that the rights contained in the islative days convened on two separate cal­ mend a rather special art exhibit that opened Helsinki Final Act and other international endar days, the first legislative day of which today at the Meridien Hotel in San Francisco. agreements must be complied with. ran past midnight of the first calendar day. It consists of some 70 paintings by children of Last month, 722 Soviet Jews were granted My own reading of the legislative history would seem to require a midnight cutoff for Chinatown-area schools and the People's Re­ permission to reunify with family members filing a rule. But, be that as it may, taking public of China. Assembled by San Francisco abroad. Let us hope that 1988 brings out all the principle one step further and actually school officials and Char and Rudy Pribuss of those who desire to leave. Certainly, the stu­ convening two legislative days on the same San Mateo, who started the Paintbrush Diplo- dent coalition is to be commended for its on- calendar day, as was done on October 29th, 2432 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 completely nullifies the original intent of factors which underlie my conclusions, even I would be happy to discuss this matter the rule which was to guard against filing though a definitive analysis would require further, if you wish. and considering a rule on the same calendar more study. Sincerely, day, except by a supermajority vote. I hope By using clause 4, Rule XVI, the House JIM WRIGHT, you agree with this analysis. may convene and adjourn twice on the same The Speaker. With all best wishes, I am calendar day, thereby meeting for two legis­ Sincerely yours, lative days on the same calendar day, as it CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, TRENT LOTT. did on November 17, 1981 of Rule XU day of December 15) is relevant. As you this tactic. However, my main purpose is to which was to give Members a full day's ad­ point out, on that occasion the House did urge you to reconsider in view of the origi­ vance notice of the legislative program" not "convene" two legislative days on one nal intent of the rule and the potential for I appreciate the accuracy and depth of calendar day pursuant to clause 4, Rule confusion and disruption in orderly process your research and your general conclusion XVI, but did remain in session beyond mid­ which may be cause by its misapplication. regarding the original intent of the Member night on December 15. The Speaker never­ While it might be argued that the author who authored the one-day layover rule in theless responded-I think correctly-to simply did not contemplate the possibility 1924. Although I had not so thoroughly ex­ Rep. Walker's inquiry, based upon what had of two legislative days occurring in the same amined the history of that provision at the been an uncontested Rule XI time certain in order to bring up a rule on a period. While midnight might be a conven­ in computing the final three calendar days new legislative day created by the applica­ ient cut-off time for filing, that has never within which the Committee on rules may tion of the motion. However, the focus of been a commonly held perception or inter­ call up a resolution on the same day report­ discussion was never on whether such a pro­ pretation of clause 4(b), Rule XI. ed. 's parenthetical clause. It means called up on the second legislative day and Chair, and not to make up rules to suit im­ calendar day in both instances it is used. no point of order was raised against the pro­ mediate partisan needs. There is a funda­ Your letter does rely heavily on the "ma­ cedures utilized to bring the rule before the mental difference between interpreting the terially altered . . . landscape" brought House. interrelationship between two rules, in ac­ about by the 1973 rule permitting a motion That was my understanding at the time. cordance with accepted principles of con­ to adjourn "to a day and time certain," and Having reviewed the Rules and precedents struction, and "making up rules as we go its "interrelationship" with the same-day more closely following receipt of your letter along," a practice I, too, would deplore. It is rule. But, as shown above, there is no such and your special order, I still feel a sense of my obligation as Speaker to apply the rules interrelationship because the same-day rule assurance that the House acted in a manner fairly, uniformly, and in a manner consist­ was intended to apply to calendar, not legis­ consistent with its Rules and that legitimate ent with the precedents. I consider this obli­ lative days. And you do not fault "the accu­ procedures were followed. Because of your gation inherent in the oath I took when I racy and depth" of our research as well as concerns, I will elaborate on some of the became Speaker. our "general conclusion regarding the origi- February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2433 nal intent of that rule.'' So, while the 1973 as Speaker to facilitate the work of the In addition to being well-known for his ex­ rule may well "facilitate the application of House. But, to paraphrase Chief Justice traordinary acting talents, Mr. Montalban is other rules wherein the counting of legisla­ Burger in the Chadha case: "the fact that a legendary for his many efforts to help youth tive days would be relevant," it is not rele­ given . . . procedure is efficient, convenient vant in the case of the same-day rule. and useful in facilitating functions of gov­ and the disadvantaged. He is the spokesper­ I might also point out that, while your ernment, standing alone, will not save it if it son for Navidad in el Barrio, a program to col­ letter indicates that the term "day" ordinar­ is contrary to" the original intent of the lect Christmas toys for needy Hispanic chil­ ily is interpreted under the precedents to rule; "convenience and efficiency, are not dren, and for the Los Angeles County Adop­ mean "legislative day," in the case of clause the primary objectives-or the hallmarks­ tion Agency in its effort to secure homes for 4 of Rule XVI, the motion therein author­ of democratic government." UNS v. Chadha, orphaned and abandoned children. By hosting ized to "adjourn to a day a time certain" 462 U.S. 919> a relief telethon, he also helped raise millions must refer to a calendar day. Thus, when Sincerely yours, of dollars for victims of the 1985 Mexico City Mr. Foley made his motion on October 29th TRENT LOTT. "that when the House adjourns today it ad­ earthquake. journ to meet at 3:15 p.m. today," it is un­ As chairman of the San Fernando High derstood he was referring to 3:15 p.m. on ESTONIAN INDEPENDENCE School alumni game, Mr. Montalban is once the calendar day of October 29th. The word again giving his time to assist southern Cali­ "today," the second time used in the fornia youths. The baseball game is being motion, could not have meant the same leg­ HON. ROBERT H. MICHEL held to raise funds for CARE, a part of the islative day, since the House cannot recon­ OF ILLINOIS Dropout Prevention and Recovery Program. vene on the same legislative day. And he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CARE takes a "community partnership" ap­ could not have simply moved to meet on the next legislative day at 3:15 without referring Tuesday, February 23, 1988 proach to encouraging students to stay in to the calendar day. school and is aimed at identifying students Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker, once more I am whose behavior patterns indicate they are As I attempted to demonstrate in my spe­ glad to join with our colleagues in paying trib­ cial order and the supporting memorandum, likely to drop out. The program has received the tern "legislative day" only began to ute to a brave people. I refer to the people of enthusiastic community support as well as creep into the footnotes of the House Estonia, who on February 24, 1988, mark the statewide acclaim. Manual in 1975. Nowhere can the interpre­ 70th anniversary of the independence of the The baseball game, which will take place on tation of "legislative day" be found in Can­ Republic of Estonia. February 27, is the highlight of the San Fer­ non's Precedents, Deschler's Precedents, or Estonian independence was brutually violat­ nando High School Alumni Committee's fund­ even the 1987 Supplement to Procedure in ed after the notorious Nazi-Communist Pact of the House. This is not a longstanding inter­ raising efforts. One team will be made up of a 1939 allowed the Soviet Union, under the host of celebrities and San Fernando High pretation of the rule; it is of very recent vin­ leadership of Stalin, to take away by force the tage. And, as I have demonstrated from the School alumni, many of whom have played legislative history of the rule, this interpre­ freedom of the Baltic States. professional sports. They will be pitted against tation is not only at odds with the original The United States of America does not rec­ the San Fernando High School varsity team, intent, but is logically inconsistent with the ognize this takeover, a fact which is widely un­ the 1987 league champions. The game is ex­ waiver it provides for itself during "the last known in the United States and, for some pected to raise $40,000 to support the CARE three days of the session. reason, is rarely mentioned in our dealings Program at San Fernando High School. Nevertheless, you indicate that you were today with the Communist Party of the Soviet "comfortable" with the October 29th appli­ It is my distinct honor and pleasure to join Union, the ideological heirs of Stalin. the San Fernando community in honoring Ri­ cation of the rule because it "comported I will not go over the gruesome details of with the documented food. Deprivation of sleep and food are did not respect human rights. SAN SALVADOR, February 18.-A prisoner common forms of torture used by Salvador­ Duarte, in a press conference, showed who admitted being a leftist rebel and par­ an security forces. If Miranda confessed arms reportedly turned in by Miranda, maps ticipating in the October murder of a promi­ freely, why was he detained for so long? of the getaway and sketches of three men nent human rights leader retracted his con­ Courts were in session, notwithstanding the Miranda said helped carry out the killing. fession today, saying he had been threat­ government's claim to the contrary. Miran­ The investigation was carried out by the ened. da's mother and sister insist that he was at Special Investigative Unit, funded by the "My confession in matters relating to this home at the time of the Anaya murder; why United States. case was not true," said Jorge Alberto Mi­ was this alibi publicly discredited by Presi­ "We are convinced these are the people randa in a handwritten statement to the dent Duarte? that killed Anaya," Duarte said. "This was a First Criminal Court. "The actions taken Moreover, significant aspects of the Anaya crime by the FMLN"-the Spanish acronym against me and my family pressed me into case are unresolved. For example, death for the Farabundo Marti National Libera­ taking responsibility for actions I did not threats against Anaya and other members tion Front. commit." of the Salvadoran Human Rights Commis­ "This is important because the murder If Miranda was not involved in the killing, sion have not been investigated. was presented to the whole world as a it would be a serious embarrassment for February 23, 1988 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 2435 President Jose Napoleon Duarte and the se­ IN SUPPORT OF HATCH ACT er. It is clear: "Hatch Act reform prohibits curity forces. In January, Duarte in a na­ REFORM political activity while on duty, in a Federal tionally televised press conference, said Mi­ facility, in the uniform of a Federal job, or randa and other leftist rebels were responsi­ while using any vehicle owned or leased by ble for the October murder of Herbert Er­ HON. ROBERT GARCIA the Government," said House sponsor Rep­ nesto Anaya, president of the left-leaning, OF NEW YORK resentative Bill Clay. nongovernmental Human Rights Commis­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I fully support those prohibitions. In fact, sion. Tuesday, February 23, 1988 I agree with those opponents who want to The rebels denied the charge. The family keep partisan politics out of the workplace. Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I am submitting of Miranda and the commission he led said Where we part company is that they extend the killing was the work of right-wing death for the record testimony being presented the prohibition to letter carriers' private today by Vince Sombrotto, president of the lives. squads tied to security forces. Ths killing set Representative Clay noted, "There is no off a week of domestic and international National Association of Letter Carriers, before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee evidence that voluntary political activity in protests. any way diminishes the ability to maintain Duarte said he was "absolutely certain" on reform of the Hatch Act. good government . . . " I couldn't agree no torture or coercion had been used to get I support such reform, and I believe that Mr. more. Miranda to confess. Sombrotto presents an eloquent case as to There is a large body of evidence that Defense attorney Leonardo Ramirez, who why this reform is so necessary. I am hopeful proves Mr. Clay's point. Representative presented the statement, said the National that the Senate will agree with Mr. Sombrotto, Constance Morella . whose district Police had threatened Miranda and his and we will see Hatch Act reform signed into contains 65,000 federal employees, re­ family if the 19-year-old student did not col­ law in the 1OOth Congress. searched the issue. "Working with the Con­ laborate and confess to participating in the I urge my colleagues to take a moment to gressional Research Service, I have deter­ mined that public employees of some 4 assassination. read Mr. Sombrotto's fine testimony. Ramirez said Miranda would give details, states, including Maryland and Virginia, are including the reported involvement of two TESTIMONY OF VINCENT R. SOMBROTTO, already allowed leisure-time political free­ Venezuelan intelligence agents, if allowed to PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF dom comparable to that permitted in the LETTER CARRIERS make a new statement to the court. Hatch Act reform bill." She contacted offi­ In the last week the government has Mr. Chairman, my name is Vincent R. cials in Maryland and Virginia. "Neither launched a campaign in the local press, Sombrotto, President of the National Asso­ could remember a single complaint of politi­ using documents reportedly captured from ciation of Letter Carriers. The NALC repre­ cal coercion involving government employ­ the guerrillas, to indicate Anaya was killed sents more than 310,000 active and retired ees." letter carriers. With me is Steve Thrower, Over 40 states have lifted their "mini­ by the rebels because they no longer trusted who was a letter carrier while serving as Hatch Acts" on state and local employees. him. The government also said the rebels Mayor of Norman, Oklahoma, from 1983-86. There is no evidence of abuse or violations. were pressing Miranda to retract his confes­ Thank you for inviting us to testify on The conclusion is: political participation sion by threatening his family. Hatch Act reform. works. "In 1988, America should not be Both sides in the bloody civil war have put In the House debate Republican Repre­ trying to restrict political participation," out exaggerated or fabricated reports of sentative Gene Taylor, along with many of Senator Lowell W eicker said. "We should be abuses by the other side, making if difficult his colleagues, said that he had opposed pre­ doing everything possible to increase politi­ to know the truth in many cases. vious Hatch Act reform legislation- but not cal involvement." Miranda, in Mariona prison, was to appear HR 3400. "This is legislation whose time has Common Cause refused to testify at the before the judge today, but the prosecution come," he said. House hearings. They now embrace the filed a motion to block him from appearing. Mr. Chairman, without the cooperative myth that reform "politicizes the work­ Prosecutor Luis Roberto Pineda said the effort of Gene Taylor and other Republican force." They admit that there are many move by Miranda and his lawyers was a Members, we might not be here today. More non-partisan activities which we can engage tactic designed to confuse public opinion, Republicans joined the Democrats on this in, and that such activities have not resulted and that only the initial judicial confession bill than in all the previous attempts span­ in "politicizing." They argue that running was valid in court, not amended versions. ning a decade. Why? A Republican col­ for a non-partisan position, such as a school Miranda, in interviews with the internation­ league from New York, Frank Horton, an­ board member, is acceptable. But if the al press following his arrest, said he had swered that HR 3400 "was the successful same school board position is a partisan provided cover for the man who killed result of bipartisan negotiations .. . It was race, it threatens the foundations of the reported out of committee unanimously." civil service. That is nonsense. Anaya, and said he was a member of the This was an historic event. But bipartisan­ We are responsible citizens who serve our guerrillas. ship in crafting the legislation doesn't fully country well. Letter carriers vote in partisan He said repeatedly in the interviews he explain the overwhelming 305-112 vote. The elections. Do they give poor service to the was not tortured, but said he was given two most vital ingredient was the content of the other side? No, because we are professionals, injections, reportedly for his tonsils, and bill. as are federal employees. An employee in that he was blindfolded for extended peri­ Both Mr. Horton and Taylor took the the Agriculture Department who stuffs en­ ods while being interrogated. House floor to stress, in Mr. Horton's words, velopes for a mayoral race is not going to In his statement to the court, Miranda that the new bill "strengthens prohibitions risk job, family and future by violating the said he gave his confession because "I felt against misuses of official authority, against law. Such an employee is not subverting bad, very sick because of the treatment I re­ employees soliciting from their subordinates good government, but is promoting better ceived from t he National Police. I felt bad or their contractors or against coercion and government. since a doctor arrived, and while I was blind­ intimidation. It clarifies the ambiguous and Senator Weicker also pointed out that folded, gave me a shot, saying it was for my selectively enforced restrictions on political there is much less likelihood of a federal tonsils. activities." employee, such as an Agriculture Depart­ "This appeared very strange to me be­ Mr. Chairman, that statement cuts the ment employee, violating the Hatch Act cause I have never had problems with my heart out of our opponents' arguments. The than a person at the local level. The reason tonsils," Miranda added. hackneyed phrase that reform will "politi­ is that the local level is more "hands-on," Many human rights workers and Miran­ cize" the workforce doesn't apply to this thereby subject to greater cause-and-effect. da's family argued from the beginning that bill. Senator Ernest Hollings also answered The success at the local level of loosened re­ Miranda was tortured into confessing. Mi­ those criticisms. In a letter supporting strictions provides a good lesson for federal reform, he wrote, "However, the bill con­ reform. randa's family says Miranda was asleep at tains several safeguard provisions such as I looked at the OMB/Justice letter oppos­ the time the killing took place. tightening the restrictions on political coer­ ing HR 3400, which the Administration sub­ [On the third day of a rebel offensive, the cion as well as strengthening the punish­ mitted on the House side. I am deeply dis­ Salvadoran military said nine guerrillas and ment if a violation occurs ..." These safe­ turbed. First, they have the aura of author­ three soldiers were killed in northern Chala­ guards " ... will maintain the neutrality of ity-which can be compelling. But the facts tenango province and sabotage attacks left the civil service system .. . " don't support their conclusions. Many of more than 60 percent of the country with­ Mr. Chairman, the same prohibitions cur­ their criticisms are the "what if" category. out electrical power, Reuter reported.] rently in effect in the workplace are un­ They say, " what if" someone working for changed. By clarifying and simplifying re­ the Census Bureau is a campaign manager. strictions, the rules and violations are clear- That employee has an inside track on 2436 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 23, 1988 census information. My response is: the been debating that for 22 years. Congress­ Members of the Committee, thank you census is public information. If the informa­ man Taylor challenged those who argued and I will be glad to answer any questions. tion is secret, obtained illegally or withheld for more debate, "I asked those Members, from the opponent wrongfully, the person is what amendments they would like to WHERE Do You STAND ON HATCH AcT in violation of the law under current or pro­ offer?" said Congressman Taylor. "When we REFORM? posed legislation. I also wonder how many got done talking about it, the Members say, Do you think letter carriers and other Census Bureau employees are chafing at the 'Well, I really do not guess we have got any postal and federal employees should have bit to be campaign managers in their spare amendments to offer.' " the same political rights enjoyed by other time. "The fact is, this bipartisan committee Americans? You have a chance to express If we condemn on the basis of expertise, cleaned this bill up before we brought it to your opinion by returning the Presidential do we disqualify a teacher who runs for the floor." Preference Card, inserted just inside the school board? If hazardous waste is a cam­ Opponents argue that employees do not front cover of this issue. paign issue, should employees of a sanita­ want reform. How paternalistic. Let me The reply card asks: Do you support re­ tion company be prohibited from volunteer­ point out that political participation is vol­ forming the Hatch Act? By voting "yes," ing on their own time in a campaign? Of untary. The way one poll posed the question you indicate support for the Hatch Act course not, but if the same employee doing was: The Hatch Act has protected you since reform bill, currently before Congress, the same work is Federal, it's a Hatch Act 1939. Supporters think it is vital to prevent which would grant postal and federal em­ violation. I agree with Congresswoman Mor­ politicizing and protect you. Opponents ployees full rights to participate in partisan ella when she said, "Our Constitution think you do not need the protection. Do politics off the job, while retaining on-the­ begins, 'We the people ... not 'We the you want "repeal?" job protections against political coercion by people except those in federal service.' " Worded like that, I would vote "no" be­ management. The OMB/ Justice Department paper is cause I want reform, not repeal. Under the bill, letter carriers would be rife with such examples. That disturbs me, Last month I polled the 310,000 members prohibited from engaging in any political because their arguments and vehemence of the NALC. I described the contents of activity while at work or in uniform. Howev­ borders on an ethics problem-it appears as HR 3400, and then asked, "Do you support er, carriers would enjoy full rights to volun­ if they were ordered, bound and determined reforming the Hatch Act?" By a staggering tarily engage in partisan political activity to produce a negative product regardless of margin of 13 to 1 (93% to 7%> they said when off the job and out of uniform. This the facts. It was unprofessional. "yes.'' I have attached to my statement a includes the right to campaign for a candi­ A further example of OMB/Justice "parti­ copy of the poll from the NALC magazine, date in a partisan election and the right to sanship" is their objection to extending Postal Record. run for party or political office. reform to "political activity by senior politi­ Times change. Postal Service and Federal In addition, the bill strengthens current cal appointees." If real senior executives government working conditions change. In protections against supervisors intimidating want out, the bill could be amended. But if 1939 postmasters were political appointees; or coercing carriers to support a particular they want to hide and penalize those who today that is not the case. In 1939 postal candidate. The bill provides for criminal want to be part of the political life of Amer­ employees had few safeguards; sinced 1970 penalties for any supervisor who forces a ica, we would oppose them. that is not the case. In 1939 Federal employ­ letter carrier to become involved in a politi­ It appears that OMB wants it both ways: ees were not covered by the Merit System, cal campaign. they object to "loosening" Hatch restric­ now they are. Originally the act was one The reform bill-H.R. 3400-passed the tions for most employees and object to law, now it's over 3,000 rulings. House on November 17 and has been referred to the Senate The bottom line is that we can create a lot federal employee can wear a campaign for consideration. Opponents of reform­ of "what if" situations. Most employees in button but can not host a meet-the-school­ such as Citizens Against Union Control of the OMB/ Justice examples would be guilty board-candidate coffee at home after hours? Government and the National Right to under both current law and HR 3400. OMB A letter carrier can attend a rally but can't Work Committee-claim that working and Justice admit that "the bill includes a hold a sign? A 14" x 29" bumper sticker is people do not want to reform the law, and number of provisions intended to ensure okay, but you get prosecuted if its 15" x 30". have redoubled their efforts to defeat the that any political activity is conducted off Mr. Chairman, you may be okay with only legislation. the job, and to prevent conflicts between of­ five letters in your name, but Senator Ste­ The National Right to Work Committee ficial duties and political activities... " Un­ vens or Bingaman may have to shorten sent a letter to members of Congress claim­ fortunately, the agencies consciously go on their names. A letter carrier may write a ing that the bill is a "vicious federal union­ to ridicule those very provisions. That's an letter to the editor but may not have copies boss power grab," and charging that Hatch old trick. Those agencies declined to partici­ distributed to five or more newspapers, nor Act reform is a partisan political move not pate in drafting language. We could have write five or more consecutive letters to one supported by rank-and-file union members. benefited from constructive input. Their newspaper. "Hatch Act reform is not politics," replied document, however, leads me to believe they It is absurd in 1988 to deny civil rights to NALC President Vince Sombrotto. "It is are insincere, and would continue to block three million citizens. Laws like this cause about the constitutional rights of 3.5 million reasonable participation. people to lose respect for the government individuals who work for the federal govern­ Our opponents charge that reform needs which enacts them. ment. Enemies of the bill are simply fight­ more debate. Where have they been for the I concur with Chairman William Ford: ing to deny those rights.'' past 50 years? I was in high school when "The Hatch Act was written for a different Cast your vote on Hatch Act reform along this debate began. In 1966 a bipartisan Com­ time and for far, far different circumstance with your preferences for President by re­ mission on Political Activity of Government ... As Lawmakers it is your duty to ensure turning the enclosed card before February Personnel recommended reform, and we've the Federal laws fit the time.'' 5.