October 26, 1987 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 29211 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS THE DEATH OF A HERO the contrast broken only by a single black giving of self and that was what Paul did. MIA flag. He gave of himself. When that fire bell The muffled sound of a drum signalled rings there's no holding back of the giving HON. BARNEY FRANK the arrival of the color guard from the of self. He gave of himself for another." OF MASSACHUSETI'S Boston Fire Department, soon all was in Bishop Daniel A. Cronin presided at the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES readiness for the funeral cortege to begin Mass; Folster and Rev. Rene Gauthier, the short march to St. Anne's Church pastor of St. Jean Baptiste, of Bernard's Monday, October 26, 1987 where the funeral Mass was to be celebrat parish, were concelebrants. Mr. FRANK. Mr. Speaker, I've spoken earli ed. The mass was followed by a simple service er in the House about the debt we all owe to The sun broke through as Boston Fire in Ascension Chapel at Notre Dame Mauso firefighters. These brave people perform on a Capt. Terrance Koen's drum set the proper leum, attended by Bernard's family and an military cadence for the procession and the over-flow gathering of firefighters, police, daily basis one of the most dangerous jobs in color guard stepped off, followed by Mayor and city and state dignitaries. our society, and we do not, in my judgment, Vivieros and Fire Chief Louis Shea. compensate them adequately for the danger Police Chief Ronald J. Andrade and [From the Providence Journal, Oct. 26, and difficulty of their work. Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Freeborn 1987] The people in Fall River, MA, received a flanked Fire Department Chaplain Rev. tragic reminder of the danger which daily con John R. Foister who delivered the eulogy at PAUL BERNARD DIED A HERO, TRUE TO A fronts firefighters last week when Lt. Paul R. the Mass. FIREMAN'S CALLING The entourage included state Commission
• 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.
91-059 0-89-14 (Pt. 21) 29212 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 26, 1987 wondered if this was it for me. Was I going 376 were all nays, as related to S. 640, the Sergeant Hall joined the Army in 1979 and to have to go into the vacant convent and Water and Power Authorization Act. was a carpentry-masonry specialist. After would I get lost and not be able to find my completing basic training and advanced train way out?" ing at Fort Leonard Wood he served at Fort Ah, but Bob Cashman jumped on the FDA USER FEE LEGISLATION engine and left Candelas. And so did every Rucker, Fort Lewis, and Korea. In May of firefighter at every fire since Tuesday's 1986 Sergeant Hall became a drill sergeant at blaze at Roma Color Inc. And so will every HON. EDWARD R. MADIGAN Fort Leonard Wood. He received the Army firefighter at every alarm that beckons for OF ILLINOIS Achievement Medal, and two Army commen bravery and heroism. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dation medals. I am sure Sergeant Hall's It is the nature of the job. friends join me in extending my sincerest sym Monday, October 26, 1987 They are willing to be lost. pathies to his family. The Rev. John Folster, pastor of St. Mr. MADIGAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am in Anne's Church and the chaplain of the Fall The tragic training accident that took the life River Fire Department, said in his homily troducing legislation that will require the Fed of this young soldier is still under investigation, at Paul's funeral that firefighters are eral Government to assess fees under the but perhaps some good will emerge from this people willing to be lost. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for the review tragedy. Hopefully the hard lessons we learn He compared their heroism to the heroism of applications for marketing approval for will spare other servicemen's families the pain of the early explorers who sailed unknown drugs, antibiotics, medical devices, and biolog the Halls must now endure. waters in search of new lands and new dis ical products. I am introducing this legislation coveries, at the risk of being lost. He com at the request of the administration which has pared the vocation of the firefighter to the HON. HOWARD ROBISON astronaut who is willing to explore space de determined that this is one way that the Food spite the memory of the Challenger and its and Drug Administration could have the re ill-fated crew. sources necessary to reduce approval time HON. E de la GARZA TRIBUTE TO GALLANTRY substantially for new product applications. The OF TEXAS On the wall inside the Fall River Fire De ability to charge user fees would allow the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES partment headquarters on Pine Street, Federal Government to shift some of the ap there is a painting depicting an early fire proval costs from the taxpayers to the manu Tuesday, October 20, 1987 company. The title of the picture is The facturers who receive profits from the prod Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I was Gallant Ones. ucts approved by the FDA. deeply saddened by the announcement of the That title could have been written above I would like to note that this legislation pro passing of our former colleague, Howard South Main Street Friday as firefighters from many communities walked toward the vides for waivers and reduction of fees in ex Robison, and I would like to take this opportu steps of St. Anne's Church. ceptional cases that are in the public interest. nity to say a few words about our late col Fall River firefighters are the finest you I also note that the fees collected for each league. will find anywhere in the country. They type of review affected by this legislation While he left these Chambers 13 years ago, have fought some colossal holocausts with could be used only for the costs connected Howard Robison is a man with whom it was a out the loss of firefighters or private citi with carrying out that activity. privilege to serve, and those of us who did zens. Mr. Speaker, I view the introduction of this · have lost a good friend. "They lean on each other for life," Father Folster said. "Paul is not just another guy bill as the starting point for discussions be As I reflect I think that the key to Howard to firefighters. He is a brother." tween representatives of the administration, Robison's success in accomplishing so much My sympathy goes out to Marguerite, representatives of the affected manufacturers, was his total dedication to the causes for Paul's wife, and his two daughters, Michelle and legislators to develop a policy that will which he worked and in which he completely and Nicole. I didn't know Paul, but from all assure FDA is receiving adequate funding for believed. The State of New York can be proud I have heard about this hero, I wish I had prompt and thorough premarket reviews. of its record in sending many fine men to Con been his friend. In the midst of your sorrow, One of the objections raised by the manu gress and I believe that Howard Robison can you must find immense pride. facturers of products that would be subject to justifiably be included among that number of In time, that pride should bring you peace. user fees is that there is no guarantee that outstanding individuals who have come to the fees would be used for expediting review Washington and left it and the country a of applications. I am quite sympathetic to this better place by having served here. PERSONAL EXPLANATION concern and pledge to work with the adminis Indeed an outstanding public servant tration and the affected manufacturers to Howard Robison's contributions to his Nation, HON. JACK BUECHNER assure that the user fee will directly benefit his State and to the Congress have been OF MISSOURI the user. I am also sympathetic to the argu many. They will long be remembered, and I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment raised by some affected parties that, as am proud to have been one of Howard Robi Monday, October 26, 1987 user fee revenues increase, appropriations will son's colleagues. He will be missed. decrease. Again, I am committed to assisting Mr. BUECHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today the affected parties in assuring that Congress' to explain my absence for rollcall Nos. 372 commitment to the FDA will not diminish as SENIOR SOFTBALL and 373 regarding the Independent Counsel other sources of revenue are used. Act-H.R. 2939. Due to unavoidable business I sincerely hope that the administration of HON. DAVID E. BONIOR in my district, I was unable to record my re this legislation can begin a process which will OF MICHIGAN maining votes on October 22, 1987. Let me result in a solution that will satisfy all affected IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES assure you that my intended vote was in sup parties. port of the Shaw amendment that sought to Monday, October 26, 1987 strike language stating that sought to include Mr. BONIOR of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I Member~ of Congress under the statute. Had I TRIBUTE TO SGT. JOSEPH rise today to pay tribute to a spirited group of been present I would have voted "aye." Like ALLEN HALL Americans who recently returned from a good wise, my intended vote for rollcall No. 373, will mission to the United Kingdom in order to was in opposition to final passage of H.R. HON. IKE SKELTON introduce senior softball to that part of the 2939, to amend title 28, United States Code, OF MISSOURI world. Senior softball is a popular sport in my with respect to the appointment of independ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES home district in Michigan, as well as in many ent counsel. Had I been present I would have other parts of the country. In fact, Clinton voted "nay." Monday, October 26, 1987 Township in Michigan is the site of the Nation Likewise, I was unable to record my votes Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to al Association of Senior Citizen Softball on October 23, 1987, due to extended busi pay tribute to Sgt. Joseph Allen Hall. He died [NASCS] World Tournament. ness in my district. Let me assure you that my tragically in a training accident at Fort Leonard Delegations from across our Nation partici intended votes on rollcall Nos. 374, 375, and Wood, MO, on October 9, 1987. pated in the trip to the United Kingdom, in- October 26, 1987 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 29213 eluding two teams fielded from Michigan. will host a luncheon in their honor on Tues MEDICARE EXPANDED CHOICE There were 226 players and spouses involved day, graciously hosted by our colleague BEN ACT in this first annual Pan Am Softball Classic. GILMAN. On Thursday evening the Embassy of The teams played "round robin" tourna Peru will host a reception in their honor. Clear HON. EDWARD R. MADIGAN ments in eight cities throughout the United ly, the Washington community has extended a Kingdom. The trip lasted from September 18 warm welcome to our Latin American friends. OF ILLINOIS to October 3, 1987. I especially want to high Several area restaurants and touring groups IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES light the efforts of Ms. Jackie Kwiatek and Mr. have opened their doors in the hope of Monday, October 26, 1987 Ken Maas of the NASCS in Michigan. Jackie making this trip educational and entertaining. and Ken work tirelessly each year to organize Substance abuse by our Nation's youth is Mr. MADIGAN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the world tournament, and they added to their an ongoing crisis. These exchanges and the the administration, I am introducing a bill responsibilities this year by setting up the effort of youth service organizations, such as today to expand voluntary private health insur Softball Classic in the United Kingdom. the Youth Network Council, are striving to ance coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. I was happy to be of assistance to the slow the tide of abuse. Their goal is urgent, This bill would permit the Health Care Financ NASCS in their efforts to coordinate their trip and deserves this country's full support. ing Administration [HCFA] to contract with to the United Kingdom. I understand that "employment based plans" [EBP's] to provide these American ambassadors of senior soft health care services to retired employees and ball received a warm welcome in the host BEST WISHES TAIWAN their families directly-by meeting the criteria country and have been invited back for next for competitive medical plans [CMP's]-or by year. Senior softball is a wonderful sport that subcontracting with a Health Maintenance Or keeps participants young in spirit. The Softball HON. JACK BUECHNER ganization [HMO] or CMP. Unlike current law, Classic served an important purpose in OF MISSOURI the Secretary of Health and Human Services spreading this national pastime to the interna [HHS] would determine the capitated payment tional scene. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES amount for these groups on the basis of the I would also like to congratulate senior soft Monday, October 26, 1987 ball players from Michigan who recently cap experience of the retirees who enroll. In addi Mr. BUECHNER. Mr. Speaker, a few of my tured a gold medal at the first World Senior tion, this legislation makes several changes to colleagues and I visited the Republic of China Olympics in St. George, UT. I am especially the Medicare HMO statute in order to make proud that many members of the Michigan on Taiwan during the August recess. While we the HMO option more available and attractive team came from my home district. were there we met with a number of govern to Medicare beneficiaries. ment officials representing Taiwan's Board of In introducing this legislation, I am aware of Foreign Trade, business executives of large concerns that have been raised regarding the LATIN AMERICAN EXCHANGE and small corporations, and legislators of the bill's provision allowing the Secretary to expe ruling Kuomintang and the opposition party. rience rate the per-capita payment for employ HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER Our briefings were informative and education ment based plans. Because HCFA currently OF ILLINOIS al; we learned about Taiwan's political move determines the capitated payment amount for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ments, economy, and especially their many, HMO's on the basis of what Medicare would Monday, October 26, 198 7 many efforts in reducing their trade surplus otherwise pay for health services under the with the United States. Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, with the current fee for service system, the experience-rated Our hosts advised us of their "buy Ameri deluge of stories on AIDS, we hear less and capitated payments to EBP's could very well can" mission to the United States and of their less about the ongoing drug problems with our exceed comparable payments to HMO's in the latest purchase of Boeing jetliners for a total Nation's youth. Fortunately, this critical topic is same area. I do not intend for this to occur, being addressed by a distinguished group of of $1.7 billion. They wanted to know why the and in further developing this initiative, I plan eight visiting Latin American diplomats who re United States was not happy with a 25-per to work with my colleagues in Congress and cently arrived in Washington, DC. With finan cent appreciation of their currency since late the administration to rectify this potential prob cial support provided by a U.S. Information 1985 and why the United States seemed to lem. Agency grant, the Youth Network Council of discourage Taiwan's economic future. It is my understanding that this concept will Chicago, directed by Gary Leofanti and Denis While we did not have quick answers to soon be tested under HCFA's demonstration Murstein, will serve as host for the group. their questions, we strongly sensed their sin authority. The Secretary of HHS announced The group will spend more than 3 weeks in cerity. Lowering of tariff rates and elimination on October 14, 1987, that HCFA has signed a the United States, participating in our success of trade barriers have been significant steps cooperative agreement with the Amalgamated ful youth service programs in Illinois and taken by Taiwan-illustrating their commit Life Insurance Co. to provide its retirees the meeting with experts in Washington to discuss ment to free and fair international trade. option of continuing to receive health benefits Federal options on drug treatment and pre During our trip we learned that despite dif under the same managed health care system vention programs that are geared toward our ferences over trade matters, Taiwan remains they utilized as workers. The Secretary antici youngsters. an ally of the United States, and we must not pates this 4-year demonstration project will The five Latin American countries repre hasten to punish them for economic success. test the innovative concepts which underlie sented are Colombia, Peru, Panama, Bolivia, Instead, we must diplomatically discuss our the bill that I am introducing on his behalf and Ecuador. They have all experienced the differences. Since today's economy is global, today. terrible effects that drug abuse can have on a anything we or the Taiwanese do will severely If Medicare is to remain solvent over the nation's young people. While the focus may affect the interests of the other country and have switched away from drug abuse the long term, Congress must be willing to explore indirectly the world economy. problem persists and is probably growing. alternatives such as this one. This program Mr. Speaker, in the month of Taiwan's 76th Mr. Speaker, this exchange provides an ex could very well reduce Medicare overall costs cellent opportunity for combating this interna birthday, I urge that we send them our greet through greater administrative efficiencies, by tional problem. The representatives have been ings and best wishes as well as our hope that providing prospective payments on an experi active in drug abuse prevention for several both the United States and Taiwan will work ence rated basis and by shifting the risk as decades. They are internationally known for jointly toward each other's economic interests sumption for health benefits to an underwriter their expertise and professionalism in fighting and prosperity. other than the Federal Government. The Med drug abuse in their countries. icare Expanded Choice Act provides retirees During their stay in Washington, the group greater choice, less red tape, and possibly in will meet with Dr. Ian McDonald, Special As creased benefits. sistant to President Reagan on Substance Abuse. The House Foreign Affairs Committee 29214 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 26, 1987 TRIBUTE TO PVT. KEITH JONES hundreds of hours of programs to charity, hook by avoiding the tough. individual spend social problems, health, medicine, and public ing choices that must be made to reduce the HON. IKE SKELTON affairs. deficit. OF MISSOURI Jim Markham is now the president of Gen And in many cases, such as the defense IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eral Broadcasting Corp. and all its affiliates. budget, a freeze would not really be a freeze Jim has been a long-time resident of Grand because defense spending is slated to in Monday, October 26, 1987 Terrace and has served in the broadcasting crease steadily at current levels of spending, Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to field in every capacity. while domestic programs have already been pay tribute to Pvt. Keith Jones. He died trag Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in salut frozeh. ically in a training accident at Fort Leonard ing KCKC radio station and all those who Although I am a strong supporter of ensur Wood, MO, on October 9, 1987. work to maintain its reputation as a quality ing our national security, the true foundation Private Jones had just completed his third station. I feel that KCKC is an outstanding ex of security is a strong and healthy economy. A week of basic training and was by all ac ample for all those involved in the media. I freeze that would allow actual increases in de counts well on his way to becoming a fine sol congratulate this station for its excellence and fense spending while reducing domestic pro dier in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the wish it continued success for years to come. grams would undercut the political support Army Achievement Medal posthumously and needed for a strong defense and could in is survived by his parents Margaret and Henry. flame public opinion against defense pro A $23 BILLION IN DEFICIT grams that really are vital to our national secu I am sure everyone who knew Private Jones REDUCTION NOT ENOUGH joins me in extending my sincerest sympathies rity. Any compromise solution to the budget to his family. crisis must make each part of the budget The tragic training accident that took the life HON. RONALD D. COLEMAN shoulder its fair share, and that goes for de of this young soldier is still under investigation, OF TEXAS fense as well as domestic spending. but perhaps some good will emerge from this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, the American people and the tragedy. Hopefully the hard lessons we learn Monday, October 26, 1987 national and world economy are holding their will spare other servicemen's families the pain collective breaths while we await the outcome the Joneses must now endure. Mr. COLEMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, of these negotiations. Nothing could send a today marks the first time that the President stronger signal to the world than a coura will sit down with the elected leaders of Con geous stand on deficit reduction, one in which KCKC RADIO OPENS NEW gress from both parties to begin serious dis the President joins leaders of Congress from FACILITY cussions about reducing the Federal budget both parties in real, tough decisions. Telling deficit. Congressional leaders have advocated the world that we intend to reach the original HON. JERRY LEWIS this comprehensive, bipartisan budget summit Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction targets in OF CALIFORNIA all year, and although it is disappointing that it stead of the loosened ones would give our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES took the crash of 1987 to bring the President economy the best shot in the arm it would to his senses, I am nevertheless hopeful that Monday, October 26, 1987 have received all year, and I urge the Presi a compromise can be reached and a budget dent and the congressional leaders to do so. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise ary deadlock-with all its perils for the econo today to recognize an important part of the my and the markets-can be avoided. 35th District of California-KCKC radio sta But despite this encouraging first step, the FCC PLANNING TO IMPLEMENT tion-and the people behind its operation. On President and congressional leaders must go RULE IMPOSING ACCESS November 4 of this year, a very special cere beyond the $23 billion deficit reduction con CHARGE ON ESP'S mony will take place to honor the new building tained in the so-called new Gramm-Rudman from which KCKC broadcasts, where the fix. When this fix was passed by the Congress HON.EDWARDJ.MARKEY newest and most advanced broadcasting and signed into law by the President, over my OF MASSACHUSETTS equipment is used. I'd like to take this time to objections, I said that now is not the time to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES say a few words about the station and the relax our deficit reduction goals. The need to driving forces behind it, Jerry Maltz and Jim stick to at least the original Gramm-Rudman Monday, October 26, 1987 Markham. deficit reduction targets is greater than ever, Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, the Federal For 23 years, KCKC has been the country and the negotiations between the President Communications Commission [FCC] is plan station for the Inland Empire. During that time, and congressional leaders should return to ning to implement a rule which could cripple other stations have come and gone. KCKC those original, tougher targets. At the very the U.S. information services industry. The plays a blend of country favorites from the least, we should reach the original Gramm FCC has issued a notice of proposed rule 1950's right up to the country hits of today, Rudman deficit reduction target of $144 billion making, FCC Docket No. 87-215, which would always with an emphasis on the more tradi instead of the loosened target of $156 billion, in effect impose an access charge on all en tional aspects of country music. Listeners are an action that would require $35 billion in defi hanced service providers [ESP's). I urge all treated to country music from Buck Owens, cit reduction instead of the $23 billion current Members of Congress to oppose this action. Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline to the latest ly under discussion. ESP's supply computer based information hits from Dwight Yoakum, George Strait, and I'm not yet sure that $35 billion is the services to business and residential users. Reba McEntire. unique number, but it seems at this point to Customers access these services via tele In addition to being dedicated to country be a more desirable target than the minimum phone lines. The FCC proposal would expand music, KCKC is committed to community serv figure of $23 billion. the existing access charge to include all ice. KCKC devotes much time and energy to To reach these goals, we must all share in ESP's. coverage of news and events affecting the the pain and we must all contribute our sacri The proposed access charge could be as lives of its listeners. The award-winning KCKC fices to the national effort required to reduce 'high as $5 per online user hour, a 100- to news department is recognized as the primary the Federal deficit. With the sole exception of 500-percent increase. This will have a devas source for up-to-the-minute accurate informa Social Security, every group and every kind of tating effect on the information services indus tion, whether it be the latest news headlines individual will be expected to contribute their try. We are just beginning to realize the amaz or the weather from the mountains to the high fair share. ing potential of this new industry; the new desert. Mr. Speaker, I am leery about a spending technology has provided this Nation with ca Jerry Maltz is the chairman of the board of "freeze" for the same reason I opposed the pabilities previously limited to the realm of sci General Broadcasting Corp., the company relaxation of the original Gramm-Rudman tar ence fiction. This access charge threatens to which owns KCKC and seven other stations in gets. A freeze would be as uncourageous a stall this burgeoning success. nearby cities. Jerry's ambition is "to show that move as sequestration and across-the-board As a member of the Massachusetts delega media can be a force for good as well as for cuts because once again, it would allow the tion, I have seen first hand the wonders of the profit." Indeed, GBC stations have devoted President and the Congress to get off the information services industry. In my district October 26, 1987 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 29215 alone, companies on and around Route 128 left hand is doing. This prompted the NTIA, AMENDMENTS TO THE NATION- are offering services never even dreamed of, along with several other Government agen AL CHILDHOOD VACCINE and they're doing it at affordable prices so the cies, to file against the FCC proposal. INJURY ACT OF 19S6 whole population can be a part of this revolu According to the FCC, this is a matter of tion. fairness: Everybody who uses the local net HON. NORMAN F. LENT Access charges would make future develop work should pay for it. Unfortunately, it is not OF NEW YORK ment too costly and would stifle one of Ameri that simple. Aside from the public policy impli ca's most innovative and exciting industries. cations which the Commission fails to consid IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The FCC has recognized this problem. When er, the proposal is inequitable. ESP's will be Monday, October 26, 1987 access charges were imposed, on common forced to pay for the whole local line, even carriers after the AT&T breakup, the FCC ex Mr. LENT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to an though they do not use the more expensive empted ESP's. The Commission feared that nounce, along with my colleague Mr. DUNCAN, "rate shock" would stunt growth in this new trunk side, only the line side, and ESP's will the introduction, by request, of the President's industry. This same Commission has now de have to pay terminating charges even though bill "To amend title XXI of the Public Health termined that the rate shock is no longer a there is usually no termination, only a connec Service Act establishing the National Vaccine concern. The industrial revolution took over 50 tion. ESP's will be paying more than their fair Injury Compensation Program, to amend the years; the FCC believes the information revo share. National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of lution took less than 4. The FCC access charge proposal has no up 1986, and for other purposes." ESP's will be forced to pass the access side. It can cripple growth in a vital industry, Compensating those who suffer injuries as charge on to their customers, many of whom force nonprofit users out of the market, and a result of a childhood vaccine is a critical will not be able to afford this huge increase hurt the U.S. trade balance. Perhaps this is component of this Nation's overall commit and will drop out of the information market. why over 2,000 people have written the sub ment to ensure that children are protected Residential and nonprofit users, such as librar committee opposing the rule, and why com against dread childhood diseases. Those few ies, universities, and hospitals, will be hardest ments to the FCC have overwhelmingly been children who do suffer vaccine related injuries hit by the proposal. This access charge would opposed to the proposed rule. I urge my col ought to be fully, fairly, and swiftly compensat shut them out of the information services leagues to oppose the FCC in this matter. ed. market and effectively create a two-tiered, in Last season, in enacting Public Law 99- formation rich, information poor society. This 660, the Congress recognized that the current is nothing less than a threat to our democratic A TRIBUTE TO THE CAMELLIA tort system is ill-suited to accomplishing these society. SYMPHONY purposes, because it compensates too few, The Subcommittee on Telecommunications costs too much, and takes too long. More and Finance recently held a hearing on this over, the tort system, varying as it does from subject. At the hearing, Chairman Patrick was HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI State to State and from jury to jury, interposes given an opportunity to express his views and OF CALIFORNIA a degree of uncertainty that has had the listen to the opinions of those opposing the effect of dramatically increasing the costs of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rule. vaccines attributable to liability. As a result, Witnesses testified about the devastating Monday, October 26, 1987 manufacturers have ceased manufacturing effects the rule would have on nonprofit users. Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great childhood vaccines altogether and those that remain in the market have been forced to dra John Stuckey, director of academic computing pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to a at Northeastern University, stated that this matically increase the cost of the vaccines. distinguished group of musicians, the Camellia would limit student access to information serv What is needed is a predictable and equita Symphony, on the occasion of their 25th anni ices, and more importantly, hinder any further ble system of vaccine compensation, one that development in computer assisted education. versary of excellent and entertaining perform treats the child injured in Illinois the same as Richard tenEyck of the Boston Computer So ances. the child injured in Mississippi. Current law at ciety said that the free flow of information has For the past 25 years, the citizens of Sacra tempts to meet these goals but contains seri much more than trickle-down benefits for the mento have had the pleasure of being enter ous deficiencies. The bill that we are introduc rest of society, it has a flood of benefits, liken tained by a truly unique and dedicated crew of ing today provides a viable alternative to cor ing it to tax dollars spent on public education. performers. Under the baton of veteran con rect these deficiencies and would leave us Jacquelline Bastille, director of the health sci ducter and composer Dr. Daniel Kingman, the with an affordable system that we can all be ences library at Massachusetts General Hos Camellia Symphony has offered to its patrons proud of-a system that fully, fairly, and swiftly pital, stated that the proposal could seriously a hardy blend of American composers, out compensates all persons who suffer childhood affect the quality of health care by limiting the standing yet seldom heard compositions, chal vaccine related injuries. availability of information to health profession lenging new works, and of course, traditional Our bill· would provide for the following als. symphony fare. amendments: Philip Gross of Quantum Computers, a pro This season promises to be a special one. The basic provisions of current law regard vider of low-cost data bases, testified that the To celebrate their silver anniversary, the Ca ing eligibility for compensation and the types charge would force them to abandon the con mellia Symphony has chose to honor the bi · of economic injuries to be compensated would sumer market. Ivan Seidenberg of NYNEX centennial of the U.S. Constitution. Each four be retained, with minor revisions. stated that the local phone companies do not season concerts will be dedicated to a par Manufacturers would be required to pur have an exact method of distinguishing be ticular aspect of the Constitution including: the chase insurance, or to self-insure, to provide tween voice and data communications and Federalist period, women's sufferage, the Civil compensation for vaccine-related injuries. The program would be based upon the between inter- and intrastate communications. War amendments, and as a grand finale, a In addition, representatives from Telenet and workers' compensation model, a program in performance of campaign song medley's Adapso testified that the access charge would effect in all 51 jurisdictions and the Federal spanning from the 1800's to the present. have no noticeable effect on local telephone Government. Since there is already an enor rates. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of mous body of experience under those pro Access charges would hurt U.S. trade rela Sacramento and the State of California, I want grams, we know that vaccine manufacturers tions. The National Telecommunications and to congratulate the Camellia Symphony on a will be able to purchase the required insur Information Administration [NTIA], the admin job well done. I offer them my warmest wishes ance, thus protecting both themselves and in istration's arm for telecommunications policy on the occasion of their silver anniversary and dividuals receiving the vaccines, and the need is trying to convince foreign governments that I want to thank them for providing the people will be eliminated for taxpayer subsidies of information services are not common carriers, of our community with superb and memorable compensation. Additionally, a strong incentive but the FCC is now going to regulate the two entertainment. will be placed upon the manufacturer to industries under the same system. It seems as produce the safest vaccines possible, since though the right hand does not know what the the cost of securing the required insurance 29216 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 26, 1987 will be a function in each case of the manu PROTECT COST-EFFECTIVE aid recipients saves $2 in care during a facturer's prior compensation experience. PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN baby's first year. Still, in 1985, nearly 25 percent of mothers did not begin prenatal The draft bill would establish a new admin care in the critical first trimester. Congress istrative entity, the Vaccine Compensation HON. GEORGE MILLER has approved an increase of $27 million in Board, to adjudicate claims for compensation OF CALIFORNIA the maternal and child health block grant. that cannot be resolved by the individual and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES That could provide complete prenatal care the insurer. Placing the factfinding and base Monday, October 26, 1987 services to 40,000 more women. line adjudicatory functions for this specialized CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, as class of cases in a specially constituted Board Each dollar spent to immunize young chil we prepare for a budget summit, let's keep in dren saves $10 in later medical costs. Yet in will facilitate prompt and fair compensation. mind the advice of the New York Times last The compensation program would be the 1985, one of four children between ages 1 weekend: and 4 was not immunized for rubella, exclusive remedy in all but the limited classes Temptation is strong to cut back every mumps, polio or measles and 13 percent of cases involving willful misconduct or medi where on the theory that All Must Share lacked immunization for diptheria, tetanus cal malpractice. This approach would greatly the Burden. Yes, but not the children. and pertussis. Congress would increase increase the predictability of compensation Drawing on findings of the House Select funding by about $20 million, enough to im munize 600,000 more youngsters. costs, thus making vaccines insurable, pro Committee on Children, Youth and Families, tecting the supply and stabilizing the price. the Times identified selected targeted cost-ef PRESCHOOL EDUCATION Such an approach has been successfully in fective programs for children that not only Enriched preschool programs increase plemented in the State of North Carolina should not be cut, but should be expanded to later school success. Head Start, the cele brated Federal contribution to this effort, is where the cost of DTP vaccine has dropped cover more eligible children. now funded at about $1.1 billion, enough to dramatically. As we make critical decisions about the serve barely one of every five eligible chil Recent action taken by the House Commit 1988 budget, let us heed the warning of the dren. Congress contemplates an increase tees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and New York Times which is confirmed in the re that could cover 28,000 more children. Means to fund the compensation program has sults of university, medical and research stud REMEDIAL EDUCATION highlighted the problems contained in the cur ies even by this administration: "There are in Since 1965, the Federal Government has rent law and underscore the need to take a vestments that America cannot afford not to provided remedial services to educationally revised approach. Current law together with make." disadvantaged children. A year of such serv the reconciliation provisions reported by the [From the New York Times, Oct. 18, 19871 ice costs about $600. Compare that with the THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHILDREN $4,000 it costs taxpayers when a child must House Budget Committee represent a costly repeat a grade. Congress would add about and potentially inequitable experiment. It is Children are a nation's greatest future re $350 million for remedial education, target costly because it retains the tort option-the source; that's why America is heading for ing most of it to the poorest students. That culprit that caused the crisis in the first place. trouble. In the next 12 weeks, President could allow school districts to serve another Reagan will either seize-or forfeit-his last half-million children. It is inequitable because it treats those who chance to do something about it. are injured before the effective date of the Big funding increases for child welfare At this moment, his Office of Manage programs may be unrealistic at a time of legislation as second-class victims providing ment and Budget is constructing the 1989 huge deficits. But the modest Congressional them with only a fraction of the compensation Federal budget, for his last full year in increases approved so far are well within available to those injured after its effective office. The usual strains of budget-making Gramm-Rudman's budgetary limits. They are intensified by merciless pressure to cut make progress toward 100 percent coverage date. the deficit, notably the present struggle to Even so, we would be required to appropri of those eligible. If the President cares bring the 1988 budget within Gramm-Rud about poor children, he'll do well to contin ate $320 million over the next 4 years for ret man's mandatory targets. Temptation is ue these modest but steady gains. These are roactive compensation and impose a substan strong to cut back everywhere, on the investments that America cannot afford not tial excise tax on childhood vaccines to cover theory that All Must Share the Burden. to make. the cost of prospective compensation. And, Yes, But not the children. Many American children, and the number this excise tax would not even be truly reve is rising, need help, especially in early child nue generating over time, because the Feder LONG-TERM TIMBER hood. More than 20 percent of children are CONTRACTS IN ALASKA al Government purchases about one-third of now growing up poor; in 1970 it was 15 per all such childhood vaccines. cent. The nation has developed programs Provisions in the House reconciliation bill that work to prevent or ameliorate poverty's HON.ROBERTJ.MRAZEK would render current law permanently inoper worst effects. A new consensus is coalescing OF NEW YORK around early childhood health and educa IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ative if more than 150 claims for prospective tion; people are coming to recognize that in cases were paid out over a 12-month period. suring a fair chance for every child saves Monday, October 26, 1987 In short, not only would this approach retain future and also millions, in increased pro Mr. MRAZEK. Mr. Speaker, I had the oppor the uncertainty of the tort system, but it has ductivity, decreased crime and dependence. The judgment Mr. Reagan passes on five tunity to travel to southeast Alaska in August an added uncertainty-the compensation pro to assess the management practices of the gram may cease to exist under its own terms. programs especially will do much to estab lish how he is remembered when today's U.S. Forest Service in our Nation's largest na Moreover, I am advised the current law toddlers become adults. tional forest, the Tongass National Forest. could be unconstitutional. By vesting, as it WIC (WOMEN-INFANTS-CHILDREN) You may be aware that last March, I intro does, the responsibility for administering the By providing supplemental food to those duced the Tongass Timber Reform Act (H.R. compensation program in the district courts, at nutritional risk, this program helps 1516), a bill to restore fiscal accountability to the law runs afoul of the "case and controver reduce infant mortality and increases birth the Tongass. Currently, the Tongass Timber sy" requirement of article 111 of the Constitu weight. It has the greatest effect on preg Reform Act is pending before the House Inte tion. nant women: every dollar spent on the pre rior Subcommittee on Energy and the Environ We believe there is a better, fiscally respon natal component saves three in short-term ment, where 2 days of hearings have been hospital costs. Now funded at about $1.7 bil held. sible approach to providing compensation to lion, it serves less than half those eligible. vaccine injured children-the approach that is H.R. 1516 is designed to bring the Tongass PRENATAL CARE embodied in the President's bill, which we back into the annual appropriations process Several programs, including a block grant along with the rest of the U.S. Forest Service. commend to our colleagues' attention. for maternal and child health and Medicaid, provide prenatal services to low-income Under section 705 of the Alaska National In women. Investing one dollar in prenatal terest Lands Conservation Act, the Treasury is services saves $3.38 in the cost of care for required to provide an open-ended appropria low-birthweight infants. Every dollar spent tion of "at least $40 million annually or as on comprehensive prenatal care for Medic- much as the Secretary of Agriculture finds is October 26, 1987 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 29217 necessary" to enable the Forest Service to In addition, Alaskan long-term timber con with which we are particularly concerned, achieve its timber supply goal of 4.5 billion tracts antedate all major environmental and will wake up to the fact that Russia is not a board feet of timber per decade from the Ton resources management laws pertaining to the negligible factor in world politics." national forests, including the Multiple-Use Japan, which had destroyed the Russian gass. Unlike virtually all other Federal expend navy in 1895 at Tsushima Straits, is all but itures, including expenditures for national de and Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, the Wilder undefended today; its meager military re fense, these funds are not subject to deferral ness Act of 1964, the National Environmental sources could be crippled by Soviet air or recision by the administration, nor are they Policy Act of 1969, and the National Forest attack. Because Persia