August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22345 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

MASS MIGRATION FROM CUBA dent (probable successor to 75-year-old Nel­ At that time, it would have been simple son Mandela); minister of defense; minister and logical to have had him replace ANC of safety and security (the police); and min­ President Oliver Tambo, who had long been HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR. ister of posts, telecommunications and seriously 111, but instead, he was eventually OF FLORIDA broadcasting (a key position for controlling given the largely honorific post of deputy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the media). This is a textbook example of president. After leaving prison, he was, in ef­ how communist parties have always tried to fect, on probation for a year and a half be­ Friday, August 12, 1994 secure control over the military, the police fore he was "elected" president. During this Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, in 1980 Fidel Cas­ and the media as an essential first step to period, his first major trial was entering ne­ tro opened Cuba's borders and 125,000 taking over entirely. SACP members hold gotiations with President de Klerk at Groote other important positions: minister and dep­ Schurr, May 2-4, 1990. In these meetings, Mr. Cuban refugees flooded the shores of south uty minister of foreign affairs; housing Mandela's performance was closely mon­ Florida. Many outstanding Cubans escaped (which will probably dispense a large part of itored by a watchdog contingent of four sen­ Castro's brutal regime, but the boats at Mariel the state budget); transport; sport and recre­ ior SACP members headed by General-Sec­ were also filled with convicts and the mentally ation; and a minister without portfolio. Ten retary Joe Slovo, who is both white and re­ ill. As a result of Castro's despicable behavior, other ministers and six other deputy min­ puted (but not proven) to have been a colonel much damage was done to south Florida's isters are African National Congress (ANC) in the KGB. The party obviously thought people and the good name of the Cuban peo­ members who may or may not be in the this proctoring necessary, despite the consid­ SACP, but who owe their positions to ANC erably political liabilities it entailed. At ple. committees controlled by an SACP majority present, Mr. Mandela is clearly more than Now the dictator has again threatened a and, therefore, are beholden to the party. just a front man and must have no small mass migration of his long-suffering people. Thus, the electoral victory has, in effect, ac­ amount of influence in the ANC, but he does Mr. Speaker, earlier this week 19 Members of tually brought the SACP to power. not have the final say. The party has. the Florida delegation sent a letter to Presi­ I first learned of the SACP's control of the Unlike most of the reform-minded or dis­ dent Clinton asking him to bring Navy and ANC when, during my last stint in the White illusioned communists and ex-communists in Coast Guard assets into play to forestall this House, I prepared briefing material on the Europe, the South African Communists are ANC for President Bush. My research re­ true believers, less than Stalinst, but cer­ impending crisis. Last night Attorney General vealed that, contrary to popular belief, there tainly, pre-Gorbachev. This became abun­ Janet Reno announced that the United States is more than just an "alliance" between the dantly clear from the positions taken at the would use Navy and Coast Guard vessels to ANC and the SACP. last Party Congress in December 1991. Time keep the situation under control. I urge the The ANC is run by its National Working magazine (May 9, 1994) quite correctly stated President to put those assets in place now. Committee and National Executive Commit­ it: "While they [SACP members] have for­ The first lesson from Mariel is that swift tee, the present members of which were sworn Stalinism, Slovo still argues that American action is needed to prevent another elected in July 1991. The SACP controls ma­ 'only under socialism could you have a com­ jorities in both committees. This dominant bination of political and economic democ­ mass migration from Cuba. Everyone in south SACP role was confirmed in a revealing racy'." Mr. Slovo has got to be the most in­ Florida is well aware of the consequences of speech, not reported on outside of South Af­ fluential and powerful mover and shaker in Federal inaction and lack of resolve. Let us rica, given by the late Cris Rani, immensely South Africa today. The Freedom Charter, hope that this time our President acts first to popular ANC leader and once a probable suc­ mostly drafted by Mr. Slovo and still to this protect our borders and our laws. cessor to Mr. Mandela, on Nov. 16, 1991: "We day gospel for the ANC, states: "The na­ in the Communist Party have participated in tional wealth of our country ... shall be re­ and built the ANC. We have made the ANC stored to the people; the mineral wealth be­ NELSON MANDELA AND JOE what it is today, and the ANC is our organi­ neath the soil, the banks and monopolies SLOVO zation." shall be transferred to the ownership of the The ANC ws founded in 1912, and the Com­ people as a whole; all other industry and munist Party joined it in 1921. For at least trade shall be controlled to assist the well­ HON. DAN BURTON the last 50 years, the ANC has been essen­ being of the people." OF INDIANA tially a front for the party, with, of course, When elections became certain, the ANC the kinds of diverse groups fronts always put virtually dropped all the references to na­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forward. A Communist, Bram Fisher, wrote tionalization or any other "socialist" pro­ Friday, August 12, 1994 the "new" ANC Constitution in 1943. The grams both to keep the favorable (to them) Freedom Charter, still the ANC's credot and political process moving to encourage for­ Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, while manifesto, was drafted in 1955 by SACP eign investments and aid. The ANC did, how­ all of us are very pleased that violence has members Joe Slovo (who now heads the ever, briefly show its hand when it an­ been reduced in South Africa and that a gov­ party) and Moses Kotane. In testimony be­ nounced on Jan. 14 an economic program ernment of national unity is in place, we must fore a U.S. Senate committee, in November which seemed to harken back to the Free­ not allow the euphoria of the moment to cloud 1982, Bartholomew Hiapane, former member dom Charter in calling for the nationaliza­ our sober assessment of potential problems in of the SACP Central Committee and of the tion of the "strategic areas" of the economy. the South African transition. ANC's National Executive Committee, stat­ However, on May 1 Mr. Mandela insisted ed: " ... no major decision could be taken by there was nothing about Marxism or nation­ I commend to my colleagues' attention this the ANC without the concurrence and ap­ alization in the ANC's economic program. recent article from the Washington Times by proval of the Central Committee of the One can, indeed, expect the new ANC re­ William Stearman, formerly of the National Se­ SACP. Most major developments were, in gime to move slowly and deliberately in curity Council staff, about the strong influence fact, initiated by the SACP. On Dec. 16, 1982, changing the economy, except for massive of the South African Communist Party within Mr. Hiapane and his wife were murdered in expenditures on housing (which Mr. Slovo the new government. their home in Soweto by an ANC assassin. will directly supervise) and other social pro­ Where does this all leave Nelson Mandela, grams. At this point, they do not want to de­ NELSON MANDELA AND JOE SLOVO who stated he has been "influenced by Marx­ stabilize the economy, encourage white The most significant result of the recent ist thoughts" but is not a Party member? Al­ flight or discourage foreign investment. South African elections seems to have gone though he has been masterful and char­ Eventually, however, any Marxist-Leninist totally unmentioned in the world media: The ismatic in representing the ANC, he has regime can be counted on to give higher pri­ emerging dominant role of the South African never claimed to be running this organiza­ ority to attaining, exercising and maintain­ Communist Party (SACP) in the new govern­ tion. Just after he was released from prison ing political control than to fostering a free ment officially announced on May 11. in February, 1990, he quite accurately de­ and healthy economy. Such political control Known members of the SACP in the new scribed his position: "I am a loyal and dis­ inevitably requires the kind of state-con­ government include: The first deputy presi- ciplined member of the ANC." trolled economy the SACP and ANC have

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.

79--059 0-97 Vol. 140 (Pt. 16) 24 22346 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 been advocating for decades. Moreover, such INTRODUCTION OF REGULATORY RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THE a move is not likely to encounter much op­ REFORM LEGISLATION PAS SPORT RESTRICTION ON po"sition from economically deprived voters UNITED STATES TRAVEL TO who gave the ANC its smashing electoral vic­ LEBANON tory. HON. BOB FRANKS While one can expect little change in the OF NEW JERSEY HON. NICK J. RAHALL II economic field in the near future, there are OF WEST VIRGINIA ominous signs that human rights might be IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES affected much sooner by the new govern­ Friday, August 12, 1994 ment. Bill Keller, New York Times cor­ Friday, August 12, 1994 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today I am intro­ respondent in Johannesburg reported on Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, April 24 that there were "nagging doubts ducing a resolution calling for the lifting of the last month, the Northeast-Midwest Congres­ travel ban to Lebanon, and replacing it with a about how devoted the next, presumably sional Coalition Manufacturing Task Force re­ ANC-led Government will be to the rule of travel advisory. In 1987 Secretary of State leased its report on the state of manufacturing law . . .. Already the ANC has had minor George Schultz issued a prohibition on the in the United States. This report contains over skirmishes with human rights groups over use of United States passports in Lebanon. its support for detention without trial and 40 recommendations to assist this vital sector The basis of such a ban came from "imminent other extraordinary powers now that power of our economy. Today, I am introducing com­ danger to the public health or the physical is flowing into its hands." This recalls the prehensive legislation to significantly change safety of the United States travelers." (22 revelation in October 1992 about widespread the Federal regulatory process, a key compo­ USC 211a). In 1987, the travel ban made use of torture in ANC prison camps in An­ nent of the report. sense, due to the ongoing civil war. Since the gola, Tanzania and Uganda. Geoffrey The manufacturing task force spent the last end of the civil war, the situation in Lebanon Wheatcroft, longtime British observer of the year examining barriers which inhibit the man­ has dramatically improved. In particular, I South African scene, warned in the Wall ufacturing sector and economic growth. As my would like to draw your attention to these im­ Street Journal on April 21: " Press Freedom colleagues are aware, one of the most fre­ portant developments: is visibly under threat. Already there is a quently cited obstacles to prosperity is the Despite the travel ban, Americans have high degree of self-censorship by news­ vast scope of regulatory schemes which have traveled to Lebanon since last 1990, with more than 40,000 visiting in 1993. Most of papers." He also noted increased ANC influ­ created the perception of a government hostile ence in the state-owned South African to business. Indeed, with the Federal Govern­ these were Americans of Lebanese descent, the media, business people, and spouses and Broadcasting company now headed by an ment publishing 69,688 pages of new regula­ fiancees of Lebanese nationals. There have ANC member (who will now be working for a tions last year, the regulatory process has be­ not been any hostile acts reported against Communist minister.) In this regard, it is a come so complex that the Federal Register these Americans, nor any kidnapings since the fine irony that the SACP/ANC came to power now teaches classes just so individuals can only by being granted a freedom of expres­ last hostage was released December 2, 1991. better understand this rulemaking journal. sion and assembly rarely, if ever, enjoyed by On January 27, 1993, the United States De­ such a powerful opposition in any other Afri­ This legislation would require agencies partment of Justice announced that it would can country. drafting a major new rule to complete a regu­ not extend Temporary Protected Status to There are other things to worry about in latory impact analysis. Although President Lebanese nationals in this country beyond South Africa. After the South African gov­ Clinton recently announced a change in the April 9, 1993 due to improved security in Leb­ ernment announced, in march 1993, that it regulatory process that could increase agency anon. this determination contradicts the State had a nuclear program, The Washington Post coordination and implementation of timetables, Department's rationale for maintaining the quoted a U.S. official as saying, " There are additional improvements must be adopted. travel ban, instead of a travel advisory. some members of the ANC who see all this The first step in this process is to reform the Reconciliation and reconstruction is under­ (nuclear) materials as a large and useful toy, Administrative Procedures Act, which governs way in Lebanon. Between January 1993 and while there are others who would like to see all rulemaking activity undertaken by the Fed­ January 1994, Lebanon has awarded some it eliminated." (Under the new Communist eral Government. Under my bill, an agency 100 contracts worth $2.4 billion for both defense minister, the former are likely to would be required to complete an assessment consultancies and redevelopment projects, prevail). of the potential impact of its action by complet­ mostly to French, Italian, and German contrac­ ing a detailed checklist found in the bill's regu­ tors. For example, Alcatel-CIT of France and The same Post piece also stated that, in Ericcson of Sweden each received $22 million this connection, the United States is con­ latory impact analysis. and Siemens of Germany $40 million for in­ cerned about the ANC's close ties with The regulatory impact analysis will require stalling phone lines. Hyundai of South Korea Moammar Gadhafi. As a matter of principle, answers to a series of commonsense ques­ one should not only worry about the ANC's was awarded $80 million and Clemessey of tions, which include: The number of persons France was. awarded $55 million for equip­ ties with Mr. Gadhafi, but also with Fidel affected by the rule; the factual, scientific or Castro and, in the recent past, with the So­ ment and repairs to the Lebanese electric technical basis for the agency's determination viet union which, until 1990, had for decades power system. American companies have the that the regulation will accomplish its intended been the ANC's main source of financing, goods and the expertise that Lebanon needs arms, training and guidance. Such a long and purpose; estimates of compliance costs includ­ for reconstruction. Unfortunately, U.S. firms close association had to have left its mark. ing paperwork, burdens, fines, fees, registra­ are hindered in bidding for contracts because The events now being set in motion by the tion, etc.; any alternative approaches consid­ they cannot legally send American personnel. ANC electoral victory should have become ered by the agency or suggested by interested In light of the above developments, ~ State obvious when in a speech on Feb. 11, 1990, im­ parties and the reasons for their rejection; and Department travel advisory may be more ap­ mediately after his release from prison, Nel­ whether parties may have to retain or utilize propriate than an outright ban on the travel of son Mandela was so lavish in his praise of lawyers, accountants, engineers or other pro­ United States citizens to Lebanon. Take the the South African Communists that a Wash­ fessional consultants in order to comply with cases of Algeria and Somalia where foreigners ington Post editorial found his remarks the regulations. have been threatened and killed; and Bosnia where a civil war is still raging. For these "passing uncomfortable," and presently By requiring regulators to answer these and countries, the U.S. State Department has only asked whether the ANC "is about to create other questions, my goal is not to eliminate issued a travel advisory. Yet for Lebanon, as another of the cruel, undemocratic and inef­ regulations, but to cause regulators and regu­ well as Libya and Iraq, there remains an out­ ficient state-centered regimes that are col­ lated parties, to have full knowledge of the lapsing in other parts of the world." Pre­ right ban on United States travel. likely impact of a regulatory action before it is venting this may well require at least as The safety of U.S. citizens is of paramount much international pressure as that which made final. importance when considering a change in U.S. helped to end apartheid and to bring about Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join policy on the travel ban. Lifting the travel ban the political process which brought the ANC me in cosponsoring this bipartisan regulatory and replacing it with a travel advisory will en­ to power. reform measure. hance United States-Lebanese relations and August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22347 bring about much needed stability for Leb­ HEALTH CARE REFORM first development in the community's vital new anon. In particular, the participation of United era. This was the first of many subsequent States business in Lebanon's reconstruction HON. RON PACKARD new developments, all of which reflected his can only further economic development and OF CALIFORNIA resolute commitment to the highest standards of design and planning. Other developers later stability there. Such involvement will enhance IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States-Lebanese ties to promote Unit­ joined in, but all followed the Harold Moser ed States exports. Friday, August 12, 1994 standards of excellence in providing the amen­ As you can see, the State Department's Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, as support for ities which convey to the new resident a pride travel ban to Lebanon is no longer necessary President Clinton's health care reform pack­ of ownership and a sense of community. in light of the above developments. The travel age continues to dwindle, the liberal leader­ Mr. Speaker, there is much more to Harold ban inhibits American businesses from partici­ ship has cooked up a new proposal which Moser than the gift of vision and keen busi­ pating in the reconstruction of Lebanon, slows landed on my desk just the other night. Adver­ ness acumen. All through the years, he has the building of United States-Lebanese ties, tised as "new and improved," the Clinton-Gep­ involved himself personally and diligently in a and hinders much needed stability in the re­ hardt bill is different-it's worse. wide range of community activities, so that his gion. Such a ban serves no purpose to the My constituents continue to demand that I neighbors have always known that he was United States or to Lebanon, and I strongly keep Big Government out of their doctor's of­ one of them, and that their vital interests were urge you to support this resolution to modify fice; and prevent bureaucrats from tinkering of serious concern to him. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my col­ the travel ban to a travel advisory. with their health care. However, the liberal leadership concocted a plan containing more leagues join me in taking note of Harold If you wish to cosponsor the resolution, or Government-not less. Moser's approaching retirement by joining me have any questions please call me or Mrs. The Clinton-Gephardt bill creates a massive, in congratulating him for his many past ac­ Kyle on my staff at x-53452. new Government Health Insurance Program, complishments, wishing him a retirement that called Medicare Part C. The Federal Govern­ exceeds his greatest expectation, and extend­ ment will have unprecedented control over ing our own salute and say, "Thank You, Mr. Naperville!" TRAGEDY IN THE STATE OF health care delivery. JAMMU AND KASHMIR With more than half this country's population expected to enroll, the private sector will be IN HONOR OF THE 20TH driven out of the system, taking with it com­ ANNIVERSARY OF CROSSROADS HON.ROBERTE.ANDREWS petition, choice, and quality. Handing the Government more control over OF NEW JERSEY health care is ludicrous. The Federal Govern­ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO OF CONNECTICUT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment already manages Medicare Parts A and B. Actuaries note that these parts of Medicare IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, August 12, 1994 are technically bankrupt. Adding another layer Friday, August 12, 1994 Mr. ANDREWS of New Jersey. Mr. Speak­ to the Medicare boondoggle will only make the Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to er, I rise today to shed light on a terrible trag­ program more insolvent. commemorate the extraordinary efforts of edy that is taking place in the Indian State of So while the liberal leadership tries to sell Crossroads, a remarkably successful sub­ Jammu and Kashmir. This situation deserves the Clinton-Gephardt bill as new and im­ stance abuse treatment program in my district. the immediate attention of the international proved, more bureaucracy and more taxes are Crossroads is a private, nonprofit residential community. The Indian State of Jammu and not the answer. substance abuse treatment program located in Kashmir is being victimized by armed terrorists The American people are asking us to en­ New Haven, CT. Since 1973, the dedicated trained in Pakistan. This action is part of a sure access to health insurance, to protect staff at Crossroads has been serving the peo­ proxy war being waged by Pakistan, which them from losing their insurance, and to con­ ple of Connecticut, providing counseling and has had devastating- effects on civilians, visi­ trol costs by reforming malpractice laws. social services to substance abusers. tors, visiting diplomats, and Indian dignitaries. I urge my colleagues and the American peo­ What began as a small substance abuse ple to read the Michel plan and the Dole plan. treatment program designed for the State's One of the largest groups affected by the These plans give the American people what Latino population today has grown into a proxy war perpetrated by terrorists are the they want. multicultural program for chemically dependent Kashmiri Pandits. These people are the origi­ people from throughout the State. During its nal inhabitants of the valley of Kashmir. Since 20 years of service to the State, Crossroads 1989, fundamentalists, under the influence of NAPERVILLE AND HAROLD MOSER established itself as the first facility in Con­ religious zealots in Pakistan and other terrorist necticut to pioneer the treatment of chemically nations, have pursued a murderous campaign HON. HARRIS W. FAWELL dependent pregnant women and women with against the Pandits in order to establish an Is­ OF ILLINOIS children. At this time, Crossroads is providing lamic state. Murder, arson, and rape have treatment to over 100 clients at its two loca­ been used to terrorize this community, leading IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions. to a mass exodus. Leaving everything they Friday, August 12, 1994 During these frustrating times of budgetary owned, the Pandits have been living in sub­ Mr. FAWELL. Mr. Speaker, it is particularly shortfalls and increasing program caseloads, human conditions as· refugees in their own appropriate, as the city of Naperville, IL, Crossroads has proven that compassion, per­ country for over 4 years. These conditions moves beyond the 100,000 population mark, severance, and commitment can pay off in the have led to untimely deaths, physical and to examine the dynamics that converted this effort to treat substance abusers. It is comfort­ mental diseases, and a declining birth rate. drowsy farm and college town of 9,000 into a ing to know that despite the disturbing trends Unless this problem is addressed soon, the thriving super suburb which retains its small in substance abuse, which depict more users Pandits' unique culture will become extinct. town charm. First, there was the Burlington starting at younger ages, treatment programs Mr. Speaker, the United States should play Railroad which, in the early 1950's, moved its like Crossroads are not only rising to meet a larger role in helping to bring peace to this suburban terminal to the west, from Downers these challenges, but are actually succeeding region. We have always supported and de­ Grove to Aurora. Second, and more important in the face of such adversity. fended democratic ideals. India, as the largest to Naperville, there was Harold Moser, propri­ The key to Crossroads' success has been democracy in the world, deserves our support. etor of a local lumber business, who recog­ its unique approach to treatment. Crossroads Either through U.N. efforts or through congres­ nized that with vastly improved suburban train believes that an individual's path to recovery sional action, we should negotiate peace be­ service, the potential future of Naperville was must involve counseling in all aspects of the tween India and Pakistan. In the meantime, as bright as if it had been lifted into a bountiful person's life. To meet this goal, the devoted we should condemn, as we have in past, the new land. staff at Crossroads has instituted an effective state-sponsored terrorism taking place in the And so, in late 1954, the plat for Moser treatment program that meets each individ­ valley of Kashmir. Highlands No. 1 was recorded, Harold Moser's ual's mental, physical, and spiritual needs. It is 22348 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 an impressive approach to substance abuse Meles Zenawi, Foreign Minister Seyoum Manufacturers also are responsible for more treatment that has withstood the test of time Mesfin, and the rest of their delegation, who than 70 percent of all research and develop­ and made Crossroads a preeminent sub­ are here this week on an official visit. The ment in this country. stance abuse treatment program in the State young, dynamic, articulate President of Ethio­ However, over the past 15 years, the manu­ of Connecticut. pia and his government have instituted signifi­ facturing sector has lost over 30 percent of its On this day, which marks the 20th anniver­ cant political and economic reforms in Ethio­ employment base. Congress needs to commit sary of Crossroads, I want to take this oppor­ pia. itself to ensuring that this vital sector thrives in tunity to congratulate the people who have Three years ago, President Meles led the a competitive world market. made Crossroads the model of success that it victory of the people of Ethiopia over Com­ It is for these reasons that I am introducing is today. In particular, I want to acknowledge munist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam and his this resolution in creating National Manufactur­ Mr. Miguel Laguna, the executive director and murderous regime. Those of us who served ing Week. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor cofounder of Crossroads, who has been with on the Africa Subcommittee during the this resolution in recognition of our Nation's the organization since its inception. The peo­ Mengistu era can appreciate the positive manufacturers. ple of Connecticut are indebted to Crossroads changes that have been wrought since 1991. for the service it has provided the State, and President Meles and his government have I know that they join me in wishing the staff of set themselves a daunting task: To build a de­ INTRODUCTION OF A BILL AMEND­ this exceptional program another 20 years of mocracy in a country that has never known ING THE RAILWAY LABOR ACT good fortune and achievement. democracy. They have made a very good be­ TO CLARIFY ITS APPLICABILITY ginning. We wish them well and offer our sup­ TO WORK PERFORMED BY port for the furtherance of their mission. FLIGHTCREW MEMBERS OF U.S. FAMILY SERVICE CENTER ACT OF CARRIERS ENGAGED IN FOREIGN 1994 FLYING COMMEMORATING NATIONAL HON. ROBERT MENENDFZ MANUFACTURING WEEK HON. NICK J. RAHALL II OF NEW JERSEY OF WEST VIRGINIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. BOB FRANKS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, August 12, 1994 OF NEW JERSEY Friday, August 12, 1994 Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES introduced the Family Service Center Act of Friday, August 12, 1994 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today, along with 1994, a bill to reinvent the welfare office, and Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, a number of my House colleagues, I have in­ I invite my colleagues to join me in meeting today I am introducing a resolution designating troduced legislation to protect the public inter­ this challenge. the week of March 12, 1995 as "National est in uninterrupted international air service, My bill would authorize the creation of mod­ Manufacturing Week." and the stability of collective bargaining rela­ ern, efficient one-stop centers where families Last month, Congressman MARTY MEEHAN tionships between U.S. air carriers and their in need can have access to the Federal pro­ and I, as cochairmen of the Northeast-Midwest flightcrew employees-flight deck crew­ grams that can help them achieve self-suffi­ Congressional Coalition Manufacturing Task members and flight cabin crewmembers. It ciency. Force, released a national plan of action to re­ does so by confirming and clarifying that the Regardless of how Members may feel about vitalize America's industrial base. The 40 pro­ Railway Labor Act applies to the U.S. air car­ the effectiveness of these social programs, posals in our report are designed to assist the riers and their flightcrew employees while op­ there is no down side to delivering them more manufacturing sector by pursuing the following erating to, from, or between points outside the efficiently. The time that welfare families five key objectives: United States. spend going from government office to gov­ First, encourage the formation of private Historically, air carriers and labor organiza­ ernment office, waiting in line after line, leaves capital; second, reduce unnecessary regu­ tions have understood title II of the Railway them no time and no opportunity to escape latory burdens; third, create incentives to in­ Labor Act [RLA] to apply to U.S. Air carriers the welfare trap. crease technology research, development, and and their flightcrews when engaged in oper­ Working Americans have welcomed deployment; fourth, enhance the skills of ations between the United States and foreign changes that cut the hassles of shopping, American workers; and, fifth, encourage com­ nations. Such carriers are increasingly en­ banking, and traveling, so we can do our work panies to expand into international markets. gaged in providing service to additional points and spend quality time with our families. Our proposals will help supply the tools for outside the United States by engaging in be­ American industry has met our needs and cut investors to provide the capital; for manufac­ yond operations from one foreign destination its costs through neighborhood ATM's, and turers to develop the technology; for workers to another. For this and other reasons, the easy access to 24-hour 800 numbers, voice to obtain the advance training they need to se­ status of negotiated contractual work rules ap­ mail, credit cards, and automatic reservation cure high-paying jobs; and will assist small plicable to the overseas flight operations of systems. We need to use the American genius manufacturers by giving them the resources · U.S. air carriers, and the statutory scheme ap­ for good service in the world of welfare, so they need to compete more effectively in for­ plicable to labor relations during such oper­ needy families can get on with the job of get­ eign markets. ations, needs to be clarified. ting jobs. The work of the task force represents the Recent court decisions have decided ques­ Mr. Speaker, I believe the bill makes good, first time Congress has ever focused on the tions about the reach of the RLA by relying common sense. It cuts right to the heart of the needs and problems facing the entire manu­ upon a presumption against extra-territoriality redtape which holds people back from moving facturing sector. I am confident that this work as well as the uncertain terms of the statute off of welfare, and wastes taxpayer dollars. I lays out a blueprint for the revitalization of this itself. But this approach does not effectively urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle vital segment of our economy. guide the courts or the parties in dealing with to join me in streamlining the system, and put­ Until recently, many in Washington and overseas flight operations of a U.S. carrier, ting people back to work for less. around the country believed that in the 21st which are essentially extensions of the car­ century, the American economy would not rier's domestic operations and are conducted WELCOME TO PRESIDENT MELES need to rely on manufacturing as an engine of by flightcrews who operate interchangeably ZENAWI growth. This is simply not true. A few figures throughout the system. As a result, neither the demonstrate the necessity of a vital industrial public nor the parties can be certain that the HON. DAN BURTON base. The manufacturing sector employs 17.8 industrial stability fostered by the RLA will pro­ million workers-16.2 percent of total U.S. em­ tect the public while traveling in the foreign op­ OF INDIANA ployment. Manufacturers spend $30 billion per erations of U.S. carriers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES year on education and training. Manufacturing This bill as introduced preserves the RLA's Friday, August 12, 1994 jobs pay, on average, 15 percent more than preference for systemwide collective bargain­ Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I other jobs-with 98 percent of these workers ing agreements and permits such agreements would like to welcome Ethiopian President receiving company-paid health benefits. to be enforced in the statutory adjustment August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22349 board in accordance with the parties' intent. Gulf veterans suffering from the Persian Gulf describes the capriciousness of Russian eco­ The bill also prevents either a U.S. carrier or syndrome and their families. nomic policy and how this is severely disrupt­ a flightcrew labor organization from evading its H.R. 4386 provides compensation to Per­ ing the investment plans of Western oil com­ obligations under the ALA by simply relying on sian Gulf war veterans who suffer from chronic panies. Indeed, many companies which were the geographical location of a particular oper­ disabilities resulting from a combination of enthusiastically investing in Russia just 2 ation or event within the system. undiagnosed illnesses commonly referred to years ago are now ceasing operations and Finally, in order to foster the prompt and or­ as the Persian Gulf syndrome. Although I talking of pulling out altogether. derly settlement of disputes, the bill if enacted strongly support this bill, I am very dis­ The reason is that the Russian Government, will confirm that the ALA and agreements ne­ appointed that a large group of veterans will whether it be Boris Yeltsin's executive branch gotiated under it, apply to U.S. air carriers and not be eligible for this disability compensation or the newly elected parliament, cannot make their flightcrew employees when engaged in because those Persian Gulf veterans who par­ up its mind as to whether Russia should be a operations to and from, or between points, ticipated in the military's early separation ben­ modern, market-driven country, or whether it outside the United States. efits programs cannot receive disability com­ should remain in the dark ages of statism. It is well to note that U.S. airlines and their pensation until they pay back their separation Lately, the government, including, and espe­ labor unions have, to date, proceeded as if the benefits. cially Yeltsin, has been choosing statism. ALA and the labor contracts negotiated under During the Veterans' Affairs Committee's For instance, the Philbro Corp. invested in it follow the aircraft of U.S.-flag airlines and markup of H.R. 4386, I attempted to offer an Russia 4 years ago under a guarantee that it their flightcrews in both domestic and inter­ amendment to make these veterans eligible would be able to export oil from Russia free of national operations regardless of their point of for the disability compensation right now. The duty. Now, thanks to a few of the more than operation at any particular moment in time. amendment was supported by the American 3,500 decrees Yeltsin has issued in the past This is similar, if not identical, to the rules and Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans 18 months, Philbro has been slapped with ret­ procedures followed under Maritime law in­ of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of roactive taxes of up to 70 percent of revenues. volving U.S. Flagships. America. Yes, that's revenues, Mr. Speaker. Addition­ The bill will prevent either a U.S. air carrier Unfortunately, I had to withdraw my amend­ ally, Yeltsin stripped Philbro of a drilling li­ or one of its flightcrew labor organizations ment because the Congressional Budget Of­ cense. Just like that. from evading its obligations under the ALA by fice [CBO] was unable to estimate its cost due It's no wonder foreign investment in Russia simply relying on the geographical location of to its backload of health care bills. It was clear is drying up, Mr. Speaker. The markets are re­ a particular operation or event within the sys­ from the discussion during the full committee sponding as they always do, swiftly and logi­ tem. For example, a flightcrew labor organiza­ markup that Members believe that this is a se­ cally, to the uninviting . business climate in tion could not conduct a work stoppage rious issue which needs to be addressed. As Russia, which exists courtesy of the Russian against the U.S. air carrier's foreign operations a result, I intend to continue my efforts to look Government. while such strikes are prohibited under the for legislative vehicles to solve this problem. It's interesting to note that the U.S. Govern­ ALA, nor could the carrier fire or discipline This problem developed in the early 1990's, ment is responding as it always does too, Mr. flightcrew employees for engaging in union ac­ when Congress established early military sep­ Speaker-slowly and illogically. For, while the tivities protected under the ALA simply be­ aration benefits to help the Defense Depart­ markets are already giving an emphatic cause they are assigned in whole or in part to ment reduce the size of the Armed Forces. thumbs down on Russia's performance, the the carrier's operations outside the United Congress included restrictions on these pro­ Clinton administration and this Congress are States. grams preventing military personnel who re­ still under the delusion that there is a serious The provisions in the bill apply only to ceive early separation benefits from receiving reform effort going on in Russia. flightcrew employees-pilots and flight attend­ disability compensation from the Department By the time Government wakes up to this ants-who are the employees engaged in the of Veterans Affairs until the benefits are re­ fact, billions of American taxpayer dollars will actual operation and service aboard the air­ paid. have disappeared without a trace. craft as they traverse international boundaries When Congress approved these restrictions, I submit the Fuhrman article for the in global operations. The bill leaves untouched it could not have foreseen the Persian Gulf RECORD. the labor relations arrangements applicable to syndrome and its devastating effects on these WHAT BORIS GIVES ... foreign nationals employed by U.S. carriers to veterans and their families. Many of these dis­ In 1990 Phibro Energy, a subsidiary of provide ground service and related services at abled veterans are unable to work and their Salomon Inc., became the first large U.S. in­ foreign airports. Such ground service employ­ families are faced with financial hardship. It is vestor in the Russian oil business. Phibro ees are frequently represented by unions in only fair and decent that we provide these vet­ formed a joint venture with a Swiss partner their home countries under the laws of those erans with the same disability benefits as any and a Russian partner, poured $115 million countries. other veteran. into a large field in western Siberia, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in co­ I believe that this view is best summarized today the field is pumping 28,000 barrels a sponsoring and supporting enactment of this in a letter that I received from the Veterans of day. Half the production is being exported to Western Europe, at a profit, after transport bill. If you have any questions, or wish to co­ Foreign Wars supporting my amendment. "To costs, of around $10 a barrel. sponsor the bill, please call me or Mrs. Kyle disallow these heroic American from receiving An early success of capitalist investment on my staff at 5/3452. the benefits dictated by H.R. 4386 until their in postcommunist Russia? No. Phibro is separation benefits are repaid would be both talking about pulling out. Blame the unpre­ cruel and unfair." dictab111ty of Russian law. In the three years VETERANS' PERSIAN GULF WAR since Phibro began doing business in Russia, BENEFITS ACT Boris Yeltsin has issued thousands of de­ RUSSIA'S CAPRICIOUS ECONOMIC crees, some of which annulled terms of the POLICIES contract Phibro signed. Annulled, for exam­ HON. CORRINE BROWN ple, is a guarantee that Phibro could export OF FLORIDA oil free of Russian export taxes. In its place IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON are new taxes-many applied retroactively­ Friday, August 12, 1994 OF NEW YORK that effectively grab 70 percent of Phibro's IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gross revenues-not profits, revenues. An­ Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, earlier other Yeltsin decree retroactively stripped this week, the House of Representatives over­ Friday, August 12, 1994 Phibro of one of its drilling licenses and whelmingly approved H.R. 4386, the Veterans' Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, "these days, transferred the license to a tribal group in Persian Gulf War Benefits Act, which was in­ most of Yeltsin's actions have nothing to do Siberia. troduced by Congressman SONNY MONTGOM­ with establishing a market economy." This re­ " Our contract has been constantly breached, and we're being treated like a ERY. I commend Chairman MONTGOMERY for markable quote by the ousted Russian finance bunch of suckers," fumes an exasperated all of his work to bring this much-needed bill minister Boris Fyodorov appears at the end of Phibro executive. to the floor and the members of the Veterans' an article by Peter Fuhrman which appeared Phibro is not the only sucker. Gulf Canada Affairs Committee for responding to Persian in the August 15 issue of Forbes. The article is cutting off all additional investment in an 22350 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 oilfield near the Arctic Circle, where it has duties and taxes. Gazprom also has a special Using athletic competition as one of his already committed S60 million. The company deal that allows it to convert the dollars it classrooms, he taught many students the les­ says its Russian tax bill exceeds 100% of its earns on gas exports into rubles at double sons of sports and life. He served both as a total revenues. " Where I come from," volun­ the official rate. teers a Gulf Canada engineer, " that's called Instead of remedying the mess, Yeltsin ap­ friend and adviser to faculty, students, and expropriation." parently thinks he can paper it over with community leaders. Expropriation and worse is the inevitable smart flackery. In June Chernomyrdin met Sax began his long and distinguished career result of a system where the rule of law is with Bill Clinton in Washington and signed a in the early 1930's when, as a high school stu­ not firmly established. Last year Yeltsin is­ production-sharing agreement with a consor­ dent, he began writing sports columns for local sued 2,300 decrees, and he is on course to top tium led by Marathon Oil to develop, at a newspapers. His enthusiasm continued to that number in 1994. He is using the decrees cost of $10 billion, an offshore field near grow as he pursued his interest in athletics as currency to buy political support from the Sakhalin island. The White House hailed the and began coaching and competing in football, agreement as history's largest investment in military and the bosses of Russia's large old­ basketball, and track. His service to the com­ line industrial companies. Russian oil. The decrees lavish benefits on the politi­ In fact, the agreement was pure theater. munity was interrupted when he answered the cally valuable: cheap government credits, lu­ Marathon executives say the signing was call to defend his Nation and entered the U.S crative export licenses, exemptions from pri­ carefully staged. Marathon and its partners Army during the Second World War. vatization rules, protection from foreign will invest nothing unless there are big-and For over 30 years, Sax has been synony­ competition and outright exemptions from irrevocable-changes in Russia's tax and mous with Houghton Lake sports. He is an tariffs and taxes. Andrey Illarionov, who re­ property laws. Not likely. honorary member of the Michigan High School cently stepped down in disgust as one of the "These days, most of Yeltsin's actions have nothing to do with establishing a mar­ Football Coaches Association and a member Russian government's top economic advisers, of the Alma College Hall of Fame for both estimates the total of Yeltsin's handouts at ket economy," an exasperated Boris $40 billion. Fyodorov, the former finance minister, tells track and football. Sax has also earned the re­ Aeroflot and Avtovaz, the manufacturer of Forbes. "It's a replay of the last days of spect of his peers for his play-by-play broad­ Lada cars, have gotten sweet deals-both re­ Gorbachev, with the leader talking about re­ casts of football and basketball games on a ceiving exemptions from import duties and form while giving favors and privileges to local radio station, and his weekly column, taxes. The Russian Army wangled a decree the groups who most strongly oppose it." "Sax Says," which he continues to write for allowing it to keep more of the money made the Houghton Lake Resorter. from arms exports. The generals are using TRIBUTE TO MARY BLOTNA On September 2, 1994, during half-time of the windfall to invest in Moscow real estate. the Houghton Lake Bobcats football game, The richest giveaways are in Russia's oil and gas industry. Yeltsin has kept domestic HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN students, coaches, teachers, friends, and fam­ oil prices low-currently $6.50 a barrel-to ily will gather to honor Sax for his outstanding hold down transport costs. But to make it up OF ILLINOIS contributions and leadership to the community to the big Russian oil companies, he has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in his three decades of coaching and partici­ raised taxes and export levies on foreign oil Friday, August 12, 1994 pating in interscholastic sports. His accom­ companies while eliminating them on Rus­ Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to plishments will long be remembered with the sian oil firms. pay tribute to Mary Blotna, postmaster at Gayle B. Saxton annual elementary basketball The new taxes ·on Western companies have Tournament, which he started over 25 years brought in about $100 million so far, but the Piasa, IL, in honor of her retirement from the concessions to Russian oil exporters have U.S. Postal Service. For over 31 years, Mary ago. cost the Russian Treasury ten times that Blotna has been working to enhance the qual­ Although Sax retired as principal of Collins amount in lost tax revenues. Worse, it has ity of mail delivery in the United States and Elementary School in 1982, his presence is all but stopped the flow of badly needed for­ the quality of life in her community. still felt throughout the community. Sax at­ eign investment into the industry. Last year In -addition to a long and successful tenure tends numerous sporting events throughout the U.S. Congress earmarked $2 billion for with the U.S. Postal System, she has been an the area where he is recognized and greeted credits and guarantees to companies willing active member of the National Association of by fans, coaches, and players. to invest in Russia's oil industry. So far not Mr. Speaker, Gayle B. Saxton is truly de­ a penny has been claimed. Government cred­ Postmasters of the United States, serving as its or not, the oil companies don't trust both State President and National Vice Presi­ serving of the Allen W. Bush Award. I know Yeltsin. dent. Mary has served in the Chamber of you will join me in congratulating Sax for his Yeltsin is aware that his free hand with Commerce and the PTA, has volunteered for long and distinguished career as a sports en­ tax benefits was costing Russia badly needed the Salvation Army and the Heart Fund, thusiast. His qualities help make Houghton tax revenues and badly needed foreign in­ served as an adviser to the local 4-H Club, Lake an outstanding community. vestment. So, a month before the recent G- and has been a long-time Sunday School 7 summit in July that discussed aid to Rus­ sia, Yeltsin issued a decree that promised to teacher. TRIBUTE TO EUGENE "GENE" Mr. Speaker, Mary Blotna is one of the most exempt Western oil companies including MAYDAY Phibro and Gulf Canada from the $5-a-barrel dedicated public servants I know, both on and export tax on July 1. off the job. She is to be congratulated for her But when July 1 rolled around, nothing many past successes and her continuing con­ HON. JAMFS H. BILBRA Y happened. The Western oil companies are tributions to her community. OF NEVADA still paying the tax, and the Russian compa­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nies are not. Adding insult to injury, Yeltsin recently TRIBUTE TO GAYLE B. " SAX" Friday, August 12, 1994 revoked a May decree doing away with spe­ SAXTON Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, on August 10, cial export licenses that channeled virtually 1994, my good friend Eugene "Gene" Mayday all of the $12 billion in annual oil exports passed away. Gene and his wife Geraldine through a small group of Russian firms. Ac­ HON. DAVE CAMP came to Las Vegas in 1964 and started a cording to a former minister of economics OF MICHIGAN Checker Cab Co. which grew into one of the under Yeltsin, these licenses are the major IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES source of government graft: To obtain one, largest and most successful cab companies in Russian companies fork over to bureaucrats Friday, August 12, 1994 Nevada. He also was successful in the gam­ a bribe equal to 10 percent of the expected Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great bling business and was renowned throughout annual revenues from the license. pleasure that I rise today to honor an out­ the international gaming community as a Yeltsin apparently gets many of his oil standing individual on his receiving the Michi­ gamer who would take any sports bet in any policy ideas from Russia's prime minister, gan High School Athletic Association's Allen monetary amount, large or small. Viktor Chernomyrdin. A former Communist W. Bush Award. Mr. Gayle B. "Sax" Saxton, Gene was a respected member of the Las Party technocrat, Chernomyrdin used to be the boss of Gazprom, the state gas monopoly of Houghton Lake, Ml, has served the commu­ Vegas community, a devoted husband and that is now Russia's largest and most profit­ nity for over 30 years as an athletic instructor, loving father and grandfather. Debbie, his able company. Last December a Yeltsin de­ teacher, administrator, confidant, and friend to daughter, and his two grandchildren, Tracy cree exempted Gazprom from paying import the many people whose lives he touched. and Katie, were the light of his life. Every time August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22351 I spoke to him he would talk about his grand­ of the U.S. maritime industry and the Sub­ Global Climate Coalition, "The President's vol­ daughters and tell me about playing with committee on Coast Guard and Navigation. untary climate action plan, which is just getting them. During the 103d Congress, our subcommittee underway * * * indicates that the bulk of Las Vegas will miss Gene Mayday. I will has held three hearings on the maritime regu­ emissions reductions and energy savings will miss my friend who was taken from us too latory reform issue. I am pleased to see that occur between 2000 and 201 O." How can the early in life. our efforts have resulted in a bill that, in Sec­ administration have come to the conclusion May God bless you and keep you. retary Pena's words, promises "to reduce the economic burden on United States-flagged now that new standards are needed for the vessels by streamlining certain requirements, years after 2000? TRIBUTE TO DAVID GURNICK by expanding the delegation of the perform­ Furthermore, although the treaty went into ance of marine safety functions to third par­ effect just 4 months ago, the administration HON. HOW ARD L. BERMAN ties, and by broadening the Coast Guard's wants to make changes that cannot be justi­ OF CALIFORNIA marine safety authority to accommodate these fied by the state of the science on climate changes." This bill seeks to improve the effi­ change. In fact, the U.N.'s next assessment of HON. ANTHONY C. BEILENSON ciency and effectiveness of Coast Guard safe­ OF CALIFORNIA ty regulations; it is not intended to result in the state of scientific understanding of climate HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN . any reduction in the safety of life at sea or change is still in the process of being devel­ protection of the marine environment. oped and is not scheduled for release until the OF CALIFORNIA This bill hit the fast track within the adminis­ fall of 1995. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tration because it is a specific example of the Amending the treaty to include additional di­ Friday, August 12, 1994 White House's goal to reinvent the way the rectives could also have dramatic negative Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we are honored Federal Government does business. On Au­ gust 11, 1994, the Subcommittee on Coast consequences for the American economy. to pay tribute to David Gurnick, the outgoing Some of the policies that could be necessary president of the San Fernando Valley Bar As­ Guard on Navigation heard testimony on the to implement new international environmental sociation. Under David's dynamic leadership, reform proposal. Within the varied interest rep­ the San Fernando Valley Bar Association has resented on the witness panel, there was a standards could dramatically raise energy had an outstanding year. His successors will consensus of support for the goals of the re­ prices and cost our economy hundreds of have a hard act to follow. form package. Because the administration's thousands of jobs. And we would be harmed David's record speaks for itself. During his proposal has not had the luxury of a long pe­ more than some of our international trade tenure, the SFVBA adopted a long-range stra­ riod for its review, the subcommittee is seek­ competitors. ing additional comments from those individuals tegic plan, increased membership, accumu­ Mr. Speaker, we do not need a United Na­ who might be affected if this bill is enacted. I lated an historic budget surplus and began tions bureaucracy setting new environmental publication of two new periodicals: The Valley have tentatively scheduled a subcommittee mandates for the United States. As the U.S. Lawyer Magazine and Bar Notes. In addition, markup of the bill in early September, and David displayed a keen sense of community welcome any suggestions to improve the act. delegates leave this coming week for a round when he organized the association's pro bono of talks in Geneva Off implementing the Cli- efforts following the devastating Northridge mate treaty, they should resist any calls for U.S. INTERNATIONAL POSITION ON new limitations beyond what is in the treaty. earthquake. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE David is clearly a young lawyer on the rise. TREATY Since graduating with his law degree from Boalt Hall in 1984, he has become a partner in the firm of Kindel & Anderson, written nu­ HON. TOM DeLAY AMERICAN TAXPAYERS DESERVE merous articles on franchise law, and is a OF TEXAS BETTER CRIME BILL member of the editorial staff of the ABA Fran­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES chise Law Journal. During his brief but busy Friday, August 12, 1994 career, he has also served as judge pro tern Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, the Clinton/Gore HON. ROD GRAMS of the Los Angeles Municipal Court and is a administration is about to stumble into another OF MINNESOTA trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Asso­ foreign policy mistake. I'm not talking about ciation and the Olive View/UCLA Medical Cen­ Bosnia, Haiti, or North Korea. I'm talking about IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ter. an important international environmental Friday, August 12, 1994 We ask our colleagues to join us today in issue-global warming or global climate saluting David Gurnick as he steps down after change. Mr. GRAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong a highly successful year as president of the In 1992, the United States signed an inter­ opposition to the rule for the crime bill's con­ San Fernando Valley Bar Association. He is a national treaty to reduce the emissions of ference report. This so-called crime bill is man who cares deeply about his profession gases which some claim may cause global nothing more than an election year feel-good and his community. warming. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty in late 1993 and it went into effect only in March measure designed to trick the American voters of this year. Already, however, the Clinton ad­ into thinking we have done something to re­ INTRODUCTION OF THE MARITIME ministration has concluded that this treaty is duce crime while picking the pocket of tax­ REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF not adequate to deal with the issue of global payers to the tune of over $33 billion. 1994 climate change and that more needs to be The American people have rightfully asked done. Congress to get tough on criminals and once In a speech at the U.S. State Department HON. W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN again Congress has failed by providing a bill on August 3, Under Secretary of State Tim OF LOUISIANA that only punishes law-abiding taxpayers and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wirth asserted that the treaty is inadequate and that the first priority for the United States coddles criminals. Friday, August 12, 1994 is to convince the international community to Look at the facts: The crime bill grants over Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to an­ set a new aim to control emissions after the 9 billion dollars' worth of failed social spending nounce the introduction of the Maritime Regu­ year 2000. This new "aim" is a code word, Mr. for our big-city mayors while not requiring latory Reform Act of 1994. On August 10, Speaker, for new international environmental criminals to serve their full sentences. Secretary Federico Pena, submitted the act as standards, standards that the administration a legislative proposal and requested its intro­ knows would not be approved if brought be­ Mr. Speaker, the crime bill is soft on crimi­ duction. This act is the product of a coopera­ fore Congress. nals and tough on taxpayers. Let's stop play­ tive effort between the Department of Trans­ This simply does not make sense. Accord­ ing political games with our Nation's safety portation, the Coast Guard, various members ing to John Shlaes, executive director of the and vote "no" on the rule. 22352 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESI­ RELIEF EFFORT IN RWANDA still very dire," Mrs. Gore said outside the DENTIAL IMMUNITY ACT OF 1994 hut of a woman near death from dysentery, now the principal cause of death among the HON. DAN BURTON nearly 1 million refugees around Goma. HON. CHARLlE ROSE OF INDIANA Mrs. Gore helped the woman to a pickup OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES truck and rode with her to a field hospital. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES She insisted her visit was personal and said Friday, August 12, 1994 Friday. August 12, 1994 she did not intend to draft a report after re­ Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the turning to Washington. Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, today I am intro­ humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Rwanda has Mrs. Gore said she was particularly moved ducing legislation that will provide civil immu­ rightly gripped our attention and our hearts. by the plight of the children. nity for the President of the United States When human beings suffer, it is the respon­ "They just need someone to hold their against suits for money damages filed against hand, love them and hug them," she said. sibility of fellow human beings to help in any "At least I can do that." him or her. This legislation will prevent time­ manner they can. I would like to take this op­ consuming, legal harassment that is detrimen­ portunity to express my admiration and appre­ tal to the Office of the President, but will not ciation for all the tireless and selfless efforts of TRIBUTE TO ERIC SOLNIN prejudice any individual who has a valid law­ those governments, private groups, and indi­ suit. viduals that have responded to the Rwandan The election of the President is the ultimate HON. PETER T. KING catastrophe. exercise of democracy by the American peo­ OF NEW YORK In particular, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ple, and the President must be free to give un­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commend the Government of the Republic of divided attention to the duties and responsibil­ China on Taiwan for their commitment to the Friday, August 12, 1994 ities of the office. Unwarranted allegations relief effort, and Tipper Gore, the Vice Presi­ Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wel­ harm the Office of the President. Our Chief dent's wife, whose sincerity, caring, and per­ come young Eric Solnin and his . family to Executive and Commander in Chief should not sonal involvement during a recent visit to the Washington, DC. They will be visiting our Na­ be preoccupied with arranging defenses to a multitude of lawsuits. The United States is refugee camps in Goma, Zaire so inspired the tion's capital later this month. Eric, a young best served by a President whose schedule is American people. man from the village of Plainview in my home I would like to enter into the RECORD a letter free of depositions and court appearances. district, has indeed performed a mitzvah. He I received from the representative of the The need to defend against even frivolous was so deeply moved by the plight of New suits takes too great a toll on the President's R.0.C. about their relief effort, as well as an York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason's son, energies, energies better put to use in guiding article from the Washington Times about Tip­ Gunnar, who is afflicted with cystic fibrosis, the Nation through crises abroad and at home. per Gore's moving visit. that he donated half of his bar mitzvah gift COORDINATION COUNCIL FOR money to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. His The President of the United States, like any NORTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS, public figure, is vulnerable to unwarranted and selfless act is an inspiration to people every­ Washington, DC, August 1, 1994. where, proving that each of us can have it in frivolous lawsuits. A President is a likely target Hon. DAN BURTON. of headline-seekers and those looking to make House of Representatives, our hearts to reach out and do our part to help a quick buck. Such allegations against a sit­ Washington, DC. make a difference. ting President may eventually be proven false, DEAR CONGRESSMAN BURTON: I am writing Eric not only helped to fight this dread dis­ or simply disappear, yet damage to the office to inform you of the decision of the govern­ ease through his generous donation, but may remain. ment of the Republic of China (ROC) on Tai­ through his action, helped to focus public at­ This is not a partisan issue. Presidents of wan to donate U.S.$2 million to the refugees tention on the fight to cure cystic fibrosis. He both parties are just as vulnerable to unwar­ in Rwanda. It has been followed by a private continues in that fight, and led a major walk­ campaign among ROC citizens to provide a-thon on Long Island to raise money for the ranted allegations and frivolous lawsuits. medical service and relief goods for the refu­ Every President should be free to conduct the gees. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this May. business of the Nation without fear of this type The situation in Rwanda is an excruciating [From the New York Newsday, Nov: 4, 1993] of harassment. one. The tragedy of the Rwandan refugees is BOOMER'S HERO: TEEN WITH HEART My legislation frees the President from legal beyond comprehension. The Republic of (By Debby Wong) harassment and allows him or her to continue China on Taiwan wishes to join the inter­ After Eric Solnin became a bar mitzvah to do the job he or she was elected to do with­ national community in extending our help­ last month he wasn't quite sure what to do out distraction. It immunizes the President ing hands. with all the money he received as gifts. from any civil suit for money damages filed in We have participated in such international But then the 13-year-old Plainview boy saw humanitarian relief efforts many times, but any court, State or Federal, until 180 days Jets Quarterback Boomer Esiason on "Good lack of U.N. membership has always made it Morning America," discussing cystic· fibro­ after the President leaves office. Once the difficult for us to funnel our donations into former President has settled back into private sis, the severe and often fatal lung disease. concerted international efforts. This is one Esiason's 3-year-old son, Gunnar, has cystic life, the immunity disappears. of the reasons why we are vigorously seeking Of course, my legislation does not assume fibrosis, and after watching the show, Eric U.N. participation. knew where some of the money would go. that every lawsuit filed against a current or I sincerely hope that in seeking our mem­ Yesterday, Eric left Mattlin Middle School former President is frivolous, and I do not bership in the U.N., we could continue to a bit early to head over to the Jets' training argue that any person is above the law. There count on your moral support of our just complex at Hofstra University where Eric will be instances where an individual has a le­ cause. gave Esiason a $4,176 check made out to the With warmest regards, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, about half his gitimate complaint against the President. Be­ Sincerely, bar mitzvah money. cause the period that the immunity applies is Mou-SHIH DING, not counted as part of any statute of limita­ Eric said yesterday that he thought he had Representative. enough material things and was thankful he tions, a person with a legitimate lawsuit will had escaped a fire at his summer camp with­ not be prejudiced by this legislation. He or she [From the Washington Times, Aug. 9, 1994] out injury. can file the suit after the immunity no longer TIPPER HELPS RWANDAN REFUGEES "I already had everything so I wanted to applies. GOMA, ZAIRE.~Doctors working among put it to a good cause," he said. "I saw a lot It is unfortunate that there is a need for this sick and hungry Rwandan refugees were as­ of coverage on Boomer and his son. I knew legislation, but there is no denying the power sisted yesterday by Tipper Gore, wife of Vice cystic fibrosis had to be a bad thing." of unwarranted lawsuits to dominate head­ President Al Gore. A grinning Eric got to watch an hour of lines, ruin reputations, and create distractions. Mrs. Gore spent nearly five hours in the the Jets's practice yesterday, and then hand­ Matters of national significance may not re­ largest refugee camp, Kibumbo, aiding ed the check to Esiason, who gave the boy a Rwandans weakened by malnutrition and po­ Jets jersey with his number 7 on it, along ceive the attention so very necessary for the tential killers such as cholera and dysentery. with an autographed football. well-being of this country. For the good of our On Sunday, she bathed and fed orphans. "He was little hero," said Esiason, "As a Nation, I urge my colleagues to support this "The situation has seemed to turn the cor­ parent of a CF child, I can't say enough to bill. ner in respect to the level of dying, but it's thank Eric." August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22353 Eric's father Gil, said the donation was in JOBS THROUGH TRADE noncredit revolving fund account to cover the character for his son. " Erie was always put­ EXPANSION ACT OF 1994 subsidy costs of its programs. ting other people in front of himself. He was The bill extends OPIC's program levels in always willing to share with others not as order for the Corporation to work effectively in fortunate as himself.' HON. SAM GEJDENSON OF CONNECTICUT the former Soviet Union. Under this bill OPIC Eric, whose chief sport is tennis, said he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is authorized to offer up to $15 billion in insur­ hopes to be a lawyer or news announcer when ance (current law is $9 billion), and no more he gets older. As for the money, he hopes the Friday, August 12, 1994 than $14.5 billion (maximum outstanding liabil­ donation will help with research and in find­ Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, today I, ity) for financing. We break down the financing ing a cure. along with several members of the House For­ for direct loans and guarantees as follows: $3 And the other half of his bar mi tzvah gifts? eign Affairs Committee, am introducing the billion for fiscal year 1995, $4 billion for fiscal " I'm going to give to everyone else's bar Jobs Through Trade Expansion Act of 1994 year 1996, and $5 billion for fiscal year 1997. mitzvah that I'm going to." which will improve the effectiveness of U.S. There is a change under the financing sec­ [From the New York Daily News, Nov. 4, export promotion programs and create jobs tion. In current law, OPIC can only provide di­ 1993] here at home. rect loans to small companies. OPIC found The bill will significantly enhance the ability JET FAN ON THE MONEY that guarantees were very expensive to ad­ of the U.S. Government to provide grants, minister so it has asked for authorization to (By Paul Needell) loans, loan guarantees and risk insurance for provide direct loans to medium and large In September, five months after his 2-year­ U.S. export projects and investments over­ sized businesses as well. They have asked to old son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the dis­ seas, provide specific programs for the expan­ retain their guarantee authority, however, in ease, Boomer Esiason created the NFL Quar­ sion of U.S. environmental exports and protect the rare cases where it is sensible to off er terback Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis. U.S. intellectual property overseas. A conserv­ guarantees over direct loans. Since then, about $160,000 worth of dona­ ative estimate of job creation from passage of The remainder of the title is similar, if not tions have come in to help battle the afflic­ this bill is 100,000 U.S. jobs. identical, to last year's bill. tion. After practice yesterday at Hofstra, The following is a summary of the bill: TITLE II: AMENDMENTS TO THE TRADE AND Esiason was presented with one of the more TITLE I: REWRITE OF THE OVERSEAS PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY {SEC. 661 OF THE FAA) touching contributions. INVESTMENT CORPORATION The U.S. Trade and Development Agency Thirteen-year-old Eric Solnin of Plain­ Title I is a rewrite of the authorities of the or TDA simultaneously promotes economic view, who was bar mitzvahed on Oct. 9, do­ Overseas Private Investment Corporation or development and the export of U.S. goods nated half of the monetary gifts he was be­ OPIC. OPIC offers U.S. investors assistance and services to developing countries. TDA stowed for the occasion. His father's com­ in finding overseas investment opportunities, provides funds for feasibility studies and other pany chipped in with another Sl,000, and Eric insurance to protect those investments and activities related to development projects handed Esiason a check for $5,176. loans and loan guarantees to help finance which provide opportunities for the use of U.S. Boomer, in turn, gave Solnin an auto­ projects. OPIC cannot insure or finance exports. In the last Congress the TDA's man­ graphed "ESIASON" Jets jersey, and auto­ projects that would displace American work­ date was expanded to include architectural graphed football and a tour of the locker ers. and engineering design to create a clear ad­ room. With his arm around the teenager, Esiason introduced him to teammates as This title rewrites sections 231-2408 of the vantage in setting the standard for U.S. ex­ "my friend Eric." Foreign Assistance Act to update OPIC's origi­ ports in overseas projects. In addition, TDA nal language and eliminate outdated provi­ has the authority to provide technical assist­ "Well I thought about what I was going to sions. Much of this title is identical to last do with the money, and I couldn't think of ance for project related activities. TDA con­ anything," Solnin said. "I didn't really need year's rewrite of OPIC which passed the servatively estimates that for every dollar dis­ it, so I wanted to give it to people who need­ House. The primary differences are in the eli­ bursed, the return to the U.S. economy is $25. ed it more than me." gibility restrictions and in the authorization lev­ The authorizing language for the Trade and Said Esiason: "I've received four or five els for insurance and financing. Development Agency [TOA] was completely gestures similar to this. It bodes well for the We have amended the eligibility criteria for reformed in the Jobs Through Exports Act of next generation. It's an amazing thing that's participating countries to reflect the changing 1992. Therefore, TDA's language required taking place. It's the nice part of this story. structure of the current international environ­ minor editing only. Most of the changes reflect It's very heartwarming, to say the least." ment. The new language is on page 4 of the language in H.R. 3765, the bill Chairman HAM­ bill regarding the process OPIC must follow IL TON introduced on behalf of the administra­ when a country is no longer eligible for assist­ tion reflecting its vision of foreign aid reform . [From the New York Post, Nov. 4, 1993] ance. This provision is much more explicit and We also permit TOA to use its funding to do YOUNG'S LONG WAIT ENDING strict than past OPIC language on ineligibility. environmental assessments, much like OPIC. (By Mark Cannizzaro) The cosponsors and OPIC believe that this We provided TDA with the funding of $65 mil­ language will remedy the fact that under cur­ lion for fiscal year 1995, and $90 million for In a gesture of enormus generosity, 13- rent law it is difficult to tell when or if a country fiscal year 1996, demonstrating the cospon­ year-old Eric Solnin was so moved when he is ever ineligible for OPIC assistance. Essen­ sors continued confidence and support of the heard about Boomer Esiason's son, Gunnar, tially, if a country is no longer eligible for OPIC program. being afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis, he do­ nated $5,176 to the Cystic Fibrosis Founda­ or foreign aid assistance, OPIC must cease its TITLE Ill: REAUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR THE EXPORT tion. programs except (1) it does not have to termi­ PROMOTION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL nate existing contracts and (2) if the President TRADE ADMINISTRATION Solnin, of Plainview, gave $4,176, which of the United States determines it is the na­ The purpose of this title is to reauthorize the was half of his Oct. 9 Bar Mi tzvah gift export promotion programs (International Eco­ money, and Seagram's, where his father tional interest to continue OPIC in that coun­ works, added $1,000 to it. try. This takes the decision out of the hands nomic Policy, Trade and Development and the of OPIC and places it in the office of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service) within "I wanted to put it to a good cause and I the International Trade Administration of the didn't really need it, so I wanted to give it to President. people who needed it more than me," Solnin The bill provides OPIC with a 3-year author­ U.S. Department of Commerce. Our authoriza­ said. ization and, under this legislation, OPIC will tion of $250 million is higher than past years reflecting the need for increases in export The youngster yesterday visited Esiason at use its own earnings to pay for its programs, Jets camp, where he was given an auto­ instead of drawing funds appropriated from the counselors both domestically and overseas. graphed Esiason jersey, a ball and a tour Treasury. The cosponsors do not believe that We are authorizing $275 million for fiscal year around the complex after practice. the Congress should appropriate scarce for­ 1996. Several weeks into the season, Esiason eign assistance resources for OPIC when the TITLE IV: PROMOTION OF U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPORTS formed the NFL Quarterback Challenge for Corporation has close to $2 billion in assets. The title promotes U.S. exports of environ­ Cystic Fibrosis. Mitzvah, by the way, means Therefore, wherever appropriate, we have au­ mental technologies, products, and services good deed. thorized OPIC to use funds available in its by: 22354 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 (1) Requiring the annual designation of five I also want to congratulate President joy, being "Grammy" to her seven wonderful countries whose markets have the greatest Balaguer on his leadership in working with all grandchildren. potential for U.S. environmental exports; the Dominican political parties to reach this Marcie's working career led her to become (2) Specifying that plans be developed out­ historic agreement, The Pact for Democracy. Human Resource Manager of Inter Corpora­ lining the steps the government's export pro­ President Balaguer's willingness to shorten his tion's Federal Region, later to become the motion agencies will take to allow U.S. compa­ term for the good of the Nation is to be com­ Human Resource Manager of the Lincoln Na­ nies to capture the five priority markets; mended. tional Life Insurance Co. H.M.O., Washington, (3) Establishing an Environmental Trade Ad­ Finally, I want to congratulate President DC region. She currently holds a position with visory Committee to guide the Trade Pro­ Balaguer upon his inauguration and commu­ the Prince George's County Hospice as direc­ motion Coordinating Committee [TPCC] in car­ nicate our best wishes for success in office. tor of human resources. rying out export promotion programs; (4) Placing environmental technology spe­ Marcie is always there for everyone, those cialists within the U.S. and Foreign Commer­ HONORING MARCENE ELEANOR she knows, as well as those she doesn't. She cial Service [U.S. & F.C.S.]; HOVALDT is not one to hold out a helping hand, it is al­ (5) Requiring the development of a calendar ways two helping hands. She is a good friend of significant overseas sales opportunities for HON. F.STEBAN EDWARD TORRF.S and confidante to many. Marcie's life like a pebble thrown into a pond: the ripples multiply U.S. envirotech firms; and OF CALIFORNIA and extend further and further. (6) Authorizing matching grants to regional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES centers which promote . environmental exports. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here as­ Friday, August 12, 1994 This language is identical to the language sembled to join me in paying tribute to the passed by the House in H.R. 3813. Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to many attributes of Marcie as a community TITLE V: INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL honor Marcene Eleanor Hovaldt. On the morn­ leader and a true American. PROPERTY ing of August 19, 1934, in the midst of a se­ Title V requires AID, in conjunction with vere dust storm, a midwife was called to de­ Commerce's Patent and Trademark Office, to liver the seventh child to Lily and Chris establish a program of training and technical Hovaldt. Their small farm was located several TRIBUTE TO MERCY HOSPITAL OF assistance in intellectual property protection. miles out of town-Parker, South Dakota, pop­ PORT HURON This program is aimed at countries that have ulation less than 800. Parker was a small expressed a willingness to improve but lack farming community made up mostly of immi­ the expertise or the resources to do so. Train­ grants from Denmark, as were the Hovaldts. HON. DAVID E. BONIOR ing assistance could be for patent and trade­ Thus was born Marcene Eleanor Hovaldt. OF MICHIGAN Marcene grew up basically as a lone child mark examiners, and for law enforcement per­ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sonnel such as judiciary, police, and customs as her two older sisters were 15 and 17 years officials. Technical assistance could include older respectively, and the youngest of the Friday, August 12, 1994 the provision of microfiche and computer soft­ four boys was 5 years older. So Marcene ware on patents and patent searches, legal played by herself and dreamt while lying under Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advice to governments writing intellectual cottonwood trees; and dream she did. pay tribute to Mercy Hospital of Port Huron. property law, guidelines on setting up a patent An unfortunate childhood accident left her Mercy Hospital is comm~morating its 40th an­ office, and training in the protection of emerg­ blinded in one eye, but this nor other hard­ niversary this weekend when the archbishop ing technologies such as biotechnology. ships, such as epidemics of whooping cough of Detroit, Adam Maida, concelebrates a Mass Funding required for this title is expected to and scarlet fever, even a bout with polio, pre­ of thanksgiving with the auxiliary bishop, and be modest and will come out of Al D's existing vented her from forging ahead. The first 8 the pastors and priests of the area. programs (no new authorization required). years of her education was at country school, Founded in 1954, Mercy Hospital was re­ This language was also introduced as H.R. a one room schoolhouse. All eight grades cently honored by being named one of the na­ 4239 in April of this year. were taught by one teacher. High School tion's top 100 hospitals. As an institution, meant going to school in town. When Marcene Mercy Hospital of Port Huron has continually graduated from Parker High School she was striven for excellence. Based on a foundation CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN THE one of 21 graduates. of respect, and honesty, everyone at Mercy DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The dreams started to come true when Hospital has worked as a team to serve the Marcene attended Southern Teachers College, needs of our community. With their beliefs in HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL this got her off the farm and to the big city, responsible stewardship and social justice, OF NEW YORK Sioux Falls. Her working career started not as Mercy Hospital has demonstrated that it is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a teacher, but as an underwriter for an insur­ possible to provide quality, cost-effective care ance company. Several years later, looking for while making investments in equipment and Friday, August 12, 1994 greener pastures, she and a girlfriend headed operations. Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate for Denver, Colorado. Here she found four A special tribute will also be paid to the Sis­ the people of the Dominican Republic for prov­ girls who not only became roommates at the ters of Mercy who will mark their 150th anni­ ing once again that the democratic system is time, but have remained lifelong friends. It was versary next month. Dedicated to patient care, by far the best way to resolve political dif­ also in Denver that she was married and gave the development of healthcare systems, and ferences. The citizens of this key ally of the birth to Edward II and Mercedes. higher learning, the Sisters of Mercy offer United States has demonstrated their love for This was a stressful time for Marcene as many needed services in our community. democracy and their faith in their Constitution she lost both parents and due to a genetic and the rule of law. Not only did they vote in heart problem, the premature death of all four On August 15, Mercy Hospital will have record numbers in their May 16, 1994, elec­ brothers before their 45th birthdays. Each of served the people of Port Huron and St. Clair tion, but they have come together to reach a her sisters also suffered multiple heart attacks, County for 40 years. Over these years the political consensus that resolves the con­ as well as bypass surgery with one sister hospital has earned recognition and enormous troversy arising out of the election. passing in 1988. Marcene has been very fortu­ respect. I applaud those whose eff arts have Last night, President Balaguer signed into nate that this malady has not affected her. made Mercy Hospital a world class medical fa­ law a bill convening a constitutional assembly Marcie moved to the Washington, D.C. area cility. to amend the Dominican Constitution to pro­ in 1964. Her marriage ended in divorce and as On the occasion of the hospital's 40th anni­ vide for a new election for President and Vice a single parent, she raised Edward and Mer­ versary, I am pleased to pay tribute to Mercy President on November 16, 1995; eliminate cedes. In 1980 Marcie married Stanley Galkin Hospital of Port Huron. I ask that my col­ consecutive terms of the Presidency; create a who also brought to this union Kathleen, Rob­ leagues join me in saluting a valued resource run-off system; and establish a totally inde­ ert, and Laura. Today the marriages of their in my home community as it prepares for the pendent judiciary. five children have resulted in Marie's greatest next 40 years of service. August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22355 SINGLE PAYER WILL WORK FOR The obvious solution that is largely over­ their white counterparts got jail time. By drop­ EVERYONE looked in this increasingly stalemated ping those provisions, we again turned a blind health care debate is to build on an existing eye to a death penalty that is anything but col­ system that is known to everyone and that orblind. HON. JIM McDERMOIT works reasonably well: Expand Medicare to OF WASHINGTON cover everyone. Nevertheless, I had decided to support the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This approach, partly included in the U.S. conference report because it addressed the No. 1 concern of my constituents. I supported Friday, August 12, 1994 House Ways and Means Committee bill, is understood by most Americans, unlike other the conference report because it would have Mr. McDERMOTI. Mr. Speaker, Jack Gor­ proposals. It preserves a personal choice of put 6, 100 more cops on the beat in New York, don, a retired Florida banker, who is today physician, an advantage that doctors are in­ and taken 19 types of assault weapons off the president of the Hospice Foundation of Amer­ creasingly recognizing. And Medicare pro­ streets. ica, recently asked an interesting question in a vides an administrative role for large or Even more importantly, the cont erence re­ Miami Herald oped article. He wrote, "Doesn't small insurance companies as contract ad­ port would have provided 7.4 billion dollars for it make sense that if Medicare works for our ministrators of its 70 regional districts at a crime prevention. Opponents argued that the cost of about 2 percent of expenditures. In parents and grandparents-and maybe some contrast, private plans and HMO administra­ crime problem could be solved by building of us-it would work for everyone? And if it is tive costs range from 15 to 25 percent. more prisons, and putting more people to good enough for them, why isn't it good Cost control can be achieved by imposing a death. They are wrong. It is much too late to enough for everyone else?" fee schedule on all providers. And instead of start fighting crime when the defendant stands Mr. Gordon advocates the single payer ap­ a government bureaucracy to enforce the fee before the judge for sentencing. We have got proach after studying health care matters for schedule, why not make the provider liable to start much earlier. We must get to the kids 20 years as a member of the Florida State for triple damages and attorneys' fees for ex­ and show them another way before the jail­ Senate, including time as majority leader of cess charges? This might even be a trade-off to the legal profession for limiting mal­ house door slams shut. that body and as chairman of appropriations practice claims. That is exactly what the conference bill and other committees with health care over­ Projecting from a study reported in 1991 in would have done. It supported education, job, sight. He is a serious student of health policy the New England Journal of Medicine of all and substance abuse programs, and provided having served also for 5 years as director of 6,400 Medicare hospitals, a fee schedule and for intensive community services in high-crime the public policy institute of Florida Inter­ the attendant reduced administrative costs areas. It increased recreational opportunities national University. would produce an annual savings of some for youth, targeting neighborhoods with high He notes that the market economy does not $120 billion. That would go a long way to­ youth unemployment rates, crime rates, drug work in health care delivery, that the American ward providing coverage for the currently uninsured. use, or school drop-out rates. The conference people understand the Medicare approach, Paying for the expanded Medicare system report also put the full weight of the Federal that $120 billion can be saved annually in ad­ is not that complicated, either. It requires Government behind the prevention of violence ministrative costs, and that paying for it is not two simple trade-offs: an increase in the cor­ against women. complicated or confusing with the single payer porate income tax equal to the amount that However, instead of a crime bill, what the approach. employers are now contributing to their em­ American people got was a stark lesson on I am inserting his short article in the ployees' health care, and an increase in ei­ special interest politics at its worst. They got RECORD and urge all of my fellow colleagues ther Social Security or personal income tax mugged by the National Rifle Association and to read it seriously and with an open mind. to equal the amount that individuals are currently paying for coverage. their gang of gunlovers who pulled out all the They will, I hope, arrive at the conclusion that This plan would save businesses the high stops to kill this legislation. The people want single payer indeed will work for everyone and cost of administering their own health plans safer streets. What they got, care of the NRA, that it is good enough for us all. and obviously would save the cost of private was Street Sweepers. I sincerely hope that [From the Miami Herald, July 28, 1994) insurance. It would also preserve the privacy next week we can return and take this Cham­ EXPAND MEDICARE BENEFITS TO COVER of employees, whose medical history would ber back from the special interests, and return EVERYONE no longer be available to their employer. it to the people. We don't have to look to Canada or some The delusion of " managed competition" in other foreign country to find a workable sin­ the current health care debate is based on an gle-payer system, because we already have THE FREEDOM AND FAIRNESS erroneous assumption that a market econ­ one that can be easily expanded to include omy is at work in health care delivery. It RESTORATION ACT all. Doesn't it make sense that if Medicare presupposes (1) competition sets market works for our parents or grandparents (and prices, (2) willing buyers deal with willing maybe some of us), it would work for every­ HON. WIWAM F. GOODLING sellers, and (3) none are under any con- straints. · one? And if it is good enough for them, why OF PENNSYLVANIA Health care, however, has no independent isn't it good enough for everyone else? IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES buyers. If you are sick, you need care. In­ Friday, August 12, 1994 deed, if you don't get it, you may die. Be­ Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, the current yond that it is the supplier of health serv­ CRIME BILL ices, your doctor, who creates the demand as tax system is in need of a serious overhaul. well as supplies the services. HON. NYDIA VELAzQUFZ Most of the individuals I have spoken with will The doctor says, " Go to the hospital," and OF NEW YORK never state that it is simpler to file their tax only to one where he has staff privileges. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forms today than it was before the 1986 Tax Then you become the passive user of ancil­ Reform Act. The only real reform we engaged lary services-laboratories, X-rays, anesthe­ Friday, August 12, 1994 in 1986 was to take many individuals off the sia, drugs-all requisitioned by the doctor. Ms. VEUXZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I tax roles by reducing the incentives for long Neither he nor you are in any position to voted for the rule on H.R. 3355 and was pre­ term economic growth and savings. shop around for alternatives. There isn't any true market. pared to vote for the conference report on the The current Federal tax system is com­ What happens in the real world of competi­ Violent Crime Control and Enforcement Act, plicated and certainly not as progressive, nor tion among insurance company plans (or despite strong reservations. I was and remain as equitable as proponents of the 1986 tax health maintenance organizations) is that very distressed that the conferees dropped a changes promised. Based on the aggregate services are often limited in order to lower major provision passed by this Chamber-the total 1991 tax returns to the Internal Revenue costs-hardly a benefit to the patient. Man­ Racial Justice Act. Without exaggeration, that Service, the top 25 percent of income earners aged care is a delusion ultimately fed by the provision dealt with a life or death issue. It pay 77.2 percent of individual income taxes. In greed of the large insurance companies. It would have prevented people from being exe­ means a system driven by the profit motive, addition, the top 1O percent pay 55.3 percent, and excludes your doctor as the basic deter­ cuted on the basis of their race. the top 5 percent pay 43.4 percent, and the miner of necessary services. He is replaced By adopting the Racial Justice Act, this top 1 percent pay 24.6 percent. Progressivity by private enterprise bureaucrats-as real as Chamber demonstrated that we would not let is an admirable goal, but based on our Fed­ the government kind but less likely to be ignorance, bias, and intolerance send Latinos eral returns, it is simply not evident in our cur­ held to any standard of public responsibility. and African Americans to their death while rent tax structure. 22356 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 Our Nation is ready to enter into the 21st inequitable Federal tax system and urge my been by the fear mongering and century, and yet we have a tax system based colleagues to lend their support to this needed grandstanding in both Chambers on the issue on the 19th century. The existing tax laws, legislation. of gay and lesbian lifestyles. rules, and regulations hold back needed in­ Most of his letter is included below. This vestment and savings in our economy which bright student is now heading off to college. could derail the inventors, and the innovators TRIBUTE TO HENRY MROZ Despite the best efforts of my colleagues who of the future. peddle intolerance and bigotry at every oppor­ I believe the Congress should consider re­ HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN tunity, he has already learned important les­ igniting the debate on tax simplification. A flat OF MASSACHUSET'I'S sons that can't be taught in the classroom. tax system should be considered as a viable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The letter follows: option for real tax reform. A flat tax approach Friday, August 12, 1994 AUGUST 2, 1994. would simplify the current Federal tax system. Mr. FORTNEY PETE STARK, I believe by having every American pay the Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note House of Representatives, same flat tax rate, individuals would agree to the passing of Mr. Henry Mroz, a former Washington, DC. a more simple and equitable form of taxation. school superintendent and school committee­ DEAR MR. STARK: What I am writing about Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lend my sup­ man of Lowell, MA. today is an issue that I have felt strongly port as a cosponsor of H.R. 4585, the Free­ Henry Mroz will be remembered for many about for many years, gay rights. Today dom and Fairness Restoration Act, introduced great attributes; his professionalism, intellect when I picked up the San Francisco Exam­ and dedication to name a few. But more than iner, I was shocked. I was literally so angry by Congressman DICK ARMEY. H.R. 4585 at the government, which I believe in strong­ would establish a new flat tax system which anything else, Henry Mroz will be remembered ly, that I could have screamed. Apparently, would implement the use of a 17 percent flat for spearheading a $131 million school build­ the Senate, and the House, have passed a bill tax rate for all Americans. This bill would only ing and renovation program that is scheduled which will cut federal funding to any school exempt those below the Federal poverty line. for completion next year. Mr. Mroz was the which "teaches acceptance of homosexuality The Armey bill would reduce excessive spend­ prime mover in securing the funding for these as a lifestyle" (quoting the examiner). This ing by our Federal Government while also re­ schools and in overseeing their construction. is the first time I have read anything about ducing the tax burden on the American peo­ These schools will serve as a lasting monu­ this bill, and I am outraged!!!! How on Earth ment to him for generations to come. could this kind of bill be passed? Being gay ple. (which I am not, by the way, so that you Our economy currently lacks the seed A Lowell High graduate, Mr. Mroz held a know that I am not biased in that sense) is money to sustain long term economic growth. master's degree in education from Fitchburg just like being black or white, male or fe­ H.R. 4585 eliminates the double taxation on State College and a law degree from the New male. It doesn't matter. Gay people are just long term investments by repealing the current England school of law. like you and me, no different. They have just tax on capital gains, tax on Individual Retire­ In 1982 he became superintendent after chosen to live their life a slightly different ment Accounts [IRA's] and tax withholding. I serving as the director of Federal programs, way. There has been incredible amounts of believe elimination of these provisions will pro­ for the Lowell schools from 1969 to 1981 and discrimination against them, and now we vide more individuals with the desire to invest the assistant superintendent of the Lowell can't even have a teacher tell our impres­ sionable young minds to even "accept" ho­ money, which in the end will create more schools in 1981. He previously taught math, mosexuals. I'm not saying to go out and tell available capital for businesses, and thus spur history, and science in the classroom. everyone to become gay, all I'm asking for is economic development and jobs. Henry Mroz will be remembered for leading to allow those teachers who want to teach H.R. 4585 is similar to legislation which I the schools through the sometimes turbulent their children that being homosexual is OK, have supported in the past. In 1984, I cospon­ 1980's, when the system's populations of not bad. Yet if this bill passes, no such mes­ sored H.R. 2137, which like the Freedom and southeast Asian youths skyrocketed from 1 sage can get across. Fairness Restoration Act, proposed a Federal percent to more than 25 percent. During this If this bill becomes law, we must ask our­ flat tax system. Under this legislation, a 10 time, Mr. Mroz demonstrated his leadership selves, "What kind of message will this give percent income tax rate would have become skills, keeping the school system on track and to our youngsters?" The answer is quite plain. It will send a message that gays are effective for all individuals, and exempt only guiding it through challenges it had never horrible, and weird, and different-not wor­ those whose income was under $10,000. This seen before. thy of being in the same room as us, and cer­ bill if enacted 1O years ago would have been His commitment to education in Lowell will tainly not worthy or our acceptance. We much better than the changes in the Internal never be surpassed. Mr. Mroz and his wife need more teaching of compassion and ac­ Revenue Code of 1986. However, I am con­ Theresa had no children of their own, but ceptance, not less. Apparently Mr. Helms cerned whether H.R. 4585 will be able to sus­ there was never any doubt that both regarded said that the material used in schools was tain the current level of receipts by reducing the 13,000 children of the Lowell public "disgusting, obscene material that's laid out Federal tax rates and spending at the same schools as their own. before school children in this country every day." What I would like to know is, what time. Henry Mroz succumbed to a heart condition material is he talking about. I have been In recent history, Congress tried this ap­ that he had struggled against with strength through 12 years of public schooling, and proach before and found it was relatively easy and courage. Friends and family, as well as have seen no such material. to reduce taxes, but harder to reduce the size the city of Lowell, will be forever in debt to Mr. I am not back in Washington, quite obvi­ of the Federal Government. Finally, I also be­ Mroz for the many contributions he made to ously, and do not know the political climate. lieve every individual should have an obliga­ the Lowell schools during his long tenure. I What is the likelihood that these two bills tion to pay Federal taxes to better understand join in paying tribute to this distinguished man. will come together in the committee, go on what this great Nation provides them in bene­ He will be missed by all who knew him. to the president and be passed. If he vetoes fits, even if it is a nominal tax rate. it, what is the chance that it will be over­ Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time to begin a ridden? Frankly, I am scared when I think of A CONSTITUENT WITH WISDOM this bill passing. It is frightening. I know discussion on reforming the current tax sys­ some gay people, and I can assure you that tem. As George Santayana has stated, "those BEYOND HIS YEARS they are quite normal. In fact, it is likely who speak most of progress measure it by that you couldn't pick these guys out of a quantity and not by quality." Our so called pro­ HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK crowd as being gay. gressive tax system is not anything that the OF CALIFORNIA I am sorry if I have rambled on, but I am quite distressed at hearing of this bill. I lit­ American people were expecting when they IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES asked for reform. Enacting H.R. 4585 would erally could not believe my eyes as I was be a step in the right direction. This bill would Friday, August 12, 1994 reading the paper. Also, what is your opinion of this bill, and how did you vote on this Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I recently re­ give the Federal tax system back to the Amer­ issue? If possible, could you please clarify ican people and wrest the system away from ceived a letter from a young man in my district any points that I have wrong here (for exam­ the bureaucrats in Washington. While I do not who wrote after reading about debate on the ple: please tell me that this is all a bad agree with every proposal included in this leg­ elementary and secondary education bill. He dream * * *) about this bill, and exactly islation, I do support the need for reforming an was as shocked and disappointed as I have what it says. August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22357 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CLARENCE RISK A AND RISK B and over a billion dollars in investment over HUBERT STEINER a 7 year period. It has been endorsed, on site, by a myriad of elected officials, including HON. JIM SAXTON former Governor Jim Florio. OF NEW JERSEY What has become of Allied Junction? It has HON. SONNY CALLAHAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been stalled, held up, and delayed by OF ALABAMA unelected officials in the state environ­ Friday, August 12, 1994 mental protection agency and the Army IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, the following Corps of Engineers. If Bill Mccann had not speech before the New Jersey Society for En­ had the environmental regulatory hassles Friday, August 12, 1994 vironmental, Economic Development offers an­ from these agencies, Allied Junction would have broken ground in 1990. They still have Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this past Sat­ other cogent argument for my legislation to not broken ground in early 1994. Unelected urday the community of Bayou La Batre, AL, create a National Institute for the Environment staff people at regulatory agencies with un­ lost an outstanding citizen in the death of Mr. as an independent entity with a mission to im­ controlled authority can discount everything Clarence Hubert Steiner, a man respected and prove the scientific basis for making decisions that makes sense, and ignore the actual stat­ utes involved, and apply their own philoso­ remembered for his contributions to business, on environmental issues. The NIE would increase scientific under­ phies to monumental projects like Allied his family, and his community. I rise to pay standing of environmental issues by support­ Junction. And those philosophies have little tribute to this great man and the life he led. ing extramural, competitive peer-reviewed re­ to do with generat.ing growth and jobs. Born into a family with a tradition of fishing From 1985-1987, I had the good fortune to search, providing ongoing comprehensive as­ serve as former Congressman Jim Courter's and boatbuilding, his passion for both was sessments of current environmental knowl­ chief of staff, and I'll never forget driving up rooted in his childhood when he began helping edge and its implications, broadening and fa­ and down Route 206 past dozens and dozens of his parents. At age 16 he quit high school to cilitating current, user friendly information " help wanted" signs. It seemed they were in work with his father full time, and only a year about the environment, and strengthening the every window. New Jersey's economy was later at age 17, he became master of the Nation's capacity to address environmental is­ literally booming in the mid-80's, with full employment a reality, and a labor shortage a Eagle, a 46-foot vessel he and his father had sues by sponsoring education and training ac­ tivities. These activities are lacking in the Fed­ potential problem. The kind of problem you built together. Today, this vessel is a familiar like to have. New Jersey's large corporations one in Bayou La Batre, AL, and surrounding eral arena and are desperately needed if pol­ were hiring and training, at their own ex­ communities where it is a regular participant in icymakers are going to make environmental pense, handicapped people to undertake cru­ decisions that will not cause undue hardship the annual Blessing of the Fleet. cial corporate tasks .. . Not because the on the private sector and economic growth. government forced them to, or because they A few years later, Mr. Steiner moved to Mo­ I commend this speech to your attention were being sued, but because the companies bile, AL, with his new wife Dorothy Dukes and request your cosponsorship of the NIE needed their labor to grow. Steiner, and worked as master carpenter for bill. I don't need to tell you what has happened the U.S. Coast Guard base. Many years and in New Jersey since the late 1980s. In my RISK A AND RISK B opinion there are a number of reasons your six children later, and still working full-time (By Merrick Carey, President, Alexis de economy has imploded. Top of my list would with the Coast Guard, Mr. Steiner bought a Tocqueville Institution) be the massive tax increases passed on labor small boat repair business which he and his Good evening. In 1967, a U.S.-Soviet sum­ and capital-by both Republicans and Demo­ sons built up during their spare time. He finally mit was being arranged and it was decided crats at the federal level and by Governor left the Coast Guard, and that small business that LBJ and Premier Kosygin would meet Florio at the state level-that have severely eventually became Steiner Shipyard, Inc., one half way between the White House and the eroded incentives to work, invest and do U.N., where Kosygin was speaking. The half­ business in the Garden State. Fortunately, of the finest and most highly respected ship­ way point is Glassboro, New Jersey, and the Governor Whitman and the State Legisla­ building and repair yards on the entire gulf Soviet Premier was driven in his limo from ture have already begun to roll state taxes coast. Manhattan down the New Jersey Turnpike. back. Clarence Steiner was described by those He travelled across what is probably the A second area I would put the spotlight on most famous industrial belt in the world, is excessive environmental regulation and who knew him as a quiet, strong, and hard­ from Jersey City to Newark, Elizabeth, " the glut of special interest groups now working man who always wore a smile. He en­ Carteret, and Rahway. Speechless, he saw vying for attention in Trenton and Washing­ joyed the simple things in life, often gave oth­ the amazing array of gigantic oil refineries, ton that show little concern for insuring ers the credit, and was dedicated to his family, chemical factories and other heavy indus­ sound public policy," as NJ SEED says in its friends, church, business, and community. trial facilities, the sights and smells we in charter. One of his favorite contributions to his commu­ this room know so well. Finally, he turned Somewhere along the way to the Endan­ to his travelling aide and whispered, " Now I gered Species Act, the Safe Drinking Water nity was cooking for civic events where he be­ know why America is a great country." Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the came famous for his shrimp and spaghetti. It speaks volumes that a former com­ Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Though he was hardworking and dedicated munist leader instinctively knows what so the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Edu­ many of our present political leaders have cation Act * * * I better stop in 1978 * * * to so much, friends and family alike agree that forgotten: that high levels of economic Somewhere along the way the environ­ his first priority was his family. He was a de­ growth, output and productivity, potently mentalist train went off the tracks. voted husband for almost 60 years before his mixed with self-government and democracy, The top 20 environmental groups in Wash­ death and a devoted father of six children, have made America the most powerful na­ ington will spend an estimated $500 million Clarence Gene, Ronald, Russell, Roger Dale, tion on earth, and arguably in all of history. this year to pursue their agendas. Aided by Rebecca, and Carolyn. In turn, his children, I think the vast majority of the American these interest groups, the EPA has imposed people understand this, and it gets to the environmental regulations costing our econ­ along with 18 grandchildren and 24 great core of all our current policy debates. What omy over $150 billion per year. That figure is grandchildren, remain devoted to his memory is your social or political goal? Do you want expected to rise to $185 billion by the year and carry on the tradition by continuing to a powerful military? To fight poverty? To 2000. This outlay does not appear in the fed­ maintain Steiner Shipyard. clean up the environment? To roll back eral budget, but it is reflected in higher crime? Those goals are probably not possible prices in stores and lower real incomes. It is Clarence Hubert Steiner was an outstanding unless you pursue policies that foster a dy­ a thoroughly regressive tax, hitting rich and citizen who over his eighty years raised a namic private economy. poor equally, raising the costs of all goods, wonderful family, turned his hard work and Fast forward, if you will, to that same energy and transportation, and putting an dreams into a successful and highly respected stretch of New Jersey in the late 1980s and annual burden of nearly $1500 on every Amer­ business, and still took the time to serve his early 1990s. A visionary businessman, Bill ican household. church and community. Let us now take the Mccann, whom many of you know, came up As the level of regulation in the United with the idea to link all the commuter rail States has grown in leaps and bounds-meas­ time to honor this man who was truly a bless­ lines that flow through northeast New Jer­ ured in number of laws or in pages of the ing to friends, family, community, and all who sey at one Nnction. By conservative esti­ Federal Register-we may be approaching knew him. mates, this project will generate 3000 jobs the critical level where in fact the economy 22358 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 rs being strangled-where enterprise is re­ is calculated for a susceptible person who is risk analysis to each regulation it issues. strained, where entrepreneurship is stifled, maximally exposed to the atmosphere for 70 Earlier this year, the House of Representa­ where jobs are not created. years, and that the risks are computed based tives shelved the bill to elevate the EPA to For this reason, one cannot stress enough on dubious scientific data. Furthermore, the a cabinet department because it did not in­ the importance of sound science in issuing analysis neglects the obvious: the fact that clude the Johnston-Mica provision. environmental regulations. Recent history ls the person, like you and me, will be indoors Proponents of the Johnston-Mica legisla­ replete with policies begun on the basis of for much of his life exposed to an indnor air tion plan to offer it as an amendment to nothing more than press releases that were quality that is likely to be much more haz­ every piece of environmental legislation that not backed up by peer-review scientlflc data. ardous. Even so, cancer risk, normally about the Congress considers until it is approved. There are many examples where science is 25 percent, would be reduced to only 24.99999 Therefore, in order for the environmental ignored or misused in order to push particu­ Percent, but at a multi-billion dollar cost movement to advance its ambitious legisla­ lar policies. There are even examples where that could have been used to save many tive agenda in this Congress, it must accept science has reversed itself, yet the policies more lives by reducing more immediate some form of expanded cost benefit and risk march on as if nothing happened. The scares risks. Or perhaps giving the beleaguered tax­ analysis for environmental decisions. over alar, dioxin, environmental tobacco payer or entrepreneur (or baker) a break. This week, risk assessment language is smoke and pesticides are only a few of the In Greek mythology, the gods punished a being discussed in strategy sessions on the more famous recent examples. man by making him too successful. It may Superfund bill, and risk assessment language The New York Times has summed it best: be that the anti-growth environmental is in the Safe Drinking Water bill that ls "In the last 15 years, environmental policy movement reached its zenith when the Clean heading for the Senate Floor. If the John­ has too often evolved largely in reaction to Air Act passed in 1990-and the debacle that ston-Mica legislation ls too much for envi­ popular panics, not in response to sound scl­ has resulted from its passage. Now every en­ ronmentalists to swallow, then they ought to entlflc analysis of which environmental haz­ vironmental initiative in Congress is being consider the Moynihan-Zimmer approach. ards present the greatest risks. As a result, scrutinized and risk assessment and cost­ This bill could be the ticket to a sensible, bi­ billions of dollars are wasted each year in benefit requirements are seeping into every partisan compromise that would help both battling problems that are no longer consid­ environmental debate. the environment and the economy by ered especially dangerous, leaving little In response to the explosion in environ­ prioritizing environmental problems and money for others that cause far more harm." mental regulatory costs and the govern­ lessening excessive environmental regu­ Consider the following examples of the tre­ ment's practice of spending enormous latory costs. mendous cost of senseless environmental amounts of money to reduce small risks in­ I'm going to close with what some might regulation on businesses, municipalities, and stead of big risks, Senator Daniel Patrick consider a radical statement, but a view that taxpayers: Moynihan and Congressman Richard Zimmer I think gets to the heart of the current envi­ An analysis of Columbus, Ohio officials have introduced the "Environmental Risk ronmental debate. If you accept the fact that found that the impact of complying with the Reduction Act" to ensure that the billions we have limited resources to deal with envi­ weight of federal environmental mandates spent by the American people on environ­ ronmental problems, you need to make a on the city's budget would cost every Colum­ mental protection ls better targeted at re­ choice between low risk, which is "A," and bus taxpayer an additional $856 per year by ducing the "most serious and probable high risk, which we will call "B." You can the turn of the century. risks." make a choice for "A," to throw money at According to the National Center for Pol­ The Moynihan-Zimmer bill is designed to low risks, but if you make that choice, you icy Analysis, EPA's regulation of coke ovens sharpen the public debate over risk assess­ will have to live with more suffering, more will cost $682 million to prevent a single in­ ments and require the EPA to set risk reduc­ cancer and more deaths than if you choose stance of cancer. The cost of EPA's regula­ tion priorities based on sound scientlflc "B." tion of the chemical benzine and the Clean analyses. That ls a statement that will be categori­ Air Act's regulation of air toxins would cost Specifically, the bill would create two ex­ cally rejected by many in the environmental $5.8 billion and S6.5 billion per cancer death pert commissions that would provide the movement and at the regulatory agencies. averted. EPA with advice on the ranking of relative But I believe it ls very hard to refute. In New Hampshire, $9.3 million was spent a risks and on estimating the costs and bene­ few years ago to make a dump safe for "chil­ fits of reducing risks to human health and dren to eat small amounts of dirt" for 245 natural resources. The bill also creates a IN RECOGNITION OF LT. COL. days a year, despite the fact that there were risk reduction research program that would STANLEY A. NEWELL no dirt-eating children in the area-and the improve the data, methodology, and accu­ area was a swamp. racy of the government's risk assessments. While EPA regulates 83 speclflc drinking For example, if the public knew that an av­ HON. TERRY EVERETT water contaminants-many of which may erage-sized plate of shrimp contains trace ar­ OF ALABAMA not even be in a drinking water system-it senic levels of 30 parts per billion, would IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES does not regulate more dangerous contami­ they choose to continue paying for a costly nants that do occur such as the EPA water quality rule limiting arsenic lev­ Friday, August 12, 1994 cryptosporldium that killed 40 people in Mil­ els to no more than 2 to 3 parts per billion? Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased waukee last year. Similarly, would the public agree with the to rise today to honor Lt. Col. Stanley A. New­ Today's Wall Street Journal has a new environmentalists' dream of banning the ell, who is retiring from the U.S. Army after 28 item that beautifully captures how far we commercial use of pesticides (thereby raising years of dedicated service. On September 14, have descended into the anti-growth swamp: prices of fruits and vegetables and throwing "Come fall of 1995, pleasant bakery smells thousands of farmers out of work) if they 1966, Lieutenant Colonel Newell began what may be a thing of the past as many commu­ were informed of the fact that there are would be an active and meritorious career nities throughout the country comply with more known carcinogens consumed by drink­ when he was drafted and sent to fight in Viet­ deadlines set by the 1990 Clean Air Act to ing one cup of coffee than the amount of po­ nam with the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, of have industrial plants cut their emissions. tentially carcinogenic pesticide residues the the 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. The smell of baking bread, it turns out, is a average person eats in a year? While serving in Vietnam, Lieutenant Colo­ form of air pollution." Right now, however, the public isn't aware nel Newell was wounded in combat and taken It turns out the "yeast police," as bakers that they have such a choice. "Relative risk as a prisoner of war, enduring almost 6 years now call the EPA, want the nation's large ranking and cost benefit analyses are tools," bakers to spend millions of dollars to install according to Senator Moynihan. "Crude of captivity in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Dur­ new emissions controls. When flour, water tools, yes, but perhaps sufficient in some ing that period of time, Lieutenant Colonel and yeast are kneaded together and heated, cases to rank activity A as more risky than Newell displayed a fortitude that was an ex­ they create ethanol, a non-toxic substance activity B. If the costs or political realities ample and encouragement to his fellow that contributes to ozone formation. State dictate that we should control B before A, POW's. In an unimaginable situation, he acted regulators admit that bread ethanol emis­ then great!" in a manner that demonstrated his loyalty, sion "is not very much" but they have to In recent months, the U.S. Congress has re­ both to these men and to his country. look everywhere to comply with the radical sponded to the public's growing concern Upon his return home, Lieutenant Colonel new federal standards. about excessive environmental regulation. The 1990 Clean Air Act is thus far the pe­ Last spring, by an overwhelming bipartisan Newell attended Officer Candidate School and nultimate environmental act. One title of vote of 96 to 3, the U.S. Senate passed legis­ in 1975 was commissioned as a second lieu­ this law deals with air toxics, the emission lation sponsored by Senator Bennett John­ tenant in the Military Police Corps. An an offi­ of substances that could conceivably cause ston and Congressman John Mica requiring cer in the U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel New­ cancer. The problem is that the cancer risk EPA to perform extensive cost benefit and ell has exhibited extraordinary service and August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22359 leadership. He has served as a platoon leader "countless people who mysteriously died" nowhere near the scene. Dannemeyer also with the 101 st Airborne Division at Fort Camp­ after having run-ins with Bill Clinton. Nich­ mentions Paul Tully, a chain-smoking, over­ bell, KY; company commander and battalion ols, an Arkansas state employee fired in 1988 weight Democratic strategist who, according for making hundreds of calls to the Nica­ to Little Rock police spokesman Lt. Charles executive officer with the Training Brigade at raguan Contras from his office, says it's all Holladay and the Pulaski County coroner's Fort McClellan, AL; course manager and in­ part of Clinton's "evil society." report, died of a heart attack in 1992. Next is structor of the countering terrorism course, So goes "Bill Clinton's Circle of Power," a Jon Walker, an administrator in the Resolu­ also at Fort McClellan, assistant operations of­ video made earlier this year by Citizens for tion Trust Corp. office probing Madison ficer and WESTCOM provost officer at Fort Honest Government, a California-based con­ Guaranty; Walker died last year when he Shafter, HI; and as a faculty instructor at Air servative group headed by television pro­ jumped from a Northern Virginia apartment• Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air ducer Pat Matrisciana. The video is filled building. Tom Bell, a detective with the Ar­ Force Base in Montgomery, AL. with dark suggestions that as president and lington, Va., police says Walker was a "par­ governor, Clinton was connected to the mur­ To compliment Lieutenant Colonel Newell's ticularly clear case of suicide because there ders and beatings of several people, including was a witness." brilliant career, he has been decorated with political opponents. The Rev. Jerry Falwell Others on the Dannemeyer list are more such honors as the Silver Star, the Bronze promoted the video during a month of TV curious but completely lack evidence impli­ Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious infomercials, and it has sold more than cating Clinton. In March, a plane piloted by Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the 100,000 copies, according to its makers. They 72-year-old Herschel Friday, head of a pres­ Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Parachut­ hope its sequel, "The Clinton Chronicles," tigious Little Rock law firm, crashed on ap­ ist's Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Pris­ which repeats the charges at greater length, proach to a private runway near Friday's oner of War Medal, and a Purple Heart. might outsell the first, even without home. Friday served on Clinton's presi­ Falwell's help. dential campaign finance committee, and his The perseverance that Lieutenant Colonel Beyond last week's congressional widow, Beth, says the Clintons were "good Newell displayed as a prisoner of war, and the Whitewater hearings and the ferment over friends." However, rumors about a link be­ fashion in which he has excelled as an officer Paula Corbin Jones' sexual harassment law­ tween Whitewater and Friday's death began in the U.S. Army are reflections of his dedica­ suit, attacks against Clinton have taken a circulating soon after the crash. The Na­ tion to serving his country. It is not often that decidedly sinister turn. Televangelists, con­ tional Transportation Safety Board has not we witness such displays of bravery and patri­ servative talk-show hosts, political oppo­ issued its final report on the crash, but so far otism. I appreciate this opportunity to pay trib­ nents and some computer bulletin-board investigators have given the family no indi­ ute to Lieutenant Colonel Newell, to thank him aficionados are suggesting that Clinton cation the plane had mechanical problems. could be tied to dozens of deaths, from a Mrs. Friday is confident her husband's death for his service, and to wish him the very best · pneumonia case in Delaware to three of the was "purely an accident." Dannemeyer ad­ in the years to come. four federal agents killed in the raid on the mits that Clinton may have had no involve­ Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. ment in Friday's death and some of the oth­ ers, but he insists that the "number goes be­ WHATEVER IT IS, BILL CLINTON WEIRD ERA Even at a time of great national anxiety yond coincidence." He says he merely wants PROBABLY DID IT and confusion, the intense, fecund and often them investigated. bizarre charges leveled against Clinton are THE CLINTON BODY COUNT HON. ANDREW JACO~, JR. startling. He has unusually high negative Dannemeyer's list of "suspicious deaths" OF INDIANA ratings in many polls, but even that fails to is taken largely from one compiled by Linda IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES explain fully the extreme nature of the· Thompson. She is an Indianapolis lawyer charges leveled at him. "These attacks have who in 1993 quit her one-year-old general Friday, August 12, 1994 reached a level of inventive and viciousness practice to run her American Justice Federa­ Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, I insert the fol­ that is unparalleled," complained White tion, a for-profit group that promotes pro­ House counsel Lloyd Cutler during last gun causes and various conspiracy theories lowing article from the U.S. News & World Re­ week's Whitewater hearings. "There are a through a shortwave radio program, a com­ port, August 8, 1994 edition. great many people who would like to bring puter bulletin board and sales of its news­ It should be noted that the politics of per­ President Clinton down who will stop at letter and videos. Her list, called "The Clin­ sonal attack is, in its essence, character as­ practically nothing." ton Body Count: Coincidence or the Kiss of sassination. Character assassination like phys­ No episode seems beyond Clinton's reach in Death?" and updated biweekly, now contains ical assassination can be effective, that is, it the world of conspiracy buffs. A Wall Street 34 names of people she believes died sus­ can destroy if someone is willing to stoop to Journal editorial in March chastised the "re­ piciously and who had ties to the Clinton it. spectable press" for showing "little-to-no ap­ family. Thompson admits she has "no direct petite for publishing anything about sex and One more conspiracy for the Merchants of evidence" of Clinton killing anyone. Indeed, violence" in Whitewater-related matters. It she says the deaths were probably caused by Venom to contemplate: who slipped in that proceeded to report that while working on a "people trying to control the president" but commandment on Moses, the one that says, story for the New Republic about incestuous refuses to say who they were. Thompson says "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy relationships between business leaders and her allegations of murder "seem groundless neighbor." politicos in Arkansas, writer L.J. Davis only because the mainstream media haven't Violent and destructive words are akin to opened the door to his Little Rock hotel done enough digging." violent and destructive deeds. They will inspire room and remembered next awakening face Earlier this year, Thompson released two violence on the part of others. Here is how down on the floor with a hefty bump on his videotapes and a folksy music video purport­ head and "significant" pages of his notes Kipling said it: ing to show that the February 1993 shootout missing. The implication was that some sin­ in Waco, Texas, was a conspiracy in which ... And sure it keeps their honor clean ister elements had tried · to quash Davis' three agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, To­ The learned court believes piece. But Davis soon admitted drinking at bacco and Firearms were "executed" in the They never gave a piece of plate least four martinis that night. No pages were Branch Davidian's armory by their own men To murderers or thieves missing from his notebook, and he had no because of what they might have witnessed They never told the ramping crowd idea how he ended up on the floor. "I cer­ as Clinton's bodyguards. Though the men did To card a woman's hide tainly wasn't about to conclude that some­ help the Secret Service guard Clinton a few They never marked a man for death body cracked me on the head," Davis said at times, the Treasury Department's report in What fault of theirs he died? the time. the Waco standoff refutes the charge: "Con­ They only said intimidate Even the most serious charges are charac­ trary to some publicly disseminated ac­ And talked and went their way terized by serious deficiencies in corroborat­ counts, none of the agents that entered the By God, the boys who did the work ing evidence. In a letter to congressional armory was killed." According to the report, Were better men than they. leaders, former Rep. William Dannemeyer the men were killed in different locations [From the U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 8, lists 24 people with some connection to Clin­ around the compound. ATF spokesman Les 1994) ton who have died "under other than natural Stanford says, "Her videos are replete with circumstances" and calls for hearings on the falsehood and errors." WHATEVER rr IS, BILL CLINTON LIKELY DID IT matter. On Dannemeyer's list is James Of the "suspicious deaths" listed by (By Greg Ferguson and David Bowermaster) Wilhite, a friend of White House adviser Thompson and endorsed by Dannemeyer, Sitting in a cozy parlor and wearing a red Thomas "Mack" McLarty who suffered fatal many victims have only the most tenuous cardigan, Larry Nichols looks into the cam­ head injuries in December 1992 when he ties to Clinton-four members of Marine Hel­ era like an earnest Mr. Rogers and tells of skiied into a tree in Colorado. Clinton was icopter Squadron One, for example. The unit 22360 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS August 12, 1994 is responsible for transporting the president. death while driving his car, Gary says, the Senate committees, as well as the Sub­ The four marines died in May 1993 when the file was stolen. Lieutenant Holladay says committee on Regulation, which I chair, Over Blackhawk helicopter they had taken out for there is no evidence of such a file, nor any the past 18 months, representatives of these a maintenance-evaluation flight crashed. Ac­ evidence that Clinton had anything to do 30 organizations have worked closely with me cording to a Marine spokesman, Chief War­ with Parks's death. Gary, he says, " is grasp­ rant Officer Robert Jenks, faulty installa­ ing at straws. We have found his allegations and my staff to draft legislation to promote the tion of a spindle pin allowed the helicopter's to be baseless." Jerry Parks reportedly had health quality agenda. engines to produce too much power until an many enemies after he was fired from two The legislation I am introducing today was overspeed protection device shut them down. Arkansas police departments and after a bit­ originally drafted as an amendment to health There was no evidence of sabotage. Clinton ter falling out with a business partner. Still, reform legislation marked up by the Commit­ had set foot in the aircraft on only one occa­ Larry Nichols says he ls helping Gary Parks tee on Energy and Commerce. Unfortunately, sion, two months before, when he traveled bring a wrongful death suit against "some­ disagreements prevented our committee from from the White House to the USS Theodore one close to Clinton who doesn't have presi­ reporting a bill. Subsequently, I have shared Roosevelt. Thompson 'concedes, "I don't dential immunity." this language with the committee chairmen know what Clinton's motive was." But she One recent death ls that of Stanley Hug­ speculates that they "could have been privy gins, who died in June. In 1987, Huggins ex­ who drafted the House bill with the majority to information about Clinton's plan for amined the loan practices of the thrift, leader, and asked for its incorporation in that Bosnia." Madison Guaranty, at the center of the legislation. FOSTER'S DEATH Whitewater storm. His 400-gage report has Some of these provisions have been incor­ The starting place for all Clinton murder never been made public. But Dr. Richard porated into the House and Senate health re­ theorists seems to be Vincent Foster, the Callery, Delaware's top medical examiner, form bills, and I am hopeful that all will find deputy White House counsel whose death says Huggins died of viral myocardltls and their way into the bill that emerges from con­ last year unleashed a torrent of speculation. bronchial pneumonia. Lt. Joel Ivory of the ference. Jerry Falwell, Pat Robinson, Rush University of Delaware police says his " ex­ As decisions are made on each of the Limbaugh and others have suggested that haustive" investigation of Hugglns's death consumer protection provisions, one key point Foster was probably murdered. On the anni­ turned up "no sign at all of foul play." I intend to emphasize over the next month is versary of Foster's death, July 20, Foster's The flood of accusations shows no sign of abating. And to all conspiracy buffs, official that consumer protections must be funded as family made a public appeal to end the spec­ fully and equally important components of the ulation. The death has been ruled a suicide sources are suspect. Falwell asks how the in two separate investigations. Foster's fam­ Arkansas police could investigate the new health system Congress is now construct­ ily says they fully accept that verdict. That deaths: "The police in Arkansas brought ing. I say this because in the current declining hasn't stopped Clinton's attackers, however. Clinton's girlfriends to him." He also says budget for discretionary funding, quality assur­ Many have dismissed the report by that guilty or innocent, Clinton encourages ance mechanisms that depend on new appro­ Whitewater investigator Robert Fiske Jr., a suspicion: "He's trying to get the courts to priations for funding are unlikely to be funded former U.S. attorney for New York under postpone his sex harassment suit. If he gets or to provide meaningful consumer protection. Presidents Ford and Carter and highly re­ by with that, O.J. Simpson should run for My legislation funds these essential func­ president." spected private attorney, calling Foster's tions through the same kind of premium draw death a suicide. In rejecting more macabre that is used in both House and Senate bills to theories about Foster, these critics say, fund medical research. I wholeheartedly sup­ Fiske~a Republican-was simply doing Clin­ INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSUMER ton's bidding. "Fiske was appointed by Janet HEALTH QUALITY PROTECTION port medical research, but there is little sense Reno at the suggestion of Bernard Nuss­ ACT OF 1994 in a policy that gives researchers a more se­ baum," says Falwell. "It's like putting Hil­ cure funding base than health care quality pro­ lary Clinton in there." Testifying last week tections for consumers. before Congress, Nussbaum said he never HON. RON WYDEN The bill I am introducing today will identify mentioned Fiske or anyone else to Reno as a OF OREGON the policies that consumers feel are needed, potential special counsel. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and, I hope, will provide a useful reference There are other suicides that the conspir­ Friday, August 12, 1994 point in evaluating the quality of care safe­ acy buffs tie to Clinton. In May, Sherwood, guards in any legislation considered by the Ark., police officer Bill Shelton found his Mr. WYDEN. Mr. Speaker, by now it seems House and Senate. live-in girlfriend, Kathy Ferguson, slumped that every major interest group has newspaper on the couch in his apartment, dead from a Here is a brief list of several quality safe­ and TV ads and lobbyists fully engaged in the guards high on the consumer agenda, which self-inflicted gunshot wound. A month later, health reform debate. But in my opinion, the Shelton was found on Ferguson's grave, a are incorporated in this legislation. single most important voice in the health re­ bullet hole through his head, a gun by his CONSUMER QUALITY INFORMATION side and a suicide note in his truck. form debate has also been one of the quietest Within the next 60 days, the Congress will Less than a week before Ferguson's death, vocies-the voice of the consumer. most likely finish its work on national health her ex-husband, Danny, was named as a co­ In an effort to address this imbalance of in­ reform legislation that significantly restructures defendant in Paula Jones's lawsuit against fluence, on May 10, 1993, I joined representa._ the president. Rumors began swirling that the health care system in this country. Many tives of 30 national consumer organizations­ aspects of health reform are uncertain. But her death-and later Shelton's-was tied to the core members of what is not the Coalition the president's alleged infidelities. But po­ this much is clear: tomorrow's consumers are lice have found no reason to think so. The for Consumer Protection and Quality in Health going to be asked to be more involved in the relationship between Ferguson and Shelton Reform-to launch a campaign for health care choice of their health care and their providers. had reportedly fallen on -hard times, and Fer­ reform built on consumer protection and qual­ In my judgment, if the reformed health sys­ guson's daughter told police her mother had ity improvement. tem is to be built on the principle of consumer been upset about a note from Shelton. The We acted out of a shared conviction that choice, consumers must have ready access to only people hinting at ties to Blll Clinton there is nothing automatic about achieving reliable, comparative information on quality. are in the media, police say. " It's like they quality and accountability in health care re­ This is no radical, futuristic concept. The want me to say something [about a connec­ form. I agreed with these consumer groups tion]," says Sherwood Police Department last Congress enacted bipartisan legislation I spokesman Ray Snider. " It was suicide, pe­ that the new health care system Congress is sponsored to publish infertility clinic pregnancy riod." now designing must include specific provisions success rates, so consumers can choose Luther "Jerry" Pa:rks's death last Septem­ on health care quality. These provisions must which clinic, if any, to invest with their hopes ber is almost as disputed as Foster's. Indeed, not only protect existing quality safeguards and their cash. In October 1995 this first le­ Parks's case is the only murder on Danne­ from the financial pressures of the health care gally required comparative health outcomes in­ meyer's list that law enforcement authori­ marketplace, but correct defects in the current formation will hit the streets and start helping ties do not consider solved. Parks's security system, establish accountability for health in­ company guarded Clinton's campaign head­ consumers to make better health care deci­ quarters in 1992. His son, Gary, asserts in surance companies, and expand opportunities sions. both " Circle of Power" and "The Clinton for meaningful consumer choice. This kind of performance report on health Chronicles" that his father collected a secret Since we kicked off our campaign for quality plans is sometimes called a report card. But file of the president's alleged indiscretions. care, this coalition of consumer groups has some report cards provide objective informa­ Shortly before the elder Parks was shot to testified before all of the major House and tion, and some do not. Health insurance plans August 12, 1994 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22361 are already starting to put out report cards containment in peaceful coexistence. It bal­ and try to spur a bona fide quality improve­ comparing themselves with their competitors, ances personal responsibility with freedom of ment program in every health plan. without disclosing their financial interests. Be­ choice at the individual level-where such de­ The new quality improvement foundations cause consumers need to know they are read­ cisions belong. What's more, health plans pay would monitor and compare patient morbidity ing an advertisement, and when they are close attention to setting up high quality net­ and mortality in HMO's, hospitals and clinics, reading objective facts, my bill includes sun­ works of doctors and other health profes­ looking for areas needing attention. And when shine standards for advertisements sionals, knowing that a significant number of they find evidence of quality problems, they masquerading as report cards, to head off a their enrollees are free to go outside of the can take their evidence to the hospital or HMO new category of consumer fraud. network if, for example, they are told they and ask that the issue be investigated and, if But, Mr. Speaker, it's not enough to give have to wait 6 weeks for an appointment be­ found to be genuine, corrected. consumers information on the quality of health cause the plan has too few OB-Gyns or men­ They can spur collaborative efforts between insurance plans. A health plan may be the key tal health professionals. In this way, the point health plans to address broader public health component of the health care system to of service option provides powerful economic problems. They could offer to get experts to­ economists and providers, but consumers are feedback that gives plans an incentive to build gether with doctors who need help to upgrade more interested in the quality of care provided high quality, accessible networks. their skills. If the .hospital, health plan, or prac­ by doctors, hospitals, and clinics. In fact, when My bill would require every health plan that titioner is unresponsive or is unable to im­ they can afford to, people choose their health utilizes a provider network to make available prove, the quality improvement foundation has plans because of which doctors the plan will to enrollees the option of going out of that net­ the option of referring that plan or provider to let them see, not the other way around. work for care. Preferred Provider Organiza­ State licensing officials or to the appropriate The sad truth is Americans today have· more tions-PPO's-meet this requirement by their accreditation organization. product performance information available to very nature; Health Maintenance Organiza­ CONSUMER HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE them when purchasing breakfast cereal than tions-HMO's-would have to offer enrollees Consumers will need someone in their cor­ when choosing a heart surgeon. This means an opportunity to purchase a rider that grants ner to contend with the new system. Their rep­ that additional measures of quality are need­ coverage for out of network items and serv­ resentatives in Washington have asked for a ed. Consumers must have easy access to ices. national network of health care advocates, comparative information on plans, providers, People could still enroll in pure HMO's, with­ and the success rates of the treatments they out buying the point of service feature-but modeled on the successful long term care om­ provide. My bill will provide for these meas­ even those people would benefit from the budsman program that relies on trained volun­ ures, and set deadlines for their publication. careful management of the plan's provider net­ teers to improve nursing home care. The At the very least, consumers must be in­ work, made necessary by the existence of a health care advocate would help resolve com­ formed as to which doctors they may wish to substantial number of enrollees who are not plaints and grievances, and work to kick-start avoid. The public has a tremendous appetite locked in to the network for unsatisfactory public and private officials to ensure that it for information on disciplinary actions and care. jumps when consumers call for help. other markers of poor quality care, and they The point of service feature is attractive for STATE MEDICAL BOARD REFORMS are outraged to learn that such data exists for one additional reason: it allows people in tradi­ Numerous studies and reports from thousands of practitioners, but that it is now tional fee-for-service plans to join HMO's or consumer groups and the HHS Inspector Gen­ kept secret in a taxpayer-funded National other managed care plans with provider net­ eral have concluded that State medical licen­ Practitioner Data Bank. On April 21, 1994, I in­ works, without fear of being trapped in an un­ sure boards are underfunded and hamstrung troduced a companion bill, H.R. 4274, legisla­ satisfactory relationship with a limited group of by lack of legal authority and staff expertise to tion to open the data bank to the public and health care practitioners. It is a tool for dra­ investigate quality of care cases. to close loopholes that allow doctors to avoid matically expanding enrollment in managed The legislation I am introducing today will reporting to the data bank today. I have care organizations. require States, as a condition of receiving worked to persuade my colleagues in the For these reasons, I believe this require­ Medicaid matching moneys, to include public House and Senate to include this important ment shouid be a feature of the House bill, members on their governing boards, to utilize consumer protection provision in final health along with specifying the level of out-of-net­ licensure fees charged to doctors to fund care reform legislation. work cost-sharing to rule out unreasonably board operations, to provide the board with FREEDOM OF CHOICE high coinsurance requirements by some health basic investigative and disciplinary powers In my view, the freedom to choose one's plans. My bill would also adjust coinsurance lacking in too many States, and to report an­ medical providers will be a litmus test for any requirements for low income consumers, to nually on the number and type of actions the successful health reform plan enacted in this make these choices meaningful to them. board has taken with respect to problem prac­ Congress. And the best information in the INDEPENDENT QUALITY OVERSIGHT titioners. world is useless if consumers don't retain Comparative quality information has a long Mr. Speaker, I have spent my career work­ some freedom to choose their providers. At way to go before consumers can rely on it to ing in the health field, and I know how com­ the urging of consumer groups and my per­ make life or death decisions. At least for the plex the health policy can be. But protecting sonal appeals to the Clinton administration, forseeable future, therefore, consumers want and improving the quality of health care is too the Health Security Act proposed requiring and need reliable, independent oversight of important to let it slip through the cracks, or to every HMO to offer a point of service option. quality. I am proposing the creation of two go unfunded. I respectfully urge my colleagues Health plans with point of service features kinds of oversight organizations: a quality im­ to review and compare the safeguards in this allow consumers to use out-of-network non­ provement foundation to work directly with bill with the versions which are adopted by the HMO providers, provided the consumer doctors, and a consumer health care advocate House and Senate, and work with me to get agrees to pay higher out of pocket charges. to work with consumers. these important questions fully and squarely This market-proven alternative shows that Quality improvement foundations--OIF's­ addressed by the conference committee that you can have real consumer choice and cost would work with doctors on quality problems, takes up health reform this year.