September 4, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10013 their passage of the Telecommunications there were a lot of speeches given, a lot er, would not do an inquiry, if we have Act of 1996 that universal service was to be of rhetoric was passed. And I think an organized group in this country preserved no matter what else happened in many of the Washington labor leaders forcibly assessing $35 million from the newly competitive telephone industry. laid the foundation for what they hope rank and file workers and yet only Universal service and subsidies are the big societal issues that regulators and legisla- will be a very successful political cam- targeting that money against incum- tors—and the telephone companies them- paign totally in concert with the bent freshman Republicans and yet selves—have left before them. Democratic Party, both from the that is exactly what is happening. In The legislation you passed in February standpoint of the presidency and con- fact, Mr. Speaker, my office has done a said that universal service must be pre- gressional and senatorial races across study and we have looked at the voting served—you were very clear about that, but the country. records as determined by the AFL–CIO, you weren’t exactly precise about how to do I want to talk about that for a mo- and we have found that no incumbent it. You left the details of implementing the ment, Mr. Speaker and, through you, I legislation to those most familiar with our freshman Democrats, even those from want to talk to those rank and file right-to-work States, even those who industry—the FCC, state regulators, and the union workers across the country who many old and new competitors in the game. have zero or 5 or 10 percent AFL–CIO Apparently, enacting good telecommuni- I think have been sold a bad bill of voting records, are being targeted. cations law is turning out to be a lot easier goods or, in fact, I would say have not None of them. All of the money that is than implementing it. Frankly, some of the even been sold the case. They have being forcibly collected from organized discussions being heard about this are ex- been had. labor is being used to only support What do I mean by that, because that traordinarily troubling. In the course of the Democrats and to defeat incumbent FCC’s ongoing proceedings, things are being is a very serious charge? The basis of said that would lead one to believe some ei- my outrage and my concern is that last Republican Members of Congress. Now, why would this happen? Would ther did not hear, did not understand, or did spring when the AFL–CIO leadership it be because the national leaders and not want to understand what I feel Congress met in Washington, they had a vote to the rank and file workers across Amer- clearly intended to do in the legislation require every AFL–CIO member in the ica are so unhappy with the agenda of passed last February. Some of the actions country, whether they agreed or not, to that are being proposed would greatly endan- the past several years and all of the put up a dollar of their dues over a pe- ger universal service. Republicans? I would think not, Mr. riod of 3 years that would raise a total I believe as an information services indus- Speaker. Let me go through some of $35 million. This $35 million that is try that we must all commit to the preserva- items point by point. tion of universal service and that govern- being taken from the paychecks of First of all, Mr. Speaker, I can tell ment agencies must assure that we do. We workers in the Teamsters, in the build- you that when Bill Clinton was first have the most affordable, widely available ing trades, in all the major unions communications system in the world now running for office and the Democrat across this Nation, is not going to elect Party controlled the Congress, both and we must all make sure that the new just labor-sensitive Members of Con- rules of the game do not change this. houses, I was the Republican who of- I can assure you that BellSouth is commit- gress. It is going to support one politi- fered the compromise Family and Med- ted to universal service. That’s why we cal party and one political party only. ical Leave Act that is now law. Do you agreed to a Louisiana Public Service Com- To me, Mr. Speaker, that is an outrage. know something, Mr. Speaker? That Is it an outrage to me because I am mission order last March that makes us the bill passed the House and the Senate a a Republican or because I hate labor service provider of last resort in the areas year before the final conference was where we operate; it’s why we have capped unions? I do not think it is the case, brought before us for a final vote. Why our basic residential service rates for five Mr. Speaker, because I am one of those was that done? years so that consumers are protected during labor-sensitive Republicans who during the period of change to competition in our It was because the Democrat leader- my 10 years in Congress been out front ship was not concerned about rank and industry; it’s why we and the Public Service supporting many of the issues impor- Commission have made our fastest data cir- file workers who wanted family and cuits available to schools and libraries at tant to working men and women and in medical leave. Rather, they waited an greatly reduced rates—we want to make sure many cases the leaders of my local entire year because they wanted to no one gets left behind as telephone service labor unions back in Pennsylvania. So have George Bush veto the bill in the providers have an economic incentive to I am not someone who has been against middle of the Clinton-Bush election. focus on big, profitable customers. many of labor’s top priorities. But Were they concerned about rank and In closing, I would urge members of this what outrages me is what a few leaders caucus to stay attuned to the debate on the file workers? No, they were concerned in this city have been able to force about scoring political points. Then universal service issue in the FCC’s current upon the millions of rank and file proceedings to assure the rules developed maybe it is because the President has will produce the kind of future for our indus- workers across the country and it is to been so supportive of labor’s agenda try that Congress envisioned last February. their workers, those workers that I over the previous 3 years. want to speak tonight, because I do not This is critical for the future of education, b and I believe also for the overall well being think they really understand the facts. 2100 of the national economy. Thank you again We would think if labor was going to Well, let us look at the President’s for having me here today and giving me an assess every member of its rank and agenda in line with the rank-and-file opportunity to share my thoughts with you. file across the country and every local labor movement’s agenda over the past f labor union, that in fact that money several years. Organized labor, Mr. THE POLITICS OF ORGANIZED would go to defeat those Members of Speaker, in this country, the first 2 LABOR Congress who do not support the prior- years of the Clinton administration, ities of organized labor. That is not the had two top priorities. Their two top The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. case. Because in fact, Mr. Speaker, of priorities were defeating NAFTA, the HAYWORTH). Under the Speaker’s an- the $35 million that is being used to North American Free Trade zone legis- nounced policy of May 12, 1995, the gen- run ads, for instance, in the district of lation, and passing the anti-strike- tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. my neighbor, JON FOX in Montgomery breaker legislation. WELDON] is recognized for 60 minutes. County, even though JON FOX has sup- Now let us look at each of those Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. ported many of labor’s top priorities, pieces of legislation and see what this Speaker, I appreciate your indulgence that half a million dollars being used President did to help enact each of and the staff’s indulgence. I will try against JON FOX and being used against those. not to take the entire 60 minutes, but PHIL ENGLISH and against JACK QUINN The President was not with labor on I have something that I have to say to and against a number of Republican NAFTA, Mr. Speaker. The President you and hopefully through you, Mr. Members across the country who have lobbied hard to pass it. He passed Speaker, to the workers of this coun- been supportive of labor’s priorities is NAFTA in the House, largely with try. The workers of this country I want not being used against Democrats who Democrat and Republican votes, he to speak to tonight, partly because this have zero voting records on labor is- passed it in the Senate, and he signed past Monday was Labor Day. As you sues. it into law. know, the Congress was out of session. Now, one would wonder why the Fed- I have introduced legislation in this We were not here in Washington. But eral Election Commission, Mr. Speak- session, Mr. Speaker, that says that H10014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 4, 1996 this President was not truthful with The first 2 years of the Clinton ad- necessary, not what Bill Clinton’s po- the American people. He said that ministration both the House and the litical appointee wants in terms of the when NAFTA was passed the side Senate were controlled by the Demo- Secretary of Defense, but what the agreements would raise up the worker crats in the majority. There was not members of the Joint Chiefs say they standards and the environmental laws one movement to bring up a minimum need to protect our troops. in Mexico to avoid the drain of jobs wage bill in either body. And, as a mat- Now here is the irony, Mr. Speaker. south, and that has not happened. My ter of fact, the President is on the This President has railed publicly, and bill says that each year the President record as having said in the first 2 the administration has railed publicly, must certify that progress is being years of his administration that he about the Republican Congress increas- made. My bill was introduced because I thought the minimum wage increase ing defense spending. In fact, I was one opposed NAFTA. I was supportive of la- was a mistake. But this session, with of the few Republicans who voted bor’s position; the President was not. Republicans in control, he thought it against increasing funding for the B–2 Let us look at the anti-strikebreaker would be a wedge issue. bomber. I felt we could not afford it. bill, Mr. Speaker. Here was a piece of Where were the organized labor lead- Now this President said he was op- legislation labor said was their top No. ers who were mandating contributions posed to the B–2 bomber. What did he 1 priority. That bill passed the House, from the workers the first 2 years of do last year after Congress prevailed Mr. Speaker, and it passed the House the Clinton administration? Why were and increased funding for the B–2? with Republican support. In fact, there they not siphoning off that dollar a Well, he took a trip out to the Califor- were enough votes to pass it in the month out of the paychecks of those nia plant where the B–2 is manufac- Senate. Now President Clinton says he workers to support those who sup- tured, and he gave a speech, and he was in favor of the anti-strikebreaker ported the minimum wage? said to the union workers and the man- bill, but let us look beyond the rhet- But it even gets worse than that, Mr. agement standing in back of him we oric, and let us look at whether or not Speaker. are going to build 1 more B–2 bomber, he really was truthful to the rank-and- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE and we are also going to have a study file workers across America who are The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. done of our joint deep strike bomber paying a dollar a month for 3 years out HAYWORTH). The gentleman from Penn- needs, and that study will come out in of their pay to support this President sylvania [Mr. WELDON] will suspend for November right after the election is in this election whether they like it or just 1 minute, please. over. not. The Chair would like to remind all Again, rank-and-file union workers To get a bill on the floor of the Sen- Members that it is out of order to char- have been used. ate without a filibuster or to avoid a acterize the position of the Senate or Mr. Speaker, here is the real irony of filibuster you need 60 votes. As you of Senators designated by name or po- what is happening this year with the know, Mr. Speaker, it is called invok- sition on legislative issues. AFL–CIO, and this to me is absolutely ing cloture. The anti-strikebreaker bill The gentleman from Pennsylvania outrageous. That $35 million that is passed the House with more than may proceed. being collected right now from every enough votes because it had Repub- Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. I member of every AFL–CIO local in lican support. There were enough votes thank the gentleman, and I would just America is being used to target Mem- in the Senate to pass the anti-strike- say, Mr. Speaker, the real outrage of bers who voted for funding the jobs breaker bill. But guess what, Mr. my feeling here tonight is best ex- that many of them now hold. Speaker? They could only get 59 Sen- pressed by what this President and his Now is that not outrageous? Can you ators to vote for cloture to cut off the party are doing to those workers who imagine being a worker at the C–17 debate. work in the defense and science tech- plant where Republican Members voted Now how does that relate to Presi- nology base of this country. Here is a to increase funding for the C–17 and dent Clinton, Mr. Speaker? Neither President talking about job creation, now having those workers—and I to- Senator from Arkansas voted for clo- and here are national AFL–CIO leaders taled this up based on the number of ture to allow the antistrikebreaker bill saying, ‘‘We are going to take a dollar workers at that facility, 8,000 of them— to come up on the floor of the Senate a month out of your check and put it they are now contributing forcibly for a vote. Now here we have a Presi- into a $35 million fund to defeat fresh- $350,000, not with their consent. It was dent from Arkansas, and do we really men Republicans so that we can create forced out of their pockets to defeat believe that the rank-and-file workers jobs.’’ those Member of Congress who sup- of this country really believe that Where were those big labor leaders, ported the funding for the jobs that President Clinton could not convince Mr. Speaker, when this President deci- they now hold. one of those two Senators to vote yes mated defense spending? Over the past I wonder if those workers really un- for cloture to give the 60-vote number 3 years 1 million men and women in derstand what is happening, Mr. Speak- and then vote against the bill, because this country have lost their jobs. Now er. I wonder if they are aware that a it still would have passed? were these minimum wage jobs? No, few, and it is only a few, Mr. Speaker, You see, Mr. Speaker, this President they were jobs represented by the because the bulk of the labor leaders in wanted to have it both ways. As he has UAW, by the International Association this country are honorable men and done repeatedly throughout the last 31⁄2 of Machinists, jobs represented by the women. Many of them in my district years, he wanted the Congress to pass Electrical Workers, by the building good friends of mine. Many of them NAFTA, and he wanted to say to the trades who build and construct the here in Washington are good solid rank-and-file workers, ‘‘I am for it and base housing and the facilities on our friends. But when I talk to them about I am going to sign it, but, oh, by the military bases. They were jobs held by this issue, they nod their heads and way,’’ as he told small business owners, building trades and teamsters and ma- they say, ‘‘We know. We know what ‘‘it will never come to my desk for a chinists and boilermakers who build you are talking about, but it was a de- signature.’’ Why? Because he would not our ships and UAW workers across the cision made above our pay grade.’’ lift a finger to help get the votes to in- country. This President’s cuts in de- So here we have a decision made by a voke cloture in the Senate. So again fense spending eliminated 1 million of few leaders in the AFL–CIO to siphon rank-and-file union workers across the those jobs. We did not hear a peep out money off of workers, to use that country were betrayed. of the national labor leadership in money to spread misinformation and Where was the Washington leader- Washington about those job losses. defeat candidates who in many cases ship, Mr. Speaker? Where were they on Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, over the have been supportive of the very jobs strikebreaker? Where were they on past 2 years the Congress under the Re- that those workers have. To me that is NAFTA? And let us look beyond that, publican leadership has brought de- an outrage, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, because we saw and we fense spending back to a sensible level And let me say this and to make this have heard the rhetoric coming from of spending. Have we increased it dra- point clearly. We did not increase de- the national labor leadership about the matically? No. We have given the serv- fense spending to create jobs. We in- minimum wage vote. ice chiefs the dollars that they feel are creased defense spending because of the September 4, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10015 threat that is out there. But when this Speaker, to all of those millions of men Davis-Bacon protection. Do you know President criticizes this Congress for and women across this country who are what, Mr. Speaker? Those rank and file increasing defense spending, and then involved in labor unions: building trades workers across the talks about the loss of jobs in this Your leadership is not being fair. They country who rely on the prevailing country, and then has the audacity to have taken your money forcibly, and they’re wage now have been forcibly taken, go out to plants where the ships are not using it for just to support what is right had money taken out of their pockets being built, where the aircraft are for you. They’re using it for a narrow focus to be used to defeat those freshman Re- being manufactured caused by that in- political agenda to support one party. publicans who stood up for the prevail- crease in spending, and cut the ribbon Mr. Speaker, anyone who analyzes ing wage. on those projects, then that to me is the history of this institution could I am the author in this session of the outrage, and that is what is happening quickly show that no piece of legisla- modification to Davis-Bacon that has right now, Mr. Speaker. This President tion supportive of working people has bipartisan support. At last count, 128 in his political campaign is going ever been passed without bipartisan Members from both parties cospon- around the country and he is boasting support. From family and medical sored my bill to reform Davis-Bacon, about jobs being created. He is going to leave, to anti-strikebreaker, to plant with the support of the national labor plants where ships are being built, closing legislation, to any other piece leaders of the building trades and the where planes are being manufactured, of legislation that is significant, every manufacturing groups. I will stand up where bases are being rehabbed. He is one of those bills has had bipartisan for what is right, and I will be honest. criticizing the Congress in Washington support. Yet, Mr. Speaker, in this elec- As a Republican, I will disagree with for increasing defense spending, but he tion $35 million was pulled from the my party from time to time if I feel we is going out across America, one State pockets of working men and women to are not being sensitive enough. But I at a time, especially in California, and be used for a national agenda, in many cannot stand by silently and see a few, he is saying, ‘‘I am here to support cases to defeat those Members of Con- and I am talking about a handful, a your job.’’ gress who voted for the funding to keep handful of people in this city forcibly take $35 million from the pockets of And on top of that, Mr. Speaker, those very people employed. working men and women and use that those Members of Congress who stood My contention is, Mr. Speaker, we money to hurt those same people. fast for increases in science funding heard earlier some of our comrades and What is the feeling of our Republican and the technical base and the space colleagues from the Democrat side say- program and in defense because they Members, Mr. Speaker? I can tell the ing the polls are showing there is a Members, in talking to a number of my were the right decisions are now hav- huge lead. Once the American people ing money forcibly taken from those colleagues who are sensitive to labor see through the rhetoric and the dema- issues, there is a feeling of absolute workers who have benefited to be used goguery, once they see that a few peo- to target those Members for defeat. outrage, absolute outrage, because ple in Washington have siphoned off these Republican Members, and there That is not America, Mr. Speaker. It is forcibly $35 million to be used to mis- not America when a few people inside are about 40 or 50 of them, have walked inform the American people, those side by side in standing up for what is the Beltway can force people to put numbers are going to change. money into candidates that they know right for working people, even when nothing about or perhaps are voting b 2115 right-to-work Democrats voted against against their very interests. Let me say this, Mr. Speaker. How every one of those initiatives. Yet, what has the national labor Now do I rise to say all this as some- much outrage would this country have leadership done? It has defied the rank- one who is upset because of what the if corporate America forced rank and and-file worker, saying we are talking AFL–CIO is doing to me personally? file management employees to kick in about your money, we do not care Absolutely not, Mr. Speaker. As a mat- $35 million to defeat Democrats across about right-to-work Democrats, we do ter of fact, out of the 21 House races in the country? You would have a na- not care about Democrats who do not Pennsylvania when the State AFL–CIO tional scandal unfolding. That does not support labor unions or labor’s agenda, in Pennsylvania endorsed, they en- happen. In fact, all the studies that we are only going to target Repub- dorsed 20 Democrats and left one dis- have been done show that most compa- trict with no endorsement. That is my licans because we are totally in bed nies allow the workers who contribute with the Democratic leadership and district. to their PACs to have a say where the They are not running ads in my dis- Bill Clinton, the President of the Unit- money goes. trict, Mr. Speaker, so I am not here ed States. Excuse me, Mr. Speaker, I In the case of this $35 million si- complaining about what is happening should not say his name. phoned out of the pockets from Ameri- to me. But I cannot sit by any longer This is an outrage and I am not going ca’s working people, they will not have and allow my friends who are working to let this election go by without doing people across this country to have a dime’s worth of say as to where their what I can to expose what is taking their money be taken and used for a money will go. Now, we logically place in this country. I said earlier I partisan political purpose, and that is should ask the question, does that was a teacher for 7 years, active with exactly what is being done. mean that every rank and file labor the education association in my State, You see, Mr. Speaker, I am a Repub- union worker will vote Democrat? In vice president of my local association, lican, but I was involved in a labor fact, Mr. Speaker, in the last election and a negotiator. Mr. Speaker, there movement. I was a teacher for 7 years, the polls showed that 40 percent of the are 25 classroom teachers in this Con- vice president of my association, American unionized work force voted gress in the Republican Party. taught in the public schools right next Republican. What happens to those 40 The NEA and the AFT, the two larg- to west Philadelphia, served on a nego- percent? Are they being est labor unions, over the past 2 years tiating committee for 3 years, so I disenfranchised? Are they having have contributed $3.5 million to cam- know what it is like to be active in the money pulled out of their pockets to be paigns, 99 percent of it to Democrats. association. For the 7 years before used to defeat people that they in fact Forty-four to one. For every $1 of that, and while teaching and going to are going to vote for? That is not money to a Republican, $44 to a Demo- college, I worked in a market and was American, Mr. Speaker. That is not crat. It does not matter whether they an active member of the retail clerks right. were teachers or not, or whether they union. I come from a large family of Mr. Speaker, I stand here tonight be- support good schools, or educators. nine children, the youngest of nine. My cause I have credibility with working This was our Republican candidate’s father was in the textile workers union men and women in this country. I am point, Mr. Speaker, It was not what we most of his life. I am sensitive to issues not out to hurt them. I want to support heard from the other side about taking involving working people because I them, as I have done this session, in on teachers. This party is not against think we as a society and as a country protecting Davis-Bacon. It was a group teachers. This party is against large in- need to be fair. of Republicans, largely freshmen Re- stitutional labor union leaders who But I stand before you tonight, Mr. publican Members, who went to the have a political agenda as opposed to Speaker, and I say through you, Mr. leadership and said, do not strip away an agenda for rank-and-file workers. H10016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 4, 1996 Mr. Speaker, that is where the battle it is the B–2 or missile programs, he is I am outraged because in this week, a is. The battle is not with those class- going to be honest in telling those week that we celebrate the rich history room teachers who need more support workers that he opposed the funds that of this country and the labor move- and who need decent pay and benefits. have been requested by the service ment, I have to go through you, Mr. It is against those leaders who have a chiefs that we in this Congress, in a bi- Speaker, to tell the rank and file work- totally political agenda that is in partisan way, have brought forward. ers across America that their interests many cases a personal agenda to move Let me make that point again, Mr. now are being circumvented by those themselves forward, as opposed to the Speaker. Our funding for defense in who have a larger political agenda, not people they are siphoning money from. this Congress was not a Republican based upon voting records, and I say, Mr. Speaker, I hope, as this election base alone. In fact, the defense author- Mr. Speaker, and I hope that our work- unfolds over the next 2 months, in ization bill, which passed on this floor, ers across the country are listening, re- every city, in every town, in every had almost 300 Members vote in the af- member that, not based upon voting county we expose what is happening to firmative. In fact, the final conference records. every rank-and-file worker in this report had over 300 Members voting in The gentleman from Pennsylvania, country. We can have honest dif- the affirmative. That is not a Repub- JON FOX, in suburban Philadelphia, is ferences in how to increase people’s lican plan, that is a bipartisan plan not being targeted because he is insen- economic viability. We can have honest supporting what is good for America. sitive to working people. To the con- differences in how to improve the eco- My point is that those voters, those trary, JON FOX voted with labor on nomic lot of people who are trying to Members of Congress who voted to sup- many of their issues. He is being tar- work for a living. But no one should be port that increase in funding to provide geted because the leadership of the forcibly made to contribute to an agen- for those new programs at the same presidency and the Democratic party da set by someone else. That is what is time are having their Washington has gotten totally in sync with the happening in this country right now. handful of labor leaders siphon off $35 leaders of the labor movement down To those rank-and-file workers, Mr. billion to defeat the very Members who here, and their goal is to defeat fresh- Speaker, across America who will see have supported their jobs. men Republicans all across the coun- this or hear this, and I guarantee you Mr. Speaker, we cannot let this ad- try. At the same time they are spending we are going to spread this message, I ministration have it both ways, as they half a million dollars, the AFL–CIO, in say that they need to let their labor try to do all the time, as this President targeting the gentlemen from Penn- leaders know that enough is enough, did when he went before APAC, the sylvania, JON FOX, they are letting they are not pawns in the game. As my largest association of supporters of Is- other incumbent Democrats who have local labor leaders back in my county rael in this country. He want to their zero voting records on labor issues go so ably know and do, they support national conference and he said how scot-free. Why? Not because they care supportive he was of Israel. He said, those who are friends to them and they about issues that the labor unions are furthermore I am going to increase the oppose those who are enemies. But Mr. concerned with, but because they hap- funding for the Nautilus program, a Speaker, the national labor leadership pen to have a D after their name. cannot understand that, because they new missile defense initiative that will I cannot stand by and let that hap- only see one thing. That is a political protect the people of Israel from the pen, Mr. Speaker. As someone, again, agenda of one party. Katyusha rockets being fired into Is- who has supported the labor movement So in effect, they sell out the mil- rael. in this Congress over the past 10 years, lions of rank-and-file workers who What he did not tell the people at who has no target aimed at me this want to have people represent their APAC, Mr. Speaker, which we have time, but I am not going to sit by and views. They sell them out for a larger now put on the record many times, is let my rank and file union workers and political agenda that supports one that in fact this administration zeroed my members of the UAW and the party and one idea and agenda of big- out funding for the Nautilus or high- Teamsters, and the building trades and ger Government. energy laser program for each of the the firefighters union have their money Our job, Mr. Speaker, is to dispel this last 3 years. They tried to kill the pro- siphoned off and forcibly contributed notion and to get the facts on the gram. But this year, because, I guess, to defeat those Members who in many record as they are. I am going to go to the President felt it was a good politi- cases I have had to go out and get the every district I can and provide every cal time, he went before APAC and support from, to support the initiatives piece of information I can to every de- said, we are going to move this pro- those very workers think are impor- fense plant in this country represented gram forward. If it had not been for the tant. That is what is happening in this by a labor union. I even heard that the actions of this Congress in a bipartisan country this year. administration, the President and the way, that money would not have been I would hope, Mr. Speaker, that as we Vice President, wanted to come to there for that decision to be made. But get closer to election day, more and Philadelphia, Mr. Speaker, to go to a again, this President was able to have more rank and file workers across this local plant where the V–22 was built. it both ways. country would begin to ask questions. That is nice they wanted to do that. I As we just recently saw with the de- Because I can tell the Members, Mr. wonder if, when the President came up bate over terrorism, it was this Con- Speaker, there is going to be an elec- there, he would mention the fact that gress that increased funding for tion in November, and we may have the it was not he who supported the in- antiterrorism initiatives long before Republicans keep control of the House creased funding for that program, but the downing of the TWA flight, long be- and the Senate, we may have the rather, it was the Congress that sup- fore the killings in Saudi Arabia of our Democrats take control of the House ported that increase in funding. Why? troops. It was this Congress over the and Senate, but I can tell the Members Because the Marine Corps has it as past 2 years that held hearings and put this, it is not going to be by a large their top priority. additional funding in for anti-terrorism margin. It is going to be by a close I understand the President may want initiatives to the extent of $200 million margin. to travel to some shipyards where he above and beyond what President Clin- I can tell the Members, we will re- can cut the ribbon on some ship keels. ton said he needed, but well in line member. Those who have been support- I wonder if he is going to tell those with what the service chiefs said was ive of issues that are important to workers that it was not he who sup- important for the security of our coun- working people will remember. I hope ported the increased funds for those try and our people. that those workers across America who ships, but rather, it was he who criti- Mr. Speaker, I am outraged tonight, are listening to this debate tonight, cized the Congress for increasing fund- this, the week of Labor Day, when we who are listening to the message that I ing by the level of $12 billion in this celebrate the rich history of this coun- am bringing forth tonight, will remem- year’s authorization and appropriation try, where those of us in both parties ber also that they are being forced to bills. can support the right of people to work contribute in many cases to a national I wonder if when the President goes and have decent paying jobs, and even political party’s agenda that has noth- out and talks about programs, whether to join and be involved in labor unions, ing to do with the security of their job. September 4, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10017 In fact, the ads that are being used According to the Center for Responsive Poli- pects of dealing with a president who be- running against the gentleman from tics (CRP), a non-profit, nonpartisan cam- lieves as Bob Dole does, that ‘‘at the heart of all that afflicts our schools is a denial of free Pennsylvania, JON FOX, have nothing paign-finance research organization, during the 1994 election cycle, NEA–PAC gave $2.26 choice,’’ which Mr. Dole declared in July to do with labor. They are saying JON million, 98.5 percent of it to Democrats. CRP when he announced his modest school-vouch- FOX voted to cut Medicare. reports that AFT political contributions to er program. ‘‘Our public schools are in trou- b 2130 congressional candidates totaled $1.29 mil- ble because they are no longer run by the lion in 1993–94, 99.1 percent to Democrats. public. Instead, they’re controlled by narrow Mr. Speaker, those are the same ads Combined, the two national teachers asso- special interest groups who regard public they are running across the country. ciations’ PAC’s donated more than $3.5 mil- education not as a public trust but as politi- Why? Not again because these Members lion to congressional candidates, nearly all cal territory to be guarded at all costs.’’ Any have supposedly voted against working them Democrats. But even this sizable sum guesses whom he had in mind? people’s interests, but because they is dwarfed by the total contributions from Mr. Dole predicted the issue of school choice would evolve into ‘‘a civil rights happen to be Republicans and they feel the NEA’s state- and local-level affiliates. After studying four representative states, movement of the 1990s.’’ Indirectly referring the best way to defeat them is to run Forbes magazine extrapolated its findings to the Clintons and Gores, Mr. Dole observed false ads scaring senior citizens. It is and calculated an astounding $35 million for that ‘‘some families already have school called Mediscare. So they are running the two-year period. An analysis of Indiana’s choice . . . because they have the money.’’ these ads, even though we are increas- one state and 31 NEA-affiliated local PACs Just as the G.I. Bill expanded both oppor- ing Medicare spending by a significant revealed they alone raised nearly $700,000 and tunity and choice to millions of World War II amount over 7 years, they are running spent nearly $500,000 in a single year. Accord- veterans, many of whom would otherwise ing to John Berthoud of the Alexis de have been unable to attend college, Mr. Dole these ads in the hopes that senior citi- has proposed a four-year pilot program that zens will become alarmed enough to go Tocqueville Institution, ‘‘The NEA spends $39 million a year on 1,500 field organizers would provide 4 million children low- and out and vote straight Democratic. That across the country to promote their political middle-income families educational choice is not what is in the interest of those agenda.’’ and opportunities their families otherwise workers who every day form the back- In the unregulated, so-called ‘‘soft-money’’ would never be able to afford. bone of this country. I cannot be a category of political donations to national The experimental program would cost a party committees, which ostensibly use the relatively miniscule $5 billion per year, Member of this Congress and let this which is less than 2 percent of annual public outrage continue without speaking up funds for ‘‘party-building activities,’’ the NEA contributed $600,000 to the Democratic expenditures for elementary and secondary for what I believe to be the most ridic- Party in the 1993–94 cycle, reflecting a 44 per- schools, but it would make choice available ulous, the most unfair and I even think cent increase from the 1991–92 cycle. The to nearly 10 percent of the 45 million stu- the most illegal action that any single AFT chipped in $236,000 in ‘‘soft-money,’’ a 53 dents in our nation’s public schools. Most group of leaders could take to harm the percent increase over 1991–92. Given the high important of all, targeted as it is to low- and interests that they are supposedly rep- growth rates of ‘‘soft-money’’ contributions middle-income families, the program would resenting. in the past and the fact that 60 percent of the offer a lifeline to millions of poor students confined to the worst schools in our large Mr. Speaker, I include for the NEA’s and 72 percent of the ATF’s 1993–94 ‘‘soft-money’’ contributions arrived during cities. RECORD an editorial from the Washing- the final six months of that two-year period, The money would be split equally between ton Times dated Sunday, September 1, it remains to be seen how generous they will the federal and state governments. It would provide vouchers worth $1,000 for elementary and the results of a study done by the be in 1995–96, especially since the national schools and $1,500 for high schools. The Alexis de Tocqueville Institution on conventions occurred during this period. vouchers would be redeemable not only at AFL–CIO contributions to congres- Nevertheless, a Common Cause study re- public schools but at private and parochial leased this month covering the first 18 sional candidates, as follows: schools as well. Combined with family con- months of the 1995–96 cycle has already tal- [From the Washington Times, Sept. 1, 1996] tributions, partial scholarships and other lied ‘‘soft-money’’ contributions to the EDUCATORS OR LOBBYISTS? private financing, the vouchers would clear- Democratic Party: $305,000 (NEA); and ly meet a demand and fill a niche to provide With many school systems across the $263,500 (AFT). The trend seems unmistak- immediate opportunities to children most in country opening for the new school year last able. need. Because vouchers would introduce week at the very time the Democratic Party Considering that the Clinton and Gore competition for the taxpayer’s education was convened to crown Bill Clinton and Al families have both forsaken—for good rea- dollars, the teachers’ unions fear them like Gore, no doubt many public-school teachers sons—the failure-plagued public school sys- the plague, knowing full well that vouchers faced a difficult dilemma. Should they at- tem in the District of Columbia in favor of tend the convention, or should they report to would jeopardize their monopoly power. two of its most elite private institutions, That there is a link between America’s their schools? Evidently, they decided to causing considerable embarrassment for the failing inner-city schools and the terrible visit Chicago, the home of what former Sec- public-school establishment, one would circle of poverty is indisputable. As David retary of Education Bill Bennett once de- think that some teachers might be reluctant Boaz of the Cato Institute recently observed, scribed as the worst public education system to support Clinton-Gore ’96. Then again, ‘‘Education used to be a poor child’s ticket in the nation. studies have shown that large majorities of out of the slums; now it is part of the system Once again the National Education Asso- big-city public-school teachers send their that traps people in the underclass.’’ What is ciation (NEA), the 2.2 million-member teach- children to private schools, too, boycotting so tragic is that it doesn’t have to be this ers’ union, flexed its muscles in the Demo- the very institutions that employ them. So way. But as long as President Clinton, the cratic Party, comprising more than 10 per- of course the NEA enthusiastically endorsed Democratic Party and the special-interest cent of the Democratic delegates—405. The the Democratic ticket—as it has since teachers’ unions stand in the way, blocking other large teachers’ union, the 875,000-mem- Jimmy Carter. To celebrate the return of educational opportunity the way George ber American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Democratic control of the White House, in Wallace once did in Alabama more than 30 accounted for another 4 percent. Amazingly, January 1993 the NEA mailed posters to years ago, yet another generation will be nearly half of all unionized delegates were more than 25,000 junior high and middle sacrificed to satisfy the demands of the spe- teachers. The NEA delegation, about the size schools. The subject? ‘‘Bill Clinton’s and Al cial pleaders. of California’s, again represented the largest Gore’s Most Excellent Inaugural.’’ If rhetoric would solve the problems of special-interest block, a distinction it has What do the teachers’ unions expect in re- inner-city schools, the Democratic conven- prized for each of the last six Democratic turn for all of the financial and in-kind sup- tion would have been part of the solution. conventions. No wonder Mr. Bennett, refer- port to the Democratic Party? After losing Unwilling to do anything to immediately ad- ring to the NEA, has said, ‘‘You’re looking at both houses of Congress in 1994, the unions dress the crisis, Senate Minority Leader Tom the absolute heart and center of the Demo- clearly want the Democrats to regain con- Daschle piously pronounced, ‘‘Every child cratic Party.’’ trol of the legislative branch. As Mr. Ber- should have the freedom to go to a good The NEA delegates did not merely attend thoud has observed, ‘‘If every item on the school.’’ Current Democratic Party Chair- the convention. One of their alumnae lit- NEA’s legislative agenda for the 104th [Re- man Don Fowler, quoting Thomas Jefferson, erally ran it. Debra DeLee, the former execu- publican] Congress were adopted, federal rhapsodized about the benefits of ‘‘a free tive director of the Democratic National spending would increase by at least $702 bil- public education for all our citizens.’’ Public Committee who served last week as the chief lion per year. This translates into a tax in- education may be free to its young consum- executive officer of the Democratic National crease on a family of four of more than ers, but to their parents and other taxpayers Convention, easily made the understandably $10,000 per year.’’ Talk about leverage. it clearly is not. smooth transition to the Democratic Party But the nightmare scenario that most All the more ionic was the fact that this from her previous positions as head of the frightens the NEA is not only failing to re- fatuous rhetoric emanated from Chicago, of NEA’s political action committee, NEA– capture Congress but losing the White House all places. After observing the Chicago pub- PAC, and chief NEA Washington lobbyist. as well. Consider their horror at the pros- lic schools for the Chicago Tribune, Bonita H10018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 4, 1996

Brodt wrote in 1991 that she found ‘‘an insti- Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD (at the re- Mrs. VUCANOVICH. tutionalized case of child neglect. . . . I saw quest of Mr. GEPHARDT) for today, on Mrs. CUBIN in two instances. how the racial politics of a city, the mis- account of airline travel problems. (The following Members (at the re- placed priorities of a centralized school bu- Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois (at the re- quest of Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania) reaucracy, and the vested interests of a pow- erful teachers union had all somehow taken quest of Mr. GEPHARDT) for today, on and to include extraneous material:) precedence over the needs of the very chil- account of official business. Mr. SCARBOROUGH. dren the schools are supposed to serve.’’ Mr. HANSEN (at the request of Mr. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. What was that about the benefits of ‘‘a free ARMEY) for today and September 5, on Mr. FORBES in two instances. education for all our citizens?’’ Benefits for account of his son’s wedding. f whom, Mr. Fowler? Mr. BUYER (at the request of Mr. SENATE BILLS AND CONCURRENT ARMEY) for today, on account of offi- ‘‘ADTI RELEASES NEW STUDY: ‘‘A FISCAL RESOLUTION REFERRED cial business. ANALYSIS OF NEA AND AFL–CIO CONTRIBU- Bills and a concurrent resolution of Mrs. FOWLER (at the request of Mr. TIONS TO 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RACES’’ the Senate of the following titles were ARMEY) for today, on account of per- ARLINGTON, VA.—The Alexis de taken from the Speaker’s table and, Tocqueville Institution (AdTI) today re- sonal business. under the rule, referred as follows: leased a study of the contributions by the Mr. GANSKE (at the request of Mr. S. 1130. An act to provide for establishment political committees of the National Edu- ARMEY) for today and the balance of cation Association and the AFL-CIO which the week, on account of illness. of uniform accounting systems, standards, reveals that each group’s stated fiscal agen- and reporting systems in the Federal Gov- f da of simply stopping ‘‘draconian’’ cuts in ernment, and for other purposes; to the Com- government is misleading. SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED mittee on Government Reform and Over- The study concludes that the Members of sight; Congress that the two unions are opposing By unanimous consent, permission to S. 1735. An act to establish the United have voted to cut government, but only by address the House, following the legis- States Tourism Organization as a non- rather modest amounts—about two percent lative program and any special orders governmental entity for the purpose of pro- of federal spending. The Members that these heretofore entered, was granted to: moting tourism in the United States; to the two unions are contributing to, however, (The following Member (at the re- Committee on Commerce, and in addition to have not supported the status quo but rather the Committee on International Relations, quest of Mr. HINCHEY) to revise and ex- have been voting to increase the size and for a period to be subsequently determined scope of the federal government. tend her remarks and include extra- by the Speaker, in each case for consider- The size of the net cuts voted for by union- neous material:) ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- opposed Members roughly equalled the size Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- risdiction of the committee concerned; of the net increases voted for by union- utes today. S. 1834. An act to reauthorize the Indian backed Members. Thus, the study concludes (The following Members (at the re- Environmental General Assistance Program that if the cutters have been ‘‘radical,’’ the quest of Mr. MICA) to revise and extend Act of 1992, and for other purposes; to the union-backed Members have been just as their remarks and include extraneous Committee on Resources; radical in their record of support for larger S. 1873. An act to amend the National Envi- government. material:) ronmental Education Act to extend the pro- Through the end of April 1996—half a year Mr. GOSS, for 5 minutes each day on grams under the Act, and for other purposes; before the election—the two unions com- September 4, 5, and 6. to the Committee on Economic and Edu- bined had already contributed in excess of Mr. ROTH, for 5 minutes, today. cational Opportunities; $850,000 to 1996 congressional candidates. The Mr. RIGGS, for 5 minutes, today. S. 1931. An act to provide that the United study cross-indexed campaign contributions Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania, for 5 States Post Office and Courthouse building made by these unions for and against Mem- minutes, today. located at 9 East Broad Street, Cookeville, bers with all votes to increase or cut spend- Tennessee, shall be known and designated as Mr. MANZULLO, for 5 minutes, on Sep- ing in the first session of the 104th Congress. the ‘‘L. Clure Morton United States Post Of- The tool used for analysis of these Members’ tember 5. fice and Courthouse’’; to the Committee on votes was the Vote Tally database of the Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania, for 5 min- Transportation and Infrastructure; and nonpartisan National Taxpayers Union. utes, today. S. Con. Res. 52. Concurrent resolution to The candidates for the Senate and the f recognize and encourage the convening of a House that the NEA is supporting voted on National Silver Haired Congress; to the Com- average to increase annual federal spending EXTENSION OF REMARKS mittee on Economic and Educational Oppor- by $30.4 billion and $28.9 billion respectively. By unanimous consent, permission to tunities. The Senate and House candidates that they f are opposing voted to cut government by revise and extend remarks was granted $31.8 billion and $32.4 billion respectively. to: ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED The profiles of Members that the AFL–CIO (The following Members (at the re- Mr. THOMAS, from the Committee is supporting and opposing closely resemble quest of Mr. HINCHEY) and to include the profiles of Members that the NEA is sup- extraneous matter:) on House Oversight reported that that committee had examined and found porting and opposing. The candidates that Mr. KLECZKA. the AFL–CIO is backing for the Senate and truly enrolled bills of the House of the Ms. DELAURO. the House on average voted to increase fed- following titles, which were thereupon Mr. TORRES. eral spending by $33.7 billion and $32.2 billion signed by the Speaker: Mr. ORTIZ. respectively. Senate and House candidates H.R. 782. An act to amend title 18 of the Mr. UNDERWOOD. opposed by the AFL–CIO voted to cut gov- United States Code to allow members of em- ernment by $29.9 billion and $33.6 billion re- Mr. RAHALL. ployee associations to repesent their views spectively. Mr. DEUTSCH. before the United States Government; Study author John Berthoud said the work Mr. STARK. H.R. 1975. An act to improve the manage- provides an illuminating profile of the poli- Mr. REED. ment of royalties from Federal and Outer tics of each group which would probably sur- Ms. MCCARTHY. Continental Shelf oil and gas leases, and for prise union members. ‘‘Many union members other purposes; are probably being told by their Washington Mr. MILLER of California. (The following Members (at the re- H.R. 2739. An act to provide for a represen- offices that these unions’ objectives are just tational allowance for Members of the House to fight radical cuts, but the facts simply quest of Mr. MICA) and to include ex- of Representatives, to make technical and don’t support such claims,’’ Berthoud ob- traneous matter:) conforming changes to sundry provisions of served. Mr. WOLF. law in consequence of administrative re- Copies of the complete seven-page study Mr. FIELDS of Texas. forms in the House of Representatives, and are available from the Alexis de Tocqueville Mr. BAKER of California in two in- for other purposes; Institution, 1611 North Kent Street, Suite H.R. 3103. An act to amend the Internal 901, Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 351–4969. E- stances. Mr. ZELIFF. Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability mail: [email protected]. and continuity of health insurance coverage Mr. RADANOVICH in two instances. f in the group and individual markets, to com- Mr. LAUGHLIN. LEAVE OF ABSENCE bat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insur- Mr. GINGRICH. ance and health care delivery, to promote By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Mr. GRAHAM. the use of medical saving accounts, to im- sence was granted to: Mr. CLINGER. prove access to long-term care services and