H5672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 NOT VOTING—48 amendment by the gentleman from The amendment that I am offering Barton Gilchrest Neal Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. today simply does not even restore the Berman Graham Norwood Pursuant to House Resolution 193, no President’s request. We simply try to Blumenauer Hooley Paxon further amendments to the bill or restore $27 million so that we assure Boswell Hoyer Pomeroy Brady Hyde Radanovich amendments thereto are in order ex- that no person is knocked off the pro- Cardin Johnson, E. B. Rangel cept the amendments printed in the gram in the coming fiscal year. Now Chenoweth Johnson, Sam Roemer CONGRESSIONAL RECORD before July 22, how do we pay for it? We pay for it Cox Kaptur Sawyer 1997, the amendments printed in the Crane Kennelly Schiff simply by eliminating $36 million, Davis (FL) Kind (WI) Skaggs CONGRESSIONAL RECORD numbered 21, which has been put in this bill above Diaz-Balart Lampson Stark 22, 23, and 35, one amendment by the the President’s budget to pay for sub- Dingell Markey Stokes gentleman from California [Mr. COX] sidies for commissions for insurance Dooley Matsui Sununu Engel McCarthy (MO) Thurman regarding assistance to the Democratic agents who write crop insurance. Eshoo McDermott Whitfield People’s Republic of Korea, and the This is not aimed in any way at Foglietta Molinari Young (AK) amendment by the gentleman from changing what farmers receive by way b 1055 Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY], pending when of crop insurance. This is not aimed in the Committee of the Whole rose on any way at affecting what farmers pay. Messrs. PACKARD, GEKAS, LEACH, July 22. It is simply aimed at the abuses in the CASTLE, LEWIS of California, Each amendment is considered read, commissions which were described by HINOJOSA, SMITH of Michigan, debatable for 10 minutes, except as pro- the General Accounting Office when BONO, BOEHNER, KANJORSKI, and vided in section 2 of the resolution, they pointed out that they had discov- Ms. SANCHEZ, changed their vote equally divided and controlled by the ered above-average commissions paid from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ proponent and opponent. to agents by one large company. They Mr. OWENS changed his vote from The Chairman of the Committee of discovered the Government was being ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ the Whole may postpone a request for a charged for corporate aircraft and ex- So the motion to adjourn was re- recorded vote on any amendment and cessive automobile charges, we were jected. may reduce to a minimum of 5 minutes being charged for country club mem- The result of the vote was announced the time for voting on any postponed berships and various entertainment ac- as above recorded. question that immediately follows an- tivities for agencies and employees f other vote, provided that the time for such as skybox rentals at professional voting on the first question shall be a sporting events. GENERAL LEAVE minimum of 15 minutes. This amendment is, purely and sim- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- After a motion that the Committee ply, aimed at ending the rip-off of both imous consent that all Members may rise has been rejected on a day, the farmers and taxpayers by some people have 5 legislative days within which to Chairman of the Committee of the who are involved in this program so revise and extend their remarks on the Whole may entertain another such mo- that we can free up some money for bill (H.R. 2160) making appropriations tion on that day only if offered by the starving and malnourished kids. It is for Agriculture, Rural Development, Chairman of the Committee on Appro- as simple as that. I urge support of the Food and Drug Administration, and re- priations or the majority leader or amendment lated agencies programs for the fiscal their designee. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance year ending September 30, 1998, and for After a motion that the Committee of my time. other purposes, and that I may include rise with the recommendation to strike Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield tabular and extraneous material. out the enacting words of the bill has myself such time as I may consume, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. been rejected, the Chairman of the and I rise in opposition to the Obey HASTINGS of Washington). Is there ob- Committee of the Whole may not en- amendment. I would like to point out that we jection to the request of the gentleman tertain another such motion during have worked long and hard to put to- from New Mexico? further consideration of the bill. gether a bill that is reasonable and fair There was no objection. Pending is the amendment by the to all aspects of USDA, FDA, CFTC, f gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. Pursuant to the resolution, the gen- and farm credit. I think we have before AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOP- tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] and this House a bill that is balanced. It MENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMIN- a Member opposed each will control 15 takes care of the needs of farmers and ISTRATION, AND RELATED minutes. ranchers; research related to nutrition AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS The Chair recognizes the gentleman and ag production; housing, rural de- ACT, 1998 from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. velopment, and nutrition of low-in- come people and the elderly; food, drug b 1100 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and medical device safety; and food for ant to House Resolution 193 and rule Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield my- the needy overseas. XXIII, the Chair declares the House in self such time as I may consume. I appreciate the gentleman from Wis- the Committee of the Whole House on Mr. Chairman, 2 years ago, when the consin [Mr. OBEY] trying to do what he the State of the Union for the further majority party tried to cut the School is trying to do. If my colleagues look consideration of the bill, H.R. 2160. Lunch Program, this Congress and the at this bill, they will see that we both Nation finally rejected that. Last year, b 1058 regard WIC as the highest priority item they tried to cut the WIC Program, the in it. WIC received the largest increase IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE feeding program for women, children, in this bill, at $118.2 million over last Accordingly the House resolved itself and infants. The country rejected that. year. This is on top of $76 million that into the Committee of the Whole House Now we are back with this bill, and was recently provided in the supple- on the State of the Union for the fur- this bill is $30 million short of the mental. With this increase, WIC is ther consideration of the bill (H.R. amount that is apparently required in funded at $3.924 billion in fiscal year 2160) making appropriations for Agri- order to prevent 55,000 women and chil- 1998. This amount fully supports the culture, Rural Development, Food and dren from being knocked off the pro- current participation level of 7.4 mil- Drug Administration, and related agen- gram. lion. cies programs for the fiscal year ending At the same time, this Congress is My colleague, the gentleman from September 30, 1998, and for other pur- being asked to approve a tax cut which Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] says that if this poses, with Mr. LINDER in the chair. will provide, on average, a $27,000 tax amendment does not pass, 55,000, now The Clerk read the title of the bill. cut to the richest 1 percent of people in they are going up about 5,000 a day The CHAIRMAN. When the Commit- this country. I think that is uncon- from what I can gather after hearing tee of the Whole rose on Tuesday, July scionable. The bill itself is $180 million the new statistics, 55,000 women, in- 22, 1997, the bill had been read through below the President’s budget for the fants and children will be taken off the page 27, line 23, and pending was the WIC Program. program. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5673 I do not know where this information who are hungry and need the nutrition. have an obligation to address the prob- came from. We have two Statements of It is a sensible, reasonable thing to do. lems of our most vulnerable citizens. Administration Policy from the Execu- He takes the money, the $24 million, We have a whole wealth of new re- tive Office of the President concerning from the commissions of people who search indicating importance of proper this bill, and neither one says a word sell crop insurance. And he talked a lit- care for children, particularly at-risk about people being forced off the pro- tle bit earlier about some of the spe- children during their first few years of gram with the funding level included in cific benefits, like skyboxes and air- life. this bill as it is now. We have heard plane trips and things of that nature, The very least we can do for these these scare tactics before, let us not that are enjoyed by these commis- young children is to make sure that fall for them again. sioners. And they will be, unfortu- they have access to proper nutrition Mr. Chairman, I have presented this nately, deprived of those amenities, during these formative years. WIC has House with a balanced bill. This is a but that money now will be used to been proven to be one of our most suc- bill of compromises. The amendment in make young mothers, pregnant women, cessful programs at reducing low birth full committee to increase crop insur- young children whole, give them better weight, infant mortality, and child ance also provided an increase for the nutrition, make them strong, make anemia. It is one of the most effective FDA food safety initiative and tobacco them healthy. It is a good amendment, social programs that we have. regulation enforcement activities. This and I hope that all Members of this Why, then, would we fund WIC com- is a bill that can and should be sup- House will support it. ing out of the committee $30 million ported by every Member of this body. I Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 short of what we need to simply main- support this bill and ask my colleagues minutes to the gentleman from Oregon tain the current caseload in 1998? This also to support it, and I oppose this [Mr. SMITH]. subtraction of the $30 million will have amendment. Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, a direct impact on children’s health in Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance I thank the gentleman from New Mex- this country. I think that the cost of my time. ico [Mr. SKEEN] for yielding me the could be exacerbated, in fact, if the Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, could I in- time. cost of food is higher in fiscal year 1998. quire how much time each side has re- Maybe it is time that we reviewed I think we need to look carefully at maining? the facts in this issue rather than lis- funding this program at levels that we The CHAIRMAN. Each side has 121⁄2 ten to the rhetoric. So let me just re- have funded it in the past. I am sympa- minutes remaining. view the facts for one moment. The thetic with the concerns of small farm- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 21⁄2 gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] ers, but the money that this amend- minutes to the gentleman from New offers to reduce the crop insurance pro- ment is taking it from comes from in- York [Mr. HINCHEY]. gram by $23 million, adding it to a $3.9 surance premiums. A GAO study in Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Chairman, we live billion program for WIC. That is al- fact showed that the money that these in a country where our agricultural most an insignificant addition, if we insurance agents are taking from this production is so bountiful that it ex- understand the immensity of the WIC program is being used for things like ceeds that which our people can program already. skyboxes. And frankly, if you weigh consume. We have excess agricultural However, if we take that same children’s nutrition and healthful food production each and every year. At the amount from the crop insurance pro- and infant formula against skyboxes, I same time, hundreds of thousands of gram, we destroy the crop insurance think the choice is pretty clear. people in our country go to bed hungry program, we reduce it by 20 percent, it This is not an intention to hurt farm- every night. Many of these people who will not be available for agriculture. ers. And in fact, I think that we should are hungry are women who are carry- There will be nobody to deliver the support our farmers of this country, ing infants, pregnant women. Others crop insurance. and I think the farmers of this country are young mothers, their infants and So while all of us are concerned with would support and do support programs children. the WIC Program, as we should be, I that benefit young children. This is a brutal paradox. And the bru- note that this issue was never raised in And so, for those reasons, I think this tality of it is made worse by the bill committee. There were no negative is a great amendment. I thank the gen- before us, because the bill before us votes on this question. Everybody tleman for raising it. would deprive, it is estimated, 50,000 seemed to have their arms thrown b 1115 people, young mothers, pregnant around the program offered by the women, young children, infants, from chairman, until we reach the floor. Is Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield the ability to participate in the this a hit-and-run on the committee 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from women, infants and children program, system? I suggest it well may be. South Dakota [Mr. THUNE]. which provides basic nutrition for Where should this whole thing be de- Mr. THUNE. Mr. Chairman, I would those folks. cided? We have added, as mentioned, just like to point out because I was The Obey amendment seeks to cor- $118 million to WIC at the same time in down here on the debate on the supple- rect that brutal situation by restoring committee. Where should this be de- mental disaster bill and I was one who $24 million to the women, infants and cided? It should be decided where it has voted for $76 billion additional spend- children program so that some of those always been decided. The Secretary of ing on the WIC Program. As was noted pregnant women, some of those young Agriculture of the United States of earlier today, we have a $118 million in- mothers, some of those infants, and America and crop insurers ought to sit crease in WIC over last year’s level in some of those children will get proper down and negotiate this program. That this appropriation bill. nutrition. This is a reasonable thing to is what is being done now. We should What I would like to speak about for do. not take away the negotiation oppor- just a minute because I was listening The opposition says that the Obey tunity for farmers by passing this kind with great interest a couple of nights amendment is going to hurt farmers. of legislation. ago to the debate on crop insurance, I The facts of the matter are quite the So, please, reject the Obey amend- found somewhat humorous, if not trag- contrary. The Obey amendment will ment and allow this to be done, as it is ic, the constant reference to skyboxes. help farmers. It will help farmers by properly done, between the Secretary I can tell my colleagues about the typi- taking care of some of that excess agri- of Agriculture and crop insurers. cal crop insurance agent in my State of cultural production. Dairy, for exam- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 South Dakota. Their business is on ple. We have excess dairy production minutes to the distinguished gentle- Main Street. They are mom and pop all across the northeastern part of this woman from Colorado [Ms. DEGETTE]. operations whose main line of business country and elsewhere in the United Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Chairman, one of is probably another field of insurance, States. the measures of a strong and pros- but they are also involved in crop in- The Obey bill will make sure that perous nation is its ability and willing- surance because somebody has to do it. some of that excess milk and other ness to take care of its neediest com- They are not cutting a fat hog. They dairy products are consumed by people munities. I believe, we as a country, are making a living, having a tough H5674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 time of it, because they are dealing Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 not the time and the place to revise with a program which is fraught with minutes to the distinguished gentle- and reform the crop insurance pro- redtape and bureaucracy. woman from Oregon [Ms. FURSE]. gram. That belongs in the authorizing As I have listened to the crop insur- Ms. FURSE. Mr. Chairman, I am very committee, and we are going to do ance agents explain to me how difficult interested in all this discussion about that. it is to be in this business, one of the small farmers. I am probably one of the Let me remind everyone in regard to things that repeatedly comes up is how few small farmers in this body. I have agents, right now we are racheting much bureaucracy and redtape there is. a small farm. I sure do not get whole down the reimbursement rate for crop I think as I look the our State of South lots of Federal subsidies or insurance insurance agents from 31 percent to 29 Dakota, we have 77,000 square miles. agents. I never heard of this commis- percent. We are scheduled to go to 28 Agriculture is our No. 1 industry. We sion. But I do know about women’s percent in 1997. This bill takes it to 27 do not have a professional sports team health. I do know what it means when percent 1 year earlier. Therefore, all of in South Dakota, so our guys are not a woman who is pregnant gets good nu- the rhetoric about where this is going and how it is going to do, let me say to going to skyboxes. But we have a lot of trition. I do know what it means when my colleagues, this is not the place to small crop insurance agents who make a small child gets good nutrition. All make arbitrary judgments regarding this program work. As a matter of fact, these subsidies for farmers, come on. the crop insurance plan for some al- 90 percent of the farmers, the producers Farmers are in business. We do not subsidize farmers, or we should not. We leged wrongdoing. Stick with the com- in South Dakota, are in the crop insur- mittee bill, defeat the Obey amend- ance program and 75 percent at the certainly should not subsidize insur- ance agents, at the cost of health care ment. We are all going to be supportive buyup level. of WIC. We all are going to be support- and nutrition. We know that every dol- That is precisely what we wanted to ive of crop insurance reform, but let lar we put into health care and nutri- do by changing Government policy in the authorizing committee do its work, tion for pregnant women is a dollar this country, to encourage our produc- which I will publicly admit we have not that pays back time and time again. ers to protect themselves against fu- done as yet, and that is a black mark What does America stand for? Does it ture loss so that we do not down the on us, not the appropriators. road have to come in with taxpayer not stand for our children? Let us sup- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 dollars in the form of disaster assist- port the Obey amendment because the minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- Obey amendment is sensible. It is com- ance. necticut [Ms. DELAURO]. Let me tell Members what I think mon sense. It is common sense to in- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Chairman, let me are the alternatives if we do not have a vest in prevention. All this talk about try to place this debate and discussion workable crop insurance program. The skyboxes, gee, I never as a small farm- in some context. The fact of the matter first one is it will go back to the Fed- er have ever seen one of these commis- is that in the last session of the Con- eral Government. We will have a deliv- sioners. I buy insurance because I gress, the Republican majority did not ery system where the Federal Govern- think that is the American way. We appropriate enough money for the WIC ment is once again in the business of buy things for small business. We do it Program, Women, Infants and Children crop insurance. I think that is a lot ourselves. We do not take money and Program. They were forced, and in fact less preferable than having people in food out of the mouths of pregnant we helped to force them, to increase the private sector who are delivering women and children so that we in busi- those dollars at the end of the process this program in a way that makes ness can get a little subsidy. so that women, infants, and children As a farmer, I say let us support WIC. sense and is efficient and saves the tax- would not be thrown off of the pro- I say let us support the Obey amend- payers dollars. gram. In fact, in several States that ment. Let us say finally that this is The second alternative is to have no process has started. But the Democrats not a country that subsidizes every- program at all. Where does that leave forced that debate in order for there to body who wants to be in business. This us? That leaves us exactly where we be an increase in funding in the WIC is a country that stands for something. were before, and that is year in and Program, what my colleague from Wis- One of the things we stand for is year out as a disaster strikes we will be consin is trying to do, because once healthy children, healthy mothers. I coming back to the Congress and ask- again the Republican majority is short- thank the gentleman from Wisconsin ing for disaster assistance to go to pro- changing the WIC program and we will [Mr. OBEY] for presenting this amend- ducers in the States that are in the find ourselves in the same position ment. I say we should all support it. business of agriculture. where we will look at approximately Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 55,000 people, women, infants and chil- I think we have an efficient system minutes to the gentleman from Texas dren, who will not be able to avail that is delivering the product, that is [Mr. STENHOLM]. themselves of the program. My col- working, and it is to our advantage to Mr. STENHOLM. I thank the gen- league from Wisconsin is trying to have a program that works for the pro- tleman for yielding me this time. avoid that situation and in fact restore ducers, for the people who are trying to Mr. Chairman, let me first say that if money so that we will not have to take make a living, in the business of selling there is a greater supporter of the WIC women, infants and children off of this crop insurance, and if we do not have Program in this body than CHARLIE program. This program, we find, is a that sort of a system in place, those STENHOLM, I do not know who it might cost-effective one. It saves us dollars in are the alternatives that we are left be. I am a great supporter of WIC. It other programs. It is a wise invest- with. does wonderful things for people that ment. What the Obey amendment is I would like to say, because I heard need wonderful things done for them. suggesting is that what we take the the other night the discussion on This bill, as presented to us, in- money from is the increase in the in- skyboxes, it might please the gen- creases by $118 million the amount of surance rates to those who offer crop tleman from Wisconsin to know that I dollars in the WIC Program. If it will insurance to farmers. This does not de- am a Green Bay Packers fan and have take more, I will be glad to join with crease the amount of dollars to farm been since I was about 5 years old. I my colleagues in supporting more. But subsidies. have never been to a Green Bay Pack- let me remind all of us, we are dealing I understand the problem of small ers game, but I hope that someday in with tight budgets. That means we farmers, or I try to do that. The fact of the future I will. I can assure the gen- have got to scrutinize all programs, in- the matter is that the insurance agents tleman that if and when that happens cluding the good ones, if we are going are the ones who are benefiting from that I probably will not be in a skybox. to do our job. this effort. I trust the fact that we are I would be happy to sit in general ad- In regard to crop insurance, I am a trying to bring down the number, but mission, which is where the crop insur- great supporter of crop insurance. We we are talking today about 24 percent ance agents in my State of South Da- have some terrific problems, and time of premium. This is a hefty amount of kota, who are small businesses, mom will not permit me to talk about some premium. This should not go to the in- and pop operations, will be sitting with of the frustrations I have with the crop surance agents but to women, infants me. insurance program today. But this is and children. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5675 Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 this Congress in May to fully fund the WIC one that is based on an insurance prin- minutes to the gentleman from Texas Program in the disaster supplemental. ciple or do we want ad hoc disaster [Mr. BONILLA]. Today, we are reducing for crop insurance payments? In the past we have paid out Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I stand sales commissions to provide food and health billions of dollars in some years in ad in opposition to the Obey amendment. security for our children. Mr. Chairman, in the hoc disaster payments to farmers for As working families in every corner of constant struggle to make sure that we set our crop losses. With an insurance-based the country go to the grocery store priorities straight, this amendment is another program, the farmers are purchasing today, they will find about 10,000 items step in the right direction. insurance. In order to make that pro- to choose from. In many cases, the For those of my colleagues who have fiscal gram effective we have to have agents overwhelming majority of the cases, concernsÐdon't be penny-wise and pound- selling the insurance, and this program they will find good prices for good food foolish. is essential to maintain that commis- products that people can buy in this This is not profligate Government spending sion program and those agents. country. People take that for granted, we are debating here. The WIC Program is a b 1130 not understanding how important our program that works, and in the longer term, agriculture industry is to this country. actually saves Federal money. For every $1 Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 To amend this bill and to hurt farmers used in the prenatal segment of the WIC Pro- minute to the gentleman from Iowa eventually will hurt consumers as they gram, Medicaid saves untold moneys and [Mr. LATHAM]. try to buy food in the grocery store. gives healthy productive lives to these children Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I spoke I know in this day and age we have and cannot be measured in dollars and cents. the other evening on this subject, and become a victim to a great degree of WIC works. It reduces the instances of in- there is a lot been made about the WIC our materialistic success and as we go fant mortality, low birthweight, malnutrition, program and caring for women, infants to buy food in stores many Americans and the myriad other problems of impover- and children. There is plenty of money think somehow it just comes from the ished children. The WIC Program also pro- already in the bill for that, more than back storeroom or from a truck that vides valuable health care counseling for ex- what is needed as far as the carryover. came down the road, but that all start- pectant mothers for both mothers and chil- But I think one thing that is being ed out on a farm in some State in this dren. very much forgotten here is the country. To do this to our farmers is a In recent months Time and Newsweek mag- women, infants and children of farm sad commentary on what we are argu- azines have written feature articles on the im- families that they are going to destroy ing about here today. portance of the years from birth to age 3. by taking away an opportunity for The WIC Program is something that These articles validate longstanding research them to protect the risks that they we all support. We on our subcommit- based on up-to-date studies of prenatal and have out there. tee in a bipartisan way have supported early childhood development. WIC funding is a Mr. Chairman, when we look at the increased funds for the WIC Program big part of the future development of these in- hope and dream of a small family farm because it is important. But to dema- fants. Let's not be penny-wise and pound-fool- which is made up, by the way, of gog this issue in the way that it is ish. women, infants and children, they being demagoged this morning is a real This $24 million for the WIC Program is would rather have them apparently go tragedy. I hope Members will look in good investment. A wise investment, at that. on the welfare rolls than they would to their hearts and look for the truth in Mr. Chairman, this is the wealthiest Nation survive in their businesses. All we are what we are debating about here today in the world and yet, children still go to bed asking for is the opportunity for these and support the position that we have hungry. people, these small farm families, to taken on the subcommittee to fully WIC must remain fully funded and should protect their risk so that they do not fund crop insurance and fully fund the be off limits. Only then will we preserve food have to get on a Government program, WIC Program. so that we do not have to have disaster Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 for hungry babies. Mr. Chairman, we can take advantage of an bills which cost us billions of dollars minute to the gentlewoman from New opportunity today. every year. Jersey [Mrs. ROUKEMA]. If my colleagues want to think about (Mrs. ROUKEMA asked and was We can meet the challenge of fiscal respon- women, infants and children, why do given permission to revise and extend sibility in two ways: First, through budget neu- they not think about those on family her remarks.) trality, that is finding offsets as we appropriate Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Chairman, I funds to different programs, and second, by farms? want to address my concerns very making wise investments. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, how much briefly to the colleagues who have fis- This is a wise investment. time do I have remaining? cal concerns. There is no better way to With this amendment, we have the oppor- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman put it than to say we should not be tunity to enhance WIC funding and thereby from Wisconsin has 3 minutes remain- penny wise and pound foolish on this protect low-income women and children andÐ ing. subject. This is not profligate Govern- incidentallyÐthe taxpayer. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield my- ment spending we are debating here. I urge support of this amendment. self the remaining time. The WIC Program is a program that Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Mr. Chairman, a propaganda sheet works and in the longer term actually minute to the gentleman from Min- has been circulated by lobbyists who saves Federal money. For every $1 used nesota [Mr. MINGE]. are lobbying against my amendment, in the prenatal segment of the WIC Mr. MINGE. Mr. Chairman, I cer- claiming that this is an amendment Program, Medicaid saves untold tainly count myself among those in that attacks farmers. That is certainly amounts of money and gives healthy this body that fully support the WIC not true. I represent farmers, I have productive lives to all these children. Program. I think that it ought to be fought for them all my life; in my view WIC works, to put it very bluntly. It is funded so that it can operate and pro- farmers are not hurt by this amend- not an area where we should be penny vide services and food to all that meet ment, they are hurt by two things. wise and pound foolish. eligibility requirements. That, I do not They are hurt by the misguided farm I guess I have got to say, Mr. Chair- think, is what is at issue here this policies of the Reagan, Bush, and Clin- man, and speaking now as a Republican morning. We are talking about a zero ton administrations that we suffered fiscal conservative, in this the wealthi- sum game. We are trying to increase through for the last three administra- est Nation in the world, we should not the funding of one program at the ex- tions, and they are also being hurt by see children going to bed hungry. pense of another. Of course it sounds the failure of the Committee on Agri- Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Obey more attractive to say we are going to culture to reform the crop insurance amendment to increase funding for the WIC feed infants and pregnant women at program so that we do not get ripped Program by over $24 million by implementing the expense of providing insurance off by some of the agents involved in offsetting cuts in funding for crop insurance agents with commissions. But I submit this program. Most of the agents in- sales commission. that is not really the issue. The issue is volved are perfectly rational, respon- Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a natural what type of a crop disaster program sible and fair-minded people, but the follow-on to the farsighted decision made by do we wish to have. Do we wish to have fact is that nonetheless the program is H5676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 being ripped off. If we separate fact have two statements of administration The vote was taken by electronic de- from fiction, the fact is that nothing in policy from the Executive Office of the vice, and there were—ayes 195, noes 230, this amendment changes crop insur- President concerning this bill, and nei- not voting 9, as follows: ance for farmers, nothing in my ther one says they are worried about [Roll No. 308] amendment changes what farmers will people being forced off the program AYES—195 pay for crop insurance. What we are with the funding level included in the Abercrombie Gephardt Obey trying to do is to stop the rip-offs on bill. We have heard these scare tactics Ackerman Gibbons Olver the commissions that some of the in- once again raised, but, Mr. Chairman, Allen Gilman Ortiz surance agents are getting. they are not true, we have given our Andrews Green Owens Baldacci Gutierrez Pallone Now the lobby sheet that is being cir- colleagues the facts, and I oppose this Barrett (WI) Hall (OH) Pappas culated says that 10 percent commis- amendment. Bass Harman Pascrell sion is not enough. We are not cutting Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Chair- Becerra Hastings (FL) Pastor this to 10 percent. We are trying to cut Bentsen Hefner Payne man, I rise to thank and support my colleague, Bereuter Hilliard Pelosi 1 the commission from 28 percent to 24 ⁄2 Mr. OBEY, for introducing such an important Berman Hinchey Porter percent, which is the amount USDA amendment today. The current bill provides Bilirakis Horn Poshard and the Office of Management and Blagojevich Hoyer Price (NC) just enough money to maintain current partici- Blumenauer Jackson (IL) Quinn Budget both say is sufficient to run the pation levels, but it is based on the assump- Boehlert Jackson-Lee Rahall program. We are not cutting it to 10 tion that the number of women and children in Bonior (TX) Ramstad percent. And the reason we are doing need and the cost of food will remain abso- Borski Johnson (CT) Rangel that, as I said earlier, is because we Boucher Johnson (WI) Reyes lutely constant. A similar miscalculated as- Brown (CA) Johnson, E. B. Riggs have a General Accounting Office re- sumption brought all of us to the floor 2 Brown (FL) Kanjorski Rivers port which indicates that some of the months ago to vote on increased funding for Brown (OH) Kelly Rodriguez commissions being charged included Campbell Kennedy (MA) Roemer WIC in the middle of the 1997 fiscal year. Capps Kennedy (RI) Ros-Lehtinen charges for corporate aircraft, exces- The WIC funding level does not provide Cardin Kennelly Rothman sive automobile charges, country club enough funding to ensure that no women, Carson Kildee Roukema memberships, rental of things such as child or infant will be cut from this critical pro- Castle Kilpatrick Roybal-Allard skyboxes, and they suggest that the Chabot Kind (WI) Rush gram. The cost of infant formula, for example, Clay Kleczka Sabo best way to tighten up this program is depends in part on the contract the State WIC Clayton Klink Salmon to do exactly what we are doing in this program secure with formula manufacturers. Clement Kucinich Sanchez amendment. Conyers LaFalce Sanders This is not a fixed price. Furthermore, the Costello Lampson Sawyer I know we passed a freedom to farm prices for which the manufacturers have of- Coyne Lantos Saxton program last year. I did not vote for it fered to sell formula to State WIC programs Cummings Levin Schumer because I thought it was a lousy bill. have been steadily increasing. If this trend Davis (FL) Lewis (GA) Scott But the fact is, freedom to farm is not Davis (IL) Lipinski Serrano continues, which many expect that it will, then Davis (VA) LoBiondo Shays freedom to milk farmers. It is also not this appropriations bill will fall far short of en- DeFazio Lofgren Sherman freedom to milk taxpayers as some of suring that current participation levels are DeGette Lowey Skaggs these commissions are doing. Delahunt Luther Slaughter maintained. DeLauro Maloney (CT) Smith, Adam The fact is my amendment is sup- The Office of Management and Budget and Dellums Maloney (NY) Stokes ported by the U.S. Department of Agri- the U.S. Department of Agriculture project that Deutsch Manton Strickland culture, it is supported by the Office of the funding level the committee has provided Diaz-Balart Markey Stupak Management and Budget, it is an at- Dicks Martinez Sununu would result in the loss of 55,000 to 60,000 Dixon Mascara Tauscher tempt to end the rip-offs of this pro- women, infants, and children next year alone. Doggett Matsui Thurman gram, and that is in the benefit of In my State of California, 1,225,800 low in- Dooley McCarthy (MO) Tierney farmers. It is an attempt to use the Doyle McCarthy (NY) Torres come and nutritional at risk pregnant women, Ehlers McDermott Towns money we save to help starving infants infants, and children benefit from WIC. It is not Engel McGovern Traficant and to help malnourished mothers who fair to suddenly strip many of these women, Ensign McHale Velazquez are about to give birth to children who infants, and children of this vital program in Eshoo McKinney Vento we want to be healthy. That is what it Evans McNulty Visclosky the middle of the 1998 fiscal year simply be- Fattah Meehan Waters does. cause we have lacked the foresight now to Fawell Meek Watt (NC) Stick with the kids. Do not listen to make accurate predictions of the needs of Filner Menendez Waxman this propaganda sheet being pedaled by WIC recipients. Flake Millender- Weldon (PA) some of the agents. I urge support for Foglietta McDonald Wexler The WIC program is one of the most cost- Forbes Miller (CA) Weygand the amendment. effective and successful programs in the coun- Fox Mink Wise Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 try. The Government saves $3.50 for each Frank (MA) Moakley Woolsey seconds to the gentleman from Mary- Franks (NJ) Moran (VA) Wynn dollar spent on WIC for pregnant women in Frelinghuysen Morella Yates land [Mr. BARTLETT]. expenditures for Medicaid, SSI for disabled Furse Nadler Young (FL) (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked children, and other programs. More impor- Gejdenson Oberstar and was given permission to revise and tantly, research has demonstrated how effec- NOES—230 extend his remarks.) tively WIC reduces low-birthweight babies, in- Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Aderholt Bunning Cubin fant mortality, and child anemia. Archer Burr Cunningham Chairman, three of the six counties in On behalf of the State of California, which Armey Burton Danner our district are in Appalachia where Bachus Buyer Deal operates the largest WIC program in the coun- WIC is a very important program. I am Baesler Callahan DeLay try, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in Baker Calvert Dickey a strong supporter of WIC, and if I be- voting ``yes'' on the Obey amendment. I yield Ballenger Camp Doolittle lieved for 1 minute that this bill short- back the balance of my time. Barcia Canady Dreier changed the WIC Program, I would be Barr Cannon Duncan The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex- supporting the Obey amendment. Barrett (NE) Chambliss Dunn Bartlett Chenoweth Edwards I think the facts indicate otherwise. pired. The question is on the amendment Bateman Christensen Ehrlich The WIC Program is completely funded Berry Clyburn Emerson in this program. We need to vote ‘‘no’’ offered by the gentleman from Wiscon- Bilbray Coble English on this amendment. sin [Mr. OBEY]. Bishop Coburn Etheridge The question was taken; and the Bliley Collins Everett Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield Blunt Combest Ewing myself the balance of my time. Chairman announced that the noes ap- Boehner Condit Farr Let me close and let me state the peared to have it. Bonilla Cook Fazio RECORDED VOTE Bono Cooksey Foley facts, the facts, once again. This bill Boswell Cox Ford does not force anyone to be taken off Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a Boyd Cramer Fowler the program. I do not know where they recorded vote. Brady Crane Frost are getting this information, but we A recorded vote was ordered. Bryant Crapo Gallegly July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5677

Ganske Leach Ryun amendment to kill crop insurance’’. It Utah [Mr. HANSEN], my Republican col- Gekas Lewis (CA) Sandlin Gilchrest Lewis (KY) Sanford does absolutely no such thing. This league, a leader in the fight to protect Gillmor Linder Scarborough House has a rule against that kind of America’s children against tobacco and Gonzalez Livingston Schaefer, Dan misinformation. I would like to know the cochair of the task force on to- Goode Lucas Schaffer, Bob what the rule is. bacco and health in the Congress. Goodlatte Manzullo Sensenbrenner Goodling McCollum Sessions The CHAIRMAN. The rule is that (Mr. HANSEN asked and was given Gordon McCrery Shadegg anything that is handed out at the permission to revise and extend his re- Goss McDade Shaw doors or on the floor must bear the marks.) Graham McHugh Shimkus name of the Member authorizing it. Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Chairman, most of Granger McInnis Shuster Greenwood McIntosh Sisisky Mr. OBEY. Could I ask, Mr. Chair- my colleagues know that throughout Gutknecht McIntyre Skeen man, what are the rules with respect to my 17 years in this body I have been Hall (TX) McKeon Skelton sheets which are absolutely, totally keenly interested in decreasing the use Hamilton Metcalf Smith (MI) false and erroneous? Hansen Mica Smith (NJ) of alcohol and tobacco products by our Hastert Miller (FL) Smith (OR) b 1200 children. I have no issue with the Hastings (WA) Minge Smith (TX) adults who choose to responsibly use Hayworth Mollohan Smith, Linda The CHAIRMAN. The rules of deco- legal tobacco and alcohol products, but Hefley Moran (KS) Snowbarger rum may generally be applied to the I have become increasingly upset at Herger Murtha Snyder contents of such handout. Hill Myrick Solomon the dramatic increase in tobacco use Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I have a Hilleary Nethercutt Souder among our young people today. Hinojosa Neumann Spence further parliamentary inquiry. Cigarette smoking among high Hobson Ney Spratt Mr. Chairman, under the rules of the school seniors is at a 17 year high. Hoekstra Northup Stabenow House, what are the remedies available Holden Norwood Stearns Smoking among eighth and tenth grad- to a Member when the amendment that Hooley Nussle Stenholm ers has increased 50 percent since 1991. Hostettler Oxley Stump he has offered to the House is being These 13 and 14 year old children are Houghton Packard Talent falsely described in a sheet handed out Hulshof Parker Tanner being sentenced to shorter and Hunter Paul Tauzin by another Member? The CHAIRMAN. The Chair is reluc- unhealthier lives by addictive tobacco Hutchinson Paxon Taylor (MS) products. Even the tobacco industry Inglis Pease Taylor (NC) tant to address the question in a hypo- Istook Peterson (MN) Thomas thetical manner but would be pleased now agrees to this conclusion. Tobacco Jefferson Peterson (PA) Thompson to consult with the gentleman. smoking is a problem that clearly Jenkins Petri Thornberry starts with our children. Almost 90 per- John Pickering Thune Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I do not Johnson, Sam Pickett Tiahrt understand that response. This is not a cent of today’s adults who smoke start- Jones Pitts Turner hypothetical situation. This just oc- ed before the age of 18. The average Kasich Pombo Upton curred. I thought there was a require- youth smoker begins at age 13 and be- Kim Pomeroy Walsh comes a daily smoker at age 14. It is King (NY) Portman Wamp ment for truth on the sheets that are Kingston Pryce (OH) Watkins being distributed. self-evident that the message that to- Klug Radanovich Watts (OK) The CHAIRMAN. The Chair suspects bacco kills is not reaching our children Knollenberg Redmond Weldon (FL) or our grandchildren. Kolbe Regula Weller the remedy would be the same as the LaHood Riley White remedy for any action by any Member We have worked with the Food and Largent Rogan Whitfield in any committee. Drug Administration over the past 2 Latham Rogers Wicker Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I suggest years to develop regulations to curb LaTourette Rohrabacher Wolf youth tobacco abuse. The comprehen- Lazio Royce this is an outrageous misstatement of the facts. The truth is regular order. sive FDA plan intends to reduce to- NOT VOTING—9 The CHAIRMAN. The Chair under- bacco use by our young people by 50 Barton Kaptur Schiff stands the gentleman’s concern but has percent in 7 years. Dingell Molinari Stark Some of the initiatives in the plan Hyde Neal Young (AK) not had an opportunity to examine the flier. would require photo ID for the sale of b 1156 AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. MEEHAN cigarettes and tobacco smoke just like The Clerk announced the following Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer we do for alcohol. It would prohibit pair: an amendment. vending machine cigarettes, eliminate On this vote: The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- free samples and the sale of single ciga- rettes and packages with less than 20 Ms. KAPTUR for, with Mr. BARTON of Texas ignate the amendment. against. The text of the amendment is as fol- cigarettes, known as kiddie packs, that are known to be given to children. Ms. DANNER and Messrs. CLYBURN, lows: Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. MEEHAN: The FDA rule will also strive to COX, ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, In the item relating to ‘‘RISK MANAGEMENT make tobacco products less appealing ROHRABACHER, and MOLLOHAN AGENCY’’ in title I, after the last dollar to children by banning outdoor adver- changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ amount, insert ‘‘(reduced by $14,000,000)’’. tising within 1,000 feet of schools and In the item relating to ‘‘SALARIES AND EX- Messrs. PAPPAS, GIBBONS, prohibiting giveaways of products like PENSES’’—‘‘FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION’’ SUNUNU, and STRICKLAND changed hats or gym bags that carry cigarette their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ in title VI, after the aggregate dollar amount in the first undesignated paragraph, or smokeless tobacco products. These So the amendment was rejected. insert ‘‘(increased by $10,000,000)’’. measures will have no effect on adults The result of the vote was announced The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House who choose to use this product. as above recorded. Resolution 193, the gentleman from However, our children should not be PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Massachusetts [Mr. MEEHAN] and a bombarded with advertising and pro- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, parliamen- Member opposed, each will control 5 motion which tell them that the illegal tary inquiry. minutes. use of tobacco products is fun, it is The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman Does the gentleman from New Mexico glamorous, it is cool. The age restric- from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] will state seek the time in opposition to the tions on tobacco products which are in his parliamentary inquiry. amendment? law in every State exist because chil- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I would Mr. SKEEN. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I do. dren lack sufficient information and like to ask, what are the rules of the I rise in opposition. experience to decide whether to use a House in terms of distributing lit- The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman product as harmful as cigarette or spit erature at the door which absolutely, from New Mexico [Mr. SKEEN] will be tobacco. totally misdescribes and libels the recognized for 5 minutes. The proposed FDA regulation would amendment that was just offered by The Chair recognizes the gentleman also require tobacco companies to no- me? from Massachusetts [Mr. MEEHAN]. tify consumers about the unreasonable There is a sheet that was distributed Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield health risks of their product, including which says ‘‘Vote no on the Obey 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from warning labels on packages that kids H5678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 can understand, for example, warning: Who among us will stand up and argue with mous-consent request that would have Cigarettes kill. the accuracy of these warnings? This will be allowed 30 minutes of debate on this I would urge Members to support the the first national program ever undertaken to amendment. We were informed to not Meehan-Hansen amendment which reduce youth access to tobacco. I believe bother making the offer because it would do something great for this these are major strides in the right direction. would be objected. country on health. However good these ideas may be, enforce- The bill is supported by the adminis- Most of my colleagues know that throughout ment is the key to their success. Today, it is tration and they are very happy with my 17 years in this body, I have been keenly far too easy for kids to buy cigarettes and spit this bill. They are very happy with the interested in decreasing the use of alcohol tobacco. Studies of over-the-counter sales Food and Drug Administration num- and tobacco products by our Nation's children. have found that children and adolescents were ber. Last year FDA spent $4.9 million I have no issue with adults who choose to re- able to successfully buy tobacco products 67 on its antismoking tobacco program. sponsibly use legal tobacco and alcohol prod- percent of the time. Despite the fact that it is The committee bill provides $24 million ucts. But, I have become increasingly upset at illegal in all 50 States to sell cigarettes and for this program, quadruple what it the dramatic increase in tobacco use among smokeless tobacco to minors, our young peo- had last year. In all my years here, I young people today. Cigarette smoking among ple purchase an estimated 1.26 billion dollars' have not ever seen a program that high school seniors is at a 17-year high. worth of tobacco products each year. could absorb money that fast and spend Smoking among 8th and 10th graders has in- Strong enforcement is the key to reducing it wisely. creased by over 50 percent since 1991. These youth access to tobacco. The Food and Drug Nonetheless, this is an important ini- 13- and 14-year-old children are being sen- Administration seeks $34 million to fund the tiative, and it is obvious that the com- tenced to shorter and unhealthier lives by ad- enforcement of these regulations. The funding mittee supports it, but enough is dictive tobacco products. Even the tobacco in- sought by FDA will not create a new Federal enough. They are damaging one pro- dustry now agrees with this conclusion. bureaucracy and the majority of these funds gram, crop insurance, that also needs Tobacco smoking is a problem that clearly will go directly to State and local officials for help. I ask Members for a no vote. starts with our children: Almost 90 percent of enforcement. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance today's adult smokers started using tobacco Let me repeat that, this funding will not cre- of my time. before age 18. The average youth smoker be- ate a new Federal bureaucracy and the major- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield gins at age 13 and becomes a daily smoker ity of these funds will go directly to State and myself the balance of my time. 1 by age 14 ¤2. It is self-evident that the mes- local officials for enforcement. Mr. Chairman, I rise today because sage that tobacco kills is not reaching our chil- The current Agriculture appropriations bill what we need to do with this amend- dren and grandchildren. funds this vital program at only $24 million. ment is fully fund the tobacco initia- I have worked with the Food and Drug Ad- The Meehan-Hansen amendment would pro- tive. The administration does not sup- ministration [FDA] over the past 2 years to de- vide the full funding request for this vital pro- port this. The administration re- velop regulations to curb youth tobacco abuse. gram. quested $34 million to carry out the The comprehensive FDA plan intends to re- The offset for these funds would come from necessary enforcement and outreach duce tobacco use by young people by 50 per- the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation's that will effectively curtail sales of to- cent in 7 years. Crop Insurance Sales Commission, by de- bacco products to children. I would Some of the initiatives included in the FDA creasing that program's funding by $14 million hope that we could all agree, there are plan would: Require photo ID for the sale of and increasing the FDA's funding by $10 mil- 50 States that have laws that are in ef- cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, just like for lion, for a net savings of $4 million. The Agri- fect, to regulate tobacco use to chil- alcohol; prohibit vending machine sales of culture appropriations bill currently funds the dren. This allows the FDA to fully en- cigarettes; eliminate free samples and the sale Crop Insurance Sales Commission at $188 force those laws. That is what this is of single cigarettes and packages with fewer millionÐan increase of over $36 million above all about. than 20 cigarettes, known as kiddie packs. the President's request. This program reim- It does not affect tobacco farmers. It The FDA rule will also strive to make to- burses private insurance companies for ex- does not deal with the contentious or bacco products less appealing to children by penses associated with selling and servicing controversial issues relative to FDA banning outdoor advertising within 1,000 feet crop insurance policies. regulation like marketing restrictions of schools, and prohibiting giveaways of prod- A recent GAO audit of this program uncov- and advertising. All this attempts to ucts like hats or gym bags that carry cigarette ered numerous inappropriate expenses, such do is give the FDA the resources that or smokeless tobacco product names or logos. as business acquisitions and lobbying. Also in- the administration says they need to These measures will have no effect on adults cluded in the program's expenses were: effectively inform retailers of what who choose to legally use these products. $22,000 for a trip to Las Vegas; $44,000 for they are to be doing; namely, carding a However, our children should not be consumer who is underage who comes bombarded with advertisements and pro- a fishing trip to Canada; country club member- ships; tickets to sporting events, including to buy tobacco products. The evidence motions which tell them that their illegal use of is overwhelming that retailers are sell- tobacco products is fun, glamorous, or cool. $18,000 for a baseball skybox rental and $6 million to fund above average individual agent ing these products that kill children to The age restrictions on tobacco products, children. The only thing we are trying which are law in every State, exist because sales commissions by one large company. In my humble opinion, these are not valid to do with this amendment is allow the children lack sufficient information and experi- uses of taxpayer money. It appears this pro- FDA to implement a program of edu- ence to decide whether to use a product as gram is clearly one that can afford to spare a cation so that they can make sure that harmful as cigarettes or spit tobacco. When small percentage of its budget to improve and retailers know how they should protect tobacco products are seen as popular and protect the health of our children and grand- children from sales. We have to card cool, you can count on an increase in under- children. Even with the $14 million decrease in people, to educate people. age smoking. We are talking about tobacco, the The proposed FDA regulations will also re- funding contained in this amendment, the pro- leading preventable cause of death in quire tobacco companies to notify consumers gram will still be funded at 114 percent of America. In nearly every category, about the unreasonable health risks of their what Secretary Glickman deems necessary. children are using tobacco products products, including descriptive warning labels Please join with 87 percent of the American more and more, 3,000 children experi- on packages of cigarettes that kids can really public in supporting the FDA policy for restrict- ment with tobacco products a day, 1,000 understand: ing tobacco use among children. This is the WARNING: Cigarettes Kill right thing to do for the health of our children of them have their lives cut short. The WARNING: Cigarettes Are Addictive and future generations. I urge my colleagues minimum that we can do, the mini- WARNING: Cigarette Smoking Harms Ath- to vote ``yes'' on the Hansen-Meehan amend- mum we can do is enforce the laws that letic Performance ment to fully fund the FDA efforts to enforce are in effect now. Let us make them WARNING: Smoking During Pregnancy Can tobacco regulations to keep these products card people. Let us make the retailers Harm Your Baby out of the hands of our children. stop selling this destructive product to Similar warnings will be included on smoke- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield children. less tobacco products, such as: myself such time as I may consume. The way we do that is by giving the WARNING: Use of smokeless tobacco can We started on this bill last Wednes- FDA the authority and the resources make your teeth fall out. day, and yesterday we offered a unani- they need. Even with this money that July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5679 is available, the Department of Agri- tacking a program that must stay in son amendment which would increase culture will still get 114 percent of place for a whole industry, and that is funding for the Food and Drug Admin- what they asked for. There is no excuse agriculture. istration [FDA] by $10 million. This for not passing this amendment. It is Please, I ask all of my colleagues, money would be used for outreach ef- in the interest of America’s children. again, oppose the Hansen-Meehan forts to educate businesses about their This is a bipartisan bill. It is not a amendment. responsibilities regarding the sale of Democratic amendment. It is a biparti- Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support tobacco products to children. san amendment. There are Members of this amendment to fully fund the FDA's to- Yes, it is against the law to sell to- here who have been fighting all across bacco initiative to enforce restrictions on the bacco to children. Unfortunately, these America, attorneys general who have sale of tobacco to children. Thirty-three States laws are rarely enforced. A review of 13 been fighting, hours and months of ne- have pledged to work hand in hand with the studies of over-the-counter sales re- gotiating to keep tobacco products FDA to ensure that provisions of its tobacco veals that children and adolescents away from children. Let us join with initiative are fully enforced. This amendment is were able to successfully buy tobacco those health experts. Let us join with critical to ensuring our Nation's success in re- products 67 percent of the time. Young the President and protect America’s ducing youth access to tobacco. people purchase an estimated 1.26 bil- children. Vote for this amendment. Cigarette smoking among high school sen- lion dollars’ worth of cigarettes and Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 iors is at a 17-year high, and smoking among smokeless tobacco each year. minute to the gentleman from Ken- 8th and 10th graders has increased by more The bill that is on the House floor tucky [Mr. WHITFIELD]. than 50 percent since 1991. According to a does not adequately fund the FDA’s Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I University of Michigan study, an astonishing initiative to reduce children’s access to rise to speak in opposition to this 18.6 percent of eighth graders smoke. And tobacco products. The FDA’s tobacco amendment. Obviously this is an emo- they are getting cigarettes from storesÐon av- initiative mandates that retailers must tional issue. As the gentleman from erage, kids are able to buy tobacco products check the photo identification of indi- Massachusetts said, 50 States already over-the-counter 67 percent of the time. viduals who want to buy cigarettes. prohibit the sale of tobacco products to I cannot emphasize enough how important it Without full funding, the FDA will not minors, and those States have the re- is to stop kids from smoking. Very few adult be able to adequately enforce this cru- sponsibility to enforce those regula- smokers picked up their habit after age 20. In cial restriction on the sale of tobacco tions. In addition, as the chairman fact, 9 percent of adult smokers started smok- to children. said, the gentleman from New Mexico ing before age 12, and 90 percent started be- Tobacco continues to be a major fore age 18. Every day, approximately 3,000 health problem in the United States. [Mr. SKEEN], $24 million is in this bill to give FDA the authority to enforce young people begin smoking, and over half of The American Heart Association em- its regulations. them become addicted. phasizes that: Despite the fact it is against the law in all 50 I would remind the gentleman from more people die each year in the United States to sell cigarettes and smokeless to- Massachusetts and the proponents of States from smoking than from AIDs, alco- bacco to minors, kids purchase an estimated hol, drug use, homicide, car accidents, and this amendment that the FDA in the $1.26 billion worth of tobacco products each fires combined. Fifth Circuit in the U.S. District Court year. The FDA's initiative will make it more dif- Tobacco use accounts for more than in North Carolina has stayed all of the ficult for kids to sustain their smoking habit by $68 billion in health care costs and lost FDA regulations with the exception of reducing their access. It will require retailers to productivity each year. carding children 27 and below at retail conduct ID checks of all tobacco purchasers Nearly all tobacco use begins in the establishments. There is sufficient who appear to be under age 27. This may ap- teenage years. Adolescent smokers be- funds available for that. pear to be a pretty high age for an ID check, come adult smokers. The key to reduc- In addition to that, in 1992, this Con- but teensÐparticularly older teensÐare notori- ing the rate of disease resulting from gress passed the SAMSA regulations ous for being able to make themselves look tobacco use is to discourage young peo- with HHS. They also are enforcing older and more sophisticated. ple from starting to use tobacco prod- these regulations. So this money is ab- There are other important reasons to stop ucts. solutely not needed at this time. kids from smokingÐincluding a finding that Mr. Chairman, we can no longer close Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield heavy teen smokers are far more likely than our eyes to a product that brings into the balance of my time to the gen- nonsmokers to use heroin or other illegal its deathly fold 3,000 children each day. tleman from Oregon [Mr. SMITH]. drugs. Young smokers are also susceptible to Teenage smoking is a national health Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, a host of other health problems, including de- care crisis that can be curbed by fully I rise against the Meehan amendment creased physical fitness, respiratory illnesses, funding the FDA’s tobacco initiative. and the Hansen amendment. Mr. Chair- early development of artery disease, and re- It is my understanding that, in order man, certainly none of the arguments duced lung development. to pay for this increase in funds to the posed here can be objected to by any- The offset for this amendment, the Crop In- FDA, $14 million would be taken from one. No one wants children to smoke. surance Sales Commission program, reim- the crop insurance sales commissions As a matter of fact, I do not want burses private insurance companies for ex- of the USDA’s Risk Management Agen- adults to smoke. I am so strong in that penses associated with selling and servicing cy. Under this program, private insur- that I quit myself. But the idea here is crop insurance policies. ance companies are reimbursed for ex- simply that we are moving the funding The GAO has found many inappropriate ex- penses incurred in the process of pro- to the wrong area. penses included in reimbursement rates, in- viding crop insurance for Federal pro- It has been said that there is an addi- cluding funds to cover country club member- grams. I believe this is a reasonable tional $24 million in this program. I ships, a $44,000 fishing trip to Canada, and offset because the bill provides $36 mil- support that idea. The problem here is tickets to sporting eventsÐincluding $18,000 lion more than was recommended in that we are affecting all of agriculture. for a baseball skybox rental. the President’s budget for this pro- We are affecting wheat and corn and As a remedy, the GAO recommended a gram, which is funded at $188 million. I soybeans and all other agricultural $152 million appropriation. Even if this amend- also understand that a GAO report has products. This is not just directed at ment is adopted, the Insurance Sales Com- raised some concerns about this pro- tobacco. This is directed against crop mission program will still be funded at $174 gram. According to the GAO, in past insurance. millionÐwell above what GAO recommended. years, some of the reimbursements This is the risk management tool, Passage of this amendment is critical to re- have included expenses for a trip to Las Mr. Chairman, that we talked about in ducing teen access to tobacco. The price of Vegas, $22,000, rental of a skybox, the last amendment; here again, no one our failure to do so will be millions of tobacco- $18,000, and fishing in Canada, $44,000. is opposed to increasing WIC. No one is addicted adults, billions of dollars in lost pro- What kind of an America will we opposed to increasing the battle ductivity and health care costs, and leave for our children if we do not take against children smoking and for to- unmeasurable pain and suffering. Let's cut our steps to prevent yet another genera- bacco itself. But in this amendment, losses and support this amendment. tion from becoming addicted to to- maybe mistakenly, we have impacted Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise bacco? Providing the FDA with ade- all of agriculture and, again, we are at- in strong support of the Meehan-Han- quate funds to implement and enforce H5680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 their tobacco initiative will change for Thirty-three State attorneys general have re- section 2 of the Act of August 17, 1961, as the better the landscape of smoking in quested that the FDA receive full funding for amended (15 U.S.C. 713a–11). the United States. the tobacco initiative to help their States fight OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FOR I urge my colleagues to support the to protect kids from tobacco. Today, in our Na- HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT Meehan-Hansen amendment. tion 4.5 million kids age 12 to 17 are current For fiscal year 1998, the Commodity Credit PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY smokers, while smoking among high school Corporation shall not expend more than Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. seniors is at a 17-year high. $5,000,000 for expenses to comply with the re- Since 1991, the answer to the question, quirement of section 107(g) of the Com- Chairman, I have a parliamentary in- prehensive Environmental Response, Com- quiry. ``Have you smoked over the past month,'' the pensation, and Liability Act, as amended, 42 The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman response among eighth graders and tenth U.S.C. 9607(g), and section 6001 of the Re- will state it. graders has increased by almost 50 percent. source Conservation and Recovery Act, as Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. If we do not act to stem the tide of teenage amended, 42 U.S.C. 6961: Provided, That ex- Chairman, with so many of our chil- smokers more than 5 million children under penses shall be for operations and mainte- dren that are 18 years old—— age 18 alive today will die from smoking-relat- nance costs only and that other hazardous The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman ed disease, unless current rates are reversed. waste management costs shall be paid for by will state her inquiry. This amendment will have no effect on indi- the USDA Hazardous Waste Management ap- propriation in this Act. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. vidual farmers. It leaves the Federal Crop In- Chairman, emphasizing the facts of surance Sales Commission Program very well TITLE II how many of our children are smoking, funded by $22 million more than USDA Sec- CONSERVATION PROGRAMS the inquiry is, Mr. Chairman, with so retary Glickman has indicated is needed to ef- OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR many of our children dying from to- fectively fund the crop insurance program. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT bacco, why this debate is limited to 5 The Food and Drug Administration will use For necessary salaries and expenses of the minutes? What are the rules and why the funds made available by this amendment Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Re- are we limited to not allowing the 24 to begin work through training programs for sources and Environment to administer the Members who want to speak on this laws enacted by the Congress for the Forest the half million retailers in this country who sell Service and the Natural Resources Conserva- amendment, why can they not speak tobacco products regarding their responsibil- tion Service, $693,000. on this amendment opposing death by ities under the law regarding tobacco sales to NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE cigarettes to children? minors. CONSERVATION OPERATIONS The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is I thank Congressman MEEHAN for his lead- not stating a parliamentary inquiry. ership in bringing this amendment to the For necessary expenses for carrying out Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. House for adoption to the Agriculture appro- the provisions of the Act of April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a–590f) including preparation of Chairman, why can we not speak be- priation bill. conservation plans and establishment of yond the 5 minutes or the 10 minutes I would like to encourage my colleagues to measures to conserve soil and water (includ- allotted? support this amendment. ing farm irrigation and land drainage and The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman The question is on the amendment such special measures for soil and water has not stated a parliamentary in- offered by gentleman from Massachu- management as may be necessary to prevent quiry. setts [Mr. MEEHAN]. floods and the siltation of reservoirs and to Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- The question was taken; and the control agricultural related pollutants); op- man, I rise in support of the Meehan amend- Chairman announced that the noes ap- eration of conservation plant materials cen- ment to H.R. 2160, the Agriculture Appropria- peared to have it. ters; classification and mapping of soil; dis- semination of information; acquisition of tions Act of 1998. b 1215 lands, water, and interests therein for use in This amendment would transfer $14 million Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I de- the plant materials program by donation, ex- of the excess funds over the Department's re- change, or purchase at a nominal cost not to quest for their Federal Crop Insurance Sales mand a recorded vote. exceed $100 pursuant to the Act of August 3, Commission Program to fully fund the Food The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House 1956 (7 U.S.C. 428a); purchase and erection or and Drug Administration's tobacco initiative. Resolution 193, further proceedings on alteration or improvement of permanent and This transfer of funds from the Federal Crop the amendment offered by the gen- temporary buildings; and operation and Insurance Sales Commission would leave that tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. maintenance of aircraft, $610,000,000, to re- MEEHAN] will be postponed. main available until expended (7 U.S.C. account with 114 percent over the President's 2209b), of which not less than $5,835,000 is for request for that area. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. The Clerk read as follows: snow survey and water forecasting and not The Federal Crop Insurance Sales Commis- less than $8,825,000 is for operation and estab- sion Program reimburses private insurance CORPORATIONS lishment of the plant materials centers: Pro- companies for expenses associated with sell- The following corporations and agencies vided, That appropriations hereunder shall be ing and servicing crop insurance policies. This are hereby authorized to make expenditures, available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250 for con- amendment would leave $22 million in funding within the limits of funds and borrowing au- struction and improvement of buildings and thority available to each such corporation or public improvements at plant materials cen- over the President's request. agency and in accord with law, and to make According to the University of Texas-Hous- ters, except that the cost of alterations and contracts and commitments without regard improvements to other buildings and other ton School of Public Health study titled ``Why to fiscal year limitations as provided by sec- public improvements shall not exceed Kids Start to Smoke,'' the smoking prevalence tion 104 of the Government Corporation Con- $250,000: Provided further, That when build- rates for minorities in Texas are slightly higher trol Act, as amended, as may be necessary in ings or other structures are erected on non- than the national statistics according to Dr. carrying out the programs set forth in the Federal land, that the right to use such land Steven Kelder, assistant professor of behav- budget for the current fiscal year for such is obtained as provided in 7 U.S.C. 2250a: Pro- ioral sciences and principal investigator with corporation or agency, except as hereinafter vided further, That this appropriation shall the Southwest Center for Prevention Research provided. be available for technical assistance and re- at the university. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION FUND lated expenses to carry out programs author- ized by section 202(c) of title II of the Colo- According to Dr. Laura K. McCormick, For payments as authorized by section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amend- rado River Basin Salinity Control Act of smoking is clearly a danger to health, and the 1974, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1592(c)): Provided number of teenagers who do smoke is consid- ed, such sums as may be necessary, to re- main available until expended (7 U.S.C. further, That no part of this appropriation erable. 2209b). may be expended for soil and water conserva- Tobacco use is a problem that starts with tion operations under the Act of April 27, COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION FUND children. Almost 90 percent of adult smokers 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a–590f) in demonstration began smoking at or before age 18. Every day REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES projects: Provided further, That this appro- 3,000 children and adolescents become regu- For fiscal year 1998, such sums as may be priation shall be available for employment necessary to reimburse the Commodity Cred- pursuant to the second sentence of section lar smokers, 1,000 of whom will eventually die it Corporation for net realized losses sus- 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. prematurely because of tobacco use. More tained, but not previously reimbursed (esti- 2225) and not to exceed $25,000 shall be avail- than 5 million children under age 18 alive mated to be $783,507,000 in the President’s fis- able for employment under 5 U.S.C. 3109: Pro- today will die from smoking-related disease cal year 1998 Budget Request (H. Doc. 105–3)), vided further, That qualified local engineers unless current rates are reversed. but not to exceed $783,507,000, pursuant to may be temporarily employed at per diem July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5681 rates to perform the technical planning work TITLE III ther, That agreements entered into or re- of the Service (16 U.S.C. 590e–2): Provided fur- RURAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY newed during fiscal year 1998 shall be funded ther, That the Secretary is authorized to DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS for a five-year period, although the life of transfer ownership of land, buildings and re- any such agreement may be extended to OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR RURAL lated improvements of the plant materials fully utilize amounts obligated. DEVELOPMENT facilities located at Bow, Washington to the MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS Skagit Conservation District. For necessary salaries and expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural De- For grants and contracts pursuant to sec- WATERSHED SURVEYS AND PLANNING velopment to administer programs under the tion 523(b)(1)(A) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 For necessary expenses to conduct re- laws enacted by the Congress for the Rural U.S.C. 1490c), $26,000,000, to remain available search, investigation, and surveys of water- Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooper- until expended (7 U.S.C. 2209b). sheds of rivers and other waterways, and for ative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service small watershed investigations and planning, RURAL COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION GRANTS of the Department of Agriculture, $588,000. in accordance with the Watershed Protection For grants pursuant to section 7 of the Co- and Flood Prevention Act approved August RURAL HOUSING SERVICE operative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 4, 1954, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1001–1009), RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM (Public Law 95–313), $2,000,000 to fund up to 50 $10,000,000: Provided, That this appropriation ACCOUNT percent of the cost of organizing, training, shall be available for employment pursuant (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) and equipping rural volunteer fire depart- ments. to the second sentence of section 706(a) of For gross obligations for the principal the Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2225), and amount of direct and guaranteed loans as au- RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM not to exceed $110,000 shall be available for thorized by title V of the Housing Act of (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) employment under 5 U.S.C. 3109. 1949, as amended, to be available from funds For the cost of direct loans, loan guaran- WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION in the rural housing insurance fund, as fol- tees, agreements, and grants, as authorized OPERATIONS lows: $3,950,000,000 for loans to section 502 by 7 U.S.C. 1926, 42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474, 1479, 1486, For necessary expenses to carry out pre- borrowers, as determined by the Secretary, and 1490(a), except for sections 381E, 381H, ventive measures, including but not limited of which $3,000,000,000 shall be for and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural to research, engineering operations, methods unsubsidized guaranteed loans; $30,000,000 for Development Act, $86,488,000, to remain of cultivation, the growing of vegetation, re- section 504 housing repair loans; $15,000,000 available until expended, for direct loans and habilitation of existing works and changes in for section 514 farm labor housing; loan guarantees for community facilities, use of land, in accordance with the Water- $128,640,000 for section 515 rental housing; community facilities grant program, rural shed Protection and Flood Prevention Act $600,000 for section 524 site loans; $25,000,000 housing for domestic farm labor grants, very approved August 4, 1954, as amended (16 for credit sales of acquired property; and low-income housing repair grants, rural U.S.C. 1001–1005, 1007–1009), the provisions of $587,000 for section 523 self-help housing land housing preservation grants, and compensa- the Act of April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a–f), and development loans. tion for construction defects of the Rural in accordance with the provisions of laws re- For the cost of direct and guaranteed Housing Service: Provided, That the cost of lating to the activities of the Department, loans, including the cost of modifying loans, direct loans and loan guarantees shall be as $101,036,000, to remain available until ex- as defined in section 502 of the Congressional defined in section 502 of the Congressional pended (7 U.S.C. 2209b) of which not more Budget Act of 1974, as follows: section 502 Budget Act of 1974, as amended: Provided fur- than $50,000,000 shall be available for tech- loans, $128,500,000, of which $6,900,000 shall be ther, That the amounts appropriated shall be nical assistance: Provided, That this appro- for unsubsidized guaranteed loans; section transferred to loan program and grant ac- priation shall be available for employment 504 housing repair loans, $10,300,000; section counts as determined by the Secretary: Pro- pursuant to the second sentence of section 514 farm labor housing, $7,388,000; section 515 vided further, That of the total amount ap- 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. rental housing, $68,745,000; credit sales of ac- propriated, not to exceed $1,200,000 shall be 2225), and not to exceed $200,000 shall be quired property, $3,492,000; and section 523 available for the cost of direct loans, loan available for employment under 5 U.S.C. self-help housing land development loans, guarantees, and grants to be made available 3109: Provided further, That not to exceed $17,000. for empowerment zones and enterprise com- $1,000,000 of this appropriation is available to In addition, for administrative expenses munities as authorized by Public Law 103–66: carry out the purposes of the Endangered necessary to carry out the direct and guar- Provided further, That if such funds are not Species Act of 1973 (Public Law 93–205), as anteed loan programs, $354,785,000, which obligated for empowerment zones and enter- amended, including cooperative efforts as shall be transferred to and merged with the prise communities by June 30, 1998, they re- contemplated by that Act to relocate endan- appropriation for ‘‘Rural Housing Service, main available for other authorized purposes gered or threatened species to other suitable Salaries and Expenses.’’ under this head. habitats as may be necessary to expedite MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING GUARANTEES project construction. SALARIES AND EXPENSES For gross obligations for the principal For necessary expenses of the Rural Hous- RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT amount of guaranteed loans for the multi- For necessary expenses in planning and ing Service, including administering the pro- family housing guarantee program as au- grams authorized by the Consolidated Farm carrying out projects for resource conserva- thorized by section 538 of the Housing Act of tion and development and for sound land use and Rural Development Act, as amended, 1949, as amended, $19,700,000. title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amend- pursuant to the provisions of section 32(e) of For the cost of guaranteed loans for the ed, and cooperative agreements, $58,804,000: title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant multi-family housing guarantee program as Provided, That this appropriation shall be Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1010–1011; 76 Stat. authorized by section 538 of the Housing Act available for employment pursuant to the 607), the Act of April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a– of 1949, as amended, including the cost of second sentence of section 706(a) of the Or- f), and the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of ganic Act of 1944, and not to exceed $520,000 (16 U.S.C. 3451–3461), $29,377,000, to remain the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, may be used for employment under 5 U.S.C. available until expended (7 U.S.C. 2209b): Pro- $1,200,000. 3109. vided, That this appropriation shall be avail- RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM able for employment pursuant to the second RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE For rental assistance agreements entered sentence of section 706(a) of the Organic Act RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM into or renewed pursuant to the authority of 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2225), and not to exceed ACCOUNT under section 521(a)(2) or agreements entered $50,000 shall be available for employment (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) under 5 U.S.C. 3109. into in lieu of debt forgiveness or payments for eligible households as authorized by sec- For the cost of direct loans, $16,888,000, as FORESTRY INCENTIVES PROGRAM tion 502(c)(5)(D) of the Housing Act of 1949, as authorized by the Rural Development Loan For necessary expenses, not otherwise pro- amended, $493,870,000; and in addition such Fund (42 U.S.C. 9812(a)): Provided, That such vided for, to carry out the program of for- sums as may be necessary, as authorized by costs, including the cost of modifying such estry incentives, as authorized in the Coop- section 521(c) of the Act, to liquidate debt in- loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the erative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 curred prior to fiscal year 1992 to carry out Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided U.S.C. 2101), including technical assistance the rental assistance program under section further, That these funds are available to and related expenses, $6,325,000, to remain 521(a)(2) of the Act: Provided, That of this subsidize gross obligations for the principal available until expended, as authorized by amount not more than $5,900,000 shall be amount of direct loans of $35,000,000: Provided that Act. available for debt forgiveness or payments further, That through June 30, 1998, of the OUTREACH FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED for eligible households as authorized by sec- total amount appropriated, $3,345,000 shall be FARMERS tion 502(c)(5)(D) of the Act, and not to exceed available for the cost of direct loans for For grants and contracts pursuant to sec- $10,000 per project for advances to nonprofit empowerment zones and enterprise commu- tion 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conserva- organizations or public agencies to cover di- nities, as authorized by title XIII of the Om- tion, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279), rect costs (other than purchase price) in- nibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, to $2,000,000, to remain available until ex- curred in purchasing projects pursuant to subsidize gross obligations for the principal pended. section 502(c)(5)(C) of the Act: Provided fur- amount of direct loans, $7,246,000. H5682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 In addition, for administrative expenses to 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944, and not to water and waste disposal, and solid waste carry out the direct loan programs, $3,482,000 exceed $260,000 may be used for employment management grants of the Rural Utilities shall be transferred to and merged with the under 5 U.S.C. 3109. Service: Provided, That the cost of direct appropriation for ‘‘Rural Business-Coopera- RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE loans and loan guarantees shall be as defined tive Service, Salaries and Expenses.’’ in section 502 of the Congressional Budget RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND Act of 1974, as amended: Provided further, RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS TELECOMMUNICATION LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT PROGRAM ACCOUNT That the amounts appropriated shall be (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) transferred to loan program and grant ac- (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) Insured loans pursuant to the authority of counts as determined by the Secretary: Pro- For the principal amount of direct loans, section 305 of the Rural Electrification Act vided further, That through June 30, 1998, of as authorized under section 313 of the Rural of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 935), shall be the total amount appropriated, $18,700,000 Electrification Act, as amended, for the pur- made as follows: 5 percent rural electrifica- shall be available for the costs of direct pose of promoting rural economic develop- tion loans, $125,000,000; 5 percent rural tele- loans, loan guarantees, and grants to be ment and job creation projects, $25,000,000. communications loans, $75,000,000; cost of made available for empowerment zones and For the cost of direct loans, including the money rural telecommunications loans, enterprise communities, as authorized by cost of modifying loans as defined in section $300,000,000; municipal rate rural electric Public Law 103–66: Provided further, That of 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, loans, $400,000,000; and loans made pursuant the total amount appropriated, not to exceed up to $5,978,000, to be derived by transfer to section 306 of that Act, rural electric, $18,700,000 shall be for water and waste dis- from interest on the cushion of credit pay- $300,000,000 and rural telecommunications, posal systems to benefit the Colonias along ments, as authorized by section 313 of the $120,000,000, to remain available until ex- the United States/Mexico border, including Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amend- pended. grants pursuant to section 306C of the Con- ed, to remain available until expended. For the cost, as defined in section 502 of solidated Farm and Rural Development Act, RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, includ- as amended: Provided further, That of the For rural cooperative development grants ing the cost of modifying loans, of direct and total amount appropriated, not to exceed authorized under section 310B(e) of the Con- guaranteed loans authorized by the Rural $5,200,000 shall be available for contracting solidated Farm and Rural Development Act, Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 with qualified national organizations for a as amended (7 U.S.C. 1932), $3,000,000, of U.S.C. 935 and 936), as follows: cost of direct circuit rider program to provide technical which up to $1,300,000 may be available for loans, $12,461,000; cost of municipal rate assistance for rural water systems: Provided cooperative agreements for appropriate tech- loans, $16,880,000; cost of money rural tele- further, That an amount not less than that nology transfer for rural areas program. communications loans, $60,000; cost of loans available in fiscal year 1997 be set aside and guaranteed pursuant to section 306, made available for ongoing technical assist- RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE ASSISTANCE $2,760,000: Provided, That notwithstanding ance under sections 306(a)(14) (7 U.S.C. 1926) PROGRAM section 305(d)(2) of the Rural Electrification and 310(B)(b) of the Consolidated Farm and (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) Act of 1936, borrower interest rates may ex- Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932): Pro- For the cost of direct loans, loan guaran- ceed 7 percent per year. vided further, That of the total amount ap- tees, and grants, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. In addition, for administrative expenses propriated, not to exceed $8,750,000 shall be 1926, 1928, and 1932, except for sections 381E, necessary to carry out the direct and guar- for water and waste disposal systems pursu- 381H, and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and anteed loan programs, $34,398,000, which shall ant to section 757 of Public Law 104–127. Rural Development Act, $51,400,000, to re- be transferred to and merged with the appro- SALARIES AND EXPENSES main available until expended, for direct priation for ‘‘Rural Utilities Service, Sala- For necessary expenses of the Rural Utili- loans and loan guarantees for business and ries and Expenses.’’ ties Service, including administering the industry assistance and rural business enter- RURAL TELEPHONE BANK PROGRAM ACCOUNT programs authorized by the Rural Elec- prise grants of the Rural Business-Coopera- The Rural Telephone Bank is hereby au- trification Act of 1936, as amended, and the tive Service: Provided, That the cost of direct thorized to make such expenditures, within Consolidated Farm and Rural Development loans and loan guarantees shall be as defined the limits of funds available to such corpora- Act, as amended, and for cooperative agree- in section 502 of the Congressional Budget tion in accord with law, and to make such ments, $33,000,000: Provided, That this appro- Act of 1974, as amended: Provided further, contracts and commitments without regard priation shall be available for employment That $500,000 shall be available for grants to to fiscal year limitations as provided by sec- pursuant to the second sentence of section qualified nonprofit organizations as author- tion 104 of the Government Corporation Con- 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944, and not to ized under section 310B(c)(2) of the Consoli- trol Act, as amended, as may be necessary in exceed $105,000 may be used for employment dated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 carrying out its authorized programs for the under 5 U.S.C. 3109. U.S.C. 1932): Provided further, That the current fiscal year. During fiscal year 1998 Mr. SKEEN (during the reading). Mr. amounts appropriated shall be transferred to and within the resources and authority Chairman, I ask unanimous consent loan program and grant accounts as deter- available, gross obligations for the principal mined by the Secretary: Provided further, that the remainder of the bill, through amount of direct loans shall be $175,000,000. page 47, line 7, be considered as read, That, of the total amount appropriated, not For the cost, as defined in section 502 of to exceed $148,000 shall be available for the the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, includ- printed in the RECORD and open to cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and ing the cost of modifying loans, of direct amendment at any point. grants to be made available for business and loans authorized by the Rural Electrification The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection industry loans for empowerment zones and Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 935), to the request of the gentleman from enterprise communities as authorized by $3,710,000. New Mexico? Public Law 103–66 and rural development In addition, for administrative expenses There was no objection. loans for empowerment zones and enterprise necessary to carry out the loan programs, The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. communities as authorized by title XIII of $3,000,000, which shall be transferred to and The Clerk read as follows: the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of merged with the appropriation for ‘‘Rural TITLE IV 1993: Provided further, That if such funds are Utilities Service, Salaries and Expenses.’’ not obligated for empowerment zones and en- DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS terprise communities by June 30, 1998, they DISTANCE LEARNING AND MEDICAL LINK OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD, remain available for other authorized pur- PROGRAM NUTRITION AND CONSUMER SERVICES poses under this head. For the cost of direct loans and grants, as For necessary salaries and expenses of the authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., as SALARIES AND EXPENSES Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nu- amended, $15,030,000, to remain available trition and Consumer Services to administer For necessary expenses of the Rural Busi- until expended, to be available for loans and the laws enacted by the Congress for the ness-Cooperative Service, including admin- grants for telemedicine and distance learn- Food and Consumer Service, $454,000. istering the programs authorized by the Con- ing services in rural areas: Provided, That CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS solidated Farm and Rural Development Act, the costs of direct loans shall be as defined as amended; section 1323 of the Food Secu- in section 502 of the Congressional Budget (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) rity Act of 1985; the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1974. For necessary expenses to carry out the Act of 1926; for activities relating to the National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et RURAL UTILITIES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM marketing aspects of cooperatives, including seq.), except section 21, and the Child Nutri- economic research findings, as authorized by (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) tion Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), except the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; for For the cost of direct loans, loan guaran- sections 17 and 21; $7,766,966,000, to remain activities with institutions concerning the tees, and grants, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. available through September 30, 1999 of development and operation of agricultural 1926, 1928, and 1932, except for sections 381E, which $2,548,555,000 is hereby appropriated cooperatives; and for cooperative agree- 381H, and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and and $5,218,411,000 shall be derived by transfer ments; $25,680,000: Provided, That this appro- Rural Development Act, $577,242,000, to re- from funds available under section 32 of the priation shall be available for employment main available until expended, for direct Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c): Pro- pursuant to the second sentence of section loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural vided, That none of the funds made available July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5683 under this heading shall be used for studies Amendment No. 12 offered by Mrs. CLAY- Her Social Security payment was in- and evaluations: Provided further, That up to TON: creased by $16. Because of that in- $4,124,000 shall be available for independent Page 49, line 21, insert ‘‘(increased by crease, her food stamp allotment was verification of school food service claims. $2,478,000,000)’’ after the first dollar figure. lowered by $7. Her State then made ad- SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM Page 49, at the end of line 14, add the fol- justments in their Medicaid Program. FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) lowing: Two types of needed medication that For necessary expenses to carry out the Each amount otherwise appropriated in this special supplemental nutrition program as Act (other than this paragraph) is hereby re- had cost her $1 each before, now cost authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutri- duced by 5 percent. her a total of $100. The $16 increase tion Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), $3,924,000,000, Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve cost her a $107 cut in her already paltry to remain available through September 30, a point of order on the gentlewoman’s income. 1999: Provided, That none of the funds made amendment. We may be gliding toward a balanced available under this heading shall be used for The CHAIRMAN. The point of order budget, Mr. Chairman, but many of our studies and evaluations: Provided further, citizens are sliding rapidly to the bot- That up to $12,000,000 may be used to carry is reserved. out the farmers’ market nutrition program Pursuant to House Resolution 193, tom, and this Congress has an obliga- from any funds not needed to maintain cur- the gentlewoman from North Carolina tion to understand what we are doing. rent caseload levels: Provided further, That [Mrs. CLAYTON] and the gentleman The best efforts of the four Presidents notwithstanding sections 17 (g), (h) and (i) of from New Mexico [Mr. SKEEN] will each and thousands of people who were in such Act, the Secretary shall adjust fiscal control 5 minutes. Philadelphia recently talking about year 1998 State allocations to reflect food The gentlewoman from North Caro- voluntarism could not make up the dif- funds available to the State from fiscal year lina [Mrs. CLAYTON] is recognized. ference required in the food banks and 1997 under section 17(i)(3)(A)(ii) and Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Chairman, I 17(i)(3)(D): Provided further, That the Sec- shelters if indeed we do not make that retary shall allocate funds recovered from yield myself such time as I may money available. fiscal year 1997 first to States to maintain consume. It is time for us to stop picking on stability funding levels, as defined by regula- Mr. Chairman, this amendment in- the poor, Mr. Chairman. It is time for tions promulgated under section 17(g), and creases the funding for food stamps by us to understand that we, too, have an then to give first priority for the allocation $2.4 billion in fiscal year 1998. The in- obligation to them. Hunger has a cure, of any remaining funds to States whose fund- crease will result in food stamps being and Congress is part of that remedy. I ing is less than their fair share of funds, as funded at the same level as in fiscal urge my colleagues to consider the defined by regulations promulgated under section 17(g): Provided further, That none of year 1997. This amendment is paid for, needs of the poor and those who receive the funds provided in this account shall be Mr. Chairman, by an across-the-board food stamps. available for the purchase of infant formula decrease of 5 percent on all other ac- Mr. Chairman, I had wanted to make except in accordance with the cost contain- counts, mandatory and discretionary. that point so Congress is aware of our ment and competitive bidding requirements Mr. Chairman, last Congress we responsibility through the food stamp specified in section 17 of the Child Nutrition agreed that our welfare system needed program and how we had been serving Act of 1966: Provided further, That State to be reformed, and we were right, but the food stamp program and what agencies required to procure infant formula reforms should be directed to moving using a competitive bidding system may use those cuts will mean to America. funds appropriated by this Act to purchase people out of poverty, not into poverty. Mr. Chairman, because I know I will infant formula under a cost containment Nutrition programs are essential for have a point of order, I will not call for contract entered into after September 30, the well-being of millions of our citi- a vote, and I ask unanimous consent to 1996 only if the contract was awarded to the zens: the disadvantaged, our children, withdraw my amendment. bidder offering the lowest net price, as de- the elderly and the disabled. The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection fined by section 17(b)(20) of the Child Nutri- These are groups of people who, in to the request of the gentlewoman tion Act of 1966, unless the State agency many instances, cannot provide for from North Carolina? demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Sec- There was no objection. retary that the weighted average retail price themselves and need assistance for for different brands of infant formula in the their basic existence. They do not ask The CHAIRMAN. The amendment is State does not vary by more than five per- for much, just a little help in sustain- withdrawn. cent. ing them through the day, to keep The Clerk will read. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM their children alert in class, or to help The Clerk read as follows: For necessary expenses to carry out the others be productive on their jobs or as COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Food Stamp Act (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), they seek and search for jobs. For necessary expenses to carry out the $25,140,479,000, to remain available through Nutrition programs in many cases commodity supplemental food program as September 30, 1998, in accordance with sec- provide the only nutritious meals that authorized by section 4(a) of the Agriculture tion 18(a) of the Food Stamp Act: Provided, many of our Nation’s poor receive on a and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 That $100,000,000 for the foregoing amount U.S.C. 612c (note) and provide administrative shall be placed in reserve for use only in such daily basis. Many of those I am speak- expenses pursuant to section 204 of the amounts and at such times as may become ing about, far too many, are working Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, necessary to carry out program operations: people, working families. These work- $141,000,000, to remain available through Sep- Provided further, That none of the funds made ing Americans are struggling to make tember 30, 1999: Provided, That none of these available under this heading shall be used for ends meet and still cannot afford to funds shall be available to reimburse the studies and evaluations: Provided further, feed their families. Commodity Credit Corporation for commod- That funds provided herein shall be expended One-fifth of families receiving food ities donated to the program. in accordance with section 16 of the food stamps are working families who have FOOD DONATIONS PROGRAMS FOR SELECTED Stamp Act: Provided further, That this appro- GROUPS priation shall be subject to any work reg- a gross income below the poverty level. For necessary expenses to carry out sec- istration or workforce requirements as may Of the 27 million people served by the tion 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer be required by law: Provided further, That food stamp program, over half, 51 per- Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c (note)), $1,204,000,000 of the foregoing amount shall cent, are children; 7 percent are elder- and section 311 of the Older Americans Act of be available for nutrition assistance for ly. 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3030a), Puerto Rico as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2028: The program allows only 75 cents per $141,165,000, to remain available through Sep- Provided further, That $100,000,000 of the fore- person per meal. When was the last going amount shall be available to carry out tember 30, 1999. the Emergency Food Assistance Program as time any of us had to exist off of 75 AMENDMENT NO. 18 OFFERED BY MR. SANDERS authorized by section 27 of the Food Stamp cents per meal? Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I offer Act. I am concerned that in our zeal to an amendment. AMENDMENT NO. 12 OFFERED BY MRS. CLAYTON balance the budget, we are failing to The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Chairman, I balance our priorities. That failure is ignate the amendment. offer an amendment. demonstrated in a telephone call to my The text of the amendment is as fol- The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- office recently. It was from a woman lows: ignate the amendment. who, having labored for a lifetime, now Amendment No. 18 offered by Mr. SANDERS: The text of the amendment is as fol- lives on her Social Security of $6,500 a Page 51, line 6, insert after the dollar lows: year. amount ‘‘(increased by $5,000,000)’’. H5684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Page 56, line 15, insert after the second dol- eral and local partnership that Con- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, we have lar amount ‘‘(reduced by $5,470,000)’’. gress should be encouraging and look- no further requests for time, and I The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House ing to do more with. It strengthens the yield back the balance of my time. Resolution 193, the gentleman from support of family, friends and neigh- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield Vermont [Mr. SANDERS] and a Member bors. It encourages volunteerism. It is 45 seconds to the gentlewoman from opposed each will control 5 minutes. cost-effective. Florida [Mrs. THURMAN]. Does the gentleman from New Mexico And yet, despite all these positive as- Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Chairman, I [Mr. SKEEN] seek time in opposition to pects, the Meals on Wheels program thank the gentleman from Vermont for the amendment? suffers from a chronic shortage of fund- yielding me this time. Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, yes, I ing. In fact, this problem is starting to Mr. Chairman, no person in this stand in opposition to the amendment. have a tangible effect on the local country should go hungry. For years, The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman level. Congress has shown a bipartisan com- from New Mexico [Mr. SKEEN] will con- Mr. Chairman, I urge all my col- mitment to ensuring adequate nutri- trol 5 minutes. leagues to vote for this amendment. tion for our citizens, especially chil- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield dren and the elderly. We provide assist- from Vermont [Mr. SANDERS]. myself such time as I may consume, ance to those in need through food Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield and rise in opposition to the gentle- stamps and other Federal nutrition 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from New man’s amendment. programs, yet 41 percent of the pro- Jersey [Mr. LOBIONDO] to speak on this This amendment would reduce the grams still have a waiting list. These bipartisan amendment which increases funding for the Food and Drug Admin- are real people. funding for Meals on Wheels. istration and increase funding for the Now, $5 million may sound like too Mr. LOBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I elderly feeding program. And let me much money to some here, it may want to thank the gentleman from say to my colleagues, we have funded sound like too little to make a dif- Vermont [Mr. SANDERS] for his co- the elderly feeding program at the ference to others, but every day mil- operation and work on this very impor- President’s budget request and the lions of people depend on senior nutri- tant amendment. same level as last year. tion programs. Mr. Chairman, in my district the Funding for the operation of this pro- b 1230 Meals on Wheels programs in Cum- gram, also known as Meals on Wheels, berland, Gloucester, Cape May, Atlan- is actually contained in the Labor-HHS According to studies, this $5 million tic, Burlington and Salem Counties appropriations bill. The program is ad- will save $15 million in Medicare, Med- consistently provide a valuable human- ministered through the Department of icaid, VA health cost because under- itarian service to thousands of seniors. Aging, not USDA. USDA has no say or nourished people are less healthy. Typically, the recipients of this service control over the program. All USDA I urge the Members to support this are individuals who are unable to leave does is provide a cash reimbursement amendment. their homes for a variety of reasons, for each meal served. Increasing the Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield sometimes due to chronic illness, funding for this program in this bill 45 seconds to the gentleman from sometimes because of a handicap, will not increase participation in the Michigan [Mr. KILDEE]. sometimes because of a temporary program. The funding level provided in Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank physical ailment. the bill supports the President’s re- the gentleman for yielding me the At a cost of between $5 and $6 per quest. time. meal per day, county employees and We all know how important FDA is Mr. Chairman, one of my highest pri- volunteers, I may stress a large num- to the health and safety of this coun- orities since coming to Congress has ber of volunteers, deliver a meal on try. We have had hundreds of letters been to ensure that our Nation’s elder- weekdays and sometimes on weekends sent to us asking that we increase ly are able to live with dignity. One to the doorsteps of needy senior citi- FDA’s funding for food safety and to- can judge the humanity of any society zens. These meals are hot, well planned bacco regulation enforcement. We have by how it treats its very young, and its and nutritionally balanced. done the best we could to meet every- very old, the most vulnerable in our so- More importantly, Mr. Chairman, one’s needs. The gentleman’s amend- ciety. these programs safeguard the well- ment reduces funding for FDA, which This is personal to me. My own being of local seniors. For instance, will negatively impact these and other mother, who until her death at the age volunteers delivering meals can check safety programs. of 94, 2 years ago, was able to remain in to see if the water is running. They can And let me remind my colleagues our own family home only because of check to see, during this summertime that the elderly feeding program is not the Meals on Wheels Program. And be- when the temperatures are soaring, if authorized, but the committee felt cause of that, she lived with dignity air conditioning is working, if the sen- strong enough to continue its funding and with peace of mind. I think we iors need any help. Library books are and it is funded at the level the Presi- should treat all the people of America often delivered along with the meals. dent says it needs. as I would want my mother treated. And an ambulance can be sent or help I ask that the Members oppose this This is a very important program. It is can be summoned if in fact the volun- amendment, and ask the gentleman fiscally and morally sound. teer determines there is a need. from Vermont to work with the au- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, could I have personally participated in de- thorizing committee to get this pro- I inquire how much time I have re- livering Meals on Wheels with volun- gram reauthorized. maining? teers in the past, and can tell my col- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman leagues from firsthand experience that of my time. from Vermont [Mr. SANDERS] has 30 this is a program that makes a positive Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield seconds remaining. difference to elderly Americans. myself such time as I may consume. Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield As the gentleman from Vermont will What we are trying to do in a biparti- all of 15 seconds to the gentleman from point out, Meals on Wheels is also an san way is to provide $5 million to Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX]. efficient Federal program. For every $1 some of the weakest and most vulner- Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair- spent, $3 are saved on other senior pro- able people in this country, senior citi- man, I rise to support this. This is the grams like Medicare and Medicaid. And zens who are in need of nutrition but better public-private partnership I am as we struggle to find those dollars, I are too weak to get out of their own aware of. Meals on Wheels helps seniors think it is important to note how cost- homes to get it, and we are taking that in every State of the Union. We must effective these are. There are not many money from the salary and expense ac- restore half the cut from last year. Let programs that can match this fiscal count of the FDA. I think it is the us support the Sanders-LoBiondo rate of success. proper thing to do. amendment. Clearly, Mr. Chairman, Meals on Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, I Wheels is the kind of successful Fed- of my time. would just conclude and suggest that July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5685 last year there was a cut in this pro- dent. You * * * will always be remembered A recorded vote was ordered. gram. We are trying to restore half of fondly by our family. Keep up the great work.'' The vote was taken by electronic de- the cut to the weakest and most vul- Mr. Chairman, this program not only makes vice, and there were—ayes 177, noes 248, nerable people in this country. It is the good social policy sense, it also makes excel- not voting 9, as follows: right thing to do. It is a bipartisan ef- lent fiscal policy sense. Every $1 spent on [Roll No. 309] fort. I urge the Members to support it. these senior nutrition programs saves $3 in AYES—177 Mr. Chairman, the elderly nutrition programs Federal Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' Ackerman Gonzalez Nadler funded in this bill, which include Meals on health care costs since malnourished patients Allen Green Neal Wheels and congregate meals are excellent stay in the hospital nearly twice as long a well- Andrews Gutierrez Oberstar examples of good government and common nourished seniors, costing $2,000 to $10,000 Bachus Hall (OH) Obey Baldacci Hansen Olver sense, as well as Federal-State-local and pub- more per stay. Barrett (WI) Harman Ortiz lic-private partnerships. This is exactly the sort Mr. Chairman, this is a modest, compromise Becerra Hayworth Owens of senior citizen program we should be fund- amendment. Last year, the elderly nutrition Bentsen Hinchey Pallone programs in this bill were cut by $10 million, Berman Holden Pappas ing. Therefore, I am delighted to be joined by Bilbray Hooley Pascrell Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. NEY, Mrs. from $150 to $140 million. In my view, that Blagojevich Horn Pastor THURMAN, Mr. FOX, and many more of our col- was a penny-wise, pound-foolish cut to make. Blumenauer Hoyer Payne leagues in offering a compromise amendment Given inflation and the aging of our popu- Borski Jackson (IL) Pelosi Brown (CA) Jackson-Lee Porter to increase funding for these programs by $5 lation, funding for these programs is not keep- Brown (OH) (TX) Quinn million, making up half of the $10 million cut ing pace with either the rising cost of food or Callahan Johnson (CT) Ramstad made last year. the increase in Meals on Wheels customers. Campbell Johnson (WI) Rangel Mr. Chairman, across America today, about Further, when Congress reauthorized the Capps Kanjorski Reyes Cardin Kaptur Riggs 6 million hot Meals on Wheels have been Older Americans Act in 1992, it said the per- Carson Kelly Rivers served to senior citizens who do not have the meal reimbursement rate of these programs Castle Kennedy (MA) Roemer capacity to leave their homes, and another 6 should not fall below 61 cents. Unfortunately, Clay Kennedy (RI) Rothman Conyers Kennelly Roukema million hot meals have been served to lower- the rate has fallen to an estimated 58.5 cents Cook Kildee Roybal-Allard income senior citizens at senior centers and per meal this year, and will fall further if our Coyne Kind (WI) Royce other community locations through the con- amendment is not adopted. Davis (FL) Kleczka Rush gregate program. This amendment is fully paid for with a mod- Davis (IL) Kucinich Sabo Davis (VA) LaFalce Salmon Mr. Chairman, this program is terribly impor- est, 0.6 percent cut in the FDA through its sal- DeFazio Lampson Sanchez tant to millions of Americans. For many recipi- ary and expenses account. I am not here to DeGette Lantos Sanders ents of Meals on Wheels, the driver who deliv- bash the FDA or its hard-working staff, and it Delahunt LaTourette Sawyer ers their meals may be their only visitor, their is not my intent to cut food safety initiatives or DeLauro Leach Scarborough Dellums Levin Schumer only contact with the world, in a given day. tobacco control enforcement activities with this Deutsch Lewis (GA) Serrano The Urban Institute recently estimated that as amendment, but I do believe this $5 million Dickey Lipinski Shays many as 4.9 million seniorsÐabout 16 percent will better serve the country if it is spent on Dicks Lofgren Sherman Dixon Lowey Skaggs of the population aged 60 and olderÐare ei- hot meals for homebound senior citizens rath- Doggett Luther Slaughter ther hungry or malnourished. According to er than administrative expenses at FDA. Doyle Maloney (CT) Smith (NJ) studies from the University of Florida, 89 per- Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Duncan Maloney (NY) Smith (TX) cent of Meals on Wheels recipients are at strong support of the LoBiondo amendment to Engel Markey Smith, Adam English Mascara Smith, Linda moderate to high risk for malnutrition. Meals add $5 million in appropriations for the ex- Ensign Matsui Snowbarger on Wheels and congregate meals help these tremely successful Meals on Wheels Program. Eshoo McCarthy (MO) Stupak Americans stay healthy. Yet, 41 percent of Because of this Federal-State-local pro- Evans McCarthy (NY) Tauscher gram, many home-bound senior citizens in my Fattah McDermott Tierney Meals on Wheels programs nationwide have Fawell McGovern Torres waiting lists todayÐlists of senior citizens who district are able to receive at least one nutri- Filner McHale Traficant go hungry because we are not funding this tious meal daily. Because many seniors on Flake McKinney Velazquez program at an appropriate level. this program have disabilities, the $3 meals Foglietta McNulty Vento Ford Meehan Visclosky Let me also point out that today in America, provided by this program are especially critical Fox Menendez Waters 4 million seniors live in poverty, and another to seniors on a fixed income in Florida, who Frank (MA) Millender- Waxman 16 million are near poverty. Half of our senior live alone or do not have anyone to care for Franks (NJ) McDonald Weldon (PA) them. Frelinghuysen Miller (CA) Wexler citizens in this country live on incomes of Furse Miller (FL) Weygand $15,000 or less per year. As the Appropriations Committee's base bill Gallegly Mink Wise As Mathematica Policy Research found last essentially freezes fiscal year 1998 funding at Gejdenson Moakley Woolsey year, the senior nutrition programs are well- the fiscal year 1997 level, this small increase Gephardt Moran (VA) Yates targeted at poor elderly Americans. The aver- in funding is very important to serve the grow- Gilman Morella age beneficiary of these programs is 77 years ing number of elderly people who qualify for NOES—248 old, and 90 percent of beneficiaries live below the program and to reduce the number of dis- Abercrombie Bryant Cunningham 200 percent of poverty; about 40 percent have abled who are being placed on waiting lists. I Aderholt Bunning Danner Archer Burr Deal subpoverty incomes. commend my colleague from New Jersey for Armey Burton DeLay At this time, Mr. Chairman, I would like to advancing this meritorious amendment. Baesler Buyer Diaz-Balart tell you about how one of my constituents' The CHAIRMAN. The question is on Baker Calvert Dooley lives was saved by a Meals on Wheels driver. the amendment offered by the gen- Ballenger Camp Doolittle Barcia Canady Dreier ANDERS On March 25 of this year, my constituent Cecil tleman from Vermont [Mr. S ]. Barr Cannon Dunn Utley of Barre, VT, fell and broke his hip. Un- The amendment was agreed to. Barrett (NE) Chabot Edwards able to move, he lay on his floor for 5 hours AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. MEEHAN Bartlett Chambliss Ehlers The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- Bass Chenoweth Ehrlich until David Stevens, a Meals on Wheels driver Bateman Christensen Emerson for the Central Vermont Council on Aging, was ness is the demand for a recorded vote Bereuter Clayton Etheridge troubled that Mr. Utley did not answer his on the amendment offered by the gen- Berry Clement Everett door. He had another Council on Aging work- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Bilirakis Clyburn Ewing Bishop Coble Farr er, Kathy Paquet, try to reach Mr. Utley by MEEHAN] on which further proceedings Bliley Coburn Fazio phone, and when they failed they obtained were postponed and on which the noes Blunt Collins Foley help from a neighbor who had a key to Mr. prevailed by a voice vote. Boehlert Combest Forbes The Clerk will redesignate the Boehner Condit Fowler Utley's house. They found him barely con- Bonilla Cooksey Frost scious and called an ambulance. I am pleased amendment. Bonior Costello Ganske to report that Mr. Utley is now doing well in his The Clerk redesignated the amend- Bono Cox Gekas recovery. ment. Boswell Cramer Gibbons Boucher Crane Gilchrest RECORDED VOTE As his son Gayle wrote to the program, Boyd Crapo Gillmor ``Without your help and concern, my father The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Brady Cubin Goode would probably not have survived this acci- been demanded. Brown (FL) Cummings Goodlatte H5686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Goodling McCollum Schaefer, Dan TITLE V modity Credit Corporation Charter Act and Gordon McCrery Schaffer, Bob FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED in conformity with the Federal Credit Re- Goss McDade Scott form Act of 1990, of which not to exceed Graham McHugh Sensenbrenner PROGRAMS $3,231,000 may be transferred to and merged Granger McInnis Sessions FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE AND with the appropriation for the salaries and Gutknecht McIntosh Shadegg GENERAL SALES MANAGER Hall (TX) McIntyre Shaw expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Serv- Hamilton McKeon Shimkus (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) ice, and of which not to exceed $589,000 may Hastings (FL) Meek Shuster For necessary expenses of the Foreign Ag- be transferred to and merged with the appro- Hastings (WA) Metcalf Sisisky ricultural Service, including carrying out priation for the salaries and expenses of the Hefley Mica Skeen title VI of the Agricultural Act of 1954, as Farm Service Agency. Hefner Minge Skelton amended (7 U.S.C. 1761–1768), market develop- Herger Mollohan Smith (MI) EXPORT CREDIT ment activities abroad, and for enabling the Hill Moran (KS) Smith (OR) The Commodity Credit Corporation shall Secretary to coordinate and integrate activi- Hilleary Murtha Snyder make available not less than $5,500,000,000 in ties of the Department in connection with Hilliard Myrick Solomon credit guarantees under its export credit Hinojosa Nethercutt Souder foreign agricultural work, including not to guarantee program extended to finance the Hobson Neumann Spence exceed $128,000 for representation allowances export sales of United States agricultural Hoekstra Ney Spratt and for expenses pursuant to section 8 of the commodities and the products thereof, as au- Hostettler Northup Stabenow Act approved August 3, 1956 (U.S.C. 1766), Houghton Norwood Stearns thorized by section 202 (a) and (b) of the Ag- $135,561,000, of which $3,231,000 may be trans- Hulshof Nussle Stenholm ricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641). Hunter Oxley Stokes ferred from the Export Loan Program ac- EMERGING MARKETS EXPORT CREDIT Hutchinson Packard Strickland count in this Act, and $1,035,000 may be - Hyde Parker Stump transferred from the Public Law 480 program The Commodity Credit Corporation shall Inglis Paul Sununu account in this Act: Provided, That the Serv- make available not less than $200,000,000 in Istook Paxon Talent ice may utilize advances of funds, or reim- credit guarantees under its export guarantee Jefferson Pease Tanner burse this appropriation for expenditures program for credit expended to finance the Jenkins Peterson (MN) Tauzin export sales of United States agricultural John Peterson (PA) Taylor (MS) made on behalf of Federal agencies, public Johnson, E. B. Petri Taylor (NC) and private organizations and institutions commodities and the products thereof to Johnson, Sam Pickering Thomas under agreements executed pursuant to the emerging markets, as authorized by section Jones Pickett Thompson agricultural food production assistance pro- 1542 of Public Law 101–624 (7 U.S.C. 5622 Kasich Pitts Thornberry grams (7 U.S.C. 1736) and the foreign assist- note). Kilpatrick Pombo Thune ance programs of the International Develop- TITLE VI Kim Pomeroy Thurman ment Cooperation Administration (22 U.S.C. King (NY) Portman Tiahrt RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND Kingston Poshard Towns 2392). DRUG ADMINISTRATION Klink Price (NC) Turner None of the funds in the foregoing para- graph shall be available to promote the sale DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN Klug Pryce (OH) Upton SERVICES Knollenberg Radanovich Walsh or export of tobacco or tobacco products. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION Kolbe Rahall Wamp PUBLIC LAW 480 PROGRAM AND GRANT ACCOUNTS LaHood Redmond Watkins SALARIES AND EXPENSES Largent Regula Watt (NC) (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) For necessary expenses of the Food and Latham Riley Watts (OK) For expenses during the current fiscal Drug Administration, including hire and pur- Lazio Rodriguez Weldon (FL) year, not otherwise recoverable, and unre- chase of passenger motor vehicles; for rental Lewis (CA) Rogan Weller covered prior years’ costs, including interest Lewis (KY) Rogers White of special purpose space in the District of Co- thereon, under the Agricultural Trade Devel- Linder Rohrabacher Whitfield lumbia or elsewhere; and for miscellaneous opment and Assistance Act of 1954, as LoBiondo Ros-Lehtinen Wicker and emergency expenses of enforcement ac- amended (7 U.S.C. 1691, 1701–1715, 1721–1726, Lucas Ryun Wolf tivities, authorized and approved by the Sec- Manton Sandlin Wynn 1727–1727f, 1731–1736g), as follows: (1) retary and to be accounted for solely on the Manzullo Sanford Young (FL) $225,798,000 for Public Law 480 title I credit, Secretary’s certificate, not to exceed $25,000; Martinez Saxton including Food for Progress programs; (2) $857,971,000: Provided, That none of these $12,250,000 is hereby appropriated for ocean NOT VOTING—9 funds shall be used to develop, establish, or freight differential costs for the shipment of operate any program of user fees authorized Barton Hastert Schiff agricultural commodities pursuant to title I by 31 U.S.C. 9701. Dingell Livingston Stark of said Act and the Food for Progress Act of Greenwood Molinari Young (AK) In addition to the foregoing amount, not to 1985, as amended; (3) $837,000,000 is hereby ap- exceed $91,204,000 in fees pursuant to section propriated for commodities supplied in con- 736 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic b 1252 nection with dispositions abroad pursuant to Act may be collected and credited to this ap- title II of said Act; and (4) $30,000,000 is here- propriation and shall remain available until Messrs. CONDIT, SNYDER and by appropriated for commodities supplied in expended: Provided further, That fees derived STOKES and Ms. DANNER changed connection with dispositions abroad pursu- from applications received during fiscal year ant to title III of said Act: Provided, That not their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ 1998 shall be subject to the fiscal year 1998 to exceed 15 percent of the funds made avail- Messrs. CLAY, GALLEGLY, limitation. able to carry out any title of said Act may In addition, fees pursuant to section 354 of PAPPAS, SERRANO, RIGGS and be used to carry out any other title of said the Public Health Service Act may be cred- BACHUS changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ Act: Provided further, That such sums shall ited to this account, to remain available to ‘‘aye.’’ remain available until expended (7 U.S.C. until expended. So the amendment was rejected. 2209b). In addition, fees pursuant to section 801 of For the cost, as defined in section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act The result of the vote was announced the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of di- as above recorded. may be credited to this account, to remain rect credit agreements as authorized by the available until expended. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. Agricultural Trade Development and Assist- ance Act of 1954, as amended, and the Food POINT OF ORDER The Clerk read as follows: for Progress Act of 1985, as amended, includ- Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. FOOD PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ing the cost of modifying credit agreements Chairman, I rise to make a point of under said Act, $175,738,000. order against the language in title VI For necessary administrative expenses of In addition, for administrative expenses to of the Agricultural Appropriations Act the domestic food programs funded under carry out the Public Law 480 title I credit this Act, $104,128,000, of which $5,000,000 shall for the Fiscal Year 1998 on page 56 of program, and the Food for Progress Act of the bill, lines 18 through 24, based on be available only for simplifying procedures, 1985, as amended, to the extent funds appro- reducing overhead costs, tightening regula- priated for Public Law 480 are utilized, the ground that this provision con- tions, improving food stamp coupon han- $1,780,000. stitutes legislation in an appropria- dling, and assistance in the prevention, iden- COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT tions bill, in violation of rule XXI, tification, and prosecution of fraud and other clause 2 of the Rules of the House. violations of law: Provided, That this appro- LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) The Prescription Drug User Fee Act, priation shall be available for employment an act within the jurisdiction of the pursuant to the second sentence of section For administrative expenses to carry out 706(a) of the Organic Act of 1944 (7 U.S.C. the Commodity Credit Corporation’s export Committee of Commerce, authorizes 2225), and not to exceed $150,000 shall be guarantee program, GSM 102 and GSM 103, the collection of user fees. However, available for employment under 5 U.S.C. $3,820,000; to cover common overhead ex- this authority expires at the end of the 3109. penses as permitted by section 11 of the Com- fiscal year 1997. This provision of H.R. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5687 2160 would authorize the collection and from the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Cor- SEC. 709. Notwithstanding any other provi- expenditure of these user fees beyond poration) shall be obligated during the cur- sion of this Act, commodities acquired by the year 1997. Therefore, I make a point rent fiscal year for administrative expenses the Department in connection with Commod- of order against the language because as authorized under 12 U.S.C. 2249: Provided, ity Credit Corporation and section 32 price That this limitation shall not apply to ex- support operations may be used, as author- it constitutes legislative language in penses associated with receiverships. ized by law (15 U.S.C. 714c and 7 U.S.C. 612c), an appropriations measure in violation TITLE VII—GENERAL PROVISIONS to provide commodities to individuals in of rule XXI, clause 2. cases of hardship as determined by the Sec- SEC. 701. Within the unit limit of cost fixed The CHAIRMAN. Does any other retary of Agriculture. by law, appropriations and authorizations SEC. 710. None of the funds in this Act shall Member wish to be heard on the point made for the Department of Agriculture for be available to reimburse the General Serv- of order? the fiscal year 1998 under this Act shall be ices Administration for payment of space If not, the Chair is prepared to rule. available for the purchase, in addition to rental and related costs in excess of the As argued by the gentleman from those specifically provided for, of not to ex- amounts specified in this Act; nor shall this North Carolina, the unprotected lan- ceed 394 passenger motor vehicles, of which or any other provision of law require a re- 391 shall be for replacement only, and for the guage on page 56 effectively would ex- duction in the level of rental space or serv- hire of such vehicles. tend statutory authority that would ices below that of fiscal year 1997 or prohibit SEC. 702. Funds in this Act available to the otherwise expire. The language there- an expansion of rental space or services with Department of Agriculture shall be available fore constitutes legislation in violation the use of funds otherwise appropriated in for uniforms or allowances therefor as au- this Act. Further, no agency of the Depart- of clause 2(b) of rule XXI. The point of thorized by law (5 U.S.C. 5901–5902). ment of Agriculture, from funds otherwise order is sustained and the unprotected SEC. 703. Not less than $1,500,000 of the ap- available, shall reimburse the General Serv- paragraph on page 56 is stricken from propriations of the Department of Agri- ices Administration for payment of space the bill. culture in this Act for research and service rental and related costs provided to such work authorized by the Acts of August 14, The Clerk will read. agency at a percentage rate which is greater 1946, and July 28, 1954 (7 U.S.C. 427, 1621–1629), The Clerk read as follows: than is available in the case of funds appro- and by chapter 63 of title 31, United States BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES priated in this Act. Code, shall be available for contracting in For plans, construction, repair, improve- SEC. 711. None of the funds in this Act shall accordance with said Acts and chapter. ment, extension, alteration, and purchase of be available to restrict the authority of the SEC. 704. The cumulative total of transfers fixed equipment or facilities of or used by Commodity Credit Corporation to lease to the Working Capital Fund for the purpose the Food and Drug Administration, where space for its own use or to lease space on be- of accumulating growth capital for data not otherwise provided, $21,350,000, to remain half of other agencies of the Department of services and National Finance Center oper- available until expended (7 U.S.C. 2209b). Agriculture when such space will be jointly ations shall not exceed $2,000,000: Provided, RENTAL PAYMENTS (FDA) occupied. That no funds in this Act appropriated to an SEC. 712. With the exception of grants (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) agency of the Department shall be trans- awarded under the Small Business Innova- For payment of space rental and related ferred to the Working Capital Fund without tion Development Act of 1982, Public Law 97– costs pursuant to Public Law 92-313 for pro- the approval of the agency administrator. 219, as amended (15 U.S.C. 638), none of the grams and activities of the Food and Drug SEC. 705. New obligational authority pro- funds in this Act shall be available to pay in- Administration which are included in this vided for the following appropriation items direct costs on research grants awarded com- Act, $46,294,000: Provided, That in the event in this Act shall remain available until ex- petitively by the Cooperative State Re- the Food and Drug Administration should re- pended (7 U.S.C. 2209b): Animal and Plant search, Education, and Extension Service quire modification of space needs, a share of Health Inspection Service, the contingency that exceed 14 percent of total Federal funds the salaries and expenses appropriation may fund to meet emergency conditions, fruit fly provided under each award. be transferred to this appropriation, or a program, and integrated systems acquisition SEC. 713. Notwithstanding any other provi- share of this appropriation may be trans- project; Farm Service Agency, salaries and sions of this Act, all loan levels provided of ferred to the salaries and expenses appropria- expenses funds made available to county this Act shall be considered estimates, not tion, but such transfers shall not exceed 5 committees; and Foreign Agricultural Serv- limitations. percent of the funds made available for rent- ice, middle-income country training pro- SEC. 714. Appropriations to the Department al payments (FDA) to or from this account. gram. of Agriculture for the cost of direct and DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY New obligational authority for the boll guaranteed loans made available in fiscal weevil program; up to 10 percent of the FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE year 1998 shall remain available until ex- screwworm program of the Animal and Plant pended to cover obligations made in fiscal PAYMENTS TO THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM Health Inspection Service; Food Safety and year 1998 for the following accounts: the FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CORPORATION Inspection Service, field automation and in- rural development loan fund program ac- For necessary payments to the Farm Cred- formation management project; funds appro- count; the Rural Telephone Bank program it System Financial Assistance Corporation priated for rental payments; funds for the account; the rural electrification and tele- by the Secretary of the Treasury, as author- Native American Institutions Endowment communications loans program account; and ized by section 6.28(c) of the Farm Credit Act Fund in the Cooperative State Research, the rural economic development loans pro- of 1971, as amended, for reimbursement of in- Education, and Extension Service; and funds gram account. terest expenses incurred by the Financial As- for the competitive research grants (7 U.S.C. SEC. 715. Such sums as may be necessary sistance Corporation on obligations issued 450i(b)), shall remain available until ex- for fiscal year 1998 pay raises for programs through 1994, as authorized, $7,728,000. pended. funded by this Act shall be absorbed within INDEPENDENT AGENCIES SEC. 706. No part of any appropriation con- the levels appropriated in this Act. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION tained in this Act shall remain available for SEC. 716. (a) COMPLIANCE WITH BUY AMER- For necessary expenses to carry out the obligation beyond the current fiscal year un- ICAN ACT.—None of the funds made available provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, less expressly so provided herein. in this Act may be expended by an entity un- as amended (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), including the SEC. 707. Not to exceed $50,000 of the appro- less the entity agrees that in expending the purchase and hire of passenger motor vehi- priations available to the Department of Ag- funds the entity will comply with sections 2 cles; the rental of space (to include multiple riculture in this Act shall be available to through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1933 (41 year leases) in the District of Columbia and provide appropriate orientation and lan- U.S.C. 10a–10c; popularly known as the ‘‘Buy elsewhere; and not to exceed $25,000 for em- guage training pursuant to Public Law 94– American Act’’). (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS; REQUIREMENT RE- ployment under 5 U.S.C. 3109; $57,101,000, in- 449. SEC. 708. No funds appropriated by this Act GARDING NOTICE.— cluding not to exceed $1,000 for official recep- may be used to pay negotiated indirect cost (1) PURCHASE OF AMERICAN-MADE EQUIPMENT tion and representation expenses: Provided, rates on cooperative agreements or similar AND PRODUCTS.—In the case of any equipment That the Commission is authorized to charge arrangements between the United States De- or product that may be authorized to be pur- reasonable fees to attendees of Commission partment of Agriculture and nonprofit insti- chased with financial assistance provided sponsored educational events and symposia tutions in excess of 10 percent of the total di- using funds made available in this Act, it is to cover the Commission’s costs of providing rect cost of the agreement when the purpose the sense of the Congress that entities re- those events and symposia, and notwith- of such cooperative arrangements is to carry ceiving the assistance should, in expending standing 31 U.S.C. 3302, said fees shall be out programs of mutual interest between the the assistance, purchase only American- credited to this account, to be available two parties. This does not preclude appro- made equipment and products. without further appropriation. priate payment of indirect costs on grants (2) NOTICE TO RECIPIENTS OF ASSISTANCE.— FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION and contracts with such institutions when In providing financial assistance using funds LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES such indirect costs are computed on a simi- made available in this Act, the head of each Not to exceed $34,423,000 (from assessments lar basis for all agencies for which appropria- Federal agency shall provide to each recipi- collected from farm credit institutions and tions are provided in this Act. ent of the assistance a notice describing the H5688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 statement made in paragraph (1) by the Con- SEC. 724. None of the funds appropriated or Member opposed will each control 5 gress. otherwise made available in this Act may be minutes. (c) PROHIBITION OF CONTRACTS WITH PER- expended or obligated to fund the activities The Chair recognizes the gentleman SONS FALSELY LABELING PRODUCTS AS MADE of the Western Director and Special Assist- from Washington [Mr. NETHERCUTT]. IN AMERICA.—If it has been finally deter- ant to the Secretary within the Office of the mined by a court or Federal agency that any Secretary of Agriculture or any similar posi- Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I person intentionally affixed a label bearing a tion. yield myself such time as I may ‘‘Made in America’’ inscription, or any in- SEC. 725. None of the funds made available consume. scription with the same meaning, to any to the Department of Agriculture by this Act Mr. Chairman, I want to join in the product sold in or shipped to the United may be used to acquire new information offering of this amendment with the States that is not made in the United States, technology systems or significant upgrades, gentleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM], the person shall be ineligible to receive any as determined by the Office of the Chief In- contract or subcontract made with funds who authored this amendment ini- formation Officer, without the approval of tially, and the gentleman from Califor- made available in this Act, pursuant to the the Chief Information Officer and the con- debarment, suspension, and ineligibility pro- currence of the Executive Information Tech- nia [Mr. DOOLEY], in restoring the cedures described in sections 9.400 through nology Investment Review Board. funding for two particular offices with- 9.409 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations. SEC. 726. None of the funds in this Act shall in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SEC. 717. Notwithstanding the Federal be used to fund the immediate office of the Incidentally, I had earlier in the full Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, mar- Deputy and Assistant Deputy Administrator committee proposed and had adopted keting services of the Agricultural Market- for Farm Programs within the Farm Service ing Service and the Animal and Plant Health by the full committee an amendment Agency. which struck funding for the Deputy Inspection Service may use cooperative SEC. 727. NONRURAL AREA.—The last sen- agreements to reflect a relationship between tence of section 520 of the Housing Act of and the Assistant Deputy Adminis- the Agricultural Marketing Service or the 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490) is amended by inserting trator for Farm Programs within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service before the period at the end the following: ‘‘, Farm Service Agency. I proposed that and a State or Cooperator to carry out agri- and the City of Galt, California, shall not be amendment and argued in favor of it cultural marketing programs or to carry out considered rural or a rural area for purposes and was successful in getting it put programs to protect the Nation’s animal and of this title’’. plant resources. into this bill because of my dissatisfac- SEC. 718. None of the funds in this Act may Mr. SKEEN (during the reading). Mr. tion, and others within my State, with be used to retire more than 5 percent of the Chairman, I ask unanimous consent the way the Conservation Reserve Pro- Class A stock of the Rural Telephone Bank that the remainder of the bill through gram was administered by this office, or to maintain any account or subaccount page 68, line 16, be considered as read, or these offices, that we were seeking within the accounting records of the Rural printed in the RECORD, and open to to grab the attention of. Telephone Bank the creation of which has amendment at any point. not specifically been authorized by statute: Provided, That notwithstanding any other The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection b 1300 to the request of the gentleman from provision of law, none of the funds appro- In the last signup there was acreage priated or otherwise made available in this New Mexico? Act may be used to transfer to the Treasury There was no objection. across the country earlier this spring permitted to be enrolled in the con- or to the Federal Financing Bank any unob- POINT OF ORDER servation reserve program, which is a ligated balance of the Rural Telephone Bank Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. telephone liquidating account which is in ex- very good program that preserves high- Chairman, I have a point of order. cess of current requirements and such bal- ly erodible land and involves the farm The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman will ance shall receive interest as set forth for fi- service agency and the USDA in mak- state his point of order. nancial accounts in section 505(c) of the Fed- ing sure that highly erodible land is eral Credit Reform Act of 1990. Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. preserved. In my State, relative to SEC. 719. None of the funds made available Chairman, I make a point of order in this Act may be used to provide assistance against section 727 as constituting leg- every other State in the country that to, or to pay the salaries of personnel who islation on an appropriations bill in had enrollments, my State received 21 carry out a market promotion/market access violation of House rule XXI, clause percent of those acres that were sought program pursuant to section 203 of the Agri- to be enrolled were enrolled. That is cultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623) that 2(b). It amends section 520 of the Hous- ing Act of 1949 concerning the defini- compared to my neighboring States of provides assistance to the United States Oregon and Idaho which had about 80 Mink Export Development Council or any tion of rural areas for the purposes of mink industry trade association. providing USDA funds. percent that property that was sought SEC. 720. Of the funds made available by The CHAIRMAN. Does any Member to be enrolled enrolled, and there were this Act, not more than $1,000,000 shall be in addition seek to address the point of problems in the administration of this used to cover necessary expenses of activi- program around the country and other ties related to all advisory committees, pan- order? If not, the Chair is prepared to rule. States as well, but it has been dis- els, commissions, and task forces of the De- satisfactory to the members of the mi- partment of Agriculture except for panels The unprotected general provision in used to comply with negotiated rule makings section 727 of the bill proposes a direct nority as well as members of the ma- and panels used to evaluate competitively change in the Housing Act of 1949. The jority. awarded grants. provision is therefore legislation in So my efforts in the full committee SEC. 721. None of the funds appropriated or violation of clause 2(b) of rule XXI. The were to bring attention to what we ex- otherwise made available by this Act shall pect to have as legislators, the fair ad- be used to pay the salaries and expenses of point of order is sustained and section 727 is stricken from the bill. ministration of a program that is good personnel who carry out an export enhance- for the country, and I had not felt that ment program if the aggregate amount of AMENDMENT NO. 9 OFFERED BY MR. funds and/or commodities under such pro- NETHERCUTT our State was treated fairly. So I gram exceeds $205,000,000. Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I looked for many options and found SEC. 722. No employee of the Department of offer an amendment. that this was perhaps the only option Agriculture may be detailed or assigned that we had at the time and wanting to from an agency or office funded by this Act The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- ignate the amendment. make sure that there is a fair adminis- to any other agency or office of the Depart- tration of the conservation reserve pro- ment for more than 30 days unless the indi- The text of the amendment is as fol- vidual’s employing agency or office is fully lows: gram for all States, not the least of which is my own. reimbursed by the receiving agency or office Amendment No. 9 offered by Mr. After conferring with the gentleman for the salary and expenses of the employee NETHERCUTT: Strike section 726 (page 68, for the period of assignment. lines 8 through 11), regarding limitation on from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM], conferring SEC. 723. None of the funds appropriated or the use of funds for immediate office of the with the gentleman from California otherwise made available to the Department Deputy and Assistant Deputy Administrator [Mr. DOOLEY], and having several good of Agriculture shall be used to transmit or for Farm Programs within the Farm Service conversations with the Secretary of otherwise make available to any non-Depart- Agency. ment of Agriculture employee questions or Agriculture this week and previously, responses to questions that are a result of in- The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House it was my judgment that based on as- formation requested for the appropriations Resolution 193, the gentleman from surances that we received that there is hearing process. Washington [Mr. NETHERCUTT] and a going to be fair treatment of all States July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5689 in the next signup, which we expect to If not, the question is the amend- Let me just say parenthetically the be September, not the least again of ment offered by the gentleman from $1.5 million will go a long ways. It does which is my own State, and under- Washington [Mr. NETHERCUTT]. not represent the total amount of mon- standing that the Congress and Mem- The amendment was agreed to. eys we need to represent. It goes a long bers of Congress who are in farm-af- AMENDMENT NO. 35 OFFERED BY MR. WYNN ways to represent what we need, but it fected States will have the ability to Mr. WYNN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an does not represent the entirety. I think talk with the Secretary and the agency amendment. the department said they needed at and have input as to a fair signup ratio The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- least $3 million. so that we do not have these terrible ignate the amendment. So I want to think this is a step in disparities that in my opinion are very The text of the amendment is as fol- the right direction. We need a few more unfair to my own State and others, I lows: steps before indeed we have enough felt it was appropriate that at this Amendment No. 35 offered by Mr. WYNN: funds to do the kind of investigation time I join with the gentleman from On page 68, after line 16, add the following that is warranted to make sure those Texas [Mr. STENHOLM] and the gen- new section: persons who have complaints have tleman from California [Mr. DOOLEY] ‘‘SEC. . For an additional amount for the purposes provided for under the heading ‘De- their complaints investigated properly. and others who objected to my ap- Mr. WYNN. Mr. Chairman, I want to proach and the tactics we used to draw partmental Administration’ in Title I of this Act, $1,500,000, and the amount provided thank the gentlewoman from North attention to this disparity, that we go under ‘National Agricultural Statistics Serv- Carolina for her outstanding work on ahead and do this now and that we ice’ is hereby reduced by $1,500,000.’ ’’ this measure. I do not believe we have allow this bill to proceed The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House any speakers in support of the amend- unencumbered. Resolution 193, the gentleman from ment. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that the Maryland [Mr. WYNN] and a Member Secretary is in my State today meet- Mr. Chairman, on that basis I yield opposed each will control 5 minutes. ing with our farmers, addressing their back the balance of my time. The Chair recognizes the gentleman concerns, and I think there is more to Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in from Maryland [Mr. WYNN]. support of the amendment offered by do. We need to make sure that the Mr. WYNN. Mr. Chairman, I yield farmers from the districts of the gen- the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. myself such time as I may consume. WYNN] to say that there have been sev- tleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM] and I am delighted to be offering this the gentleman from California [Mr. eral versions of this amendment and amendment this afternoon along with some of the other ones had scoring DOOLEY] and the gentleman from Min- my colleague the gentlewoman from nesota [Mr. PETERSON] and other farm- problems and this latest version ap- North Carolina [Mrs. CLAYTON] and the pears budget-neutral and I will be ers, Members who represent farmers, gentleman from Alabama [Mr. have their needs met so that there is a happy to accept the amendment. HILLIARD]. I am also pleased to have fair administration of this program. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on been able to work with the subcommit- The bureaucracy sometimes gets out of the amendment offered by the gen- tee chairman, the gentleman from New control and is unwilling to be fair and tleman from Maryland [Mr. WYNN]. Mexico [Mr. SKEEN]. I want to thank unwilling to change its mind, I shall The amendment was agreed to. him for his cooperation in helping me say more accurately. But nevertheless, The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read with this amendment. Richard Neumann, who is the deputy the last three lines. This is a very simple amendment. It administrator for farm programs, I be- seeks to add $1.5 million to the Depart- The Clerk read as follows: lieve is a fine person, and understand- ment of Agriculture’s civil rights divi- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Agriculture, ing a little more about this amend- sion. The purpose of this amendment Rural Development, Food and Drug Adminis- ment, my sense is that he was not in- tration, and Related Agencies Appropria- and these additional funds is basically volved in this decision or what I per- tions Act, 1998’’. to assist the civil rights division in ad- ceive to be a failure on the part of the dressing its backlog of equal oppor- AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. COX OF Department to correct the mistake. So CALIFORNIA tunity claims. I have since learned that he is a fine Many of us on both sides of the aisle Mr. COX of California. Mr. Chairman, person and a high-quality adminis- have said it is absolutely important I offer an amendment. trator. But I think there has to be that we address the problem of dis- The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- more work done at the assistant dep- crimination with our existing EEO ignate the amendment. uty administrator’s office. I know laws. These additional funds will en- The text of the amendment is as fol- these Federal employees are trying able us to do that in an efficient way. lows: their best in this very difficult bill to Amendment offered by Mr. COX of Califor- implement, but, by golly, I think that The Secretary has said that with addi- tional funds he can address the backlog nia: At the end of the bill, insert after the the rest of us in Congress and people last section (preceding the short title) the who care about farmers and agriculture with additional investigators and we can begin to move forward in resolving following new section: have the right to expect high standards SEC. 728. None of the funds appropriated or and high responsibility on the part of these complaints. otherwise made available by this Act may be all Federal agencies. We also have concerns about the made available to provide assistance to the Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, will the problems and the plight of the black Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, ex- gentleman yield? farmers in America, and these funds cept for assistance that is provided to needy Mr. NETHERCUTT. I yield to the will also enable some of those concerns people by the United Nations World Food gentlewoman from Ohio. to be addressed. Program or private voluntary organizations Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I want- So I believe there is bipartisan sup- registered with the United States Agency for International Development, and not by the ed to say to the gentleman how im- port for this approach, and I am pleased to be here, as I say, with the Government of the Democratic People’s Re- pressed I am and our Members are on public of Korea. the manner in which you conducted gentlewoman from North Carolina yourself on this issue. I think the citi- [Mrs. CLAYTON]. The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House zens of the State of Washington are ex- Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentle- Resolution 193, the gentleman from tremely well represented, and I want to woman from North Carolina [Mrs. California [Mr. COX] and a Member op- thank the gentleman for the manner in CLAYTON]. posed each will control 5 minutes. which he has operated in order to bring Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Chairman, I The Chair recognizes the gentleman his concerns to the Department. want to commend the leadership of the from California [Mr. COX]. Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I gentleman from Maryland [Mr. WYNN] Mr. COX of California. Mr. Chairman, thank the gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. and thank both the chair of the sub- I yield myself such time as I may KAPTUR] and cosponsors of this amend- committee and our ranking member of consume. ment. the subcommittee for both of them Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be of- The CHAIRMAN. Does any Member agreeing that this is the right thing to fering this amendment with my col- seek time in opposition? do. league from Ohio [Mr. HALL]. I am H5690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 pleased because this is a completely bi- U.S. taxpayers to foot the bill for as- danger the 37,000 American troops who partisan amendment and one that I ex- sistance that ultimately is controlled safeguard South Korea’s borders. They pect will be supported by Members on by Kim Jong-il: $83 million recently for predict it would send millions of refu- both sides. a mausoleum for Kim il-Sung, the gees fleeing into South Korea and The purpose of the amendment is great leader, the great Stalinist; $134 China, and that only a $1 trillion in- simple, to ensure that the United million for the dear leader’s own resi- vestment would prevent it. No one ex- States of America, while doing all that dence, for Kim Jong-il’s own humble pects South Korea would bail out it can to assist starving people victim- abode; $6 million to embalm Kim il- North Korea on its own. I am sure none ized by the horrifying manmade famine Sung; millions more just 2 weeks ago of us wants to see the United States caused by a half century of Stalinist for nationwide ceremonies to honor facing that kind of a bill. agriculture policies in North Korea, Kim il-Sung. Most experts say that the best hope does not empower the dear leader, Kim No wonder Jim Lilley, our former today is for reforms that will bring to Jong-il. North Korea is one of the Ambassador to South Korea, has de- North Korea the prosperity and stabil- worst pariah states on Earth. North scribed these massive expenditures ity that has made South Korea the Korea spends over $5 billion a year which dwarf our food aid as a veritable world’s 11th largest economy. The militarizing itself. It is one of the most death cult. shape of this reunification is the topic controlled societies on Earth, and the It is for these reasons that the gen- of considerable debate among experts starvation caused by its Communist tleman from Ohio, Mr. TONY HALL, and here and in South Korea. But all agree government and by those Communist I have developed a bipartisan com- that those changes start with peace. government policies is horrific. promise that permits the administra- Undercutting American foreign pol- We have, of late, been providing tion to continue its policy but safe- icy now may make some Members of through the United Nations and non- guards the delivery of this food so that the House feel good, but it is the wrong governmental organizations assistance the military may not receive it and the thing to do and it is potentially a dan- to starving people in North Korea, but government of North Korea may not gerous course. The right thing to do is we are distressed to learn that this aid deliver it. By cutting them out of this to support the approach the United is not reaching its intended bene- process, the amendment will decrease States and allies are taking. ficiaries all too often. the risk that Kim Jong-il’s military I have seen the conditions in North North Korea’s chief ideologist, government will succeed in diverting Korea, and I believe they are as des- Hwang Jang-yop, defected to South the food the United States sends to perate as the dozens of international Korea this year, and on July 10 he gave North Korea or manipulating its dis- and nongovernmental organizations a news conference. He told the world tribution. working there constantly report that that Kim Jong-il uses food to control Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance they are. I have watched the humani- people. U.S. taxpayers and the United of my time. tarian approach to this difficult situa- States of America’s policy ought not to The CHAIRMAN. Does any Member tion, and I believe it should be support that. What he said at his press seek time in opposition to the amend- strengthened and not weakened. It is conference was that North Korea con- ment offered by the gentleman from the innocent people in North Korea trols people with food, North Korea California [Mr. COX]? who suffer, and that is the group I am controls the entire country and people If not, the Chair recognizes the gen- interested in, not the military. I sup- with food distribution. In other words, tleman from Ohio [Mr. HALL], to con- port this amendment and I urge the the food distribution is a means of con- trol the 5 minutes in opposition. House to support it. trol, quote, unquote. Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, this Mem- Observers report that Kim Jong-il is yield myself such time as I may ber would congratulate the gentleman from practicing regional triage, sealing off consume. California [Mr. COX] and the gentleman from the hardest-hit regions in the north Mr. Chairman, I certainly rise in sup- Ohio [Mr. HALL] for working so diligently on and northeast and leaving them to port of this amendment. It is not a per- this issue. The compromise is a good one, starve so that he can feed the elites, in fect amendment, but it brings the bill and this Member certainly supports it. particular the military. Kim Jong-il in line with a long and proud American This Member had tried to be helpful in the has spent tens of millions of dollars in tradition, and that is extending hu- effort to reach common language on the North a successful effort to develop medium- manitarian aid to people who are fac- Korean famine, and was prepared to offer a range missiles. He is spending many ing starvation. Not one jot of food second degree amendment that would have millions more to develop long-range should be used to feed North Korea’s reflected the view that has been expressed in missiles. We heard testimony in Feb- standing army, and under the current the Committee on International Relations. ruary of this year that North Korea approach the food we donate to the While the Parliamentarian ruled that the Inter- was on a military shopping spree for world food program is reaching the pro- national Relations Committee's language aircraft and air defense systems, sub- gram is reaching the children and ordi- would have been authorizing in an appropria- marines, landing ships, and automatic nary civilians who are facing starva- tion bill and was not in order. This Member weapons. This year he ordered a mas- tion, and that is verified by independ- would note, however, the intention of the Inter- sive series of war-fighting exercises ent monitors. national Relations Committee to move its that consumed huge amounts of food The policy we are pursuing towards North Korea policy language as part of the and fuel. North Korea is one we have painstak- Foreign Assistance Act. This Member will dis- General Shalikashvili, the outgoing ingly coordinated with our allies in cuss the components of the Bereuter perfect- chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, South Korea. I believe it offers the best ing amendment momentarily. noted this recent increase in North hope for making sure our humanitarian Certainly it can be agreed that this Nation Korea military exercises and asked, aid does not help North Korea’s mili- should be willing to provide food to starving If they are in such great difficulty, and if tary. women and children, regardless of the des- they are in need of assistance, why are they picable nature of the regime under which they b spending their resources on this kind of exer- 1315 live. And, there is no more heinous regime cising? You have to ask yours. In a few weeks, North Korea and than that of the Democratic People's Republic Secretary of Defense Cohen recently China are meeting South Korea and the of Korea. It is perhaps the last Stalinist re- stated that North Korea is seeking food United States for peace talks. Negotia- gime, and certainly one of the most brutal re- to keep its citizenry fed while its mili- tions to arrange these talks took more gimes that ever has existed. tary continues to function and soak up than a year. They offer the first real As chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia what limited sources they have. So in promise for peace in nearly five dec- and the Pacific of the International Relations the view of the Secretary of Defense, ades, since the Korean war ended. Committee, this Member has conducted three we are indirectly subsidizing the North But now, nearly 50 years later, the hearings and countless briefings on the situa- Korean military. best hope is not for a collapse of North tion in North Korea in the last several years. Other expenditures by Kim Jong-il Korea’s regime. Observers say that al- The subcommittee has followed this issue very should also give us pause as we ask most certainly this would almost en- carefully. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5691 Certainly there is starvationÐsome of it as The CHAIRMAN. The question is on nership with the tobacco industry. We the result of unprecedented flooding, but most the amendment offered by gentleman must stop using taxpayer dollars to due to the utterly incomprehensible and coun- from California [Mr. COX]. subsidize a product that kills millions terproductive agricultural policies of the North The question was taken; and the of adults, addicts our kids, and costs Korean Government. This Member would tell Chairman announced that the ayes ap- billions a year in health care. his colleagues that this famine is largely Gov- peared to have it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance ernment-induced, and not the result of natural Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I de- of my time. catastrophe. But the famine is real. We have mand a recorded vote. Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield reliable reports of women and children eating The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to rule myself such time as I may consume. grass and tree bark. The famine is so bad that 193, further proceedings on the amend- Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to many industries have simply ceased to exist ment offered by the gentleman from the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- because the workers no longer have the en- California [Mr. COX] will be postponed. sent that one-half of my time be yield- ergy to perform even the most simple tasks. AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MRS. LOWEY ed to the gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. When the United States began working with Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer KAPTUR], and that she be allowed to the World Food Programme to provide human- an amendment. further yield time. itarian food aid to the North, this Member, to- The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- gether with the distinguished chairman of the The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection ignate the amendment. to the request of the gentleman from International Relations Committee, Mr. GIL- The text of the amendment is as fol- New Mexico? MAN, and the distinguished ranking member, lows: There was no objection. Mr. HAMILTON, set forth certain criteria that Amendment No. 3 offered by Mrs. LOWEY: The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman were absolute preconditions for any U.S. food At the end of the bill, insert after the last from Ohio [Ms. KAPTUR] will control 71⁄2 aid program. These included: One, assurance section the following new section: minutes, and the gentleman from New that our South Korean allies were consulted SEC. . None of the funds made available in Mexico [Mr. SKEEN] will control 71⁄2 and supportive of the food aid deliveries; two, this Act may be used to provide or pay the salaries of personnel who provide crop insur- minutes. assurance that previous food aid and official The Chair recognizes the gentle- confessional food deliveries have not been di- ance or noninsured crop disaster assistance for tobacco for the 1998 or later crop years. woman from Ohio [Ms. KAPTUR]. verted to the military; three, North Korean mili- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House tary stocks have been tapped to respond to 11⁄2 minute to the gentleman from Resolution 193, the gentlewoman from the North Korean unmet food needs; four, the North Carolina [Mr. PRICE]. New York [Mrs. LOWEY] and a Member World Food Programme would have the mon- (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked opposed will each control 15 minutes. itors on the ground to oversee the delivery and was given permission to revise and The Chair recognizes the gentle- and ensure that food aid is not diverted from extend his remarks.) the intended recipients; and five, that the Unit- woman from New York [Mrs. LOWEY]. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. ed States Government encourage the North Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Korean Government to undertake a fundamen- myself such time as I may consume. Lowey-DeGette amendment. tal restructuring of its agricultural system. The bipartisan Lowey-DeGette-Han- Mr. Chairman, I am not a reflexive These basic, commonsense conditions are sen-Meehan-Smith amendment will defender of the tobacco industry. I the essence of the Bereuter second degree eliminate Federally-based crop insur- favor effective public health and edu- amendment that this gentleman would have ance for tobacco and begin to get the cation measures, and I wish Joe Camel been prepared to offer had it been ruled in Federal Government out of the tobacco good riddance. But I find this amend- order. business for good. According to the ment deeply offensive, punitive, and These types of basic conditions were CBO, this amendment will save tax- unfair, and I hope fair-minded col- deemed necessary because, in the past, food payers at least $34 million. leagues will hear me out before they aid deliveries had in fact been diverted by the Tobacco products kill 400,000 Ameri- reflexively support it. North Korean military. This Member would cans each year. Every day more than Crop insurance is a protection that hasten to point out that U.S. humanitarian as- 3,000 American teenagers start smok- we offer to farmers of all major crops, sistance was not diverted, but significant diver- ing. One in three will die from cancer, as determined by yield, demand, and sions of assistance from other countries has heart disease, and other illnesses value. This amendment would stig- been detected. caused by smoking. American tax- matize and deny this protection to one It would be entirely unacceptable if the payers should not be subsidizing this group of farmers. It targets the people North Korean military were to benefit from our deadly product. who farm, punishing them for the crop humanitarian outpouring of good will. This The Federal Government is spending which they are able to grow by virtue body must be vigilant against this possibility. millions on crop insurance for tobacco; of climate and geography and the size The Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee and at the same time, we are spending al- of their farms. If that is not discrimi- the International Relations Committee are most $200 million to warn Americans nation, if that is not unfairness, I working very closely with the administration to about the dangers of tobacco and pre- would like to know what name you ensure that these conditions have been met. vent its use. It is time for this hypoc- would put on it? We have taken steps to ensure that the ad- risy to end. We must make our agricul- Mr. Chairman, in North Carolina, the climate ministration dramatically increases the number tural policy consistent with our public and soil are ideal for growing tobacco. Many of trained monitors on the ground to supervise health policy. of our farms are successfully diversifying, and the dispersal of food assistance. The Inter- Mr. Chairman, opponents of this we are attracting light industry to the country- national Relations Committee also has been amendment will say that we are deny- side. But with an average size farm of just 160 working with excellent organizations such as ing a service to tobacco growers that is acres, our farmers don't have the luxury of Catholic Relief Services and CARE to ensure available to all other farmers. That is enough acreage to make a living planting only that the monitoring teams are adequate to per- simply not true. Only 65 of nearly 1,600 corn or cotton or soybeans; they have to make form the tasks they have been assigned. We crops grown in the United States are their living with what is theirs to work. continue to work with the administration, and eligible for Federal crop insurance; Denying crop insurance or disaster this Member can assure his colleagues that honey, broccoli, watermelon, squash, relief to these individuals will not the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee and cherries, cucumbers, not covered. change their geography or climate or the International Relations Committee are fol- Opponents of this amendment will the economic facts of life. It will not lowing this extremely important matter very, also say that it will hurt small tobacco miraculously enable them to turn to very closely. farmers. But what they do not tell us is some other crop or other line of work. Again, this Member commends the gentle- that tobacco is one of the most lucra- It will simply ruin many of them eco- men for crafting an amendment that address- tive crops in America. An acre of to- nomically, especially those on the mar- es the very real famine in North Korea while bacco yields a 1,000-percent higher gins of profitability, those on the small at the same time addressing the legitimate se- price than an acre of corn. Today we farms. curity concern that we not provide comfort to have an historic opportunity to dis- The burden of proof is on those who the North Korean military. solve the Federal Government’s part- would withdraw crop insurance for one H5692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 and only one group of farmers. The bacco farmers for punishment. Second, Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Lowey amendment has nothing to do it undermines the Federal crop insur- minute to the gentleman from North with smoking and health, everything ance program, which we have discussed Carolina [Mr. COBLE]. to do with driving the small farmer off here at great length under the other Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the land and hastening the day of cor- two amendments. Finally, and most the gentleman. Here we are, Mr. Chair- porate and contract farming. To stig- importantly, this does absolutely noth- man, on our perennial trip to the whip- matize a group and exclude them from ing to stop people from smoking. ping post. Who is to be whipped? To- a common benefit simply because of Mr. Chairman, if there is an effort bacco, of course, men and women who the size of their farm, their climate, here sincerely to stop people from work 14 to 16 hours a day to get their their geography, and what they grow, smoking, I will join it. But I am not crop to the barn and then to the mar- is the sort of discrimination we would here to punish farmers. I am here to ket to make lives better for their chil- reject out of hand in other realms. I protect farmers. Listen to this, Mr. dren, workers who are employed at urge my colleagues to reject it here. Chairman: 124,000 farms in 21 States Lorillard in my hometown, nearby Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 grow tobacco, 90,000 tobacco policies Phillip Morris, Reynolds, and Leggett, minutes to the distinguished gentle- are under the crop insurance program formerly, until American was forced to woman from Washington [Mrs. LINDA of over $1 billion. To say that this close their doors. And finally, the com- SMITH], a cosponsor of the amendment amendment does not hurt farmers, lis- panies are to be whipped because they and a fighter on antitobacco programs. ten to those numbers. pay a million dollars of taxes to local Mrs. LINDA SMITH of Washington. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I am and State governments, to enable these governments to extend services to Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- thousands of citizens. amendment. I think the major argu- tlewoman from Colorado [Ms. ment before us today will be that it is DEGETTE], a proud cosponsor of the b 1330 discrimination if we do not subsidize amendment. Tobacco, Mr. Chairman, has tradi- tobacco. I want to stand here before Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Chairman, in 1989 tionally been known as the golden Members and tell them, there is only a Pat Rose died of lung cancer after weed in my part of the country. One handful of crops that qualify for Fed- smoking for 38 years, starting at the would think to hear this rhetoric in eral crop insurance, only a handful, age of 16. Pat Rose was my mother, and this hall that the weed was scarlet, the less than 65. she left behind me and my four young- color of sin. Protect the golden weed. Mr. Chairman, I believe if people er siblings. Millions of Americans like That is all we are asking. This is un- look to their own States and find out my family are affected every year by conscionable what is being done here which crops are not insured, they will smoking, and a new study shows that today, Mr. Chairman. I urge my col- find that good crops, like in the State thousands of kids in this country every leagues to oppose the amendment of of Washington, peaches, berries, cher- year die because of direct or indirect my friend from New York and see it go ries, Christmas trees, alfalfa forage, effects of smoking. down in flames. are not insured. I would beg Members The United States recognizes that Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 to go back to find out which crops in smoking is not good for our children or minute to the distinguished gentleman their State are discriminated against our families, which is why last year we from Utah [Mr. HANSEN], a cosponsor of as they are voting for certain States to spent $200 million trying to get Ameri- this amendment. get preference. cans to stop smoking. Paradoxically, (Mr. HANSEN asked and was given Let us look at the benefits of a last year we also spent $80 million for permission to revise and extend his re- peach. A peach is good for a kid. Now tobacco crop insurance. This is a policy marks.) let us look at the benefits of tobacco. that is schizophrenic and must change Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Chairman, here we Tobacco kills kids. Where is the value now. go again, confusing the public. I have for America? I looked up the amount of never seen anything that confuses the Let us debunk some myths, first of money pumped into this place for cam- public more than what we are doing all. Members have heard that not every paigns in the month of June. I did not right now. We spend $177 million to farmer has crop insurance. Only about see a whole lot from peaches. But I warn people of the use of this tobacco 65 of the 1,600 crops grown in this coun- sure saw a whole lot from tobacco. product. Then on the other hand here try receive it. Healthy crops, as Mem- Why would tobacco think, up against we are guaranteeing to subsidize the bers have heard, do not get a dime of this vote, that they had to pump hun- product. dreds of thousands, yes, millions of dol- Federal crop insurance, yet tobacco It is interesting, another statistic lars into campaigns of people incum- crops, which have no nutritional value, that I recently pulled out. We are bent in Congress? I did not see them obtained this insurance. When our spending $50 billion in health care in walking down the streets handing out amendment passes, tobacco farmers America to take care of this particular checks to the tourists. I did not see can still obtain crop insurance, just product. But we are still going to sub- them mailing them to people in my not at the Government’s expense. sidize it. We confuse the public a little home district. But they do report that I daresay that as we move from to- more. We now find out that more lives they have given hundreds of thousands bacco in this country, we need to spend are lost due to this product than mur- to this body in the month of June, an- our time not arguing about whether we der, suicide, AIDS, alcohol and car ac- ticipating this vote. should grow it, but helping these small cidents combined. Still here we go I would beg Members to go home and farmers to find alternative sources of again, let us subsidize the product. look at their priorities, look at the income. I am very sympathetic with Is it a lucrative product? You bet it crops that are being discriminated the small farmers. I think we need to is. This amendment that we are work- against in their State, and then justify support their ability to move into ing on does not affect the no net cost to their constituents why they voted to healthy crops. I also daresay there are tobacco price support program for Fed- subsidize tobacco. many small tobacco farmers who are eral Extension Services. Tobacco farm- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 killed by the effects of smoking and ers are still able to grow tobacco and minute to the gentleman from Oregon whose families are affected by smoking will still be able to sell it to the to- [Mr. SMITH]. as well. bacco companies. This amendment is Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to think simply putting our agricultural policy I rise in opposition to this amendment, about our constituents, our friends and in line with our health policy. I urge and to all the tobacco growers in Or- our families who are struck every year support for the amendment. egon, I want to explain why. By the with the effects of tobacco, and the Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield way, we do not have tobacco growers in fact that smoking is increasing more 1 minute to the gentleman from North Oregon. than 50 percent among 8th through 10th Carolina [Mr. MCINTYRE]. First of all, Mr. Chairman, there are graders. We must do everything in our (Mr. MCINTYRE asked and was given three reasons here that this is a bad power to discourage tobacco and to permission to revise and extend his re- idea. One, it unfairly singles out to- help the small farmers. marks.) July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5693 Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, if the smoked. The only thing that will come close out entire tobacco fields across the region in idea today is to do away with the to- to disappearing is the already endangered all eight of the counties which I represent. The family farm. bacco industry and smoking, this delicate nature of tobacco requires that farm- amendment will not work. All it will To paraphrase ShakespeareÐand I can say ers secure insurance in order to receive oper- do is take some hard-working families this as a lawyerÐthe proponents of this awful, ating loans that many farmers rely on for the from their farms. unfair, ugly amendment ought to say, ``The funding necessary to initiate planting each The only victims of this scheme are first thing let's do is to kill all the farmers,'' for year. the small farmers. No one will stop economically speaking, that is exactly what smoking because of this amendment. supporters of this amendment will be doing. Without that insurance, farmers will not even The only thing it will do is take away Go ahead. Make the farm killers' day. Just be considered for the loans that enable them the already endangered family farm. If blow `em away. Let a hurricane or tornado or to begin planting each year. Without insur- we take away crop insurance from our hail storm ruin their lives and the lives of their ance, tobacco farmers will not have a means tobacco farmers, we punish them for families. to make a living. USDA Secretary Dan Glick- making an honest living from the soil If we take away crop insurance from our to- man recognized this and has made the avail- of the earth. We punish them by keep- bacco farmers, we punish them for making an ability of Federal crop insurance a top depart- ing them from getting bank loans. honest living from the soil of the Earth, we ment priority. In a statement he made this past Nobody asked for the two hurricanes punish them by keeping them from getting May, Secretary Glickman said, ``I am deter- that hit my district and destroyed bank loans, and we punish them again if dis- mined that everyone will have access to crop crops in all eight counties last year. aster strikes. Do not do it. Do not take away insuranceÐlarge farmers and small farmers Are we going to punish the farmers for their chance to make an honest living an be alike, especially those with limited resources, something they cannot help. This is able to provide for their families. minorities, and producers in all areas of the The U.S. Department of Agriculture classi- what this amendment would do. It is a country.'' In addition, Secretary Glickman an- loser. Families first? No. Families last fies small farmers whose income total $20,000 nounced last week the formation of a National under this amendment. Mr. Chairman, or less for 2 consecutive years as limited re- Commission on Small Farms to find new ways we need to oppose this amendment and source farmers. The States with the largest to support small farms and limited resource preserve the family farm. numbers of limited resource farmers are Ken- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposi- tucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Caro- farmers. It would appear, then, that eliminating tion to the Lowey-DeGette amendment that lina. It is no coincidence that these States also Federal crop insurance which is relied upon so would eliminate Federal crop insurance and make up a majority of the leading tobacco pro- heavily by small, limited resource farmers is Federal disaster compensation for tobacco ducing States in the Nation. Mr. Chairman, the not at all in line with the USDA. It is simply ad- farmers. Mr. Chairman, proponents of this limited resource farmers that grow tobacco are vancing someone's political agenda at the ex- amendment would have you believe that it will by no means wealthy people. They sweat and pense and heartache of farmer families. It is curb smoking levels across the country. They toil on small plots of land where oftentimes the stealing bread off of the table. It is discrimina- would have you believe that removing Federal only crop that can be grown in such small tion in its ugliest form. It is taking advantage crop insurance for tobacco would somehow in- quantities and still bring a financial return suffi- of someone else who falls victim to a natural jure the tobacco industry which they hold re- cient to maintain their operation from year to disaster. sponsible for youth smoking. The results of year is tobacco. The argument put forth by Mr. Chairman, limited resource farmers de- proponents of the Lowey-DeGette amendment this amendment, however, will not be felt by pend on Federal crop insurance and the pro- the tobacco industry. That is the big decep- that tobacco farmers could replace tobacco tection it provides simply because they cannot tion. The true fall-out, Mr. Chairman, will be with another commodity is simply not true. The afford the high cost of private insurance which felt by tobacco farmers and their families. average size farm in tobacco country is 169 proponents of the Lowey-DeGette amendment The truth of the matter, Mr. Chairman, is acres, of which tobacco is usually grown on that the Lowey-DeGette amendment would do 50 to 100 acres. In order to replace the gross like to point to as an alternative. Let's take a absolutely nothing to deter or stop the produc- income from just 50 acres of tobacco, a farm- closer look at that alternative. Limited resource tion of tobacco or punish cigarette companies. er would have to produce 235 acres of pea- farmers are simply unable to afford current Can anyone honestly say that removing Fed- nuts, 372 acres of cotton, 1,442 acres of premiums on private insurance. If they could eral crop insurance for tobacco farmers would wheat, 1,161 acres of soybeans, or 747 acres afford it, they would certainly look in that direc- promote a single smoker to give up the habit, of corn. The small amounts of land that are tion for protection, for private insurance offers or deter a single nonsmoker from initiating typically available to limited resource farmers much more comprehensive coverage than its one? No. makes any of these options mathematically Federal counterpart. I have spoken with sev- Mr. Chairman, let's look at exactly who this impossible. eral private insurers in my district about the amendment will affect. The Lowey-DeGette My friends in the House, limited resource ramifications of losing Federal coverage. With- amendment will take away the ability of small farmers do not grow tobacco to get rich. They out hesitation, they provided me with figures farmers to keep their families above the pov- do not grow tobacco so that cigarette compa- that indicate their premiums would increase erty line. Let me repeat that. The Lowey- nies can get rich. Limited resource farmers nearly threefold, making private insurance DeGette amendment will prevent small farm- grow the legal crop tobacco in order to put a even further out of reach financially for limited ers from growing a legal crop that often roof over their families' heads. They grow to- resource farmers. In addition, private insurers means the difference in their efforts to provide bacco to put food on their families' tables. are in no way compelled to offer insurance to food, clothing, and shelter for their families. They grow tobacco so that they can someday everyone who applies for it. The harsh truth is As an editorial in today's Fayetteville Ob- send their children to school; so that they can that even if limited resource farmers were to server-Times stated, provide the opportunity of a better life for their attempt to pull together enough capital to If the plan is to do in the tobacco industry, children. apply for private insurance, they would likely it won’t work. What it will do is separate Mr. Chairman, proponents of the Lowey- be denied. So don't listen to the falsehoods some hard-working people from their family DeGette amendment would have us believe farms. you are being told. Many tobacco farmers sim- Picture this (because this is all that the that not a single farmer will lose his or her job ply cannot go out and buy private insurance. proposed legislation would accomplish). The as a result of their language. This, my col- No insurance means no loans. No loans leagues in the House, is absolutely false. My people who provide the growers with the means no tobacco crop. No crop means no in- many things they need to get a crop started friends, tobacco is an extremely difficult crop come, no food, no future for their kids, no re- wouldn’t be affected. Neither would the to grow. It is vulnerable to a variety of dis- tirement. It means moving people from work to warehousemen, the corporate buyers, the eases, infestations, and is especially sensitive welfareÐsomething I thought we were trying manufacturers or the retailers. Only growers to weather variations. In addition, due to its would fall under its provisions. to get away from. Moreover, the victims, if this scheme were proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, our tobacco to become law * * * would be small farmers. farmers are also at the mercy of competely This is reality, not the big deception that Whatever the outcome, tobacco will still unpredictable natural disasters like hurricanes, proponents of the Lowey-DeGette amendment be produced, sold, processed, re-sold, and two of which hit my district last year and wiped are trying to sell. The Lowey-DeGette H5694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 amendment will put farmers out of work, pe- They are the communities with the farmers. These are small farmers who riod. Mr. Chairman, this body has made great highest unemployment rate. They are usually grow 10 or less acres of to- strides in recent years to reform out national the communities with the fewest re- bacco. I heard someone say how profit- welfare system. This body has passed legisla- sources. This is the crop that enables able it is. It is profitable. In order to tion that thins the welfare roles by putting them to pay their taxes so that they make that same income, we would have long-time recipients to work. My colleagues in can support our schools, our small to do 15 times as much cotton, almost the House, does it make sense, then, for this communities, and help capitalize the 20 times as much corn, if we could find body to pass language that will reverse all of changes they are trying to make in ag- the land that would grow the corn, that excellent work? Does it make sense to riculture so that they can convert to grow the wheat. This is not the right pass language that will take people from work other crops. They understand how way. Yes, American policy has spoken. to welfare? threatened they are. They understand It says we should protect our youth. My friends, I urge a no vote on the Lowey- the cheap tobacco that is flooding the We should bring that in correlation DeGette amendment. Similar language was world market. They understand how with each other. This is the wrong way rejected by the House of Representatives last short a lifeline they are on. They are to do it. It is the wrong remedy. trying to capitalize the changes to get year, and this very same amendment was de- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield into other crops. Please, do not ruin feated by the Appropriations Committee last such time as he may consume to the week. It is a loser. And under it, farm families our smallest, poorest communities. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. would lose as well. Families first? Not under BUNNING]. this amendment. Families last and political minute to the distinguished gentleman agendas firstÐthat is what this amendment is from Texas [Mr. LAMPSON]. (Mr. BUNNING asked and was given all about. Do the right thing for families, reject Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, we permission to revise and extend his re- it again. know that tobacco use is the most pre- marks.) Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 ventable cause of death, yet 400,000 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Chairman, I rise minute to the gentleman from Massa- Americans die each year from causes today in strong opposition to the chusetts [Mr. MEEHAN], cosponsor of related to the use of tobacco. Our Lowey amendment. young people have grown up certain in this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposi- Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, today the knowledge that tobacco causes can- tion to the Lowey amendment. it is time to bring our agricultural pol- cer. Yet 3,000 American teenagers start icy in line with our health policy. As smoking cigarettes every day. Hope- This is a mean-spirited attack on small farm- the cochairman of the 83 member con- fully the new FDA guidelines will help ers throughout the South. lower that number dramatically. gressional task force on tobacco and We all know Mrs. LOWEY and her cospon- I believe we need consistency in our health, we need to correct this serious sors don't like smoking, but this amendment policy toward tobacco. If we do not disconnect in Federal policy. We can- will not stop one person from smoking. It will offer Federal crop insurance for com- not credibly discourage the use of to- only hurt small tobacco farmers in my district modities that are not a serious public bacco as long as we are subsidizing the and throughout the South. health risk, why should we offer insur- growing of tobacco. It is really that ance for tobacco? Last year the tax- The opponents of tobacco always imply that simple. payers footed the bill for about $80 mil- we should not pay farmers to grow tobacco. We may be able to come up with as- We do not. Let me repeat that. The Federal sistance to tobacco farmers, we should lion in net tobacco insurance costs. At the same time, we spent almost 177 Government does not pay subsidies to farm- do that through the settlement that million trying to discourage tobacco ers to grow tobacco. has been negotiated by the attorneys use. Now we must ask the question, general. But it does not make any Sure our Government offers to tobacco should we spend money to promote to- sense to take taxpayer money and sub- farmers some of the same programs like crop bacco use or to discourage tobacco use? sidize the growth of tobacco in this insurance that are offered to other farmers. That is the fundamental issue that we country. But we should offer them the same treat- are discussing right now. We have made enormous progress on I do not believe the American people ment other farmers receive. Tobacco farmers this amendment over the last few want us to continue having it both grow a legal crop. years. In fact, we have made so much ways. After all the tough decisions we These farmers are not outlaws. They should progress that last year it failed by only had in cutting spending, this is a sim- be treated the same as those who grow corn two votes. Surely in the last year we ple one. It is time to stop giving special or raise dairy cattle or any other commodity. have gotten enough information about aid to tobacco. Instead of protecting Tobacco farmers should be able to purchase what tobacco companies knew about the special interests, we must take the the same services almost every other farmer the dangers of their product, about dec- opportunity to help our families pro- is able to purchase. ades of duplicity and lying that they tect their children. have perpetrated upon American peo- What this amendment does is single out the Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield small tobacco farmers who are the backbone ple. Now is the time to pass this 1 minute to the gentlewoman from amendment. This is extremely impor- of the agriculture industry in my State and all North Carolina [Mrs. CLAYTON]. over the South. tant. (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 permission to revise and extend her re- Most of these farmers, including the 14,400 minute to the gentlewoman from Ken- marks.) tobacco growers in my district own small fam- tucky [Mrs. NORTHUP]. Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Chairman, in ily farms. They may have a couple or 5 or Mrs. NORTHUP. Mr. Chairman, first discussing this amendment we really even 10 acres of tobacco that they use to off- of all I am proud to say I have never need to discuss the morality of young set their other costs in farming. Or maybe they taken a dime from the tobacco compa- people smoking or the mortality of use the extra income to send their children to nies and do not intend to now. I refuse those who may be chronic long smok- college. So their children may have it just a lit- all of their PAC checks. I have also ers. In spite of the good intentions of tle bit easier than they did. Where's the crime? been the proud sponsor of a lot of the sponsors, we are not doing that. Tobacco is a legal product. We have no tough youth access legislation and What we should be talking about is right to treat honest taxpaying, hard-working hope to have that opportunity again. fairness and the appropriate remedy. Is Americans like they are outlaws. They have But this will hurt exactly the wrong it fair to deny vulnerable persons, deny committed no crime, yet this amendment sin- people. them and be the only ones who are gles them out and treats them like criminals. There are some people that love this farmers not receiving the protection of legislation. They are the farmers from our crop insurance? It would mean This amendment will not do one thing to Malawi and Brazil and Argentina that those farmers would not be able to get prevent smoking. It will not punish the big to- can grow cheap tobacco and replace our loans, not being able to get loans they bacco companies; it will not decrease the defi- tobacco grown in this country. What would go out of business. cit. It will only treat small farmers like crimi- does that do? That ruins small poor I can tell my colleagues, these are nals. communities all across Kentucky. not big businesses. These are small It's bad policyÐit's unfair and it's wrong. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5695 Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 make a living. Insurance premiums will double, ping that? No. Hypocrisy. Colorado, $61 minute to the distinguished gentle- if not triple, if they are required to seek private million from excise tax from cigarettes woman from Connecticut [Ms. insurance, which may not be available. and tobacco alone; are we trying to DELAURO], a member of the committee. The economies of tobacco-producing States stop that? No. Hypocrisy. Washington Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Chairman, this is will be devastated by this amendment. To- State, $257 million from tobacco excise a debate about saving lives. The deadly bacco is a $7 billion industry for North Caro- tax; are we trying to cut that out? No. effects of tobacco cannot be denied, linaÐthe State contributes $2.8 billion a year That is hypocrisy. Texas, $569 million each year more than 400,000 Americans in Federal taxes. Schools, hospitals, commu- of excise tax from tobacco. Are we die of smoking-related illnesses. Each nity buildings, churches, and other community- going to cut that out? No. So when we year the Federal Government pays and based projects will not be built because of this speak of hypocrisy, Massachusetts, $230 picks up the tab for many of these revenue loss. million from excise tax, when we speak health care expenses. Yet our Govern- At the national level, tobacco contributes of hypocrisy, the hypocrisy is we want ment provides, pays for, subsidized $22.6 billion a year in Federal tax revenueÐ to take from the farmer but we want to crop insurance to tobacco growers, $34 this money does not just come from producing stick it to the farmer at the same time. million in taxpayers’ dollars. States. Even nongrowing States will also be Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Other crops such as broccoli and cu- hit economically. minute to the distinguished gentleman cumbers are not covered by crop insur- New York, for example, could lose up to $4 from Delaware [Mr. CASTLE]. ance. Why tobacco? Some of my col- billion if this amendment passes and as indi- b 1345 leagues who oppose this amendment cated it puts the tobacco farmer out of busi- will talk about its impact on farmers. ness. Even the State of California could lose Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank It is not that we are not sympathetic up to $4 billion. the gentlewoman for yielding me this to small farmers. But what about the I question whether any State can afford this time, and I rise in very strong support families whose loved ones die due to revenue loss. I would like to ask my colleague of this amendment. deadly smoking habits? What about fa- from New York who will replace this revenue. As has been pointed out here today, thers, mothers, grandparents who are In my opinion, it will be on the back of the tax- only 65 of our Nation’s 1,600 crops enjoy among the 400,000 who die each year payer. Federal crop insurance subsidies. due to tobacco habits? I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Peaches, as was pointed out, water- We are working at cross-purposes Lowey amendment and not to discriminate melon, squash, cucumbers, none of when we give tobacco subsidies with against our farmers. them get these subsidies at all. That is one hand and then we must spend Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 point No. 1. health and education dollars to coun- minute to the gentleman from Utah Second, we have all become familiar teract tobacco’s effects with the other. [Mr. COOK]. with the large tobacco settlement. I do We have a clear and convincing evi- Mr. COOK. Mr. Chairman, I wish to not know the exact amount, but it is in dence of tobacco’s deadly impact. I rise in strong support of the Lowey excess of $300 billion over a period of urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I am a freshman who de- time. We are talking around $32 million Lowey amendment. cided to come to Congress because I here for this program that perhaps the Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 wanted to fight to cut Federal waste. tobacco companies would have to step seconds to the gentleman from North We have promised the American people in and do something about. Carolina [Mr. JONES]. that we would restore balance and pru- When we hear about the kind of Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, some dence to the Federal budget, and yet money we are dealing with here, it is have chosen to target the tobacco last year we spent nearly $80 million on evident and clear to everybody in farmer. The denial of crop insurance is Federal subsidies for tobacco crop in- America that we do not need to con- another attempt to suffocate a legiti- surance. We spent this money to ensure tinue to underwrite the insurance for mate industry. This amendment will a crop that kills people. Let us not the tobacco crops. have a devastating effect on the to- mince words on this point. Tobacco And then, and perhaps most impor- bacco farmer and his family. All farm- kills people. tantly, the public probably wonders ers work hard to put food on the table Let us not as a nation spend $177 mil- what are we doing here? We have all for their families. The tobacco farmer lion to prevent tobacco abuse and then these antismoking advertisements, we is no different. He is no different than at the same time continue to pour tax- have all manner and members of the a corn farmer in the Midwest or a cot- payer dollars into tobacco insurance administration who are out saying we ton farmer in Alabama. All farmers, in- subsidies. should not smoke, and many of us be- cluding the tobacco farmers, deserve Mr. Chairman, if we are serious about lieve people should not smoke, and on crop insurance. For the sake of fair- cutting wasteful, needless Federal pro- the other hand we are paying people, or ness, vote ‘‘no’’ on the Lowey amend- grams, let us start here. How can we at least paying for their crop insur- ment. justify cutting other Federal programs ance, for the growth of tobacco. That is Some of my colleagues have chosen again but continue to spend taxpayer dollars a tremendous problem. to target the tobacco farmer. The denial of to insure crops that have no safe level Tobacco does kill. We need to do crop insurance to tobacco farmers and their of use? something about it. We need to support family is simply another unfair and insensitive Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield this amendment. attempt to suffocate a legitimate industry. 1 minute to the gentleman from Ken- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Some Members believe this amendment will tucky [Mr. BAESLER]. minute to the gentleman from Ken- stop teenagers from smoking. That is abso- Mr. BAESLER. Mr. Chairman, a lot tucky [Mr. ROGERS]. lutely wrong. It will stop one person from of words have been bandied about, one Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in smoking; it won't even punish the industry. In- being hypocrisy, one inconsistency. Let opposition to the Lowey amendment. stead it will have a devastating effect on the me talk about hypocrisy. This amend- This is the same proposal we rejected tobacco farmer and his family. The farmer will ment, no matter what the rhetoric is, last year and the year before that, that be left unprotected, unlike any other farmer goes just to the farmer. It does not the Committee on Appropriations re- who grows a legal producing crop. stop anybody from smoking. It does jected 2 days ago and the other body All farmers work hard to make ends meet, not provide any health care. rejected yesterday. Here it is again. to put food on the table for their familiesÐthe We keep on talking about the hypoc- Here we go again. tobacco farmer is no different. He is no dif- risy of the Federal Government. Let They rejected it because it has noth- ferent than a corn farmer in the Midwest or a me talk about hypocrisy. On one side ing to do with smoking, teenage smok- cotton farmer in Alabama. This amendment we want to cut the low man on the food ing, or the hazards of smoking. This is will blatantly discriminate against a legal com- chain, the farmer. On the other side we about little tobacco. This is about modity. do not want to say a thing about the small farms. This is not big tobacco. These hard-working farmers struggle every excise tax that these States collect Big tobacco would love for us to pass day to make ends meet. You will be dealing from tobacco. New York, $674 million this amendment so they could grow the them a devastating blow to their ability to from tobacco excise tax. Are we stop- tobacco overseas at one-third the cost, H5696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 lower the price of cigarettes and, in the sense of security that they will not be Mr. Chairman, this is scapegoating, pure meantime, encourage more smoking. financially devastated when there is a and simple. The backers of this amendment It attacks the most vulnerable peo- Hurricane Fran or a Hurricane Bertha. are upset with tobacco companies. So they ple. Kentucky farmers grow tobacco Most crops in North Carolina were de- are taking out their frustrations on farmers, because it is the only way they can stroyed during those two hurricanes. many of them small family farmers struggling raise their family, send their kids to What does the gentlewoman from just to get by. school, and buy food and clothing. We Colorado [Ms. DEGETTE] and the gen- I suggest they pick on someone their own will drive out the American farmer and tlewoman from New York [Mrs. LOWEY] size. Small farmers have enough troubles. the companies will buy their tobacco suggest we tell our tobacco farmers? They don't need to be treated like pariahs by overseas at one-third the cost. They Tough break? Well, that dog don’t this Congress. They deserve better than that. will get cheaper tobacco. Cigarettes hunt. I urge you to soundly reject this wrong- will become cheaper and smoking will We should vote ‘‘no’’ on the Lowey headed amendment. increase. amendment. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield This is not a debate about smoking Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from or how cigarettes are sold, or who buys 30 seconds to the gentleman from Geor- Florida [Mrs. MEEK]. them. We should do as we did last year. gia [Mr. BISHOP]. Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Chair- Reject this amendment. Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I want man, I hear what the problem is here, Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 to thank the gentlewoman for yielding but I want to say to America that we minute to the gentleman from Texas me this time. have to oppose this amendment. We have to oppose it because if the [Mr. DOGGETT], a cosponsor of the I oppose this amendment. It is mean, people who are proponents of this amendment. it is punitive, it is misdirected. It does amendment want to cure this problem Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Chairman, the not attack smoking nor does it attack of tobacco, we all admit that it is very death subsidy must end. That is why I tobacco companies, as proponents bad, let us make tobacco illegal. Let us am a cosponsor of this amendment, be- claim, but it does attack small Amer- make it illegal. That will cure all the cause the taxpayer subsidy of the only ican family farmers trying to protect things we have heard here today. It agricultural product in this entire Na- their land against hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, disease, and drought. will stop it. tion, indeed in this world, when used But I tell my colleagues what we precisely as directed by the producer, We should not force family farmers to lose their homes and their lands be- need to keep going, and that is these produces death, produces drug addic- small farmers that are farming to- tion, produces disease. Taxpayers do cause they cannot buy risk insurance. Help American farmers, not foreign bacco. And I say this every time. My not want to subsidize that product. father was a tobacco farmer. Honest If we are ever going to get serious farmers. Kill this amendment. It is bad. man. The only place he could get any about preventing more of our children work was on a tobacco farm. I will from becoming addicted to nicotine, Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the never forget that. I know that was an then what we have to do is to break the opportunity for him, just as it is an op- stranglehold of the tobacco lobby on gentleman from Virginia [Mr. SISISKY]. (Mr. SISISKY asked and was given portunity now for the small farmer. this Congress. Indeed, they have been permission to revise and extend his re- It was an opportunity for the farmers successful day after day because they marks.) when the hurricane that devastated have oiled the machines of government Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in farmers in my district had everything very well. opposition to this amendment. wiped out. If it were not for crop insur- Only 65 of our Nation’s 1,600 crops get Mr. Chairman, I very strongly oppose the ance, they could not have survived. If the type of crop insurance we are talk- DeGette-Lowey amendment, which is terribly it were not for crop insurance, the or- ing about. When the watermelon farm- unfair to tobacco farmers. ange growers in Florida would not have ers gather this summer at the Luling I understand that there are many in this survived. We do not see those people. Watermelon Thump, and in McDade in House who would like to make a political They are not here. They do not dress central Texas, they will not get a dime statement against smoking. But this is surely like we do. They do not talk like we do. of taxpayer subsidies. not the right way to go about it. They need their insurance to keep Why should we subsidize tobacco? In- That's why Secretary of Agriculture Glick- their families fed. I say to my col- deed, why should we subsidize cyanide man has come out so strongly in opposition to leagues that we must oppose this or arsenic? That is the better compari- this amendment. Even though this administra- amendment because of that, survival son. Taxpayers are wasting $34 million tion has promoted an unprecedented cam- for the small farmer. on this subsidy. paign against smoking, Secretary Glickman Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 recognizes that taking away the safety net minute to the gentleman from Ken- minute to the gentleman from North from small farmers has no place in that cam- tucky [Mr. LEWIS]. Carolina [Mr. BURR]. paign. Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chair- Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. This amendment will do nothing to stop man, I rise today in opposition to the Chairman, I thank the gentleman for smoking. It will not limit youth access to ciga- Lowey amendment because of its dev- yielding me this time. rettes. It will not restrict tobacco advertising. astating impact on the family tobacco Mr. Chairman, what is this about? And it will not put a dent in the profit margins farmers in my district across Ken- This is about real people and real lives of cigarette manufacturers. tucky. and real communities all over this What is will do is inflict a lot of harm on to- Those offering this amendment today country. It is about small tobacco bacco farmers and the farming communities think that they are attacking ciga- farmers that are part of that commu- that depend on them. Many of these commu- rettes, youth smoking and big tobacco. nity. nities are located in my district. Those attacks, however, are hitting the The sponsors of this bill would sug- This amendment singles out tobacco farm- tobacco farmers and hitting them hard, gest to us that this will not affect the ers for treatment we would never consider in that small family tobacco farmer. Most crop and it will not affect crop insur- any other circumstances. It would deny them of these farms in Kentucky in my dis- ance. Secretary Glickman does not the benefit of disaster assistance available to trict are small, often part-time. They think that. He says that the Depart- every other farmer. It would deny them Gov- are hard working farmers who are try- ment of Agriculture opposes this ernment-backed crop insurance available to ing to make ends meet and providing a amendment. He went on to say ‘‘Crop every other farmer. better life for their children. insurance is an essential part of the This is not only discrimination against to- Denying crop insurance to Kentucky producer’s safety net envisioned by the bacco farmers. It's also discrimination against tobacco farmers will have no effect on administration’s agricultural policy.’’ tobacco farming communities. These commu- youth smoking, will have no effect on The administration’s agricultural pol- nities are the ones who will pay the price if tobacco use, will have no effect on the icy. crops fail. They are the ones who depend on big tobacco companies, will have no ef- Well, I have to tell my colleagues, disaster assistance to help recover from natu- fect on the local retailers, and will crop insurance allows farmers that ral calamities. have no effect on the supply of tobacco. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5697 If we do not grow tobacco in the Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, it is time And we do not affect the big tobacco rural areas of Kentucky, then big to- to stop this Federal subsidy of a crop companies. This will not have any im- bacco will import it. In fact, big to- that is both addictive and causes can- pact on the big tobacco companies. bacco companies could then import cer. Somebody said, oh, the big tobacco cheap foreign tobacco and benefit, yes The passage of this amendment does companies. This does not do anything benefit from our vote in favor of the not stop small tobacco farmers from to the big tobacco companies. All we Lowey amendment. growing tobacco. It just says we will will do is penalize that hard working The only folks hurt by the Lowey stop one of the subsidies, one of the in- family that is trying to send their kids amendment will be the small family centives for them to do so. to school and to make a decent living. tobacco farmer, who deserves the right Earlier today we read the debate on This is punitive, it is unfair, and I to participate in the same USDA crop the Durbin amendment which bans beg my colleagues when they put their insurance or noninsurance disaster as- smoking on airplanes from a couple of cards in the slot to think of all the peo- sistance program offered to every other years ago. Many of the same folks that ple they will be affecting across this farmer in this country. are arguing for a ‘‘no’’ vote were the country. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield same folks arguing ‘‘no’’ then. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the Guess what? The Airline Flight At- such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. tendants Union has now filed a $5 bil- gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. ETHERIDGE]. lion suit against the airlines for allow- OLVER]. (Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was ing this to happen. Would it not have (Mr. OLVER asked and was given given permission to revise and extend been nice if they had not been able to permission to revise and extend his re- his remarks.) file this suit at all and had this Durbin marks.) Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I amendment passed many years earlier? Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in rise in opposition to this amendment Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 favor of the amendment offered by the on behalf of the small farmers of North seconds to the gentleman from Ken- gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Carolina. tucky [Mr. WHITFIELD]. LOWEY]. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this attack on farm- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Lowey ers. If not for insuranceÐfloods in the Midwest those of us who oppose this amendment amendment to eliminate the Tobacco Crop In- would have devastated wheat farmers; cold do not represent the tobacco lobby. We surance Program. would have destroyed Florida orange growers; represent 142,000 farm families around Today, we provide crop insurance to 65 of droughts would have ruined western farmers; this country who for generations have the 1,600 crops grown in the United States. southern farmers would not have survived hur- grown this product. Nutrition-packed vegetables like broccoli and ricanes in 1996. Yesterday, rain from Hurri- If we continue our efforts to destroy squash are not eligible for crop insurance. But cane Danny flooded tobacco fields in North the tobacco farmers, we will have to we spend millions of dollars to insure the Carolina as farmers prepared to go to market. come up with a new program to provide growth of tobacco. Millions to promote a crop that is unlike any As adjusters survey the damage, farmers will economic assistance to 142,000 farm other covered by the Federal Crop Insurance count on crop insurance to pay the bills as families who have an average income Program. A crop that is neither food nor fiber. they try to salvage what they can. Singling out of $13,000 a year. This is a supplemental A crop that neither provides us with food for these farmers is discriminatory and unfair. income product. This assault on farmers threatens their last Mr. Chairman, we do not require any- our table nor clothes for our backs. This amendment eliminates the $34 million safety net. Secretary Glickman opposes the one to smoke. There still is such a taxpayer subsidy for crop insurance for to- amendment because insurance is a safety net, thing as personal responsibility in America. bacco growing. not a subsidy. TobaccoÐwhen used according to direc- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield Proponents claim concern for public health tionsÐharms and kills hundreds of thousands 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from and teen smoking. I understand that this of Americans every year. amendment impacts neither. It will not stop North Carolina [Mr. HEFNER]. To combat this health threat, Mr. Chairman, (Mr. HEFNER asked and was given teen smoking; will not hurt manufacturers prof- America spends hundreds of millions of dollars permission to revise and extend his re- its; and will not reduce cigarette production. each year to curtail tobacco use. The demagoguery of this amendment is marks.) We spend billions of dollars each year to shameful. It threatens the balance reached in Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Chairman, we have treat emphysema, lung cancer, and heart dis- a tobacco settlement which includes the most heard the rhetoric and the people testi- ease. extensive public health proposals on smoking fying and talking about tobacco and In my State, Massachusetts, over 10,000 in history. Eliminating insurance for tobacco the ills of tobacco. If we want to vote people die each year from smoking-related ill- will devastate victims of Hurricane Danny, hurt to do away with tobacco, this is not the nesses. And the costs of treating those ill- poor, minority farmers and do nothing for pub- way to do it. nesses in my State alone totals more than $1 lic health. Vote for fairness. Vote ``no'' on this We will be called on in just a few billion. amendment. minutes to take this little card and we Across America, tobacco use is the single Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield will vote, and potentially the lives and largest drain on the Medicare trust fund. To- such time as he may consume to the the livelihoods of millions of people bacco costs Medicare more than $10 billion gentleman from Virginia [Mr. GOODE]. across this country will be affected. and Medicaid more than $5 billion per year. (Mr. GOODE asked and was given But this is not going to stop one We now have irrefutable evidence of the permission to revise and extend his re- teenager, one child, nobody from smok- damage tobacco use wreaks on our citizens marks.) ing. We will say to these farmers that and our Federal budget. Mr. GOODE. Mr. Chairman, on behalf go out and mortgage their farms, mort- The proposed settlement between the State of the Virginia tobacco growers I urge gage their allotments and make com- attorneys general and the tobacco industry re- Members to defeat this amendment. mitments, we will say to them, OK, quires a payout of $368 billion over 25 years. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, may I these other folks can get crop insur- This legal settlement is a testament to the dis- inquire of the remaining time? ance, but we are sorry about that. asters of tobacco use. While far from perfect, The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman These tobacco farmers cannot have it represents a step in the right direction for from New York [Mrs. LOWEY] has 2 crop insurance. If there is a hurricane advancing public heath. minutes remaining; the gentleman or a severe storm or whatever, that is Clearly, in the case of tobacco, the time has from New Mexico [Mr. SKEEN] has 1 just tough, they will not get any insur- come to bring our agricultural policy in line minute remaining, and has the right to ance. with our health policy. close; and the gentlewoman from Ohio That is punitive, and it affects the My colleagues on the other side of the aisle [Ms. KAPTUR] has 11⁄2 minutes remain- lives of thousands and thousands of are always eager to let the market provide for ing. people that are on the small farms other sectors of our economy. They do not Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield throughout all of this country in dif- want to subsidize community service, edu- 30 seconds to the distinguished gen- ferent places in this country. That is cation standards, economic development, or tleman from Michigan [Mr. Upton]. not fair. the arts. H5698 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 I say to my colleagues, we should not be ing a legal crop. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on The CHAIRMAN. The question is on subsidizing the growth of tobacco. this amendment. the amendment offered by the gentle- Tobacco is a lucrative crop. It yields an av- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise woman from New York [Mrs. LOWEY]. erage of $4,000 per acre; $4,000 compared in support of this amendment to eliminate the The question was taken; and the with a yield of only $200 for an acre of wheat. Federal subsidy for tobacco crop insurance. Chairman announced that the noes ap- Despite the ability of tobacco growers to pay This amendment is consistent with Con- peared to have it. the cost of crop insurance, we continue to gress' effort to control Federal spending and RECORDED VOTE fund large portions of their premiums. So, not target our dollars only to the most necessary Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I de- only do farmers see high profits, but they also and appropriate programs. In 1996, Federal mand a recorded vote. have taxpayers footing the bill for their insur- taxpayers paid around $80 million in net to- A recorded vote was ordered. ance. bacco crop insurance costs. The Congres- The vote was taken by electronic de- sional Budget Office estimates that adoption of Mr. Chairman, we should not subsidize to- vice, and there were—ayes 209, noes 216, this amendment will save $34 million in the bacco. We should not promote the growth of not voting 9, as follows: coming fiscal year. Beyond that, eliminating a crop that kills. Support the Lowey amend- [Roll No. 310] ment and let the market provide for tobacco this subsidy will go a long way toward lower- AYES—209 plants. ing tobacco use and reducing the severe pub- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield lic health risks associated with its use. Ackerman Goodling Obey Personally, I would prefer to see this $34 Allen Goss Olver 30 seconds to the gentleman from Andrews Greenwood Owens Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX]. million applied to cancer research, or research Bachus Gutierrez Pallone Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair- into other diseases afflicting millions of Ameri- Baldacci Gutknecht Pappas cans in this country. Barrett (WI) Hall (OH) Pascrell man, we are not antifarmer or Bartlett Hansen Paul antiagriculture. We are prohealth care, According to the Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevention, cigarettes kill more Ameri- Bass Harman Payne we are prochildren. It is our goal to Becerra Hayworth Pelosi cans each year than AIDS, alcohol, car acci- stop lung cancer in our lifetime. Bentsen Hefley Petri dents, murders, suicides, drugs and fires com- Bereuter Hill Porter The Government that gives a Sur- bined. With the growing number of individuals Berman Hinchey Poshard geon General warning on the dangers of Bilbray Hobson Pryce (OH) suffering from health problems that are related smoking should not be subsidizing in- Blagojevich Hoekstra Quinn to smoking, second-hand smoke, and tobacco Blumenauer Holden Ramstad surance for the crop of tobacco. use, it is in the public interest for Congress to Borski Hooley Riggs Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield remove taxpayer support for this type of crop Boswell Horn Rivers myself the balance of my time. Brown (CA) Jackson (IL) Roemer which harms, and often kills its users. Mr. Chairman, we have heard that Brown (OH) Jackson-Lee Rohrabacher Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Callahan (TX) Rothman this amendment is mean-spirited and strong support of the Lowey-De-Gette-Han- Campbell Johnson (CT) Roukema that it will hurt tobacco growers. The sen-Meehan-Smith amendment. This amend- Canady Kanjorski Roybal-Allard simple fact is that tobacco is one of the Cannon Kasich Royce ment would save $34 million by eliminating Capps Kelly Rush most lucrative crops in America. Our subsidized crop insurance for tobaccoÐ$34 Cardin Kennedy (MA) Ryun amendment will not stop these farmers million in savings scored by CBO. Carson Kennedy (RI) Sabo from growing tobacco. The amendment It is time that we confront the glaring and Castle Kennelly Salmon says they can continue to grow to- Chabot Kildee Sanders unforgivable inconsistency in our Federal to- Christensen Kind (WI) Scarborough bacco, but they will have to purchase bacco policy. We currently spend over $177 Conyers King (NY) Schumer crop insurance on their own. million on programs to prevent tobacco use. Cook Kleczka Sensenbrenner Cooksey Klug Serrano b 1400 Yet, USDA spent $80 million for Federal crop Costello Kucinich Shaw insurance subsidies in fiscal year 1996. How Now if that is a hardship, it is a hard- Cox LaFalce Shays can we possibly continue to encourage the Coyne Lampson Sherman ship for all the small businesses in growth of tobacco? Cummings Lantos Shuster America that they manage to over- Some of our colleagues will argue that jobs Davis (IL) Lazio Slaughter come. My colleagues on the other side DeFazio Leach Smith (NJ) are at stake here. But passage of this amend- DeGette Levin Smith (TX) of this debate will also say that this ment would not result in the loss of any jobs. Delahunt Lewis (GA) Smith, Adam amendment will not end smoking. The private insurance market can provide crop DeLauro Lipinski Smith, Linda They are right. This amendment is not insurance to tobacco farmers who want itÐ Dellums LoBiondo Snowbarger a cure-all, but it will bring us one step Deutsch Lofgren Snyder just like it does for the overwhelming majority Doggett Lowey Souder closer to a consistent Federal policy on of crops, such as honey, broccoli, watermelon, Doyle Luther Stabenow tobacco. cherries, and livestock. Duncan Maloney (CT) Stupak Every year 400,000 Americans die Dunn Maloney (NY) Sununu This amendment simply ends one more Edwards Manzullo Talent from cancer. One of them was my dad. Federal subsidy for a product that threatens Ehlers Markey Tauscher My father smoked three packs a day. the public health. This Nation can no longer Engel Mascara Taylor (MS) At the age of 54, he died. I urge my col- close its eyes to a product that kills 400,000 English McCarthy (NY) Tiahrt leagues to support this amendment. Ensign McDermott Tierney Americans each year and brings into its death- Eshoo McGovern Torres Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield ly fold 3,000 children each day, more than 1 Evans McHale Traficant the balance of my time to the gen- million new smokers each year. It is time to Farr McHugh Upton tleman from Georgia [Mr. CHAMBLISS]. Fattah McInnis Velazquez take the necessary steps to prevent another Fawell McKeon Vento (Mr. CHAMBLISS asked and was generation from becoming addicted to this Filner McKinney Visclosky given permission to revise and extend deadly product. Ending subsidized crop insur- Foglietta McNulty Wamp his remarks.) ance for tobacco is an important step in this Fox Meehan Waters Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, I Frank (MA) Menendez Waxman process. Franks (NJ) Metcalf Weldon (FL) rise in strong opposition to this amend- Vote tonight to get the Federal Government Frelinghuysen Miller (CA) Weldon (PA) ment. We have heard from the pro- out of the tobacco business. Vote ``yes'' on the Furse Miller (FL) Wexler ponents of this amendment two things. Lowey-DeGette-Hansen-Meehan-Smith Ganske Minge Weygand Gejdenson Moakley White First, we need to outlaw tobacco com- amendment. Gibbons Moran (VA) Wolf panies from producing tobacco that is ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Gilchrest Morella Woolsey harmful to Americans. Second, we need The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Gillmor Nadler Yates to keep children from smoking. This Resolution 193, the Chair announces Gilman Neal Young (FL) amendment has absolutely nothing to that proceedings will resume on the NOES—216 do with either one of those two issues. amendment offered by the gentleman Abercrombie Barcia Bliley I have 5,000 small family tobacco from California [Mr. COX] immediately Aderholt Barr Boehlert farmers in my district. This particular following disposition of the pending Archer Barrett (NE) Boehner Armey Bateman Bonilla amendment penalizes those 5,000 farm amendment. The Chair will reduce to 5 Baesler Berry Bonior families who work hard every day to minutes the time for any electronic Baker Bilirakis Bono produce a living for their family grow- vote after the first vote in this series. Ballenger Bishop Boucher July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5699 Boyd Herger Paxon on the amendment offered by the gen- Lazio Oxley Sherman Brady Hilleary Pease Leach Packard Shimkus Brown (FL) Hilliard Peterson (MN) tleman from California [Mr. COX] on Levin Pallone Shuster Bryant Hinojosa Peterson (PA) which further proceedings were post- Lewis (GA) Pappas Sisisky Bunning Hostettler Pickering poned and on which the ayes prevailed Lewis (KY) Parker Skaggs Burr Houghton Pickett by voice vote. Linder Pascrell Skeen Burton Hoyer Pitts Lipinski Pastor Skelton Buyer Hulshof Pombo The Clerk will redesignate the Livingston Paul Slaughter Calvert Hunter Pomeroy amendment. LoBiondo Paxon Smith (MI) Camp Hutchinson Portman The Clerk redesignated the amend- Lofgren Payne Smith (NJ) Chambliss Hyde Price (NC) Lowey Pease Smith (OR) Chenoweth Inglis Radanovich ment. Lucas Pelosi Smith (TX) Clay Istook Rahall RECORDED VOTE Luther Peterson (MN) Smith, Adam Clayton Jefferson Redmond The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Maloney (CT) Peterson (PA) Smith, Linda Clement Jenkins Regula Maloney (NY) Petri Snowbarger Clyburn John Reyes been demanded. Manton Pickering Snyder Coble Johnson (WI) Riley A recorded vote was ordered. Manzullo Pickett Solomon Coburn Johnson, E. B. Rodriguez The CHAIRMAN. This is a 5-minute Markey Pitts Souder Collins Johnson, Sam Rogers Martinez Pombo Spence Combest Jones Ros-Lehtinen vote. Mascara Pomeroy Spratt Condit Kaptur Sanchez The vote was taken by electronic de- Matsui Porter Stabenow Cramer Kilpatrick Sandlin vice, and there were—ayes 418, noes 0, McCarthy (MO) Portman Stearns Crane Kim Sanford not voting 16, as follows: McCarthy (NY) Poshard Stenholm Crapo Kingston Sawyer McCollum Price (NC) Stokes Cubin Klink Saxton [Roll No. 311] McCrery Pryce (OH) Strickland Cunningham Knollenberg Schaefer, Dan AYES—418 McDade Quinn Stump Danner Kolbe Schaffer, Bob McDermott Radanovich Stupak Davis (FL) LaHood Scott Abercrombie Costello Graham McGovern Rahall Sununu Davis (VA) Largent Sessions Ackerman Cox Granger McHale Ramstad Talent Deal Latham Shadegg Aderholt Cramer Green McHugh Rangel Tanner DeLay LaTourette Shimkus Allen Crane Greenwood McInnis Redmond Tauscher Diaz-Balart Lewis (CA) Sisisky Andrews Crapo Gutierrez McIntosh Regula Tauzin Dickey Lewis (KY) Skaggs Archer Cubin Gutknecht McIntyre Reyes Taylor (MS) Dicks Linder Skeen Armey Cummings Hall (OH) McKeon Riggs Thomas Dixon Livingston Skelton Bachus Cunningham Hall (TX) McKinney Riley Thompson Dooley Lucas Smith (MI) Baesler Danner Hamilton McNulty Rivers Thornberry Doolittle Manton Smith (OR) Baker Davis (FL) Hansen Meehan Rodriguez Thune Dreier Martinez Solomon Baldacci Davis (IL) Harman Meek Roemer Thurman Ehrlich Matsui Spence Ballenger Davis (VA) Hastert Menendez Rogan Tiahrt Emerson McCarthy (MO) Spratt Barcia Deal Hastings (FL) Metcalf Rogers Tierney Etheridge McCollum Stearns Barr DeFazio Hastings (WA) Mica Rohrabacher Torres Everett McCrery Stenholm Barrett (NE) Delahunt Hayworth Millender- Ros-Lehtinen Towns Ewing McDade Stokes Barrett (WI) DeLauro Hefley McDonald Rothman Traficant Fazio McIntosh Strickland Bartlett DeLay Hefner Miller (CA) Roukema Turner Flake McIntyre Stump Bass Dellums Herger Miller (FL) Roybal-Allard Upton Foley Meek Tanner Bateman Deutsch Hill Minge Royce Velazquez Forbes Mica Tauzin Becerra Diaz-Balart Hilleary Mink Rush Vento Ford Millender- Taylor (NC) Bentsen Dickey Hilliard Moakley Ryun Walsh Fowler McDonald Thomas Bereuter Dicks Hinchey Mollohan Sabo Wamp Frost Mink Thompson Berman Dixon Hinojosa Moran (KS) Salmon Waters Gallegly Mollohan Thornberry Berry Doggett Hobson Moran (VA) Sanchez Watkins Gekas Moran (KS) Thune Bilbray Dooley Hoekstra Morella Sanders Watt (NC) Gephardt Murtha Thurman Bilirakis Doolittle Holden Murtha Sandlin Watts (OK) Gonzalez Myrick Towns Bishop Doyle Hooley Myrick Sanford Waxman Goode Nethercutt Turner Blagojevich Dreier Horn Nadler Sawyer Weldon (FL) Goodlatte Neumann Walsh Bliley Duncan Hostettler Neal Saxton Weldon (PA) Gordon Ney Watkins Blunt Dunn Houghton Nethercutt Scarborough Weller Graham Northup Watt (NC) Boehlert Edwards Hoyer Neumann Schaefer, Dan Wexler Granger Norwood Watts (OK) Boehner Ehlers Hulshof Ney Schaffer, Bob Weygand Green Nussle Weller Bonilla Ehrlich Hunter Northup Schumer White Hall (TX) Oberstar Whitfield Bonior Emerson Hutchinson Norwood Scott Whitfield Hamilton Ortiz Wicker Bono Engel Hyde Nussle Sensenbrenner Wicker Hastert Oxley Wise Borski English Inglis Oberstar Serrano Wolf Hastings (FL) Packard Wynn Boswell Ensign Istook Obey Sessions Woolsey Hastings (WA) Parker Boucher Eshoo Jackson (IL) Olver Shadegg Wynn Hefner Pastor Boyd Etheridge Jackson-Lee Ortiz Shaw Yates Brady Evans (TX) Owens Shays Young (FL) NOT VOTING—9 Brown (CA) Everett Jefferson Barton Molinari Schiff Brown (FL) Ewing John NOT VOTING—16 Blunt Rangel Stark Brown (OH) Farr Johnson (CT) Barton Goode Taylor (NC) Dingell Rogan Young (AK) Bryant Fattah Johnson (WI) Blumenauer Jenkins Visclosky Bunning Fawell Johnson, E. B. Cannon Lewis (CA) Wise b 1421 Burr Fazio Johnson, Sam Coyne Molinari Young (AK) Burton Filner Jones Mr. MATSUI changed his vote from DeGette Schiff Buyer Flake Kanjorski Dingell Stark ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Callahan Foglietta Kaptur Mr. BEREUTER and Mr. GREEN- Calvert Foley Kasich Camp Forbes Kelly b 1429 WOOD changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to Campbell Ford Kennedy (MA) ‘‘aye.’’ Canady Fowler Kennedy (RI) Mr. CAMPBELL changed his vote So the amendment was rejected. Capps Fox Kennelly from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ The result of the vote was announced Cardin Frank (MA) Kildee So the amendment was agreed to. Carson Franks (NJ) Kilpatrick The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Castle Frelinghuysen Kim as above recorded. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Chabot Frost Kind (WI) Chambliss Furse King (NY) AMENDMENT NO. 21 OFFERED BY MR. MILLER OF Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. Chenoweth Gallegly Kingston FLORIDA 310, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been Christensen Ganske Kleczka Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- present, I would have voted ``no.'' Clay Gejdenson Klink Clayton Gekas Klug man, I offer an amendment. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Clement Gephardt Knollenberg THE CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. Clyburn Gibbons Kolbe ignate the amendment. 310, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been Coble Gilchrest Kucinich Coburn Gillmor LaFalce The text of the amendment is as fol- present, I would have voted ``no.'' Collins Gilman LaHood lows: AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. COX OF Combest Gonzalez Lampson Amendment No. 21 offered by Mr. MILLER CALIFORNIA Condit Goodlatte Lantos Conyers Goodling Largent of Florida: The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- Cook Gordon Latham Insert before the short title the following ness is the demand for a recorded vote Cooksey Goss LaTourette new section: H5700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 SEC. . None of the funds appropriated or was exempted, and this is what hap- as the Canadian company? That is un- otherwise made available by this Act to the pened: fair, and we are penalizing our manu- Department of Agriculture shall be used to For example, last year in Time mag- facturers in this country, and that is pay the salaries and expenses of personnel azine, the week that President Clinton wrong. who issue, under section 156 of the Agricul- tural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7272), signed the legislation a full page arti- And then the taxpayers get stuck any nonrecourse loans to sugar beet or sugar cle in Time did not talk about all the with it, too. The taxpayers pay in sev- cane processors. good things of that program, it talked eral different ways. One area they pay The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House about the fact that sugar sweetest is that we are major purchasers of food Resolution 193, the gentleman from deal, the landmark farm deal, left products in the United States, whether Florida [Mr. MILLER] and a Member op- sugar subsidies standing, reformers it is veterans hospitals or the military. posed will each control 15 minutes. wondering what went wrong. Agricul- GAO says it is costing the American Who seeks to control the time in op- tural socialism was supposed to end taxpayer another $90 million there. position? this week by the signing by President And then we have the Everglades Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Clinton. But for America’s sugar grow- issue. In Florida, my home State, the opposition to the amendment. ers, how sweet it still is. Everglades, one of the most important The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman The fact is the sugar program contin- natural resources we have in my home from Illinois is recognized for 15 min- ues to keep the price of sugar at twice State, it is being damaged, the Ever- utes. the world price. My colleagues can glades, by the sugar program because Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I ask look at the Wall Street Journal. There the sugar program encourages over- the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. are two prices published for sugar, one production of sugar on marginal lands EWING] if he would yield one half of his for the United States and one for the and it is damaging the Everglades. time to me and that I be allowed to rural price, and it makes it very dif- And then what we have to do to solve further yield time. ficult for us to compete when we have the sugar program is pay additional for Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I ask to pay twice as much for sugar. That is the cost of land. We are inflating the unanimous consent that one half of my unnecessary. price of land because of the sugar pro- time be yielded to the gentlewoman Let me describe how the program gram. from Ohio [Ms. KAPTUR] and that she works. We cannot grow enough sugar in The sugar program is a bad program. be allowed to further yield time. the United States so we must import It is time to start phasing out. This is The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection sugar, so farmers can produce all the only a limited change. I urge my col- to the request of the gentleman from sugar they can grow now but we still leagues to support this. Illinois? must import because the demand is so Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance There was no objection. great. What the Federal Government of my time. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- does is it restricts the amount of sugar Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield man, I ask unanimous consent to yield allowed to enter the United States, and myself 1 minute. half of my time to the gentleman from by so restricting it, we force the price Mr. Chairman, the intent of the Mil- New York [Mr. SCHUMER] for purposes to twice the world price. The incentive ler-Schumer amendment is to kill an of control. for the Federal Government to do that, efficient U.S. sugar industry and send The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to maintain this high price, is the non- those jobs overseas. The sugar program to the request of the gentleman from recourse loan, because the nonrecourse was reformed in the 1996 farm bill. The Florida? loan is such that sugar processors, not sugar program retained only protection There was no objection. farmers, these loans do not go to farm- at the border from the other hundred The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman ers by the way, they go to processors, countries in this world who produce from New York [Mr. SCHUMER] will big companies, and they get to borrow sugar and want the American market control 71⁄2 minutes, the gentleman the money and put up the collateral to dump their sugar on. It would only from Florida [Mr. MILLER] will control sugar. They can pay back with sugar or hurt those people in the sugar industry 71⁄2 minutes, the gentleman from Illi- money, cash. and raise costs to the consumer if we nois [Mr. EWING] will control 71⁄2 min- But what they do is, the Federal Gov- were to adopt this amendment. utes, and the gentlewoman from Ohio ernment does not want to get paid There are more changes coming in [Ms. KAPTUR] will control 71⁄2 minutes. back in sugar, so since the Federal the sugar program. The sugar program The Chair recognizes the gentleman Government does not want to get paid must move with the changes in the from Florida [Mr. MILLER]. back in sugar, they force the price up GATT agreement, and I support that, Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- high. This is bad for the American and most people in this body do for man, I yield myself 41⁄2 minutes. consumer, this is bad for jobs in Amer- bringing the sugar program into com- Mr. Chairman, the amendment we ica, this is bad for the American tax- petition in world market. have before us today is for an incre- payer, and it is also bad for the envi- We cannot change alone. We cannot mental change to the sugar program. ronment in this country. tie one hand behind us and expect the Last year the gentleman from New The consumer, according to the Gen- rest of the world to respect our pro- York [Mr. SCHUMER] and I introduced eral Accounting Office, pays $1.4 billion gram. legislation for a total phaseout of the more, and for people of lower incomes, Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I program, but this year the amendment when they pay a high percentage of yield 2 minutes to the distinguished only addresses the issue of nonrecourse their food, money goes into food cost. gentleman from Maryland [Mr. loans. The sugar program is considered This is a very regressive cost to the CARDIN]. the sugar daddy of corporate welfare American consumer. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Chairman, I want because the benefits go to a limited It is bad for jobs. Refineries are clos- to thank my friend from New York for number of people; in fact, 42 percent of ing. There is an editorial in the San yielding me this time, and I rise in the benefits of the sugar program go to Francisco Examiner today talking strong support of the amendment. only 1 percent of the growers. The about how a refinery may close in San Our current sugar program is costing sugar program is an old command-and- Francisco because there is not enough us money and it is costing us jobs. It control economic model that still ex- sugar to process. Then the jobs are also restricts the amount of sugar that can ists, unfortunately, in this country, affected because the manufacturers come into this country by having an and it keeps the price of sugar at twice that use a lot of sugar, whether it is arbitrarily high price for sugar. That the world price. candy or baked goods and such, cannot means American consumers are paying The sugar program was not changed get enough sugar and so they have to twice what they should for the cost of in the last year’s farm bill, and that is pay more for it. They cannot compete sugar. That is corporate welfare. That unfortunate because last year’s farm with the Canadian companies. is not what it should be. bill had very significant change in ag- Bob’s Candies in Albany, GA, a candy Talk about costing jobs. In my dis- riculture in this country. But, sadly, cane company; how can they compete trict, Domino Sugar Refinery has a sugar was the one product or crop that when they pay twice as much for sugar plant. Seven times within a year they July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5701 had to close because they could not get from the USDA stated that had the GAO landed U.S. price (elsewhere in the report enough sugar at a competitive price in looked at 1973±75, rather than 1989±91, the GAO stated that the transportation cost ad- order to refine that sugar. There are analysis would have showed an annual sav- justment should be 2.0 cents per pound.) To 800 jobs there. That is jobs for this derive a world price of refined sugar of 20.5 ings to domestic users and consumers of cents per pound, GAO added a refining spread country. $350 to $400 million, contrary to the oppo- of 4.0 cents per pound. So whether my colleagues are inter- nents claim that the program was costing tax- GAO compared its constructed U.S. sweet- ested in the American consumer or payers over $1.4 billion. In fact, the GAO later ener price with its derived world price. How- they are interested in American jobs, conceded that the $1.4 billion was simply un- ever, GAO constructed the U.S. price for the they cannot justify our current sugar substantiated. 1989–1991 period during which 1989 and 1990 program. The USDA analysis not only revealed the were unusually high price years for U.S. re- The nonrecourse loan program allows deficiencies of the 1993 GAO report, but it re- fined sugar. This exaggerated the difference sugar production here to guarantee a inforced the fact that America's sugar growers between the so-called world derived price and the U.S. sweetener price. By selecting a certain price. As the gentleman from do not receive subsidies and that it is oper- period of world price spikes, such as 1973– Florida explained, the government does ated at no cost to the Government, as is re- 1975, GAO’s analysis would show an annual not want to get the sugar for the debt. quired by law. The USDA analysis supports savings to domestic users and consumers of Therefore the price of sugar is kept at the sugar program's proponents assertions $350 to $400 million. an arbitrarily high level. that the our Nation's sugar policy benefits con- Clearly, the expected world price of raw For the sake of our consumers, for sumers by providing a stable supply of sugar sugar with global liberalization is critical to the sake of jobs, for the sake of fair- at prices 32 percent below other developing any analyses of the effects of the U.S. sugar ness, support the Miller-Schumer countries. In reality, the reason for this price program. In 1993, the Australian Bureau of amendment. It is in the interests of our Agricultural and Resource Economics differential is because foreign countries sub- (ABARE) estimated that sugar trade liberal- constituents. sidize their sugar industry. On the average, re- ization in the United States, European Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I re- tail price for a pound of sugar in America is Union, and Japan alone would result in an serve the balance of my time. 0.41 cents. Compare that to the 0.92 retail average world price of 17.6 cents per pound of Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield cost of sugar in Japan or Norway and you can raw sugar—2.6 cents per pound higher than 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ha- see that American consumers do not pay the GAO’s derived world price. waii [Mrs. MINK]. astronomical cost for sugar as opponents con- Based on the ABARE analysis and using a transportation cost of 1.75 cents per pound, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, tend. I thank the ranking member for yield- which more accurately reflects global trans- Mr. Chairman, I will submit for the RECORD portation costs to the United States, plus a ing time to me. a letter from USDA Under Secretary Eugene refining spread of 4.27 cents per pound If the Miller-Schumer amendment Moos dated October 24, 1995, refuting the (Landell Mills Commodities Studies, Incor- were to pass today, it would mean vir- April 1993 GAO report. porated), a world price of refined sugar is es- tually the end of the domestic sugar To recover from last year's embarrassment, timated at 23.6 cents per pound. Based on production here in this country, and it adversaries of the U.S. sugar program asked this world price estimate and an average would forfeit over 400,000 jobs, about the GAO to conduct another study of the U.S. sweetener price of 1992–1994, a more nor- 6,000 in my district. sugar program. Mr. Chairman, Congress re- mal price period, it can be shown using GAO’s methodology, that there are no costs I come from an agricultural part of formed the U.S. sugar program just last year. Hawaii. We are very proud of the con- to domestic users and consumers. The request for an additional study was a The estimated effects of the U.S. sugar tributions that the sugar industry has waste of taxpayers money. In fact, to no one's program are highly sensitive to expected made not only to the State but to the surprise, the subsequent 1997 GAO report world prices if global sugar trade is liberal- country. used the same flawed methodology as in the ized. GAO’s analysis, in my judgement, does The only people that are going to 1993 report. Similarly, the USDA found the not adequately consider the complexities benefit from the Miller-Schumer same errors in the 1997 GAO report and re- and dynamics of the U.S. and global sugar amendment are the mega-international futed its contentions. markets. With respect to the effects of the U.S. food cartels because it is in their inter- I urge my colleagues to reject these false ests to be able to buy cheap sugar. sugar program on Government costs of its arguments against the sugar program. It more food purchase and assistance programs, an They are not interested in the Amer- than pays for itself. It benefits taxpayers, ben- independent analysis by the Economic Re- ican jobs that are dependent upon the efits consumers, and provides thousands of search Service (ERS) estimates the cost at sugar program, and contrary to what American jobs. $84 million based on the difference between the gentleman said in offering this U.S. world refined sugar prices in 1994. How- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, amendment, last year in the farm bill ever, just as for the GAO analysis, different OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, effects could be estimated by using other there were major revisions made to the Washington, DC, October 24, 1995. time periods when the price gap between sugar program and those revisions were Hon. PATSY T. MINK, U.S. and world prices was smaller. Moreover, agreed to by those of us who support House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office with global liberalization, the price gap Building, Washington, DC. this program. would narrow because of the dynamics of ad- DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN MINK: Thank you So I urge my colleagues, in the inter- justment which were not considered in the for your letter of July 26, 1995, concerning ests of saving U.S. jobs, protecting the ERS analysis. the General Accounting Office (GAO) report farmers, understanding the commit- Sincerely, that stated that the U.S. sugar program EUGENE MOOS, ment we made for 7 years to this pro- costs domestic users and consumers an aver- Under Secretary for Farm and gram, I urge them to defeat this age of $1.4 billion annually and GAO’s July Foreign Agricultural Services. amendment. 1995 analysis that the sugar program cost the Mr. Chairman, throughout this sugar debate Government an additional $90 million in 1994 Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Sugar Program was you have and will continue to hear opponents for its food purchase and food assistance pro- significantly reformed in the farm bill passed refer to a 1993 General Accounting Office grams. last Congress. We cannot renege on our 7- [GAO] and a subsequent 1997 GAO report In my opinion, GAO’s April 1993 report was year commitment made only a year ago to flawed in its estimates. Some data were used America's sugar growers and producers. The that argue for the elimination of the American incorrectly and important data and sugar sugar program. The U.S. Department of Agri- market issues were not considered. Based on elimination of the nonrecourse loan provisions culture [USDA] responded to the 1993 GAO GAO’s methodology, but by selecting prices will lead to the destruction of the support report that it was flawed. in different time periods, the results are structure for America's sugar farmers and In a correspondence I received from the more ambiguous. Depending on the time- drive them and their families to joblessness USDA Under Secretary, they found that the frame, one may contend that the domestic and unemployment. The nonrecourse loan is GAO used incorrect data and ignored integral sugar program either costs or benefits U.S. an integral element of America's sugar pro- components of the sugar program in generat- users and consumers. gram. Without these loans, the sugar oper- GAO’s estimate of $1.4 billion annually was ing their conclusions. In fact, the USDA found based on an assumption of a long-run equi- ations in my district, with the exception of a re- that even using the GAO's flawed methods, it librium world price of 15.0 cents per pound of finery owned facility, would probably close. could still show hundreds of million of dollars raw sugar if all countries liberalized sugar That could mean a loss of a 6,000 jobs di- in benefits to consumers depending upon trade. GAO added a transportation cost of 1.5 rectly and indirectly in an already weakened which years were studied. The letter I received cents per pound of raw sugar to derive a Hawaii economy. H5702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Nonrecourse loans work by allowing the borrowed money on the basis of 7 put them in the poorhouse. It would harvested sugar to be used as a collateral in years. The CoBank, the largest agri- not help anybody: Not them, not the exchange for a loan from the Community culture bank in the country, said if we Government, and not the public. Credit Corporation [CCC]. In addition, these pass this amendment it jeopardizes $1 So, contrary to some assertions loans support sugar prices and ensure that billion worth of loans to farmers. today, this safety net we are talking America's sugar growers have the ability to Please, I ask the Members not to about is not a handout. It was a hand- make a profit and repay their obligations with jeopardize the farm bill they passed. shake. It was a promise. It was a com- interest. Last year, Congress reformed the Mr. Chairman, I include for the mitment that we made on the floor of sugar program by stipulating that nonrecourse RECORD a letter from Mr. Jack Cassidy this House when we passed the farm loans, and the guarantee of a minimum raw to Chairman LIVINGSTON. bill. Breaking this promise would be sugar price, would be available only when im- The letter referred to is as follows: bad policy. Breaking this promise ports are high. Furthermore, it imposed a 1 COBANK, would demonstrate bad faith. So I urge cent per pound penalty on any processor who Denver, CO, July 2, 1997. my colleagues to support these farmers forfeits sugar to the CCC. Hon. ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON, and oppose this amendment. Opponents claim that last year's reforms Chairman, Appropriations Committee, U.S. Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 were inadequate and contributes to higher House of Representatives, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I’m writing to express minute to the distinguished gentleman food prices. Nothing could be further from the CoBank’s opposition to H.R. 1387, legislation from Louisiana [Mr. TAUZIN]. truth. Compared with other developed coun- that would effectively end the federal sugar Mr. TAUZIN. I thank the gentleman tries, the U.S. price for sugar is about 32 per- policy. for yielding time to me, Mr. Chairman. cent below what consumers in other countries With $18 billion in assets, CoBank is the Mr. Chairman, I would say to the pay. The cost for sugar-added products, like largest bank in the Farm Credit System. We members of the committee, there is no cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream, and cereal provide financing to about 2,000 customers, more sacred obligation of this House have all risen 1 to 3.4 percent when the price including agricultural cooperatives, rural when it makes a promise to citizens of utility systems, and to support the export of for raw sugar has fallen. this country than to keep those prom- It's obvious that the very ones making the agricultural products. At present, CoBank has 25 farmer-owned cooperative customers ises. argument to eliminate the safety net for Amer- involved in the sugar or sweetener industry, The previous speakers are exactly ican farmers and consumers, are generating with loans from CoBank totaling about $996 right. In the 1996 bill we set the course record profits for themselves. It's shear greed million. for the farm communities of America without regard to our American producers. CoBank’s customers, their farmer mem- for the next 7 years. The sugar program This amendment promoted by the mega-food bers, and CoBank itself have made numerous was the only one where we said non- corporations is to allow them to buy cheap for- business decisions and financial commit- recourse loans would not be available eign subsidized sugar and reap bigger profits ments based on the seven-year farm bill passed by Congress in 1996. As you know, to farmers once import levels exceeded on the backs of hardworking Americans. 1.5 million tons. We made that commit- If you vote for this amendment you are al- that legislation included provisions vital to the U.S. sugar industry at no cost to U.S. ment in that agreement in 1996. I urge lowing greedy candy manufacturers and their taxpayers. Great hardship would result to Members to keep that agreement. allies to gain access to foreign subsidized sugar farmers and their cooperatives if Con- If they adopt this amendment, they sugar. Mr. Chair, America's sugar farmers gress fails to live up to the commitments are saying to American sugar farmers need our help. From September 1996 to May made just last year as part of the farm bill. that one bad season means the Govern- of this year, raw sugar prices have plummeted For these reasons, we urge you to support ment comes and takes their farm, 3 percent to 0.21 cents per pound. This drop the existing farm bill provisions and oppose any proposals that would undermine the ex- takes their equipment, and they are is significant for sugar growers because this out of business. That is not the way determines whether or not they make a menial isting sugar policy. Please call me if you or your staff have this Government ought to work. It cer- profit or file for bankruptcy. If this amendment any questions. tainly is not a thing this Congress passes it would mean the end of thousands of Sincerely, ought to do. America's small farmers. This action betrays JACK CASSIDY, The bill we passed with over 3,300 last year's agreement and is a slap in the face Senior Vice President. votes last year sets the stage for the of America's hardworking sugar farmers. I Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield farm communities for the next 7 years. strongly urge my colleagues to keep our prom- 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from We ought to keep our word, keep our ise to America's farmers and vote ``no'' on this Michigan [Mr. BONIOR], our distin- promise, defeat this Miller-Schumer amendment. guished leader. amendment. Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Chairman, the gen- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I minute to the distinguished gentleman tleman from Oregon [Mr. SMITH] who yield 1 minute to the distinguished from Oregon [Mr. SMITH], chairman of just spoke, the chairman, is absolutely gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. the Committee on Agriculture. right. Last year this House made a MALONEY]. Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, promise to America’s sugar farmers. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. I thank the gentleman for yielding. We promised that we would stand by Chairman, the Miller-Schumer amend- Mr. Chairman, my colleagues in the them, by their families, in case of a ment has very strong bipartisan sup- 104th Congress passed a contract with natural or an economic disaster. We port. It would delete sugar price sup- agriculture. Over 300 of them voted for made this commitment for 7 years. We ports and laws that keep sugar prices it, and it was a contract which I am made it in good faith. artificially high. Eleven out of 22 sugar sure even the proponents of this bill The amendment that we now discuss refineries in the United States have will support, and that means that all would break that promise. It would closed. Domino Sugar, which operates subsidies and all support systems are strip these farmers of the security we a plant in my district and employs al- gone in 7 years, now 6 years. gave them in last year’s farm bill. In most 1,000 people in New York State, b 1445 my State alone, in Michigan, we have has closed three plants. It was a commitment made by Con- 2,800 sugar beet farmers. They employ, How can anyone look at this record gress with farmers. It allowed farmers with other ancillary businesses, about and say the sugar program is a success? to free up their planning, but it also 23,000 people in our State. Instead of the sugar program providing said it is the end in 7 years. The modest safety net at issue here American jobs, it is taking good, solid Now, if Members pass this amend- simply makes it possible for these fam- jobs away from the refining industry ment, they break the contract with ilies to plan their future with some and giving them to a privileged few farmers. They not only break it with sense of peace of mind. What we are sugar growers. sugar, they break it for the rest of the talking about is enabling hard-working This year Domino has suspended pro- farmers. Why not wheat? Why not soy- families to weather a tough season duction in my district because it could beans? Why are we not talking about without going broke. It is in not purchase enough imported sugar to these as well? How about dairy? everybody’s interest for the farmers to maintain its profit margin. Deregulat- We made a contract with the farm- continue to do what they do best, and ing sugar prices would keep sugar re- ers. They depend upon it. They have that is to farm. One bum crop could finers like Domino up and running. It July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5703 also would lower sugar prices and food Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield Florida [Mr. MILLER], who is going to prices for consumers. American con- 1 minute to the distinguished gen- yield a minute of my time. sumers pay twice as much for sugar as tleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABERCROM- Mr. GOSS. Mr. Chairman, will the the rest of the world. BIE]. gentleman yield? The American people deserve better. (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield to the They deserve cheaper sugar and they given permission to revise and extend gentleman from Florida. deserve to keep their jobs. Vote for this his remarks.) Mr. GOSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in amendment. Mr. ABERCROMBIE. This is all we support of the amendment offered by Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- have to see right here, Mr. Chairman. my friends, the gentleman from Flor- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Do Members want to hear about jobs? ida [Mr. DAN MILLER] and the gen- from Tennessee [Mr. WAMP]. We all have people that work hard, and tleman from New York, Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. WAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank I understand the tradition of this coun- This amendment prohibits the use of the gentleman for yielding time to me. try is if you work hard, you are sup- any funds in the bill to carry out the Mr. Chairman, my grandparents were posed to be rewarded. Our sugar grow- nonrecourse loan portion of the sugar farmers. I represent farmers in east ers are the most productive people on program. It only affects nonrecourse Tennessee. Those same farmers con- the face of the Earth, and they are up loans. We are losing sight of that fact. tinue to support me even though I against wage slavery. It leaves in place recourse loans for voted against the farm bill last year. If Members want to vote for wage processors and the sugar tariff rate Why? Because I do not think we can slavery, do it, but do not do it on the quota. I think that is an important dis- really have reform until we eliminate backs of American working people. If tinction. price supports and subsidies. Members want to blame corporations The sugar industry obviously is a These farmers that support me are and tax them, go ahead and tax them very particular concern in my home not in favor of price supports or sub- for the profits they are making. State of Florida for economic and envi- sidies. They are in favor of being left But I would like to bring this forward ronmental reasons. The delegation, alone to do their work, whether it is to Members for their consideration. Do frankly, is split. The sugar industry peanuts, sugar, tobacco. I agree, why Members think for an instant if they has contributed great benefit to the not all of them? Why do we not elimi- kill the sugar program that Coca-Cola economy in Florida, but it has also nate all the subsidies? It does not make is going to cost us any less because it contributed to some of the problems in any sense. is Diet Coca-Cola? They pocket those the Florida Everglades, and I hope that After all, the people of Eastern Eu- profits right now, and if Members kill the industry will continue to pitch in rope and the Soviet Union were willing the sugar program they are inviting to help with the cleanup efforts and fu- to risk their lives to have what we not Coca-Cola and everybody else to take ture preventative activity. only take for granted but abuse, and even more profits, laugh all the way to But the critical issue here today, I that is the free market. We cannot con- the bank, and hurt the American work- believe, is the great majority of the tinue to beat up on the free market ing man and woman. people I represent in Florida believe with price supports and subsidies and Stand up for the American working that the time for deep Government in- have consumers pay higher prices for man and the American working volvement in agricultural markets has things because the Government is in- woman, and fight off the big corporate ended. It actually ended a long time volved where the Government should profits that will be made if Members ago. So on their behalf I am pleased to not be involved. A pure pro-farm vote pass this amendment today. I rest my support the Miller-Schumer amend- is leave the farmers alone and pull the case. ment, and I commend them for their ef- government out of the farm business. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- forts. Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 man, I yield myself 5 seconds. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield minute to the gentleman from Michi- Mr. Chairman, no sugar is used in such time as he may consume to the gan [Mr. CAMP]. Coca-Cola. It is corn syrup. They priced gentleman from California [Mr. FARR]. Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank themselves out of the market. There is (Mr. FARR of California asked and the gentleman for yielding time to me. no sugar in Coca-Cola. was given permission to revise and ex- Our sugar policy was reformed in the Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 tend his remarks.) 1996 farm bill, Mr. Chairman, which seconds to the gentleman from Michi- Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Chair- many speakers have mentioned. But I gan [Mr. SMITH] man, I rise in opposition to this amend- know our opponents also say that they Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- ment. It is a choice between farmers rely on this discredited GAO report man, there is a misconception about and candy. Vote for farmers. claiming that U.S. sugar is overpriced. bringing the sugar prices down by Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield They constantly cite this 1993 report. doing away with this program. I served such time as he may consume to the The authors of this flawed report for 4 years as the Deputy Adminis- gentleman from Michigan [Mr. based their entire analysis on a faulty trator for Farm Programs in USDA. I BARCIA]. assumption. They assumed that with- assure you that today’s agricultural (Mr. BARCIA asked and was given out a sugar policy, U.S. consumers policy is developed based on the prior- permission to revise and extend his re- could pay an outrageously low world ities of having an abundant supply of marks.) price of 14 cents a pound for sugar. food and fiber at a reasonable price for Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Chairman, I also They failed to mention that the world the American consumer. register my strong opposition to the price was a dump price, the price Consumers are paying less for sugar Miller-Schumer amendment. sugar-exporting countries get for in this country than most of the major Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to dumping their highly-subsidized sugar countries of the world. It makes no the Miller-Schumer amendment. It is an on world markets. sense to compare a dumping price for amendment that should not even be consid- The world dump price for sugar is sugar from another country against ered on an appropriations bill because it is hopelessly flawed and cannot be used the current domestic price. Consider clear from statements made in ``Dear Col- as a gauge for measuring sugar’s cost. our vulnerability and what we are leagues'' by our two colleagues that their in- Even the USDA says the GAO report going to have to pay for sugar if we do tention is to change the sugar program, a leg- was ‘‘* * * flawed in its estimates, and away with our sugar producers in this islative action if I ever saw one. important data and market issues were country, it is ridiculous. Our price for I join my colleagues who say that this battle not considered.’’ The USDA also said, sugar is one of the cheapest in the has been fought and is over until the next ‘‘Using different world price estimates, world. Do not compare it to the dump farm bill. Remember last year when our oppo- it can be shown using GAO’s methodol- price of sugar. Keep producing quality nents resorted to fairy tale characters to try to ogy that there are no costs to domestic sugar in this country. Keep this pro- undermine the zero-cost and well-intended users and consumers.’’ gram. sugar program. Well, in the words of a former Oppose the Miller-Schumer amend- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I President, there they go again. Now they are ment. yield 1 minute to the gentleman from looking for the big bad wolf to keep huffing H5704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 and puffing until he can find a house to blow amendment. I have people in my dis- (Mr. HASTINGS of Florida asked and down. trict who are working hard to support was given permission to revise and ex- I represent some of the hardest working, their families. What we are seeing is tend his remarks.) most efficient farmers in this country. They that this anticompetitive program Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chair- have worked their entire lives to bring the best costs consumers over $1 billion per man, I thank the gentlewoman for quality food supply to our consumers at the year in higher prices. Because of this yielding me the time. most reasonable prices in the world. We made program, it is threatening jobs in my Mr. Chairman, this issue is about a 7-year deal with them last year, and it is district. We see it at Refined Sugars in American jobs, not about highfalutin wrong for us to change it after they have Yonkers. At Domino’s in Brooklyn. It Congress speak. I live where these peo- made their plans based upon our holding out is so critical that we reform the pro- ple grow this sugar. I live with the pain a multiyear program to them. gram. I rise in strong support of the of those who think for a moment that Mr. Chairman, those who want to end the Miller-Schumer amendment. they may not have a job at some point sugar program any way they can have re- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I in time. We stand around here and talk sorted to using false information to denigrate yield 1 minute to the gentleman from about jobs in my districts and your dis- the program. We have heard them claim that South Carolina [Mr. SANFORD]. trict. Let me tell my colleagues about the Food and Agricultural Policy Research In- Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Chairman, I rise the 44,000 jobs that are produced by the stitute has a study that was kept secret that in support of this amendment because American sugar industry. I can assure says damage to our domestic sugar industry there has been much talk about com- my colleagues of this, the argument would be minimal if we changed the program. mitment. Yet what I think we need to about who makes profits, do we penal- That's an old story. The facts now are that ultimately be committed to is to the ize Bill Gates for owning Microsoft? FAPRI's 1995 report was not buried, but rath- simple theme of common sense. What Hell no. What we do is we support er was publicly released, provided to congres- we have with our sugar subsidy pro- those efforts of manufacturers and sional staff, and available on the FAPRI gram is a system that does not make businesses and so does the sugar indus- website for several months. FAPRI, in fact, common sense. I say that because here try. If you do not get it here, you are found that the harm to U.S. sugar producers we have a program that costs Amer- going to get it there. And if you get it would be substantial if our sugar policy was ican consumers an additional $1.4 bil- there, it is going to cost more and it is lost, not minimal as the opponents to the lion a year in the form of higher sugar going to cost more in American jobs. sugar program claim. And FAPRI has ac- price. All that benefit is handed to in Please know that this is an impor- knowledged that it probably understated the essence the hands of a very few, for in- tant program not just to Members but probable damage to American sugar growers, stance the Fanjul family that live to people and to hospitals in these and that because of errors on FAPRI's part on down in Palm Beach and get $65 mil- rural areas and to the little bitty U.S. costs of production, if the study were up- lion a year of personal benefit. They stores and to the little bitty businesses dated, FAPRI would likely demonstrate even have got yachts and helicopters and that crop up as a result of this. larger declines in domestic production. planes. They are on the Forbes 400 list. Completely defeat this amendment. Mr. Chairman, it is a bad thing to change a So what I have got are people that Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield good program when it is working. It is even live in my home district, living in such time as he may consume to the worse to change a good program based on trailers subsidizing the lifestyles of the gentleman from Idaho [Mr. CRAPO]. misleading and discredited information. I urge rich and famous. To me that does not (Mr. CRAPO asked and was given per- a ``no'' vote on Miller-Schumer. make common sense. I urge adoption of mission to revise and extend his re- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield this amendment. marks.) 45 seconds to the distinguished gen- Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in tleman from North Dakota [Mr. minute to the distinguished gentleman opposition to the amendment. POMEROY]. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Chairman, I from Nebraska [Mr. BARRETT]. Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. 30 seconds to the gentleman from Lou- thank the gentlewoman for yielding Chairman, I thank the gentleman for isiana [Mr. JOHN]. time to me. Mr. JOHN. Mr. Chairman, I would Mr. Chairman, the family farmers yielding the time to me. I do rise in opposition to the amend- like to thank the gentlewoman from that work in their fields in the Red ment. The U.S. sugar program is not Ohio for yielding me the time. River Valley that I represent must be about corporate welfare. It is not about Let us be very honest about what we watching this debate with utter amaze- lower prices for consumers. It is not are doing here. This amendment has ment. After all, U.S. sugar prices are 32 about environmental protection. The nothing to do with saving taxpayers’ percent below developed countries. U.S. amendment is about eliminating a self- dollars. It has nothing to do with pro- retail prices are the third lowest in the financing, substantially reformed and tecting American consumers. In fact developed world. U.S. spending on positive program for American sugar this amendment has everything to do sugar is the lowest in the world per growers and producers and taxpayers. with bad public policy. It is about capita. I think it is important to keep in doing through the appropriations proc- Last year we reformed the sugar pro- mind that the sugar program is almost ess what could not be done in the 1996 gram, addressing many of the concerns a new program. The 1996 farm bill cre- farm bill. raised by the opponents. We gave them ated a free domestic sugar market, In the gentleman’s own words, the a straight up-or-down vote on whether froze the support price at 1995 levels. It gentleman from Florida said we tried this program should be continued. to totally eliminate this program last Now all North Dakota farmers, like required that the USDA impose a pen- farmers everywhere, ask for is that alty on producers who forfeit their year and we could not do it. So please, this body maintain the commitment crops instead of repaying their market- I urge my colleagues, do not go along made in last year’s farm bill that there ing loans, and it increased imports. with this amendment. This is a back- will be some price safety net on this Do not doubt these reforms have a door approach to try to wreck the product as they deal with the vagaries significant impact on all sugar produc- American farmers and not the big of weather and other external cir- ers. Sugar producers in my district and farmers but the small farmers. The CHAIRMAN pro tempore [Mr. cumstances that make farming such a all across the country have accepted it QUINN]. The Chair announces that the high-risk, low-profit business. Do not and generally welcome the opportunity pull the rug out on America’s farmers. to work in the new program, an oppor- gentleman from Florida [Mr. MILLER] This country has a good deal with the tunity for them to succeed. has 2 minutes and 10 seconds remain- sugar program. It should be continued. I am proud to represent our sugar ing, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I beet growers, and I would urge my col- EWING] has 2 minutes remaining, the yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman leagues to oppose this misguided gentleman from New York [Mr. SCHU- 1 from New York [Mrs. LOWEY]. amendment and support American MER] has 1 ⁄2 minutes remaining, and sugar producers. the gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. KAP- b 1500 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield TUR] has 23⁄4 minutes remaining. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in 1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- For the purposes of closing the de- strong support of the Miller-Schumer ida [Mr. HASTINGS]. bate, the Chair announces that the July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5705 gentleman from Florida [Mr. MILLER] the farmers of this country. We need to Those of us who have studied it know will close. The gentlewoman from Ohio defeat the Miller-Schumer amendment. that it was reformed and reformed as [Ms. KAPTUR] will go third to last. The Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I much as any agricultural program. gentleman from New York [Mr. SCHU- yield myself the balance of my time. Now, right now this amendment, who is MER] will finish his time first, and the Let me thank the gentleman from interested in this amendment? It is not gentleman from Illinois [Mr. EWING] Florida [Mr. MILLER], my coauthor on the little guy that you are worried will go second to last. this amendment. We have heard a lot about. It is not the senior citizen. It is Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 of passion on the floor. We have not the big consumer of sugar, the manu- minute to the gentleman from Florida heard too many facts. I would like to facturers who want to destroy the [Mr. FOLEY]. rebut a few. sugar price in America. (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given per- People say the sugar program was re- The sugar price in America as com- mission to revise and extend his re- formed in 1995. That is not true. Wheat pared around the world, we are less marks.) was reformed, corn was reformed. Sor- than the developed world. What is at Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Chairman, some- ghum was reformed; soybeans was re- risk here is opening the doors because thing was mentioned today on the floor formed. All of you reformed your pro- all that is left is border protection to about the environment. The Miami grams. Sugar and peanuts refused to be dumping of foreign sugar on America’s Herald, an environmental newspaper reformed. Right now the average sub- sugar industry and destroying it. Then located in Miami, FL: Congress weighs sidy per acre of sugar is $480. No other we will put out of business those who sugar policy. Dismantling the U.S. industry farm or farmer otherwise gets create jobs in the sugar industries and sugar program will not save the Ever- that. The average subsidy for wheat is those farmers who pursue a livelihood glades. Sugarcane, the plant, is still $35. The average subsidy for corn $45. there. Vote no on this amendment. the most benign crop grown in the Ev- No wonder the gentleman from Florida b 1515 erglades agricultural area, requiring [Mr. FOLEY] says, do not change it. If less water than rice, releasing fewer you were making $480 per acre, you Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield polluting nutrients than vegetables or would not want to change it either. We the balance of my time to the gen- cattle pastures. Studies show that the all pay for it. tleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM], crops that might supplant sugarcane Second, it emasculates the poor the distinguished ranking member of would pose a greater threat to the en- sugar farmers. Do you know who the the authorizing Committee on Agri- vironment and, if the land became fal- money goes to? The refiners. The farm- culture. low, it would be quickly overtaken by ers did not get a nickel from this pro- (Mr. STENHOLM asked and was melaleuca and Brazilian pepper. gram. And in fact the program is so given permission to revise and extend We heard about price. Let me show skewed to the top that the 1 percent his remarks.) my colleagues what the farm bill did wealthiest, including the Fanjuls, my Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Chairman, last near. Raw sugar prices down 3.4 friend from California said this is farm- quickly, fact: The sugar program has percent. Wholesale refined sugar down ers versus candy, this is the American not cost the U.S. Treasury 1 cent since 5.2 percent; cereal up 1; ice cream up people versus the Fanjuls, plain and 1985. Fact: We will reduce the deficit by 1.8; 2 percent for candy; 2.1 for retail simple. $288 million over the life of the farm refined sugar; and cookies and cakes up One percent of the subsidy, 1 percent bill that some said was not reformed. 3.4 percent. of the people get 56 percent of the sub- Now I want to talk about M&M Reducing the price of sugar as the sidy, the top 1 percent of those sub- candy. I like M&M candy. They include amendment would suggest will not cre- sidized get 56 percent. This is a rich sugar in M&M candy. They also have ate a consumer benefit. Reject this man’s benefit. less than 1 percent corn starch in M&M amendment. It is about jobs, as the Finally, the environment, every day, candy. gentleman from Florida [Mr. HASTINGS] my colleagues, another 5 acres of the This reference that the consumer is said. It is about a bill that was fairly Everglades is destroyed; 500,000 acres of going to pay a billion dollars more is negotiated on this floor. They lost. precious Florida wetlands are de- laughable. There is 25 grams of sugar in They should accept their defeat. Pro- stroyed. Is it no wonder that free mar- this package. The market price is 22 tect the program. Defeat Miller-Schu- ket think tanks, environmental cents. That makes 1.23 cents worth of mer. groups, consumer groups all are to- sugar in this candy. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield gether in eliminating the program? Let If we lowered it to the world prices, 45 seconds to the gentleman from Min- us be honest. There are jobs on the as the authors of this amendment want nesota [Mr. PETERSON]. sugar side. There are jobs on the re- us to do, it will lower it to 8 cents a Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. finer side. Jobs are being lost. We pound. That will make 0.78 cents per Chairman, I would first of all like to argue net jobs are being lost. But why pound worth of sugar in this candy. We correct my good friend from Florida in do we give such a huge subsidy to this can buy this in the Capitol from the his original statement. He said a cou- one program? vending machines for 55 cents. Do we ple of things that are just flat wrong. The gentleman in the well said, Bill believe for a moment that there will be First of all, we changed the sugar pro- Gates, Bill Gates prospered. Yes, my a new price at 54.217 cents on that gram in the last Congress, and that colleagues, he prospered without a Fed- vending machine if we pass this amend- needs to be understood. Second of all, eral subsidy. If the Fanjuls can prosper ment? this does not just affect processors. without a Federal subsidy, God bless Vote ‘‘no’’ on this amendment. This affects farmers because in my dis- them. If they were American citizens, I Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- trict the plants are owned by the farm- would say God bless America. man, I yield myself the balance of my ers. These are people that have 500, 600 But they do not. They prosper to sub- time. acres. They have a cooperative. They sidize. That is why they are here with I want to correct some of the infor- own this plant. They have put tremen- everything they are giving to every- mation stated today. First of all, there dous investments into these plants. We body. That is why they can afford to was no significant change in the sugar have made a commitment with them in buy refiners and offer to buy my refin- program last year. It only lost by a this farm bill last year that we were ery. That is why they can afford to handful of votes. Five votes made a dif- going to leave this alone for 7 years. It spread all their money around because ference. As Time magazine said, ‘‘The is not fair to do what they are doing to of all the money we make, and it comes landmark farm bill left sugar subsidies these farmers. from the average hard-working Amer- standing.’’ They did not get changed I just wish that we would be honest ican who nickel by nickel pays for last year. about what we are doing here. What we that. End this subsidy once and for all. We just have to look at the price of are trying to do, legislate on an appro- Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I yield sugar. Five years ago the price of sugar priations bill. We are trying to do what myself the balance of my time. was 22, 23 cents a pound. Today it is 22, could not be done last time. It is not There has been a lot of conversation 23 cents a pound in the United States. fair to the farmers in my district and about reform of the sugar program. And under this farm bill it will stay at H5706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 that same price for the next 5 years. their net returns from the nearby processors in sidy. The USDA's complex program of loan But look at the world price. In Canada December of this year. These net returns are subsidies, price supports, and good old-fash- it is about 11 or 12 cents a pound. That ultimately based upon what was supposed to ioned protectionism benefits only a handful of is the world price of sugar. be a 7-year Federal sugar policy commitment. farmers at the expense of American consum- What will happen to those candy The Miller-Schumer amendment ignores that ers. companies is that they are going to commitment and compromises the financial in- I think the American people would be ap- ship their jobs to Canada. It is happen- vestments made by our Nation's producers. palled to learn that more than 30 farmers and ing now. It is not right for the jobs in Mr. Speaker, Montana's farmers can't unplant corporations receive in excess of $1 million this country. what has been planted and can't recover their annually in USDA sugar subsidies. Meanwhile, When we talk about subsidized sugar, investments if Congress erases those invest- consumers pay $1.4 billion a year in higher France has subsidized sugar. There are ments. prices on sugar products and hundreds of laws on the books to keep that sugar Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to de- consumer items that use sugar. out of the United States. I agree with feat this amendment. This dangerous amend- Last year, Congress passed landmark agri- that. When countries like France are ment puts our farmers and communities at culture legislation, known as the FAIR Act, not allowed to ship it in, that is what great and unfair risk and forgets our word to which opened up most American farmers to I agree with. But a country like Aus- the people. It's time to assure our agriculture the free market and new agricultural opportu- tralia, the largest exporter of sugar in community that the promises made by the nities. There is no reason why these same the nation, they are allowed to ship Federal Government are promises kept. free market principles should not apply to and sell it anywhere in the world at 11, Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposi- sugar farmers. If passed, this amendment 12 cents. We can compete with Aus- tion to the Miller-Schumer amendment to would also have the benefit of opening up new tralia. eliminate the nonrecourse portion of the U.S. opportunities to sugar farmers while still pro- Now, last year, we did not pass a sugar program. As you know, during consider- viding them refuge from foreign dumping and total reform. What we want to do now ation of last year's historic farm bill, significant unfair trade barriers in markets overseas. is just a modest change, which is a reforms were made to the U.S. sugar pro- Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Mr. MIL- nonrecourse loan. Veterans do not get gram. Among the changes were the elimi- LER and Mr. SCHUMER for their collaborative nonrecourse loans. Students do not get nation of all domestic production controls, an work on this issue and I urge all my col- nonrecourse loans. Businesses around increase in the marketing assessments sugar leagues to support their amendment. this country do not get nonrecourse farmers must pay to reduce the Federal defi- The CHAIRMAN. The question is on loans. So why should sugar farmers get cit, and new penalties to further discourage the amendment offered by the gen- nonrecourse loans? loan forfeitures and maintain the now 12-year- tleman from Florida [Mr. MILLER]. Now, to my Republican colleagues, 55 old no-cost operation of sugar policy. The question was taken; and the percent of the Republicans last year Our domestic sugarbeet and sugarcane Chairman announced that the noes ap- voted with me for total repeal. This is growers provide taxpayers with almost $300 peared to have it. just an incremental change and there million in Federal revenues through the collec- RECORDED VOTE is no reason why they should not be tion of assessments. In fact, because our do- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- able to come along with me this time. mestic growers have been so successful in man, I demand a recorded vote. It is pro-jobs, it is pro-consumer, it providing U.S. consumers with stable, high- A recorded vote was ordered. saves taxpayers money, and it is a good quality supplies of sugar at a retail price well The vote was taken by electronic de- environmental vote. below the developed country average, our vice, and there were—ayes 175, noes 253, This will be a scored vote by environ- farmers were willing last year to contribute answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 5, as mental groups, and the free market, their fair share in the overall goal of reforming follows: the think tanks all say, hey, if we be- Federal farm support programs. [Roll No. 312] lieve in the free enterprise system, this But while our sugar industry has been suc- is a bad program with sugar so we cessful, it does face stiff competition from sub- AYES—175 should support this amendment. sidized sugar growers throughout the world. Allen English Kolbe To my colleagues on the other side of Andrews Ensign Kucinich GATT mandated no reduction in the price sup- Archer Eshoo LaFalce the aisle that are concerned about the port for sugar in the European Union. Thus, Armey Fawell Lantos environment, this is a big environ- while U.S. growers operate under a strict loan Barr Forbes Largent mental vote, and it is bad for consum- program, European farmers receive subsidies Barrett (WI) Fox LaTourette Bartlett Frank (MA) Lazio ers and for lower income people who to artificially lower the market cost on their Bass Franks (NJ) Lewis (GA) pay so much for their food. It does im- sugar sales. Berman Frelinghuysen Linder pact the cost of their food. Recognizing the threat that dumping sugar Bilbray Gallegly LoBiondo So I encourage all my colleagues to Bilirakis Gejdenson Lowey by foreign countries could have on the United Blagojevich Gekas Luther say let us begin the process. This is one States, sugar growers have one remaining Blumenauer Gibbons Maloney (CT) step in the direction of reforming sugar safety net, the nonrecourse loan guarantee. Boehlert Gilchrest Maloney (NY) which did not get reformed last year. While some of my colleagues here have at- Borski Goodlatte Manzullo Brown (OH) Goodling Markey This is the right thing to do for the tempted to portray this as a gimmick to raid Campbell Gordon Mascara American consumer and the American the Federal Treasury, in actuality, this program Capps Goss McCarthy (MO) taxpayer. would only come into effect when at least 1.5 Cardin Greenwood McCarthy (NY) Mr. HILL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to Castle Hall (OH) McDade million tons of foreign imports begin to flood Chabot Hansen McDermott strongly oppose the Miller-Schumer amend- our markets. Clement Hayworth McGovern ment. This ill-conceived measure breaks the I believe this safety net is important to keep Collins Hilleary McHale market-oriented contract made with the hard- our domestic sugarbeet and sugarcane indus- Conyers Hinchey McHugh Cook Hobson McKinney working sugar farmers around the country and try viable. Without this small measure of pro- Cox Hoekstra McNulty in my home State of Montana and undermines tection from the vagaries of foreign subsidized Crane Horn Meehan the viability of our rural communities. sugar, a critical sector of our farm economy Cummings Hostettler Miller (CA) This amendment flies in the face of common could collapse. Mr. Chairman, I urge my col- Davis (IL) Hoyer Miller (FL) Davis (VA) Hutchinson Moakley sense. Montana's sugar producers and their leagues to vote against this amendment. DeFazio Inglis Moran (KS) families have made investments based upon Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, DeGette Jackson (IL) Moran (VA) the Federal Government's word in the 1995 today, I rise in support of the Miller-Schumer DeLauro Johnson (CT) Morella DeLay Kanjorski Nadler farm bill. In this planting year alone, farmers amendment to the fiscal year 1998 agriculture Deutsch Kasich Neal are counting on these promises for a fair re- appropriations bill which would prohibit the Dickey Kelly Neumann turn on their investment. Yet, this amendment U.S. Department of Agriculture from spending Doggett Kennedy (MA) Ney would place America's sugar producers at Federal funds to implement the nonrecourse Doyle Kennedy (RI) Northup Dreier Kennelly Olver great risk by eliminating the safety net they loan program for sugar producers. Duncan Kim Pallone were promised in the farm bill. This amendment takes another step forward Dunn Kind (WI) Pappas For example, Montana's sugar producers in our continued efforts to phase out the Fed- Ehrlich Kingston Pascrell are counting on getting up to 70 percent of eral Government's out-dated sugar price sub- Engel Klug Paul July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5707 Paxon Rush Souder Watkins Weller Wicker Towns Waters Woolsey Payne Salmon Sununu Watt (NC) Wexler Wise Turner Watt (NC) Wynn Petri Sanders Tauscher Watts (OK) Weygand Woolsey Velazquez Waxman Yates Pitts Sanford Tierney Weldon (FL) Whitfield Wynn Vento Wexler Porter Sawyer Upton Visclosky Weygand Portman Saxton Velazquez ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Pryce (OH) Scarborough Visclosky Sisisky NOES—265 Quinn Schumer Wamp Radanovich Sensenbrenner Waxman NOT VOTING—5 Aderholt Gilman Ortiz Ramstad Shadegg Weldon (PA) Barton Schiff Young (AK) Archer Goode Oxley Regula Shaw White Molinari Stark Armey Goodlatte Packard Rogan Shays Wolf Bachus Goodling Pappas Rohrabacher Slaughter Yates b 1538 Baesler Gordon Parker Ros-Lehtinen Smith (NJ) Young (FL) Baker Goss Paul Roukema Smith, Linda Ms. WOOLSEY, Ms. ROYBAL-AL- Ballenger Graham Paxon Royce Snowbarger LARD, Mr. ORTIZ, and Mr. OWENS Barcia Granger Pease changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Barr Green Peterson (PA) NOES—253 Messrs. SAXTON, COOK, VIS- Barrett (NE) Greenwood Petri Bartlett Gutknecht Pickering Abercrombie Ford Nethercutt CLOSKY, and EHRLICH changed their Ackerman Fowler Norwood Bass Hall (OH) Pickett Aderholt Frost Nussle vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Bateman Hall (TX) Pitts Bachus Furse Oberstar So the amendment was rejected. Bentsen Hamilton Pombo Baesler Ganske Obey The result of the vote was announced Bereuter Hansen Porter Bilbray Hastert Baker Gephardt Ortiz as above recorded. Portman Baldacci Gillmor Owens Bilirakis Hastings (WA) Poshard Ballenger Gilman Oxley Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I Bliley Hayworth Price (NC) Barcia Gonzalez Packard move that the Committee do now rise. Blunt Hefley Pryce (OH) Barrett (NE) Goode Parker The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. The Boehlert Herger Quinn Bateman Graham Pastor Boehner Hill question is on the motion offered by Radanovich Becerra Granger Pease Bonilla Hilleary Rahall Bentsen Green Pelosi the gentlewoman from New York [Ms. Bono Hobson Ramstad Bereuter Gutierrez Peterson (MN) SLAUGHTER]. Boyd Hoekstra Redmond Berry Gutknecht Peterson (PA) Brady Horn Regula Bishop Hall (TX) Pickering The question was taken; and the Bryant Hostettler Riggs Bliley Hamilton Pickett Chairman pro tempore [Mr. QUINN] an- Bunning Houghton Riley Blunt Harman Pombo nounced that the noes appeared to have Burr Hulshof Roemer Boehner Hastert Pomeroy Burton Hunter it. Rogan Bonilla Hastings (FL) Poshard Buyer Hutchinson RECORDED VOTE Rogers Bonior Hastings (WA) Price (NC) Callahan Hyde Rohrabacher Bono Hefley Rahall Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I Calvert Inglis Ros-Lehtinen Boswell Hefner Rangel Camp Istook Boucher demand a recorded vote. Roukema Herger Redmond Campbell Jenkins Boyd Hill Reyes A recorded vote was ordered. Canady Johnson (CT) Royce Brady Hilliard Riggs The vote was taken by electronic de- Cannon Johnson, Sam Ryun Brown (CA) Hinojosa Riley vice, and there were—ayes 158, noes 265, Cardin Jones Salmon Brown (FL) Holden Rivers Castle Kasich Saxton Bryant Hooley Rodriguez not voting 11, as follows: Chabot Kelly Scarborough Bunning Houghton Roemer [Roll No 313] Chambliss Kennedy (MA) Schaefer, Dan Burr Hulshof Rogers Schaffer, Bob Burton Hunter Rothman AYES—158 Chenoweth Kim Scott Buyer Hyde Roybal-Allard Abercrombie Ford Meehan Christensen King (NY) Sensenbrenner Callahan Istook Ryun Allen Frank (MA) Menendez Coble Kingston Sessions Calvert Jackson-Lee Sabo Andrews Frost Millender- Coburn Klug Camp (TX) Sanchez Baldacci Furse McDonald Collins Knollenberg Shadegg Canady Jefferson Sandlin Barrett (WI) Gejdenson Miller (CA) Combest Kolbe Shaw Cannon Jenkins Schaefer, Dan Becerra Gephardt Mink Condit LaHood Shays Carson John Schaffer, Bob Berman Gutierrez Moakley Cook Lampson Shimkus Chambliss Johnson (WI) Scott Berry Harman Moran (VA) Cooksey Largent Shuster Chenoweth Johnson, E. B. Serrano Bishop Hastings (FL) Nadler Costello Latham Sisisky Christensen Johnson, Sam Sessions Blagojevich Hefner Neal Cox LaTourette Skeen Clay Jones Sherman Blumenauer Hilliard Obey Cramer Lazio Skelton Clayton Kaptur Shimkus Bonior Hinchey Olver Crane Leach Smith (MI) Clyburn Kildee Shuster Borski Hinojosa Owens Crapo Lewis (CA) Smith (NJ) Coble Kilpatrick Skaggs Boswell Holden Pallone Cubin Lewis (KY) Smith (OR) Coburn King (NY) Skeen Boucher Hooley Pascrell Cunningham Linder Smith (TX) Combest Kleczka Skelton Brown (CA) Hoyer Pastor Davis (VA) Lipinski Smith, Linda Condit Klink Smith (MI) Brown (FL) Jackson (IL) Payne Deal Livingston Snowbarger Cooksey Knollenberg Smith (OR) Brown (OH) Jackson-Lee Pelosi DeLay LoBiondo Solomon Costello LaHood Smith (TX) Capps (TX) Peterson (MN) Diaz-Balart Lucas Souder Coyne Lampson Smith, Adam Carson Jefferson Pomeroy Dickey Luther Spence Cramer Latham Snyder Clay John Rangel Dooley Manzullo Stearns Crapo Leach Solomon Clayton Johnson (WI) Rivers Doolittle Martinez Cubin Levin Spence Clement Johnson, E. B. Rodriguez Stenholm Dreier Matsui Stump Cunningham Lewis (CA) Spratt Clyburn Kanjorski Rothman Duncan McCarthy (MO) Sununu Danner Lewis (KY) Stabenow Conyers Kaptur Roybal-Allard Dunn McCollum Talent Davis (FL) Lipinski Stearns Coyne Kennedy (RI) Rush Ehlers McCrery Tauzin Deal Livingston Stenholm Cummings Kennelly Sabo Ehrlich McDade Danner Taylor (MS) Delahunt Lofgren Stokes Kildee Sanchez Emerson McHugh Dellums Lucas Strickland Davis (FL) Kilpatrick Sanders Taylor (NC) English McInnis Diaz-Balart Manton Stump Davis (IL) Kind (WI) Sandlin Thomas Ensign McIntosh Dicks Martinez Stupak DeFazio Kleczka Sawyer Etheridge McIntyre Thornberry Dingell Matsui Talent DeGette Klink Schumer Evans McKeon Thune Dixon McCollum Tanner Delahunt Kucinich Serrano Everett Metcalf Tiahrt Dooley McCrery Tauzin DeLauro LaFalce Sherman Traficant Doolittle McInnis Taylor (MS) Dellums Lantos Skaggs Ewing Mica Fattah Miller (FL) Upton Edwards McIntosh Taylor (NC) Deutsch Levin Slaughter Walsh Ehlers McIntyre Thomas Dicks Lofgren Smith, Adam Fawell Minge Wamp Emerson McKeon Thompson Dingell Lowey Snyder Foley Mollohan Watkins Etheridge Meek Thornberry Dixon Maloney (CT) Spratt Forbes Moran (KS) Watts (OK) Evans Menendez Thune Doggett Maloney (NY) Stabenow Fowler Morella Everett Metcalf Thurman Doyle Manton Stokes Fox Murtha Weldon (FL) Ewing Mica Tiahrt Edwards Markey Strickland Franks (NJ) Myrick Weldon (PA) Farr Millender- Torres Engel Mascara Stupak Frelinghuysen Nethercutt Weller Fattah McDonald Towns Eshoo McCarthy (NY) Tanner Gallegly Neumann White Fazio Minge Traficant Farr McDermott Tauscher Ganske Ney Whitfield Filner Mink Turner Fazio McGovern Thompson Gekas Northup Wicker Flake Mollohan Vento Filner McHale Thurman Gibbons Norwood Wise Foglietta Murtha Walsh Flake McKinney Tierney Gilchrest Nussle Wolf Foley Myrick Waters Foglietta McNulty Torres Gillmor Oberstar Young (FL) H5708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 NOT VOTING—11 America, a very interesting thing hap- So remember this: It is a contract, it Ackerman Meek Schiff pens and it is not unexpected; by con- is a commitment, it is a Government Barton Molinari Stark trolling the availability of peanuts promise, the Government-farmer Gonzalez Reyes Young (AK) that limits the supply, naturally with Lewis (GA) Sanford agreement. Do not violate the agree- a limited supply the price of peanuts ment. Vote against this amendment. b 1600 goes up. And the fact is when a hard- Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I So the motion was rejected. working family walks into a store to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman The result of the vote was announced buy a jar of peanut butter, they lit- from New York [Mrs. LOWEY]. as above recorded. erally wind up paying 30 cents a jar Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in extra for no other reason than that the strong support of this amendment AMENDMENT NO. 17 OFFERED BY MR. NEUMANN U.S. Government is in the middle of which implements the first step in the Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I the program. Shays-Lowey peanut program elimi- offer an amendment. Let me give my colleagues some of nation bill. The CHAIRMAN pro tempore (Mr. the numbers here that lead to the 30- The peanut program epitomizes QUINN). The Clerk will designate the cent increase in the cost of making wasteful, inefficient Government amendment. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for spending. It supports peanut quota The text of the amendment is as fol- lunches in many of the hardworking holders at the expense of 250 million lows: families across America. In the world Americans, consumers and taxpayers. Amendment No. 17 offered by Mr. NEU- market, peanuts sell for $350 a ton, but The GAO has estimated that this pro- MANN: because the U.S. Government is in- gram passes on $500 million per year in Insert before the short title the following volved in this quota system, peanuts in higher peanut costs to the consumers. new section: the United States of America sell for SEC. . None of the funds appropriated or What does this mean to average Amer- otherwise made available by this Act may be $650 a ton, almost double the world ican families? Well, as a mom who sent used to carry out, or to pay the salaries and price on peanuts. As a matter of fact, her three kids to school with peanut expenses of personnel of the Department of our Government has this loan guaran- butter and jelly sandwiches for years, I Agriculture who carry out, a nonrecourse tee program in place where they guar- find it unacceptable that this program loan program for the 1998 crop of quota pea- antee a loan at $610 per ton. forces American families to pay an av- nuts with a national average loan rate in ex- Now an interesting fact came to light erage of 33 cents more for an 18-ounce cess of $550 per ton. in our research. In fact, our American jar of peanut butter. Now that is not The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Pursu- farmers produced peanuts that are sold peanuts. ant to House Resolution 193, the gen- in the world markets. That is to say I urge my colleagues to stand up for tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. NEUMANN] they are producing roughly 300,000 tons American consumers and support this and a Member opposed each will con- of peanuts that are sold in the world amendment. It is good fiscal and trol 15 minutes. markets at $350 a ton. So why is it that consumer policy. The Chair recognizes the gentleman here in the United States of America, Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield from Wisconsin [Mr. NEUMANN]. we are asking our consumers to pay all 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I ask this extra money every time they want [Mr. RODRIGUEZ]. unanimous consent to yield half of my to make a peanut butter and jelly (Mr. RODRIGUEZ asked and was time, or 71⁄2 minutes, to the gentleman sandwich for their kids’ lunch when given permission to revise and extend from Pennsylvania [Mr. KANJORSKI] for they head them off to wherever it is, his remarks.) purposes of control. whether it be a job or to school or Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. With- whatever? rise today to defend the peanut farmers out objection, the gentleman from Another interesting fact came to in my district and throughout the Na- Pennsylvania [Mr. KANJORSKI] will con- light when we started studying who tion. Once again we see the multicor- 1 owns these quotas, who has got this trol 7 ⁄2 minutes. porations trying to come in and be able limited right to raise peanuts in the There was no objection. to take the profits. When we look at it, United States of America. A lot of peo- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise the family farmer is less than 100 acres, ple were saying, ‘‘Well, it helps the in opposition to the amendment. and so we are looking at a situation farmers, and therefore you should The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. The where less than 100 acres for the aver- gentleman from Georgia [Mr. KINGS- allow it to continue.’’ Sixty-eight percent of the quotas are age family farmer in this country. TON] will control 15 minutes. These farmers must compete with Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I ask owned by nonfarmers in the United States of America. It is time for this multicultural corporations in dealing unanimous consent that half of the program to end. with them. They had, last time around time, 71⁄2 minutes, be yielded to the Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I they had, and it was cut from 678 to gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. KAPTUR] yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 610; now they are coming back for the ranking member, for purposes of Oregon [Mr. SMITH), the distinguished more. control. chairman of the Committee on Agri- My colleagues, before you is a Snick- The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. Is culture. ers. I paid 60 cents for it. It has gone up there objection to the request of the Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, 5 cents. Have my colleagues seen a cut gentleman from Georgia? I thank the gentleman for yielding this on it? No. There was no objection. time to me. In addition to that, the peanuts that The CHAIRMAN pro tempore. The Again, in the last Congress they are in this Snickers is approximately 2 Chair recognizes the gentleman from passed a couple of bills. One was, of cents. Do my colleagues foresee that Wisconsin [Mr. NEUMANN]. course, the Freedom to Farm which there will be a cut of 58 cents? I will at- Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I eliminated all subsidies in 7 years, and test to my colleagues that that is not yield myself 2 minutes. prior to that they changed the peanut going to occur. First, I would like to thank my very program. It is no longer a Government- What we see before us is an attempt competent staff for bringing this issue subsidized program. In fact, by the by the multicorporate corporations to to my attention and getting me fully year 2002, $434 million will be saved. be able to get some additional moneys. informed on the details of this particu- That is what they did. I thank my colleagues, and I ask them lar program. It is a very interesting But I am sure many of my colleagues to vote no on the amendment. program. It is a program in which the do not like the peanut program. They Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I United States Government controls the may not, but they signed a contract, yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman amount of peanuts that can be pro- the contract with farmers, the Govern- from Arkansas [Mr. HUTCHINSON]. duced in the United States under a sys- ment with farmers. They signed the Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Chairman, in tem called a quota system. By limiting contract for 7 years. For 7 years there 1934 the Great Depression led Congress the amount of peanuts that are avail- will be no peanut subsidy or no peanut to establish the Federal peanut pro- able for sale in the United States of program. gram to protect the peanut producers July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5709 and to control the domestic supply. Mr. Chairman, peanut farms face ments a chart showing the rise in pea- Well, the peanut program is now 63 many obstacles without having to nut butter prices. Oddly enough, oddly years old. That is 63 years of price con- worry about whether or not they can enough, the price of peanut butter in trols, 63 years of higher prices for con- pay their bills. Too much rain gives Canada is more than the price in the sumers and 63 years of centrally- soggy peanuts, drought turns them to United States. planned economics. dust. Peanut farmers are hardworking There are many reasons to vote I rise in support of the amendment people. They need stability. They do against this amendment, but I would offered by the gentleman from Wiscon- not need to face this problem. like to focus on another one. Many sin [Mr. NEUMANN] which compels the Proponents claim they are fighting Members may not know it, but we have USDA to be fair to consumers when es- for consumers. Hogwash. Candy manu- already voted to enact annual cuts in tablishing a loan level for the peanut facturers have said they will not pass the effective support price for peanuts. quota. on any of the savings to consumers. Along with a long list of reforms, last Mr. Chairman I grew up on a family Savings will be passed on to a few of year’s farm bill contained a 10-percent farm, a small family farm in Arkansas, the multibillion-dollar companies, and price cut in the support price for pea- and this is not about farming but this the price of candy bars will not go nuts, but it also froze that price for 7 is about Government and Government down. years with no adjustment for inflation. quotas. The peanut program combines If there is any integrity left in this The freeze amounts to an automatic production quotas, price support, loans Congress, we will live up to the com- annual cut in the support price, and and import restrictions which stifle the mitment that was made last year to each year, as Members know, expenses U.S. peanut industry and endanger the peanut farmers and defeat this go up. trade for other agricultural commod- amendment. If my colleagues really want to cut ities. Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I the real support price for peanuts, This is a program which benefits only yield 1 minute to the gentleman from there is one alternative to this amend- the elite few. The GAO reports that 68 Delaware [Mr. CASTLE] the former Gov- ment: Leave the farm bill alone and percent of quota owners do not actu- ernor. vote against this amendment. ally participate in farming. They rent Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to their Government quotas for a profit. If the gentleman for yielding this time to the Neumann-Kanjorski amendment, which a farmer does not sell his crop, he can me, and I rise in strong support of the would devastate peanut farmers in the State forfeit to the Government and receive Neumann-Kanjorski amendment. of Virginia. $610 per ton. Mr. Chairman, the Federal peanut This controversy is not new. Almost every The world market price is only $350 program is completely antiquated, and year we consider yet another proposal to cut per ton; that is more than what is nec- the peanut support price. I'm afraid many essary. That is an additional $500 mil- only those who believe in Peter Pan Members may be forgetting that last year's lion a year in inflated prices for Amer- could believe that the program works ican consumers. It is time we stop this well. Over the last 2 years USDA an- farm bill already cut the support price by 10 arcane Government program. I urge my nounced the national peanut quota pro- percent. The farm bill contained a long list of reforms colleagues to support the amendment. duction level of 100,000 tons below ex- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I pected demand. What does this mean? that transformed the peanut program. From yield 1 minute to the distinguished USDA basically created an artificial the perspective of Congress, the most impor- gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. government-induced shortage of pea- tant of these reforms may have been doing LUCAS]. nuts which, in short, means peanut- away with all cost to the taxpayer. The pro- Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Chair- loving taxpayers get Jiffed; I mean gram actually gives back $83 million to the man, the amendment that is the pend- gypped. At a time when we are review- Treasury that goes toward reducing the deficit. ing business before the House should be ing every program for savings in order For most peanut farmers, however, the most entitled the ‘‘How Many Rural Econo- to balance the budget, it is simply nuts important change was losing 10 percent of mies Can We Wreck in 1997 Amend- to spend taxpayer dollars on a program their support price. A close runner-up was ment’’. Simply put, the Neumann that refuses to adopt commonsense re- having their support price frozen for 7 yearsÐ amendment will devastate rural econo- forms to achieve real savings. with no adjustment for inflation. mies throughout the South. Last year’s Mr. Chairman, the Neumann-Kan- Many farmers in my district were not happy farm bill contained significant reforms jorski amendment is a positive step to- with this deal. The 10 percent cut was a bitter for the Nation’s peanut program. Fur- ward true reform of the peanut pro- pill to swallow. A price freeze over 7 years, ther reductions in the support price gram. I believe it does help to protect with expenses cutting into revenue more and will cause the economic ruin of thou- consumers from Government price fix- more every year, was even tougher. sands of family farms, rural banks and ing, create a more competitive peanut But it was a deal, and farmers accepted it. country towns that they support. Con- economy and lower prices on peanut What we're talking about today is reneging on trary to the claims of many, this products. I ask all of my colleagues, that deal. This amendment would effectively amendment will not give consumers Republicans, Democrats, crunchy pea- gut the peanut program before we've had a cheaper candy bars or peanut butter. It nut butter lovers and creamy peanut chance to determine the effects of last year's is anti-farmer, and it should be de- butter lovers, to support the Neumann- reforms. feated. Kanjorski amendment. We still don't know how farmers will adapt Mr. Chairman, let us let the 1996 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield to all the changes in the farm bill. The 10 per- farm bill work. I repeat. Let us let the 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- cent cut in the support price has already taken 1996 farm bill work. ginia [Mr. SISISKY]. most of the profit out of peanut farming in Vir- I would urge my colleagues in joining ginia. b 1615 me to vote against this amendment. Fortunately, though, farmers have not felt Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the full effects of that cut. That's because 1 minute to the gentleman from North the gentlewoman for yielding time to prices for other commodities have been high, Carolina [Mr. ETHERIDGE]. me. and farmers have not had to rely on peanuts Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, it is interesting, I to keep them in the black. oppose this amendment. Peanut farm- have been doing this a pretty long But believe me, that will change. Already, ers are the backbone of the economy in time. I used to be in the packaging bad weather has taken its toll on farmers in the poorest counties in the South. business. To say that you would save 18 Virginia. With only an inch of rain since plant- They agreed to the reforms in the pro- cents with peanut butter and jelly is a ing, many farmers won't be able to harvest gram just last year. Loan rates were nice little symbol, but let me just tell enough cotton to make a profit. Prices on reduced, quotas were reduced, pro- the Members something. For the last I other commodities have also fallen. grams were opened to new producers, think 5 years peanut paste from China And what about 6 years from now? We out-of-State quota holders were elimi- has been coming through Canada into don't know how farmers are going to adjust to nated. In return they have been given a the United States like at 25 percent a support price frozen at a level 10-percent farm bill, a 7-year promise of stability. cheaper. Members will see in a few mo- lower than before. Remember, this freeze H5710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 amounts to an automatic annual cut in their manor, and if you were unlucky you more than an attempt to rewrite the farm bill support price. Every year, their support is re- were a serf out there toiling on the in a way that is punitive to farmers. duced by the amount of inflation. land. I could stand up here all day long and dis- In fact, if the U.S. support price drops below In 1997, with our peanut program the cuss the merits of the peanut program, the re- $610, many farmers in Virginia are not going way it is configured, if you draw the forms we made in the 1996 farm bill, and the to be growing peanuts anymore. At $550, they long end of the stick you have a quota financial situation of the peanut farmers. But simply won't be able to get financing. Rural from the Government and can sell your Mr. Chairman, this is not the time or the place communities will lose the bread and butter of peanuts for about $600 a ton, and if you to do it. You see, we did that last year * * * their economies, on which so many other busi- draw the short end of the stick you can extensively, and we, the Agricultural Commit- nesses depend. sell them for about half that, the same tee, and subsequently the House, Senate, and Now, we've all heard about how the world peanuts. To make matters worse, about President, authorized a reformed program that price for peanuts is supposedly half the U.S. two-thirds of the quota owners, and benefits all Americans and at absolutely no support price. But this argument dissolves on again we are not talking about farmers cost to taxpayers, or, and please hear thisÐ closer inspection. The so-called world price is here, are people that live in Los Ange- at no cost to families who buy peanut butter simply not comparable. les and New York and Miami. and other peanut products. It generally applies to an inedible, poor qual- So I would simply make the observa- We have been fighting this fight for many ity peanut used mainly for oil. We might as tion that we need to move from the years. The fight, however, is not about reform, well be talking about the world price for or- Dark Ages and into the light ages of a we have done that, this effort is about cor- anges. If the U.S. price were at the so-called market-based system. I urge the adop- porate greed, pure and simple. These multi- world level, there wouldn't by many American tion of this amendment. national corporations have been lining the peanut farmers left. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I Halls of Congress with money for years claim- If my colleagues really want to cut the sup- yield 90 seconds to the gentleman from ing that the Peanut Program cost families ad- port price for peanuts, there is an alternative. Alabama [Mr. EVERETT]. ditional money. That is simply not true. The Do nothing. (Mr. Everett asked and was given GAO report you will hear quoted does not say The price freeze in last year's farm bill permission to revise and extend his re- the program cost the housewife and families amounts to an automatic annual price cut. Let marks.) one thin dime. In the report, the GAO identi- the freeze take effect over the full term of the Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I rise fies ``consumers'' as those multinational cor- farm bill. Let's see the real-world effects of in opposition to this amendment which porations who first purchase the peanut from what we've already done. is based on false information. It is poor the farmer. Again, not the buying public, but In the meantime, I urge my colleagues not from a policy standpoint and unwork- these corporations who are trying to increase to renege on last year's deal. We should not able from a practical standpoint. their profits by taking money out of the pock- be making it impossible for peanut farmers to We reformed the peanut program last ets of already struggling farmers. make a living at a time when Mother Nature year extensively. We, the Committee As a matter of fact, since the peanut pro- is making it hard enough. on Agriculture, and the House and the gram was reformed last year, the price farm- Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge a ``no'' vote Senate and the President authorized a ers received for their peanuts has been on the Neumann/Kanjorski amendment. reform program at no cost to tax- slashed, their profits greatly reduced, and, Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I payers, and yes, at no additional cost consequently many farmers have stopped yield 30 seconds to the distinguished to families who buy peanut products. farming. But guess what, the price of that gentleman from Augusta, Georgia [Mr. Opponents claim that the peanut pro- candy bar has increased, the cost of that jar NORWOOD]. gram costs families additional money. of peanut butter is still the same, but the prof- Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I That is not true. What they do not tell its of these manufacturers have increased. Not thank the gentleman for yielding time us is in one of the reports they used one penny of the money taken from farmers to me. when they quote from, the GAO identi- was passed on to families. Not one penny. Mr. Chairman, I will tell the Mem- fies consumers as those corporations This amendment is purely about corporate bers quick what is nuts. What is nuts is who first purchased the peanut from greed and it is a sad thing to hear these mem- people from Delaware and people from the farmer; again, not the housewife bers say it cost families money when what Wisconsin getting up here and talking but the corporations. they are really doing is siding with greedy cor- about something they do not know the As far as passing along lower prices porations against working farmers. Members first thing about. My good friend, the to the housewife, that is a joke. The who do that do a serious disservice to both gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. NEU- only person who would believe that working farmers and working families while MANN] actually saw a peanut plant one would be somebody who does believe in they increase the profit margins of these cor- time. Peter Pan. Since the peanut farmer re- porations. Mr. Chairman, I have lived in a fam- ceived the cuts for their peanuts that And, should this flawed amendment carry ily who grew peanuts. They hated the were slashed last year, the price of pea- the day, it will not be only farmers who lose Government regulations. They wanted nut products has increased, not been jobs. Studies show many more thousands of to get away from them, but we made passed on. Not one penny of the money jobs in farm related industries such as the them do it. Now give them a chance taken from farmers has been passed on manufacturing of farm equipment and those over the next 7 years to live with this to the families, not one penny. supplying farmers will be lost. We saw it hap- no-cost program to the taxpayers, and Also, studies show thousands of jobs pen a few years ago when thousands of farm undo what we have done to them for in farm-related industries, such as equipment employees lost their jobs. That's the last 50 years. Get off the back of manufacturing of farm equipment and real jobs lost, not the pie in the sky stuff you'll the peanut farmer. those supplying farmers, will be lost if hear today. If these members are successful Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I this flawed amendment passes. This today, they will continue to attack all other yield 1 minute to my good friend, the issue was fully considered last year. farm programs and the jobs lost in farm relat- gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Now let the program work. This Con- ed industries will occur in the tens of thou- SANFORD]. gress, both House and Senate, and the sands. Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Chairman, I rise administration made a commitment to This issue was fully considered last year, in support of this amendment, because our farmers. We should honor it, and now let the program work. This Congress, leaving aside the good and the bad of stop this silly and flawed business of both the House and the Senate and this ad- what we have heard about the peanut trying to rewrite the farm bill every ministration made a commitment to our farm- program, I think what we need to con- year. ersÐwe should honor it and stop this silly sider is the fact that if Members look Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to nonsense of trying to rewrite the farm bill at the peanut program as it is now con- the Newmann-Kanjorski amendment which is every year. figured, Members would look straight based on false information, is poor from a pol- Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I back to the Dark Ages. In the Dark icy standpoint and unworkable from a practical yield myself 4 minutes. Ages there was a feudal system where- standpoint. Mr. Chairman, I come from Penn- in if you were lucky and drew the long The appropriation bill is not the appropriate sylvania, and I understand the pleas of end of the straw you were lord of the place to consider this issue. This is nothing all my friends from the agricultural July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5711 States, the arguments that they make, I am speaking to many Members on Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I thank and they are credible arguments. I my side because I think we sometimes the gentlewoman for yielding time to heard the gentleman from Georgia have a hard time getting away from me. argue about how we are getting into subsidies, but I want to talk to my con- Mr. Chairman, I have the largest pea- the key commodity and economic ac- servative friends on the Republican nut-growing district in the country. A tivity of the State of Georgia. I under- side that are always telling me about lot of people in our area depend upon stand that. Then I watch my friend, the the great nature of the free enterprise peanuts. It is the economic foundation gentleman from Virginia, a very good system: ‘‘Let the market work. Do not of our area. But I have to say that friend of mine. I had the occasion to vote and create favoritism.’’ those people came together well before talk to him. This does affect and im- What are we doing, after 63 years, is the farm bill last year and put their pact his district. continuing this favoritism. And what heads together and worked with people We are not trying to completely end States are we now supporting? I know of good will to address the critics of the peanut subsidy program here there are rural areas of Georgia that this program, and to address the issues today, because I think that would be need help, but there is no more dy- that were raised, such as those raised unfair. We are merely trying to set in namic economy in the United States by the gentleman from Pennsylvania the appropriation bill a 10-percent re- than Georgia today, with a 2-percent [Mr. KANJORSKI]. duction, from $610 a ton to $550 a ton. unemployment rate. I urge my col- We addressed that in the farm bill Furthermore, it is only effective leagues to start the process of weaning last year. We created a no-net-cost pro- through the next year, the life of this us off peanut quotas by supporting this gram to the taxpayers. It is a market- appropriation bill. amendment. oriented program, but yet it still pro- Mr. Chairman, we do this in this way Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield vides a safety net for the farmers. We 45 seconds to the gentleman from Flor- and support this amendment because enacted a contract, a 7-year contract, ida [Mr. BOYD]. we are sensitive to economies that for this farm bill by which we promised Mr. BOYD. Mr. Chairman, I thank that this is what we would operate our need help, and to sectors of economies the gentlewoman for yielding time to that need help. But I know as an addict farm policy on for 7 years. Our people me. mortgaged property, they made loans, of nicotine that, regardless of how Mr. Chairman, I want to rise in oppo- many pledges you make, you invari- they bought equipment on time and in- sition to this. I want to address the stallments with that in mind. ably will go back to smoking until you subject that the gentleman from Penn- find a substitute or you find a way to Now we want to pull the rug out from sylvania [Mr. KANJORSKI] brought up, under them and renege on that com- wean yourself from your addiction. and also my friend, the gentleman from Now we have a price support addic- mitment. Let us defeat this amend- South Carolina [Mr. SANFORD]. ment. Let us stand up for the farm bill tion. It is a pathetic addiction. If we Mr. Chairman, last year this Con- were arguing that these quotas were we passed last year. gress changed the peanut program. It Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I farmers’ quotas alone and all the profit fixed the abuses that those gentlemen yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman went to the farmer, the person who are talking about, whereby people who from Washington, Mrs. LINDA SMITH. worked in the field, that would be one live not on the farm and are not active Mrs. LINDA SMITH of Washington. thing. But when we read the statistics: producers are no longer able to own Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support over 68 percent of these quotas are those peanut allotments, and that is of the Neumann amendment because traded as securities by very wealthy the reason they are being sold and put something really simple happens when people in this country who are buying in the hands of people who actually we mess with prices. That is, the cost and selling quotas, and then renting farm. I want to make sure that we get of the peanut butter sandwich for the that straight. those quotas out to little old farmers kid goes up. who are really their tenant farmers. I would urge Members to defeat this The major part of the peanut profit well-intentioned but poorly thought- b 1630 goes to these speculative investors. out amendment. That is what we are seeing today. Sixty-three years of that support sys- Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I But greater than that, we hear that it tem. yield myself 1 minute. is for a small number of farmers. The When this program started, I have no Mr. Chairman, if we look at the guts reality is only one-third of the quota doubt that in 1934 the State of Vir- of the farm bill, it is, indeed, as com- holders are actually farmers. The rest plicated as the inside of the Pathfinder. ginia, the State of North Carolina, the are people who inherited the quotas or As the Pathfinder trudges and scruti- State of Georgia, the State of Ala- purchased them and who lease them to nizes the surface of Mars, the American bama, needed that help. I would have the real farmers who then get less than public and Members of Congress are been one of the Members of Congress the quota floor price. scrutinizing the inside of the farm bill. who would have argued for this pro- I think it is important that we real- Anyone who looks at it looks at it in gram or any other that would have sup- ize that is a subsidy. But really what is pure disbelief, not knowing what com- ported the peanut farmer at the time greater, it just raises the cost to the ponents mean what, and so forth. or the family farmer. It is true, the peanut program under consumer. We need to stop doing this. But suddenly we grandfathered this the new reforms is a no-net-cost pro- We need to get in line with what is provision. You now inherit a quota gram that contributes $83 million to really happening in the world market from the U.S. Government because deficit reduction, it supports about and stop this practice. I really do sup- your grandaddy had one. You can go 30,000 jobs, and there is a phaseout of port the Neumann amendment and en- out and buy it speculatively in the the program in under 7 years. courage the rest of the Members to market and trade it and negotiate it But if we take a step back and shut take a look at who really benefits from and sell it. We have created Govern- the hood and look at the total picture, this system. ment-supported securities here that Americans have an abundant food sup- Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I are being readily traded in the market, ply at cheap prices year around. We yield myself the balance of my time. all with the idea that we are saving the spend 11 cents on the dollar on food. Mr. Chairman, I think it is real im- economies of these peanut-producing The farm bill is working, Mr. Chair- portant, as we wrap up my portion of States. man. I urge my colleagues to let it this debate, that we really understand I say, if Virginia, North Carolina, work, and do not do reforms on a piece- what this program is all about. This Georgia, and Alabama need economic meal basis, which is what this amend- program is about, because of the rules development money, I will be the first ment would do. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. and regulations of the U.S. Govern- one up here to vote for it. But we will Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield ment, people that go into the store and not have it grandfathered and we will 1 minute to the gentleman from Geor- buy peanut butter or peanut related not have it in speculators’ hands and it gia [Mr. BISHOP]. products pay more money than they should not exist for 65 years. There has (Mr. BISHOP asked and was given otherwise would. Of course somebody to be a time that you wean off Federal permission to revise and extend his re- benefits because other people are over- support. marks.) paying for a product. Of course there H5712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 are people that benefit from that sort the week and go to work but before consumer, there are 25 grams of pea- of practice. they go to work they pack lunches ei- nuts in this. The price support is 30.1 Why is it that the U.S. Government ther for themselves or the kids. Many cents per pound. That is 12⁄3 cents cost should have these quotas out there times these lunches include peanut in this peanut. If you reduce it by 10 that limit the production of peanuts butter or candy or other peanut related cents, you are correct. Those who have and by limiting the production of pea- products. argued the consumer will benefit, the nuts keep the price of peanuts higher What this is really all about is ask- cost will go down by .168 percent. That than they otherwise should be? What is ing these hard-working families that would reduce this price in the vending there that would tell the people in go to work five days a week when they machine in this Capitol building to Washington that they ought to be in pack those lunches in the morning to 54.832 cents. I will introduce legislation the middle of developing these quotas. pay more than they otherwise should to mint a 54.832 cent coin to make sure I think the kicker in this whole argu- be asked to pay because of regulations that the consumer gets the benefit of ment is who owns the quotas, these of the U.S. Government. the gentleman’s amendment. Vote no quotas that have been passed down Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield on the amendment. from generation to generation. These 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I quotas limit the amount of peanuts North Carolina [Mrs. CLAYTON]. yield myself the balance of my time. I that can be grown and tell the peanut Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise think the debate shows what is going owners, they literally tell the peanut in opposition to this amendment. My to happen. There are those interests in owner how high the price is going to be home State of North Carolina ranks the House that still want to hold on to because the more they limit the num- third nationally in the production of the peanut support system. ber of pounds of peanuts that are peanuts. I want to appeal to my col- I hope that this amendment serves grown, the higher the price goes. So by leagues’ sense of justice, fairness and one good purpose. Which is to point out limiting the price, they have kicked equity as we toy with the livelihood of that we can no longer afford to con- the price all the way up to $650 a ton in many of my constituents who do not tinue to do business in this institution the United States, where in other coun- think they are on charity but feel they as it has always been done. If we are tries we find and in the world markets are working every day. This amend- really going to go to a supply and de- we find the price is actually $350 a ton. ment does nothing to lower the mand free enterprise economy, we have consumer prices. Today’s peanut prices I heard some arguments today like, got to wean ourselves from the subsidy are lower, not higher than they have well, the Freedom to Farm Act was systems of the last 63 years. I urge my been for the last 10 years. passed last year. I think every Rep- colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on the Neu- resentative in this House understands Remember too that the farm price of the peanut, that the real price of the mann-Kanjorski amendment. that the peanut program was virtually Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Chairman, I peanut as it goes to the farmers is only untouched in that compared to other yield the balance of my time to the 26 percent of the total price, 26 percent. farm programs that were weaned off of Where does that other 74 percent go? gentleman from Georgia [Mr. these subsidy. And the reason for that, Yet you are picking on those people CHAMBLISS], in the heart of peanut of course, was that vote was very close, who are contributing less than one- country. and in order to provide the votes nec- Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, let fourth, not much more than one-fourth essary to pass the bill, peanuts were of the total price. Again, we did re- me just very quickly respond to my left alone, along with the sugar prod- form. We did reform, contrary to what good friend from Wisconsin who I agree ucts. has been said. Perhaps not the reform with on so many issues but on this one I heard another argument, the other we wanted, but there was reform to the I must disagree with him very vehe- argument went like this, that person peanut program. We lowered the price mently. held up a product, and they said, look, of the peanut farmer. We lowered the I look at the jar of peanut butter even if the price of peanuts comes amount of the quota; therefore, it that you hold up and you say that the down, these companies are not going to should not have been, as you say, that peanut program adds 33 cents to the lower the price to the consumer. I have we did nothing. Those pounds were re- cost of that peanut butter jar. Let me to tell you, I am a home builder. I duced and therefore the family farmer tell you that the amount of peanuts come out of the home building busi- expected that you will live toward that that goes to the farmer that is in that ness. I find that argument to be border- commitment. jar of peanuts is 43 cents. So if your line ridiculous because, if somebody I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this amend- amendment reduces the amount of said to me in the home building busi- ment. money by 33 cents, then the farmer is ness, well, starting tomorrow you get Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield going to get 10 cents out of that peanut the siding for these houses free, would the balance of my time to the gen- jar. So somewhere along the way the that mean that I am going to charge tleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM], figures have been skewed. the same price to my consumer even if ranking member of the Committee on Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gen- I did not have to pay for some of the Agriculture. tleman from Georgia [Mr. NORWOOD]. products going into the house? Of (Mr. STENHOLM asked and was Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I course not. We would have been able to given permission to revise and extend thank the gentleman for yielding to produce the houses at a lower cost if his remarks.) me. the siding would not have cost us any- Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Chairman, in I just want us to also recognize and thing as a company or if the siding regard to whether or not what we did ask the American consumer to recog- would have been free. last year had any effect on farmers, I nize, do you want Mexican peanuts or The argument that somehow, if the would like to insert into the RECORD a do you want American peanuts? None price of peanuts comes down, the price letter from the Stevenville Production of us disagree totally with some of the of this jar of peanut butter will not be Credit Association that stated if we did things they are saying. I say to my affected just does not add up in a free the 10-percent reduction last year in friend from Pennsylvania, we do not market society and the kind of society the support we would lose 36.1 percent want your derned subsidy. But you that we live in today. I cannot put of our farmers. We lost 34.42. should have done that in 1950. You much credence in that particular argu- Also when we talk about prices to forced this program on us for 60 years. ment. consumers, is it not interesting that in Give them a chance to get out from I think, to wrap it up, we should talk Mexico and in Canada, they pay $2.55 in under it. That is all they are asking to about what this is really all about. It is Mexico, $2.72 for an 18 ounce equivalent do. not really all about the U.S. Govern- jar of peanut butter. In the United Vote against this silly amendment. ment and quotas and these regulations. States, our consumers get at $2.10. Yet Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Chairman, my It is about hard-working families in our consumers pay this outlandish friend from Texas held up his M&Ms this great Nation of ours that work price to producers for peanuts. awhile ago. We share a very favorite very hard to earn their money. And Let us talk about the M&Ms again. candy here and a hope folks eat a lot of typically they get up every morning of When we start talking about the it because it contains good American July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5713 peanuts. I went back and bought this decision, but also because it will ensure that Hinchey McDermott Rush Hobson McGovern Ryun bag of candy a minute ago in the cloak- consumers will have the opportunity to buy Hoekstra McHale Salmon room. I did not get as good a deal as peanuts at a more reasonable price. Let me Holden McHugh Sanders my friend from Texas. I paid 75 cents explain: Horn McIntosh Sanford for this. But I asked Helen back there, By reducing the load rate from $610 per ton Hostettler McNulty Sawyer Hulshof Meehan Schumer I said, Helen, we reduced the price of to $550 per ton, the amendment forces the Hutchinson Menendez Sensenbrenner peanuts 10 percent last year. Has the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a measure Inglis Miller (FL) Shadegg price of candy gone down any to you of the reform that was promised in the 1996 Jackson (IL) Moakley Shaw Johnson (CT) Moran (KS) Shays from last year? She said absolutely Farm bill. Kanjorski Morella Sherman not. It is the same price. But here we Just as was then predicted, the USDA has Kasich Murtha Shuster are arguing again that this support administered the peanut program so as to cre- Kelly Nadler Skaggs price program inflates the cost of prod- ate an artificial shortage of peanuts by reduc- Kennedy (MA) Neal Slaughter Kennelly Neumann Smith (NJ) ucts to consumers. ing the national production of quota peanuts. Kim Northup Smith, Adam It is just not true, Mr. Chairman. The A limited national supply of peanuts has en- Kind (WI) Obey Smith, Linda average peanut farm in Georgia is 98 sured that the so-called price reduction is ren- King (NY) Olver Snowbarger acres. That is not the big corporate Klug Pallone Souder dered meaningless. Knollenberg Pappas Strickland farm, the big rich farmer that lives out The General Accounting Office has deter- Kolbe Pascrell Sununu of State that my friend from Penn- mined that the peanut program inflates the Kucinich Paul Tauscher sylvania has reference to. In fact, in LaFalce Payne Taylor (MS) price that consumers pay for peanuts and Lantos Petri Tiahrt last year’s farm bill, we produced a no peanut products by as much as one half billion LaTourette Pitts Tierney net cost program, a program that is dollars every year, which is $3 billion over the Lazio Porter Upton more market oriented because we 6 remaining years of the farm bill. Levin Portman Velazquez eliminated all those out-of-State quota LoBiondo Pryce (OH) Vento The artificial government price inflation Lofgren Quinn Visclosky holders. They are no longer going to be translates to an extra 33 cents per 18-ounce Lowey Ramstad Wamp eligible to participate in the program. jar of peanut butter. This extra cost can be es- Luther Regula Waters At the same time we provided a safe- Maloney (CT) Rivers Waxman pecially significant for low-income families that Maloney (NY) Roemer Weldon (PA) ty net for our farmers, the small farm- would otherwise substitute peanuts for more Manzullo Rohrabacher Weygand ers in my area which number about expensive sources of protein. Markey Ros-Lehtinen White 7,500 plus the other small farmers While some proponents of the current pea- Mascara Roukema Wolf McCarthy (NY) Royce throughout the South that depend nut program argue that manufacturers will upon the peanut program. We made a keep any savings from a reduction in the loan NOES—242 deal. We made a deal in April 1996 with level, what seems to happen is that the retail Abercrombie Dixon Kilpatrick the 1996 farm bill. It expires in 7 years. price of peanut butter closely tracks the move- Ackerman Doolittle Kingston Let us let it work. Aderholt Dunn Kleczka ment of peanut prices. Between 1991 and Bachus Edwards Klink Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise 1993, for example, when the price of shelled Baesler Emerson LaHood to support the Neumann/Kanjorski amendment peanuts dropped three cents per pound, the Baker Etheridge Lampson to establish a maximum market price for pea- Baldacci Evans Largent retail price of peanut butter dropped from Ballenger Everett Latham nut sales of $550 per ton. $2.15 to $1.79. Barcia Ewing Leach Mr. Chairman, this amendment attempts to If you are concerned about consumers and Barrett (NE) Farr Lewis (CA) keep our promise to the American people to this includes virtually all the parents of young Bartlett Fazio Lewis (GA) reform the peanut program, one of a number Bateman Filner Lewis (KY) children, the U.S. peanut industry, and good Becerra Flake Linder of inappropriate and outdated subsidies. government, I encourage you to vote for this Bentsen Foley Lipinski While last year's Farm Act, better known as peanut program amendment. Bereuter Ford Livingston the ``Fair Act'' gave farmers of agricultural The CHAIRMAN. The question is on Berry Fowler Lucas commodities greatly expanded flexibility, re- Bilirakis Frost Manton the amendment offered by the gen- Bishop Furse Martinez moved the heavy hand of government, and re- tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. NEUMANN]. Bliley Gephardt Matsui duced government payments to farmers; the The question was taken; and the Blunt Gilchrest McCarthy (MO) peanut program continues to waste taxpayer's Bonilla Goode McCollum Chairman announced that the noes ap- Bonior Goodlatte McCrery dollars. peared to have it. Bono Gordon McDade The sole beneficial peanut provision for con- Boswell Graham McInnis RECORDED VOTE sumers in the farm billÐthe 10 percent price Boucher Granger McIntyre Mr. NEUMANN. Mr. Chairman, I de- reduction, sold to Congress as reform, has Boyd Green McKeon mand a recorded vote. Brady Gutknecht McKinney been severely undercut by the Department of A recorded vote was ordered. Brown (FL) Hall (TX) Meek Agriculture's deliberate reduction in the na- Bryant Hamilton Metcalf The vote was taken by electronic de- tional marketing quota for peanuts. As imple- Bunning Hansen Mica vice, and there were—ayes 185, noes 242, Burr Harman Millender- mented, the peanut program completely ig- not voting 7, as follows: Buyer Hastert McDonald nores the needs of consumers for more rea- Calvert Hastings (FL) Miller (CA) sonable peanut prices. [Roll No. 314] Camp Hastings (WA) Minge Under the current system it is up to the AYES—185 Canady Hefley Mink Carson Hefner Mollohan Allen Christensen Engel USDA to project what the domestic consump- Chambliss Herger Moran (VA) Andrews Clay English tion of peanuts will be and set a marketing Chenoweth Hill Myrick Archer Clement Ensign Clayton Hilleary Nethercutt quota. In the past the USDA has under esti- Armey Collins Eshoo Clyburn Hilliard Ney mated the quota creating an artificial shortage Barr Conyers Fattah Coble Hinojosa Norwood Barrett (WI) Cook Fawell of peanuts and thus raising the price. By cre- Coburn Hooley Nussle Bass Cox Foglietta ating an artificial shortage, USDA has effec- Combest Houghton Oberstar Berman Coyne Forbes Condit Hoyer Ortiz tively denied the promised reduction in the Bilbray Crane Fox Cooksey Hunter Owens Blagojevich Danner Frank (MA) price of peanuts under the reform provision Costello Hyde Oxley Blumenauer Davis (IL) Franks (NJ) contained in the farm bill. Cramer Istook Packard Boehlert DeFazio Frelinghuysen Crapo Jackson-Lee Parker This amendment follows through with our Boehner DeGette Gallegly Cubin (TX) Pastor commitment to reform the peanut program. It Borski DeLauro Ganske Cummings Jefferson Paxon Brown (CA) DeLay Gekas will ensure that the Secretary of Agriculture Cunningham Jenkins Pease Brown (OH) Deutsch Gibbons provides the small measure of reform that was Davis (FL) John Pelosi Burton Dickey Gillmor Davis (VA) Johnson (WI) Peterson (MN) promised in the Farm bill. Callahan Doggett Gilman Deal Johnson, E. B. Peterson (PA) Campbell Dooley Goodling I urge all my colleagues to support this im- Delahunt Johnson, Sam Pickering Cannon Doyle Goss portant amendment. Dellums Jones Pickett Capps Dreier Greenwood Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Chairman, I want to Diaz-Balart Kaptur Pombo Cardin Duncan Gutierrez Dicks Kennedy (RI) Pomeroy urge my colleagues to vote for this amend- Castle Ehlers Hall (OH) Dingell Kildee Poshard ment, not only because it is a sound economic Chabot Ehrlich Hayworth H5714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Price (NC) Shimkus Thornberry distress. This article points out a num- past three administrations, we run the Radanovich Sisisky Thune Rahall Skeen Thurman ber of things, as follows: It says, for in- risk of seeing this despair grow deeper, Rangel Skelton Torres stance, ‘‘Many debt-ridden farm fami- we run the risk of seeing this despair in Redmond Smith (MI) Towns lies will become more suspicious of turn create even more potential for vi- Reyes Smith (OR) Traficant government as their self-worth, their olence. And I do not think any of us on Riggs Smith (TX) Turner Riley Snyder Walsh sense of belonging, their hope for the either side of the aisle want to see that Rodriguez Solomon Watkins future deteriorate. These families are happen. Rogan Spence Watt (NC) torn by divorce, domestic violence, and I would simply ask that after this Rogers Spratt Watts (OK) alcoholism. There is a loss of relation- bill is passed, my colleagues under- Rothman Stabenow Weldon (FL) stand that until far greater changes Roybal-Allard Stearns Weller ship of these communities to the State Sabo Stenholm Wexler and the Federal Government. We have are made in American farm programs, Sanchez Stokes Whitfield communities that are made up now of we will be complicit in the growth of Sandlin Stump Wicker collectively depressed individuals, and these anti-government and sometimes Saxton Stupak Wise violent movements in America. Scarborough Talent Woolsey the symptoms of that community de- I urge us to recognize the need to do Schaefer, Dan Tanner Wynn pression are similar to what you would Schaffer, Bob Tauzin Yates everything we can to turn that trend in find in someone that has a long-term Scott Taylor (NC) Young (FL) the other direction. Serrano Thomas chronic depression.’’ HARVEST OF RAGE Sessions Thompson The article then goes on to point out (By Joel Dyer) NOT VOTING—7 that ‘‘The United States has lost more than 700,000 small to medium-sized It’s two in the morning when the telephone Barton Molinari Young (AK) rings waking Oklahoma City psychologist Gejdenson Schiff family farms since 1980 and that this Glen Wallace. The farmer on the other end of Gonzalez Stark loss is a greater crisis than was even the line has been drinking and is holding a b 1701 the Great Depression, if you live in loaded gun to his head. The distressed man rural America.’’ tells Wallace that his farm is to be sold at Mrs. CHENOWETH and Mr. It then goes on to say, ‘‘By the tens auction within a few days. He goes on to ex- CUMMINGS changed their vote from of thousands, some of these same farm- plain that he can’t bear the shame he has ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ ers are being recruited by the brought to his family and that the only way out is to kill himself. Mrs. KELLY, Mr. RYUN, and Mr. antigovernment militia movement. CHRISTENSEN changed their vote Within hours Wallace is at the farm. This Some are being enlisted by the Free- time the farmer agrees to go into counseling; from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ man and Christian identity groups that this time no one dies. Unfortunately, that’s So the amendment was rejected. compromise the most violent compo- not always the case. Wallace has handled The result of the vote was announced nents of this revolution in the heart- hundreds of these calls through AG–LINK, a as above recorded. land.’’ farm crisis hotline, and many times the sui- PREFERENTIAL MOTION OFFERED BY MR. OBEY It then goes on to say, ‘‘The main cide attempts are successful. According to Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I move Mona Lee Brock, another former AG–LINK cause for the growth of these violent counselor, therapists in Oklahoma alone that the Committee rise and report the and anti-government groups is eco- make more than 150 on-site suicide interven- bill back to the House with the rec- nomic, and the best example of this is tions with farmers each year. And Oklahoma ommendation that the enacting clause the farm crisis. Men and women who has only the third highest number of farm be stricken. were once the backbone of our culture suicides in the nation, trailing both Montana The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman have declared war on the government, and Wisconsin. A study conducted in 1989 at Oklahoma from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] is recog- which they blame for their pain and State University determined suicide is by far nized for 5 minutes. suffering, and not without some the leading cause of death on America’s fam- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I take this cause.’’ ily farms, and that they are the direct result time simply to talk about something Then the article goes on and says the of economic stress. that has not at all been addressed following: ‘‘Losing a farm does not hap- As heartwrenching as those statistics are, today. I want to talk about something pen overnight. It can often take 4 to 6 they also are related to a much broader I intended to talk about but have been years. By the end, these families are issue. Those who have watched the pre- precluded from doing so under the rule. viously strong family farm communities victims of chronic long-term stress. wither have seen radical, anti-government Rural Members will already know Once a person is to that point, there groups and militias step in all across the what I am talking about, but I really are only a few things they can do.’’ country, and especially in the Midwest. would ask urban Members to listen for It then goes on to point out the fol- As far back as 1989, Wallace—then director a moment to understand what it is I lowing: ‘‘To lose a farm is to lose part of Rural Mental Health for Oklahoma—was am going to say. We are debating an of one’s own identity. There is prob- beginning to see the birth pangs of today’s agriculture appropriation bill which ably no other occupation that has the heartland revolt. In his testimony before a can provide some help to rural commu- U.S. congressional committee examining potential for defining one’s self so com- rural development, Wallace warned that nities. But, in fact, we are operating pletely. Those who have gone through farm-dependent rural areas were falling under the handicap of national farm the loss of a family farm compare their under a ‘‘community psychosis:’’ policy. grief to a death in the family, one of ‘‘Many debt-ridden farm families will be- We have, I believe, for a number of the hardest experiences in life.’’ come more suspicious of government, as administrations, the previous two and And then it goes on to say that ‘‘Be- their self-worth, their sense of belonging, this one, which are essentially anti- cause of those economic stresses, it is their hope for the future deteriorates. . . . rural and which are driving farmers to These families are torn by divorce, domestic no wonder that many in rural America violence, alcoholism. There is a loss of rela- the wall. And I want to bring to the at- are falling prey to some of the outland- tionships of these communities to the state tention of my colleagues what I think ish theories of some of these anti-gov- and federal government. is a very important study done by an ernment groups.’’ ‘‘We have communities that are made up Oklahoma University scientist. I simply take the time in quoting a now of collectively depressed individuals, I have an article here by a reporter few paragraphs from this story, which I and the symptoms of that community de- pression are similar to what you would find by the name of Joel Dyer called ‘‘Har- am going to insert in the RECORD in in someone that has a long term chronic de- vest of Rage: How the Rural Crisis full, to ask Members, especially from pression.’’ Fuels the Anti-Government Move- urban areas, to understand that we Wallace went on to tell the committee that ment.’’ I would just like to talk with have an incredible crisis in rural Amer- if the rural economic system remained frag- my colleagues for a moment about ica which is not just affecting farmers, ile, which it has, the community depression some of the points that are raised by it is affecting whole communities, it is could turn into a decade’s long social and this article. affecting a whole way of life. And, with cultural psychosis, which he described as ‘‘delayed stress syndrome.’’ This article points out that suicide is all due respect to the leadership of In 1989, Wallace could only guess how this by far the leading cause of death on both parties, if we do not adopt a farm community psychosis would eventually ex- American family farms and that those policy which is substantially different press itself. He believes this transition is suicides are a direct result of economic than that being followed by any of the now a reality. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5715 ‘‘We knew the anti-government backlash government they blame for their pain and ‘‘These farmers are literally at the mercy was just around the corner, but we didn’t suffering—and not without some cause. of these county bureaucrats and some of know exactly what form it would take. You THE ECONOMICS OF HATE them are just horrible people . . . We’ve had can’t treat human beings in a society the The 1989 rural study showed that farmers to intervene several times to keep farmers way farmers have been treated without them took their own lives five times more often from killing them.’’ organizing and fighting back. It was just a than they were killed by equipment acci- Most Americans are unaware that the farm matter of time.’’ dents which, until the study, were considered crisis isn’t over. According to counselor THE RURAL SICKNESS to be the leading cause of death. Brock, things are as bad now for the family farmer as they were in the 80s. She notes ‘‘I don’t even know if I should say this,’’ ‘‘These figures are probably very conserv- that recent USDA figures that show the eco- says Wallace regarding the explosion that ative,’’ says Pat Lewis who directed the re- nomic health of farms improving are, in fact, destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah building kill- search. ‘‘We’ve been provided with informa- skewed by the inclusion of large farming co- ing 168 people, ‘‘but the minute that bomb tion from counselors and mental health operatives and corporate farms. Brock also went off, I suspected it as because of the workers that suggests that many of the acci- says that ‘‘state hotlines are busier than farm crisis. These people (farmers) have suf- dental deaths are, in reality, suicides.’’ Wallace, who was one of those mental ever as the small family farmer is being fered so much.’’ Wallace, who has spent health workers, agrees. ‘‘The known suicides pushed off the land.’’ much of his professional life counseling de- are just a drop in the bucket. We have farm- According to Wallace thousands of people pressed farmers, could only hope he was ers crawling into their equipment and being have died as a result of the farm crisis, but wrong. killed so their families can collect insurance not just from suicides. The psychologist says The United States has lost more than money and pay off the farm debt. They’re the number of men and women who have died 700,000 small- to medium-size family farms dying in order to stop a foreclosure.’’ of heart attacks and other illnesses—directly since 1980. For the 2 percent of America that This economic stress has been caused by 20 as a result of stress brought on by fore- makes its living from the land, this loss is a years of government refusal to enforce the closure—dwarfs the suicide numbers. crisis that surpasses even the Great Depres- anti-trust laws which once protected the These deaths are often viewed as murder in sion. For the other 98 percent—those who small farmer. Now, with only six to eight farm country. gauge the health of the farm industry by the multi-national corporations controlling the This spring, I went to western Oklahoma amount of food on our supermarket shelves— American food supply, farmers and ranchers and met with a group of farmers who have the farm crisis is a vaguely remembered have no choice but to sell their products to become involved in the Freeman/Identity headline from the last decade. these monopolies, often for less than their movement. This meeting demonstrated not But not for long. The farms are gone, yet production costs. In 1917, wheat was $2.14 a only their belief that the government is to the farmers remain. They’ve been trans- bushel. In the last five years prices have blame for their loss, but also the politics formed into a harvest of rage, fueled by the dipped as low as $2.17 a bushel, yet costs are that evolve from that belief. grief of their loss and blown by the winds of a hundred times higher now than then. ‘‘They murdered her,’’ says Sam Conners conspiracy and hate-filled rhetoric. As if monopolies weren’t enough of a prob- (not his real name) referring to the govern- By the tens of thousands they are being re- lem, the federal government is allowed to in- ment. The room goes silent as the gray cruited by the anti-government militia crease the interest rates on its loans to trou- haired 60-year-old stares out the window of movement. Some are being enlisted by the bled farmers to ridiculous figures, sometimes his soon-to-be-foreclosed farmhouse. In his Freemen and Christian Identity groups that reaching more than 15 percent. And, as many left hand he holds a photograph of his wife comprise the most violent components of bitter farmers will tell you, the only reason who died of a heart attack in 1990. ‘‘She this revolution of the heartland. many of these loans exist is that the govern- fought ’em as long as she could,’’ he contin- Detractors of these violent groups such as ment’s Farm Home Administration (FMHA) ues, ‘‘but she finally gave out. Even when she Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law agents sought farmers out in the 70s encour- was lying there is a coma and I was visiting Center blame them for everything from the aging them to take out loans. The govern- her every day—bringing my nine-year-old Oklahoma City bombing to the formation of ment agents told them that the value of boy to see his mamma everyday—they militia organizations to influencing Pat their farms was inflating faster than the cur- wouldn’t cut me no slack. All they cared Buchanan’s rhetoric. They may be right. rent interest rates and that to turn down a about was getting me off my land so they But, the real question remains unan- loan was a poor business decision. During could take it. But I tell you now, I’m never swered. Why has a religious and political ide- this time, FMHA lenders received bonuses gonna’ give up. They’ll have to carry me off ology that has existed in sparse numbers and trips based on how much money they feet first and they probably will.’’ since the 1940s, suddenly—within the last 15 lent. But when land values tumbled in the The other men in the room sit quietly as years—become the driving force in the rap- 80s, the notes were called and the farms fore- they listen to Conners’ story, their eyes al- idly growing anti-government movement closed. Ironically, bonuses are now awarded ternating between their dirty work boots which Dees estimates has five million par- based on an agent’s ability to clean up the and the angry farmer. The conversation ticipants ranging from tax protesters to books by foreclosing on bad loans. comes to a sudden halt with a ‘‘click’’ from armed militia members? In Oklahoma, the government is foreclos- a nearby tape recorder. Conners looks clum- The main cause for the growth of these ing on Josh Powers, a farmer who took out sy as he tries to change the small tape in the violent anti-government groups is economic, a $98,000 loan at 8 percent in 1969. That same micro-cassette recorder. His thick earth- and the best example of this is the farm cri- loan today has an interest rate of 15 per- stained fingers seem poorly designed for the sis. What was for two decades a war of eco- cent—almost twice as high as when the note delicate task. ‘‘I apologize for recording nomic policy has become a war of guns and was first issued. The angry farmer claims you,’’ he says to this reporter. ‘‘We just have bombs and arson. that he’s paid back more than $150,000 to be careful.’’ At the center of this storm is the ‘‘Jus- against the loan, yet he still owes $53,000 on With their low-tech safeguard back in tice’’ movement, a radical vigilante court the note. Says Powers, ‘‘They’ll spend mil- place, one of the other men begins to speak. system, a spin-off of central Wisconsin’s lions to get me, a little guy, off the land— Tim, a California farmer who looks to be in Posse Commitatus system of the 1980s, and while Neil Bush just walks away from the his early 30’s, describes his plight: another which will likely affect all our lives on some savings and loan scandal.’’ farm, another foreclosure, more anti-govern- level in the future. It may have touched us The 1987 Farm Bill allowed for loans such ment sentiment. Only this time, the story is already in the form of the Oklahoma City as this to be ‘‘written down,’’ allowing farm- filled with the unmistakable religious over- bombing. ers to bring their debt load back in line with tones of the Christian Identity movement; Freeman/Identity common-law courts are the diminished value of their farm. The pur- one world government, Satan’s Jewish bank- being convened in back rooms all across pose of the bill was to keep financially ers, the federal reserve, a fabricated Holo- America, and sentences are being delivered. strapped farmers on the land. But in a rarely caust, a coming holy war. ‘‘This kind of in- Trials are being held on subjects ranging equaled display of government bungling, this justice is going on all over the country,’’ from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and debt forgiveness process was left to the says Tim. ‘‘It’s what happened to the folks in Firearms’ handling of Waco to a person’s whims of county bureaucrats with little or Montana (referring to the Freemen) and it’s sexual preference or race. And the sentences no banking experience. what happened to me. That’s why LeRoy are all the same—death. As Wallace points out, ‘‘Imagine the frus- (Schweltzer, the leader of the Justus Town- We may never prove the Oklahoma City tration when a small farmer sees the buddy ship Freeman) was arrested. He was teaching bombing was the result of a secret common- or family member of one of these county people how to keep their farms and ranches. law court, but we can show it was the result agents getting a $5 million write-down at the He was showing them that the government of some kind of sickness, a ‘‘madness’’ in the same time the agent is foreclosing on them isn’t constitutional. They foreclose on us so rural parts of our nation. Unless we move (the small farmer) for a measly $20,000. It they can control the food supply. What they quickly to address the economic problems happens all the time. When these little farm- want to do is control the Christians.’’ which spawned this ‘‘madness,’’ we are likely ers complain, they’re given this telephone entering the most violent time on American number in Washington. It’s become a big THE MIND OF THE FARMER soil since the Civil War. joke in farm country. I’ve even tried to call Losing a farm doesn’t happen overnight. It Men and women who were once the back- it for years. You get this recording and no- can often take four to six years from the bone of our culture have declared war on the body ever calls you back. time a farm family first gets into financial H5716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 trouble. By the end, says Wallace, these fam- the government’s fault or the bank’s fault, Satan. Identity believers see a conspiracy of ilies are victims of chronic long term stress. they’re more than ready to listen. These ‘‘Satan’s army of Jews’’ taking control of ‘‘Once a person is to that point,’’ he explains, groups are preying on sick individuals.’’ banks, governments, media and most major ‘‘there are only a few things that can hap- It’s no wonder that groups like the corporations and destroying the family farm pen. Freemen, We the People and Christian Iden- in order to control the food supply. They be- ‘‘There are basically four escape hatches tity have found such enthusiastic support. lieve that we are at the beginning of a holy for chronic long term stress. One, a person They preach a message of hope for desperate war where Identity followers must battle seeks help—usually through a church or the men and women. these international forces of evil and estab- medical community. Two, they can’t take The Freemen offer their converts a chance lish a new and ‘‘just’’ government based on the pain and they commit suicide. They hurt to save the farm through a quagmire of con- the principles of the Bible’s Old Testament themselves. Three, they become psychotic. stitutional loopholes and their complicated as they interpret it. They become a soldier They lose touch with reality. They basically interpretations of the Uniform Commercial in a holy war under orders to not give up go crazy. And last, they become psychotic Code. Their legal voodoo may seem nuts to a their land or money to the Jewish enemy. and turn their anger outward. They decide suburban dweller, but to a desperate farmer AND JUSTICE FOR SOME that since they hurt, they’re going to make they offer a last hope to hang on to the land The renegade legal system known as the others hurt. These are the people that wind their grandfather homesteaded, a trust they ‘‘Justice’’ movement is now estimated to be up threatening or even killing their lenders intended to pass on to their children. in more than 40 states. It seems to have as of FMHA agents. They’re also the ones that And just how crazy their rhetoric is re- many variations as the fractional anti-gov- are most susceptible to a violent anti-gov- mains to be seen. Not all in the legal com- ernment movement that created it. Some ernment message.’’ munity scoff at the Freemen’s claims. mainstream Patriots hold common-law Unfortunately, psychotic personalities Famed attorney Gerry Spence—who rep- courts at venues where the press and those looking for support can find it in the wrong resented Randy Weaver, a survivor of Ruby accused of crimes are invited to attend. Sen- places. ‘‘Any group,’’ says Wallace, ‘‘can fill Ridge—has stated that at least some of their tences from these publicly held trials usu- the need for support. Not just good ones. interpretations of constitutional law are ac- ally result in lawsuits, arrest warrants, judg- Identity, militias or any anti-government curate. It will be years before the court sys- ments and liens being filed against public of- group can come along and fill that role. Add tem manages to sort out the truth from the ficials. their influence to a personality that is al- myth, and only then provided it desires to In Colorado, Attorney General Gail Norton ready violent towards others and you have scrutinize itself—something it historically has been just one of the targets of these an extremely dangerous individual.’’ has shown little stomach for. courts. She’s had millions of dollars worth of No one knows how many members of the Organizers of We the People told farmers bogus liens filed against her. Across the na- 700,000 farm families who have already lost they could receive windfalls of $20 million or tion, thousands of public officials including their land or the additional hundreds of more from the federal government. They ex- governors, judges, county commissioners and thousands that are still holding on to their plained to their audiences—which sometimes legislatures have been the targets of this farms under extreme duress have fallen prey reached more than 500—that they had won a new ‘‘paper terrorism.’’ In most cases they to this violet psychosis, but those who have Supreme Court judgment against the feds for are found guilty of cavorting with the watched this situation develop agree the allowing the country to go off the gold enemy: the federal government. number is growing. standard. They claimed that for a $300 filing Ironically, arresting those involved in this Wallace says that most people don’t under- fee the desperate farmers could share in the mainstream common law court revolution stand the mind set of farmers. ‘‘They ask, riches. isn’t easy. It’s not because they can’t be why don’t farmers just get a new job or why The media has repeatedly described the ex- found; it’s because they may not be doing does losing a farm cause someone to kill ploits of Freeman/We the People members: anything illegal. Last month, Richard themselves or someone else?’’ Another rural millions in hot checks, false liens, refusal to Wintory, the chief deputy of the Oklahoma psychologist, Val Farmer, has written often leave land that has been foreclosed by the attorney general’s office, told the Daily on this subject. In an article in the Iowa bank and sold at auction and plans to kidnap Oklahoman that he could not say whether Farmer Today, he explained why farm loss af- and possibly kill judges. common-law court organizers had broken fects its victims so powerfully. Members of the press, including the alter- any laws. ‘‘To lose a farm is to lose part of one’s own native press, have commented on the fact The debate as to whether or not citizens identity. There is probably no other occupa- that what all these people seem to have in have a constitutional right to convene grand tion that has the potential for defining one’s common is that they are unwilling to pay juries and hold public trials will eventually self so completely. Those who have gone their bills. be resolved. It’s only one of the fascinating through the loss of a family farm compare The Daily Oklahoman quoted an official de- legal issues being raised by the heartland re- their grief to a death in the family, one of scribing these anti-government groups as volt. But there is a darker side to this vigi- the hardest experiences in life. saying, ‘‘We are talking about people who lante court system, one that deals out death ‘‘Like some deaths, the loss may have been are trying to legitimize being deadbeats and sentences in its quest to deliver justice and preventable. If a farmer blames himself, the thugs by denying their responsibilities.’’ create a new and holy government. reaction is guilt. Guilt can stem from a vio- But that analysis is at best partially true In his book Gathering Storm, Dees de- lation of family trust. By failing to keep the and at worst dead wrong. scribes Identity this way: ‘‘There is nothing farm in the family, he loses that for which What most of these radical anti-govern- ‘goody, goody’ or ‘tender’ about Identity. It others had sacrificed greatly. The loss of the ment people have in common—and what is a religion, a form of Christianity, that few farm also affects the loss of the opportunity most government officials refuse to acknowl- churchgoers would recognize as that of to pass on the farm to a child. Guilt can also edge—is that they were, first and foremost, Jesus, son of a loving God. It is a religion on arise from failing to anticipate the condi- unable to pay their bills. It was only after steroids. It is a religion whose god com- tions that eventually placed the farm at being unable to pay that they took up the mands the death of race traitors, homo- risk: government policy, trade policies, notion of being unwilling to pay. These farmers are the canaries in the coal sexuals, and other so-called children of world economy, prices, weather. Satan.’’ ‘‘On the other hand, if the loss is perceived mine of America’s economy. They are in ef- It is for this reason that the common law to have been caused by the actions and neg- fect monitoring the fallout from the ever courts convened by those groups influenced ligence of others, then the farmer is racked widening ‘‘gap’’ between the classes. The ca- by the Identity belief system are by far the with feelings of anger, bitterness and be- naries are dying and that bodes poorly for most dangerous. Death sentences can be trayal. This feeling extends to lenders, gov- the rest of us in the mine. Both Farmer and Wallace agree that, as a doled out for almost any conceivable trans- ernment, the urban public or the specific ac- rule, farmers have an extremely strong and gression. tions of a particular individual or institu- perhaps unhealthy sense of morality when it In the remote western Oklahoma farm- tion.’’ comes to paying their bills. They suffer from house, Freeman/Identity farmers discussed ‘‘The stress intensifies with each new set- deep humiliation and shame when they can’t the Justice movement. One man who had re- back: failure to cash flow, inability to meet fulfill their financial obligations. cently lost his farm to foreclosure explained obligations, loan refusal, foreclosure notices, Wallace says, ‘‘It’s only natural that they their court system. ‘‘What you’re seeing court appearances and farm auctions.’’ would embrace an ideology that comes along right now is just the beginning of taking Farmer concludes that ‘‘these people start and says they are not only not bad for failing back our country, the true Israel. The Bible grasping at straws—anything to stave off the to pay their debts but rather are morally and says that we’re to be a just people. Where is inevitable.’’ politically correct to not pay their debts. It’s justice in this country? Our judges turn PREYING ON THE SICK a message that provides instant relief from loose rapists and murderers and put farmers Wallace agrees with Farmer and believes the guilt that’s making them sick.’’ in jail. We’re about justice. Why would any- the anti-government message is one such In much the same way, only more dan- one be afraid of that? straw. ‘‘When you reach the point where gerous, Christian Identity offers a way out ‘‘We’re holding courts right now in every you’re willing to kill yourself, anything for stressed farm families. Identity teaches part of this land. We’re finding people guilty sounds good. When these groups come along that Whites and native Americans are God’s and we’re keeping records so we can carry and tell a farmer that it’s not his fault, it’s chosen people and that Jews are the seed of out the sentences. It’s the citizen’s duty and July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5717 right to hold common law courts. It’s the Meehan Pastor Spratt Shaw Spence Turner militia’s job to carry out the sentences.’’ Millender- Paul Stokes Shays Stabenow Upton The farmer goes on to explain that Iden- McDonald Payne Stupak Sherman Stearns Walsh Miller (CA) Tauscher Shimkus Stenholm Wamp tity doesn’t believe in prisons. He says that Pelosi Mink Pomeroy Tierney Shuster Strickland Watkins nearly all serious offenses are dealt with by Moakley Rangel Torres Sisisky Stump Watt (NC) capital punishment and that this punish- Moran (VA) Rodriguez Towns Skaggs Sununu Watts (OK) ment system is based on the Bible, the first Nadler Rush Velazquez Skeen Talent Weldon (FL) 10 amendments to the Constitution and the Neal Sabo Vento Skelton Tanner Weldon (PA) Magna Carta. When asked how these death Oberstar Sanders Visclosky Smith (MI) Tauzin Weller sentences would be carried out, he says, Obey Sandlin Waxman Smith (NJ) Taylor (MS) White Wexler Smith (OR) Taylor (NC) Whitfield ‘‘There’s a part of the militia that’s getting Olver Sawyer Owens Schumer Weygand Smith (TX) Thomas Wicker ready to start working on that (death sen- Pallone Serrano Woolsey Smith, Adam Thompson Wise tences). I think they’re ready to go now. Pascrell Slaughter Yates Smith, Linda Thornberry Wolf You’ll start seeing it soon.’’ Snowbarger Thune Wynn Perhaps we already have. Was the Okla- NOES—300 Snyder Thurman Young (FL) homa City bombing only the largest and Solomon Tiahrt Aderholt Ewing Livingston Souder Traficant most recent example? When asked, the men Archer Farr LoBiondo in the room state emphatically that they Armey Fawell Lucas NOT VOTING—9 have no first hand knowledge of the bomb- Bachus Foley Luther Barton Kennedy (RI) Stark ing—even though some of them were ques- Baesler Forbes Maloney (CT) Gephardt Molinari Waters tioned by the FBI within days of the deadly Baker Ford Manzullo Gonzalez Schiff Young (AK) explosion. They say they don’t condone it be- Ballenger Fowler Martinez Barcia Fox McCollum b 1730 cause so many innocent people died. But Barr Franks (NJ) McCrery they agree that it may well have been the re- Barrett (NE) Frelinghuysen McDade Mr. FARR of California changed his sult of a secret court sentence. The court Bartlett Gallegly McHugh vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ could have found the ATF guilty for any Bass Ganske McInnis Mr. SCHUMER changed his vote from number of actions—including Waco and Ruby Bateman Gejdenson McIntosh Bentsen Gekas McIntyre ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Ridge—and the militia foot soldiers, in this So the motion was rejected. case McVeigh and Nichols, may have simply Bereuter Gibbons McKeon Berry Gilchrest Meek followed orders to carry out the sentence. The result of the vote was announced Bilbray Gillmor Menendez as above recorded. Whatever the case in Oklahoma City, it Bilirakis Gilman Metcalf seems likely that this new and radical sys- Bishop Goode Mica AMENDMENT NO. 22 OFFERED BY MR. CHABOT tem of vigilante justice can’t help but Bliley Goodlatte Miller (FL) Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman, I offer produce similar catastrophes. Blunt Goodling Minge an amendment. Boehlert Gordon Mollohan The process that gave us that bomb was The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- likely the result of the same stress-induced Boehner Goss Moran (KS) Bonilla Graham Morella ignate the amendment. illness that is tearing our country apart one Bono Granger Murtha The text of the amendment is as fol- pipe bomb or burned-down church at a time. Boswell Green Myrick Comprehending and healing that illness is Boyd Greenwood Nethercutt lows: our only hope for creating a future free of Brady Gutknecht Neumann Amendment No. 22 offered by Mr. CHABOT: more bombs, more death and destruction. Bryant Hall (OH) Ney Insert before the short title the following Bunning Hall (TX) Northup Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in new section: Burr Hamilton Norwood SEC. . None of the funds appropriated or opposition to this motion. It is another Burton Hansen Nussle otherwise made available by this Act may be delaying tactic. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on Buyer Harman Ortiz Callahan Hastert Oxley used to carry out section 203 of the Agricul- the motion Calvert Hastings (WA) Packard tural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623) or to The CHAIRMAN. The question is on Camp Hayworth Pappas pay the salaries and expenses of personnel the motion offered by the gentleman Campbell Hefley Parker who carry out a market program under such Canady Hefner Paxon from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. section. Cannon Herger Pease The question was taken; and the Capps Hill Peterson (MN) The CHAIRMAN. Under the rule, the Chairman announced that the noes ap- Cardin Hilleary Peterson (PA) gentleman from Ohio [Mr. CHABOT] will peared to have it. Carson Hinojosa Petri be recognized for 5 minutes on behalf of Castle Hobson Pickering RECORDED VOTE Chabot Hoekstra Pickett his motion and a Member opposed will Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a Chambliss Hooley Pitts be recognized for 5 minutes. recorded vote. Chenoweth Horn Pombo The Chair recognizes the gentleman Christensen Hostettler Porter from Ohio [Mr. CHABOT]. A recorded vote was ordered. Clement Houghton Portman The vote was taken by electronic de- Clyburn Hulshof Poshard Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman, I yield vice, and there were—ayes 125, noes 300, Coble Hunter Price (NC) myself 2 minutes. Coburn Hutchinson Pryce (OH) not voting 9, as follows: Mr. Chairman, in the last Congress, Collins Hyde Quinn in historic legislation, we overhauled [Roll No. 315] Combest Inglis Radanovich Condit Istook Rahall the welfare system as it applied to poor AYES—125 Cook Jackson-Lee Ramstad people in this country. I think it was Abercrombie Dellums Kanjorski Cooksey (TX) Redmond good legislation, we are working on it Ackerman Deutsch Kennedy (MA) Costello Jenkins Regula Allen Dicks Kennelly Cox John Reyes now, but it affected poor people. Andrews Dingell Kildee Cramer Johnson (CT) Riggs There is one type of welfare that we Baldacci Dixon Kilpatrick Crane Johnson, E. B. Riley have hardly touched in that Congress Barrett (WI) Doggett Kind (WI) Crapo Johnson, Sam Rivers or this Congress and that is something Becerra Edwards Kleczka Cubin Jones Roemer Berman Engel Klink Cunningham Kaptur Rogan called corporate welfare. Now cor- Blagojevich Eshoo Kucinich Danner Kasich Rogers porate welfare affects the powerful, it Blumenauer Evans LaFalce Davis (VA) Kelly Rohrabacher affects the wealthy. We have hardly Bonior Fattah Lantos Deal Kim Ros-Lehtinen Borski Fazio Levin DeLay King (NY) Rothman touched it. Boucher Filner Lewis (GA) Diaz-Balart Kingston Roukema One particularly egregious type of Brown (CA) Flake Lofgren Dickey Klug Roybal-Allard corporate welfare in my opinion is Brown (FL) Foglietta Lowey Dooley Knollenberg Royce something called the market access Brown (OH) Frank (MA) Maloney (NY) Doolittle Kolbe Ryun Clay Frost Manton Doyle LaHood Salmon program. Now some of the folks on the Clayton Furse Markey Dreier Lampson Sanchez other side on this issue will argue that Conyers Gutierrez Mascara Duncan Largent Sanford it was reformed. This is a program Coyne Hastings (FL) Matsui Dunn Latham Saxton Cummings Hilliard McCarthy (MO) Ehlers LaTourette Scarborough where we spend $90 million a year in Davis (FL) Hinchey McCarthy (NY) Ehrlich Lazio Schaefer, Dan taxpayer money to advertise products Davis (IL) Holden McDermott Emerson Leach Schaffer, Bob overseas for trade associations and es- DeFazio Hoyer McGovern English Lewis (CA) Scott sentially for corporations. DeGette Jackson (IL) McHale Ensign Lewis (KY) Sensenbrenner Delahunt Jefferson McKinney Etheridge Linder Sessions Now the folks who favor this will DeLauro Johnson (WI) McNulty Everett Lipinski Shadegg say, well, we reformed it already, and H5718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 basically what was done is we changed We are concentrating on small busi- communities, let alone the suburban and the name of it from the market pro- ness. Of the 564 companies that are par- urban areas that depend upon the employ- motion program to the market access ticipating in this program, putting up ment generated from increased trade. program. Big deal. That is essentially equal amounts to match the Federal Agriculture exports strengthen farm income. the reform that we did in the last Con- dollars, we now have 417 of them, small Agriculture exports provide jobs for nearly a gress. businesses as defined by the SBA. million Americans. I mean, should corporations advertise We are doing away with the branded Agriculture exports generate nearly $100 bil- their products overseas to promote marketing concept. I regret that, lion in related economic activity. trade? Of course they should. But who frankly, but it had critics here and we Agriculture exports produce a positive trade should pay for it; the taxpayers or the did away with it. balance of nearly $30 billion. corporations and the trade associations But the GAO tells us that we need to MAP is critical to U.S. agriculture's ability to that benefit? I would argue not the tax- do more of this, that we are being develop, maintain, and expand export markets payers, but the people who benefit, the taken advantage of in the inter- in the new post-GATT environment, and MAP corporations themselves, ought to pay national market. Despite the fact that is a proven success. for this. If they were using their own our ag exports have grown by 50 per- In California, MAP has been tremendously money, they would be very careful. cent since 1990, we continue to find, in successful in helping promote exports of Cali- There is all kinds of examples where crop after crop, that foreign subsidies fornia citrus, raisins, walnuts, prunes, al- the money has been wasted. A good ex- push our farmers out of markets. monds, peaches, and other specialty crops. We have to remember that an increase in ample was in the case where my col- We should not adopt this amend- agriculture exports means jobs: A 10-percent leagues probably remember the Marvin ment. increase in agricultural exports creates over Gay song, and I think Gladys Knight I rise in opposition to the amendment and in 13,000 new jobs in agriculture and related in- and the Pips had it also: ‘‘I Heard It support of this program. dustries like manufacturing, processing, mar- Through The Grapevine,’’ the Califor- There is probably no more important tool for keting, and distribution. nia raisins commercial. Well, money export promotion than MAP throughout the Where do those increased agriculture ex- from this program was used to adver- United States and particularly in California. ports come from? tise for raisins over in Japan. I would ask the gentleman what his point is For every $1 we invest in MAP, we reap a Now the problem is they did some in offering this amendment. $16 return in additional agriculture exports. surveys on this afterwards, and it turns Does he think we spend too much on MAP? In short, the Market Promotion Program is a out that they did absolutely no good at MAP was funded at $200 million as recently program that performs for American taxpayers. all. In fact, a lot of the people that saw as 5 years ago, and was authorized at one I urge my colleagues to support American the commercials, rather than think time for $350 million. agriculture and oppose the gentleman's they were raisins, they thought they I believe that was some recognition of the amendment. were potatoes. They actually scared importance of market promotion to the Amer- Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 small children. ican economyÐa viewpoint buttressed not just minutes to the gentleman from New Now would the corporations who by USDA but by the GAO who reported we York [Mr. SCHUMER]. would have benefited from this pro- should be doing far more of it in the face of Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Chairman, I gram, if they were using their own enormous subsidies by our competitors. thank the gentleman for yielding. money, would they have done a little Now it's down to a barebones $90 million. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say research so that they did not waste Does the gentleman want MAP funds to go that this program is really a waste and this money? Of course they would. But to small companies? FAS says that 417 of the a travesty and a giveaway; my col- since they are using taxpayer money, 564 companies participating in MAP qualify as leagues can pick whatever word they the research was not done, the dollars small by the SBA definition. want. It should have been killed years were wasted. Is the gentleman against branded product ago, but MAP has more incarnations They will argue, those who favor this promotion by large companies? than Vishnu. In the congressional program will say it creates jobs, but FAS has reduced funding for brand pro- equivalent of the witness protection the real jobs it creates are government motion by large companies by 35 percent in program, MAP performs so abysmally jobs or the bureaucrats in the depart- 1996, 45 percent in 1997, and will eliminate it we had to change its name, not once, ment. altogether in 1998. but twice, in order to hide the program So let us end this program. Does the gentleman want to make sure that from the taxpayer. When I got here it Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in MAP funds don't just substitute for marketing was called TEA, then MPP, and after opposition to the amendment offered efforts the company would have undertaken three excoriating GAO reports and bil- by the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. anyway? lions in corporate welfare giveaways, it CHABOT] but I yield such time as he It is a requirement of the program, and became MAP. If my colleagues do not may consume to the gentleman from every dollar has to be matched by the compa- like the name, we can change it again, California [Mr. RIGGS]. ny's own funds as well. but what we should do is get rid of the (Mr. RIGGS asked and was given per- But in the gentleman's zeal to oppose so- program. mission to revise and extend his re- called corporate welfare, he completely ig- MAP and its forefathers have given marks.) nores the value of this program to our econ- 70 million to Sunkist, 40 million to Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Chairman, I just omy. Blue Diamond, 20 million to Sunsweet, want to point out we can export our Agriculture exports climbed again last year, 60 million to Gallo. We are figuring out products or we can export our jobs, and fiscal year 1996, to $59.8 billionÐup some ways to cut the budget and cannot cut I rise in strong opposition to this $19 billion or close to 50 percent since 1990. this kind of corporate welfare? Of amendment. In an average week this past year, U.S. pro- course, we can. One million dollars to Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 ducers, processors, and exporters shipped McDonald’s. minute to the gentleman from Califor- more than 1.1 billion dollars' worth of food and And then this. We are giving $1 mil- nia [Mr. FAZIO]. farm products to foreign markets, compared lion to McDonald’s to advertise over- Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Chair- with about $775 million per week at the start seas. Are there not better needs for our man, I simply rise in strong opposition of this decade. money than that? to this amendment to cut a program The overall export gains raised the fiscal And finally, as the gentleman from which has been very successful in fight- year 1996 agricultural trade surplus to a new Ohio [Mr. CHABOT] mentioned, and my ing subsidies that continue to be pro- record of $27.4 billion. colleagues ought to listen to this one, vided by our international trading In the most recent comparisons among 11 it is one of the best they will hear, the competitors in agriculture. We have major industries, agriculture ranked No. 1 as California Raisin Advisory Board won a literally transformed this bill through the leading positive contributor to the U.S. grant to introduce raisins to Japan. debates on this floor over the last sev- merchandise trade balance. What a fiasco, using taxpayer funds, eral years. This program was at one As domestic farm supports are reduced, ex- the ad ‘‘I heard it through the grape- time authorized at $350 million. It is port markets become even more critical for the vine’’ claymation raisin campaign that now down to 90 million. economic well-being of our farmers and rural won many awards in the United States. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5719 But there will be no awards in Japan. businesses, MAP continues to be of critical Since 1986 this program has spent First it turns out that these importance. several billion dollars in this way and, claymation raisins were not bilingual, MAP IS IMPORTANT TO MISSOURI AGRICULTURE, incredibly, has even supported adver- so in Japan they were singing only in ECONOMY AND JOBS tising by foreign-owned corporations, their native English. Second, Marvin Number of jobs: Nearly 1 in 6 Missouri Jobs including some in Tokyo and in Paris. Gay is unknown in Japan so the audi- Depend on Agriculture. Studies from several government of- Number of farms: 105,000. ence did not understand the song or get Value of agriculture production: Over $4.5 fices and groups across the political the pun. Third, since the Japanese have billion. spectrum have blasted the MAP. A U.S. never seen raisins, it is not a product Value of agriculture exports: More than General Accounting Office study re- in Japan, they were baffled by these $1.2 billion. ported that MAP funding goes to cor- gargantuan vaudevillian dangerous Export-related jobs: Approximately 20,000. porations that have no need for tax- dancing raisins. They thought they MAP IS IMPORTANT TO U.S. AGRICULTURE, payer funds to support their products. were dancing potatoes. And finally, the ECONOMY AND JOBS I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote. raisins had four fingers, which appar- Agriculture largest single U.S. industry: Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield ently is a bad omen in Japan. They Accounts for 16 percent gross domestic prod- such time as he may consume to the uct. gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. WICK- frighten children. Exports key to continued economic ER]. Perhaps the raisin board would have growth. done a little bit of market research if Value of U.S. agriculture exports: Record (Mr. WICKER asked and was given they were using their own money in- $60 billion in 1996. permission to revise and extend his re- stead of the taxpayers’. Let us end this U.S. agriculture trade surplus: Record $30 marks.) program once and for all. billion in 1996. Mr. WICKER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield U.S. agriculture export-related jobs: Over 1 strong support of the market access such time as he may consume to the million American jobs. program and against the Chabot gentleman from Missouri [Mr. SKEL- MAP HELPS MEET SUBSIDIZED FOREIGN amendment. COMPETITION TON]. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given The global marketplace is still character- amendment to eliminate funding for USDA's permission to revise and extend his re- ized by subsidized foreign competition. The Market Access Program. European Union (EU) maintains a 10 to 1 ad- marks.) The Market Access Program, or MAP, has vantage over the U.S. in terms of export sub- been a tremendous success in maintaining Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise sidies. Many other countries and the EU also in strong opposition to this amend- support industry market development and and expanding U.S. agriculture exports, com- ment and in favor of the market access promotion efforts to encourage exports. MAP peting with foreign subsidized agriculture, and program that is being so very impor- is one of the few programs allowed under the protecting American jobs. tant to exports in America. Uruguay Round Agreement to help U.S. agri- This is true across the country as well as in The Market Access Program is a $90 culture and American workers meet such my home state of Mississippi. With the help of million USDA cost-share program foreign competition. MAP, Mississippi agriculture exportsÐinclud- aimed at helping maintain, develop, MAP IS A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH ing cotton, soybeans, poultry, rice, livestock, and expand U.S. agriculture export BROAD PUBLIC SUPPORT and animal productsÐreached nearly a billion markets. Serves as ‘‘Buy American’’ Program by dollars last year. It helped provide nearly The program was substantially re- promoting only American-grown and pro- 14,000 jobs statewide. This not only strength- duced agricultural commodities and related ened farm income, it provided a significant formed in the 1996 farm bill: products. Participants contribute up to 50 per- economic boost to many local communities. Strongly supported by 75 percent of Amer- The program helped promote record U.S. cent or more toward program cost. ican public based on 1996 national election MAP is targeted toward small busi- day exit poll conducted by Penn & Schoen agricultural exports of nearly $60 billion last nesses, farmer cooperatives, and trade Associates, Inc. year, contributing to a record trade surplus of associations. Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 almost $30 billion, and providing jobs for over Requires funds to be used only to minute to the gentleman from Califor- one million Americans. Every billion dollars in exports helps create as many as 17,000 new promote American grown and produced nia [Mr. HERGER]. commodities and related products. Mr. HERGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in jobs. MAP is a key part of the new 7-year strong opposition to this amendment. MAP is a cost-share program. Participants farm bill, which gradually reduces di- It would be foolish and negligent of us are required to contribute as much as 50 per- rect income support to farmers. Ex- to cut one of our most successful pro- cent of their own resources to be eligible for panding exports is extremely impor- grams that provides Americans with the program. In addition, the program remains tant—exports now account for as much needed jobs, increases American earn- a key part of the 1996 farm bill and its 7-year as one-third of domestic production. ings and significantly stimulates our commitment to our farmers and ranchers. The Export markets are extremely com- national and local economies. For program remains critical to our effort to open petitive, especially since other nations every dollar spent on value-added prod- up foreign markets and to combat subsidized and the European Union greatly out- ucts under the market access program, foreign competition. According to the U.S. spend U.S. promotion efforts. our Nation receives a return of $7.61. Trade Representative, more than 46 countries In 1996, Missouri exported approxi- This means we are receiving a 761 per- continue to use trade barriers which limit or re- mately 1.3 billion dollars’ worth of ag- cent return on our MAP investment. strict U.S. agriculture exports. For example, ricultural products—soybeans, This program is a major success. Re- the European Union spent nearly $10 billion feedgrains, wheat, cotton, poultry, ani- member, the purpose of the market ac- on export subsidies last year, while the U.S. mals/meats—which sustained more cess program is not to subsidize but to spent less than $150 million. Eliminating MAP than 22,000 jobs. open markets for American small busi- would hurt our farmers and ranchers, as well MAP has helped the agriculture sec- nesses. as American workers whose jobs depend on tor become the largest positive con- Mr. Chairman, this program works, agricultural exports. The choice is simple. We can either export tributor to the U.S. trade balance. and it works well. I urge my colleagues our products or we can export our jobs. PROMOTING MISSOURI EXPORTS AND to support the market access program PROTECTING JOBS I encourage my colleagues to vote against and vote ‘‘no’’ on the Chabot-Schumer this amendment. USDA’S MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM [MAP] amendment. USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) has Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman, I yield b 1745 been a tremendous success in helping pro- 30 seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 mote U.S. and Missouri agriculture. It has fornia [Mr. ROYCE]. minute to the gentleman from Califor- also helped protect jobs, counter subsidized Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in foreign competition, and contribute to eco- nia [Mr. FARR]. nomic growth and an expanding tax base. As support to eliminate this program Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Chair- a cost-share program providing assistance to which uses taxpayers’ dollars to sub- man, I say to the Members, hey, wake farmers and ranchers through their associa- sidize the overseas advertising budget up and smell the coffee. What do Mem- tions and cooperatives, and to related small of major corporations. bers think this program is all about? H5720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Members sit there and watch tele- this is it. I urge an ‘‘aye″ vote on the the commodity being promoted, there is also a vision, where Juan Valdez is wandering pending amendment. halo effect. around the supermarket selling Colom- The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex- This halo effect refers to the contribution bian coffee, where the Greeks are sell- pired on the proponents’ side of the that promotion of one product contributes to ing olive oil, where the French are sell- amendment offered by the gentleman sales of other U.S. products. The Arizona ing wine. Where do Members think from Ohio [Mr. CHABOT]. project concludes that MAP ultimately serves those countries are paying for those Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield as a ``Buy USA'' campaign, with broader appli- products to get into our markets? such time as he may consume to the cation than the products it specifically pro- How are we going to do world trade gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. motes. unless we can reach out and sell our BARRETT]. Cornell University's National Institute for products? Agriculture has the best bal- (Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska asked Commodity Promotion Research & Evaluation ance of trade, $30 billion in surplus. and was given permission to revise and has extensively studied the effectiveness of Support this program. Members are extend his remarks.) agricultural promotion programs. The institute foolish to cut us off and shoot us in the Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. concluded that export promotion programs are feet and not allow American products Chairman, I rise in opposition to the highly effective in increasing private sector in- to be sold abroad. Smell the coffee. De- amendment. vestment in export promotion, and that feat this amendment. Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 USDA's programs have stimulated promotion Mr. Chairman, the Market Access Program seconds to the gentleman from New expenditures in both the domestic and the ex- [MAP] is critical to the future health of our Na- York [Mr. WALSH]. port market. tion's agriculture. If we cut MAP, we will pull (Mr. WALSH asked and was given Why have U.S. agricultural exports doubled the rug out from underneath American farm- permission to revise and extend his re- in the last 10 years? Because American agri- ers. marks.) culture, long recognized as the most produc- First, the Market Access Program benefits Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in tive in the world, have increased their focus on American agriculture. Every dollar spent by strong opposition to this amendment. world markets. They are producing more so- M.A.P. provides several dollars in export This program helps American farmers phisticated products that cater to the tastes of sales. For fruits and vegetables alone, each to find markets in a very competitive foreign consumers. And, thanks to MAP, they dollar of MAP creates $5 dollars in export global environment marketplace. We are marketing those products more effectively. sales. MAP benefits all American agriculture: are not supporting our farmers nearly Last year we voted to phase out subsidies grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables, cot- to the degree Europe is. I would also over a period of 7 years. Farmers and ranch- tonÐall benefit from MAP. like to suggest to the proponents of ers lost their safety net, and were told to look Thanks in part to MAP, U.S. agriculture ex- this amendment that they get some to foreign markets to make up the difference. ports are the single largest positive contributor new material. That California raisin MAP was an integral part of last year's farm to the U.S. trade balance. Despite years of story is getting very, very old. bill. trade deficits, agricultural trade continues to Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield How important is the program to those farm- run a surplusÐ$27 billion this year alone. This such time as he may consume to the ers who lost the safety net? The Foreign Agri- year alone the United States will export 457 gentleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM]. cultural Service concluded that in 1992, export billion in agricultural goodsÐthat's double the (Mr. STENHOLM asked and was promotion boosted net farm income by $642 size of exports when the program started in given permission to revise and extend million. By the year 2000, the level of net farm 1985. his remarks.) income supported by the Market Access Pro- Second, MAP is very small in comparison to Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Chairman, I what other countries spend on export pro- gram is expected to exceed $1 billion. That rise in strong opposition to the Chabot motion. Europe alone spends $350 million a translates into 124,000 jobs, including 80,000 amendment. year on export promotion programsÐover nonfarm jobs, in trade, transportation, serv- Mr. Chairman, I have stood before you three times the amount we spend in our coun- ices, food processing, and manufacturing. many times over the years to praise the try. Fourteen other countriesÐincluding Aus- Not only does MAP create jobs for farmers achievements of America's farmers and ranch- tralia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and NorwayÐ and nonfarmers alike, it also contributes to the ers. And, up until now, I have been somewhat spend a total of $400 million per year on ex- U.S. Treasury. By the year 2000, annual tax restrained, which is not always easy for a port promotion programs. When you buy Juan receipts to the Treasury from economic activity Valdez coffee, Greek olive oil, or French wine, Texan. generated by the program are expected to In past years I have told you that agriculture you're buying a product that profited from for- reach $250 million. eign export promotion. was the No. 2 contributor to U.S. trade, behind Our competitors continue to outspend us in Third, some say MAP is a subsidyÐbut that the aerospace industryÐnot bad when you every area of agricultural export promotionÐ just isn't true. MAP gives first priority of fund- consider that airplanes are priced in the mil- from direct subsidies to market promotion. The ing to small businesses, cooperatives, and lions, and wheat is a few dollars a bushel. EU spends about $10 billion annually on sub- trade associations. No MAP funding may sup- Well, agriculture is no longer No. 2. This sidies and $500 million on market promotion. plement or replace private sector funding; it year, agriculture is the No. 1 contributor the USDA research indicates doubling the MAP can only be in addition to private-sector fund- positive side of our trade balance. Believe me, program level would support 40,000 additional ing. MAP funding is matched by up to 50 per- I am from Texas, and I know big. And our ex- U.S. jobs by the year 2000. cent, or sometimes more, by participants. ports of agricultural products in the past year In the competitive world in which we live, we MAP funding has been steadily reduced, from have been bigÐ$60 billion. shouldn't be here today talking about eliminat- $300 million in 1985 to less than $100 million Critics claim that the Market Access Pro- ing a program that gives us a fighting chance today. gram, or MAP, has been ineffectiveÐthat it in export markets. We should be here talking American agriculture depends more on ex- has not played an important role in the suc- about what else we need to do to build mar- ports than ever beforeÐdon't kill a program cess story of American agriculture. But the ex- kets we can depend on to stay competitive in that works. Vote against this amendment. perts at the Foreign Agricultural Service dis- the years to come. Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman, I yield agree. In a detailed 1995 report, they con- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New cluded that export promotion activities under the balance of my time to the gen- Hampshire [Mr. BASS]. MAP and its predecessor programs have been tleman from Oregon [Mr. SMITH]. Mr. BASS. Mr. Chairman, with all the leading factor in the 200 percent increase Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, due respect, I think companies such as in U.S. high-value consumer food exports I thank the gentleman for yielding Sunkist, Dole, Gallo, and M&M Mars since 1986. time to me. are capable of smelling the coffee The University of Arizona's National Food Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to themselves. If there ever was a pro- and Agricultural Policy Project agrees. The this amendment. Mr. Chairman, the gram that defines welfare for corpora- project analyzed export values, quantities and question here is, do we want to adver- tions, this is it, $90 million annually prices; measures of foreign income, prices, tise our products worldwide or do we for corporations to conduct advertising populations, and exchange rates; and export not? abroad. promotion expenditures by commodity, country We know that the return and the le- Mr. Chairman, if we ever wanted to and year. They concluded that not only does verage on this Market Access Program cast a vote to end corporate welfare, each promotion dollar return multiple dollars to is 10 to 1. Sometimes it is 20 to 1. We July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5721 are getting huge, huge opportunities In the world marketplace, competition is thing about research funding and funding for from this program. It is one of the few fierce. Every year, American jobs become adequate revenue and crop insurance. Con- programs we have in our quiver to at- more dependent on foreign trade. Efforts to gress promised America's farmers certain fun- tack what is happening around the dismantle our leading export promotion pro- damental things as we moved to Freedom to world. If we withdraw unilaterally, we gram are penny-wise and pound-foolish. To Farm. Although producers no longer can rely hurt the United States of America. We retreat in the international marketplace is on the Government to come through and pick have built up a $26 billion trade surplus shortsighted and counterintuitive. We must ac- up the tab when commodity prices are lower in this program. tively engage our trading partners and open than certain target prices, they should be able Here is what is happening in Europe: up emerging markets to our agriculture goods. to rely on certain supplemental programs run $45 billion for domestic and export sub- Don't be fooled by the rhetoric. Do what is by the Department of Agriculture that keep sidies. We are at $5 billion, and as I right for America by supporting American jobs producers' heads above an already narrow mentioned many times, phasing out at and American exports. I urge my colleagues to margin. the end of 6 years. Are we going to support the Market Access Program. Thank In my State of North Dakota, the MAP con- eliminate our one opportunity here to you, Mr. Chairman. tributes to the promotion of $1.7 billion in ex- sell abroad? I think not. It is foolish. It Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in ports, and 29,300 jobs. I might add that in is foolish of us to withdraw from this strong opposition to this shortsighted amend- Ohio, the home State of the proponent of this program. This is no time to withdraw ment which would have a devastating impact amendment, agricultural interests receive sup- from international trade. on the people I represent in Sonoma and port for $1.6 billion worth of exports related to By the way, those of the Members in Marin Counties, CA. 27,400 jobs. Source: USDA, Bureau of Cen- business, it is the very best business The wine and winegrapes from my district susÐ1996. decision you will ever make. Vote are famous worldwide, but vintners have to Rural income depends onÐand is at the against this amendment. fight to enter and complete in the world mar- mercy ofÐmany variables. Weather and do- Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong ket. mestic supply are examples. But the ability to support of the Market Access Program [MAP]. The Market Access Program helps the small export overseas and compete with foreign Once again, the opponents of the MAP have wine producers in my district compete with markets is another integral piece to maintain- their facts wrong and I would like to take this heavily subsidized foreign producers who still ing rural income. The MAP offers one small opportunity to correct the rhetoric and misin- dominate the global agricultural marketplace. opportunity to help American agricultural inter- formation espoused by the opponents of this The European Union export subsidies ests compete with international marketsÐdur- invaluable program. amounted to approximately $10 billion last ing a time when farm income is now more de- Mr. Chairman, as you know, the congres- year. In fact, the European Union spends pendent than ever on exports and maintaining sional district I represent includes the Napa more on export promotion for wine than the access to foreign markets. The elimination of Valley, widely regarded as the prime growing United States does for all of our agriculture region of the U.S. wine industry. The U.S. MAP would represent unilateral disarm- programs combined. amentÐshooting oneself in the foot actuallyÐ wine industry produces an award-winning, We need only look at last year to see this high-value product that competes with the best in the face of continued subsidized foreign unfair disparity in actionÐmarket promotion competition. in the world. funds for the American wine industry totaled However, the agriculture sector in the Unit- Don't take away a great tool from our agri- approximately $5 million, whereas the heavily ed States, and specifically wine, continues to cultural sector that has the potential to help subsidized European wine industries received face unfair trading practices by foreign com- even the playing field with foreign market in- 1¤2 billion. petitors. Domestic agriculture industries must $1 terests. The money we spend to increase the mar- compete with the lower wages and the heavily Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Chairman, kets for American agricultural products is subsidized industries of Europe, East Asia, I strongly oppose the amendment offered by money well spent. Because of assistance from and other emerging global regions. The Euro- Representatives CHABOT and SCHUMER, that the market access program, U.S. wine exports pean Union alone subsidizes its wine industry would eliminate the Market Access Program. by over $2 billion. had their 12th consecutive record-breaking The sponsors of this amendment suggest Mr. Chairman, opponents of the MAP label year in 1996, reaching $320 million. This level that the Market Access Program subsidizes the program as just another form of corporate is an $85 million increase in 1 year, which large agribusinesses' export promotion activi- welfare, claiming the program benefits only means that each Market Access Program dol- ties, and that it is a waste of taxpayers' large corporations. Nothing could be further lar being spent generated a $17 increase in money. from the truth. The MAP is an invaluable re- exports. In the last 10 years, an additional Nothing could be further from the truth. The source for American agriculture to compete 7,500 full-time jobs and 5,000 part-time jobs 1996 farm bill substantially reformed this pro- against massively subsidized foreign agri- have been created by exporting wine. This is gram, by targeting it toward small producers, culture exports. What is more, it is a resource not only good for the American balance of trade associations, and cooperatives, to pro- that allows America's small farmers to com- tradeÐit's good for the American economy. mote home-grown U.S. agricultural products. pete in highly restrictive foreign markets. Sim- Mr. Chairman, we should help export U.S. In addition, the farm bill requires Federal funds ply, the MAP is pro-trade, pro-growth and pro- products, not U.S. jobs. Oppose the Schumer- to be matched by the programs beneficiaries. jobs. Chabot-Royce amendment. In reality, the Market Access Program has Opponents of the program continue to ig- Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in been a highly effective tool to promote U.S. nore the fact that in 1995, the Agriculture Ap- strong support of the Market Access Program exports. And as the Federal Government be- propriations Subcommittee reformed the MAP [MAP] and oppose any attempt to further comes less and less involved in the everyday to restrict branded promotions to trade asso- weaken the program's ability to assist in the decisions of farming, it is even more important ciations, grower cooperatives, and small busi- promotional activities for U.S. agricultural that the Government take the initiative to in- nesses. Additionally, Secretary of Agriculture products. The Market Access Program is good crease our share of the world market. Dan Glickman, in March this year, announced for agriculture, international trade, and pro- I urge my colleagues to oppose this amend- that large companies will no longer be able to motes small business and American-made ment. I yield back the remainder of my time. participate in the branded program. The pri- products. MAP simply helps develop foreign Mr. DOOLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to ex- mary emphasis of the MAP is toward the small markets for U.S. exports. The MAP provides press my opposition to the amendment offered family farmer. A sizable number of the so- cost-share funds to nearly 800 U.S. busi- by the gentleman from New York [Mr. SCHU- called large corporations receiving MAP mon- nesses, cooperatives, and non-profit trade as- MER]. This amendment would eliminate fund- eys are actually grower cooperatives. sociations to promote their products overseas. ing for one of the most successful Federal The purpose of the MAP is simple: Move Additionally, funds allocated under the MAP programs that we have. It is unfortunate that high-value American-grown agriculture prod- are limited to U.S. entities. the overwhelming support that this program ucts overseas, knock down trade barriers, and In a time when America's farmers and agri- has received over the years illustrates its im- create and protect American jobs. A recent cultural sector are just beginning to adjust to portance. study by the University of Arizona showed that Freedom to Farm, a way of operating Govern- Think about this: The European Union's for every dollar of MAP funds spent overseas ment farm programs without the assurance of 1996 budget allowed for export subsidies for promoting American wine there was a return price supports or safety-nets, it makes no grains and grain products of $1.3 billion, for of $7.44; for table grapes, a return of $5.04; sense to take away other underlying support sugar of $1.9 billion, for fresh fruits and vege- and for apples, a return of $18.19. programs like the MAP. I have said the same tables of $125 million, for processed fruits and H5722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 vegetables of $18 million, for wine of $72 mil- Amendment No. 14 offered by Mr. SMITH of Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, will the lion, for dairy products of $2.5 billion, for Michigan: gentleman yield? Insert before the short title the following Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I yield to meats and meat products of $2.4 billion and new section: for other processed food of $752 million. This SEC. . None of the funds appropriated or the gentleman from New Mexico. compares to a total for the United States of made available by this Act may be used to Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I am also less than $150 million. pay the salaries and expenses of personnel concerned about these new conserva- The EU spends nearly $500 million on mar- who work at a regional office of the Natural tion offices using $22 million of our ket promotion specifically. We are debating Resources Conservation Service or to provide taxpayers’ money. I assure the gen- the fate of a $90 million program that provides a support service for a regional office of the tleman that our committee will review Natural Resources Conservation Service. this issue. I have no intention of spend- the only market promotion funding available to Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- ing $22 million if it is not a construc- agricultural producers in the United States. man, I rise to make a statement, and tive addition to our conservation sys- Since 1985, the MAP has provided cost-share to have a colloquy with the ranking tem. funds to nearly 800 U.S. companies, coopera- member and the chairman of the Com- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. If it is a new tives, and trade associations to promote their mittee on Appropriations, and the level of bureaucracy, it makes no products overseas. In that period, total U.S. chairman of the Committee on Agri- sense. agricultural exports have more than doubled, culture. from $26.3 billion to a projected $60 billion in Mr. Chairman, I will make a brief Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, will the 1996. During those same years, exports of statement and proceed into the col- gentleman yield? U.S. high-value products have more than tri- loquy. In the last year the National Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I yield to pled, and now account for 34 percent of all Conservation Service has created a new the gentlewoman from Ohio. U.S. agricultural exports, up from 12 percent regional bureaucracy. NRCS has local, Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I appre- in 1980. In addition, the U.S. share of world State, and national offices. That is ciate the gentleman’s constructive trade in these products has risen from 10 per- what they had before. Now they have work in trying to assure that these re- cent to 17 percent. put a new tier of bureaucracy between gional offices actually serve a useful Over the years the MAP and its prede- the State offices and the national of- purpose, and would add my support to cessor programs MPP and TEA have been fices. the gentleman’s request for an inquiry criticized for many perceived shortfalls. All of There was a situation in Congress in to make sure that the offices them- these concerns have been addressed either 1994, partially in 1995, when the Demo- selves are not new nor unnecessary lev- legislatively or through regulations. The 1996 crats and Republicans said that Wash- els of bureaucracy which could com- farm bill made permanent program changes ington is too top-heavy in USDA. So plicate our efforts to assist farmers and that address these concerns. First, participants what happened? There was no firing of meet our goals of conservation. are required to contribute up to 50 percent or personnel, but all of those top-ranking, Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- more toward programs costs. Second, for-prof- high-grade executives in the Depart- man, I thank the gentlewoman. it corporations that are not recognized as ment of Agriculture, as part of that re- I would like to address the question small businesses are no longer allowed to par- organization, those personnel were not to the chairman of the standing Com- ticipate in the program. Third, funds can be fired or pink-slipped but they were mittee on Agriculture. Mr. Chairman, used to promote only American grown and transferred to regional offices, a new can we pursue this question in the gen- produced commodities and related products. tier of six regional offices for our con- tleman’s committee? Fourth, participants are required to undergo servation service. Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, review, certification and a 5-year graduation Mr. Chairman, I would urge my col- will the gentleman yield? from the program. leagues that are concerned with con- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I yield to Mr. Chairman, last year we undertook the servation, concerned about the service the gentleman from Oregon. greatest rewrite of Federal farm programs in to farmers and ranchers in this coun- Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, nearly 60 years. The changes that we made try, to call their conservationists in I would say to my colleague from make it imperative that the U.S. remain a their area and ask them about the Michigan that I appreciate his concern strong force in the international market. The slow-down of paperwork, the slow-down on the matter, that our committee will continued health of the U.S. agriculture sector of personnel. pursue an inquiry and review the new is reliant on continued exports and future ex- We have $22 million in this budget for regional offices. I think it is obvious port markets. Our competitors have made a fi- these regional offices. This, Mr. Chair- that we need to assure ourselves and nancial commitment to export subsidies and man, is the first year that these six re- the American agriculture community export promotion. We need to ensure that we gional offices existed. I think it is im- that this is indeed an effective and continue our commitment to our Nation's farm- portant that we not allow those to be proper use of funds. ers. entrenched. Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I thank my I urge my colleagues to continue their sup- Mr. Chairman, new bureaucracy colleagues, Mr. Chairman. Let us re- port. makes no sense in the era of ‘‘re- mind ourselves, this is the first year of The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex- invented government’’ and budget cuts. these six new regional offices. If we let pired. As we phase out payments to producers them be entrenched, then we go for 2 The question is on the amendment and scale back agricultural programs, and 3 and 4 years. It is going to be that offered by the gentleman from Ohio it is unreasonable to add new layers of much more difficult. It is a cost of $22 [Mr. CHABOT]. bureaucracy. million that could be much better The question was taken; and the I urge my colleagues to join this ef- spent at our local county offices, in our Chairman announced that the noes ap- fort to cut back unnecessary bureauc- State offices. That is where the action peared to have it. racy at NRCS. If we go to conference is. That is where farmers and ranchers Mr. OBEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a with this amendment, we can talk out need their help. recorded vote. this problem and reach a solution. Mr. Chairman, I want to make a com- The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Mr. Chairman, I would like to call on ment on the general amendments that Resolution 193, further proceedings on the chairman of the Committee on Ap- we have had today. Look, the reason the amendment offered by the gen- propriations in a colloquy. we have farm programs in this country tleman from Ohio [Mr. CHABOT] will be Mr. Chairman, I would ask the gen- is to assure an adequate supply of food postponed. tleman from New Mexico [Mr. SKEEN], and fiber. Let me tell the Members AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MR. SMITH OF would he review this issue and the what these farm programs have done. MICHIGAN spending of $22 million for these new It does not go into the pockets of farm- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- regional offices in the conference com- ers. It is not subsidizing. man, I offer an amendment. mittee, and work to include such re- We have ended up with a farm pro- The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- port language to ensure that these six gram that has created the most effi- ignate the amendment. new regional offices will not continue cient industry in the world as far as ag- The text of the amendment is as fol- if they are an unnecessary level of bu- ricultural production. That is why the lows: reaucracy? American people eat and spend only 11 July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5723 percent of their take-home pay on food, organization. This approach would ing out would be a good way, in my the cheapest, highest quality food in hinder the ability to put additional opinion, to try to collect on these the world. staff at the field level, cause the State loans. It is my understanding that the So when we talk about knocking operations to be more focused on ad- USDA has the authority now to con- down these amendments for export en- ministrative duties, and reduce the tract out but has not yet engaged in hancement programs, for programs amount of technical backup the State any such contracts. And, like the gen- that allow farmers to buy the kind of offices are now providing the field, tleman from Texas, I would support ef- insurance that is going to move ahead which has directly improved customer forts to privatize this collection proc- with our Freedom to Farm bill, putting service. ess, and I am urging the USDA to move farmers on an even keel with the rest Mr. Chairman, I think this approach forward on this plan and to contract of the world, that is the challenge we allows the agency to recognize the dif- out for the collection of these large have. When other countries are subsi- ferent parts of the country and the fact overdue loans. dizing their crops and subsidizing their that they have very different natural Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, I exports into this country, we need to resource needs, different agricultural thank the chairman for his attention do something to make sure we have a systems, and different customers. The to this very important matter. strong industry. old system forced our policy to ap- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I proach solutions which were national man, I ask unanimous consent that my rise in opposition to the amendment of- in scope and tended to be kind of one- amendment be withdrawn. fered by the gentleman from Michigan size-fits-all. The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from [Mr. SMITH]. b 1800 Mr. Chairman, the gentleman has Michigan? proposed and seems to have indicated The regional approach, I think, is as- There was no objection. The CHAIRMAN. The amendment is he might be satisfied with a study, and sisting in fostering our efforts of lo- withdrawn. he has gained the support of the rank- cally-led conservation. And as the re- ing member and the chairman of the gional system continues to mature, it AMENDMENT NO. 23 OFFERED BY MR. POMBO appropriations subcommittee and the will ensure, I hope, that local needs are Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an chairman of the authorizing commit- met with local solutions. And I say amendment. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- tee. But I would like to put additional ‘‘hope’’ because we have moved to this arrangement only a year ago. So I ignate the amendment. facts on the record at this point. The text of the amendment is as fol- We have heard a little comment or would suggest that radical surgery is lows: two about these issues. They are all too premature at this time. Certainly, it is appropriate for the Amendment No. 23 Offered by Mr. Pombo: fairly negative by the gentleman from At the end of the bill, insert after the last Michigan. But I would like to point out authorizing committee in particular to examine this issue, but I did want to section (preceding the short title) the follow- to my colleagues that the staff to form ing new section: bring these facts to my colleagues’ at- the regional offices came from several SEC. 728. None of the funds made available former organizational levels, including tention at some point. in title III of this Act may be used to provide Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, will the national headquarters, national any assistance (other than the servicing of the gentleman yield? technical centers, of which there were loans made on or before September 30, 1997) Mr. BEREUTER. I yield to the gen- under any program under title V of the Hous- four, and State offices. In fact, only 25 tleman from Texas. ing Act of 1949 relating to any housing or percent of the regional office employ- Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, I project located, or to be located, in the City ees came from positions in the national would like to enter into a colloquy of Galt, California. headquarters. with the gentleman from New Mexico The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the The regional offices have provided es- [Mr. SKEEN] about the important issue rule, the gentleman from California sential and successful managerial and of outstanding USDA loans. As the [Mr. POMBO] will be recognized for 5 oversight functions for the restruc- chairman is aware, there are billions of minutes, and a Member in opposition, tured NRCS by bringing managerial dollars in outstanding USDA loans. the gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. KAP- authority closer to the field and the ac- There are hundreds of individuals with TUR] will be recognized for 5 minutes. tual work and customers. Previously unpaid debts of more than $1 million The Chair recognizes the gentleman the NRCS assistant chiefs who held each, and many of these loans are more from California [Mr. POMBO]. some of the current regional manage- than several years overdue. Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, I yield rial authorities were actually located Right now the USDA is receiving less myself 2 minutes. in this city. They were too far removed than 10 cents on the dollar on the loans Mr. Chairman, to start off with, I from local needs to be effective. that the Department tries to collect. If would like to clear up a little bit about Given the funding realities of the last we were able to improve our collection what this amendment is all about. several years, we have been able to on these loans, we could help reduce First of all, neither I nor the city of keep significant staff in the field large- our budget deficit at a time when we Galt is opposed to affordable housing. ly by making as many cuts above the are working hard to balance the Fed- As a city councilman, I worked hard to field level as possible. Without the re- eral budget. establish affordable housing in the city gional offices, the move toward them, I Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, will the of Tracy, which I had the pleasure of would say that some of this would have gentleman yield? representing. Also, the city of Galt it- been impossible. Mr. BEREUTER. I yield to the gen- self has participated directly in financ- The NRCS regional conservationists tleman from New Mexico. ing of low- to very low-income housing hold full authority for funding within Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to within their city limits. their regions. This has put funding de- tell the gentleman from Texas [Mr. ED- The city of Galt, which is located in cisions closer to the field and to the WARDS] that I agree with him. The out- my district, is in a unique and critical customer, the client. Regional con- standing loans are a significant prob- situation. They have developed a finan- servationists, I would suggest, based lem at the USDA. cial plan to pay for their infrastructure upon input I receive, are better able to Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Chairman, if the within their city, to pay for their address priority issues in a timely gentleman would continue to yield, I schools, to pay for their roads, their manner than previously when funds believe we could be more efficient in sewer system, their water system. A and decisions were held here in the Na- the way that we collect on those loans lot of that was based upon the housing tion’s Capitol. if we allowed qualified private sector that was going to be developed within If the various requirements in the firms to contract out for these collec- their city. GAO asking for strengthening over- tions. This is a process being used ef- Unfortunately, they have run into a sight activities alone were not being fectively and efficiently by other Fed- problem. Part of that problem is the handled by the regional offices, we eral agencies. fact that they are now making up 70 would be forced to assign those respon- Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, if the percent of the rural housing and com- sibilities to the State office level in the gentleman would again yield, contract- munity development service loans H5724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 within the Sacramento region. The rea- and for us to be able to determine the Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Chairman, I tell the son that that has become a problem is facts of the specific request made by gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. that the Sacramento region, Sac- the gentleman from California pertain- KENNEDY] it is my understanding that ramento County is made up of 1.1 mil- ing to the building of low-income hous- this provision is that it has no effect lion people. The city of Galt is made up ing in his district. on the general USDA rural develop- of 16,000 people, and yet they are being The purpose of this rural housing ini- ment policy, and I am prepared to ac- asked to absorb 70 percent of these low- tiative funded by the Farmers Home cept the amendment and we will work income developments into their city. Administration is really to provide, in with the gentleman from Massachu- Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, the most cases in the area that it is being setts in any way, in any possible man- question has come up about whether or built, permanent housing for the farm ner, to quell the concerns that he has. not they are trying to keep affordable worker community. There is an under- I appreciate the work that the gen- housing out of their city. I will just lying concern that many people have tleman has already done on it. point out to my colleagues that the voiced to me that what this amend- Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. city of Galt currently is made up of 67 ment is about is keeping a farm worker Chairman, will the gentleman yield? percent affordable housing, according community out of a specific part of the Mr. SKEEN. I yield to the gentleman to Sacramento County Assessor’s Of- district of the gentleman from Califor- from Massachusetts. fice. nia, the area of Galt, CA. Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. Chairman, if that is in fact what Chairman, I appreciate the chairman’s myself such time as I may consume. this amendment is attempting to do, indication that we will make certain to Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to then I would oppose the gentleman’s find out exactly what the policy is, and the Pombo amendment because I truly amendment with every ounce of I respect the suggestion of the gen- do not believe that this is a matter for strength I could, and I am sure other tleman from California that that is not our Committee on Appropriations. Members would as well. The gentleman what he is trying to do, and if in fact I am opposed to the amendment of from California assures me that that is that is the case, we would be happy to the gentleman from California that re- not what it is about. The difficulty is work with the gentleman. designates Galt, CA, as an urban com- that we have no evidence to suggest Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 munity rather than a rural commu- whether it is or whether it is not and it minutes to the gentleman from Texas nity. puts us in a very difficult position. [Mr. BONILLA] a member of the com- I remain concerned about the purpose I have tried to work out with the mittee. Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise of this language and the unintended gentleman an agreement that I think the chairman of the committee as well in support of the amendment of the consequences that may result. The as the ranking member would have gentleman from California [Mr. town council of Galt has not voted to supported. The gentleman has insisted POMBO]. I was the one who originally ask the Congress for repeal of its eligi- upon taking this to a vote. I think it is proposed the amendment in the sub- bility for rural housing assistance. a mistake. I think that if in fact the committee markup. There is no official resolution asking Subcommittee on Housing and Commu- Mr. Chairman, my understanding of us to do this. And in fact even if they nity Development could have had an this issue, it is a clear distinction of had, the appropriations bill is not the opportunity to hear directly from the what we stand for philosophically as proper place in order to consider this. people involved, get a sense of where conservatives in this body versus those In addition, Mr. Chairman, the cur- the farm worker community was com- who believe that big government needs rent Federal statutes do not force any ing out, get a sense of what the needs to micromanage local government. town to take rural housing assistance. are. This is a case where we have a Hispanic It is optional if they wish to seek it. So I understand from the statistics cited mayor and Hispanic leadership in a why would any Member wish to lift by the gentleman from California that community that are asking for Wash- this designation from their town? 67 percent housing in his community in ington to let them determine their own Finally, it is our understanding that fact is considered affordable. But I also future, and with the understanding as many low-income families seeking to understand that there are only 335 well that there is an abundance of low- invest their own sweat equity in help- units of subsidized housing in that income housing. ing to build their own homes will lose area. The truth is that if we are going Mr. Chairman, I am a Member who is that opportunity in Galt as a result of to stabilize the farm worker commu- proud to have been recognized by farm this amendment. nity of this country, I believe that it is worker organizations throughout my Mr. Chairman, I have continued to important that we provide permanent work in Congress. I have a large mi- strongly oppose this amendment. This housing for that community. It has grant farm worker population in my addresses a local matter in which this worked throughout the State of Cali- district that I work very closely with. Congress, certainly the Committee on fornia and other States around the Neither I nor the gentleman from Cali- Appropriations, should not intervene. country, and I think if what this is is fornia [Mr. POMBO], would do anything Why should the Federal Government a veiled attempt to push those people that would harm this population, be- set a separate policy affecting one out, that all of us should understand cause they are hard-working Ameri- community that sets a terrible prece- exactly what the policy being pursued cans aspiring to live the dreams that dent for other communities to appeal is trying to attempt. all of us have had in this body. to the Committee on Appropriations Now, as I say, I have been assured So I would suggest that we should for special treatment to resolve their that that is not what the policy is and allow the local officials, the mayor and local issues. It is simply not our job to I would just hope that the chairman of the council, and the others who feel do that. the committee, if he would enter into that they should have the latitude to Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he just a brief colloquy with me and make control their destiny, to let them do may consume to the gentleman from certain that if, in fact, the Subcommit- this. I hope that there is not an impli- Massachusetts [Mr. KENNEDY], the tee on Housing and Community Devel- cation here that the Hispanic leader- ranking member on the Subcommittee opment, working in a bipartisan way, ship of this local community somehow on Housing and Community Oppor- determines that in fact this is an at- is not capable of determining their own tunity, and urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the tempt at a ‘‘snob zoning’’ requirement, future, and perhaps because they are Pombo amendment. that the gentleman from New Mexico people of an ethnic group or people of Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. [Mr. SKEEN] would, in fact, try to make color that perhaps they are not capable Chairman, I rise in opposition to this certain that that amendment would of making decisions that are in the amendment. I have had an opportunity not be accepted once we get into a con- best interest of their community. to discuss this with the gentleman ference committee. Mr. Chairman, I would ask my col- from California [Mr. POMBO]. It would Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 leagues in this body to allow these peo- have been appropriate for this issue to seconds to the gentleman from New ple to determine their future for the come before the Subcommittee on Mexico [Mr. SKEEN], the chairman of best interest of the farm workers and Housing and Community Development the subcommittee. the best interest of this population. July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5725 Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Bass Hilleary Neal Lewis (CA) Pease Slaughter Bilbray Hinchey Neumann Lewis (KY) Pelosi Smith (MI) Chairman, will the gentleman yield? Blagojevich Hobson Ney Livingston Peterson (MN) Smith (NJ) Mr. BONILLA. I yield to the gen- Borski Hoekstra Olver Lofgren Peterson (PA) Smith (OR) tleman from Massachusetts. Brown (OH) Horn Owens Lucas Petri Smith (TX) Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Callahan Hostettler Pallone Manton Pickering Smith, Linda Campbell Hutchinson Pascrell Martinez Pickett Snyder Chairman, I would just point out to the Cannon Hyde Paul Matsui Pombo Solomon gentleman from Texas [Mr. BONILLA] Cardin Inglis Payne McCarthy (MO) Pomeroy Spence that this was in fact approved by the Carson Istook Pitts McCollum Poshard Spratt city council of Galt. That is how we Castle Jackson (IL) Porter McCrery Price (NC) Stabenow Chabot Kanjorski Portman McDade Quinn Stenholm got to this state. Coble Kasich Pryce (OH) McHale Radanovich Stokes Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, re- Collins Kelly Ramstad McHugh Rahall Strickland claiming my time, that is my point; I Conyers Kennedy (MA) Rivers McInnis Rangel Stump Cox Kennedy (RI) Rogan McIntyre Redmond Tanner appreciate the gentleman from Massa- Coyne Kind (WI) Rohrabacher McKeon Regula Tauscher chusetts reiterating it. Crane King (NY) Rothman McKinney Reyes Tauzin Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Cummings Kleczka Roukema McNulty Riggs Taylor (NC) Chairman, if the gentleman would con- Cunningham Klink Royce Meek Riley Thomas Davis (VA) Knollenberg Salmon Menendez Rodriguez Thompson tinue to yield, the housing that we are DeGette Kolbe Sanders Metcalf Roemer Thornberry talking about has been approved by the Delahunt Kucinich Sanford Mica Rogers Thune city council of Galt, CA. They have ap- DeLauro Lantos Scarborough Millender- Ros-Lehtinen Thurman DeLay Largent Schumer McDonald Roybal-Allard Torres proved this housing. It was taken to Doggett Lazio Sensenbrenner Miller (CA) Rush Towns court to try to have that ruling re- Doyle Lewis (GA) Shadegg Minge Ryun Traficant versed. That is how this housing got to Duncan Linder Shaw Mink Sabo Turner this point. Ehlers Lipinski Shays Mollohan Sanchez Upton Ehrlich LoBiondo Smith, Adam Moran (KS) Sandlin Walsh Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, I yield Engel Lowey Snowbarger Murtha Sawyer Waters myself such time as I may consume. Ensign Luther Souder Nethercutt Saxton Watkins Mr. Chairman, the entitlements for Fawell Maloney (CT) Stearns Northup Schaefer, Dan Watt (NC) Foglietta Maloney (NY) Stupak Norwood Schaffer, Bob Watts (OK) the housing are approved by the city Fowler Manzullo Sununu Nussle Scott Weldon (FL) council. That is a local zoning decision Fox Markey Talent Oberstar Serrano Weller that is made. The city of Galt at- Frank (MA) Mascara Taylor (MS) Obey Sessions Wexler tempted to file suit against USDA to Franks (NJ) McCarthy (NY) Tiahrt Ortiz Sherman White Frelinghuysen McDermott Tierney Oxley Shimkus Whitfield stop this project from proceeding. Gejdenson McGovern Velazquez Packard Shuster Wicker Their case was thrown out of court be- Gibbons McIntosh Vento Pappas Sisisky Wise cause they were told they did not have Gillmor Meehan Visclosky Parker Skaggs Woolsey Goss Miller (FL) Wamp Pastor Skeen Wynn standing. Gutierrez Moakley Waxman Paxon Skelton Young (FL) Mr. Chairman, I heard somebody say Gutknecht Moran (VA) Weldon (PA) NOT VOTING—7 that this was somehow a partnership Hastert Morella Weygand with local government. They were Hayworth Myrick Wolf Barton Molinari Young (AK) Hefley Nadler Yates Boehner Schiff thrown out of court and told they did Gonzalez Stark not have standing. NOES—277 b 1835 So, Mr. Chairman, I do not know Abercrombie Combest Goodlatte what kind of a partnership this might Ackerman Condit Goodling Messrs. HILL, DIXON, RUSH, PETRI, be. This is a dictate from the Federal Aderholt Cook Gordon Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Ms. MCKINNEY, Allen Cooksey Graham and Mr. EVERETT changed their vote Government down to the local city Baesler Costello Granger council and the local community tell- Baker Cramer Green from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ ing them that this is what they are Baldacci Crapo Greenwood Messrs. DELAY, GUTIERREZ, going to have. Ballenger Cubin Hall (OH) ISTOOK, NEUMANN, NEY, MOAKLEY Barcia Danner Hall (TX) and Mrs. FOWLER changed their vote The CHAIRMAN. All time on this Barrett (NE) Davis (FL) Hamilton amendment has expired. Bartlett Davis (IL) Hansen from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ The question is on the amendment of Bateman Deal Harman So the amendment was rejected. the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra DeFazio Hastings (FL) The result of the vote was announced Bentsen Dellums Hastings (WA) as above recorded. POMBO]. Bereuter Deutsch Hefner The amendment was agreed to. Berman Diaz-Balart Herger Mr. STARK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support The CHAIRMAN. Are there any fur- Berry Dickey Hill of the Meehan amendment to the fiscal year Bilirakis Dicks Hilliard ther amendments to the bill? 1998 agriculture appropriations bill. This Bishop Dingell Hinojosa amendment is the next important step in the AMENDMENT NO. 22 OFFERED BY MR. CHABOT Bliley Dixon Holden fight against teen smoking. The CHAIRMAN. The pending busi- Blumenauer Dooley Hooley Blunt Doolittle Houghton This amendment appropriates $10 million to ness is the demand for a recorded vote Boehlert Dreier Hoyer the Food and Drug Administration to imple- Bonilla Dunn Hulshof on the amendment offered by the gen- ment the agency's tobacco initiative requiring tleman from Ohio [Mr. CHABOT] on Bonior Edwards Hunter Bono Emerson Jackson-Lee retailers to check the photo identification of which further proceedings were post- Boswell English (TX) persons seeking to purchase tobacco prod- poned and on which the noes prevailed Boucher Eshoo Jefferson Boyd Etheridge Jenkins ucts. Similar to the way retailers check ID for by voice vote. alcohol purchases, this amendment does the The Clerk will redesignate the Brady Evans John Brown (CA) Everett Johnson (CT) same for cigarettes. amendment. Brown (FL) Ewing Johnson (WI) There is a large body of evidence about the The Clerk redesignated the amend- Bryant Farr Johnson, E. B. harmful and addictive effects of tobacco. ment. Bunning Fattah Johnson, Sam Burr Fazio Jones Adults have the right to decide for themselves RECORDED VOTE Burton Filner Kaptur about the choices they make with regard to The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has Buyer Flake Kennelly what they eat, drink, or smoke. However, chil- Calvert Foley Kildee been demanded. Camp Forbes Kilpatrick dren are not always able to make those same A recorded vote was ordered. Canady Ford Kim decisions. It is illegal to sell tobacco to chil- The vote was taken by electronic de- Capps Frost Kingston dren under the age of 18. This amendment vice, and there were—ayes 150, noes 277, Chambliss Furse Klug Chenoweth Gallegly LaFalce helps to implement the FDA policy of carding not voting 7, as follows: Christensen Ganske LaHood those individuals who smoke. It is merely an [Roll No. 316] Clay Gekas Lampson enforcement tool in the fight against youth Clayton Gephardt Latham smoking. This amendment should be non-con- AYES—150 Clement Gilchrest LaTourette Andrews Armey Barr Clyburn Gilman Leach troversial and should enjoy unanimous support Archer Bachus Barrett (WI) Coburn Goode Levin in this chamber. H5726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 I urge my colleagues to support the Meehan lower the cost of sugar and products contain- facturer should pass along for their finished amendment. ing agricultural sweeteners by a few cents or, product that now may cost them a fraction of Mr. MANTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in oppo- more likely, fractions of a cent. This is all well a cent less to produce. Are we likely to see sition to the amendment offered by Messrs. and good, if they can ensure the savings they cans of soda from a machine selling for 59 SCHUMER and MILLER. propose will indeed be passed along to the cents instead of 60 cents? Mr. Chairman, while I understand and ap- American consumer. A prospect which they At this point, Mr. Chairman, I would like to preciate the proponents' interests in pursuing cannot guarantee. refer to some very basic statistics which I be- this amendment, I believe their concerns are But, cost aside, the proponents can also not lieve make clear the short-sightedness of the misplaced and their proposed remedy mis- be sure their amendment, if approved, would amendment. guided. I have worked closely with my friend not seriously disrupt the supply and availability The current sugar program operates at no and colleague from New York, Mr. SCHUMER, of sugar throughout our country. cost to the Federal Government, and a special on a number of important issues over the Mr. Chairman, my constituents do not bene- marketing tax on sugar farmers is earmarked years, and I do not question his motives; how- fit if they have the potential of saving a penny for deficit reduction, U.S. consumers pay an ever, I regret that we are once again at odds or two on a product but can no longer obtain average of 25 to 28 cents less for sugar than over this emotional agricultural matter. that commodity or the product is no longer do shoppers in other developed countries. Mr. Chairman, only last year, the Congress available in a sufficient and steady supply to From 1990 to 1995, the retail price of sugar enacted major, far-reaching agricultural reform meet their needs. actually decreased approximately 7 percent. legislation. In that measure, we dramatically I have often commented in meetings I have U.S. retail sugar prices are approximately 32 changed our Nation's long-standing policies had over the years that I am unaware of any percent below the average of other developed affecting farming and agricultural markets, in- farms in my urban district, except for one lone countries and the third lowest in the developed cluding sugar productionÐwhich, I believe, is Victory Garden started during World War II. world. New York consumers pay 5 percent the only program crop to lose the Government But, I am sure of one thing, and that is that less for sugar than the average consumer guarantee of a minimum price. I supported each and every one of my constituents eats worldwide. Close to $7 billion are generated these efforts to reform and modernize the and needs a secure, steady supply of produce each year by the U.S. sugar industry in the sugar price support program and believe these and food products at a reasonable price. As State of New York along. Finally, more than changes have benefited all segments of the such, I will continue to support those programs 5,690 jobs in New York State rely on the industry. These reforms represented an impor- which I believe ensure just that, and oppose sugar industry. tant first step. those measures which I believe will not. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to re- However, we simply have not allowed I will note here, also, that New York State ject this amendment, and cast a vote in favor enough time to pass to ensure we achieved does play role in domestic sugar production, of a strong, fair and balanced domestic sugar our goals in revising the sugar program and with numerous farms that grow corn which is program and to protect the American farmer. determine whether these changes were suffi- utilized in sweetener production. Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in re- cient. I would also remind my colleagues that Mr. Chairman, my strong, historic support of luctant opposition to this amendment. I strong- this House defeated a similar amendment dur- agriculture programs, including sugar, and the ly support the Meals on Wheels Program that ing the farm bill debate. Mr. Chairman, for this reason alone, I be- associated refining and processing infrastruc- provides nutritious meals to our most vulner- lieve it is unfair and unwise to make such a ture, is based upon thisÐperhaps simplisticÐ able seniors, and I would like to see more drastic change in the U.S. sugar program as premise: That the United States must continue money going to this program. proposed in the amendment at this time. to ensure all its people are provided the best, The problem with this amendment is the off- We will hear today that this is an issue of most secure, and stable source of food prod- set. Time and time again, members searching fairness and the free-market system; consum- ucts possible. And, I believe this goal is best for easy deficit reduction targets turn to Fed- ers will be pitted against farmers, producers accomplished by reducing our dependence on eral employees and agencies' salary and ex- against refiners and manufacturers. I believe foreign sources of agriculture products through penses budgets. Federal employees and these arguments are overly simplistic, picking the encouragement and promotion of a strong agencies have borne a disproportionate share and choosing statistics which best represent domestic agriculture system, and challenging of cuts as we have worked to balance the the proponents' arguments, and the distinc- unfair, anticompetitive foreign sources of food. budget. This raid on Federal employees and tions they promote to do an injustice to the While we are usually on the same side of agencies must stop. Over the last 4 years, we sugar producers of our great Nation, be they most food related issues, from time to time, I have streamlined every Federal agency and farmers of sugarcane, sugar beet, or corn. part paths with this Nation's food processors. reduced our Federal work force by nearly Mr. Chairman, I do not deny that there are As is the case here, I side with the producers 270,000 FTE's. some very real differences between the pro- and not the refiners and processors. I do not Already, the bill before us today will reduce ponents and opponents on the issue before fault them for their support of this amendment FDA's work force by 70 FTE's. The additional us, and I doubt any amount of debate is likely and the desired changes they seek in the cuts contained in this amendment would re- to change the position of the amendment's au- sugar program, and I know we will work to- duce FDA by another 65 FTE's, leading to a thors. However, I have learned over my years gether on future issues of mutual concern. total reduction of 135 from a total of 954Ð in Congress, and as a New York City council- I believe the virtual elimination of this pro- about a 14 percent reduction. Such a reduc- man, that no issue is one-sided, nor is there gram as now proposed would place the U.S. tion would hinder FDA's ability to protect and often only one all-inclusive right answer to a sugar industry as a whole, and the American promote public health. The Office of Women's problem. Reasonable people can, and often consumer in particular, at the mercy of the in- Health, the Office of Consumer Affairs, the Of- do, disagree. consistent and heavily subsidized world sugar fice of Special Health Issues, the Office of I believe the issue before us here today falls market. Science, and many important projects would into that category. We differ on what the im- Unlike my colleagues who support the suffer. pacts of a particular program may or not be, amendment, I simply do not believe the Amer- The authors had a great idea when they de- and who best to address these issues. But, I ican consumer is likely to realize a significant, cided to increase Meals on Wheels, but their do not believe either side has a claim to the if any, benefit should the amendment prevail. offset would seriously hinder FDA's important so-called high ground. But, I am concerned that the domestic produc- work, and I urge my colleagues to join me in And, with all due respect to the amend- ers of sugar could suffer from reduced prices opposing it. ment's proponents, I do not take a back seat and would be made particularly vulnerable to Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- to their concern for the American consumer. I foreign sources of sugar. man, I join in support of my colleague, Con- represent a congressional district, a part of While refiners may pass along their savings, gresswoman CLAYTON, and also as a sponsor New York City, where the 1990 median family I seriously doubt many processors are likely to of this amendment to increase funding by $2.5 income was only around $30,000 a year. In reciprocate. While the cumulative amounts billion to our Nation's food stamp program. the areas of Queens and the Bronx which I being bandied about today are significant, and Although our intent is to withdraw this have the pleasure to represent, the cost of liv- represent real money regardless of one's so- amendment the goal is to bring the issue of ing is a very real issue with everyday impacts cial standing, the bottom-line is that we are food and hunger before the House as we de- on the hard-working families of the 7th Con- talking about pennies or fractions of pennies bate the Department of Agriculture's appro- gressional District of New York. on a commodity basis. priations bill. The proponents argue that their's is the only Quite frankly, I do not even know how one In the State of Texas participation in the way to protect the consumer, to potentially would calculate the savings that say a manu- Food Stamp Program this year for the month July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5727 of May, numbered 2.23 million which rep- WIC is a stable program, and funded by the our promise to farmers and production agri- resents 738,468 households. bill with $118 million more than last year. Fur- culture that they would receive effective serv- The need to provide adequate food to our ther, this amendment would fund the WIC pro- ice in managing risk from unpredictable weath- Nation's poor is of vital importance, and there- gram's ``carryover'' money, not funds directly er and market prices. fore cannot and must not be left underfunded. for the program. More than likely, the program I urge you to maintain the current level of State and private entities do not have the re- will not even use this funding. funding for crop insurance. sources to assist those who are less fortunate The federal crop insurance program is still Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- in our society. on feeble legs, as are producers as they look port of H.R. 2160, the 1998 House Agriculture One key provision of the Emergency supple- to alternatives for risk management. Congress appropriations bill. In particular, I am pleased mental appropriations which finally passed modified farm programs just last year, creating that this legislation includes sufficient funding was additional funding to the Women, Infants, the ``freedom to farm'' and taking away the to continue the vital research done at the Chil- and Children's program which was under- safety net for price volatility. Along with dren's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, funded last Congress. This program would changes to the farm programs, producers one of the six human nutrition centers of the have run out of funds prior to the close of the were assured that certain safeguards would Agriculture Research Service. agency's fiscal year because of lack of ade- remain in place, like the effectiveness of ade- The CNRC is one of the world's leaders in quate budgetary planning on the part of Con- quate crop insurance. Crop insurance is just the field of pediatric nutrition. Their work has gress. about the only risk management assurance resulted in both better health and reduced It is our budgetary responsibility as Mem- producers have, and these producers depend health care costs for children. For instance, bers of the House to adequately fund each on the time and effort of thousands of insur- Texas Children's Hospital in my district has area of government so that such readjust- ance agents to provide adequate coverage developed a more cost-effective, nutritionally ments prior to the close of a department's fis- and information. balanced approach for feeding premature chil- cal year are not necessary, unless unforeseen We often forget that it is ``rural'' agriculture dren as the result of a CNRC study. disaster or emergencies beyond our ability to that provides the affordable and safe food and The CNRC has led the way in providing take preemptive action. fiber for ``urban'' agriculture programs and more accurate dietary recommendations for In 1995, a reported 14.7 million children cities. calcium requirements for young girls. With lived in poverty, with a national child poverty To address a few other points I have heard these recommendations, young women will rate of 20.8 percent. The United States is the during this debate, I urge you to keep some now have the necessary nutritional tools to highest child poverty rate amongst the 18 in- things in perspective: help reduce the number of low-birthweight ba- dustrialized countries of the world. With these Crop insurance agents are not typical insur- bies born to teenage mothers. In addition, numbers we can and should adequately plan ance agents. these calcium recommendations will help pre- to use the resources of our Nation to meet the Crop insurance agents are working to pro- vent future injuries later in life, such as hip re- needs of our Nation's poor. vide information and coverage for twice the placement surgeries and broken bones. Girls We must feed our children, provide edu- number of acres insured than in 1994. Thus and women will benefit from new information cation that is challenging and offers them the efforts to reduce their administrative expense that will help increase bone density in their promise of a better life, as well as secure their reimbursements come at a time when they are system and help prevent these injuries. future through sound government policy. performing more tasks than ever. The CNRC has also done important re- I ask that my colleagues focus on the needs Crop insurance agents don't just sign up search on obesity in children. This information of all of our Nation's children regardless of so- farmers once-a-year and then wait until the along with newly discovered molecular genes, cial and economic status. This is indeed a next year to follow up; they often visit with pro- will lead to more effective treatments to pre- blessed nation with wealth and resources in ducers 10 times per year. vent these ailments in children. This research such abundance that we can share with other The level of funding we put in this bill for may also lead to new treatments for serious nations. However when we make decisions to administrative expenses, whether it is 24.5 diseases such as atheroscelerosis, purchase expensive weapons systems which percent, 27 percent, or 28 percent, is not pure osteoporosis, and diabetes. are not requested by the Pentagon, or in- commission for agents. Not even close. The Again, I urge my colleagues to support this crease the Intelligence budget over what the percentage figure goes to account for the De- legislation and am pleased that it includes vital administration requests, but underfund nutri- partment of Agriculture's mandatory require- research funding for pediatric research. ent, food, and housing programs, makes me ments on agents to administer the program: Mr. STARK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support wonder if we have our priorities in a Tom like training, compliance, paper work, process- of the Lowey-DeGette-Hansen-Meehan-Smith Clancy novel and not on human beings. ing, adjusting, and other overhead. After all amendment to the fiscal year 1998 Agriculture I would ask my colleagues to play real pa- that, the real ``commission'' is closer to 12 per- appropriations bill. This amendment is exactly triot games and take care of our Nation's poor. cent. what the doctor ordered. Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today Some of the flaws in the GAO report in- It is ridiculous for the Federal Government to address the issue of funds for administra- clude: to be subsidizing the crop insurance for a tive expenses for crop insurance agents. The report only examined three crop years, product that is so harmful and addictive. The Agriculture appropriations bill presents two of which were some of the best in history. Taxpayers now pay for the crop to be har- difficult choices for members from rural Amer- Of course insurance companies do better in vested, provide insurance against crop dam- ica for support for production agricultureÐin- some years than others, especially when there age, pay for the health care costs of tobacco cluding crop insuranceÐcompetes directly are fewer weather catastrophes. related illness through increased Medicare and against vital nutrition programs such as the The GAO report rhetoric makes for nice 2 Medicaid costs, and pay for advertising sub- Women, Infants, and Children [WIC] program. minute ``Fleecing of America'' TV clips, but in sidies for overseas promotion. In a budget climate where discretionary funds reality the report only acknowledges ``exces- It is outrageous to me that while we limit the are stretched between vital resources such as sive expenses'' as the exception, not the safety net for our poor, sick and elderly, we research, school lunch programs, rural utilities, norm. Furthermore, the expenses noted by the maintain a safety net for agribusiness and to- and food safety, it is easy to forget about pro- report as ``excessive'' were clearly legal. bacco. This subsidy should be eliminated. duction agriculture. In this time of transition for production agri- Mr. Chairman, Joe Camel does not need a It seems we already have in some aspects. culture, shifting from disaster payments and government handout. I urge my colleagues to The amendment in full committee to increase price supports of the old farm programs to re- support this amendment. funding for crop insurance was not off-set by formed crop insurance and the ``freedom to The CHAIRMAN. Are there any other cuts in nutrition but within production agri- farm,'' farmers are depending more than ever amendments to the bill? culture, namely, the Export Enhancement Pro- on promises made by the last Congress. Dur- If not, under the rule, the Committee gram. The choice was difficult but necessary. ing recent reforms of our government's role in rises. The Obey amendment, however, would leave agriculture, Congress promised certain Accordingly the Committee rose; and farmers with both fewer resources to compete foundational assistance for farmers would re- the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. NUSSLE) against European subsidies and a less viable main: farmers understood that agriculture re- having assumed the chair, Mr. LINDER, crop insurance program to compensate for the search, risk management tools, and technical Chairman of the Committee of the loss of the farm program safety net. assistance would be maintained. Whole House on the State of the Union, Putting ``urban'' agriculture against ``rural'' If we reduce the administrative expenses for reported that that Committee, having agriculture is not the way to debate this fight. crop insurance agents, we are taking away had under consideration the bill, (H.R. H5728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 2160), making appropriations for Agri- Cardin Hall (OH) McInnis Serrano Stabenow Upton Carson Hall (TX) McIntosh Sessions Stearns Velazquez culture, Rural Development, Food and Castle Hamilton McIntyre Shadegg Stenholm Vento Drug Administration, and related agen- Chabot Hansen McKeon Shaw Stokes Visclosky cies programs for the fiscal year ending Chambliss Harman McKinney Shays Strickland Walsh September 30, 1998, and for other pur- Chenoweth Hastert McNulty Sherman Stump Wamp Christensen Hastings (FL) Meehan Shimkus Stupak Watkins poses, pursuant to House Resolution Clay Hastings (WA) Meek Shuster Sununu Watt (NC) 193, he reported the bill back to the Clayton Hayworth Menendez Sisisky Talent Watts (OK) House with sundry amendments adopt- Clement Hefley Metcalf Skaggs Tanner Waxman ed by the Committee of the Whole. Clyburn Hefner Mica Skeen Tauscher Weldon (FL) Coble Herger Millender- Skelton Tauzin Weldon (PA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Coburn Hill McDonald Slaughter Taylor (MS) Weller the rule, the previous question is or- Collins Hilleary Miller (CA) Smith (MI) Taylor (NC) Wexler dered. Combest Hilliard Miller (FL) Smith (NJ) Thomas Weygand Condit Hinchey Minge Smith (OR) Thompson White Is a separate vote demanded on any Conyers Hinojosa Mink Smith (TX) Thornberry Whitfield amendment? If not, the Chair will put Cook Hobson Moakley Smith, Adam Thune Wicker them en gros. Cooksey Hoekstra Mollohan Smith, Linda Thurman Wise Snowbarger Tiahrt Wolf The amendments were agreed to. Costello Holden Moran (KS) Cox Hooley Moran (VA) Snyder Tierney Woolsey The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Coyne Horn Morella Solomon Torres Wynn question is on engrossment and third Cramer Hostettler Murtha Souder Towns Yates Crane Houghton Myrick Spence Traficant Young (FL) reading of the bill. Spratt Turner The bill was ordered to be engrossed Crapo Hoyer Nadler Cubin Hulshof Neal NOES—4 and read a third time, and was read the Cummings Hunter Nethercutt third time. Cunningham Hutchinson Neumann Bono DeFazio Danner Hyde Ney Boyd Frank (MA) MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. Davis (FL) Inglis Northup NOT VOTING—7 SCHUMER Davis (IL) Istook Norwood Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I offer a Davis (VA) Jackson (IL) Nussle Barton Schiff Young (AK) motion to recommit. Deal Jackson-Lee Oberstar Gonzalez Stark DeGette (TX) Obey Molinari Waters The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Delahunt Jefferson Olver gentleman from New York opposed to DeLauro Jenkins Ortiz b 1855 the bill? DeLay John Owens So the previous question was ordered. Mr. SCHUMER. Yes, I am, Mr. Dellums Johnson (CT) Oxley Deutsch Johnson (WI) Packard The result of the vote was announced Speaker. Diaz-Balart Johnson, E. B. Pallone as above recorded. Dickey Johnson, Sam Pappas The SPEAKER pro tempore. The MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE OFFERED BY Dicks Jones Parker Clerk will report the motion to recom- MS. ESHOO Dingell Kanjorski Pascrell mit. Dixon Kaptur Pastor Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I move to The Clerk read as follows: Doggett Kasich Paul reconsider the vote. Dooley Kelly Paxon Mr. SCHUMER moves to recommit the bill, MOTION TO TABLE OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS H.R. 2160, to the Committee on Appropria- Doolittle Kennedy (MA) Payne Doyle Kennedy (RI) Pease OF WASHINGTON tions. Dreier Kennelly Pelosi Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I move the Duncan Kildee Peterson (MN) Speaker, I move to lay on the table the previous question on the motion to re- Dunn Kilpatrick Peterson (PA) Edwards Kim Petri motion to reconsider the vote. commit. Ehlers Kind (WI) Pickering The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ehrlich King (NY) Pickett NUSSLE). The question is on the motion question is on ordering the previous Emerson Kingston Pitts Engel Kleczka Pombo offered by the gentleman from Wash- question on the motion to recommit. English Klink Pomeroy ington [Mr. HASTINGS] to lay on the The question was taken; and the Ensign Klug Porter table the motion to reconsider the vote Speaker pro tempore announced that Eshoo Knollenberg Portman offered by the gentlewoman from Cali- the noes appeared to have it. Etheridge Kolbe Poshard Evans Kucinich Price (NC) fornia [Ms. ESHOO]. RECORDED VOTE Everett LaFalce Pryce (OH) The question was taken; and the Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Ewing LaHood Quinn Speaker pro tempore announced that Farr Lampson Radanovich recorded vote. Fattah Lantos Rahall the ayes appeared to have it. A recorded vote was ordered. Fawell Largent Ramstad RECORDED VOTE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Fazio Latham Rangel Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Filner LaTourette Redmond Chair will reduce to a minimum of 5 Flake Lazio Regula recorded vote. minutes the period of time within Foglietta Leach Reyes A recorded vote was ordered. which a vote by electronic device, if or- Foley Levin Riggs The SPEAKER pro tempore. This dered, will be taken on the motion to Forbes Lewis (CA) Riley Ford Lewis (GA) Rivers will be a 15-minute vote which may be recommit. Fowler Lewis (KY) Rodriguez followed by a 5-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic de- Fox Linder Roemer The vote was taken by electronic de- vice, and there were—ayes 423, noes 4, Franks (NJ) Lipinski Rogan vice, and there were—ayes 258, noes 165, Frelinghuysen Livingston Rogers not voting 7, as follows: Frost LoBiondo Rohrabacher not voting 11, as follows: [Roll No. 317] Furse Lofgren Ros-Lehtinen [Roll No. 318] Gallegly Lowey Rothman AYES—423 Ganske Lucas Roukema AYES—258 Abercrombie Bateman Boswell Gejdenson Luther Roybal-Allard Aderholt Blunt Cannon Ackerman Becerra Boucher Gekas Maloney (CT) Royce Archer Boehlert Capps Aderholt Bentsen Brady Gephardt Maloney (NY) Rush Armey Boehner Castle Allen Bereuter Brown (CA) Gibbons Manton Ryun Bachus Bonilla Chabot Andrews Berman Brown (FL) Gilchrest Manzullo Sabo Baker Bono Chambliss Archer Berry Brown (OH) Gillmor Markey Salmon Ballenger Boswell Chenoweth Armey Bilbray Bryant Gilman Martinez Sanchez Barcia Brady Christensen Bachus Bilirakis Bunning Goode Mascara Sanders Barr Brown (FL) Clyburn Baesler Bishop Burr Goodlatte Matsui Sandlin Barrett (NE) Bryant Coble Baker Blagojevich Burton Goodling McCarthy (MO) Sanford Bartlett Bunning Coburn Baldacci Bliley Buyer Gordon McCarthy (NY) Sawyer Bass Burr Collins Ballenger Blumenauer Callahan Goss McCollum Saxton Bateman Burton Combest Barcia Blunt Calvert Graham McCrery Scarborough Bereuter Buyer Condit Barr Boehlert Camp Granger McDade Schaefer, Dan Berry Callahan Cook Barrett (NE) Boehner Campbell Green McDermott Schaffer, Bob Bilbray Calvert Cooksey Barrett (WI) Bonilla Canady Greenwood McGovern Schumer Bilirakis Camp Costello Bartlett Bonior Cannon Gutierrez McHale Scott Bishop Campbell Cox Bass Borski Capps Gutknecht McHugh Sensenbrenner Bliley Canady Cramer July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5729 Crane Johnson (CT) Ramstad Lofgren Nadler Scott Bishop Gekas Menendez Crapo Johnson, Sam Redmond Lowey Neal Serrano Bliley Gephardt Metcalf Cubin Jones Regula Luther Oberstar Sherman Blumenauer Gibbons Mica Cunningham Kaptur Riggs Maloney (CT) Obey Skaggs Blunt Gilchrest Millender- Davis (VA) Kasich Riley Maloney (NY) Olver Slaughter Boehlert Gillmor McDonald Deal Kelly Rogan Manton Ortiz Smith, Adam Boehner Goode Miller (FL) DeLay Kim Rogers Markey Owens Snyder Bonilla Goodlatte Minge Diaz-Balart King (NY) Rohrabacher Martinez Pallone Spratt Bonior Goodling Mink Dickey Kingston Ros-Lehtinen Mascara Pascrell Stabenow Bono Gordon Mollohan Doolittle Klug Roukema Matsui Pastor Stokes Borski Goss Moran (KS) Dreier Knollenberg Royce McCarthy (MO) Payne Strickland Boswell Graham Morella Duncan Kolbe Ryun McCarthy (NY) Pelosi Stupak Boucher Granger Murtha Dunn LaHood Salmon McDermott Pomeroy Tauscher Boyd Greenwood Myrick Ehlers Largent Sanford McGovern Rangel Torres Brady Gutknecht Nadler Ehrlich Latham Saxton McHale Reyes Towns Brown (FL) Hall (OH) Nethercutt Emerson LaTourette Scarborough McNulty Rivers Turner Bryant Hall (TX) Neumann English Leach Schaefer, Dan Meehan Rodriguez Velazquez Bunning Hamilton Ney Ensign Lewis (CA) Schaffer, Bob Meek Roemer Vento Burr Hansen Northup Etheridge Lewis (KY) Sensenbrenner Menendez Rothman Visclosky Burton Hastert Norwood Everett Linder Sessions Millender- Roybal-Allard Waters Buyer Hastings (FL) Nussle Ewing Lipinski Shadegg McDonald Rush Watt (NC) Callahan Hastings (WA) Obey Fattah Livingston Shaw Miller (CA) Sabo Waxman Calvert Hayworth Olver Foglietta LoBiondo Shays Minge Sanchez Weygand Camp Hefley Ortiz Foley Lucas Shimkus Mink Sanders Woolsey Campbell Hefner Oxley Forbes Manzullo Shuster Moakley Sandlin Wynn Canady Herger Packard Fowler McCollum Sisisky Mollohan Sawyer Yates Cannon Hill Pappas Fox McCrery Skeen Moran (VA) Schumer Capps Hilleary Parker Franks (NJ) McHugh Skelton Carson Hilliard Pascrell Frelinghuysen McInnis Smith (MI) NOT VOTING—11 Castle Hinojosa Pastor Gallegly McIntosh Smith (NJ) Barton Lazio Stark Chabot Hobson Paul Ganske McIntyre Smith (OR) Clayton McDade Wexler Chambliss Hoekstra Paxon Gekas McKeon Smith (TX) Fawell Molinari Young (AK) Chenoweth Holden Pease Gibbons McKinney Smith, Linda Gonzalez Schiff Christensen Hooley Peterson (MN) Gilchrest Metcalf Snowbarger Clay Horn Peterson (PA) Gillmor Mica Solomon b Clayton Hostettler Petri Gilman Miller (FL) Souder 1913 Clement Houghton Pickering Goode Moran (KS) Spence Mr. HORN and Mr. HERGER changed Clyburn Hoyer Pickett Goodlatte Morella Stearns Coble Hulshof Pitts Goodling Murtha Stenholm their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Coburn Hunter Pombo Goss Myrick Stump So the motion to reconsider was laid Collins Hutchinson Pomeroy Graham Nethercutt Sununu on the table. Combest Hyde Porter Granger Neumann Talent The result of the vote was announced Condit Inglis Portman Green Ney Tanner Cook Istook Poshard Greenwood Northup Tauzin as above recorded. Cooksey Jackson-Lee Price (NC) Gutknecht Norwood Taylor (MS) A motion to reconsider was laid on Costello (TX) Pryce (OH) Hall (TX) Nussle Taylor (NC) the table. Cox Jenkins Quinn Hamilton Oxley Thomas Cramer John Radanovich Hansen Packard Thompson The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Crane Johnson (CT) Rahall Hastert Pappas Thornberry NUSSLE). The question is on the motion Crapo Johnson (WI) Ramstad Hastings (WA) Parker Thune to recommit. Cubin Johnson, E. B. Rangel Hayworth Paul Thurman The question was taken; and the Cunningham Johnson, Sam Redmond Hefley Paxon Tiahrt Danner Jones Regula Herger Pease Tierney Speaker pro tempore announced that Davis (FL) Kanjorski Reyes Hill Peterson (MN) Traficant the noes appeared to have it. Davis (IL) Kaptur Riggs Hilleary Peterson (PA) Upton Davis (VA) Kasich Riley RECORDED VOTE Hobson Petri Walsh Deal Kelly Rivers Hoekstra Pickering Wamp Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I demand Delahunt Kennelly Rodriguez Horn Pickett Watkins a recorded vote. DeLauro Kildee Roemer Hostettler Pitts Watts (OK) A recorded vote was ordered. DeLay Kilpatrick Rogan Houghton Pombo Weldon (FL) Deutsch Kim Rogers Hulshof Porter Weldon (PA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Diaz-Balart King (NY) Rohrabacher Hunter Portman Weller 5-minute vote. Dickey Kingston Ros-Lehtinen Hutchinson Poshard White The vote was taken by electronic de- Dingell Klink Rothman Hyde Price (NC) Whitfield Dixon Klug Roukema Inglis Pryce (OH) Wicker vice, and there were—ayes 56, noes 363, Dooley Knollenberg Royce Istook Quinn Wise answered ‘‘present’’ 2, not voting 13, as Doolittle Kolbe Ryun Jenkins Radanovich Wolf follows: Doyle LaHood Sabo John Rahall Young (FL) Dreier Lampson Salmon [Roll No. 319] Duncan Largent Sandlin NOES—165 AYES—56 Dunn Latham Sanford Edwards LaTourette Sawyer Barrett (WI) Kennedy (RI) Oberstar Abercrombie DeGette Hastings (FL) Ehlers Lazio Saxton Blagojevich Kind (WI) Owens Ackerman Delahunt Hefner Emerson Leach Scarborough Brown (CA) Kleczka Pallone Allen DeLauro Hilliard Engel Levin Schaefer, Dan Brown (OH) Kucinich Payne Andrews Dellums Hinchey English Lewis (CA) Schaffer, Bob Cardin LaFalce Pelosi Baesler Deutsch Hinojosa Ensign Lewis (GA) Scott Conyers Lantos Roybal-Allard Baldacci Dicks Holden Eshoo Lewis (KY) Sensenbrenner Coyne Lowey Rush Barrett (WI) Dingell Hooley Etheridge Linder Serrano Cummings Luther Sanchez Becerra Dixon Hoyer Evans Livingston Sessions DeGette Markey Sanders Bentsen Doggett Jackson (IL) Everett LoBiondo Shadegg Dellums Matsui Schumer Berman Dooley Jackson-Lee Ewing Lofgren Shaw Dicks McDermott Skaggs Blagojevich Doyle (TX) Farr Lucas Shays Doggett McGovern Smith, Adam Blumenauer Edwards Jefferson Fattah Maloney (CT) Sherman Ford McNulty Stokes Bonior Engel Johnson (WI) Fawell Maloney (NY) Shimkus Frank (MA) Meehan Torres Borski Eshoo Johnson, E. B. Fazio Manton Shuster Green Meek Velazquez Boucher Evans Kanjorski Filner Manzullo Sisisky Gutierrez Miller (CA) Waters Boyd Farr Kennedy (MA) Flake Martinez Skeen Jackson (IL) Moakley Waxman Brown (CA) Fazio Kennedy (RI) Foglietta Mascara Skelton Jefferson Moran (VA) Yates Brown (OH) Filner Kennelly Foley McCarthy (MO) Slaughter Kennedy (MA) Neal Cardin Flake Kildee Forbes McCarthy (NY) Smith (MI) Carson Ford Kilpatrick NOES—363 Fowler McCollum Smith (NJ) Clay Frank (MA) Kind (WI) Fox McCrery Smith (OR) Clement Frost Kleczka Abercrombie Baesler Bateman Franks (NJ) McDade Smith (TX) Conyers Furse Klink Ackerman Baker Becerra Frelinghuysen McHale Smith, Linda Coyne Gejdenson Kucinich Aderholt Baldacci Bentsen Frost McHugh Snowbarger Cummings Gephardt LaFalce Allen Barcia Bereuter Furse McInnis Snyder Danner Gordon Lampson Andrews Barr Berman Gallegly McIntosh Solomon Davis (FL) Gutierrez Lantos Archer Barrett (NE) Berry Ganske McIntyre Souder Davis (IL) Hall (OH) Levin Armey Bartlett Bilbray Gejdenson McKeon Spence DeFazio Harman Lewis (GA) Bachus Bass Bilirakis H5730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 Spratt Thompson Watt (NC) Duncan Kingston Riley Maloney (CT) Neal Sherman Stabenow Thornberry Watts (OK) Dunn Kleczka Roemer Maloney (NY) Oberstar Skaggs Stearns Thune Weldon (FL) Ehlers Klug Rogan Manton Obey Slaughter Stenholm Thurman Weldon (PA) Ehrlich Knollenberg Rogers Markey Olver Spratt Strickland Tiahrt Weller Emerson Kolbe Rohrabacher Mascara Owens Stabenow Stump Tierney Weygand English LaHood Ros-Lehtinen Matsui Pallone Stokes Stupak Towns White Ensign Lampson Roukema McCarthy (MO) Pascrell Strickland Sununu Traficant Whitfield Etheridge Largent Royce McCarthy (NY) Pastor Stupak Talent Turner Wicker Evans Latham Ryun McDermott Payne Tierney Tanner Upton Wise Everett LaTourette Salmon McGovern Pelosi Torres Tauscher Vento Wolf Ewing Lazio Sanchez McHale Pomeroy Towns Tauzin Visclosky Woolsey Farr Leach Sandlin McKinney Rangel Velazquez Taylor (MS) Walsh Wynn Fawell Lewis (CA) Sanford McNulty Rivers Vento Taylor (NC) Wamp Young (FL) Filner Lewis (KY) Saxton Meehan Rodriguez Visclosky Thomas Watkins Foley Linder Scarborough Meek Rothman Waters Forbes Livingston Schaefer, Dan Menendez Roybal-Allard Watt (NC) ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—2 Fowler LoBiondo Schaffer, Bob Millender- Rush Waxman DeFazio Lipinski Fox Lucas Scott McDonald Sabo Weygand Franks (NJ) Manzullo Sensenbrenner Miller (CA) Sanders Woolsey NOT VOTING—13 Frelinghuysen Martinez Sessions Mink Sawyer Wynn Ballenger Harman Stark Gallegly McCollum Shadegg Murtha Schumer Yates Barton Hinchey Wexler Ganske McCrery Shaw Nadler Serrano Gejdenson McDade Shays Ehrlich McKinney Young (AK) NOT VOTING—10 Gilman Molinari Gekas McHugh Shimkus Gonzalez Schiff Gephardt McInnis Shuster Ballenger Molinari Wexler Gibbons McIntosh Sisisky Barton Schiff Young (AK) b Gilchrest McIntyre Skeen Gonzalez Smith, Adam 1923 Gillmor McKeon Skelton LaFalce Stark Mr. ENGEL changed his vote from Gilman Metcalf Smith (MI) Goode Mica Smith (NJ) b 1942 ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Goodlatte Miller (FL) Smith (OR) Mr. MORAN of Virginia changed his Goodling Minge Smith (TX) Mr. HUNTER and Mr. HANSEN vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Goss Moakley Smith, Linda changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ So the motion to recommit was re- Graham Mollohan Snowbarger So the motion to reconsider was laid Granger Moran (KS) Snyder jected. Greenwood Moran (VA) Solomon on the table. The result of the vote was announced Gutknecht Morella Souder The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Hall (OH) Myrick Spence as above recorded. Hall (TX) Nethercutt Stearns The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE OFFERED BY Hamilton Neumann Stenholm MR. OBEY Hansen Ney Stump NUSSLE). The question is on the pas- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to re- Hastert Northup Sununu sage of the bill. Hastings (WA) Norwood Talent Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XV, the consider the vote. Hayworth Nussle Tanner MOTION TO TABLE OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS Hefley Ortiz Tauscher yeas and nays are ordered. OF WASHINGTON Hefner Oxley Tauzin This will be a 5-minute vote. Taylor (MS) Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Herger Packard The vote was taken by electronic de- Hill Pappas Taylor (NC) vice, and there were— yeas 392, nays 32, Speaker, I move to table the motion to Hilleary Parker Thomas reconsider. Hobson Paul Thompson not voting 10, as follows: The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hoekstra Paxon Thornberry [Roll No. 321] Horn Pease Thune NUSSLE). The question is on the motion Hostettler Peterson (MN) Thurman YEAS—392 offered by the gentleman from Wash- Houghton Peterson (PA) Tiahrt Abercrombie Buyer Dingell ington [Mr. HASTINGS] to lay on the Hulshof Petri Traficant Ackerman Callahan Dixon Hunter Pickering Turner Aderholt Calvert Dooley table the motion to reconsider the vote Hutchinson Pickett Upton Allen Camp Doolittle offered by the gentleman from Wiscon- Hyde Pitts Walsh Archer Canady Doyle sin [Mr. OBEY]. Inglis Pombo Wamp Armey Capps Dreier The question was taken; and the Istook Porter Watkins Baesler Carson Duncan Jackson-Lee Portman Watts (OK) Baker Castle Dunn Speaker pro tempore announced that (TX) Poshard Weldon (FL) Baldacci Chabot Edwards the ayes appeared to have it. Jenkins Price (NC) Weldon (PA) Ballenger Chambliss Ehlers John Pryce (OH) Weller Barcia Chenoweth Ehrlich RECORDED VOTE Johnson (CT) Quinn White Barr Christensen Emerson Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Johnson (WI) Radanovich Whitfield Barrett (NE) Clay Engel recorded vote. Johnson, Sam Rahall Wicker Barrett (WI) Clayton English A recorded vote was ordered. Jones Ramstad Wise Bartlett Clement Eshoo Kasich Redmond Wolf Bass Clyburn Etheridge The vote was taken by electronic de- Kelly Regula Young (FL) Bateman Coble Evans vice, and there were—ayes 285, noes 139, Kim Reyes Becerra Coburn Everett not voting 10, as follows: King (NY) Riggs Bentsen Collins Ewing Bereuter Combest Farr [Roll No. 320] NOES—139 Berman Condit Fattah Berry Cook Fawell AYES—285 Abercrombie DeLauro Hinchey Bilbray Cooksey Fazio Aderholt Bono Clayton Ackerman Dellums Hinojosa Bilirakis Costello Filner Archer Boswell Clyburn Allen Deutsch Holden Bishop Cox Flake Armey Boucher Coble Andrews Dicks Hooley Blagojevich Cramer Foglietta Bachus Boyd Coburn Barrett (WI) Dingell Hoyer Bliley Crane Foley Baesler Brady Collins Becerra Dixon Jackson (IL) Blumenauer Crapo Forbes Baker Brown (FL) Combest Berman Doggett Jefferson Blunt Cubin Ford Baldacci Bryant Condit Blagojevich Doyle Johnson, E. B. Boehlert Cummings Fowler Barcia Bunning Cook Blumenauer Edwards Kanjorski Boehner Cunningham Fox Barr Burr Cooksey Bonior Engel Kaptur Bonilla Danner Frelinghuysen Barrett (NE) Burton Costello Borski Eshoo Kennedy (MA) Bonior Davis (FL) Frost Bartlett Buyer Cox Brown (CA) Fattah Kennedy (RI) Bono Davis (IL) Furse Bass Callahan Cramer Brown (OH) Fazio Kennelly Borski Davis (VA) Gallegly Bateman Calvert Crane Cardin Flake Kildee Boswell Deal Ganske Bentsen Camp Crapo Clay Foglietta Kilpatrick Boucher DeFazio Gejdenson Bereuter Campbell Cubin Clement Ford Kind (WI) Boyd DeGette Gekas Berry Canady Cunningham Conyers Frank (MA) Klink Brady Delahunt Gephardt Bilbray Cannon Davis (VA) Coyne Frost Kucinich Brown (CA) DeLauro Gibbons Bilirakis Capps Deal Cummings Furse Lantos Brown (FL) DeLay Gilchrest Bishop Carson DeLay Danner Gordon Levin Brown (OH) Dellums Gillmor Bliley Castle Diaz-Balart Davis (FL) Green Lewis (GA) Bryant Deutsch Gilman Blunt Chabot Dickey Davis (IL) Gutierrez Lipinski Bunning Diaz-Balart Goode Boehlert Chambliss Dooley DeFazio Harman Lofgren Burr Dickey Goodlatte Boehner Chenoweth Doolittle DeGette Hastings (FL) Lowey Burton Dicks Goodling Bonilla Christensen Dreier Delahunt Hilliard Luther July 24, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5731 Gordon Maloney (CT) Roukema NOT VOTING—10 McIntyre Price (NC) Smith (NJ) Goss Maloney (NY) Roybal-Allard McKeon Pryce (OH) Smith (OR) Bachus Molinari Wexler Graham Manton Rush McKinney Quinn Smith (TX) Barton Schiff Young (AK) Granger Manzullo Ryun Metcalf Radanovich Smith, Linda Cannon Spratt Green Markey Sabo Mica Rahall Snowbarger Gonzalez Stark Greenwood Martinez Sanchez Miller (FL) Ramstad Snyder Gutierrez Mascara Sanders Minge Redmond Solomon Gutknecht Matsui Sandlin b 1952 Mollohan Regula Souder Hall (OH) McCarthy (MO) Sanford Moran (KS) Reyes Spence Hall (TX) McCarthy (NY) Sawyer Messrs. FORD, SANFORD, and KEN- Moran (VA) Riggs Spratt Hamilton McCollum Saxton NEDY of Rhode Island changed their Morella Riley Stearns Hansen McCrery Schaefer, Dan vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye’’. Myrick Roemer Stenholm Harman McDade Schaffer, Bob Nadler Rogan Stump Hastert McHale Scott So the bill was passed. Nethercutt Rogers Sununu Hastings (FL) McHugh Serrano The result of the vote was announced Neumann Rohrabacher Talent Hastings (WA) McInnis Sessions as above recorded. Ney Ros-Lehtinen Tanner Hayworth McIntosh Shadegg Northup Rothman Tauzin Hefley McIntyre Shaw MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE OFFERED BY Norwood Roukema Taylor (MS) Hefner McKeon Shays MR. OBEY Nussle Royce Taylor (NC) Herger McKinney Sherman Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to re- Ortiz Ryun Thornberry Hill McNulty Shimkus Oxley Salmon Thune Hilleary Meek Shuster consider the vote. Packard Sanchez Thurman Hilliard Metcalf Sisisky MOTION TO TABLE OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS Pallone Sandlin Tiahrt Hinchey Mica Skaggs OF WASHINGTON Pappas Sanford Traficant Hinojosa Millender- Skeen Parker Saxton Turner Hobson McDonald Skelton Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Pascrell Scarborough Upton Hoekstra Miller (FL) Slaughter Speaker, I move to table the motion to Paul Schaefer, Dan Walsh Holden Minge Smith (MI) reconsider the vote. Paxon Schaffer, Bob Wamp Hooley Mink Smith (NJ) The question was taken; and the Pease Scott Watkins Horn Moakley Smith (OR) Peterson (MN) Sensenbrenner Watts (OK) Hostettler Mollohan Smith (TX) Speaker announced that the ayes ap- Peterson (PA) Sessions Weldon (FL) Houghton Moran (KS) Smith, Adam peared to have it. Petri Shadegg Weldon (PA) Hoyer Moran (VA) Smith, Linda Pickering Shaw Weller RECORDED VOTE Hulshof Morella Snowbarger Pickett Shays White Hunter Murtha Snyder Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Pitts Shimkus Whitfield Hutchinson Myrick Solomon recorded vote. Pombo Shuster Wicker Hyde Nadler Souder A recorded vote was ordered. Pomeroy Sisisky Wise Inglis Nethercutt Spence Porter Skeen Wolf Istook Neumann Stabenow The vote was taken by electronic de- Portman Skelton Young (FL) Jackson-Lee Ney Stearns vice, and there were—ayes 284, noes 132, Poshard Smith (MI) Stenholm (TX) Northup not voting 18, as follows: NOES—132 Jefferson Norwood Stokes Jenkins Nussle Strickland [Roll No. 322] Abercrombie Gutierrez Miller (CA) John Oberstar Stump AYES—284 Ackerman Hall (OH) Mink Johnson (CT) Obey Stupak Allen Harman Moakley Johnson (WI) Ortiz Sununu Aderholt Crapo Hastings (WA) Andrews Hastings (FL) Murtha Johnson, E. B. Oxley Talent Armey Cubin Hayworth Baldacci Hefner Neal Johnson, Sam Packard Tanner Bachus Cunningham Hefley Barrett (WI) Hilliard Oberstar Jones Pallone Tauscher Baesler Davis (VA) Herger Becerra Hinchey Obey Kanjorski Pappas Tauzin Baker Deal Hill Bishop Holden Olver Kaptur Parker Taylor (NC) Ballenger DeFazio Hilleary Blagojevich Hooley Owens Kasich Pascrell Thomas Barcia DeLay Hinojosa Bonior Jackson (IL) Pastor Kelly Pastor Thompson Barr Diaz-Balart Hobson Borski Jackson-Lee Payne Kennedy (RI) Paxon Thornberry Barrett (NE) Dickey Hoekstra Boucher (TX) Pelosi Kennelly Payne Thune Bartlett Dicks Horn Brown (FL) Jefferson Rangel Kildee Pease Thurman Barton Dixon Hostettler Brown (OH) Johnson, E. B. Rivers Kilpatrick Pelosi Tiahrt Bass Dooley Houghton Cardin Kanjorski Rodriguez Kim Peterson (MN) Torres Bentsen Doolittle Hulshof Carson Kaptur Roybal-Allard Kind (WI) Peterson (PA) Towns Bereuter Dreier Hunter Clay Kennedy (MA) Rush King (NY) Petri Traficant Berman Duncan Hutchinson Clayton Kennedy (RI) Sabo Kingston Pickering Turner Berry Dunn Hyde Clement Kilpatrick Sanders Kleczka Pickett Upton Bilbray Ehlers Inglis Clyburn Kind (WI) Sawyer Klink Pitts Vento Bilirakis Ehrlich Istook Conyers Klink Schumer Klug Pombo Visclosky Bliley Emerson Jenkins Coyne Kucinich Serrano Knollenberg Pomeroy Walsh Blumenauer English John Cummings LaFalce Sherman Kolbe Porter Wamp Blunt Ensign Johnson (CT) Danner Lampson Skaggs LaFalce Portman Waters Boehlert Etheridge Johnson (WI) Davis (FL) Lantos Slaughter LaHood Poshard Watkins Boehner Evans Johnson, Sam Davis (IL) Lewis (GA) Smith, Adam Lampson Price (NC) Watt (NC) Bonilla Everett Jones DeGette Lofgren Stabenow Lantos Pryce (OH) Watts (OK) Bono Ewing Kasich Delahunt Lowey Stokes Largent Quinn Waxman Boswell Farr Kelly DeLauro Luther Strickland Latham Radanovich Weldon (FL) Boyd Fawell Kildee Dellums Maloney (CT) Stupak LaTourette Rahall Weldon (PA) Brady Filner Kim Deutsch Maloney (NY) Tauscher Lazio Ramstad Weller Bryant Flake King (NY) Dingell Manton Thompson Leach Redmond Weygand Bunning Foley Kingston Doggett Markey Tierney Levin Regula White Burr Forbes Kleczka Doyle Mascara Torres Lewis (CA) Reyes Whitfield Burton Fox Klug Edwards Matsui Towns Lewis (GA) Riggs Wicker Buyer Franks (NJ) Knollenberg Engel McCarthy (MO) Velazquez Lewis (KY) Riley Wise Callahan Frelinghuysen Kolbe Eshoo McCarthy (NY) Vento Linder Rivers Wolf Calvert Gallegly LaHood Fattah McDermott Visclosky Lipinski Rodriguez Woolsey Camp Ganske Largent Fazio McGovern Waters Livingston Roemer Wynn Campbell Gejdenson Latham Foglietta McNulty Watt (NC) LoBiondo Rogan Yates Canady Gekas LaTourette Ford Meehan Waxman Lowey Rogers Young (FL) Capps Gephardt Lazio Frank (MA) Meek Weygand Lucas Ros-Lehtinen Castle Gibbons Leach Frost Menendez Woolsey Luther Rothman Chabot Gilchrest Lewis (CA) Furse Millender- Wynn Chambliss Gillmor Lewis (KY) Gordon McDonald NAYS—32 Chenoweth Gilman Lipinski Christensen Goode Livingston NOT VOTING—18 Andrews Kucinich Rangel Coble Goodlatte LoBiondo Archer Greenwood Schiff Campbell Lofgren Rohrabacher Coburn Goodling Lucas Bateman Hoyer Stark Cardin McDermott Royce Collins Goss Manzullo Brown (CA) Kennelly Thomas Conyers McGovern Salmon Combest Graham Martinez Cannon Levin Wexler Coyne Meehan Scarborough Condit Granger McCollum Fowler Linder Yates Doggett Menendez Schumer Cook Green McCrery Gonzalez Molinari Young (AK) Ensign Miller (CA) Sensenbrenner Cooksey Gutknecht McDade Frank (MA) Neal Taylor (MS) Costello Hall (TX) McHale b 2009 Franks (NJ) Olver Tierney Cox Hamilton McHugh Jackson (IL) Owens Velazquez Cramer Hansen McInnis So the motion to reconsider was laid Kennedy (MA) Paul Crane Hastert McIntosh on the table. H5732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 24, 1997 The result of the vote was announced Bartlett Greenwood Nussle Weller Wicker Wynn Barton Gutierrez Ortiz White Wise Young (FL) as above recorded. Bass Gutknecht Oxley Whitfield Wolf f Becerra Hall (TX) Packard Bentsen Hamilton Pappas NOT VOTING—23 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Bereuter Hansen Parker Baldacci Hilleary Schiff Berman Hastert Pastor Bateman Hoyer Spence A message in writing from the Presi- Bilbray Hastings (WA) Paul Cannon Kleczka Stark dent of the United States was commu- Bilirakis Hayworth Paxon Ehrlich Linder Velazquez Bishop Hefley Pease Fowler Molinari Wexler nicated to the House by Mr. Sherman Blagojevich Herger Peterson (PA) Gonzalez Olver Yates Williams, one of his secretaries. Bliley Hill Petri Harman Radanovich Young (AK) Blunt Hilliard Pickering Hefner Scarborough f Boehlert Hinojosa Pickett b Boehner Hobson Pitts 2029 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Bonilla Hoekstra Pombo Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island and OF H.R. 2209, LEGISLATIVE Bono Holden Porter Mr. GREENWOOD changed their vote BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, Borski Hooley Portman from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no’’. 1998 Boswell Horn Poshard Boyd Hostettler Price (NC) So the motion to adjourn was re- Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, from the Com- Brady Houghton Pryce (OH) jected. mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- Brown (CA) Hulshof Quinn Bryant Hunter Rahall The result of the vote was announced leged report (Rept. No. 105–202) on the Bunning Hutchinson Ramstad as above recorded. resolution (H. Res. 197) providing for Burr Hyde Rangel f consideration of the bill (H.R. 2209) Burton Inglis Redmond making appropriations for the legisla- Buyer Istook Regula REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Callahan Jackson-Lee Reyes AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 695 tive branch for the fiscal year ending Calvert (TX) Riggs September 30, 1998, and for other pur- Camp Jenkins Riley Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask poses, which was referred to the House Campbell Johnson (CT) Rivers unanimous consent that my name be Canady Johnson, Sam Roemer removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 695. Calendar and ordered to be printed. Cardin Jones Rogan The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. f Castle Kanjorski Rogers Chabot Kaptur Rohrabacher NUSSLE). Is there objection to the re- MOTION TO ADJOURN Chambliss Kasich Ros-Lehtinen quest of the gentleman from New Jer- Chenoweth Kelly Rothman sey? Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I move Christensen Kennedy (MA) Roukema There was no objection. that the House do now adjourn. Clement Kennedy (RI) Roybal-Allard Coble Kildee Royce f The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Coburn Kim Ryun NUSSLE). The question is on the motion Collins Kind (WI) Salmon PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION offered by the gentleman from Michi- Combest King (NY) Sanchez OF H.R. 2203, ENERGY AND Condit Kingston Sanders gan [Mr. BONIOR]. WATER DEVELOPMENT APPRO- Cook Klink Sandlin The question was taken; and the Cooksey Klug Sanford PRIATIONS ACT, 1998 Speaker pro tempore announced that Costello Knollenberg Sawyer Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. the noes appeared to have it. Cox Kolbe Saxton Cramer Kucinich Schaefer, Dan Speaker, by direction of the Commit- RECORDED VOTE Crane LaHood Schaffer, Bob tee on Rules, I call up House Resolu- Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I demand Crapo Largent Schumer tion 194 and ask for its immediate con- a recorded vote. Cummings Latham Scott sideration. Cunningham LaTourette Sensenbrenner A recorded vote was ordered. Danner Lazio Serrano The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- The vote was taken by electronic de- Davis (IL) Leach Sessions lows: Davis (VA) Levin Shadegg vice, and there were—ayes 96, noes 315, H. RES. 194 Deal Lewis (CA) Shaw not voting 23, as follows: DeLay Lewis (KY) Shays Resolved, That at anytime after the adop- [Roll No 323] Deutsch Lipinski Sherman tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- AYES—96 Diaz-Balart Livingston Shimkus suant to clause 1(b) of rule XXIII, declare the Dickey LoBiondo Shuster House resolved into the Committee of the Abercrombie Ford Moakley Dixon Lofgren Skeen Whole House on the state of the Union for Andrews Frank (MA) Nadler Doolittle Lucas Skelton Barrett (WI) Frost Neal Doyle Luther Slaughter consideration of the bill (H.R. 2203) making Berry Furse Oberstar Dreier Maloney (CT) Smith (MI) appropriations for energy and water develop- Blumenauer Gejdenson Obey Duncan Maloney (NY) Smith (NJ) ment for the fiscal year ending September 30, Bonior Gephardt Owens Dunn Manzullo Smith (OR) 1998, and for other purposes. The first read- Boucher Gillmor Pallone Edwards Mascara Smith (TX) ing of the bill shall be dispensed with. Gen- Brown (FL) Hall (OH) Pascrell Ehlers McCarthy (MO) Smith, Linda eral debate shall be confined to the bill and Brown (OH) Hastings (FL) Payne Emerson McCarthy (NY) Snowbarger shall not exceed one hour equally divided Capps Hinchey Pelosi Engel McCollum Snyder Carson Jackson (IL) Peterson (MN) English McCrery Solomon and controlled by the chairman and ranking Clay Jefferson Pomeroy Ensign McDade Souder minority member of the Committee on Ap- Clayton John Rodriguez Eshoo McHale Stabenow propriations. After general debate the bill Clyburn Johnson (WI) Rush Etheridge McHugh Stearns shall be considered for amendment under the Conyers Johnson, E. B. Sabo Evans McInnis Stenholm five-minute rule. Points of order against pro- Coyne Kennelly Sisisky Everett McIntosh Stump visions in the bill for failure to comply with Cubin Kilpatrick Skaggs Ewing McIntyre Sununu clause 2 or 6 of rule XXI are waived. During Davis (FL) LaFalce Smith, Adam Fattah McKeon Talent DeFazio Lampson Spratt Fawell Meehan Tanner consideration of the bill for amendment, the DeGette Lantos Stokes Foley Menendez Tauzin Chairman of the Committee of the Whole Delahunt Lewis (GA) Strickland Forbes Metcalf Taylor (MS) may accord priority in recognition on the DeLauro Lowey Stupak Fox Mica Taylor (NC) basis of whether the Member offering an Dellums Manton Tauscher Franks (NJ) Millender- Thomas amendment has caused it to be printed in the Dicks Markey Thompson Frelinghuysen McDonald Thornberry portion of the Congressional Record des- Dingell Martinez Thurman Gallegly Miller (CA) Thune ignated for that purpose in clause 6 of rule Doggett Matsui Torres Ganske Miller (FL) Tiahrt Dooley McDermott Vento Gekas Minge Tierney XXIII. Amendments so printed shall be con- Farr McGovern Waters Gibbons Mollohan Towns sidered as read. The Chairman of the Com- Fazio McKinney Watt (NC) Gilchrest Moran (KS) Traficant mittee of the Whole may: (1) postpone until Filner McNulty Waxman Gilman Moran (VA) Turner a time during further consideration in the Flake Meek Weygand Goode Morella Upton Committee of the Whole a request for a re- Foglietta Mink Woolsey Goodlatte Murtha Visclosky corded vote on any amendment; and (2) re- Goodling Myrick Walsh duce to five minutes the minimum time for NOES—315 Gordon Nethercutt Wamp Ackerman Armey Ballenger Goss Neumann Watkins electronic voting on any postponed question Aderholt Bachus Barcia Graham Ney Watts (OK) that follows another electronic vote without Allen Baesler Barr Granger Northup Weldon (FL) intervening business, provided that the mini- Archer Baker Barrett (NE) Green Norwood Weldon (PA) mum time for electronic voting on the first