Gary Ackerman

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I am sure there are others who would like to agree with the gentleman.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the many individuals who were noncombatants during the Holocaust of World War II, who risked their lives and those of their families to save countless people who faced death because of their religious beliefs. Two such people were Stacia Brazauskiene and Albinas Zilevicius. Both have been honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem and will be visiting with two of my constituents, Nathan and Sima Katz whose lives they saved during the war. They will be in New York City to join with the Katz family in celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of the Katz's granddaughter, Rebecca Levy. In 1941, Nathan Katz and his family were living in Shavel, Lithuania, when the Nazi forces evacuated all Jews into the Shavel Ghetto. With the help of a Lithuanian Gentile named Antonites, Nathan and Sima Katz escaped with eight other family members. After being forced to flee from several hiding places, they were taken to the farm of the Zilevicius family. Although Antonites has since disappeared into history, we know the heroic story of the Zileviciuses. With great care and much courage, the Zilevicius family built a hiding place behind a false wall in their barn for the Katzes, who remained on this farm protected by the Zilevicius until the end of the war. The Zilevicius family was constantly aware that they could be executed for their attempts at hiding the members of the Katz family. On several occasions, searches by the Nazis almost undid the heroic efforts of these protectors. Despite the horrendous atmosphere of terror in which both families lived, they survived. Most significant is the fact that the members of the Zilevicius family had no prior relationship with Nathan and Sima Katz nor any other member of the Katz family. In addition, the Zilevicius family received no remuneration from those families whose lives they were protecting. A war often produces great heroes who have distinguished themselves in military action. What is more compelling, however, is that ordinary citizens with no prior training risk their lives not for any national allegiance or desire for reward, but do so because it is the right and compassionate thing to do. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in recognizing and honoring the remaining members of the Zilevicius family, Stacia Brazauskiene and Albinas Zilevicius, as they join with Nathan and Sima Katz whose lives that have both saved and enriched.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 23d year since the brutal partition of Cyprus, yet the focus of the international community and the Congress on a resolution to this tragic separation has not lessened. If anything, attention on the plight of Cyprus has heightened recently. In 1996 we unfortunately witnessed the worst outbreak of violence since the invasion in 1974. In January of this year the Clerides government signed a contract to purchase Russian S- 300 air defense missiles. These factors combined threaten to introduce a new and destabilizing element in the mediation process, and has generated a sense of urgency in the efforts towards achieving a viable settlement. Indeed, the role of the United States in pressing for peace on the island has become even more vital to ensuring the creation of a stable, secure and free Europe. On June 4, President Clinton named former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs, Richard Holbrooke, as Special Presidential Envoy for Cyprus. I wholeheartedly welcome that appointment. As one of our most capable negotiators, Mr. Holbrooke's appointment demonstrates the United States' commitment to help support a final political settlement on Cyprus. I also want to commend the Clinton Administration's announced determination to support the peace brokering efforts of the United Nations, as well as ensuring that 1997 is the year of the ``Big Push on Cyprus.'' I am also delighted to note that the Greek and Turkish-Cypriot leaders, Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash, convened recently for U.N.-sponsored direct peace talks. This step can only serve to bear further positive fruit. There is no doubt about the necessary role that the U.S. Congress must play in assisting the parties in reaching a just and peaceful resolution. That is why I cosponsored House Concurrent Resolution 81, introduced by International Relations Committee Chairman Ben Gilman. This bill reaffirms that the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable and detrimental to U.S. interests. The resolution also calls for the complete demilitarization leading to the withdrawal of foreign occupation forces, as well as the cessation of foreign arms transfers to Cyprus--all necessary and vital actions that must be undertaken before any settlement is reached. The time is ripe for one of the world's most intractable conflicts to disappear into the dustbin of history. In fact, NATO's efforts to expand and redefine its role in the post-cold-war era require that the Cyprus conflict be resolved. As a worrisome source of friction between Greece and Turkey, NATO's anchors in the eastern Mediterranean, it serves as a thorn in the side of the greatest alliance ever forged. I conclude by reiterating Secretary Albright's remarks that Cyprus is a valued partner in the fight against the new global threats of proliferation, terrorism, illegal narcotics, and international crime. Cyprus and the United States share common values and are committed to building a world based on open markets, democratic principles and the rule of law. These ties demand that the United States continue to work towards assisting the two Cypriot communities in reaching a just and secure peace.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Roger Tilles on his insightful and provocative op-ed piece on the National Endowment for the Arts, which was recently published in the New York Times. Mr. Tilles, who is the former President of Temple Beth-el of Great Neck, has worked from the private sector to further the cultural enrichment of the Long Island community. With generous support from the Tilles family, Long Island University created the Tilles Center which has been vital in educating students about the arts, and bringing world class cultural exhibits and performances to Long Island. His following op-ed piece recognizes the unique partnership that exists between the private sector and the NEA. When voting on the NEA, we should look to Mr. Tilles' example, and recognize that public funding for the arts, and private sector philanthropy go hand in hand. [From the New York Times, June 29, 1997] Time To Fight To Save the N.E.A. (By Roger Tilles) As efforts are mounted to scrap the National Endowment for the Arts, there is no small irony that among the reasons why Long Island is now among the top 20 places to live in the nation is its quality of life, best reflected in the broad scope of cultural and performing arts programs that are now at serious risk. In the global battle for economic investment, local corporations seeking to entice new industries, jobs and capital to our region offset our high taxes and congested highways by using the arts as an attractive inducement. And with the bicounty region now deeply dependent on tourism, some 25 million people who visit Long Island annually now seek out our 12 dance companies, 40 arts organizations, 46 museums, 80 music companies, 30 theater companies and countless art galleries. Far more than the loss of artistic outlets, shutting down the N.E.A. would have a direct, profound and negative impact on Long Island's economy. Without the small stipend many of these artistic programs receive from the National Endowment for the Arts, the vast majority of these cultural attractions would whither and disappear. The battle over the N.E.A. has its roots in the fierce partisan battles that have erupted in Congress over the last several years. Whether it is dollars earmarked for Ernie the Muppet or Ernie the Artist, N.E.A. support is now considered a political litmus by the Congressional leadership. It is as if a performance of Mozart, an exhibit of de Kooning or a performance of ``Swan Lake'' are now battlegrounds for the hearts and minds of the electorate. This is treacherous ground because, for those with a sense of history, there is a faint echo from a not so distant past when a fascist government used the arts to sanitize their murderous regime. To prevent plans from moving ahead to dismantle the National Endowment of the Arts, Long Island, with its population of nearly three million people, is going to have to become far more millitant on behalf of the arts. It should not be unfamiliar territory. As we shifted public policy on issues relating to breast cancer and the environment, we need to take those lessons and apply them to this equally crucial task. Our first step should be the mobilization of those individuals who have served in the past as potent financial and ideological supporters of either major political parties. It will be a powerful message indeed if both Republican and Democratic standard-bearers discover that their core constituencies are united behind a common theme--protection of the arts. We need to condition our support based on where public officials stand as it relates to the arts and their support for the National Endowment. In addition, because of Long Island's financial depth, many of us are targeted by political action committees and campaigns far outside Long Island. We need to include the arts as part of our personal platform for contributions. Elected officials from Maine to California need to know that their support of N.E.A. programs is a critical factor in our determination of whether they are worthy of our dollars. We also need to network with those cultural and performing arts organizations working in Congressional districts where opponents of the arts endowment are located so that our message is carried far beyond the Long Island Expressway. That can be accomplished by becoming more involved with the artistic organizations that currently exist in the bicounty region. As the Long Island Congressional delegation once led the charge to fund locally built weapons systems that defeated our Cold War opponents, let them now use their debating skills to protect the performances, programs and exhibits that now nurture the human spirit and enhance our region's economic and social quality of life. We need only demonstrate our personal leadership to insure that our elected officials pretend that Chopin is a weapons system and vote accordingly.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the students and faculty of SUNY College at Old Westbury, NY, as they honor Mina Barrett for outstanding professional and public service. Dr. Barrett was born in New York City in 1948 and at a very early age established her academic credentials. She was an honor student at Oceanside High School and received her graduate and undergraduate degrees at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in the field of psychology. In 1975, Dr. Barrett came to SUNY College at Old Westbury and became one of the founders of the Psychology Department. Rising to the position of associate professor, Dr. Barrett immediately became active on a variety of academic committees. Yet to the great benefit of both the academic and general communities of the greater New York metropolitan area, Dr. Barrett embarked upon a course of community service that would serve as a model for effective community activism. Recognized for her deep understanding of the human mind, Dr. Barrett was appointed as a Red Cross Disaster mental health psychologist and became codirector of the Nassau County Chapter of the Red Cross for mental health. It was in 1994 that she was called upon by the city of Los Angeles to serve in an assisting office in the city's tragic earthquake. For her service rendered to the city of Los Angeles she received the Henri Dunant Humanitarian Award. Her services were again utilized by the residents of Long Island in 1994 during the east end fires for which she received a service citation. During the tragic crash of TWA flight 800, she served as coordinator of mental health, rescue and relief working 18 hours a day training and directing health teams. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Barrett's activities in human relations and women's issues have given her an international reputation. I ask my colleagues to join with me and rise to salute Dr. Mina Barrett for her devotion and for all she has done to enhance our world.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers must be very puzzled looking down on us today; and instead of seeing us dealing with the very real challenges that face our Nation, they see us laboring under this great compulsion to amend the document that underpins our democracy and trying to give this Congress a great new power at the expense of the people, the power for the first time to stifle dissent. The threat must be great, they must be saying, to justify changing the Bill of Rights for the first time and decreasing, rather than increasing, the rights of the people. And what is the threat? Is our democracy at risk? What is the crisis in the Republic? What is the challenge to our way of life? Where is our belief system threatened? Are people jumping from behind parked cars waving burning flags at us trying to prevent us from going to work? Trying to grind America to a halt? Do we really believe that we are under such a siege because of a few loose cannons? Need we change the Constitution to save our democracy? The real threat is not the occasional burning of a flag but the permanent banning of the burners. The real threat is that some of us have now mistaken the flag for a religious icon to be worshipped rather than the symbol of our freedom that is to be cherished. Rather than allowing someone to insult them by demeaning the flag, they would diminish our Constitution. These rare but vile acts of desecration that have been cited by those who propose changing our founding document do not threaten anybody. If a jerk burns a flag, America is not threatened, democracy is not under siege, freedom is not at risk and we are not threatened, my colleagues; we are offended. And to change the Constitution because someone offends us is in itself unconscionable. The Nazis, Mr. Speaker, the Nazis and fascists and the imperial Japanese army combined, could not diminish the rights of even one single American; and yet in an act of cowardice, Mr. Speaker, we are about to do what they could not. Where are the patriots? What ever happened to fighting to the death for somebody's right to disagree? We now choose instead to react by taking away the right to protest. Even a despicable low-life social malcontent has a right to disagree, and he has a right to disagree in an obnoxious fashion if he wishes. That is the test of free expression, and we are about to fail that test. Real patriots choose freedom over symbolism. That is the ultimate contest between substance and form. Why does the flag need protecting? Burning one flag or burning a thousand flags does not destroy it. It is a symbol. But change one word of our living Constitution of this great Nation, and it and we will never be the same. We cannot destroy a symbol. Yes, people burn the flag, but, Mr. Speaker, there it is again, right in back. It goes on. It cannot be destroyed. It represents our beliefs. Now, poets and patriots will tell us that men have died for the flag. But that language itself is symbolic. People do not die for symbols. They fight and they die for freedom. They fight and they die for democracy. They fight and they die for values. To fight and die for the flag means to fight and die for the cause. Let us remind ourselves we did not enter World War II because the Japanese sunk a bunch of our flags. There happened to have been ships filled with men tied to the other end of those flagpoles, and our way of life was threatened. We love and we honor and we respect our flag for what it represents. It is different from all other flags. And I notice we do not make it illegal to burn some other country's flags, and that is because our flag is different. No, it is not different because of its shape; they are all basically the same. And it is not different because of its design; they are all similar. And no, not because of the colors. Many have the same colors. Our flag is unique only because it represents our unique values, it represents tolerance for dissent. This country was founded by dissenters that others found obnoxious. And what is a dissenter? In this case it is a social protestor who feels so strongly about an issue that one would stoop so low as to try to get under our skin and to try to rile us up to prove his point, and have us react by making this great Nation less than it was. And how are we going to react? Dictatorships crack down on people who burn their nation's flags, not democracies. We tolerate dissent and dissenters, even despicable dissenters. What is the flag, the American flag? Yes, it is a piece of cloth. It is red, white, and blue with 50 stars and 13 stripes. But what if we pass this amendment and desecrators make flags with 55 stars and burn them? Will we rush to amend our law again? And if they add a stripe or two and set it ablaze, and it surely looks like our flag, but is it? Do we rush in and count the stripes before determining whether or not we have been constitutionally insulted? And what if the stripes are orange instead of red? What mischief are we doing? If it is a full-size color picture of the flag they burn, is it a crime to desecrate a symbol of a symbol? What are we doing? Our beloved flag represents a great nation, Mr. Speaker. We love our flag because there is a great republic for which it stands made great by a Constitution that we want to protect, a Constitution given to our care by giants and about to be nibbled to death by dwarfs. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the patriots of the House to rise and defend the Constitution, resist the temptation to drape ourselves in the flag and hold sacred the Bill of Rights. Defend our Constitution and defeat this amendment.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on which amendment is the Chair asking for a recorded vote?

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the residents of Port Washington as they gather with the members of the Port Washington Youth Activities [PYA] in celebration of their Seventh Annual Hall of Fame Dinner Dance. The PYA is a volunteer youth organization dedicated to supporting sports programs for youngsters between the ages of 6 and 14. The goal of the organization is to teach children the valuable lessons of leadership and good sportsmanship. Induction into the PYA's Hall of Fame is reserved for those unique and caring individuals who have given so much to the support to the program over the years. Three most unique and dedicated individuals, Bob Busby, Jack Eaton, and Vinnie Sombrotto will be so honored by induction into the Port Washington Youth Activities Hall of Fame. Bob Busby has been a significant contributor through his service as wrestling coach, commissioner, and director for over 10 years. Jack Eaton has greatly distinguished himself in the role of officer, commissioner, and coach of the baseball and basketball teams. Vinnie Sombrotto is being cited for his athletic achievements in lacrosse at the collegiate and professional levels. Many of his skills and dedication were developed in his active days as a youth in PYA football and lacrosse programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join with me and rise to honor these community members for their individual and collective contributions to youth sports and all they embody. They are an excellent reflection upon themselves, their families, their community, and the volunteer spirit of American volunteer groups. They are most deserving of this great honor.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this opportunity to bring to the attention of my colleagues a painful reminder of WWII and the Nazi Holocaust in Europe. Several months ago, it came to light that the German Government was paying military pensions to former Nazi Waffen S.S. soldiers living in the United States and elsewhere, while scores of Jewish survivors in Eastern Europe and even some in the United States have never received any compensation for the horrors that they endured. I have spoken out on this subject numerous times, but I wanted to commend my colleagues to an ad placed by the American Jewish Committee in the New York Times on May 7, 1997, which clearly outlines this horrible and tragically ironic state of affairs. At the beginning of the ad, two pictures are displayed: One is of an elderly Jewish man who was a survivor of a Nazi ghetto in Eastern Europe, the other is of a man with arm raised in a Hitler salute, who was a soldier of the Waffen S.S. from Latvia. The headline asks: ``Guess Which One Receives a War Victims Pension from the German Government?'' The text of the ad follows: If you guessed the survivor, you're wrong, sad to say. While Holocaust survivors in other parts of the world are eligible to receive German pensions, Holocaust survivors in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union have never received a pension of any kind from Bonn. Inexplicably, the German government has simply drawn the line at providing such direct assistance to this group of survivors. Not so, however, for many of the survivors' former tormentors. Believe it or not, the German government provides generous monthly pensions to Nazi war veterans whose injuries or even mild, chronic ailments qualify them for ``war victims pensions.'' In the U.S. alone, there are 3,377 pensions sent each month to veterans of the armies of the Third Reich or their dependents! After the fall of communism, many Waffen S.S. veterans in the Baltic states and elsewhere in Eastern Europe discovered they, too, were eligible and are now receiving such pensions from Germany, while their victims are not. Today, an estimated 15,000-20,000 Jewish survivors of ghettos and concentration camps live in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. They are old, many are in poor health and financially destitute. Surely, they deserve some help and comfort in the last years of their lives. Join our call to the German government to correct this grievous wrong. Bring justice to the real victims of the Holocaust.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the gallant men who served in World War II in the United States Maritime Service. One of my constituents, Sol Axelrod, who himself is a veteran, wrote a poem, which he feels tells the true story of our merchant seamen. At this time, I wish to share this fine poem with my colleagues: Sea Going American Patriots of World War II (By Sol Axelrod) The Merchant Seamen and the Navy Armed Guard Fought valiantly with the help of God. These brave lads brought soldiers to fight When men were wanted at a combat site. It was never easy or even routine To sail the waters where death reigned supreme. They roamed this world with cargo intact, Even mindful of any enemy attack. When supplies were needed, without delay, They were delivered by night and by day. As the battles turned hot, Some got through, many did not. Heroes all, in death as in life, Doing their duty in time of strife. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and distinct honor to bring this dedication and recognition to the attention of the House of Representatives. I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting our Merchant Seamen whose role in World War II was vital to all of our troops, and in applauding the commitment and talent of my constituent, Sol Axelrod.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and the countless citizens who have enjoyed and benefitted from the unique, insightful, educational, and entertaining programs of the Queens Museum of Art as this great cultural institution celebrates its 25th year of service. Originally conceived as the Queens County Art and Culture Center in 1972, the museum is located in the only building to serve as a pavilion at both the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs. Since this early date, the Queens Museum of Art has grown into an institution that has become a mainstay of New York City's culture. Under the inspired leadership and support of dedicated community leaders and supporters of the arts, the museum has grown into an effective showcase for fulfilling its mission statement to show and collect the best of art, architecture and design from Queens in the 20th century. I look forward to sharing with the members and supporters of the museum their great joy as they gather together on May 20, 1997 to celebrate this unique achievement. It also to the great credit of the museum that they have sought out key individuals who are not only community leaders, but strong supporters of the arts as they honorees. Joan Barnes, owner of London Lennie's Restaurant and Joseph Ficalora, president of the Queens County Savings Bank are this years honorees. In addition, the well known artist, Alex Katz, will be the recipient of the museum's 1997 Arts Achievement Award. John Adams, our second President, indicated that he studied war and politics so that his children may study art and music. It is with such commitment that the Queens Museum of Art has succeeded in bring to our area a love, understanding and devotion of art. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in honoring the Queens Museum of Art, and in wishing the museum and its supporters continued success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of this Congress and our Nation the selection of Ron Edelson as the recipient of the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year Award from the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce. This award reflects the dedication and leadership that Ron Edelson has demonstrated on behalf of the Great Neck Business Improvement District and the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce. The innovative concepts and creative marketing programs that Ron Edelson has developed truly are a tribute to his commitment to the Great Neck community. These programs have resulted in historic growth for the Great Neck business community and the enhancement of the wonderful quality of life for Great Neck and the North Shore of Long Island. By recognizing Ron Edelson with this award, the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce are paying tribute to individuals who are role models for the next century because they recognize that community service combined with business leadership are essential qualities as our communities grow and move forward. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to rise and join with me today in honoring Mr. Edelson for his achievements and to congratulate him on this award.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Chinese Government to release Wei Jingsheng and allow him to receive the medical treatment he desperately needs. Wei has been an outspoken and articulate advocate for democratic reform in China and is currently imprisoned for his efforts. Wei has spent much of his adult life in prison. He was arrested in 1979 for his participation in the Democracy Wall movement, during which he argued that the government's modernization plans were impossible without democratic reform. He remained in prison until 1993 when he was released on the eve of the International Olympic Committee's decision about whether to award the 2000 Olympics to Beijing. Wei was arrested again in 1994, for his continued outspokenness and only days after meeting with Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, John Shattuck. Wei was held incommunicado for 20 months and has been sentenced to another 14 years imprisonment. He is due to be released in 2009. Wei's family has not been able to see him since February and he is very ill. He suffers from arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease, but is not receiving effective medical treatment. Today, we mark the publication of Wei's book, ``The Courage to Stand Alone: Letters From Prison and Other Writings.'' Wei has received the 1994 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award as well as the Sakarov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to call on the Chinese Government to release Wei Jingsheng.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge Annual International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases. These illnesses are among the fastest growing health concerns in our country and constitute a large and neglected area in medical research. Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome [CFIDS] and fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] are illnesses which affect at least a half million American adults and children. It is imperative that increased funding for research for CFIDS and FMS be approved in a timely fashion. CFIDS is a serious and complex illness that affects nearly every aspect of an individual's life. It is characterized by incapacitating fatigue, neurological problems and numerous other symptoms. Approximately 1,000 individuals in Suffolk County alone suffer from this disease. One of my constituents, named Anthony Wasneuski, was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 1990. Mr. Wasneuski was a furniture salesman in New York City. He was also an accomplished artist who received a scholarship from the Brooklyn Museum. Unfortunately, because of this illness he must now remain at home, and now has difficulty even signing his own name. Mr. Wasneuski's story represents a real life experience behind the cold numbers and statistics of this debilitating disease. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is unknown. Research studies have indicated that approximately 2 percent of the general population are afflicted with FMS. The majority of FMS patients are female and symptoms may begin in young, school-aged children. Tragically, it takes approximately 3 years and costs thousands of dollars just to receive a diagnosis of the disease. Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction system and fibromyalgia clearly affect people from all walks of life. As the 1998 appropriations process gets underway, we need to focus upon ways that we can provide more research funding for these debilitating conditions. Mrs. McCarthy of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank my colleague, Mr. Forbes, for organizing this opportunity to speak out on chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome [CFIDS]. I would like to take this opportunity to talk about a little known but devastating disease: CFIDS. Once dismissed by doctors, this syndrome is now being taken seriously. Studies vary on how many people are affected by this disease but a conservative estimate is about 390,000 adult cases in the United States. In the tristate area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, approximately 4,094 to 11,000 people have CFIDS. CFIDS is truly a terrible disease. It ranges in severity from patients who are just able to maintain a job, and may have to give up other aspects of their lives, to those who are bedridden and unable to take care of themselves. While CFIDS traditionally affects young women in the prime of their lives, a growing number of children appear to have CFIDS. The fact that this disease is striking young children is particularly disturbing. This disabling illness will have a disastrous effect on the economy by preventing young children from becoming income-earning, tax-paying citizens. While CFIDS is not known to be a killer, it has no proven treatment and no cure. Moreover, it is difficult and, unfortunately, nearly impossible to get a timely and correct diagnosis. Because patients go to many different doctors to find a diagnosis, they often are subjected to unnecessary, costly, and potentially harmful treatments. Mr. Speaker, this must change. Doctors, medical professionals, and those who are entering the medical fields must be educated about CFIDS. Delaying diagnosis is not only harmful to the patient, it is not cost effective. Treating individuals early in the disease process offers more promise for return to normal and productive living.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate three extraordinary young people who have been selected for USA TODAY's 1997 All-USA High School Academic First Team. The Academic First Team is composed of 20 individuals who were selected from among 6,826 high school students from across the Nation. It is both humbling and inspirational to listen to the accomplishments of these dynamic individuals. Joshua Gewolb, of Port Washington, NY, has spent substantial time exploring the makeup of a solar cell. In fact, he was actually able to compress the basic architecture of a solar cell, into a single molecule, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the cell. Joshua also received a $2,600 grant for his work which was used to purchase new equipment for his high school. In addition, Joshua is the editor of the newspaper at Paul Schreiber High School, and has won awards in speech and writing. If this wasn't enough, Joshua is also an accomplished cellist. He will be attending Harvard in the fall. Davesh Maulik, of Roslyn, NY, has conducted world-class math research on the root permutations of polynomials. He has won three first place prizes at worldwide competitions. In addition, Davesh plays the violin in a chamber ensemble and is the senior editor of Roslyn High School's literary magazine. Davesh will be joining Joshua at Harvard University in the fall. Joseph Turian, of Great Neck, NY, skipped a grade in elementary school and completed high school in 3 years. Thus, he will be graduating from Great Neck North High School at the age of 16. Joseph has done extensive work in the area of computer science. He taught a computer to write fairy tales of its own design and has also conducted substantial research on computer graphics. Joseph is also the editor of his high school newspaper and is a singer with the New York City Opera Children's Chorus. Joseph will also be attending Harvard University. These three scholars truly embody the ideals of innovation, perseverance, and leadership. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating these young men, on their many accomplishments, and extending to them our best wishes for continued success.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents of the fifth congressional district, the overseers of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, and the countless friends and supporters of the arts as they gather on May 10 to honor Adolph Koeppel. Adolph Koeppel has served as a distinguished and dedicated member of the Tilles Center since its inception. This week, he will receive the first Gilbert Tilles Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of Mr. Koeppel's ongoing sponsorship of the annual Tilles Center engagement of the New York City Opera National Company. Beginning next fall, a Tilles Center Scholarship Award will be made annually in honor of Adolph and Rhoda Koeppel to encourage the development of young artists and of new audiences for the arts. Adolph Koeppel's devotion to the cultural life of Long Island is matched by his dedication to his profession. As the founding partner of Koeppel Martone Leistman and Herman, Mr. Koeppel has emerged as a leading tax certiorari attorney, and has gained wide recognition for his legal prowess among those practicing law in New York, the District of Columbia, and Florida. Indeed, Mr. Koeppel has established a reputation that readily emerges as a yardstick by which countless future legal efforts must be measured. His published works are voluminous and are used by practitioners as guideposts to addressing complex tax-law issues. Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals with a career so intense and demanding as Adolph Koeppel's who can readily take a hobby and make it into a second career. Yet Adolph Koeppel has turned his love of philately into a professional endeavor. He has produced four books on the tax revenue stamps of India, and will soon be publishing a fifth volume that will serve as the definitive work on Italian fiscal stamps. Yet of all his accomplishments and achievements in a career so diverse and time-consuming, Adolph Koeppel's personal achievements are his crowning success. He and his wife, Rhoda, are the parents of two exceptional daughters, Pamela and Lesley, who have in turn blessed the Koeppels with three granddaughters, Melissa, Jennifer, and Tara. Mr. Speaker, it is at a time such as this, when our country eagerly searches for heroes who readily bring forth those strong values so endearing and meaningful, that we are enriched by Adolph Koeppel's enormous contributions of leadership, scholarship, and family love. I, therefore, ask my colleagues to join with me in this most deserving salute to Adolph Koeppel.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents and members of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center as they gather at this most renowned synagogue to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Rabbi Myron Fenster as the spiritual leader of the congregation. Rabbi Fenster was schooled at the Yeshiva of Flatbush, Yeshiva College and Talmudic Academy, and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He enhanced his training with advanced studies at the University of Arizona and Columbia University's Graduate Department of Philosophy. Rabbi Fenster's calling has taken him well beyond the borders of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center into positions of responsibility that have ranged from local to international areas. He is past president of the New York Board of Rabbis, and a member of the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He is widely known for his educational and leadership skills, and has served as visiting rabbi of the Moriah Congregation in Haifa, Israel, and as president of Histadruth Ivrith of America. Rabbi Fenster is a past editor of Conservative Judaism, the quarterly publication of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. He has also chaired the Assembly's Social Justice program. He currently serves as cochairman of the Education Committee of the Long Island Holocaust Commission. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Fenster's knowledge and wisdom is in great demand. He has been published in many magazines, periodicals and newspapers including Newsday, the Jerusalem Post, Hadassah Magazine and Midstream. In addition, he has visited Jewish communities throughout the world, in all of the major capitals of Europe and the former Soviet Union. In 1993, he led a rabbinic delegation to the Jewish communities of Morocco. For the past 30 years, Rabbi Fenster and his wife Ricky have been a most potent force in organizing and uniting the Shelter Rock Jewish Center into a proactive synagogue that has effectively serviced its membership and has, most readily, enhanced, and enriched this great community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to rise and join with me in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Rabbi Myron and Ricky Fenster at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, together with my colleagues, to commemorate the Armenian Genocide of 1915-23. On this day, in 1915, over 200 Armenian leaders were systematically massacred by the Turkish Government. Yet these horrific murders were only a precursor to the brutality and aggressiveness that would follow. In just 8 years, over 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children were murdered and an entire population was faced with annihilation. I stand today, not only to acknowledge and remember the horrors of this tragic event but to denounce the government of Turkey for their denial of these historically documented truths. The official position of the Turkish Government is that, during World War I, a series of internal conflicts contributed to the unfortunate deaths of many Armenians. This claim shamefully ignores the premeditated murder of these people. As Members of Congress and as human beings, it is our responsibility to defend the memories of those who needlessly suffered. We must preserve the dignity of lives destroyed by the cruelty of a government. Their plight deserves remembrance and the world deserves the truth. The Turkish Government's refusal to acknowledge the Armenian genocide is disgraceful and I find it to be an injustice, which should not be tolerated under any circumstances. It is essential to recognize the devastation that was incurred by ignoring the Armenian genocide and allowing such horrors to reoccur through the Holocaust. We remember the trauma befallen upon the Jews and we must now stand up for the suffering forced upon millions of Armenians. The world can no longer refute history. Instead we must come together as Armenians, as Jews and as human beings to guarantee that no person shall ever endure such pain again. I thank my colleagues, Congressman John Porter and Congressman Frank Pallone, for leading this effort in the House of Representatives, and am proud to be a member of the Armenian Issues Caucus in order to work on this issue of concern to all human beings.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to a young man who at the tender age of 15 has already established himself as a thoughtful analyst of the future. Levi Tillemann-Dick of Denver, CO, was winner of a recent essay competition, ``Vision of the Future'', sponsored by the Association of Computer Manufacturers [ACM] to examine how changes in computer technology will change our lives over the next 50 years. The essay contest was held in order to highlight the Association's celebration of the next half-century of computing, and it was conducted with the assistance and cooperation of the magazine Popular Science. The purpose of the contest and the focus of the judges involved in evaluating the essays submitted was getting students to realize that whatever choices they make with computer science will have future implications for society, economy, and across all spectra of life. The essays were judged on the basis of their creativity and sense of excitement about what future technologies will be like and how they will affect our daily lives. Levi was awarded a college scholarship of $2,500 for his winning essay--an important incentive for a student in this age when advanced education is essential for young people to reach their full potential in this information age. Levi Tillemann-Dick, at the age of only 15, is currently studying at Regis College in Denver. Until January of this year he was schooled at home by his mother, Annette Tillemann-Dick, the daughter of our colleague from California, Tom Lantos. Levi Tillemann-Dick's winning essay, ``Gigatrends: Technology's Impacts Two Generations from Today'', reflects the kind of thoughtful education in technology that is essential for the future of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this outstanding essay be placed in the Record, and I invite my colleagues to read it. It is important as we here in this body consider the effect that technology will have upon the lives of our children and grandchildren, and these are the kinds of problems on which we in this body should be focusing. Gigatrends: Technology's Impacts Two Generations From Today (By Levi M. Tillemann-Dick, the Yale Academy, Denver, CO) Fifty years ago, a Naval scientist labored for hours beside a computer the size of a small bus, calculating the trajectory of a single artillery shell. Today's notebook computer can perform the same operation in a fraction of a second. IBM and Hewlett-Packard have just announced the invention of the PAN--Personal Area Network--a set of devices that use the human as a conductor to relay detailed textual information from one person to another simply by touch. While it is very difficult to predict what the hardware will be like in fifty years, it is possible to make reasonable predictions of what the technology will be and how it will affect our lives. Computers have demonstrated themselves to be especially well adapted to two types of activities: communications transactions, and information processing and storing. In key respects, computers have operated with much the same impact on society as did the printing press and the book, but accelerated a million times. Tom Sawyer on the printed page created a virtual reality device that led us toward the media of today and the shared experiences and artificial sensations of tomorrow. The Internet's technology is the communications gateway to the near future. It will wholly transform people's lives. The Internet will, of course, be used for commerce, personal communications, entertainment, and research. It is a relatively small conceptual step, however, from the PAN processor that relays a written message through one's body by a shake of the hand, to a microcell sensory transmission system that relays ideas and sensations directly to and from the most powerful processor in the world, one's brain. Within a few decades, developments stemming from PAN-type research will transform the Internet into the LifeNet, a comprehensive sensory environment for human habitation. Our minds will be afforded wireless direct sensory interfacing with other people and various databases. A dramatically enhanced version of what we now call ``virtual reality'' will become as common as air conditioning. Telephones, TVs, PCs and other media conveyors will be replaced by wireless sensory feeds from, and to, communal microcells. The LifeNet will become infinitely more important to mankind than the telephone is today. It will become as essential to our lifestyles as electricity or running water is now. What are the implications for our society? Strong arguments can be made that the place of technological advancement will be accelerated, and human interactions forever altered. Some have suggested that today's Internet is addictive. They have hit on a key point but used the wrong terminology. It is not addiction that causes these people to return to the Internet each day, but the fact that they can craft a new identity for themselves--any identity they choose. Or they can participate in experiences that are otherwise beyond their reach. If today's crude mess of wires and two-dimensional web sites so captivate people, consider the impact of a technology affording a lifestyle where you could go wherever you wanted to go, and be whoever you wanted to be whenever you chose. Every field of human endeavor would be affected, from business to entertainment to courtship and art. Over the course of not many years, the technology's impact upon society would be all-encompassing. Fifty years ago, the average person in the workforce was a farmer or laborer. They were physically strong. They ate more, but weighted less. Today's office and service workers have diminished physical capabilities, but are better educated. The LifeNet will accelerate this trend. The amount of food needed to survive when spending weeks, months, or years on the 'Net would be drastically reduced from the amount needed to sustain a body that is undergoing today's activity. Like most changes, this is a two-edged sword. Resource depletion resulting from overpopulation will cease to be a major issue when we are subsisting on 600 calories a day in a sensory reality where we can eat all we want. Our mansions will be built in our minds, and our future Ferrari's will be driven along the roads of our collective imaginations. The physical body (over a period of time) would deteriorate to a state where the full recovery back to a state of good physical health would take months--if it was possible at all. Fifty years from now, our minds will be working and playing in ways now beyond our imagination, and paradoxically, the sensations we will feel will be just as real as those we experience today. The time constraints relating to day and night will dissolve when we can communicate effortlessly anywhere in the world. It is likely that humans will require less sleep, since we will need only the time to file and store the information that our brains have collected and not to rest our physical bodies. These technologies will not be expensive. On a per capita basis, participation in the LifeNet will consume far fewer resources than an automobile, and reduce our housing and other needs. This fact, along with a lack of prior investment in other infrastructures like highways and copper cabling, will prompt the rapid expansion of the LifeNet into third- world countries. The equipment required for the microcellular sensory transmission technology will be modular, redundant, and like that for the Internet, incrementally inexpensive. Countries that have problems with overcrowding and famine would quickly embrace the LifeNet. Their resources would be extended, and planners would likely program the system to minimize the population's reproductive drive. People will still have jobs. There will be lots of work to do. People will want to consume the newest experiential sensations. Some food will need to be prepared, and equipment manufactured. Government would be divided into two categories: geographical-physical and communicative. The responsibilities of the geographic governments will be to defend landmasses and keep order in the physical world--much as they do today. However, there will likely be another type of government co-existing with today's political successors. The responsibilities of these communicative governments will be to administer, regulate, and defend cyberspace. The communicative government will also be responsible for the maintenance of the input-output microcells. The communicative governments already exist in the form of the various online services--and their monthly fees are the taxes. As they mature, these communicative governments will develop such things as better defense systems against the threats of cyberspace terrorism. Religion has been, is and it is safe to assume always will be, a major part of society. Televangelism's success leads us to the conclusion that the LifeNet will support religions of many sorts. It is not clear whether people will completely forego interpersonal religious contact as the LifeNet becomes pervasive. The darker side of religion and the LifeNet may the result of a large and potentially violent antitechnological cult movement that could arise. These cults would likely be something parallel to today's right-wing extremists and Muslim fundamentalists, but vastly more diverse and considerably more dangerous. It is frightening to contemplate the destructive ``holy wars'' that they could embark upon and the grave consequences for LifeNet residents Some people would have to remain physically active and strong, because of the nature of their labor. There will always be tools and equipment that will break down and will have to be repaired, and there will always be operations and experiments that must be carried out physically to know the outcome. Manufacturers, natural resource harvesters, and explorers of all sorts are likely to be visitors to the LifeNet, rather than residents. The field of manufacturing would be dramatically reduced in size, considering that large cut of the world's population would no longer need much in the way of cars, clothing, physical tools and countless other physical objects. Natural resource harvesters will work in every field from farming to mining. Harvesters will be supported of new technologies and these activities would also decrease for the same reasons as manufacturing would--the virtual elimination of every physical non-necessity. One of the few physical job categories that would likely grow is that of the explorers. An explorer is anyone from a cellular bio-chemist to an astronaut. This field is sure to expand in the years to come, as science expands and becomes more complex, and as space and deep-sea exploration become further reaching. Another small category of physical beings would work for various medical and life-support companies. They would have the lives of every individual in the cyberworld in their hands. They would be paid to keep the devices that nourish and climatically maintain all the people who chose to enter into the cyberlife. They would have the solemn but necessary responsibility of--after the allotted amount of time--turning off the machines. It is impossible to predict exactly what the technology will be in fifty years considering that when my Dad was fourteen there were no PCs, and when my Grandma was fourteen electricity was cutting-edge technology. But one thing is certain: There will be things that are wonderful, things that are beautiful, and some things that are deeply frightening that will all become realities in the next fifty years.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sorrow over the passing of Blanche Wolff, a friend, a constituent and the wife of our former colleague, Lester Wolff. Lester held the seat which I now represent for eight terms; over the years, I have come to know the family quite well. Beside him, always rendering counsel and advice was his helpmate of 58 years, Blanche, a compassionate able lady who was loved by constituents to whom she was always available. Theirs was a romance that began in elementary school and flourished through the years. Blanche was born in New York City, matriculated at Hunter College and graduated with an accounting degree in 1940. She was a selfeffaciing person who was comfortable with heads of state whom she met with Lester, and as well was always sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate than her. During World War II she volunteered for the security detail at the LaGuardia airport control tower. Never one to pursue her own place in the spotlight, she was the doting parent of Diane and Bruce and glorified in their careers as well as Lester's. Blanche held strong views in the area of human rights and she used for good purpose the influence that her position allowed. She was an active participant in ORT, Hadassah, Association to Help Retarded Children and the NAACP. She truly exemplified American womanhood: A modern woman who grew with the times, but one who never forgot her heritage or her principles. This land of ours is better for Blanche; its loss is even greater. I have lost a constituent. America has lost one of its great ladies.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful couple as they mark a milestone in their lives, 50 years of marriage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Julia and Buddy Farrell were married at the church they had both grown up attending, Nativity Church, on June 7, 1947. On this Saturday, April 12, over 125 of their friends and family will honor them at a surprise party to celebrate their anniversary. Before marrying Julia, Buddy proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Queens, NY, where they raised their five children, Terri, Joan, Kathy, John, and Timmy. In 1964, their niece, Noreen, from County Kerry, Ireland, joined their family here in America. Julia and Buddy were very active in St. Nicholas of Tolentine parish. Julia headed the ``milk mothers,'' organized the majorettes, helped with the sports association, and volunteered in the gym. Buddy, who worked as a police officer with the New York City Police Department, also was involved in the Holy Name Society and the homeless shelter. Julia and Buddy are known to everyone for their giving natures and always reaching out to help their friends and family. After working very hard and raising a wonderful family, they are living the good life in retirement in the condo in Leisure Village in Ridge, NY. Julia and Buddy are very proud of their children and adore their 12 grandchildren, Tricia, Maryellen, Danny, Kevin, John, Bridget, Casey, Erin, Matthew, Colin, Elizabeth, and Christopher, who range in age from 4 months to 25 years old. Julia and Buddy enjoy the company of many friends, playing golf, and swimming. In the winter, they go south to Florida, and in the summer, they spend time in Brant Lake, NY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today in honoring Julia and Buddy Farrell on 50 years of marriage, and in wishing them many more years of happiness together.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it seems inconceivable that convicted felons, including those who have committed violent crimes using guns, could get out of prison and could, under the law, buy guns yet again. I raise the question, who is being protected by this law, convicted felons, or law abiding citizens? Each year since fiscal year 1993 we in Congress have stopped funding this guns for convicted felons program. However, this is insufficient, because as the law is still on the books, even unfunded, felons can go to court and regain their firearm privileges. To stop this from happening, we should eliminate the guns for convicted felons program outright. Today, along with the gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella] and the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. McCarthy], I am introducing the Stop Arming Felons Act, or the SAFE Act. The Ackerman-Morella-McCarthy legislation will eliminate guns for convicted felons altogether. It sends a clear message that we should make it harder, not easier, for criminals to have access to weapons. The Stop Arming Felons Act is bipartisan and has 32 original cosponsors, and I urge all of my colleagues to act in the interest of this country and let us stop arming convicted felons.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents of the Fifth Congressional District in extending most welcome congratulations to the members of the National Institute for Electromedical Information [NIEI] in celebrating its 13th anniversary. Founded in 1984, by Stanley H. Kornhauser, Ph.D., the NIEI has diligently serviced the borough of Queens as an advocate and educator of electromedicine and has been most effective as a medium for the exchange of information on advances in new electrodiagnostic and electrotherapeutic devices in all areas of medicine. Since its founding, the NIEI has been an active source of informational distribution to the field of medicine and has emerged as a major facilitator in establishing training and seminar programs in electromedical education. Its impact has been guided and nurtured by the organization's advisory board. The board's strong interdisciplinary members have distinguished themselves in diverse fields of medical and scientific research significantly impacting on the field of health care. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise in recognizing the National Institute of Electromedical Information, its founder and president, Stanley H. Knornhauser, Ph.D., its advisory board and membership as leaders in enhancing the level of understanding and knowledge regarding electromedical education, electromedical technology development, and the effective use of electromedical technology throughout our Nation.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am calling to the attention of the Congress today legislation that I have introduced which would ensure that franchisees be guaranteed their fair and equitable rights for the franchises that they have developed through extraordinary work and sacrifice. Our main streets through out America are populated by a wide variety of franchises today. They are a significant component of businesses for working families and in middle-income communities. These businesses are also threatened due to the inequitable balance of power between the franchisee and franchisor. Franchisors should not be allowed to simply pull the rug out from under franchisees who have been working diligently and successfully in promoting the parent company's product. Some value must be assigned to the years of hard work, expertise, and equipment that has been invested in the franchise business. Current law, both at the State and Federal level, does not sufficiently address this problem. The current crisis facing the Canada Dry and Coors distributors in the New York metropolitan area is a very clear illustration of this problem and over 300 jobs could be lost for our region if the rights of franchisees are not protected. After building up distribution routes for Canada Dry and Coors over many years, and investing up to $250,000 per distribution route to buy the equity rights to their franchises, these distributors now face the termination of their livelihoods. The parent companies in New York have now taken the position that the distributors own nothing, despite their prior commitment to the distributors that they had equity ownership. The distributors deserve much of the credit for making these routes more profitable. This legislation would make it unlawful for franchise companies to sell franchises and distributorships, and then take back those franchises without fair compensation. Franchises employ more than 8 million people nationwide, and account for more than 35 percent of U.S. retail sales. Current trends suggest this explosion will continue, providing a certain urgency to our cause to correct inequities and unfair trade practices sooner, rather than later. Many issues deserve exploration such as proper disclosure by franchisors and parent companies. Our basic goal, however, should be to prevent unfair practices that do not properly recognize or compensate for the equity ownership rights that many franchisees and distributors have in their franchises, and ultimately devalue franchising as a successful way of conducting business.

Mr. ACKERMAN

Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents of the Fifth Congressional District in extending a most welcome congratulations to the members of the National Institute for Electromedical Education [NIEE] in celebrating its 13th anniversary. Founded in 1984, by Stanley H. Kornhauser, Ph.D., the NIEE has diligently serviced the Borough of Queens as an advocate and educator of electromedicine and has been most effective as a medium for the exchange of information on advances in new diagnostic and therapeutic devices in all areas of medicine. Since its founding, the NIEE has been an active source of informational distribution to the field of medicine and has emerged as a major facilitator in establishing training and seminar programs in electromedical education. Its impact has been guided and nurtured by the organization's advisory board. The board's strong interdisciplinary members have distinguished themselves in diverse fields of medical and scientific research significantly impacting on the field of health care. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise in recognizing the National Institute of Electromedical Education, its founder, Stanley H. Kornhauser, Ph.D., its advisory board and membership as leaders in enhancing the level of understanding and knowledge regarding electromedical education, electromedical technology development, and the effective use of electromedical technology throughout our Nation.