Doug Bereuter

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 501 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support for the conference report to H.R. 2506, the Foreign Operations appropriations bill. This Member would particularly like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the Chairman of Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, for his efforts in bringing this conference report to the House Floor. Additionally, this Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, for his continued leadership. This Member would like to focus on three following parts of this conference report to H.R. 2506: the 150 International Affairs Budget, the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). First, the conference report to H.R. 2506 includes appropriations for the 150 International Affairs budget. Through the 150 International Affairs budget, the U.S. funds its programs which are critical to protecting U.S. security, economic, and diplomatic interests overseas. Indeed, these programs, which include U.S. humanitarian assistance programs; foreign economic and military assistance; public diplomacy efforts; and export promotion programs, are the tools which American diplomats, aid workers, and businesses use to promote the American story of freedom, democracy, and free markets. Without these tools, other countries and regimes have a greater opportunity to define in an unfavorable light what America stands for and to promote causes which are in direct opposition to U.S. national interests. Mr. Speaker, this Member joined his colleague, the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), and 61 other distinguished Members of this Body from both sides of the aisle in sending to the President a letter which expresses support for an increase in the fiscal year 2003 150 International Affairs budget. Currently, funding for the 150 International Affairs budget comprises less than 1 percent of the overall Federal budget, and these funds will play a very crucial role in the war on terrorism. Indeed, increasing the 150 International Affairs Budget will provide the Administration more flexibility to wage the diplomatic component of the war on terrorism. Second, this Member supports the $727 million appropriation for the program budget of the Ex-Im Bank and the $63 million appropriation for its administrative budget. The Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. Government agency which provides direct loans to buyers of U.S. exports, guarantees to commercial loans to buyers of U.S. products, and insurance products which greatly benefit short-term small business sales. To illustrate the importance of the Ex-Im Bank, in FY 2000, it supported over $15 billion worth of exports through loans, guarantees, and insurance for American businesses, both small and large. As the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, this Member takes a particular interest in the appropriation for the Ex-Im Bank since he has introduced legislation (H.R. 2871) which would reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank for four years, until September 30, 2005. This legislation, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2001, passed the House Financial Services Committee on October 31, 2001. This Member is awaiting this legislation to be taken up on the House Floor. It should be noted that, at the request of certain U.S. Senators, the conference report includes an extension to March 31, 2001, for the authorization of the Ex-Im Bank. With respect to the program budget, the conference report provides funding for Ex-Im Bank's loans, guarantees, and insurance products. In the administration's budget for fiscal year 2002, it reduced the program budget of the Ex-Im Bank to $633 million. The fiscal year 2001 level for the program budget was $865 million. This conference report restores some of the funding for the program budget by appropriating $727 million for fiscal 2002. It is important to note that under the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2001, the program budget is effectively authorized for such sums as are appropriated through fiscal year 2005. With regard to the administrative budget for the Ex-Im Bank, this conference report appropriates $63 million. This is an increase by $1 million over the $62 million level for the administrative budget for fiscal year 2002. Funding for the administrative budget is essential as the Ex-Im Bank is in a desperate need of a technology upgrade which would particularly benefit small business users of the Ex-Im Bank. To illustrate this importance, this Member's legislation, H.R. 2871, authorizes $80 million for the administrative budget, which includes funding for information technology for fiscal year 2002, and indexes this authorization level for inflation for fiscal year 2003 through fiscal year 2005. This Member would also like to note that this conference report contains an authorization of $30 million to IFAD. IFAD provides loans and grants for agricultural and rural projects for the world's poor who live in such rural areas. Almost 75 percent of the world's 1.2 billion poorest people live in rural areas. Furthermore, approximately two- thirds of IFAD loans are concessional. This authorization of $30 million for the Fifth Replenishment for IFAD is identical to the Administration's request. As the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, which has authorization responsibilities over the regional multilateral development banks including IFAD, this Member introduced H.R. 2604. This legislation reauthorizes the U.S. commitment to the Asian Development Fund and IFAD and sets forth additional policies regarding the other regional multilateral development institutions. This legislation, H.R. 2604, particularly addresses the subjects of HIV/AIDS, user fees, and transparency as it relates to the different regional multilateral development institutions. This legislation, H.R. 2604, passed the House Financial Services Committee by a voice vote on October 31, 2001. This Member is awaiting this legislation to be taken up on the House Floor. It is important to note this conference report does not authorize the Asian Development Fund. The Administration had requested an authorization for a four year $412 million U.S. contribution to the Seventh replenishment of the Asian Development Fund. Since this authorization is not in the conference report of H.R. 2506, it is imperative that the House Floor take up this Member's legislation, H.R. 2604, in the immediate future since it contains the authorization for the Asian Development Fund. In conclusion, for the above reasons and many others, this Member urges his colleagues to support the conference report to H.R. 2506, the Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member wishes to add his strong support of the conference report for H.R. 3061, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2002. This Member would like to commend the distinguished gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula], the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey], the ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, for bringing this important legislation to the House Floor today. This Member is particularly pleased that this appropriations conference report includes $800,000 for the University of Nebraska- Lincoln to expand software education and training programs, as well as curriculum development. This funding, which was requested by this Member, is to be used to assist the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's unique honors program, called the Great Plains Software technology program. The program integrates computer science and business curriculums to educate students in technologies that are becoming the building blocks for the new economy. This funding will be used for further development of this curriculum and will allow the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to serve additional students and provide them with challenging internships. By participating in the Honors Program, students will be prepared with the knowledge needed in the information technology arena so they can start their own companies or help expand existing businesses, thereby creating new jobs and opportunities in Nebraska. This Member is also pleased that the conference report provides $1.5 million for the Close Up Foundation. It is this Member's opinion that the Close Up Foundation is the best citizen education program that brings citizens of any age to Washington, D.C., to study our governmental system. It is a highly successful program that each year provides thousands of high school students with an extraordinary opportunity to learn how our government works. The funding, which was requested by this and other Members, will assist low-income students who want to attend the Close Up program. This Member is also pleased that the conference report includes language, which this Member requested, expressing concern about the Administration's plans to abolish the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth and reassign these functions to the HIV/AIDS Bureau. This Member is pleased that the conferees have provided sufficient funds to continue the operations of this office as a component of the Office of the Administrator. The Administration's decision to make such an organizational change came as a complete surprise to this Member, as he was given prior assurances of OAT's success as a leader in advancing higher quality health care for Americans living in rural and non-metropolitan parts of our country. This Member was concerned about this move for several reasons. Despite any assurances that might be offered to the contrary, the abolition of the OAT and the placement of its function in the HIV/AIDS Bureau would likely divert the focus of the Office's efforts and program and staff resources away from using telehealth to provide better access to rural and underserved populations. The Office currently manages over 80 grants in 40 states and has improved the lives of over 100,000 individuals over the past year. Many of these grants have been highlighted by Members of Congress as being of significant importance to residents of their home districts. These grants were authorized by Congress to meet the unique needs of rural and underserved populations. The needs and requirements of expanding medical access to rural and underserved urban communities using telemedicine are quite different from the programmatic efforts of the HIV/AIDS Bureau. Through the Office's efforts to foster communication and coordination among programs that are involved in telehealth activities, OAT has served as a critical focal point for such activities within the Federal Government. For example, its efforts to create and manage the Joint Working Group on Telemedicine have focused on improving the effectiveness of over 15 different Federal grant programs through education about new initiatives and participation in joint activities that reduce duplication of efforts. We are concerned that this reorganization will eliminate this function and bring about greater inefficiency and confusion among Federal programs. The Office currently serves as a model for the cost-effective expansion in delivering medical care through its grant program. For example, during a recent period (1999 to 2000) the program's grantees increased patient encounters by over 83 percent while its budget increased by only 56 percent. In addition, Federal dollars used by OAT grantees are used to leverage other funds, further expanding access to care while saving costs to the Federal Government. Finally, following the horrific events of September 11, 2001, it is ever more important that we have a powerful OAT that can assist rural and underserved communities with the development of telehealth programs. The large Federal investment already made in establishing a network of programs providing telemedicine services can be used to educate rural medical professionals on how to diagnose, report, and respond to effects of terrorism. This education is critical since high mortality rates could occur if diseases resulting from the release of biowarfare agents and other terrorist actions are not recognized and treated properly in their early stages. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, this Member supports the conference report for H.R. 3061 and urges his colleagues to approve it.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member wishes to add his support for the H.R. 1 conference report, and his appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner], the Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, and the distinguished gentleman from California [Mr. Miller], the ranking member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, for bringing this important legislation to the House Floor today. This is the most important action we have taken regarding elementary and secondary education since this Member first came to Congress. The H.R. 1 conference report, makes states that use Federal dollars accountable for improving student achievement, grants unprecedented new flexibility to local school districts, empowers parents and provides an escape route for children trapped in failing schools. The No Child Left Behind Act enhances flexibility for local school districts by allowing them to transfer up to 50 percent of their Federal education dollars among an assortment of ESEA programs as long as they demonstrate results. In addition, the H.R. 1 conference report consolidates a host of duplicative programs to ensure that state and local officials can meet the unique needs of students. The legislation also gives low-performing schools the chance to improve by offering necessary financial and other technical assistance. In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act provides a ``safety value'' for children trapped in failing schools. The conference report provides that if a school fails to make adequate yearly progress for two consecutive years, then a district would have to offer to the student in that school the opportunity to transfer to another public school. The legislation also allows children in failing schools to obtain supplemental education services, such as tutoring. Furthermore, the conference report for H.R. 1 continues and updates the authorization for the National Writing Project. The legislation supports the Center for Civic Education and its education program that encourages instruction on the principles of our constitutional democracy, the history of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The measure also supports annual competitions of stimulated congressional hearings for secondary school students. This Member is pleased that the conference report also includes reauthorization of the Close Up Program. When the House initially considered H.R. 1, this Member voted against an amendment that required states to annually test students in grades 3-8 in reading and math. This Member believes that the Federal Government's role in education should be to support proven state and local reform efforts rather than to create additional requirements for out local schools. By mandating new testing requirements on every child, every year from grades 3-8, as is provided in the H.R. 1 conference report, this measure will take teachers and students out of class, take dollars out of state and local education budgets, and undermine successful reform efforts already underway in Nebraska. This Member is also very concerned that this provision will force teachers to ``teach-for-the-test.'' Although the conference report continues the House decision to allow states to design and select their own test, this Member continues to have these same concerns. Mr. Speaker, this Member is also very concerned that the H.R. 1 conference report does not include a provision that would create mandatory full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Only July 19, 2001, this Member sent a joint letter to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner], along with several other Members of Congress, requesting that Mr. Boehner work with the other House and Senate conferees on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to improve the current ESEA reauthorization bill by including a mandatory IDEA full funding measure in the conference report. It is very unfortunate that such language was not included in the agreement. Currently, the Federal Government is funding an average of 12.6 percent of the per pupil expenditure for children with disabilities. The other 27.4 percent of this unfilled congressional promise is a burden for state and local governments as they are forced into providing these funds. This Member has said, for many years now, that the one significant way that Congress could possibly help decrease property taxes for Nebraskans is to keep the congressional promise to provide 40 percent of the costs of special education, as this would enable a local school board to either lower property taxes or use such funding for other priority school needs as determined by the local school board. Therefore, this Member strongly urges this body to revisit this issue immediately in the upcoming Second Session of the current 107th Congress. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this Member asks his colleagues to support the H.R. 1 conference report.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, This Member would like to congratulate Nebraska Cornhusker quarterback Eric Crouch for winning the Heisman Trophy. Throughout his career, and especially this year, Crouch proved that he deserves this recognition as the nation's top college football player. The numbers are indeed impressive. In 2001, Crouch became just the 13th Division I-A quarterback to rush and pass for more than 1,000 yards in the same season. He also ran for 18 touchdowns, passed for seven more, and even caught a touchdown pass while leading the Huskers to an 11-1 record and a trip to the Rose Bowl for the national championship. During his career, Crouch scored 59 rushing touchdowns, more than any other Division 1-A quarterback in history. As impressive as the statistics are, however, they only tell part of the story. Crouch is a true leader and a winner both on and off the field. Despite playing through pain much of his career, Crouch never missed a snap in his final three seasons due to injury. Crouch, a native Nebraskan, has set a powerful example through his hard work and steadfast determination to overcome obstacles. He has matched a fierce will to win with humility and strong character. In addition to winning the Heisman Trophy, Crouch was also recently named the winner of the Walter Camp Award, given to the collegiate player of the year, and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, given to the nation's top college quarterback. This Member joins all Nebraskans and football fans across the nation in congratulating Eric Crouch on his success and the prestigious awards he has won.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 3030, the Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2001. This Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Latham) for introducing the measure and the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for his efforts in bringing this measure to the Floor. Additionally, this Member would note that he agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 3030 but was unable to do so under House Rules as the bill had been reported out of the Committee very expeditiously. Under H.R. 3030, the Basic Pilot Program, which is an employment verification program, would be extended through 2003, as the original authorization expired on November 30, 2001. Mr. Speaker, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 correctly prohibited employers from knowingly hiring illegal aliens or people with non-immigrant visas. Unfortunately, at that time, Congress did not give employers the corresponding tools with which to comply with this Act. For example, due to concerns regarding discrimination, employers are limited in the questions they may ask of potential employees to verify if those individuals are authorized to work in the U.S. If the employment verification documents that potential employees produce appear to be legitimate, then employers must accept the documents as legitimate without further inquiry of the potential employee. During Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) enforcement raids, certain employers were found to have hired large numbers of illegal aliens, either knowingly or unintentionally, and subsequently they were subject to penalties. As technology has progressed to allow for the cheap and quick production of legitimate-looking fraudulent documents, the inability of employers to distinguish between valid documents and fraudulent documents has significantly increased. It became clear that businesses dedicated to complying with the IRCA needed new tools to assist with the endeavor. When the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996 was enacted, it authorized the creation of three employment verification tools, including the Basic Pilot Program. Initially, employers in California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Florida, New York, and Iowa could voluntarily use the Basic Pilot Program to compare the information received from potential employees with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) databases to determine if potential employees could be employed legally in the U.S. Mr. Speaker, throughout the 1990's, many legal immigrants and illegal aliens moved to Nebraska seeking jobs in the meatpacking industry. Subsequently, this Member began to receive contacts from businesses in his district concerned about their capacity to comply with the IRCA. Therefore, on November 30, 1999, this Member joined his House and Senate colleagues in the Nebraska Congressional Delegation in a letter to then-INS Commissioner Doris Meissner requesting the extension of the Basic Pilot Program to Nebraska. This Member continues to firmly believe that providing Nebraska businesses with the tools to hire a legal workforce is an important component in maintaining a stable economy in the State and in meeting needs to effectively enforce immigration laws in this country's interior. On March 19, 1999, the U.S. Department of Justice granted Nebraska businesses access to the Basic Pilot Program. Currently, about eight Nebraska businesses actively utilize the program. Mr. Speaker, for Congress to allow the Basic Pilot Program to lapse following the horrific and unspeakable terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, would demonstrate true negligence. More than ever, the U.S. must fully enforce its immigration laws to protect its citizens from future attacks. In its capacity to identify document fraud and illegal aliens, the Basic Pilot Program can indeed play a role in the fight against terrorism. In conclusion, this Member encourages his colleagues to vote for H.R. 3030.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, this Member congratulates and commends the exemplary bipartisan effort of the chairman, the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), and his counterpart in the other body, the distinguished senior Senator from Florida, Senator Graham. I also want to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), for continuing to give us the leadership for a bipartisan conference report. I rise, of course, in strong support of the conference report. Under the leadership of the people I have just mentioned, the legislative branch continues to move rapidly to address a number of long-standing deficiencies in our intelligence collection and analysis programs. The chairman's comments about the high quality work and dedication of the committee's first-rate staff are exactly on the mark, and I express my personal appreciation for their expertise, dedication, and hard work throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the Select Permanent Committee on Intelligence has not suddenly awakened to the very real funding deficiencies and program matter inadequacies of the intelligence agencies. For years, the intelligence committee has worked to reorient and enhance the effectiveness of the intelligence community and, of course, that has not received much public attention. But now, more than ever before, the American people understand through tragedy that our intelligence and counterterrorism programs are extremely important. As the distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss) has frequently noted, ``The message is not new; the audience for the message is now new.'' I want to express my appreciation for the fact that he has gone back a few minutes ago to previous Congresses, back at least to the 104th Congress, to give some indication that the committee for some period of time has recognized and tried to address these transnational problems that are relatively new in the national focus. Responsibly addressing the Nation's intelligence requirements now clearly has become a recognized national priority across the country in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack. One result is a natural tendency to seek a simple solution, a quick fix. Certainly the conference report provides much-needed additional funds to improve our intelligence capabilities and to wage the war against terrorism, but at a more fundamental level, H.R. 2883 continues to aim even more aggressively to respond to serious underlying policy inadequacies and structural problems. I know all members of the committee would agree our work is not done, that we are looking forward to taking on this task during the next year. In some cases, these are problems that have been years in the making and will take a number of years to reverse. For example, the conference report continues support for additional capacity in human intelligence collection. Human intelligence, or HUMINT, is the placement of highly- trained, language-capable officers in positions where they can acquire information vital to our national interests. Our HUMINT capacity was substantially downgraded in the years following the end of the Cold War. Also, our human intelligence collection efforts was understandably directed during the Cold War period at collection of the Soviet Union and its client states. Not in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and especially not in the problems of transnational terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The conference report continues this body's efforts at addressing these deficiencies and the new priorities. Addressing another reason for the HUMINT inadequacies, this Member is particularly gratified that the conferees agreed to reverse the 1995 limitations on asset recruitment, and I especially appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for the committee in working with me, and the chairman. These restrictions, called ``the Deutsch guidelines,'' were promulgated as a means to limit our association with unsavory individuals, with human rights or other criminal problems. While the concerns underlying these guidelines were understandable, resulting from revelations about the problems of the 1970s and early 1980s, the reality is that the Deutsch guidelines have had a chilling effect on the recruitment of people who can actually and efficiently penetrate the inner circles of terrorist networks and narcotics rings. The recruitment of assets with unique knowledge or access to these terrorists and drug cartels is the key to successful HUMINT against these targets. The regrettable, real-world reality is that especially in the crucial battle against terrorism, we must allow our foreign officers to recruit assets that sometimes are rather unsavory characters. To win the war on terrorism, we have to end the cycle of risk aversion by our intelligence operatives and their superiors in headquarters. Recruiting Boy Scouts will not give us the penetration and intelligence we need. In many cases, there will be difficult decisions to make, but the U.S. has professionals in the intelligence and law enforcement fields who can and must make those decisions. This conference report makes clear that our foreign intelligence personnel must recruit as agents those who possess the detailed and timely information which the United States needs to defend its people and its interests. Admittedly, there are risks with such recruited agents, but if the risks are realistically weighed against the benefits, the enhanced chances of operational success, this body must not rashly second-guess those decisions or fail to replace the Deutsch guidelines where they are detrimental to effective intelligence-gathering. Mr. Speaker, this Member urges adoption of the conference report on the intelligence authorization for fiscal year 2002.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), who is the sponsor of this legislation; and he has been the leading force in the House participation in the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. Con. Res. 58. The distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton) has explained the purpose of this legislation, and I want to commend him not only for the legislation but, as I mentioned earlier, for his leadership for the U.S. House of Representatives in our participation in the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum. He, along with the former distinguished senior Senator from Delaware, William Roth, provided that initial leadership and continue today through the work of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton). And, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) has also been a very important participant, as have Senator Akaka and others. It was my pleasure to participate in the meeting in Seoul. This forum, which is really the creation in some ways of the former Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan, has provided an important opportunity for the parliamentarians of the Asia Pacific region to address a whole range of important National mutual interests and concerns. To some extent it also has served as a legislative arm for APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation organization, since the forum's inception almost a decade ago. The fact is that its 10th annual meeting will take place at the East- West Center, as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned. The East-West Center is a distinguished research and academic institution that is our creation here in the Congress. A meeting of the forum on U.S. soil for its first time is an honor not only for the State of Hawaii, but for the United States. The parliamentary cooperation and consultation with key Pacific and Asian countries, has become more critical today as a result of the tragic events of September 11th. I urge Madam Speaker, all Members to express their unqualified support for this resolution, and I encourage interested Members to participate in the upcoming meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary tours at upcoming meeting of the Asia Pacific Parlimentary Tours at the East-West Center. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 58) expressing support for the tenth annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the Senate concurrent resolution under consideration.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 2121, the Russian Democracy Act of 2001. As a co-sponsor of this measure this Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for an outstanding effort in crafting this legislation. In addition, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations for his crucial attendance in bringing this legislation to the floor. Madam Speaker, the key to building Democratic institutions that include an independent media, a fair judicial system, and an active civil society is to establish community, a community, a body politic which demands those institutions. Building that demand for democracy begins with laying a foundation at the local and regional level. Unfortunately, the United States has, I think, for too long, focussed disproportionately its reform assistance for Russia on funding for democracy building efforts at the national level. However, this legislation correctly seeks to direct a much greater share of U.S. assistance toward the local and regional levels. At those critical grassroots levels, the U.S. can be most effective, I think, for the longer-term growth of democracy and reform in Russia. This bill ensures that American assistance will continue to be available to help strengthen democracy in the Russian federation. Seemingly a routine measure perhaps on first glance, we should pause for a moment and note what this bill represents. The mere fact that we can speak of democracy in Russia as an emerging but actual reality in the present tense and not as some dim prospect in the hazy future, is one of the many wonders of the past decade that have grown familiar and that are now taken largely for granted. Its existence, however, is a testament to the deep commitment to the fundamental values shared by peoples all over the world, the United States and the west as a whole, a tremendous debt to all the men and women of Russia who have struggled to establish and defend a democracy in their country, and thereby create a new era of freedom after a thousand years of autocratic rule. The benefits of that freedom, of course, are most directly felt by Russia's own citizens. But the West has benefited enormously as well. A half century of effort by the United States and its allies to contain and undermine Soviet imperialism enjoyed many successes, but it was only with the advent of the early stages of democracy in Russia that the Soviet empire finally crumbled. The creation of a democracy in Russia must be counted as one of the great achievements of the past century. Yet for all of its accomplishments, that democracy is not yet firmly established. The civil society on which all democracies ultimately rest remains weak in Russia. Much of the legacy inherited from Russia's authoritarian past is still to be overcome. The institutions of democracy are largely untested. The habits of freedom have not yet become universal. Given these and other concerns, the Russian government's current campaign against independent voices in the media is a most worrisome one. Why is this our concern? Because the strengthening of Russia's democracy and the advancing of Russia's integration into the West are unquestionably in the long-term strategic interest of the United States. These advances are necessary if we are to make permanent the gains we have derived from the liberation of Europe, a commitment that stretches unbroken for half a century, from the landings on Normandy beaches to the final dissolution of the Soviet empire. To this, an even broader motivation can be added. By helping other peoples share the benefits of liberty, we demonstrate a continued commitment to the universal principles on which our country was founded and the promises these represent to all who have endured oppression. Thus, our own interests and our hopes for the world together argue that we should provide direct and ongoing assistance to securing democracy in Russia. The bill before us represents an important part of that effort. It focuses our attention and assistance on many of the prerequisites of a free and prosperous society, including the creation of a resilient civil society, the strengthening of an independent press, and the establishment of the rule of law. Yet even as we assist Russia's democrats in their unfinished tasks, we must recognize that the building of a free society in that country can only be accomplished by the Russian people themselves. We cannot do it for them, nor do we need to. Although there are many in this country and elsewhere who would despair of the fate of democracy in Russia, I am not among them. Its course may occasionally surprise and concern us, but the ultimate destination aimed at by Russia's democrats should not be in doubt. The depth of their commitment to freedom has been demonstrated by the enormous obstacles they have already overcome. Freedom was not handed to the Russian people. They freed themselves. Lacking a direct experience of liberty in their past, they nonetheless have continued to lay the foundation to secure it for themselves and for their countrymen, even as they have encountered the inevitable setbacks and disappointments. It is for these reasons that their effort to strengthen democracy in their country deserve our assistance and respect. And it is my hope that Russia's assumption of its rightful place among the free nations of the world shall prove to be a permanent one. Madam Speaker, I urge strong support for the legislation, and I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for his creative and timely action in presenting this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2121) to make available funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to expand democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption programs in the Russian Federation in order to promote and strengthen democratic government and civil society in that country and to support independent media, as amended.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the vice chairman of the committee.

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H.R. 38, a bill this Member re-introduced on January 3, 2001, as during the prior 106th Congress, this Member introduced the same legislation. This Member would like to begin by thanking the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), the Chairman of the National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Subcommittee, and the distinguished gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), the ranking Member of the Subcommittee, for their work in bringing this bill to the Floor. This Member would also like to express his appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the Chairman of the Resources Committee, and the distinguished gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for their efforts to move this legislation forward. This legislation, the Homestead National Monument of America Additions Act, is a straightforward bill. It is also noncontroversial. The bill would simply adjust the boundaries of Homestead National Monument of America and allow a small amount of additional land to be included within its boundaries. It is also important to note that the funding necessary to implement this bill was appropriated last fiscal year. The legislation being considered today reflects the recommendations in the recently completed General Management Plan (GMP) calling for a minor boundary expansion for Homestead National Monument. Unfortunately, the current visitor center is located in a 100-year flood plain. The acquisition of land outside the existing boundaries as recommended in the GMP would allow a new ``Homestead Heritage Center'' to be constructed outside the floodplain. This location would offer greater protection to the Monument's collections, interpretive exhibits, public research facilities, and administrative offices. As the bill makes clear, the land for the Heritage Center would be acquired on a willing-seller basis It is this Member's understanding that all of the individuals who would be involved in the boundary adjustment have expressed a willingness to sell for a negotiated price. Homestead National Monument of America commemorates the lives and accomplishments of all pioneers and the changes to the land an the people as a result of the Homestead Act of 1862, which is recognized as one of the most important laws in U.S. history. This Monument was authorized by legislation enacted in 1936. The FY96 Interior Appropriations Act directed the National Park Service to complete a General Management Plan to begin planning for improvements at Homestead. The General Management Plan, which was completed last year, made recommendations for improvements that are needed to help ensure that Homestead is able to reach its full potential as a place where Americans can more effectively appreciate the Homestead Act and its effects upon the nation. Homestead National Monument of America is truly a unique treasure among the National Park Service jewels. The authorizing legislation makes it clear that Homestead was intended to have a special place among Park Service units. According to the original legislation: It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Interior to lay out said land in a suitable and enduring manner so that the same may be maintained as an appropriate monument to retain for posterity a proper memorial emblematic of the hardships and the pioneer life through which the early settlers passed in the settlement, cultivation, and civilization of the great West. It shall be his duty to erect suitable buildings to be used as a museum in which shall be preserved literature applying to such settlement and agricultural implements used in bringing the western plains to its present state of high civilization, and to use the said tract of land for such other objects and purposes as in his judgment may perpetuate the history of this country mainly developed by the homestead law. Clearly, this authorizing legislation sets some lofty goals. This Member believes that H.R. 38 would help the Monument achieve the potential which was first described in its authorizing legislation. This Member urges his colleagues to support H.R. 38.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding me time. I want to thank him also for his leadership in introducing this legislation and for the effort to move it to the House floor so expeditiously. Also I would like to thank the distinguished ranking member of the House Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), among others mentioned by the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), for their very positive efforts regarding H.R. 2069. I am pleased to be a member of the Committee on International Relations, but today I speak primarily as a chairman of a subcommittee of the Committee on Financial Services, the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade. It is in that respect that I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and others, for working with the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) and this Member by incorporating into H.R. 2069 language suggested by us to recognize the World Bank's fiduciary role for the Global Health Fund on HIV-AIDS. The statistics on HIV-AIDS are staggering, as we heard a few minutes ago. According to the joint United Nations Programme on HIV-AIDS, as of December 2001, an estimated 40 million people worldwide live with HIV- AIDS, which includes an estimated 28.1 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, in the year 2001 alone, there were an estimated 5 million new HIV-AIDS infections worldwide, with 3.4 million of these cases being in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to Africa, HIV infection rates are also rising dramatically in India and the other South Asian countries, as well as Russia, the Eastern European countries, Brazil and the Caribbean countries. As the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, this Member conducted a hearing on May 15, 2001, which focused on the activities in Africa of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and African Development Fund, including their efforts to combat HIV-AIDS. As a result of this hearing, which included testimony from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV-AIDS, this Member introduced H.R. 2209. This legislation increases the authorization for the multilateral world AIDS trust for FY 2002 from $150 million to $200 million. The World Bank AIDS Trust Fund was established with American support through what became Public Law 106-264, primarily authored by the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach). This law directed the United States Government to seek to negotiate the creation of an international HIV-AIDS trust fund which would be established within the World Bank. The Global Access to HIV-AIDS Prevention, Awareness, Treatment, and Education Act of 2001, this bill, provides both multilateral and bilateral authorization funding to help prevent, treat and monitor HIV- AIDS. This dual approach is very important as the United States combats the global plague of HIV-AIDS with our neighbors and outer countries throughout the world. This Member would like to particularly emphasize the $750 million multilateral authorization for FY 2002 to the Global Health Fund to combat HIV-AIDS. This legislation, H.R. 2069, states that this Global Health Fund is consistent with the global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000, which established the U.S. negotiations for the World Bank AIDS Trust Fund. The World Bank has the most extensive global infrastructure to provide the multilateral assistance needed to help prevent, treat and monitor HIV-AIDS. This Member fully supports the Bush administration's position to abdicate a fiduciary role for the World Bank in this Global Health Fund to fight HIV-AIDS. It should be noted that the Transitional Working Group, a multilateral institution for this Global Health Fund, has recently invited the World Bank to play that fiduciary role as a trustee for the fund. I urge support of this legislation. I think the two committees worked well together to merge the two bills together.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his very strong support for H.R. 3005, the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001. This Member would like to thank the distinguished Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee from California (Mr. Thomas) for both introducing this legislation and for his efforts in moving this legislation forward to today's House Floor debate. Additional appreciation is expressed to the distinguished Chairman of the House Rules Committee from California (Mr. Dreier) for his efforts in expediting the consideration of this legislation. Under the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001, Congress would agree to vote ``yeas'' or ``no'' on any trade agreement in its entirety, without amendments. This Member in the past has always supported Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or ``Fast-Track Authority'' as it was previously called, because this Member is fully convinced it is required for the President, acting through the United States Trade Representative, to conclude trade agreements with foreign nations. Certainly, TPA is necessary to give our trading partners confidence that the agreements which the U.S. negotiates will not be changed by Congress. Without the enactment of TPA, the United States will continue to fall further behind in expanding its export base and that will cost America thousands of potential jobs. Granting TPA to the President is absolutely essential for America to reach towards its export potential. TPA will enhance Nebraska's agricultural exports. According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nebraska ranked fourth among all states with agricultural exports of $3.1 billion in 2000. These exports represented about 35 percent of the state's total farm income of $8.9 billion in 2000. In addition to increasing farm prices and income, agricultural exports support about 44,800 jobs both on and off the farm. The top three agricultural exports in 2000 were live animals and red meats ($1 billion), feed grains and products ($769 million) and soybeans and products ($454 million). However, Nebraska agricultural exports still encounter high tariff and a whole range of significant nontariff barriers worldwide. At the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial in Doha, Qatar, trade ministers representing over 140 countries agreed to a Declaration which launched a comprehensive multilateral trade negotiation that covered a variety of areas including agriculture. The trade objectives in this Declaration called for a reduction of foreign agriculture export subsidies, as well as improvements in agriculture market access. In order to help meet these trade negotiation objectives, TPA would give the President through the United States Trade Representative the authority to conclude trade agreements which are in the best interest of American farmers and ranchers. This legislation is very important for Nebraska because our states economy is very export-dependent. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, Nebraska has export sales of $1,835 for every state resident. Moreover, 1,367 companies, including 998 small and medium-sized businesses with under 500 employees, exported from Nebraska in 1998. Therefore, TPA is critical to help remove existing trade barriers to exports of Nebraska goods and services. To illustrate the urgency for TPA, it must be noted that the U.S. is only party to free trade agreements with Mexico and Canada through NAFTA and with Israel and Jordan. However, Europe currently has entered 27 free trade agreements and it is currently negotiating 15 more such agreements. In addition, there are currently over 130 preferential trade agreements in the world today. Without TPA, many American exporters will continue to lose important sales to countries which have implemented preferential trade agreements. For example, many American exporters are currently losing export sales to Chile because Canadian exporters face lower tariffs there under a Canada-Chile trade agreement. This Member would like to focus on the following five subjects are they relate to the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001: financial services; labor and the environment; congressional consultation; the constitutionality of TPA; and the foreign policy and national security implications of TPA. First, as the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, this Member has focused on the importance of financial services trade, which includes banking, insurance, and securities. This Subcommittee was told in a June 2001 hearing that U.S. trade in financial services equaled $20.5 billion in 2000. This is a 26.7 percent increase from the U.S.'s 1999 financial services trade data. Unlike the current overall U.S. trade deficit, U.S. financial services trade had a positive balance of $8.8 billion in 2000. The numbers for U.S. financial services trade have the potential to significantly increase if TPA is enacted into law. The U.S. is the preeminent world leader in financial services. TPA would further empower the United States Trade Representative to negotiate with foreign nations to open these insurance, banking, and securities markets and to expand access to these diverse financial service products. Certainly, TPA would particularly benefit U.S. financial services trade as it relates to the Free Trade Area of the Americas since many of the involved countries are emerging markets where there will be an increasing demand for sophisticated financial services. Furthermore, TPA would also benefit financial services trade as it is part of the larger framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). In 2000, GATS members began a new round of service negotiations. Second, the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001 includes important labor and environmental provisions. For example, among other provisions, TPA adds a principal U.S. negotiating objective to ensure that a party to a trade agreement does not fail to effectively enforce its own labor or environmental laws. This type of provision was also included in the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement which was signed into law on September 28, 2001 (Public Law No. 107-43). Third, it is important to note that this legislation has strong congressional consultation provisions for before, during, and after the negotiations of trade agreements. For example, the President is required, before initiating negotiations, to provide written notice and to consult with the relevant House and Senate committees of jurisdiction and a Congressional Oversight Group at least 90 calendar days prior to entering into trade negotiations. This Congressional Oversight Group, who would be accredited as official advisers to the United States Trade Representative, would provide advice regarding formulation of specific objectives, negotiating strategies and positions, and development of the trade agreement. In addition, TPA would not apply to an agreement if both Houses separately agree to a procedural disapproval resolution within any 60-day period stating that the Administration has failed to consult Congress. Fourth, enactment of TPA is required to secure a constitutionally sound basis for American trade policy in the globalized economic environment focusing our country today. Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the President is given the authority to negotiate treaties and international agreements. However, under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is given the power to regulate foreign commerce. In this TPA legislation, any trade agreement still has to be approved by Congress by a ``yes'' or ``no'' vote, without any amendments, by both the House and the Senate before it can be signed into law. As a result, TPA does not impinge upon the exclusive power of Congress to regulate foreign commerce. Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution does not ban the adoption of a Senate or House rule which prohibits amendments from being offered to a bill during Floor consideration. In fact, the House considers bills almost every legislative week which cannot be amended on the Suspension Calendar. Fifth, extending TPA to the President has critical national security implications. Indeed, the terrorist attacks of September 11th highlight the extend to which American security is placed at risk when the U.S. fails to remain engaged in areas around the world. Many countries of Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa have fragile democratic institutions and market economies. They remain in peril of falling into the hands of unfriendly regimes unless the U.S. helps to develop the kind of economic stability underpinning democratic societies that enhanced trading opportunities can provide. In conclusion, for the above stated reasons and many others, this Member strongly supports TPA because it is absolutely critically important to the health and the future growth of the U.S. economy. Therefore, this Member very strongly urges his colleagues to support H.R. 3005. This is probably the most important vote of the 107th Congress.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member commends to his colleagues the following opinion piece written by Mr. Bryce Neidig, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, which appeared in the November 27, 2001, York News-Times. Mr. Neidig makes a convincing case for passing legislation which would implement a national energy policy. As Mr. Neidig stresses, farmers are heavily reliant on petroleum products and could suffer great hardship if Congress fails to develop a meaningful energy policy On August 2, 2001, the House approved an energy bill which would diversify our energy sources and create greater energy reliability and independence for the United States. Now is the time to enact a long- term energy policy. Congress must help assure farmers and all Americans of the increased development of diverse, reliable, and affordable energy sources. National Energy Policy Needs Farmers' Support American agriculture is intensely dependent on petroleum. In fact, it's the lifeblood of farming. Our nation is facing an energy crisis, and farmers stand to suffer as a result-- unless federal legislation is passed soon to end the crisis. The House of Representatives adopted a comprehensive energy package in August--the National Energy Security Act 2001-- that holds many keys to solving the nation's energy dilemma. It includes fuel alternatives, incentives to reduce consumption, aid to low-income fuel programs, and a provision for oil exploration and production in a tiny portion of the Coastal Plain in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The Senate needs to pass the act this year. Farmers could be among the hardest hit if we fail to enact a national energy policy. Oil or gas shortages, scarcity, or worse, embargoes, could send the price of energy soaring. Higher input costs and low commodity prices are squeezing many producers at this time. Petroleum products and natural gas provide heating oil and diesel to run equipment and they are a key ingredient in virtually all fertilizers and many other production inputs. Increases in energy prices ripple through the entire farm economy, spiking the costs to run farms and ranches. Conservation and development of alternative fuels are important components of the legislation and are critical to agriculture's support for a national energy policy. However, exploration and production of domestic oil and gas are a critical part of this proposed act as well. As our nation grows and as the economy expands, so grows the need for more oil and gas. More oil and gas production is a must in order to stabilize energy prices for farmers and consumers, which is why many producers support the environmentally safe development of domestic and off-shore oil production. It is my understanding that there could be upwards of 16 billion barrels of recoverable oil under Alaska's Coastal Plain. At full production, some estimates indicate that Coastal Plain oil could contribute about 25 percent of our energy needs. What Coastal Plain oil provides as well is a secure source of domestic energy. Farmers who lived through the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s and the energy supply problems of the last two years can testify to the disruption and economic pain caused by an unstable oil supply. Coastal Plain oil could serve as a buffer against Iraqi or Iranian led embargoes, for example. Farmers and ranchers work long, hand hours to keep their operations successful. The hard reality is that for most farmers, the line between success and failure is thin. Sudden spikes in energy prices because of shortages or embargoes could spell doom for many of America's farmers. The National Energy Security Act 2001 is our nation's best opportunity to chart a course out of a crisis that was many years in the making. Farmers and all of us who make our living through agriculture need to encourage our members of Congress to back this legislation, for the sake of our families and farms.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of S. 494, the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001. This Member would like to thank the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for bringing this measure to the Floor expeditiously after the Committee's consideration of it. In addition, this Member would like to thank the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for his supportive role in this legislation. This Member also appreciates the Chairman of the International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), for his longstanding dedication to following U.S. foreign policy toward Africa. Indeed, there are few Members in this Body who can have so convincingly outlined the horrific atrocities which Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has committed against the people of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 sets up a Presidential certification process for Zimbabwe which is contingent upon the following: restoration of the rule of law; certain electoral and land ownership reforms; fulfillment of agreement ending war in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and military and national police subordination to the civilian government in Zimbabwe. Until this Presidential certification is made, and except as may be required to meet basic human needs or for good governance, this legislation would require the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director to each international financial institution (IFI) to oppose and vote against both of the following: (1) any extension by the respective institution of any loan, credit, or guarantee to the Government of Zimbabwe; or (2) any cancellation or reduction of indebtedness owed by the Government of Zimbabwe to the United States or any international financial institution. This Member is pleased that it is currently the Administration's policy for U.S. representatives to the IFIs to oppose and vote against loans and debt restructuring for Zimbabwe. It is important to note that, in September 1999, the International Monetary Fund suspended its ``Stand By Arrangement,'' which had been approved the prior month, for economic adjustment and reform in Zimbabwe. In addition, the International Development Association, which is the concessional window of the World Bank, suspended all structural adjustment loans, credits, and guarantee to the Government of Zimbabwe in October of 1999. Furthermore, during the International Relations Committee's consideration of S. 494, this Member offered an amendment which struck from the legislation a provision which would have created a Southern Africa Finance Center to be located in Zimbabwe. The center was to have included regional offices for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), and the Trade and Development Agency (TDA). While it is important for the U.S. to offer incentives to Zimbabwe to encourage political and economic reform, it is critical that those carrots be appropriate for the conditions. Even with significant changes in Zimbabwe's political climate, the country simply will not have the infrastructure in the near future to support such a center for the entire region. Additionally, this center would be a completely new endeavor for two of the U.S. agencies--namely OPIC and the Ex-Im Bank-- neither of which currently have offices outside of the U.S. However, that is not to say that the agencies cannot or should not play a critical role in stabilizing the region's economic health. Indeed, this Member would like to commend the Ex-Im Bank for developing a Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee which has facilitated a dramatic increase in Ex-Im's investment in Africa. As the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, this Member introduced H.R. 2871, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2001, which, among other things, would reauthorize this Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee for four years until FY2005. This legislation, which passed the House Financial Services Committee on October 31, 2001, would also create an Office on Africa to further enhance the Ex-Im Bank's emphasis on Africa. Additionally, this Member is very pleased that in lieu of the Southern Africa Finance Center originally included in S. 494, the Bush administration has announced the creation of an Africa Regional Trade and Development Office which will be located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will serve all of Sub-Saharan Africa. This announcement was made after the Senate considered and passed S. 494. Through this office, the TDA, which will serve as the lead agency at the center, can more closely coordinate its trade development and promotion activities in the region with local governments and with U.S. representatives already on the ground. Perhaps some day Zimbabwe might serve as an appropriate location for a branch office of the Africa Regional Trade and Development Office. Until then, the Administration's proposal appears to be the most viable option to provide Sub-Saharan Africa with the access to economic development and trade promotion tools which the region desperately needs to build economic stability. Mr. Speaker, this Member encourages his colleagues to vote for S. 494.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H. Con. Res. 102, the Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa. Additionally, this Member, as a cosponsor of this resolution, would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for introducing this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, the terrorist attacks of September 11th highlighted the extent to which American security is placed at risk when the U.S. fails to provide development aid and assistance to areas in peril of falling into the hands of unfriendly regimes. Indeed, sub-Saharan Africa currently faces many of the same conditions which coalesced to create the Afghanistan in which the Taliban has thrived. Much of sub-Saharan Africa has fought ravaging civil wars, demoralizing poverty, recurring droughts, and debilitating disease. This country's own long-term security depends to a large extent on stability in sub-Saharan Africa. The mirco-enterprise, agriculture development, debt relief, and health programs which are outlined in this bill have the potential to serve as key investments in preventing terrorism against the U.S. and against U.S. interests. Mr. Speaker, this Member strongly urges his colleagues to vote for H. Con. Res. 102.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in support of the conference report for H.R. 2299, the Transportation appropriations bill for fiscal year 2002. This Member would like to commend the distinguished gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, and the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo), the ranking member of the Subcommittee for their hard work in bringing this conference report to the Floor. Mr. Speaker, this Member certainly recognizes the severe budget constraints under which the full Appropriations Committee and the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee operated. In light of these constraints, this Member is grateful and pleased that this legislation includes funding for several important projects of interest to the State of Nebraska. This Member is particularly pleased that this appropriations bill includes $1.5 million for preliminary work leading to the construction of bridges in Plattsmouth and Sarpy County to replace two obsolete and deteriorating bridges. The request for these funds was made by this Member as well as the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) and the distinguished gentlemen from Iowa (Mr. Ganske and Mr. Boswell). The agreement leading to the funding was the result of intensive discussions and represents the consensus of city, county and state officials as well as the affected Members of Congress. The construction of these replacement bridges (a Plattsmouth U.S. 34 bridge and State Highway 370 bridge in Bellevue) will result in increased safety and improved economic development in the area. Clearly, the bridge projects would benefit both counties and the surrounding region. This Member is also pleased that the conference report includes $4 million for Nebraska's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). This funding, which was requested by this Member and the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), is to be used to facilitate travel efficiencies and increased safety within the state. The Nebraska Department of Roads has identified numerous opportunities where ITS could be used to assist urban and rural transportation. For instance, the proposed Statewide Joint Operations Center would provide a unifying element allowing ITS components to share information and function as an intermodal transportation system. Among its many functions, the Joint Operations Center will facilitate rural and statewide maintenance vehicle fleet management, roadway management and roadway maintenance conditions. Overall, the practical effect will be to save lives, time and money. This Member is also pleased that the conference report includes $1 million for a Highway 66 bypass south of Louisville, Nebraska. This project, which has the support of the Louisville mayor and city council as well as the Cass County commissioners, would provide significant safety and economic development benefits for the area. The conference report also includes $325,000 requested by this Member for the construction of the 1.7-mile Lewis & Clark bicycle and pedestrian trail on State Spur 26E right-of-way, which connects Ponca State Park and the Missouri National Recreational River Corridor to the City of Ponca. This trail will play an especially important role as the area prepares for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition and the significant increase in tourism which it will help generate. The approaching bicentennial represents a significant national opportunity and it is crucial that communities such as Ponca have the resources necessary to prepare for this significant commemoration. The trail will provide the infrastructure necessary to improve the quality of life by providing pedestrian and bicycle access between Ponca and the Ponca State Park and increases the potential for economic benefits in the surrounding region. The trail addresses serious safety issues by providing a separate off-road facility for bicyclists and pedestrians. It is certainly important to note that this conference report includes $1.6 million for the Antelope Valley Overpass in Lincoln, Nebraska. This bridge is an integral piece of a comprehensive plan to revitalize downtown Lincoln that has emerged from a partnership between the City, the State of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. The funds would assist with the design and right-of-way phase of a bridge that would span railroad tracks. This funding will supplement the $5,625,000 which this Member had successfully sought in the 1998 TEA-21 legislation. In addition, the conference report includes $200,000 to study the feasibility and fiscal impact of the passenger rail project between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. The metropolitan areas of Omaha and Lincoln are becoming increasingly integrated. The fringes get closer together every year and the inter-city highway commuter traffic is increasing significantly. The growing congestion will only get worse in the coming years. A far-sighted approach is necessary to address the needs of commuters and others using the corridor. The proposed study is a necessary component in this process. It would examine such important issues as travel patterns, ridership potential for rail service and cost evaluations. Adequate funding is clearly needed to make this study and the overall project a reality. A feasible transportation alternative for the corridor would hold the promise of increased economic development, improved air quality and safety and decreased congestion. The conference report also includes $1 million for preliminary engineering for the replacement of U.S. Highway 81 bridge at Yankton between Nebraska and South Dakota. This funding will be helpful in replacing an important bridge across the Missouri River. This funding supplements the $1.125 million this Member successfully sought in the 1998 TEA-21 legislation. Finally, this conference includes $1.1 million for rail research to be performed jointly by UN-L and Marshall University in West Virginia. The funding will be used for safety research projects in the areas of human factors, equipment defects, and train control methods. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is well qualified to conduct this research. It has the necessary expertise in the area of transportation safety to provide meaningful research which will improve railroad safety. In addition, the nation's two largest railroads have a significant presence in Nebraska (one has its corporate and working headquarters in Omaha) and the state currently is traversed by the busiest railroad corridor in the world which move vast amounts of western coal to much of the rest of the nation. This funding will greatly contribute to safer rail operations throughout the country. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, this Member supports the conference report for H.R. 2299 and urges his colleagues to approve it.