Doug Bereuter

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster); the gentleman from New York (Chairman Boehlert); the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); and the ranking member, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Borski), for their excellent work. Mr. Speaker, as a first term Member of this committee, I am impressed with the efficiency and the bipartisan cooperation and the outstanding staff. I want to thank the members for considering and authorizing on a contingent basis the Antelope Creek Project, for the four-state Missouri River Mitigation Project, and particularly for helping the taxpayer by the coordination of flood control and highway construction related to the Sand Creek Reservoir. It is an outstanding opportunity to coordinate this. It was time-urgent, and, therefore, very much appreciated that this legislation was moved forward. I urge my colleagues to strongly support this legislation. This Member is especially appreciative that he has had the opportunity in the 106th Congress to serve on the Transportation Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. Clearly, it has been one of the highlights of the 106th Congress for this Member. This important legislation presents a tremendous opportunity to improve flood control, navigation, shore protection and environmental protection. This Member is pleased that the bill we are considering today includes contingent approval for the Sand Creek watershed project in Saunders County, Nebraska. This proposed project, which is a result of the Lower Platte River and Tributaries Flood Control Study, is designed to meet Federal environmental restoration goals, help provide state recreation needs, solve local flooding problems and preserve water quality. It is sponsored jointly by the Lower Platte North NRD, the City of Wahoo and Saunders County. The plans for the project include a nearly 640-acre reservoir, known as Lake Wanahoo, wetlands restoration and seven upstream sediment nutrient traps. The Sand Creek watershed project would result in important environmental and recreational benefits for the area and has attracted widespread support. It is especially crucial that the Sand Creek project is included in WRDA this year as the Nebraska Department of Roads is ready to begin design of a freeway in that area that will be routed across the top of a dam if the project is approved. If the Sand Creek project is not included in WRDA, a new bridge will have to be planned and built, which would make the project not economically feasible. With this authorization, contingent because of facts yet to be checked and planning study elements yet to be resolved, the way is clear to save the taxpayers funds, secure mutual project benefits in highway construction and flood control. This Member is also very pleased that contingent authorization of the Antelope Creek project is included in WRDA 2000. Antelope Creek runs through the heart of Nebraska's capital city of Lincoln. The purpose of the project is to solve multi-faceted problems involving the flood control and drainage problems in Antelope Creek as well as existing transportation and safety problems all within the context of broad land use issues. This Member continues to have a strong interest in this project since he was responsible for stimulating the city of Lincoln, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to work jointly and cooperatively with the Army Corps of Engineers to identify an effective flood control system for Antelope Creek in the downtown area of Lincoln. Antelope Creek, which was originally a small meandering stream, became a straightened urban drainage channel as Lincoln grew and urbanized. Resulting erosion has deepened and widened the channel and created an unstable situation. A ten-foot-by-twenty-foot (height and width) closed underground conduit that was constructed between 1911 and 1916 now requires significant maintenance and major rehabilitation. A dangerous flood threat to adjacent public and private facilities exists. The goals of the project are to construct a flood overflow conveyance channel which would narrow the flood plain from up to seven blocks wide to the 150-foot wide channel. The project will include trails and bridges and improve bikeway and pedestrian systems. Another Nebraska project was included on the contingent authorization list is for Western Sarpy and Clear Creek for flood damage reduction. Frankly, this Member must say he has substantial reservations about the Clear Creek project in light of concerns expressed by constituents in adjacent Saunders County and the lack of enthusiasm by relevant State officials. This Member reserves judgment whether the benefits outweigh costs and dislocation of property owners in the area. This Member is pleased that at least part of the language regarding the Missouri River Valley Improvement Act that he originally prepared to be offered as an amendment during Subcommittee consideration of WRDA is included in today's bill. Last year's WRDA legislation included a provision this Member promoted which helps to ensure that the Missouri River Mitigation Project can be implemented as envisioned. In 1986, Congress authorized over $50 million (more than $79 million in today's dollars if adjusted for inflation) to fund the Missouri River Mitigation Project to restore fish and wildlife habitat that were lost due to the construction of structures to implement the Pick-Sloan plan. At that time the Corps did not choose to include funding requests for implementing that Act in their budgeting process. That is why this Member, with assistance from other Members who represent the four states bordering the channelized Missouri River (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri), has taken the lead in providing funding to implement the Missouri River Mitigation Project which has just begun to become a reality during the last few years. This project is specifically needed to restore fish and wildlife habitat lost due to the Federally sponsored channelization and stabilization projects of the Pick-Sloan era. The islands, wetlands, and flat floodplains that are needed to support the wildlife and waterfowl that once lived along the river are dramatically reduced. An estimated 475,000 acres of habitat in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas have been lost because of Federal action in creating the flood control projects and channelization of the Missouri River. Today's fishery resources are estimated to be only one-fifth of those which existed in pre-development days. The success of the project has resulted in a concern related to the original study that outlined habitat needs. Under this study, acreage goals for each state were listed and these goals are generally considered to be an acreage limitation for each state. Nebraska and Kansas have already reached their acreage limits and Missouri is fast approaching its ceiling. Before long, Iowa will also reach its acreage limit. To correct this problem, the WRDA legislation enacted last year authorized provisions initiated by this Member to increase mitigation lands in the four states of 25% of the lands lost, or 118,650 acres. In addition, the Corps of Engineers--in conjunction with the four states-- was directed to study the amount of funds that would need to be authorized to achieve that acreage goal. The study has been completed and it appears that cost estimates for restoring the acreage authorized in last year's WRDA will amount to more than $700 million over the next 30-35 years. This Member greatly appreciates the inclusion of an increased authorization level of funding for the Missouri River Mitigation Project of $20,000,000 for each fiscal year from FY2001 through FY2010. This increase would allow the project to better balance the needs of nature, recreation and navigation. It will also benefit communities preparing for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition beginning in 2003. Until funding authorization is increased, the Corps and the states cannot finalize plans to add habitat restoration, identify and prioritize sites for restoration, respond to willing sellers, or engage in construction or maintenance activities. It is important to note that many frequently flooded landowners along the Missouri River have asked the Corps to buy their land to avoid annual flood losses. However, in most years, the Corps has had insufficient funds to meet the needs of these struggling landowners. Finally, the WRDA bill also includes legislative language initiated by this Member to authorize a pilot program to test the design-build method of project delivery on a maximum of five civil engineering projects. Such a program will provide significant benefits and yield useful information. In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to support this important bill. In the short time left in the 106th Congress, we must work to ensure WRDA becomes law this year.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his support for the conference report for H.R. 4635, the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2001. First, this Member would like to thank the distinguished chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies from New York (Mr. Walsh), the distinguished Ranking Member from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), and all members of the Subcommittee for their work in bringing this measure to the House Floor. This Member would like to focus his remarks on the following five areas: veterans, the Community Development Fund--Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME program, the American Indian Loan Guarantee Program, and the issue of arsenic in drinking water. 1. veterans First, this Member rises in strong support of the $47 billion in the conference report that will be made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for improvements in health care, housing, education and compensatory benefits to veterans and their dependents. The 106th Congress has continued to make dramatic improvements in the amount of funding available for veterans' services. Recent events in the Middle East remind us of the sacrifices that are made by those who have served our country and that we should remain true to our promise of providing equal and accessible health care as well as other services to all of our veterans throughout the United States no matter where they live. 2. community development fund (CDF) Second, this Member commends the $5.1 billion appropriations in the conference report for grants to state and local governments to fund selected community development programs, such as the highly successful CDBG program. This appropriation is $257.6 million more than the President's request. The CDBG program not only is valuable to the larger entitlement cities, but it also gives assistance to those communities under 50,000 through state administering agencies. It is a government program with minimal overhead and bureaucracy. In addition to this, this Member applauds the following set-asides within the CDF account: the Whitcomb Conservatory at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska; the downtown redevelopment of South Sioux City, Nebraska; and the Cedar Youth Services in Lincoln, Nebraska. A. Whitcomb Conservatory at Doane College First, $430,000 is appropriated in the conference report for Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, for the rehabilitation of the historic Whitcomb Conservatory for joint use by the college and the community as a performing arts center. This unique, five-sided structure built on the ``Prairie'' or ``Frank L. Wright'' architectural style was completed in 1907 and is a component of the Doane College Historic District National Register listing. It has many unusual architectural and construction features which make the building very important to preserve. The funding is needed for major structural repair of its roof, installation of a new mechanical system (including a new heating and cooling plant), new wiring, and a complete cosmetic refurbishing. The Conservatory has been vacant for more than 30 years. However, the Crete community--as well as the student population of Doane is growing--and necessitates refurbishing the building. Doane College and the Crete community have a close and long-standing working relationship and would have a formal joint-use agreement for the future use of Whitcomb Conservatory. The restoration of the Conservatory would create a community resource and provide a setting for musicals, summer community theater, special concerts and lectures. B. South Sioux City, Nebraska Second, $430,000 is appropriated in the conference report for the South Sioux City, Nebraska, Downtown Redevelopment Area--for the redevelopment and rehabilitation of a civic building site. South Sioux City, Nebraska, as part of the South City Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA), which also includes Sioux City, Iowa, and North Sioux City, South Dakota, has the lowest per capita income of any SMSA in the surrounding states. Moreover, South Sioux City, which borders the Missouri River, has experienced a decline in employment and tax base and was declared blighted in 1998 by local elected officials in accordance with state law. This funding will be used for the much- needed downtown redevelopment of South Sioux City. C. Cedar Youth Services in Lincoln, Nebraska Third, $1.25 million is appropriated in the conference report for Cedar Youth Services' in Lincoln, Nebraska. Cedars Youth Services, a leading social service provider in the City of Lincoln, would use this funding to complete construction of a community center on the corner of 27th and Holdrege Streets to serve as the focal point for a variety of services and support to strengthen and revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Social services, such a Head Start preschool classes, as well as neighborhood-strengthening activities, such as preventative health care and recreational opportunities, would be provided at the North 27th Street Community Center. This appropriation builds on the $550,000 which was appropriated in FY2000 for this project. 3. HOME Program Third, this Member supports the $1.8 billion appropriation for the HOME Investment Partnerships program in the conference report, which is $215 million more than the President's request. This program provides funds to states, units of local government, Indian tribes and others for acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction to expand the supply and quality of affordable housing. 4. American Indian Loan Guarantee Program Fourth, this Member commends the inclusion of $6 million in loan subsidy in the conference report for the HUD Section 184 Housing loan guarantee program, which this Member created in consultation with a range of Indian Housing specialists. A very conservative estimate would suggest that this $6 million appropriation should facilitate over $72 million in guaranteed loans for privately financed homes for Indian families who are otherwise unable to secure conventional financing due to the trust status of Indian reservation land. 5. Arsenic in Drinking Water Lastly, this Member is pleased that the conference report includes language providing up to an additional six months for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a final regulation for arsenic in drinking water. This Member shares the conferees concerns and has in fact written a letter to EPA Administrator Browner asking hard and specific questions about the necessity for this regulation. Over the past month, this Member has received many letters from utilities superintendents, city administrators, village boards, mayors and other local officials who are understandably concerned about the effects this proposed rule would have on their communities. The EPA has a responsibility to really listen to these individuals' comments and to address their concerns. The additional time provided in the H.R. 4635 conference report certainly will help. Local officials in the 1st Congressional District of Nebraska have not been convinced of the need to lower the maximum contaminant level for arsenic from the current 50 parts per billion (ppb) to possibly as low as 5 ppb. Such a change could cost every water system customer hundreds of dollars per year, if not more. The costs would fall disproportionately on the smallest systems. It is also important to keep in mind that forcing communities to treat water often results in a series of other problems which must be addressed. Everyone certainly recognizes the importance of providing safe drinking water and this Member obviously does not support taking any action that would cause drinking water to become unsafe. However the EPA has a clear responsibility to demonstrate the need for such a drastic change which would have far-reaching consequences. If there is inadequate science to support this rule, communities should not be forced to divert scarce resources to come into compliance. Mr. Speaker, for these aforementioned reasons and others, this Member would encourage his colleagues to support the conference report of H.R. 4635, the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4002, the Famine Prevention and Freedom From Hunger Act of 2000, this Member certainly wants to commend the distinguished gentleman from Texas [Mr. Brady] for taking the lead on this important issue and introducing this bill which updates the context of agricultural development in Title 12 of the Foreign Assistance Act and expands the role of America's land- grant universities in these efforts. Indeed, it was a pleasure to work with him on this effort. H.R. 4002 was first passed by the House under suspension of the rules on July 24, 2000. On October 4, 2000, the other body passed a slightly amended version of H.R. 4002 by unanimous consent. This Member supports the expeditious final passage of H.R. 4002 in the House so that it can be enrolled and sent to the President to be signed into law. Since the Foreign Assistance Act was enacted in 1961, the scope of U.S. food aid and agricultural assistance has expanded to include: forestry, fisheries, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, agribusiness, agricultural processing, marketing, distribution, trade, food safety, nutrition, agricultural policy, environmental protection, food science and engineering, veterinary medicine, agricultural economics and other social sciences, and other science and practice related to food, feed and fiber. Indeed, H.R. 4002 updates current law and U.S. foreign assistance policy to reflect these changes. This bill also ensures the transformation of development abroad into benefits to the U.S. University research and extension services, especially those associated with America's land-grant colleges, along with their public and private partners are supported to help transform agricultural progress abroad into benefits to U.S. communities and businesses through trade. The pending legislation expands the definition of eligible universities to include those institutions engaged in agricultural teaching, research and ``outreach'' as well as ``extension.'' This certainly is an effective and responsible approach which utilizes America's land-grant university expertise to help famine prevention and freedom from hunger abroad. Mr. Speaker, the Famine Prevention and Freedom from Hunger Prevention Act of 2000 would, for the first time, create a direct link between development abroad and the interests of U.S. rural communities. Clearly, it deserves our strong support and this Member urges its adoption. Again, this Member commends Mr. Brady for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his support for the Conference Report of H.R. 2415, which is amended with the Bankruptcy Reform Act. It is important to note that this Member is an original cosponsor of H.R. 833, the Bankruptcy Reform Act, which passed the House on May 5, 1999, by a vote of 313-108. First, this Member would thank the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, for introducing the House bankruptcy legislation (H.R. 833). This Member would also like to express his appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for his efforts in getting this measure to the House Floor for consideration. This Member supports the Bankruptcy Reform Act for numerous reasons; however, the most important reasons include the following: First, and of preeminent importance to the nation's agriculture sector, this Member supports the provision in H.R. 2415 which permanently extends Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code for family farmers. Chapter 12 bankruptcy allows family farmers to reorganize their debts as compared to liquidating their assets. Chapter 12 bankruptcy has been a viable option for family farmers nationwide. It has allowed family farmers to reorganize their assets in a manner which balances the interests of creditors and the future success of the involved farmer. If Chapter 12 bankruptcy provisions are not permanently extended for family farmers, this will have a drastic impact on an agricultural sector already reeling from low commodity prices. Not only will many family farmers have to end their operations, but also land values will likely plunge downward. Such a decrease in land values will affect both the ability of family farmers to earn a living and the manner in which banks, making agricultural loans, conduct their lending activities. This Member has received many contacts from his constituents regarding the extension of Chapter 12 bankruptcy because of the situation now being faced by our nation's farm families--although the U.S. economy is generally healthy, it is clear the agricultural sector is hurting. Second, this Member supports the provision in H.R. 2415 which provides for a means testing (needs-based) formula when determining whether an individual should file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows a debtor to be discharged of his or her personal liability for many unsecured debts. In addition, there is no requirement that a Chapter 7 filer repay many of his or her debts. However, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filers, on the other hand, commit to repay some portion of his or her debts under a repayment plan. Some Chapter 7 filers actually have the capacity to repay some of what they owe, but they choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are able to walk away from these debts. For example, the stories in which an individual filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and then goes out takes a nice vacation and/or buys a new car are too common. Moreover, the status quo is costing the average American individual and family in increased costs for consumer goods and credit because of the amount of debt which is never repaid to creditors. As a response to these concerns, the needs-based test of H.R. 2415 will help ensure that high income filers, who could repay some of what they owe, are required to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy as compared to Chapter 7. This needs-based system takes a debtor's income, expenses, obligations and any special circumstances into account when determining whether he or she has the capacity to repay a portion of their debts. Third, this Member supports the additional monthly expenses that are not considered as a factor under the needs-based test of H.R. 2415 which determines whether a person can file Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. These expenses include the following: reasonable expenses incurred to maintain the safety of the debtor and debtor's family from domestic violence, an additional food and clothing allowance if demonstrated to be reasonable and necessary; and reasonable and necessary expenses for the care and support of an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled member of the debtor's household or immediate family. In closing, for these aforementioned reasons and others, this Member would encourage his colleagues to support the Conference report of H.R. 2415.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member support's the conference report for H.R. 4461, the FY2001 Agriculture Appropriations bill. In particular, this Member commends the distinguished gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen), Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and the distinguished gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for their hard work on this critically important bill. This conference report contains $3.5 billion in critical emergency disaster relief for agriculture producers. This, of course, is in addition to the $7.1 billion in economic assistance for agriculture producers including $5.5 billion in higher Agricultural Market Transition Act (AMTA) payments as part of the crop insurance reform legislation signed into law earlier this year on June 22, 2000. The emergency funds in the conference report we are considering today are particularly important to Nebraska farmers, because drought conditions in the Great Plains have substantially lowered production at a time when we have low commodity prices. Included in the $3.5 billion funding amount is $1.6 billion for crop loss disaster assistance, $490 million for livestock assistance, $473 million for dairy assistance and $80 million for the Emergency Conservation Program. Also, the crop loss disaster assistance includes the following three areas: general crop assistance, quality loss assistance, and a category for severe economic disaster assistance. These funds should provide much needed additional help for Nebraska producers. This Member is pleased that the conference report for H.R. 4461 provides $462,000 for the Midwest Advanced Food Manufacturing Alliance (MAFMA). The Alliance is an association of twelve leading research universities and corporate partners. Its purpose is to develop and facilitate the transfer of new food manufacturing and processing technologies. The MAFMA awards grants for research projects on a peer review basis. These awards must be supported by an industry partner willing to provide matching funds. In the first six years of funding, MAFMA has directed $2,142,317 toward a research competition at the 12 universities. Projects must receive matching funds. Over the first six years, matching funds of $2,666,129 plus in-kind contributions of $625,407 were received for MAFMA funded projects from 105 companies or organizations. These figures convincingly demonstrate how successful the Alliance has been in leveraging support from the food manufacturing and processing industries. Mr. Speaker, the future viability and competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural industry depends on its ability to adapt to link between universities and industries for the development of competitive food manufacturing and processing technologies. This will, in turn, ensure that the United States agricultural industry remains competitive in a increasingly competitive global economy. This Member is also pleased that the conference report includes $200,000 to fund the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This project is in its fourth year and has assisted numerous states and cities in developing drought plans and developing drought response teams. Given the nearly unprecedented levels of drought in several parts of our country, this effort is obviously important. As the drought continues, the NDMC will play an increasingly important role in helping people and institutions develop and implement measures to reduce societal vulnerability to this danger. Most of the NDMC's services are increasing world-wide demands for U.S. exports of intermediate and consumer good exports. In order to meet these changing world-wide demands, agricultural research must also adapt to provide more emphasis on adding value to our basic farm commodities before marketing. The Midwest Advanced Food Manufacturing Alliance can provide the necessary cooperative link between universities and industries for the development of competitive food manufacturing and processing technologies. This will, in turn, ensure that the United States agricultural industry remains competitive in a increasingly competitive global economy. This Member is also pleased that the conference report includes $200,000 to fund the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This project is in its fourth year and has assisted numerous states and cities in developing drought plans and developing drought response teams. Given the nearly unprecedented levels of drought in several parts of our country, this effort is obviously important. As the drought continues, the NDMC will play an increasingly important role in helping people and institutions develop and implement measures to reduce societal vulnerability to this danger. Most of the NDMC's services are directed to state, Federal, regional and tribal governments that are involved in drought and water supply planning. In addition, the conference report provides funds for the following ongoing Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) projects at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Food Processing Center..........................................$24,000 Non-food agricultural products...................................64,000 Sustainable agricultural systems.................................59,000 Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) (a joint effort with Iowa State University and the University of Missouri)..............822,000 Also, this Member is pleased that the conference report for H.R. 4461 includes $100 million to cover any defaults for the Section 538, a rural rental multi-family housing loan guarantee program initiated by legislation written by this Member. The program provides a Federal guarantee on loans made to eligible persons by private lenders. Developers will bring ten percent of the cost of the project to the table, and private lenders will make loans for the balance. The lenders will be given a 100 percent Federal guarantee on the loans they make. Unlike the current Section 515 Direct Loan Program, where the full costs are borne by the Federal Government, the only costs to the Federal Government under the Section 538 Guarantee Program will be for administrative costs and potential defaults. Mr. Speaker, this Member especially appreciates the Conference Committee's support for the Department of Agriculture's 502 very successful and rapidly expanding Unsubsidized Loan Guarantee Program with a $3.7 billion loan authorization support. The program, also initiated by legislation authored by this Member, has been very effective in rural communities by guaranteeing loans made by approved lenders to eligible income households in small communities of up to 20,000 residents in non-metropolitan areas and in rural areas. The program provides guarantees for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages for the purchase of an existing home or the construction of a new home. Additionally, this Member supports the provision allowing for the reimportation of prescription drugs. I have long been a supporter of legislation that would inject competition into the prescription drug market and believe that this language is an important first step in providing my constituents with the relief they seek in their prescription drug prices. There has been massive international cost- shifting by pharmaceutical companies onto the backs of the American consumer. It is not reasonable that the same Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, produced by the same drug company, should cost 30 percent, 40 percent, 60 percent or even 80 percent less in foreign countries than it costs American consumers. This legislative initiative, with consumer safety an important consideration, undoubtedly will need refinement before the lengthy FDA regulatory process is completed to implement these provisions, but this is an important and necessary change. In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to support the Agriculture appropriations conference report.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, we are on with the House business now after a very important and moving tribute to our late colleague, Bruce Vento. As I begin, I must reflect upon the service I had with him for almost 20 years on the Committee on Banking and Financial Services and earlier for 4 years on what was then the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, where he really accomplished remarkable things in both jurisdictions, but I think he will be known so much for the kind of things that he assisted America to preserve and protect in our national environment. I remember well how much assistance he gave to this Member on a very controversial measure related to a scenic river designation in my own State. Today, Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 328 is before us. It was introduced on May 16 by the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) and was unanimously approved by the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific on September 13 and by the House Committee on International Relations on September 21. For over 10 years, the Burmese military regime, now known as the State Peace and Development Council, the SPDC, has refused to implement the results of the 1990 elections which were won overwhelmingly by the National League for Democracy, the NLD. During this period, and indeed since 1962, when General Ne Win and the military seized control, the Burmese military has engaged in egregious systematic violence and abuse of the fundamental human rights of ethnic minorities and other people of the country. The abuses of the junta in Rangoon again came under international scrutiny when, on August 24 of this year, Aung San Suu Kyi was denied the ability to visit NLD party offices outside the capital. For 9 days, she was detained at a roadblock and eventually was forcibly removed to her residence. She and other NLD party leaders were placed under virtual house arrest. Despite the military's denials, no independent observer was allowed to visit her; and the British ambassador, for example, was roughed up when he attempted to force his way into her compound. In addition, party offices were ransacked and papers seized. To justify their action, the junta has issued the ludicrous charge that the NLD had formed an alliance with rebels in the provinces. On September 21, the day the committee passed this measure, Aung San Suu Kyi was again blocked from traveling outside Rangoon by the military regime. She planned to travel by train to Mandalay in order to visit with NLD party members. Officials at the Rangoon's central train station, insisting that there were no train tickets available, refused to sell tickets to her and her accompanying party. Eventually, after hours of stalemate, police removed her from the train station and forced her to return home. Since her September 21 attempt to travel to Mandalay, Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD party leaders remain under de facto house arrest, and the regime has denied any contact with foreign diplomats. NLD vice chairman Tin Oo is being detained by the military regime. This week, the U.N. Secretary General special envoy, Malaysian diplomat, Ambassador Razali Ismail, has been in Rangoon meeting with senior leaders in the Burmese military regime, including Foreign Minister Win Aung and General Khin Nyunt. Despite his mandate to promote human rights and restore democracy in Burma, Ambassador Razali has yet to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi or any other NLD party leaders. This is Razali's second visit to Burma as the U.N. Secretary General's special envoy. Clearly not meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi or any other NLD leaders brings the U.N.'s credibility into question. Mr. Speaker, it is entirely proper, therefore, that the House of Representatives go on record condemning these human rights abuses. Since her electoral victory in 1990, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly been arrested, threatened, and harassed. The illegal SDPC military regime has done everything possible to discredit NLD and its leaders. This is simply wrong, and this body should say so. Mr. Speaker, at the subcommittee markup, an amendment was approved that had the concurrence of the resolution's distinguished author, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), and which was designed to update the situation in Burma. The amendment updated the current standoff between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military by including six new whereas clauses. These clauses detailed the denial of right to movement and association, and the seizure of documents at NLD party offices. The new language makes it clear that Aung San Suu Kyi was clearly within her rights in attempting to visit party offices and that there was no justification for the roadblock established by the SDPC. Mr. Speaker, this Member urges the body to approve H. Con. Res. 328, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 328) expressing the sense of the Congress in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the free and fair elections in Burma and the urgent need to improve the democratic and human rights of the people of Burma, as amended.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 328, as amended.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my colleague on the Committee on International Relations, the chairman of the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) who has offered this and many other resolutions important to human rights. He will be sorely missed when he retires at the end of this session.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to control the time.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of H.R. 3621, a legislation this Member introduced to correct a nearly 200-year-old error. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. This Member would also like to thank the distinguished gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman Spence) for his assistance in moving this bill forward, and the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel for his cooperation. I also want to express my appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking minority member of the committee, for his continuing support on this effort and for his cosponsorship of the resolution. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett) has given us an important part of the background on this issue. As we approach the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, it is important to formally recognize the role of William Clark by posthumously awarding him the rank of captain which he had been promised. The legislation we are considering today, H.R. 3621, states that William Clark ``shall be deemed for all purposes to have held the grade of captain, rather than lieutenant, in the Regular Army, effective as of March 26, 1804, and continuing until his separation from the Army on February 27, 1807.'' This Member urges my colleagues to support H.R. 3621 and help correct an error that has persisted for nearly two centuries. Although most people consider Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to be of equal rank due to their shared command of the expedition, the fact is that Clark remained a lieutenant despite an earlier promise by President Jefferson that he would be commissioned as a captain. In fact, Captain Lewis treated William Clark as a co-equal leader of the Corps of Discovery throughout the expedition; and in all probability, the men assumed that their leaders held the rank of captain, both of them. Stephen Ambrose, in his outstanding book ``Undaunted Courage,'' gives a detailed and well-documented description of the events that resulted in the diminished rank for Clark. Despite the clearly stated intentions by President Jefferson and Lewis, a number of actions denied Clark his rightful rank. Nevertheless, Clark served his country admirably and emerged, along with Lewis, a true American hero for all time. The approaching bicentennial of this extraordinarily important expedition provides the United States of America an excellent opportunity to correct this oversight and elevate Clark to his rightful rank. This Member has fully investigated this issue with the U.S. Army and finds that introducing this legislation is the proper course to follow without setting inappropriate precedent. A similar legislative action was taken to promote George Washington in rank posthumously in 1978. As a footnote, Members may be interested to know that there is no cost associated with H.R. 3621 as the legislation prohibits any person from collecting any bonus, gratuity, pay or allowance because of the posthumous promotion. This legislation simply gives Lieutenant William Clark the promotion to Captain promised by President Jefferson before the Lewis and Clark expedition began. Retired General Gordon R. Sullivan on behalf of the Association of the United States Army applauded this legislation and pledged their support. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would say this, William Clark served our country admirably, with great courage and leadership skills, and emerged, along with Meriwether Lewis, as a true American hero for all times. As a cochairman of the House Lewis and Clark Caucus and a former Army officer, this Member believes that this legislation is a matter in which the Congress should act. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3621. It is the right thing to do, even now.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his opposition to H.R. 4441, the Motor Carrier Fuel Cost Equity Act. This legislation would require any motor carrier, broker or freight forwarder regularly providing truckload transportation service, to assess the payer of transportation a fuel surcharge whenever an increase in the price of fuel surpasses the benchmark difference between the current fuel price and the fuel price norm by five cents. Most assuredly, this Member is very concerned about truckers, especially small and independent trucking firms, regarding the burden of high costs of fuel. However, H.R. 4441 is very ill-considered legislation because it decreases the pressure on the petroleum industry to keep prices down by placing the burden of higher prices on consumers across America. This tactic is clearly a mistake. Federal regulations requiring companies to forward increased prices to consumers will not decrease fuel prices. This Member is committed to helping the small and independent truckers who are hurting from higher gasoline prices by working to decrease the price of fuel.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today in support of the conference report for H.R. 3244, the Transportation appropriations bill for fiscal year 2001. This Member greatly appreciates the inclusion of $3.5 million for the construction of a pedestrian/trolley overpass in Lincoln, Nebraska. This request was this Member's highest infrastructure priority for fiscal year 2001. The City of Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking Federal assistance for transportation improvements associated with the construction of a new baseball/softball complex. The construction of the complex, to be built on the edge of downtown Lincoln, represents a partnership between the City, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), and private business. It will be home of a minor league baseball team, the UN-L baseball and softball teams, as well as any number of City of Lincoln recreational activities. Currently, the most pressing need for the City of Lincoln in the completion of this project, is the construction of a pedestrian/trolley overpass that would allow for safe and enhanced access to the stadium. The reason this bridge is so vital is that it would provide important connections between the baseball complex, the popular Haymarket section of Lincoln, the City's trails system, the University of Nebraska campus, and parking facilities for both the baseball complex and the home of the Husker football team, Memorial Stadium. What makes this development site unusual and difficult, but the reason it is available, is the fact that it is separated from the downtown area by I-180 and what is literally one of the world's busiest train routes where huge amounts of western coal are moved east, along with large volumes of other freight. Therefore, the City of Lincoln plans to use and really must use the most innovative techniques to move large numbers of people in short periods to this site during events. The approach selected must be chosen to allow for enhanced transit, paratransit, bicycle, and pedestrian access from the University and the Lincoln community. The City of Lincoln has already committed $1 million. The $3.5 million appropriation in the Transportation appropriations conference report is necessary for Lincoln to compete this important project. Within the conference report, however, Mr. Speaker, is the .08 blood alcohol mandate. Although the conference compromise agreement is better than the Senate-passed language, this Member is opposed to all Federal mandates on Highway Trust Funds which require either the passage of specific state legislation or the loss of Federal highway funds. This Member has always opposed any provisions which would limit or reduce the Highway Trust Funds or limit the states' ability to use their Highway Trust Funds as they choose. Nebraskans and other Americans pay their gasoline taxes at the pump and deserve to have them returned for highway construction and maintenance and other transportation projects, without strings being attached. In short, states should be allocated money from the highway trust funds without conditionality being applied for any objectives--be those objectives noble or misguided. Of course, this Member recognizes that drunk driving remains a serious problem-- and in fact more than twenty-four years ago introduced what he has been told was the first bill in the Nebraska Legislature to lower the standard to .08 percent; unfortunately, it never made it out of committee because of the strenuous opposition of the alcohol lobby. This Member believes that under the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of the blood alcohol content level as it relates to driving is the responsibility of the states, not the Federal Government. Nevertheless, despite this very strong concern I believe the case for the prompt enactment of this legislation is compelling. In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to support H.R. 3244.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of H. Con. Res. 390. This Member would first like to express his sincere appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado [Mr. Schaffer] for introducing this resolution on September 6, 2000 and for working with this Member and staff on a limited number of modifications to the resolution as introduced. In addition, this Member would also like to thank the distinguished Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific [Mr. Lantos], the distinguished Chairman of the Committee on International Relations [Mr. Gilman] and the Committee's distinguished Ranking Member [Mr. Gejdenson], for supporting this resolution and moving it expeditiously forward to the House Floor for consideration. House Concurrent Resolution 390 expresses this body's strong support for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations and other international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The resolution correctly notes that the 23 million people on Taiwan have much to contribute--both substantively and financially--to the work of international organizations. Clearly, the people on Taiwan should also benefit from the work of the international organizations as do all members of the world community. In addition, H. Con. Res. 390 recognizes Taiwan's dramatic transformation into a multi-party democracy with a civil society which fully respects human rights and civil liberties. The resolution notes the most recent illustration of Taiwan's democratic development--the March 18, 2000, election of Mr. Chen Shui-bian as president and the peaceful transfer of power on Taiwan from one political party to another on May 20th with the inauguration of Mr. Chen. Certainly, Taiwan's economic achievements in the last 50 years also give Taiwan a special role in assisting developing economies and contributing to international organizations focused on economic, trade and development matters. Taiwan is the world's 13th largest economy with over $235 billion in two-way trade. Indeed, Taiwan already is an active and constructive member of the Asia Development Bank and APEC and has been an observer at the World Trade Organization since 1992. This year, on May 24, 2000, this body clearly and unequivocally spoke in favor of Taiwan's accession to the WTO as a full member by passing H.R. 4444. Given recent statements by representatives of the People's Republic of China, this Member wishes to reaffirm that legislation's commitment that the United States should be prepared to aggressively counter any attempt to delay, set conditions on, or block Taiwan's accession to the WTO. Our strong support for Taiwan's accession to the WTO is clear. The resolution also calls on the Clinton Administration to uphold the commitment made in its 1994 Taiwan Policy Review to more actively support Taiwan's participation in appropriate international organizations. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this Member notes that this body has repeatedly passed measures that call for greater participation by Taiwan in international organizations, in particular supporting Taiwan's participation in the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization, among others. As Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, this Member believes it is worthwhile for this body to reaffirm its support and commitment to Taiwan's participation in these important international organizations. Therefore, this Member strongly supports the passage of H. Con. Res. 390.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today to express his strong support for H.R. 4578, the conference report on the Interior appropriations bills. This Member would like to especially thank the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), the Chairman of the Interior appropriations Subcommittee and the distinguished gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for their hard work on this important bill. This Member greatly appreciates the inclusion of funding for the Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice, Nebraska, to begin implementing the recommendations of the recently completed General Management Plan. This bill provides $400,000 for land acquisition for a new visitors center. Homestead National Monument of America commemorates the lives and accomplishments of all pioneers and the changes to the land and 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. At the initiative of this Member, the FY96 Interior Appropriations legislation directed the National Park Service to complete a General Management Plan to begin planning for the General Management Plan, which was completed earlier this 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. The General Management Plan calls for the creation of a new ``Homestead Heritage Center,'' a 28,000-square-foot energy-efficient facility which will house the Monument's collections, interpretive exhibits, public research facilities, and administrative offices. The focal point of the Center will be the Palmer-Epard Cabin, which will provide visitors with a realistic setting in which to learn about the life of homesteaders. It is important to note that the current visitor center complex is located within a 100-year floodplain, which exposes the Monument's facilities as well as valuable artifacts and supporting materials to the threat of flood damage. The new ``Homestead Heritage Center'' would be located outside of the 100-year floodplain and offer protection for the Monument's historic and prehistoric collections, archives and museum galleries. Homestead National Monument of America is truly a unique historical and interpretative 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 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. I believe that the establishment of the ``Homestead Heritage Center'' would begin the process of realizing these goals. In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to support passage of the conference report on H.R. 4578.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member commends to his colleagues the following editorial from the September 24, 2000, Lincoln Journal Star. The editorial expresses concern about some of the proposals which have been offered to address rising oil costs. As the editorial emphasizes, the U.S. should encourage alternatives to oil such as wind energy and other renewable sources. Clearly, ethanol provides an attractive alternative which helps the rural economy while helping to meet energy needs. [From the Lincoln Journal Star, Sept. 24, 2000] Oil Prices Generating Bad Ideas More than a quarter century has passed since Americans waited in lines to buy high priced gasoline. There was plenty to time to find new energy efficiencies and develop diversified energy resources. Now we're paying the price for letting things slide. You'd think the view of the future should have been a little better from those high seats in gas-guzzling SUV's. Gas prices have spiked to their highest level in the past 10 years. A barrel of crude has tripled in price to almost $40 in the past two years. American concern might not have reached the emotional levels in Europe, where truckers blocked roads in protest, but it won't take much for panic to spread. Before oil price hysteria takes away good judgment, a few bad ideas need to be spiked. Too bad it's already too late to block Vice President Al Gore's proposal to dip into the Strategic Oil Reserve. That should have been recognized immediately as a blatant political ploy to smooth things over until after the election. Even Clinton's own Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said using the petroleum reserve would be ``a major and substantial policy mistake.'' As Sen. Chuck Hagel noted in a speech on energy this week, the 570 million gallons in the reserve were set aside for acute disruptions in the oil supply caused by war or other national emergencies. An election is not a national emergency. Things could get worse quickly. Already Iraq's Saddam Hussein has starting making threatening noises. His hand is on the spigot of 2.3 million barrels of oil a day in the International market. The motivation to protect fixed-income Americans from surging prices for home heating is understandable, but relief from high winter heating bills should be provided under existing programs to provide assistance based on need. Tapping the petroleum reserve provides price relief to well- to-do Americans who should be able to absorb the price hikes on their own. Another short-sighted idea pushed in the United States since prices began rising is to drop taxes on gasoline. The problem with that approach is that it would remove the primary source of funding for highway construction. What good is cheaper gas if the roads are falling apart? Still another bad idea (endorsed by Hagel, we note with dismay) is to permit oil development in the coastal plains of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. That development, for only an estimated 16 billion barrels of oil, would disrupt caribou calving grounds and migratory patterns that have existed for centuries. A better approach to high oil prices than jeopardizing fragile environmental areas is to encourage alternatives to fossil fuels. Already available in the market, for example, are BMWs that run on hydrogen. Even in Lincoln consumers can purchase hybrid autos from Honda and Toyota that run on both gasoline and electricity. Just this week Gov. Mike Johanns pointed out that Nebraska ranks sixth in the nation in terms of wind energy resources. ``We are the Saudi Arabia of wind,'' Johanns boasted. The cost of producing electricity by wind turbine has dropped from 40 cents a kilowatt-hour in 1979 to 4 to 5 per kilowatt- hour. Retired Iowa farmer Chuck Goodman will earn more than $8,000 this year for the turbines he has on an acre of land. This harvest season, he said, that same acre would earn him only $100 to $200. Development of a coherent national energy policy is long overdue, as Hagel pointed out in several venues last week. It's important, however, that perspective not be limited to the current obsession with oil prices. Government interference to force cheaper prices is not the answer. The best long-term government response is to work within the framework of the free market to encourage development of new energy sources.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, following his visit to Hong Kong in April 1997, Speaker Gingrich tasked this Member with the responsibility of creating the Speaker's Task Force on the Hong Kong Transition and of observing and reporting on Hong Kong's status following its return to the People's Republic of China. The Task Force is bipartisan in nature and all members of it have been drawn from the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, of which this Member is the Chairman. On behalf of the Task Force, this Member would like to inform his colleagues that the eighth report of the Speaker's Task Force on the Hong Kong Transition has been filed. In summary, the Task Force continues to believe that the transition has progressed satisfactorily, although concerns remain in areas such as press self-censorship and controls, export controls and most notably, rule of law. The recent controversial remarks by Chinese officials warning against press coverage of issues regarding Taiwan and of business support for Taiwan independence have been a concern, as has the issue of judicial independence and the rule of law as a result of the ``right of abode'' case. These issues will need to be watched closely. Hong Kong's political system continues to evolve, although progress towards further democratization has not been as rapid as many would like. The Hong Kong press remains free and continues to comment critically on the People's Republic of China (PRC), although threatening remarks by PRC officials in reference to press coverage related to Taiwan is worrisome. Public demonstrations continue to be held. Indeed, there is a vigorous public debate on the issues of democracy and law. The legislature and free press have used their roles to increase government accountability and transparency. Mr. Speaker, a copy of the Task Force's eighth report is available on the internet website of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific: www.house.gov/international_relations/ap/ap.htm. It is also available in hard-copy from the Subcommittee office.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, on September 26, 2000, this Member inadvertently missed rollcall No. 495 on final passage of H.R. 4292, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, while he was in a room where the bells did not ring announcing the vote. Had this Member been present, he would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, as a long-time supporter of fulfilling the Federal Government's commitment to fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at 40 percent, this Member rises in strong support of H. Con. Res. 399, recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. According to the Committee for Education Funding, before enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act into law, more than one million children with disabilities were denied an education in America's public schools. This law incorporated all levels of government to ensure that children with disabilities had access to a ``free appropriate public education'' that requires special education and related services. Currently, more than 6.2 million children, ages 3-21, with disabilities ranging from speech and language impediments to emotional disturbances, have benefitted from these services. Within the State Grant Program of the IDEA, approximately $240 million is sent to 407 Nebraska school districts or approved cooperatives that serve children with disabilities, ages birth to five years. About $4.3 million supports discretionary projects to help meet IDEA requirements for children with disabilities, ages birth to 21 years, and approximately $800,000 is available for school improvement projects. In the 1999-2000 school year alone, 43,531 children and youth in the State of Nebraska benefitted from the IDEA State Grant program. Mr. Speaker, while this improvement is good news, this Member will continue full funding of the Federal Government's forth percent commitment to IDEA. Meeting the IDEA requirements set by Congress 25 years ago will provide relief to our local school districts and will ensure the continued success of IDEA and its goal of creating productive members of society within the disability community.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member highly commends the September 18, 2000, editorial from the Omaha World-Herald about second-guessing President George Bush's decision not to invade Iraq during the Gulf War. The editorial thoughtfully discusses the possible options facing President Bush and the reasons why his final decision was clearly the best option available in a world where perfect solutions do not exist. [From the Omaha World-Herald, Sept. 18, 2000] Baghdad Restraint Revisited The complaint is being voiced in the current campaign that the Bush administration erred during the Gulf War by failing to send a U.S. invasion force into the heart of Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein's regime. Carrying out an ``on to Baghdad'' policy in 1991, it's claimed, would have spared the United States the headaches of dealing with Saddam's recalcitrant government over the past nine years. Public Pulse letters recently discussed this topic. It's wishful thinking, however, to imagine that a U.S. takeover of Iraq would have neatly resolved the situation in the Persian Gulf. Far from bringing calm to the region, a U.S. or United Nations occupation of Iraq would have created new and difficult problems for this country. A northward drive into Baghdad would have shattered the international coalition that President Bush had delicately assembled to support U.S. military action. The basis for the coalition, and for the United Nations resolutions which gave it legal legitimacy, was a concrete and limited goal; the explusion of Iraqi forces from a sovereign country, Kuwait. A full-blown invasion of Iraq, perhaps complete with block-by- block fighting in the capital city, would have far exceeded that fundamental war goal. Public support for Desert Storm was mild at best in many of the Arab and European countries whose governments stood by Bush. Had Bush adopted a topple-Saddam strategy, CNN videotape of American tanks patrolling the streets of Baghdad--a proud Arab city once the site of an Islamic empire--could well have triggered protest throughout the Arab world. It's a good bet, that U.S. occupation would have spurred tender-hearted Europeans to take to the streets to wail anew about the horrors of U.S. ``imperialism.'' The eruption of hostility could have set back U.S. relations overseas for years. Neither is it pleasant to contemplate what U.S. soldiers would have faced on the ground in occupying Iraq. Just as British soldiers came under withering assault in Palestine in the 1940s and French occupiers reaped the whirlwind in Algeria in the 1950s, so the U.S. occupation of a volatile Arab country like Iraq could have brought great peril to the men and women of the U.S. military. Because Iraq lacks strong national cohesion, a U.S. invasion could well have triggered a break-up of the country into three new entities: a Kurdish north, a Sunni center and a Shia south. That radical change in the Middle East equation would have meant a host of new challenges for the United States, ranging from Turkey's anxieties over the new Kurdish state to the likelihood of Iranian manipulations of the newly independent Shias along the Persian Gulf. The larger point here is that foreign policy issues rarely can be resolved neatly. No matter what action is taken, new problems arise. Consider the 1989 invasion that U.S. forces mounted to topple Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Although the operation succeeded in ousting Noriega, Panama has continued to present the United States with new headaches. The U.S. operation restored civilian rule to the country, but that didn't stop Panama's leaders from pointedly rejecting a U.S. request last year to maintain an Air Force base at the Panama Canal. And Panama's stability is now threatened by guerrilla incursions from neighboring Colombia. There is no reason to believe that a U.S. occupation of Iraq would have produced long-term results that were any better than those discouraging results in Panama. George Bush had sound strategic reasons for rejecting a U.S. seizure of Baghdad. He settled on an imperfect solution, but in the real world, imperfect solutions are often the best that can be achieved.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member commends to his colleagues the following editorial from the August 18, 2000, Omaha World-Herald. The editorial expresses support for recent actions which will make the newly developed ``golden rice'' more widely available worldwide. This rice, which has been generally engineered to contain more beta carotine, holds the potential to dramatically improve lives by helping to combat malnutrition and blindness among Vitamin A-deficient children throughout the world. A Laudable Gift of Life and Sight A lot of people, especially outside the United States, aren't buying genetically modified crops. All right then: What if somebody gave them away? Well, somebody has--``somebody'' being Monsanto Co. It was a development so stunning that probably no novelist would ever incorporate it in a plot--too far-fetched. But Monsanto announced that it would be granting royalty-free licenses worldwide via the Internet for its newly developed ``golden rice.'' It has been modified so that it's enriched in beta carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. (Licenses for other modified rices will similarly be cost- free, but golden rice is by far the star of the show.) If this offer is widely taken up, the effect is likely to be dramatic. Worldwide, more than a million Vitamin-A deficient children die every year: 300,000 or so go blind. We'd like to think Monsanto's generosity might inspire imitators among other holders of patents on such superfoods. First of all, there's the obvious prospect of making a better life for a lot of children in the Third World. Additionally, modified crops are getting a bum rap as being unsafe or unhealthy--``frankenfoods,'' in the unfortunate popular jargon. Maybe moves like Monsanto's will help dispel such thinking. That latter point is, in fact, Monsanto's stated purpose. The argument can therefore be made that the chemical and agricultural giant is merely acting in its own long-term self-interest. Nothing wrong with that. If this act and perhaps others like it can break that logjam of opinion, the company or companies that help bring it about deserve to benefit. But in the here and now, it was an impressive example of a giant company being a good corporate citizen of the world. The folks at Monsanto who made the decision have a right to be proud.

Mr. BEREUTER

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4673.

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