Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4365.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to bring H.R. 4365, the Children's Health Act of 2000, to the floor of the House today. This measure is a result of strong bipartisan, and I underline strong bipartisan, bicameral cooperation and extensive negotiations. The bill before us today includes the original children's health bill passed by the House in May, as well as provisions to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Senate passed the revised bill last Friday. Since then, more than a dozen children's health advocacy groups have issued statements publicly applauding the bill and praising this effort. In developing this legislation, my Committee on Commerce colleagues and I examined many of the difficult barriers we face in working to improve children's health and well-being. Witnesses testified about a variety of serious childhood afflictions, including autism, Fragile X, childhood asthma, and juvenile diabetes. The bill before us authorizes and reauthorizes children's disease research and prevention activities conducted under the Public Health Service Act. Among its key provisions, the bill establishes a new Pediatric Research Initiative within the National Institutes of Health to enhance opportunities for research and improve coordination of efforts to prevent or cure diseases affecting children. The bill also addresses a number of specific concerns, including autism, Fragile X, birth defects, early hearing loss, epilepsy, asthma, juvenile arthritis, childhood malignancies, juvenile diabetes, safe motherhood and infant health promotion, adoption awareness, traumatic brain injury, Healthy Start, oral health, vaccine injury compensation, Hepatitis C, autoimmune diseases, graduate medical education in children's hospitals, muscular dystrophy, and rare pediatric diseases. Equally important, Mr. Speaker, it does not include specific funding earmarks or other controversial provisions. This legislation incorporates a number of separate legislative proposals, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of those Members who worked to develop provisions that were included in the bill. I also want to acknowledge all of the patient advocates, there were many, as there were many Members and also cosponsors of the original children's health bill, who lent us strong support for this initiative. Their dedication helped keep this legislation alive. We can never estimate the human toll of childhood diseases. However, they also have an enormous financial impact through billions of dollars in increased health care costs. Every dollar spent by the Federal Government on disease research and prevention is an extremely wise investment. Any parent can tell us that nothing is more heart-wrenching than watching their own child suffer with an illness. As a father and grandfather myself, I know how terrible that can be. Today, however, we have a rare opportunity to do something that will give hope to families devastated by childhood disease. This bill, Mr. Speaker, also takes great steps to reauthorize and refine the mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It gives States more flexibility in the use of their block grant funds and follows the trend in other Federal programs to require more accountability based on performance. The bill authorizes funding for many important services for youths and adolescents. These include youth drug treatment, early intervention for juvenile substance abuse, prevention of methamphetamine and inhalant use, follow-up services for youth offenders released from juvenile justice facilities, comprehensive community services for children with serious emotional disturbances, services for individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome, and prevention of underage drinking and suicide prevention. The bill also addresses the needs of adults by authorizing grants for emergency mental health centers, programs to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system, and programs to expand mental health and substance abuse treatment services for the homeless. In addition, this bill facilitates some physicians' ability to prescribe certain narcotics, such at buprenorpine, that are used in treating narcotics addiction. It also provides a comprehensive strategy to combat methamphetamine use. These provisions were approved by my subcommittee as H.R. 2634, the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000, and this language was carefully worked out with the Committee on the Judiciary. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation in addition to reauthorizing the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services programs. The bill before us will provide vital resources targeted at ending the scourge of childhood diseases. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), a member of the subcommittee, for his tireless efforts. Together, we did put kids ahead of politicians, and I am truly grateful for his commitment to improve the health of our Nation's children. I also want to recognize the staff who worked to advance this legislation, and first and foremost, to thank my health policy advisor, Anne Esposito, for her hard work and dedication through long hours and extensive negotiations. I am also grateful to her partner in that effort, Ellie Dehoney from the staff of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown). Together they demonstrated the patience and determination necessary to keep this process on track and moving forward. Additionally, I would like to thank Mr. Jeremy Allen, who was with me for a short time as, I guess, a presidential fellow. He worked to pass the bill through the House and helped with the Senate negotiations; Michael Reilly, who was also with us in that capacity at one time; and, of course, my chief of staff, Todd Tuten, because it was his consent based on our success with the women's health initiative that led to doing this; and, additionally, Dr. Carolyn Sporn, who is a third-year resident at George Washington University in the Emergency room who chose to spend a month in my office to gain the knowledge that I think all medical doctors should have regarding this process. Together we are doing something good for kids. I urge every Member to support passage of H.R. 4365. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Bryant), a member of the Subcommittee on Health and Environment and a very conscientious and active Member.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson), my 98th Congress colleague.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt), who has been quite a leader in diabetes in this House. (Mr. NETHERCUTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. DeMint).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood), who, as has already been said, has spent an awful lot of time particularly on the autism portion of this legislation, and so many other children's issues. (Mr. GREENWOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hutchinson), a member of the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I endorse the remarks of the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette) and thank her for her role, the role that she has played, not only in this legislation, but all matters involving particularly children. I want to emphasize that this legislation came about as the result of an awful lot of hard work on a bipartisan basis. The minority was involved in every case, and I ask that everyone support.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 594, I call up from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 4365) to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to children's health, with the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a special group of World War II veterans. The 352nd fighter group, known as the Blue Nosed Bastards of Bosney, was named for the farm land where they were based and the bright blue paint on the cowling of each of their P-51 Mustangs. The primary purpose of the fighter group was to escort bombers across the English Channel to France and Germany (and eventually Berlin) where they bombed the Germans relentlessly. Once the bombers had completed their missions and returned to base, the 352nd would attack various military targets before returning home. The fighter group also participated in D-Day by neutralizing the German Air Force before the invasion and then providing cover for the Allies during the invasion. Since the end of World War II, the brave men of the 352nd fighter group have reunited every year somewhere in the United States. This year will be their 50th reunion which is being held in Richmond, Virginia. It will also be their last reunion. This historic reunion was brought to my attention by Howard Polin, a corporal in the Army Aircorp, who served on the ground crew with the 352nd fighter group in England from December 7, 1942 until February 4, 1946. I want to take this opportunity to salute the men of the 352nd fighter group. They, along with the millions of young men and women who served our country in uniform during World War II, served side by side to restore the peace and the freedom to those overwhelmed by tyranny. Americans of all religions, of all races, and of diverse political philosophies, came together on the battlefield and on the homefront, helping to extinguish the flames of oppression and the evil that infected mankind throughout the world. America provided a beacon of hope in a dark sea of despair. We must never forget those brave men and women who served in the war that changed our future. Since they have returned home, they have faithfully served this country with dignity and with strengthened character. They have all helped to create the single greatest country on the face of the earth and have altered, for the better, the future of mankind, both at home and abroad. America can never fully repay her veterans. However, we can honor these courageous individuals by treasuring the freedom they preserved. Mr. Speaker, the men of the 352nd fighter group all answered the call to duty when their country needed them. They are true American heroes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, Evelyn and I wish to offer our condolences to Mrs. Laura Bateman and the entire Bateman family on the passing of our colleague and friend, Congressman Herbert Bateman. It is appropriate that Congressman Bateman represented the historical First District, because he was not only an exemplary representative on behalf of his constituents, but a leader who has served both his colleagues in the Congress and the American people with great distinction. Herb and I were freshmen congressmen in the class of 1983. It is a testament to Congressman Bateman's longevity, and the bipartisan respect he was able to garner, that he served so effectively in this body for eighteen years. Herb Bateman was an integral part of the restoration of America's armed forces after years of decline. His commitment to the military began with his service in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and later, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military readiness, his efforts were key to restoring the ability of our men and women in uniform to perform their duty and reestablish their position as the preeminent military force in the world today. I was able to see Herb's commitment to the military first hand as we traveled together to meet with our men and women in uniform serving with NATO as they defended freedom and democracy in Europe. His commitment and concern for the young people in the armed forces was unparalleled, and it was clearly visible to anyone who spoke with him. His distinguished record was not limited to a focus on the military. Congressman Bateman's support of NASA and the United States' commitment to space helped advance and ensure our leadership in science and technology. His commitment to the environment led to the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, allowing its beauty to be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. And these are but a few of his legislative achievements. On a personal note, I had the pleasure of spending time with Herb and his wife Laura during the Republican Convention in August. Evelyn and I enjoyed the time we spent with them, and as grandparents ourselves, we could tell that they were looking forward to his impending retirement in order to spend more time with their two children, Laura Margaret and Herbert Jr., Herbert Jr.'s wife Mary, and their three grandchildren Emmy, Hank, and Sam. The American people were the beneficiaries of Congressman Bateman's lifetime of public service, a commitment that spanned five decades. He was a great statesman, and I will miss him personally, this nation will miss his leadership. However, his legacy lives on in everything from the U.S. space program to our military, as well as many other achievements too numerous to name. The fruits of his labor will continue to benefit generations of Americans to come, and they will honor his memory.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of increasing the Federal Government's commitment to biomedical research through the National Institutes of Health. As chairman of the Health and Environment Subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus, I am a strong advocate of this agency's vital mission. I have joined many of my colleagues in supporting efforts to double federal funding for the NIH. The NIH is the primary Federal agency charged with the conduct and support of biomedical and behavioral research. Each of its institutes has a specialized focus on particular diseases, areas of human health and development, or aspects of research support. When we consider its role as one of the world's foremost research centers, it is amazing to remember that the NIH actually began its existence as a one-room Laboratory of Hygiene in 1887. Medical research represents the single most effective weapon against the diseases that affect many Americans. The advances made over the course of the last century could not have been predicted by even the most far-sighted observers. It is equally difficult to anticipate the significant gains we may achieve in years to come through increased funding for further medical research. Last year, Congress gave a substantial increase in funding to the NIH. The fiscal year 2000 omnibus appropriations law provided $17.8 billion for the NIH--an increase of $2.2 billion or 14 percent over the previous fiscal year. This increase represents a sizable down payment toward the goal of doubling its funding over 5 years. This year, I am hopeful that we can make similar progress in that regard. As we work to increase Federal funding, I am also sponsoring legislation to encourage private support for NIH research efforts. My bill, H.R. 785, the Biomedical Research Assistance Voluntary Option or ``BRAVO'' Act, would allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their federal income tax refunds to support NIH research efforts. I introduced the bill on a bipartisan basis with the ranking member of the Health and Environment Subcommittee, Mr. Brown of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, every dollar invested in research today will yield untold benefits for all Americans in years to come. Indeed, our own lives might some day depend on the efforts of scientists and doctors currently at work in our Nation's laboratories. I urge all Members to join me in supporting a strong Federal commitment to biomedical research.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of several veterans' bills that the House is considering today. First, H.R. 4850, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2000, will increase, effective December 1, 2000, the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans. As in previous years, these deserving men and women will receive the same cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) that Social Security recipients are scheduled to receive, and as a cosponsor of H.R. 4850, I am pleased that we are acting to provide disabled veterans and their survivors with an annual COLA. H.R. 4850 includes several other important provisions. Under the measure, a stroke or heart attack suffered or aggravated by a reservist during inactive duty training will be considered service-connected. This will allow reservists to receive disability compensation for these conditions if they become disabled while on inactive duty training. H.R. 4850 would also provide a special monthly compensation for the service-connected loss of one or both breasts due to a radical mastectomy, at the same rate as that for a service-connected ``loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs.'' Finally, H.R. 4850 will permit certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve to participate in the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program. The second veterans' bill we are considering today, the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, would eliminate the requirement that a claimant first submit a ``well-grounded claim'' before receiving assistance from the VA Secretary. A well-grounded claim for service- connected disability benefits would be one that included supporting medical opinion and evidence. H.R. 4864 would require the VA Secretary to make a reasonable effort to obtain relevant records identified and authorized by the claimant. The VA Secretary would also have to provide a medical examination if warranted. H.R. 4864 would permit veterans who had claims denied or dismissed by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to request a review of those claims within two years of enactment. Finally, H.R. 4864 would require other federal agencies to furnish relevant records to the VA at no cost to the claimant. The VA has a long history of assisting veterans to obtain government and other records which may substantiate their claim for benefits. However, last year, the Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims held that the VA had no authority to develop claims that are not well-grounded. Anyone who has ever had to deal with a bureaucracy knows how frustrating it can be, and the Court's decision had a devastating impact on a veteran's ability to develop his or her claim. H.R. 4864 reaffirms the government's obligation to assist our nation's veterans in developing their benefit claims, and I am honored to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. Finally, I am pleased that the House will consider another resolution that I have cosponsored regarding the Persian Gulf War. Next month marks the tenth anniversary of the initial activation of the National Guard and Reserve personnel for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as a consequence of the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. Over 267,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve were ordered to active duty during the Persian Gulf War, and 57 of them lost their lives in service to their nation. H. Res. 549 recognizes the historical significance of this anniversary and honors the service and sacrifice of these National Guard and Reserve personnel during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The resolution also recognizes the growing importance of the National Guard and Reserve to the Security of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support all three of these important veterans bills.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4807, the Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000. The Health and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill earlier this month. On July 13th, the full Commerce Committee approved the bill by voice vote, after adopting several bipartisan amendments to further refine and strengthen this important legislation. The swift movement of this measure is a testament to its bipartisan nature, and I want to commend Congressmen Tom Coburn and Henry Waxman for their hard work. I was pleased to join many of my Committee colleagues as an original cosponsor of the bill. The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resouces Emergency or ``CARE'' Act was enacted in 1990, and Congress approved bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the law in 1996. The Ryan White CARE Act provides critical funding for health and social services to the estimated one million Americans living with HIV and AIDS. The bill before us, H.R. 4807, will ensure that these patients continue to receive the care and medications they need to enhance and prolong their lives. H.R. 4807 makes an important change by relying on the number of HIV- infected individuals--as opposed to only the number of persons living with AIDS--as the basis for allocating funding under Titles I and II of the Ryan White CARE Act. By targeting resources to the ``front line'' of the epidemic, we will be able to reduce transmission rates and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to provide care to HIV- positive individuals as soon as possible. This change will allow the federal government to be pro-active, instead of reactive, in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It should be noted, however that this shift will only occur when reliable data on HIV prevalence is available. The bill also includes a ``hold harmless'' provision to ensure that no metropolitan area will suffer a drastic reduction in CARE Act funds. H.R. 4807 also increases the focus on prevention. States with effective partner notification and HIV surveillance programs will be eligible for additional federal funds. Several witnesses at our Subcommittee hearing emphasized the importance of partner notification programs as an effective way to identify individuals from traditionally under-served communities and help them obtain care. This emphasis on prevention services is part of a comprehensive effort under the bill to eliminate barriers to access to care. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to again recognize the hard work of all the Members who worked together on a bipartisan basis to advance this reauthorization bill. H.R. 4807 is a critical piece of legislation that can literally save lives, and I urge all Members to join me today in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1102, the Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act. The authors of H.R. 1102 are to be commended for their work in drafting a bill to address the retirement savings gap by expanding small business retirement plans, allowing workers to save more, providing portability in retirement benefits for an increasingly mobile workforce, and securing the pensions of America's workers. I am pleased to see that H.R. 1102 increases IRA contribution and benefit limits, provides rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions, and reduces vesting requirements for employer matching contributions. These provisions will help Americans save more for their retirement needs. However, I still have concerns about the protection of pension benefits of workers and retirees. Over the years, I have heard from many of my constituents who have lost pension benefits as the result of their employer declaring bankruptcy or merging with another company. Current law does not do enough to protect the retirement benefits of these employees and the company's retirees. Mr. Speaker, hard-working Americans do not deserve to lose their hard-earned benefits due to a company's declaration of bankruptcy or merger with another corporation. As Members of Congress, we spend a lot of time and effort debating what we can do to improve the lives of our constituents. Providing additional protections for the retirement benefits of hard-working Americans is a step in the right direction, and I hope my colleagues will work with me to ensure that changes in a company's structure will not result in the loss of benefits for our constituents.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as I have done every year I rise again today to declare my fierce objection to the 26-year occupation of the Island of Cyprus by Turkish troops and to express my grave concern for the future of the area. In July of 1974 Turkish troops invaded Cyprus, seized 37 percent of the island, killed 5,000 people and brutally expelled 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. A quarter of a century later, 1,400 of these people, including 4 Americans, still remain unaccounted for. For the past 26 years, Cyprus has been divided by the green line, a 113 mile barbed wire fence that runs across the island. Greek Cypriots are prohibited from visiting the towns and communities where their families have lived for generations. With 35,000 Turkish troops illegally stationed on the island, it is one of the most militarized areas in the world. The illegal nature of the Turkish aggression and the brutality with which it was conducted aroused the indignation of the entire international community. The self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus remains a pariah in the international community with no nation, except Turkey, recognizing its legitimacy. Today, the Cyprus problem continues to be one of the most critical in the international arena. In his 2000 State of the Union address, the President labeled it one of his key foreign policy concerns. Numerous attempts have been made to find a peaceful resolution to the issue but so far all have foundered because of the irrational intransigence of Turkey. Relations with the European Union have also been affected by this dispute. Cyprus is in the group of applicants that are furthest down the path to entry into the European Union. While it recognizes the legitimate government of Cyprus, the EU has refused to negotiate with Northern Cyprus as a separate entity. They have also stated that Cyprus' accession is not contingent on a resolution of the territorial dispute. If the dispute over Cyprus is not resolved, Cyprus will accede into the European Union and Northern Cyprus will see the great economic disparity that already exists between the two regions widened. Throughout the occupation, the United Nations has been trying to encourage a solution to the Cyprus problem. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has sponsored proximity talks between the President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, and Rauf Denktash, the self-proclaimed leader of the Turkish part of Cyprus. The third round of talks started this month. For these talks to be successful, there will have to be significant movement on the part of the Turkish Cypriots. The solution that has been endorsed by the United Nations, by the European Community and by the United States is the formation of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Unification with Turkey is not an option and neither is the status quo. Two weeks ago, I wrote a letter to President Clinton co-signed by 231 of my colleagues and 81 Senators encouraging him to give his utmost attention and involvement to the third round of proximity talks. I hope that the President and the administration will give these talks the close attention they deserve. Cyprus, Mr. Speaker, belongs to all Cypriots, whether they are of Turkish or Greek descent. America has a duty to the people of Cyprus and to itself to push for a peaceful and permanent resolution to the Cyprus problem. I hope it is a duty that we will discharge to the very fullest of our ability.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time for the same reasons I indicated earlier.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman bringing to my attention and to our attention the innovative legislation which she has recently introduced. Consumer coalitions could serve a dual purpose by educating the beneficiaries who are negotiating for lower health care costs. I appreciate her comments on the legislation before us and on her legislation, which is an innovative concept. The proposal is certainly worthy of a close review, and I look forward to working with her on this subject in the coming months.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of H.R. 4680, the Medicare RX 2000 Act. The addition of prescription drug coverage to the Medicare program is one of the most important things we can do this year. I am saddened, Mr. Speaker, by the strictly partisan and political debate that has arisen on this vital issue and by the efforts to continuously interrupt these proceedings with nonsensical procedural motions. This conduct reinforces my sincere belief that the Democratic leadership does not want to take real action this year on this issue, just like they failed to address the problem for over 40 years when they controlled the House. This is a critical concern for seniors throughout the country, and it should not be reduced to merely a political issue or to one of spite. I am reminded of a debate in the 104th Congress when we worked successfully to save Medicare from bankruptcy. At that time the Democratic leadership exploited the crisis facing Medicare by engaging in demagoguery for political gain. The Washington Post editorial board rightly labeled them ``Medagogues.'' Now they are playing politics with seniors in desperate need of prescription drugs. In the words of the Great Communicator, Ronald Reagan, ``There they go again.'' Many of the latest drug and biological therapies are targeted at preventing or curing diseases that affect senior citizens and persons with disabilities. However, the Federal health insurance program serving these individuals, Medicare, currently, as we know, lacks coverage for most prescription drugs and biologicals. As a result, one- third of Medicare beneficiaries have no drug coverage at all. The two- thirds of beneficiaries who have coverage have to obtain it through a variety of sources, often at considerable expense. Last year, I introduced legislation to help the neediest and sickest seniors now. The bill before us, although not perfect, helps those seniors in greatest need and those who are the sickest and, thus, has my support. There is always room for improvement, but in the meantime, we can help the most vulnerable seniors now. This bill includes provisions that I introduced with my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), to ensure access to self- injectable drugs. Currently, Medicare part B only covers drugs that are furnished ``incident to a physician's service.'' In August 1997, however, HCFA issued a memorandum to Medicare carriers stating that Medicare part B would not reimburse for any drugs that were administered incident to a physician's service, if the drugs were capable of being self- injected. This memorandum, which reversed a previous policy of 30 years, does not take into account the health status of each patient. Many beneficiaries, including cancer and MS patients, are not able to self- inject their necessary medications, even if the drug is normally able to be self-administered. The provision included in H.R. 4680 guarantees the Medicare beneficiaries who are receiving lifesaving injectable drugs and biologicals will continue to have access to those therapies under Medicare part B. It is also important that this reimbursement continue under Medicare part B because the physician's service must also be reimbursed. The bill before us will ensure that patients who cannot self-administer injectable drugs will be able to have those drugs administered by their physician and receive coverage under the Medicare program. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to again emphasize that for 40 years the Democratic leadership, which controlled the House, did nothing to help seniors gain access to prescription drugs. The problem existed then as it does today, and yet they made little or no mention of it. This Congress is working to solve the problem on a bipartisan basis, and I urge Members to demonstrate their concern by voting for a bill which will help beneficiaries in need today.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I offer amendment No. 14.