Michael Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Gekas]. Very well said. Mr. Speaker, just before I interrupted myself to have recognized the four gentlemen, I spoke about the Greek freedom fighters having returned sovereignty to Greece and in so doing reconnected themselves and their Greek brothers and sisters to their heritage. Mr. Speaker, this heritage of which we speak has brought forth our American principles of freedom and democracy that even now continues to spread throughout the world. Indeed, people of Greek heritage, as well as freedom loving people everywhere--can join in celebrating this very special day. Our American patriot Thomas Paine wrote in his famous pamphlet, ``Common Sense:'' Tis Dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. How dear freedom is to us all. Socrates warned and Plato warned and Pericles warned, as did so many other great minds throughout history, that freedom and democracy are won and maintained only at great cost. And with that cost comes an unwavering acceptance of responsibility. Donald Kagan argues this point in his book about Pericles titled, ``Pericles of Athens and the Birth of Democracy.'' Mr. Kagan writes: The story of the Athenians in the time of Pericles suggests that the creation and survival of democracy requires leadership of a high order. When tested, the Athenians behaved with the required devotion, wisdom, and moderation in large part because they had been inspired by the democratic vision and example that Pericles had so effectively communicated to them. It was a vision that exalted the individual within the political community; it limited the scope and power of the state, leaving enough space for individual freedom, privacy, and the human dignity of which they are a crucial part. It rejected the leveling principle pursued by both ancient Sparta and modern socialism, which requires the suppression of those rights. By rewarding merit, it encouraged the individual achievement and excellence that makes life sweet and raises the quality of life for everyone. Above all, Pericles convinced the Athenians that their private needs, both moral and material, required the kind of community Athens had become. Therefore,-- And I would like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that this is what I mean by responsibility: They were willing to run risks in its defense, make sacrifices on its behalf and restrain their passions and desires to preserve it. Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is as true today as it was in ancient Greece--as much as during the American Revolution and certainly as it was in 1821 when Greece claimed its independence. The Greek people sought the right to govern themselves and to determine their own destiny. There are few more precious rights than this and it is one highly treasured around the world. If people are to live freely they must also live responsibly. If people are to govern themselves democratically, then they must also govern themselves responsibly. The same must be said for nations. For if not, it is either anarchy or tyranny that is sure to follow. I believe that if we are to live in a world of peace, with freedom and democracy as our goal, then this is the message that must guide us. Even as I speak, tensions still persist between Turkey and Greece over the sovereignty of the islet of Imia--in the Aegean Sea. Turkey has violated international law by trying to claim territorial ownership of Imia and, in so doing, has failed to act responsibly. Indeed, the European Parliament approved a resolution stating that: The Islet of Imia belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands, on the basis of the Lausanne Treaty of 1923, the protocol between Italy and Turkey of 1932, and the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947. Another issue that demonstrates irresponsible leadership and weighs heavily on the minds of Greek-Americans and Cypriots alike is the recent statement made by Mr. Denktash--the Turkish-Cypriot leader of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus that the five missing Americans and the 1,614 missing Greek-Cypriots captured in Cyprus during the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974, were turned over to the Turkish militia and then killed. I have written a letter to President Clinton urging him to do everything possible to determine once and for all the fate of the missing in Cyprus. I also question Mr. Denktash's statement that all the missing are dead--given the fact that there is much evidence to the contrary. You don't have to be a Greek-American or a Cypriot-American to feel the pain and outrage felt by Cypriots who have had their land brutally and illegally occupied by Turkish forces for over 21 years. I think this quote from the British newspaper the Guardian in an article written in 1979 called ``Words Won't Shift Turkey,'' illustrates the impact of the continued occupation: They (Turkey) invaded in two separate waves. They camped along the Attila line, holding 36 percent of Cyprus. They have not budged since. Worse, they have relentlessly filled northern Cyprus with mainland immigrants, squeezing all but a handful of Greeks from their territory . . . who can wonder . . . that the Greeks fear not merely permanent division along the Attila line but, at some suitable future moment with some suitable future excuse, a further Turkish push to swallow all of Cyprus? Will world opinion be any more help then (--) than it is now? . . . '' Mr. Speaker, last August I traveled to Cyprus, and I have already mentioned this, met the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Hoke] there, and heard firsthand the life experiences of the Cypriots. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure their freedom along with the help particularly of the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Maloney]; the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Gekas]; the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Hoke]; the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman]; and so many others. I am pleased to have cosponsored legislation to address the freedom and human rights for the enclaved people of Cyprus. We must seek a peaceful world so that freedom and democracy may flourish. Let us never squander the precious gift of liberty that is known to all our citizens through democracy. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York City [Mrs. Maloney], which includes Astoria with a very large Greek population.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentleman. He has joined us every single year. He mentioned our trip to the island of Cyprus. We were the first Members of Congress, as I understand it, to go into the Turkish- occupied territory, up into the enclave area. We led a number of Cypriot-Americans who were not Members of Congress, just regular grassroots people, on that trip and we learned so very, very much. It was an honor to have done it with the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Hoke]. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Gekas] for his remarks.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank the gentlewoman, and join her in that invitation, obviously. I just cannot tell you how proud I am, Carolyn, to be working with you, particularly on these issues. I would at this point yield to another gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Ronald Klink, who is a fellow Kalimnian, which means that our parents immigrated to this country from the island of Kalimnos in the Aegean Sea, which is actually the group of islands that sort of is the closest to this disputed rock, I say ``disputed,'' it isn't disputed by anybody but Turkey, in the Aegean, this disputed rock called Imia. I would yield to the gentleman at this time for his remarks.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, we are Americans, and this is the United States of America. Let us say one of our protectorates, if you will, Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, all of a sudden a claim was made upon them by country X. What would we do? Certainly I would like to think what we would not do is to decide to sit across the table with country X and negotiate the rights to those particular territories. It is ridiculous, because everyone knows, the entire world knows, the world community knows these territories are part of the United States of America, if you will. On December 25, as the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Maloney] certainly has already shared with us, and she does such a great job at this, and it is such an honor really to be tied in with her in these special orders, on December 25, 1995, a Turkish cargo ship ran aground on Imia. The ship's captain refused assistance from the Greek Coast Guard because the captain said the islet was Turkish. Tensions began to mount and by January 29, 1996, both Greece and Turkey had dispatched naval vessels to the area. On January 31, through U.S. mediation, both sides agreed to withdraw. I am certainly thankful and I think the world is thankful that this incident did not lead to an armed confrontation. But I am disappointed that at no time during the United States mediation did the President, Secretary of State Christopher, Defense Secretary Perry or then Assistant Secretary of State Holbrook, who has generally done a wonderful job on this issue, at no time did they recognize the sovereignty of Greece over the islet. Is is my sincere hope this latest incident will not deter the administrations efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, but rather strengthen the administration's commitment to finding a solution this year of 1996. As you may know, and I do not suppose many people do, my parents were born on the island of Kalymnos, which I guess the rocks Simi are a part of that particular island chain, and only just a few miles away from the island of Kalymnos. The island has always been considered Greek territory. At no previous time has Turkey questioned Imia's territorial ownership. Indeed, Greek Foreign Minister Theodore Pangalos stated, ``This is the first time that Turkey has actually laid claim to Greek territory.'' The European parliament overwhelmingly approved a resolution which states, ``The Islet of Imia belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands, on the basis of the Lausanne Treaty of 1923, the protocol between Italy and Turkey of 1932, the Paris Treaty of 1947, and whereas even on Turkish maps from the 1960's the islets are shown as Greek territory.'' Moreover, the Governments of Italy and France have publicly stated their support of Greek sovereignty over Imia, as provided by international law. So Madam Speaker, given Turkey's breaches of international law, its continued illegal, and I underline that, illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus, its restrictions on religious freedom from the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate, which represents over 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, its refusal to recognize the human rights of its 15 million Kurdish citizens, and its illegal blockade of Armenia, I have serious concerns about this most recent example of Turkish provocation. Although Turkey is an ally, Madam Speaker, its actions must not go unquestioned. In fact, European Commission President Jacques Santer stated in reference to Turkey, ``We cannot tolerate a state with which we have just entered into a customs union developing territorial demands on a European union member state.'' Turkey must respect and abide by international law. As President Eisenhower once stated, ``There can be no peace without law. And there can be no law if were to invoke one code of international conduct for those who oppose us, and another for our friends.'' Madam Speaker, I would say in closing, enough is enough.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture be permitted to file a supplemental report on the bill (H.R. 2202) to improve deterrence of illegal immigration to the United States by increasing border patrol and investigative personnel, by increasing penalties for alien smuggling and for document fraud, by reforming exclusion and deportation law and procedures, by improving the verification system for eligibility for employment, and through other measures, to reform the legal immigration system and facilitate legal entries into the United States, and for other purposes to include a cost estimate as required under clause 2(l)(3) of rule XI.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the landmark legislation which we are considering today. S. 652 is the culmination of years of work to overhaul Federal telecommunications policy and position America as a world leader in the dawning information age. While this bill contains many important provisions, I want to address one area in particular--the issue of ``Telemedicine.'' As chairman of the Commerce Health Subcommittee, I have a special interest in this subject. Although it is subject to different interpretations, the term ``Telemedicine'' generally refers to live, interactive audiovisual communication between physician and patient or between two physicians. Telemedicine can facilitate consultation between physicians and serve as a method of health care delivery in which physicians examine patients through the use of advanced telecommunications technology. One of the most important uses of Telemedicine is to allow rural communities and other medically under-served areas to obtain access to highly-trained medical specialists. It also provides access to medical care in circumstances when possibilities for travel are limited or unavailable. Despite widespread support for Telemedicine in concept, many critical policy questions remain unresolved. At the same time, the Federal Government is currently spending millions of dollars on Telemedicine demonstration projects with little or no congressional oversight. In particular, the Departments of Commerce and Health and Human Service have provided sizable grants for projects in a number of States. Therefore, I drafted a provision which is included in the conference report to require the Department of Commerce, in consultation with other appropriate agencies, to report annually to Congress on the findings of any studies and demonstrations on Telemedicine which are funded by the Federal Government. My provision is designed to provide greater information for Federal policymakers in the areas of patient safety, quality of services, and other legal, medical and economic issues related to Telemedicine. With the enactment of this provision, I am hopeful that we can shed light on the potential benefits of Telemedicine, as well as existing roadblocks to its use. I urge my colleagues to support the conference report to S. 652, this legislation will prove critical in defining our Nation's leadership role and economic viability in the 21st century.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, but also to express the concerns of Hillsborough County, FL, in my district, concerns that I understand are held by other entities in other States regarding this legislation, as well. As is well known, the measure we consider today is intended to exempt from constitutional challenge State and municipal flow-control laws in effect on or before May 16, 1994. The necessity of this stems from the fact that the Supreme Court ruled in 1994 that solid waste flow-control was an unconstitutional interference in interstate commerce. Nevertheless, the States and municipalities in question depend upon a steady stream of waste material to their disposal facilities in order to repay bonds issued to finance construction of these facilities. Clearly, this matter needs to be addressed and this legislation seeks to do so. However, if we are to address it, we must ensure that our meaning is certain. This measure also grants flow-control authority to State and local government facilities if, among other requirements, eligible bonds were presented for sale on or before May 16, 1994. Such was the case with Hillsborough County, FL, but the county refinanced these bonds in July 1994, with an expiration date on the new bond identical to that in place on May 16. This refinancing should in no way jeopardize the flow-control authority in this case. No changes in conditions were made other than the county's valid and, indeed, commendable desire to secure more favorable interest rates and a better financial deal for the ratepayers. Through discussions with members and staff of the Commerce Committee, it is my understanding that under this legislation this is, in fact, the case: the authority is not jeopardized. In view of this, I support this limited flow-control-authority legislation and urge its adoption by the House. I will continue to work with the committee and its members to assure the enactment of the soundest possible solid waste flow control legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a man who has served his country and his State for almost 50 years, Maj. Gen. Earl G. Peck. I have had the privilege of working with Earl for a number of years on issues of concern to veterans. General Peck began his military service in 1948 and served for more than 36 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a command pilot with more than 7,000 hours in fighters, bombers, tankers, and trainers. Earl received numerous military decorations, including the Defense and Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. During his distinguished military career, Earl held many different positions. He served as Chief of Staff, Strategic Air Command; Director, Intelligence and Space Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Deputy Commander, Sixth Allied Tactical Air Force, Izmir, Turkey; Chief, Office of Air Force History; Commandant, Squadron Officers School; Commander, 3902d Air Base Wing; Chief, Special Air Operations, Vietnam; and many others as a squadron pilot and staff officer. When the general left the Air Force in 1985, he could have sat back and enjoyed his retirement. But as so often is the case with veterans, Earl continued to contribute to his community. Since his retirement, he has been active in the Retired Officers Association, the Air Force Association, and the Order of Daedalians. He is also a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. In 1989, Earl was appointed as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. Immediately preceding his appointment, he was Director of the Florida Division of Veterans' Affairs, the department's predecessor. As an advocate for Florida's veterans, Earl has worked to improve the quality of life for all of the State's 1.73 million veterans. The resources of the department has increased by 400 percent, providing increased services to veterans. During his tenure, veterans' homes have been constructed in Lake City and Daytona Beach and more are planned. He has worked to elevate the VA's understanding of Florida's problems and to improve the resources and facilities available to our veterans. He has always been a valuable resource for our congressional delegation in Washington. Earl is the outgoing President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Jesse Brown presented Earl with the Secretary's Award for Outstanding State Director--a well- deserved honor. In 1994, I was honored by the Association as ``Man of the Year.'' I know he was instrumental in my selection for this award and I am grateful for his support. As Earl prepares to retire from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, I wanted to wish him the best of luck in his retirement. Although he may be retiring, I know Earl will remain a strong advocate for Florida's veterans.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement to accompany H.R. 2539. I note that the conference agreement contains an amendment to the Noise Control Act of 1972. This amendment was not contained in either of the bills sent to conference. It is my understanding that this amendment is a technical and conforming amendment that updates a definitional reference to title 49 of the United States Code in the Noise Control Act for the term ``motor carrier.'' As I understand it, this change has no substantive effect on the operation of the Noise Control Act. I bring this to the attention of my colleagues because the Commerce Committee has had a longstanding interest in the Noise Control Act. The committee reported the original version of the act in 1972 and has been responsible for overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of the act.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation to ensure that veterans' programs will continue to be funded in the wake of the President's recent veto. Because President Clinton vetoed H.R. 2099, the 1996 VA-HUD Appropriations bill, as has been said so many times here tonight, veterans' benefit checks will not be paid on time next month unless a short-term spending measure is passed by 8 o'clock tomorrow morning. The President should have signed H.R. 2099 and avoided putting these benefits and services in jeopardy. However, since he did not, we in Congress must act to ensure this funding and protect the Nation's veterans. The question has been asked a few times tonight: Why do this special thing for the veteran? I will tell why. Because if history has taught us anything, it is that the American serviceman has borne any hardship, has overcome any obstacle and has conquered any foe in the defense of liberty, justice and freedom. I think that he and she, more than anyone, can understand our battle to balance the budget for the sake of our children and our grandchildren. We must maintain our commitment to them, and Congress is here tonight because we feel strongly that veterans' benefits must not get lost in the battle to balance the Nation's budget. America can never really fully repay our veterans and we will never be able to express our feelings to our fallen soldiers, but we can act to ensure that veterans will receive the benefit checks that they have earned. Our Nation's veterans deserve nothing less. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and ensure its passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today's debate on the President's budget raises questions in the reminds of our people, and it is our responsibility to answer these questions truthfully. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health and Environment, I will focus on the Medicaid Program. Everyone agrees that Medicaid cannot continue in its present state. Between 1990 and 1994, it was the fastest growing part of the Government. The programs' average annual growth rate was more than 19 percent. Over the years, the Nation's Governors have complained bitterly to Congress about the unfunded mandates that have been placed upon States. On August 1, 1989, the Nation's Governors' Association sent a letter to Congress urging us to ``adopt a 2-year freeze on the enactment of further Medicaid mandates.'' The letter was signed by 49 Governors, including then Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. In this Congress, we are listening to these Governors. The Medigrant plan approved by Congress shifts responsibility for the Medicaid Program to the States, where it will be closer to the people it serves. Washington bureaucrats would no longer make the decisions. However, a handful of Governors and at least one former Governor are now criticizing this effort, wishing to retain control in Washington. I might add that my home State of Florida received $13 million in Federal dollars over the last 7 years. During the next 7 years, under our plan, Florida will receive better than $33 billion. This is a cut? Ironically, the President's budget advocates a principle that is completely contrary to that in the 1989 letter he signed. His budget continues the current flawed and failing program. This means Washington micromanagement continues, and State flexibility, a top priority of Governors, would not be permitted. Plainly and simply, Mr. Speaker, the Medicaid program cannot survive unless the needed Medigrant reforms are made law, and this program must be saved. Accepting anything less would be breaking faith with those who depend upon it, and that would be the real injustice.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a great architect and an even greater man. On December 11, the citizens of St. Petersburg, FL, lost William B. Harvard, Sr., a warm and devoted family man and an extremely talented architect who left his unique mark on the skyline of west central Florida. William Harvard left his home building business in 1941 to serve his country and fight for freedom during World War II. Upon returning, he reopened his offices in St. Petersburg and quickly established himself as a valued member of the community, joining several church and service organizations. In 1959, he became a founding partner of Harvard, Jolly, Clees and Toppe Architects. Mr. Harvard and his associates proceeded to design many of the major structures in the St. Petersburg area. Colleagues stated that he was a remarkable man, always considering Florida's environment in his designs. His environmentally conscious architecture is embodied in his design of the pier in St. Pete, the incredibly unique inverted pyramid, that became the focal point for the view down Second Avenue north towards Tampa Bay. As in all of his structures, people marveled at the uniqueness of the design of the pier. Though unique, the design was also quite functional. He was quoted as saying that his goal was to ``preserve the open views from pier level and have an open, tropical feeling and yet be protected from the elements.'' Anyone who has seen the pier knows he was successful in this endeavor. He said his buildings should have a certain uniqueness, ``otherwise they would just be warehouses.'' His design of the Williams Park Bandstand won national awards, including the award of merit from the American Institute of Architects, the highest court of American architecture. The blue and green glass canopy, designed to provide shelter while letting the natural light shine through, also received the test of time award from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects. Mr. Speaker, William Harvard lost his battle with cancer this week at the age of 84. His legacy, however, will be with us for many years to come, as the monuments he built will stand as a tribute to a man who used his numerous talents to enrich the lives of many.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California [Mr. Bilbray]. (Mr. BILBRAY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1787, legislation to repeal an unnecessary saccharin notice requirement that, with the passage of time, has become redundant and unnecessary. In 1977 Congress passed a law preventing FDA from banning the use of saccharin. As an interim measure, the law required stores that sold products containing saccharin to post warnings until package labeling would include the required warning. As warnings are now on all packages containing saccharin, there is no reason to maintain an unnecessary warning requirement. Eliminating this requirement will save retailers--and ultimately consumers--from unnecessary compliance costs. I want to commend the sponsors of this legislation for bringing this bill forward, especially the gentleman from California [Mr. Bilbray]. I also want to commend the Speaker's Advisory Group on Corrections that includes the ranking member of the Health and Environment Subcommittee that identified this bill as a candidate for the Corrections Calendar. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1747) to amend the Public Health Service Act to permanently extend and clarify malpractice coverage for health centers, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 on H.R. 325.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Fawell].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Greenwood].

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Health and Environment Subcommittee and the full Commerce Committee were able to report H.R. 325, legislation to amend the Clean Air Act regarding the employer-trip-reduction program. Very briefly, the legislation repeals the current Federal requirement that 11 States and an estimated 28,000 private employers implement the employer-trip-reduction program. The legislation makes the employer- trip-reduction program discretionary on the part of States, and provides a simple and straightforward method by which States can designate alternative methods to achieve equivalent emission reductions. H.R. 325 removes a Federal Clean Air Act requirement which many have found to be overly burdensome. The present statutory language of section 182(d)(1)(B) requires a specific State implementation plan, or ``SIP'' revision, for the ETR program. It also requires compliance plans to be filed by private employers and requires a 25-percent increase in the average vehicle occupancy of vehicles driven by employees. All of these Federal mandates are now abolished and replaced with a voluntary program. Under the reported bill, States will decide for themselves whether they wish to implement employer-trip-reduction programs--known by the acronyms ETR or ECO--as part of their efforts to meet Federal Clean Air Act standards. With regard to current ETR SIP revisions which have already been approved or submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, a formal SIP revision will not be required. Instead, States will be free to designate alternative efforts they have undertaken or will undertake to achieve equivalent emissions. I want to acknowledge the hard work and assistance of several Members with regard to this legislation. Representative Donald Manzullo introduced the underlying bill and assembled a list of 166 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. Chairman Joe Barton, of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, devoted an entire hearing to the ECO program and helped to construct a solid committee record which underpins today's legislative effort. Representatives Dennis Hastert and Jim Greenwood were active participants in the oversight subcommittee hearings and helped to explore several issues through follow-up correspondence with the Environmental Protection Agency. I would also note that Representative Hastert offered a successful amendment at the full committee level which had been previously negotiated with ranking minority member Henry Waxman. This amendment is incorporated within H.R. 325 and its approval has allowed us to proceed in a truly bipartisan manner. Altogether, I believe that H.R. 325, as amended by the Commerce Committee, demonstrates that it is possible to alter provisions of the Clean Air Act without sacrificing environmental goals. We can increase the flexibility of the Clean Air Act and allow States more latitude in meeting standards imposed by the law. In view of our success with respect to H.R. 325, I also believe it is unfortunate that the present administration has consistently opposed any and all amendments to the Clean Air Act--no matter how necessary or how justified. This position is simply illogical and untenable. Congress has the inherent duty to fix misguided or ineffective legislation. I hope that the success of this legislative effort will help to promote a reconsideration of this position and I look forward to working with my House colleagues to make further improvements and refinements to the Clean Air Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert]. (Mr. HASTERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman that this is my understanding of the amended bill and certainly the intent of it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Manzullo], the originator of this legislation.