Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), Lawyer Watt. I truly can say that the Matthew Perrys, the Donald Hollowells, the Avon Williamses, the John Walkers in Arkansas, the Jack Ruffins of Augusta, Georgia, the Horrace T. Wards in Georgia, all of these have been inspirations to us. The late Tom Jackson of Macon, Georgia. They were dignified. They were fearless. They were courageous. They were intelligent. They were lawyers' lawyers. They were committed to upholding and defending the dignity of the common man, the black man, the black woman, the disenfranchised. They were true advocates. And for them, and the likes of C.B. King, we are grateful. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield to the distinguished gentlewoman from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), who was also an Earl Warren Fellow, and who grew in the legacy of these great legal giants like C.B. King; and who, like those of us who have spoken before her this evening, are living the legacy of their hard work. I am delighted to yield to her to hear her perspective on this great legal giant Chevene Bowers King.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1776, the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act. Today, we are making a monumental step toward supporting those who serve our communities in various capacities for whom we are eternally grateful. These include our firefighters, police, teachers, rescue personnel, and municipal workers. I have always been a supporter of the Community Development Block Grant program and the Housing Opportunities program. Today, with the passage of this bill, I become even a stronger supporter. These are some of the worthwhile things that the CDBG programs already does: Funding Meals on Wheels, senior citizen centers, community centers where low-income children are able to have a safe and stimulating environment in which to play. Now, CDBG and HOME funds will help make homeownership possible for those who are not fortunate enough to have stock options or 401(k) programs and all the other perks of the private sector. Let us tell our teachers, police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, and municipal workers that we are grateful for what they do, and this is our tangible way of showing it. This is a great bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, the late C.B. King of Albany, Georgia was born on October 12, 1923, one of eight children of Clennon W. and Margaret Slater King, who raised a truly extraordinary family. Following graduation from high school, he served in the Navy and then earned his bachelor's degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Although other promising opportunities were available to him, he decided to return home and become the only black attorney practicing in his community, and one of only three practicing in Georgia outside of Atlanta. As an attorney, a civil rights leader, and a pioneering political candidate, C.B. King spent the remainder of his life making contributions to the cause of justice, opportunity, and dignity for all Americans. Although he remained Albany-based throughout his career, limiting his activities primarily to the areas of southwest Georgia where he was raised, he became a nationally-known figure whose impact was felt throughout our state and the nation at-large. He was a courageous leader of the Albany Movement, suffering a severe beating and facing many threats to his life during a campaign described by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as one of the crucial battles of the civil rights struggle. He ran political races for President, Congress and as the first black gubernatorial candidate in Georgia since Reconstruction, not because he thought he would win, but because his candidacy provided a forum for the causes he represented and helped pave the way for future minority candidates. He was a compassionate citizen, devoting much of his time to pro bono law work for the poor and volunteering his time and talent in community projects for the needy. He was a Navy veteran, a faithful member of his church, and a loving husband and father. Perhaps he is remembered most of all as the lead attorney in a series of landmark law suits that broke down old walls of discrimination and opened new doors of opportunity. It is therefore fitting, Mr. Speaker, for this Congress to name the new federal courthouse in Albany, Georgia for the late Chevene Bowers King, and I want to thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their wholehearted support of this legislation. The list of breakthrough cases that he won is extensive. Among them are: Gaines v. Dougherty County Board of Education; Lockett v. Board of Education of Muscogee County; Harrington v. Colquitt County Board of Education. These cases, involving multiple appeals over a period of years, led to full compliance with Brown v. Board of Education in those communities, accelerating the pace of desegregation in other areas. Anderson v. City of Albany; Kelly v. Page. These cases reaffirmed the right of citizens to peaceably assemble. Bell v. Southwell. This case ended the use of segregated polling booths, voiding an election where separate booths were used. Brown v. Culpepper; Foster v. Sparks; Thompson v. Sheppard; Pullum v. Greene; Broadway v. Culpepper; Rabinowitz v. United States. These cases prohibited the use of jury selection lists on which blacks were under represented and ended the exclusion of blacks on juries on the basis of race. Johnson v. City of Albany. This case led to the end of discriminatory practices in local government employment. C.B. King possessed many extraordinary qualities. Courage was certainly one. There are countless examples of how he stood his ground in the face of danger. Although he acknowledged there were times when he was frightened, he never once backed down when he believed he was in the right. His tenacity was legendary. Once he entered the fray, you knew he would be in the thick of the battle until the end. He never gave up. His skills certainly were awesome, as his record as an attorney confirms. Through it all, he was a man who cared deeply for his community, state, and country and for people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds. I wonder what our state and country would be like had C.B. King not challenged the status quo in federal court and forced desegregation of the public schools in many communities, raising the quality of education for many children. Would we ever have seen the talent of a Hershel Walker, a Charlie Ward, or Judge Herbert Phipps? Had C.B. King not gone into Albany's Federal Court to force compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, creed, religion, or gender, how many local governments would have been deprived of the talent of countless African-American public-sector employees? This was a milestone in the history of the South and southwest Georgia. What kind of justice system would we have if C.B. King had not gone into federal court to end the age-old practice of excluding blacks and women from serving on juries? What if C.B. King had not been there to have our federal courts protect the rights of citizens of all colors to peaceably assemble, have equal access to public facilities, and to be free of discrimination in voter registration, in the voting booth and in running for office? Indeed, I nor any other African-American would be able to hold public office, regardless of our qualifications or abilities, had it not been for C.B. King's work. On March 15, 1988, this great leader passed away following a long illness. Mr. Speaker, it's not the two dates on our tombstone that are important. It's what happens in-between. What happened in the life of C.B. King changed the course of our history.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I feel it is a blessing that many people today are able to continue working and leading productive lives when they reach their golden years. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendments to this bill. Productivity helps give meaning to life. For many it helps prolong life. We should honor our seniors, not deny them what is rightfully theirs. The earnings penalty is a disincentive to work. In today's world, many seniors need the extra income, particularly when burdened with the high cost of prescription drugs and other essential needs. With so many seniors needing every single penny, Madam Speaker, we must help them in any way we can. It is about time that we reach out and help our mothers, our fathers, and all those who have helped to shape this Nation. Currently, the amount of income withheld from Georgia beneficiaries exceeds $91.2 million yearly and more than $4.2 billion is withheld nationally. This measure will not only put money in the pockets of nearly 17,000 Georgians but more than 700,000 seniors nationwide. Let us send this bill to the President and eliminate this burdensome earnings penalty.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I support the Blue Dog budget very simply because it provides debt reduction with savings to Social Security and Medicare, priority spending for education, veterans, agriculture, defense, health care and prescription drugs, and provides responsible tax relief from the death tax, the marriage penalty, and it gives deductions for health care to the self-employed. It is a good budget. It is fiscally responsible, and we just ought to pass it.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, it's fitting to recall the words of a writer and historian from Georgia named Octavia Albert, who said: ``I believe we should not only treasure our history, but should transmit it to our children's children as the Lord commanded Israel to do in reference to their deliverance from Egyptian bondage.'' The stories of our history, she explained, can inspire our own generation and the generations that follow to fulfill the country's promise of freedom and opportunity for all. Octavia Albert's story is certainly inspirational. She was born into slavery in Oglethorpe, GA, in the area of the state that I have the privilege of representing. After becoming a teacher in the county where she was born and raised, she published a book based on interviews with former slaves that was widely read at the turn of the century. Her book eventually helped improve conditions for a newly emancipated people and, in late years, provided a wealth of information for historians. More than a century later, another Georgian named Susan Still Kilrain is inspiring young people in our state and across the nation. A graduate of Georgia Tech, she became a U.S. Navy pilot in 1987, who served as a flight instructor and later as a test pilot who eventually logged more than 2,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. In 1994, Susan Kilrain was accepted into the country's space program as an astronaut. Her first space mission came in 1997 as part of the crew of the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1, making 63 orbits of Earth and traveling more than 1.5 million miles in space. Three months later, the Microgravity Science Lab went back into space, and she was on it. This time, she spent 16 days in space, making 251 orbits and traveling 6.3 million miles. Marguerite Neel Williams of Thomasville, GA, which is also located in my area of Georgia, who passed away not long ago, is certainly an inspiration. Just this month, she was formally recognized by the Georgia Women's History Committee and the Georgia Commission on Women as one of the greatest historic preservationists in our State and, in fact, in the country. During her years as president and director of Landmarks of Thomasville, she was instrumental in saving the community's historic district and in saving and restoring many homes, churches, and other beautiful buildings. She salvaged the city's old post office, which now houses a Welcome Center, a fine Arts Library, and the offices for the Antique Show and Sale in Thomasville, which she founded and which has become To one former President, and to all of her neighbors in Plains, GA, Maxine Reese is certainly an inspiration. She served as Jimmy Carter's campaign manager in Plains, where the Presidential campaign headquarters was officially located. Maxine Reese later played a big part in persuading Congress to designate Plains as a National Historic Site, which has promoted tourism in this area and a better quality of life for many families. The people of Plains recently rededicated the city park as the Maxine Reese Park in recognition of her service to her community, State and country. When inspiration is the topic of discussion, another person who qualifies is Harriett Riggins McGhee, a native of Lee County in the heart of Georgia's Second District. Surrounded by scores of friends and family members, she recently celebrated her 116th birthday at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she has been a member for more than 80 years. Mrs. McGhee spent many of her earlier years picking cotton and peanuts to support her family. Throughout those years, she was always active in her church and ready to help others in need. Even in hard times, recalls her great-great-grandnephew Eddie Holsey, she has always been ``the sweetest woman on God's earth.'' These are women with extraordinary courage and commitment, whose exemplary lives have helped the country fulfill its promise. They are exceptional people. But they are certainly not alone. There are countless examples of women from my State of Georgia, and from throughout the country, who have made heroic contributions in public service; civic leadership; business; religion; the military; the arts; sports; entertainment, and in every endeavor that has made our country what she has been and what she is. Mr. Speaker, Women's History Month gives us an opportunity to treasure our history--and, in so doing, to inspire us to strive even harder to fulfill our country's great promise for ourselves and future generations.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Madam Speaker, first, I appreciate the opportunity to join my colleagues in recognizing Black History Month, and I thank Congresswoman, Jones for arranging this year's Special Order to remember the far-reaching role that black Americans have played through the centuries in making our country what she was, what she is, and what she will be. Our topic is, ``Heritage and Horizons: The African American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century.'' This is a big subject! The legacy is certainly big--as so is the challenge! Historian Benjamin Quarles has pointed out in his ground-breaking work on black history that, except for native American Indians, blacks are the country's oldest ethnic minority. In fact, the roots of black Americans sink deeper in the histories of the 13 original colonies than any other group from across the Atlantic. America was born in diversity, and many groups have played a part in the country's phenomenal growth and development. And the part played by Americans of African descent has been huge. We are just now beginning to understand the impact that black America has had on every period in the country's history. It's an historic fact that America could not have emerged as a great world industrial power as quickly or as forcefully as she did without the presence of a skilled black labor force, or without the contributions made by black Americans in every field, including the sciences, technology, exploration, business, religion, government and politics, the military, the arts, and in all aspects of our society. As I took the floor this evening, I found myself thinking of Henry Flipper. Some of you will recognize the name Henry Flipper--who was born in Thomasville, Georgia, which is located in an area of southwest Georgia that I have the privilege of representing--is remembered as the first black graduate of West Point, who went on to serve with distinction as a young military officer on the western frontier, and who was wrongly forced out of the service on the basis of false charges, even though he had been fully exonerated from those charges. When he died in Atlanta in 1940, he was a forgotten man, and was buried in an unmarked grave. But, in recent years, historians have dug more deeply into his life. And what they have found is truly remarkable. In spite of his bitter setback in the Army, historians have learned that he made enormous contributions to America's growth in the late 1800's and early 1900's. He helped develop the railroad in the West. He had a pioneering role in developing the oil industry. As an engineer, inventor, surveyor, and, later in his career, as a top advisor to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, he played a big part in the country's Westward expansion. Although born in servitude, he helped change the face of America. There are countless examples of African-Americans who have made a real impact on the country's history. Henry Flipper is just one of many great black leaders produced by my own state of Georgia. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is another. As the leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement, he played a big role in the transformation that took place in our country in the middle of the 20th Century. Their stories all tell us that our country's unique diversity has been a great source of strength, and should be celebrated. In fact, America's heroes are not limited to any race, or creed, or gender or national background. We find examples of greatness among all people in this patchwork of cultures that has become the strongest, freest, and most productive nation the world has ever known. By observing Black History Month, we learn more about our history; we celebrate our diversity; and we become inspired and motivated by Americans who have helped lead the way toward fulfilling the country's great promise of equality of opportunity and justice for all.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Madam Speaker, tonight I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the people of our Nation to join me in prayer for the families of those who suffered grievous losses as a result of tornadoes last night that brought widespread devastation and extensive loss of life to rural areas of Mitchell, Grady, Colquitt and Taft counties in a part of southwest Georgia that I have the privilege of representing. This is one of the worst natural disasters in our State's history. The number of people whose lives were lost continue to mount throughout the day; and, as yet, the total has still not been definitely determined. By now, my colleagues have probably seen images of this terrible disaster in the national news. These are rural residential neighborhoods that now look like battle zones, with home after home turned into rubble. To say the least, it is a heartbreaking sight. I know the people of my area of Georgia can count on the support of my colleagues as we mobilize all of the available resources, public and private, to provide the emergency assistance that is going to be needed. Our Congressional office stands ready to provide any help and guidance that individuals, businesses, and governmental entities need to gain access to much needed disaster relief assistance. I want to take this opportunity to commend all of the government leaders in the impacted counties who are responding so effectively and valiantly and the municipal leaders in those areas who are lending their assistance. I also want to commend the many private citizens who are helping to provide relief for their neighbors, as well as the private organizations that are involved in this relief effort. I certainly commend Governor Roy Barnes and everyone at our State level, including Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Gary McConnell and all of his people over at GEMA, who have sprung into action on so many fronts and, along with Governor Barnes, have started the process leading to a major disaster declaration. And those of us from Georgia, Madam Speaker, are also thankful for the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its fine Director James Lee Witt, who is working hand-in-glove with state and community leaders in responding decisively to this disaster. Madam Speaker, this is a time for all of our communities to pull together. After severe flooding struck our area of Georgia just a few years ago, including the areas that have been struck by these terrible tornadoes, I quoted the Apostle Paul, who said, ``God's strength is made perfect in weakness.'' It is with this strength that we in southwest Georgia will confront this tragedy and come together in our collective faith, our hope, and our charitable spirit to bring comfort to those who have suffered and to begin the work of rebuilding our communities.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. The Honorable Corrine Brown (D-FL) and I recently convened the 11th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust. Traditionally known as one of the highlights of the CBCF Legislative Conference, the Veterans Braintrust has truly become a family affair bringing together African American veterans and supporters from across the nation. This year's Braintrust forum entitled, ``Veterans Health Care Issues for 2000 and Beyond'' convened with the hope of facilitating a national dialogue between the veterans community and lawmakers. The Braintrust addressed the future course of the veterans health care system with an emphasis in planning for the needs of an aging veterans population. The moderator, Dr. Lawrence Gary, a preeminent scholar from Howard University, led a distinguished panel of experts that included doctors, researchers, government officials, veterans service representatives and community advocates. Participants at the event included: Dr. Eugene Oddone, Dr. Jeff Whittle, Georgia State Senator Ed Harbison, Dr. Sissy Awoke, Mr. Charles McLeod, Jr., Mr. Ralph Cooper, Mr. Dennis Wannemacher, Mr. Carroll Williams, Mr. Calvin Gross and Dr. Erwin Parson. The panel was invited to help focus our attention on racial disparities in the veterans health care arena. The implications of these preliminary findings, as well as the urgent need to eliminate racial disparities in veterans health care led Congresswoman Brown to call for the creation of a national working group to develop a series of legislative and policy recommendations to address these issues. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Thomas Garthwaite, the Acting Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Garthwaite stated that the VA is facing new challenges in the health care arena, specifically issues relating to veterans of African- American descent. He noted concerns in the area of long-term care, increased rates of Hepatitis C, behavioral and mental illnesses, and homeless veterans. He stated that these problems are compounded by a rapidly aging veteran population and a continued lack of sufficient funding for veteran-related expenditures. Congresswoman Brown and I agreed that funding for veterans health care is inadequate. We believe that we cannot have a budget surplus, if we have not paid our dues to America's veterans. Georgia State Senator Ed Harbison expressed the sentiment of many at the Braintrust when he stated, ``It used to be said, that `old soldiers never die, they just simply fade away.' But in 2000, its more like `old soldiers never die, they're just ignored to death!' '' Dr. Erwin Parson, Vietnam veteran and health care professional, summarized the essence of the forum by acknowledging, ``We know too well that little attention has been given to the issue of African American elderly health by society. Our elderly veterans, especially our African American elderly, have important health care needs that are not being met satisfactorily. We are aware that the stream of scientific studies on comparative health seem to always reach the same conclusion: race is a factor in access and quality care for many life- threatening medical conditions which afflict African Americans.'' We found it disconcerting that studies found that race is often a controlling factor in the assessment and management of many administrative and clinical decisions in veterans health care. We all realize that accurate data is vital to evaluating the true health care needs of African American veterans. However, current research is much too sparse and fragmented. It is obvious that we urgently need to get better, more meaningful data on African American elderly veterans. Finally, the reality is simply this: The aging veterans population is upon us now! We are grateful and will never forget that African Americans have fought gallantly for America, beginning as far back as the Revolutionary War. They are our living `Legacy' and, today, we honor that legacy when we care for those who gave all they had. Therefore, I believe we do owe them a special debt of gratitude. Health care is something promised, a promise that must be paid in full. So let us honor them who honored us, and give them the best health care to be found anywhere in America, or the world. At the conclusion of the session, Congresswoman Brown and Ron Armstead, Executive Coordinator for the Veterans Braintrust, presided over our 11th annual awards ceremony. This event was conceived by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and begun 11 years ago with General Colin Powell in attendance. At this historical gathering General Powell was joined by some of the highest ranking African-American military officers ever to serve this great Nation: Lt. Gen. Julius Becton, USA, Ret., Brig. Gen. Hazel Johnson-Brown, USA, Ret., Dr. Roscoe Brown, Vice Adm. Samuel Gravely, Jr., USN, Ret., Gen. Frank Petersen, Jr., USMC, Ret., and Col. Fred Cherry, USAF, Ret. Commenting on the significance and rich tradition of this awards ceremony, Congressman Rangel noted that each of these recipients has distinguished themselves as true patriots in the war for veterans' rights, and they have not allowed racism to hamper their achievements. The 1999 awards were presented to twenty-nine exemplary veteran supporters. Individual winners of the 1999 CBC Veterans Braintrust Awards included: Julius Allen, John ``Buddy'' Andrade, Charles Blatcher, III, Delegate Clarence ``Tiger'' Davis, Jeff Hansen, Alex Holmes, John Howe, Chris Jenkins, Sgt. Henry Johnson (Posthumous), John Johnson, John J. Johnson, Karen Johnson, Ruben ``Sugar Bear'' Johnson, Phillip ``Jay'' Jones, Kathleen Andrews-Lindo, Frankie Manning, Charles McLeod, Jr., Dr. Shari Miles, Wallace ``Wally'' Miles, W. Roy Owens (Posthumous), Robert ``Pope'' Powell, Larry Smith, Alexander Vernon, Cordell Walker, Barbara Waiters, and Martha Watts. Organizations receiving this year's honors were: The Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation, The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Project (CWSS), and the National Minority Museum Foundation. We also took a moment to recognize Jeanette Boone and Roy Martin from the Office of Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for their excellent assistance on behalf of African-American veterans. Special citations were given to stalwarts in the battle for veterans rights. The first award was given to Dr. Erwin Parson, co-founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust and renowned expert in trauma/PTSD mental health. He was recognized for his 22 years of dedicated service to veterans and their families. The second award went to Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-FL) Co-Chair of the CBC Veterans Braintrust and Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation. Ms. Brown has shown her continued and steadfast commitment to our nation's veterans. At the end of the ceremony, the Executive Committee members of the Braintrust and past awardees in attendance--Jerry Cochran, Arthur Barham, Morocco Coleman, Joann Williams, Ralph Cooper, Robert Blackwell, Ruben Johnson, Leroy Colston, Robert Powell, Calvin Gross, Daniel Smith and Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender, USA, Ret.--were asked to stand and be publicly recognized. In closing, I want to personally thank Congressional staff members Brittley Wise and Nick Martinelli, Executive Director of the Braintrust Ron Armstead and forum moderator Dr. Lawrence Gary for everything they did to make the event a success. We appreciate the assistance of forum evaluators Dr. Shari Miles, Director of the African American Women's Institute, and Michael Tanner, Director of Health and Welfare Studies at the Cato Institute for all their hard work. As I have said before and will say again, when veterans answered the call in faithful service, the nation in essence wrote them a check for certain benefits--and it is our duty as members of Congress and as American citizens to make sure this check never comes back marked ``insufficient funds!'' They were promised more. They have earned more. They deserve no less.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to serve as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Tactical and Technical Intelligence. This subcommittee oversees intelligence collected by technical means, such as satellites and airplanes and ships. During debate on this bill in the House, I urged my colleagues to support the legislation; and I applauded the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Goss) for his respect of the views of the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon), the ranking member, and of all of the Democrats on the committee. I commended as well the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), chairman of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence. I believe that this conference report deserves the same endorsement from the House. It is consistent with the administration's request. It is fair, and it will enhance our nation's security. I want to point out to my colleagues that this conference report is the only authorization for those intelligence activities of a distinctly national character. The intelligence activities that are unique to the Department of Defense are conferenced with the armed services committees, and the authorization of those activities appears in both the National Defense Authorization Act and the Intelligence Authorization Act. These DoD-unique intelligence activities make up a large fraction of the nation's overall intelligence budget. This conference report would add about 1 percent to the President's request for national intelligence activities. As with the House version of the bill, there would be modest increases in the budgets for activities centered in the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency, and somewhat less money for the National Reconnaissance Office, which manages the acquisition of our intelligence satellites. I am pleased that we have fully funded the major satellite acquisition programs, including the new future imagery architecture, or FIA. These new imagery satellites will greatly increase the volume of imagery we can collect, as well as provide for more frequent coverage of targets, which together will address deficiencies identified in Operation Desert Storm and more recent conflicts. However, these enhanced collection capabilities will not count for much unless we also invest in the means to exploit and disseminate the imagery on the ground. On this score, executive branch planning has been extremely poor. The conference report would require a reduction in planned collection capabilities unless substantial improvements are planned for exploitation and dissemination. I would also like to call attention to significant problems at the National Security Agency. The NSA is facing tremendous challenges coping with the explosive development of commercial communications and computer technology. As the new NSA director has pointed out, while the new technology is providing incredible benefits to our Nation's security and economy, it is taxing in the extreme to those charged with intercepting the communications of hostile powers and drug lords. At the same time, NSA has not demonstrated much prowess in coping with the challenge. The new director of NSA, I believe, grasps the seriousness of the situation. I hope that we have made progress in focusing the attention of the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence on this critical issue. Fixing NSA's internal problems is only half the answer. A sustained funding increase of some magnitude will also probably be necessary, and there are no obvious candidates yet for offsetting cuts. Action, however, is imperative since the nation cannot navigate with an impaired sense of hearing. In closing, Mr. Speaker, this is a responsible bill that will enhance our nation's security. It supports our military forces and our efforts to combat terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and weapons proliferation. I am pleased to endorse it, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it as well.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, Fletcher Henderson, Jr. is remembered as one of the great figures in jazz history. Born in 1898, in the southwest Georgia community of Cuthbert, he pioneered as an arranger, composer and leader of an acclaimed band featuring the likes of Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. He has been gone since 1952, but his memory is kept alive by the people of Cuthbert and Randolph County who are restoring the street and home where he was born and raised and who annually stage a jazz festival in his name, which was held for a full week in late October featuring the Fort Benning U.S. Army and Andrew College jazz bands, gospel music, and a variety of activities. Visionary citizenship made all this possible, led by the planning committee of Chairman Mary Kearney, Mayor Willie Martin, Henry Cook, Minnie Lewis, Wesley Shorter, and Thelma Walker. This is just a start. They are planning even bigger things as a part of this community's tribute to a great American and the art form he helped shape. Congratulations, Cuthbert.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for yielding this time. Mr. Speaker, Shakespeare wrote, ``Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but they while their companions slept were toiling onward through the night.'' It was no sudden flight for Henry Aaron, from an area called Down the Bay in Mobile, Alabama, to an area called Toulminville, out near Carver Park and Edward Street, where he began his baseball career playing for a Toulminville Little League team; and as he demonstrated his prowess with a bat and with a glove, he achieved great heights over great pain, but there was much gain. It is my pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to join my colleagues today in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron's 715th home run, the blast that set the all-time career record. That was a great day not only for Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves but for the millions of fans in Georgia and throughout the country. It was just one of many shining moments in a lifetime of truly extraordinary accomplishments. In addition to hitting more home runs than anyone else, Hank Aaron had more runs batted in, more total bases, amassed a career batting average over 300, won three Golden Glove Awards as one of baseball's finest fielders, and earned a place in the Hall of Fame long before he retired from the game. Hank Aaron, as I said, was born and grew up in Mobile, Alabama, as I did. Needless to say, he was a hero to me and all of the kids in our neighborhood there in Toulminville. In recent years, now that we are both well-entrenched citizens of Georgia, I have learned from a fairly close vantage point about how much he has contributed to the State and the country, through his Chasing the Dream Foundation, and all his charitable and community activities. Over the years, I have come to appreciate all the more the characteristics that he has always exemplified; his unwavering commitment and dedication not only to the game of baseball but to the well-being of his fellow citizens as well, his grace and his humility under fire, his kindness and service of others, of outstanding leadership that he provides through example. Mickey Mantle once said that Hank Aaron was the most underrated superstar in baseball. Certainly, he was highly respected by everyone, but he was such a total player that sometimes people did not fully appreciate what he meant to his team. That is the kind of baseball player he was, and that is the kind of human being he has been as an executive officer with the Atlanta Braves, as a citizen of Georgia, as a leader in his community and his State and his Nation. Thank you, Hank, for the inspiration that you have given to me and to millions of Americans. Yes, ``heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight but they while their companions slept were toiling onward through the night.'' Thank you, Hank. Keep on toiling.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, the exercise we are engaged in this evening is shameful. It is shameful because the horrendous accusations that have been brought against the Army's School of the Americas and, more specifically, against the civilian and military men and women who have taught there, have been proven to be false. There is no reasonable question about this. None at all. The accusations about teaching murder and torture and participating in a prolonged conspiracy to commit atrocities and destroy democracy are based on pure propaganda and not on the facts. Anyone who bothers to look at the record can come to no other conclusion. During this decade, there have been 12 investigations of the school. Mr. Chairman, 12, more than 1 a year. These investigations probed the school's curriculum, the texts it uses; questioned many hundreds of graduates and faculty members, past and present; examined the human rights abuses involving some of the school's graduates; and made a real determination about how many graduates have gone bad and how many have been involved in the emergence of democracy in Latin America. All came to the same conclusion: these charges are false. In fact, the school is doing just the opposite. It is promoting human rights and democratic principles, helping fight the war against drugs, and effectively serving as an instrument of pro-democratic U.S. foreign policy in our own hemisphere. One of these investigations, Mr. Chairman, was conducted by the General Accounting Office at the direction of our former colleague from California, Ron Dellums. The GAO dug long and hard and eventually recommended improvements that have, in fact, been implemented. But according to the GAO, there is no question that the charges were unfounded. When Ron Dellums asked the GAO to dig some more, the agency did so and reconfirmed its findings. Do those who continue to make these charges really think that the GAO is a part of a cover-up? Overseeing the school is a distinguished Board of Visitors that includes noted human rights figures like Mr. Steve Schneebaum. Do we really think they too are involved in a cover-up? The fact is that those who persist in accusing the school of promoting criminal and evil conduct are turning their backs on the facts. Unfortunately, the leaders of the School of the Americas Watch do not care about the truth. They decided long ago to place the blame for the horrible atrocities that have taken place in Latin America on the United States, and the School of the Americas has served as a convenient propaganda target and whipping boy. But it is our job, yours and mine, to act on the truth, not on the misinformation that continues to deluge us. We have heard statements implying that the overwhelming majority of the school's 60,000 graduates have been guilty of abuses. A few may have been, but what the record actually shows is that the overwhelming majority have not been involved in human rights abuses and have instead supported democracy. The school's proponents never mention the graduates who played prominent roles in preventing a military takeover during the recent presidential impeachment in Paraguay, or the graduates who helped prevent a coup during a constitutional crisis in Ecuador not long ago, or those who served on the delegations that resolved a border dispute that almost ignited a devastating war between Peru and Equador, or thousands of others who have been on the front lines of democracy in Latin America. Opponents claim students really do not get human rights training, which is not true. Every student receives extensive human rights instruction. They claim students do not get antidrug training. This is also wrong. One ``Dear Colleague'' claimed that the Guatemalan Truth Commission found the school accountable for human rights violations that occurred during a conflict that cost many lives. In fact, the Commission's report made no such claim. This, too, is just wrong. My plea is simply this: cast your vote on the basis of information that has been documented and substantiated, and not on charges that have been proven false. Mr. Chairman, the School of the Americas provides the most advanced military human rights training in the world. For a relatively small investment, it makes a real contribution in reducing the flow of illicit drugs into our country. As an instrument of foreign policy, every administration, Republican and Democratic alike, has testified that the school plays a vitally important and effective role. I ask my colleagues to support the truth. Vote against this amendment by our distinguished colleague from Massachusetts, and continue the modest funding for a program that, in fact, is advancing the cause of human rights and representative democracy in our area of the world. Base your decision not on innuendo, but on fact. I ask my colleagues to kill this amendment and support democracy here in the Western Hemisphere.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Yes, I am, Mr. Speaker, in its current form.

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would like to close this out by simply saying that if we recommit, if we pass this motion to recommit, we will then be in a position to perfect this bill and to truly have a bill that would be beneficial for the people in Africa and for the people in America, workers in the United States. If we fail to pass this motion to recommit, then we will have to depend upon the other body to do what we should have done ourselves here in this body. It will not pass on the other side without the provisions that we are trying to get in to protect both Africa and American workers.

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I move to recommit. I want this House to know that I would like to see us pass an Africa trade bill. I want everyone to know that we believe that we ought to pass an Africa trade bill, but it ought to be a good Africa trade bill, and it ought to promote economic growth and the well-being of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa, but not at expense of the people of America. I am offering this motion to recommit so that we can send this bill back to the committee and perfect it and do in the House what we expect the Senate is going to do when it sees this bill. This bill will not offer labor protections, it will not protect us against transshipped textiles from China, it will not protect American jobs. Mr. Speaker, we ought to do for Africa what we did for Europe. We need an African Marshall Plan. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). (Mr. HAYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly oppose this rule. I want an Africa trade bill, but I want a good Africa trade bill. I want to promote economic growth and the well-being of the people of sub-Saharan Africa. I know this goal is supported by the authors of this bill, and I applaud the Committee on Ways and Means and others who are pursuing this goal relentlessly. I am not opposed to trade liberalization that is balanced, reciprocal, enforceable and beneficial to all parties. This rule will prevent that. I am disappointed that many Members of the House are not allowed to address the very real concerns that we have about the loss of over 400,000 jobs in the U.S. textile and apparel industries that has taken place across this country since 1995 and would be exacerbated by this bill. Despite my attempts last year and this year in the Committee on Rules and on the floor to make sure that the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act does not do more harm than good, the bill as reported is not beneficial to all parties concerned. The bill is flawed deeply without the amendment that the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick) and I proposed to the Committee on Rules. The bill opens the door to illegal transshipments of goods from China, and it misses an opportunity to benefit American workers by requiring that imported goods from sub-Saharan Africa contain U.S. cut and formed fabric. If the amendment that we proposed had been allowed, this body could have created a win-win for America and a win-win for the countries of Africa. The amendment we propose would have allowed the countries of Africa to access our strong and vast consumer economy in a fair way, but it would have also preserved our domestic textile and apparel jobs. I regret that the Senate will be forced to fix this bill before it passes. This rule does not allow us to do our job here in the House. I ask that the House join me in opposing this unfair rule so that we can craft a truly good bill that will in fact be an Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, to an overwhelming majority of the American people, the flag has almost a sacred meaning that words cannot adequately define--something that stands for the country's most fundamental principles of justice and opportunity and for the millions of men and women who have made freedom possible by defending these principles. Opponents of our amendment believe flag desecration should be allowed as a right of free expression. While I understand their position, I strongly disagree with it. Preventing someone from burning and multilating the flag in public does not diminish the values on which the country is founded, including free expression. Instead, by protecting the flag, I believe we uphold these values, we honor them, we strengthen them. Throughout history, in fact, our country has recognized certain limitations on freedom of expression, including libel and slander laws, laws protecting the nation's security, and laws to keep tax returns confidential. Until 1990, when the Supreme Court issued its ruling in a close 5-4 vote, anti-flag descration laws were considered a legitimate exception by the court. By passing this amendment, we can restore the historic respect that we pay to the country's ideals and to the service and sacrifice that it has taken to keep them secure.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to urge my colleagues to support a bill I introduced yesterday which will improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. I proudly sponsored the House companion to this bill. With passage of this bill, the Congress will affirm to our law enforcement professionals that we care enough to provide them with the expertise that they need to do their jobs in an expeditious manner. Across the country, state and local crime labs, Medical Examiners' and Coroners' offices face alarming shortages in forensic science resources. We see and hear of great advances in technology in all aspects of our lives. Yet, in my State of Georgia, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Decatur, Georgia must still catalog its cases manually. This is not right, Mr. Speaker. Our forensic labs lack the funding to create computer networks that would connect not only their forensic equipment with internal computers, but would also allow them to share information with crime labs across the country. In a 1996 national survey of 299 crime labs, it was found that 8 out or 10 labs have experienced a growth in their caseloads which exceeds the growth in their budget. Crime data need to be processed using the latest technological advances, in an expeditious a manner as possible to ensure that all parties; interest are served. The National Forensic Science Improvement Act has been endorsed by organizations such as the National Governors Association, the National Association of Attorneys General, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. This is common sense legislation Mr. Speaker. I urge all my colleagues to cosponsor and support this bill when it comes to the floor.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to cosponsor the amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the results of investigations into the rash of recent failures of several of our space launch vehicles. I serve on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and while this committee does not have jurisdiction over the Department of Defense space launch vehicles, it does exercise oversight over the National Reconnaissance Office, which is a primary customer of Air Force launch vehicles. Indeed, one of the 4 recent Titan IV launch failures involved an extremely expensive NRO satellite and another involved the loss of a missile early warning satellite that is of considerable interest and importance to the intelligence community. I know that many of my colleagues, as well as many individuals in the executive branch and industry, and the public at large, are gravely concerned about these failures. Within the last year there have been 4 failures of the Titan IV, two failures of the newly designed Delta III, and one failure of the Athena rocket. While 4 of these 6 failures entail the loss of commercial satellites and, therefore, did not cost the taxpayers anything, the other 4 failures were extremely costly to the government, in the neighborhood of $3 billion, I am told. I understand very well that launching large satellites in space is inherently risky, and it is inevitable failures will occur from time to time, but this many failures in so short a time compels us to question our practices. It is doubly important to do so now since we are close to the first launches of the new Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, and since we have another dozen of the old Titan IVs remaining to be launched over the next 5 years. If we need to learn new lessons or rediscover old verities, now is the time. It appears that there are no common causes for any of these failures, although the failure investigations are incomplete. However, I believe it is the case that all of the failures involve two companies, the two companies that are the prime contractors for all of the government launch vehicles. It is certainly possible that this string of failures is merely some statistical aberration and does not reflect any systemic type of problem, or maybe there is really a systemic problem only within one program, like the Titan IV or the Delta III, or maybe the Delta III failures are just teething pains of a new system and the Athena failure is an isolated event. Alternatively, and of utmost concern, is the possibility that the various pressures operating on the industry at this time are somehow causing problems that pose a threat to national security. We know that launch rates in the industry for existing boosters are up substantially at the same time that new vehicles are being developed, which conceivably could stretch available managerial and engineering talent and attention. We also know that competition is keener than ever, which combined with government pressure to reduce costs, conceivably could tempt some unwise cost cutting. We also need to consider the potential impact of changes in acquisition processes, such as the level of oversight and inspection conducted by the government, performance incentives by our contractors, buying launch services, and even private insurance for government launches. I know the executive branch and industry are anxious as we get to the bottom of this matter, and so I urge that this amendment be adopted.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, after experiencing one weather-related disaster after another, the future of production agriculture and family farming in middle and south Georgia faces a threat of almost unprecedented proportions. This is not a sudden, overnight crisis. Farmers, bankers, and communities dependent on production agriculture have been in a crisis mode for some time. Our farmers have faced a threatening situation that has now become even more severe. I have visited farms to meet with farmers all across the Second District and to see first-hand the destruction that has been wrought by the droughts and other disasters which have struck our area. Indeed, the University of Georgia has estimated farmgate value lost during the past crop year at over $767 million. The bill contains many of the crucial programs which are needed to restore a vibrant farm economy. It provides $2.3 billion for direct and guaranteed farm operating loans, $647 million more than the current fiscal year. It contains $559 million for direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, $49 million more than the current year. Research is the backbone of ag production, and it would be irresponsible for the federal government to abdicate its role in this area. This is why we need to leave all this partisan bickering behind and get on with the business of providing the $836 million for the Agricultural Research Service that is in this bill. For the extension service that is so important to our farmers, this bill has $916 million for Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service activities. There is $71 million for USDA's Risk Management Agency, which manages the federal crop insurance program. How else will the Congress ensure that insurance products that can effectively protect against risk of loss are developed? How will we ever get to the point where farmers can adequately recover their costs of production following a disaster and pay premiums that are affordable? The bill will fund the $654 million needed for operation of USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service. This agency helps farmers conserve, improve, and sustain the soil and water on their land for future generations. This bill includes a $300,000 allocation to expand research into ways to protect the few consumers who are allergic to peanuts, and thereby to prevent misguided efforts to ban or reduce peanut consumption. Prices for southeast timber are at a record low, and it would be financially damaging to force growers facing thinning-out deadlines to sell their harvested timber on the current market. This is why this good bill includes language giving farmers an extension until January 1, 2003 for thinning out and selling their timber under the Conservation Reserve Program. I ask my colleagues to let this House do the work expected of us by our farmers.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1555, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. I would note, first of all, that this legislation was approved unanimously in the committee, a reflection of the efforts of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), the chairman, and ranking Democrat member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon), to produce a bipartisan bill. This year I became the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence, and in plain language this subcommittee is responsible for oversight of the ways in which intelligence is collected using machines like satellites and airplanes, rather than human beings. The subcommittee is also responsible for intelligence systems and activities that support our military forces tactically. These systems are critically important for virtually all of the intelligence community's missions, from combatting terrorism and narcotics trafficking to supporting our troops in combat in the Balkans and the Persian Gulf. This bill is very consistent with the request submitted by the President. In several areas, the committee recommends modest increases in the amount requested by the President. In general, I am very supportive of these decisions. For example, this bill adds funds to help the National Security Agency reshape itself to keep pace with the incredible growth in the size and complexity of the global telecommunications network. The committee is concerned that NSA needs some organizational and management reforms as well as some engineering expertise from industry to sustain its remarkable record in defense of the Nation. The committee also recommends additional funding in selected areas of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, or NIMA. NIMA faces a very large shortfall in its capacity to exploit the volume of imagery that we will be able to collect in the near future for intelligence needs and for mapmaking. The committee has recommended increased funds for NIMA to begin this expansion and to increase its productivity. The committee has also recommended funds for additional procurement of pictures and products from the commercial sector. On the debit side, the committee recommends a relatively modest reduction in the budget for the National Reconnaissance Office, or NRO, which builds, launches and operates the Nation's intelligence satellites. Included in the committee's recommended actions is a proposal to defer a decision until conference with the Senate on whether to continue production of an NRO satellite or to initiate a new design. I believe that this proposal was a reasonable compromise, and I appreciate the chairman's willingness to accommodate the concerns of Democrats on it. The committee bill also contains recommendations for increases in several important tactical intelligence missions and systems, including the RC-135 signals intelligence aircraft, the Predator and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles, and tactical antisubmarine warfare programs. Since the committee marked up this bill, there have been three successive satellite launch failures to go along with another three suffered just since last August. The Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence held its first briefing yesterday on this very disturbing string of failures, and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the chairman of the subcommittee, along with the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) have pledged to continue the subcommittee's examination of this potentially serious problem over the coming months. Mr. Chairman, this bill would provide the funds that are needed to sustain our efforts to combat terrorism, narcotics trafficking and weapons proliferation and to support our military forces. It is a responsible and prudent measure, and I am pleased to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues across the aisle, on both sides of the aisle, to support it as well.

Mr. BISHOP

Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, about 100 members of the 41st Rescue Squadron are scheduled to leave by tomorrow to be deployed in the NATO operation to bring peace and stability to Kosovo. While all of us who serve in this body consider it a very personal matter whenever our troops are sent into harm's way, this is especially the case when they are in our own hometowns. These troops are from Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, located in Georgia's Second Congressional District. They carry out combat search-and-rescue missions, a highly skilled and dangerous job, yet very vital to these operations. As they embark upon this mission, I know all of my colleagues join with me in wishing them godspeed and a safe return. My prayers go out to all of the deployed men and women and their families for a speedy return. God bless NATO. God bless our troops and their families. God bless the people of Kosovo. And God bless America.